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Flexibility
Jared Glass thinks he’s got a pretty sweet deal. Andrew Blackwell is his best friend and roommate, they both live for gymnastics, and Jared’s on his way to the 2016 Olympics. Then Jared’s teammate breaks his leg, and Andy is named his replacement … except no one tells Jared, and isn’t that something you’d tell your best friend? Then again, they’re good at bending around the Andy’s been in love with Jared for years but stays silent; Jared denies it could even be possible. Surely two friends this close can be more?
A story from the Dreamspinner Press 2013 Daily Dose package "Make a Play".
A story from the Dreamspinner Press 2013 Daily Dose package "Make a Play".
26 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 31, 2013
24 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
June 13, 2013
Really enjoyable story set against the backdrop of the men's gymnastics team who are preparing for the London Olympics. It takes the threat of losing Andy to make Jared acknowledge his true feelings for his best friend.
Great short friends-to-lovers story (not that it moves past kissing) and I loved the way it was told. Present tense from Jared's POV, it's full of humour as Jared struggles with his internal thoughts and justifications for his feelings.
A nice happy ending. "He thinks if he moves too much he might burst, so he just opens his mouth to his best friend - who is something else to him now, something indefinable and huge - and kisses back slow and gentle."
Great short friends-to-lovers story (not that it moves past kissing) and I loved the way it was told. Present tense from Jared's POV, it's full of humour as Jared struggles with his internal thoughts and justifications for his feelings.
A nice happy ending. "He thinks if he moves too much he might burst, so he just opens his mouth to his best friend - who is something else to him now, something indefinable and huge - and kisses back slow and gentle."
June 8, 2013
Cute short, but how much you enjoy it will depend on how you like Jared.
Jared narrators this story and I like him, I think he's funny and annoyingly annoying. He is in love with is best friend and teammate Andy, and has been since forever, and everyone knows, really everyone I'm guessing, well excerpt Jared.
It's a light quick read, although I couldn't help but wonder what is going to happen to Andy taking part in the Olympics with only 2 months left and a sprained wrist and a concussion?
Jared narrators this story and I like him, I think he's funny and annoyingly annoying. He is in love with is best friend and teammate Andy, and has been since forever, and everyone knows, really everyone I'm guessing, well excerpt Jared.
It's a light quick read, although I couldn't help but wonder what is going to happen to Andy taking part in the Olympics with only 2 months left and a sprained wrist and a concussion?
June 26, 2013
Could have been a very nice read, but the writing style didn't work for me. Too much rambling, too many parentheses.
June 8, 2013
Denial is a very powerful force, and this story shows what the potential consequences might be: losing the person you love because sheer stubbornness will not allow you to admit you love them. Jared is right in the middle of refusing to admit there may be more between himself and Andy than friendship. It takes an external force (in this case an insistent twin sister and a car accident) to jolt him back into reality.
Jared is not a very nice guy. He's a master at denial, emotionally repressed to the nth degree, and has been ignoring his best friend's feelings, not just his own, for years. There is some niggling awareness at the edge of his consciousness, and he does admit tat he loves Andy like his own family but more than that? Come on!
Andy is an extremely patient guy and he must have gone crazy by now. He's been friends with Jared since second grade, has had a boyfriend (which, although it is never said, I am convinced he got together with to attempt to make Jared jealous), and has waited for Jared to come to his senses for much too long.
The tone of this story is humorous, and that made the whole situation (which would otherwise be somewhat strange - how can anyone be that deeply in denial?) bearable for me. Jared's inner dialogue is peppered with funny comments and his sense of humor made me grin. If you like stories about men who don't take themselves too seriously despite telling you the opposite is true, if you enjoy reading about friends who are very clearly meant to be together as lovers, and if you're looking for a quick, fun read, then you will probably like this short story.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review.
Jared is not a very nice guy. He's a master at denial, emotionally repressed to the nth degree, and has been ignoring his best friend's feelings, not just his own, for years. There is some niggling awareness at the edge of his consciousness, and he does admit tat he loves Andy like his own family but more than that? Come on!
Andy is an extremely patient guy and he must have gone crazy by now. He's been friends with Jared since second grade, has had a boyfriend (which, although it is never said, I am convinced he got together with to attempt to make Jared jealous), and has waited for Jared to come to his senses for much too long.
The tone of this story is humorous, and that made the whole situation (which would otherwise be somewhat strange - how can anyone be that deeply in denial?) bearable for me. Jared's inner dialogue is peppered with funny comments and his sense of humor made me grin. If you like stories about men who don't take themselves too seriously despite telling you the opposite is true, if you enjoy reading about friends who are very clearly meant to be together as lovers, and if you're looking for a quick, fun read, then you will probably like this short story.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review.
August 20, 2013
This review can be found at Brief Encounters Reviews.
I think if you like characters who are rather flighty and self-deluded you'll enjoy this, or he'll make you crazy. Jared doesn't handle change well, and just in advance of the Olympics, his roommate suddenly becomes his team-mate which throws him completely into a panic attack. He also sort of admits that he is into Andy, but has managed to convince himself that it's normal he's jealous of Andy's boyfriends, and that he never wants him to leave. Besides, Jared's had girlfriends.
Even Jared's twin sister gives him grief over his hidden homosexuality, but he continues to deny it, until Andy is hurt in a car accident and he finally realizes the reality of it all.
I did enjoy Jared, even if he is totally over the top. His internal monologue as he convinces himself that he's not in love with Andy, and that finding him attractive is normal, and telling himself that he's totally self-aware, were amusing. Even though they cuddle and hold each other, he's padding happily down the Nile.
The banter between Jared and his twin was cute. A typical sister she wastes no time in tell him he's an idiot, and I liked that Andy was letting him go at his own pace, but I could see that Jared's drama-queen antics could put some readers off. However it almost reminded me of a sitcom. Everything has to be just a little bit extreme to show how ridiculous he's being. I found myself smiling while reading and the length is just right for that kind of humour as I doubt it could be sustained for a novel length book or it would make you crazy long before it ended. Great if you need a pick-me up.
I think if you like characters who are rather flighty and self-deluded you'll enjoy this, or he'll make you crazy. Jared doesn't handle change well, and just in advance of the Olympics, his roommate suddenly becomes his team-mate which throws him completely into a panic attack. He also sort of admits that he is into Andy, but has managed to convince himself that it's normal he's jealous of Andy's boyfriends, and that he never wants him to leave. Besides, Jared's had girlfriends.
Even Jared's twin sister gives him grief over his hidden homosexuality, but he continues to deny it, until Andy is hurt in a car accident and he finally realizes the reality of it all.
I did enjoy Jared, even if he is totally over the top. His internal monologue as he convinces himself that he's not in love with Andy, and that finding him attractive is normal, and telling himself that he's totally self-aware, were amusing. Even though they cuddle and hold each other, he's padding happily down the Nile.
Plus, Jared refuses to believe he’s that dumb. No way is he emotionally constipated enough not to have noticed he’s in love with his best friend. That would seriously be the worst example of self-awareness ever. Anna is totally wrong; he is like 300 percent innate emotional awareness, 200 percent muscle. Like Batman. Actually, bad example on the awareness slot.
The banter between Jared and his twin was cute. A typical sister she wastes no time in tell him he's an idiot, and I liked that Andy was letting him go at his own pace, but I could see that Jared's drama-queen antics could put some readers off. However it almost reminded me of a sitcom. Everything has to be just a little bit extreme to show how ridiculous he's being. I found myself smiling while reading and the length is just right for that kind of humour as I doubt it could be sustained for a novel length book or it would make you crazy long before it ended. Great if you need a pick-me up.
June 15, 2013
2 1/2 Hearts
Review written for MM Good Book Reviews
Jared hates change, he gets just a touch melodramatic when a team mate breaks his leg two months before the Olympics. Jared’s best friend and roommate, Andy, is called in to compete and Jared is crushed that Andy didn’t tell him.
This is a friends to lovers’ story that balances a fine line between humorous and annoying. Jared is in love with his best friend, Andy, he hides behind their friendship explaining away what he really feels to himself so he never faces his real feelings. Andy loves Jared as well so he is willing to stick around, waiting for Jared to face his feelings and admit them to himself. After being completely clueless for so long and ignoring everything his sister has ever said to him when Andy is injured in a car accident Jared realises, in a rush, what a fool he has been and that his feelings for Andy are much more serious than he thought.
Jared is sooooo annoying with his drama queen attitude and unawareness of his own and other people’s feelings, his only saving grace was that he had a humorous inner dialog. Andy has the patience of a saint that is the only reason I can see for him hanging around such a completely obtuse man for so long, but the wants what the heart wants. I would like to say that I liked how the story progressed but I’d be lying, I didn’t like it at all. Jared kept thinking about how he felt for Andy, made excuses for what he felt, ignored his sister’s advice and finally he realised how he really felt because Andy got hurt, it was just disappointing.
I will recommend this if you love friends to lovers’ stories, an obtuse man, an infinitely patient man, admitting your love and a happy ending.
Review written for MM Good Book Reviews
Jared hates change, he gets just a touch melodramatic when a team mate breaks his leg two months before the Olympics. Jared’s best friend and roommate, Andy, is called in to compete and Jared is crushed that Andy didn’t tell him.
This is a friends to lovers’ story that balances a fine line between humorous and annoying. Jared is in love with his best friend, Andy, he hides behind their friendship explaining away what he really feels to himself so he never faces his real feelings. Andy loves Jared as well so he is willing to stick around, waiting for Jared to face his feelings and admit them to himself. After being completely clueless for so long and ignoring everything his sister has ever said to him when Andy is injured in a car accident Jared realises, in a rush, what a fool he has been and that his feelings for Andy are much more serious than he thought.
Jared is sooooo annoying with his drama queen attitude and unawareness of his own and other people’s feelings, his only saving grace was that he had a humorous inner dialog. Andy has the patience of a saint that is the only reason I can see for him hanging around such a completely obtuse man for so long, but the wants what the heart wants. I would like to say that I liked how the story progressed but I’d be lying, I didn’t like it at all. Jared kept thinking about how he felt for Andy, made excuses for what he felt, ignored his sister’s advice and finally he realised how he really felt because Andy got hurt, it was just disappointing.
I will recommend this if you love friends to lovers’ stories, an obtuse man, an infinitely patient man, admitting your love and a happy ending.
June 9, 2013
In Maja Rose’s delightful short story, “Flexibility,” Jared and Andy are gymnasts training for the Olympics. (For the purpose of disclosing possible bias, I must admit the word beginning with the letter “g” in that sentence makes me swoon.)
Jared and Andy have also been best friends forever since at least second grade. Andy has come out and at one time had a boyfriend. Jared thought “gross” was the way to describe what he heard them doing behind the thin walls in his and Andy’s apartment.
Jared believes he’s straight. His failed affair with Erica and his admitting, to himself at least, he loves Andy platonically don’t alter his view of his sexuality. Jared thinks he’s “just the sort of person who can appreciate some good aesthetics. Aesthetically, Andy is pleasing (to the eye, like?), so, you know, no big deal.”
Ah, yes, we’ve been down this road before. But rarely has the trip been so enjoyable as it is in “Flexibility.” For one thing, Rose makes Jared and Andy seem utterly believable. For another, Rose’s writing (in the present tense) is simply beautiful.
(As originally reviewed on Rainbow Book Reviews. Please visit http://www.rainbowbookreviews.com for other reviews that may be of interest.)
Jared and Andy have also been best friends forever since at least second grade. Andy has come out and at one time had a boyfriend. Jared thought “gross” was the way to describe what he heard them doing behind the thin walls in his and Andy’s apartment.
Jared believes he’s straight. His failed affair with Erica and his admitting, to himself at least, he loves Andy platonically don’t alter his view of his sexuality. Jared thinks he’s “just the sort of person who can appreciate some good aesthetics. Aesthetically, Andy is pleasing (to the eye, like?), so, you know, no big deal.”
Ah, yes, we’ve been down this road before. But rarely has the trip been so enjoyable as it is in “Flexibility.” For one thing, Rose makes Jared and Andy seem utterly believable. For another, Rose’s writing (in the present tense) is simply beautiful.
(As originally reviewed on Rainbow Book Reviews. Please visit http://www.rainbowbookreviews.com for other reviews that may be of interest.)
