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Follow the Stars
Can the Stars Make Two Friends Lovers or Break them Apart Forever?
When Noah loses his best friend Rory to cystic fibrosis, he feels lost without her unconditional love and support.
Ezra—the one who understands his grief—suggests they embark on something they've been planning for years: a road trip along the Eastern Seaboard. But Ezra has a secret no one knows—he’s been in love Noah for years.
Ezra fears he won’t be able to hold back his feelings as they fulfill Rory’s biggest dream on her bucket list. Noah worries the connection he has with Ezra's lost without Rory to guide them together. But through their grief, the question remains: If you follow your heart, can you find love as bright as the stars?
Follow the Stars is a best friends to lovers, bisexual awakening, close proximity, MM romance that features neurodivergent hero and a neurotypical hero who discover how love can be found even in the deepest of grief.
When Noah loses his best friend Rory to cystic fibrosis, he feels lost without her unconditional love and support.
Ezra—the one who understands his grief—suggests they embark on something they've been planning for years: a road trip along the Eastern Seaboard. But Ezra has a secret no one knows—he’s been in love Noah for years.
Ezra fears he won’t be able to hold back his feelings as they fulfill Rory’s biggest dream on her bucket list. Noah worries the connection he has with Ezra's lost without Rory to guide them together. But through their grief, the question remains: If you follow your heart, can you find love as bright as the stars?
Follow the Stars is a best friends to lovers, bisexual awakening, close proximity, MM romance that features neurodivergent hero and a neurotypical hero who discover how love can be found even in the deepest of grief.
Kindle Edition
Published August 1, 2024
10 people are currently reading
124 people want to read
About the author
Gwen Martin
12 books145 followersGwen Martin grew up in Florida where the sun was always shining, the humidity was high, and Disney was just a hop skip away. She currently lives in Knoxville, Tennessee to experience seasons and be closer to the mountains. When she’s not trying to write one of her million story ideas, she’s usually hanging out with her husband and five cats.
Gwen first started writing at a young age, coming up with stories in class instead of paying attention to her math lessons. Since then she has been exploring her love of writing in various fan communities where she has learned how to cultivate character development and romantic interactions.
She has a strong love affair with cold brew coffee, black cats, and nerding out in various fandoms. When she’s not writing, she’s reading everything she can get her hands on, listening to a lot of lo-fi and making playlists, chilling with her gatos and obsessing about Pusheen. Because it’s always about Pusheen.
Gwen first started writing at a young age, coming up with stories in class instead of paying attention to her math lessons. Since then she has been exploring her love of writing in various fan communities where she has learned how to cultivate character development and romantic interactions.
She has a strong love affair with cold brew coffee, black cats, and nerding out in various fandoms. When she’s not writing, she’s reading everything she can get her hands on, listening to a lot of lo-fi and making playlists, chilling with her gatos and obsessing about Pusheen. Because it’s always about Pusheen.
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October 7, 2021
2 stars
This is a new to me author but I was very intrigued by the blurb and I just had to try it out. I like the idea of two friends being bound together by their shared grief and it was a topic I really wanted to read about. In the end, this one just didn’t work for me, sadly.
Brief Summary
Noah, Ezra and Rory are friends. Rory has been talking about them taking a road trip for a while. Rory has cystic fibrosis and she dies after the graduate college and most of the book is Noah and Ezra trying to deal with their grief. They decide to do the road trip of honor of Rory. During the road trip, Noah and Ezra fall in love and start a relationship.
First, I really enjoyed how the point of views were done in this book. Noah’s POV was in first person while Ezra’s POV is told through letters he sends to Rory, it was a really creative way to frame the story and it really worked for me.
Second, Noah really loved space and there was a lot of space facts mentioned during book and I really enjoyed those, it was lovely to read about.
Third, Noah is neurodivergent and the way it was done was absolutely lovely to me. He was overwelmed by too much noise, he had to plan everything, changes and decisions overwhelmed him, he follows a routine so he doesn’t get overwhelmed, etc. Everything was done with a really brillant level of care and it was absolutely brillant for me to read about. It really felt like a realistic approach and I appreciated it, very much.
Fourth, what I didn’t appreciate was how Ezra dealt with Noah being neurodivergent. Ezra knowns that Noah is neurodivergent and Noah was very good at telling Ezra what bothered him but Ezra never listened to him. Also they have been best friends for years so i’m assuming that Ezra knowns how Noah functions by now He had no consideration about Noah’s routines and kept suggesting that Noah broke them. He also kept encouraging Noah to live without plans when Noah needs his plans to function. Breaking his routines and not making plans could send Noah into a mental breakdown so i’m really not sure this is the best plan in this scenario. These scenes were told in Noah’s point of view and we got to see how much it affected him that Ezra didn’t respect his boundaries, which just made me feel sad for Noah and start to dislike Ezra as his love interest. Also Noah was always the one apologizing when Ezra was the one in the wrong for not respecting Noah’s boundaries, which didn’t sit well with me. Noah needs the rule to feel safe and well so he shouldn’t have been apoligizing about them, ever. Ezra was always making rude comments about Noah’s routines like they’re a simple quirk he can change instead of how Noah stays functioning throughout the day and I really disliked that part, it made me feel like he wasn’t good enough for Noah, because he didn’t seem to be trying to understand how Noah’s brain works. I’m hoping that Ezra probably just lacked education on the matter and didn’t actually willingly try to push Noah’s boundaries but because these scenes were all told in Noah’s point of view, it made me really unsettled and it just didn’t work for me.
And there was parts of the book where Ezra was really sweet to Rory and really tried to understand him and while it was lovely to see, I had already turned sour on him due to the previous events so sadly I could not enjoy those parts as much as I wanted.
Fifth, the grief and how Rory and Ezra felt it was so nicely portrayed. It felt very realistic to how grief really is. I liked that it was portrayed in many details and never skimmed over. I liked that it followed them everywhere and it didn’t just magically go away. Noah used to rely on Rory to tell him what to do and how to act in certain situations and he was a little lost without her being there and that part felt so realistic to me, I really enjoyed me. I liked how Noah and Ezra didn’t really know how to be friends at first because Rory was the glue to their friendship. I also loved how the stages of grief were shown and how Ezra and Rory went through them in different ways. I loved how Rory was kind of numb and couldn’t cry even if he wanted to, at first, it was so well done and so realistic in its approach.
Sixth, at first Ezra is really angry with Noah because Noah doesn’t seem to be sad about Rory’s death (because he’s not openly crying about it), but Noah is neurodivergent and grief hits everyone different. And I get that Ezra is grieving too and that the comments came from a place of grief. I don’t feel like it was a good enough motive for him to yell at Rory and then he doesn’t even explain to Rory what is wrong, like Rory is suddently a psychic and can read his mind. I just didn’t enjoy how Ezra was so mad at Rory and didn’t tell Rory why, it made me feel bad for Rory who didn’t understand what was wrong except that he did something wrong, but he had no clue what that thing was. I just didn’t enjoy that part and it made it hard for me to like Ezra as a character because of it.
