Reviews

Like and Subscribe by Jay Bell

netslummer's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

Evan has a big crush on Tony Taylor, an up-and-coming, very popular YouTuber....who he also happened to go to school with. They even had biology class together in high school. Not like they ever talked.

When Evan meets Tony again at a party the pair flirt despite Tony's boyfriend Orlando's existence. Tony promises they have an open relationship. This can't possibly get messy, right?

This was...cute. I wish it were longer. I feel like we never really got the full scope of everyone so it felt a bit stilted and rushed at all points.

Still a Jay Bell book/short is always fun IMO.

donttellmomwhatimreading's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

Things aren’t always what they seem and parasocial relationships aren’t always as glamorous in the light of real life. Evan has to learn if his dream guys is worth the fight to get his HEA.

aubreyfrogger's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

Yes I read this is fifteen minutes in the break room at work. But it was free and it was absolutely adorable.
(Though I giggled at "tony" and "Orlando" for the boyfriends names, I mean really...)

But it was cute okay :)

lalauren04's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

As a free read, this was pretty good. It was a quick and easy read that I finished in less than an hour, and it was enjoyable enough. I wasn't completely sold on the characters and the chemistry between them (seemed a bit too fast, IMO), but the writing was good and the story was nice enough to read before bed if you're looking for something light-hearted and easy-going.

ellelainey's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

This was a stunning book. It was enjoyable from start to finish, with great characters and a really good plot. I couldn't put it down.

I really loved Evan; he was such a heartwarming, realistic character and I'd love to read more about him. I knew from the end of the party that things wouldn't quite work out seamlessly, but it wasn't until the kiss that I saw the direction it would go. I giggled, I squealed in excitement and I talked to all the characters. Overall, it was a fantastic book and I even did that 'happy sigh' at the end, when it ended perfectly.

freddybingsu's review against another edition

Go to review page

funny lighthearted reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

rachelp4ba59's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

First of all, this was a nice short freebie. I read it in my lunch break and it was sweet. I was a bit worried when I started, mostly because Evan seemed completely obsessed with this YouTube star and I was so worried that when they met they would kick it off and it would be all lovey dovey and perfect.

That didn't happen.

Actually,Jay Bell successfully explored the blurring of reality/truth that we probably experience when watching a Youtube star. An inevibility - we only glimpse 5-10mins of their lives, the content of which is specifically chosen for us. You can't truly know someone this way. Which Evan learns soon enough. After my initial worry the boy makes some smart decisions.

runningonbooks's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional hopeful fast-paced
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

ssjonoyoung's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

Definitely more of a 3.5 but it worked as story. I enjoyed it, it made me laugh like Something Like Summer which I'm no longer certain is Bell's intention but I find it funny. Evan I thought really captured the adoring fan culture of online stars so easily that it was kind of sad. But Tony was a dick in the end and Orlando was a sweetheart. Turns out you can't necessarily trust the person on the screen a lesson well taught I'd think.

finlaaaay's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

A short formulaic gay romance. Works pretty well for what it is. It's kind of about the danger of fantasizing about someone whose videos you watch online.