El & Em

by M.E. Samm

Philadelphia, 1972: All Luke wants is to share his music with the world. When an imposing, slightly older trumpet player called Emmett joins his band, Luke is fascinated – and a lifelong friendship is born. Love and loyalty are forged in the slow burn of tours, shows and recording sessions. Over the years, Luke’s curiosity and Emmett’s indulgence slowly push the two of them into complicated new territory. Emmett tries to keep them safe – but Luke wants it all.

In this monumental romance spanning more than twenty years, there are no heroes and no villains – just people doing their best in a messed up world.


Content
• Open relationships
• Period-realistic racism
• References to AIDS and period-realistic homophobia
• Mild Dom/sub power dynamics
• No use of slurs, no sexual violence, no cheating

Genres: Historical, Friends To Lovers, Music, Queer, M M Romance, Historical Fiction, LGBT

366 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 8, 2024

About the author

M.E. Samm lives, works, reads and writes in Canada.

She does not use generative AI in writing, art or marketing and she avoids reading it wherever possible.

Reviews

[Booksndteaa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay so I'm a sucker for mm romance books and this book did not disappoint. The music theme setting,the rock band vibes and 1970s theme was so beautifully written. Emmett and luke's story spans around twenty years. This book is a slow burn and second chance romance. You'll fall in love with the journey of friendship, love loyalty and music. I really enjoyed this book.

[Franziska Steiner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspirational, emotional and deep - a literary masterpiece.
An inspiring and extremely well written book. Both main characters are so relatable in their actions and ways of thinking even though they are so different from each other. I really enjoyed their character and relationship development throughout the story. It's so easy to love and hate them at the same time, for me that's what makes them feel so real.I also especially liked that music played a mayor part in this book, I think it adds a rare depth and raw feelings to the story. I definitely recommend reading this book as it is one of the best stories I have read in a long time and I will for sure come back to reread this one. Certainly worth every minute of reading and getting lost in El&Em's universe.

[Ashleigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

this is the second MM romance i have read and i am glad i decided to read it!
this story was emotional, educational, funny, with a little bit of spice.
the author did a great job of using language to portray the characters.
the tension, the heartbreak- i wanted to cry and throw my ipad at the same time.
the character development and love story of el & em. chiefs kiss. fast, easy read. worth it!

if you love:
—- > friends to lovers
—-> slow burn
—-> MM romance
—-> angst

add this to your TBR ❤️

i was blessed enough to receive this book through book siren, i am volunteering my review.

[Trisha Mae · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was not what I was entirely expecting. I don't normally read MM or decades late books, however I absolutely loved this books. Its story was amazing and kept me hooked. 

[Gavin Stephenson-Jackman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spanning more than 20 years this is a slow burn romance between two men in an industry that still struggles with systemic problems with sexuality and racism. The entertainment industry still isn't an easy place for anyone whose image is hard to market. Luke is a talented songwriter and performer who finds himself attracted to Emmitt for more than his musical talent. Emmitt has great admiration for Luke's ability, musically, and his interaction with his audience. Being in a personal relationship openly with each other cold seriously affect both of their careers, but it still happens. Maintaining a heterosexual image strains them both, as does the onset of the AIDS pandemic. The struggles here feel real and true to the industry and the times. It's unfortunate that these struggles still exist today. I'm pleased that they found their HEA, but sorry that it took them so long to get there.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Uplifting story. This story follows Luke, musician, and Emmett, a trumpet player. Luke is missing a particular sound for the music he is writing. He meets Emmett & realizes this is the sound, & asks Emmett to join his band. As they form a deep bond through their band and mutual love for music, a romance blooms. Their story spans 40 years, there were times I wanted to laugh, cry & smack someone in the back of their head to wake up & smell the coffee (LOL). I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

This will follow two men who will meet when one joins their band. A beautiful read about how life can go when they meet each other. You will follow them as they learn a new way to live their lives. Follow the twists and turns of their lives in the music industry
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and I loved where they took me in their tale

[Jessica Frost · Rating 4 out of 5]

*** A solid 4.6 stars ***
Although this story started off slow in the beginning, it kept a nice pace and became more and more intriguing as I kept on reading. This story was very poignant and beautiful. The combination of third person and omniscient point of views were a breath of fresh air I wasn't used to reading in fiction literature. El & Em finding each other, taking a break (very much needed for growth on both ends), and finding their way back to each other, all while being surrounded by music was fantastic! The scenes and talks of music didn't take away from the feelings of camaraderie, family, voice, and love, but added more depth. I would highly recommend!

[S.S. Genesee · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful heartfelt story!

Thank you to M.E. Samm for being the first author (that I know of) to write a romance novel about queer 1970s rockstars. 💕 But this story isn't just set in the '70s, the whole book spans the course of 20 years and all the ups and downs that they go through. If you think you can handle with a story set over such a great length of time, you'll enjoy this!

Overall I enjoyed this and thought it was very well researched, with how the music industry during the time was run and the social aspects of the time period(s)! The characters were very cute together too, and throughout made some radical(yet realistic) decisions that changed things drastically as the years went by. I'm glad they got a HEA 💕💖

[Winnie Quick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I were exaggerating when I say this book destroyed me, but the tears I’m still crying as I write this indicate otherwise. I’m a mid-30s Black woman, so I was able to easily predict quite a bit of Emmett’s experiences and mindset just from my own and my family’s. But ugh, ugh!

This was a hard read; I’m just really glad I undertook it. I love queer (especially MM) romances, but I don’t often read period pieces (so to speak). It’s the slowest of burns in the romantic sense, but Em and El burn brightly almost from the onset. The realism of knowing people you’re closest to for decades then finding out you only truly knew surface level information about them hit me hard.

I dare y’all to read this entire book and not get emotional over “Virginia Man.” Luke DID that. My heart is heavy yet full, and I think that perfectly encapsulates this story. It took a few turns that I did not at all expect, but I was along for the ride. Honestly, I’m still surprised by the number of times I cackled while reading. That periodic levity is definitely needed at times. We all make missteps, but the beauty of finally landing on the same page cannot be understated.

Although this book has been out for awhile, this is still technically an ARC review as I received it for free. However, this is a voluntary and necessary review for me to leave. All the stars. Pass me the tissue, chile.

[Amber Epps · Rating 4 out of 5]

Here is my review.


ARC Review: El & Em by M.E. Samm

El & Em is a beautiful and emotional slow-burn romance that masterfully intertwines love, friendship, and the power of music over two decades. It is set in Philadelphia in 1972, the novel follows Luke, a passionate musician, and Emmett, an enigmatic trumpet player, as they form a deep bond through their band and mutual love for music. What begins as a friendship evolves into a complex relationship between these musicians with the story exploring the challenges they face both personally and professionally as they navigate issues such as open relationships, racial prejudice, and the impact of the AIDS crisis.Many scenes in here were depicting the growing of their relationship and great insight to their inner reflections.


The author did great and excelled at character-driven storytelling, and this debut novel delivers an immersive experience. The narrative delves into the nuances of love and loyalty, highlighting the protagonists’ internal struggles as they reconcile their desires with societal expectations in depth. While there are moments (some are sad AF😭) of tension and heartbreak, the overall tone is one of perseverance and emotional growth, culminating in a satisfying resolution.

The historical backdrop adds authenticity, with period-realistic issues like racism and homophobia addressed thoughtfully, though never detracting from the central relationship. This in all adds so much to the story and where they are in that time. The story’s pacing is deliberate, allowing readers to fully invest in Luke and Emmett’s journey, making the eventual payoff deeply rewarding.

Fans of angsty, friends-to-lovers romances, or those interested in LGBTQ+ historical fiction, will find El & Em a poignant and memorable read. It’s a romance that feels both timeless and reflective of its era.eap for those who can recall or have lived it.

Final Thoughts:
A beautifully crafted, slow-burn romance filled with rich character development and historical realism. El & Em is a must-read for those who appreciate emotionally driven narratives. Prepare to cry and fall in love at the same time .

Rating: ★★★★☆

Would recommend for fans of character-driven LGBTQ+ romances with depth and heart.

[Duane Simolke · Rating 5 out of 5]

At times, M. E. Samm’s novel El & Em feels much like a music biography or an episode of MTV’s Behind the Music. However, this rock narrative also centers around the attempts of two bisexual men to form a lasting relationship in an atmosphere where that love could easily destroy their careers. It starts in Philadelphia, in 1972, continuing decades beyond that.

Luke seems to love nothing more than his music, and he often fails to see the ways he dismisses the feelings of others while trying to make the live performances and studio recordings match the vision he creates for his songs. Complicating matters, his desire to add a trumpet player will awaken other desires.

As a fan of both classic rock and stories about gay or bi men, the premise of this book caught my attention. It delivers on both fronts. The descriptions of the long tours and long studio sessions ring true, along with how the musicians must endure both obscurity and the pressures of fame. The fear and longing the two men experience also seems all too real as they constantly attract and repel each other.

Samm writes with subtle grace, turning a lingering touch or gaze into a stepping point for a relationship that will take years to even begin. At times, I wasn’t even sure if Luke and Emmett were really the title characters El and Em, thinking maybe one of them might fall in love with some other guy who could fit within that title. Still, the connections exist and keep reemerging over the years.

The novel’s long span of time not only captures the highs and lows of a popular band but also shows how AIDS, racism, and homophobia impacted countless lives in countless ways during those years. Fortunately, the focus mostly stays on music and love. M. E Samm gives us an entertaining rock and roll story about people who often seek perfection in their work but often miss it in how they treat themselves and each other. I won’t give more away, but I hope more people download the book and hit the road with El & Em.

[Cavak · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although it's not framed that way, El & Em felt like a diary. It had that feeling of an old-timer remembering that one that got away. Great deal of telling from a nostalgic distance. Even the dialogue comes across that way, mimicking the flow of real conversations over character quips and one liners.

When the blurb said slow-burning, I didn't know that it was slow due to multiple passages highlighting their day jobs. It's startling realistic. So much talk of playing and running a band, but we don't have that big band moment. You know, the one where if it were adapted into a live action adaptation, it'd be used everywhere for promotional media. Nope, it's the band and its members thinking about the business segments of a band. Oh, they practice and go to lives, but it's very much them accepting that it's a part of the process. Helps that the later half of the book goes into things besides the band.

It feels like Samm was going for an easy-going adult vibe with this one. Nothing too toxic, nothing that you would see in a telenovela (except for a few key things in the last third or so of the book). Even when there are secrets revealed to the other, both men are pretty supportive and stoic for the most part. What brought them together and pulls them apart are simply miscommunication issues and life. Both of which could (and are) addressed with relative ease. Kinda rare in the romance genre.

El & Em is not the most conventional romance read, and its very anti-Hollywood flow got me to grin now and then. Sometimes rambling and sometimes uplifting second chance romance. Overall chill read.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kay Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

It feels slightly strange to call a story that starts in the 1970s historical but the passage of time from then to almost now is an important part of this tale of two lovers to be. In 1970s America there was some freedom to explore options for living, like choosing working on music rather than a regular job. There were also more constraints than now, like whether it would be accepted to admit to or explore a same sex attraction if you could also relate to more traditional partners. This story of El (Luke) and Em (Emmett) is a slow burn romance with lots of travelling and music tours along the way.

Musically I'm reminded of Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, and especially Clarence Clemons their saxophone player. Parts of the book read like a softened account of a real band touring but without any evil managers. I enjoyed the glimpses of life of touring musicians as much as the development of romantic and sexual feelings between two men coming to accept their bisexuality.

Luke's slow realisation of his privilege as a white musician and how different Emmett's experience as a man of colour may have been, comes late in the book. That side of history may be understated but the softer view adds to the cozy feel the book gives. It's an easy story to savour slowly rather than racing through to the end. I knew from the outset that the story would take years and would end OK so reading it slowly was fine. Not an action thriller but a love letter to music, to fans, and to possibilities of loving someone. I would read more books by this author.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Emma Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

El & Em by M.E. Samm is an absolute masterpiece! This beautifully crafted story spans over 20 years, taking readers on an emotional rollercoaster through the lives of Luke and Emmett, two musicians whose bond grows from friendship to something much deeper. Set against the backdrop of the 1970s and 1980s music scene, the author brilliantly captures the atmosphere of the era while weaving in the struggles of fame, open relationships, and the harsh realities of racism and homophobia at the time.

The slow-burn romance between Luke and Emmett is so raw and real, and their relationship is filled with so much depth and nuance. I loved how their connection grew over the years, even as they faced the pressures of life, both personal and professional. M.E. Samm’s attention to detail is incredible, and the emotions are so powerful that I found myself crying more than once, especially worrying if they'd ever get their happy ending.

This is much more than just a romance—it's a deep, character-driven drama about love, loyalty, and the complexities of life. The final HEA was such a relief after all the tension and heartache. If you love stories with rich character development, emotional depth, and a realistic portrayal of the struggles LGBTQ+ people faced during those decades, El & Em is a must-read. An unforgettable journey and a true masterpiece!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Solid 4.5 star book that reminded me of "The Heart Rate of a Mouse" and "The Sea Ain't Mine Alone".
I was very impressed at this debut novel.

Spanning 40 year, this book follows Luke and Emmett (El & Em), two musicians on their rise to fame through the 70s, 80s, and 90s. When they meet, the connection between the two was immediate but, as a band that plays blue-collar rock in the mid-70s, they don't act on it outside of a few experiments they write off as passing the time while still either being married or looking for a woman to marry. As time goes on, women come in and out of their lives, but El and Em stay each other's constants until one day, they're not. And that will break your heart until they slowly come back together as the years pass by and society becomes a bit more accepting.

Neither Luke or Emmett are heroes, or villains. What they are, is a Black man and White man in love in time when nothing about their relationship would have been accepted. They make decisions based off their experiences, live their lives the best they can, and ultimately realize that some loves are too big to be denied.

[Vols77 · Rating 5 out of 5]

First let me say I was not familiar with this author, but after reading this book I am enthralled. This is a wonderful touching and beautiful love story. Set in the seventies and spanning over twenty years, we fall in love and live life with band members Luke and Emmett. I must say as I read this book I felt like I was there with them living life. The book has such intensity and emotional depth but not in an exhausting way as the author makes you want to be on this rollercoaster ride with these two different men. Issues of race, homophobia, MM relationships in the seventies add realism and depth to this book. It is hard to find character driven books but this is one that the story is the growth of the characters not some outside influences. A masterpiece of a book that I must read again. I did receive an ARC and leave this honest review.

[Morgan Beacham · Rating 5 out of 5]

El & Em is a poignant, moving, emotional story with a meaningful message and a little bit of spice for good measure. M.E. Samm immerses you in this book with wonderfully chosen language used to portray the well-thought out and fully-developed characters and their lives.

One doesn't simply read this book—you experience it. You live, love, endure, witness, suffer, and triumph right along with the characters. El & Em is one of the most emotional love stories I've ever had the pleasure of experiencing.

[Deb Kel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know why the title and cover gave me a negative feeling and thought this was going to be a really basic read! However I couldn't have been more wrong! I thoroughly enjoyed this book with it's beautiful storyline and amazing characters. Their back story was so well written and really helped you to bond with them and follow their journey in the music industry. Great relationship development that was perfect! Loved it!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ida Umphers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really, really enjoyed this one. The author hit lots of historical high points over the multiple decades and involved the characters in realistic ways. El and Em change over time in ways one would expect based on their age differences and that both helps and hinders the development of their relationship at times. The prominence of music through the story was very welcome as it was the thing that initially brought them together. Not an author I was familiar with, but I'll definitely be watching for in the future.

[Elise Stevenson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is Daisy Jones and the Six if it were actually upfront about homosexual relationships, divorce, and racism. El & Em is a story that spans years, decades even, of how Luke and Emmett progress in their own dreams, as well as finding each other in the process. But boy, that slow burn does burn. And even then, there’s really nothing super explicit about their scenes. Instead, El & Em focus on building friendships, the interconnected relationships, and you are on the ride for tour after tour. I don’t know what I expected when I started reading it, but I was very pleasantly surprised.

[Linda A · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a love story that spans more than forty years starting in the 1970's.
Luke, a bi-sexual white guy and Emmett, a bi-sexual man of colour, try to keep their unusual relationship out of the very public spotlight they live their lives surrounded by.
This is certainly not a love story of the present time

I received this book from GRR
This is my honest review

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed reading this story. Lots of attention to detail in the storyline Characters were likeable and relatable. Caring and compassion between characters added to the storyline. This is a new author to me, and I can't wait to read more from them.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A SPLENDID STORY FILLED WITH SO MUCH LOVE AND EMOTION.

I really thought this read was written so well, and the characters had such a powerful journey. This book makes you feel so many emotions, and I definitely recommend.

[Samantha Cato · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what a fantastic novel! If you love queer stories that actually make you feel like you are part of them, this one is for you! It was so beautifully written! Don't let the cover fool you, this is a gorgeous book.

[Erika Scalia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Una storia dolcissima e inaspettata 🥺🥺

[frankie · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5
Blunt and sometimes unfeeling style of writing. But I like the ideas in this book, as well as the sometimes interesting writing about musicianship.