Learning to Breathe

Title: Learning to Breathe

Author: Diana DeRicci

Publisher: MLR Press

Publisher URL: www.mlrbooks.com

ISBN: MLR-1-02013-0185

Genre: {M/M} Contemporary Series

Rating: 4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx 

Remy and Ben learned that making assumptions is never a good thing, especially when a shared magnetism is part of the equation.

Learning to Breathe is the sequel to Learning To Live and part of the Arbor Heights series.  Due to circumstances beyond his control, Remy has moved in with his best friend Avery. Living across the street is Avery’s boyfriend AJ, who is Ben’s ex-boyfriend. All the emotional drama of Avery and AJ featured in Learning To Live has been settled along with new friendships established.

Ben Sanchez is a big, brawny construction foreman. He earned his position through years of hard work, as well as getting along with his co-workers. Nevertheless, one of Ben’s homophobic co-workers is on a mission to cause trouble. Ben’s attempts to restore peace resulted in his injury. Interestingly, Ben sought out the help of new, barely friends Remy.

Remy is a small man, snarky with enough backbone to back up his insults. Ben is exactly the full-size type of man Remy is attracted to, but he knows the size difference would be an issue between them, so Remy is reconciled to being just a helpful friend. The close contact of patient and caregiver leads to discovering a budding romance as well as the exceptional kind of intimacy both men craved.    

Diana DeRicci has created an impressive follow up saga. I particularly enjoyed Remy’s amusing attitude in addition to his fighting skills.