I knew so little of love, I didn’t recognize it when it was right in front of me.
Mark Sure, you can call me naive. I thought my bond with Logan was just casual—a bit of fun between friends with some very enticing benefits. He’s the one who encouraged me to pursue the nude model in our art class, practically pushing us together. If he wanted me to see someone else, why does everything feel so tense between us now?
Logan is more than my roommate; he’s my best friend. The last thing I want is to lose him, but everything has changed. I’m seeing the model now, and he has the kind of connections that could skyrocket my art career. I can’t afford any distractions, especially not from Logan. Yet, I can’t help but wonder if what I’m losing is worth what I’m gaining.
Logan Jealousy? Sure, you can call it that. But Mark is mine, and I want him back.
From the moment we became roommates, I knew I had feelings for him. But I’ve always been terrible at relationships. I thought we could keep things uncomplicated—hookups, hangouts, no feelings attached. Instead, I pushed him away, right into another man’s arms.
Watching them together is unbearable. The way Mark looks at him used to be just for me. A better man might step aside, let him find happiness with someone who can give him everything he deserves. But now that I understand how deep my feelings run, walking away isn’t an option. I need to tell him the truth, so he knows he has a choice. Because if he knows, he’ll choose me... won’t he?
You Were Mine is a heartfelt MM romance novella set in a small town, featuring college roommates who realize their true feelings just in time for Halloween.
What a pair these two best friends are. Both are Art Students at College. Logan is a Halloween addict who starts decorating in early September, an ‘experienced dater’ and live wire kind of guy, also he comes from a very rich family. Mark, his roommate is the opposite, including very short of money, but strangely they are FWB for the past couple of years. Apart from that, Mark is ‘inexperienced’. He doesn’t even realise when someone is hitting on him, or when someone is flirting with him. Most of all, he doesn’t realise that Logan is in love with him and has been for ages. Yet he has no qualms about enjoying the ‘with benefits’ elements of his long friendship with Logan.
Their little ‘arrangement’ starts crumbling when Mark ‘kind of recognises’ the nude male model when they walk into their Studio Art Class. It is Logan who forces Mark to talk to said naked model, Brandon, to find out where he recognised him from before. Poor Logan, what has he done.
Mark’s inability to recognize what’s in front of him is most annoying at times. Logan is a gem of a boyfriend and I loved his bravery when eventually he just comes right out and tells Mark how he feels. Yet again, Mark is slow on the uptake.
I liked this very sweet short read, it’s lighthearted and fun, good vibe throughout.
Logan and Mark are besties with benefits and roommates, what could go wrong when one catches feelings for the other? Mark is adorable but clueless in the game of dating and romance. He is totally oblivious to anything other than art. Logan is a fun-loving guy that is OTT at times, but it works for him. When one of these guys catches the feels, it causes a bit of a hitch in their friendship. Read about how this all works out while surrounded by all things Halloween. This is a cute, quick read that is good for a quiet afternoon.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Mark & Logan: Book 1 of Art of Love: MM novella. Friends to lovers/ small town/ college roommate romance: This was a quick, sweet, and steamy read. Caleb Marks created an engaging storyline even though it was short. The characters were unique and I enjoyed their dialogue.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Logan and Mark are roommates, best friends and friends with benefits. Logan has had a crush on Mark for years but never acted on it, but when Mark starts to date Brandon, Logan is dying of jealousy and finally confess to Mark his feelings. This short story is sweet and it’s entertaining ro read. Mark is very sweet and a bit oblivious of Logan’s and his own feelings. What I did not enjoy that much is the banter between the characters mainly coming from Logan towards Mark and the fact that Logan did not talk on his feelings until Marc was someone else. I also missed more chemistry between them.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange of an honest review.
