Thom Novak feels like a walking cliché: the gay guy desperately in love with his straight best friend, Lee. But he’s willing to keep his feelings hidden, to do whatever it takes, as long as they stay friends forever. Lee Conway loves sharing an apartment with Thom, his best friend since birth, and would be happy doing it for the rest of his life … no matter his current girlfriend’s opinion on … opinion on the matter. But he’s never been known for being in contact with his emotions.
When something happens to upset the status quo, Lee pulls away. Has Lee learned how Thom feels about him? Will it mean the end of their friendship? Or is there another reason Lee needs time to think? A more … hopeful reason?
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Nell’s writing is superb. I always end up invested in her characters as they feel like people I know and like. Thom and Lee have been best friends from the cradle. Thom’s longing and determination to keep it hidden from Lee was tangible. Lee is oblivious to the emotions of everyone, but especially Thom. Having someone point out the obvious to him gives him a good shake and makes him see what has been right in front of him all the time. Loved the ending.
Absolutely Wonderful!
I know I’ve said it before but it’s worth repeating: Nell Iris is my favorite author of MM short stories. I think it takes a special talent to write a good short story and I’ve never read one by Nell Iris that wasn’t fantastic.
She is able to convey a story that feels much longer – in the best way – than only 10,000 words. Her stories stay with me for days after I read them and Always You is no exception. Even though I knew from the blurb what was likely to happen, the journey that Nell took me on to get to the HEA was so satisfying. I really can’t say enough good things about this story.
If you’ve never read a Male Male romance but have been a bit curious about them, I don’t think you can go wrong with just about any Nell Iris story. They usually tend to be on the sweet side with themes that will definitely tug on your heartstrings.
A copy of this book was provided to me but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com***
Always You by author Nell Iris is a fast-paced read. I found this a great surface read. There really was not an in-depth view of the characters. Perhaps if this book were longer it could have expanded and been a deeper and more emotional read.
Thom is a homebody. Loves his movies and geek magazines. He is a science teacher. He wants love, but he knows he cannot have the one person he wants. His straight roommate.
Lee is more than meets the eye. He has been waiting for his love to realize he is the one they have been looking for all along. Good thing he is very patient.
Overall a good read. I felt there was more that could have been explored. But I am okay with what I got in this story.
It is a sweet story of roommates finding out who they really are and finding love along the way.
Four Twinkling Stars
A sweet love story. I enjoyed the read just wish it was longer.
This short story is a friends to lovers, gay for you, romance. I loved the characters and the storyline. Shows how love can be right under your eyes if you a brave enough to share your feelings.
5 Stars
This short story just makes my heart smile. I was a puddle of goo by the end of it. It hit all the heartstrings as if it was playing a song.
While the steamy bits happened OFF page, it didn’t hurt the story in the slightest, or left me feeling like I missed out on ‘the good parts’. This book has it all: the will they/won’t they push and pull, bi/gay awakening, friends to lovers, easy banter, THAT moment that happens right before the couple comes together for the first time, and oh so many emotions!
This book was told from Thom’s point of view. It was very well written and definitely left me with a big, goofy grin on my face. I absolutely adored Thom and Lee. I’m going to have to add more books written by Nell Iris to my Kindle in the very near future. I recommend that you do the same!
***Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn’t a requirement. ***
This was a wonderful short heartwarming friends to lovers story. Thom and Lee have been roommates for a very long time and friends since high school. Thom has been in love with Lee all this time and Lee is supposed to be straight and clueless. It was sweet when Lee starts to understand his and Thom’s feelings for each other.
This was sweet with very little men on men action but more an emotional short story and just as great. I definitely recommend this book!
Thom and Lee
Romance… sigh, warm, comfortable, sweet!!! If you are looking for a short story with romance stop right now!
Thom and Lee are best friends since birth. They share an apartment and have fun together and share everything. Except, Thom is in love with Lee since forever but will never jeopardize their friendship, he’d rather live without a love life than live without Lee. So Thom always tells Lee he doesn’t want a boyfriend and rather stay home.
“Ogling one’s straight best friend isn’t allowed, no matter how much one wants to.”
When Lee returns early in the evening he has a strange look on his face and doesn’t want to talk. Thom is terrified.
This author’s stories always feel like a warm, caressing soft blanket. Full of heartwarming tenderness. The characters are always from the warmest and kindest qualities. The feelings expressed are from an almost impossible prime level.
No need to say Nell Iris is one of my favorite authors and she never disappoints me.
This all in 40 pages people… 40 pages!
Always You by Nell Iris is a contemporary m/m romance with a friends to lovers theme with the added fun of sexuality Awakening. This quick read is sweet and cute, with very little heat, but its perfect for the story. Thom and Lee are great characters and I truly adored their story.