Review | Hide Me by Lexi Scott

The two meet at Whit’s place of employment, when Deo comes in for a new tattoo. Deo was gifted a tattoo for his birthday and needs help choosing a design. He ends up choosing a design that Whit created, and he is both impressed with her and interested in her. Even as Deo tries to strike up conversation with her, Whit is cool, aloof actually, but all this does is make Deo even more interested. 

Because of the way Whit wears her grief and guilt like baggage, and because of the way she puts Deo in the friendzone because she is afraid of commitment – it takes the two more than one try as boyfriend/girlfriend. They’re GREAT as friends, though. The problem is that it is really difficult for the two of them to stay that way – they both have these feelings for one another that run pretty deep. Eventually Whit has to face her demons and Deo needs to grow up a little, or their friendship will fizzle out because these two can’t continue to hold each other at arm’s length and deny their true feelings.

I really like Hide Me by Lexi Scott a lot! (Lexi Scott = the writing team Steph Campbell and Liz Reinhardt, did you guys know this?)

Deo is a lot of fun to read. He enjoys surfing, cooking, things like that. He loves life, and this is apparent on these pages. He is also romantic and a great friend, which I really love, even though he isn’t necessarily these things at the same time. 

Often in contemporary romances I love both leading characters equally, but in this case I find myself on Team Deo – not-so-much Team Whit. I think that’s okay because I eventually came around (even though it took awhile.)

With Whit, I had to tell myself more than once that she had to work through her issues before she could fully give herself to Deo. The way she treats him in a couple of scenes breaks his heart and mine too. BUT! He refuses to give up on her because he loves her so much, and that is one reason that I like his character so much. Deo is not a perfect person. He makes some decisions that are not the best, even though his intentions are always good. But I love the way these two take their flaws and imperfections and then use them to come out better on the other side. 

I held my breath for them. I shook my head a few times at both of them. But in the end, I was really happy at how things turned out. I could totally see this type of story being a real one between two random people. 

I love this secondary cast: Deo in particular has fantastic family and friends. They’re great characters in the story on their own, but I love that they bring Whit into their fold and make her feel loved and appreciated. I love that once they do, they are honest and respectful of both Deo and Whit as individuals and as a couple; they’re ALL trustworthy. They are an eclectic and colorful group of people, and so fun to read. Deo’s mother is especially fun. Deo’s best friend Cohen proves valuable to Deo with solid advice and loyalty; I enjoyed reading this healthy male friendship. I’m eager to read the next book in this series because I’m pretty sure that Cohen is the featured leading character. 

I cannot leave out the setting because setting is so important to me. I loved this one because hello, the coast. I will probably always love reading about sand, salty wind, and waves. I especially love that Deo teaches Whit to surf, and it is an added bonus that Whit gets to experience the ocean for the first time – as a ocean-lover, I always find it fascinating when people have this experience. 

So, yeah, I really liked Hide Me by Lexi Scott. The the second book in the series releases in a few days and I’m so, so ready for it. I recommend Hide Me to readers that enjoy new adult contemporary romance, great friendship/family relationships, and great settings.