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Check Yes or No
Sam and Reese exchanged valentines when they were children, neither realizing how much those simple cards would impact their lives. When fate brings both together again as adults, what started as a friendship grows into more. They celebrate every year on the day that brought them together, Valentine’s Day by reading from their first Valentine’s and looking back on all the events that have shaped their lives as a couple. Valentine’s Day brings them more love and happiness than they could ever have imagined all those years ago
39 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 8, 2019
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74 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
April 13, 2019
***2 Stars***
This was....not that good.
I'm always looking to find new to me authors, and when I read the blurb for this little nugget I jumped all over this.
Unfortunately, while the premise was sweet, it failed in execution. The story was underdeveloped and beyond cheesy, there was no difference between the past and present voices of the MCs (they felt immature), but what really didn't work for me was the clunky writing.
Here's the opening:
I stepped into the busy bar and shook the rain off my coat, while I glanced around for that familiar mop of dark hair until I spotted him. I laid my hand between his shoulders and leaned in for a kiss.
Yes, that's the first two sentences of the book. And it didn't get better.
April 14, 2019
Sometimes children have deep friendships that could become more when they are adults – but in Sam and Reese’s case, for the longest time it didn’t look as though it was meant to be. I can’t even imagine the heartbreak Sam felt when Reese moved away the day after Sam gave him a Valentine card asking him to be more than a friend. In Sam’s mind, even years later, Reese rejected him in the worst way possible by just leaving without a word.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
February 13, 2019
Reese and Sam are an established couple. They are sitting in a bar reminiscing about the Valentine's Days they have spent together. Unfortunately it is choppy and overly cheesy. I don't know these two enough and the revisits of the past time were not done well as they still didn't help me know them as a couple. Overall, it just didn't work for me.
February 12, 2019
*sigh* I really, really hate giving 1 star but this little short was tiring with the switching from present to past then back again, which happened more than once. Unfortunately the 26 pages wasn't enough to get a feel for these guys. I think there was potential in there somewhere but it got lost.
February 14, 2022
This is a short and sweet Valentine's Day story with Sam and Reese's tradition of card giving. It's a story of love and happiness,
It's well written with descriptive scenes and is an enjoyable read.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
It's well written with descriptive scenes and is an enjoyable read.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
July 17, 2024
OK, I have thoughts. Short stories are their own art form, and different skills are needed. There is a whole world to introduce and a whole plot to convey with a very small amount of words. Some folks are so talented at cramming a whole universe into 15 pages and some folks are not, and that's OK.
This was not well-crafted. Love the premise, but it's written as if it is snippets from a longer book. It was also clearly written very quickly. The conceit is that these 2 men go to a certain bar every valentine's day and exchange the cards they gave each other when they were kids. Cute, right? It goes from present day, back to 10 years ago, present day, 5 years ago, present day, 3 years ago, present day, 5 years later. In the second present day snippet, they LEAVE THE BAR, go home and have sex off page, then reminisce about 3 years ago. When it goes back to present day again, we are BACK IN THE BAR LIKE WE NEVER LEFT. Then they exchange the cards again, even though they did that in the first present day snippet.
I had to go back and check to see if I read it wrong the first time somehow. But no, they definitely left the bar and were in bed cuddling already.
Again, clearly this was written very hastily and maybe not beta read. And again, short stories are hard to craft properly. It could have been very cute, but definitely missed the mark.
Edited to add: I read through the other reviews and no one has mentioned the fact that they left the bar and then were suddenly back in the bar again. I feel like I'm losing my mind.
This was not well-crafted. Love the premise, but it's written as if it is snippets from a longer book. It was also clearly written very quickly. The conceit is that these 2 men go to a certain bar every valentine's day and exchange the cards they gave each other when they were kids. Cute, right? It goes from present day, back to 10 years ago, present day, 5 years ago, present day, 3 years ago, present day, 5 years later. In the second present day snippet, they LEAVE THE BAR, go home and have sex off page, then reminisce about 3 years ago. When it goes back to present day again, we are BACK IN THE BAR LIKE WE NEVER LEFT. Then they exchange the cards again, even though they did that in the first present day snippet.
I had to go back and check to see if I read it wrong the first time somehow. But no, they definitely left the bar and were in bed cuddling already.
Again, clearly this was written very hastily and maybe not beta read. And again, short stories are hard to craft properly. It could have been very cute, but definitely missed the mark.
Edited to add: I read through the other reviews and no one has mentioned the fact that they left the bar and then were suddenly back in the bar again. I feel like I'm losing my mind.
February 22, 2019
New to me author. This story was a mm contemporary novella with established couple Reese and Sam. There was some snap shots of the past, so it jumped back and forth. I’ll read this author again.
September 16, 2019
No es Bueno! Super cheese and very disjointed.
July 30, 2019
Beautiful story. Loved the title.
April 6, 2021
i loved this book. Sam and Reese traded Valentine's cards as kids. They never knew those cards would bring them back together. They cross paths when they are older and that sparks that turns into a flame. Their Valentine tradition brings them closer together. Valentine day always brought them love and happiness. What will the future hold for them?
February 8, 2019
PLEASE READ FIRST MY RATING SYSTEM!!!
To my ratings (thanks to amazon I had to change it again and 'upgrade' it a little bit.):
5* - very very good and rare (it would be a Blow-
Away-book like 'Liberty' from Seth King,
'Save the at he kids' series from EM Leya or
'Jesse's Smile' from Angelique Jurd), it's like
an A+
4* - very good and will be often reread and is a
WOW-book with interesting plot and surprises
(like most of Andrew Grey books) it's like an A
3,5* - a really good book, which will be reread a few
times a year (most romances where you can
enjoy for relaxing and during waiting times in
hospitals). I can recommend them definitively!
It's like an B+
3* - it could be more then a one-time-reader,
maybe 2-3 times a year. It’s like a B
2* - it was ok to read, but it's more a one-time-
reader (i wouldn't recommend it heartily, but
it was ok). It's like a C-, D
1* - sorry, but that isn't really a book for me (too
many mistakes, not nice plot, illogical, so an
absolut NO-GO). It's like failure in the whole
line, dismissed, repeat the class
To my ratings (thanks to amazon I had to change it again and 'upgrade' it a little bit.):
5* - very very good and rare (it would be a Blow-
Away-book like 'Liberty' from Seth King,
'Save the at he kids' series from EM Leya or
'Jesse's Smile' from Angelique Jurd), it's like
an A+
4* - very good and will be often reread and is a
WOW-book with interesting plot and surprises
(like most of Andrew Grey books) it's like an A
3,5* - a really good book, which will be reread a few
times a year (most romances where you can
enjoy for relaxing and during waiting times in
hospitals). I can recommend them definitively!
It's like an B+
3* - it could be more then a one-time-reader,
maybe 2-3 times a year. It’s like a B
2* - it was ok to read, but it's more a one-time-
reader (i wouldn't recommend it heartily, but
it was ok). It's like a C-, D
1* - sorry, but that isn't really a book for me (too
many mistakes, not nice plot, illogical, so an
absolut NO-GO). It's like failure in the whole
line, dismissed, repeat the class
August 15, 2024
I received Check Yes or No as a freebie, for which I am grateful. Nevertheless, this story wasn't one for me.
The writing is sometimes a bit awkward (eg the second sentence of the story: "I laid my hand between his shoulders and leaned in for a kiss"), and I spotted some spelling errors (specifically apostrophes in wrong places). At the start I felt there was a lot of "telling" instead of "showing".
I enjoyed the first flashback, but I was disappointed it ended where it did, and the next flashback was 5 years later, so it didn't feel like I actually got to know how they'd gotten together after meeting again for the first time in adulthood.
I get that Valentine's Day is important to this couple - how they first asked to be each other's valentine back when they were kids only to be separated for years the very next day, then meeting again on Valentine's Day when in college... But the repetition of dialogue and actions felt stiff to me. I don't want to yuck another person's yum but it didn't work for me personally; it felt rather awkward at times.
The 5 Years Ago chapter was my favourite; that one was super cute, as was the exchange with Nita the bartender at the end of the last chapter!
The writing is sometimes a bit awkward (eg the second sentence of the story: "I laid my hand between his shoulders and leaned in for a kiss"), and I spotted some spelling errors (specifically apostrophes in wrong places). At the start I felt there was a lot of "telling" instead of "showing".
I enjoyed the first flashback, but I was disappointed it ended where it did, and the next flashback was 5 years later, so it didn't feel like I actually got to know how they'd gotten together after meeting again for the first time in adulthood.
I get that Valentine's Day is important to this couple - how they first asked to be each other's valentine back when they were kids only to be separated for years the very next day, then meeting again on Valentine's Day when in college... But the repetition of dialogue and actions felt stiff to me. I don't want to yuck another person's yum but it didn't work for me personally; it felt rather awkward at times.
The 5 Years Ago chapter was my favourite; that one was super cute, as was the exchange with Nita the bartender at the end of the last chapter!
February 28, 2023
Check YES or NO
This is a cute novella based on the valentine's we write as kids. We often buy the cheap small Valentine's. Sometimes we buy generic. Sometimes we buy a Star Wars Darth Vader like they did in this one. Sometimes we might buy Naruto, or Minecraft, or My Little Pony like they also did in this story.
The thing is both of them wrote the same thing. They basically wanted the other person to check YES or NO if they would become friends with them. Then they continued to write how if they said NO that they would still like them and want to be their friend anyway.
They both said yes. The rest of the story is about 10 yrs from that kindergarten. In College. After they are married. Then they back it up.
The final Valentine's is at the end getting their son ready for Valentine's Day. He has heard all their stories and he feels so good with Minecraft. When he comes home from school, he will stay with his grandparents while his Dad's go out and celebrate that Valentine's Day again from long ago...They have always loved each other and liked each other.
Makes you happy.
Must read novella. Quick read.
10/10
This is a cute novella based on the valentine's we write as kids. We often buy the cheap small Valentine's. Sometimes we buy generic. Sometimes we buy a Star Wars Darth Vader like they did in this one. Sometimes we might buy Naruto, or Minecraft, or My Little Pony like they also did in this story.
The thing is both of them wrote the same thing. They basically wanted the other person to check YES or NO if they would become friends with them. Then they continued to write how if they said NO that they would still like them and want to be their friend anyway.
They both said yes. The rest of the story is about 10 yrs from that kindergarten. In College. After they are married. Then they back it up.
The final Valentine's is at the end getting their son ready for Valentine's Day. He has heard all their stories and he feels so good with Minecraft. When he comes home from school, he will stay with his grandparents while his Dad's go out and celebrate that Valentine's Day again from long ago...They have always loved each other and liked each other.
Makes you happy.
Must read novella. Quick read.
10/10
February 18, 2022
Absolutely adorable novella about Sam and Reese. As children, Sam and Reese exchanged Valentine’s Day cards in which they each asked the other to be their Valentine. In each card the men (boys) asked the other to check yes or no in response to the “will you be my valentine question. Shortly after the fated card exchange, Reese and his family move away leaving Sam confused and filled with questions.
Although we will hear bits and pieces of this story of childhood crushes, it occurs entirely outside of the book, but the check yes or no theme continues. This story opens with their present day playing out of their card exchange as children. It goes on to explore pivotal Valentine’s days over the course of the next fifteen years beginning with their first one (where they reconnected) to future Sam and Reese helping their son choose cards to give out at school.
Very sweet, easy, and quick read!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Although we will hear bits and pieces of this story of childhood crushes, it occurs entirely outside of the book, but the check yes or no theme continues. This story opens with their present day playing out of their card exchange as children. It goes on to explore pivotal Valentine’s days over the course of the next fifteen years beginning with their first one (where they reconnected) to future Sam and Reese helping their son choose cards to give out at school.
Very sweet, easy, and quick read!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 20, 2022
SWEET FRIENDS TO LOVERS TO LIFE PARTNERS REMINISCE!
What a sweet poignant story that showcases how two friends that found each other after ten years or so became so much more!
They were each other’s first Valentine as friends with chosen cards with check boxes for yes or no to be each other’s Valentine, then Reese moved away……
When Sam was in College starting his first job at a diner on Valentine’s Day, their paths cross again and that is where their story begins and just builds from 3 years, 5 years, 10 years and then 15 years and each year they celebrate Valentine’s Day with the reminiscing of their first Valentine and the years that followed
The check box concept plays a big role in their lives throughout the whole build up of their story till the end!
Loved it!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
What a sweet poignant story that showcases how two friends that found each other after ten years or so became so much more!
They were each other’s first Valentine as friends with chosen cards with check boxes for yes or no to be each other’s Valentine, then Reese moved away……
When Sam was in College starting his first job at a diner on Valentine’s Day, their paths cross again and that is where their story begins and just builds from 3 years, 5 years, 10 years and then 15 years and each year they celebrate Valentine’s Day with the reminiscing of their first Valentine and the years that followed
The check box concept plays a big role in their lives throughout the whole build up of their story till the end!
Loved it!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 12, 2022
Perfect for Valentine's Day
This is a cute, short, and sweet M/M romance in the best sense. I love Sam and Reece as a couple. The novella skips around slightly, but it actually made the whole more endearing. The writing is clear and engaging. I loved the secondary characters, the humor, and the chemistry between Sam and Reece. What grabbed my heartstrings the most is the adorable relationship between Sam and Reese. When I think of Valentine's Day, love comes in so many forms with Sam and Reese's dialogue and actions being some of the best. I found myself smiling at the very satisfying conclusion.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a cute, short, and sweet M/M romance in the best sense. I love Sam and Reece as a couple. The novella skips around slightly, but it actually made the whole more endearing. The writing is clear and engaging. I loved the secondary characters, the humor, and the chemistry between Sam and Reece. What grabbed my heartstrings the most is the adorable relationship between Sam and Reese. When I think of Valentine's Day, love comes in so many forms with Sam and Reese's dialogue and actions being some of the best. I found myself smiling at the very satisfying conclusion.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 17, 2019
Even though this is a short and by extension cannot have the full story in it, it really seemed this only touched on the very edges. The story showed key points in the relationship of the two men when there were big changes, all based around their Valentine's tradition with the yes or no card. But since this was all that was shown there was nothing about how they were dating, living together, building a life together, and most importantly nothing about what made them fall in love. This made the short feel very shallow with no connection to the characters as these events simply pass by.
February 18, 2022
4.5 Stars
I thought Sam and Reese were wonderful. I really enjoyed Sam and Reese together. I loved the sweet and trueness of Sam and Reese's love for each other. Who knew that giving a valentine's' day card to someone would actually lead them to their person that they are meant to be with. I really enjoyed this book and I would I wanted to give it a 5 stars but I just felt like something was missing but I can't put my figure on it... I would recommend this book and BL as a wonderful author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I thought Sam and Reese were wonderful. I really enjoyed Sam and Reese together. I loved the sweet and trueness of Sam and Reese's love for each other. Who knew that giving a valentine's' day card to someone would actually lead them to their person that they are meant to be with. I really enjoyed this book and I would I wanted to give it a 5 stars but I just felt like something was missing but I can't put my figure on it... I would recommend this book and BL as a wonderful author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 16, 2020
Check Yes or No is a wonderfully sweet novella by BL Maxwell about two people who met in grade school and then rekindled their friendship when they run into each other again. Their lovely Valentine's Day tradition is so sweet and the ending hit my heart in all the right places. I always love BL Maxwell's books and Check Yes or No is definitely a light-hearted pick-me-up that everyone needs to read.
February 19, 2022
Sam and Reese were friends as children, and run into each other again as adults. They reminisce about past Valentine's Day celebrations. and have begun their own yearly tradition. There's no drama - it's not a sophisticated story - we don't learn a lot about the main characters. There is, however, a very sweet romance. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 19, 2022
This was a short, sweet Valentine's story about Sam and Reese who had exchanged Valentines as kids. Each chapter fluctuates from present day to some moment ten, five, or three years prior before returning to the present- and the future. A tender, sweet feel-good romance with no angst or drama. You don't really get the full story of these characters, and it's a short read so you don't really delve into their lives or who they are. But it was still a fun read. 4 stars.
February 18, 2022
Quick & Cute Love Story
I loved this cute short story. The progression of Sam's and Reese's story after meeting up again and for several years afterwards was a nice short read. I love that they continued their tradition from when they were kids and how it helped shaped other things they shared. It was definitely worth reading.
I loved this cute short story. The progression of Sam's and Reese's story after meeting up again and for several years afterwards was a nice short read. I love that they continued their tradition from when they were kids and how it helped shaped other things they shared. It was definitely worth reading.
February 20, 2022
Reese and Sam exchanged Valentine's when they were children and when they meet again as adults they are able to take their desire to be thine into a relationship. They had asked each other in the original card to check yes or no and as a couple they continue that tradition. This was sweet and romantic.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 18, 2024
This story had potential. The book starts with Sam and Reese as an established and very much in love couple, and then we go back and forth on different Valentine’s Days. I understand it’s a short story, but is still quite superficial, and we still don’t know what really happened on the Valentine’s Day they reconnect.
February 15, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
I enjoyed it well enough, but I would’ve enjoyed it significantly more if things were expanded just a bit more. Too much was crammed into too short of pages that I just didn’t connect to the characters. The story also felt choppy.
I enjoyed it well enough, but I would’ve enjoyed it significantly more if things were expanded just a bit more. Too much was crammed into too short of pages that I just didn’t connect to the characters. The story also felt choppy.
February 9, 2019
3.5 stars
February 27, 2019
Very cute and sweet Valentine's Day short story about the tradition of Reese and Sam - from their childhood through their anniversaries and beyond. Just lovely.
March 22, 2019
Omg this was beautiful. It would make a great movie. I can picture it. The scenes would have to be more detailed to make it long enough. I would go to the theater to see it and I never do that.
June 30, 2019
Short, sweet enjoyed it!
February 16, 2022
Check Yes or No is a short but sweet trip down memory lane. Meeting as children, the MCs meet again by chance as adults. Given the opportunity, they share memories and a relationship.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews