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Five Ways a Boy Can Break Your Heart
When Trey and Liam meet in boarding school, they couldn’t be more different. Liam is a classical violinist with a scholarship, and Trey is a punk rocker with famous parents. Despite their conflicting backgrounds, they hit it off and bond over their love of music. But after spending every waking hour together, Liam is devastated when Trey leaves school without an explanation. Worse yet, Trey capitalizes on a song they wrote together.
Seven years later, they bump into each other at a charity benefit in New York. Old sparks fly, but Liam hasn’t quite recovered from the pain Trey caused. Liam doesn’t know if any explanation Trey can offer will be enough, or if he can find it in his heart to forgive the only man he’s ever really loved.
Seven years later, they bump into each other at a charity benefit in New York. Old sparks fly, but Liam hasn’t quite recovered from the pain Trey caused. Liam doesn’t know if any explanation Trey can offer will be enough, or if he can find it in his heart to forgive the only man he’s ever really loved.
116 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 12, 2014
4 people are currently reading
251 people want to read
About the author
Cate Ashwood
53 books504 followersCate discovered her love for books of all kinds early on, but romance is where her heart truly lies. She is addicted to the happily ever afters and the journey the characters take to get there. Currently residing in British Columbia, Cate loves living just a stone's throw from the water. When she's not writing, she can be found consuming coffee at an alarming rate while wrangling her children, her husband, and their two cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
February 20, 2014
2.5 stars
This wasn't bad. But it was nothing special either. The word that comes to mind is GENERIC - sweet enough, best friends to lovers, heartache, coming together after a long absence. But it's all been done, and done better.
I don't usually love rock stars in my books anyway (fame is highly overrated as an aphrodisiac), although Trey being a rock star (something not mentioned in the blurb) is almost an afterthought. The "conflict" is that Trey took a song that he wrote with his best friend Liam when they were teens and sold it as his own, building his fame on the song after leaving and breaking Liam's heart.
The guys are best friends in high school and meet again seven years later when they're 24. Trey is a rocker and Liam a classical violinist. Sparks fly; they share a kiss and spend the night together. Then they have breakfast and hang out. Trey tries to leave (again) after misunderstanding Liam's conversation with his younger brother. Only then do the two talk about what happened when they were younger and what prompted Trey to be so callous in deserting Liam.
The whole thing was over before it started. The reconciliation was too easy. Liam was a pushover, and Trey barely sorry enough. He did a really shitty thing, and the "reasons" behind it just didn't resonate. We get a few flashbacks but not enough to build a solid foundation of friendship between the MCs and make me think that they truly belong together.
At the beginning of the book, Liam is so busy teaching violin and playing in an orchestra that he hasn't seen his then boyfriend for a month. Yet this issue magically resolves itself when he sees Trey. Trey's touring or recording isn't mentioned either; no one recognizes him as he's walking around New York with Liam. If you're gonna do a rock star story, make it believable. This one just lacked any oomph. If you like super easy, no-angst stories, you might enjoy this one fine. If you prefer more grit and a truly earned HEA, this book won't have much to offer.
If rock stars float your boat, I recommend Piper Vaughn's lovely Lucky Moon series, particularly the first two books, and Rowan Speedwell's edgier Illumination.
This wasn't bad. But it was nothing special either. The word that comes to mind is GENERIC - sweet enough, best friends to lovers, heartache, coming together after a long absence. But it's all been done, and done better.
I don't usually love rock stars in my books anyway (fame is highly overrated as an aphrodisiac), although Trey being a rock star (something not mentioned in the blurb) is almost an afterthought. The "conflict" is that Trey took a song that he wrote with his best friend Liam when they were teens and sold it as his own, building his fame on the song after leaving and breaking Liam's heart.
The guys are best friends in high school and meet again seven years later when they're 24. Trey is a rocker and Liam a classical violinist. Sparks fly; they share a kiss and spend the night together. Then they have breakfast and hang out. Trey tries to leave (again) after misunderstanding Liam's conversation with his younger brother. Only then do the two talk about what happened when they were younger and what prompted Trey to be so callous in deserting Liam.
The whole thing was over before it started. The reconciliation was too easy. Liam was a pushover, and Trey barely sorry enough. He did a really shitty thing, and the "reasons" behind it just didn't resonate. We get a few flashbacks but not enough to build a solid foundation of friendship between the MCs and make me think that they truly belong together.
At the beginning of the book, Liam is so busy teaching violin and playing in an orchestra that he hasn't seen his then boyfriend for a month. Yet this issue magically resolves itself when he sees Trey. Trey's touring or recording isn't mentioned either; no one recognizes him as he's walking around New York with Liam. If you're gonna do a rock star story, make it believable. This one just lacked any oomph. If you like super easy, no-angst stories, you might enjoy this one fine. If you prefer more grit and a truly earned HEA, this book won't have much to offer.
If rock stars float your boat, I recommend Piper Vaughn's lovely Lucky Moon series, particularly the first two books, and Rowan Speedwell's edgier Illumination.
February 24, 2015
This was really, really good. Trey and Liam were a lovely couple and the connection between the MC's was there. The only complaint I have is the length, I would have liked a bit more of the couple. It isn't super short, so you do get a satisfying amount of story. I just felt like I would have loved more of them.
The emotions in the story were really strong and I was rooting for the two of them to get back together. Trey really seemed to be sorry for leaving and I liked that Liam wasn't a total ass about forgiving him. He could have been, and it would have been justifiable, but he wasn't. That was another bonus for me.
This is a really lovely story by two incredible authors. Highly recommended!
The emotions in the story were really strong and I was rooting for the two of them to get back together. Trey really seemed to be sorry for leaving and I liked that Liam wasn't a total ass about forgiving him. He could have been, and it would have been justifiable, but he wasn't. That was another bonus for me.
This is a really lovely story by two incredible authors. Highly recommended!
February 13, 2014
4 stars for this one from me. I do like the childhood friends to lovers trope, throw in some angst and misunderstandings and I'm a goner plus this one was sweet.
As I'd really liked Cate Ashwood's 'Keeping Sweets', I thought I'd give this one a go when I saw it on the DsP website. Liam is the poor boy made good on a scholarship to a posh school, and Trey is the son of a very successful businessman who doesn't actually care a lot for his family...sounds familiar doesn't it.
Unlikely friends obviously, but they 'get' each other, they're really in tune with each other and as they both like music in all its forms, Trey finds it easy to ignore his rich, brattish and nasty friends and spends all of his free time with Liam. As they get older, Liam's feelings begin to mature into something else entirely and he thinks that maybe Trey feels the same. They write a song together and Liam's words should have clued Trey in as to how Liam really feels about him, but before anything can happen, Trey is pulled from the school by his father due to failing grades. He doesn't get a chance to explain anything to Liam and feels embarrassed anyway...rather than explain, he laughs off his friendship with Liam and leaves. We then take up the story 7 years later, I'll leave this one here....
As I'd really liked Cate Ashwood's 'Keeping Sweets', I thought I'd give this one a go when I saw it on the DsP website. Liam is the poor boy made good on a scholarship to a posh school, and Trey is the son of a very successful businessman who doesn't actually care a lot for his family...sounds familiar doesn't it.
Unlikely friends obviously, but they 'get' each other, they're really in tune with each other and as they both like music in all its forms, Trey finds it easy to ignore his rich, brattish and nasty friends and spends all of his free time with Liam. As they get older, Liam's feelings begin to mature into something else entirely and he thinks that maybe Trey feels the same. They write a song together and Liam's words should have clued Trey in as to how Liam really feels about him, but before anything can happen, Trey is pulled from the school by his father due to failing grades. He doesn't get a chance to explain anything to Liam and feels embarrassed anyway...rather than explain, he laughs off his friendship with Liam and leaves. We then take up the story 7 years later, I'll leave this one here....
May 25, 2016
Ahora sí, ignoro porqué había puesto este comentario en otro libro :P
Lo admito, empecé éste cuando tengo otro por ahi a medias, ya he comentado que el tema relaciones anteriores/segundas oportunidades me encanta. Se lee rápido y es exactamente lo que buscaba, algo ligero.
Lo admito, empecé éste cuando tengo otro por ahi a medias, ya he comentado que el tema relaciones anteriores/segundas oportunidades me encanta. Se lee rápido y es exactamente lo que buscaba, algo ligero.
September 7, 2016
♥ `•.¸.•´ ♥ º ☆.¸¸.•´¯`♥ I'm ready to fall ♥ `•.¸.•´ ♥ º ☆.¸¸.•´¯`♥
------
Trey.
Impulsive and wild. Confident and unattainable. Loves music, especially playing the guitar and singing, more than anything. Always had lots of friends but nobody who actually cared about him or gave shit and saw beyond his money. Except for Liam.
Liam.
Sweet and innocent. Unpopular – everyone thinks he's a "complete charity case". Liam loved school and hated summers. Especially those when Trey would be traveling. He's obsessed with playing the violin and later becomes an instructor. Liam learned how to play the guitar with Trey. Spent most of free time with Trey. Fell hopelessly in love with Trey - thought it was impossible the other boy'd ever feel the same.
Little did he know.
Trey's Mother.
Trey's Father.
Liam's family is the complete opposite of Trey's – not-rich but all the more kind, welcoming, loving – he also has a younger brother who's always a good friend to Liam.
The story begins with Liam and Trey in boarding school - just one chapter, one scene, but it spoke volumes. Both have been best friends for a while and had the most fun making music together.
The second chapter takes us already 7 years later....
We find out Trey became one very popular idol who kinda lost himself in pretty fucked up situations for example now: An amateur sex tape. Random underaged boy getting busy with Trey in a bathroom stall.
To fix this scandal Trey agreed to visit talk shows and play at some random benefit gala - the same he then meets Liam again, after he walked out of his life those 7 years ago.
Liam is also playing the benefit, with his violin. When they meet it's Trey who is determined to talk and sort things out - maybe even come clean why he left all those years ago, without as much as a single honest word. All he really wants is to fight this time and not let Liam get away again.
Liam doesn't want to listen to anything and he had never planned to acutally see Trey again, less forgive him for breaking his heart with those words that had hurt so much. After both, Liam and Trey, finished their performances the worst happened....
Liam got really drunk and acted out. Trey wanted him, always had. But...
Eventually they make up, at least for now, a tiny bit, since both want each other and it's just been so long. Liam isn't really convinced though, and Trey, well Trey slowly shows his true colors - very much to Liam's surprise.
