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Love & Luck #9
Text Me Up
Nate
Due to unfortunate happenstance, my precious phone is currently on its way to Ireland in the not-so-safe hands of Callum Foley—my sister’s boyfriend’s cousin. I’ve only met the guy once and my impression was unsettling at best, so the thought of him accessing my phone with all its private contents fills me with nothing but dread.
But I have Callum’s phone with me, so when he starts teasing me about some of my apps I figure it’s fair game to dive into its contents. What one guy needs with twelve different hook-up apps, I’ll never know.
We agree to overnight the phones as soon as Callum arrives home, but it turns out a lot can happen on a six hour flight to Ireland, and I find that when the time comes, I’m not so eager to give up this connection to him…
Warning: This book is not appropriate for anyone who doesn’t like laughing, anyone who doesn’t like ginger tabbies, or anyone who doesn’t like seeing two gorgeous guys falling in love over text.
*Happily Ever After included
Text Me Up was previously published as part of the Your Book Boyfriend's Boyfriend giveaway. It has now been edited and extended and includes an additional 10k words.
Due to unfortunate happenstance, my precious phone is currently on its way to Ireland in the not-so-safe hands of Callum Foley—my sister’s boyfriend’s cousin. I’ve only met the guy once and my impression was unsettling at best, so the thought of him accessing my phone with all its private contents fills me with nothing but dread.
But I have Callum’s phone with me, so when he starts teasing me about some of my apps I figure it’s fair game to dive into its contents. What one guy needs with twelve different hook-up apps, I’ll never know.
We agree to overnight the phones as soon as Callum arrives home, but it turns out a lot can happen on a six hour flight to Ireland, and I find that when the time comes, I’m not so eager to give up this connection to him…
Warning: This book is not appropriate for anyone who doesn’t like laughing, anyone who doesn’t like ginger tabbies, or anyone who doesn’t like seeing two gorgeous guys falling in love over text.
*Happily Ever After included
Text Me Up was previously published as part of the Your Book Boyfriend's Boyfriend giveaway. It has now been edited and extended and includes an additional 10k words.
132 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 12, 2023
63 people are currently reading
321 people want to read
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March 6, 2023Skimmed/speed read the whole book while I was tired so I’m not rating. Text convos were cute though.
March 7, 2023
This is usually not my go-to author, only book I really loved was P.S. I loathe you (great book, great spice, great story btw), but I recently saw this one being recommended on IG and decided to give it a shot.
🟡 Gay awakening
🟠 A lot of texting
🔴 Surprisingly good spice
🟣 Short, but very sweet
🟢 Both MC in their 20s
In this story you'll see a lot of the characters from the Kelly family, but it could be read as a standalone.
It features Ellie's brother Nate (her book is next in the series) and a distant cousain of the Kellys from Ireland, Callum.
Both meet at an event with the whole family, Callum as an openly gay man makes a move on Nate, who's straight and Nate fights it and refuses to even get friendly .
They both mistakenly switch their phones and end up texting, which is something I really like in books, so that worked for me.
It goes on only a few days, but it's enough to make Nate question his sexuality.
They decide to stay in contact and Nate decides to start dating men, but quickly realises it's not other men he's interested in, only Callum .
With Callum being a man-slut, Nate doesn't think he'll want anything to do with him, so neither says a word to the other and they keep it friendly.
They see each other again about 3 months later at yet another family's wedding and the chemistry is certainly there, they can't keep their hands off one another.
It was sweet, sexy and I loved it.
I loved them both.
In about a day spent together they decided to be boyfriends and felt like this could be something more.
I didn't think this was an insta-love or even insta-lust, because they were getting to know each other in a longer period of time being apart.
There was a HEA and yes, I do recommend this one.
🟡 Gay awakening
🟠 A lot of texting
🔴 Surprisingly good spice
🟣 Short, but very sweet
🟢 Both MC in their 20s
In this story you'll see a lot of the characters from the Kelly family, but it could be read as a standalone.
It features Ellie's brother Nate (her book is next in the series) and a distant cousain of the Kellys from Ireland, Callum.
Both meet at an event with the whole family, Callum as an openly gay man makes a move on Nate, who's straight and Nate fights it and refuses to even get friendly .
They both mistakenly switch their phones and end up texting, which is something I really like in books, so that worked for me.
It goes on only a few days, but it's enough to make Nate question his sexuality.
They decide to stay in contact and Nate decides to start dating men, but quickly realises it's not other men he's interested in, only Callum .
With Callum being a man-slut, Nate doesn't think he'll want anything to do with him, so neither says a word to the other and they keep it friendly.
They see each other again about 3 months later at yet another family's wedding and the chemistry is certainly there, they can't keep their hands off one another.
It was sweet, sexy and I loved it.
I loved them both.
In about a day spent together they decided to be boyfriends and felt like this could be something more.
I didn't think this was an insta-love or even insta-lust, because they were getting to know each other in a longer period of time being apart.
There was a HEA and yes, I do recommend this one.
April 9, 2023
The cute plot revolves initially around the mix up of two identical phones charging at a party. This confusion becomes an international incident, filled with sexting.
The novel, however, felt like a short story stretched into a taller tale, with the sex scenes becoming progressively skimmable.
The novel, however, felt like a short story stretched into a taller tale, with the sex scenes becoming progressively skimmable.
September 3, 2023
This was a fun book. I’ve loved the Kelly clan and I’m sorry to finish the last book.
February 27, 2023
Text Me Up is part of the Love and Luck series. The story had me laughing at all the antics of the Kellys. Callum and Nate meet at a family birthday party and end up with a phone switch. They text back and forth and then the s3xting starts. Seriously love this series.
March 24, 2024
I know I read and rated this before in the shorter version (which GR evidently deleted, thanks ever so) -- not much difference here in the longer form, tbh. Not a bad story, just moving the family members along.
September 25, 2023
I got the shorter version of this through a giveaway before, but I borrowed the extended version to read through KU before the author removed the series in August. This was an enjoyable, quick read. It did have some intense/uncomfortable moments like dealing with Nate/Ellie’s parents, Nate’s repressed gayness, etc. I don’t remember meeting Callum in previous books, but maybe he’d been mentioned before. Regardless, he was a lot of fun.
However it did seem a little unbelievable that someone with 12 different hookup apps and professed eclectic taste (twinks, bears, daddies, versatile/switch, etc.) who got around and never had a boyfriend before at the age of 26 would fall so fast, but I guess when you meet the right person, you just know. Nate’s storyline was more believable to me, although I would have liked to see more of his first dates to appreciate his connection with Callum even more.
Their text conversations were entertaining, and I liked how Nate just naturally opened up to Callum even though he thought he was annoying at first; honestly Nate still found him annoying at time at the end of the book since they’re opposites attract. Both guys were switches, but Nate preferred to bottom. That seemed like it might have been causing a little tension with Callum since he had such broad options before, but maybe I was reading too much into it.
Also random, but I was wondering why Nate volunteered to help with the kids at the wedding and at Caplin’s first birthday party. It kind of seemed like they were setting these two up to have kids, but we were nowhere near that conversation at the epilogue. They’d only been together 6 months and hadn’t discussed marriage yet. I’d probably give this 4 out of 5 stars.
However it did seem a little unbelievable that someone with 12 different hookup apps and professed eclectic taste (twinks, bears, daddies, versatile/switch, etc.) who got around and never had a boyfriend before at the age of 26 would fall so fast, but I guess when you meet the right person, you just know. Nate’s storyline was more believable to me, although I would have liked to see more of his first dates to appreciate his connection with Callum even more.
Their text conversations were entertaining, and I liked how Nate just naturally opened up to Callum even though he thought he was annoying at first; honestly Nate still found him annoying at time at the end of the book since they’re opposites attract. Both guys were switches, but Nate preferred to bottom. That seemed like it might have been causing a little tension with Callum since he had such broad options before, but maybe I was reading too much into it.
Also random, but I was wondering why Nate volunteered to help with the kids at the wedding and at Caplin’s first birthday party. It kind of seemed like they were setting these two up to have kids, but we were nowhere near that conversation at the epilogue. They’d only been together 6 months and hadn’t discussed marriage yet. I’d probably give this 4 out of 5 stars.
February 27, 2023
I read this book originally when it came out with the YBBB giveaway and was excited to read the expanded version. This was for several reasons:
1. I loved these characters and their relationship. Calllum and Nate had great chemistry, to the point that it was absolutely believable that they'd fall in love long distance. I loved seeing the way they interacted both via text and over the phone. I even loved the way they tried to be just friends while Nate attempted in person dates with other people.
2. I was glad to see the fixes to canon after Sex, Tries, and Videotape got re-written. Its a small thing, but its the small things that matter.
3. I wanted to see how Isla expanded this book.
Now with #3, I wish we would've gotten even more expansion. There were so many places where the characters could've gone deeper, but its a novella. Its a quick read. I have to keep reminding myself of that every time I read novellas and want MORE. What she did expand on worked really well and I was very happy to have it.
All in all, I was very pleased with this novella. It had Isla Olsen's signature wit and banter. It had some steamy AF scenes. It visited with some of the other Kellys without them taking over the story/narrative. I'm happy with it and would recommend for anyone looking for a quick light read.
1. I loved these characters and their relationship. Calllum and Nate had great chemistry, to the point that it was absolutely believable that they'd fall in love long distance. I loved seeing the way they interacted both via text and over the phone. I even loved the way they tried to be just friends while Nate attempted in person dates with other people.
2. I was glad to see the fixes to canon after Sex, Tries, and Videotape got re-written. Its a small thing, but its the small things that matter.
3. I wanted to see how Isla expanded this book.
Now with #3, I wish we would've gotten even more expansion. There were so many places where the characters could've gone deeper, but its a novella. Its a quick read. I have to keep reminding myself of that every time I read novellas and want MORE. What she did expand on worked really well and I was very happy to have it.
All in all, I was very pleased with this novella. It had Isla Olsen's signature wit and banter. It had some steamy AF scenes. It visited with some of the other Kellys without them taking over the story/narrative. I'm happy with it and would recommend for anyone looking for a quick light read.
February 15, 2023
I really enjoyed the back and forth text conversations between Nate and Callum.Isla Olsen does a great job with banter. My favorite kind of banter is written communication in books. Especially if its written so well, like in Text Me Up. Gosh this was a great Novella, fun and romantic. If it was a meal it would be light but hearty and afterwards you feel happier, lighter. I love the Love and Luck series. I have read the first four now I just have to read five through eight and I will be caught up. Having all the other characters from the other books in this story was like running into old friends.
Totally recommend!
Totally recommend!
February 24, 2023
Obviously I am a bit stressed at the moment, and therefore have only time for novellas ... and I am really lucky with them as well.
This one was a hoot. Loved how Callum and Nate found their ground together via phone. This was exceptionally well done and I loved it.
Even the part, where, if not for Maeve, they would have been together sooner.
I also loved that they did not beat around the bush regarding their feelings. Such a thing g is more common in novellas and I appreciate that.
All in all a great story with a lot of feelings.
(But maybe next time, not with that cover ... the photoshoped boy is not my idea of sexy)
An ARC was provided by GRR and I am happy to give my honest opinion
This one was a hoot. Loved how Callum and Nate found their ground together via phone. This was exceptionally well done and I loved it.
Even the part, where, if not for Maeve, they would have been together sooner.
I also loved that they did not beat around the bush regarding their feelings. Such a thing g is more common in novellas and I appreciate that.
All in all a great story with a lot of feelings.
(But maybe next time, not with that cover ... the photoshoped boy is not my idea of sexy)
An ARC was provided by GRR and I am happy to give my honest opinion
June 20, 2025
Like all Isla Olsen books, I think this could have been GREAT if it were longer. I just don't think she's really able to pack that punch in such a short amount of time. Also, Callum was way too forward in the beginning.
February 24, 2023
Tropes: found family
Feels: 3/5
Steam*: 4/5
Kinks: none
Angst: low
Triggers/potential icks: homophobic / transphobic parents
I like this author's style. I like that her books are low angst, filled with humor and fun family/friend dynamics, with nice steam. Some of the funny moments: the joke/misunderstanding about Callum wanting to piss all over Nate, Ellie's immediate recognition that Nate was stress baking, Nate's declaration of 'screw Ellie I'm moving with you' right in front of Ellie and her being all 'thanks bro'.
But even with those positives, this book had moments that just kind of confused me or gave me whiplash plot-wise.
Like take Nate, he is apparently just realizing he's gay. And I have no sense of what age he is and what his life and relationship experience was, other than he'd never been with a guy before. At one point 89 pages into the book he comments that he's never had a bj before. He seems to be an adult over the age of 22 at minimum, given he's not referred to as being you know, jailbait or not able to drink, so why isn't it worth spending a little bit of time to tell us more about him?
And Callum goes from being a guy that hooks up every couple days to going two and a half months without anything, not even the over the phone hookups he used to be doing with Nate. All of a sudden Callum is declaring he's in love with Nate when they really have only had phone interactions really isn't even his true self because he's just trying to understand himself. And Nate declares himself in love with Callum and in the next breath decides to start dating other guys. It's not realistic and it just whips you from one extreme to the other. As soon as they meet again at the wedding they hook up once and are boyfriends. I know it's a novella so some things will be addressed briefly but this wasn't done well enough for me.
A sweet moment:
"So, here’s what I propose. We use this weekend as a sort of…goodbye. And we can do whatever you want. If you don’t want to do anything, we don’t have to. If you want to do everything…” I quirk a teasing brow at him. “Well, I’m obviously on board with that too.” “Can I make a counter offer?” Nate asks. I nod. “Sure.” “I suggest we do everything, but not as a goodbye.”
*FYI, I rate steam based on a combination of quality & quantity. I note kink separate from steam because I don't want to underrate steamy reads that don't have much kink.
Feels: 3/5
Steam*: 4/5
Kinks: none
Angst: low
Triggers/potential icks: homophobic / transphobic parents
I like this author's style. I like that her books are low angst, filled with humor and fun family/friend dynamics, with nice steam. Some of the funny moments: the joke/misunderstanding about Callum wanting to piss all over Nate, Ellie's immediate recognition that Nate was stress baking, Nate's declaration of 'screw Ellie I'm moving with you' right in front of Ellie and her being all 'thanks bro'.
