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Not Every Time #1
Not Every Time
What would you give up for love? Raziel Slade and Jack Hastings have been best friends since Raz saved Jack’s life twelve years ago. Jack has spent years searching for the perfect woman with the help of his wingman, Raz, the man he thinks of as his guardian angel. At a company Christmas party, the world Jack thought he knew turns on its axis, and feelings he didn’t know he had punch him right between the eyes. Can Jack learn to see his friend in an entirely different way? Openly gay, Raz loves his best friend and has given up more than Jack will ever know to be with him, but he’s never dared to tell Jack how he truly feels, or to reveal his true identity. For twelve years, he has waited in the wings. Now, with Jack’s sudden epiphany, can these two best friends work out if they have a future together?
Originally from South Wales, Alexa has lived for over thirty years in the North West of England. Now retired, after a long career in teaching, she devotes her time to her obsessions. Alexa began writing when her favourite character was killed in her favourite show. After producing a lot of fanfiction she ventured into original writing. She is currently owned by a mad cat and spends her time writing about the men in her head, watching her favourite television programmes and usually crying over her favourite football team.
Originally from South Wales, Alexa has lived for over thirty years in the North West of England. Now retired, after a long career in teaching, she devotes her time to her obsessions. Alexa began writing when her favourite character was killed in her favourite show. After producing a lot of fanfiction she ventured into original writing. She is currently owned by a mad cat and spends her time writing about the men in her head, watching her favourite television programmes and usually crying over her favourite football team.
43 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 17, 2015
2 people are currently reading
49 people want to read
About the author
Alexa Milne
30 books37 followersOriginally from South Wales, Alexa has lived for over thirty years in the North West of England. Now retired, after a long career in teaching, she devotes her time to her obsessions.
Alexa began writing when her favourite character was killed in her favourite show. After producing a lot of fanfiction she ventured into original writing.
She is currently owned by a mad cat and spends her time writing about the men in her head, watching her favourite television programmes and usually crying over her favourite football team.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
December 2, 2015
A holiday-themed friends to lovers with a hint of a paranormal aspect. Something I would normally be all over, but for some reason, this was not as fleshed out, nor as complete, as I needed for my taste. It’s a short story, so I get the need for speed, but a little too much was missing for me to totally become in vested in the characters and the plot.
Jack and Raz are best friends. They live together and Raz is the best wing-man a guy like Jack could ever hope for…except that maybe he could be more? Raz is in love with Jack, always has been, but is happy to be his best friend if that’s all that’s on the table for them, until it’s not. Jack and Raz move quickly (well relatively quickly after their twelve year friendship) but it’s not insta-love. They have a history and trust, so that was totally believable.
What I really wanted was to get at the angel aspect that surrounded Raziel, but I guess it was meant to be more of “make your own impression”. But I really, really wanted his history of how he came to be Jack’s guardian angel. It is still very much a warm and fuzzy holiday love story, without much in the way of angst, so if you want the miracle of love for Christmas then I suggest you give this one a try.
The Blogger Girls
Jack and Raz are best friends. They live together and Raz is the best wing-man a guy like Jack could ever hope for…except that maybe he could be more? Raz is in love with Jack, always has been, but is happy to be his best friend if that’s all that’s on the table for them, until it’s not. Jack and Raz move quickly (well relatively quickly after their twelve year friendship) but it’s not insta-love. They have a history and trust, so that was totally believable.
What I really wanted was to get at the angel aspect that surrounded Raziel, but I guess it was meant to be more of “make your own impression”. But I really, really wanted his history of how he came to be Jack’s guardian angel. It is still very much a warm and fuzzy holiday love story, without much in the way of angst, so if you want the miracle of love for Christmas then I suggest you give this one a try.
The Blogger Girls
December 22, 2015
Friends to lovers Christmas story that was quite sweet but a little lacking on execution to get the full facial of adorable.
This was a very sweet friends to lovers Christmas story. The setup was a great theme that I love. Two guys, one gay, one straight, they’ve been friends forever and the straight one has THE epiphany that he actually loves his BFF like he always expected he would love a woman, but the beautiful connection with his bestie is so strong he gives up all his straight and goes for the gay. I know you know what I mean.
Raz and Jack have been friends for 12 years and are roomies. Raz has been in love with Jack forever and Jack never seems to be able to find himself a gal to settle down with. At some point Raz saved Jack’s life. It’s alluded to in the blurb pretty strongly and it was mentioned, but the whole idea wasn’t fully fleshed out. Raz felt that it was his duty to take care of Jack from then on out. I didn’t really get why. I mean, I understand the legend of it all, but it didn’t connect in a relevant way with the story making it feel a little superfluous.
Jack really had no angst at all when it came to the change in his life or any struggles with the physical side of his relationship with Raz. He did have a minor freak out at first which was understandable and I liked how his first thoughts were for Raz’s feelings not his own mind set. I thought that was really refreshing and spoke to the respect and the feelings Raz had for Jack. To say Jack jumped in cannonball style at that point would be an understatement. Jack had no problem stating all his feelings and it went from showing me how they felt for each other to some serious telling. The words were sweet but it read a bit like instructions then.
I liked the HEA even though it came flying through like Santa’s Sleigh traveling at light speed. I didn’t really buy it, but I liked it all the same. It was like the guys were told, “you’ve got 5 minutes, wrap this baby up”. And they did.
For a quick and sweet angst free read that you don’t want to think too hard about, this is a goodie. It’s not going to have the staying power of a Christmas classic, but you will be happy for Jack and Raz.
a copy of this story was provided for an honest review
This was a very sweet friends to lovers Christmas story. The setup was a great theme that I love. Two guys, one gay, one straight, they’ve been friends forever and the straight one has THE epiphany that he actually loves his BFF like he always expected he would love a woman, but the beautiful connection with his bestie is so strong he gives up all his straight and goes for the gay. I know you know what I mean.
Raz and Jack have been friends for 12 years and are roomies. Raz has been in love with Jack forever and Jack never seems to be able to find himself a gal to settle down with. At some point Raz saved Jack’s life. It’s alluded to in the blurb pretty strongly and it was mentioned, but the whole idea wasn’t fully fleshed out. Raz felt that it was his duty to take care of Jack from then on out. I didn’t really get why. I mean, I understand the legend of it all, but it didn’t connect in a relevant way with the story making it feel a little superfluous.
Jack really had no angst at all when it came to the change in his life or any struggles with the physical side of his relationship with Raz. He did have a minor freak out at first which was understandable and I liked how his first thoughts were for Raz’s feelings not his own mind set. I thought that was really refreshing and spoke to the respect and the feelings Raz had for Jack. To say Jack jumped in cannonball style at that point would be an understatement. Jack had no problem stating all his feelings and it went from showing me how they felt for each other to some serious telling. The words were sweet but it read a bit like instructions then.
I liked the HEA even though it came flying through like Santa’s Sleigh traveling at light speed. I didn’t really buy it, but I liked it all the same. It was like the guys were told, “you’ve got 5 minutes, wrap this baby up”. And they did.
For a quick and sweet angst free read that you don’t want to think too hard about, this is a goodie. It’s not going to have the staying power of a Christmas classic, but you will be happy for Jack and Raz.
a copy of this story was provided for an honest review
January 3, 2016
I don't always get it but I sometimes understand the desire to fit as much content into too few pages but it does not always work cohesively.
The instant GFY,the love fest between the two characters,the marriage proposals & wedding bands within a space of weeks happens too quickly to be believable.I felt the slight obsessiveness of Raziel towards his friend but Jack's need was basically an innocent blur.
The instant GFY,the love fest between the two characters,the marriage proposals & wedding bands within a space of weeks happens too quickly to be believable.I felt the slight obsessiveness of Raziel towards his friend but Jack's need was basically an innocent blur.
November 20, 2015
For some reason this did nothing for me which is weird, because I love holiday stories. Maybe because I thought Jack was too accepting? Maybe because we never got Jack's side so I didn't know if he really WAS cool and not freaking out.
I also hated that friend, Kat? I forget her name, but I didn't like her.
I also hated that friend, Kat? I forget her name, but I didn't like her.
December 16, 2015
Not Every Time by Alexa Milne is a quick holiday love story. Raz and Jack live together and have been best friends since Raz saved Jack's life so many years ago. Raz has been in love with Jack for what seems like forever, but Jack is straight. Knowing Raz could never have Jack, he's content to live with him so he can at least have him in his life.
Knowing Raz is gay has never been an issue for Jack. He's the best friend anyone can ever hope for. He's always wanted him around. Then one night at a holiday party, Jack sees Raz dancing with someone else and realizes he may lose his wing-man. This stirs up so many feelings, Jack is having a hard time sorting them out. He's only ever viewed him in one way, and now he is looking at Raz with a renewed take.
I really enjoyed this short friends-to-lovers story! Jack and Raz move very quickly once their friendship takes a turn. I would have liked to see Jack express more of his feelings as they went. I understand they have a lot of history but given the new angle of their relationship, I think it needed to be a little more fleshed out. I also would've liked to know how Raz came to be Jack's guardian angel. Maybe in a flashback?? It would've of added to the believability. That being said, this story was still a happy, warm, and snug as a bug romance I definitely recommend reading!
3.5 stars/3 flames
A copy of this book was gifted to me by the Jeep Diva for the express purpose of an honest review. The rating and review are solely by opinion and in no way was I compensated.
Knowing Raz is gay has never been an issue for Jack. He's the best friend anyone can ever hope for. He's always wanted him around. Then one night at a holiday party, Jack sees Raz dancing with someone else and realizes he may lose his wing-man. This stirs up so many feelings, Jack is having a hard time sorting them out. He's only ever viewed him in one way, and now he is looking at Raz with a renewed take.
I really enjoyed this short friends-to-lovers story! Jack and Raz move very quickly once their friendship takes a turn. I would have liked to see Jack express more of his feelings as they went. I understand they have a lot of history but given the new angle of their relationship, I think it needed to be a little more fleshed out. I also would've liked to know how Raz came to be Jack's guardian angel. Maybe in a flashback?? It would've of added to the believability. That being said, this story was still a happy, warm, and snug as a bug romance I definitely recommend reading!
3.5 stars/3 flames
A copy of this book was gifted to me by the Jeep Diva for the express purpose of an honest review. The rating and review are solely by opinion and in no way was I compensated.
December 14, 2015
This book starts off with a bang with great dialogue between two best friends who are getting ready for a party. From the first page the story grabbed me and pulled me in; I felt like I was standing in the room with them.
The scene at the party built a wonderful tension and created a mystery that kept you on the edge of your seat. I couldn't wait to find out what happened.
When the story reached its crescendo and the main characters declared their love for each other it felt like the timing was perfect. Their love story is so sweet.
Since this was a short story I was expecting more of a rush in the plot line, but I was pleasantly surprised that everything happened at just the right time. There was no rush and there was no lagging. The author timed everything perfectly.
The only criticism I would have is that the story hints about who Raz really is but the story never gives any explanation or really says anything about it. Just hints here and there and the one line that is said at the end. I wish the story would have delved into this more.
I would recommend this story because the plot line flows really well, the story is so great, the characters are so believable and the love story is very sweet. It even has kittens.
I received this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review from Inked Rainbow Reads.
The scene at the party built a wonderful tension and created a mystery that kept you on the edge of your seat. I couldn't wait to find out what happened.
When the story reached its crescendo and the main characters declared their love for each other it felt like the timing was perfect. Their love story is so sweet.
Since this was a short story I was expecting more of a rush in the plot line, but I was pleasantly surprised that everything happened at just the right time. There was no rush and there was no lagging. The author timed everything perfectly.
The only criticism I would have is that the story hints about who Raz really is but the story never gives any explanation or really says anything about it. Just hints here and there and the one line that is said at the end. I wish the story would have delved into this more.
I would recommend this story because the plot line flows really well, the story is so great, the characters are so believable and the love story is very sweet. It even has kittens.
I received this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review from Inked Rainbow Reads.
December 15, 2015
**I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.**
Not Every Time is a quick coming out holiday love story. Raz has been in love with his best friend since he saved his life. Jack has known Raz was gay and never had a problem with it, until he realized he may lose the best thing that has ever happened to him.
Not Every Time is a straightforward gay-for-you holiday romance. I love little filler books like these, especially at this time of year. I can't always commit to a three or four hundred page book but need to relax and read. This fit the bill perfectly.
