What do you think?
Shuttered Hearts
Fans of
Heartstopper
and
Red, White and Royal Blue
, this is your next read!
Dive deep into this second chance romance. Times two!
In 2023, Brayden Simmons is a closeted gay teenager, and his summer is turning into a complete disaster. His so-called boyfriend cheated on him. Then his father expects him to spend two weeks with his widowed, grumpy grandfather on a farm in the middle of nowhere. Brayden’s summer seems doomed until he reconnects with a beguiling local farm boy, whose warmth and compassion just might help heal his broken heart.
Back in 1967, aspiring 15-year-old photographer Casey Dumont finds himself cash-strapped and struggling to pursue his dream. He schemes to capture a photo of Hollywood's hottest teen idol, Douglas Hart—an achievement that could boost his career prospects and fill his wallet. But as Casey’s fixation on the handsome singer intensifies, he starts to wonder if his motivation is really about photojournalism or something a little more… personal.
As Brayden and Casey grapple with the highs and lows of young love—one finding unexpected friendships and the other discovering the depth of his passion for a celebrity in a world where same-sex love is taboo—they are unknowingly tied together by a secret that's been buried for over fifty years.
Shuttered Hearts weaves a tale of love, identity, and the power of connection across generations. Will they uncover the truth that links their lives and find the courage to embrace who they truly are?
Dive deep into this second chance romance. Times two!
In 2023, Brayden Simmons is a closeted gay teenager, and his summer is turning into a complete disaster. His so-called boyfriend cheated on him. Then his father expects him to spend two weeks with his widowed, grumpy grandfather on a farm in the middle of nowhere. Brayden’s summer seems doomed until he reconnects with a beguiling local farm boy, whose warmth and compassion just might help heal his broken heart.
Back in 1967, aspiring 15-year-old photographer Casey Dumont finds himself cash-strapped and struggling to pursue his dream. He schemes to capture a photo of Hollywood's hottest teen idol, Douglas Hart—an achievement that could boost his career prospects and fill his wallet. But as Casey’s fixation on the handsome singer intensifies, he starts to wonder if his motivation is really about photojournalism or something a little more… personal.
As Brayden and Casey grapple with the highs and lows of young love—one finding unexpected friendships and the other discovering the depth of his passion for a celebrity in a world where same-sex love is taboo—they are unknowingly tied together by a secret that's been buried for over fifty years.
Shuttered Hearts weaves a tale of love, identity, and the power of connection across generations. Will they uncover the truth that links their lives and find the courage to embrace who they truly are?
342 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 19, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
September 8, 2026
I found myself addicted to the story and finished this quickly. The writing is very straight-forward without hidden nuances. Easy for YA. There are teen hormones and impulse decisions here that match the youthful ages as the book begins.
Some spoilers here, so be careful reading further...
There is a modern story in the odd chapters, and a story from 1967 is in the even chapters. At the 2/3 point of the book, these merge. The time jumping in the older story very quickly brought the stories together (that I did not really see coming until I past over 50% of the book). I kept wondering how these two stories connected.
My thoughts drifted into the 3* territory when the boy in the 1967 story was outed very harshly. But after the merger, the 1967 boy found a modern Cinderella happy ending. But it occurred too late (for me) in his life for proper satisfaction. So trigger warning for anyone that got outed and then forcibly/forever separated from their lover.
I had tears a few times for both sad and happy events.
The 1967 story had the boys dating for a couple of years before the outing occurred. This is unrealistic that nothing was suspected, considering that one of them was a teen sitcom American heart-throb.
I did like how the stories merged, but the coincidences/good-luck to pull off the ending sequences felt WAY too happy. Even with this final joyousness, the 50+ years endured by the couple of boys originally outed, plus the lies both their families told them so they gave up trying to get back together was really tough to reflect upon after I finished the book.
I liked the overall theme of how the modern boys had little problem falling in love with each other. Their dilemma was how to tell their parents. The impossibility of the 1967 boys relationship was conveyed well, but this final-ending relied upon a very deep love between these two young-teen boys which I don't think they had enough REAL time together for that to be believable. Book established a strong beginning for these two, then simply stated "together for 2 years". Hmm...
My quick completion of this book (squeezed in during holiday activities) attests to its ability to hook the reader. No explicit spicy scenes so easy for all readers. I am now intrigued to read the Crunchy Orange Chicken by this same author.
4.25*
Some spoilers here, so be careful reading further...
There is a modern story in the odd chapters, and a story from 1967 is in the even chapters. At the 2/3 point of the book, these merge. The time jumping in the older story very quickly brought the stories together (that I did not really see coming until I past over 50% of the book). I kept wondering how these two stories connected.
My thoughts drifted into the 3* territory when the boy in the 1967 story was outed very harshly. But after the merger, the 1967 boy found a modern Cinderella happy ending. But it occurred too late (for me) in his life for proper satisfaction. So trigger warning for anyone that got outed and then forcibly/forever separated from their lover.
I had tears a few times for both sad and happy events.
The 1967 story had the boys dating for a couple of years before the outing occurred. This is unrealistic that nothing was suspected, considering that one of them was a teen sitcom American heart-throb.
I did like how the stories merged, but the coincidences/good-luck to pull off the ending sequences felt WAY too happy. Even with this final joyousness, the 50+ years endured by the couple of boys originally outed, plus the lies both their families told them so they gave up trying to get back together was really tough to reflect upon after I finished the book.
I liked the overall theme of how the modern boys had little problem falling in love with each other. Their dilemma was how to tell their parents. The impossibility of the 1967 boys relationship was conveyed well, but this final-ending relied upon a very deep love between these two young-teen boys which I don't think they had enough REAL time together for that to be believable. Book established a strong beginning for these two, then simply stated "together for 2 years". Hmm...
My quick completion of this book (squeezed in during holiday activities) attests to its ability to hook the reader. No explicit spicy scenes so easy for all readers. I am now intrigued to read the Crunchy Orange Chicken by this same author.
4.25*
December 6, 2025
I genuinely couldn’t put this book down once I started. The two POVs and timelines were so cleverly crafted and unfolded in a truly beautiful way. Brayden and Tyler’s story was refreshing, heartfelt, and such a joy to read. And Gramps finding his happily ever after at the end was the perfect way to wrap everything up; it truly touched my heart. I would absolutely love to read more about Brayden and Tyler, as they have their whole lives ahead of them. Maybe we’ll get more someday, but until then, I highly recommend picking up this book, you won’t regret it.
Trey Lari, thank you for writing this book and sharing this beautiful story with the world.
Trey Lari, thank you for writing this book and sharing this beautiful story with the world.
September 11, 2025
OMG, One of the best books I have ever read
What is there to say about this book except it was so darn good. I was hooked after the first 10 pages and couldn’t put it down. The author brought out all the characters in away that you felt like you knew each one. It is so hard to write a review without giving away the plot. I loved loved this book and it is my top 10 of all time. I highly highly recommend reading this book. I want more.
What is there to say about this book except it was so darn good. I was hooked after the first 10 pages and couldn’t put it down. The author brought out all the characters in away that you felt like you knew each one. It is so hard to write a review without giving away the plot. I loved loved this book and it is my top 10 of all time. I highly highly recommend reading this book. I want more.
December 17, 2025
A most amazing story
I read along wondering why there seemed to be two stories going on. As the stories evolved I suddenly had a ah ha moment. You will too. I read a lot. It is not very often I have in my hands a book I can’t put down. Sleep is less important than reading this story. I hope you have the same experience. There is so much love in this book. Not just a couple but several couples. How much joy can a book bring to a reader, this book over flows with it.
I read along wondering why there seemed to be two stories going on. As the stories evolved I suddenly had a ah ha moment. You will too. I read a lot. It is not very often I have in my hands a book I can’t put down. Sleep is less important than reading this story. I hope you have the same experience. There is so much love in this book. Not just a couple but several couples. How much joy can a book bring to a reader, this book over flows with it.
April 7, 2026
I had very little expectations going into this as I got it for free over a year ago and I read it directly after finishing my (potentially) favourite book of the year, but I'm so glad I picked it up.
This is two stories in one. Brayden/Tyler and Casey/Douglas.
Casey and Douglas' story is a heartbreaking tale of boys growing up in Hollywood in the 60's, friendship, love and the fallout of being queer in 1960's America.
Brayden and Tylers story follows the two teens as they traverse refound connection, mutual pining and the rollercoaster that is modern day dating in a largely homophobic world, all from the garage of your boring grandpas house.
Without spoiling anything this tale follows the two stories as they interweave and differ drastically. The characters felt so real and diverse from one another and the story in itself was so touching (I cried three times). I loved the feeling this book gave me I was giddy, giggling and belly laughing at parts and then sobbing the next.
I was scared for how this story was going to end as it really could have gone either way but I'm glad it ended how it did.
My main criticism for this book is one I have for many modern romances and that is the language. I HATE modern day slang because, well it doesn't stay slang for very long. Times and trends move way too quickly for most of the language used to be relevant and this made a lot of the dialogue very dated and cringey to read and some of the dialogue didn't flow very well. I personally think you can always tell when it's an author who's significantly older than the characters they are writing. It all felt too "researched" to feel natural. I wanted to give it the benefit of the doubt that the author was trying to differentiate the time periods between our two stories but there are so many ways that can be done without using slang.
I found Kais dialogue to be the most egregious which I'm glad for as he wasn't a major character in the story so at least there is that. I feel like without the slang and cringey modern dialogue this story could be comparable to the likes of Douglas Stewart's work in the sense of it being a queer lyrical piece that makes your heart hurt but ultimately was a joy to read.
The ending did drag a little for me and everything did wrap up too nicely (the author kept throwing random obstacles in at the end to then have them resolved a few pages later which did feel a tad pointless and unnecessary at times) But other than that I really loved this story it was touching, reflective, thought provoking and a joy to read.
Additionally: This author has another story called Crunchy Orange Chicken which I will be reading with no context.
This is two stories in one. Brayden/Tyler and Casey/Douglas.
Casey and Douglas' story is a heartbreaking tale of boys growing up in Hollywood in the 60's, friendship, love and the fallout of being queer in 1960's America.
Brayden and Tylers story follows the two teens as they traverse refound connection, mutual pining and the rollercoaster that is modern day dating in a largely homophobic world, all from the garage of your boring grandpas house.
Without spoiling anything this tale follows the two stories as they interweave and differ drastically. The characters felt so real and diverse from one another and the story in itself was so touching (I cried three times). I loved the feeling this book gave me I was giddy, giggling and belly laughing at parts and then sobbing the next.
I was scared for how this story was going to end as it really could have gone either way but I'm glad it ended how it did.
My main criticism for this book is one I have for many modern romances and that is the language. I HATE modern day slang because, well it doesn't stay slang for very long. Times and trends move way too quickly for most of the language used to be relevant and this made a lot of the dialogue very dated and cringey to read and some of the dialogue didn't flow very well. I personally think you can always tell when it's an author who's significantly older than the characters they are writing. It all felt too "researched" to feel natural. I wanted to give it the benefit of the doubt that the author was trying to differentiate the time periods between our two stories but there are so many ways that can be done without using slang.
I found Kais dialogue to be the most egregious which I'm glad for as he wasn't a major character in the story so at least there is that. I feel like without the slang and cringey modern dialogue this story could be comparable to the likes of Douglas Stewart's work in the sense of it being a queer lyrical piece that makes your heart hurt but ultimately was a joy to read.
The ending did drag a little for me and everything did wrap up too nicely (the author kept throwing random obstacles in at the end to then have them resolved a few pages later which did feel a tad pointless and unnecessary at times) But other than that I really loved this story it was touching, reflective, thought provoking and a joy to read.
Additionally: This author has another story called Crunchy Orange Chicken which I will be reading with no context.
December 9, 2025
Shuttered Hearts: Heartwarming
I love this book. Trey Lari's touching and heartbreaking story helps us reflect on the value of acceptance for all people, regardless of sexual orientation. The characters' raw emotional journey is a stark contrast to the societal norms of their time, which condemned homosexuality and living authentically. Hatred and bigotry affect not only the victim, but also the perpetrator and their descendants, who are burdened by shame and self-doubt. This story's results fill me with hope for a future where love transcends hatred.
I love this book. Trey Lari's touching and heartbreaking story helps us reflect on the value of acceptance for all people, regardless of sexual orientation. The characters' raw emotional journey is a stark contrast to the societal norms of their time, which condemned homosexuality and living authentically. Hatred and bigotry affect not only the victim, but also the perpetrator and their descendants, who are burdened by shame and self-doubt. This story's results fill me with hope for a future where love transcends hatred.
January 4, 2026
Such A Great Story
One of the best coming of age books I’ve ever read! I couldn’t put it down! I really hope Trey plans on writing more novels as I’ve really enjoyed the first two so far!
One of the best coming of age books I’ve ever read! I couldn’t put it down! I really hope Trey plans on writing more novels as I’ve really enjoyed the first two so far!
April 30, 2025
Shuttered Hearts
By Trey Lari
Oclari Publishing, 2025
Five stars
OK, this one had me crying. That’s a good thing.
Shuttered Hearts offers us a pair of parallel narratives: Brayden and Tyler in the present day, with Douglas and Casey in 1967. I confess it took me a long time before I understood what the connection was between the two narratives, although I was bright enough to realize that there must be one. That fact that I was so slow just made the emotional impact greater when it hit me.
I cannot tell you what the link is, because it is both shocking and not completely surprising. However, let me tell you that I am only a few years younger than the 1967 duo, and thus this story resonated with me in a very different way than the story of the modern-day teenagers did. I came out in 1975, at the age of 20, but I was only 12 in 1967. The change in the world for young gay people between 1967 and 1975 was tremendous, and I think I’ve spent most of my adult life not realizing it fully. I was incredibly lucky. Many young people were not.
Brayden and Tyler are fretful and anxious about coming out; just as Douglas and Tyler are. But time and place matter a great deal; time most of all. There is tragedy and triumph in this gentle, at times very funny book. It’s a wonderfully romantic tale, but also a timely reminder of how much we have to lose if we start to roll back civil rights.
By Trey Lari
Oclari Publishing, 2025
Five stars
OK, this one had me crying. That’s a good thing.
Shuttered Hearts offers us a pair of parallel narratives: Brayden and Tyler in the present day, with Douglas and Casey in 1967. I confess it took me a long time before I understood what the connection was between the two narratives, although I was bright enough to realize that there must be one. That fact that I was so slow just made the emotional impact greater when it hit me.
I cannot tell you what the link is, because it is both shocking and not completely surprising. However, let me tell you that I am only a few years younger than the 1967 duo, and thus this story resonated with me in a very different way than the story of the modern-day teenagers did. I came out in 1975, at the age of 20, but I was only 12 in 1967. The change in the world for young gay people between 1967 and 1975 was tremendous, and I think I’ve spent most of my adult life not realizing it fully. I was incredibly lucky. Many young people were not.
Brayden and Tyler are fretful and anxious about coming out; just as Douglas and Tyler are. But time and place matter a great deal; time most of all. There is tragedy and triumph in this gentle, at times very funny book. It’s a wonderfully romantic tale, but also a timely reminder of how much we have to lose if we start to roll back civil rights.
April 25, 2026
Wow. This book was SO good. Like, stay up ‘til 3 AM reading while hoping my snorts and sobs don’t wake up my husband-good.
The two plot lines in this novel are equally compelling. Literally every time I’d hit a new chapter, I would be so bummed to leave that story for the other—even though I’d just been equally bummed to leave that one a chapter ago. The author really knows how to weave a story together to keep you page-turning.
The characters were so fleshed out, I could see their mannerisms in my mind as I read. And boy did I feel for them all. They’ll be living rent-free in my head for years (or forever considering I’ll probably return to this novel). Seriously, this book should be SO popular! And the potential for film/TV adaptation… *Sigh*
I’m half-way through Crunchy Orange Chicken now, so I can confirm that Shuttered Hearts is no fluke—and I can’t wait to read more from this author! Please give us a new, equally heart-warming story soon!
The two plot lines in this novel are equally compelling. Literally every time I’d hit a new chapter, I would be so bummed to leave that story for the other—even though I’d just been equally bummed to leave that one a chapter ago. The author really knows how to weave a story together to keep you page-turning.
The characters were so fleshed out, I could see their mannerisms in my mind as I read. And boy did I feel for them all. They’ll be living rent-free in my head for years (or forever considering I’ll probably return to this novel). Seriously, this book should be SO popular! And the potential for film/TV adaptation… *Sigh*
I’m half-way through Crunchy Orange Chicken now, so I can confirm that Shuttered Hearts is no fluke—and I can’t wait to read more from this author! Please give us a new, equally heart-warming story soon!
April 30, 2025
At first I didn’t understand the two different POVs because it was during two different time periods and how they coincided was intriguing. I had a mind blowing moment when I read the bits about SC, that’s very close to home.
“Where in South Carolina?”
“Rock Hill. Heard of it?”
“…Are you serious? It’s right down the road. We live in South Charlotte.”
That’s is so cool that you would mention actual cities from the Carolinas!
“Where in South Carolina?”
“Rock Hill. Heard of it?”
“…Are you serious? It’s right down the road. We live in South Charlotte.”
That’s is so cool that you would mention actual cities from the Carolinas!
April 11, 2026
The past meets the future or is it the other way ?
A well written book of two young gay lovers who are separated by their parents and are lost for 50 years then their love is re-found by a young grandson and his boyfriend. Once again if the world would only let people be themselves instead of dictating what the norm should be the world could be a lot happier.
A well written book of two young gay lovers who are separated by their parents and are lost for 50 years then their love is re-found by a young grandson and his boyfriend. Once again if the world would only let people be themselves instead of dictating what the norm should be the world could be a lot happier.
May 30, 2025
3.5 stars
December 27, 2025
Better than I expected
I can't remember the last time I read a really good book like this. Some things were a stretch but with fiction that can be a fun thing. This WAS a fun read.
I can't remember the last time I read a really good book like this. Some things were a stretch but with fiction that can be a fun thing. This WAS a fun read.
January 2, 2026
A sweet tale of young love and heartbreak
A fun and engaging tale. A bit predictable but still worth a read if you are into this genre. Love to see a part 2.
A fun and engaging tale. A bit predictable but still worth a read if you are into this genre. Love to see a part 2.
April 7, 2026
Dnf 7% the writing style wasn’t for me and I couldn’t get into it
May 11, 2026
A must read!
A beautiful story ( stories, actually ) that result in lessons of acceptance, and love. I'm looking for to Treys next novel.
A beautiful story ( stories, actually ) that result in lessons of acceptance, and love. I'm looking for to Treys next novel.
September 12, 2026
WOW! Awesome Story ♥️
I loved the story and the way the author weaving two stories from totally different generations together into one book. Totally awesome!
I loved the story and the way the author weaving two stories from totally different generations together into one book. Totally awesome!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews