Book Reviews

Book Blurb

Whoever convinced me to join the gym needs to be hung, drawn, and quartered. Or, at the very least, suffer with a pillow hot on both sides every night, because this? This is terrible.

Running? No thank you.
Lifting? Who needs biceps anyway.

Now, I will say the eye-candy is nice. Especially my new personal trainer with the tattoos and dimples. But that’s all he can ever be: eye candy.

Because he’s fit and I’m not.
He’s gorgeous and I’m, well, me.
He’s hearing…and I’m Deaf.

For some people that might not be an issue, but for me, I have rules. And I’m a stubborn man who will not break them, not even for that sexy crooked smile that almost makes me forget my own name.

But I don’t date men who can’t speak my language, and while we can say plenty with our bodies, that’s where our communication ends.

Still, the longer I spend with him, the more I’m starting to realize there may be more to this relationship than frantic, feral office hook-ups. After all, he might be the first hearing person to learn sign for me. And he’s one of the first people I’ve ever known to make me feel worthy.

So maybe, just maybe, that’s worth a little compromise.

 

 

Kiss-Fist is the first book in the Deaf Hearts series and can be enjoyed as a stand-alone. It's a spicy MM enemies to lovers rom-com featuring a grumpy professor, a sunshine gym-bro, and their swoon-worthy happily ever after.

 

Book Review

“There are many deaf people who couldn't imagine living in a marriage without someone who doesn't speak their language. For me, I believe that hearing or deaf is fine as long as both parties are willing to communicate in each other's language...” ~ Marle Matlin

 

Robbie, the main character in ‘Kiss-Fist' by Cora Lee and E.M. Lindsey, is a Deaf, gay professor at a community college. Lately, he has been restless and dissatisfied with his current life. He yearns for something more permanent. There are lots of guys out there, but because past experiences have left him hurt and disillusioned, Robbie has vowed never to date a hearing person again. However, when friends encourage him to come to the gym with them, he meets Thom who will challenge his resolve.

 

Thom is co-owner of the gym and also works there as a trainer. When Robbie comes into the club, Thom notices him right away. After that, Robbie is all he sees. After a bit, he comes over and offers his assistance, but since Robbie is deaf, communicating with him is nearly impossible. Eventually, Robbie types a message and gives Thom his phone so Thom can respond. Thom, who has dyslexia and ADHD, finds reading and writing difficult, but he does his best to answer.

 

Robbie feels a strong, instinctive attraction to Thom, but he is trying hard to hide it and is struggling to do so. While Thom is assisting him with the equipment, Robbie becomes overwhelmed and embarrassed by his own perceived inadequacies and leaves. Thom is confused but hopeful that Robbie will return.

 

Robbie captivates Thom; he is willing to do almost anything to win his favor. His decision to learn ASL (American Sign Language) is not just to impress Robbie, but also a sincere effort to bridge the communication gap and make their interaction easier.

 

As hard as Robbie tries, he can't forget Thom's beautiful eyes, smile, and body. When Thom shows him that he is learning sign language just for him, it affects Robbie intensely, even though he knows it will take years to become proficient. He can't help being touched. Yet, it also throws him into more cognitive dissonance. Although Robbie really likes Thom and wants to know him better, he's sworn never to date a hearing man again. He can either stubbornly stick to that rule or follow his heart. Ultimately, only Robbie can make that decision.

 

As soon as I discovered that the main character, Robbie, of 'Fist-Kiss' was deaf, I was eager to read it. I took ASL in college, where I learned not only the signs but also quite a bit about the culture – something most hearing people never consider. One of my favorite moments was when Thom was in Robbie's bed, and his alarm — his bed shaking — scared Thom into thinking it was an earthquake! I laughed out loud as Thom struggled to comprehend what was happening. Also, as I read the story, my fingers were twitching, wanting to sign along. It's obvious how much I enjoyed this book! Thanks, Cora and E.M.! I'm looking forward to the next adventure.

 

 

 

DISCLAIMER: Books reviewed on this site were usually provided at no cost by the publisher or author. This book has been purchased by the reviewer.

 

Additional Information

Format	ebook and print
Length	Novel, 322 pages
Heat Level
Publication Date	12-September-2025
Price	$5.99 ebook, $15.99 paperback
Buy Link	https://www.amazon.com/Kiss-Fist-Deaf-Hearts-Book-1-ebook/dp/B0FBLFGVSL