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My Accidental Valentine
Perfect for when you want a slow-burn, second-chance Valentine’s romance…
Sam Warren isn’t used to flying solo on Valentine’s Day—but after a messy breakup, he’s determined to focus on something his best friend Millie’s birthday celebration. The day promises good company, a cozy gathering, and no romantic complications.
But when Adam Payne—the brooding, brilliant best friend of Millie’s boyfriend and Sam’s impossible high school crush—shows up, everything changes. Their history is tangled with an embarrassing, drunken night Sam can’t remember and Adam clearly can’t forget—and this Valentine’s Day might be their chance to finally face the truth.
My Accidental Valentine is a 20k-word short story romance for fans of emotional confessions, slow-burn chemistry, and the second-chance romance trope.
Sam Warren isn’t used to flying solo on Valentine’s Day—but after a messy breakup, he’s determined to focus on something his best friend Millie’s birthday celebration. The day promises good company, a cozy gathering, and no romantic complications.
But when Adam Payne—the brooding, brilliant best friend of Millie’s boyfriend and Sam’s impossible high school crush—shows up, everything changes. Their history is tangled with an embarrassing, drunken night Sam can’t remember and Adam clearly can’t forget—and this Valentine’s Day might be their chance to finally face the truth.
My Accidental Valentine is a 20k-word short story romance for fans of emotional confessions, slow-burn chemistry, and the second-chance romance trope.
77 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 17, 2025
25 people are currently reading
294 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
May 13, 2025
Okay I’m not gonna lie, the cover is the only reason I picked this one up, because LOOK AT IT!! FREAKING GORGEOUS!
But damn, does it match its content, because I loved this little novella. It’s all mutual pining for years that finally explodes in a cute, fun and very sexy way and I gobbled it all up.
Nothing special but I ✨felt things✨ and that’s all I wanted from this!
I’ll definitely check out more of the authors novellas because this was so CUTE!
But damn, does it match its content, because I loved this little novella. It’s all mutual pining for years that finally explodes in a cute, fun and very sexy way and I gobbled it all up.
Nothing special but I ✨felt things✨ and that’s all I wanted from this!
I’ll definitely check out more of the authors novellas because this was so CUTE!
May 10, 2025
Cute but.. the MCs were supposed to be in their mid thirties? They behaved like teenagers.
October 3, 2025
4.0**** stars
THIS COVER!!!!! God, I love it!
and the story accompanying said beautiful cover was super cute, funny and sexy. Totally worth the hour I spent on it.
And really, I mean, Sam and Adam could’ve done this for years if their respective best friends (who are a couple) would’ve only communicated better behind their backs!! *lmaooo
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A Kiss on a Dare - 4.0 stars
Accidental Valentine - 4.0 stars
Billionaire One-Night Stand - 4.0 stars
THIS COVER!!!!! God, I love it!
and the story accompanying said beautiful cover was super cute, funny and sexy. Totally worth the hour I spent on it.
And really, I mean, Sam and Adam could’ve done this for years if their respective best friends (who are a couple) would’ve only communicated better behind their backs!! *lmaooo
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A Kiss on a Dare - 4.0 stars
Accidental Valentine - 4.0 stars
Billionaire One-Night Stand - 4.0 stars
May 9, 2025
This was surprisingly cute and fun, from start to finish the vibes were vibing. I think I’ll definitely be reading more from this author.
October 4, 2025
A drunken miscommunication four years ago leads to a second chance for Sammy and Adam. This was super short, sweet, and steamy!
February 3, 2025
i think i needed this. something short but SUPER CUTE! its like a fanfic of my favourite characters!
the book cover is looking so pretty too!!
i will be ignoring their age and i do wish it took lesser than 4 years for them. but mainly,
I WISH IT WAS LONGERRRRR 😭
the book cover is looking so pretty too!!
i will be ignoring their age and i do wish it took lesser than 4 years for them. but mainly,
I WISH IT WAS LONGERRRRR 😭
May 18, 2025
₊˚⊹ | 3.5 ★ read .ᐟ
This was the cutest short story! Gaia Tate has this particular way of captivating you from the very first page, and I felt that ever since I read 'The Grand Deception of Benedict Blackmoor'. I loved that story so much, and here I am again, a few months later with another book of hers, heart-eyeing it. ♥
This was the cutest short story! Gaia Tate has this particular way of captivating you from the very first page, and I felt that ever since I read 'The Grand Deception of Benedict Blackmoor'. I loved that story so much, and here I am again, a few months later with another book of hers, heart-eyeing it. ♥
January 14, 2025
This was such an absolutely adorable novella! A super quick read with just the right mix of second hand anxiety, a dash of smut, and a couple you can’t help but root for. While the story revolves around one big miscommunication (the kind where a single honest conversation would fix everything), it somehow avoids feeling frustrating or dumb. Instead, it totally works within the context of the story. A sweet, satisfying little read!
February 26, 2025
I loved it. It was sweet and cute! It was such a bummer that it ended so quickly. Would be an amazing slow burn if it wasn't a novella. Really loved the characters and the way the "scenes" were described.🩵🫶🏻
January 23, 2025
4.5⭐️
This was a hot, fun, cute quick read. I love all of Gaia’s novellas - they’re just the most perfect little bites of spicy and sweet romance.
This was a hot, fun, cute quick read. I love all of Gaia’s novellas - they’re just the most perfect little bites of spicy and sweet romance.
May 13, 2025
2.5 ⭐
oh look I hate miscommunication even in novellas. The more you know 🤷♀️
oh look I hate miscommunication even in novellas. The more you know 🤷♀️
March 3, 2025
It’ll be an understatement to say I loved this book because I absolutely devoured this short story and loved it to pieces. Going into this book, I knew I would love it because I enjoyed this author’s other work. I don’t usually pick books by the author, but this may be another exception. If anyone knows of any similar stories like this, then please enlighten me!
Sam Warren’s character captivated me. He is a kind person who’s also a bit of a mess in a good way. Sam recently had a bad breakup but going to his best friend’s birthday party on Valentine’s Day doesn’t seem so bad. Until he meets Adam, who’s been avoiding Sam for a few years, and Sam’s secret crush. Sam is an expressive character and I enjoyed getting to know him through this book. His thoughts were entertaining and his reactions were cute.
But without Adam this story wouldn’t be what it was. Adam’s teasing and flirting with Sam was so noticeable as a reader. I loved every interaction between the two and how Adam was ready to listen and clear things with Sam. I also liked how Adam acted respectively by giving Sam space and approaching Sam once he was single again.
The other characters are pure gems. There are no villains in this story; just supportive friends and family. This book is diverse and I love how natural it feels. There’s no negative remarks or discouragement on one’s security. It’s a very warm, welcoming and romance focused story.
The story revolves around a misunderstanding furthered by non-existent communication. It’s a common trope but honestly this story uses it so well. It’s the main point, but the interactions between the characters, the build up to clearing the misunderstanding and the personalities all overshadow it. Because this is a short story, it connects the reader with the characters through events and relatability.
Overall, I loved this short story. The characters were expressive, with unique and captivating personalities. The story focused on a single, simple plot and executed it intriguingly. The romance was developed, healthy and intense. Definitely a great short read for the Valentine season or if you’re looking for a sweet romance read!
Read more reviews @ Mystic's Review Shelf
Sam Warren’s character captivated me. He is a kind person who’s also a bit of a mess in a good way. Sam recently had a bad breakup but going to his best friend’s birthday party on Valentine’s Day doesn’t seem so bad. Until he meets Adam, who’s been avoiding Sam for a few years, and Sam’s secret crush. Sam is an expressive character and I enjoyed getting to know him through this book. His thoughts were entertaining and his reactions were cute.
But without Adam this story wouldn’t be what it was. Adam’s teasing and flirting with Sam was so noticeable as a reader. I loved every interaction between the two and how Adam was ready to listen and clear things with Sam. I also liked how Adam acted respectively by giving Sam space and approaching Sam once he was single again.
The other characters are pure gems. There are no villains in this story; just supportive friends and family. This book is diverse and I love how natural it feels. There’s no negative remarks or discouragement on one’s security. It’s a very warm, welcoming and romance focused story.
The story revolves around a misunderstanding furthered by non-existent communication. It’s a common trope but honestly this story uses it so well. It’s the main point, but the interactions between the characters, the build up to clearing the misunderstanding and the personalities all overshadow it. Because this is a short story, it connects the reader with the characters through events and relatability.
Overall, I loved this short story. The characters were expressive, with unique and captivating personalities. The story focused on a single, simple plot and executed it intriguingly. The romance was developed, healthy and intense. Definitely a great short read for the Valentine season or if you’re looking for a sweet romance read!
Read more reviews @ Mystic's Review Shelf
May 21, 2025
Dude!!! Peter and Millie were the villains in this book. Idc what anyone says. lol. No for real though they were probably the best friends you could ever ask for but seriously them not talking cost these guys years of not being together!! YEARS!!! I would riot. I wouldn’t be talking to my bff for years after that!! Ugh!! Anyway loved these two. This book was cute and sweet and a little sad because Sammy was so self conscious about what he could have possibly done to make Adam hate him but in reality it wasn’t even his fault!!!
100% safe. Except Sam got cheated on in the past but that’s it’s. It’s VERY HFN and I’m gonna need a follow up book for these two.
100% safe. Except Sam got cheated on in the past but that’s it’s. It’s VERY HFN and I’m gonna need a follow up book for these two.
February 6, 2025
Ah man, that was so cute.
This is a lovely little short story about Sammy who attends his best friend's birthday party and Adam, who he believes hates him and has avoided him for 4 years, is there.
At the beginning, I was so sad for Sammy. I could feel how sad he was when he wasn’t sure what he’d done wrong all those years ago. He's spent all that time punishing himself for something he can't remember.
The communication skills of these MM characters once again become the villain of the piece.
It's such an adorable ending and a lovely little scene spread over just a few chapters. These little short stories always leave me wanting more!
So cute.
This is a lovely little short story about Sammy who attends his best friend's birthday party and Adam, who he believes hates him and has avoided him for 4 years, is there.
At the beginning, I was so sad for Sammy. I could feel how sad he was when he wasn’t sure what he’d done wrong all those years ago. He's spent all that time punishing himself for something he can't remember.
The communication skills of these MM characters once again become the villain of the piece.
It's such an adorable ending and a lovely little scene spread over just a few chapters. These little short stories always leave me wanting more!
So cute.
Read
June 9, 2025It started so adorable, but it got so bad I won't even rate it💀
November 25, 2025
A cute short story - 3✨
This was a real quick MM short story with some spice that skips all the drama and gets right to the point and the feels!
Cuteee!
This was a real quick MM short story with some spice that skips all the drama and gets right to the point and the feels!
Cuteee!
March 21, 2025
4.0 - um livro super delícia de ler! Eu amei os personagens, Sam e Adam são uns fofos. Adorei que são personagens maduros e tentaram resolver o mal entendido conversando!
Os amigos envolvidos também são bem divertidos e realistas.
As cenas hot são bem escritas e eu amei como tudo foi desenrolado!
Os amigos envolvidos também são bem divertidos e realistas.
As cenas hot são bem escritas e eu amei como tudo foi desenrolado!
December 30, 2025
This was such a cute short story. I devoured it in one sitting and couldn’t put it down.These characters were so easy to love. A really fun read.
January 17, 2025
Adam, Sam, and a wasted 4 years of happily being a couple because of the refusal of communicating.
Ok, so I really don’t know how I want to rate this book or how much I liked it because on one hand, it was really good and entertaining, but on the other hand, the whole issue that even made this possible to have a story could have been completely avoided. I can’t really say how without spoiling the surprise of what Sam did when he was drunk and Adam remembers so you’ll either have to 1: read for yourself and find out, because I still recommend reading this, but be warned that your totally going to be upset with Adam and maybe even Sam a little but definitely Adam, and their friends were of no help either so you’ll probably be mad at them too, or 2: you can read my spoiler which I will be providing below this very long line and caution signs. I can’t really explain without pretty much summarizing the book, lol.
Also, be aware that the entire book is written from Sam’s perspective. I feel like it would have been at least a little bit easier to understand Adam’s actions had we had gotten his perspective as well.
~~~ I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. ~~~
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⚠️ Major Spoilers:
So, 4 years before the time the story takes place, Sam got drunk and while he was, Adam told him he loved him. Sam (while drunk) tells him he has a boyfriend. Adam took this as rejection because Sam didn’t tell him that he also loves him, which he does. Sam is the type of person that would never cheat and his “boyfriend” was someone that he actually wasn’t officially dating but he’s just such a good guy that even drunk he felt like it would be considered cheating even though they weren’t even dating. Sam doesn’t remember Adam telling him this, all he knows (thinks), is that Adam hates him and doesn’t want to be around him after he heard that Adam wouldn’t come to events that Sam would be at. So Sam is officially boyfriends with the one guy after that drunk night and they date for 3 years until he finds out that he was cheating on him and they break up. After Adam finds out they broke up he starts coming to events that Sam goes to again, leading them to meet again after not seeing each other for 4 years at Emilia’s birthday party. While setting up and during the party, Sam tries to talk to Adam MULTIPLE times about what happened that night he got drunk because his mind jumped to the worst case scenario and he believed he did something terrible to Adam, but Adam REFUSES to talk about it even after Sam kept saying he was sorry if he did something to him. So here are the multiple reasons why ALL of this could have been avoided.
1: Sam never approached Adam before this point because he felt ashamed even though he didn’t even know what happened. I know that logically, it can be hard to talk to someone when you feel embarrassed but had he tried to approach him sooner, this could have helped, though with the way Adam was acting, I’m doubtful that Adam would have even let Sam talk to him, so this definitely would not be the easiest solution.
2: Adam knew that Sam was really drunk so he could have used some common sense to think if Sam would actually remember that conversation or not and even if he didn’t, Sam had a boyfriend! Sure, he didn’t know that they weren’t officially dating yet, but he thought they were so if you tried to see it from Adam’s POV then you’d basically be seeing that Adam wanted Sam to cheat on his boyfriend with him just because he told him he loved him. That’s actually pretty messed up. And he kept blowing Sam off every time Sam tried to apologize even though Sam had no idea what he was even apologizing for. Adam was acted terrible to Sam about what happened that night until he finally decided to man up and talk to him about it and Sam told him what happened. And the only reason Adam even manned up at all to approach him was because HE got drunk enough to do so. *insert eye roll here* ironic, right?
3: both of their friends, Peter and Emilia (who are a couple), could have helped solve this whole thing but they took their friendship confidentiality WAY too far, which both Adam and Sam agreed with at the end of the book. Peter knew that Adam had a crush on Sam and Emilia knew Sam had a crush on Adam. Peter knew what happened that night Sam was drunk from Adam’s perspective and Emilia knew that Sam didn’t remember anything from that night or what happened. If Peter and Emilia had just talked to each other (like couples are supposed to do with each other) they would have figured out the issue 4 years sooner and could have approached Sam and Adam about what really happened. I mean, it’s great that they love their friends so much, but it’s not like the things they were keeping were a secret, they could have at least talked about it with each other, being that they are a couple.
After all these reasons, I feel like it’s pretty clear how easy this could have all been solved and Adam and Sam wasted 4 whole years that they could have been happily together. Not to mention that all the non-communication got to become incredibly annoying since it lasted till just about the end of the book. It got tiring after a while.
Ok, so I really don’t know how I want to rate this book or how much I liked it because on one hand, it was really good and entertaining, but on the other hand, the whole issue that even made this possible to have a story could have been completely avoided. I can’t really say how without spoiling the surprise of what Sam did when he was drunk and Adam remembers so you’ll either have to 1: read for yourself and find out, because I still recommend reading this, but be warned that your totally going to be upset with Adam and maybe even Sam a little but definitely Adam, and their friends were of no help either so you’ll probably be mad at them too, or 2: you can read my spoiler which I will be providing below this very long line and caution signs. I can’t really explain without pretty much summarizing the book, lol.
Also, be aware that the entire book is written from Sam’s perspective. I feel like it would have been at least a little bit easier to understand Adam’s actions had we had gotten his perspective as well.
~~~ I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. ~~~
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⚠️ Major Spoilers:
So, 4 years before the time the story takes place, Sam got drunk and while he was, Adam told him he loved him. Sam (while drunk) tells him he has a boyfriend. Adam took this as rejection because Sam didn’t tell him that he also loves him, which he does. Sam is the type of person that would never cheat and his “boyfriend” was someone that he actually wasn’t officially dating but he’s just such a good guy that even drunk he felt like it would be considered cheating even though they weren’t even dating. Sam doesn’t remember Adam telling him this, all he knows (thinks), is that Adam hates him and doesn’t want to be around him after he heard that Adam wouldn’t come to events that Sam would be at. So Sam is officially boyfriends with the one guy after that drunk night and they date for 3 years until he finds out that he was cheating on him and they break up. After Adam finds out they broke up he starts coming to events that Sam goes to again, leading them to meet again after not seeing each other for 4 years at Emilia’s birthday party. While setting up and during the party, Sam tries to talk to Adam MULTIPLE times about what happened that night he got drunk because his mind jumped to the worst case scenario and he believed he did something terrible to Adam, but Adam REFUSES to talk about it even after Sam kept saying he was sorry if he did something to him. So here are the multiple reasons why ALL of this could have been avoided.
1: Sam never approached Adam before this point because he felt ashamed even though he didn’t even know what happened. I know that logically, it can be hard to talk to someone when you feel embarrassed but had he tried to approach him sooner, this could have helped, though with the way Adam was acting, I’m doubtful that Adam would have even let Sam talk to him, so this definitely would not be the easiest solution.
2: Adam knew that Sam was really drunk so he could have used some common sense to think if Sam would actually remember that conversation or not and even if he didn’t, Sam had a boyfriend! Sure, he didn’t know that they weren’t officially dating yet, but he thought they were so if you tried to see it from Adam’s POV then you’d basically be seeing that Adam wanted Sam to cheat on his boyfriend with him just because he told him he loved him. That’s actually pretty messed up. And he kept blowing Sam off every time Sam tried to apologize even though Sam had no idea what he was even apologizing for. Adam was acted terrible to Sam about what happened that night until he finally decided to man up and talk to him about it and Sam told him what happened. And the only reason Adam even manned up at all to approach him was because HE got drunk enough to do so. *insert eye roll here* ironic, right?
3: both of their friends, Peter and Emilia (who are a couple), could have helped solve this whole thing but they took their friendship confidentiality WAY too far, which both Adam and Sam agreed with at the end of the book. Peter knew that Adam had a crush on Sam and Emilia knew Sam had a crush on Adam. Peter knew what happened that night Sam was drunk from Adam’s perspective and Emilia knew that Sam didn’t remember anything from that night or what happened. If Peter and Emilia had just talked to each other (like couples are supposed to do with each other) they would have figured out the issue 4 years sooner and could have approached Sam and Adam about what really happened. I mean, it’s great that they love their friends so much, but it’s not like the things they were keeping were a secret, they could have at least talked about it with each other, being that they are a couple.
After all these reasons, I feel like it’s pretty clear how easy this could have all been solved and Adam and Sam wasted 4 whole years that they could have been happily together. Not to mention that all the non-communication got to become incredibly annoying since it lasted till just about the end of the book. It got tiring after a while.
May 21, 2025
Gah! Too sad! I mean...it's not, it's a charming delightful short story, very well done, engaging characters...and second chance based on misunderstanding and that lost time just made me SAD. One MC winds up with some loser who maybe cheats on him for years, the other...there's zero info on significant others apart from he used to date girls in high school, so, today? I don't even want to know...but they lost YEARS people.
But it's adorable cute blah blah yeah yeah.
I mostly don't do well with second chance, but, this wasn't sooo bad because they were never together in the first place, and one thinks the other hates him for something he doesn't remember doing. Much pining and whatnot, it's a high school crush gone wild, and I actually do wish it had a far more extended ending with more happy times and glimpse of the future, but...SAD! How do you live with a crushing crush all that time while you're screwing someone else you're dating, who sounds like a freakin' jerk, like...whyyyyy? Argh. This is not fun for me. Fun for all of you! And I Felt a lot and really did love the characters. Though I wanted to know them better.
But to clarify, this is set ONLY during the present, no annoying flashbacks or focus on the past really; the one MC Sam dumped the loser eight months ago; the story stays in the present moment and there are some really cute hilarious shenanigans that go on when Sam realizes the other MC, Adam, has inexplicably come to his best friend's birthday party after deliberately avoiding those birthday parties to avoid Sam for years.
Did I mention they. Lost. YEARS????? F-ING SAD!!!
Minor thing but, aren't these guys like college graduates/professionals? They all seem to have professional jobs, but, they party and talk as if they're in high school. It was kinda weird. But whatever.
Miscommunication for the win?! Not my win, but...you all do you. It's cute.
HFN that is likely HEA. Sort of second chance/high school crush all grown up. (Well, not really grown up; they are playing Never Have I Ever and Truth or Dare...but sweet.). No OP drama at all in the book timeline, but...sad for me that they wasted all those years due to Stupid Stuff. Sigh. Recommended and yeah I'm gonna eat up the authors other little shorts...well, the ones that aren't second chance, anyway. Ugh, Me.
But it's adorable cute blah blah yeah yeah.
I mostly don't do well with second chance, but, this wasn't sooo bad because they were never together in the first place, and one thinks the other hates him for something he doesn't remember doing. Much pining and whatnot, it's a high school crush gone wild, and I actually do wish it had a far more extended ending with more happy times and glimpse of the future, but...SAD! How do you live with a crushing crush all that time while you're screwing someone else you're dating, who sounds like a freakin' jerk, like...whyyyyy? Argh. This is not fun for me. Fun for all of you! And I Felt a lot and really did love the characters. Though I wanted to know them better.
But to clarify, this is set ONLY during the present, no annoying flashbacks or focus on the past really; the one MC Sam dumped the loser eight months ago; the story stays in the present moment and there are some really cute hilarious shenanigans that go on when Sam realizes the other MC, Adam, has inexplicably come to his best friend's birthday party after deliberately avoiding those birthday parties to avoid Sam for years.
Did I mention they. Lost. YEARS????? F-ING SAD!!!
Minor thing but, aren't these guys like college graduates/professionals? They all seem to have professional jobs, but, they party and talk as if they're in high school. It was kinda weird. But whatever.
Miscommunication for the win?! Not my win, but...you all do you. It's cute.
HFN that is likely HEA. Sort of second chance/high school crush all grown up. (Well, not really grown up; they are playing Never Have I Ever and Truth or Dare...but sweet.). No OP drama at all in the book timeline, but...sad for me that they wasted all those years due to Stupid Stuff. Sigh. Recommended and yeah I'm gonna eat up the authors other little shorts...well, the ones that aren't second chance, anyway. Ugh, Me.
January 30, 2025
'But apparently, in reality, I’d done something so mortifying that Adam decided he never wanted to see me again.
For months after, I couldn’t stop obsessing over what might have happened— or worse, what I might have done.
For a while, I thought about confronting Adam and asking him what really happened, but the shame and humiliation were so overwhelming that I did what any mature thirty-year-old man would: avoided him entirely, pretended it never happened, and buried the memory so deep it only resurfaced when I was alone— forcing me to physically shake my head just to make it go away.'
I loved this book. Gaia Tate has a talent for writing short stories in which you really get a feel for the characters, and the romance and story feels complete. I absolutely loved both Sam and Adam. Sam has been in love with Adam for years, but after a drunken mishap that he doesn't even remember at a party, Adam didn't want to be around him anymore. He agonized about what horrible thing he could have done for four years.
Sam actually made me very sad because I felt so bad for him. He was such a good guy and genuinely didn't know what he did wrong, and apologizing didn't seem to help. I really liked Adam. He was a nice guy but also kept walls up between them and didn't tell Sam what he'd done.
The whole story is from Sam's point of view, so we the readers are as much in the dark as Sam was. I liked how Gaia kept the mystery and suspense. Building it when we were getting close to finding out.
I really loved this story. I liked all their friends- especially Peter and Millie, who had their friend's backs. Peter was a fantastic wingman, and I loved how loyal he was to Adam- even keeping his secret from his own girlfriend. 5 stars.
For months after, I couldn’t stop obsessing over what might have happened— or worse, what I might have done.
For a while, I thought about confronting Adam and asking him what really happened, but the shame and humiliation were so overwhelming that I did what any mature thirty-year-old man would: avoided him entirely, pretended it never happened, and buried the memory so deep it only resurfaced when I was alone— forcing me to physically shake my head just to make it go away.'
I loved this book. Gaia Tate has a talent for writing short stories in which you really get a feel for the characters, and the romance and story feels complete. I absolutely loved both Sam and Adam. Sam has been in love with Adam for years, but after a drunken mishap that he doesn't even remember at a party, Adam didn't want to be around him anymore. He agonized about what horrible thing he could have done for four years.
Sam actually made me very sad because I felt so bad for him. He was such a good guy and genuinely didn't know what he did wrong, and apologizing didn't seem to help. I really liked Adam. He was a nice guy but also kept walls up between them and didn't tell Sam what he'd done.
The whole story is from Sam's point of view, so we the readers are as much in the dark as Sam was. I liked how Gaia kept the mystery and suspense. Building it when we were getting close to finding out.
I really loved this story. I liked all their friends- especially Peter and Millie, who had their friend's backs. Peter was a fantastic wingman, and I loved how loyal he was to Adam- even keeping his secret from his own girlfriend. 5 stars.
January 17, 2025
It is Valentine's Day and it is also Sam's best friend Millie's birthday. The friend group have a lovely party planned and Sam is looking forward to it especially as there is no Valentine for him this year following a messy split from his ex.
When he arrives at the house he is greeted by Peter, Millie's boyfriend, and Peter's best friend, Adam, the boy...man as he is now...that Sam has been crushing on since High School. Adam is the man Sam has always considered to be out of his league although they occasionally spoke nothing happened. Then, at a birthday party for Peter a little over three years ago everything went wrong.
As far as he knows Sam got very drunk that night and it gave him the courage to speak to Adam. What he said and the outcome of those words is a complete mystery to him. All he knows is Adam has quite literally avoided him ever since. So today, Millie's birthday and Valentine's they are once again in one another's orbit and it seems Sam is going to become a nervous wreck. His friends try to help, seem to make it worse and it is only once he is at his wits end and making tea that things take a turn...
A beautiful, charming and very funny love story. Remember never to get too drunk that you can't remember a word you have said to the boy you have been crushing on forever is the message here but there is also the point that the truth is always best. I loved this short story, it made me warm, gooey and giggly!
When he arrives at the house he is greeted by Peter, Millie's boyfriend, and Peter's best friend, Adam, the boy...man as he is now...that Sam has been crushing on since High School. Adam is the man Sam has always considered to be out of his league although they occasionally spoke nothing happened. Then, at a birthday party for Peter a little over three years ago everything went wrong.
As far as he knows Sam got very drunk that night and it gave him the courage to speak to Adam. What he said and the outcome of those words is a complete mystery to him. All he knows is Adam has quite literally avoided him ever since. So today, Millie's birthday and Valentine's they are once again in one another's orbit and it seems Sam is going to become a nervous wreck. His friends try to help, seem to make it worse and it is only once he is at his wits end and making tea that things take a turn...
A beautiful, charming and very funny love story. Remember never to get too drunk that you can't remember a word you have said to the boy you have been crushing on forever is the message here but there is also the point that the truth is always best. I loved this short story, it made me warm, gooey and giggly!
January 14, 2025
I enjoyed this short story about Adam and Sammy, something happened four years ago which made Adam pull away from events that Sam went to but he didn’t know what just that he had been extremely drunk that night so when Sam arrives for his best friends party he’s surprised when Adam answers the door, there is a lot of nerves and some well meaning interference from Sam’s best friend Millie to try and find out what happened that night but it doesn’t work but in the end they speak and realise both have secretly been in love with each other for years but because their two best friends kept their secrets so well they lost a lot of time but with things out in the open now’s their chance of happiness.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 17, 2025
Fun story! It takes place either overnight or over 4 years depending on your perspective. Adorable story about a group of friends celebrating on of their birthday's. Sam, best friends with Millie, is out and proud and spends four years of his life embarrassed by something he thinks he did while he was drunk causing a presumed problem from a message he may or may not have misunderstood. Adam, is part of the friend group. He's a straight young man, the object of Sam's crush and best friends with Peter who is dating Millie. Reading about the presumptions, misunderstandings, loyalty and friendships is a good way to spend an evening. Very well done! I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 8, 2025
3,7⭐️
моя улюблена новелка🔥
сподобалося яка дружня в них компанія, всі так підтримують один одного, зберігають таємниці (інколи навіть надмірно).
сем та ще тривожна булочка з корицею. одні лише його думки наодинці з адамом чого вартують 😅 я люблю троп "міскомунікація", тому мені було цілком нормально читати їх п'яні помилки і недомовки. (хоча могли все раніше вирішити і давно бути разом 🌚)
їх святкування, ігри в "правда чи дія"/"я ніколи не", були дуже затишні. я і посм��ялася і понервувалася разом з героями 🔥
їм би куди більше підійшов вік 20-21 і період коледжу, чим описаний в книзі, але то таке
моя улюблена новелка🔥
сподобалося яка дружня в них компанія, всі так підтримують один одного, зберігають таємниці (інколи навіть надмірно).
сем та ще тривожна булочка з корицею. одні лише його думки наодинці з адамом чого вартують 😅 я люблю троп "міскомунікація", тому мені було цілком нормально читати їх п'яні помилки і недомовки. (хоча могли все раніше вирішити і давно бути разом 🌚)
їх святкування, ігри в "правда чи дія"/"я ніколи не", були дуже затишні. я і посм��ялася і понервувалася разом з героями 🔥
January 13, 2025
Jake has been crushing on Adam for years. But something happened four years ago that made Adam essentially cut Jake from his life. Until Jake's best friend, Millie's, birthday party on Valentine's Day. Tension builds as Jake tries to hide how Adam affects him, and the fact he has no memories of the night that clearly made Adam mad at him. But all secrets come to light when some meddling friends, family, and party games happen.
This was a cute read, I would've liked it to be longet but I really enjoy Gaia's short stories. Immediate pick-me-ups.
This was a cute read, I would've liked it to be longet but I really enjoy Gaia's short stories. Immediate pick-me-ups.
January 20, 2025
An Accumulation of Miscommunications
Sam and Adam have a mutual group of friends, but one party four years ago, something happened and now they can no longer be at the same party. So, when Sam knocks at the party house and Adam opens the door, some things are about to change. The tension between these two grows, and when the misconceptions finally get cleared up, things get spicy! I really enjoyed Sam and Adam’s story - the rest of the characters really enhanced it, but Sam’s voice really shines as the narrator. A fast fun read that’s both sweet and spicy.
January 20, 2025
I didn’t expect this short book to make me laugh and swoon—how can something this short be so good? First off, I’m a huge fan of keeping secrets, no matter what, especially if a friend of mine is in a relationship. Whatever I tell them stays a secret! So, seeing how two best friends got into a relationship while keeping their best friend’s secret was absolutely adorable.
I usually hate truth-or-dare games, but I ate this one up—it was cute and daring! Adam and Sammy are just so cute together, and the fact that they actually ended up together? Swoon! 😩
I usually hate truth-or-dare games, but I ate this one up—it was cute and daring! Adam and Sammy are just so cute together, and the fact that they actually ended up together? Swoon! 😩
January 27, 2025
This was so cute!
I love when a little story is just focused on a short period of time with some flashbacks to relevant events. That worked particularly well in this book!
Sam was a great MC with a sweet personality albeit sort of nervous/awkward. On a similar note, Adam is adorable and the miscommunication between the two make for some fun moments and add to the build up of the final confession.
There's also a little bit of well-written spice towards the end and an adorable epilogue which finished the book off really nicely!
I love when a little story is just focused on a short period of time with some flashbacks to relevant events. That worked particularly well in this book!
Sam was a great MC with a sweet personality albeit sort of nervous/awkward. On a similar note, Adam is adorable and the miscommunication between the two make for some fun moments and add to the build up of the final confession.
There's also a little bit of well-written spice towards the end and an adorable epilogue which finished the book off really nicely!
January 17, 2025
I was absolutely entertained by this story!! Sam and Adam had a huge misunderstanding - so sad it took them 4 years to resolve, but finally they did!! For a short story, the characters were well developed. This author excels in these vignettes. The MCs were cute and so were the side characters. There's a very hot spicy scene. Of course I want to know more about Sam and Adam's future, but so glad they're going to have one together.
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