June 4, 2013
Reviewed for Hearts On Fire Reviews
2.5 Diva gymnast. That pretty much sums up Jared Glass when it comes to how he handles things pertaining to the 2016 Olympics. He gets himself into a snit. I did think it would have been a more minor snit had Andrew (his roommate) himself told Jared they were now on the team together. Instead, Jared finds out when he shows up for practice to see a teammate in a cast and Andrew practicing.
Jared is also apparently very unaware of his own emotions or maybe just deep in denial. He doesn’t seem aware that he is in love with Andrew (though he will admit to a teeny bit of lust). While I liked the way the two of them related to each other, I didn’t really see how Jared could not know. They cuddle, they talk things out, they are there for each other. So clueless, even after Andrew gives him a prompt of sorts.
The story is cute enough (and I do like the way they talk to each other, a combination of coarse and sweet) but I didn’t really get any feeling for them as a couple. Good for a short, between longer book read.
2.5 Diva gymnast. That pretty much sums up Jared Glass when it comes to how he handles things pertaining to the 2016 Olympics. He gets himself into a snit. I did think it would have been a more minor snit had Andrew (his roommate) himself told Jared they were now on the team together. Instead, Jared finds out when he shows up for practice to see a teammate in a cast and Andrew practicing.
Jared is also apparently very unaware of his own emotions or maybe just deep in denial. He doesn’t seem aware that he is in love with Andrew (though he will admit to a teeny bit of lust). While I liked the way the two of them related to each other, I didn’t really see how Jared could not know. They cuddle, they talk things out, they are there for each other. So clueless, even after Andrew gives him a prompt of sorts.
The story is cute enough (and I do like the way they talk to each other, a combination of coarse and sweet) but I didn’t really get any feeling for them as a couple. Good for a short, between longer book read.
June 21, 2013
Beans: Andy is the voice of reason, as Jared flipped out about change in the U.S. gymnastics team. Andy was the beautiful calm in Jared’s storm. I loved the play and comfort. Then there is this one part where real pain enters with the potential to hurt Andy. And Jared steps up to the plate and comes to terms with his emotions. And it’s beautiful. I cheered them on,both in their gymnastics careers, and in love.
Nina: I loved this one. It had me smiling the whole time. Very cute and sweet with a sort of stream of consciousness, snarky voice. These boys werendeliciously sexy and adorably sweet together. I just wish it had been longer. I want to see them compete at the Olympics and find out how they did. I want to see them together as a couple, although Jared seems to be the only one who didn't already consider them to be one. I want to attend their second wedding.
Nina: I loved this one. It had me smiling the whole time. Very cute and sweet with a sort of stream of consciousness, snarky voice. These boys werendeliciously sexy and adorably sweet together. I just wish it had been longer. I want to see them compete at the Olympics and find out how they did. I want to see them together as a couple, although Jared seems to be the only one who didn't already consider them to be one. I want to attend their second wedding.
June 11, 2013
June 8 release of 2013 Daily Dose: Making a Play.
This might have been a nice friends-to-lovers story, but it was too juvenile for my tastes. And the back drop of the gymnastics served no read purpose. Cannot recommend.
This might have been a nice friends-to-lovers story, but it was too juvenile for my tastes. And the back drop of the gymnastics served no read purpose. Cannot recommend.
June 3, 2013
Jared and his best friend Andrew are headed to the Olympics when Jared is pushed by his twin sister to admit his feelings for Andrew. Both guys are very immature for their ages and are not very likable. I'd suggest skiping this one.
April 9, 2015
Jared and Andy been living together for 2 years and andys been in love with him jared of course is clueless> andy joins the Olympic. BUt when Andy gets into an accident and jared realize what happens next do they win the games?? a few?
June 2, 2013
1.5 stars. I didn't really feel any chemistry between the MCs and the secondary characters were either overdone or dull. And the boys were always crying!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 26, 2013
Cute, but too short
June 4, 2013
I can only say it again, this story is to short and to undeveloped to be any good. And plainly, what a boring read!!!!
June 9, 2013
Tough read. When I started, I thought it was just a blurb for the book. There was so much going on in such a little space. The POV gave the book a stand-offish tone.
June 25, 2013
I'm not a fan of present tense when reading, but this was a cute story. I liked the characters and Jared's voice through this.
July 23, 2015
2.5 stars
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews