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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 60 reviews
June 23, 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 21, 2026
A Joyfully Jay review.
4 stars
This is a coming of age book for two best friends Sam and Max. The guys are young at 20, still in college and they know that their touring days are numbered as they graduate and go on to full time jobs. Even though the accommodations are rough at times, they can’t wait to be on the road with their drummer, Roxie, and her boyfriend, Blake, who handles merchandise.
The book is set in 2002 and it was never clear to me why that choice was made. There are POV scenes from many other characters in the book. It was interesting to get everyone’s thoughts and the shifts were clear and well defined. It did give the book the feeling of being an interview at times instead of being in real time, but those scenes did add to the story even if I didn’t care for all of the characters.
Once Sam and Max figure out their attraction to each other their chemistry is intense and they make up for lost time. Take it From the Top is a sweet story with heat about Sam and Max figuring out that life is better when they can do everything together.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
4 stars
This is a coming of age book for two best friends Sam and Max. The guys are young at 20, still in college and they know that their touring days are numbered as they graduate and go on to full time jobs. Even though the accommodations are rough at times, they can’t wait to be on the road with their drummer, Roxie, and her boyfriend, Blake, who handles merchandise.
The book is set in 2002 and it was never clear to me why that choice was made. There are POV scenes from many other characters in the book. It was interesting to get everyone’s thoughts and the shifts were clear and well defined. It did give the book the feeling of being an interview at times instead of being in real time, but those scenes did add to the story even if I didn’t care for all of the characters.
Once Sam and Max figure out their attraction to each other their chemistry is intense and they make up for lost time. Take it From the Top is a sweet story with heat about Sam and Max figuring out that life is better when they can do everything together.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
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
August 27, 2026
This was a low angst best friends to lovers story set in the early 00s. It has a bi-awakening (and I would say a demi-awakening since Max had intimacy issues with previous partners that he didn't experience with Sam)
Sam has been in love with Max forever but when Max starts developing romantic feelings towards Sam, he believes he is reading into things that aren't there. Max is scared to say anything because he doesn't understand why he's started feeling the things he does and also doesn't believe Sam is attracted to him. Everyone else, including their band mate Roxie and Max's ex-girlfriend can see it.
There is a lot of miscommunication both before they get together and after and you do want to scream at them at times but it comes from fear on both sides that, if things don't work out, they are risking 20 years of friendship.
This is a medium burn with a fair amount of spice. I'm almost reluctant to call it that because it actually does a disservice to some truly beautiful intimate moments.
I appreciated the POV of the side characters interspersed throughout. I hadn't really seen this done before and it definitely enhanced rather than detracted from the reading experience.
Sam has been in love with Max forever but when Max starts developing romantic feelings towards Sam, he believes he is reading into things that aren't there. Max is scared to say anything because he doesn't understand why he's started feeling the things he does and also doesn't believe Sam is attracted to him. Everyone else, including their band mate Roxie and Max's ex-girlfriend can see it.
There is a lot of miscommunication both before they get together and after and you do want to scream at them at times but it comes from fear on both sides that, if things don't work out, they are risking 20 years of friendship.
This is a medium burn with a fair amount of spice. I'm almost reluctant to call it that because it actually does a disservice to some truly beautiful intimate moments.
I appreciated the POV of the side characters interspersed throughout. I hadn't really seen this done before and it definitely enhanced rather than detracted from the reading experience.
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.
August 10, 2026
3.75 stars
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 :)
August 23, 2026
5 Stars 🌟
Thank you to the author for this ARC via BookSirens! 🩷
I discovered Take It From the Top via the author's Insta reels, and I immediately knew that I HAD to read it. It called to me, and I'm glad I stumbled upon a random reel that day! I had SO MUCH FUN with this MM, punk, rock star romance story that is told from multiple POVs. Max and Sam's story was freaking awesome. This book was incredibly funny, and I was constantly laughing and smiling and their shenanigans as I read. I felt for them, though! Feelings are hard, and the way that their story was written was very relatable. The two of them are literally soulmates, and I'm going to stand by that wholeheartedly. Take It From the Top was such a cute and fun book to dive into. I HEAVILY enjoyed it and would recommend it!
Thank you to the author for this ARC via BookSirens! 🩷
I discovered Take It From the Top via the author's Insta reels, and I immediately knew that I HAD to read it. It called to me, and I'm glad I stumbled upon a random reel that day! I had SO MUCH FUN with this MM, punk, rock star romance story that is told from multiple POVs. Max and Sam's story was freaking awesome. This book was incredibly funny, and I was constantly laughing and smiling and their shenanigans as I read. I felt for them, though! Feelings are hard, and the way that their story was written was very relatable. The two of them are literally soulmates, and I'm going to stand by that wholeheartedly. Take It From the Top was such a cute and fun book to dive into. I HEAVILY enjoyed it and would recommend it!
August 28, 2026
From the moment the book mentioned the big book of CDs and Billie Joe Armstrong, I knew this was going to be a fun read. Bring on the Manic Panic and the punk rock!
Sam and Max have been best friends their entire lives and have the most amazing friendship. There’s only one problem…Sam is in love with Max, and Max is straight (or thinks he is). The level of yearning from Sam is off the charts. He’s desperately in love with Max but doesn’t want to say or do anything to ruin their friendship. And he’s inwardly so sad at the beginning of the book. It’s nice to see that change and his confidence grow when Max figures things out. Their relationship, whether friends or more, is so sweet.
I enjoyed getting the story from both Sam’s and Max’s perspective, but I also like the parts from Roxie’s, Blake’s, and Sage’s perspectives too. It gives readers more information outside of what’s going on in Sam’s and Max’s heads and fills in some information gaps.
I hope the author writes more about Sam and Max because I’d love to see what happens for them next!
Sam and Max have been best friends their entire lives and have the most amazing friendship. There’s only one problem…Sam is in love with Max, and Max is straight (or thinks he is). The level of yearning from Sam is off the charts. He’s desperately in love with Max but doesn’t want to say or do anything to ruin their friendship. And he’s inwardly so sad at the beginning of the book. It’s nice to see that change and his confidence grow when Max figures things out. Their relationship, whether friends or more, is so sweet.
I enjoyed getting the story from both Sam’s and Max’s perspective, but I also like the parts from Roxie’s, Blake’s, and Sage’s perspectives too. It gives readers more information outside of what’s going on in Sam’s and Max’s heads and fills in some information gaps.
I hope the author writes more about Sam and Max because I’d love to see what happens for them next!
August 12, 2026
|| TAKE IT FROM THE TOP ||
by SADIE HEPWORTH
4 ⭐| 4 🌶️ | 4 💜
I'll let y'all on a little secret... I was the around the same age as these characters in the 00's. The music scene they play in? Also one I was very, very involved in. So when I began reading what I thought was a cutesy little besties to lovers story, I was immediately transported back in time to when my view on the world was seen through the lens of just how many punk shows I could attend every weekend of every month. Throw in an adorable queer romance on top of it, and I was sucked in from the get-go.
Max and Sam have been an unbreakable duo long before they could even head bang. Pink-haired gem, Sam, has had the biggest of crushes on grunge king Max for years upon years, unwilling to act on them since Max is supposedly straight. *Supposedly* being the keyword here. When Max's (truly annoying) girlfriend dumps him right before the boys set off on tour, it triggers a slew of feelings that he has seemingly never thought to confront... until now.
Through the ups and downs, bus rides to bar stops, the couple were disgustingly adorable (and also a touch spicy, of course). It was fun seeing so many POVs in the mix from fellow bandmates Roxie and Blake, who provided hilarious commentary from an outside perspective of the two idiots falling in love.
The story flowed well, the callbacks were awesome, and all in all, this was just a really nice read. I had a feeling I'd like it just from the cover art and synopsis, and I was not disappointed. I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for Sadie's future works!
Big thumbs up for the ARC, Sadie! 🖤
- - - - -
Tropes:
- Best friends to lovers
- Bi-awakening
- Close proximity (not all that forced)
- Touring band members
- 00's punk rock nostalgia
- - - - -
As always, check the TWs and CWs! ✅
|| I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. ||
by SADIE HEPWORTH
4 ⭐| 4 🌶️ | 4 💜
I'll let y'all on a little secret... I was the around the same age as these characters in the 00's. The music scene they play in? Also one I was very, very involved in. So when I began reading what I thought was a cutesy little besties to lovers story, I was immediately transported back in time to when my view on the world was seen through the lens of just how many punk shows I could attend every weekend of every month. Throw in an adorable queer romance on top of it, and I was sucked in from the get-go.
Max and Sam have been an unbreakable duo long before they could even head bang. Pink-haired gem, Sam, has had the biggest of crushes on grunge king Max for years upon years, unwilling to act on them since Max is supposedly straight. *Supposedly* being the keyword here. When Max's (truly annoying) girlfriend dumps him right before the boys set off on tour, it triggers a slew of feelings that he has seemingly never thought to confront... until now.
Through the ups and downs, bus rides to bar stops, the couple were disgustingly adorable (and also a touch spicy, of course). It was fun seeing so many POVs in the mix from fellow bandmates Roxie and Blake, who provided hilarious commentary from an outside perspective of the two idiots falling in love.
The story flowed well, the callbacks were awesome, and all in all, this was just a really nice read. I had a feeling I'd like it just from the cover art and synopsis, and I was not disappointed. I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for Sadie's future works!
Big thumbs up for the ARC, Sadie! 🖤
- - - - -
Tropes:
- Best friends to lovers
- Bi-awakening
- Close proximity (not all that forced)
- Touring band members
- 00's punk rock nostalgia
- - - - -
As always, check the TWs and CWs! ✅
|| I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. ||
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!
August 9, 2026
Rating: 4/5 ⭐
Spice: 0/5 🌶️
This was honestly one of the best ARCs I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading! 🥹🎸 I absolutely loved Sam and Max together. Their relationship was so sweet, and as someone who is a sucker for a good best-friends-to-lovers MM romance, this one really hit the spot. 🫶🏻💕
I also LOVED the whole road-trip-meets-rockstar vibe! 🎶🚐 There was just something so fun and nostalgic about following these two on the road, and the early 2000s setting added so much to the atmosphere. It gave the story a unique vibe that I really enjoyed. 📀✨
Sam and Max just belong together, and watching their relationship develop was definitely one of my favorite parts of the book. 🥹❤️ Their chemistry felt natural and their connection was incredibly cute without feeling forced.
My only real criticism is that I could have done without the additional POVs. I would have preferred staying more focused on Sam and Max, especially because I was so invested in their story. I also wish we had gotten to see a little more of the actual performances! 🎤🎸 I would have loved more moments on stage and getting to experience the rockstar side of the story with them.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. 💕🎸✨
Spice: 0/5 🌶️
This was honestly one of the best ARCs I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading! 🥹🎸 I absolutely loved Sam and Max together. Their relationship was so sweet, and as someone who is a sucker for a good best-friends-to-lovers MM romance, this one really hit the spot. 🫶🏻💕
I also LOVED the whole road-trip-meets-rockstar vibe! 🎶🚐 There was just something so fun and nostalgic about following these two on the road, and the early 2000s setting added so much to the atmosphere. It gave the story a unique vibe that I really enjoyed. 📀✨
Sam and Max just belong together, and watching their relationship develop was definitely one of my favorite parts of the book. 🥹❤️ Their chemistry felt natural and their connection was incredibly cute without feeling forced.
My only real criticism is that I could have done without the additional POVs. I would have preferred staying more focused on Sam and Max, especially because I was so invested in their story. I also wish we had gotten to see a little more of the actual performances! 🎤🎸 I would have loved more moments on stage and getting to experience the rockstar side of the story with them.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. 💕🎸✨
August 21, 2026
I would rate “Take It From The Top” as a 4.5/5 stars. It was a very fun, easy read with lovable (or intentionally hated, making my eye twitch) characters but there could have been just a *smidge* more for me. I absolutely adore the dynamic Sam and Max had from the very start, and my God, I LOVE Roxie. I resonate a lot with her. The only thing I just wish there was a little more of was more PINING. Especially from Max, since Sam pined all his life as it was. But, I overall loved reading about these two idiots in love, and enjoyed reading from a setting I did not grow up in.
I like that while their romance and build up was a big focus, the author still slipped in notes of activism and hints of what it was like to be queer in the early 2000s (and from a small town to boot). Despite it being set in 2002, I feel like both Sam and Max depict a lot of growing queer teens and young adults, and I feel like this silly, cute, and adorable story could be a light for them. I’m already looking into reading Sadie Hepworth’s works and have followed her on social media to keep up with anything else her lovely brain will come up with ♡
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I like that while their romance and build up was a big focus, the author still slipped in notes of activism and hints of what it was like to be queer in the early 2000s (and from a small town to boot). Despite it being set in 2002, I feel like both Sam and Max depict a lot of growing queer teens and young adults, and I feel like this silly, cute, and adorable story could be a light for them. I’m already looking into reading Sadie Hepworth’s works and have followed her on social media to keep up with anything else her lovely brain will come up with ♡
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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.
September 12, 2026
Take It from the Top is a rather quiet story that probably could have been told in half the pages. But maybe that was exactly what I needed at the time: a sweet, low-drama story where even the occasional drama is usually resolved fairly quickly.
I was surprised by the many different POVs. Not all of them were necessarily needed, but at the same time, they made me feel even more like I was part of the story. I'm especially curious whether Roxie will eventually get her own story, because there definitely seems to be more to tell about her.
The one thing I didn't quite like was how quickly Max and Sam's relationship changed. I would have liked to see a few more steps in their growing closeness, similar to the breakfast-at-the-café scene. I also would have appreciated a few more conversations about what Max was going through regarding his sexuality.
Overall, though, Take It from the Top was exactly the quiet and sweet story I needed at the time.
I was surprised by the many different POVs. Not all of them were necessarily needed, but at the same time, they made me feel even more like I was part of the story. I'm especially curious whether Roxie will eventually get her own story, because there definitely seems to be more to tell about her.
The one thing I didn't quite like was how quickly Max and Sam's relationship changed. I would have liked to see a few more steps in their growing closeness, similar to the breakfast-at-the-café scene. I also would have appreciated a few more conversations about what Max was going through regarding his sexuality.
Overall, though, Take It from the Top was exactly the quiet and sweet story I needed at the time.
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
September 16, 2026
I, too, was a little punk-rock kid who dreamed of playing guitar on tour. So naturally, I had to read this.
I adored this story. It felt grungy and lived in, I fell in love with all the characters (the side characters truly manage to shine without dominating the love story!), and the writing style was so unique. It just sucked me right in and had me flipping pages like I was peeping on someone's diary. This is absolutely a comfort read I could see myself returning to.
The only reason I landed on 4/5 was because while the miscommunication worked wonderfully to build tension in the beginning, it did feel a little contrived for me during the third-act conflict. These characters are absolutely going to stick with me though, and I will 100% be picking up another Sadie Hepworth book in the future!
I adored this story. It felt grungy and lived in, I fell in love with all the characters (the side characters truly manage to shine without dominating the love story!), and the writing style was so unique. It just sucked me right in and had me flipping pages like I was peeping on someone's diary. This is absolutely a comfort read I could see myself returning to.
The only reason I landed on 4/5 was because while the miscommunication worked wonderfully to build tension in the beginning, it did feel a little contrived for me during the third-act conflict. These characters are absolutely going to stick with me though, and I will 100% be picking up another Sadie Hepworth book in the future!
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.
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