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Tales from Foster High #7.5
Save Yourself
A Tales from Foster High Story
Matt Wallace returns to Foster to be with his high school crush, Tyler. They're finally together, but Tyler's past is still a mystery to Matt. When the truth comes out, Matt is forced to decide if he can handle learning about what Tyler did, or if he'd be better off to cut ties and run.
Matt Wallace returns to Foster to be with his high school crush, Tyler. They're finally together, but Tyler's past is still a mystery to Matt. When the truth comes out, Matt is forced to decide if he can handle learning about what Tyler did, or if he'd be better off to cut ties and run.
33 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 12, 2015
32 people are currently reading
237 people want to read
About the author
John Goode
35 books667 followersJohn Goode is a member of the class of '88 from Hogwarts school of wizardry, specializing in incantations and spoken spells. At the age of 14 he proudly represented District 13 in the 65th Panem games where he was disqualified for crying uncontrollably before the competition began. After that he moved to Forks, Washington where, against all odds, dated the hot, incredibly approachable werewolf instead of the stuck up jerk of a vampire but was crushed when he found out the werewolf was actually gayer than he was. After that he turned down the mandatory operation everyone must receive at 16 to become pretty citing that everyone pretty were just too stupid to live before moving away for greener pastures. After falling down an oddly large rabbit hole he became huge when his love for cakes combined with his inability to resist what sparsely worded notes commanded and was finally kicked out when he began playing solitaire with the Red Queen's 4th armored division. By 18 he had found the land in the back of his wardrobe but decided that thinly veiled religious allegories where not the neighbors he desired. When last seen he had become obsessed with growing a pair of wings after becoming obsessed with Fang's blog and hasn't been seen since.
Or he is this guy who lives in this place and writes stuff he hopes you read.
Or he is this guy who lives in this place and writes stuff he hopes you read.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
March 9, 2024
✰ 2.5 stars ✰
“Do you get that I’m here for the long haul, and I am not going to find this dark, deep secret you have and go running into the night away from you?”
I don't think I'll ever quite warm up to Matt and Tyler's romance, despite how heart-warming, if not reassuring, it is to know that it's never too late to find the love of your life, no matter the time or age. 😥 Forgiveness definitely seems to be the one human trait that is the most difficult to abide by, but one that we are effortlessly seeking - that validation to vilify us of our guilt and shame. Even with this little glimpse into a different perspective of their story that Save Yourself provides, I'm not quite sure why it could not have just been included in the original story, since it pretty much ties into everything that did happen.
“I don’t deserve you,” I said, my words fumbling out of my mouth.
And he slapped me.
Hard.
“That’s the last time I let anyone insult you. Even you. You wanna trash-talk yourself, better do it in your head because the next person who comes at you, including you? I am going to take a swing at. No joke.”
Still, celebrating love in all of its capacities is the gift that keeps on giving. Matt's desire to ease Tyler's pain is the brightest and boldest example of how committed he is to their relationship - their future. 🥺 It was a bit of struggle, but the results are everlasting. It never gets easy seeing each person's reaction to that day, and Matt, the outsider, may never know full well the damage that one night caused, but he did his hardest to ease Tyler's pain. ' Instead you just smile at him when he asks if you slept all right. So of course I didn’t know Tyler. On the other hand, I knew exactly who he was.' ❤️🩹❤️🩹 The scars of the past can't be overturned, but they can be shaped to portray something else - to give some form of semblance to save him from any further torture over the action he'll never forget - he can offer a little chance to find it in him to forgive himself and lessen the burden he's placed upon himself.
“I rubbed the side of my face. “That hurt.”
He smiled at me. “Then stop hitting yourself.”
Perhaps, then maybe, even the toughest of love is enough to prove to one another that they are here to stay. 🫶🏻🫶🏻
“Do you get that I’m here for the long haul, and I am not going to find this dark, deep secret you have and go running into the night away from you?”
I don't think I'll ever quite warm up to Matt and Tyler's romance, despite how heart-warming, if not reassuring, it is to know that it's never too late to find the love of your life, no matter the time or age. 😥 Forgiveness definitely seems to be the one human trait that is the most difficult to abide by, but one that we are effortlessly seeking - that validation to vilify us of our guilt and shame. Even with this little glimpse into a different perspective of their story that Save Yourself provides, I'm not quite sure why it could not have just been included in the original story, since it pretty much ties into everything that did happen.
“I don’t deserve you,” I said, my words fumbling out of my mouth.
And he slapped me.
Hard.
“That’s the last time I let anyone insult you. Even you. You wanna trash-talk yourself, better do it in your head because the next person who comes at you, including you? I am going to take a swing at. No joke.”
Still, celebrating love in all of its capacities is the gift that keeps on giving. Matt's desire to ease Tyler's pain is the brightest and boldest example of how committed he is to their relationship - their future. 🥺 It was a bit of struggle, but the results are everlasting. It never gets easy seeing each person's reaction to that day, and Matt, the outsider, may never know full well the damage that one night caused, but he did his hardest to ease Tyler's pain. ' Instead you just smile at him when he asks if you slept all right. So of course I didn’t know Tyler. On the other hand, I knew exactly who he was.' ❤️🩹❤️🩹 The scars of the past can't be overturned, but they can be shaped to portray something else - to give some form of semblance to save him from any further torture over the action he'll never forget - he can offer a little chance to find it in him to forgive himself and lessen the burden he's placed upon himself.
“I rubbed the side of my face. “That hurt.”
He smiled at me. “Then stop hitting yourself.”
Perhaps, then maybe, even the toughest of love is enough to prove to one another that they are here to stay. 🫶🏻🫶🏻
June 3, 2015
~
A few days ago, I read book 7 of Tales of Foster High, "A Way Back to Then," which was very enlightening with more information on the history between Robbie, Riley and Tyler.
This short 33 page story is along the same lines, except in this one Matt learns the truth, the *full* truth about what happened the night that Riley died in the hit and run accident.
Tyler has preemptively broken up with Matt after a run-in with Riley's mother, Dolores, on Matt and Tyler's third date, which leaves Matt reeling.
But Matt is not the type of person to let others make life-changing decisions on his behalf, so he confronts Tyler and lets him know that he will discover the truth surrounding the accident and, only then, make up his own mind about their relationship.
During Matt's journey to enlightenment, he speaks to various people, experiencing more success with some than others, but he finds out what he needs to know, then confronts Tyler again.
Although the story wasn't a long one, it was an enjoyable read and, once again, filled in more details behind the curtain of secrets that is Foster, Texas.
I also loved the cover design, as you can't exactly tell whether the heart is exploding outward or if the pieces are slowly shifting back into place. Very appropriate for this read.
I highly recommend this short story for any fans of the Foster High books and I'm extremely excited to read book 8 of the series, "When I Grow Up," as all of the main characters descend on Foster once again.
4 very solid *don't-make-me-slap-you-again* stars this time out.
------------------------------------------------
My ARC copy of the book was provided by the publisher in exchange for a fair, unbiased review.
A few days ago, I read book 7 of Tales of Foster High, "A Way Back to Then," which was very enlightening with more information on the history between Robbie, Riley and Tyler.
This short 33 page story is along the same lines, except in this one Matt learns the truth, the *full* truth about what happened the night that Riley died in the hit and run accident.
Tyler has preemptively broken up with Matt after a run-in with Riley's mother, Dolores, on Matt and Tyler's third date, which leaves Matt reeling.
But Matt is not the type of person to let others make life-changing decisions on his behalf, so he confronts Tyler and lets him know that he will discover the truth surrounding the accident and, only then, make up his own mind about their relationship.
During Matt's journey to enlightenment, he speaks to various people, experiencing more success with some than others, but he finds out what he needs to know, then confronts Tyler again.
Although the story wasn't a long one, it was an enjoyable read and, once again, filled in more details behind the curtain of secrets that is Foster, Texas.
I also loved the cover design, as you can't exactly tell whether the heart is exploding outward or if the pieces are slowly shifting back into place. Very appropriate for this read.
I highly recommend this short story for any fans of the Foster High books and I'm extremely excited to read book 8 of the series, "When I Grow Up," as all of the main characters descend on Foster once again.
4 very solid *don't-make-me-slap-you-again* stars this time out.
------------------------------------------------
My ARC copy of the book was provided by the publisher in exchange for a fair, unbiased review.
June 14, 2017
Grappling with guilt and self loathing, Tyler pushes Matt away, but Matt won't let him go that easily. As Matt meticulously uncovers the truth, his efforts have some enlightening effects on others as well.
Peppered in between the usual tough topics, there are some sweet, swoony and funny moments, making me only want to read more about these two.
Peppered in between the usual tough topics, there are some sweet, swoony and funny moments, making me only want to read more about these two.
June 14, 2015
Ends at 82% on my kindle. After finishing I felt as if nothing really was solved. Yes, they declared ILY, but that was clear from the beginning. Or not? Anyway, it got me interested in Robbie's story.
June 12, 2015
BR, June 12th with Paul, Sonia, Momo and Julie (re-read for her).
4,5 stars
Lovely novella in which Matt learns the whole truth what happened the night that Riley died in the hit and run accident.
Tyler and Matt are dating and they have a run in with Tyler’s mother, Dolores. She makes a terrible scene at the expense of Tyler…. And Tyler panicks.
“This man befriended my son and then left him to die in the middle of nowhere while his husband screamed for someone to help them. This is the man who decided it was more prudent to let someone who called him a friend die in the same manner one does to a stray dog rather than stop and try to help him. This is the man you are dating.”
Again… so painful
Matt
Matt refuses to let Tyler go and plans to convince Tyler he is worthy of love.
Tyler
“You left Robbie there all alone, and that is something you’re going to have to make up to him someday. Maybe not now, but soon. Not for me, but because you can’t live with this guilt anymore. You hate yourself for things you didn’t do, and I’m tired of it because I love you for everything you can’t see you are.
You fucked up - it happens.
Time to let yourself up off the mat.”
Highly recommended for Foster High lovers and it left me longing for the release of When I Grow Up (Foster High #8)
June 21, 2015
You know what? It's official. John Goode could decide to publish his grocery shopping list, and it would still get 5 stars from me. Why? Well, maybe I'm just a crazy fangirl, or maybe John just is that good of a writer. Yeah, it's definitely the latter!
Save Yourself is a little chapter that happened during 151 Days, told from Tyler's and Matt's perspectives. It basically tells the whole truth about what happened the night Riley died. It deals with the guilt Tyler has had to live with for years. And most of all, it shows how Matt is an amazing human being, and can see Tyler's mistake for what it was. Matt helps Tyler realize that he shouldn't beat himself up over something he couldn't have changed.
Highly recommended!
Save Yourself is a little chapter that happened during 151 Days, told from Tyler's and Matt's perspectives. It basically tells the whole truth about what happened the night Riley died. It deals with the guilt Tyler has had to live with for years. And most of all, it shows how Matt is an amazing human being, and can see Tyler's mistake for what it was. Matt helps Tyler realize that he shouldn't beat himself up over something he couldn't have changed.
Highly recommended!
June 12, 2015
BR, June 12th with Paul, Elsbeth, Momo and Julie (re-read for her).
Shorty about Tyler and Matt, and how they overcame their first hurdle on the way to happily ever after! :D I also feel like Riley was an integral part of this awesome shorty! It was wonderful to read more about him, how he was during his teens (Riley that is).
After reading "Save yourself" I realized I really missed these guys (Tyler & Matt) and a re-read might be in order! especially since it's still 7 more days (gasp!) until I can get my John Goode fix :D
Smooches!!!
Shorty about Tyler and Matt, and how they overcame their first hurdle on the way to happily ever after! :D I also feel like Riley was an integral part of this awesome shorty! It was wonderful to read more about him, how he was during his teens (Riley that is).
After reading "Save yourself" I realized I really missed these guys (Tyler & Matt) and a re-read might be in order! especially since it's still 7 more days (gasp!) until I can get my John Goode fix :D
Smooches!!!
June 14, 2015
2.5 stars
I love John Goode. I love John Goode's writing. There is something you all must know.
BUT, with this short story, I realized that I would never loved Matt and Tyler. Especially Tyler. I loved their introduction in The Boy Behind the Red Door -- but maybe I was too vindictive than I thought I was.
After I finally understand what happened with Tyler (and in extend to that, what fell through between Tyler and Robbie), I thought Tyler was still a coward. I thought Tyler didn't redeem himself enough in my eyes. Even in this short story, Matt was the one doing everything he could to try to help Tyler to get out of his self-pity. And a short story is not enough for me to turn my opinion around :).
So, I guess my dislike over Tyler poured into my experience / opinion about this story. This is not in anyway reflect my opinion of John Goode, his writing, and Tales From Foster High series. I will still look forward to read more Brad and Kyle stories.
I love John Goode. I love John Goode's writing. There is something you all must know.
BUT, with this short story, I realized that I would never loved Matt and Tyler. Especially Tyler. I loved their introduction in The Boy Behind the Red Door -- but maybe I was too vindictive than I thought I was.
After I finally understand what happened with Tyler (and in extend to that, what fell through between Tyler and Robbie), I thought Tyler was still a coward. I thought Tyler didn't redeem himself enough in my eyes. Even in this short story, Matt was the one doing everything he could to try to help Tyler to get out of his self-pity. And a short story is not enough for me to turn my opinion around :).
So, I guess my dislike over Tyler poured into my experience / opinion about this story. This is not in anyway reflect my opinion of John Goode, his writing, and Tales From Foster High series. I will still look forward to read more Brad and Kyle stories.
October 6, 2015
****4.5 Tyler & Matt Stars****
I love all these .5! It's like looking under the Christmas tree the next day and realizing you still have a present(s) left. These extras are definitely ones Foster High fans would want to own. I mean, come on, who wouldn't want to get their hands on more of John's Goode(ness) <-- you like that, huh? So go on now. Go forth and one-click. And enjoy!
I love all these .5! It's like looking under the Christmas tree the next day and realizing you still have a present(s) left. These extras are definitely ones Foster High fans would want to own. I mean, come on, who wouldn't want to get their hands on more of John's Goode(ness) <-- you like that, huh? So go on now. Go forth and one-click. And enjoy!
July 7, 2018
The 'Tales from Foster High' series by John Goode is, honestly, one of the best I've ever read. His writing is phenomenal and continuously blows me away. So naturally, when I had the opportunity to read another snippet in the life and love of Matt and Tyler, I certainly wasn't going to miss that opportunity. Especially since the book that featured their story 'Taking Chances' ended with the potential for more.
I knew the story about Riley, Robbie, and Tyler had to come out, at some time. Unfortunately for Tyler, he'd taken Matt on a beautiful date to a lovely French restaurant when Riley's mother started screeching at Tyler about not helping Riley and letting him die. Uh. Oh. Poor Tyler. I really felt horrible for him, again. And I was hoping Matt would take the time to listen to Tyler's side before making a decision. Not only did Matt listen, he investigated.
Thank you, John, for this short. I think I needed this cleared up even more than Matt and Tyler did.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreasmpinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews
I knew the story about Riley, Robbie, and Tyler had to come out, at some time. Unfortunately for Tyler, he'd taken Matt on a beautiful date to a lovely French restaurant when Riley's mother started screeching at Tyler about not helping Riley and letting him die. Uh. Oh. Poor Tyler. I really felt horrible for him, again. And I was hoping Matt would take the time to listen to Tyler's side before making a decision. Not only did Matt listen, he investigated.
Thank you, John, for this short. I think I needed this cleared up even more than Matt and Tyler did.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreasmpinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews
June 12, 2016
:D I missed this. A lot. :D
These are Matt's and Tyler's point of views from a part that played in 151 Days, something we've so far witnessed only from other people. I think.
It was so lovely to get back to it. I really liked both Matt and Tyler in this.
Tyler had some amazing mischievous scenes in the beginning—in parts, together with Matt's dad. And Matt really proofed his love to Ty, and in a wonderful way.
So... I loved it! And, um... to top this off, there is a side-character named Mel. I loved that, too :D
4.5 stars
These are Matt's and Tyler's point of views from a part that played in 151 Days, something we've so far witnessed only from other people. I think.
It was so lovely to get back to it. I really liked both Matt and Tyler in this.
Tyler had some amazing mischievous scenes in the beginning—in parts, together with Matt's dad. And Matt really proofed his love to Ty, and in a wonderful way.
So... I loved it! And, um... to top this off, there is a side-character named Mel. I loved that, too :D
4.5 stars
July 12, 2015
A nice little back story about Matt & Tyler. I just thought this happened after A Way Back To Then but it wasn't. It happened before 151 Days. So be aware of that. :D
3.5 STARS.
3.5 STARS.
July 23, 2017
Love the cover , love the story . Love by Foster boys. Period
July 4, 2015
Short but worth it.
I love Matt even more than before.
These two are perfect together.
I love Matt even more than before.
These two are perfect together.
June 15, 2015
How to say this... I liked Tyler when he appeared as supporting character to Kyle and Brad's stories throughout Tales from Foster High series. I hated that one incident between him and Robbie that had ruined their friendships, but he was still one of the grown-ups Brad depended on in that (Tales from Foster High) universe.
However, when Tyler and Matt had their own story in Taking Chances, somehow I didn't really feel the connection to these couple. I dunno. I read this with hopes that I would like Tyler and Matt more.
And this book connected the off page and Matt meeting Robbie scenes in 151 Days, in which I wondered what the heck Matt was trying to do. At least now I knew. Alas, this book still not endeared me more to this couple. No matter how steadfast a boyfriend Matt proved to be.
However, when Tyler and Matt had their own story in Taking Chances, somehow I didn't really feel the connection to these couple. I dunno. I read this with hopes that I would like Tyler and Matt more.
And this book connected the off page and Matt meeting Robbie scenes in 151 Days, in which I wondered what the heck Matt was trying to do. At least now I knew. Alas, this book still not endeared me more to this couple. No matter how steadfast a boyfriend Matt proved to be.
October 7, 2016
Reviewed for Prism Book Alliance
4.5stars
Okay, if you know me at all, you know I have a little bit of a love affair with everything Foster High. It is purely based on the fact that I love John Goode's writing, and I love the men and boys of Foster. This morning, I was treated to a little snippet into the lives of Matt and Tyler in my inbox. I might have done a bit of a happy dance in my seat when I saw it... then immediately opened up the file and devoured every last word.
For Complete review see Prism Book Alliance: http://www.prismbookalliance.com/?pos...
January 2, 2016
A very short story about Tyler and Matt focusing on Matt trying to uncover the truth about what really happened the night Riley died.
June 13, 2016
Just as wonderful the second time. Love for Matt!
"I know the truth. And, guess what? I still love you even if you don't love yourself. You have to stop running from this. I mean it."
I loved this. Not only did I get my book husband, Marvin Wallace, in a fantastic scene with Matt and Tyler, but we got more perspective on several happenings from the Foster High Series. Love Love Love how these scenes gain more depth with each new tale.
Reading updates:
25%
You don't tell the guy you're dating that you wake up in the middle of the night and watch him sleep because your mind refuses to believe that you are finally laying next to the guy you dreamt of for so long. Instead you just smile at him when he asks if you slept alright.
50%
“Tyler is the prettiest guy in the world and his looks are what everyone sees every time. They see those soulful eyes and that sexy grin and think, 'that man has it all together' never realizing that what they are seeing is thirty years of acting molded over a whole other person."
Tyler
July 23, 2015
Tyler was making an effort to be out, taking Matt out to dinner at Foster's fanciest restaurant. While there, a confrontation - or maybe I should say an unwarranted attack - sets him back, pushing Tyler back into his cloud of despair.
And here's where we get to see Matt, once again, proving why he is so damn good for Tyler.
With a little prompting from Linda Stilleno, Matt goes on a quest to find out the truth, searching out each and every possible avenue for information about that night that has defined the rest of Tyler's life. The visit with Mrs. Mathison alone is worth the price of the book. On my days where I just need proof that truth and righteousness can prevail, I know I'll be coming back to that scene again and again.
Everyone needs a person like Matt in their corner, helping to fight for them when they can't, and this book was the epitome of all that.
And here's where we get to see Matt, once again, proving why he is so damn good for Tyler.
With a little prompting from Linda Stilleno, Matt goes on a quest to find out the truth, searching out each and every possible avenue for information about that night that has defined the rest of Tyler's life. The visit with Mrs. Mathison alone is worth the price of the book. On my days where I just need proof that truth and righteousness can prevail, I know I'll be coming back to that scene again and again.
Everyone needs a person like Matt in their corner, helping to fight for them when they can't, and this book was the epitome of all that.
June 14, 2015
This is a little slice from Matt and Tyler's story that takes place before Kyle and Brad graduate & Robbie leaves for NY. Matt and Tyler are dating. Tyler is taking baby steps on being open and honest about being gay.
While on a date, Tyler is confronted by Riley's mother. Swamped by guilt and not waiting for Matt's love to turn to hate, Tyler breaks up with him. However, Matt isn't ready to give up on Tyler and sets out to find out the truth about that horrible night and what it means for their relationship.
While on a date, Tyler is confronted by Riley's mother. Swamped by guilt and not waiting for Matt's love to turn to hate, Tyler breaks up with him. However, Matt isn't ready to give up on Tyler and sets out to find out the truth about that horrible night and what it means for their relationship.
August 15, 2016
I liked this short story! It was nice and fun, and definitely made me want too read more of this author :) Loved the characters too, havn't heard this kinda story in a while!
December 5, 2016
This definitely should have been part of Matt and Tyler's story not a short on it's own. It's even hard to call this a short it's more like a couple of lost chapters. It was sweet though.
June 27, 2015
Always love more Matt and Tyler!!
May 25, 2023
I had read 4 or 5 of John Good's 'Tales from Foster High' 7 to 8 tears ago and had enjoyed them so I re-read them.
Not only did they have a wide variety of plot twists, the sex scenes didn't start until the 3rd book (from memory) and were not dwelt on in lurid detail each and every time, something that I appreciate compared to books that are one long bedroom scene with short breaks to build a frame to hang all of the detailed sex onto.
I have now bought the rest of the Kindle books and am enjoying story arcs from different 'cast members'.
This review will go onto all of the different books, however if you like detailed, logical plots that range from absolutely wonderful to the pits of despair, all created by a master wordsmith, then these books are for you.
No matter that the first half deal with high school members, doesn't mean that the characters are portrayed as dumb young kids - quite the opposite in fact. We all remember what our school years were like ant would not have been at all pleased to have been depicted like 2D cardboard cutouts...
Not only did they have a wide variety of plot twists, the sex scenes didn't start until the 3rd book (from memory) and were not dwelt on in lurid detail each and every time, something that I appreciate compared to books that are one long bedroom scene with short breaks to build a frame to hang all of the detailed sex onto.
I have now bought the rest of the Kindle books and am enjoying story arcs from different 'cast members'.
This review will go onto all of the different books, however if you like detailed, logical plots that range from absolutely wonderful to the pits of despair, all created by a master wordsmith, then these books are for you.
No matter that the first half deal with high school members, doesn't mean that the characters are portrayed as dumb young kids - quite the opposite in fact. We all remember what our school years were like ant would not have been at all pleased to have been depicted like 2D cardboard cutouts...
December 10, 2018
The prose is amateurish like from a writing portal. It appears to imitate the genre popularized by Jay Bell, one of whose novels was made into a movie. The plot is unbelievably forced.
September 22, 2016
Meh. i skipped their book because i wasn't interested in a story that wasn't Brad and Kyle and then when we met Matt in 151 days I really didn't like him at all and that still hasn't changed. Just because Tyler isn't the reason Riley is dead doesn't mean that he wasn't a coward and a bastard for what he did to Robbie. So i'm glad i read this because it was interesting but i still don't like either character that much.
6/10
6/10
June 16, 2015
Once again, we have to listen to Robbie bitch. What happened was terrible, yes, but, Honey, you're still alive. Come down off the cross, use the wood to build a bridge and get over it!
June 17, 2015
Cute short story. Not sure how this fits in completely with the series but cute.
June 29, 2015
short but sweet
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews