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layla87's review
5.0
5 Cute AF stars!!!
Review for [a:Sara Dobie Bauer|7226363|Sara Dobie Bauer|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1594654164p2/7226363.jpg]'s novella: We Are Going To Be Friends
ARC kindly received from the author. This review is in no way biased and is my honest opinion.
****Highly Recommended Friendship****
For fans of #BestFriendsToLovers #CutenessOverload #YA
This is the sweetest book I have read in a very long time.
I can't even with these boys.... and yes they are boys. and they are so freaking adorable.
What I loved about this novella...
1. The Characters...
Josh and Taylor have been friends since grade school. since then, they have been inseparable, finish each other's sentences, touchy-feely, obsessed with the paranormal and freaking adorable...
Oh I said that already? Well... they are #DontJudgeMe
Josh is straight... yeah right.. plays basketball and a math nerd. #MathIsCool
Taylor is out and proud, has the voice of an angel, a star football player, and very pretty... #StarInTraining
2. The Plot...
the novella seesaws between senior year, which is the present, and different times of the past where important things had occurred. Mind you, I wasn't annoyed by this layout... On the contrary, I enjoyed linking the past to the present right away. #GlimpsesInTime
3. The Romance...
Being YA, the romance and love story is pretty tame. I loved the innocence of that...
The characters don't do more than share a few kisses. But even with the absence of sexy times, their relationship didn't lack intimacy. The author used other methods to focus on, and those were so adorable, sweet, and utterly them.
What I didn't love?
This story is too short and I wanted more of these two boys because they are ADORABLE. I want to see them together as they graduate, go to college, and stay in love!
Review for [a:Sara Dobie Bauer|7226363|Sara Dobie Bauer|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1594654164p2/7226363.jpg]'s novella: We Are Going To Be Friends
ARC kindly received from the author. This review is in no way biased and is my honest opinion.
****Highly Recommended Friendship****
For fans of #BestFriendsToLovers #CutenessOverload #YA
This is the sweetest book I have read in a very long time.
I can't even with these boys.... and yes they are boys. and they are so freaking adorable.
What I loved about this novella...
1. The Characters...
Josh and Taylor have been friends since grade school. since then, they have been inseparable, finish each other's sentences, touchy-feely, obsessed with the paranormal and freaking adorable...
Oh I said that already? Well... they are #DontJudgeMe
Josh is straight... yeah right.. plays basketball and a math nerd. #MathIsCool
Taylor is out and proud, has the voice of an angel, a star football player, and very pretty... #StarInTraining
2. The Plot...
the novella seesaws between senior year, which is the present, and different times of the past where important things had occurred. Mind you, I wasn't annoyed by this layout... On the contrary, I enjoyed linking the past to the present right away. #GlimpsesInTime
3. The Romance...
Being YA, the romance and love story is pretty tame. I loved the innocence of that...
The characters don't do more than share a few kisses. But even with the absence of sexy times, their relationship didn't lack intimacy. The author used other methods to focus on, and those were so adorable, sweet, and utterly them.
What I didn't love?
This story is too short and I wanted more of these two boys because they are ADORABLE. I want to see them together as they graduate, go to college, and stay in love!
amandabooks17's review
5.0
I got the opportunity to read You Make It Easy by Harlow Layne in this anthology. I am a big fan of Harlow and continue to love her books. As this is my first MM book, I truly enjoyed it! I think this was definitely a good book for me to try out this genre and see if I liked it. You Make It Easy was swoon worthy. It was a reconnection of two men who were devastated after ones actions ten years ago. It’s not hard to adore both Keaton and Archer. They both are such strong characters. Putting them together is just the sweetest.
I really enjoyed reading You Make It Easy. I think others will too. If you like second chances or insta love stories, this book is for you. This one story makes me excited to continue and read the other author’s stories in this anthology.
I really enjoyed reading You Make It Easy. I think others will too. If you like second chances or insta love stories, this book is for you. This one story makes me excited to continue and read the other author’s stories in this anthology.
nicandbooks's review
4.0
Review is for Watching You by Len Webster
I only bought this anthology because I LOVE LOVE LOVE Len Webster and I was keen to see her take on a LGBT+ relationship story and Len absolutely blew me away. We know Molly from Len's Science of Unrequited series but I did not expect the turn of events that happened in this book. We also got to see Hunter (another SoU side character) and I am desperately hoping we get his story!!
This was a wonderful novella and a great chance to revisit characters from one of my favourite series!!
I only bought this anthology because I LOVE LOVE LOVE Len Webster and I was keen to see her take on a LGBT+ relationship story and Len absolutely blew me away. We know Molly from Len's Science of Unrequited series but I did not expect the turn of events that happened in this book. We also got to see Hunter (another SoU side character) and I am desperately hoping we get his story!!
This was a wonderful novella and a great chance to revisit characters from one of my favourite series!!
kfriend's review
5.0
What a wonderful anthology- and for a very important cause! And a great opportunity to discover so many new authors- several of this amazing list has been on my TBR, so I’m glad I can finally read them and am even more inspired to dive into their full length works.
Every story in here was at least a 4 star or higher- the standout for me, though, was CL Matthews’ contribution- both because it is so innocent and sweet, but also because of the opportunity to meet a character who is special to me and another series, a character who sadly did not get a perfect, happy ending.
As a fan of the Here Lies series, I was intrigued and exuberant, but also dismayed to know that Cassie was going to tell us the story of Cass- who we know as the catalyst for the series, our heroine Colton’s brother. In the series, his story is one of tragedy and loss- he’s a hugely looming character, the most important person to Colton and the center of the entire story- but he’s a character we never get to meet, a character we never truly know.
So, it is bittersweet to meet him here, to feel the breath in his lungs and the sweet longings of his heart only to know his fate. If you’ve read the series’ first book, this short novella comes with a tinge of sadness, that sense of the loss that permeates the entire book. But, how easily I forget that Cassie is an emotional magician- and as bittersweet as this is, this story isn’t sad- it’s beautiful, it is joyful, and most importantly, it is optimistic.
Cass never got a true HEA, but Cass gives us the gift of giving him one at this moment in time. It is comforting to know that Cass had love, that despite all the darkness that surrounded his being, despite all the secrets and repression and pain of his life, that Cass had at least a moment of light, had safety. Of compassionate love and unconditional care. That Colt wasn’t the only one who cared. NO, he was someone’s center. So while my heart still breaks for him, Cassie heals it some with the story of Cass and Parris.
The story is short but it packs an emotional punch- it is tender, hopeful, sweet, and gentle….innocent, even- a total contrast to the world Cass comes from and the series that tells the aftermath of his story. And even if this story is short, it is poignant. To be fair, my attachment to Cass may contribute to that, but I think you’ll find the emotional resonance regardless. A message about how beautiful love can be- that love is love, no matter the shape or size. But even more, this is a hopeful and romantic commentary on chance….on fate. How fate can lead to real and genuine connection when you take a leap- how Nobody and No One can quickly be Somebody and Someone. My heart is warmed to know that Cass did have a Someone. And that is a beautiful notion- though it is not lost on me just how dangerous and hard it was for Cass and Parris to take that leap because others might not support their love... the very message of this anthology. And in part why you should read these stories- they deserve to be told. And the charity they support deserves our contributions.
Again, so many great reads in this anthology- in addition to Matthews’ I also really loved Harlow Layne’s- a sweet friends to lovers types story (and her first M/M, which you’d never guess) as well as the always impressive Misty Walker’s story.
Do yourself a favor and pick this up- let love of all kinds shine! And, you’ll know in doing so, you’re also supporting a great cause!
Every story in here was at least a 4 star or higher- the standout for me, though, was CL Matthews’ contribution- both because it is so innocent and sweet, but also because of the opportunity to meet a character who is special to me and another series, a character who sadly did not get a perfect, happy ending.
As a fan of the Here Lies series, I was intrigued and exuberant, but also dismayed to know that Cassie was going to tell us the story of Cass- who we know as the catalyst for the series, our heroine Colton’s brother. In the series, his story is one of tragedy and loss- he’s a hugely looming character, the most important person to Colton and the center of the entire story- but he’s a character we never get to meet, a character we never truly know.
So, it is bittersweet to meet him here, to feel the breath in his lungs and the sweet longings of his heart only to know his fate. If you’ve read the series’ first book, this short novella comes with a tinge of sadness, that sense of the loss that permeates the entire book. But, how easily I forget that Cassie is an emotional magician- and as bittersweet as this is, this story isn’t sad- it’s beautiful, it is joyful, and most importantly, it is optimistic.
Cass never got a true HEA, but Cass gives us the gift of giving him one at this moment in time. It is comforting to know that Cass had love, that despite all the darkness that surrounded his being, despite all the secrets and repression and pain of his life, that Cass had at least a moment of light, had safety. Of compassionate love and unconditional care. That Colt wasn’t the only one who cared. NO, he was someone’s center. So while my heart still breaks for him, Cassie heals it some with the story of Cass and Parris.
The story is short but it packs an emotional punch- it is tender, hopeful, sweet, and gentle….innocent, even- a total contrast to the world Cass comes from and the series that tells the aftermath of his story. And even if this story is short, it is poignant. To be fair, my attachment to Cass may contribute to that, but I think you’ll find the emotional resonance regardless. A message about how beautiful love can be- that love is love, no matter the shape or size. But even more, this is a hopeful and romantic commentary on chance….on fate. How fate can lead to real and genuine connection when you take a leap- how Nobody and No One can quickly be Somebody and Someone. My heart is warmed to know that Cass did have a Someone. And that is a beautiful notion- though it is not lost on me just how dangerous and hard it was for Cass and Parris to take that leap because others might not support their love... the very message of this anthology. And in part why you should read these stories- they deserve to be told. And the charity they support deserves our contributions.
Again, so many great reads in this anthology- in addition to Matthews’ I also really loved Harlow Layne’s- a sweet friends to lovers types story (and her first M/M, which you’d never guess) as well as the always impressive Misty Walker’s story.
Do yourself a favor and pick this up- let love of all kinds shine! And, you’ll know in doing so, you’re also supporting a great cause!
mmromancereader2020's review
5.0
"You make it easy" by Harlow Layne is a short male/male novella featured in this anthology.
It is a beautiful story about accepting who you are and being brave enough to make the decisions and take the steps to find happiness in life.
Archer and Keaton are high school best friends and love each other but Keaton’s insecurities and doubts about his sexuality force him to make decisions that will change his and Archer’s life forever. Both men are left lonely and broken-hearted and Archer is hurt as he is left out of Keaton’s life with just a letter as a goodbye.
10 years later the guys meet again, they have built their lives separately but the connection they had when young is still there. Would there be a possibility of a second chance for love between them?
This story is very short but is packed with emotion in every single page and a magnificent HEA. I hope the author is able to transform this novella into a full length story in future as it would make a beautiful and powerful book.
It is a beautiful story about accepting who you are and being brave enough to make the decisions and take the steps to find happiness in life.
Archer and Keaton are high school best friends and love each other but Keaton’s insecurities and doubts about his sexuality force him to make decisions that will change his and Archer’s life forever. Both men are left lonely and broken-hearted and Archer is hurt as he is left out of Keaton’s life with just a letter as a goodbye.
10 years later the guys meet again, they have built their lives separately but the connection they had when young is still there. Would there be a possibility of a second chance for love between them?
This story is very short but is packed with emotion in every single page and a magnificent HEA. I hope the author is able to transform this novella into a full length story in future as it would make a beautiful and powerful book.
mommasaystoread's review
4.0
The great thing about anthologies is getting a taste of authors you know and love mixed in with introductions to some you haven't had the opportunity to enjoy. Heard it in a Love Song has over 800 pages of LGBT+ romance. Most of the stories are the perfect length for a quick afternoon or bedtime read, making this one a great choice for spreading the stories out over time, either reading straight through or picking and choosing depending on your mood. Naturally, I liked some stories better than others, but I honestly can't say that I disliked any of them. Each story brings us a bit of love and the tropes run the gamut, and in times like these, we can all use a few positive vibes, a few things to bring us some much-needed smiles.
loulou87's review
5.0
5 Cute AF stars!!!
Review for [a:Sara Dobie Bauer|7226363|Sara Dobie Bauer|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1594654164p2/7226363.jpg]'s novella: We Are Going To Be Friends
ARC kindly received from the author. This review is in no way biased and is my honest opinion.
****Highly Recommended Friendship****
For fans of #BestFriendsToLovers #CutenessOverload #YA
This is the sweetest book I have read in a very long time.
I can't even with these boys.... and yes they are boys. and they are so freaking adorable.
What I loved about this novella...
1. The Characters...
Josh and Taylor have been friends since grade school. since then, they have been inseparable, finish each other's sentences, touchy-feely, obsessed with the paranormal and freaking adorable...
Oh I said that already? Well... they are #DontJudgeMe
Josh is straight... yeah right.. plays basketball and a math nerd. #MathIsCool
Taylor is out and proud, has the voice of an angel, a star football player, and very pretty... #StarInTraining
2. The Plot...
the novella seesaws between senior year, which is the present, and different times of the past where important things had occurred. Mind you, I wasn't annoyed by this layout... On the contrary, I enjoyed linking the past to the present right away. #GlimpsesInTime
3. The Romance...
Being YA, the romance and love story is pretty tame. I loved the innocence of that...
The characters don't do more than share a few kisses. But even with the absence of sexy times, their relationship didn't lack intimacy. The author used other methods to focus on, and those were so adorable, sweet, and utterly them.
What I didn't love?
This story is too short and I wanted more of these two boys because they are ADORABLE. I want to see them together as they graduate, go to college, and stay in love!
Review for [a:Sara Dobie Bauer|7226363|Sara Dobie Bauer|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1594654164p2/7226363.jpg]'s novella: We Are Going To Be Friends
ARC kindly received from the author. This review is in no way biased and is my honest opinion.
****Highly Recommended Friendship****
For fans of #BestFriendsToLovers #CutenessOverload #YA
This is the sweetest book I have read in a very long time.
I can't even with these boys.... and yes they are boys. and they are so freaking adorable.
What I loved about this novella...
1. The Characters...
Josh and Taylor have been friends since grade school. since then, they have been inseparable, finish each other's sentences, touchy-feely, obsessed with the paranormal and freaking adorable...
Oh I said that already? Well... they are #DontJudgeMe
Josh is straight... yeah right.. plays basketball and a math nerd. #MathIsCool
Taylor is out and proud, has the voice of an angel, a star football player, and very pretty... #StarInTraining
2. The Plot...
the novella seesaws between senior year, which is the present, and different times of the past where important things had occurred. Mind you, I wasn't annoyed by this layout... On the contrary, I enjoyed linking the past to the present right away. #GlimpsesInTime
3. The Romance...
Being YA, the romance and love story is pretty tame. I loved the innocence of that...
The characters don't do more than share a few kisses. But even with the absence of sexy times, their relationship didn't lack intimacy. The author used other methods to focus on, and those were so adorable, sweet, and utterly them.
What I didn't love?
This story is too short and I wanted more of these two boys because they are ADORABLE. I want to see them together as they graduate, go to college, and stay in love!
bookaddictreviews's review
5.0
You Make It Easy is Harlow Layne’s contribution to the Heard It In A Love Song anthology.
Ten years ago Archer had his heart broken and Keaton made one of the biggest mistakes of his life. Now they are seeing each other for the first time after all those years. There is still so much chemistry between them, but there is also the pain of the past.
I loved the chemistry between Archer and Keaton. Their story was an emotional one that I wasn’t expecting, but they also had their sweet moments and some rather steamy moments. I loved how their story started and ended with letters. It was something fun and different and set the tone for the overall story.
I do wish their story was longer, because I just couldn’t get enough of them. I loved every single moment of Archer and Keaton’s relationship I didn’t want it to end.
You Make It Easy is a MUST READ!
Ten years ago Archer had his heart broken and Keaton made one of the biggest mistakes of his life. Now they are seeing each other for the first time after all those years. There is still so much chemistry between them, but there is also the pain of the past.
I loved the chemistry between Archer and Keaton. Their story was an emotional one that I wasn’t expecting, but they also had their sweet moments and some rather steamy moments. I loved how their story started and ended with letters. It was something fun and different and set the tone for the overall story.
I do wish their story was longer, because I just couldn’t get enough of them. I loved every single moment of Archer and Keaton’s relationship I didn’t want it to end.
You Make It Easy is a MUST READ!
cpickard's review
5.0
I read We Are Going To Be Friends by Sara Dobie Bauer and I think I got cavities, it's so stinking sweet!
This story is told through a series of time hops that reveal the evolution of Josh and Taylors' relationship from third grade through senior year of high school. It doesn't ignore the inevitable angst but overall the tone is happy.
I highly recommend if you want an easy read that will leave you smiling.
This story is told through a series of time hops that reveal the evolution of Josh and Taylors' relationship from third grade through senior year of high school. It doesn't ignore the inevitable angst but overall the tone is happy.
I highly recommend if you want an easy read that will leave you smiling.
alwaysbereadin's review
4.0
Heard It in a Love Song is an anthology of over 30 authors bringing you LGBT+ stories about love in all its forms.I really enjoyed it and it filled my heart even as it was breaking it. (Looking at you Gabrielle G, who's story in this is titled Fix You) My favourite in this collection have to be If Only For One Night by Isabel Lucero and If You Want Love by my Queen C.L. Matthews. Both of those got 5 Stars from me. All in all this was an outstanding collection for an outstandingly worthy cause. I volunteered to read and review an early copy of this. This is a charity anthology, all proceeds will be given to Black Trans Coalition Advocacy.