But even with those positives, this book had moments that just kind of confused me or gave me whiplash plot-wise.
Like take Nate, he is apparently just realizing he's gay. And I have no sense of what age he is and what his life and relationship experience was, other than he'd never been with a guy before. At one point 89 pages into the book he comments that he's never had a bj before. He seems to be an adult over the age of 22 at minimum, given he's not referred to as being you know, jailbait or not able to drink, so why isn't it worth spending a little bit of time to tell us more about him?
And Callum goes from being a guy that hooks up every couple days to going two and a half months without anything, not even the over the phone hookups he used to be doing with Nate. All of a sudden Callum is declaring he's in love with Nate when they really have only had phone interactions really isn't even his true self because he's just trying to understand himself. And Nate declares himself in love with Callum and in the next breath decides to start dating other guys. It's not realistic and it just whips you from one extreme to the other. As soon as they meet again at the wedding they hook up once and are boyfriends. I know it's a novella so some things will be addressed briefly but this wasn't done well enough for me.
A sweet moment:
"So, here’s what I propose. We use this weekend as a sort of…goodbye. And we can do whatever you want. If you don’t want to do anything, we don’t have to. If you want to do everything…” I quirk a teasing brow at him. “Well, I’m obviously on board with that too.” “Can I make a counter offer?” Nate asks. I nod. “Sure.” “I suggest we do everything, but not as a goodbye.”
*FYI, I rate steam based on a combination of quality & quantity. I note kink separate from steam because I don't want to underrate steamy reads that don't have much kink.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 26, 2023
I got the first version for free 2 years ago and forgot I'd read it. Reread the republished version and had the same outcome. Unfortunately, I didn't like this one as much as previous books in the series. Callum seemed too pushy for a baby gay, they went from text buddies to friends to boyfriends within months of meeting, and then after a single day of being in a relationship, Nate fully believes he's going to marry Callum. Just seemed too unbelievable to me. There were also some location issues as I previously complained about with other books in the series. In no universe would someone fly from NYC to Hartford, CT, with a layover in DC. It's a 90 minute drive! Please, for the love of God, if you're writing a book set in a country other than your own, please have someone check your writing for details like this.
February 27, 2023
4.5 Stars
I read this book when it was a few k shorter word-wise and available as part of the Your Book Boyfriend book giveaway and was excited to see that it would be released on KU. You don’t have to have read any of the books that came before this one in the Love & Luck series, but it’s a) helpful and b) why wouldn’t you?!
Nate is straight. Well, he presents himself as straight. His dreams and deepest, darkest desires make it clear that he most certainly not straight. However, seeing what his sister went through with their parents during her transition is enough to scare anyone away from considering themselves anything other than straight as an arrow.
Callum is most certainly not straight. He has about a gazillion hookup apps on his phone – and would have more if more existed and he had more space in his phone. When he meets his cousin’s girlfriend’s brother at his other cousin’s house during a party he is instantly smitten. Yes, I know that’s a lot of cousins, but the Foley’s have a LOT of kids.
When Callum & Nate each have to rush off to the airport to catch flights back home, they grab their phones from the chargers on the kitchen counter and head off. Once Nate is on the plane, he realizes that he’s not holding his own phone. Calling it, he reaches Callum who is sitting at the airport bar, his flight home to Ireland having been delayed.
What started as animosity over the desire to NOT be flirted with turns into back door play coaching, toy ordering, flirting, phone play, jealousy and majorly real feelings – and that’s after the phones have been returned to their rightful owners. Well, minus that one time on the plane. *Whew* When the two men meet up in person again for a Foley family wedding, will they give into their mutual feelings and give being together a go or will Nate decide that the sexy Irishman isn’t what he wants after all? Will Callum be willing to give up all of those apps to be exclusive with the man he’s essentially been dating long-distance?
I received a complimentary copy of this book and, as always, my review is honest and unpaid.
Text Me Up: A Love & Luck Novella
Isla Olsen
I read this book when it was a few k shorter word-wise and available as part of the Your Book Boyfriend book giveaway and was excited to see that it would be released on KU. You don’t have to have read any of the books that came before this one in the Love & Luck series, but it’s a) helpful and b) why wouldn’t you?!
Nate is straight. Well, he presents himself as straight. His dreams and deepest, darkest desires make it clear that he most certainly not straight. However, seeing what his sister went through with their parents during her transition is enough to scare anyone away from considering themselves anything other than straight as an arrow.
Callum is most certainly not straight. He has about a gazillion hookup apps on his phone – and would have more if more existed and he had more space in his phone. When he meets his cousin’s girlfriend’s brother at his other cousin’s house during a party he is instantly smitten. Yes, I know that’s a lot of cousins, but the Foley’s have a LOT of kids.
When Callum & Nate each have to rush off to the airport to catch flights back home, they grab their phones from the chargers on the kitchen counter and head off. Once Nate is on the plane, he realizes that he’s not holding his own phone. Calling it, he reaches Callum who is sitting at the airport bar, his flight home to Ireland having been delayed.
What started as animosity over the desire to NOT be flirted with turns into back door play coaching, toy ordering, flirting, phone play, jealousy and majorly real feelings – and that’s after the phones have been returned to their rightful owners. Well, minus that one time on the plane. *Whew* When the two men meet up in person again for a Foley family wedding, will they give into their mutual feelings and give being together a go or will Nate decide that the sexy Irishman isn’t what he wants after all? Will Callum be willing to give up all of those apps to be exclusive with the man he’s essentially been dating long-distance?
I received a complimentary copy of this book and, as always, my review is honest and unpaid.
Text Me Up: A Love & Luck Novella
Isla Olsen
June 2, 2024
old post reposted
We interrupt your regularly scheduled program to share even more novellas/short stories that I found on #ProlificWorks (through their Your Book Boyfriend's Boyfriend giveaway). I didn't go through and read the description to every book (yet), but I did go through and see if I recognized any of the other authors on the list (about a month or so ago I found two--one on purpose and one on accident) and immediately claimed each one.
Here's Isla Olsen's "Text Me Up" (which is part of her Love & Luck series; Isla also wrote the Goode Life series and the Suits & Sevens series).
["NATE
Due to unfortunate happenstance, my precious phone is currently on its way to Ireland in the not-so-safe hands of Callum Foley—my sister’s boyfriend’s cousin. I’ve only met the guy once and my impression was unsettling at best, so the thought of him accessing my phone with all its private contents fills me with nothing but dread.
But I have Callum’s phone with me, so when he starts teasing me about some of my apps I figure it’s fair game to dive into its contents. What one guy needs with twelve different hook-up apps, I’ll never know.
We agree to overnight the phones as soon as Callum arrives home, but it turns out a lot can happen on a six hour flight to Ireland, and I find that when the time comes, I’m not so eager to give up this connection to him… "]
This book!! D: It was so damn cute! The banter just floooooowed so fucking well, and the flirting was so encouraging and dirty and wonderful. Nate and Callum Clicked, capital C. Cheesy (with another Capital C--I'll let you fill in what that third Capital C could be ;) )as it is, they were meant to be. It was beautiful and easy; and then the miscommunication trope hit, and the angst and the pining rose, and W O W.
Loooooooooved this series. So much. Loved this book. So. Much. And now, I really can't wait until the eighth book ("Sex, Tries, and Videotapes") debuts.
#textmeup #islaolsen #fakeittilyoumakeit #virtuallyscrewed #crazylittlefling #hopelessbromantics #twomenandababy #cantgetyououtofmybed #comeallyekellys #sextriesandvideotapes #thegoodelife #thegoodelifeseries #suitsandsevens #suitsandsevensseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
We interrupt your regularly scheduled program to share even more novellas/short stories that I found on #ProlificWorks (through their Your Book Boyfriend's Boyfriend giveaway). I didn't go through and read the description to every book (yet), but I did go through and see if I recognized any of the other authors on the list (about a month or so ago I found two--one on purpose and one on accident) and immediately claimed each one.
Here's Isla Olsen's "Text Me Up" (which is part of her Love & Luck series; Isla also wrote the Goode Life series and the Suits & Sevens series).
["NATE
Due to unfortunate happenstance, my precious phone is currently on its way to Ireland in the not-so-safe hands of Callum Foley—my sister’s boyfriend’s cousin. I’ve only met the guy once and my impression was unsettling at best, so the thought of him accessing my phone with all its private contents fills me with nothing but dread.
But I have Callum’s phone with me, so when he starts teasing me about some of my apps I figure it’s fair game to dive into its contents. What one guy needs with twelve different hook-up apps, I’ll never know.
We agree to overnight the phones as soon as Callum arrives home, but it turns out a lot can happen on a six hour flight to Ireland, and I find that when the time comes, I’m not so eager to give up this connection to him… "]
This book!! D: It was so damn cute! The banter just floooooowed so fucking well, and the flirting was so encouraging and dirty and wonderful. Nate and Callum Clicked, capital C. Cheesy (with another Capital C--I'll let you fill in what that third Capital C could be ;) )as it is, they were meant to be. It was beautiful and easy; and then the miscommunication trope hit, and the angst and the pining rose, and W O W.
Loooooooooved this series. So much. Loved this book. So. Much. And now, I really can't wait until the eighth book ("Sex, Tries, and Videotapes") debuts.
#textmeup #islaolsen #fakeittilyoumakeit #virtuallyscrewed #crazylittlefling #hopelessbromantics #twomenandababy #cantgetyououtofmybed #comeallyekellys #sextriesandvideotapes #thegoodelife #thegoodelifeseries #suitsandsevens #suitsandsevensseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
March 5, 2023
Nate and Callum's story was such a fun, entertaining read. Of all the meet-cutes I've read, somehow accidentally exchanging phones hasn't been one of them, and I liked seeing how it connected the two main characters. Nate was in the very early stages of exploring his sexuality, and befriending the confident playboy Callum put him in sprint mode. Suddenly all the twisted up feelings inside him started to make sense, and that led to some hot as heck sexting and phone sessions with Callum. First time explorations always have this special kind of excited energy, and I loved getting to experience so many of Nate's while Callum eagerly listened in. Beyond that, I really enjoyed getting to know these two men and see their relationship deepen into a close friendship. Callum's random history facts always made me smile, and while Nate was always more reserved about sharing, I did see him start to be more relaxed when interacting with Callum. The biggest thing holding them back was the fact that a literal ocean separated their homes, but once Nate and Callum decided to be brave and confess their feelings, they pushed past even that obstacle with little angst.
**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
February 15, 2023
I absolutely adore the Kelly family and I am always happy to pop back in with them. Isla Olsen knows how to write this crazy, zany family beautifully. I read this story when it came out last year as part of the YBBB giveaway but when I saw this was an extended version I jumped at the chance to read it again!
Callum is cousin to the crazy Kelly family, visiting from Galway, Ireland (yes, like Ed Sheeran’s Galway Girl!) who meets Ellie’s younger brother Nate at Declan’s birthday party. Introductions don’t go so well but a cellphone mix up leads to them texting from each other’s phone as Callum flies back to Ireland. They almost immediately fall into s3xy, flirty banter and Callum lives for winding Nate up. Even after they switch phones back they can’t stop texting and even being so far apart from each other, and only having met each other for a few hours the pull between them just gets stronger. This novella is a fun, no angst, steamy addition to what is already one of my favourite series about a super loving and supportive quirky family who all have awesome cameos in this story. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Callum is cousin to the crazy Kelly family, visiting from Galway, Ireland (yes, like Ed Sheeran’s Galway Girl!) who meets Ellie’s younger brother Nate at Declan’s birthday party. Introductions don’t go so well but a cellphone mix up leads to them texting from each other’s phone as Callum flies back to Ireland. They almost immediately fall into s3xy, flirty banter and Callum lives for winding Nate up. Even after they switch phones back they can’t stop texting and even being so far apart from each other, and only having met each other for a few hours the pull between them just gets stronger. This novella is a fun, no angst, steamy addition to what is already one of my favourite series about a super loving and supportive quirky family who all have awesome cameos in this story. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
May 24, 2023
I liked the book a lot, enjoyed their text and phone banter and how their relationship developed.
But for anyone very familiar with the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions, be prepared to be taken completely out of the book for a brief period early on with some laughable regional geography and related logistics that speak to how there's no way this writer or their editor know a thing about the area this book primarily takes place in. I had to stop reading and wonder if this was even worth my time to continue. I picked it up again a few days later and was able to finish it after realizing, thankfully, that there would be almost no more references to the area again.
The old adage of 'write what you know' is well known for a reason. It's okay to go outside of what you know, but you've got to be willing to spend a little time researching what you don't know if you expect it to seem realistic. This was so laughably inaccurate. Seems like a small thing, but it'll likely be the most memorable thing about this book for me in a few years.
But for anyone very familiar with the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions, be prepared to be taken completely out of the book for a brief period early on with some laughable regional geography and related logistics that speak to how there's no way this writer or their editor know a thing about the area this book primarily takes place in. I had to stop reading and wonder if this was even worth my time to continue. I picked it up again a few days later and was able to finish it after realizing, thankfully, that there would be almost no more references to the area again.
The old adage of 'write what you know' is well known for a reason. It's okay to go outside of what you know, but you've got to be willing to spend a little time researching what you don't know if you expect it to seem realistic. This was so laughably inaccurate. Seems like a small thing, but it'll likely be the most memorable thing about this book for me in a few years.
February 16, 2023
If you are looking for a quick read that is cheeky, funny and sexy then this novella is the one. One of the things I love about short stories is they dive straight in, no dilly dallying before things happen. Callum is flirty and has no worries expressing how he feels and what he wants. This gets the story going and it doesn't stop. The text exchanges start off flirty and hilarious and then turn down right sexy. I loved the dynamic between them, I didn't care that not much else happened in the story it was just about Callum and Nate. This is a standalone but contains lots of characters that have their own stories so you would benefit by reading them at some point. Despite homophobic references from Nate's family this is a low angst story, almost insta-love and smokin' hot. It's a 5 stars, I already need more of Nate and Callum. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 27, 2023
Ugh. I’m so happy and so sad I read this novella because NOW I HAVE TO READ THE REST OF THE SERIES. Here I was thinking I would just have a quick easy read, hopefully with a little spice and a dash of humor - you know, a little break from reality. And I DID get that, but ugh it was so good that now I want the rest. Cute concept - an accidental phone switch not realized until we got to the airport leading to ongoing conversation, developing friendship, and a whole lot of long distance exploration. Now, I don’t think they would actually not realize they didn’t have the right phone (how? I mean, my plane ticket is on the phone), but if you suspend that disbelief the rest is smooth like butter. Did I see my desire to read the series as the book unfolded? Yes. Great side characters with little nibblets of their stories made me want more while not distracting from the story itself and still can be read as a stand alone. Winning on all the levels.
December 22, 2024
I can’t believe this one is getting less than a 3 star. Shocked. This was cute with the phone mix up to different continents and it was cute how Callum was slowly getting Nate out of his shell and accepting who he was.
But Callum started from the deep end, he knew how Nate was but still pushed and pushed, even toeing some lines. And Nate was fine with his boundaries being crossed?
I understand trying to push boundaries to try and get a different viewpoint but like I said Callum started at the deep end. He did eventually think to himself that he’s pushing Nate too far and he should chill, and he did. But still. But Nate was fine with it and they fell in list and in love.
I liked the bit where Nate actually talked with his sister to help him understand and figure things out, and I liked reading their dynamic and their scenes.
Overall I just didn’t like it like the others which is so disappointing.
But Callum started from the deep end, he knew how Nate was but still pushed and pushed, even toeing some lines. And Nate was fine with his boundaries being crossed?
I understand trying to push boundaries to try and get a different viewpoint but like I said Callum started at the deep end. He did eventually think to himself that he’s pushing Nate too far and he should chill, and he did. But still. But Nate was fine with it and they fell in list and in love.
I liked the bit where Nate actually talked with his sister to help him understand and figure things out, and I liked reading their dynamic and their scenes.
Overall I just didn’t like it like the others which is so disappointing.
February 22, 2023
This was a cute, fluffy novella with no angst and some fun banter. I realized after starting to read that this is part of a MUCH larger book universe (this was actually my first book by the author), and despite being able to tell that there was lots and lots of backstory for the many, many cameos in the story, it didn't really detract from my enjoyment of the book and didn't get in the way of following the story - so, definitely reads ok as a standalone. My biggest quibble was that with 2 main characters from different continents, there wasn't much difference in their speech or cultural references, just an occasional shite and wank from Callum. For some reason I found this distracting, but overall this was a nice, easy, quick read for when you're looking for something fluffy and feel good - and I imagine it's even better if you're a fan of the books that have come before.
February 16, 2023
ARC received from GRR for an honest review.
Callum and Nate meet at a family birthday party. They don't exactly hit it off but because of a phone mix-up they're soon sexting each other and genuinely getting to know each other. Nate is a little uptight due to family issues but it doesn't take Callum long to loosen him up. Soon they are having more fun together than either thought possible.
This is a short, fast paced GFY romance. Callum and Nate have good chemistry and there are many LOL moments in their sexting. I felt like they brought out the best in each other. I did think it was a little lacking in the get to know each other before they were living together and it would've benefited being longer. I did enjoy it and would definitely read more from this author.
Callum and Nate meet at a family birthday party. They don't exactly hit it off but because of a phone mix-up they're soon sexting each other and genuinely getting to know each other. Nate is a little uptight due to family issues but it doesn't take Callum long to loosen him up. Soon they are having more fun together than either thought possible.
This is a short, fast paced GFY romance. Callum and Nate have good chemistry and there are many LOL moments in their sexting. I felt like they brought out the best in each other. I did think it was a little lacking in the get to know each other before they were living together and it would've benefited being longer. I did enjoy it and would definitely read more from this author.
February 22, 2023
As is usual for Isla Olsen, Text Me Up is a novella full of laughs and includes some ridiculous antics of the Kelly crew. Callum is a cousin from Ireland and after meeting Nate at Declan's birthday party while visiting, he doesn't exactly make a good first impression. Well, in hindsight maybe he did. A mistaken phone switcheroo has Callum heading to Ireland and Nick to Connecticut before realizing the mistake. What ensues is some teasing through text which turns into downright dirty sexting. Since this is a novella, it isn't long before both men are falling head over heels. It becomes even more clear when they once again meet up in person that these two are meant to be. A fun addition to the Love and Luck series!
October 1, 2025
Stay far away from this scammer!
This author is a thief who's scammed tens of thousands of dollars from her readers selling them special edition books via Kickstarter that don't exist that she never delivers on (from two different accounts, since she was banned from doing it again after her first scam). For over a year she's been telling lie after lie, giving excuse after excuse to supportive readers who just want what they paid for.
Do not support this author!
Receipts:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=onwxu...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-yf4V...
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/...
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/...
This author is a thief who's scammed tens of thousands of dollars from her readers selling them special edition books via Kickstarter that don't exist that she never delivers on (from two different accounts, since she was banned from doing it again after her first scam). For over a year she's been telling lie after lie, giving excuse after excuse to supportive readers who just want what they paid for.
Do not support this author!
Receipts:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=onwxu...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-yf4V...
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/...
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/...
February 21, 2023
This might be one of the more clever devised book plots I have read. Two men meet at party, take the wrong fun, began a flirty game of sexting, and that soon blossoms into a relationship. Given how opposite the two are you would never put them together. Callum is confident, out loud and proudly gay, whereas Nate is timid and just acknowledging his bi side. It was fun watching them find love. I loved how Callum was so confident and so patient in helping Nate figure out himself and life. That to me is true love. A fast, easy read that left me wanting more. I did receive an ARC and leave this honest review.
February 22, 2023
Text Me Up was a quick read with an interesting meet cute story - Callum having accidently grabbed the wrong phone and Nate ending up with Callum's for a bi-awakening, opposites attract romp where Nate has to wrestle with a homophobic family history and also figure out if Callum is serious or just playing with him...
As a novella, you can't expect a ton of depth, but there were little breadcrumbs that could have lead to that depth and since the author chose to expand some of the story from their YBBB short, I kind of wish that a few more of those breadcrumbs had gotten expanded... but, it was exactly as advertised, steamy, funny and sweet.
As a novella, you can't expect a ton of depth, but there were little breadcrumbs that could have lead to that depth and since the author chose to expand some of the story from their YBBB short, I kind of wish that a few more of those breadcrumbs had gotten expanded... but, it was exactly as advertised, steamy, funny and sweet.
March 6, 2023
This is the 9th book in the Love and Luck series, and while I recommend reading the entire series, it is not necessary to get the gist of this book. There are, however, lots of characters to whom we are introduced in the previous books and they are worth getting to know. Nate and Callum have inadvertently mixed up phones and as Callum returns to Ireland after visiting the Kelly cousins in the US, they start to chat via phone. They agree to return the other’s phone, but are reluctant to do so for fear of losing the connection that they feel for the other.
I absolutely love this series and this book was pretty great too. The Kelly cousins were a hoot and a half. Callum and Nate are so cute with each other and I loved the teasing and the fun they had while they were getting to know each other. I love funny, light-hearted romances, so this was right up my alley. The MC’s did not have a good first impression of each other, but after getting to know each other via text, I realized they had good chemistry and were just adorable as a couple. I highly recommend this series and this author.
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I absolutely love this series and this book was pretty great too. The Kelly cousins were a hoot and a half. Callum and Nate are so cute with each other and I loved the teasing and the fun they had while they were getting to know each other. I love funny, light-hearted romances, so this was right up my alley. The MC’s did not have a good first impression of each other, but after getting to know each other via text, I realized they had good chemistry and were just adorable as a couple. I highly recommend this series and this author.
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 10, 2023
A Short, sweet, spicy and Insta-Love no Angst Novella. They meet a family to get together or weeding.....talked one flirted, and they left the party and picked up the wrong phone.... in the process of getting their Phones back to each other they text ;)
My basic facts
Genre: MM Contemporary Romance Novella
Series: part of it yes
Love triangle? No
Cheating? No
HEA? Yes
Favorite character? Callum ? Nate ? idk both
Would I read more by this author/or of the series? Yes
Would I recommend this book/series? Yes and No
Will / Would I read this again in the future? NO
Star rating? 2,7
My basic facts
Genre: MM Contemporary Romance Novella
Series: part of it yes
Love triangle? No
Cheating? No
HEA? Yes
Favorite character? Callum ? Nate ? idk both
Would I read more by this author/or of the series? Yes
Would I recommend this book/series? Yes and No
Will / Would I read this again in the future? NO
Star rating? 2,7
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 15, 2023
Contains: virtual relationship-ish, awakening, wrong phone, long distance.
Re-read with the new editing. The story is great. The author makes a wonderful job to fix the story in this book for it to align with Finn book.
Mixing phones, becoming friends or more online, helping the other to discover himself, and feeling proud to be who he is, and of course exploring this side of himself. Amazing, all the feels and so hot.
Include: sexting, phone sex, 1st time with a man, long distance, virtual, lust or hate at 1st sight.
Re-read with the new editing. The story is great. The author makes a wonderful job to fix the story in this book for it to align with Finn book.
Mixing phones, becoming friends or more online, helping the other to discover himself, and feeling proud to be who he is, and of course exploring this side of himself. Amazing, all the feels and so hot.
Include: sexting, phone sex, 1st time with a man, long distance, virtual, lust or hate at 1st sight.
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