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If I Had Words
A chronically ill fan heads to Vegas to meet his favorite author, but all is not what it seems when he stumbles across a handsome, aloof stranger. Featuring opposites attract, author/reader relationship, invisible illness rep, mild kidnapping, and cute banter. Originally published in the Vegas, Baby! Anthology.
ebook
Published October 28, 2024
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About the author
Riley Nash
16 books842 followersInternational bestselling author Riley Nash (he/they) is based in the rainy PNW and writes stories about broken boys who find home in each other, hurt/comfort, and mental health rep.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
November 17, 2024
I finally got around to reading Riley Nash's short story from the Love-N-Vegas collection. It's only available from his website, FYI.
IF I HAD WORDS is a short little story about Rainey and Nick and their weird little meeting & their weird little connection.
I like that this was a weird novella. I liked that the characters were awkward and interesting. I liked how aggressive Nick was and how overwhelmed Rainey seemed. Their "otherness" made this story super relatable. Their imperfections made their story feel real.
I don't want to give ANYTHING away. The story is only 47 pages, so I feel like if I mention anything, it'll be a spoiler.
I will say this, though: if I went somewhere on a trip, and their was a clown painting in my hotel room - that would be a no from me. I'd be leaving so quick or hanging a towel over it. I'm not scared of them per se ... but it does make me question the safety of the space 😂😂😂
As always, Riley wrote a story that roped me in, and i enjoyed the hell out of it.
IF I HAD WORDS is a short little story about Rainey and Nick and their weird little meeting & their weird little connection.
I like that this was a weird novella. I liked that the characters were awkward and interesting. I liked how aggressive Nick was and how overwhelmed Rainey seemed. Their "otherness" made this story super relatable. Their imperfections made their story feel real.
I don't want to give ANYTHING away. The story is only 47 pages, so I feel like if I mention anything, it'll be a spoiler.
I will say this, though: if I went somewhere on a trip, and their was a clown painting in my hotel room - that would be a no from me. I'd be leaving so quick or hanging a towel over it. I'm not scared of them per se ... but it does make me question the safety of the space 😂😂😂
As always, Riley wrote a story that roped me in, and i enjoyed the hell out of it.
November 15, 2024
I don't normally like novellas or anything this short, especially with strangers to lovers.
However, this was paced quite well, and I adored it! I don't know if it was because the MCs had such good chemistry or if it was the writing alone, but either way, definitely a favorite novella!
Thank you for writing this, Riley!
However, this was paced quite well, and I adored it! I don't know if it was because the MCs had such good chemistry or if it was the writing alone, but either way, definitely a favorite novella!
Thank you for writing this, Riley!
November 2, 2024
Rating: 3
Steam: 1
PoV: dual, 1st person
Genre: contemporary romance, novella, MM
Tropes / tags: opposites attract, insta-love, banter
Steam: 1
PoV: dual, 1st person
Genre: contemporary romance, novella, MM
Tropes / tags: opposites attract, insta-love, banter
March 23, 2025
If I Had Words is a standalone novella by author Riley Nash, currently available exclusively on his website. It was originally published in the Vegas, Baby! anthology. Here's what you can expect from Rainey and Nick:
🩷 MM contemporary romance novella
🩷 First person dual point of view
🩷 Guaranteed happily ever after
🩷 Opposites attract
🩷 Secret identity
🩷 Author/reader
🩷 Invisible illness representation
🩷 Mild (consensual) kidnapping
🩷 Cute banter
Riley Nash never disappoints with his novellas, and If I Had Words was no exception. I was thrilled when I saw it available on their website. At only four chapters long (approximately 13,000 words), it's short and sweet and a relatively easy read. Rainey is a chronically ill fan headed to Vegas to meet his favourite author and get the book that changed his life signed. Although he stumbles across a handsome, rather aloof stranger on his way to the signing, everything isn't what it seems when he actually meets the supposed author.
I definitely could've read several more chapters of Rainey and Nick's story, but I also think this was the perfect length. I loved both characters, and was actively rooting for them the entire time. Nick could be very blunt at times, but I think it added dimension to his character. His desire to understand Rainey and ensure he had what he needed was perfect for the story and their situation. And I loved the bits of laughter Riley added to the story, especially the mild (but consensual) kidnapping. It makes the cover image that much more meaningful. Overall, I loved this read. Riley packed so much feeling into four chapters. Highly recommend!
🩷 MM contemporary romance novella
🩷 First person dual point of view
🩷 Guaranteed happily ever after
🩷 Opposites attract
🩷 Secret identity
🩷 Author/reader
🩷 Invisible illness representation
🩷 Mild (consensual) kidnapping
🩷 Cute banter
Riley Nash never disappoints with his novellas, and If I Had Words was no exception. I was thrilled when I saw it available on their website. At only four chapters long (approximately 13,000 words), it's short and sweet and a relatively easy read. Rainey is a chronically ill fan headed to Vegas to meet his favourite author and get the book that changed his life signed. Although he stumbles across a handsome, rather aloof stranger on his way to the signing, everything isn't what it seems when he actually meets the supposed author.
I definitely could've read several more chapters of Rainey and Nick's story, but I also think this was the perfect length. I loved both characters, and was actively rooting for them the entire time. Nick could be very blunt at times, but I think it added dimension to his character. His desire to understand Rainey and ensure he had what he needed was perfect for the story and their situation. And I loved the bits of laughter Riley added to the story, especially the mild (but consensual) kidnapping. It makes the cover image that much more meaningful. Overall, I loved this read. Riley packed so much feeling into four chapters. Highly recommend!
March 24, 2025
Nick + Rainey
-mm short story
-opposites attract
-author/reader
-invisible illness rep
-mild kidnapping
okay these two were insta love but like it was like 40 pages, we knew that was coming...so it was FUCKING ADORABLE!!
-mm short story
-opposites attract
-author/reader
-invisible illness rep
-mild kidnapping
okay these two were insta love but like it was like 40 pages, we knew that was coming...so it was FUCKING ADORABLE!!
October 30, 2024
Such a cute and fun read. Love Rainey and Nick.
November 11, 2024
I loved this so much!!
November 15, 2024
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶🌶
Tears: 0
Loved this novella, super cute and very on brand for Riley. Totally worth buying from his website.
Spice: 🌶🌶
Tears: 0
Loved this novella, super cute and very on brand for Riley. Totally worth buying from his website.
January 4, 2025
Not their best
May 1, 2025
This was very short, only 4 chapters, but it was adorable! I’d love to read more about Rainey and Nick someday, should the author ever choose to expand their story!!
August 20, 2025
Words cannot describe how much I love this short story. It was everything I could ever want from something so short: including beautiful prose, a fun steamy scene and amazing disability rep
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews