Reviews

Digging Deep by Jay Hogan

axy's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

audiobook_chaos's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

Jay went all in with this pulling no punches when Drake was suffering at his worst with his Crohn’s disease . In places it was hard to read knowing everything Drake was going through and on top of that trying to hold up a new relationship with Caleb although he was intent on pushing Caleb away. Their HEA was a rollercoaster of emotions and was so good when they both gave in and let themselves try instead of being worried due to past relationships expecting this would be the same.
I loved the sarcasm and wit so much and giggled at some of the things and I absolutely loved Carmen/Daniel can they have a book please.

Expand filter menu Content Warnings

misserikalee's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional funny hopeful slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

sheznb's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

Wow!
This book was sensational!
I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel reading so much about Crohn’s, but surprisingly it was really interesting!
And boy did that make you feel for poor Drake and what he went through!
Take one protestor being caught in the wrong place at the wrong time, someone sworn off relationships because of their health.
Mix him with and a snarky detective who’s a commitment phobe and together it’s a recipe for heat and tension.

But damn I fell for Caleb as he was willing to do what it took to get Drake to see he was in it! The woo’ing, the caring ohhh it just melted me.

This story was so wonderfully written! And I really enjoyed it.
I did have to put the book down for a while at a certain point. I was quite emotional 😭 but damn it was fantastic!!

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

kickassleigh's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

Correct Title for the Book

I like the premise of a main character with chronic issues, makes them more real as not everything is rainbows and unicorns. Also I’m a RN so points there. But man I really couldn’t stand Drake for most of the book. I feel he was super hard and unfairly rude to Caleb, making snap judgements bc he was hurt and using his diagnosis as a defense. Never had a chronic illness so I really don’t know but it just got old to read. Then I couldn’t stand Caleb. Then I couldn’t stand either of them and their wishy washy, back and forth. Honestly each time the author has them call each other ‘idiot’ or ‘moron’ I thought it was spot on. I found myself shipping large chunks of this book. The triggering part was fine for me, but I work in the medical field and have never suffered that trauma.

geeknb's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

Let's get one thing out there first. One of the MCs has Crohn’s disease. This is not a prop to make the MC 'more interesting', it's not mentioned in passing then ignored for the rest of the book. The author doesn't shy away from the problems of this condition in discussions or in actions. It isn't something that is conveniently forgotten at sex scenes and yet despite the inevitable talks and angst those scenes are sexy, considerate and tender.


Drake is prickly and has been hurt before and he's quick to use his condition (justifiably) to keep prospective lovers at arms length. You can feel his pain, his frustration with dealing with this condition every damn day. Forgetting for even a moment is not an option and even a simple meal with family requires military precision. Caleb is a sweetheart. An arsehole cop when we first meet him, and a commitment-phobe to boot, Caleb takes on the challenge of wooing Drake. Turns out Caleb is a thoughtful wooer and a previously undiscovered romantic.

Excellent writing and a lovely tale. Highly recommended.

geeknb's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

Let's get one thing out there first. One of the MCs has Crohn’s disease. This is not a prop to make the MC 'more interesting', it's not mentioned in passing then ignored for the rest of the book. The author doesn't shy away from the problems of this condition in discussions or in actions. It isn't something that is conveniently forgotten at sex scenes and yet despite the inevitable talks and angst those scenes are sexy, considerate and tender.


Drake is prickly and has been hurt before and he's quick to use his condition (justifiably) to keep prospective lovers at arms length. You can feel his pain, his frustration with dealing with this condition every damn day. Forgetting for even a moment is not an option and even a simple meal with family requires military precision. Caleb is a sweetheart. An arsehole cop when we first meet him, and a commitment-phobe to boot, Caleb takes on the challenge of wooing Drake. Turns out Caleb is a thoughtful wooer and a previously undiscovered romantic.

Excellent writing and a lovely tale. Highly recommended.

rozellareads's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

I liked this, but I wish it was a bit shorter. The sex, while well-written, felt repetitive at times, but I really enjoyed the first penetrative scene. Caleb and Drake were also frustrating with how often they shut down on each other instead of just talking things through, which made the story drag.

3.5/5 stars, rounded down to 3.

tinkcourtney's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

Fabulous book, but trigger warning applies!

I really, REALLY loved this book. I'm a sucker for prickly characters (hoo boy, is Drake prickly) and the ones who win them over (there was some hardcore wooing). And there are some amazing side characters, too! Jay handled the topic of Crohn's disease empathetically and (to my very limited knowledge) realistically. Both characters had to be sure what they were willing to deal with and take on, and I feel like they were stronger in the end for having carefully considered and talked through that.

Now, about the trigger warning thing. At the point I bought this, there was no trigger warning, but I contacted the author and it sounds like she's willing to put one on. In case you read this review before that happens, though, please be aware that there is a graphic scene (involving a minor side character) that could be very disturbing to some readers (I haven't personally dealt with that kind of loss and still sobbed). I understand why it happened, story-wise, but it was still a little rough to come upon with no warning.

Regardless, this is still a book I'd recommend. I'm always impressed by Jay's writing skill and this is no exception.

kaitlin_durante's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

3.5 stars.
I really enjoyed the premise of this book because chronic disease is overlooked a lot and Crohns is something people deal with every day.
The reason I lowered the rating is that once the relationship started building the characters kept doubting themselves. I understand doubting each other because they did start getting serious quickly but I just wanted them to believe that they could pick someone who truly understood and wanted to be there.
Drake was prickly and I loved that about him. Caleb just found what he wanted for the first time and jumped in with both feet.