You Were Mine is a short, easy-to-read, and entertaining romance. Despite its length, C. Marks has successfully delivered a well-rounded story that offers enough context to engage readers and make the characters both endearing and relatable. Moreover, the often-used friends-to-lovers trope feels fresh, with surprising confessions, twists and turns, and unique, charming, and somewhat quirky characters. The skillful writing, paired with a fast-paced and witty narrative, makes it a condensed yet engaging read. While the storyline is a fascinating blend of love, jealousy, confusion, and passion, expanding this promising plot into a full-length novel would enhance the reading experience. Nonetheless, this is a satisfying and enjoyable read, perfect for those moments when you seek a brief distraction. Logan and Mark come from different backgrounds, with one being extroverted and forward, and the other calm and reserved. Both have been studying art and sharing a friendship and apartment for years. When a sudden competitor appears, Logan decides to act on his long-hidden feelings for Mark. Despite being a short read, there is enough insight into the characters and their emotions to keep readers' attention.
The main features of the book:
• Easy-to-read, fast-paced, friends-to-lovers short story • Endearing and well-defined characters • Skillful and engaging writing • A satisfying ending without a cliffhanger
What this book does not include:
• Dark drama and troubled characters • High angst, tension, adventure, and fantasy • Complex and heartbreaking issues and emotions
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary advance reader copy of this book. This review reflects my honest thoughts and opinions.
Mark and Logan have been roommates since college, then friends with benefits, and later each other's support. That support was tested when Mark recognized the nude model in their painting class as someone he'd met before. It was Logan who, when Mark hesitated to ask the nude model, helped him confess they were lab partners.
Logan is well-off, as is Brandon, the nude model who invites Mark to the Halloween gala at the art museum—an event Mark has always wanted to attend to network with others who can help his art career. Logan depends on Mark for their annual Halloween tradition, which Logan eagerly looks forward to every year. The Halloween preparations begin months in advance.
Brandon’s invitation for Mark to join him at the gala threatens to end their Halloween tradition, and Logan confesses his love for Mark. Yet, wanting Mark to be happy, Logan releases him to attend the gala with Brandon.
This conflict—where Logan wants what's best for Mark even at his own expense—sets Mark on a journey to the gala, where he realizes how strong Logan’s love truly is. The story ends happily as the two discover their true destiny for Halloween and spend more nights together.
A lovely short story, with lots of love between two funny, endearing boys. The story is almost too short; I loved the dynamic between Mark and Logan, and would have liked more! Mark is cute but so clueless about Logan's feelings or anyone else's about him really. And it took competition (and what competition!!), for Logan to realize that it can't stay that way... They're so perfect for each other! I hope there will be more books, and that we'll get to see Mark and Logan again... Maybe with Brendan's story, who seems like a really decent guy too and who also deserves to find his person.
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Une belle histoire courte, avec beaucoup d'amour entre deux garçons drôles et attachants. L'histoire est presque trop courte, j'ai adoré la dynamique entre Mark et Logan et j'en aurai voulu plus ! Mark est mignon mais tellement ignorant des sentiments de Logan ou de qui que ce soit le concernant en réalité. Et il a fallu de la concurrence (et quelle concurrence !!), pour que Logan réalise que ça ne peut pas rester comme ça... Ils sont tellement parfaits l'un pour l'autre ! J'espère qu'il aura d'autres livres et qu'on aura l'occasion de revoir Mark et Logan... Peut-être avec l'histoire de Brendan qui semble être quelqu'un de très bien et qui mérite lui aussi de trouver sa personne.
A short novella about Logan and Mark, two art students who are roommates, best friends and friends with benefits—until one of them catches feelings for the other, who, oblivious to it all, starts dating someone else. Jealousy and confessions put a strain on their friendship, but in true romance fashion, we do get an HEA for the main characters.
Mark narrates most of the chapters, but there are a few narrated by Logan as well, which I appreciated. There is some good banter between the two MCs, and I found Mark’s obliviousness and Logan’s tendencies to be completely OTT about Halloween quite charming.
That being said, I felt like there wasn’t all that much chemistry between them, and the story felt like it could’ve been more detailed in some places. I also didn’t feel like there was any chemistry at all between Mark and Brandon, and I couldn’t see why Mark struggled so much to figure out his feelings. Maybe because we didn’t actually see many of their dates and their relationship was mostly off-page…
There were also some spelling errors scattered throughout, but nothing so egregious it detracted from the plot.
Mark, as part of his studio art degree coursework, had gathered his paints to prepare for the nude model’s arrival in class. When the model got settled on the platform, he seemed familiar but Mark’s classmate Logan diverted his attention to ask his opinion on various painting colors. Since his roommate Logan didn’t recognize the model either, Mark figured he must have met him elsewhere. As he puzzles over it, Logan (who has his own crush on Mark) tells him to ask the guy out. Logan never expected that he would be risking his own chance with his best friend by that crazy suggestion. Will Mark pursue a relationship with Brandon now? Or will Logan find a way to admit to Mark how he really feels about him and win back his heart?
The author does a remarkable job introducing characters that the reader can care about. It gets the reader truly invested in the storyline and the outcome of the relationship. Grab your copy and see how their story plays out. Will there be a HEA or a broken heart for Logan?
This is the first book in the Art of Love series. This is a sweet romance that is quick to read. This is the story of Mark and Logan. Both Mark and Logan are working towards the same degree in studio art. Immediately, the two of them became best friends and roommates. It is only lately that it has evolved into a friends with benefits situation. The two complement each other well. Mark is shy and quiet while Logan is outgoing and quick to make friends. Recognizing the nude model in their class, Logan encourages Mark to ask him out. Surprisingly he does and the two begin to see each other. The only problem with his is that Logan has been in love with Mark for years. He just hasn't told him. Now he might lose his chance to be more with Mark. This is their story. The book is written well and is easy to read. It will also help if you are a big fan of Halloween. Logan is obsessed with that holiday. This is a fun read.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I really enjoyed reading my first book from this author, the characters have such great personalities, one lacks in confidence with relationships and the other is holding back because he doesn't think he's what the other wants.
Two best friends who are room mates and spend a lot of time together decide to be friends with benefits. One day in art class the model is someone Mark recognises but doesn't have the confidence to approach so Logan steps in to give him the push of putting himself out there. When Logan realises their relationship is going somewhere he knows he needs to tell his best friend how he feels about him or risk never knowing if they could have been more.
Beautifully written to reflect the complexity of emotions, friendship, love and a really enjoyable read.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Logan and Mark are graduate level art students, both working toward doctorate degrees. They are also roommates and ‘friends with benefits.’ Logan feels more than friendship for Mark, though Mark seems clueless. Mark is intrigued by Brandon, a new life model in a painting class, feeling he knows the man from somewhere but can’t quite place him. Mark discovers he and Brandon had been in an undergraduate class together, and they embark on a sweet little flirtation.
Meanwhile, Logan is pining for Mark. It’s a cute story with a hilarious scene involving a campy Bob Ross Halloween costume at an elite gala. The friends-to-lovers trope is well-worn, and I kept hoping for more character development, or more humor around Logan’s Halloween obsession.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Logan deserved better than Mark. Mark was dating someone else for 50%ish of the book. Logan confessed his love and Marks response was basically sorry I like Brandon and I'm not breaking up with him.....THEN CONTINUES DATING BRANDON until the last chapter...where he confesses his love for Logan.
Long Review
Logan and Mark were roommates and bestie with benefits for years. It starts with Mark is admiring the nude model in class, very well endowed. He swore he knew him from somewhere....cue Logans jealousy. All Mark did was talk and think about Brandon. About 1/4 of the way through Mark and Brandon(the model) talk realizing they had a class together 3 or 4 years ago. Brandon asks Mark out and he excitedly accepts. Mark cuts off sex with Logan and starts dating Brandon. ***If Mark and Brandon fuck it isn't mentioned or seen on page**** Logan was super jealous but tried to be supportive. At Ch 7. He finally confessed to Mark that he loves him and...Mark says..."I just...I dont know. I just met Brandon again, and he's really great...." and continues dating him. He also told Brandon that Logan confessed his love but assured him that he likes him alot and wants to see where it goes.
The day of the gala...Marks feeling for both guys confused him. "When I look at Logan. I think and Brandon. And I feel like there's something more there, something all tangled up and confused. I like Logan but I like Brandon too. ........ Logan and Mark end up bickering about the whole situation and the while Mark secretly hoped Logan confessed he didnt want Mark with someone else. ***Im confused as fuck by now***
Ch 8 Mark was at a gala with Brandon when Logan showed up dressed at "gay Bob Ross" and made a grand gesture begging Mark to give them a chance. Logan asked him to leave promising to talk later. ***Best part of the book even though Mark should have been the one begging Logan to give them a chance***
Mark and Brandon talk after he leaves and decide that if Mark this he likes Logan he should pursue it...
Ch 9...LAST CHAPTER....Logan went home HIS EXACT WORDS... "I broke up with Brandon. Or he broke up with me. I guess it was pretty mutual." I wince. "I'm sorry." He shrugs. "It'll be fine. Maybe I'll just date you instead."............ "You're serious?" I ask. "Isn't that what you wanted?" "Yes, but---" "But I think I've liked...no...love you for a very long time," Mark says. "It just took me a while to piece it all together. You know I'm slow with stuff like that."
BULLSHIT!! FUCKING BULLSHIT. He had no problem jumping on the Brandon band wagon...
This was a sweet read, I love a really well done novella and this one was a fun twist on a favorite trope. I’ve read so many best friends to lovers romances but the author was able to make this one feel fresh and original. Both MCs are likable and there is some good opposites attract vibes between the two. Mark being a bit awkward, and a little shy compared to his outrageous and outgoing friend and roommate, Logan. Though, to be honest, I was secretly kind of rooting for Brandon. I just wanted to know more about Mark’s independently wealthy and kind former classmate- who takes nude models gigs just for fun. A really fun and well executed quick read, I really enjoyed Mark and Logan’s HEA.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Mark have been roommates and friends since they first met and in the same class studio art. They were painting nudes, Mark thought that the last model he recognized but couldn’t remember where. Logan went and asked him where Mark might have known him and they had taken some science classes together. Mark met Brandon at a coffee shop then they planned on going to a charity gala together it was on Halloween night. Logan told Mark that he wanted Mark to be his as he loved him, the night of the gala Logan showed up in costume and told Mark that he didn’t want Mark to date Brandon. Mark sent him home then came home too and they talked things out.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Mark and Logan are college roommates, best friends, and sometimes lovers. Logan is energetic, Halloween loving, and rich. Mark is more serious and comes from a modest background. Both are art master’s degree students at Bluehaven College. Logan mistakenly encourages Mark to date the nude model from one of their art classes, and Mark does, to Logan’s chagrin. Suddenly, friends with benefits isn’t enough for Logan when love is involved.
The story is a well-written, beautiful love story that was a delight to read. The story was a quick read that I was fantastic from start to finish, and I couldn’t put it down. I definitely recommend this book.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Mark and Logan have been friends and roommates and friends with benefits for a long time but Logan has harbored a deep secret. He loves Mark? What will happen when Mark gets asked out by a hot, rich guy who seems perfect?
The best thing about this book is even though there is a predicament it is truly low angst. Also the fact that in 70 or so pages the book was more fulfilling than most long drawn out books.
I would love to see more of Mark and Logan fhough. Maybe a wedding?
This was a real cute story of Mark, a young man clueless about romance and love, torn between his attraction to new guy Brandon and to his steady roommate of 3 years, Logan. Logan has just admitted his love for Mark, and Mark doesn’t know what to think or do. Both have wealth but approach it in different ways. It takes an unexpected event to help Mark clarify his thinking and make his choice, all focused around Halloween. A short, fun read with relatable characters and a realistic situation.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was a sweet story between two best friends who discover latent and hidden feelings for one another. When Logan tries to encourage Mark to ask someone else out, he realizes that that's not really what he wants, but he knows he will always cherish Mark's happiness above all.
Mark definitely spends much of the book quite oblivious, and then suddenly gets the push back toward Logan for their HEA.
A fun, entertaining read with very little angst and definitely little bouts of silliness and creativity.
I do wonder if our story's "someone else" will get his own HEA in the future, or if he was simply a challenge for Logan & Mark to overcome.
I received an advance copy of this book and am volunteering my honest review.
This novella that was an absolute gem! Logan and Mark, two characters whose banter is both witty and endearing. Logan's quirky personality while Mark is obliviousness to Logan's secret crush.
Their FWB relationship adds a bit of complexity, especially when Logan push Mark into dating the art class model Logan starts feeling the pangs of jealousy.
The novella has humor and heart, making it a highly enjoyable read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Nail biter. Mark and Logan are roommates. Logan is secretly in love with Mark and afraid to speak out. Logan is not afraid to live by his emotions and Mark unconditionally supports him. Mark, takes their best friends with benefit relationship for granted and is oblivious of Logan's true self. Interesting story about if or when will Logan make his move and will Mark even notice? Nice story, great dialogue. Mark and Logan are really nice guys who fail to communicate. Interesting story. I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Mark and Logan's story is cute friends to lover's romance that steals your heart.
Mark and Logan are roommates and are opposite as they can be. Mark works hard and keeps his head down and Logan comes from money is over the top. When Mark shows interest in another, Logan has to decide if he is ready to take the next step.
I love the connection between Mark and Logan, and how Logan pushes Mark out of his comfort zone.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a best friends to more romance, featuring Logan and Mark, and is book one in the Art Of Love series.
This is a cute Halloween novella, Logan and Mark are best friends, roommates and FWB. Logan has feelings for Mark but Mark is obvious to it and ends up going on a date with someone else.
If you are wanting something light to read, jump in.
Things to expect in this MM romance are: 1st book in series Novella Best friends to more Friends with benefits College students Roommates Halloween Jealous MC Oblivious MC Declaration of feelings HEA
I think this has a really good chance to be a really good book however the romance and love aspect between the main characters was basically non-existent until the very end. Mark and Brandon honesty had more chemistry than Mark and Logan. I also don't think Logan have secret crush on Logan was really showcased well if it wasn't directly stated you wouldn't have picked up on it. Overall it was a cute little read a nice palette cleanser.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Excellent writing of someone oblivious to emotions, their own and those around them. Not going to label either of the characters, as they could both fit into several "categories" but the blithe non-realization of the one and the not quite desperate wish to be seen of the other are generously represented as they both stumble through their non-relationship and trip right into their own particular HEA. Sweet, low angst, very light on the steam - which is perfect for this story.
This was so cute! I loved it! And the end… it was all expected and “your usual” but with such a high level of cuteness! I don’t have words to describe how cozy and comfy this book was. Reading it was like drinking hot cocoa under a fuzzy blanket while it’s raining outside. I loved it!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book is a 4/5 for me. Mark and Logan are roommates and have been for several years. Both men are studying for their PhD’s in art. Occasionally they fool around with each other but is is more of friends with benefits. But that all changes when a hunk named Brandon shows interest in Mark. Some soul searching will have to happen.
This was such a sweet friends to lovers novella. Mark and Logan were so good together, and I loved seeing how their relationship changed. I wish it was longer so we could see more of them after they got together.
I received an advanced copy and voluntarily gave my honest review.
You Were Mine is the first book in the new Art of Love series by Caleb Marks. It's a short, easy to read, best friends/friends to benefits to love book about Mark and Logan. I can't wait to see what comes next in the series.
I have conflicting emotions when it comes to this novella. I'm torn between desperately wanting Mark to choose Logan because Logan loves him, and wanting Logan to find someone worthy of him. Because Mark does not deserve that kind of loyalty. Anyway, it was beautifully written. I did enjoy it.