Not Every Time is a quick coming out holiday love story. Raz has been in love with his best friend since he saved his life. Jack has known Raz was gay and never had a problem with it, until he realized he may lose the best thing that has ever happened to him.
Not Every Time is a straightforward gay-for-you holiday romance. I love little filler books like these, especially at this time of year. I can't always commit to a three or four hundred page book but need to relax and read. This fit the bill perfectly.
December 17, 2015
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~
I enjoyed this story of friends to lovers, which also has a Christmas theme running through it. The guys have been inseparable for years, and yet one of them just hasn't realised what everyone else sees - until he might lose it all.
A quick, cute and sexy read. Perfect for getting into the Christmas party mood!
I enjoyed this story of friends to lovers, which also has a Christmas theme running through it. The guys have been inseparable for years, and yet one of them just hasn't realised what everyone else sees - until he might lose it all.
A quick, cute and sexy read. Perfect for getting into the Christmas party mood!
December 7, 2017
Well, the first 30% was really good. I admit. There's a feeling shown, jealousy and a false alarm.
But then it become too easy, too rush into a stable relationship.
Family's so perfect, no restriction from anyone.
Jake, from a straight, shy man has become an aggressive sex addict in one night. Not that I complain about it. But it feels too much for me.
Not this story was bad per se, but it probably just me. I'm kinda hard to please. Sigh.
You'll probably like it, this is a holiday story after all. I'd say go for it :)
But then it become too easy, too rush into a stable relationship.
Family's so perfect, no restriction from anyone.
Jake, from a straight, shy man has become an aggressive sex addict in one night. Not that I complain about it. But it feels too much for me.
Not this story was bad per se, but it probably just me. I'm kinda hard to please. Sigh.
You'll probably like it, this is a holiday story after all. I'd say go for it :)
January 31, 2019
Hey, fellow smut lovers!
This book has its very own episode on Straight Girl Goes Gay - a Vimeo on Demand web series.
Subscribe and watch here.
Everything contains spoilers! You have been warned :)
December 5, 2015
3.5
Jack and Raz have been best friends for twelve years. Raz saved Jack’s life and that changed everything. Jack is straight and Raz is always there for him. They are roommates and to this point, Raz hasn’t had a boyfriend. Jack has the best of both worlds so his feelings of being blindsided by his own twisting emotions seemed very realistic to me.
For his part, Raz is gay and in love with Jack. He’s given up so much to be there for Jack and he will be there for him in whatever way he can. It is only at a Christmas party where Raz meets the handsome Justin, who proceeds to dance with Raz in Jack’s sight, that Jack begins to think he may be more confused than he thought. A little addition of some kittens and a kiss really turn things on their heads.
The twist here is very subtle – hinted at without ever coming out and saying it. I loved that because it made Raz just that much more precious. I thought it was a sweet holiday story and Raz’s thoughts at the end, about “every time a bell rings” made me smile.
Jack and Raz have been best friends for twelve years. Raz saved Jack’s life and that changed everything. Jack is straight and Raz is always there for him. They are roommates and to this point, Raz hasn’t had a boyfriend. Jack has the best of both worlds so his feelings of being blindsided by his own twisting emotions seemed very realistic to me.
For his part, Raz is gay and in love with Jack. He’s given up so much to be there for Jack and he will be there for him in whatever way he can. It is only at a Christmas party where Raz meets the handsome Justin, who proceeds to dance with Raz in Jack’s sight, that Jack begins to think he may be more confused than he thought. A little addition of some kittens and a kiss really turn things on their heads.
The twist here is very subtle – hinted at without ever coming out and saying it. I loved that because it made Raz just that much more precious. I thought it was a sweet holiday story and Raz’s thoughts at the end, about “every time a bell rings” made me smile.
December 8, 2015
Original Blog Post
Review by: multitaskingmomma
My Rating: 4 of 4 Stars
(Based On Short&LIght Read Category)
Jack is straight and had been searching for the right woman to share his life. He never found her. Raziel, his best friend, has been watching on the sidelines and never said a word. When Jack finally has an epiphany, it happens on Christmas and it is the best gift he'd ever received. If only Raziel feels the same way.
This is a best friends to lovers story and it is romantic as it is surreal and fairy tale like. What else is the best kind of read these holidays. This was intended to make the readers feel the thump of romance and grin like a loon. This is a dream, a fantasy, and Jack and Raziel only have to wake up and be the partners and lovers they were always meant to be.
If you like these types of stories, the feel good, angst free, romantic love stories, then this is for you.
Note: Copy provided by publisher for an honest review.
Review by: multitaskingmomma
My Rating: 4 of 4 Stars
(Based On Short&LIght Read Category)
Jack is straight and had been searching for the right woman to share his life. He never found her. Raziel, his best friend, has been watching on the sidelines and never said a word. When Jack finally has an epiphany, it happens on Christmas and it is the best gift he'd ever received. If only Raziel feels the same way.
This is a best friends to lovers story and it is romantic as it is surreal and fairy tale like. What else is the best kind of read these holidays. This was intended to make the readers feel the thump of romance and grin like a loon. This is a dream, a fantasy, and Jack and Raziel only have to wake up and be the partners and lovers they were always meant to be.
If you like these types of stories, the feel good, angst free, romantic love stories, then this is for you.
Note: Copy provided by publisher for an honest review.
December 30, 2015
Original review on Molly Lolly
Four stars!
This was a sweet story. Raz was so in love with Jack. You can feel how much he cares right from the beginning. Jack is so adorably clueless about his own feelings and Raz’s. I liked how Jack was all in once he admitted his feelings.
I wanted to know more about Raz’s past and what he gave up. It was alluded to and hinted at. But I wanted that storyline to be explored further.
There’s a sweet happy for now ending. There don’t seem to be any loose ends left to tie up, but I still want more from these characters. I’d love a sequel where we see these two in the future. Maybe where Raz tells Jack what he gave up to save him? Or at their wedding.
Four stars!
This was a sweet story. Raz was so in love with Jack. You can feel how much he cares right from the beginning. Jack is so adorably clueless about his own feelings and Raz’s. I liked how Jack was all in once he admitted his feelings.
I wanted to know more about Raz’s past and what he gave up. It was alluded to and hinted at. But I wanted that storyline to be explored further.
There’s a sweet happy for now ending. There don’t seem to be any loose ends left to tie up, but I still want more from these characters. I’d love a sequel where we see these two in the future. Maybe where Raz tells Jack what he gave up to save him? Or at their wedding.
December 9, 2015
When you want a feel good story you can devour in one sitting - maybe a quiet evening or an afternoon curled up with a cuppa - then this is the perfect story for that moment. I fell in love with those gorgeous eyes and that classic 'friends into lovers' transition is given just enough angst to make the final realisation deliciously sweet.
The twist is a bonus and I'm really looking forward to the next installment for these two delightful guys.
A Christmas season winner.
The twist is a bonus and I'm really looking forward to the next installment for these two delightful guys.
A Christmas season winner.
December 4, 2015
This is a quaint best friends to lovers story. It’s very British with some quirky angel references but be warned – this is not an angel story ☺
It’s very short, has a bit of smexy times and is pretty cute – if unremarkable.
If you’re in the mood for a quick GFY, friends to lovers, over the holidays type book – this is for you!
It’s very short, has a bit of smexy times and is pretty cute – if unremarkable.
If you’re in the mood for a quick GFY, friends to lovers, over the holidays type book – this is for you!
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May 21, 2016Sequel to this story - A Bell Rings is now out. My Christmas tale. One of my favourite Christmas films is 'It's a Wonderful Life' and it gave me the idea for this story. This is the story of two friends, finding love, keeping secrets and a pair of ginger kittens.
August 23, 2016
A new author for me is always a great find and with this holiday romance it's even better. Jack and Raz have been best friends for years, watching them become something more is heartwarming. A great addition to my holiday library.
June 26, 2019
Great holiday story. Friends to lovers. I found myself keeping fingers crossed that they would finally see what they meant to each other. Huge smile on my face when they realised they were meant to be together.
June 4, 2016
A sweet and sexy Christmas read. An intriguing mystery - is he or isn't he? Will the writer answer the question in a future story?
January 8, 2016
2.5 stars
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews