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Love #5
Let Love Live
Who would you become if you lost the only person who ever mattered?
For twenty-six year old Dylan Hopkins, the answer is easy. He’s become no one. Memories of the happier times are all he has left as he finds himself meandering numbly through his now dull life. Though he cares about his work and family dearly, he’s yet to let himself find love again. Afraid of letting go of what he once had, Dylan chooses to keep his heart buried, where it belongs, having died a long time ago.
Conner Michelson is about to change everything Dylan knows. He’s every bit the bad boy persona - tatted up, ex-MMA fighter, but after an injury leaves him unable to fight, he has to rethink his goals. Having just opened his own gym, Conner can cross his first major life accomplishment off his very short list. Next up: find a man he can settle down with and build a family. Seems simple enough - a dream most people have, but when he meets Dylan, his carefree, easy-going life is thrown into a tailspin.
Determined to keep Dylan in his life, Conner vows to resurrect Dylan's long ago buried heart and let love live once more.
For twenty-six year old Dylan Hopkins, the answer is easy. He’s become no one. Memories of the happier times are all he has left as he finds himself meandering numbly through his now dull life. Though he cares about his work and family dearly, he’s yet to let himself find love again. Afraid of letting go of what he once had, Dylan chooses to keep his heart buried, where it belongs, having died a long time ago.
Conner Michelson is about to change everything Dylan knows. He’s every bit the bad boy persona - tatted up, ex-MMA fighter, but after an injury leaves him unable to fight, he has to rethink his goals. Having just opened his own gym, Conner can cross his first major life accomplishment off his very short list. Next up: find a man he can settle down with and build a family. Seems simple enough - a dream most people have, but when he meets Dylan, his carefree, easy-going life is thrown into a tailspin.
Determined to keep Dylan in his life, Conner vows to resurrect Dylan's long ago buried heart and let love live once more.
298 pages, ebook
First published January 27, 2014
74 people are currently reading
1928 people want to read
About the author
Melissa Collins
29 books1,301 followersMelissa Collins has always been a book worm. Studying Literature in college ensured that her nose was always stuck in a book. She followed her passion for reading to the most logical career choice: English teacher. Her hope was to share her passion for reading and the escapism of books to her students. Having spent more than a decade in front of a classroom, she can easily say that it’s been a dream.
Her passion for writing didn’t start until more recently. When she was home on maternity leave in early 2012, she read her first romance novel and her head filled with the passion, angst and laughter of the characters who she read about it. It wasn’t long before characters of her own took shape in her mind. Their lives took over Melissa’s brain and The Love Series was born.
Her passion for writing didn’t start until more recently. When she was home on maternity leave in early 2012, she read her first romance novel and her head filled with the passion, angst and laughter of the characters who she read about it. It wasn’t long before characters of her own took shape in her mind. Their lives took over Melissa’s brain and The Love Series was born.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 359 reviews
April 20, 2015
5 Stars!
Let Love Live is a beautiful, yet heartbreaking tale of a man falling in love, losing love and finding it again. I am a sucker for books that make me feel. I can’t help it- any story that can evoke so much emotion from me like this is a story I’m going to remember. It’s a story that touched my heart from the very beginning. Dylan’s story spans from the time he’s in high school, until he’s in his mid-late twenties. It’s broken into two parts… lets start at the very beginning. Lets start with Shane.
Shane is Dylan’s best friend. He’s the star athlete, the baseball player who's going to make it big. Dylan spends all his time with Shane and his brother, Reid. Shane and Reid don’t have a great home life. Their father is a real piece of work. Dylan is in love with Shane. He doesn’t want him to know, because he’s afraid of ruining his friendship, but eventually it comes out. It takes some time for Shane to get used to this idea. His feelings are mutual, but he doesn’t know how to deal with them or express them. Things aren’t easy for Shane. Dylan is the only good thing in his life.
I feel like I could write this entire review about Shane. He was my favorite character in this story. While reading the first half of this book, my heart was shattered. I had a case of the ugly cries. The first half of this book was not easy to read, but it was necessary. It was tragic and painful. All I wanted was for these two boys to have their happily ever after. The only time Shane is truly happy is when he’s with Dylan.
Shane feels like he doesn't have much to give in their relationship. That he doesn't have as much to offer as Dylan. But he can give Dylan himself.
I’m going to stop there with the first half for now and move on to the second. Dylan is older. He’s not the same lovable carefree guy he used to be. Time has changed him. His experiences have made him more standoffish. Especially when it comes to other men and relationships. He doesn’t want to risk that kind of hurt. That kind of pain he felt. It almost broke him and he can’t go through it again. Then he meets Conner. Conner, the sexy tattooed ex-MMA fighter.
Trying to give Conner a chance isn’t easy for Dylan. But the more time he spends with Conner, the more he realizes for the first time in a long time, he wants to really try. They have great chemistry, but it’s more than that.
When it gets to the point where Dylan is more scared of not having Conner than he is of losing him, he knows it’s real between them. He’s got to try to get over his past and give this a real shot.
I almost had to break this review down into two parts because it felt like two different stories for me. The first half was my favorite. It was emotional, beautiful and absolutely heartbreaking. 5+ stars for Shane and Dylan’s story. A part of me wishes the entire book would have been all about these two. It’s strange, but Conner actually describes the first half perfectly when Dylan tells him about Shane…
The second half was still great. A solid 4-4.5 for me. I loved Conner too. But I was so damn attached to Shane, I couldn’t get over him. It made it hard for me to connect to Conner early on. With time, I did. And I was happy that he was able to get Dylan out of his shell, to move on and fall in love again.
Getting the pov of Dylan, Shane and Conner was essential to their tale. I loved being in all of their heads. Melissa Collins wrote an incredible story. One full of first loves, friendship, acceptance, finding yourself, heartache, moving forward and finding yourself all over again. There is no way I couldn’t give this book 5 stars. It was a truly beautiful book.
Just an fyi- this is book #5 in a series. I haven’t read any of the other books. It can be read as a stand alone. I do want to go back and read some of the others. Now that I’ve met Reid, I’d like to know more about him...
Let Love Live is a beautiful, yet heartbreaking tale of a man falling in love, losing love and finding it again. I am a sucker for books that make me feel. I can’t help it- any story that can evoke so much emotion from me like this is a story I’m going to remember. It’s a story that touched my heart from the very beginning. Dylan’s story spans from the time he’s in high school, until he’s in his mid-late twenties. It’s broken into two parts… lets start at the very beginning. Lets start with Shane.
Shane is Dylan’s best friend. He’s the star athlete, the baseball player who's going to make it big. Dylan spends all his time with Shane and his brother, Reid. Shane and Reid don’t have a great home life. Their father is a real piece of work. Dylan is in love with Shane. He doesn’t want him to know, because he’s afraid of ruining his friendship, but eventually it comes out. It takes some time for Shane to get used to this idea. His feelings are mutual, but he doesn’t know how to deal with them or express them. Things aren’t easy for Shane. Dylan is the only good thing in his life.
I feel like I could write this entire review about Shane. He was my favorite character in this story. While reading the first half of this book, my heart was shattered. I had a case of the ugly cries. The first half of this book was not easy to read, but it was necessary. It was tragic and painful. All I wanted was for these two boys to have their happily ever after. The only time Shane is truly happy is when he’s with Dylan.
“The truth is that when I’m with you, when I’m with you, I’m happy.”
Shane feels like he doesn't have much to give in their relationship. That he doesn't have as much to offer as Dylan. But he can give Dylan himself.
I’m going to stop there with the first half for now and move on to the second. Dylan is older. He’s not the same lovable carefree guy he used to be. Time has changed him. His experiences have made him more standoffish. Especially when it comes to other men and relationships. He doesn’t want to risk that kind of hurt. That kind of pain he felt. It almost broke him and he can’t go through it again. Then he meets Conner. Conner, the sexy tattooed ex-MMA fighter.
Trying to give Conner a chance isn’t easy for Dylan. But the more time he spends with Conner, the more he realizes for the first time in a long time, he wants to really try. They have great chemistry, but it’s more than that.
When it gets to the point where Dylan is more scared of not having Conner than he is of losing him, he knows it’s real between them. He’s got to try to get over his past and give this a real shot.
“You see, with you, the thing that scares me isn’t the thought of losing you. What scares me is not having you in my life in the first place.”
I almost had to break this review down into two parts because it felt like two different stories for me. The first half was my favorite. It was emotional, beautiful and absolutely heartbreaking. 5+ stars for Shane and Dylan’s story. A part of me wishes the entire book would have been all about these two. It’s strange, but Conner actually describes the first half perfectly when Dylan tells him about Shane…
The story of their love is both inspiring and devastating. It’s one of finding out who you are by allowing yourself happiness in someone else.
The second half was still great. A solid 4-4.5 for me. I loved Conner too. But I was so damn attached to Shane, I couldn’t get over him. It made it hard for me to connect to Conner early on. With time, I did. And I was happy that he was able to get Dylan out of his shell, to move on and fall in love again.
Getting the pov of Dylan, Shane and Conner was essential to their tale. I loved being in all of their heads. Melissa Collins wrote an incredible story. One full of first loves, friendship, acceptance, finding yourself, heartache, moving forward and finding yourself all over again. There is no way I couldn’t give this book 5 stars. It was a truly beautiful book.
Just an fyi- this is book #5 in a series. I haven’t read any of the other books. It can be read as a stand alone. I do want to go back and read some of the others. Now that I’ve met Reid, I’d like to know more about him...
“You brought me back to life simply by just being here. And I don’t ever want to picture a life that you’re not a part of.”
March 26, 2018
4 stars for part one
2.5 stars for part two
Damn! this started out well. I did not read the blurb, so i noticed too late that the Mc names are different.
The book is divided into two parts,Part one is the story of Dylan and Shane, which takes place during their high school years.
Part two is the story of Dylan and Connor which takes place 8 years after high school.
I got so invested in the first part, then at 50% .
Then part 2 starts. I couldn't connect with Connor since i was already in love with Shane, and rooting for him. I was so pissed that i could not be able to enjoy part 2. I just skimmed to see how it ended.
2.5 stars for part two
Damn! this started out well. I did not read the blurb, so i noticed too late that the Mc names are different.
The book is divided into two parts,Part one is the story of Dylan and Shane, which takes place during their high school years.
Part two is the story of Dylan and Connor which takes place 8 years after high school.
I got so invested in the first part, then at 50% .
Then part 2 starts. I couldn't connect with Connor since i was already in love with Shane, and rooting for him. I was so pissed that i could not be able to enjoy part 2. I just skimmed to see how it ended.
July 14, 2014
♥♥♥ 3.5 Stars ♥♥♥
● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
"I'd do it all again, if it meant being here with you." A soft peck to his lips. "Like this."
● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
After reading the blurb for this, I knew I wanted to read this. But what I got, was not what I was expecting.
The story follows Dylan Hopkins through his youth and then later on as an adult. This is why the book is divided into two parts. This is what I wasn't expecting. I didn't know that I would get to meet Dylan's high school crush and best friend, Shane, and that I would get his POV as well. Even though, I wasn't expecting it, I still very much Part 1.
Part One was an emotional heartbreaking story about Dylan and Shane's life together. I was hooked from the start and I didn't want to stop reading. I hurt so deeply for both of them, but not as much as the pain I felt for Shane's upbringing. The abuse his family suffered at the hand of his father tore at my heartstrings. I seriously LOVED this part of the book. I knew how their story would end tragically but that didn't stop me from enjoying it as much as I did.
Part Two was about Dylan trying to move on from his past. He doesn't do relationships well since Shane. In order to never get hurt again, he keeps things to himself and pushes those who want more away from him. This is the part of the book that I had trouble deciding what I felt about it. I just felt like the second part went by a little too fast for me, that I couldn't fully connect with Conner like I would have liked. I also feel the way their relationship developed was a little too fast. I really liked Conner, don't get me wrong, just still don't know how to feel about him with Dylan together. I wanted to see them interact more in a way that I would get to see them get to know each other more. We did get some scenes like that but it wasn't enough for me.
● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
"You brought me back to life simply by just being here. And I don't ever want to picture a life that you're not a part of."
● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
I think that by putting Dylan and Shane's story separately from Dylan and Conner's, this made me feel like Dylan and Conner's story was too short. I think I would have enjoyed it more if the book had introduced Conner from the start, with a few glimpses of Dylan and Shane in the past as the book progressed. In the end, I loved the first part, and the second part was good, but I didn't love it as much as the first. I was happy for Dylan and that he finally found love and happiness after feeling unworthy from his loss. I also thought the book had a good amount of hot steam. The epilogue was beautiful. It was really heartwarming. Overall, this book was still a good read.
~Ebook kindly provided by author in exchange for an honest review.~
Want to read
August 26, 2015Nab this one for FREE today at Amazon US! 8/26/15
August 16, 2016
I am in the minority here, but Let Love Live was not a big win for me. The writing is clunky and awkward, and the author has never met an adverb she didn't love . . . fully and gracefully.
I haven't read the series (which is M/F), and that's probably part of the reason I didn't like this book. The characters from the other books are on nearly every page, and I just didn't care about all the M/F couples with their engagements, weddings, and children.
There are really two stories here: Dylan and Shane, which takes place when both boys are in high school, and Dylan and Connor, which takes place a decade later. Dylan blames himself for losing Shane. I liked Shane, so I found it difficult to connect to Dylan and Connor in the second half of the book.
The epilogue is totally adorable, and there are some truly sweet and sexy moments, but overall this story didn't keep my attention.
Closer to 2.5 stars, rounded up.
I haven't read the series (which is M/F), and that's probably part of the reason I didn't like this book. The characters from the other books are on nearly every page, and I just didn't care about all the M/F couples with their engagements, weddings, and children.
There are really two stories here: Dylan and Shane, which takes place when both boys are in high school, and Dylan and Connor, which takes place a decade later. Dylan blames himself for losing Shane. I liked Shane, so I found it difficult to connect to Dylan and Connor in the second half of the book.
The epilogue is totally adorable, and there are some truly sweet and sexy moments, but overall this story didn't keep my attention.
Closer to 2.5 stars, rounded up.
May 3, 2018
I know... who starts a series with book 5, LOL.
I do. Especially as I noticed that this series is actually M/F romance, with just book 5 being M/M.
So, yes, I admit, I jumped straight to number 5 and wow, I did not regret it!
Melissa Collins certainly blew me away here. This romance is absolutely wonderful and lifelike.
Ms Collins mentions in her author’s note that she hopes she depicted the troubles of gay people properly in her story. Man, I think she did a PERFECT job!!
This book will stay with me for a long time, simply because the story – which can be read as a stand-alone, by the way – is divided into two parts. Part One is Dylan’s youth and how he fell in love with his best friend and baseball team mate Shane. Part Two shows Dylan in his mid-20s and depicts his romance with Conner, a former MMA fighter with a painful past who opens a gym in Dylan’s town.
Simply by reading the blurb, you can probably tell that part one – unlike what we came to expect in romance – does not have a happy ending. I was actually surprised by the author’s courage in showing a dysfunctional family with an abusive and homophobic father who drives his son to I swear, this was one of the most difficult scenes I have ever read in my life. So if you see this book and – like me – think that the title is cute and you’re in mood for some sugary sweetness, think again.
This is a grittingly realistic tale of pain and abuse that culminates in a tragedy which leaves Dylan broken and unable to form a relationship in his adult life.
I was actually surprised to learn that the whole first half of the book actually acts as a set-up for the HEA worthy romance in the second half. Still, I am deeply impressed by the author’s courage to let things go this terribly wrong and using such a soul crushing tragedy as the main obstacle to overcome during the romance later on. I mean, …
So let me rate this in two parts:
Part One:
A 5 star top 10 favorite of mine.
Shane’s life deeply moved me. His fears, his terrible family background and the way he was backed into a corner and felt all alone in life really scared me. You always think about why people see no way out and why they don’t actively get help, but in Shane’s case, I understood his decision, which is also the main reason why Dylan’s life was so perfectly and permanently fucked up that I really wondered how he could ever overcome this and move on with his life.
Part Two:
It takes Dylan 8 years until he finally finds the strength to seek professional counseling to deal with his past. Around the same time, he meets Conner, who just opened a gym in Dylan’s town and who has an equally dark past. However, Conner is a down to earth type of guy who manages to coax Dylan out of his shell and also lets Dylan be there for him, showing Dylan that a relationship is a mutual thing, not a one way ticket.
Conner and Dylan’s romance is absolutely great and in itself, it is also a 5 star story for me. However, Shane’s fate leaves a bad taste for me, which I guess is due to the fact that Dylan may have had 8 years to work through his feelings, but I (I mean, the reader of the story) only has a few pages between and an 8 year time jump to Dylan’s adult life. I found this very hard to digest and somehow I felt that something was missing at the end.
AND this is exactly, why you have to read this bonus scene, because it gives us a bit of closure on Shane that I feel is necessary for this story:
http://shhmomsreading.com/review-and-...
Thank you Denise for sharing this link with me!!
Anyway, what else to say? Read it! It’s a 5 star favorite for me and I absolutely hope that Melissa Collins will contribute many more m/m romance novels, because she sure knows what she’s doing. Wow!
I recommend this 100%
I do. Especially as I noticed that this series is actually M/F romance, with just book 5 being M/M.
So, yes, I admit, I jumped straight to number 5 and wow, I did not regret it!
Melissa Collins certainly blew me away here. This romance is absolutely wonderful and lifelike.
Ms Collins mentions in her author’s note that she hopes she depicted the troubles of gay people properly in her story. Man, I think she did a PERFECT job!!
This book will stay with me for a long time, simply because the story – which can be read as a stand-alone, by the way – is divided into two parts. Part One is Dylan’s youth and how he fell in love with his best friend and baseball team mate Shane. Part Two shows Dylan in his mid-20s and depicts his romance with Conner, a former MMA fighter with a painful past who opens a gym in Dylan’s town.
Simply by reading the blurb, you can probably tell that part one – unlike what we came to expect in romance – does not have a happy ending. I was actually surprised by the author’s courage in showing a dysfunctional family with an abusive and homophobic father who drives his son to I swear, this was one of the most difficult scenes I have ever read in my life. So if you see this book and – like me – think that the title is cute and you’re in mood for some sugary sweetness, think again.
This is a grittingly realistic tale of pain and abuse that culminates in a tragedy which leaves Dylan broken and unable to form a relationship in his adult life.
I was actually surprised to learn that the whole first half of the book actually acts as a set-up for the HEA worthy romance in the second half. Still, I am deeply impressed by the author’s courage to let things go this terribly wrong and using such a soul crushing tragedy as the main obstacle to overcome during the romance later on. I mean, …
So let me rate this in two parts:
Part One:
A 5 star top 10 favorite of mine.
Shane’s life deeply moved me. His fears, his terrible family background and the way he was backed into a corner and felt all alone in life really scared me. You always think about why people see no way out and why they don’t actively get help, but in Shane’s case, I understood his decision, which is also the main reason why Dylan’s life was so perfectly and permanently fucked up that I really wondered how he could ever overcome this and move on with his life.
Part Two:
It takes Dylan 8 years until he finally finds the strength to seek professional counseling to deal with his past. Around the same time, he meets Conner, who just opened a gym in Dylan’s town and who has an equally dark past. However, Conner is a down to earth type of guy who manages to coax Dylan out of his shell and also lets Dylan be there for him, showing Dylan that a relationship is a mutual thing, not a one way ticket.
Conner and Dylan’s romance is absolutely great and in itself, it is also a 5 star story for me. However, Shane’s fate leaves a bad taste for me, which I guess is due to the fact that Dylan may have had 8 years to work through his feelings, but I (I mean, the reader of the story) only has a few pages between and an 8 year time jump to Dylan’s adult life. I found this very hard to digest and somehow I felt that something was missing at the end.
AND this is exactly, why you have to read this bonus scene, because it gives us a bit of closure on Shane that I feel is necessary for this story:
http://shhmomsreading.com/review-and-...
Thank you Denise for sharing this link with me!!
Anyway, what else to say? Read it! It’s a 5 star favorite for me and I absolutely hope that Melissa Collins will contribute many more m/m romance novels, because she sure knows what she’s doing. Wow!
I recommend this 100%
July 17, 2014
NOTE: I apologize if you're seeing this review for the millionth time but GRs ate my original review, and because this was an ARC, I wanted to make sure I left a review!
4.5--Emotional--Stars!!!
So....with that being said. This book is a part of a series. A series I have not read. But when I found out that this particular book in the series was MM and could be read as a standalone
And I really liked this one.
Let Love Live is ultimately Dylan's story. His story of finding and losing his first love. Struggling with letting go of that love. And ultimately moving on from that love. Finding new love. Unexpected love.
The first half of the story...Dylan's past.
It was emotional. It was heart-breaking. Discovering who you are and what you want. Opening yourself up to love....with your best friend. Struggling with your feelings, knowing you can be more open than the person you love.
The second half of the book was at times, just as hard to read. Dylan has never let himself move on from the pains of his past. He carries the guilt he feels about the loss of his best friend and first love daily. Just existing. Never getting too close.
And then Dylan meets Conner.
I really fell in love with young Dylan and his first love, so I was afraid I wouldn't be able to connect with current day Dylan and Conner. But I did. Conner's had his own share of pain over the last few years. Both Conner and Dylan both came in to each other's lives when they were least expecting it.
But they were exactly what each other needed. To move on from the past. To be happy. To let go and let love live.
ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review
4.5--Emotional--Stars!!!
So....with that being said. This book is a part of a series. A series I have not read. But when I found out that this particular book in the series was MM and could be read as a standalone
And I really liked this one.
Let Love Live is ultimately Dylan's story. His story of finding and losing his first love. Struggling with letting go of that love. And ultimately moving on from that love. Finding new love. Unexpected love.
The first half of the story...Dylan's past.
It was emotional. It was heart-breaking. Discovering who you are and what you want. Opening yourself up to love....with your best friend. Struggling with your feelings, knowing you can be more open than the person you love.
The second half of the book was at times, just as hard to read. Dylan has never let himself move on from the pains of his past. He carries the guilt he feels about the loss of his best friend and first love daily. Just existing. Never getting too close.
And then Dylan meets Conner.
I really fell in love with young Dylan and his first love, so I was afraid I wouldn't be able to connect with current day Dylan and Conner. But I did. Conner's had his own share of pain over the last few years. Both Conner and Dylan both came in to each other's lives when they were least expecting it.
But they were exactly what each other needed. To move on from the past. To be happy. To let go and let love live.
ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review
November 25, 2018
It's such a heartbreaking story. I don't cry often but this book made me cry my heart out!!!
I didn't know what I was getting myself into. Even if I love angst in books, here I got my heart shattered...
I absolutely adored the first part of the book. I don't really enjoy YA stories but it's something amazing about discovering love for the first time. I am a huge fan of friends-to-lovers trope and here my heart ached so much for Shane. I wish we could have gotten another ending for their story. And I kind of hated Dylan for how he treated Shane. He was SO harsh and even if I know he was young and hurt, he just pushed Shane away when he most needed him.
The second part of the book was good but not even close to the first part. I enjoyed Conner but I wanted more. I get it, Dylan finds in him the strength to forgive himself and to love again, but for me it wasn't enough. I still suffered from Shane's death.
So this story ends with a 3,5 stars from me.
I didn't know what I was getting myself into. Even if I love angst in books, here I got my heart shattered...
I absolutely adored the first part of the book. I don't really enjoy YA stories but it's something amazing about discovering love for the first time. I am a huge fan of friends-to-lovers trope and here my heart ached so much for Shane. I wish we could have gotten another ending for their story. And I kind of hated Dylan for how he treated Shane. He was SO harsh and even if I know he was young and hurt, he just pushed Shane away when he most needed him.
The second part of the book was good but not even close to the first part. I enjoyed Conner but I wanted more. I get it, Dylan finds in him the strength to forgive himself and to love again, but for me it wasn't enough. I still suffered from Shane's death.
So this story ends with a 3,5 stars from me.
March 11, 2017
I was a bit nervous about reading this one. I am not a huge fan of the "deceased lover" trope and the fact that this book was divided into two storylines, "before" and "after", really had me worried. I shouldn't have though, especially since this book was so highly recommended by my friend Ralu. Thanks again dear Ralu !!
The story starts of with Dylan and Shane being teenagers and best friends. Both are still in high school. Both are also struggeling with the fact, that they are gay and falling in love with their best friend. When they confess their darkest secret to one another, it's bittersweet. Sweet because these boys found so much love with each other. Bitter because being together is not as easy as it may sound.
Things are especially hard for Shane. His homelife is already beyoind fucked up with his piece of shit, abusive and alcoholic father. Imagine what would happen when he finds out the truth.
Once both boys are off to college, they continue their relationship from a distance...sneaking around so Shane's family won't find out he is gay. But if there is one thing I have learned from all the books I have ever read, it's that secrets always have a way of coming out.
And when it does...things take a turn for the absolute worst. I felt so sorry for Shane and how he was feeling. At the same time my heart broke for Dylan...
The second half of the book, brings us to 8 years later.
Dylan is working as a counselor for the Gay/Straight allegiance. But for all the counceling he is doing for others...he is not so good with taking his own advice. Dylan is still living under an amount of guilt and hasn't been able to hold onto a real relationship for longer than 6 months. His guilt and especially his fears won't let him...let go.
This is when he meets Connor. Connor is a former MMA fighter who has recently opend a gym. Connor hasn't has the easiest of life either, but even though he has lost his dream of being a MMA fighter...he won't give up on his other dream. Finding love and being happpy.
There is an instant connection between these two men and even though Dylan tries to keep things casual at first...Dylan won't let him. I really loved Dylan. I admired him for standing up for what he wanted and for not giving up on Dylan right away.
"You brought me back to life simply by just being here. And I don't ever want to picture a life that you're not a part of."
All in all I really enjoyed reading this one. I would have liked a bit more Dylan and Connor if I'm honest. Everything went so fast all of a sudden, while the first part of the book seemed a bit slower paced.
Still, it was a very nice "second change" book about loss and love and letting go.
January 18, 2019
✮5 Stars✮
Wow... I can't describe how much I loved this book!
This story had me so emotional because I could feel the pain of what Dylan went through...My heart ached for Dylan and Shane.
This story is about a man losing his first love...but life gives him a chance to finding love again. Is a story of not just a second chance to love, but guilt, forgiveness, and how short sometimes life can be.
It was a little hard to connect with Conner in the beginning after feeling so strongly connected to Shane.. but Conner was exactly what Dylan needed,...when he needed him...This book was an amazing roller coaster of emotions and I loved!!! 💕
Let Love Live by Melissa Collins is book 5 in the ''Love'' series. This also it is the first M/M book in this series and can be read as a stand-alone.
July 19, 2014
ARC kindly offered by the author in exchange for an honest review.
This isn't just a story of falling in love and accepting who you are. It's a story of loss and and letting go. We start the story with a much older Dylan who is struggling with moving forward from a past that he's tethered to by his guilt.
Before...
Dylan has the perfect family, they care for him and they ensure that he knows he is loved. Life in a small town with his two friends (Brothers) Shane & Reid - their lives are completely opposite, bound together by their love of baseball and friendship. But for Shane, his life is not perfect. Dylan knows that his feelings are different from most teenage boys, it's something that he can admit to himself, but something that he wasn't ready to admit to Shane - until he had no other choice.
For Shane, admitting that he has more than brotherly love for his best friend is much tougher. He can't just simply rely on his family for support, his father didn't love him as a straight teenage boy, he would never accept that he was gay.
A secret relationship begins and although Dylan is ready to let the world know how he feels, Shane isn't yet... but one it is discovered lives are irrevocably changed forever. A bad decision by one boy and one stubborn decision by another destroys so much.
After...
Dylan wasn't looking for anything beyond a bit of eye candy when he walked into the gym that afternoon. Getting close to anyone after Shane wasn't in his future, but he just couldn't stay away from this man.
Conner had it all. A career he loved as a MMA fighter but he lost it all. Starting over with his own gym, out of a relationship with a man that walked away when he needed someone most; Conner meets Dylan. A guy that obviously isn't the kind to want a future, but for Conner - he isn't the one night stand kind of guy.
As Dylan tries to confront his past he is finding that he might just reclaim a future that he once thought was lost.
This was my first Melissa Collins read and although I am new to the world of m/m romance, this book was just so much more than just a romance about men falling in love. This was a beautifully told story of love, it made no difference that these characters were all men, the story they had to tell was that of acceptance and love. Simple. No blurred lines, no questions... just love.
It is pretty easy to see where the relationship of Shane and Dylan is heading from the prologue that is told from Dylan's POV before the flashback into his past begins. Even with that intro, it was not enough to prepare you for the emotions that would be felt as you read it. I always enjoy seeing how an author is going to bring you to that point of discovery when the outcome is already so clear - but still being able to ensure that you are taken by surprise by the events and that you can still feel like your heart was torn from your chest.
Once he meets Conner, Dylan's life is turned upside down. The desire for this man is beyond just for a few hours of pleasure - it's for a future. For the first time in years, something has caused Dylan to see that he has to find a way to let go of his past, to let go of his guilt. I would love to say that my emotions settled down at the transition from past to present, but I felt so connected to Dylan that with each step forward he took my heart swelled with a mixture of sadness and happiness.
After finishing this story I am excited to go back to the start of the Love Series and discover the other characters and their stories. This was a fantastic romance that would be a good first time m/m read for those that are a little curious about whether or not they'd enjoy it.
This isn't just a story of falling in love and accepting who you are. It's a story of loss and and letting go. We start the story with a much older Dylan who is struggling with moving forward from a past that he's tethered to by his guilt.
Before...
Dylan has the perfect family, they care for him and they ensure that he knows he is loved. Life in a small town with his two friends (Brothers) Shane & Reid - their lives are completely opposite, bound together by their love of baseball and friendship. But for Shane, his life is not perfect. Dylan knows that his feelings are different from most teenage boys, it's something that he can admit to himself, but something that he wasn't ready to admit to Shane - until he had no other choice.
For Shane, admitting that he has more than brotherly love for his best friend is much tougher. He can't just simply rely on his family for support, his father didn't love him as a straight teenage boy, he would never accept that he was gay.
A secret relationship begins and although Dylan is ready to let the world know how he feels, Shane isn't yet... but one it is discovered lives are irrevocably changed forever. A bad decision by one boy and one stubborn decision by another destroys so much.
After...
Dylan wasn't looking for anything beyond a bit of eye candy when he walked into the gym that afternoon. Getting close to anyone after Shane wasn't in his future, but he just couldn't stay away from this man.
Conner had it all. A career he loved as a MMA fighter but he lost it all. Starting over with his own gym, out of a relationship with a man that walked away when he needed someone most; Conner meets Dylan. A guy that obviously isn't the kind to want a future, but for Conner - he isn't the one night stand kind of guy.
As Dylan tries to confront his past he is finding that he might just reclaim a future that he once thought was lost.
This was my first Melissa Collins read and although I am new to the world of m/m romance, this book was just so much more than just a romance about men falling in love. This was a beautifully told story of love, it made no difference that these characters were all men, the story they had to tell was that of acceptance and love. Simple. No blurred lines, no questions... just love.
It is pretty easy to see where the relationship of Shane and Dylan is heading from the prologue that is told from Dylan's POV before the flashback into his past begins. Even with that intro, it was not enough to prepare you for the emotions that would be felt as you read it. I always enjoy seeing how an author is going to bring you to that point of discovery when the outcome is already so clear - but still being able to ensure that you are taken by surprise by the events and that you can still feel like your heart was torn from your chest.
Once he meets Conner, Dylan's life is turned upside down. The desire for this man is beyond just for a few hours of pleasure - it's for a future. For the first time in years, something has caused Dylan to see that he has to find a way to let go of his past, to let go of his guilt. I would love to say that my emotions settled down at the transition from past to present, but I felt so connected to Dylan that with each step forward he took my heart swelled with a mixture of sadness and happiness.
After finishing this story I am excited to go back to the start of the Love Series and discover the other characters and their stories. This was a fantastic romance that would be a good first time m/m read for those that are a little curious about whether or not they'd enjoy it.
September 21, 2021
The first part of this book was amazing. I was invested and I was left devastated. The second part of the story just didn't live up to the first part. The emotion wasn't there and I didn't feel the connection between Dylan and Conner. After so many years everything suddenly turned around when Dylan met Conner (and a couple of therapy sessions) and it moved a bit quickly for my taste, becoming just a basic romance plot.
March 28, 2015
“For those who deserve to be loved….no matter who they love.”
A joint review with Lisa
Lisa: Let Love Live by Melissa Collins is book five in her Love series. This also marks the first M/M book in this series and can most definitely be read as a stand-alone romance. What an absolutely wonderful, heart-breaking and emotional read this turned out to be! This is a tale that took a hold of my heart in a vice-like grip right from the beginning and it was only when I read the very last word that I could finally breathe once again and exhale. I could not help falling in love with all three men that this story is centered around. This is not a ménage book for those of you wondering about the “three” men I just mentioned. Instead, it is a book divided up into two very powerful parts. Seriously, I am still reeling and trying to sort my head when it comes to all that this author made me feel with this one. Phew! How did you feel about this one, Mark? What did you think about the overall story arc and the fact that it is broken up into two parts?
Mark: I thought dividing the book into two parts with a gap of eight years between each part was perfect. You could really get a feeling for how Dylan’s guilt had followed him for such a long time changing him completely from the confident, young and carefree man he was with Shane when we meet him in part one compared to all the issues he had to overcome in part two in order to find his HEA with Connor. In part one I reckon I ran the whole gamut of emotions with Dylan’s and Shane’s story until I was left bereft and sobbing into my Kindle at the end of part one. Wishing and willing both Dylan and Connor to overcome their issues to fight for their HEA by part two. And when they do finally make it, I can still feel the elation I had for both of them but also the bittersweet end to Shane’s story. Once again Melissa writes alternating chapters from each character’s POV which is something that sits very well with me personally as a reader as I feel you get a very balanced view.
Lisa: The first part of the book is about Dylan Hopkins and Shane Connely, two best friends who are in their final year of high school. Both are popular athletes who seem to have it all together. However, behind their cool and collected exteriors are two boys struggling to come to grips with who they are. Shane and his brother Reid are being raised in a home that is full of verbal and physical abuse, suffering at the hands of a tyrant father. Shane is struggling with so much internally, afraid that if he admits out loud what his deepest desires are and who he believes he truly is that his world will come to an end. Dylan comes from a loving home with supportive and loving parents so coming to the realization that he is gay and admitting it to himself is a much easier process for him.
“I was too afraid to let my guard down. Too afraid to numb the pain. Because if the pain was numbed, then what else would I have.” ~Shane
“We’re still us. Just more honest now.” ~Dylan to Shane
“I’ve never been happier than when I’m with you. You’ve given me a piece of myself I didn’t even know was there. I knew it existed, but I just didn’t know how to let it. I can’t ever repay that. But I can give you me. I can give you all of me because that’s all I have.” ~Shane to Dylan
Dylan and Shane slowly awaken something in each other and their relationship as best friends moves into a new and petrifying territory. High school is so tough. It is hard to be a teen much less one that is struggling with self-identity issues. The feelings being experienced and issues at hand must seem so insurmountable. Shane held my heart in the palm of his hands. Holy, did I ever feel for him. I am not sure if a character has ever made my heart ache so badly. I wanted to hug him and offer him the comfort that he so desperately needed. While Dylan is ready to tell the world about who he is and confess his feelings for his best friend, Shane struggles with how to express all that is causing him such huge internal turmoil. Despite all this, the love they shared was so beautiful and pure. What Dylan and Shane go through, particularly Shane, evoked such a plethora of emotions from me. I was saddened, then happy, angry, heart-broken, and I wanted so badly for things to have worked out differently. What happens is a real issue amongst gay teens (and adults) I am sure, and it needs to stop. So much more could have been done. I am trying to write this review without giving too much away. What did you think about Dylan and Shane’s story, Mark? I am absolutely positive that, like me, you were powerfully affected. Am I right?
Mark: “Powerfully affected” for me is an understatement, Lisa - lol! As I already mentioned I was left utterly bereft at the whole pointlessness and hopelessness of the situation, especially Shane’s. In part one I relived my own insecurities and issues once again as a teenager that many gay teens have. Melissa does such an excellent job with this. Oh to be able to go back in time and talk to my teenage self and tell him that it’ll all be alright, don’t be afraid, things will get better. I so wanted to do this for Shane, tell him to be strong and everything will be OK in the end. But the pull of families no matter how bad they are is still a very difficult thing to break away from. It also shows us how much difference a family can make when having to deal with these issues. Dylan’s family is loving and supportive, so although he is a little insecure, he is able to come to terms, accept and be happy. Thank goodness so were mine. Shane’s family was to say the least completely the opposite, well in particular his father. I HATED him!! Such men should be locked up for domestic violence. However it also shows us the more horrible effect of how such objectionable people still get away with it as all the self confidence that anyone possesses is systematically beaten out of them and in due course become a victim of their own circumstances starting to believe what they are being told and that is they are worthless. I not only felt for Shane whose situation was made even worse with him being gay, but also his younger brother Reid who he loved so much and also his mum. Shane was so in love with Dylan and he became Shane’s comfort zone a place where he could, at least while he was with Dylan, be happy for a few precious moments. Even today I’m afraid too many gay teenagers suffer Shane’s fate and I cried a mountain by the time I got to the end of part one. I’m actually still choking up thinking about it while writing this review.
This should not be allowed to happen and I can only hope that anyone who suspects this kind of thing is taking place somewhere with someone they know that they are brave enough to report it and not turn a blind eye. It’s not always easy to do this as Dylan shows us, wanting to respect Shane's wishes, but he regretted it for a very long time after.
Lisa: The second part of this story involves an older Dylan, a twenty-six year old Dylan to be exact, and Conner Michelson who is a twenty-nine year old ex-MMA fighter who has recently opened his own fitness gym. Eight long years have passed since what transpired between Dylan and Shane took place. Dylan still has not really moved on and is carrying around a whole lot of guilt. He is no longer the same easy-going and carefree guy that he was back in high school. Now, Dylan is someone who is standoffish and unwilling to get too emotionally attached to anyone. Conner has also had his share of hurt and disappointments in his life. Opening his own gym was a turning point for him and he feels like he is ready to move forward with his life, find someone special and settle down.
“Being able to forgive myself is going to be the only thing that will let me move on and maybe possibly be happy once again.”
“Come on, Dylan. I won’t bite.” He winks before adding. “Unless you want me to, but that’s more of a third date revelation.” ~Conner to Dylan
When Dylan meets Conner the attraction is most definitely there. As both men harmlessly flirt and move into a somewhat fragile relationship, Dylan discovers that for the first time since Shane he wants something more with someone. However, is he even capable of opening himself up and becoming vulnerable again? Conner treaded carefully when it came to Dylan but he also was not one to allow himself to be kept at a distance. Either he and Dylan were going to try or he would walk away. I loved that. Conner was simply the right person to help Dylan finally get to the point where he was ready to move forward and be happy.
Mark: The first thing that I loved about part two was to find out how Reid and Dylan are now so close as friends, they are really like brothers. They are also counsellors in the gay-straight alliance for high schools. I thought this was a wonderful character development as this gives them both their chance to make the world a better place in their own way. No one should suffer like Shane did. And who better to be counsellors than people who have experienced such atrocities first hand. Although the one big difference is that Reid has moved on, is married with a family, but Dylan still has issues and can’t get past his guilt. Even Reid sees this and tries to make him realise he needs to start to move on himself. However, Dylan finds this more difficult than Reid and when Dylan goes to a therapist and we hear about what happened when he got home after that fatal argument with Shane, how he was treated by Shane’s father, how he wasn’t allowed to say goodbye to Shane. My heart just broke all over again! SHIT, no wonder the guy had issues. I would have too. Yep, choking up again!
However, when Reid and Dylan go to the opening of a new Gym and the manager, Connor, stumbles across Dylan in the doorway then the attraction is immediately there.
Lisa: The romance between Dylan and Conner was sweet and passionate. I loved how they both simply fell for one another. It was not easy and they both find themselves being thrown off kilter; however, what they shared was beautifully messy, honest and something worth fighting for. I think Conner came into Dylan’s life at exactly the right moment. Dylan had hit a fork in the dark and dismal road he was travelling. He could continue wallowing in his pain and misery or he could seek the appropriate help and take steps to move on with his life. I think Conner and the promise of what they could have were the little push that Dylan needed. Conner was someone who brought light and happiness into Dylan’s world and it was that beautiful light that was calling him and led him to take the right path.
Mark: Well Lisa, when I learnt about what Connor had been through and considering the issues Dylan is fighting I always ask myself whether two damaged souls can really be good for each other. Can two wrongs make a right so to say? Well, Connor's and Dylan’s story is certainly not without it’s ups and downs, but thank goodness Connor is a patient and loving man who sees what Dylan must be going through, sees through the pain and guilt and knows that he is worth fighting for. But as you said Lisa, Connor, just like Reid, have moved on and now it’s Dylan’s time to do the same otherwise he’ll never find that happiness that he is looking for. It is a painful road he has to travel but I felt Connor was just so right for him even if at first Dylan wasn’t prepared to let Connor into his heart. Dylan had loved once and got his heart broken in the most imaginable way possible and I could feel that angst of not wanting to have your heart broken like that again. But constantly pushing people away and not taking the risk that you could possibly be hurt again will never lead to anything that is wholesome and loving. It was as though Dylan had been constantly punishing himself for everything that had happened. However, in Connor he finds someone who isn’t going to give up that easily, maybe he finds his forgiveness somehow in Connor, and a big sigh of relief from me when Dylan takes that leap of faith and opens his heart up to Connor.
Lisa: All in all, Let Love Live is one of those books that will stay with me for quite some time. I was so deeply affected by what I read and have been unable to leave the story and the emotions it evoked in me behind. One character in this book that I adored was Reid, Shane’s brother. He played a big part in both stories. I will have to now go back and read his story which is told in the earlier books in this series. Melissa Collins has truly written a remarkable book which is a MUST READ for all lovers of romance.
Mark: Ditto Lisa!! I couldn’t agree more. This book for me was a lot more than just the sum of its parts. A book that sent me on an emotional roller-coaster ride but also a critical look at some of the issues we still need to address in our society even today if we’re ever going to make it a better place. A book that will stay with me also for a very long time and yes like you I can only recommend it to anyone out there. If you haven’t read this book yet then make the time and MAKE SURE YOU READ IT! And for all those teenagers out there struggling to come to terms with all those emotions you feel afraid to express. YOU ARE NOT ALONE! – Please talk to someone.
A joint review with Lisa
Lisa: Let Love Live by Melissa Collins is book five in her Love series. This also marks the first M/M book in this series and can most definitely be read as a stand-alone romance. What an absolutely wonderful, heart-breaking and emotional read this turned out to be! This is a tale that took a hold of my heart in a vice-like grip right from the beginning and it was only when I read the very last word that I could finally breathe once again and exhale. I could not help falling in love with all three men that this story is centered around. This is not a ménage book for those of you wondering about the “three” men I just mentioned. Instead, it is a book divided up into two very powerful parts. Seriously, I am still reeling and trying to sort my head when it comes to all that this author made me feel with this one. Phew! How did you feel about this one, Mark? What did you think about the overall story arc and the fact that it is broken up into two parts?
Mark: I thought dividing the book into two parts with a gap of eight years between each part was perfect. You could really get a feeling for how Dylan’s guilt had followed him for such a long time changing him completely from the confident, young and carefree man he was with Shane when we meet him in part one compared to all the issues he had to overcome in part two in order to find his HEA with Connor. In part one I reckon I ran the whole gamut of emotions with Dylan’s and Shane’s story until I was left bereft and sobbing into my Kindle at the end of part one. Wishing and willing both Dylan and Connor to overcome their issues to fight for their HEA by part two. And when they do finally make it, I can still feel the elation I had for both of them but also the bittersweet end to Shane’s story. Once again Melissa writes alternating chapters from each character’s POV which is something that sits very well with me personally as a reader as I feel you get a very balanced view.
Lisa: The first part of the book is about Dylan Hopkins and Shane Connely, two best friends who are in their final year of high school. Both are popular athletes who seem to have it all together. However, behind their cool and collected exteriors are two boys struggling to come to grips with who they are. Shane and his brother Reid are being raised in a home that is full of verbal and physical abuse, suffering at the hands of a tyrant father. Shane is struggling with so much internally, afraid that if he admits out loud what his deepest desires are and who he believes he truly is that his world will come to an end. Dylan comes from a loving home with supportive and loving parents so coming to the realization that he is gay and admitting it to himself is a much easier process for him.
“I was too afraid to let my guard down. Too afraid to numb the pain. Because if the pain was numbed, then what else would I have.” ~Shane
“We’re still us. Just more honest now.” ~Dylan to Shane
“I’ve never been happier than when I’m with you. You’ve given me a piece of myself I didn’t even know was there. I knew it existed, but I just didn’t know how to let it. I can’t ever repay that. But I can give you me. I can give you all of me because that’s all I have.” ~Shane to Dylan
Dylan and Shane slowly awaken something in each other and their relationship as best friends moves into a new and petrifying territory. High school is so tough. It is hard to be a teen much less one that is struggling with self-identity issues. The feelings being experienced and issues at hand must seem so insurmountable. Shane held my heart in the palm of his hands. Holy, did I ever feel for him. I am not sure if a character has ever made my heart ache so badly. I wanted to hug him and offer him the comfort that he so desperately needed. While Dylan is ready to tell the world about who he is and confess his feelings for his best friend, Shane struggles with how to express all that is causing him such huge internal turmoil. Despite all this, the love they shared was so beautiful and pure. What Dylan and Shane go through, particularly Shane, evoked such a plethora of emotions from me. I was saddened, then happy, angry, heart-broken, and I wanted so badly for things to have worked out differently. What happens is a real issue amongst gay teens (and adults) I am sure, and it needs to stop. So much more could have been done. I am trying to write this review without giving too much away. What did you think about Dylan and Shane’s story, Mark? I am absolutely positive that, like me, you were powerfully affected. Am I right?
Mark: “Powerfully affected” for me is an understatement, Lisa - lol! As I already mentioned I was left utterly bereft at the whole pointlessness and hopelessness of the situation, especially Shane’s. In part one I relived my own insecurities and issues once again as a teenager that many gay teens have. Melissa does such an excellent job with this. Oh to be able to go back in time and talk to my teenage self and tell him that it’ll all be alright, don’t be afraid, things will get better. I so wanted to do this for Shane, tell him to be strong and everything will be OK in the end. But the pull of families no matter how bad they are is still a very difficult thing to break away from. It also shows us how much difference a family can make when having to deal with these issues. Dylan’s family is loving and supportive, so although he is a little insecure, he is able to come to terms, accept and be happy. Thank goodness so were mine. Shane’s family was to say the least completely the opposite, well in particular his father. I HATED him!! Such men should be locked up for domestic violence. However it also shows us the more horrible effect of how such objectionable people still get away with it as all the self confidence that anyone possesses is systematically beaten out of them and in due course become a victim of their own circumstances starting to believe what they are being told and that is they are worthless. I not only felt for Shane whose situation was made even worse with him being gay, but also his younger brother Reid who he loved so much and also his mum. Shane was so in love with Dylan and he became Shane’s comfort zone a place where he could, at least while he was with Dylan, be happy for a few precious moments. Even today I’m afraid too many gay teenagers suffer Shane’s fate and I cried a mountain by the time I got to the end of part one. I’m actually still choking up thinking about it while writing this review.
This should not be allowed to happen and I can only hope that anyone who suspects this kind of thing is taking place somewhere with someone they know that they are brave enough to report it and not turn a blind eye. It’s not always easy to do this as Dylan shows us, wanting to respect Shane's wishes, but he regretted it for a very long time after.
Lisa: The second part of this story involves an older Dylan, a twenty-six year old Dylan to be exact, and Conner Michelson who is a twenty-nine year old ex-MMA fighter who has recently opened his own fitness gym. Eight long years have passed since what transpired between Dylan and Shane took place. Dylan still has not really moved on and is carrying around a whole lot of guilt. He is no longer the same easy-going and carefree guy that he was back in high school. Now, Dylan is someone who is standoffish and unwilling to get too emotionally attached to anyone. Conner has also had his share of hurt and disappointments in his life. Opening his own gym was a turning point for him and he feels like he is ready to move forward with his life, find someone special and settle down.
“Being able to forgive myself is going to be the only thing that will let me move on and maybe possibly be happy once again.”
“Come on, Dylan. I won’t bite.” He winks before adding. “Unless you want me to, but that’s more of a third date revelation.” ~Conner to Dylan
When Dylan meets Conner the attraction is most definitely there. As both men harmlessly flirt and move into a somewhat fragile relationship, Dylan discovers that for the first time since Shane he wants something more with someone. However, is he even capable of opening himself up and becoming vulnerable again? Conner treaded carefully when it came to Dylan but he also was not one to allow himself to be kept at a distance. Either he and Dylan were going to try or he would walk away. I loved that. Conner was simply the right person to help Dylan finally get to the point where he was ready to move forward and be happy.
Mark: The first thing that I loved about part two was to find out how Reid and Dylan are now so close as friends, they are really like brothers. They are also counsellors in the gay-straight alliance for high schools. I thought this was a wonderful character development as this gives them both their chance to make the world a better place in their own way. No one should suffer like Shane did. And who better to be counsellors than people who have experienced such atrocities first hand. Although the one big difference is that Reid has moved on, is married with a family, but Dylan still has issues and can’t get past his guilt. Even Reid sees this and tries to make him realise he needs to start to move on himself. However, Dylan finds this more difficult than Reid and when Dylan goes to a therapist and we hear about what happened when he got home after that fatal argument with Shane, how he was treated by Shane’s father, how he wasn’t allowed to say goodbye to Shane. My heart just broke all over again! SHIT, no wonder the guy had issues. I would have too. Yep, choking up again!
However, when Reid and Dylan go to the opening of a new Gym and the manager, Connor, stumbles across Dylan in the doorway then the attraction is immediately there.
Lisa: The romance between Dylan and Conner was sweet and passionate. I loved how they both simply fell for one another. It was not easy and they both find themselves being thrown off kilter; however, what they shared was beautifully messy, honest and something worth fighting for. I think Conner came into Dylan’s life at exactly the right moment. Dylan had hit a fork in the dark and dismal road he was travelling. He could continue wallowing in his pain and misery or he could seek the appropriate help and take steps to move on with his life. I think Conner and the promise of what they could have were the little push that Dylan needed. Conner was someone who brought light and happiness into Dylan’s world and it was that beautiful light that was calling him and led him to take the right path.
Mark: Well Lisa, when I learnt about what Connor had been through and considering the issues Dylan is fighting I always ask myself whether two damaged souls can really be good for each other. Can two wrongs make a right so to say? Well, Connor's and Dylan’s story is certainly not without it’s ups and downs, but thank goodness Connor is a patient and loving man who sees what Dylan must be going through, sees through the pain and guilt and knows that he is worth fighting for. But as you said Lisa, Connor, just like Reid, have moved on and now it’s Dylan’s time to do the same otherwise he’ll never find that happiness that he is looking for. It is a painful road he has to travel but I felt Connor was just so right for him even if at first Dylan wasn’t prepared to let Connor into his heart. Dylan had loved once and got his heart broken in the most imaginable way possible and I could feel that angst of not wanting to have your heart broken like that again. But constantly pushing people away and not taking the risk that you could possibly be hurt again will never lead to anything that is wholesome and loving. It was as though Dylan had been constantly punishing himself for everything that had happened. However, in Connor he finds someone who isn’t going to give up that easily, maybe he finds his forgiveness somehow in Connor, and a big sigh of relief from me when Dylan takes that leap of faith and opens his heart up to Connor.
Lisa: All in all, Let Love Live is one of those books that will stay with me for quite some time. I was so deeply affected by what I read and have been unable to leave the story and the emotions it evoked in me behind. One character in this book that I adored was Reid, Shane’s brother. He played a big part in both stories. I will have to now go back and read his story which is told in the earlier books in this series. Melissa Collins has truly written a remarkable book which is a MUST READ for all lovers of romance.
Mark: Ditto Lisa!! I couldn’t agree more. This book for me was a lot more than just the sum of its parts. A book that sent me on an emotional roller-coaster ride but also a critical look at some of the issues we still need to address in our society even today if we’re ever going to make it a better place. A book that will stay with me also for a very long time and yes like you I can only recommend it to anyone out there. If you haven’t read this book yet then make the time and MAKE SURE YOU READ IT! And for all those teenagers out there struggling to come to terms with all those emotions you feel afraid to express. YOU ARE NOT ALONE! – Please talk to someone.
December 30, 2014
***99 CENT SALE 12/30 to 1/7***
It's AVAILABLE on Amazon
http://amzn.to/1r0eSLG
Check out a small snippet - http://melissacollinsauthor.com/2014/...
Here's the entire prologue :) Happy reading!
http://www.wattpad.com/53843322-let-l...
Just a little taste... enjoy!
It's AVAILABLE on Amazon
http://amzn.to/1r0eSLG
Check out a small snippet - http://melissacollinsauthor.com/2014/...
Here's the entire prologue :) Happy reading!
http://www.wattpad.com/53843322-let-l...
Just a little taste... enjoy!
July 27, 2014
*Copy provided by the author!
This book is #5 of a series... I didn't read the other books and I will not read them. They must be good, but they are MF stories and I only read MM. But when the author offered me this book, so I could review it, she told me that it could be read as a stand alone, and that's right.
It is very well written, the plot amazing and the characters are really interesting. Two things it is for sure: emotional and heartbreaking...
I cried so much while reading this book! Dylan's past is devastating. The guilt that he carries is heartbreaking. The future ahead of him is lovely and beautiful!
So this book is about second chances. Second chance to live a fulfilling life, with love, care, not forgeting the past, but living in peace with it.
I won't spoil this book to anyone, but, although my tears, it is a really good book, and if Melissa Collins writes another MM book, I surely will read it!
Melissa, thank you so much for this gift!
This book is #5 of a series... I didn't read the other books and I will not read them. They must be good, but they are MF stories and I only read MM. But when the author offered me this book, so I could review it, she told me that it could be read as a stand alone, and that's right.
It is very well written, the plot amazing and the characters are really interesting. Two things it is for sure: emotional and heartbreaking...
I cried so much while reading this book! Dylan's past is devastating. The guilt that he carries is heartbreaking. The future ahead of him is lovely and beautiful!
So this book is about second chances. Second chance to live a fulfilling life, with love, care, not forgeting the past, but living in peace with it.
I won't spoil this book to anyone, but, although my tears, it is a really good book, and if Melissa Collins writes another MM book, I surely will read it!
Melissa, thank you so much for this gift!
June 29, 2016
Actual rating is 1.4
Dylan is a workaholic in his late 20s. He's reluctant to ever fall in love. Conner is a retired MMA fighter who's starting over after a series of tragedies. He doesn't do relationships.
When they meet, they have obvious chemistry. But they also have a lot of baggage that they have to sort through before they can even begin to think about having any kind of happily ever after.
Content warning for
That this book has so many 4 and 5-star ratings leaves me perplexed because, like I said in my status update, this book tried my patience A LOT. The main reason why I didn't DNF'd it, even though I was v. tempted to do so, was because it was the last book I had for a challenge and I didn't want to forfeit the whole thing.
The novel is divided in two parts. The first half is about 16-year old Dylan falling in love for the first time, the story about his first relationship, and how it all ended in a heartbreaking way. The second part picks up ten years later. Dylan is struggling in some ways. Despite the fact that his career is on the rise, he's had one unsuccessful romantic relationship after another because he's unwilling to open his heart to anyone.
This is a book that didn't give me enough to like. So I'm going to sidestep my usual "like/dislike" style.
Personally, out of the two parts, I like the first half better (even though it was so overwhelmingly angsty that it was bordered into cliche.) There was a lot of tenderness and idealism people feel when they first fall in love.
Smartly, for every loving and happy moment, there was an equally terrible one. Especially because of Shane and Reid's family life--which was the stuff of nightmares.
Collins did a great job of establishing how the darkness broke Shane down. We got to see that.
So, by contrast, the second part of the book about Conner and Dylan was weaker. Although it was good to see Dylan confront all the emotional blocks, it made for a less satisfying read. There was a little bit of conflict, but a lot of it seemed kind of meh.
The sex scenes were nothing to have all the feels about. They were just OK.
My biggest turn-off in regards to the story was the misogyny. I know that this is something that I constantly bring up in my reviews. The thing is that it's impossible to ignore once you've become aware of it.
Now, I normally give a pass to characters saying terrible things when they're teenagers. For the most part, people are still developing. In some cases, they're still living v. sheltered lives. It's only fair. Everybody, at one point or another when they were teenagers, said something super terrible. I know I did and now I know better.
That said, it's a problem when adult MCs drop comments here and there that look down on women. The repetitiveness of it killed my enthusiasm for them as a couple.
EXHIBIT A (around the 46% mark)
[Context: Dylan and his best friend Reid are having a conversation and then there this:]
Reid: "See," his tone changes, and I notice it instantly," That's how this whole thing works." His eyebrows quirk up as he moves a hand between the two of us. "I tell you things. You tell me thngs. We share stuff. Being a family means more than taking about baseball stats and work."
Dylan: "So when should I expect our periods to sync up?"
Translation: having ANY kind of conversation about feelings is not something that men do. EVER. #eyeroll
EXHIBIT B (around the 54% mark)
[Context: Conner is talking to his sister Rachel. The conversation ends. He thinks the following:]
Rachel pulls me away for some kind of water cooler emergency. She still hasn't figured out how to work it properly, so she always thinks it's broken. No matter how many times I show it to her, it just doesn't stick in that pretty little head of hers."
Translation: Women are not smart. Even about simple things. #Glaringatauthor
Things simmer down on the misogyny for a little while. Well, somewhat. Both MCs (though, mostly Conner) say things about how clueless/"easy" women are. Just as the book's ending, we get a double-scoop of it. This happens in the first of two epilogues. Why two, who knows?
EXHIBIT C (around the 94% mark)
[Context: Everyone is helping Reid and Maddy (his wife) move into a new house. Conner's POV]
We hang around for a little while longer, devouring the pizza Reid and Maddy offered as payment for our help. The girls chat animatedly about what color to paint which room and what kind of curtains to get.
As for us guys, it's simple. The cable guy came earlier. We watch sports.
Bryan, Melanie's fiance, stands and collects all of our paper plates. He looks down at his watch. "Let me take care of the router and modem in the office before we hit the road. Don't want you guys to be without a phone or internet for the night."
Melanie's face melts in appreciation. As he walks away from us, she decides she'll go help him, though I'm pretty sure she doesn't know a thing about computers or technology."
Translation: Of course women don't know how to handle office equipment or like sports . *EPIC SIGH*
This novel is a textbook example of things that I have little-to-no-patience about ESPECIALLY in LGTB+ romance novels. I don't care for misogyny. At the end of this book, I was all UGH. Authors of any gender, race or orientation do not need to reinforce stereotypes about "what women are like". It's insulting and super-irritating.
TL;DR: This is a book about a dude who gets over the pain of his first relationship. Had it not been for the constant misogyny, I would've given it a higher rating. Cannot recommend. Also, Collins is an author I'm not interested in reading again.
Dylan is a workaholic in his late 20s. He's reluctant to ever fall in love. Conner is a retired MMA fighter who's starting over after a series of tragedies. He doesn't do relationships.
When they meet, they have obvious chemistry. But they also have a lot of baggage that they have to sort through before they can even begin to think about having any kind of happily ever after.
Content warning for
That this book has so many 4 and 5-star ratings leaves me perplexed because, like I said in my status update, this book tried my patience A LOT. The main reason why I didn't DNF'd it, even though I was v. tempted to do so, was because it was the last book I had for a challenge and I didn't want to forfeit the whole thing.
The novel is divided in two parts. The first half is about 16-year old Dylan falling in love for the first time, the story about his first relationship, and how it all ended in a heartbreaking way. The second part picks up ten years later. Dylan is struggling in some ways. Despite the fact that his career is on the rise, he's had one unsuccessful romantic relationship after another because he's unwilling to open his heart to anyone.
This is a book that didn't give me enough to like. So I'm going to sidestep my usual "like/dislike" style.
Personally, out of the two parts, I like the first half better (even though it was so overwhelmingly angsty that it was bordered into cliche.) There was a lot of tenderness and idealism people feel when they first fall in love.
Smartly, for every loving and happy moment, there was an equally terrible one. Especially because of Shane and Reid's family life--which was the stuff of nightmares.
Collins did a great job of establishing how the darkness broke Shane down. We got to see that.
So, by contrast, the second part of the book about Conner and Dylan was weaker. Although it was good to see Dylan confront all the emotional blocks, it made for a less satisfying read. There was a little bit of conflict, but a lot of it seemed kind of meh.
The sex scenes were nothing to have all the feels about. They were just OK.
My biggest turn-off in regards to the story was the misogyny. I know that this is something that I constantly bring up in my reviews. The thing is that it's impossible to ignore once you've become aware of it.
Now, I normally give a pass to characters saying terrible things when they're teenagers. For the most part, people are still developing. In some cases, they're still living v. sheltered lives. It's only fair. Everybody, at one point or another when they were teenagers, said something super terrible. I know I did and now I know better.
That said, it's a problem when adult MCs drop comments here and there that look down on women. The repetitiveness of it killed my enthusiasm for them as a couple.
EXHIBIT A (around the 46% mark)
[Context: Dylan and his best friend Reid are having a conversation and then there this:]
Reid: "See," his tone changes, and I notice it instantly," That's how this whole thing works." His eyebrows quirk up as he moves a hand between the two of us. "I tell you things. You tell me thngs. We share stuff. Being a family means more than taking about baseball stats and work."
Dylan: "So when should I expect our periods to sync up?"
Translation: having ANY kind of conversation about feelings is not something that men do. EVER. #eyeroll
EXHIBIT B (around the 54% mark)
[Context: Conner is talking to his sister Rachel. The conversation ends. He thinks the following:]
Rachel pulls me away for some kind of water cooler emergency. She still hasn't figured out how to work it properly, so she always thinks it's broken. No matter how many times I show it to her, it just doesn't stick in that pretty little head of hers."
Translation: Women are not smart. Even about simple things. #Glaringatauthor
Things simmer down on the misogyny for a little while. Well, somewhat. Both MCs (though, mostly Conner) say things about how clueless/"easy" women are. Just as the book's ending, we get a double-scoop of it. This happens in the first of two epilogues. Why two, who knows?
EXHIBIT C (around the 94% mark)
[Context: Everyone is helping Reid and Maddy (his wife) move into a new house. Conner's POV]
We hang around for a little while longer, devouring the pizza Reid and Maddy offered as payment for our help. The girls chat animatedly about what color to paint which room and what kind of curtains to get.
As for us guys, it's simple. The cable guy came earlier. We watch sports.
Bryan, Melanie's fiance, stands and collects all of our paper plates. He looks down at his watch. "Let me take care of the router and modem in the office before we hit the road. Don't want you guys to be without a phone or internet for the night."
Melanie's face melts in appreciation. As he walks away from us, she decides she'll go help him, though I'm pretty sure she doesn't know a thing about computers or technology."
Translation: Of course women don't know how to handle office equipment or like sports . *EPIC SIGH*
This novel is a textbook example of things that I have little-to-no-patience about ESPECIALLY in LGTB+ romance novels. I don't care for misogyny. At the end of this book, I was all UGH. Authors of any gender, race or orientation do not need to reinforce stereotypes about "what women are like". It's insulting and super-irritating.
TL;DR: This is a book about a dude who gets over the pain of his first relationship. Had it not been for the constant misogyny, I would've given it a higher rating. Cannot recommend. Also, Collins is an author I'm not interested in reading again.
July 7, 2014
Heartbreaking and yet so good!
I'm going to miss this series.
I'm going to miss this series.
December 2, 2014
This review is a tough one for me to write….I was an emotional mess reading this and here is why. Let Love Live by Melissa Collins is based on characters that we met in her first couple of books…..a storyline that we already had a basis for, one that made me sad even a year ago when I first read her stories. While I read I sent Melissa pictures of myself crying uncontrollably, the emotions I felt were just so strong. So without me saying anything else, this story is now a MUST READ for this Schmexy Girl and will be added to the top of my list :)
Part 1 Shane and Dylan
Two young boys, best friends their whole lives. As they grow up they both struggle with internal feelings that they don’t understand, neither one voicing it to the other. Dylan knows that he is gay and admits it to himself when Shane is still so very unsure, taking extra precautions to protect himself…
“I was too afraid to let my guard down. Too afraid to numb the pain. Because if the pain was numbed, then what else would I have.”
He couldn’t hide forever….Shane and Dylan have this connection that most couples would kill for. They are friends, teammates, and in my opinion…soul mates.
As they explore their new world, one where they can be themselves with each other…
“We’re still us. Just more honest now.”
…they still struggle to keep who they are hidden from those that they love.
As we continue to learn of their relationship you can see how much they really do mean to each other. Their moments of pleasure are so much more, the emotional connection is evident at every turn. Shane and Dylan are both passionate men and they are not afraid to show that to one another, this is something I LOVE about them, it makes them so easy to like and fall in love with
“I’ve never been happier than when I’m with you. You’ve given me a piece of myself I didn’t even know was there. I knew it existed, but I just didn’t know how to let it. I can’t ever repay that. But I can give you me. I can give you all of me because that’s all I have.”
8 years later…Part 2 Dylan & Conner
Dylan is now a grown man, successful in his field working with The Bridge (a Gay Straight Alliance counseling center). He has reconnected with Reid (Shane’s brother) who is now like family to him. Dylan has been struggling with his feelings or love, loss, and guilt for eight years now. I soooooooo wanted him to be happy, he is such a great guy, he deserves it.
“Lifting the frame from the shelf feels as if I’m hefting a thousand pounds. The guilt over what I said to him, what I’ll never be able to take back, over what he did before I could help him – all of those things weigh on me.”
I was inwardly giggling when he first meets Conner, former MMA fighter who is clearly attracted to him from the get go…
“It’s a good thing I’m not wearing workout shorts because nothing screams ‘I’m a professional’ like sporting wood at the front desk of your own gym.”
Dylan acts like an ass….yes an ass. He clearly likes Conner yet pushes him away or ignores what is happening between them. I wanted to grab him and shake him and scream about how he needs to go for it!! At least Conner knew what was up…
“It’s impossible to deny the attraction between us. From the moment I met him, even in passing a week ago, I haven’t been able to shake him. I haven’t wanted to shake him.”
I found Conner to be an exciting and loveable character. He is funny and to the point. He isn’t ashamed of who he is and he doesn’t try to hide it in any way shape or form. It takes a lot for him to open up but I loved how he seemed so at ease around Dylan, who finally starts coming around.
“A rush of excitement catches me off guard. There’s something about being around Conner that challenges me, makes me feel alive, turns me on.”
This relationship is so different from Dylan and Shane, but it’s special on another level. I love how Dylan and Conner give themselves over to each other, letting the other in like they never have before. It was sweet, and honest….the kindness and love poured out of these two.
“His hand snakes up around my neck, pulling me in for a wildly passionate kiss. I’m no mind reader, but this kiss tells me everything I need to know. He wants to get lost, to feel something, and he wants me to be the one to give it to him.”
Watching the development of characters and the story line in this book was certainly something special. I feel like there is sooooo much more for me to say and to talk about because, well, I NEED to. I have already rambled on long enough but I encourage you to read this book…..you will NOT be disappointed. Another job well done Melissa Collins….I LOVE YOUR FACE <3
Part 1 Shane and Dylan
Two young boys, best friends their whole lives. As they grow up they both struggle with internal feelings that they don’t understand, neither one voicing it to the other. Dylan knows that he is gay and admits it to himself when Shane is still so very unsure, taking extra precautions to protect himself…
“I was too afraid to let my guard down. Too afraid to numb the pain. Because if the pain was numbed, then what else would I have.”
He couldn’t hide forever….Shane and Dylan have this connection that most couples would kill for. They are friends, teammates, and in my opinion…soul mates.
As they explore their new world, one where they can be themselves with each other…
“We’re still us. Just more honest now.”
…they still struggle to keep who they are hidden from those that they love.
As we continue to learn of their relationship you can see how much they really do mean to each other. Their moments of pleasure are so much more, the emotional connection is evident at every turn. Shane and Dylan are both passionate men and they are not afraid to show that to one another, this is something I LOVE about them, it makes them so easy to like and fall in love with
“I’ve never been happier than when I’m with you. You’ve given me a piece of myself I didn’t even know was there. I knew it existed, but I just didn’t know how to let it. I can’t ever repay that. But I can give you me. I can give you all of me because that’s all I have.”
8 years later…Part 2 Dylan & Conner
Dylan is now a grown man, successful in his field working with The Bridge (a Gay Straight Alliance counseling center). He has reconnected with Reid (Shane’s brother) who is now like family to him. Dylan has been struggling with his feelings or love, loss, and guilt for eight years now. I soooooooo wanted him to be happy, he is such a great guy, he deserves it.
“Lifting the frame from the shelf feels as if I’m hefting a thousand pounds. The guilt over what I said to him, what I’ll never be able to take back, over what he did before I could help him – all of those things weigh on me.”
I was inwardly giggling when he first meets Conner, former MMA fighter who is clearly attracted to him from the get go…
“It’s a good thing I’m not wearing workout shorts because nothing screams ‘I’m a professional’ like sporting wood at the front desk of your own gym.”
Dylan acts like an ass….yes an ass. He clearly likes Conner yet pushes him away or ignores what is happening between them. I wanted to grab him and shake him and scream about how he needs to go for it!! At least Conner knew what was up…
“It’s impossible to deny the attraction between us. From the moment I met him, even in passing a week ago, I haven’t been able to shake him. I haven’t wanted to shake him.”
I found Conner to be an exciting and loveable character. He is funny and to the point. He isn’t ashamed of who he is and he doesn’t try to hide it in any way shape or form. It takes a lot for him to open up but I loved how he seemed so at ease around Dylan, who finally starts coming around.
“A rush of excitement catches me off guard. There’s something about being around Conner that challenges me, makes me feel alive, turns me on.”
This relationship is so different from Dylan and Shane, but it’s special on another level. I love how Dylan and Conner give themselves over to each other, letting the other in like they never have before. It was sweet, and honest….the kindness and love poured out of these two.
“His hand snakes up around my neck, pulling me in for a wildly passionate kiss. I’m no mind reader, but this kiss tells me everything I need to know. He wants to get lost, to feel something, and he wants me to be the one to give it to him.”
Watching the development of characters and the story line in this book was certainly something special. I feel like there is sooooo much more for me to say and to talk about because, well, I NEED to. I have already rambled on long enough but I encourage you to read this book…..you will NOT be disappointed. Another job well done Melissa Collins….I LOVE YOUR FACE <3
February 13, 2015
Oh…. this one is so hard to review. I’s an amazing heartbreaking hurt/comfort story and it’s wonderful written but I had issues with the two different parts of the book.
The first part, the YA part, about Shane and Dylan, two 16 years old boys falling in love with all the disastrous consequences just blew me away. I would have loved to give it 10 stars. I cried so much for poor Shane. His innocence, his desperation, his loneliness, his hopelessness, his love for Dylan, I think I cried buckets of tears while reading this wonderful heartbreaking love story.
Shane was just everything to Dylan, he barely existed without him, moving on was entirely out of question. I guess that’s the reason it was hard for me to move on to the 2nd part of the story. Don’t get me wrong, I was happy when Dylan met Conner, a truly fantastic guy… but he just couldn’t fill the hole in my chest Shane left behind.
So, 5 emotional stars for the brilliantly written first half of the book, and three stars for the second part.
Having not read any of the other books in the series I read this one as a stand alone, and it worked well, even though one big question remained unanswered. What the fuck happened with Reid and Shane’s father? I hope with all my heart he’s rotting in hell.
April 25, 2015
This was indeed a sad story, it definitely captured me. I will admit though the last third of the story felt disconnected to me. I definitely recommend.
June 24, 2014
OMG.... I read my very first M/M book. They say the first time your cherry is popped it is painful and just a horrible experience. I call bullshit because Melissa worked me over and left me emotionally sated and an emotional wreck in the best way possible.
I fell in love with Dylan and Conner. Their story from beginning to end left me breathless. The story of Shane in Dylan had me in so many tears I had to put the book down to relax myself. I didn't know I could dislike a character so much but remembering Reid threat to whip his father ass in Let Love Stay had me elated that he did NOT win in the end.
Dylan growth in wanting to go camping in the forest to LIVE not only summed up this story but the meaning of the entire series. All the characters just wanted to live and not just exist. Conner did not let him shy away and he had to fight for what he so truly needed. In life you are surely given one soulmate but in this case Dylan had two. This story was a perfect ending to some of the best writing I have seen in a NA EVER...
Melissa is a genius in her own right and a writer that you should keep on your radar for more good things to come. Thank you for allowing me on this journey and writing from your heart that touches the heart of so many. I LOVE this to pieces and promise to find my forest so I can once again Let Love Live.....
I fell in love with Dylan and Conner. Their story from beginning to end left me breathless. The story of Shane in Dylan had me in so many tears I had to put the book down to relax myself. I didn't know I could dislike a character so much but remembering Reid threat to whip his father ass in Let Love Stay had me elated that he did NOT win in the end.
Dylan growth in wanting to go camping in the forest to LIVE not only summed up this story but the meaning of the entire series. All the characters just wanted to live and not just exist. Conner did not let him shy away and he had to fight for what he so truly needed. In life you are surely given one soulmate but in this case Dylan had two. This story was a perfect ending to some of the best writing I have seen in a NA EVER...
Melissa is a genius in her own right and a writer that you should keep on your radar for more good things to come. Thank you for allowing me on this journey and writing from your heart that touches the heart of so many. I LOVE this to pieces and promise to find my forest so I can once again Let Love Live.....
September 11, 2014
An Absolute Must Read!
It is hard for me to write a review of this book because in truth it isn't very often I read a story that makes me feel so much. I actually found myself having to put down my kindle quite a few times in order to take a breather and wipe my tears. I full on cried while reading it. I didn't read the other books in the series, in all honesty I just stumbled upon this book and thought it sounded good so I gave it a shot, maybe I would've been better prepared if I had read the others (however I don't think it's necessary to get the full impact of the story).
While this is a love story about Dylan and Conner it's also about the love story of Dylan and Shane which we need to see to truly understand Dylan. It's a story of discovery, discovering who you are, discovering love, strength and ultimately happiness. It's a story of unimaginable loss and guilt and how fragile life can be. But most of all to me this was a story of finding peace and that second chance to love and be loved.
It doesn't matter if you're a fan of M/M romance or not, I still recommend this book. It's a breathtakingly beautiful story and one I think anyone would love.
It is hard for me to write a review of this book because in truth it isn't very often I read a story that makes me feel so much. I actually found myself having to put down my kindle quite a few times in order to take a breather and wipe my tears. I full on cried while reading it. I didn't read the other books in the series, in all honesty I just stumbled upon this book and thought it sounded good so I gave it a shot, maybe I would've been better prepared if I had read the others (however I don't think it's necessary to get the full impact of the story).
While this is a love story about Dylan and Conner it's also about the love story of Dylan and Shane which we need to see to truly understand Dylan. It's a story of discovery, discovering who you are, discovering love, strength and ultimately happiness. It's a story of unimaginable loss and guilt and how fragile life can be. But most of all to me this was a story of finding peace and that second chance to love and be loved.
It doesn't matter if you're a fan of M/M romance or not, I still recommend this book. It's a breathtakingly beautiful story and one I think anyone would love.
April 28, 2015
DNF - This mainstream author has this single MM title in her MF series marked as "can be read as a standalone." It was highly rated at Audible. Huh! I'm going to stick to my full-time MM authors, they know how to get you involved from the beginning of a story and Ms. Collins apparently does not. Hours of boring listening and I gave it up and got my money back from Audible. Thank heavens you can return a dud book there. Off to find something from an author I know can deliver the goods. :D
December 8, 2016
This book wasn't bad not really my personal issue with it was that one of the main character's was introduced at the 50 something percent mark. I understood at some degree that we needed to know Dylan's story but I felt like it was too much.
I did enjoy the story even with that but I'm not sure I would recommend it unless you have read the whole series, maybe that makes it more enjoyable. I didn't read all thw other books I was like meh.
I did enjoy the story even with that but I'm not sure I would recommend it unless you have read the whole series, maybe that makes it more enjoyable. I didn't read all thw other books I was like meh.
January 26, 2017
This book is not a romance....
.....it's a drama about a teenage boy dying by suicide. Which we are in his first person point of view leading up to and during. (Which surprisingly for me did not make me cry.)
....if I wanted to read a drama about an abused kid dying by suicide I would have deliberately bought one....
.... It's about how his boyfriend survived without him. Sort of.
Conner is NOT a main character... Dylan doesn't even really feel like the main character. Shane is the main character.....
12 full chapters about Shane, half the book.... then 2/3 of the way we are taken right back to the past. A past that is most certainly not even true to life. A ridiculous scene from the past that would not ever have happened and with a tiny bit of research the author would have known this.
"My stomach lurched up in my throat when we pulled into the funeral parlor parking lot. Police cars flanked the building and an officer on each side guarded the entrance." ......
"They have an order of protection. You're not allowed in. Something about slander."
*sigh*sigh* Anyone who has ever had to get a restraining order against someone knows that this would NOT have happened. Anyone who researched restraining orders would know that this would NOT have happened. I know that this would NOT have happened! For many reasons this scene would not have happened. Even if Shane's dad was a cop this would NOT have happened!
SMH.... I sadly don't recommend this to anyone.
.....it's a drama about a teenage boy dying by suicide. Which we are in his first person point of view leading up to and during. (Which surprisingly for me did not make me cry.)
....if I wanted to read a drama about an abused kid dying by suicide I would have deliberately bought one....
.... It's about how his boyfriend survived without him. Sort of.
Conner is NOT a main character... Dylan doesn't even really feel like the main character. Shane is the main character.....
12 full chapters about Shane, half the book.... then 2/3 of the way we are taken right back to the past. A past that is most certainly not even true to life. A ridiculous scene from the past that would not ever have happened and with a tiny bit of research the author would have known this.
"My stomach lurched up in my throat when we pulled into the funeral parlor parking lot. Police cars flanked the building and an officer on each side guarded the entrance." ......
"They have an order of protection. You're not allowed in. Something about slander."
*sigh*sigh* Anyone who has ever had to get a restraining order against someone knows that this would NOT have happened. Anyone who researched restraining orders would know that this would NOT have happened. I know that this would NOT have happened! For many reasons this scene would not have happened. Even if Shane's dad was a cop this would NOT have happened!
SMH.... I sadly don't recommend this to anyone.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 12, 2018
Broke my heart
Oh Shane. It's not often you actually get to see the tragedy which makes a second chance of love story but here we get all of Dylan's first love through to its devastating conclusion and we see it from inside the head of his lost love as well.
This book broke my heart and then Melissa Collins slowly put it back together again as Dylan met Conner and helped him come to terms with how he'd never moved on from losing Shane.
I haven't read any of the previous books in this series and I don't think I missed out on anything because of that.
All is self contained and enough explanation is given for who the other people are in the story without it needing loads of exposition.
This is a beautiful story and an emotionally driven one but it's worth the investment.
Oh Shane. It's not often you actually get to see the tragedy which makes a second chance of love story but here we get all of Dylan's first love through to its devastating conclusion and we see it from inside the head of his lost love as well.
This book broke my heart and then Melissa Collins slowly put it back together again as Dylan met Conner and helped him come to terms with how he'd never moved on from losing Shane.
I haven't read any of the previous books in this series and I don't think I missed out on anything because of that.
All is self contained and enough explanation is given for who the other people are in the story without it needing loads of exposition.
This is a beautiful story and an emotionally driven one but it's worth the investment.
July 16, 2014
**I read this book as a standalone.**
I was gifted this book by my book friend, Laura, because she knows I enjoy reading m/m. I had never read anything else by this author before.
Wow!! I was honestly blown away. Part 1 of this book or "Before" was fantastic. It gutted me. I ugly cried...hard. The first part was so beautiful. I also really enjoyed Part 2 of the book or "After." It was so very honest. I love when books come out of nowhere and blow me away and this book did just that!
I was gifted this book by my book friend, Laura, because she knows I enjoy reading m/m. I had never read anything else by this author before.
Wow!! I was honestly blown away. Part 1 of this book or "Before" was fantastic. It gutted me. I ugly cried...hard. The first part was so beautiful. I also really enjoyed Part 2 of the book or "After." It was so very honest. I love when books come out of nowhere and blow me away and this book did just that!
July 17, 2014
5 BIG STARS for the first part of the book.
I loved "Before" ! What a beautiful and heartbreaking love story.
The "After" didn't present the same intensity for me. I don't know... something was missing there.
March 15, 2018
Well... Anyone need a good cry?? lol.
This is book 5 in the series, But I Did Not Read and/or Listen to any of the previous books.
This book is basically two parts to a whole story.. The Past and the Present. Honestly I am glad the two halves weren't split into two separate books or I probably wouldn't have made it through to the second half.
- Audio - Sean Crisden & Marc Bachmann did a great job with the narration for both characters in the Present as well as the ones from the Past, I really liked the difference in both their voices. This book and narration was put together really well. I would for sure recommend this book to others.
This is book 5 in the series, But I Did Not Read and/or Listen to any of the previous books.
This book is basically two parts to a whole story.. The Past and the Present. Honestly I am glad the two halves weren't split into two separate books or I probably wouldn't have made it through to the second half.
- Audio - Sean Crisden & Marc Bachmann did a great job with the narration for both characters in the Present as well as the ones from the Past, I really liked the difference in both their voices. This book and narration was put together really well. I would for sure recommend this book to others.
May 20, 2020
It's my first time reading a book by this author. The writing is fairly decent, but somehow the story and the characters just doesn't click well with me. I can't place a finger on what, but the story just feels stilted to me.
The story is broken into two main parts, where the first part which takes up almost half the book tells a flashback story of Dylan and his lost love, which was already mostly revealed in the prologue.
I'm not a fan of flashback stories and they rarely work well for me especially if the flashback is predictable to how they got to the present. So when it's mostly revealed that Shane died in the prologue, it drastically diminished the appeal of the story for me.
For the second part of the story, it's about Dylan meeting a new guy who is a gym owner. Both of them have a difficult past to overcome and the second part shows how they both overcome them. I really enjoyed the start of the second part but as the story progressed, I find myself losing interest mainly cause I feel quite detached from the characters.
I find myself looking at the pages left of the book and even skimming through some of the parts. It's not a bad book, but the story here just didn't impress me or capture my attention.
2.5 Stars
The story is broken into two main parts, where the first part which takes up almost half the book tells a flashback story of Dylan and his lost love, which was already mostly revealed in the prologue.
I'm not a fan of flashback stories and they rarely work well for me especially if the flashback is predictable to how they got to the present. So when it's mostly revealed that Shane died in the prologue, it drastically diminished the appeal of the story for me.
For the second part of the story, it's about Dylan meeting a new guy who is a gym owner. Both of them have a difficult past to overcome and the second part shows how they both overcome them. I really enjoyed the start of the second part but as the story progressed, I find myself losing interest mainly cause I feel quite detached from the characters.
I find myself looking at the pages left of the book and even skimming through some of the parts. It's not a bad book, but the story here just didn't impress me or capture my attention.
2.5 Stars
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