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There's Us
In the closet, Elijah Montgomery has had a crush on his religious best friend, Bruce Barnes, for years. After being accepted into the university of their dreams, they celebrate, and as their night dwindles to a close, Elijah feels burdened by the weight of a secret he can no longer suppress. Elijah confides in Bruce about his sexuality, and the course of their relationship is altered forever as they come to know the deepest parts of themselves and each other.
203 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 16, 2024
3 people are currently reading
7 people want to read
About the author
Harry Applebottom
76 books55 followersHarry Applebottom is a hopeful romantic and a gay erotic romance author here to unabashedly satiate and titillate your inner carnal desires with lots of steam, heart, and love. Harry's works range from short stories and novellas to full-length novels of various subgenres, where every ending ends with a happy one.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
May 23, 2025
MM - First Love - Friends to Lovers
5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟- First Loves - Friends to Lovers
Bruce and Elijah have been friends for years and plan on going to Caltech now that they have graduated.
Elijah had been keeping a secret from Bruce but one day he just decided he needed to tell Bruce, and he did. Bruce’s reaction when Elijah confessed he was gay, surprised him when Bruce just lunged over and kissed him. Elijah natural reaction was to reach his arms around Bruce and hold him tight. Again Bruce’s reaction took him aback when he jumped up, and said he had to leave, without any explanation.
One thing that I really liked in this story was the way they Bruce and especially Elijah, dealt with stuff that came up and could have derailed them if left to fester. They were excellent at communicating their fears and worries and what was happening and why. They comforted each other and Elijah was really an excellent friend offering everything that Bruce needed to deal with his horrible home situation.
Oh I need Health Warnings for stories like Elijah and Bruce’s. Much as I love to see these characters grow and find their person, when there is cruel, mean drunken and addicted parent, with religious hysteria, and another who refuses to face the fact that their child is being abused, I feel my nerves and heart going ballistic. Despite that I have to finish the story otherwise I would always wonder if the MC’s manage to find their happiness and defeat those that hurt them so much.
It’s a relatively short read at 232 by an author, Harry Applebottom whom I’ve not read before, but I see that he is quite a prolific writers of gay stories with HEA. I will certainly read more of his work.
TW. There is abusive physical behaviour, alcohol abuse, gambling addiction and mention of suicide ideation, so please take heed if any of these would be triggering for you.
I received a free ARC copy of this book via BookSirens and this is my unbiased review.
5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟- First Loves - Friends to Lovers
Bruce and Elijah have been friends for years and plan on going to Caltech now that they have graduated.
Elijah had been keeping a secret from Bruce but one day he just decided he needed to tell Bruce, and he did. Bruce’s reaction when Elijah confessed he was gay, surprised him when Bruce just lunged over and kissed him. Elijah natural reaction was to reach his arms around Bruce and hold him tight. Again Bruce’s reaction took him aback when he jumped up, and said he had to leave, without any explanation.
One thing that I really liked in this story was the way they Bruce and especially Elijah, dealt with stuff that came up and could have derailed them if left to fester. They were excellent at communicating their fears and worries and what was happening and why. They comforted each other and Elijah was really an excellent friend offering everything that Bruce needed to deal with his horrible home situation.
Oh I need Health Warnings for stories like Elijah and Bruce’s. Much as I love to see these characters grow and find their person, when there is cruel, mean drunken and addicted parent, with religious hysteria, and another who refuses to face the fact that their child is being abused, I feel my nerves and heart going ballistic. Despite that I have to finish the story otherwise I would always wonder if the MC’s manage to find their happiness and defeat those that hurt them so much.
It’s a relatively short read at 232 by an author, Harry Applebottom whom I’ve not read before, but I see that he is quite a prolific writers of gay stories with HEA. I will certainly read more of his work.
TW. There is abusive physical behaviour, alcohol abuse, gambling addiction and mention of suicide ideation, so please take heed if any of these would be triggering for you.