Seventh, this entire book is about Rory. And how Ezra and Noah are grieving her. But she died in the prologue and we never met her on page. So I didn’t really feel a connection to her. Like sure her memory lived through the book and the stories they told about her (and Ezra’s POV is always told through letters he writes to Rory) but I still didn’t feel like I knew her enough to share the grief they felt about her, which impacted my feelings about the story because I didn’t feel as emotionally impacted as I should have been. I barely cried during this book and i’ve cried during a scene where a main character was gifted a stuffed animal of his favorite Pokemon before so it shows that I really didn’t feel connected enough to Rory to be able to feel sad about her death. I just wish I had known Rory better so that I could have been grieving her too, it would have hightened the reading experience for me, but I love to cry during books so it might just be a me thing.
I wish I enjoyed this book more than I did, I really loved the set up for it and the idea behind it, I just sadly didn’t vibe with one of the main character.
I received an ARC of this book, and this is my honest review.
This is a new to me author but I was very intrigued by the blurb and I just had to try it out. I like the idea of two friends being bound together by their shared grief and it was a topic I really wanted to read about. In the end, this one just didn’t work for me, sadly.
Brief Summary
Noah, Ezra and Rory are friends. Rory has been talking about them taking a road trip for a while. Rory has cystic fibrosis and she dies after the graduate college and most of the book is Noah and Ezra trying to deal with their grief. They decide to do the road trip of honor of Rory. During the road trip, Noah and Ezra fall in love and start a relationship.
First, I really enjoyed how the point of views were done in this book. Noah’s POV was in first person while Ezra’s POV is told through letters he sends to Rory, it was a really creative way to frame the story and it really worked for me.
Second, Noah really loved space and there was a lot of space facts mentioned during book and I really enjoyed those, it was lovely to read about.
Third, Noah is neurodivergent and the way it was done was absolutely lovely to me. He was overwelmed by too much noise, he had to plan everything, changes and decisions overwhelmed him, he follows a routine so he doesn’t get overwhelmed, etc. Everything was done with a really brillant level of care and it was absolutely brillant for me to read about. It really felt like a realistic approach and I appreciated it, very much.
Fourth, what I didn’t appreciate was how Ezra dealt with Noah being neurodivergent. Ezra knowns that Noah is neurodivergent and Noah was very good at telling Ezra what bothered him but Ezra never listened to him. Also they have been best friends for years so i’m assuming that Ezra knowns how Noah functions by now He had no consideration about Noah’s routines and kept suggesting that Noah broke them. He also kept encouraging Noah to live without plans when Noah needs his plans to function. Breaking his routines and not making plans could send Noah into a mental breakdown so i’m really not sure this is the best plan in this scenario. These scenes were told in Noah’s point of view and we got to see how much it affected him that Ezra didn’t respect his boundaries, which just made me feel sad for Noah and start to dislike Ezra as his love interest. Also Noah was always the one apologizing when Ezra was the one in the wrong for not respecting Noah’s boundaries, which didn’t sit well with me. Noah needs the rule to feel safe and well so he shouldn’t have been apoligizing about them, ever. Ezra was always making rude comments about Noah’s routines like they’re a simple quirk he can change instead of how Noah stays functioning throughout the day and I really disliked that part, it made me feel like he wasn’t good enough for Noah, because he didn’t seem to be trying to understand how Noah’s brain works. I’m hoping that Ezra probably just lacked education on the matter and didn’t actually willingly try to push Noah’s boundaries but because these scenes were all told in Noah’s point of view, it made me really unsettled and it just didn’t work for me.
And there was parts of the book where Ezra was really sweet to Rory and really tried to understand him and while it was lovely to see, I had already turned sour on him due to the previous events so sadly I could not enjoy those parts as much as I wanted.
Fifth, the grief and how Rory and Ezra felt it was so nicely portrayed. It felt very realistic to how grief really is. I liked that it was portrayed in many details and never skimmed over. I liked that it followed them everywhere and it didn’t just magically go away. Noah used to rely on Rory to tell him what to do and how to act in certain situations and he was a little lost without her being there and that part felt so realistic to me, I really enjoyed me. I liked how Noah and Ezra didn’t really know how to be friends at first because Rory was the glue to their friendship. I also loved how the stages of grief were shown and how Ezra and Rory went through them in different ways. I loved how Rory was kind of numb and couldn’t cry even if he wanted to, at first, it was so well done and so realistic in its approach.
Sixth, at first Ezra is really angry with Noah because Noah doesn’t seem to be sad about Rory’s death (because he’s not openly crying about it), but Noah is neurodivergent and grief hits everyone different. And I get that Ezra is grieving too and that the comments came from a place of grief. I don’t feel like it was a good enough motive for him to yell at Rory and then he doesn’t even explain to Rory what is wrong, like Rory is suddently a psychic and can read his mind. I just didn’t enjoy how Ezra was so mad at Rory and didn’t tell Rory why, it made me feel bad for Rory who didn’t understand what was wrong except that he did something wrong, but he had no clue what that thing was. I just didn’t enjoy that part and it made it hard for me to like Ezra as a character because of it.
Seventh, this entire book is about Rory. And how Ezra and Noah are grieving her. But she died in the prologue and we never met her on page. So I didn’t really feel a connection to her. Like sure her memory lived through the book and the stories they told about her (and Ezra’s POV is always told through letters he writes to Rory) but I still didn’t feel like I knew her enough to share the grief they felt about her, which impacted my feelings about the story because I didn’t feel as emotionally impacted as I should have been. I barely cried during this book and i’ve cried during a scene where a main character was gifted a stuffed animal of his favorite Pokemon before so it shows that I really didn’t feel connected enough to Rory to be able to feel sad about her death. I just wish I had known Rory better so that I could have been grieving her too, it would have hightened the reading experience for me, but I love to cry during books so it might just be a me thing.
I wish I enjoyed this book more than I did, I really loved the set up for it and the idea behind it, I just sadly didn’t vibe with one of the main character.
I received an ARC of this book, and this is my honest review.
October 15, 2021
Ezra and Noah embark on a road trip after the death of their best friend Rory. It was something that was on her bucket list and something she wanted them to do even if she was not around. However, her presence is constantly felt throughout the trip.
Rory was a major part of their lives and the glue that held the friendship together. She was the one who knew how to handle both of them. Noah with his habits. Noah is neurodivergent and is unable to express himself properly and has certain ticks that occur when his emotions build up. Rory was the friend who understood him and knew how to handle it. She was also the one who knew Ezra's biggest secret and always encouraged him to follow his dreams. She knew how to be the mediator between the two. With her gone there is a big whole missing. Will Ezra and Noah know how to keep a friendship going without her?
This trip is suppose to be away to remember her and also away for Noah and Ezra to truly connect.
Overall, it was an ok read. The death of Rory is heavy in it. It's a constant but her being gone is the catalyst for the trip. A trip that gets Noah and Ezra to where they need to be. I will note Ezra's side of the story is written through letters addressed to Rory where as Noah's is first person POV. Which is something different but you still do get to be in both of their heads and witness the emotions they are feeling.
*ARC provided by GRR, this is my honest review. *
Rory was a major part of their lives and the glue that held the friendship together. She was the one who knew how to handle both of them. Noah with his habits. Noah is neurodivergent and is unable to express himself properly and has certain ticks that occur when his emotions build up. Rory was the friend who understood him and knew how to handle it. She was also the one who knew Ezra's biggest secret and always encouraged him to follow his dreams. She knew how to be the mediator between the two. With her gone there is a big whole missing. Will Ezra and Noah know how to keep a friendship going without her?
This trip is suppose to be away to remember her and also away for Noah and Ezra to truly connect.
Overall, it was an ok read. The death of Rory is heavy in it. It's a constant but her being gone is the catalyst for the trip. A trip that gets Noah and Ezra to where they need to be. I will note Ezra's side of the story is written through letters addressed to Rory where as Noah's is first person POV. Which is something different but you still do get to be in both of their heads and witness the emotions they are feeling.
*ARC provided by GRR, this is my honest review. *
October 3, 2021
for me, this was an okay read. also, my first book on neurodivergent.
i love being able to feel Noah's frustration with himself. it was nice. and impatient Ezra, being patient and understanding. the pain, frustration, healing, happiness.
the romance was, chef kiss, perfect. all the romance here is just a plus! i love the built up, the unknown feelings popping up. everything.
unfortunately, i cannot understand the grief for Rory. it all happened because of her, for her. but i dont feel connected to her at all. i would love to grief along with them, for her. i would love an alive memory (or a deep memory) of her to mark in my heart, so it will hurt as much as for Noah and Ezra.
i love being able to feel Noah's frustration with himself. it was nice. and impatient Ezra, being patient and understanding. the pain, frustration, healing, happiness.
the romance was, chef kiss, perfect. all the romance here is just a plus! i love the built up, the unknown feelings popping up. everything.
unfortunately, i cannot understand the grief for Rory. it all happened because of her, for her. but i dont feel connected to her at all. i would love to grief along with them, for her. i would love an alive memory (or a deep memory) of her to mark in my heart, so it will hurt as much as for Noah and Ezra.
Read
October 31, 2021Not connecting with this one right now (49%). Going to put it aside. It could also use another proofreading pass.
September 30, 2021
What a beautiful love story!
There is just no way I can write a review adequate to describe how wonderful I think this book is. It’s a sweet, slow-burn story. It’s also very different from other books I’ve read by Gwen Martin, which are usually super-hot; but it wouldn’t have been such a romantic and wonderful story if she’d written it any differently.
Noah, Ezra and Rory were best friends for many years and then cystic fibrosis took Rory from them. She was a major force in both of their lives and losing her was devastating to both of them. Rory was able to help Ezra understand Noah, who is neurodivergent. Now that Rory is gone Noah and Ezra must learn to navigate each other without her help.
This book is a great road-trip romance as well as a great friends-to-lovers story; it’s also pretty low angst but did make me shed more than a few tears. I can’t describe the story any better than blurb does other than to tell you it made my heart hurt in places, in both happy and sad ways at times. The story is told in first person POV by Noah with some chapters from Ezra where he writes letters to Rory, which I loved.
There is just so much heart to this story and I know I will be thinking about it for days to come. It’s going on my favorites list for this year.
An advanced copy of this book was provided to me at my request but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
There is just no way I can write a review adequate to describe how wonderful I think this book is. It’s a sweet, slow-burn story. It’s also very different from other books I’ve read by Gwen Martin, which are usually super-hot; but it wouldn’t have been such a romantic and wonderful story if she’d written it any differently.
Noah, Ezra and Rory were best friends for many years and then cystic fibrosis took Rory from them. She was a major force in both of their lives and losing her was devastating to both of them. Rory was able to help Ezra understand Noah, who is neurodivergent. Now that Rory is gone Noah and Ezra must learn to navigate each other without her help.
This book is a great road-trip romance as well as a great friends-to-lovers story; it’s also pretty low angst but did make me shed more than a few tears. I can’t describe the story any better than blurb does other than to tell you it made my heart hurt in places, in both happy and sad ways at times. The story is told in first person POV by Noah with some chapters from Ezra where he writes letters to Rory, which I loved.
There is just so much heart to this story and I know I will be thinking about it for days to come. It’s going on my favorites list for this year.
An advanced copy of this book was provided to me at my request but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
June 5, 2022
Such a sad, beautiful, and loving story. Can anything be more beautiful than two best friends discovering their love for one another while on a road trip to honour their BFF who died?
It had beautiful self-discovery, as they navigated their way without the one person who grounded them and bonded them. They were forced to find their own strength and lean into it. It’s not easy when you don’t always have the words, but they find their way, and it was pretty lovely.
“It’s that kind of love that’s all consuming and powerful and wondrous and heady. It’s dizzying.”
This was such a captivating story, that had me shedding more than a few tears but also smiling sweetly throughout.
4.5 Stars
< ARC provided and this is my honest review >
It had beautiful self-discovery, as they navigated their way without the one person who grounded them and bonded them. They were forced to find their own strength and lean into it. It’s not easy when you don’t always have the words, but they find their way, and it was pretty lovely.
“It’s that kind of love that’s all consuming and powerful and wondrous and heady. It’s dizzying.”
This was such a captivating story, that had me shedding more than a few tears but also smiling sweetly throughout.
4.5 Stars
< ARC provided and this is my honest review >
June 7, 2022
This was really a very sweet friends to lovers. It held a note of sadness throughout the book, as both Ezra and Noah lost a very dear friend and they are still freshly healing from it. This also had the unique perspective, as Noah struggles with sensory issues and expressing himself. It's so refreshing to see someone represented that isn't often shown in their own love stories. I enjoyed reading about these two and their road trip, and how it brought them closer.
September 25, 2021
This book was good. Have some tissue though because the MCs are trying to work through grief at the death of their best friend and anchor that held the three of them together. Rory was the one who interpreted for Ezra and Noah, bridging the gap and breaking the tension. Now that she is gone, the two friends embark on a road trip in her honor. Ezra had been in love with Noah for years but Noah is oblivious. His neurodivergence often has him miss clues and leaves him at a loss for how to express himself. These characters were so well crafted. I could feel the pain that Ezra expresses and Noah traps inside. It was also great to read a very well written book with a character that is not what society would call “normal.” I think realistically there are actually very few truly neuronormative people out there. The road trip that these two go on becomes a journey in more than just the literal sense as they both figure out how to express themselves and live boldly as their late friend would have wanted. A truly beautiful book!
September 29, 2021
Follow the Stars is a remarkable love story about grief, friendship, love, and living in the moment as best friends Noah and Ezra set off on a road trip along the Eastern Seaboard. Noah has autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and his communication challenges are a central theme in the book. He is brilliantly portrayed; this is the most accurate and comprehensive representation of ASD that I’ve read in a novel. This book feels important.
“I feel really alone. Everyone can express their feelings, their emotions, and my brain freezes when I try to do that.” I moved my finger from my temple to my mouth. “It’s like the connection isn’t there.”
Autism isn’t the only theme in this book, by a long shot. At the start, Rory, the mutual best friend of Noah and Ezra, dies of cystic fibrosis complications. She left her friends a letter imploring them to make the most of their lives – you only live once, she stressed repeatedly. She asked them to honor her life by embarking on a bucket list trip they had been planning for years to take as a trio.
I love to read road trip romances and watch the relationships evolve as the miles pass. Here, the men travel from their homes in Florida to Asheville, Annapolis, Philadelphia, and New York City to fulfill Rory's dreams. I enjoyed their exploration of those cities as well as Noah's burgeoning feelings for Ezra, and the intensifying of Ezra’s years-long love for Noah. Along the way, Rory and Noah's shared fondness of stars and astronomy is a highlight. Noah takes comfort in the stars and ironically, they ground him even though they’re deep in space, way up above.
But blanketing it all is the hardship for both men to clearly understand the other and communicate effectively. There is particular attention paid to the difference in their handling of grief.
“I was desperate to show my pain, but no matter how many times I opened myself up, nothing happened. Tears I was desperate to shed never came, and that loss sliced through me, my heart splintered and jagged around the edges.”
Ezra is a wonderful young man who exhibits patience to the best of his ability, but it’s not always enough. It’s difficult for him to comprehend why Noah doesn’t outwardly grieve for Rory or why he can’t share how he feels more directly. It’s hurtful. He knows Noah is different and he can’t expect him to behave neurotypically, but that doesn’t make it any easier to bear. Rory fully “got” Noah and served as an intermediary to ease their communication issues.
“I don’t know how to talk to him. You were the anchor for the three of us. The one who helped keep us from getting lost at sea. What are we going to do without you?”
My heart went out to Noah for sure, but I had great sympathy for Ezra, as well. I also felt gratitude that he saw beyond Noah's differences and loved him regardless.
Noah can’t communicate well with Ezra, his parents, and others, but Ms. Martin excels in conveying his feelings to the reader through his thoughts. This is what makes the book so valuable for understanding ASD. It’s also what sets it apart. So often, books focus on the idiosyncrasies, sensory sensitivities, and stereotypical behavior or tics a person may display. Some authors who incorporate an MC with ASD choose to highlight the character’s strengths and ability to develop a lasting romantic relationship, rather than focus on the differences and difficulties a neurodivergent individual encounters. I enjoy that approach and it’s a good fit for light-hearted books. What Ms. Martin does in Follow the Stars delves much deeper, though, and I applaud her. She explores the hallmark of ASD – communication challenges due to problems recognizing and expressing one’s own emotions, as well as with reading social cues, nonverbal language, and understanding others.
“It’s like we’re speaking two different languages,” Ezra said with a shake of his head.
This book won’t appeal to everyone. The miscommunication is pervasive and repetitious, and while highly accurate, I think it will lead to frustration in some readers because of a universal dislike of miscommunication and The Big Misunderstanding in fictional work. The repetition creates a sluggish feel at times, too. It’s important to recognize that in this book, it’s not manufactured drama; it's a realistic portrayal. I’m disappointed in the author’s failure to mention in the blurb that a main character has ASD, or is neurodivergent. Not everyone will be interested in a book where autism is front and center and communication difficulties are at its very core. The problem is readers aren’t given a choice because it wasn’t divulged. Personally, I was pleasantly surprised because, as a parent of a young adult on the spectrum, I actively seek out MM romances with an MC with autism. I gained significant insight into my son’s experience, in particular, dealing with grief and giving voice to his feelings. I felt like I was given a rare look inside his brain, and I am so grateful.
The messages of hope and perseverance are uplifting. I can’t imagine dealing with this type of tragedy at such a young age. Noah and Ezra struggle, but ultimately dealing with their grief while on the road changes who they are. The epilogue set five years in the future provides a realistic, heartwarming happily ever after.
*On a side note, while in Philadelphia, the characters visit an “art garden”. I’m certain the author is referencing a real place called Philadelphia's Magic Gardens. I have visited this incredible indoor/outdoor art installation many times and it is a fascinating, must-see attraction.
ARC kindly provided to Love Bytes Reviews in exchange for an honest review.
“I feel really alone. Everyone can express their feelings, their emotions, and my brain freezes when I try to do that.” I moved my finger from my temple to my mouth. “It’s like the connection isn’t there.”
Autism isn’t the only theme in this book, by a long shot. At the start, Rory, the mutual best friend of Noah and Ezra, dies of cystic fibrosis complications. She left her friends a letter imploring them to make the most of their lives – you only live once, she stressed repeatedly. She asked them to honor her life by embarking on a bucket list trip they had been planning for years to take as a trio.
I love to read road trip romances and watch the relationships evolve as the miles pass. Here, the men travel from their homes in Florida to Asheville, Annapolis, Philadelphia, and New York City to fulfill Rory's dreams. I enjoyed their exploration of those cities as well as Noah's burgeoning feelings for Ezra, and the intensifying of Ezra’s years-long love for Noah. Along the way, Rory and Noah's shared fondness of stars and astronomy is a highlight. Noah takes comfort in the stars and ironically, they ground him even though they’re deep in space, way up above.
But blanketing it all is the hardship for both men to clearly understand the other and communicate effectively. There is particular attention paid to the difference in their handling of grief.
“I was desperate to show my pain, but no matter how many times I opened myself up, nothing happened. Tears I was desperate to shed never came, and that loss sliced through me, my heart splintered and jagged around the edges.”
Ezra is a wonderful young man who exhibits patience to the best of his ability, but it’s not always enough. It’s difficult for him to comprehend why Noah doesn’t outwardly grieve for Rory or why he can’t share how he feels more directly. It’s hurtful. He knows Noah is different and he can’t expect him to behave neurotypically, but that doesn’t make it any easier to bear. Rory fully “got” Noah and served as an intermediary to ease their communication issues.
“I don’t know how to talk to him. You were the anchor for the three of us. The one who helped keep us from getting lost at sea. What are we going to do without you?”
My heart went out to Noah for sure, but I had great sympathy for Ezra, as well. I also felt gratitude that he saw beyond Noah's differences and loved him regardless.
Noah can’t communicate well with Ezra, his parents, and others, but Ms. Martin excels in conveying his feelings to the reader through his thoughts. This is what makes the book so valuable for understanding ASD. It’s also what sets it apart. So often, books focus on the idiosyncrasies, sensory sensitivities, and stereotypical behavior or tics a person may display. Some authors who incorporate an MC with ASD choose to highlight the character’s strengths and ability to develop a lasting romantic relationship, rather than focus on the differences and difficulties a neurodivergent individual encounters. I enjoy that approach and it’s a good fit for light-hearted books. What Ms. Martin does in Follow the Stars delves much deeper, though, and I applaud her. She explores the hallmark of ASD – communication challenges due to problems recognizing and expressing one’s own emotions, as well as with reading social cues, nonverbal language, and understanding others.
“It’s like we’re speaking two different languages,” Ezra said with a shake of his head.
This book won’t appeal to everyone. The miscommunication is pervasive and repetitious, and while highly accurate, I think it will lead to frustration in some readers because of a universal dislike of miscommunication and The Big Misunderstanding in fictional work. The repetition creates a sluggish feel at times, too. It’s important to recognize that in this book, it’s not manufactured drama; it's a realistic portrayal. I’m disappointed in the author’s failure to mention in the blurb that a main character has ASD, or is neurodivergent. Not everyone will be interested in a book where autism is front and center and communication difficulties are at its very core. The problem is readers aren’t given a choice because it wasn’t divulged. Personally, I was pleasantly surprised because, as a parent of a young adult on the spectrum, I actively seek out MM romances with an MC with autism. I gained significant insight into my son’s experience, in particular, dealing with grief and giving voice to his feelings. I felt like I was given a rare look inside his brain, and I am so grateful.
The messages of hope and perseverance are uplifting. I can’t imagine dealing with this type of tragedy at such a young age. Noah and Ezra struggle, but ultimately dealing with their grief while on the road changes who they are. The epilogue set five years in the future provides a realistic, heartwarming happily ever after.
*On a side note, while in Philadelphia, the characters visit an “art garden”. I’m certain the author is referencing a real place called Philadelphia's Magic Gardens. I have visited this incredible indoor/outdoor art installation many times and it is a fascinating, must-see attraction.
ARC kindly provided to Love Bytes Reviews in exchange for an honest review.
October 7, 2021
There are not enough stars available for this book!!!
I loved this book, as I knew I would, because it was written by Gwen Martin. I've loved every book she's written from the first one she published and they have only got better. This one though, I have to say almost killed me; I was could not stop crying from just a few pages in, until maybe 60% and then started again at about 80% until the end. GM, you owe me a box of Kleenex lol
This story is written around some very emotive subjects for the three main characters and in a journal/diary format, which I really loved; it almost felt like love letters to themselves and each other at the same time. I loved the tenderness with which GM writes about the two boys as they travel through not only their grief but their new normal together; they really are her boys. They have so much to learn about each other, about themselves and the world at large that they had been shielded from by the third main character.
One of the boys is hiding a secret whilst the other struggles with day to day life whilst living with his neurodivergent diagnosis, which he totally understands and knows makes him different to other people but doesn't have enough understanding of to work out all the nuances of himself. Together though they make a great team and the most loveable, readable pair; I could have read about them for so much longer, although I did have to stop at 4am and 80% because I could no longer see!
I don't know what else to tell you about this book apart from it is probably my favourite book this year; it has every emotion under the sun and then some, it has laughter, tears, smiles, pizza, hugs, beer, campsites, airbnb, holding hands, cars, love, planning, art and lots and lots of stars!!
I totally recommend this book to you, how could I not, it's an amazing piece of work from an amazing writer. Add it to your kindle today xx
I received a copy of this book from the publisher and provide my honest review voluntarily
I loved this book, as I knew I would, because it was written by Gwen Martin. I've loved every book she's written from the first one she published and they have only got better. This one though, I have to say almost killed me; I was could not stop crying from just a few pages in, until maybe 60% and then started again at about 80% until the end. GM, you owe me a box of Kleenex lol
This story is written around some very emotive subjects for the three main characters and in a journal/diary format, which I really loved; it almost felt like love letters to themselves and each other at the same time. I loved the tenderness with which GM writes about the two boys as they travel through not only their grief but their new normal together; they really are her boys. They have so much to learn about each other, about themselves and the world at large that they had been shielded from by the third main character.
One of the boys is hiding a secret whilst the other struggles with day to day life whilst living with his neurodivergent diagnosis, which he totally understands and knows makes him different to other people but doesn't have enough understanding of to work out all the nuances of himself. Together though they make a great team and the most loveable, readable pair; I could have read about them for so much longer, although I did have to stop at 4am and 80% because I could no longer see!
I don't know what else to tell you about this book apart from it is probably my favourite book this year; it has every emotion under the sun and then some, it has laughter, tears, smiles, pizza, hugs, beer, campsites, airbnb, holding hands, cars, love, planning, art and lots and lots of stars!!
I totally recommend this book to you, how could I not, it's an amazing piece of work from an amazing writer. Add it to your kindle today xx
I received a copy of this book from the publisher and provide my honest review voluntarily
October 1, 2021
Gwen Martin shot to the moon and back many times with this one. I cannot even put into words how special this book is. The way the author captured the characters in this book was nothing short of fantastic. Her understanding of someone on the spectrum and the idiosynchrocies of that character was just phenomenal along with that bringing that character to the pages and helping the reader see what individuals on the spectrum deal with was amazing. Noah and Ezra were magical and even though Ezra had difficulty understanding Noah at times, it didn't matter because their relationship was developed so beautifully.
It was always a dream, for three friends to take a road trip up the eastern seaboard when they graduated from college. When Ezra's and Noah's best friend Rory dies from Cystic Fibrosis, that plan changed. Little did Ezra and Noah know that Rory still had plans for the two of them to take the trip no matter what. The loss was staggering and at first Noah didn't feel it was right that they go, but he receives a package with a letter from Rory, he realizes the road trip should still go on. As they travel the eastern seaboard and look at stars along the way, Ezra and Noah become closer than they've ever been. Noah takes everything literal and he has difficulty at times expressing his feelings, but he knows it's important to let Ezra know how he feels. The longer they spend on the trip, things begin to change and the love that was always there, begins to blossom. Ezra has been in love with Noah for a long time, but can Noah find a way to show Ezra how their time together has changed them? Will they get their happy ever after?
This story affected me so much and in every aspect of this book, I felt a connection to these characters. This was the first book I have read from this author and I can guarantee it won't be my last.
I received this book for my honest review from Gay Romance Reviews.
It was always a dream, for three friends to take a road trip up the eastern seaboard when they graduated from college. When Ezra's and Noah's best friend Rory dies from Cystic Fibrosis, that plan changed. Little did Ezra and Noah know that Rory still had plans for the two of them to take the trip no matter what. The loss was staggering and at first Noah didn't feel it was right that they go, but he receives a package with a letter from Rory, he realizes the road trip should still go on. As they travel the eastern seaboard and look at stars along the way, Ezra and Noah become closer than they've ever been. Noah takes everything literal and he has difficulty at times expressing his feelings, but he knows it's important to let Ezra know how he feels. The longer they spend on the trip, things begin to change and the love that was always there, begins to blossom. Ezra has been in love with Noah for a long time, but can Noah find a way to show Ezra how their time together has changed them? Will they get their happy ever after?
This story affected me so much and in every aspect of this book, I felt a connection to these characters. This was the first book I have read from this author and I can guarantee it won't be my last.
I received this book for my honest review from Gay Romance Reviews.
September 28, 2021
Follow The Stars is absolutely stunning, a gorgeous story of grief, friendship, hope and love. I found myself crying in parts, swooning in others, and laughing out loud a few times. Noah, Ezra, and Rory are such vivid characters, and Martin does a fantastic job of capturing the nuances of their interactions with each other. After losing Rory to cystic fibrosis, Noah and Ezra embark on a road trip in remembrance of her. Noah is neurodivergent and thrives on routine, Ezra is more spontaneous, and Rory was the mediator between the two of them, forcing them outside of their comfort zones. They don’t know how to navigate a world without her. Ezra has been in love with Noah for years, but Noah is pretty clueless since he has a difficult time deciphering emotions and interpreting social cues. As they visit the spots on Rory’s bucket list, Noah realizes that he’s attracted to Ezra. The development of their relationship is really beautiful and feels realistic. I love the structure of the book and the creative use of POV to tell each character’s story. This is one of my favorite books of 2021.
October 2, 2021
This book isn't really my cup of tea, but it is well-written and beautiful.
Our narrator is Noah, a neurodivergent man who is confused about emotions and feelings. He has triggers, and Rory was the one who got him the most. The author's note at the beginning assures us this is a well-researched aspect of the character, as Martin's husband is on the spectrum.
The first 25% of the book is heavy. Rory dies in the first chapter, and it's a lot of grief and loss. There's not much hint of romance until the second quarter starts. Ezra's side is told completely epistolary, which is what hides the romance in the beginning. We don't see the pining that Ezra has for Rory.
The writing is very emotional, touching, and sad. If that's what you are in the mood for, this is definitely the book for you.
I received an advanced copy of this book but this review is entirely my own unbiased opinions.
Our narrator is Noah, a neurodivergent man who is confused about emotions and feelings. He has triggers, and Rory was the one who got him the most. The author's note at the beginning assures us this is a well-researched aspect of the character, as Martin's husband is on the spectrum.
The first 25% of the book is heavy. Rory dies in the first chapter, and it's a lot of grief and loss. There's not much hint of romance until the second quarter starts. Ezra's side is told completely epistolary, which is what hides the romance in the beginning. We don't see the pining that Ezra has for Rory.
The writing is very emotional, touching, and sad. If that's what you are in the mood for, this is definitely the book for you.
I received an advanced copy of this book but this review is entirely my own unbiased opinions.
October 14, 2021
I won a copy of Follow the Stars from a Facebook group giveaway. I decided to read it through KU to ensure the author still received something from my reading.
Anyway, it was a really heartfelt story with atypical MCs. They are college aged (right after graduation), but they were both mature and forced to grieve. They just lost their best friend to an incurable illness, and embarks on the road trip of her (their) dreams in her memory. They embrace their love for each other along the way.
It’s a slow paced story. The first part was really tough. I cried quite a bit, and was hoping that it would not be so emotional all along. It didn’t. I really enjoyed all the imagery surrounding stars used in the book. I also liked the difference between the POV of both MCs, since one is presented as letters. All in all, an excellent and heartfelt read!
Anyway, it was a really heartfelt story with atypical MCs. They are college aged (right after graduation), but they were both mature and forced to grieve. They just lost their best friend to an incurable illness, and embarks on the road trip of her (their) dreams in her memory. They embrace their love for each other along the way.
It’s a slow paced story. The first part was really tough. I cried quite a bit, and was hoping that it would not be so emotional all along. It didn’t. I really enjoyed all the imagery surrounding stars used in the book. I also liked the difference between the POV of both MCs, since one is presented as letters. All in all, an excellent and heartfelt read!
October 2, 2021
3,5 this was a really sweet read.
I loved how good the built up was for them, how Noah navigated his feelings for the first time.
What i didn't like it's the Rory part, she is mentioned in all the book, all the book is around her, but i didn't care about her at all because unfortunately the book started with her already being gone, i didn't and couldn't get attached to her memory because we didn't get to ''meet'' her, and i got annoyed how often she is mentioned, i rolled my eyes a lot lol.
Another thing i hated how often they mention their ex's even if they weren't in love with them, it still bothered me..
Anyway overall, this is a good read, i like Noah character,and how well the author described his issues.
I loved how good the built up was for them, how Noah navigated his feelings for the first time.
What i didn't like it's the Rory part, she is mentioned in all the book, all the book is around her, but i didn't care about her at all because unfortunately the book started with her already being gone, i didn't and couldn't get attached to her memory because we didn't get to ''meet'' her, and i got annoyed how often she is mentioned, i rolled my eyes a lot lol.
Another thing i hated how often they mention their ex's even if they weren't in love with them, it still bothered me..
Anyway overall, this is a good read, i like Noah character,and how well the author described his issues.
October 1, 2021
I was not prepared for the emotional journey that takes place in Follow the Stars, so I warn you now, if you don't want to go through your allotment of tissues, you may want to move this down your tbr until you're ready for all the feels.
For the rest of my review please click here:
http://www.mmromancereviewed.com/2021...
I received an ARC to facilitate my review
For the rest of my review please click here:
http://www.mmromancereviewed.com/2021...
I received an ARC to facilitate my review
October 5, 2021
This story is about love in a number of forms: it’s about the platonic love two men share for a best friend lost too soon, and about the romantic love they feel for each other. The road trip Noah and Ezra take is meant to celebrate their lost friend’s life, and it is definitely that, every step of the way. It’s bittersweet, and beautiful, to see the grieving process depicted with such loving care: you can see how much they miss their friend, and how hard it is to have lost her, but also how much she meant to their lives, and who she was while they had her. Their romance has plenty of obstacles: Ezra has loved Noah for years but has never been honest about it, Noah’s never thought about Ezra as more than a friend, at least, not in a way he would recognize. They miss Rory, and don’t want to lose each other. And yet, as they travel together, they find each other, in the sense that they’re both, in fits and starts, willing to take chances to be together. It’s not an easy process, but it is a worthwhile one, and they both fight for it-- Noah, in particular, pushes himself hard to leave his comfort zone and bridge gaps to communicate with Ezra. In contrast, I found it easy at times to be frustrated with Ezra, who has somehow managed to be best friends with Noah since they were teenagers, and who professes to love him for who he is, and yet, over and over on the trip, blows up at Noah for not having neurotypical reactions. He’s constantly upset because Noah isn’t sharing his feelings in a way he recognizes, while he...isn’t either. He puts his feelings into the letters he writes to Rory (a great plot device to show his feelings, tbh) but for a long time doesn’t share them with Noah, while being upset that Noah isn’t sharing his feelings. Honestly, if it wasn’t so abundantly clear that his own grieving process is soaking up a lot of his energy and objectivity, I would have been tempted to really dislike him: he doesn’t make things easy on Noah, and I don’t think he ever realizes exactly how many times he not only misunderstands, but makes an unfair assumption that causes Noah pain. Ultimately, of course, they both manage to communicate how the feel and what they want, and the HEA is a tribute not only to their romance but the friendship that shaped their lives and, in it’s own way, enabled them to find the love they end up building together.
*I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
*I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 14, 2021
I have to admit that as of right now I have not finished this book. And here is why. Follow the Stars is about three best friends who have been through so much and when one of them die, she has left them a list of places that the three of them had planned on going to after graduation of college. I got 25 percent into the book and had to take a break because although it is beautifully written, it touched my heart and brought out grief I was dealing with and still are. When I signed up to get an ARC of this book, my best friend was well and was on her way to help another friend that lived in another state. That friend died and after she died, my friend found out that she had gotten COVID from her friend. My friend had been sick for several years with a bone blood cancer and had been fighting it like a trooper. When she got COVID too, it was more than her body could handle and she died. The hole she left in my life and my families lives is huge. Now almost two months since she died it is still too raw to read this book. I feel that so far, I have loved the authors grasp of the closeness the three friends, Rory, Noah and Ezra and how Rory knew that Ezra loved Noah and that the trip she had planned with them, she would never be able to go on. I do plan on finishing this lovely book. But it will be a little while before I am ready to. In the past I have enjoyed other books by Gwen Martin and I am sure I will enjoy many more.
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 28, 2021
From the first page, I knew this book would be an emotional journey. Gwen Martin writes grief so well, it's obvious she's intimately acquainted with the ebb and flow, the moments of feeling overwhelmed and those of feeling numb. While this book centers around grief and the loss of a close friend, it also centers around hope and love. Noah and Ezra's friendship and their shared grief over the death of their friend Rory slowly guides them into love and becoming lovers during their road trip in honor of Rory. The storytelling along the way touched my heart deeply and kept me reading way past my bedtime. Gwen writes beautifully, and her talent is showcased in this sweet, poignant book.
Noah is neurodivergent, and his struggles with adjusting to living in a world geared toward the neurotypical give this story depth. I felt his distress deeply, and I ached for him, and for Ezra trying to learn to communicate with the man he loved.
If you're looking for tons of hot sex, you won't find that here. There is sex, and it is hot, but there's much more intimacy and romance than there is steam, and it suits the characters well.
Grab the tissues, and perhaps don't start too close to bedtime.
Noah is neurodivergent, and his struggles with adjusting to living in a world geared toward the neurotypical give this story depth. I felt his distress deeply, and I ached for him, and for Ezra trying to learn to communicate with the man he loved.
If you're looking for tons of hot sex, you won't find that here. There is sex, and it is hot, but there's much more intimacy and romance than there is steam, and it suits the characters well.
Grab the tissues, and perhaps don't start too close to bedtime.
October 4, 2021
5 Heartwarming Stars 🌟❤️🌟
Every once in a while you come across a book that touches your heart so much so....that it leaves you with goosebumps practically the whole way through, this one was it for me!!! It's hard to articulate in words just how phenomenal this book really is and just how flawlessly Gwen Martin writes an emotionally gripping story, so here goes: Noah and Ezra lose their best friend Rory to cystic fibrosis, she was the balance in their friendship, often times being the buffer between Noah and Ezra as Noah is on the neuro spectrum and Rory was the only person in life that truly understood Noah....or so Noah thought.....Ezra had been there all along, secretly harboring a love so deep for Noah that was so beautiful to read it's unfolding......loss/hurt/comfort....road trip, best friends to lovers.... This is a slow burn, emotional, heartwarming love story that literally grips you from the first page and never lets go ❤️ This is a book you will feel long after reading it's just that epic. Gwen Martin has just cemented the title of queen 👑 in my eyes after reading this one, I'd give this book a thousand stars if I could....I highly recommend this book!!!
* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
Every once in a while you come across a book that touches your heart so much so....that it leaves you with goosebumps practically the whole way through, this one was it for me!!! It's hard to articulate in words just how phenomenal this book really is and just how flawlessly Gwen Martin writes an emotionally gripping story, so here goes: Noah and Ezra lose their best friend Rory to cystic fibrosis, she was the balance in their friendship, often times being the buffer between Noah and Ezra as Noah is on the neuro spectrum and Rory was the only person in life that truly understood Noah....or so Noah thought.....Ezra had been there all along, secretly harboring a love so deep for Noah that was so beautiful to read it's unfolding......loss/hurt/comfort....road trip, best friends to lovers.... This is a slow burn, emotional, heartwarming love story that literally grips you from the first page and never lets go ❤️ This is a book you will feel long after reading it's just that epic. Gwen Martin has just cemented the title of queen 👑 in my eyes after reading this one, I'd give this book a thousand stars if I could....I highly recommend this book!!!
* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
October 1, 2021
What a beautiful, emotional journey for Noah and Ezra. First of all, whoever said you can't judge a book by its cover never read Follow the Stars. This cover photo represents the whole essence of their complex story in one moving image. Simply perfect!
This was a unique story of friendship, love, loss, and healing. The grief Noah and Ezra experienced from their best friend Rory's death was devastating, but the different ways they mourned her passing made it even more isolating. Even as inseparable best friends, they were still so alone in their grief, which made the pain feel even more acute.
I appreciated how nuanced and thorough the author was, taking us through their viewpoints with such care. The writing was lovely, with recurring motifs that added depth and interest to the story. The dialogue was organic and transported me into every conversation. And the pace was measured and slow, but it needed to be. Healing is not something that can be rushed and Gwen Martin got it exactly right. These characters and their story that will stay with me for a very long time.
This was a unique story of friendship, love, loss, and healing. The grief Noah and Ezra experienced from their best friend Rory's death was devastating, but the different ways they mourned her passing made it even more isolating. Even as inseparable best friends, they were still so alone in their grief, which made the pain feel even more acute.
I appreciated how nuanced and thorough the author was, taking us through their viewpoints with such care. The writing was lovely, with recurring motifs that added depth and interest to the story. The dialogue was organic and transported me into every conversation. And the pace was measured and slow, but it needed to be. Healing is not something that can be rushed and Gwen Martin got it exactly right. These characters and their story that will stay with me for a very long time.
October 14, 2021
Touching and sweet
I am torn about this book. On the other hand the writing is solid, the story flowed well and I really liked Ezra and Noah together. And Rory too, as she was present all through the book.
Then comes the frustrating part. I honestly could not give this more than three stars as I was pulled away from the story by irritable typos, cut off sentences and what was wrong with Noah’s eyes? First I thought they were blue but then they were hazel. Then we learn about Sam, who was very close to Noah, but since the beginning of the book I was under the impression that Noah’s life was circled totally around Rory and Ezra. Suddenly there was this person who did get him.
I’m hoping Gwen Martin reads this review. It is not meant to put down the book as I enjoyed it very much. I also plan to read other books from her. What I really hope is that she’ll invest in a better editor and bring more eyes to do the final proofreading part.
I would recommend this to my friends, when they want to read a heart-tugging friends to lovers story.
I am torn about this book. On the other hand the writing is solid, the story flowed well and I really liked Ezra and Noah together. And Rory too, as she was present all through the book.
Then comes the frustrating part. I honestly could not give this more than three stars as I was pulled away from the story by irritable typos, cut off sentences and what was wrong with Noah’s eyes? First I thought they were blue but then they were hazel. Then we learn about Sam, who was very close to Noah, but since the beginning of the book I was under the impression that Noah’s life was circled totally around Rory and Ezra. Suddenly there was this person who did get him.
I’m hoping Gwen Martin reads this review. It is not meant to put down the book as I enjoyed it very much. I also plan to read other books from her. What I really hope is that she’ll invest in a better editor and bring more eyes to do the final proofreading part.
I would recommend this to my friends, when they want to read a heart-tugging friends to lovers story.
October 4, 2021
M/M
YA
Quick read
Friends to lovers
Slow burn
Forced proximity
Hurt/comfort
Recovering from tragedy
One MC is on the Spectrum (neurodivergent) and has major OCD and Anxiety.
3 friends were supposed to take a road trip to celebrate the one friend with CF getting a double lung transplant but after something goes terribly wrong and she passes unexpectedly the 2 guys are determined to finish what she started. Even if that means sharing a single bed in hotels along the way.
This story was so heartbreaking but also heartwarmingly beautiful and I couldn't put it down. It was a quick read with low steam and low angst, at least the relationship kind. Such a Rollercoaster of emotions. I enjoyed the characters and thought they were a perfect match for each other. Given the circumstances and Noahs personality it wasn't an easy relationship journey and not everyone might understand but I loved it.
YA
Quick read
Friends to lovers
Slow burn
Forced proximity
Hurt/comfort
Recovering from tragedy
One MC is on the Spectrum (neurodivergent) and has major OCD and Anxiety.
3 friends were supposed to take a road trip to celebrate the one friend with CF getting a double lung transplant but after something goes terribly wrong and she passes unexpectedly the 2 guys are determined to finish what she started. Even if that means sharing a single bed in hotels along the way.
This story was so heartbreaking but also heartwarmingly beautiful and I couldn't put it down. It was a quick read with low steam and low angst, at least the relationship kind. Such a Rollercoaster of emotions. I enjoyed the characters and thought they were a perfect match for each other. Given the circumstances and Noahs personality it wasn't an easy relationship journey and not everyone might understand but I loved it.
October 6, 2021
This was certainly a very different book from what I was expecting. A good kind of different. Wow can Gwen Martin write well! I truly love her writing style. How she wrote about grief felt authentic to me. I did find it difficult to connect with Rory and her part in this story because we know of her from memories and second person tellings. While she was essential to the story, I definitely feel that the main focus was on the gradual romance that developed because of this shared grief.
The first 30% of the book doesn’t read like it will end up as a sweet romance story—judging by all the emotional moments of reading about someone dying, but after that it turned into something beautiful that came from something quite heartbreaking.
A very unique read. I don’t think it’s a light read, but sometimes we need that heavy kind of read, no?
*ARC provided by Gay Romance Reviews, and I have given my honest and voluntary review.*
The first 30% of the book doesn’t read like it will end up as a sweet romance story—judging by all the emotional moments of reading about someone dying, but after that it turned into something beautiful that came from something quite heartbreaking.
A very unique read. I don’t think it’s a light read, but sometimes we need that heavy kind of read, no?
*ARC provided by Gay Romance Reviews, and I have given my honest and voluntary review.*
October 13, 2021
YOLO, you only live once! Noah, Rory and Ezra were best friends since high school. Rory, was the glue, the foundation, the light of the team. She also had an expiration date that was sooner, rather than later. She had a bucket list, to which they all planned and saved over the years. Rory, was a talented artist and had a gallery showing a few weeks after graduation. Ezra was secretly, had deep feelings for Noah. Ezra and Noah, were at their graduation party calling Rory for a ride home. Sadly, that night, tragedy sruck. Ezra and Noah decided to take a road trip and check off a few items on Rory's bucket list. During the trip, they learned a lot. They taught each other a lot. They learned a few more things. I admit, I shed a few tears. This story was sensitively and beautifully written. We got to watch the growth and contributions of each of these friends and their beautiful supportive friendship. Well done! I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 27, 2021
Wow.. These boys and Rory even though you never actually meet her... had me crying every kind of tears! Happy, Sad, Hopeful...Rory, Ezra and Noah were best friends. Rory passes away right before the big road trip the three of them had planned. Noah is oh so wonderful and special, he is on a spectrum that deals emotionally different from most and Rory was the only friend who truly understood him.. Noah and Ezra are friends, but bless Ezra's heart, he cares and adores Noah so deeply, but does not always know how to understand him completely. These two decide to take the trip together even though it will be overwhelming for Noah... The story is told by Noah,, but we get to know Ezra by journal letters he writes to Rory each chapter. I LOVE EZRA! and NOAH of course! I received an ARC of this book and I Highly recommend this most emotional journey of Love.. Just all the feels!
October 2, 2021
I wish I could give Gwen 10 stars.
As an educator of those with 'special gifts' I could totally relate to Noah and his struggles in our chaotic world. Ezra was dealing with grief in his own way...but ultimately they were able to support each other while celebrating Rory.
YOLO. We all need to embrace that concept...because we truly never know when life as we know it will end. May each of us be lucky, and open, enough to take a trip like Noah and Ezra have, with Rory as their ever present guide. We need to view each day as a fresh opportunity to see the world with new eyes. I want to find the garden and walk through it in the rain. As well as the store with the Van Gogh paper!
Such a beautiful book with so many emotional and thought provoking scenes. I found myself highlight passages and rereading them. Beautiful prose embedded in this wonderful love story. Enjoy.
As an educator of those with 'special gifts' I could totally relate to Noah and his struggles in our chaotic world. Ezra was dealing with grief in his own way...but ultimately they were able to support each other while celebrating Rory.
YOLO. We all need to embrace that concept...because we truly never know when life as we know it will end. May each of us be lucky, and open, enough to take a trip like Noah and Ezra have, with Rory as their ever present guide. We need to view each day as a fresh opportunity to see the world with new eyes. I want to find the garden and walk through it in the rain. As well as the store with the Van Gogh paper!
Such a beautiful book with so many emotional and thought provoking scenes. I found myself highlight passages and rereading them. Beautiful prose embedded in this wonderful love story. Enjoy.
October 1, 2021
Once in a while I pick up a book that makes me think really hard this was one of those. The three friends going through life together and being there for each other. Rory is sick but she lives her life to the fullest, Noah knows he is not like everyone else but Rory gets him like no one else. Erza is the third friend rounding out the gang and together they embark on living it to the fullest until Rory loses her battle and passes away. Both Noah and Erza are lost but trying so hard to be there for one another. Their trip together brings out some good things but sometimes misunderstandings hurt.
This was such an exceptional read and story.
I did receive an Arc for an honest review.
This was such an exceptional read and story.
I did receive an Arc for an honest review.
October 3, 2021
3.5 stars - Autistic MC, road trip, friends to lovers. I overall enjoyed this, but the pacing near the end seemed rushed. (I was with it until
October 3, 2021
I absolutely adored this book. It was a truly beautiful read about 2 best friends falling madly in love. Noah is on the spectrum and him, Ezra and Rory were all best friends. When Rory dies from her cystic fibrosis Noah is lost without Rorys guidance to keep him on track. Ezra suggests they take a road trip to fulfill Rorys last wishes. Ezra had always known he was in love with Noah. I’m this road trip they go on a journey of self discovery and fall completely in love. It was truly beautiful to see Ezra’s love for Noah and how patient and loving he was with Noah. Truly an amazing read!
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