Book: Under Water by E.M. Lindsey
Reviewed by Maggie Hayes
Rating: 4.25/5
Under Water by E.M. Lindsey
⭐⭐⭐⭐¼ (4.25/5)
I absolutely loved Easton and Rune's rivals-to-lovers workplace romance. Easton and Rune work at the same fire station as a firefighter and an IT tech, respectively. Everyone thinks Rune hates Easton because Easton constantly messes up the tech (which, FAIR), but Rune has actually been harboring a massive crush on the firehouse's "token straight." Keeping his distance is easier than admitting his feelings, so he doesn't bother correcting anyone.
Rune's life is SUPER messy. He's a single father to a son with special needs, trying to divorce his lying, cheating, verbally abusive ex. He doesn't think he has room for a new partner and questions his own judgment for marrying someone so awful in the first place. And his ex? That man needs SERIOUS therapy to figure out why he's so determined to ruin Rune's life while simultaneously dodging divorce papers. My heart broke for Rune as he dealt with one difficult situation after another, especially when his ex became dangerous to both Rune and his son, Elio (thankfully NOT the ex's son).
Easton is a GREAT guy. He's trying to navigate his newfound feelings for Rune, who he believes hates him, while also dealing with deep-seated insecurities from his upbringing. But he's an excellent communicator, letting Rune know exactly how he feels every step of the way as they wade into a relationship. He lets Rune set the pace because he understands how important it is for Rune to feel safe and in control. He's just the right amount of protective of Rune and Elio, and he never questions that Elio comes first. He's basically perfect. TOTAL husband material.
The romance itself is relatively low-angst, which always feels more realistic to me when the characters actually communicate. But there's plenty of external drama with Rune's ex to keep the story moving quickly. I loved that Easton and Rune could build something healthy together even while everything around them was chaotic.
Another excellent entry into what is shaping up to be one of my favorite E.M. Lindsey series.
Thank you to the author and The Author Agency for providing an ARC!