Together, Separately

by Brent Wills

I thought I knew what I wanted in life: spontaneity and surprise. Turns out, those are the things I actually fear.

My safe, predictable life gets uprooted when an anonymous note arrives — the start of a secret scavenger hunt, a string of personal challenges, and a developing relationship through a journal that writes back. Together, or rather separately, this stranger and I might just be building something surprising. Is it possible to fall in love with someone you’ve never met?

And through all of it, there's Martin. My best friend, there for every ridiculous dare, reminding me to hold each moment against the light, watching me become someone I never thought I could be. So why does falling for a stranger feel like it might cost me the realest thing in my life?

Running on borrowed bravery and something I can’t name, I'm turning into the person only others believed in.

I just might be everything my secret person thinks I am.
Maybe.

236 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 18, 2026

Reviews

[Yim G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was aan begin meteen gezogen in het avontuurlijke verhaal. Schattige, lollige romcom zonder al te veel poes pas. Ik miste wel meer info over hun verleden. De karakters waren prima, soms klonken ze net iets te werktuigelijk, maar verder leuk. Liam is wel echt naïef AF, bruh. Gelukkig is dit boek lekker snel te lezen en compact. Dat is wel mijn stijl, maar als je hoge literatuur en lange beschrijvingen wil, is dit het niet haha.

[Adellett · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Together, Separately is Brent Will’s debut novel, and the idea behind it is so enticing: Liam, our main character, finds out he has a secret admirer. It’s a cute, quick read that takes you along on the adventure of Liam discovering himself. And it is fun!

The plot is predictable pretty much the whole way through, so if you’re hoping for a big mystery reveal, that’s not going to happen. Liam is a bit of a “himbo,” and everyone around him seems to know what is going on besides him. That said, the tasks he completes at the advice of his secret admirer are cute, and help him to let loose and discover more about himself along the way. There are some truly endearing scenes throughout the book, such as when Liam needs to make a new friend, or when his best friend Martin needs him. And there are some red herrings that prevent Liam from seeing what is right out front of him, which certainly add interest for the reader.

I feel like some things could have been fleshed out a little better. I would’ve loved to learn more about Liam‘s background. We know such few details: where he works, that he was in a long term relationship, and that he believed he was straight. That’s kind of it. I would’ve liked to read more about his revelation that he might be bisexual, and what it meant for him to realize that. I would’ve also liked to have learned how he and Martin met, and what their relationship was like before the start of this book. We know that they were friends for six years already, but not much else. And Matthew—he ended up adding the most suspense to the novel, but it didn’t really go anywhere. I would’ve loved it if Liam had to confront that obstacle more directly. It would have made up for knowing the ending early on. Sometimes the ride can be more fun than the destination.

I also would’ve liked to see Jeannie and Brad’s reaction—perhaps in the form of an epilogue?

Overall, it was a cute story. I look forward to reading what Brent Wills writes next!

[Tony Farnden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Together, Separately is a wake up story, as in wake up and smell the roses and the armpits. Liam AKA William, a mostly straight man (he hasn’t paid attention to the maybe element yet) gets sent on a mission by a secret ‘admirer’ which leads to further missions like getting a book, singing in public and trying things he would rather not. He shares this information with his best friend Martin who is very supportive of him. Liam finds his options opening up and his eyes as well. He begins to notice things about Martin that sort of bother him, like how attractive he is and how important he is to him. It’s a romance and there is a happy ending once Liam admits to himself what he is feeling.

A wonderful read if you do not mind a main character who seems blind to what is right in front of him until he has no alternative but to address it all. He does and all is well. Thankfully as I was going to give him a good talking to on more than one occasion. A fun ‘fantasy’ read about single guys with cash and time to spare as the escapades Liam goes on often have a financial element and definitely need him to spend quite a bit of time. It’s summer so just give in and go with it!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Coolahan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't see this as a typical romance novel so much as a journey of self discovery for Liam which had a HEA.

The premise of the "secret admirer" was creative. I would be far too afraid to go along with something like that in my life, but perhaps that's the point, Liam is unique and the characters think a bit differently.

The style and contents of writing weren't a huge page turner for me, I don't know if it was clunky or what but the cadence didn't feel quite right. Notwithstanding, the underlying message of extending yourself and getting the most out of life was positive.

No spice, which is fine with me, and I really like the cover art.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Monica Fan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading this book is like watching a balloon getting pumped. You know it’s gonna get bigger by each page, you know eventually it will pop and drop confetti and sweat tears but you don’t know when and how.

The deeper I get into the book the harder it is to put down, I can see the pressure burst thru the seams and the more anticipation builds up

This week is unlike most mm romance I’ve read, but was a bit hard to get through in the beginning but I’m glad I stick thru to the end

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Shannon Janssen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved "Together, Separately" by Brent Wills. It is a well written story that grabs you right from the start and Liam's adventures kept me going. I truly did not want to put it down. There were many light hearted and laugh out loud pieces. Martin is a wonderful character and fabulous friend. I really enjoyed following William to his HEA. I am looking forward to more from this author.

[Nicole · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received this book as an arc from BookSirens. The review is my opinion and given freely. Sigh. I wanted to love it. Great concept, guy gets a note from a secret admirer who leads him on a series of adventures. Unfortunately the book, to me, was very slow. I knew who the “secret person” was from the very beginning and was annoyed it took Liam SO VERY LONG to figure it out. By the time he did, I honestly didn’t care anymore and Martin deserves better. 2.5 stars given on Story Graph.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liam comes home from work to find an envelope on his doorstep. In the envelope is a note telling him to go to the local coffee shop, have a coffee that's already waiting for him & finds more instructions printed on the cup. This leads Liam on an adventure he would never take on his own. Along the way he finds friendship, love & himself. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kate Steele · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite enjoyable book, not spicy but didn’t need to be. Wholesome and endearing tale of friends finding their way in an unconventional route. You root for both to navigate the adventures as well as possible.
Would recommend for those who like a good HAE but like a few twists and turns along the way. Easy read.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Amanda Reeves · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading Together, Separately by Brent Willis, it is their debut book and was well written. This was such a good story, it is a sexual awakening, friends to lovers, slow burn read. I couldn't put the book down and I can't wait for more from this author.

[Kenneth Cameron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written and very relatable story. It is nioe to read a strictly romantic MM relationship story. Thoroughly enjoyable.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.