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Take It From the Top
I know it’s time to address the elephant in the room. I am hopelessly, irrevocably head over my fucking heels in love with my best friend.
My completely straight best friend. I’m such a fucking cliche.
Sam never asked to fall in love with Max. They’ve been best friends ever since the baby music class where Max crawled across the floor and stole Sam’s tambourine, and now they’re about to leave for a three-week tour with their indie punk band. Max is great. He’s funny and loyal and sweet — but Sam’s not an idiot. He’s not going to throw away twenty years of friendship and blow up their tour for a stupid crush.
Max isn’t going to let anything ruin his summer. Sure, he just got brutally dumped, and he’s pretty sure he’s never going to get it up with a girl again. But he doesn’t need that shit, right? He has Sam, and Sam’s the best friend anybody could ask for. Max doesn’t even mind that everyone always thinks they’re boyfriends, because Sam is smart and thoughtful and goddamn pretty and —
Wait, what? Um, nothing to see here. Tour makes you think weird things, that’s all.
Max is definitely straight. And Sam’s going to keep his mouth shut. That’s how it’s always been, right? Right.
A high-heat MM friends to lovers romance featuring mutual pining, grungy basement floors, a healthy dose of punk nostalgia, and a guaranteed HEA.
My completely straight best friend. I’m such a fucking cliche.
Sam never asked to fall in love with Max. They’ve been best friends ever since the baby music class where Max crawled across the floor and stole Sam’s tambourine, and now they’re about to leave for a three-week tour with their indie punk band. Max is great. He’s funny and loyal and sweet — but Sam’s not an idiot. He’s not going to throw away twenty years of friendship and blow up their tour for a stupid crush.
Max isn’t going to let anything ruin his summer. Sure, he just got brutally dumped, and he’s pretty sure he’s never going to get it up with a girl again. But he doesn’t need that shit, right? He has Sam, and Sam’s the best friend anybody could ask for. Max doesn’t even mind that everyone always thinks they’re boyfriends, because Sam is smart and thoughtful and goddamn pretty and —
Wait, what? Um, nothing to see here. Tour makes you think weird things, that’s all.
Max is definitely straight. And Sam’s going to keep his mouth shut. That’s how it’s always been, right? Right.
A high-heat MM friends to lovers romance featuring mutual pining, grungy basement floors, a healthy dose of punk nostalgia, and a guaranteed HEA.
404 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 4, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
June 24, 2026
21 year old best friends and musicians Max and Sam head out on tour with their drummer Roxie and her boyfriend Blake. Max and Sam have been inseparable since birth. And everyone knows they are in love, except for Max who hasn’t realized it yet.
The forced proximity of the tour and Max’s recent breakup with his girlfriend change all that. Sam has been longing for this forever… but Max is straight. Or at least, he always thought he was!
This book is excellently written, has strong secondary characters, and reads like the characters are telling you their story while hanging out in a basement after a show drinking beers.
Highly recommend!!!
The forced proximity of the tour and Max’s recent breakup with his girlfriend change all that. Sam has been longing for this forever… but Max is straight. Or at least, he always thought he was!
This book is excellently written, has strong secondary characters, and reads like the characters are telling you their story while hanging out in a basement after a show drinking beers.
Highly recommend!!!
August 4, 2026
🩷 Take It From the Top by Sadie Hepworth 🩷
“I am hopelessly, irrevocably head over my fucking heels in love with my best friend.”
HAPPY RELEASE DAY!!
ahhh I loved this book so much!! not only did the two idiots in love steal my heart, but so did some of the side characters (I think I wanna marry Roxie - sorry Blake)
Take It From the Top brings us Sam, our pink-haired sensitive lil punk angel who has been hopelessly pining for his bestie for years… and Max, the tattooed and pierced up bestie who is BLIND to his own feelings. it’s laughable that this man really thought he was straight. I wanted to yell at him so many times to just OPEN HIS EYES AND SEE THAT SAM IS RIGHT THERE!! RIGHT FUCKING THERE!!! 🤣
anyways… when Sam and Max go on tour with their band, Clever Girl, the forced proximity has tension rolling and sparks flying between the two. everyone around them can already see that they are totally gone for each other, but the denial is real (at least for Max) hahaha
what will it take for them to FINALLY fess up and take the next steps? you’ll have to read to find out 🤭
I liked that we got to see the POVs of some of the side characters as well, and I feel like it opened up opportunities for them to have their own stories in the future if the author decided to go with it! I also wanna point out that I am a HUGE music lover, which made me so excited when I realized that with each chapter came a new song! the travel log - type pages in general were so cool!! five star read for me ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
some tidbits:
🩷 idiots in love
🩷 Edward Fortyhands (I had no idea this was a thing and I laughed so hard)
🩷 punk rock romance
🩷 a Bart Simpson tattoo hehe
🩷 set in 2002
🩷 bi-awakening
🩷 besties to lovers
🩷 forced proximity
“I am hopelessly, irrevocably head over my fucking heels in love with my best friend.”
HAPPY RELEASE DAY!!
ahhh I loved this book so much!! not only did the two idiots in love steal my heart, but so did some of the side characters (I think I wanna marry Roxie - sorry Blake)
Take It From the Top brings us Sam, our pink-haired sensitive lil punk angel who has been hopelessly pining for his bestie for years… and Max, the tattooed and pierced up bestie who is BLIND to his own feelings. it’s laughable that this man really thought he was straight. I wanted to yell at him so many times to just OPEN HIS EYES AND SEE THAT SAM IS RIGHT THERE!! RIGHT FUCKING THERE!!! 🤣
anyways… when Sam and Max go on tour with their band, Clever Girl, the forced proximity has tension rolling and sparks flying between the two. everyone around them can already see that they are totally gone for each other, but the denial is real (at least for Max) hahaha
what will it take for them to FINALLY fess up and take the next steps? you’ll have to read to find out 🤭
I liked that we got to see the POVs of some of the side characters as well, and I feel like it opened up opportunities for them to have their own stories in the future if the author decided to go with it! I also wanna point out that I am a HUGE music lover, which made me so excited when I realized that with each chapter came a new song! the travel log - type pages in general were so cool!! five star read for me ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
some tidbits:
🩷 idiots in love
🩷 Edward Fortyhands (I had no idea this was a thing and I laughed so hard)
🩷 punk rock romance
🩷 a Bart Simpson tattoo hehe
🩷 set in 2002
🩷 bi-awakening
🩷 besties to lovers
🩷 forced proximity
Did Not Finish
June 24, 2026Thank you to the author for the ARC. All thoughts are my own.
DNF @12%
Yeah unfortunately I can already tell this is not gonna be for me. I didn’t really like any of the characters and felt nothing from what I read. I didn’t read much, but I stop if I don’t enjoy something since life’s too short. If you enjoy rockstar romances though, this may be your cup of tea.
A+ for the gorgeous cover art though.
DNF @12%
Yeah unfortunately I can already tell this is not gonna be for me. I didn’t really like any of the characters and felt nothing from what I read. I didn’t read much, but I stop if I don’t enjoy something since life’s too short. If you enjoy rockstar romances though, this may be your cup of tea.
A+ for the gorgeous cover art though.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC review
It was my first book by this author. It was a very good introduction because I read the whole thing in one go and will probably read more.
Max and Sam have been inseparable since childhood and now play in a punk band together. Sam has been in love with Max for years, while Max has somehow missed what seems obvious to everyone else. Their tour creates the perfect setting for all those feelings to become increasingly difficult to ignore.
This was a sweet and very easy book to read. The story moves quickly, but the different points of view, travel details, and little glimpses into life on tour give it plenty of personality. I also liked that the secondary characters felt like a real part of the story rather than people who were only there to move the romance forward.
The writing has a casual and intimate feeling, almost like the characters are sitting around after a show and telling you everything that happened. The romance is warm, heartfelt, and genuinely enjoyable.
I liked this book a lot. It was fun, comforting, and compelling enough to keep me reading until I reached the end :)
It was my first book by this author. It was a very good introduction because I read the whole thing in one go and will probably read more.
Max and Sam have been inseparable since childhood and now play in a punk band together. Sam has been in love with Max for years, while Max has somehow missed what seems obvious to everyone else. Their tour creates the perfect setting for all those feelings to become increasingly difficult to ignore.
This was a sweet and very easy book to read. The story moves quickly, but the different points of view, travel details, and little glimpses into life on tour give it plenty of personality. I also liked that the secondary characters felt like a real part of the story rather than people who were only there to move the romance forward.
The writing has a casual and intimate feeling, almost like the characters are sitting around after a show and telling you everything that happened. The romance is warm, heartfelt, and genuinely enjoyable.
I liked this book a lot. It was fun, comforting, and compelling enough to keep me reading until I reached the end :)
Review of advance copy
This is my second book by this author and it did NOT disappoint! This is the story of Max and Sam who are best friends and they are about to road trip with their band Sam is gay and in love with Max; Max is straight but breaks up with his girlfriend before the tour and she insinuates that he wants Sam
As the tour starts Sam is doing a good job of keeping his feelings at bay by doing random hookups but Max starts to look at Sam in a different way and he almost kisses Sam many times so when they go to a gay club together and Sam goes off with someone Max is disappointed and he starts making out with someone else
This is angsty and the buildup is delicious but when they finally finally kiss it’s worth the wait!
Everyone besides Sam and Max can see how they feel about each other it takes Max a second but once he realizes he goes ALL in which is thrilling and terrifying for Sam because he’s loved max for so long and he’s worried this is just something fun for Max
They continue the tour and make sure they get their fill of each other and both are wanting to say those words but both in their minds decide to wait until they get home and when they do at their last show Maxs ex shows up annnnnd kisses him! Sam hurt takes off but Max finds him at his home and even though Sam is mad he listens and they FINALLY confess their feelings for each other!
This book had everything it had sweetness spice multiple POVs of the band members and Maxs sister! I feel like everyone was like ok finally when they got together and it was worth the wait because they were freaking adorable!!
As the tour starts Sam is doing a good job of keeping his feelings at bay by doing random hookups but Max starts to look at Sam in a different way and he almost kisses Sam many times so when they go to a gay club together and Sam goes off with someone Max is disappointed and he starts making out with someone else
This is angsty and the buildup is delicious but when they finally finally kiss it’s worth the wait!
Everyone besides Sam and Max can see how they feel about each other it takes Max a second but once he realizes he goes ALL in which is thrilling and terrifying for Sam because he’s loved max for so long and he’s worried this is just something fun for Max
They continue the tour and make sure they get their fill of each other and both are wanting to say those words but both in their minds decide to wait until they get home and when they do at their last show Maxs ex shows up annnnnd kisses him! Sam hurt takes off but Max finds him at his home and even though Sam is mad he listens and they FINALLY confess their feelings for each other!
This book had everything it had sweetness spice multiple POVs of the band members and Maxs sister! I feel like everyone was like ok finally when they got together and it was worth the wait because they were freaking adorable!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to the author for an advance review copy in exchange for an honest review.
Stars ⭐️: 4.83
Spice 🌶️: 3.5
Tropes: friends to lovers, forced proximity, bi awakening
Sam and Max are childhood best friends turned college roommates and bandmates. Sam is gay and secretly in love with Max, who is oblivious and straight. Surely this isn’t going to come to a head on their punk band’s tour where these two are stuck in a van and sharing beds (or mattresses on a basement floor) all summer.
Each chapter in this book is equal to one day on the band’s tour of the northeast US. Perspectives alternate between Sam and Max, with others occasionally chiming in. Roxie, their tough-as-nails drummer, and her boyfriend Blake, the band’s straight-edge merch guy, are frequent contributors. People they run into along the tour route also impact the story for better or worse, and occasionally one of them will get to share their perspective as well.
Sam and Max spend the book finding themselves, and it feels bumpy, imperfect, and real. The ending was satisfying without being too cookie-cutter, which feels perfect for these punk rockers and hopefully will lead into a sequel!
The story takes place in the summer of 2002, and some of the technology felt a little early- things like flip phones, text messages, and GPS devices feel more mid- to late-2000s to me. These aren’t major plot points, but just something that stood out to me a bit.
If you are a sucker for early 2000s nostalgia and counterculture, full of college kids making questionable decisions (Edward 40 Hands, anyone?), you will love this book!
Stars ⭐️: 4.83
Spice 🌶️: 3.5
Tropes: friends to lovers, forced proximity, bi awakening
Sam and Max are childhood best friends turned college roommates and bandmates. Sam is gay and secretly in love with Max, who is oblivious and straight. Surely this isn’t going to come to a head on their punk band’s tour where these two are stuck in a van and sharing beds (or mattresses on a basement floor) all summer.
Each chapter in this book is equal to one day on the band’s tour of the northeast US. Perspectives alternate between Sam and Max, with others occasionally chiming in. Roxie, their tough-as-nails drummer, and her boyfriend Blake, the band’s straight-edge merch guy, are frequent contributors. People they run into along the tour route also impact the story for better or worse, and occasionally one of them will get to share their perspective as well.
Sam and Max spend the book finding themselves, and it feels bumpy, imperfect, and real. The ending was satisfying without being too cookie-cutter, which feels perfect for these punk rockers and hopefully will lead into a sequel!
The story takes place in the summer of 2002, and some of the technology felt a little early- things like flip phones, text messages, and GPS devices feel more mid- to late-2000s to me. These aren’t major plot points, but just something that stood out to me a bit.
If you are a sucker for early 2000s nostalgia and counterculture, full of college kids making questionable decisions (Edward 40 Hands, anyone?), you will love this book!
Review of advance copy
This is a MM punk rock romance about best friends who fall for each other. Max has just ended things with his girlfriend and is about to go on a three-week tour with his punk band, which includes his best friend and bass player, Sam. Sam is nervous about spending so much time with Max and worries he won’t be able to hide his feelings. As the tour goes on, Max starts to notice how attractive Sam is and questions his own sexuality, but he’s not sure if Sam feels the same way. As things shift between them, Sam finds it hard to believe it’s real and wonders if it will last, while Max can’t believe he never saw what others did. Will their new relationship survive, or will it ruin their friendship, the tour, and the band?
This was my first time reading this author, and I found her second book easy to get into and well written. I liked the daily travel logs and the way the story showed what it’s like for a local band playing small venues and crashing wherever they can. The main characters were adorable together, and I liked how they tried to protect their friendship while exploring something more. The other band members brought some humor and support, too. I do wonder when a character doesn’t struggle at all with a sudden change in their sexuality, but overall, I enjoyed the book and want to read more from this author. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This was my first time reading this author, and I found her second book easy to get into and well written. I liked the daily travel logs and the way the story showed what it’s like for a local band playing small venues and crashing wherever they can. The main characters were adorable together, and I liked how they tried to protect their friendship while exploring something more. The other band members brought some humor and support, too. I do wonder when a character doesn’t struggle at all with a sudden change in their sexuality, but overall, I enjoyed the book and want to read more from this author. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Flying high on how much I adored Take It From the Top by Sadie Hepworth. It ticked every single one of my boxes for a perfect, sweet, MM romance.
Max and Sam are absolutely precious. My heart swelled at the descriptions of their earlier years and how much care Max took of his little buddy (maybe even a little envy snuck in, too).
The support characters are rich and nuanced (aside from the moldy broccoli that is Krista, who can kick rocks). Unlike some MM romance stories, the women in this book are smart, fierce, unapologetic, talented, caring, and have depth beyond just being a flat sidepiece to the dudes.
I was surprised when the narrative switched from Max and Sam to Roxie, Blake, even Sage. It was fun having a chance to see the world through their eyes. Roxie and Blake's relationship is gorgeous (we could all use a Blake in our lives). Sage's big sis vibes are a balm. The layered levels of love and chosen family that are explored in this small, but mighty story brought me joy.
I also adore that it's set in 2002. I was clubbing and chasing little indy bands in the late 90s myself, and the vibes of this little punk band rocking out in the most rundown venues evoked heavy nostalgia.
The spice is a solid 3/5 peppers, but 5/5 in intensity and toe-curling meaning.
This is the first book I've read by Hepworth and I hope to read many more. Max + Sam FOREVER.
Max and Sam are absolutely precious. My heart swelled at the descriptions of their earlier years and how much care Max took of his little buddy (maybe even a little envy snuck in, too).
The support characters are rich and nuanced (aside from the moldy broccoli that is Krista, who can kick rocks). Unlike some MM romance stories, the women in this book are smart, fierce, unapologetic, talented, caring, and have depth beyond just being a flat sidepiece to the dudes.
I was surprised when the narrative switched from Max and Sam to Roxie, Blake, even Sage. It was fun having a chance to see the world through their eyes. Roxie and Blake's relationship is gorgeous (we could all use a Blake in our lives). Sage's big sis vibes are a balm. The layered levels of love and chosen family that are explored in this small, but mighty story brought me joy.
I also adore that it's set in 2002. I was clubbing and chasing little indy bands in the late 90s myself, and the vibes of this little punk band rocking out in the most rundown venues evoked heavy nostalgia.
The spice is a solid 3/5 peppers, but 5/5 in intensity and toe-curling meaning.
This is the first book I've read by Hepworth and I hope to read many more. Max + Sam FOREVER.
August 5, 2026
ARC Review - Fun, emotional, and joyful
Soo, this was a nice palate cleanser for me after one too many hockey and fantasy books. I took a while to fully get into it though and that was a bummer as I wanted to devour this. I really enjoyed the nostalgic feeling and openess of them being in a punk band though. Not to deminish this book and say it is not worth anyone's time! Quite the opposite really.
I don't want to spoil too much of the plot but the entire book felt like this one redit post where OP is like "Am I homophobic because I don't like it that my gay roommate has hook-ups over?" while OP was being in love with his roommate without realising. I chuckled quite a lot because of Max but he frustrated me a lot during the middle as well hence the amount of stars… Sam was lovely and relatable but I also wished he made some different decisions as well so there is that.
For me, it was a fun, lighthearted summer read with fun and real characters that talk to you like they tell you the story themselves. You have to be into that (I enjoy other means to tell a story more but that is so subjective) and if you are, this book will be your new favourite book as everything else makes it a really good book.
I always appreciate a good queer-joy book and this one is just that!
Soo, this was a nice palate cleanser for me after one too many hockey and fantasy books. I took a while to fully get into it though and that was a bummer as I wanted to devour this. I really enjoyed the nostalgic feeling and openess of them being in a punk band though. Not to deminish this book and say it is not worth anyone's time! Quite the opposite really.
I don't want to spoil too much of the plot but the entire book felt like this one redit post where OP is like "Am I homophobic because I don't like it that my gay roommate has hook-ups over?" while OP was being in love with his roommate without realising. I chuckled quite a lot because of Max but he frustrated me a lot during the middle as well hence the amount of stars… Sam was lovely and relatable but I also wished he made some different decisions as well so there is that.
For me, it was a fun, lighthearted summer read with fun and real characters that talk to you like they tell you the story themselves. You have to be into that (I enjoy other means to tell a story more but that is so subjective) and if you are, this book will be your new favourite book as everything else makes it a really good book.
I always appreciate a good queer-joy book and this one is just that!
Review of advance copy
ARC provided to me at no charge by Book Sirens in exchange for my honest review.
This is really cute. It’s the story of Sam and Max, best friends since mommy and me group, who have a band together and go on a gig road trip. Sam, who is gay and has a terribly conservative family, has been in love with Max forever but Max appears to be straight so he just swallows it down and ignores it and hooks up at bars and road stops to fill the hole so to speak. As for Max, he struggles to get and maintain an erection for his pretty but cruel girlfriend and they break up right before the tour begins.
So this is a short book but it’s really sweet how Max realizes he has feelings and wants Sam and how they get together. It was also nice to see other perspectives like their bandmates and Max’s sister. The story moves along quickly and the spice is good once it kicks in. Heads up that Sam does sleep with other men at first.
My quibble is this. It’s a short book, it’s a nice and sweet bify or gfy awakening book, so why do we need a 3rd act breakup? We don’t. And it was a dumb thing too.
Anyway, good book overall!
This is really cute. It’s the story of Sam and Max, best friends since mommy and me group, who have a band together and go on a gig road trip. Sam, who is gay and has a terribly conservative family, has been in love with Max forever but Max appears to be straight so he just swallows it down and ignores it and hooks up at bars and road stops to fill the hole so to speak. As for Max, he struggles to get and maintain an erection for his pretty but cruel girlfriend and they break up right before the tour begins.
So this is a short book but it’s really sweet how Max realizes he has feelings and wants Sam and how they get together. It was also nice to see other perspectives like their bandmates and Max’s sister. The story moves along quickly and the spice is good once it kicks in. Heads up that Sam does sleep with other men at first.
My quibble is this. It’s a short book, it’s a nice and sweet bify or gfy awakening book, so why do we need a 3rd act breakup? We don’t. And it was a dumb thing too.
Anyway, good book overall!
Review of advance copy received from Author
3,5⭐️, rounded up.
I enjoyed this. It was a generally uncomplicated story. Easy to read and with not really any obstacles between the two main characters. It took them some time to get together (but I love slow burns so that's right up my league) and when they did get together things were rather simple for them. Some insecurities here and there but overall a nice story about friends finally realising what everyone else already knew.
I enjoyed the different povs and the added povs from side characters as well. Though at times they all read very similar to each other. Many times I had to go back to check whose pov I was reading because except for a lot of cursing from one of them, their personalities didn't really shine through. But it was a nice touch to get to see parts of the story from other characters as well.
I REALLY enjoyed the notes between the chapters. The little random stats were so fun! And I'm happy they got their happy ending. The almost third act breakup could have been more interesting, but except for that it was a nice and simple story and I enjoyed reading it.
I enjoyed this. It was a generally uncomplicated story. Easy to read and with not really any obstacles between the two main characters. It took them some time to get together (but I love slow burns so that's right up my league) and when they did get together things were rather simple for them. Some insecurities here and there but overall a nice story about friends finally realising what everyone else already knew.
I enjoyed the different povs and the added povs from side characters as well. Though at times they all read very similar to each other. Many times I had to go back to check whose pov I was reading because except for a lot of cursing from one of them, their personalities didn't really shine through. But it was a nice touch to get to see parts of the story from other characters as well.
I REALLY enjoyed the notes between the chapters. The little random stats were so fun! And I'm happy they got their happy ending. The almost third act breakup could have been more interesting, but except for that it was a nice and simple story and I enjoyed reading it.
Review of advance copy
Take It From The Top by Sadie Hepworth is the first multi-POV (there are six in total) book I've read, and it was such a fun and interesting experience. I really enjoyed seeing the same events unfold from different perspectives.
The story follows lifelong best friends Sam and Max, who, along with their college friend Roxie, play in a punk rock band. As they embark on a months-long tour, Sam, who is openly gay, struggles to hide the fact that he's completely head over heels in love with Max and has been for most of their lives. Meanwhile, Max is fresh off a breakup with his ex-girlfriend, Krista (y'all, she sucks so bad), and begins to realize that maybe he's not so straight after all. As the tour progresses, Max finds himself falling for Sam. The ensuing chaos forces them both to confront the feelings they've both been avoiding.
This was such a sweet and steamy read! Even though a few parts made me anxious, I couldn't put the book down and finished it in two days. I highly recommend checking this one out!
The story follows lifelong best friends Sam and Max, who, along with their college friend Roxie, play in a punk rock band. As they embark on a months-long tour, Sam, who is openly gay, struggles to hide the fact that he's completely head over heels in love with Max and has been for most of their lives. Meanwhile, Max is fresh off a breakup with his ex-girlfriend, Krista (y'all, she sucks so bad), and begins to realize that maybe he's not so straight after all. As the tour progresses, Max finds himself falling for Sam. The ensuing chaos forces them both to confront the feelings they've both been avoiding.
This was such a sweet and steamy read! Even though a few parts made me anxious, I couldn't put the book down and finished it in two days. I highly recommend checking this one out!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Take It From the Top by Sadie Hepworth is an MM romance following Sam and Max during their punk band’s summer tour of the Northeast. The band features Sam and Max on bass, guitar, and vocals, along with Roxie on drums. Roxie’s boyfriend, Blake, also joins them for the tour.
Sam is gay and has been out for many years and unfortunately for him, he has also been in love with his straight best friend Max for as long as he has known he is gay. Everyone around them seems to think they are boyfriends anyways and a little forced proximity on tour might be all Max needs to realize what has been right in front of him this whole time.
One element I loved that I’ve only seen in a few other books, is the use of 4th wall breaks and we also get POVs from not just Sam and Max, but also Roxie, Blake, and a few other side characters. In an idiots-to-lovers story, it was super entertaining to see the POVs of people who realize the MCs are in love long before they do, and have to suffer through their oblivious behavior along the way.
Sam is gay and has been out for many years and unfortunately for him, he has also been in love with his straight best friend Max for as long as he has known he is gay. Everyone around them seems to think they are boyfriends anyways and a little forced proximity on tour might be all Max needs to realize what has been right in front of him this whole time.
One element I loved that I’ve only seen in a few other books, is the use of 4th wall breaks and we also get POVs from not just Sam and Max, but also Roxie, Blake, and a few other side characters. In an idiots-to-lovers story, it was super entertaining to see the POVs of people who realize the MCs are in love long before they do, and have to suffer through their oblivious behavior along the way.
Review of advance copy received from Storygraph
ARC Review based on a copy from Storygraph.
First, thanks both to Sadie and the folks at Storygraph for providing me an advanced copy of this book so I can provide this review.
I loved this book! It was so compelling and I could not stop reading. I finished the whole thing in a weekend. The story features Sam and Max, lifelong best friends who are in a punk band together. They go out on tour with their drummer Roxie and her boyfriend Blake.
The story is so fun to read, with the POV changes between characters and all the little extra bits of information you get about their trip! It reads like a great mix of a travel guide of the Eastern US, touring musicians diary and the innermost thoughts of two best friends who start to wonder if maybe they can be more to each other.
I can't recommend this one enough! You totally have to read it, you won't be sorry. You will laugh, you will cry, you will make a playlist of early 2000s hits.
First, thanks both to Sadie and the folks at Storygraph for providing me an advanced copy of this book so I can provide this review.
I loved this book! It was so compelling and I could not stop reading. I finished the whole thing in a weekend. The story features Sam and Max, lifelong best friends who are in a punk band together. They go out on tour with their drummer Roxie and her boyfriend Blake.
The story is so fun to read, with the POV changes between characters and all the little extra bits of information you get about their trip! It reads like a great mix of a travel guide of the Eastern US, touring musicians diary and the innermost thoughts of two best friends who start to wonder if maybe they can be more to each other.
I can't recommend this one enough! You totally have to read it, you won't be sorry. You will laugh, you will cry, you will make a playlist of early 2000s hits.
July 25, 2026
** ARC Review Incoming **
Thank you to Sadie Hepworth and Booksprout for allowing me to be part of the Arc Team and for giving me a free copy of this book.
I went into this one looking for a sweet, feel-good romance, and that's exactly what I got. It was an easy read that kept me turning the pages.
The two main male characters were genuinely lovely and felt perfect for each other. Following their journey from the beginning and watching their relationship develop was a real pleasure, and their chemistry was easy to root for.
I also really enjoyed the multiple POVs. Hearing from other key characters added depth to the story and was a refreshing change from romances that only focus on the two main leads. It helped make the world feel more rounded and gave extra insight into the supporting cast.
Overall, this was an enjoyable, heartwarming read with likeable characters and a satisfying romance.
Thank you to Sadie Hepworth and Booksprout for allowing me to be part of the Arc Team and for giving me a free copy of this book.
I went into this one looking for a sweet, feel-good romance, and that's exactly what I got. It was an easy read that kept me turning the pages.
The two main male characters were genuinely lovely and felt perfect for each other. Following their journey from the beginning and watching their relationship develop was a real pleasure, and their chemistry was easy to root for.
I also really enjoyed the multiple POVs. Hearing from other key characters added depth to the story and was a refreshing change from romances that only focus on the two main leads. It helped make the world feel more rounded and gave extra insight into the supporting cast.
Overall, this was an enjoyable, heartwarming read with likeable characters and a satisfying romance.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Max & Sam have been best friends since kindergarten. They are now in their 20's, are roommates & in a band together. Sam has been in love with Max before he even realized he was gay, the problem, Max is straight. As they are preparing for a summer road trip, Max's girlfriend comes over to say goodbye, they have a fight & her parting words to him is "why don't you see if your boyfriend in the next room can help with your little "problem". Max doesn't know what she's on about but as they go on this road trip he seems to think maybe there is something about Sam that is more than best friends. I wouldn't usually give this trope a 5* rating but something about this couple made you want to root for them. This was a really good well written book about best friends to lovers. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy
Loved it! It was a very, very lovely read!
I am such a sucker for best friends to lovers. I adore the plots where one friend has secretly been pining for years, or that they have both been in love for years without actually realizing it. This had some of it, and I ate it all up. Perfect and sweet.
They have been close forever, practically married, belonging together and then watching them figuring out what can make it even better was perfect. It was a good plot, it had funny characters, loving characters and passion and punk! What more can you ask for, really?
It was incredibly sweet. A little bit drama, but who does not appreciate some every now and then? As long as it all works out in the end.
If you want a fluffy, warm, funny story with some ups and downs, that surely will make you warm and happy and a little worried, then I wholeheartedly recommend this!
I am such a sucker for best friends to lovers. I adore the plots where one friend has secretly been pining for years, or that they have both been in love for years without actually realizing it. This had some of it, and I ate it all up. Perfect and sweet.
They have been close forever, practically married, belonging together and then watching them figuring out what can make it even better was perfect. It was a good plot, it had funny characters, loving characters and passion and punk! What more can you ask for, really?
It was incredibly sweet. A little bit drama, but who does not appreciate some every now and then? As long as it all works out in the end.
If you want a fluffy, warm, funny story with some ups and downs, that surely will make you warm and happy and a little worried, then I wholeheartedly recommend this!
August 5, 2026
Loved this story, was a super cute ride across the east coast on tour with the Clever Girls.
Childhood friends, Max & Sam are heading off on tour with their drummer Roxie and her boyfriend Blake. Only issue is that Max is Gay and has been in love with Sam since forever. Sam is oblivious but having just broken up with his girlfriend and being trapped in a van with Max he starts to wonder if he's really as straight as he thought.
This was such an adorable idiots to lovers, I just loved reading through the chapters when they are both trying so hard not to act on feelings, because they don't think its reciprocated, when as the reader we know they are!
I also liked the odd chapters thrown in from the perspective of the side characters, which made them feel more fully formed.
This is my first read from this author but I have already added their first novel on my TBR
Childhood friends, Max & Sam are heading off on tour with their drummer Roxie and her boyfriend Blake. Only issue is that Max is Gay and has been in love with Sam since forever. Sam is oblivious but having just broken up with his girlfriend and being trapped in a van with Max he starts to wonder if he's really as straight as he thought.
This was such an adorable idiots to lovers, I just loved reading through the chapters when they are both trying so hard not to act on feelings, because they don't think its reciprocated, when as the reader we know they are!
I also liked the odd chapters thrown in from the perspective of the side characters, which made them feel more fully formed.
This is my first read from this author but I have already added their first novel on my TBR
Review of advance copy
Okay here’s the thing about Sadie’s books…they just hit for me, and as I read I kept thinking what is it? I even talked to her about it and I think besides all of the swooney moments and the fact that her characters just seem so real, it’s that I feel like these particular guys were talking to me. In a way that felt like they broke the fourth wall, but not in a weird annoying way. They are written in a way that I felt like they were chatting with me, telling me their story like we were friends and I was on tour with them. I felt like I was right in their relationship, feeling all of the feels of falling for a best friend. Feeling all the angst of an unrequited love. And feeling all of the annoyance of a friend watching two friends who you know should be so good together if they could see past their own feet. The book was fun, and it made my tummy ache, it made me yell “come on guys”, and it brought me right back to weird punk shows in even weirder basements in high school. Max and Sammy-ohhh Sammy. I loved them!
Review of advance copy
This was an enjoyable and sweet best friends-to-lovers punk band romance. There's quite a bit of pining and unrequited love, and I liked both Sam and Max's characters and how their relationship evolved over time. The tour and road trip setting were quite fun to read about and I quite liked the introductory mood boards for each chapter.
Although this is mostly a dual POV book there are also some parts from others, like Roxie (their 3rd band member, and my favorite secondary character, she was just the best), Blake (Roxie's boyfriend and temporary merch guy) and also Sage (Max's big sister), which added more insight and understanding into Sam and Max's relationship.
Since this is set in the early 2000s there's also a very nostalgic feel to the story which I enjoyed.
Although this is mostly a dual POV book there are also some parts from others, like Roxie (their 3rd band member, and my favorite secondary character, she was just the best), Blake (Roxie's boyfriend and temporary merch guy) and also Sage (Max's big sister), which added more insight and understanding into Sam and Max's relationship.
Since this is set in the early 2000s there's also a very nostalgic feel to the story which I enjoyed.
Review of advance copy received from Storygraph
Take it from the top by Sadie Hepworth
⭐️⭐️⭐️.75/5
🌶️🌶️
This is a fast paced read with a little spice and lots of love in many forms. It is character driven. The characters are childhood friends to college kids, and in a band. Not complicated. One clearly knows his sexual orientation and the other is just starting to figure it out. The boys are sweet and always kind to each other even through some difficult times. I appreciated that there was no judgement between the friends only love and when there was judgement from others, they weren’t afraid to step up for each other. It was a little on the too young side for me personally as I’m an old lady. 😂 But the story was well written.
I read this as an ARC reader. This is my independent and honest review.
⭐️⭐️⭐️.75/5
🌶️🌶️
This is a fast paced read with a little spice and lots of love in many forms. It is character driven. The characters are childhood friends to college kids, and in a band. Not complicated. One clearly knows his sexual orientation and the other is just starting to figure it out. The boys are sweet and always kind to each other even through some difficult times. I appreciated that there was no judgement between the friends only love and when there was judgement from others, they weren’t afraid to step up for each other. It was a little on the too young side for me personally as I’m an old lady. 😂 But the story was well written.
I read this as an ARC reader. This is my independent and honest review.
August 5, 2026
First I want to start off by thanking Sadie and BookSirens for allowing me the opportunity to read this as an ARC.
I fell immediately in love with the characters especially Roxie. Thundercunt is an absolutely FANTASTIC and WONDERFUL word haha.
Max and Sam…best friends for 29 years and neither of them want to ruin it.
It was great seeing everyone’s POV and seeing how it built up the relationship. How they dealt with tribulations and problems. I’m so glad that they both got through it.
Sam and max are an amazing couple and friendship is a Great way to start off a relationship.
My Favorite quote
“Hey Max, your girlfriend is a thundercunt and I’m pretty sure I saw her punch a kitten once.”
I fell immediately in love with the characters especially Roxie. Thundercunt is an absolutely FANTASTIC and WONDERFUL word haha.
Max and Sam…best friends for 29 years and neither of them want to ruin it.
It was great seeing everyone’s POV and seeing how it built up the relationship. How they dealt with tribulations and problems. I’m so glad that they both got through it.
Sam and max are an amazing couple and friendship is a Great way to start off a relationship.
My Favorite quote
“Hey Max, your girlfriend is a thundercunt and I’m pretty sure I saw her punch a kitten once.”
August 5, 2026
What a joy to read. After finishing the book, I can see why the author used idiots to lovers as a trope. Sam and Max are exactly that.
Although we don’t have a finite time for Sam’s feelings, it’s significant enough for the reader to feel his pain and trepidation. Max, bless him, is oblivious and has to have it spelled out for him every step of the way. I love these characters and hope we get to see them beyond graduation as has been teased.
The side characters were great (but I don’t like Krista, I have to admit but IYKYK). Again, it has been teased about Roxie and Blake potentially having their own story, and I have my own theories as to the direction but I’m likely way off so I’ll keep those to myself.
4.5⭐️ 2.5🌶️
Although we don’t have a finite time for Sam’s feelings, it’s significant enough for the reader to feel his pain and trepidation. Max, bless him, is oblivious and has to have it spelled out for him every step of the way. I love these characters and hope we get to see them beyond graduation as has been teased.
The side characters were great (but I don’t like Krista, I have to admit but IYKYK). Again, it has been teased about Roxie and Blake potentially having their own story, and I have my own theories as to the direction but I’m likely way off so I’ll keep those to myself.
4.5⭐️ 2.5🌶️
Review of advance copy received from Author
I got the pleasure of ARC reading this gem!
Sam and Max’s story was a 100/10! I’m a sucker for an MM romance and this did not disappoint. The spice was immaculate and the storyline was fabulous. I read this within 2 days because I was just so hooked from the first chapter.
I loved the relationship between Sam and Max and how they were childhood friends. I also loved that the story flipped between Sam, Max, Roxie and Blakes POV. I also enjoyed the early 2000’s punk rock vibe!
Spice rating 5/5, overall story 5/5.
Highly recommend for anyone who loves a MM, high intensity, spice filled romance!!
Sam and Max’s story was a 100/10! I’m a sucker for an MM romance and this did not disappoint. The spice was immaculate and the storyline was fabulous. I read this within 2 days because I was just so hooked from the first chapter.
I loved the relationship between Sam and Max and how they were childhood friends. I also loved that the story flipped between Sam, Max, Roxie and Blakes POV. I also enjoyed the early 2000’s punk rock vibe!
Spice rating 5/5, overall story 5/5.
Highly recommend for anyone who loves a MM, high intensity, spice filled romance!!
Review of advance copy
*Review of advance copy
I finished this book in one sitting. I seriously could not get enough! Sam is such an enticing character; his story was so compelling. I felt like he was MY best friend by the end. Max is such a beautiful creation. I was so emotional over them. I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. I love them both so much. Even the side characters sucked me in and made me love the story so much more. Roxie is hotheaded, fearless, loyal, and so cool. She has her own love interest! I would love a story of their own.
I adore that this book was set a couple of decades back and was on tour. It really sold the punk rock and turmoil of it all.
I will haveee to reread this!
I finished this book in one sitting. I seriously could not get enough! Sam is such an enticing character; his story was so compelling. I felt like he was MY best friend by the end. Max is such a beautiful creation. I was so emotional over them. I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. I love them both so much. Even the side characters sucked me in and made me love the story so much more. Roxie is hotheaded, fearless, loyal, and so cool. She has her own love interest! I would love a story of their own.
I adore that this book was set a couple of decades back and was on tour. It really sold the punk rock and turmoil of it all.
I will haveee to reread this!
Review of advance copy
3.5 stars. Sam and Max were really quite adorable, although it wasn't surprising that others sometimes struggled with their absolute cluelessness about their real feelings for each other, Max in particular. Sam's unrequited pining was quite sad. I would have appreciated a heads up about the occasional graphic mf relations - there are reasons I read mm. The note pages were an interesting addition, and the multiple POVs were combined well.
Thanks for the advance copy via Booksirens, I am happy to leave a voluntary review.
Thanks for the advance copy via Booksirens, I am happy to leave a voluntary review.
August 4, 2026
'A high-heat MM friends to lovers romance featuring mutual pining, grungy basement floors, a healthy dose of punk nostalgia, and a guaranteed HEA.'
Delightful story!
The characters were very appealing and likeable and complicated and absolutely perfect together. Plot was intriguing and exciting and well paced. World building was excellent and expertly drawn. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Delightful story!
The characters were very appealing and likeable and complicated and absolutely perfect together. Plot was intriguing and exciting and well paced. World building was excellent and expertly drawn. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy
This was the second book I've read by this author. It was good. I enjoyed it.
I did feel as though there were minor things missing that could have made this a 5-star read for me.
Just little things were left out or rushed or just not quite thorough. Or it could just be me lol
I received an ARC from Book Sirens for my honest review.
I did feel as though there were minor things missing that could have made this a 5-star read for me.
Just little things were left out or rushed or just not quite thorough. Or it could just be me lol
I received an ARC from Book Sirens for my honest review.
Review of advance copy
Great story Max and Sam, Roxie and Blake! These relationships are everything! I laughed hard!! I cried along with Max and Sam!! They are great characters with such deep soulful love!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
Envious type of love! They have it all! Definitely will last! Loved this story!!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
Envious type of love! They have it all! Definitely will last! Loved this story!!
Review of advance copy
It's so cute and squishy and I loved it! Sam and Max are just so freakin' cute. The angst and yearning mixed in with the bi-awakening was ::chef's kiss::! There were many times I felt like Roxie and just wanted to bang their heads together to get them to see what was right in front of them.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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