#SlidingIntoMyDMs

by Nell Iris

Hi. I heard you've been sick.
Eddy Pennington is recovering from a severe bout of pneumonia when an old acquaintance, Moss, sends him a message on social media. They haven't spoken in years, but Eddy is pleasantly surprised. He always liked Moss, even if they were never close friends.
Moss Fanning has no ulterior motive with his all he wants is wish Eddy a speedy recovery. He got over the crush he used to have on Eddy a long time ago.
They reconnect easily and have even more in common now. And when they meet in person, the attraction is instant. Will an innocent, well-meaning message on social media lead to something more? Something deeper? Something ... everlasting?

Genres: M M Romance, Friends To Lovers, LGBT, Short Stories, Contemporary

84 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 17, 2021

About the author

Nell Iris writes gay romance, prefers sweet over angsty, short over long, and quirky characters over alpha males. She published her first book in 2017.

Nell is an author with a day job that steals too much time from her writing, her reading, her gardening, and her crocheting. She’s an introverted tea drinker who loves her family, her books, and her home in the Swedish countryside.

Reviews

[Snjez · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet and heartwarming short story with lovely, well-developed characters. And there's a dog.

[Drache.... (Angelika) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5 stars.
Enjoyable mm romance novella.
Heart warming and straightforward, endearing main and secondary characters (and dog).

[alyssa · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25*

[True Loveislovereview · Rating 5 out of 5]

It had been ten maybe fifteen years since Eddy seen Moss, they are just acquaintances. It surprised him he got a sweet dm from Moss through Instagram with the best wishes and recovery from his pneumonia.
Anna, his sister, is taking care of him. Both have been thrown out of their home by their parents after they confessed both being gay and having a girlfriend. Eddy was just seventeen and Anna twenty-one. They never looked back.

Eddy and Moss start talking and when they meet in person there are so many emotions flying around. Moss is kind, considerate, and sweet and takes it slow, remembering Eddy’s condition.
Eddy almost can’t believe it, there’s a person in the world just for him.

“He gives his affections as freely as he gives of himself, and my knees go weak.”

I cried my eyes out, dang, all those emotions. Children shouldn’t have to deal with awful parents, parents should love their children, worship them, thank them to be in their lives.
After all these years it still hurts and the scars are visible. F*ck those parents.

Moss and Eddy are so intensely beautiful together, the author did such a great job describing their connection, I still cry while writing this review.
Dear Anna and Rosa are such a wonderful addition to the whole story and oh let’s not forget Balderik Moss’ big Saint Bernard.

An absolutely lovable and charming narrative I loved it with whole my heart. It was so incredibly beautifully layered. I can’t say it enough every time I finished a story from this author I’m like... a bit speechless, how is this possible, to create such a warm-hearted story with the most gorgeous characters, it’s a big gift!

All the five glorious shining stars!

[Samantha Ortega · Rating 3 out of 5]

FR- Alors alors.... alors tout comme lors de ma précédente lecture d'un roman de cette auteure,  j'ai passé un très agréable moment.
Une fois de plus, il s'agit d'une tranche de vie. D'un moment dans la vie des personnages même si cette fois ci, l'auteure nous donne un bon aperçu de leur parcours, de ce qui les a mené là où ils en sont aujourd'hui. J'ai d'ailleurs aimé que l'auteure ne s'attarde pas sur les moments difficiles qu'à pu vivre Eddy plus jeune pour se concentrer sur l'homme qu'il est aujourd'hui.

j'ai vraiment aimé la façon dont les deux amis vont se retrouver et surtout se redécouvrir. J'ai aimé que les personnages soient mûrs et qu'ils aient déjà vécu plusieurs choses. J'ai aimé aussi le fait qu'ils se retrouvent à travers un réseau  social surtout à leur âge, et la façon dont ils l'utilisent.

La romance est vraiment très mignonne. Une fois de plus, Nell Iris nous propose un roman différent de ce qu'on peut lire d'habitude, des personnages atypiques de par le fait qu'ils soient "normaux" des personnes lambda loin des clichés habituels en romance et je dois dire que ça fait du bien de temps en temps.

En résumé, encore un roman court très sympathique d'une auteure qui nous propose des choses différentes et bienvenue. Une plume fluide et agréable. Un bon moment de lecture.




ENG- So well well well.. well just like during my previous reading of a novel by this author, I had a very good time.
Once again, this is a slice of life. A moment in the life of the characters even if this time, the author gives us a good overview of their journey, of what led them to where they are today. I also liked that the author did not dwell on the difficult times that Eddy had to live when he was younger in order to focus on the man he is today.

I really liked the way the two friends are going to meet again and especially rediscover each other. I liked that the characters were older and that they had already experienced several things. I also liked the fact that they find each other through a social network especially at their age, and the way they use it.

Romance is really, really cute. Once again, Nell Iris offers us a novel different from what we can read usually, atypical characters in that they are "normal" ordinary people far from the usual clichés in romance and I must say that it feels good from time to time.

In summary, another very nice short novel by an author who offers us different things and welcome. A fluid and pleasant writing. Had a good reading time.

[S.M. Harshell · Rating 4 out of 5]

**I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.**

#SlidingIntoMyDMs is a fun quick read.

“Hi. I heard you’ve been sick.”

It all starts with a DM on Instagram from someone Eddy hasn't talked to in years. Eddy has been recovering from pneumonia when he gets a message from Moss. He hasn't thought about him in years. They had a mutual friend but grew apart. But when Eddy responds to Moss he can't help looking forward to the flirting that is happening with each message. It is the only thing he looks forward to while lying on the couch recovering. What starts as a simple message turns into so much more.

This was a cute quick read. I found myself invested in the story and where it was going.
This author is new to me that I would definitely look up again.

[Lillian Francis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my, this was adorable. It's a sweet, gentle story of fortysomething acquaintances reconnecting and falling in love. Eddy, the single pov narrator, is a workaholic with trust issues. Watching Moss ease his way back into Eddy's life with his gentle messages and honesty was lovely.

Highly recommended.

[Kaila · Rating 4 out of 5]

this title amused me and i knew i had to read it.. and boy am i glad i did.. it was wonderful and interesting.. funny and sexy... a lot of fun to read and made me curious several times.. i enjoyed it and it was a fun story.

[Shawna · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. A lot of these novellas by Iris end up being 3.5 stars. They’re enjoyable but not extraordinary. This one is about two almost friends who are only connected by Instagram messaging and meeting up while one is recovering from an illness. Just solidly cute.

[ButtonsMom2003 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This hit me right in all the feels!

I have said time and time again that Nell Iris is the queen of writing short MM romance stories. She can turn me inside out in fewer words than any other writer. I believe that it takes a special skill to tell a complete story in such few words and boy did she do it with #SlidingIntoMyDms.

The story is told in first person by Eddy, who has been really sick with pneumonia. An old friend, Moss, sends him a message on Instagram after he learns that Eddy has been sick. They haven’t seen each other in years but Eddy is touched that Moss remembers him and cares enough to send him a message. Their friendship is rekindled and turns into so much more.

This is a slow-burn story but boy did it bring out so many emotions. Eddy and his older sister had a really rough time with their parents when they came out. It left more of a mark on Eddy then he or his sister realized until Eddy stars to pull back from a relationship with Moss.

Maybe it was just my mood when I read this but at around the 50% mark on my ereader I had tears streaming down my face. This is generally a sign of how much I love what I’m reading and it definitely was the case with this book.

If you love sweet – with just a touch of spice – romance don’t miss this one; it’s really great and has a wonderful HEA!

A copy of this book was provided to me but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.

***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com***

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

#SlidingIntoMyDMs is a simple, sweet romance that made for a nice and relaxing read. I tend to drift to higher angst books, so I often look for some lower-key books to read between these as palate cleansers, and this was the perfect fit for that. I enjoyed the main characters and their easy romance, and I loved that both characters were older than the typical characters in most romances.

The start of #SlidingIntoMyDMs is simple enough, with acquaintances touching base via social media after many years without seeing one another. I really liked the set-up to this romance between workaholic Eddy and family-oriented Moss because it was simple yet relatable. I also enjoyed the slow, easy build between the two men and how naturally things came together. That said, there was still a good amount of development for both characters to keep the story and romance interesting.

With a measured pace and relaxing tone, this made for a good-before-bed read. I found the style and story soothing and enjoyed the uncomplicated romance between two mature men who weren’t looking to play games or make a big production, but were simply looking for that strong, solid connection with another person. I would definitely recommend #SlidingIntoMyDMs to any reader who values a solid story with good characters.

*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***

[Amy Dufera - Amy's MM Romance Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

No one tells a short story the way Nell Iris does. #Sliding into My DMs is another fabulous short romance by Nell Iris.

Eddy and Moss are just acquaintances. Never good friends; just hung in the same crowds. Until Moss suddenly DMs Eddy "Hi. I heard you've been sick."

What follows is a sweet romance between two men in their early forties. And, yes, we need more romances between middle aged men. Even better, these are men who don't spend their days working out. Instead they have typical bodies and it's awesome. So thank you Nell!

Their relationship develops slowly over some messages, but soon they are hanging out as well. I adore seeing them reconnect after years apart and getting to know each other better. Everything about them is tender and hopeful.

Once again the author manages to impress in few words. The characters are always well developed. It never feels like anything is missing. This is a gift and Nell has it, even managing to add in some wonderful secondary characters who are charming and lovable in their own right.

#Sliding into my DMs is a perfectly wonderful short story. Nell Iris adds plenty into the tale, but the ending is as wonderful as can be!! I can't recommend this enough when you're in the mood for something sweet and fast.

[Maggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a nice short story fleshed out into a full-length novel because the characters are very real. Eddy, as the blurb states, is getting over pneumonia. Moss is a friend from the past who happens to wish Eddy a speedy recovery.

First off, Moss is the consummate romance hero. He is everything readers want in one: warm, kind, generous, animal lover, damn nice guy. Eddy, on the other hand, has some very big hang-ups. He’s a workaholic who is very lonely and loses himself in his small business so he doesn’t have to address what’s really bothering him.

Thus, Eddy’s character arc begins. And he’s also got quite the backstory.

I really like Eddy’s sister Anna and her spouse Rosa. They almost stole the show. Almost. But the Eddy and Moss lovefest fended off these two extremely likeable and fully-fleshed out secondary characters.

This is short read, told over DMs and meet-ups. But you aren’t left feeling as if it’s a white room of talking heads, because the setting is strongly present, giving you a great visual of what’s happening. The DMs are realistic, the dialogue is truly the characters. And even with some backstory, there isn’t any lags.

It’s a well-written short story that I recommend. Give this book a try.

[Rock N Read · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nell Iris is a *new to me* author, but I was intrigued by the social media aspect of the blurb and the anticipation there was a fluffy marshmallow man in this one.

Overall the book was okay for me. I mean, a round of applause for something falling into DMs that does not involve a phallic picture.

What I liked: The relationship itself was realistic and relatable. After all, how many of us have reconnected with long-ago acquaintances through social media. Their flirting was quirky, awkward, and believable.
Even with Eddy sick and down for the count the first 1/2 of the book, they developed a friendship that verged on the edge of something more.

What I struggled with: Some of the scenes had more telling than showing, and I found myself skimming quite often, even with how short of a read it was. Also, I wasn't a big fan of small lines summing up entire conversations, for example: When Eddy speaks to his sister about Moss. We missed all of her responses. It fell flat for me when that happened.

All in all, it was a quick read, with sweetness and low-angst. If you're looking for something lighthearted, this may be the book for you. 3.5 stars.

[Sarita Chapdelaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a quick, sweet, fun and delightful story with great characters and a lovely storyline. Eddy and Moss are perfect for each other and I love how their relationship evolves as they get to know each other again. Moss is a sweetheart and his dog, Balderick, is adorable. Eddy needs to learn that there is more to life than working himself close to death and Moss is happy to help him. I love Eddy's sister and her wife as they take such good care of him when he is ill as well as the support they have given him since he was a teenager. The ending is perfect and I thoroughly enjoyed this story.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

[Dixiecowgirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful, feel good romance!   I really loved how this novella flowed.  The writing was great and the simple, but authentic story-line was so well done.  I have read lots of old acquaintances reconnecting, but this was a very original take on this idea.  i so enjoyed Eddy and Moss's flirtatious DM conversations and the sweet dates.  

Highly recommended!  

I enjoyed the honesty, the hope, the gentle care and the humor that comprised this story.   

 I was gifted this book from the author and i freely give my honest opinion and review. 

[Alan D.D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Una historia muy entretenida sobre segundas oportunidades y las ventajas de la era digital. Aunque un poco lento en algunas escenas, es un libro que te mantiene interesado y que te hace sonreír mucho con diálogos dulces, personajes humanos, y un desarrollo constante.

A very entertaining story about second chances and the advantages of the digital age. Although a little slow in some scenes, it's a book that keeps you interested and makes you smile a lot with sweet dialogue, human characters, and constant development.

[Suzy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is cute short story.... Eddy is a workaholic and recuperating from pneumonia, he received a message in social media from Moss, they know each other but never developed a friendship so he is surprised that he reached him to wish a full recovery and this is when they start flirting. These two are adorable........what start with a simple DM becomes more. Moss is so sweet and the perfect guy for Eddy.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Valerie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This cute short story about Eddy, who's recovering from being sick because he's a workaholic and doesn't really know how to take care of himself, finds himself battling pneumonia and bored because of his limitations. While he's recovering, with the help of his sister and her wife, he gets a DM from a friend of a friend, Moss. The two men, who were more acquaintances, started spending time together, and Moss helps Eddy recover as they fall in love. A sweet story!

[Ida Umphers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eddy and Moss reconnect through a message on social media and this is the story of their friendship the turns into so much more. The characters are believable and three dimensional and the use of the message sent to Eddy as he recovers from pneumonia to bring them back into each other's lives is totally believable. Loved this story of two decent guys, who act like real adults and the story of their romance.

[RACHEL REED · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was sweet contemporary and so relatable!

The concept isn't new but it is well handled and the fact that it's so relatable makes it refreshing to read.

This was a low angst, relatively fluffy, feel good read with a guaranteed HEA.

The premise and storyline were engaging and the characters were likeable and enjoyable.

This was a relatively short read which I finished in a single sitting.
If you want something sweet and low angst do give this a go.

[Deanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Moss. That man was perfection wrapped in fur, which Eddy couldn't keep his hands off. If there was ever going to be someone strong enough, special enough, to help heal Eddy from his past, it had to be Moss. I loved these two together, and adored the life they made. Eddy's sister and her wife were wonderful as well. Really sweet story.

[Cathy Brockman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sliding Into My DMs was a perfect chill read. There is no angst, it’s all sweet, sexy and romantic.
It’s short so it makes a great time filler.
Well written with charming characters and sweet story line and an adorable dog.

If you like Short fun, unique stories, bulky man, older characters, touch of humor and all over sweet, sexy romance you will love this!

[Teal Wolf · Rating 5 out of 5]

#SlidingIntoMyDMs by Nell Iris is a contemporary MM Romance- a quick but sweet read about friends becoming lovers after reconnecting over social media.  I loved that these are characters in their forties, ready to embrace what could be between them, realizing how special their connection could grow. Sweet, sexy and funny - a wonderful treat for this reader!

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nell Iris is a new author to me and I will definitely be looking for more of her books.

This was a sweet contemporary romance, full of feels. I couldn't resist the plot, books with texting / messaging are my weakness. I'm really glad I read this book. The characters were great, the story both sweet and funny.

[Janet Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eddy is recovering from pneumonia when he gets a notification from Moss, an old friend from way back, wishing him well. Eddy is pleased even thou they haven’t spoken in years. Moss once had a crush on Eddy, he only wants to wish him well. This was sooo good!! It was so well written and engaging! I’m voluntarily leaving a review form an advanced copy that I received.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nell is one of my favourite authors. All the stories are relatable and easy to read with no unnecessary drama. So as soon as I see a new story I have to have it. This one didn’t let me down either. Short and sweet but enough to give you the feel good factor.

Eddy is a workaholic but when he is struck down with pneumonia he has no choice but to take it easy but that’s easier said than done. When he receives a message from an old acquaintance slides into his DM’s little did he know how it would change his life.

Fantastic story a break away from Covid for an afternoon. Can’t wait for more from this author.

[Suze · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/4* for a cute, middle aged, kind of second chance romance.
Both guys were in the same friend group, then Moss moved away.
With Eddy ill, he gets back in touch - the illness makes the moves slow, but once they get going, they are toast!!!
Enjoyable, warm cozy read.

[Sharing The Book Love (Kelli Maree PA) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute quick read for me! It is such a current concept i can totally see this happening in RL.

Moses and Eddy, second chances at love and happiness!

[Cristy Elizondo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everytime, it happens everytime I read one of her stories...she makes me cry and then she lifts me up. Great story as usual.