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More Me with You
Will is in Bristol for a brand-new start. He’s got his outrageous flatmate, Emma, his job at the bookshop and he’s totally infatuated with Gus. A French Bulldog. An actual relationship with an actual man seems about as real as the science fiction novels Will stacks on shelves all day long. And then into his life walks Ben.
Ben is all the things Will isn’t: confident, charming (bordering on cocky), popular, a Jiu Jitsu champion, and generally deflecting life’s problems as easily as dodging a clumsy throw on the mat. Whereas Will comes out in a rash at the thought of public speaking, he’s been too way nervous to try dating apps and he’s let his social life go stale since he moved to this big beautiful city.
What starts as unfriendly rivalry grows into friendship and then blossoms into something more…and soon Will and Ben are bonding over their shared love of comic books and loaded burritos. Will feels like he can open up to Ben in a way he never has before. Except…there’s one truth Will doesn’t know how to share. How will Ben react if he knows? It’s time for Will to come out with it, even if it changes everything…because the most important person he needs to be true to is himself.
Ben is all the things Will isn’t: confident, charming (bordering on cocky), popular, a Jiu Jitsu champion, and generally deflecting life’s problems as easily as dodging a clumsy throw on the mat. Whereas Will comes out in a rash at the thought of public speaking, he’s been too way nervous to try dating apps and he’s let his social life go stale since he moved to this big beautiful city.
What starts as unfriendly rivalry grows into friendship and then blossoms into something more…and soon Will and Ben are bonding over their shared love of comic books and loaded burritos. Will feels like he can open up to Ben in a way he never has before. Except…there’s one truth Will doesn’t know how to share. How will Ben react if he knows? It’s time for Will to come out with it, even if it changes everything…because the most important person he needs to be true to is himself.
Audiobook
First published June 15, 2023
10 people are currently reading
201 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 137 reviews
June 21, 2023
No, the way this was adorable and fresh!! It’s also a little bit of a Halloween novella! And completely unrelated it made me crave Mexican food SO BADLY. I’m always impressed when novellas can make me feel so much in such a small amount of space, and this was no exception. I saw on Twitter that this was the author’s first piece of fiction, so I’ll definitely be on the lookout for more!
I really enjoyed the slice of life we got because Will was such an awkward cinnamon roll!! Ben was also a cinnamon roll. It was just so sweet!! I teared up when Will talked about how transitioning saved his life :,) it’s such an earnest little snack of a novella.
I do wish their relationship would’ve started a bit sooner, rather than some of the failed dates etc. I think they could’ve been summed up in a paragraph or two so there was more focus on the main couple!! It would’ve picked the pace up a smidge and solidified the quick pace of the romance. Even then, it’s such a quick listen that I can’t complain.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5 0🌶️*/5
*There’s no steam and honestly no space for it so I didn’t mind.
I really enjoyed the slice of life we got because Will was such an awkward cinnamon roll!! Ben was also a cinnamon roll. It was just so sweet!! I teared up when Will talked about how transitioning saved his life :,) it’s such an earnest little snack of a novella.
I do wish their relationship would’ve started a bit sooner, rather than some of the failed dates etc. I think they could’ve been summed up in a paragraph or two so there was more focus on the main couple!! It would’ve picked the pace up a smidge and solidified the quick pace of the romance. Even then, it’s such a quick listen that I can’t complain.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5 0🌶️*/5
*There’s no steam and honestly no space for it so I didn’t mind.
June 22, 2023
Adorable
June 21, 2023
A delightful listen to a very modern love story.
I loved Will and his journey, I laughed at loud at his misadventures with his 'packer' and I also found Ben the kind of character I'd love to know more about.
A short but very enjoyable listen!
(Although the narrator should maybe have found out what a Liverpool accent sounded like, as theirs was decidedly Boltonesc to me)
I loved Will and his journey, I laughed at loud at his misadventures with his 'packer' and I also found Ben the kind of character I'd love to know more about.
A short but very enjoyable listen!
(Although the narrator should maybe have found out what a Liverpool accent sounded like, as theirs was decidedly Boltonesc to me)
September 9, 2025
This was sweet and incredibly humorous (especially that scene in the bar😂). The story focuses more on Will and Ben’s dancing around each other as opposed to them getting into a relationship and working things out after. It was giving rom-com — a great change of pace for me and an easy read for a late Sunday afternoon.
Bonus points for the MCs’ interesting hobbies / backstory: I need to meet more jiujitsu-practising robotics engineers in my everyday life pls.
Expect
- Trans rep
- Dislike to lovers
- Coming of age
- Supportive friends
- Disastrous experience with dating apps
Audiobook review: 5 stars
It took a while for Harrison Knights to grow on me but his narration was good!
Audiobook included with my Audible membership.
Bonus points for the MCs’ interesting hobbies / backstory: I need to meet more jiujitsu-practising robotics engineers in my everyday life pls.
Expect
- Trans rep
- Dislike to lovers
- Coming of age
- Supportive friends
- Disastrous experience with dating apps
Audiobook review: 5 stars
It took a while for Harrison Knights to grow on me but his narration was good!
Audiobook included with my Audible membership.
July 13, 2024
2.5 Points
This could .... no it SHOULD have been cute. It had all the right ingrediants for a winner, but then it failed to convey feelings to me. My guess is that the story was just to short for the writer to develop the characters properly.
This could .... no it SHOULD have been cute. It had all the right ingrediants for a winner, but then it failed to convey feelings to me. My guess is that the story was just to short for the writer to develop the characters properly.
July 17, 2023
Sweet story but pretty flat. I didn’t feel the chemistry between the MCs. And Will's procrastination in coming clean with Ben just got old.
January 3, 2026
This brilliant little gem is brought to you by the Audible Plus Catalog. I love utilizing the catalog when I am in between my longer books and just need a bit of a novella moment.
Will was so utterly charming! I loved him and the progression of his story. Having to keep such a large part of yourself hidden in fear of being rejected has to be one of the most heartbreaking things. He finally has the chance for a new start, but there is always the question of what if lingering in the background. What if they don't like me anymore, what if they take it as a betrayal, on and on the questions never stop.
Then comes Ben, and he is every bit the hunk that Will has been dreaming about. Except Will can't quite tell if their feelings are mutual or if it is him falling for another straight man.
As the story progresses you can tell the feelings between these two are genuine, but that doesn't make being honest any easier.
Having the opportunity to read about trans characters that are not fetishized is a true gift and if you have no idea what I am talking about you need to broaden your horizons just a bit.
Harrison Knights did the narration justice and while I've never heard of this narrator before I know that I will be seeking out Harrison's work in the future. His accents were on point, not to mention how simple he made it seem transitioning (see what I did there) into one voice from another.
Will was so utterly charming! I loved him and the progression of his story. Having to keep such a large part of yourself hidden in fear of being rejected has to be one of the most heartbreaking things. He finally has the chance for a new start, but there is always the question of what if lingering in the background. What if they don't like me anymore, what if they take it as a betrayal, on and on the questions never stop.
Then comes Ben, and he is every bit the hunk that Will has been dreaming about. Except Will can't quite tell if their feelings are mutual or if it is him falling for another straight man.
As the story progresses you can tell the feelings between these two are genuine, but that doesn't make being honest any easier.
Having the opportunity to read about trans characters that are not fetishized is a true gift and if you have no idea what I am talking about you need to broaden your horizons just a bit.
Harrison Knights did the narration justice and while I've never heard of this narrator before I know that I will be seeking out Harrison's work in the future. His accents were on point, not to mention how simple he made it seem transitioning (see what I did there) into one voice from another.
August 7, 2023
3,75 ⭐
I just need a longer story
I just need a longer story
March 31, 2025
This was one of those sweet little Romance reads that’s the perfect amount of cozy and warm and feel good vibes. I absolutely loved it.
November 22, 2023
still on my journey to find more m/m written by queer men but these Audible exclusive novellas have been more misses than hits so far.
First up, I never fully warmed up to Bertie's writing style - not his fault, but I could tell pretty early on that his style of introspection, his humor, and his pacing were not for me.
What worked for me was the slow warm-up we get between Will and Ben even as the rest falls flat.
First up, I never fully warmed up to Bertie's writing style - not his fault, but I could tell pretty early on that his style of introspection, his humor, and his pacing were not for me.
What worked for me was the slow warm-up we get between Will and Ben even as the rest falls flat.
July 23, 2023
- LGBTQ 🏳️🌈
- Forced proximity
- Enemies to lovers
- Workplace romance
- Rom-com
- Free with audible membership
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
I listened to this in one full sitting as I couldn't get enough.
It's the most wholesome and adorable read with a great storyline and great characters.
I loved hearing about Will and his journey and teared up when he talked about how transitioning saved his life. This book really highlights the struggles of trans people, revealing the insecurities and uncertainties they have to face especially in search of love. So I was over the moon when Will met Ben, I really enjoyed the way their relationship developed from enemies to friends to lovers, they are truly made for each other. I'm so happy Will finally got his hea.
Overall it was a feel good listen with some laugh out loud moments, I only wish it was longer and also the ending felt too rushed but hopefully Alex Bertie releases book two so we get to see Will and Ben's relationship blossom further.
- Forced proximity
- Enemies to lovers
- Workplace romance
- Rom-com
- Free with audible membership
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
I listened to this in one full sitting as I couldn't get enough.
It's the most wholesome and adorable read with a great storyline and great characters.
I loved hearing about Will and his journey and teared up when he talked about how transitioning saved his life. This book really highlights the struggles of trans people, revealing the insecurities and uncertainties they have to face especially in search of love. So I was over the moon when Will met Ben, I really enjoyed the way their relationship developed from enemies to friends to lovers, they are truly made for each other. I'm so happy Will finally got his hea.
Overall it was a feel good listen with some laugh out loud moments, I only wish it was longer and also the ending felt too rushed but hopefully Alex Bertie releases book two so we get to see Will and Ben's relationship blossom further.
January 10, 2025
Will is living his fresh start in Bristol, working at a charming bookstore. He wasn’t expecting Ben to walk in, nor was Will expecting to feel ~some kind of way~ for Ben. As the friendship grows into something more, Will must decide how and when to share aspects of his identity to Ben, and risk everything.
This is an @audible original so it might be harder to access for a broader audience, but I’d recommend it to anyone who has Audible (or can get a free trial). It’s a story designed for audio format, which I think really amplifies a story like this where the inner monologue takes center stage. With Will living at several intersecting identities, there are some deeply serious reflections in a lighthearted romance. The narration was clean and clear - I listened at a faster speed without any loss of quality. Would recommend!
This is an @audible original so it might be harder to access for a broader audience, but I’d recommend it to anyone who has Audible (or can get a free trial). It’s a story designed for audio format, which I think really amplifies a story like this where the inner monologue takes center stage. With Will living at several intersecting identities, there are some deeply serious reflections in a lighthearted romance. The narration was clean and clear - I listened at a faster speed without any loss of quality. Would recommend!
June 3, 2025
This book was a GREAT palette cleanser since I’ve been reading a lot of dark romance and medical textbooks lately. I gave it 3.5 stars rounded down but that is in no way an insult. Palette cleansers aren’t meant to be masterpieces.
A few reasons for the rating:
1) THIS WAS TOO SHORT!!!
2) Because it was so short, there were also a few times when large time skips happened and that’s never been my favourite thing in books.
3) The coming out scene at the end was very realistic. It’s scary, and Ben handled it fairly well, though he could have made a few less interruptions and jokes and just let Will say what he needed to say.
What I loved:
- This book was funny and creative. I was cracking up at Sam’s reaction to Will’s accidental B*ner scene.
- This was cute, and the Halloween part was my absolute favourite.
- This book also had dog-loving queers, which I 100% approve of. Usually they show Cat queers, and as a dog queer, this was refreshing to me.
- The voice actor was able to establish different characters well by using different speech patterns and accents and that was impressive to me
3.5 ⭐️
🫑 No spice, light flirty banter
Triggers: Mentions of transphobia in a person’s past, present transphobia in a queer setting (one quick scene), anxiety, body dysmorphia
A few reasons for the rating:
1) THIS WAS TOO SHORT!!!
2) Because it was so short, there were also a few times when large time skips happened and that’s never been my favourite thing in books.
3) The coming out scene at the end was very realistic. It’s scary, and Ben handled it fairly well, though he could have made a few less interruptions and jokes and just let Will say what he needed to say.
What I loved:
- This book was funny and creative. I was cracking up at Sam’s reaction to Will’s accidental B*ner scene.
- This was cute, and the Halloween part was my absolute favourite.
- This book also had dog-loving queers, which I 100% approve of. Usually they show Cat queers, and as a dog queer, this was refreshing to me.
- The voice actor was able to establish different characters well by using different speech patterns and accents and that was impressive to me
3.5 ⭐️
🫑 No spice, light flirty banter
Triggers: Mentions of transphobia in a person’s past, present transphobia in a queer setting (one quick scene), anxiety, body dysmorphia
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December 12, 2024A Heartfelt and Honest Journey
More Me With You by Alex Bertie is an incredibly touching and authentic audiobook. Bertie’s personal story of self-discovery and navigating gender identity is both empowering and emotional. His honest narration brings an added layer of depth to the experience, making it feel like a conversation with a close friend. The rawness and vulnerability in his storytelling make this a powerful and relatable listen. It’s a beautiful exploration of self-acceptance, and I absolutely loved it! Highly recommended for anyone seeking an inspiring and heartfelt narrative.
More Me With You by Alex Bertie is an incredibly touching and authentic audiobook. Bertie’s personal story of self-discovery and navigating gender identity is both empowering and emotional. His honest narration brings an added layer of depth to the experience, making it feel like a conversation with a close friend. The rawness and vulnerability in his storytelling make this a powerful and relatable listen. It’s a beautiful exploration of self-acceptance, and I absolutely loved it! Highly recommended for anyone seeking an inspiring and heartfelt narrative.
June 3, 2024
3.5 stars, rounded up - I did get a bit frustrated with Will's inability to tell Ben that he is trans. I understand why he hesitated, but it got to be a bit ridiculous near the end. But, as this is a short novella that is more a character study with a dash of romance, I understood that was how this was meant to go, and I enjoyed a lot of other things about this, so it isn't hard to be charitable in my rating.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 22, 2023
I think my problem with this was that it wasn't joyful at all. Will finally got to be who he wanted to be, where he wanted to be, and has a meet-ugly with Ben at their Jiu Jitsu tournament when Ben wins their match. Then they kind of redo their meet-cute when it turns out that Ben works at the same bookstore and they end up friends. Then after a series of awkward first dates/dating app ghosting from strangers, he finally gets it together to acknowledge that there is something here with Ben.
I just felt like all of the comedy bits about the wayward peen felt like we were supposed to be laughing at Will's situation but since Will wasn't laughing too, I didn't find it funny at all. He was sad and upset and buddy, we all knew you were doing your best. I fully acknowledge that this could be a me issue and not the book issue.
I just felt like all of the comedy bits about the wayward peen felt like we were supposed to be laughing at Will's situation but since Will wasn't laughing too, I didn't find it funny at all. He was sad and upset and buddy, we all knew you were doing your best. I fully acknowledge that this could be a me issue and not the book issue.
June 27, 2023
3.75 Stars
Cute and short read
Cute and short read
July 15, 2023
Short and cute MM romance with trans representation. Audible original so there's no Kindle or paperback version. 3 stars
July 22, 2023
Short and cute MM romance story with trans main character♡
August 26, 2024
This was just so cute!!!! Navigating dating after transitioning. I thought overall it was cute and I loved these two.
November 29, 2024
A bit short but fun
August 18, 2025
The description doesn't say what the big secret is, but I strangely had a feeling that I knew.
Loved this book so much. Just a big lump of hope and life and happiness.
The narrator was perfect for the characters.
Also, once I realised that my instinct about what was unsaid in the description of the book was correct (within the first couple of paragraphs) - I realised I "know" the author from his early YouTube days!
That made it extra special to read the book.
Loved it.
Loved this book so much. Just a big lump of hope and life and happiness.
The narrator was perfect for the characters.
Also, once I realised that my instinct about what was unsaid in the description of the book was correct (within the first couple of paragraphs) - I realised I "know" the author from his early YouTube days!
That made it extra special to read the book.
Loved it.
August 20, 2023
This wasn't the fluffy story I was expecting it to be: it was refreshingly real. Will's character especially felt so realistic and well-rounded. I also loved the hobbies each character had!
As opposed to being gloomy, I found Will's struggles humanising and relatable. I also always appreciate an "introvert trying not to become a recluse in the adult world" story :')
I thought the it was well-paced considering it's length and the ending made my heart burst in the best way. Additionally, having a trans guy narrating was a cherry on top.
As opposed to being gloomy, I found Will's struggles humanising and relatable. I also always appreciate an "introvert trying not to become a recluse in the adult world" story :')
I thought the it was well-paced considering it's length and the ending made my heart burst in the best way. Additionally, having a trans guy narrating was a cherry on top.
December 31, 2025
All the blessings to Alex Bertie for saving me from my final read of the year being a 1 star. The true hero of 2025.
This was such a great novella. Highly recommend. Adorable, funny, heartwarming. Loved it. I’d have happily taken a full length book about Ben & Will.
This was such a great novella. Highly recommend. Adorable, funny, heartwarming. Loved it. I’d have happily taken a full length book about Ben & Will.
July 24, 2023
Adorable and quick read. Great narrator if you choose audio. It’s a great insight to the world of dating as a trans man but also just an endearing friend dynamic and a wholesome romcom.
February 19, 2025
A charming lite bite of a book. I would have happily enjoyed this as a full meal—good writing, delightful characters—so I hope we'll see some longer form stories from Bertie in the future.
[Lovely audiobook narration by Harrison Knights]
[Lovely audiobook narration by Harrison Knights]
July 5, 2023
Listened to a shift's worth, so most of it.
This is free with audible membership (uk) and doesn't appear to be available in print.
A decision that may bring more samplers but limits readers.
I listen to audio in work then read a few pages before bed, not having this option I've simply not returned to the story.
It's OK.
Likable trans character though I'm not sure he likes himself much. I'm wary commenting as the author states they drew a lot on real life. Alex I hope you accept yourself.
Some of the humour is cringy, forced laughter over excruciating embarrassment. Laughter is healthier than hiding away but as a listener it was confusing on how to react - I was more send virtual hugs than smile over it.
It's a cute minor rivalry turns into friendship turns into more. I think a lot of people will like it and it's 'own voice' if you have access definitely give it a try.
For me it's format, I prefer to read not listen. If my shift had been longer I'd have finished it, but where I ended seemed closure enough.
This is free with audible membership (uk) and doesn't appear to be available in print.
A decision that may bring more samplers but limits readers.
I listen to audio in work then read a few pages before bed, not having this option I've simply not returned to the story.
It's OK.
Likable trans character though I'm not sure he likes himself much. I'm wary commenting as the author states they drew a lot on real life. Alex I hope you accept yourself.
Some of the humour is cringy, forced laughter over excruciating embarrassment. Laughter is healthier than hiding away but as a listener it was confusing on how to react - I was more send virtual hugs than smile over it.
It's a cute minor rivalry turns into friendship turns into more. I think a lot of people will like it and it's 'own voice' if you have access definitely give it a try.
For me it's format, I prefer to read not listen. If my shift had been longer I'd have finished it, but where I ended seemed closure enough.
January 4, 2024
This was a quick listen, free with audible membership. Overall, it was fairly enjoyable and a decent couple of hours. This is a pretty straightforward getting to know you & starting to date story; no on or off page spice.
Likes
- Rep (mc): gay trans man, post-transition, beginning to date other men & nervous about sharing that he’s trans
- Rep (LI): bisexual love interest, about a year post coming out as bi
- Love interest occasionally dabbles in drag, which is fun!
- Two nerdy boys who work in a bookshop
- There were some trans related shenanigans that were funny
Not my favorite:
- I wish we could leave behind the panic that a guy is straight once he’s seen with a friendly, possibly ex-romantic, girl. It’s not a very bi-friendly trope, and you’d think the bisexual bff could have pointed out that the LI could be bi when the MC expressed this woe to her, but she didn’t.
- Not the most developed plot, but it’s under 3 hours, so that’s not too shocking
Likes
- Rep (mc): gay trans man, post-transition, beginning to date other men & nervous about sharing that he’s trans
- Rep (LI): bisexual love interest, about a year post coming out as bi
- Love interest occasionally dabbles in drag, which is fun!
- Two nerdy boys who work in a bookshop
- There were some trans related shenanigans that were funny
Not my favorite:
- I wish we could leave behind the panic that a guy is straight once he’s seen with a friendly, possibly ex-romantic, girl. It’s not a very bi-friendly trope, and you’d think the bisexual bff could have pointed out that the LI could be bi when the MC expressed this woe to her, but she didn’t.
- Not the most developed plot, but it’s under 3 hours, so that’s not too shocking
Displaying 1 - 30 of 137 reviews