I received a free ARC copy of this book via BookSirens and this is my unbiased review.
July 17, 2024
A very good shorter read addressing some very difficult and painful topics. The reaction of the priest was a pleasant surprise. Bruce and Elijah were clearly very supportive friends and this became more in a very believable way. Some of the issues were perhaps solved a bit too easily (particularly Bruce's internalised homophobia). It was touching that the two MCs could continually count on each other for everything.
July 17, 2024
This book was a fast and tender read, packed with angst, sorrow, love, and sex. Right from the beginning, the chemistry between Elijah and Bruce captivates you. You can’t help but root for them to get their happily ever after. The author beautifully blends moments of intense heat with soft, tender interactions that showcase the true devotion between the two young men.
As you delve deeper into their story, you see how Elijah and Bruce’s love grows stronger. Despite the turmoil of an abusive father and financial difficulties, their bond only deepens. It’s inspiring to watch them embrace their love and accept what they’ve always known: they belong together. Every tender moment, every heartfelt conversation, and every passionate encounter adds layers to their relationship, making it even more compelling.
Throughout the book, there are moments when you wonder if they will ever find peace. The challenges they face are daunting, and at times, it feels like their love might not survive. However, the resilience and strength they show in overcoming these obstacles are truly commendable. It’s a testament to their unwavering commitment to each other that they can navigate through their issues and emerge stronger.
In conclusion, this book is a heartwarming tale that I highly recommend. It’s a beautiful exploration of love, devotion, and the power of overcoming adversity. Watching Elijah and Bruce’s relationship blossom is a poignant reminder that true love can conquer all.
As you delve deeper into their story, you see how Elijah and Bruce’s love grows stronger. Despite the turmoil of an abusive father and financial difficulties, their bond only deepens. It’s inspiring to watch them embrace their love and accept what they’ve always known: they belong together. Every tender moment, every heartfelt conversation, and every passionate encounter adds layers to their relationship, making it even more compelling.
Throughout the book, there are moments when you wonder if they will ever find peace. The challenges they face are daunting, and at times, it feels like their love might not survive. However, the resilience and strength they show in overcoming these obstacles are truly commendable. It’s a testament to their unwavering commitment to each other that they can navigate through their issues and emerge stronger.
In conclusion, this book is a heartwarming tale that I highly recommend. It’s a beautiful exploration of love, devotion, and the power of overcoming adversity. Watching Elijah and Bruce’s relationship blossom is a poignant reminder that true love can conquer all.
July 30, 2024
A friends to lovers MM romance filled with personal and religious questioning, and family drama involving physical and emotional abuse. Elijah has been in love with his best friend since their first meeting but has never come out to him as gay. Although he struggles with his feelings, he never wants to lose their friendship and their goal of attending CalTech together. Bruce grew up in a religious family and has suppressed a part of himself. His family life is progressively worsening, and he can’t wait to escape to college. When feelings are revealed between these two, will they explore them or will long held beliefs and self-doubts destroy them first?
I enjoyed the many different issues that were part of this story. Physical and emotional abuse, suicidal thoughts, self-esteem issues, addictions, and religious connotations. It was a realistic view of family life and how parental beliefs and control can influence and hurt children. I loved how strong and special the bond between the MC’s were and was glad that although young, they were able to communicate with each other about their desires and fears. I think this book, although has potential triggers for some, explored the difficult issues facing many, not just gay youths in today’s world. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I enjoyed the many different issues that were part of this story. Physical and emotional abuse, suicidal thoughts, self-esteem issues, addictions, and religious connotations. It was a realistic view of family life and how parental beliefs and control can influence and hurt children. I loved how strong and special the bond between the MC’s were and was glad that although young, they were able to communicate with each other about their desires and fears. I think this book, although has potential triggers for some, explored the difficult issues facing many, not just gay youths in today’s world. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 19, 2024
4.5 stars
This story occurs in the summer after graduating high school and before starting college in the fall. Bruce and Elijah have been best friends since middle school. Elijah is gay but hasn’t told anyone, and he has loved Bruce for years. When he decides to tell Bruce that he is gay, there is a change in their relationship as both face realizations about each other and Bruce faces problems at home. The one thing that gets them through is their friendship and love for each other. There are some tough scenes which could be triggering, so reading warnings is important. There is also a LOT of sex holding the story parts together, so if that isn’t your jam, you may want to skip the book. Bruce and Elijah are both very relatable, empathetic characters with hard truths to face, those truths and how they handle them are the beautiful part of the story. This is longer than many of Harry’s reads, but worth the time. Lots of food for thought here. Worth more than a 4, not quite a 5 for me.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This story occurs in the summer after graduating high school and before starting college in the fall. Bruce and Elijah have been best friends since middle school. Elijah is gay but hasn’t told anyone, and he has loved Bruce for years. When he decides to tell Bruce that he is gay, there is a change in their relationship as both face realizations about each other and Bruce faces problems at home. The one thing that gets them through is their friendship and love for each other. There are some tough scenes which could be triggering, so reading warnings is important. There is also a LOT of sex holding the story parts together, so if that isn’t your jam, you may want to skip the book. Bruce and Elijah are both very relatable, empathetic characters with hard truths to face, those truths and how they handle them are the beautiful part of the story. This is longer than many of Harry’s reads, but worth the time. Lots of food for thought here. Worth more than a 4, not quite a 5 for me.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 20, 2024
Bless Elijah and Bruce.
I’ve got to say I really enjoyed this story. I’m a huge Harry Apple bottom fan and was excited to start this new book. Bruce and Elijah have been friends for a long time and they both had this dream that they would go off to college together. I’ve got to say right now that I really enjoyed their banter in their friendship, it just felt right. So when they’re getting their results are both promised to wait for one another, and then it was a really cute scene.
Elijah is gay, but he hasn’t told his best friend Bruce because he’s just really not sure how he will take it after celebrating. He finally tells Bruce. And Elijah wasn’t ready for his reaction.
There’s a lot going on in this book, and I think it’s fair to say that thankfully Bruce and Elijah have one another, while they’re going through these things, I promise you’re going to go through every emotion reading this book I know I did.
The connection between Bruce and Elijah is strong and the chemistry is off the charts. These two are so strong together.
A really great read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I’ve got to say I really enjoyed this story. I’m a huge Harry Apple bottom fan and was excited to start this new book. Bruce and Elijah have been friends for a long time and they both had this dream that they would go off to college together. I’ve got to say right now that I really enjoyed their banter in their friendship, it just felt right. So when they’re getting their results are both promised to wait for one another, and then it was a really cute scene.
Elijah is gay, but he hasn’t told his best friend Bruce because he’s just really not sure how he will take it after celebrating. He finally tells Bruce. And Elijah wasn’t ready for his reaction.
There’s a lot going on in this book, and I think it’s fair to say that thankfully Bruce and Elijah have one another, while they’re going through these things, I promise you’re going to go through every emotion reading this book I know I did.
The connection between Bruce and Elijah is strong and the chemistry is off the charts. These two are so strong together.
A really great read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 20, 2024
'He had a feeling it was about to be the best summer of his life.'
I read pretty much ever Harry Applebottom story I get my hands on. I like how they all seem to have different themes. This one was something I was immediately curious what would happen because it could go in different ways, and have big obstacles. Two best friends- one in the closet and the other religious and from a religious family. I loved both Elijah and Bruce. I loved the strength of their friendship and bond, liked the banter between them. I could really feel all the emotion here. Elijah's feelings for Bruce and the weight of keeping his sexuality a secret until it broke him down and he had to tell him. Bruce's reaction, and then fear that he'd ruined things, only to quickly add even more turmoil to see the abuse happening within his family. I was completely hooked. I also loved the way the two of them communicated and supported each other. A beautiful read. 5 stars.
I read pretty much ever Harry Applebottom story I get my hands on. I like how they all seem to have different themes. This one was something I was immediately curious what would happen because it could go in different ways, and have big obstacles. Two best friends- one in the closet and the other religious and from a religious family. I loved both Elijah and Bruce. I loved the strength of their friendship and bond, liked the banter between them. I could really feel all the emotion here. Elijah's feelings for Bruce and the weight of keeping his sexuality a secret until it broke him down and he had to tell him. Bruce's reaction, and then fear that he'd ruined things, only to quickly add even more turmoil to see the abuse happening within his family. I was completely hooked. I also loved the way the two of them communicated and supported each other. A beautiful read. 5 stars.
December 1, 2025
Mesmerizingly Powerful. A Must Read.
Bruce and Elijah, inseparable best friends, kept their love for one another a secret. Their love & admiration for each other was deeply guarded,because secretly, they were both gay. Neither dared to reveal their true selves to anyone, not even to each other.
But that’s just the beginning of their secrets. See Bruce was a pro at hiding the marks and bruises all over his body. The welts on his back were the result of his abusive alcoholic father beating him with his belt, leaving welts where the buckle had hit his skin. Bruce’s life was hell. Like so many others, including myself, the pain that numbed & the bruises that reminded him of his tortured life & there is a younger brother & mother to protect.
But mostly this is a love story.
A must-read for everyone.
Trace Dial
Bruce and Elijah, inseparable best friends, kept their love for one another a secret. Their love & admiration for each other was deeply guarded,because secretly, they were both gay. Neither dared to reveal their true selves to anyone, not even to each other.
But that’s just the beginning of their secrets. See Bruce was a pro at hiding the marks and bruises all over his body. The welts on his back were the result of his abusive alcoholic father beating him with his belt, leaving welts where the buckle had hit his skin. Bruce’s life was hell. Like so many others, including myself, the pain that numbed & the bruises that reminded him of his tortured life & there is a younger brother & mother to protect.
But mostly this is a love story.
A must-read for everyone.
Trace Dial
July 17, 2024
I am thankful I decided to try this new to me author, Harry Applebottom.
From the first page to the last page, I was quickly pulled into this emotional and dramatic story of best friends-to-lovers.
The main characters are Elijah and Bruce. They have been best friends since 6th grade.
Now as this story begins, they have graduated high school with plans to move on to college.
Both are deeply devoted to each other. But, complications from Bruce's religiously oppressive, and abusive parent causes anguish.
This is a character and plot driven story with great pacing. Thus giving enough time to realistically understand these engaging,
sympathetic characters, and their transformative love.
I highly recommend this well written book!
From the first page to the last page, I was quickly pulled into this emotional and dramatic story of best friends-to-lovers.
The main characters are Elijah and Bruce. They have been best friends since 6th grade.
Now as this story begins, they have graduated high school with plans to move on to college.
Both are deeply devoted to each other. But, complications from Bruce's religiously oppressive, and abusive parent causes anguish.
This is a character and plot driven story with great pacing. Thus giving enough time to realistically understand these engaging,
sympathetic characters, and their transformative love.
I highly recommend this well written book!
July 18, 2024
This novel has dark intonations of addiction, on page assault, homophobia and self acceptance.
A gripping, poignant story about two best friends Elijah Montgomery and Bruce Barnes who have both been pining for each other for seven years until a celebration evening leads to confessions and first times…
“I’ll be there with you. Every step of the way because whatever comes our way we have each other—there’s us.”
Suppressed feelings has no bounds when these two young men unleash their desires and passion for each other while comforting each others fears and inner turmoil!
A brilliant depiction of mental health, family love, keeping the faith, love and forgiveness….
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A gripping, poignant story about two best friends Elijah Montgomery and Bruce Barnes who have both been pining for each other for seven years until a celebration evening leads to confessions and first times…
“I’ll be there with you. Every step of the way because whatever comes our way we have each other—there’s us.”
Suppressed feelings has no bounds when these two young men unleash their desires and passion for each other while comforting each others fears and inner turmoil!
A brilliant depiction of mental health, family love, keeping the faith, love and forgiveness….
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 19, 2024
Yearning for his religious best friend Bruce was hard for Elijah. They both got accepted to the same university. One night after celebrating Elijah tells Bruce he’s gay.
He never could imagine what happened after.
First, it was a nice read, second, given on forehand a tw about domestic violence and suicidal ideation would be nice. (Edit: tw only on Booksirens) Third, there was for me too much time spent consecutively, on them experiencing sexual activities. I had so many questions. Okay, we came to the point where my questions got answered. The roundup was a bit too quick.
I’m not sure about the title which says erotic romance, it was erotic yes, romantic not so, but erotica and high angst is for me, not the right combo.
He never could imagine what happened after.
First, it was a nice read, second, given on forehand a tw about domestic violence and suicidal ideation would be nice. (Edit: tw only on Booksirens) Third, there was for me too much time spent consecutively, on them experiencing sexual activities. I had so many questions. Okay, we came to the point where my questions got answered. The roundup was a bit too quick.
I’m not sure about the title which says erotic romance, it was erotic yes, romantic not so, but erotica and high angst is for me, not the right combo.
December 1, 2025
Bruce and Elijah, inseparable best friends, kept their love for one another a secret. Their love & admiration for each other was deeply guarded,because secretly, they were both gay. Neither dared to reveal their true selves to anyone, not even to each other.
But that’s just the beginning of their secrets. See Bruce was a pro at hiding the marks and bruises all over his body. The welts on his back were the result of his abusive alcoholic father beating him with his belt, leaving welts where the buckle had hit his skin. Bruce’s life was hell. Like so many others, including myself, the pain that numbed & the bruises that reminded him of his tortured life & there is a younger brother & mother to protect.
But mostly this is a love story.
A must-read for everyone.
Trace Dial
But that’s just the beginning of their secrets. See Bruce was a pro at hiding the marks and bruises all over his body. The welts on his back were the result of his abusive alcoholic father beating him with his belt, leaving welts where the buckle had hit his skin. Bruce’s life was hell. Like so many others, including myself, the pain that numbed & the bruises that reminded him of his tortured life & there is a younger brother & mother to protect.
But mostly this is a love story.
A must-read for everyone.
Trace Dial
July 18, 2024
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Elijah and Bruce are friends that turn lovers. Brice is going through a lot at home with his dad that lost his job, and that he like Elijah more than a friend. Elijah likes Brice more than a friend but is afraid to say anything. When they finally get tell each other their feelings, they find the chemistry and love for each other. I really liked this book.
July 17, 2024
This was a really great short read about two friends who become lovers after discovering their true selves. I loved reading this wonderful story about Bruce and Elijah.
July 18, 2024
This was an enjoyable but emotional read that covered some hard topics. Elijah and Bruce were good together and they supported each other through all the changes in their lives. Good read.
August 10, 2024
Harry Applebottom is becoming one of my favorite authors. I loved this story just as much as all the others I've read from this author! It was amazing.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 21, 2025
This was an amazing book. I always love Harry's books.
September 19, 2024
This story is a friends to lovers MM romance between two long-time friends who have loved each other since middle school, but they have been hiding their feelings for each other. They are afraid of what might erupt if they ever let their feelings be known. But when Elijah confessed to Bruce that he is gay, they discover that Elijah is also gay and that the feelings between them are mutual, but it opened up the floodgates of doubts and fears of what is to come. This story is filled with angst, suffering, physical and emotional abuse, and hurt feelings. Will they be able to overcome the obstacles in their way on their path to true love?
This is the second book I have read by this author, and I enjoy the way he tells the stories and bring the characters to life.
This is the second book I have read by this author, and I enjoy the way he tells the stories and bring the characters to life.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews