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Love #3

Love Is In The Message

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The hallways are a scary place for a new relationship -- with Eddie and the J's targeting Luke every way they can.

It doesn't help one little bit when Ryan Kitchener, the boy who attacked Luke when he was younger, pays a visit to Luke's house. He leaves a message that could change the growing love between Cameron and Luke for ever.

40 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 1, 2012

2 people are currently reading
242 people want to read

About the author

R.J. Scott

307 books2,719 followers
RJ Scott writes heartwarming, passionate MM/gay romance stories where every man finds his happily ever after. When not writing, she enjoys reading books, watching movies, spending time with her family, following Formula 1 (Forza Ferrari!), and cheering on the Pittsburgh Penguins. Email her here: rj@rjscott.co.uk

Find RJ here: Amazon | BookBub | Facebook - Also, Never miss a release

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5 stars
69 (22%)
4 stars
108 (35%)
3 stars
102 (33%)
2 stars
24 (7%)
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4 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
Profile Image for Meags.
2,490 reviews700 followers
October 13, 2018
4 Stars

And that’s a wrap on this sweet and emotional little trilogy of shorts.

In this final instalment of Luke and Cameron’s blossoming romance, Luke faces his demons, both past and present, and ultimately takes a stand against his current tormentor. I felt like a proud Mama when he stood up for himself and fought back against the bully. It was an empowering moment and I wanted to whoop and cheer... and then cuddle him in the aftermath.

I liked the way everything was resolved, or at least how things were left on a positive and hopeful note. I also really liked the supporting characters in this addition, with Luke’s sister and bestie playing more prominent roles. I even appreciated the school principal and his handling of the situation Luke found himself in later in the story.

This series was a truly lovely M/M themed YA read and I honestly couldn’t stop once I started. I really enjoyed following Luke and Cameron’s story and only wish that there was more of it.
Profile Image for * A Reader Obsessed *.
2,711 reviews581 followers
March 4, 2019
3.5 Stars

A fitting end to this little trilogy.

It isn’t easy, and it’s not all sunshine and rainbows but love is a powerful thing and it can bring joy as well as forgiveness.

Again, topical YA, warts and all.
Profile Image for Barbara➰.
1,665 reviews461 followers
September 26, 2019
These three little books were about love, coming of age, self-discovery and forgiveness. They were about stepping out of your comfort zone and empowering yourself to go after your hopes and dreams. Two sweet boys falling in love and overcoming obstacles to be who they are together. These three little books just made my heart swell with sweetness and love. Adorable.

"What you did in school today was one of the bravest things I have ever seen. I don’t know what’s going to happen at the end of our freshman year, you could have met someone else—"

"I won't—"

"But now, at this very moment in time I love you so bad it hurts."
Profile Image for Ami.
6,261 reviews489 followers
May 18, 2012
Luke receives a letter from the boy who attacked her when Luke was younger. In the letter, Ryan (the attacker) tells Luke that he is sorry for what he has done. Then, few days later, when Luke and Cam and Mitchell (Luke's best friend) and Megan (Luke's sister) are out together, someone slashes Luke's tires. It's all built up that when one of the bullies comes to give another threat to Luke, he snaps ...

...

This is the third story from "Love Is In" series, an M/M young adult series featuring Luke and Cam. Honestly, I don't remember much from the two previous stories *hang head in embarassment* but thankfully, you don't need to remember the details to appreciate this one.

I love how Luke's finally lets out what he has stored inside. I actually applauds him for taking a stance over the bully. While I'm not a supporter of violence, but there is a limit to one's patience afterall. I think Luke is so brave and so wonderful.

I love Luke and Cam's relationship. I hope the next story will tackle Luke's fear over actual sex since that one issue is hanging in the backdrop of this story.
Profile Image for Mandy*reads obsessively* .
2,197 reviews340 followers
May 18, 2012
I hate having to wait between these stories! I want and I want more now! :)
Anyway poor Luke, my heart breaks for him but I am so glad he has his mom, friends and Cam!
I know things will get better for him, but it's hard to read about all the crap he is going through, now I just have to wait for the next one!
Profile Image for Serena Yates.
Author 104 books771 followers
June 22, 2012
I didn't think it was possible for this series to get any better, but the third volume proved me wrong (and I couldn't be happier!). Luke and Cameron are amazing together, and when their relationship is really tested by bullies and an intrusion from Luke's past, they need to be stronger than ever.

Luke has stood up to the bullying for a while, but dealing with one of the worst of his tormentors, one who physically attacked him a few years ago and is now in prison, takes a lot of courage. It also brings back all his fears that Cameron, who is far less willing to 'blend in' will be hurt by more than words (which is bad enough!). And he wants to avoid that if at all possible. The choices he has to make are tough, but he faces and makes them with his own unique brand of courage, determination, and love - and, in the end, that is what it's all about.

Cameron is such a wonderful partner. He supports Luke, challenges him to stay true to himself, and grows as a person while he is at it. He clearly loves Luke deeply and will do anything to help him, and to keep him safe. He has his task cut out for him in this story!

While this book (the entire series, really) doesn't shy back from the realities of being bullied, and coming out, it does so in a sensitive, gentle way which gives a lot of hope that things will become better. Not just for Luke and Cameron who plan to soon go to college together, but for all teenagers who are different and stand up for who they are.

If you like stories where the main characters are challenged into learning and growing into better, stronger people, if you enjoy watching the first tender moments of young love exploring a partner, and if you want to see how Luke and Cameron are doing, you will love this book as much as I did. I can only hope there will be another installment where we see the two young lovers at college. That would be just awesome!



NOTE: This book was provided by the author for the purpose of a review.
Profile Image for Julesmarie.
2,504 reviews89 followers
May 13, 2012
Beautiful! Cam and Luke are both just the biggest sweethearts, so forgiving and hopeful and brave.

This is such an inspiring series: acknowledging the bullying and the teasing, but doing it in the most amazingly hopeful way.

The only thing I'm left wanting at the end of this one is that every Luke out there could have a Cam and a Mitchell to stand beside them.

That being said, though, I'm reminded of all the times Luke didnt have them with him and made some really tough choices on his own. Good, inspiring choices that make me wish we all could be so wise and forgiving.
Profile Image for Susan.
2,359 reviews460 followers
December 25, 2015
This was my least favorite of the 3 books in this short series.
Book 1 started out really sweet. Book 2 was a bit problematic, but I still liked it. Book 3… just had more problems, without the cuteness that saved book 2 for me.

Nice boys, Luke and Cam, but a little too much drama for me.


This calls for a Jake picture to cheer me up.
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Profile Image for Rosemary.
449 reviews46 followers
May 13, 2012
I love this series and I have been waiting for this story. It was so worth the wait. This was an emotional read and you really feel for all Luke is struggling to work through. Cam was his usual amazing and wonderful self. I loved Mitchell and Megan. I loved the whole story.

Here's hoping we get to visit all of these characters again soon. :)
Profile Image for Anke.
2,506 reviews98 followers
May 12, 2012
Go, Luke and Cam!
Profile Image for Ro.
3,124 reviews16 followers
May 29, 2012
Reviewed for Hearts On Fire Reviews

This is the third in the love series, telling the story of Cam and Luke, high school students who are facing their last year of high school with some bullies and bigots. Their friends, Mitchell and Dan, are still amazing but the jerks are worse than ever. Cam has less to deal with, as he was captain of the football team and a popular guy, but Luke has been a target for years. He is a “nerd”, brainy instead of athletic, and he’s been known as gay for much longer.
When the bullying becomes just too much, Luke finally snaps. It is a testament to his strength and belief in himself that he didn’t before this point. At the same time, he is forced to face someone (via letter) from his past who hurt him deeply physically and emotionally and this is a difficult thing for him to know how to deal with. But Luke is a future thinker – he tends not to live in the past.
Luke is lucky, even with all that happens, because he has great friends, an incredible boyfriend (my lord but I love Cam) and a mom that we should all have. Many teens, whether gay or not, don’t have that to help them face problems. Luke faces damage to his car, threats of violence, actual violence, slurs, bigotry and bullying. So his idea that there is “me inside- hates so much” makes sense, but he doesn’t see how well he handles everything. Cam sees it though, and I love that.
This is the most difficult of the three stories and powerful in a different way. There are a lot of problems to be faced at any age, and high school is where people are forced to deal with others without much recourse. It’s a great ending to this (although I so wish we could see what happens with Cam and Luke in the future, college and after).
Profile Image for Lena Grey.
1,617 reviews25 followers
October 21, 2015
'Love is in the Message' by RJ Scott is the third book in the 'Love is...' series which follows Luke and Cameron through the trials and tribulations of two teenaged young men in love.

A situation arises where Luke is forced to face demons which have haunted him in the past and have kept him in passive mode. These circumstances also afford him an opportunity for forgiveness and closure. As the homophobic threats escalate, Luke is forced to take a stand, regardless of the consequences. The time for taking the path of least resistance has passed.

Cameron and his friends and family are behind him all the way, just as they have always been. Cameron continues to be the touchstone in Luke's life providing support and love. He once again proves how sincere he is about his feelings for Luke and how perfect he is for him.

Even though it has the most angst of the three volumes, this is my favorite book of the series. I would be proud to have these two brave, sensitive, caring young men as my sons. This isn't a standalone book. The series must be read sequentially in order to make sense, but it’s well worth it. I'd recommend it to everyone, especially to young adults and their families. RJ's message of being brave enough to be true to yourself is an important and timely one which applies not only to teens but to us all. Thanks, RJ, for sharing Luke and Cameron's inspiring story with us. By the way, will we get to see how they fare in college and beyond?

NOTE: This book was provided by the author for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Profile Image for Sadonna.
2,706 reviews47 followers
May 18, 2012
I really liked this latest installment of Cam and Luke's story. This one takes a decidedly dark turn which I think is right for this couple. All that Luke has endured pushes him to a level he never thought he'd reach - but the truth is there's that place where we all just snap. I know that twice in my life it has happened to me. Once I was able to pull back and also had some control in the situation because it was only verbal and I was the guy's boss. The second time it happened, I was lucky I was in a semi-public place because I think the other party meant to do me real physical harm. In this story, I thought the whole scene and the aftermath was handled really well and I wish it happened in more real life situations. I just love Cam in this one. He shows real maturity in his understanding and care for Luke. I can't wait to read more about them and their unfolding love story.

The one disappointment I had was in the editing of this one. The timeline is off - the opening scene refers to a quiz taking place the next day and everyone studying and yet later that evening, plans are discussed to go to the lake for the day the next day - like it's a weekend? Huh? Are they giving quizzes at the lake now? There were an unusual number of misses elsewhere in the story that I couldn't help but notice as well. Not sure what happened since this is not usually the case.
Profile Image for marky.
217 reviews17 followers
November 3, 2014
When his dad left he had promised her he would be her strength- he'd only been eight but he knew then he would never want to do anything to hurt her.

I imagined a small Luke telling this to his mom when their world seemed to fall apart. It was heartfelt and heartwarming. Seeing an innocent eight year old boy trying to be a brave man in a cruel world. It really did touch me. Apparently, this is the final book in the Love Series and probably the best among the first two. Because the minor characters were also given enough attention. It showed how supportive and great Luke's mom was. And also showing the possibility of Mitchell being with Luke's sister.

I'm very pleased how Cameron turned out to be in this last series. Because he suddenly became this kind of super sweet and very caring boyfriend. And started cracking jokes to Luke which was so cute. Like he treated Luke as his air and he couldn't live without him. Oh god. And I also admired how humble Luke was, to forgive Ryan- the man who almost killed him. That was great.

But I was not really satisfied with the conclusion. Because the story swiftly ended. I was so surprised seeing the words 'The End' so soon. I want more of Luke and Cam. I crave for them! Wish there would be another sequel.
Profile Image for Isabel.
210 reviews27 followers
May 16, 2012
I love this series and this is just one more wonderful story by R.J. Scott.
Luke is such a wonderful brave young man, going thru so much, still dealing with what happened to him in the past and being bullied by Eddie and his stooges, just for being who he is. At this stage his life seems pretty awful but he manages to be kind and forgiving to those who certainly don't deserve it, he doesn't let his heart be consumed by hate, instead he holds on to what really matters to him, his family, his best friend and his boyfriend. Through it all, and when Luke is able to open up, Cam seems to know just what to say and how to make Luke feel better, showing what an amazing boyfriend he is.

I hope will be able to read a lot more about Luke and Cam and see how their relationship is going to blossom... I would like to read more about Mitchell and Megan too... and I felt that there is a possibility of something happening between Luke's mom and Mr. Grayson.

This is my favorite so far... and in the end Love is really in the message.
Profile Image for Carly.
369 reviews4 followers
May 16, 2012
Luke is such a wonderful character. life has thrown so much at him and he is trying to muddle though and he feels so much and he has this image of how he should react and he feels he is nt living up to it. But I really liked his reply to the letter, it speaks so much of the kind of person he is that he was able to let go of his anger and hate and concentrate on all the people he has in his life that love him. And I liked they were making plans even though Luke was a little reluctant about accepting it will actually happen.

I liked the little interlude with Mitchel and Megan, it was sweet, the way they acted as well as Luke's reaction. And the shout out to Twilight :)

While reading I was thinking how I would like to be in Cam's head at least for a while.
Profile Image for Usagi Tsukino.
1,146 reviews12 followers
June 8, 2012
...Are you doing it on purpose, RJ?!

It was, again, too short!

...And that's the only "complaint" I have!

Any chance to get another sequel? I would like to know if Mitchell and Megan get together after all!

As for Cam & Luke~ I wanna read more of them!
Profile Image for Nicky.
4,138 reviews1,116 followers
June 23, 2012
If you've read my reviews of the first two books, you pretty much know what to expect. These are short and sweet books, with a surprisingly high level of character development -- I feel like I know and understand Cameron and Luke, and even the other minor characters to some degree. This one is just as sweet as the others in Cam and Luke's growing relationship, and still deals with the more complicated side of being 'out' in a school -- the jeering, bullying, etc, and hints at worse in Luke's past.

It has a feel-good ending to top it off, and I rather hope we'll get to see more of Cam and Luke.
Profile Image for Sharon.
137 reviews
May 13, 2012
Another wonderful story in this series. Luke is such a brave young man. And Cameron is perfect for him. Don’t forget to have tissues on hand when you read this. So far, it’s my favorite of the series.
Profile Image for Adrienne -kocham czytać-.
688 reviews59 followers
December 12, 2014
Best of this series so far. It gets more physically and emotionally violent, more is exposed, and I really hope Scott comes out with the next soon!

"Luke had had so much thrown at him over the last few years that a few scratches in paintwork were the least of this worries. Marks in metal could be removed; scars in skin and inside a person were much harder to heal."

Luke feels authentically juvenile, yet mature at the same time, and I love Cam and his unwavering support and understanding. It's really a good rendering of high school dramatics. Recommended.
Profile Image for Betryal.
720 reviews3 followers
August 26, 2016
I could truly feel the caring and the building of emotions along with the love both characters felt with one another. I enjoyed all three books in the set where they actually connected and the storyline is great. It kept me captivated.

My only wish is it would have been great to see them again together in later years. Like one of those 'Where are that at now?' type of stories.

Nicely written and well put out there. Worth taking the time to read.
Profile Image for Riina Y.T..
Author 7 books60 followers
May 10, 2013
Learning about the past and what brutal things kids are capable of doing to others - just because they don't fit their image of whatever stupid fantasy world they want to belong - was quite touching.

Sadly it's the last of the series, I guess. It would always be fun to continue to follow their journey out of High School, simply because the writing is really lovely and the characters totally lovable!

It will be worth your time - so give it a go! :)
71 reviews
May 16, 2017
Good description of frustrations affecting gay males.
Profile Image for Devy B .
261 reviews14 followers
July 3, 2021
It’s better than the 2nd one. I was kind of annoyed with Luke and his attitude with Cam and the “ in 3 months everything will be over” again and gain but he’s just an 18 years old boy who went through a lot. And Cam is amazing, so loving, patient and caring.
The swimming in the lake part during the picnic is cute as hell.
Why the author didn’t write of them? It’s unfinished and I want more of them, I want a full length book . I want to see their 1st time together, going to college together, living together like they decided to, graduating and getting jobs. I want an HEA down the road.
Some stuff stayed unresolved, we don’t know if Luke was okay with not hiding his relationship in school anymore? Mitchell and his sister Megan story, they were everything but subtle.. Luke’s mum and Mr Grayson..

Anyway High-school sweetheart who are each other first and stay together forever is the best thing. It makes me want to read one of my favorites stories about high school sweethearts.

I recommend it. I recommend all the books.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews

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