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The Music of the Spheres
An athlete and introvert from a family touched by loss, Ryan Mattson splits his life between reading and spending time with his dad and precocious younger sister. With the wounds of Ryan’s past almost healed, high school is simple, and so is everything else.
But that changes when he’s paired with Adam for a class project. Adam, the guy with birthmarks like flecks of mud and compost-brown eyes that hide behind dorky glasses. Grudgingly, the two young men work together, and as they do, an unlikely friendship is formed.
With the passing college years, their bond deepens and grows. Even Ryan’s sister and dad take a liking to Adam, and the family – always missing a voice – seems to gain another. But just as Ryan is forced to confront what Adam really means to him, his family is dragged toward crisis. And beneath the silent snows and starlit sky of a Minnesota winter, their friendship will be tested more than ever before.
But that changes when he’s paired with Adam for a class project. Adam, the guy with birthmarks like flecks of mud and compost-brown eyes that hide behind dorky glasses. Grudgingly, the two young men work together, and as they do, an unlikely friendship is formed.
With the passing college years, their bond deepens and grows. Even Ryan’s sister and dad take a liking to Adam, and the family – always missing a voice – seems to gain another. But just as Ryan is forced to confront what Adam really means to him, his family is dragged toward crisis. And beneath the silent snows and starlit sky of a Minnesota winter, their friendship will be tested more than ever before.
218 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 25, 2016
23 people are currently reading
536 people want to read
About the author
Chase Potter
7 books204 followersChase Potter is a young author from St. Paul, Minnesota. Having enjoyed writing from a young age, Chase sharpened his skills during college and a year abroad in Germany, culminating in his first novel, The Race for Second.
Chase lives with his husband Mitchell and their dog Alex in an aging duplex they're slowly working to rehabilitate. During the day he works in import logistics, but writing is his true passion that he continues to pursue.
Chase lives with his husband Mitchell and their dog Alex in an aging duplex they're slowly working to rehabilitate. During the day he works in import logistics, but writing is his true passion that he continues to pursue.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews
July 6, 2023
To say that I devoured this book would be an understatement. Maybe …inhale it !!! 😁
I was on a YA spree lately and I still craved another one (color me surprised, I know) . This one hit the spot just right and the pages just flew. I fell in love with Adam from the first page while it took me a minute to warm up to Ryan. And I think it was a good move that we had his POV because I think he would have annoyed me quite a bit if I hadn’t been in his head . I found him kind of spoiled, a bit self centered and a lot oblivious. And his obliviousness was endearing for the most part of the book but even towards the end he was barely dragging his feet in admitting what he felt for Adam and he pissed me off a smidge. I loved the slow burn though, I love the organic rhythm of their friendship and later relationship. And most of all I loved dear Emma and cried so much for her . I also wish I had gotten to know Adam’s foster parents and I wish he had given them a chance because they seemed like they were really trying.
I wish this author wrote more books because he does it spectacularly. Excellent read!
TW for death of a side character (cancer).
I was on a YA spree lately and I still craved another one (color me surprised, I know) . This one hit the spot just right and the pages just flew. I fell in love with Adam from the first page while it took me a minute to warm up to Ryan. And I think it was a good move that we had his POV because I think he would have annoyed me quite a bit if I hadn’t been in his head . I found him kind of spoiled, a bit self centered and a lot oblivious. And his obliviousness was endearing for the most part of the book but even towards the end he was barely dragging his feet in admitting what he felt for Adam and he pissed me off a smidge. I loved the slow burn though, I love the organic rhythm of their friendship and later relationship. And most of all I loved dear Emma and cried so much for her . I also wish I had gotten to know Adam’s foster parents and I wish he had given them a chance because they seemed like they were really trying.
I wish this author wrote more books because he does it spectacularly. Excellent read!
TW for death of a side character (cancer).
February 1, 2016
Another great novel from Chase Potter! I couldn't wait to read this beautiful book. I love best friends to lovers stories and Chase has a way of making his stories feel so real to me. And by real I mean believable.
I will always read me a Chase Potter novel!!
Great book!
I will always read me a Chase Potter novel!!
Great book!
July 9, 2019
O.M.G. ... where to start? If you only read one book this year, make it this one!! This is how to tell a story ... absolute perfection! Exquisite, poignant, beautiful and so very real! This is the first book I've read by author Chase Potter ... but I am all over the others! Which one to read next!?!
September 17, 2016
I loved, Loved this book. These are my favourite books. The slow building, slow burning feelings. From friends to something much more meaningful.
Ryan and Adam's story is so beautiful. They start as strangers, classmates, then Adam becomes Ryan's best friend and they share together their dreams, hopes and everything. Their friendship is so amazing.
I liked Ryan's family and how supportive of him they were. I liked how they considered Adam a part of it.
The book would be better if there wasn't that heart breaking and dramatic event, but nevertheless, it made the story more powerful.
I also liked how the author starts from a Ya, then continues as a Na and ends it as an Adult book (maybe). The development of the characters and their feelings is captivating.
The ending was magnificent. I wouldn't change a single word.
Powerful story. Recommended to everyone.
Ryan and Adam's story is so beautiful. They start as strangers, classmates, then Adam becomes Ryan's best friend and they share together their dreams, hopes and everything. Their friendship is so amazing.
I liked Ryan's family and how supportive of him they were. I liked how they considered Adam a part of it.
The book would be better if there wasn't that heart breaking and dramatic event, but nevertheless, it made the story more powerful.
I also liked how the author starts from a Ya, then continues as a Na and ends it as an Adult book (maybe). The development of the characters and their feelings is captivating.
The ending was magnificent. I wouldn't change a single word.
Powerful story. Recommended to everyone.
January 26, 2024
That was beautiful! 😍
4.5 stars
I loved it!
The characters.
The writing.
The pace.
Ryan's family, their lovely relationship. It's so beautiful how they interact with each other. ❤️
Ryan and Adam's friendship that develops into a romantic relationship over the years. What a slow burn, I tell you. You have to be very patient 😂
At some points I was a bit annoyed with Ryan and his inability to accept his romantic feelings for Adam. How can he be so blind and clueless? His sister though (maybe his dad too) had the right clue I guess… love her!
“I told you, we aren’t lying to him. If I tell him we’re sleeping in the same bed, he’s going to think we’re like… doing it or something.”
“Is that such a crazy idea?”
4.5 stars
I loved it!
The characters.
The writing.
The pace.
Ryan's family, their lovely relationship. It's so beautiful how they interact with each other. ❤️
Ryan and Adam's friendship that develops into a romantic relationship over the years. What a slow burn, I tell you. You have to be very patient 😂
At some points I was a bit annoyed with Ryan and his inability to accept his romantic feelings for Adam. How can he be so blind and clueless? His sister though (maybe his dad too) had the right clue I guess… love her!
“I told you, we aren’t lying to him. If I tell him we’re sleeping in the same bed, he’s going to think we’re like… doing it or something.”
“Is that such a crazy idea?”
February 18, 2016
Review to come. For now, I'll just say this was beautifully written as is always the case with a Chase Potter book.
April 28, 2016
Unsure as to how to rate this one to be honest, but I think 3.5 rounded up to 4 stars is fair. My main problem with this story was the lack of heartfelt emotion, and believe me, there are some really sad moments (and yet tellingly NO tears or even sniffles from me, and I'm a complete sap as you know). It's not cold and clinical, just lukewarm. This is a double GFY, but for me, there was no tenderness between the two of them, just not a lot of connection at all. I'm not fazed by stories without sex, or hardly any sex, but in this case I think it would have helped to prove that Ryan wasn't an automaton....you know, some description of his innermost thoughts and feelings for Adam.
Ryan was IMHO, to put it bluntly, a selfish arse. He wasn't a likeable character, and I have to say that I much preferred Adam. I quite often wondered who the older sibling in the Mattson household was (clue...it wasn't Ryan). Emma, the youngest sibling, was by far the best character in the story as far as I was concerned.....
Another problem I had was
March 2, 2016
I wanted to review the book for weeks now. I’ve betaread it, I love it, it’s amazing.
Have you ever read a book and felt speechless afterwards? That happened to me. How do I describe the range of emotions this book had put me through? If I say I love it, I laughed and I cried – that sounds so trite. With this book I have the feeling that words really can’t express the way it touched me. Sure, I can tell you it’s amazing, I can tell you it’s the best book Chase has written so far, that he is such a talented author. I can assure you that I’m not wasting my time betareading books of mediocre authors. But I still would feel like I just can't explain the range of emotions this books evoked in me adequately. It's just sooooo amazing.
In my opinion Chase Potter is extremely talented, his books aren’t cookie-cutter but each individual pearls of creativity. So…despite the theme of this book sounds familiar (friends to lovers over high school/college time), the book is unique and extremely well written.
I’m absolutely convinced that Chase Potter's books are little pieces of art and should be read by everybody who loves the power of the written word.
Chase Potter can make me FEEL in the tips of my hair if he wants to…yes, he’s so good.
So – if you so far haven’t read any books written by him, then you should try this one.
Have you ever read a book and felt speechless afterwards? That happened to me. How do I describe the range of emotions this book had put me through? If I say I love it, I laughed and I cried – that sounds so trite. With this book I have the feeling that words really can’t express the way it touched me. Sure, I can tell you it’s amazing, I can tell you it’s the best book Chase has written so far, that he is such a talented author. I can assure you that I’m not wasting my time betareading books of mediocre authors. But I still would feel like I just can't explain the range of emotions this books evoked in me adequately. It's just sooooo amazing.
In my opinion Chase Potter is extremely talented, his books aren’t cookie-cutter but each individual pearls of creativity. So…despite the theme of this book sounds familiar (friends to lovers over high school/college time), the book is unique and extremely well written.
I’m absolutely convinced that Chase Potter's books are little pieces of art and should be read by everybody who loves the power of the written word.
Chase Potter can make me FEEL in the tips of my hair if he wants to…yes, he’s so good.
So – if you so far haven’t read any books written by him, then you should try this one.
October 3, 2016
This book is everything I look for in a good love story. I usually don't pay much attention to book covers, but this one drew me to it without even knowing anything about the story. Turns out the book itself is pretty wonderful.
This author's writing is beautiful. The voice was perfect. The MCs were so lovable- the secondary characters as well. I hesitate to call them secondary, because Ryan's father and sister were so well developed and had such meaningful roles. All the different types of love here- familial, best friends, and lovers, were so packed with emotion. I adored how deeply Ryan and Adam loved each other even before they were in love. No silly miscommunications or characters being stupid, just life happening.
As sweet and often times funny as this book is, there's definitely a lot of heaviness and substance here. It's a tearjerker. It's a simple friends to lovers, coming of age story, but it's done in a way that really makes it stand out from the many books with that theme. Highly recommend to people who enjoyed books like Rock by Anyta Sunday or Memorizing you by Dan Skinner (though it's not nearly as much of a sob fest as the latter). I can't wait to read more from this author.
This author's writing is beautiful. The voice was perfect. The MCs were so lovable- the secondary characters as well. I hesitate to call them secondary, because Ryan's father and sister were so well developed and had such meaningful roles. All the different types of love here- familial, best friends, and lovers, were so packed with emotion. I adored how deeply Ryan and Adam loved each other even before they were in love. No silly miscommunications or characters being stupid, just life happening.
As sweet and often times funny as this book is, there's definitely a lot of heaviness and substance here. It's a tearjerker. It's a simple friends to lovers, coming of age story, but it's done in a way that really makes it stand out from the many books with that theme. Highly recommend to people who enjoyed books like Rock by Anyta Sunday or Memorizing you by Dan Skinner (though it's not nearly as much of a sob fest as the latter). I can't wait to read more from this author.
August 8, 2023
Oh my goodness. This was my first book by this author and I really didn't know what to expect. I foolishly started it as I was getting ready for bed and now it's quarter to 4 and I have to get up in four hours for work.
This book is amazing. Not smutty at all which is what I usually read, and it made me legit cry, I had to get tissues and everything, so this is definitely different for me but it was excellent.
The writing is stellar, the characters are, ugh, so freaking lovable I literally have tears in my eyes again thinking about them and I do not cry much at all. Anyway I love everything about this book.
This book is amazing. Not smutty at all which is what I usually read, and it made me legit cry, I had to get tissues and everything, so this is definitely different for me but it was excellent.
The writing is stellar, the characters are, ugh, so freaking lovable I literally have tears in my eyes again thinking about them and I do not cry much at all. Anyway I love everything about this book.
February 7, 2016
What a beautiful story of friendship, family and unconditional love. I was touched by the close relationship between Ryan and Emma. I have never seen that. The remarkable friendship between Adam and Ryan that grew from a literature assignment in senior year and just kept going right through college and beyond just blew me away. Somehow, Adam just became part of Ryan's family and came to love Emma just as Ryan did. Of course, in a story this exceptional, there has to be some heartbreak. That was a heart wrenching part to read but it was written beautifully. Mr. Potter is a new author to me but the man can weave a story that just grips you. The story flowed very well and kept me turning pages. Highly recommended.
January 31, 2016
I wish there were more books like this. Even though the story itself is not completely new, the characters as well as the perfect style of the book are. I was not able to put this amazing book down. Chase Potter is an extremely talented writer so I'm already excited for his next book.
( I did not receive a free copy for this review).
( I did not receive a free copy for this review).
March 22, 2016
This was my first book by Chase Potter but it won't be my last. Really enjoyed it. Solid writing, lots of heart, and endearing characters. Nice work, Chase!
September 2, 2018
3.75 stars, rounded up
CW:
I wouldn't classify this as a romance, though there is a love story. It's more about two boys becoming friends and helping each other through some tough times. Well, it's more Adam helping Ryan through some tough times, but they both fulfill something that's missing in the other's life, as Ryan provides Adam with a surrogate family. Their friendship is wonderful and often put a big grin on my face.
It's first-person POV and present tense, which I know some readers may have issues with. I'm not one who cares about that normally, and while it mostly doesn't bother me here, I did find myself often wanting to see Adam's side of things. This was especially the case in the one brief scene we have with Adam's foster father. It almost felt like there was something else going on there than the brief explanation that we got, so the choice to do this in first-person does limit how much we get to know about Adam. I also wanted Ryan to figure out his feelings for Adam a lot sooner than he did.
I was not prepared for the turn this story made at about the halfway mark. It was very emotional and while I hated what happened, it was beautifully written. The writing throughout the story flowed nicely and I liked seeing how these characters cared about each other and how they "adopted" Adam to their family and helped each other when things got rough.
CW:
I wouldn't classify this as a romance, though there is a love story. It's more about two boys becoming friends and helping each other through some tough times. Well, it's more Adam helping Ryan through some tough times, but they both fulfill something that's missing in the other's life, as Ryan provides Adam with a surrogate family. Their friendship is wonderful and often put a big grin on my face.
It's first-person POV and present tense, which I know some readers may have issues with. I'm not one who cares about that normally, and while it mostly doesn't bother me here, I did find myself often wanting to see Adam's side of things. This was especially the case in the one brief scene we have with Adam's foster father. It almost felt like there was something else going on there than the brief explanation that we got, so the choice to do this in first-person does limit how much we get to know about Adam. I also wanted Ryan to figure out his feelings for Adam a lot sooner than he did.
I was not prepared for the turn this story made at about the halfway mark. It was very emotional and while I hated what happened, it was beautifully written. The writing throughout the story flowed nicely and I liked seeing how these characters cared about each other and how they "adopted" Adam to their family and helped each other when things got rough.
January 22, 2016
Note: There are no spoilers in this review.
Coming January 25, 2016 to Amazon: Chase Potter's fourth book, The Music of the Spheres.
You should know I have read and loved every book that Chase Potter has published. That stated, I've watched him grow as an author, but that might make me sound like I have more experience than he does—and that is not the case.
The truth is, I look up to Chase because he's way ahead of me on the Indie/self-publishing journey. He has been kind enough to share his knowledge and mentor me along my own journey to self-publishing. Yet, from a certain point of view, I have watched him grow as an author. That said, this book, his fourth, is his best work so far!
How do I know this? Because I read The Music of the Spheres in three days, which is a record of records for me. But enough about me... let's get to the book!
In short, Ryan, the main character, embraces the support of his amazing sister Emma and his dad Scott. As the story progresses, Chase brings the reader through the special moments of their life together as they welcome Adam, the quirky kid, into the Mattson's home and hearts.
The Music of the Spheres is a beautiful coming-of-age romance story unlike any I've read. Ryan's journey to love is sweet, well-paced, and leaves you wanting for more in all the right ways. I think this is why I had such a hard time putting it down, and Chase doesn't disappoint. He delivers the skillful weaving of powerful themes such as love, life, family, innocence, discovery, loss, and most importantly, falling in love throughout the story.
A few things I wish to call out:
• Real - Chase created several down-to-earth characters, immersed them in believable, real-life situations, and effortlessly mixed them with fiction. (He's getting really good at this.) I kept wondering which characters and scenes he based on (his) real life (experience), if any at all. That's how well his skill has developed...which means his future books will be that much more amazing.
• Emotionally Moving - I instantly liked three of the four main characters as they entered the story. I had to warm up to Adam, the fourth main character, but I believe Chase intended this because we perceive the story's world through Ryan's eyes—and it takes Adam some time to open up to Ryan.
• Emma, Emma - Though Ryan Mattson is the main character, Emma, his younger and adorable sister, quickly steals the stage as the smart and sassy glue of the Mattson family. Chase has mastered what I call reader empathy* - when a story's important characters emotionally connect with the soul of the reader. I would love to meet them all in real life because they are so special.
• The Power of Love - This book is full of love. There's father to son and daughter, brother to sister, best friend to best friend, Adam to the Mattson family, Adam to Emma.
So, if you're looking for a well written, compelling and heartfelt story that will be hard to put down, put this on your Good Read's Want to Read list and then order it on January 25 from Amazon!
February 5, 2016
Well first of all this book completely wrecked me. This is the 3rd 5 star book I have read by this author and this one exceeded all my expectations even though I knew it would be good going in.
Put simply this is just a beautiful story. It's an astonishing peek into the mind of a young man detailing his life to us centering around a friendship that starts in high school. The story is told completely from Ryan's POV, which in my opinion is an excellent choice by the writer. As I read this story I felt completely at one with Ryan and what he was feeling. This is why I read books I want to feel, and boy did this book do that. Ryan has experienced tragedy but has a very close family father and sister (Emma, what a treat she is). Adam comes into to his life randomly because they are paired for an assignment in class. Adam has foster parents that he barely has a relationship with. They are different with different backgrounds but they fit together perfectly. Their friendship is effortless, strong, and unconditional. The closeness they share builds through years of being there for each other. The story is told so realistically that you literally get caught up in everything that is going on.
As a reader of many M/M novels with a GFY theme I find myself sometimes thinking (oh come on no one can be in this much denial about their feelings for someone) that did not happen here. I believed every single word. This is a slow burn, very slooowwwwllllyyyy burning taking years to get where they eventually end up. Yes there is a very AWESOME HEA.
This book was all about the journey. Life throws Ryan and emotional shit parade but Adam is the constant driving force in his life and together they make it. I laughed, cried, and rejoiced, this was an excellent read for me I highly recommend it.
LOW on STEAM
HIGH on EMOTION
Put simply this is just a beautiful story. It's an astonishing peek into the mind of a young man detailing his life to us centering around a friendship that starts in high school. The story is told completely from Ryan's POV, which in my opinion is an excellent choice by the writer. As I read this story I felt completely at one with Ryan and what he was feeling. This is why I read books I want to feel, and boy did this book do that. Ryan has experienced tragedy but has a very close family father and sister (Emma, what a treat she is). Adam comes into to his life randomly because they are paired for an assignment in class. Adam has foster parents that he barely has a relationship with. They are different with different backgrounds but they fit together perfectly. Their friendship is effortless, strong, and unconditional. The closeness they share builds through years of being there for each other. The story is told so realistically that you literally get caught up in everything that is going on.
As a reader of many M/M novels with a GFY theme I find myself sometimes thinking (oh come on no one can be in this much denial about their feelings for someone) that did not happen here. I believed every single word. This is a slow burn, very slooowwwwllllyyyy burning taking years to get where they eventually end up. Yes there is a very AWESOME HEA.
This book was all about the journey. Life throws Ryan and emotional shit parade but Adam is the constant driving force in his life and together they make it. I laughed, cried, and rejoiced, this was an excellent read for me I highly recommend it.
LOW on STEAM
HIGH on EMOTION
January 25, 2016
It's been a long time since I had to stop reading a book, get up, walk around, and calm myself down. That may sound like a negative opening to this review of Chase Potter's The Music of the Spheres, but it's anything but that. Rather, this novel is so powerful and extraordinarily moving that I was simply overwhelmed and needed to collect myself before continuing my read.
In his three previous books, Potter created characters who I enjoyed, who I cared about, and who I wanted to learn even more about than I could between the covers of a paperback novel. But in Music, he presents us with people who almost jump off the page, people I couldn't help but love almost immediately.
This one is so special and so worth reading that I won't even go into the characters, their dynamics, or the story itself. Read the blurb, then read the book, and I'm sure you'll come to the same conclusion I did -- The Music of the Spheres is Chase Potter's best book to date. I can't wait to see what he has in store for us next.
In his three previous books, Potter created characters who I enjoyed, who I cared about, and who I wanted to learn even more about than I could between the covers of a paperback novel. But in Music, he presents us with people who almost jump off the page, people I couldn't help but love almost immediately.
This one is so special and so worth reading that I won't even go into the characters, their dynamics, or the story itself. Read the blurb, then read the book, and I'm sure you'll come to the same conclusion I did -- The Music of the Spheres is Chase Potter's best book to date. I can't wait to see what he has in store for us next.
October 14, 2025
Perhaps it was simply my mood, but this book didn't resonate with me as much as I'd hoped. While the sister subplot was genuinely beautiful and a significant reason why I'd recommend it, the romance aspect felt underwhelming. The story is told from Ryan's perspective, and unfortunately, he came across as a rather flat character. I struggled to connect with him, even given the tragedy he endures (one would think I'd at least tear up). He embodies the typical oblivious-then-confused trope, and by the end of the story, I couldn't truly feel his so-called love for Adam. As for Adam (the LI) I found some of his decisions confusing. He was certainly more engaging than Ryan, but ultimately, I wasn't convinced by their love story. For me, the romantic element of the book was largely a disappointment. The pacing was also uneven at times (the first half felt draggy and uninteresting most of the time). However, the book's trajectory improved considerably once the sister subplot began, roughly halfway through. I completely fell in love with Emma; she truly deserves all the praise.
November 25, 2019
3.5 stars
Parts of this were excellent. I loved the build up and the story through their high school and college days. I was underwhelmed with the end though. I never really felt a lot of emotion between these two and there was no emotional pay off when they're finally together. I expected more/different. It's my first book by this author and I will probably check out something else by him at some point.
Parts of this were excellent. I loved the build up and the story through their high school and college days. I was underwhelmed with the end though. I never really felt a lot of emotion between these two and there was no emotional pay off when they're finally together. I expected more/different. It's my first book by this author and I will probably check out something else by him at some point.
January 23, 2020
Amazing story!
I loved this book so much! It was heartbreaking and heartwarming and had all the feels!!! If this book doesn’t touch your heart then you just don’t have a heart! 5 stars just aren’t enough!
I loved this book so much! It was heartbreaking and heartwarming and had all the feels!!! If this book doesn’t touch your heart then you just don’t have a heart! 5 stars just aren’t enough!
January 9, 2020
This was my first time reading this author and I normally don't read the young adult genre. This was a good read that I liked. This was a coming-of-age story Ryan and Adam, become friends in their senior year of high school and their friendship progresses through college from there. This book was more of an emotional journey with these two. I also liked Ryan's little sister Emma she was an important to the story because her brother loved her. This book was picked for me to read in a challenge. This book was well written with no errors in grammar or spelling. I am looking forward to reading more from this author.
January 26, 2016
“There is music in the beauty, and the silent note that cupid strikes, far sweeter than the sound of an instrument; for there is music wherever there is harmony, order, or proportion; and thus far we maintain the music of the spheres.” ~ Thomas Browne, Sr.
Ryan Mattson, of 'The Music of the Spheres' by Chase Potter, tries to keep his life as uncomplicated as possible. Ryan has three things that are most important to him—football, books, and his sister and father. Ryan's family is extremely close; but his mother's death left a gaping hole, one it seems no one else would be able to close, until Adam comes along. Ryan and Adam, another classmate, are assigned a school project together. At first, they are unsure of each other, but as time goes on, they discover that there is a phenomenal harmony between them. Although Adam is last person Ryan would ever have suspected would do so, Adam insinuates himself into their lives and becomes part of the family.
Although Ryan is exceptionally popular in high school, he has very few close friends. Except for his sister and his dad, Ryan keeps his emotional investment in people to a minimum. Ryan likes to stick to what he knows rather than be adventurous. He often rereads books he enjoys, rather than “take a chance” on a new one and possibly be disappointed. Ryan wants to know the outcome of something before he attempts it. When he is paired with Adam, Ryan intends to follow the same pattern he always has; interact with Adam as little as possible, get through the assignment, then go back to his mostly solitary, predictable existence. In Adam's case, Ryan is not able to do so. He's inexplicably drawn to Adam and can't explain why, even to himself. All he knows is that it feels good to be around Adam and so he spends as much time with him as he can. Ryan has moments of wondering if two guys should act and feel the way they do, but quickly pushes them out of the way. Ryan has so many emotions locked inside; it's difficult for him to express the way he feels. He reminds me of the old saying: ''If it ain't broke, don't fix it'' and that's how he views his relationship with Adam.
Unlike Ryan, Adam has a sense of what their relationship could be. He knows that it's more than a friendship because he is able to accept the way he feels about Ryan. Adam also knows that if he says too much, or pushes too hard in that direction, Ryan will not be able to handle it. Adam shows incredible patience and understanding, especially for a person so young; but considering that his childhood forced him to grow up much faster than he should have, it isn't surprising. Adam is ''wise beyond his years”. He's a survivor and is determined to survive this too. Unlike Ryan, Adam picks up every clue Ryan gives him and tries to act accordingly. Adam isn't a saint though. At times, he puts space between them because they both need it, but he always perseveres. Adam is Ryan's touchstone. He is there, if he possibly can be, whenever Ryan needs him. Adam even takes Ryan's place when Ryan doesn't have the strength or the energy to do something himself. Adam is waiting for Ryan's epiphany to come, determined to be ready for Ryan when he realizes that he and Adam love each other in a way that goes far beyond friendship and that they are meant to be together. Adam doesn't know how long it will take, but he is confident that it will happen and, when it does, he will be there waiting with arms open wide.
Even though this is technically a friends-to-lovers story, it doesn't have the same feel. Adam and Ryan take a long time getting together, but the process is far less angsty than in most books. There's no rush to get where they are going because in many ways they are already there. Instead of having to build trust and loyalty between them, like other couples, it's been in existence almost from the beginning. If you like stories about friendship, soulmates, families, overcoming grief, and unconditional love, you may enjoy this book. Thanks so much, Chase, for Ryan and Adam - who I am convinced, like Pythagoras, can also hear the music of the spheres.
NOTE: This book was provided by the author for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Ryan Mattson, of 'The Music of the Spheres' by Chase Potter, tries to keep his life as uncomplicated as possible. Ryan has three things that are most important to him—football, books, and his sister and father. Ryan's family is extremely close; but his mother's death left a gaping hole, one it seems no one else would be able to close, until Adam comes along. Ryan and Adam, another classmate, are assigned a school project together. At first, they are unsure of each other, but as time goes on, they discover that there is a phenomenal harmony between them. Although Adam is last person Ryan would ever have suspected would do so, Adam insinuates himself into their lives and becomes part of the family.
Although Ryan is exceptionally popular in high school, he has very few close friends. Except for his sister and his dad, Ryan keeps his emotional investment in people to a minimum. Ryan likes to stick to what he knows rather than be adventurous. He often rereads books he enjoys, rather than “take a chance” on a new one and possibly be disappointed. Ryan wants to know the outcome of something before he attempts it. When he is paired with Adam, Ryan intends to follow the same pattern he always has; interact with Adam as little as possible, get through the assignment, then go back to his mostly solitary, predictable existence. In Adam's case, Ryan is not able to do so. He's inexplicably drawn to Adam and can't explain why, even to himself. All he knows is that it feels good to be around Adam and so he spends as much time with him as he can. Ryan has moments of wondering if two guys should act and feel the way they do, but quickly pushes them out of the way. Ryan has so many emotions locked inside; it's difficult for him to express the way he feels. He reminds me of the old saying: ''If it ain't broke, don't fix it'' and that's how he views his relationship with Adam.
Unlike Ryan, Adam has a sense of what their relationship could be. He knows that it's more than a friendship because he is able to accept the way he feels about Ryan. Adam also knows that if he says too much, or pushes too hard in that direction, Ryan will not be able to handle it. Adam shows incredible patience and understanding, especially for a person so young; but considering that his childhood forced him to grow up much faster than he should have, it isn't surprising. Adam is ''wise beyond his years”. He's a survivor and is determined to survive this too. Unlike Ryan, Adam picks up every clue Ryan gives him and tries to act accordingly. Adam isn't a saint though. At times, he puts space between them because they both need it, but he always perseveres. Adam is Ryan's touchstone. He is there, if he possibly can be, whenever Ryan needs him. Adam even takes Ryan's place when Ryan doesn't have the strength or the energy to do something himself. Adam is waiting for Ryan's epiphany to come, determined to be ready for Ryan when he realizes that he and Adam love each other in a way that goes far beyond friendship and that they are meant to be together. Adam doesn't know how long it will take, but he is confident that it will happen and, when it does, he will be there waiting with arms open wide.
Even though this is technically a friends-to-lovers story, it doesn't have the same feel. Adam and Ryan take a long time getting together, but the process is far less angsty than in most books. There's no rush to get where they are going because in many ways they are already there. Instead of having to build trust and loyalty between them, like other couples, it's been in existence almost from the beginning. If you like stories about friendship, soulmates, families, overcoming grief, and unconditional love, you may enjoy this book. Thanks so much, Chase, for Ryan and Adam - who I am convinced, like Pythagoras, can also hear the music of the spheres.
NOTE: This book was provided by the author for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
December 3, 2016
I adored the first half of this book; I love that there's no instalove and I love the intimacy that forms between the main characters. The storyline with the sister also got me right in the feels. BUT I have to rate this down severely for how ultimately unsatisfying I found the resolution to be.
First problem: for all the main character's protestations that he's not an idiot, I was forced to come to that conclusion after a while. I was able to see how he could be in denial about the nature of their relationship for the first couple of years, even, but there is just a point here where the cognitive dissonance is TOO MUCH. And when they This leads to the..
Second problem: The way they get together is way too drawn out after a certain point. When they eventually do get together, I felt it was hugely lacking in emotional punch. I kept thinking "Oh man, when they finally confess their love it's going to be amazeballs". But what do we get?
Third problem: The sex was super unsatisfying. There was so much talking about it without actually describing it. I don't know how else to describe it; it was weird. It might has well have been off page...and I never advocate for off page!
Overall, 2 stars may be harsh but I have to go with how much I enjoyed it, and every time I think about this book I think of how unsatisfying and disappointing it ultimately was. Obviously many people wouldn't agree with me, though! *shrug*
First problem: for all the main character's protestations that he's not an idiot, I was forced to come to that conclusion after a while. I was able to see how he could be in denial about the nature of their relationship for the first couple of years, even, but there is just a point here where the cognitive dissonance is TOO MUCH. And when they This leads to the..
Second problem: The way they get together is way too drawn out after a certain point. When they eventually do get together, I felt it was hugely lacking in emotional punch. I kept thinking "Oh man, when they finally confess their love it's going to be amazeballs". But what do we get?
Third problem: The sex was super unsatisfying. There was so much talking about it without actually describing it. I don't know how else to describe it; it was weird. It might has well have been off page...and I never advocate for off page!
Overall, 2 stars may be harsh but I have to go with how much I enjoyed it, and every time I think about this book I think of how unsatisfying and disappointing it ultimately was. Obviously many people wouldn't agree with me, though! *shrug*
February 11, 2016
A Joyfully Jay review.
5 stars
This was not my first Chase Potter story. I’ve read several of his other works and knew that it was going to be a decent read. What I wasn’t expecting was to find that this story way exceeded my expectations and that it would instantly become my favorite book ever!
This book is the ultimate friends to lovers story. For nearly ¾ of the book, readers are treated to the story of Ryan and Adam. We are with them from their first meet where they aren’t exactly thrilled with being forced to work as partners together, to their decision that they have so much in common that they should be friends, to their inseparability as they navigate their way through high school, to their separation as they head off to college, to their need for one another when life throws a curveball that shatters one’s soul, to their realization that their friendship is anything but ordinary.
Read Wendy’s review in its entirety here.
5 stars
This was not my first Chase Potter story. I’ve read several of his other works and knew that it was going to be a decent read. What I wasn’t expecting was to find that this story way exceeded my expectations and that it would instantly become my favorite book ever!
This book is the ultimate friends to lovers story. For nearly ¾ of the book, readers are treated to the story of Ryan and Adam. We are with them from their first meet where they aren’t exactly thrilled with being forced to work as partners together, to their decision that they have so much in common that they should be friends, to their inseparability as they navigate their way through high school, to their separation as they head off to college, to their need for one another when life throws a curveball that shatters one’s soul, to their realization that their friendship is anything but ordinary.
Read Wendy’s review in its entirety here.
February 20, 2016
A heartfelt love story
This is one of the most loving and heartfelt stories I've had the pleasure of reading. Chase Potter has written a memorable and engrossing novel of two young men whose friendship grows ever closer and stronger through the years.
This is a truly wonderful novel I highly recommend and believe will stay in the hearts and mind of everyone who reads it.
This is one of the most loving and heartfelt stories I've had the pleasure of reading. Chase Potter has written a memorable and engrossing novel of two young men whose friendship grows ever closer and stronger through the years.
This is a truly wonderful novel I highly recommend and believe will stay in the hearts and mind of everyone who reads it.
October 13, 2023
3.5 stars — Once I got into this book, I really enjoyed it. At first it felt very stilted and choppy with the way the chapters were broken up. It would jump forward and sometimes I’d feel like things went unfinished. Roughly the first third of this takes place when the MCs are in high school. I think I was expecting more with them as adults and in a romantic relationship. (I want more romance in my romance books. 😉)
Parts of the story were very moving. I loved the sense of family and how close Ryan was with his father and sister. However, Ryan came across as someone who was very unaware of, or oblivious to, things around him. That was tough since the entire book is told solely from his perspective. So when he was unsure about things, the reader is unsure as well. I wanted some aspects to be clearer than they were.
All in all, I don’t think I’d classify this as a romance. It was more of a story about family and friendship, love and loss, but mostly about self discovery and awareness. It’s more YA/NA than the typical romance books I read. But I enjoyed it and am glad that I picked it up. The part where it comes together about what “the music of the spheres” actually is, was beautiful. Mr. Potter is a good writer, I just wish it had flowed better at the beginning.
Parts of the story were very moving. I loved the sense of family and how close Ryan was with his father and sister. However, Ryan came across as someone who was very unaware of, or oblivious to, things around him. That was tough since the entire book is told solely from his perspective. So when he was unsure about things, the reader is unsure as well. I wanted some aspects to be clearer than they were.
All in all, I don’t think I’d classify this as a romance. It was more of a story about family and friendship, love and loss, but mostly about self discovery and awareness. It’s more YA/NA than the typical romance books I read. But I enjoyed it and am glad that I picked it up. The part where it comes together about what “the music of the spheres” actually is, was beautiful. Mr. Potter is a good writer, I just wish it had flowed better at the beginning.
February 6, 2019
What a lovely read! Thank you, Chase Potter.
This is a very beautiful story, young adult and new adult at the same time. Our MCs, Ryan and Adam, become friends in their senior year of high school and their friendship progresses through college from there. It is the sweetest (and most oblivious) of slow burn, friends to lovers.
Just...excellently told. I'm all gushing! Told uniquely from Ryan's point of view, you'd think it'd get dull, but I was never left wondering about the other characters because the author does an excellent job of showing us who they are through Ryan. Alternatively sweet, funny, and heartbreaking, this story will stay with me for a long time.
This is a very beautiful story, young adult and new adult at the same time. Our MCs, Ryan and Adam, become friends in their senior year of high school and their friendship progresses through college from there. It is the sweetest (and most oblivious) of slow burn, friends to lovers.
Just...excellently told. I'm all gushing! Told uniquely from Ryan's point of view, you'd think it'd get dull, but I was never left wondering about the other characters because the author does an excellent job of showing us who they are through Ryan. Alternatively sweet, funny, and heartbreaking, this story will stay with me for a long time.
June 30, 2016
Ryan is a jock, living a mostly happy life in his last year of high school, saddened still by his mother’s death, but surrounded by love in a beautiful house with his books for company. A class project brings him into orbit with Adam and though the two are seeming opposites, they strike up a ready friendship.
This, though it is a love story, is more than just Ryan and Adam’s friendship deepening and changing over time. There is love between Adam and Ryan’s family that serves several purposes and is as much a part of the story as anything else.
The writing is evocative. The tone is both somber and hopeful with laughter, too. It’s written in first person, present tense which can take some getting used to, but it’s done well.
Since the relationship develops over years, the age of Ryan and Adam by the end of the book categorizes this as both a YA and NA, but all the sex is off page. It’s still very tender and touching but there is no “steam” in this.
This is a great book for FEELS. It’s deep and moving and great for a rainy day and contemplating things greater than yourself. I hadn’t read anything by this author before, but I’d definitely read more in the future.
4.5 of 5 stars
https://thebloggergirls.com/2016/03/2...
This, though it is a love story, is more than just Ryan and Adam’s friendship deepening and changing over time. There is love between Adam and Ryan’s family that serves several purposes and is as much a part of the story as anything else.
The writing is evocative. The tone is both somber and hopeful with laughter, too. It’s written in first person, present tense which can take some getting used to, but it’s done well.
Since the relationship develops over years, the age of Ryan and Adam by the end of the book categorizes this as both a YA and NA, but all the sex is off page. It’s still very tender and touching but there is no “steam” in this.
This is a great book for FEELS. It’s deep and moving and great for a rainy day and contemplating things greater than yourself. I hadn’t read anything by this author before, but I’d definitely read more in the future.
4.5 of 5 stars
https://thebloggergirls.com/2016/03/2...
May 14, 2017
While I don't like categorizing an author's books as 'best' on a sliding scale, I will say that as a writer Chase Potter just keeps growing, and "The Music of the Spheres" is one of the most engaging and satisfying M/M romances I've read thus far.
I'm not sure if this falls into the "gay-for-you" category or whether Ryan just awakens slower than most. But as with Ari in "Dante and Aristotle Discover the Secrets of the Universe", others know long before Ryan that he's in love with his 'best friend' Adam, most presciently their little sister Emma.
"People are meant to live two by two in this world," writes Thorton Wilder in "Our Town". And Chase Potter in "The Music of the Spheres" shows us just how inevitably, resoundingly true that plays out for those who find that soulmate.
Read this!
I'm not sure if this falls into the "gay-for-you" category or whether Ryan just awakens slower than most. But as with Ari in "Dante and Aristotle Discover the Secrets of the Universe", others know long before Ryan that he's in love with his 'best friend' Adam, most presciently their little sister Emma.
"People are meant to live two by two in this world," writes Thorton Wilder in "Our Town". And Chase Potter in "The Music of the Spheres" shows us just how inevitably, resoundingly true that plays out for those who find that soulmate.
Read this!
January 25, 2016
A Beautiful Story
Every now and again you are lucky enough to find a gem. Brilliant in it's intensity, shining brightly, a complete surprise. That is what this story is to me. Well written, full bodied characters and a storyline which has you laughing at times and crying as well.
Ryan and Adam become friends in high school and their friendship deepens as time goes on. Through college and a family tragedy, Ryan finds his feelings changing towards Adam. It takes opening up and finding the courage within to accept what he feels for Adam and to put aside his fears so they can have their Happy ending.
I loved this book. And I cannot say enough how much I enjoyed the Authors writing style and how well he conveyed the depth of emotions in his characters. Well done!!
Every now and again you are lucky enough to find a gem. Brilliant in it's intensity, shining brightly, a complete surprise. That is what this story is to me. Well written, full bodied characters and a storyline which has you laughing at times and crying as well.
Ryan and Adam become friends in high school and their friendship deepens as time goes on. Through college and a family tragedy, Ryan finds his feelings changing towards Adam. It takes opening up and finding the courage within to accept what he feels for Adam and to put aside his fears so they can have their Happy ending.
I loved this book. And I cannot say enough how much I enjoyed the Authors writing style and how well he conveyed the depth of emotions in his characters. Well done!!
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