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24 reviews for:
It Was Always You
Riley Hart, Cardeno C., Lane Hayes, Ella Frank, Felice Stevens, N.R. Walker, Christina Lee
3.93 AVERAGE
24 reviews for:
It Was Always You
Riley Hart, Cardeno C., Lane Hayes, Ella Frank, Felice Stevens, N.R. Walker, Christina Lee
3.93 AVERAGE
***An ARC was received from an author for an honest review****
This anthology was written by the authors of the M/M Daily Grind and proceeds will benefit the charity One.n.Ten. Find out more about the charity and how you can help here: http://onenten.org/
This is a great organization helping LGBTQ youth! All seven authors have a friends to lover novella in this story so it's sure to please all!
The first novella in the book is from Cardeno C, Rough Edges
This novella is about frenemies Kyle and Brent. Brent considers Kyle a friend, has a crush on him, and puts up with a lot of crap from Kyle because of it. Kyle hates Brent and what he judges Brent to stand for. Kyle came from nothing and has worked hard to have a good college education and job. When life kicks him, he has to give up his pride and accept help from Brent, who he hates because he's wealthy and doesn't work. Brent is a saint! He understands where Kyle is coming from and instead of pointing out that Kyle is a judgmental jerk, he continues to help him out. By the end, Kyle redeems himself but I really didn't like him through most of the story.
Novella 2 is Unexpected Turn by Ella Frank
This novella is a best friends to lovers story. The MC's Connor and Tyler are roommates and both have significant others. Tyler's sister is getting married and they decide to drive to the wedding venue together, meeting their significant others there. Connor is out of sorts the whole trip because he's suddenly started noticing Tyler and so hasn't his body, making things uncomfortable for him when Tyler's near. Tyler knows something is wrong with his best friend but can't figure out what. When he pushes for answers, he's surprised by what Connor has to tell him and show him. I really enjoyed this story and both MC's. I'd love a follow-up story on both Connor and Tyler!
Novella 3 is Dare You To by Riley Hart
The MC's in this best friends to lover story is Dare and Austin. Dare and Austin are neighbors and best friends. They spend every Sunday watching movies and eating popcorn together, and don't allow anything to interfere with that time together. Austin's life is scheduled, with most of his focus going to the shelter for LGBTQ teens, spending time with Dare and squeezing in dating. He's become predictable, and in his opinion, boring. Dare is all about the adventure, every day. He owns a nightclub and spends his time surfing, trying new things and hooking up. When Austin wants change, Dare decides to get him out of his rut. Austin and Dare are great characters and as can be expected of a Riley book, they have amazing chemistry! This friends to lover story is about comfort and love and healing.
Novella 4 is Leaning Into Love by Lane Hayes
The MC's in this friends to lover story are Eric and Zane. Eric and Zane knew each other in high school and became friends in college. Zane has had a crush on Eric but Eric just sees him as a friend and Zane decides it's time to get him to open his eyes. I'm looking forward to reading more about the group of guys introduced in this book in Lane's upcoming series.
Novella 5 is The Sweetest Goodbye by Christina Lee
This is a friends to lover book between Billie (Will) and Dylan. Billie is waiting for his childhood boyfriend to come back to town and completely misses that his best friend is in love with him. But, when it matters the most, Billie sees what was in front of him the whole time. I really enjoyed this novella, even if I may have cried a little. This is a spin-off of one of Christina's series but it can be read on its own.
Novella 6 is Please Don't Go by Felice Stevens
This is a reunited friends to lovers story. MC Danny is left alone in life after his mother died and his father had long ago walked out on the family. He's a solitary person that keeps to himself, especially at work. One day at work a new group of employees come in and he's reintroduced to Paul, an old childhood crush. Danny is mad at Paul because Paul disappeared from his life too. Danny has to grow up and accept that sometimes people have to leave through no fault of their own.
Novella 7 is Perfect Catch by NR Walker
This is a best friends to lovers story. Cal and Troy have been best friends since their teen years and into adulthood. Until this period in their lives, they have never both been single. All their friends back out of a camping trip to give the two the opportunity to see what everyone already knows. That they love each other. It doesn't take long into their camping trip before they both are honest with each other about how they feel and the weather helps them out by making them spend a lot of time in the tent.
I enjoyed all of the Novellas and love that the authors are supporting such a great cause! Make sure you buy this book, every novella is worth reading!
This anthology was written by the authors of the M/M Daily Grind and proceeds will benefit the charity One.n.Ten. Find out more about the charity and how you can help here: http://onenten.org/
This is a great organization helping LGBTQ youth! All seven authors have a friends to lover novella in this story so it's sure to please all!
The first novella in the book is from Cardeno C, Rough Edges
This novella is about frenemies Kyle and Brent. Brent considers Kyle a friend, has a crush on him, and puts up with a lot of crap from Kyle because of it. Kyle hates Brent and what he judges Brent to stand for. Kyle came from nothing and has worked hard to have a good college education and job. When life kicks him, he has to give up his pride and accept help from Brent, who he hates because he's wealthy and doesn't work. Brent is a saint! He understands where Kyle is coming from and instead of pointing out that Kyle is a judgmental jerk, he continues to help him out. By the end, Kyle redeems himself but I really didn't like him through most of the story.
Novella 2 is Unexpected Turn by Ella Frank
This novella is a best friends to lovers story. The MC's Connor and Tyler are roommates and both have significant others. Tyler's sister is getting married and they decide to drive to the wedding venue together, meeting their significant others there. Connor is out of sorts the whole trip because he's suddenly started noticing Tyler and so hasn't his body, making things uncomfortable for him when Tyler's near. Tyler knows something is wrong with his best friend but can't figure out what. When he pushes for answers, he's surprised by what Connor has to tell him and show him. I really enjoyed this story and both MC's. I'd love a follow-up story on both Connor and Tyler!
Novella 3 is Dare You To by Riley Hart
The MC's in this best friends to lover story is Dare and Austin. Dare and Austin are neighbors and best friends. They spend every Sunday watching movies and eating popcorn together, and don't allow anything to interfere with that time together. Austin's life is scheduled, with most of his focus going to the shelter for LGBTQ teens, spending time with Dare and squeezing in dating. He's become predictable, and in his opinion, boring. Dare is all about the adventure, every day. He owns a nightclub and spends his time surfing, trying new things and hooking up. When Austin wants change, Dare decides to get him out of his rut. Austin and Dare are great characters and as can be expected of a Riley book, they have amazing chemistry! This friends to lover story is about comfort and love and healing.
Novella 4 is Leaning Into Love by Lane Hayes
The MC's in this friends to lover story are Eric and Zane. Eric and Zane knew each other in high school and became friends in college. Zane has had a crush on Eric but Eric just sees him as a friend and Zane decides it's time to get him to open his eyes. I'm looking forward to reading more about the group of guys introduced in this book in Lane's upcoming series.
Novella 5 is The Sweetest Goodbye by Christina Lee
This is a friends to lover book between Billie (Will) and Dylan. Billie is waiting for his childhood boyfriend to come back to town and completely misses that his best friend is in love with him. But, when it matters the most, Billie sees what was in front of him the whole time. I really enjoyed this novella, even if I may have cried a little. This is a spin-off of one of Christina's series but it can be read on its own.
Novella 6 is Please Don't Go by Felice Stevens
This is a reunited friends to lovers story. MC Danny is left alone in life after his mother died and his father had long ago walked out on the family. He's a solitary person that keeps to himself, especially at work. One day at work a new group of employees come in and he's reintroduced to Paul, an old childhood crush. Danny is mad at Paul because Paul disappeared from his life too. Danny has to grow up and accept that sometimes people have to leave through no fault of their own.
Novella 7 is Perfect Catch by NR Walker
This is a best friends to lovers story. Cal and Troy have been best friends since their teen years and into adulthood. Until this period in their lives, they have never both been single. All their friends back out of a camping trip to give the two the opportunity to see what everyone already knows. That they love each other. It doesn't take long into their camping trip before they both are honest with each other about how they feel and the weather helps them out by making them spend a lot of time in the tent.
I enjoyed all of the Novellas and love that the authors are supporting such a great cause! Make sure you buy this book, every novella is worth reading!
I really loved this book!!! All the stories in it were amazing! Now I have more authors that I love and more books to read from them!
Rough Edges by Cardeno C - 2 stars
Unexpected Turn by Ella Frank - 2 stars
Dare You To by Riley Hart - 4 stars
Leaning Into Love by Lane Hayes - 4 stars
The Sweetest Goodbye by Christina Lee - 3 stars
Please Don't Go by Felice Stevens - 1 stars
Perfect Catch by N.R. Walker - 5 stars
Total: 3 stars
Unexpected Turn by Ella Frank - 2 stars
Dare You To by Riley Hart - 4 stars
Leaning Into Love by Lane Hayes - 4 stars
The Sweetest Goodbye by Christina Lee - 3 stars
Please Don't Go by Felice Stevens - 1 stars
Perfect Catch by N.R. Walker - 5 stars
Total: 3 stars
3.5 stars. Some stories in this anthology I liked better than others, so I averaged it out.
I can't put into words how much I loved this anthology. I am a huge M/M romance reader and what these authors have done is nothing but amazing! I have read all of the authors before except Lane Hayes. She now has a new fan.:)
Friends to lovers stories are one of my faves. As I was reading their individual stories, I fell in love with the characters more and more. It hurt me knowing I was done with each story, that's how into them I was.
If you love M/M romance like I do, you will not be disappointed. Not only do you get 7 amazing short stories, but you get to support a great cause. <3 Looking forward to more from these amazing authors!
Friends to lovers stories are one of my faves. As I was reading their individual stories, I fell in love with the characters more and more. It hurt me knowing I was done with each story, that's how into them I was.
If you love M/M romance like I do, you will not be disappointed. Not only do you get 7 amazing short stories, but you get to support a great cause. <3 Looking forward to more from these amazing authors!
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
N/A
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
ROUGH EDGES BY CARDENO C. (4 stars)
Story opens with Kyle being a somewhat of a judgmental (definitely resentful) asshole towards Brent, a guy in his friends group who thanks to his rich family doesn't have a job. When Kyle hits a rough patch and losses his job, his apartment and his savings in one fell swoop Brent offers him his spare room. Kyle holds on to his animosity towards Brent but Brent is not bothered by it and soon enough Kyle is forced to reevaluate his opinions about Brent and what matters in life. This was a really sweet, feel good story with likable characters.
Themes: dual POV, opposites attract, frenemies to lovers
UNEXPECTED TURN BY ELLA FRANK (3,5 stars)
Bisexual awakening with slight cheating. Despite both of them being in relationships, after Tyler's comment makes Connor start seeing him in a new light, Connor can't stop himself from kissing him the night before Tyler's sister's wedding. Some drama due to Tyler's asshole boyfriend, while Connor's girlfriend turns out way too understanding.
DARE YOU TO BY RILEY HART (4 stars)
Story opens with Kyle being a somewhat of a judgmental (definitely resentful) asshole towards Brent, a guy in his friends group who thanks to his rich family doesn't have a job. When Kyle hits a rough patch and losses his job, his apartment and his savings in one fell swoop Brent offers him his spare room. Kyle holds on to his animosity towards Brent but Brent is not bothered by it and soon enough Kyle is forced to reevaluate his opinions about Brent and what matters in life. This was a really sweet, feel good story with likable characters.
Themes: dual POV, opposites attract, frenemies to lovers
UNEXPECTED TURN BY ELLA FRANK (3,5 stars)
Bisexual awakening with slight cheating. Despite both of them being in relationships, after Tyler's comment makes Connor start seeing him in a new light, Connor can't stop himself from kissing him the night before Tyler's sister's wedding. Some drama due to Tyler's asshole boyfriend, while Connor's girlfriend turns out way too understanding.
DARE YOU TO BY RILEY HART (4 stars)
Austin is a homebody who enjoys reading books and working as a youth counselor at the LGBTQ center, and Dare is an adrenaline junkie who owns a successful bar, Wild Side. Despite being polar opposites, the two have been best friends almost as long as they have been neighbors. After Austin's boyfriend breaks up with him and calls him boring, Austin kisses Dare, but it freaks them both out, and they decide to ignore it. When Austin decides he needs to change some things in his life and tries to meet with a guy from a dating app, Dare stops him from going, and the two give in to their mutual attraction again.
This was quite a touching friends-to-lovers story in which two best friends take a chance on love, despite being afraid of ruining their friendship.
Themes: dual POV, friends to lovers, opposites attract
Themes: dual POV, friends to lovers, opposites attract
LEANING INTO LOVE BY LANE HAYES (2 stars)
Eric and Zane have known each other since high school but became friends once they attended the same college together. After their mutual friend, Eric's ex (fuckbuddy), and current business partner Nick, announces his engagement to a daughter of one of their investors, Eric finds himself somewhat miffed at having no personal life of his own. That is where Zane comes in, wanting to spend more time with Eric without their other friends and accompanying Eric to Nick's engagement party. Eventually, the two of them start dating in secret, but things don't go so smoothly
Eric and Zane's story didn't work for me at all, and that had both to do with Eric's character and Nick's selfish behavior. It was implied that Nick was the brains and Eric was the heart of their operations, except all the events of the story pointed out at Eric actually being pretty crap at interpersonal relationships. There were so many times throughout the story that Eric dropped the ball that it wasn't even funny. He is supposedly great at giving speeches, yet when he's confronted
On the other hand, Nick was such a toxic presence in the story and any chance of enjoying developing romance between Zane and Eric was ruined by Nick getting a significant amount of screen time in the story with his incredibly selfish actions directly affecting Zane and Eric's relationship.
The pacing of the story was incredibly uneven. Instead of getting to see actual Eric and Zane's relationship development, we were treated to scenes of the two of them having sex and scenes of Nick causing unnecessary drama. The major conflict in the story and supposed obstacle to Eric and Zane's relationship gets introduced in the last chapter only to be completely hand-waved in the epilogue.
I found their whole friends group dynamic incredibly strange with supposedly mature, successful men not behaving according to their supposed age. This novella didn't feel like a complete story of its own but more of an introduction to the rest of the series, except I have zero interest in reading more about Eric and Zane's drama or about any of the immature secondary characters that made an appearance in this story and have their own books in the series. No, thank you.
Themes: single POV, friends to lovers, opposites attract
THE SWEETEST GOODBYE BY CHRISTINA LEE (3,5 stars)
Billie and Leo were each others first love but broke up when Leo moved away four years ago. Despite Leo encouraging Billie to continue living his life and just be happy Billie is intent on pinning away for Leo. Billie runs Montgomery’s Sweets, his family's bakery and his only employee is also his best friend, Dylan.
Dylan has been half in love with Billie since high school but with Billie stuck on Leo, he's content with being his best friend, helping Billie run the bakery and relax occasionally when they go out on a Saturday night. Things between them get complicated when their nights out progress bit further than just dancing. Billie is convinced Dylan doesn't do relationships and he's waiting for Leo to come back back home anyway.
This was at times frustrating best friends to lovers story, but I also enjoyed ramping up of the sexual tension between the two. It was also quite touching story as beside Dylan, Billie's other companion was his aging service dog, Bullseye. (Billie has epilepsy.) This novella was connected to The Deepest Blue, where Billie first made an appearance as Callum's younger brother so it was also a nice way to catch up with Montgomery family (if you have read it beforehand, which I haven't).
Themes: dual POV, best friends to lovers, character with a medical condition, dog
PLEASE DON'T GO BY FELICE STEVENS (2 stars)
Danny and Paul met at summer camp and became best friends. Danny realized he was in love with Paul but then one year Paul didn't come back disappearing completely from Danny's life. Danny is pretty discontent with his lonely existence, no friends or family and working as a CPA. Things change when one of the new transfers to their office turns out to be none other than Paul. As it turns out Paul and his mother ran away from his abusive father, and spent the rest of Paul's adolescence on the run. Paul is overjoyed to be reunited with Danny, but Danny, hurt by Paul abandoning him all those years ago, gives him the cold shoulder.
This didn't work for me as I found Danny's treatment of Paul completely unreasonable. They were friends from summer camp who saw each other once a year, yet judging from Danny's behavior you would assume they were engaged to be married when Paul disappeared from Danny's life. I wasn't all that invested in seeing Paul woo Danny back because I just found Danny's whole personality grating on my nerves.
Themes: dual POV, second chance, childhood best friends to lovers, office romance
PERFECT CATCH N.R. WALKER (3,5 stars)
Cal and Troy are best friends who became fast friends at fourteen when they realized they were both gay. They have been in love with each other for nearly the same amount of time they've been best friends but the moment to confess their feelings for each other was never right and the longer they've been friends the more they got scared of ruining their friendship. Things come to head when they go away for the weekend of camping and fishing, all their other friends opting out in hopes that being alone together will finally make them confess their feelings for each other. I loved the story setting in Australia. I really enjoyed both Cal and Troy's characters, seeing their easy friendship turn into something more. Things fell apart a bit for me in the last chapter where they have more sex followed by more reassurances that they're serious about each other. It felt a bit forced and repetitive and didn't have the easy flow as majority of the story until that point.
Themes: single POV, friends to lovers, camping, Australia
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal death, Infidelity
Minor: Domestic abuse
Rough Edges by Cardeno C.
**3 1/2 stars** .I just never really connected with Kyle in this one. He was such an ass ! I didn't really like him.. So when him and Brent finally got together it wasn't an awww moment for me.
Unexpected Turn by Ella Frank
**5 stars** ... I loved this one. I loved how they discovered their love for each other. It's funny how others could see it before they did. They were super sweet and so hot together. Even though this was a short book it almost felt like a longer book.
Dare You To by Riley Hart
**4 stars**...I enjoyed Austin and Dare together. I love how the couples are discovering how they love their best friends.
Leaning Into Love by Lane Hayes
**3 stars**...This one was a little interesting for me. I know it's the start of a new series but I honestly thought it was a continuation to one. I felt like I was missing something. It wasn't bad.
The Sweetest Goodbye by Christina Lee
**4 stars**...This one was pretty good. Sometimes people don't know what they have in front of them. Glad Billie figured it out. Dylan was perfect for him. I thought they both were so sweet and really hot together. Yes I cried at the part. That was sad ;-( You'll know once you read it.
Please Don't Go by Felice Stevens
**5 stars**... I enjoyed this one and didn't even care it went fast for some. No problem for me. I enjoyed both Danny and Paul. I would have loved for this to be a longer book. I enjoyed these two together and would have loved more time with them.
Perfect Catch by N.R. Walker
**4 stars**..I enjoyed this one too. I thought Cal and Trol were very sweet together. So glad they finally told each other how they felt.
**I enjoyed the stories in here some more than others.My two favorites were "Unexpected Turn" by Ella Frank and "Please Don't Go" by Felice Stevens . I also realized two things even though I enjoyed these stories, I'm just not an anthology person. I feel like I have to read every story, even if I don't want to. I just prefer getting separate books and have no problem paying for them separately. The other thing is "Friends to Lovers" is not my jam. I actually like when they're meeting for the first time. Doesn't mean I won't ever read another one but it just might not be my first choice unless the book sounds extra good. **
**3 1/2 stars** .I just never really connected with Kyle in this one. He was such an ass ! I didn't really like him.. So when him and Brent finally got together it wasn't an awww moment for me.
Unexpected Turn by Ella Frank
**5 stars** ... I loved this one. I loved how they discovered their love for each other. It's funny how others could see it before they did. They were super sweet and so hot together. Even though this was a short book it almost felt like a longer book.
Dare You To by Riley Hart
**4 stars**...I enjoyed Austin and Dare together. I love how the couples are discovering how they love their best friends.
Leaning Into Love by Lane Hayes
**3 stars**...This one was a little interesting for me. I know it's the start of a new series but I honestly thought it was a continuation to one. I felt like I was missing something. It wasn't bad.
The Sweetest Goodbye by Christina Lee
**4 stars**...This one was pretty good. Sometimes people don't know what they have in front of them. Glad Billie figured it out. Dylan was perfect for him. I thought they both were so sweet and really hot together. Yes I cried at the part. That was sad ;-( You'll know once you read it.
Please Don't Go by Felice Stevens
**5 stars**... I enjoyed this one and didn't even care it went fast for some. No problem for me. I enjoyed both Danny and Paul. I would have loved for this to be a longer book. I enjoyed these two together and would have loved more time with them.
Perfect Catch by N.R. Walker
**4 stars**..I enjoyed this one too. I thought Cal and Trol were very sweet together. So glad they finally told each other how they felt.
**I enjoyed the stories in here some more than others.My two favorites were "Unexpected Turn" by Ella Frank and "Please Don't Go" by Felice Stevens . I also realized two things even though I enjoyed these stories, I'm just not an anthology person. I feel like I have to read every story, even if I don't want to. I just prefer getting separate books and have no problem paying for them separately. The other thing is "Friends to Lovers" is not my jam. I actually like when they're meeting for the first time. Doesn't mean I won't ever read another one but it just might not be my first choice unless the book sounds extra good. **
Read before: Leaning Into Love (3 stars) and The Sweetest Goodbye (3.5 stars).
Dare You To: 20/09/20 3.5 stars
Perfect Catch: 20/09/20 3.5 stars
Dare You To: 20/09/20 3.5 stars
Perfect Catch: 20/09/20 3.5 stars
A big thanks to all of the authors who donated their time, skill, and passion in order to contribute to this anthology benefiting the fantastic One.N.Ten organization. You guys rock! :)
See status updates for my feelings about individual stories.
See status updates for my feelings about individual stories.
4.5☆
An really enjoyable collection of novellas. Some from authors I know well and others by authors who are completely new to me. My favourites were Unexpected Turn by Ella Frank, Dare You by Riley Hart, Please Don't Go by Felice Stevens and Perfect Catch by N.R Walker. As for the other three stories one I didn't read as it seemed to be part of a series I've not read, and the other two were enjoyable especially Leaning Into Love by Lane Hayes.
Overall though it was a great collection and I have definitely discovered some new authors which is always a good thing and would happily recommend this anthology to others.
An really enjoyable collection of novellas. Some from authors I know well and others by authors who are completely new to me. My favourites were Unexpected Turn by Ella Frank, Dare You by Riley Hart, Please Don't Go by Felice Stevens and Perfect Catch by N.R Walker. As for the other three stories one I didn't read as it seemed to be part of a series I've not read, and the other two were enjoyable especially Leaning Into Love by Lane Hayes.
Overall though it was a great collection and I have definitely discovered some new authors which is always a good thing and would happily recommend this anthology to others.