-----
-----
I absolutely adore Liam and Trey. Together they are simply wonderful.
There is this gelato scene I just can't get enough of – sweetness overload.
Trey has a special place in my heart because, well, because I like his type. He's spoiled and lonely, hates the world and everything in it except Liam. He's acting out because of how messed up he feels and thinks he can run away from everything, knowing it won't make it better. Trey wants to be happy, he wants Liam and when he finds his second chance he slowly overcomes his fears he falls hard and fast and it's wonderful.
Sometimes I thought Liam was giving in too fast and all, and I wanted more of that great "sexual tension" that would have been there if the story would have been longer.. but in the end it was perfectly fine. Thinking if I were in his shoes I'd probably act the same.... screw everything and just go for it.
All in all Trey and Liam's story was quite wonderful, sweet and full of great chemistry. I enoyed the big deal of music and friendship and the sex was incredibly hot – and sweet. L O V E.
---
All I really wished for was more pages, more story, more fleshed out scenes and deeper emotions maybe?....
Enjoyed the writing style - easygoing and simple but very engaging. It's a wonderful book and I will read it again ♥ ♥ ♥
If you wondered, no it's not really GFY - since both are into men from the start, only they never shared that little information with each other.
“When you left, you broke my heart. In a hundred different ways.
You ignored my feelings for you, dismissed me when I tried to figure out what was wrong, lied to me about why you were leaving, exploited our song, and you never once explained yourself.”
“That’s only five ways.”
------
Trey.
Impulsive and wild. Confident and unattainable. Loves music, especially playing the guitar and singing, more than anything. Always had lots of friends but nobody who actually cared about him or gave shit and saw beyond his money. Except for Liam.
Liam.
Sweet and innocent. Unpopular – everyone thinks he's a "complete charity case". Liam loved school and hated summers. Especially those when Trey would be traveling. He's obsessed with playing the violin and later becomes an instructor. Liam learned how to play the guitar with Trey. Spent most of free time with Trey. Fell hopelessly in love with Trey - thought it was impossible the other boy'd ever feel the same.
Little did he know.
Trey's Mother.
It hurt. It shouldn’t have, after all these years, but it did. He stared across the table at the woman who gave birth to him, and it was like looking into the calculating eyes of a stranger, eyes that had never warmed to him or looked at him with love, had never wiped his real tears away.
Trey's Father.
"You’re lazy. I can’t believe I have a son like you. Do you know how hard I worked at your age? I had two jobs and I still found time to make straight A’s. But you? We give you every advantage, every opportunity, and you still fail.”
Liam's family is the complete opposite of Trey's – not-rich but all the more kind, welcoming, loving – he also has a younger brother who's always a good friend to Liam.
The story begins with Liam and Trey in boarding school - just one chapter, one scene, but it spoke volumes. Both have been best friends for a while and had the most fun making music together.
The second chapter takes us already 7 years later....
We find out Trey became one very popular idol who kinda lost himself in pretty fucked up situations for example now: An amateur sex tape. Random underaged boy getting busy with Trey in a bathroom stall.
To fix this scandal Trey agreed to visit talk shows and play at some random benefit gala - the same he then meets Liam again, after he walked out of his life those 7 years ago.
Liam is also playing the benefit, with his violin. When they meet it's Trey who is determined to talk and sort things out - maybe even come clean why he left all those years ago, without as much as a single honest word. All he really wants is to fight this time and not let Liam get away again.
Liam doesn't want to listen to anything and he had never planned to acutally see Trey again, less forgive him for breaking his heart with those words that had hurt so much. After both, Liam and Trey, finished their performances the worst happened....
Liam got really drunk and acted out. Trey wanted him, always had. But...
Hell. Not like this. Not with Liam intoxicated. He might regret it in the morning, being with Trey, and if Liam regretted it, that would shatter Trey into a million pieces.
Eventually they make up, at least for now, a tiny bit, since both want each other and it's just been so long. Liam isn't really convinced though, and Trey, well Trey slowly shows his true colors - very much to Liam's surprise.
"There were so many times when I wanted to call you, or just show up on your doorstep, but I was so afraid. I knew I’d hurt you, hurt both of us with stupid decisions and a bruised ego. But I just didn’t know how to fix it. I wanted to fix it. So bad.”
Keeping things light was costing Trey too much.
“I want to feel you tomorrow.”
“I want to make you feel me forever.”
His heart itched to give more.
They’d spent less than twenty-four hours together, and already Trey could feel himself falling hard, falling back in love with Liam. He wondered how he would feel if they had more time.
What if they had forever?
“I’m here now.”
“Me too. But where does that leave us?” Trey took Liam’s hand and intertwined their fingers.
“Together.”
-----
Slowly, Liam started to sing a song about first love, about time, and about boys who break your heart. Their eyes met and the song began to change. The melody picked up as Trey’s voice merged with Liam’s in perfect harmony, and together they sang of hearts mended, of being bound together, of a future within their grasp.
-----
I absolutely adore Liam and Trey. Together they are simply wonderful.
There is this gelato scene I just can't get enough of – sweetness overload.
Trey has a special place in my heart because, well, because I like his type. He's spoiled and lonely, hates the world and everything in it except Liam. He's acting out because of how messed up he feels and thinks he can run away from everything, knowing it won't make it better. Trey wants to be happy, he wants Liam and when he finds his second chance he slowly overcomes his fears he falls hard and fast and it's wonderful.
Sometimes I thought Liam was giving in too fast and all, and I wanted more of that great "sexual tension" that would have been there if the story would have been longer.. but in the end it was perfectly fine. Thinking if I were in his shoes I'd probably act the same.... screw everything and just go for it.
All in all Trey and Liam's story was quite wonderful, sweet and full of great chemistry. I enoyed the big deal of music and friendship and the sex was incredibly hot – and sweet. L O V E.
---
All I really wished for was more pages, more story, more fleshed out scenes and deeper emotions maybe?....
Enjoyed the writing style - easygoing and simple but very engaging. It's a wonderful book and I will read it again ♥ ♥ ♥
If you wondered, no it's not really GFY - since both are into men from the start, only they never shared that little information with each other.
February 24, 2014
This review can be found at The Blogger Girls review site.
3.5 stars
This was a cute little story about two friends reuniting after seven long years filled with hurt, betrayal, guilt and longing. Trey has made a life as a famous rock star but still yearns for the one person he can never have – his old best friend, Liam, who he spent years with at boarding school. After Trey hurt Liam beyond repair, Liam went on to make a successful life as a violinist and teacher. They’re both living half lives, miserable in their yearnings for each other. But what will happen when a chance meeting pushes them together? Will they be able to work through the myriad of feelings that have been building over the years?
The story tells the tale of Liam and Trey finally reuniting. I’m just as much a lover of second chances as the next person so when I picked this story up, I was excited to have it based around ex-best friends. I loved that the characters were so different but yet they bonded over their love of music. Where Liam is sensible and classical, Trey is out of control and really, doesn’t give a fuck. Even with their differences though, they balance each other out. While Trey gives Liam life, Liam grounds Trey. It’s very sweet and simplistic and I loved that the authors’ writing styles went so well together to the point that I didn’t even notice there were two authors writing.
While I liked that the authors we able to successfully merge their styles, I had a few issues with the story. Mainly, I felt like with how much emphasis was put on Trey hurting Liam, Liam shouldn’t have taken Trey back so quickly. I wanted a little more grovelling, more talking and more firm decisions instead of more sex. Aside from that, readers should note that there are three flashbacks in this story and that aside from one of them, they didn’t progress the story in anyway. To me, they felt like they were put in to show the depth of Trey and Liam’s feelings as kids but I don’t think it managed to accomplish that and I can’t help but feel that could have been done with them in the present.
All in all, this was a good story. I liked that the writing styles were so cohesive and I ultimately did like the characters. I wished we had gotten more of them working out their problems instead of it being resolved so quickly but as it were, I enjoyed the story. Those who like plots centered around second chances and friends who long for each other will enjoy this as well.
3.5 stars
This was a cute little story about two friends reuniting after seven long years filled with hurt, betrayal, guilt and longing. Trey has made a life as a famous rock star but still yearns for the one person he can never have – his old best friend, Liam, who he spent years with at boarding school. After Trey hurt Liam beyond repair, Liam went on to make a successful life as a violinist and teacher. They’re both living half lives, miserable in their yearnings for each other. But what will happen when a chance meeting pushes them together? Will they be able to work through the myriad of feelings that have been building over the years?
The story tells the tale of Liam and Trey finally reuniting. I’m just as much a lover of second chances as the next person so when I picked this story up, I was excited to have it based around ex-best friends. I loved that the characters were so different but yet they bonded over their love of music. Where Liam is sensible and classical, Trey is out of control and really, doesn’t give a fuck. Even with their differences though, they balance each other out. While Trey gives Liam life, Liam grounds Trey. It’s very sweet and simplistic and I loved that the authors’ writing styles went so well together to the point that I didn’t even notice there were two authors writing.
While I liked that the authors we able to successfully merge their styles, I had a few issues with the story. Mainly, I felt like with how much emphasis was put on Trey hurting Liam, Liam shouldn’t have taken Trey back so quickly. I wanted a little more grovelling, more talking and more firm decisions instead of more sex. Aside from that, readers should note that there are three flashbacks in this story and that aside from one of them, they didn’t progress the story in anyway. To me, they felt like they were put in to show the depth of Trey and Liam’s feelings as kids but I don’t think it managed to accomplish that and I can’t help but feel that could have been done with them in the present.
All in all, this was a good story. I liked that the writing styles were so cohesive and I ultimately did like the characters. I wished we had gotten more of them working out their problems instead of it being resolved so quickly but as it were, I enjoyed the story. Those who like plots centered around second chances and friends who long for each other will enjoy this as well.
February 13, 2014
4 Stars
A "Live Your Life, Buy The Book" Review
I knew right away I had to read this book. I’ve enjoyed everything I’ve read by the authors so a team up by them seemed like a for sure thing. AND it was! This was pretty damn good. A good angsty read for those of us who love a reunited love type of story.
Trey and Liam were both in love with each other in high school but never told each other. They were best friends and afraid to come out or ruin what they had. Liam was the poor kid on scholarship at a prestigious private school. Not popular and looked down upon by the other guys. Trey was rich, cool and popular. Everyone wanted to be his friend. They’d seem an unlikely pair but they were best friends from practically the first day they met. Both guys have a deep love of music. It makes Liam happy and it’s all he wants to do besides hang out with Trey. Trey needs it like he needs air. They spent their free time writing a song together. The lyrics practically screaming out the unrequited love both guys feel for each other. Trey has to leave school suddenly basically abandoning all the plans they’d made together. Leaving Liam thinking he wasn’t important to Trey after all. Only small portions of the book occur with the MCs in high school so don’t worry about this being YA. It most definitely is not.
Fast forward seven years later. Trey is a bad boy rock star and a PR nightmare. He’s discovered a lot about himself and adopted the I don’t give a damn attitude. Trey has never really gotten over running out on Liam.
Liam has had a string of relationships that never work out. He’s too busy with his career as a music teacher and musician in New York. Liam has never gotten over his one true love, Trey. Fate throws them together one night and all the anger and lust comes slamming back into the guys.
I really liked this book. I don’t think there was a minute of it I wasn’t all in with these MCs. There was so much history, anger and love between Liam and Trey you couldn’t help but cheer for them to finally get all out and make it right. All the emotion swirling around made the sex scenes more intense and meaningful. I loved the lyrics they guys wrote together. It really helped me understand how they were feeling at that point in time. That song! It had to crush Liam every time he heard it on the radio. :( I recommend this one!
A "Live Your Life, Buy The Book" Review
I knew right away I had to read this book. I’ve enjoyed everything I’ve read by the authors so a team up by them seemed like a for sure thing. AND it was! This was pretty damn good. A good angsty read for those of us who love a reunited love type of story.
Trey and Liam were both in love with each other in high school but never told each other. They were best friends and afraid to come out or ruin what they had. Liam was the poor kid on scholarship at a prestigious private school. Not popular and looked down upon by the other guys. Trey was rich, cool and popular. Everyone wanted to be his friend. They’d seem an unlikely pair but they were best friends from practically the first day they met. Both guys have a deep love of music. It makes Liam happy and it’s all he wants to do besides hang out with Trey. Trey needs it like he needs air. They spent their free time writing a song together. The lyrics practically screaming out the unrequited love both guys feel for each other. Trey has to leave school suddenly basically abandoning all the plans they’d made together. Leaving Liam thinking he wasn’t important to Trey after all. Only small portions of the book occur with the MCs in high school so don’t worry about this being YA. It most definitely is not.
Fast forward seven years later. Trey is a bad boy rock star and a PR nightmare. He’s discovered a lot about himself and adopted the I don’t give a damn attitude. Trey has never really gotten over running out on Liam.
Liam has had a string of relationships that never work out. He’s too busy with his career as a music teacher and musician in New York. Liam has never gotten over his one true love, Trey. Fate throws them together one night and all the anger and lust comes slamming back into the guys.
I really liked this book. I don’t think there was a minute of it I wasn’t all in with these MCs. There was so much history, anger and love between Liam and Trey you couldn’t help but cheer for them to finally get all out and make it right. All the emotion swirling around made the sex scenes more intense and meaningful. I loved the lyrics they guys wrote together. It really helped me understand how they were feeling at that point in time. That song! It had to crush Liam every time he heard it on the radio. :( I recommend this one!
September 2, 2016
I have such mixed feelings about this book. On the one hand, I love friends to lovers stories. On the other, well, bad behavior requires, well, anyway…
Trey and Liam were friends in boarding school. They room together and they become friends, then best friends Liam wants nothing more than to fit in, Trey wants nothing more than someone to like him for himself. They get that in each other.
The two are best friends, writing songs together and getting through high school. Then one day, just as Liam puts the perfect finishing touch on their song, Trey announces he is leaving school and does it in such a hurtful way I actually wanted to slap him. This is where the bad behavior made for an unlikeable character. Yes, Trey was young but still. Trey goes on to be a famous rocker, his success initiated by, yes, stealing their song.
When the two are reunited at a benefit concert, Liam playing violin, Trey as a singer, the attraction is still there and I really didn’t want it to be. The way Liam just jumps back in, no discussion of the song until way later, even the whole “why did you rip my heart out with your horrible words” doesn’t occur until later.
I can say immediately what I needed to make this higher rated: groveling. I needed more to see Trey had actually remorse for the years in between. His check was, to me and to Liam, a way to just assuage his guilt for theft of something that was intimate, personal and precious. Dedicated second chance, friends to lovers fans may love this but I myself needed more feeling that true remorse was felt.
Trey and Liam were friends in boarding school. They room together and they become friends, then best friends Liam wants nothing more than to fit in, Trey wants nothing more than someone to like him for himself. They get that in each other.
The two are best friends, writing songs together and getting through high school. Then one day, just as Liam puts the perfect finishing touch on their song, Trey announces he is leaving school and does it in such a hurtful way I actually wanted to slap him. This is where the bad behavior made for an unlikeable character. Yes, Trey was young but still. Trey goes on to be a famous rocker, his success initiated by, yes, stealing their song.
When the two are reunited at a benefit concert, Liam playing violin, Trey as a singer, the attraction is still there and I really didn’t want it to be. The way Liam just jumps back in, no discussion of the song until way later, even the whole “why did you rip my heart out with your horrible words” doesn’t occur until later.
I can say immediately what I needed to make this higher rated: groveling. I needed more to see Trey had actually remorse for the years in between. His check was, to me and to Liam, a way to just assuage his guilt for theft of something that was intimate, personal and precious. Dedicated second chance, friends to lovers fans may love this but I myself needed more feeling that true remorse was felt.
April 8, 2015
Quick and easy read about boarding school friends whose shared love for music helps guide them through hardships and misunderstandings. Familiar characters and predictable foibles don’t mar a nice delivery of the plot. And, hey, NYC and a mention of the wonderful Highline park don’t hurt either.
February 12, 2014
I had the distinct pleasure of being the beta reader for this book (Are you jealous? You should be...just kidding) and I can tell you, its quite a wonderful read. As this is my very first contemporary male/male romance novel, these two authors were so believable and so passionate about their craft, I think I finished in a day and begged, "More! MORE!"
I love serendipity, I love romance, (being a gay man, I have a particular interest in gay romance believe it or not), and these two deliver. I am sure you will love this and I look forward to another collaborative effort between these two again in the future.
I love serendipity, I love romance, (being a gay man, I have a particular interest in gay romance believe it or not), and these two deliver. I am sure you will love this and I look forward to another collaborative effort between these two again in the future.
February 12, 2014
3.5 stars
Nice read, captivating, in spite of some flaws, at least for me. I liked both MCs, both voices drew me into the development. The whole thing felt rushed and in the end, the final flashbacks were unnecessary; even the epilogue was a bit unsubstantial. Nevertheless, I liked it.
Nice read, captivating, in spite of some flaws, at least for me. I liked both MCs, both voices drew me into the development. The whole thing felt rushed and in the end, the final flashbacks were unnecessary; even the epilogue was a bit unsubstantial. Nevertheless, I liked it.
July 20, 2015
Enjoyable second chance romance. High school best friends, with a shared passion for music, become estranged not knowing how the other feels. I loved Liam but, for some reason, didn't warm up to Trey as much. I think I would have liked to have seen more of their time together in high school.
March 27, 2014
A Joyfully Jay review.
4 stars
Five Ways a Boy Can Break Your Heart is the first collaboration by Cate Ashwood and Skylar M. Cates, and let me tell you, it is precious. This novella holds a story of misunderstandings, forgiveness, and second chances. Not to mention cocky rockers and busy classical musicians.
Being that this is such a character-driven story, I fell in love with Liam and Trey instantly. I love Trey’s bad boy image (that’s not so much an image, but more like the real man). He’s got a devil may care attitude that is kind of sexy. But it’s his love and devotion to Liam that is truly striking. Even after seven years, he still holds that friendship high above all else, even if he may not have shown it very often. Then Liam. He’s a hurt puppy at times, but still strong. He has every right to his hurt and anger, yet he’s still forgiving, which I admire about him.
Read Crissy's review in its entirety here.
4 stars
Five Ways a Boy Can Break Your Heart is the first collaboration by Cate Ashwood and Skylar M. Cates, and let me tell you, it is precious. This novella holds a story of misunderstandings, forgiveness, and second chances. Not to mention cocky rockers and busy classical musicians.
Being that this is such a character-driven story, I fell in love with Liam and Trey instantly. I love Trey’s bad boy image (that’s not so much an image, but more like the real man). He’s got a devil may care attitude that is kind of sexy. But it’s his love and devotion to Liam that is truly striking. Even after seven years, he still holds that friendship high above all else, even if he may not have shown it very often. Then Liam. He’s a hurt puppy at times, but still strong. He has every right to his hurt and anger, yet he’s still forgiving, which I admire about him.
Read Crissy's review in its entirety here.
July 20, 2016
This was ok. I would have liked more glimpses into the pair as teenagers, and all in one hit. There was one major scene of them as school boys initially, then two (maybe three?) more as flashbacks. I think the tension would have been better if we had seen all that in the beginning.
The development of their re-connection was nice because we didn't just see them in bed. They got out, they spent a day together, and eventually they talked.
I guess I am greedy. I wanted more.
The development of their re-connection was nice because we didn't just see them in bed. They got out, they spent a day together, and eventually they talked.
I guess I am greedy. I wanted more.
February 7, 2018
For some reason an mm romance coupled with classical music is one of my favs. I am an avid classical music junkie, particularly pieces that feature the violin so this book by an author i really enjoy made it an autobuy. It was, however a little short so we are unable to really grasp Liam and Trey's motivations. That step between hating each other and finally communicating happens a little too quickly. If wed had another 40 to 50 pages, i think it would have clearly been a 5 star read.
April 7, 2014
I really enjoyed this, although I wish it had been longer. Also, it would have been nice if Liam and Trey had actually talked before they fucked. Even if it was just an "I never wanted to leave you, it's always been you", and then talking about the rest of their issues after. Liam just jumping right back in that way didn't make sense to me.
October 16, 2016
3.5 stars
March 12, 2014
Originally posted at Smexybooks.com
http://smexybooks.com/2014/03/review-...
Liam and Trey met at an exclusive private school. Liam, on a music scholarship, is considered a charity case and subjected to some bullying. His only friend is Trey who is the son of very famous, very rich parents. Their friendship is based on a love of music and soon Liam develops a romantic crush on Trey. Unable to know if Trey reciprocates Liam’s love and scared to find out, Liam stays quiet and does whatever he can to just be with Trey. When Trey leaves school before an important talent show, Liam is hurt. When Trey capitalises on a song they collaborated on, using it to sky rocket into stardom, Liam is devastated.
Now seven years later, Liam comes face to face with the man who betrayed him. Liam, a concert violinist and music teacher, wants nothing to do with Trey. But Trey wants Liam. He’s always wanted Liam. And now he will use every trick in his arsenal, even honesty, to see if the spark they had in the past can flame into something more.
Five Ways A Boy Can Break Your Heart is a short novella about love, loss, and redemption. I am a sucker for friends to lovers and second chance love. You get both in here. Ashwood does a fine job in setting up the storyline by using Liam’s and Trey’s past to gently introduce the conflict. Two young men, who despite their extreme differences, become close friends. When circumstances and lack of communication separate them, feelings are hurt and the time that separates them only adds to the pain.
A sweet story that gets from point A to point B rather quickly as Ms. Ashwood doesn’t allow lack of communication from the past to interfere in the present. Trey presents his reasons for having to leave; reasons that had to do with is rigid father and his embarrassment over the whole situation. Liam and Trey spend time together, re establishing their friendship and taking it to a new level. Mild sex scenes help to cement their new bond.
While I like this trope, I did have some qualms. The realities behind the conflict weren’t included in this fairytale-esque story. The tension was extremely low key and I felt that both Liam and Trey’s emotions concerning each other and the conflict should have been addressed in further detail. Everything was very easy peesy. Liam forgives Trey to easily and I didn’t feel that Trey’s reasons for what he did justified the actions he took. After all, he stole a song they wrote together and made his career off of it. Of course, he compensates Liam for it but I failed to understand why Trey never got in touch with Liam after all those years. If just to say sorry.
If you’re looking for a sweet romantic short M/M read that doesn’t go the emotional angst route, than Five Ways A Boy Can Break Your Heart may be for you.
RATING: C
http://smexybooks.com/2014/03/review-...
Liam and Trey met at an exclusive private school. Liam, on a music scholarship, is considered a charity case and subjected to some bullying. His only friend is Trey who is the son of very famous, very rich parents. Their friendship is based on a love of music and soon Liam develops a romantic crush on Trey. Unable to know if Trey reciprocates Liam’s love and scared to find out, Liam stays quiet and does whatever he can to just be with Trey. When Trey leaves school before an important talent show, Liam is hurt. When Trey capitalises on a song they collaborated on, using it to sky rocket into stardom, Liam is devastated.
Now seven years later, Liam comes face to face with the man who betrayed him. Liam, a concert violinist and music teacher, wants nothing to do with Trey. But Trey wants Liam. He’s always wanted Liam. And now he will use every trick in his arsenal, even honesty, to see if the spark they had in the past can flame into something more.
Five Ways A Boy Can Break Your Heart is a short novella about love, loss, and redemption. I am a sucker for friends to lovers and second chance love. You get both in here. Ashwood does a fine job in setting up the storyline by using Liam’s and Trey’s past to gently introduce the conflict. Two young men, who despite their extreme differences, become close friends. When circumstances and lack of communication separate them, feelings are hurt and the time that separates them only adds to the pain.
A sweet story that gets from point A to point B rather quickly as Ms. Ashwood doesn’t allow lack of communication from the past to interfere in the present. Trey presents his reasons for having to leave; reasons that had to do with is rigid father and his embarrassment over the whole situation. Liam and Trey spend time together, re establishing their friendship and taking it to a new level. Mild sex scenes help to cement their new bond.
While I like this trope, I did have some qualms. The realities behind the conflict weren’t included in this fairytale-esque story. The tension was extremely low key and I felt that both Liam and Trey’s emotions concerning each other and the conflict should have been addressed in further detail. Everything was very easy peesy. Liam forgives Trey to easily and I didn’t feel that Trey’s reasons for what he did justified the actions he took. After all, he stole a song they wrote together and made his career off of it. Of course, he compensates Liam for it but I failed to understand why Trey never got in touch with Liam after all those years. If just to say sorry.
If you’re looking for a sweet romantic short M/M read that doesn’t go the emotional angst route, than Five Ways A Boy Can Break Your Heart may be for you.
RATING: C
February 19, 2014
Lucky's review: Skylar Cates and Cate Ashwood make a formidable writing duo. They took a story that should be cut and dried, two friends who go their separate ways, one of whom capitalizes on something they both worked on, but gave no credit for, and should be thought of as the villain of the piece.
And he is. For a time. But these boys aren’t one dimensional characters that you can just ascribe a feeling to. The things they do have reasons behind them. In truth they’re pretty damn compelling reasons.
I don’t know that I could have found the strength either of them did. The hurt is deep, but so are all the other feelings. If they weren’t, you wouldn’t have one way a boy can break your heart. These boys have five damn good ways.
Will they bring it together at the end or will the crescendo of their song end on a sour note?
Originally posted at http://mrsconditreadsbooks.com/index....
And he is. For a time. But these boys aren’t one dimensional characters that you can just ascribe a feeling to. The things they do have reasons behind them. In truth they’re pretty damn compelling reasons.
I don’t know that I could have found the strength either of them did. The hurt is deep, but so are all the other feelings. If they weren’t, you wouldn’t have one way a boy can break your heart. These boys have five damn good ways.
Will they bring it together at the end or will the crescendo of their song end on a sour note?
Originally posted at http://mrsconditreadsbooks.com/index....
December 9, 2015
Stay With It
This one is totally unbelievable from the start--and absolutely believable as it hits its stride.
The answer to the title of the book comes in one paragraph somewhere beyond the halfway point, but that's not important.
What is important is that Trey and Liam are two of the most self-loathing of the highly successful young men you are likely to come across in a book which concentrates on a rock star and a word-class violinist. Now, I know that narrows the field a bit, but the key here is the music, their music, or what used to be their music until...something happened!
The misunderstandings are epic, the fights are cruel, the sex is off the charts, the story gradually gains credibility and the time flies by as you cannot tear yourself away.
This is a really big surprise that is slightly marred by a seriously awful cover. We could really have used portraits on this one but you will do just as well with your own imagination.
This one is totally unbelievable from the start--and absolutely believable as it hits its stride.
The answer to the title of the book comes in one paragraph somewhere beyond the halfway point, but that's not important.
What is important is that Trey and Liam are two of the most self-loathing of the highly successful young men you are likely to come across in a book which concentrates on a rock star and a word-class violinist. Now, I know that narrows the field a bit, but the key here is the music, their music, or what used to be their music until...something happened!
The misunderstandings are epic, the fights are cruel, the sex is off the charts, the story gradually gains credibility and the time flies by as you cannot tear yourself away.
This is a really big surprise that is slightly marred by a seriously awful cover. We could really have used portraits on this one but you will do just as well with your own imagination.
July 20, 2015
3.5* I liked this story a lot. Friends and fellow musicians Trey and Liam bonded during their time at boarding school. Liam loved Trey but never told him. They wrote a song together that told all of his feelings for Trey but then Trey had to leave school and was very hurtful when he left and to make matters worse, used the song they wrote together when he made it big as a musician. Needless to say, when they meet again 7 years later, it's hate at first sight on Liam's part. At least it is as first, but that old love never really went away (you know that thing about the thin line between love and hate? Yeah, so do Trey and Liam). So the love is still there and the lust is definitely still there but the trust isn't, so this is really the story of rebuilding the trust between Liam and Trey and I thought it was done well though a bit rushed given the length of the story.
February 17, 2014
I am a total sucker for books with rock stars, friends to lovers, and reunions. This book has all of those things and so much more. It isn’t a terribly long story, but I believe the authors got in as much as they could about the characters, and I didn’t feel robbed of backstory at all. I felt both MCs were well fleshed out and most questions were answered.
See the entire review at The Novel Approach: http://thenovelapproachreviews.com/20...
See the entire review at The Novel Approach: http://thenovelapproachreviews.com/20...
March 7, 2016
When trey and Liam were young teens they were best friends , they made a song together. They were never together but Liam loved trey with all his heart then he broke it. Trey betrayed his trust and love for him. 7 years later trey is caught in a scandal but also he and liam meet again in an charity. And trey wants a chance with Liam but will Liam give him the chance and forgive him and find out what happened 7 years ago.
February 21, 2014
First I have to add a disclaimer: I am a SUCKER for the childhood friends become gay lovers storyline - I love it!
That being said, this book did not disappoint. With the story being just over 100pgs, I feel the authors did a great job of developing both characters by using different POVs and well placed flashback type moments.
This is a fast, easy, but extremely entertaining read.
That being said, this book did not disappoint. With the story being just over 100pgs, I feel the authors did a great job of developing both characters by using different POVs and well placed flashback type moments.
This is a fast, easy, but extremely entertaining read.
September 12, 2016
Inexperience and insecurities result in young broken hearts. Seven years pass without contact but remembered pain and love remain just below the surface. A chance meeting throws them back together. Will either of them be strong enough to break their destructive cycle?
A fun, relatively short read with highly likeable MCs.
A fun, relatively short read with highly likeable MCs.
February 15, 2014
Can't decide if 2.5 stars or 3 stars...
It was a nice read, even if more depth to the plot would have done the story good. I liked the MCs, although I'd love to have seen more grovelling on Trey's part for what he's done... The story felt a bit rushed, the epilogue didn't offer much or add anything to the story and the final flashbacks were pretty unnecessary.
It was a nice read, even if more depth to the plot would have done the story good. I liked the MCs, although I'd love to have seen more grovelling on Trey's part for what he's done... The story felt a bit rushed, the epilogue didn't offer much or add anything to the story and the final flashbacks were pretty unnecessary.
July 1, 2015
Nice and enjoyable read, albeit a little short. And the resolution to their misunderstanding seemed a little too easy and fast. Would have loved for it to be a little more drawn out and fleshed out. Do like the occasional flashbacks, and would have loved more of the time they spent together in school and how their feelings for each other back then grew. But overall still liked it.
February 14, 2014
4.5 Stars
This is a quick and enthralling read with a badass rocker that you won’t be able to put down!!
For full review see here:
http://www.prismbookalliance.com/2014...
This is a quick and enthralling read with a badass rocker that you won’t be able to put down!!
For full review see here:
http://www.prismbookalliance.com/2014...
March 9, 2014
Short and sweet but a little over dramatic. Which I honestly did not feel like blaming them for... such is the tragic truth of teenage artists :) Anyways, would recommend for anyone looking for lost love reuniting and all that jazz. Or anyone with a heart for musical romance.
January 6, 2016
2.5 stars.
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