What do you think?
Rate this book
Trust
Sometimes, trusting your instincts leads to happiness and love.
After coming out, life took a turn for the worst. I knew people would view me differently, of course I did, but… See, here’s the thing. How does a person cope when a few of their work colleagues play such a cruel trick that it leaves them wondering if they’ll ever trust anyone again? It happened to me, and trusting isn’t something I do easily now.
Until James comes along. He’s a work colleague too, but my issue is, I keep thinking he’s playing another trick. You know, reeling me in, making me think he’s a good bloke.
He’s asked me to go out with him and although I should maybe get to know him a bit better first, I’ve said I’ll go. I need to get back out there, live a little. And if I get hurt? Well, I’ll just have to deal with it. Again.
But maybe he won’t hurt me. Break my heart and all that. Please God.
After coming out, life took a turn for the worst. I knew people would view me differently, of course I did, but… See, here’s the thing. How does a person cope when a few of their work colleagues play such a cruel trick that it leaves them wondering if they’ll ever trust anyone again? It happened to me, and trusting isn’t something I do easily now.
Until James comes along. He’s a work colleague too, but my issue is, I keep thinking he’s playing another trick. You know, reeling me in, making me think he’s a good bloke.
He’s asked me to go out with him and although I should maybe get to know him a bit better first, I’ve said I’ll go. I need to get back out there, live a little. And if I get hurt? Well, I’ll just have to deal with it. Again.
But maybe he won’t hurt me. Break my heart and all that. Please God.
45 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 11, 2015
22 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Masters
87 books48 followersSarah Masters is one of three pen names I write under. Sarah mainly writes m/m. Natalie Dae writes het erotica, while the third, Charley Oweson, writes thriller/horror/suspense books with no sex.
www.emmyellis.com
I enjoy writing all genres, though I haven't attempted, nor plan to attempt Sci-Fi.
www.emmyellis.com
I enjoy writing all genres, though I haven't attempted, nor plan to attempt Sci-Fi.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
August 28, 2015
Definitely a short, sweet and cute read. Trevor is basically humiliated at work by his co-workers after them finding out about his sexuality. I thought it was cute of Trevor talking to himself and trying to reassure himself in the most sensible way that things were going to get better. Enter admin guy, who Trevor doesn’t know if anything coming out his mouth is genuine, and he takes a chance on him. These guys seem like they are in their awkward teenage phase of life, but they are adults dealing with being out in two different ways. We learn that sweet admin guy is just boring James as he describes his name, like Trevor, I see nothing boring about him. I think it took a lot of confidence to come up and talk to someone who’s basically being shamed at work. James gives off the aura of confidence when he has his own insecurities as well. I really liked how they came together, and were better with each other.
September 15, 2015
"You can show trust by believing in others when other people have abandoned them." Byron Pulsifer, Major Human Capacities
Trev knows he is taking a chance when he comes out at work. He realizes there will be some haters; but he never imagined how many; how viciously they attack him, with name-calling, crude jokes, and pranks. Trev is brokenhearted when his coworkers, some of whom he had called friends, all turn against him except one; his friend Nancy. How could Trev ever believe if someone was sincere or not?
The cruelty Trev receives wounds him down to his soul. He goes from a friendly, outgoing person, trying to live an honest life, to a growly, cynical one; wary of everybody. Trev isolates himself, won't go anywhere with anyone from the office; preferring to eat alone rather than endure more torment. He is fragile, unhappy, and lonely, fearing he will spend the rest of his life by himself. When he all but gives up, not knowing which direction to turn, a colleague named James starts a conversation with him during their lunch hour. Trev is cautious, afraid to be taken in again and ending up devastated; but there's something about James that makes him want to try. James turns out to be Trev's knight in shining armor, helping Trev maneuver around in his circumstances at work; generally feeling better about himself, regardless of what others think. What James says makes sense, but Trev isn't completely convinced until James finds a way to show him all is not lost; that there is strength in numbers, even if, as in this case, the numbers are small.
After being hurt, one is naturally wary of taking a chance on being in pain again. Trusting can be scary, but it is absolutely essential for our happiness. Sarah does a marvelous job of portraying Trev's emotions in this short, but emotion-filled story. I cried for Trev because of the unfairness of the entire situation and wanted to knock quite a few heads together for being so ignorant. Yet, if Trev had not been put in this awful situation, he would never have met James. That, in itself, would have been an even greater travesty. If you enjoy love stories with angst, relearning trust, and reassurance, then you may like this one. Thank you, Sarah, for reminding us that we need to listen to ourselves first; follow our own feelings, rather than worrying about how other people think.
NOTE: This book was provided by Pride Publishing for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Trev knows he is taking a chance when he comes out at work. He realizes there will be some haters; but he never imagined how many; how viciously they attack him, with name-calling, crude jokes, and pranks. Trev is brokenhearted when his coworkers, some of whom he had called friends, all turn against him except one; his friend Nancy. How could Trev ever believe if someone was sincere or not?
The cruelty Trev receives wounds him down to his soul. He goes from a friendly, outgoing person, trying to live an honest life, to a growly, cynical one; wary of everybody. Trev isolates himself, won't go anywhere with anyone from the office; preferring to eat alone rather than endure more torment. He is fragile, unhappy, and lonely, fearing he will spend the rest of his life by himself. When he all but gives up, not knowing which direction to turn, a colleague named James starts a conversation with him during their lunch hour. Trev is cautious, afraid to be taken in again and ending up devastated; but there's something about James that makes him want to try. James turns out to be Trev's knight in shining armor, helping Trev maneuver around in his circumstances at work; generally feeling better about himself, regardless of what others think. What James says makes sense, but Trev isn't completely convinced until James finds a way to show him all is not lost; that there is strength in numbers, even if, as in this case, the numbers are small.
After being hurt, one is naturally wary of taking a chance on being in pain again. Trusting can be scary, but it is absolutely essential for our happiness. Sarah does a marvelous job of portraying Trev's emotions in this short, but emotion-filled story. I cried for Trev because of the unfairness of the entire situation and wanted to knock quite a few heads together for being so ignorant. Yet, if Trev had not been put in this awful situation, he would never have met James. That, in itself, would have been an even greater travesty. If you enjoy love stories with angst, relearning trust, and reassurance, then you may like this one. Thank you, Sarah, for reminding us that we need to listen to ourselves first; follow our own feelings, rather than worrying about how other people think.
NOTE: This book was provided by Pride Publishing for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
September 6, 2015
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for a Wicked Reads~~
This very short story is a snapshot of the beginning of a relationship. It is set up well, and delivers a thoughtful, and hopeful view of two men finding each other. It is innocent and draws the reader into wanting things to go well. There is a good mix of humour and seriousness.
This very short story is a snapshot of the beginning of a relationship. It is set up well, and delivers a thoughtful, and hopeful view of two men finding each other. It is innocent and draws the reader into wanting things to go well. There is a good mix of humour and seriousness.
November 29, 2018
Awkward teenage romance...in the best possible way. Now I know the MC's weren't teenagers but that is the overall feeling at the beginning of this story. So shy and cute, I kept saying awwww in my head with a smile on my face. Trev and James are just so sweet. I really like the overall feel of the story. Even with the bad stuff that happened in it you didn't get that angsty feel or the heartbreak feel. Don't get me wrong, I still wanted to slap the co-workers. And I must say that I very much like the way the story ended and I wish I could get away with doing that at work sometimes.
August 18, 2015
Trust by Sarah Masters
4 stars
M/M romance, learning to trust again
I was given this book for an honest review by Inked Rainbow Reads.
First off, I think my favorite character in this story was Nancy, Trev’s supportive co-worker. Then you have James who also works with Trev, but in a different department.
My heart hurt for Trev and all that he had suffered. I wanted to have all of his co-workers brought up on disciplinary action. He had endured and I was so proud that he didn’t let them run him off.
The dates that Trev and James go on were definitely romantic. James was able to show Trev that there was more to life than hiding and being ashamed.
The feel of the book was almost young adult – while we are never really given an age for Trev or James, it feels like they are in their 20’s. That is especially apparent in the last pages of the story. While their actions made me laugh, I did find it very young.
4 stars
M/M romance, learning to trust again
I was given this book for an honest review by Inked Rainbow Reads.
First off, I think my favorite character in this story was Nancy, Trev’s supportive co-worker. Then you have James who also works with Trev, but in a different department.
My heart hurt for Trev and all that he had suffered. I wanted to have all of his co-workers brought up on disciplinary action. He had endured and I was so proud that he didn’t let them run him off.
The dates that Trev and James go on were definitely romantic. James was able to show Trev that there was more to life than hiding and being ashamed.
The feel of the book was almost young adult – while we are never really given an age for Trev or James, it feels like they are in their 20’s. That is especially apparent in the last pages of the story. While their actions made me laugh, I did find it very young.
October 9, 2015
Trust is as short and sweet read. Trevor has been humiliated at work because of his sexuality. He is always on guard because of the bullying, so when a co-worker talks to him during lunch he automatically assumes that the guy is trying to humiliate him. James has had a crush on Trevor for a long time, but didn’t know how to approach the guy and ask him if he was gay or interested. He hates that Trevor has been so hurt, but tells him things will get better.
While I enjoyed the sweetness between the two guys, I got the impression that they were very young. They came across as older teens/young 20’s. But, it was still a sweet relationship that was in the early stages. I really enjoyed that the writer did not have them jump into bed immediately. They were getting to know each other – something young characters don’t often do. It was a cute M/M story that was a very quick read.
*I received a copy of this book for review.
While I enjoyed the sweetness between the two guys, I got the impression that they were very young. They came across as older teens/young 20’s. But, it was still a sweet relationship that was in the early stages. I really enjoyed that the writer did not have them jump into bed immediately. They were getting to know each other – something young characters don’t often do. It was a cute M/M story that was a very quick read.
*I received a copy of this book for review.
September 16, 2015
This review originally appeared at Divine Magazine
Trust is an interesting story although Sarah Masters' style of writing is unconventional. The novella is written in first-person narrative, much of which is inner dialogue as Trev struggles with 'coming-out' and the homophobic attitudes towards him.
Trev's fledgling relationship with James is crucial to the plot and Trev's self-acceptance, however, Trust is not a typical contemporary romance. Instead, Sarah Masters confronts issues of bullying, victimisation, friendship and learning to "stick two fingers up" at the world.
Trust is a great book for anyone who feels the fear of not being able to be their true self or readers who enjoy honest but warm-humoured stories.
Trust is an interesting story although Sarah Masters' style of writing is unconventional. The novella is written in first-person narrative, much of which is inner dialogue as Trev struggles with 'coming-out' and the homophobic attitudes towards him.
Trev's fledgling relationship with James is crucial to the plot and Trev's self-acceptance, however, Trust is not a typical contemporary romance. Instead, Sarah Masters confronts issues of bullying, victimisation, friendship and learning to "stick two fingers up" at the world.
Trust is a great book for anyone who feels the fear of not being able to be their true self or readers who enjoy honest but warm-humoured stories.
September 13, 2015
FourStars
First off, I think my favorite character in this story was Nancy, Trev’s supportive co-worker. Then you have James who also works with Trev, but in a different department.
My heart hurt for Trev and all that he had suffered. I wanted to have all of his co-workers brought up on disciplinary action. He had endured and I was so proud that he didn’t let them run him off.
The dates that Trev and James go on were definitely romantic. James was able to show Trev that there was more to life than hiding and being ashamed.
The feel of the book was almost young adult – while we are never really given an age for Trev or James, it feels like they are in their 20’s. That is especially apparent in the last pages of the story. While their actions made me laugh, I did find it very young.
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Inked Rainbow Reads.
AvidReader
First off, I think my favorite character in this story was Nancy, Trev’s supportive co-worker. Then you have James who also works with Trev, but in a different department.
My heart hurt for Trev and all that he had suffered. I wanted to have all of his co-workers brought up on disciplinary action. He had endured and I was so proud that he didn’t let them run him off.
The dates that Trev and James go on were definitely romantic. James was able to show Trev that there was more to life than hiding and being ashamed.
The feel of the book was almost young adult – while we are never really given an age for Trev or James, it feels like they are in their 20’s. That is especially apparent in the last pages of the story. While their actions made me laugh, I did find it very young.
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Inked Rainbow Reads.
AvidReader
January 10, 2016
Reviewed for Prism Book Alliance
3.75stars
First of all, I was shocked to read a book from Totally Bound (okay Pride Publishing... but I haven't quite separated it in my mind from Totally Bound) with absolutely no sex. Actually, our characters don't even get so far as kissing. While I was surprised by this, don't mistake my reaction for negative. The story as told did not require sex or kissing.
For Complete review see Prism Book Alliance: http://www.prismbookalliance.com/?pos...
August 17, 2015
Sweet, funny short story about two gay men who work for the same company. One of them, Trev, has just come out and been subjected to unkind pranks by the office staff. The other, James, has not yet come out but isn't exactly in the closet, either.
This is the story of Trev having to overcome his fear that James's interest is just another prank and is told in first person from Trev's POV. When the two men decide how to introduce their burgeoning relationship to the rest of the company, get ready to laugh along with them. Cute story.
This is the story of Trev having to overcome his fear that James's interest is just another prank and is told in first person from Trev's POV. When the two men decide how to introduce their burgeoning relationship to the rest of the company, get ready to laugh along with them. Cute story.
August 26, 2015
Trust by Sarah Masters was a very sweet, very British, very fun read for me. As an Anglophile who has never managed to visit Great Britain, I enjoy unabashedly British books. Trust gives the reader a little slice of life for newly-out Trev, whose work colleagues have made life difficult for him. He is understandably nervous when another guy from work asks him out. Their first date is just delightful, one I would not mind going on myself! This story is a nice change from angst, being very positive and upbeat.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews