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Friends That Have Sex #3
How We Start
A Friends That Have Sex companion novella
Teddy should be happy. She survived an eleven-year battle with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, finished her B.A., and found the person of her dreams in a friend. From a distance she has everything, except the one thing she can’t have.
Asher’s supported Teddy from the moment they met, but even he can’t ease her insecurity about her inability to conceive.
How We Start chronicles the emotional struggle over a three-day period of a couple’s road to love, loss and life beyond a traditional route.
This novella is approximately 18k, and best suited for 18+ audiences for its mature content
Teddy should be happy. She survived an eleven-year battle with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, finished her B.A., and found the person of her dreams in a friend. From a distance she has everything, except the one thing she can’t have.
Asher’s supported Teddy from the moment they met, but even he can’t ease her insecurity about her inability to conceive.
How We Start chronicles the emotional struggle over a three-day period of a couple’s road to love, loss and life beyond a traditional route.
This novella is approximately 18k, and best suited for 18+ audiences for its mature content
50 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 25, 2016
8 people are currently reading
131 people want to read
About the author
G.L. Tomas
42 books545 followersG.L. Tomas is a USA Today bestselling twin writing duo and lover of all things blerdy, fearless and fun.
When they're not spending their time crafting swoon-worthy heroes, they're battling alien forces in other worlds but occasionally take days off in search of mom and pop spots that make amazing pasteles and tostones fried to perfection.
They host salsa lessons and book boyfriend auditions in their secret headquarters located in Connecticut..
For Romcoms and Contemporary Romance, sign up here---> smarturl.it/GLTomasRomanceNews
Sign up for exclusive content and a sneak peek of their latest updates by subscribing to their Young Adult newsletter here---> smarturl.it/YABYGLTOMAS
When they're not spending their time crafting swoon-worthy heroes, they're battling alien forces in other worlds but occasionally take days off in search of mom and pop spots that make amazing pasteles and tostones fried to perfection.
They host salsa lessons and book boyfriend auditions in their secret headquarters located in Connecticut..
For Romcoms and Contemporary Romance, sign up here---> smarturl.it/GLTomasRomanceNews
Sign up for exclusive content and a sneak peek of their latest updates by subscribing to their Young Adult newsletter here---> smarturl.it/YABYGLTOMAS
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
August 2, 2016
4.5 STARS
Twinjas, whas up with this tease?! I'm all emotionally invested here! Teddy still tripping, but I will cut her a lil slack. This chick can't catch a break, and bless Asher's heart. This man deserves a platinum medal for being Mr. Do Right and putting up with all the BS that he does, and not just at home.
Really looking forward to the conclusion. It's time for this couple to get their HEA...Great storytelling as usual.
Twinjas, whas up with this tease?! I'm all emotionally invested here! Teddy still tripping, but I will cut her a lil slack. This chick can't catch a break, and bless Asher's heart. This man deserves a platinum medal for being Mr. Do Right and putting up with all the BS that he does, and not just at home.
Really looking forward to the conclusion. It's time for this couple to get their HEA...Great storytelling as usual.
March 21, 2017
3.5 Stars
Six years have passed and Teddy is now in her early 30s. Miraculously, Asher and Teddy are in love and live together as a committed couple. Her bouts with cancer (she's now in remission) have made it near impossible for her to conceive naturally. Teddy desperately wants to have a baby with Asher and seeks IVF treatments as a solution.
One of the problems in their relationship is that Teddy is consumed with the idea of having her own baby. But ... Does she want to have a baby with Asher because she truly loves him and wants a part of him? or Does she want to have a baby with Asher because she wants a baby and he is a convenient donor? No couple has been less ready for a baby than these two people.
They don't make very much money and they have communication issues (two top relationship killers) -- or, rather Teddy has a problem communicating. Arguments rarely get settled because she refuses to talk about the issues.
"What was wrong with discussing our issues at hand? Having things out in the open? In my entire history with Teddy, talking when she wasn’t willing to meant that issues got resolved when she was ready to bring them up again. Sometimes, it didn’t even happen at all."-Asher
Asher can't be himself because he's constantly in fear of saying (and doing) the wrong thing (and does) to Teddy and incurring her ire. He's constantly bending and changing in order to fit Teddy's mold. I feel like Asher's always waiting for the other shoe to drop. He's the giver and she's the taker. Teddy is still as cantankerous as ever and Asher is still a wear his "heart on his sleeve" sweetheart. Though I want him to STOP his (so-called innocent) flirting!
I think the February 14 (Asher) Chapter was very revealing. I also think this couple is unsuited for one another and maybe it's time for them to throw in the towel and move on. This is Book 3 of 4.
Reading Order:
Friends That Have Sex (Book 1)
Friends That Still (Book 2)
How We Start (Book 3)
Coming Soon:
How We End (Book 4)
Six years have passed and Teddy is now in her early 30s. Miraculously, Asher and Teddy are in love and live together as a committed couple. Her bouts with cancer (she's now in remission) have made it near impossible for her to conceive naturally. Teddy desperately wants to have a baby with Asher and seeks IVF treatments as a solution.
One of the problems in their relationship is that Teddy is consumed with the idea of having her own baby. But ... Does she want to have a baby with Asher because she truly loves him and wants a part of him? or Does she want to have a baby with Asher because she wants a baby and he is a convenient donor? No couple has been less ready for a baby than these two people.
They don't make very much money and they have communication issues (two top relationship killers) -- or, rather Teddy has a problem communicating. Arguments rarely get settled because she refuses to talk about the issues.
"What was wrong with discussing our issues at hand? Having things out in the open? In my entire history with Teddy, talking when she wasn’t willing to meant that issues got resolved when she was ready to bring them up again. Sometimes, it didn’t even happen at all."-Asher
Asher can't be himself because he's constantly in fear of saying (and doing) the wrong thing (and does) to Teddy and incurring her ire. He's constantly bending and changing in order to fit Teddy's mold. I feel like Asher's always waiting for the other shoe to drop. He's the giver and she's the taker. Teddy is still as cantankerous as ever and Asher is still a wear his "heart on his sleeve" sweetheart. Though I want him to STOP his (so-called innocent) flirting!
I think the February 14 (Asher) Chapter was very revealing. I also think this couple is unsuited for one another and maybe it's time for them to throw in the towel and move on. This is Book 3 of 4.
Reading Order:
Friends That Have Sex (Book 1)
Friends That Still (Book 2)
How We Start (Book 3)
Coming Soon:
How We End (Book 4)
April 12, 2017
Even though this was a novella it definitely packed a punch. Teddy’s cancer is in remission but she's having difficulty getting pregnant due to her bout with cancer. Society has placed a lot of pressure on women and you’re not a woman unless you have a child. So I understood where Teddy coming from but wasn't sure if it was worth the risk in my opinion. You see the struggles that Asher and Teddy go through as a couple. They have done a lot of growing up and things aren't as simple from a few years ago. Will there current situation push them together or tear them apart?? Once again I love how realistic and relatable these characters are and the authors did a good job showing the struggles they faced. You felt their pain, doubts and uncertainty when it came to having kids.The story also showed that in any relationship there will be ups and down and everything isn't sunshine and roses.I enjoyed this book and can't wait to see how everything unfolds!
I also listened to the audio version while reading and I highly recommend the audio as well! The narrators did an excellent job capturing the emotions!
“I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher.”
For more reviews check me out at: http://www.shellysbookcorner.com
I also listened to the audio version while reading and I highly recommend the audio as well! The narrators did an excellent job capturing the emotions!
“I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher.”
For more reviews check me out at: http://www.shellysbookcorner.com
July 29, 2016
Despite all the tough times, Teddy and Asher seem like a strong couple. I'd recommend less flirting on Asher's part, and more sex. It was truly nice to get a glimpse of them a little more mature. If they can get through cancer, depression and infertility they can conquer anything. Good story.
October 30, 2016
Reality...
There is nothing more real than reality. This book brings out the reality of relationships in Asher and Teddy's world. I'm mad that once again I'm left hanging! The next novella better be out soon and close off all loose ends lol.
There is nothing more real than reality. This book brings out the reality of relationships in Asher and Teddy's world. I'm mad that once again I'm left hanging! The next novella better be out soon and close off all loose ends lol.
February 16, 2018
A beautiful snapshot into the life after HEA of two of my favorite characters. But gosh, Teddy is a trip.
July 28, 2016
4.5 Stars. It would have been a solid five because I love me some Teddy and Ash, but I wanted more more more!
::sniffle::
This will be just my random thoughts
This book takes place a few years after Teddy and Ash have been together. They are officially adulting and living together with goals. I loved seeing how their relationship has changed over time.
I loved how Ash cooked and baby sat.
Ash flirted with girls all the dang time. I forsee problems in the next book because of that....
I don't think there was never anything mentioned about his bisexuality. It would have been interesting to see him flirting with boys.
But yeah.. it was way too short for all the drama and tension that was glanced over in a few paragraphs towards the end of the book. But I'm predicting that it's a novella that was released so that we can see all the cereal hit the fan in book 4. I can't wait to read to read the next book!!!!
::sniffle::
This will be just my random thoughts
This book takes place a few years after Teddy and Ash have been together. They are officially adulting and living together with goals. I loved seeing how their relationship has changed over time.
I loved how Ash cooked and baby sat.
Ash flirted with girls all the dang time. I forsee problems in the next book because of that....
I don't think there was never anything mentioned about his bisexuality. It would have been interesting to see him flirting with boys.
But yeah.. it was way too short for all the drama and tension that was glanced over in a few paragraphs towards the end of the book. But I'm predicting that it's a novella that was released so that we can see all the cereal hit the fan in book 4. I can't wait to read to read the next book!!!!
June 10, 2017
There's some growth with some of the characters in this story, with others not so much. I enjoyed that this novella had a mature feel than the previous full length books. I still like the lead male character. He doesn't come off as unambitious as before. He tries with this romance but it's so one-sided. This is the frustrating part of this series. Give me a heroine I care for or at least someone I get why the love interest cares for. I just don't it and wonders why her partner persists?
My rating: A frustrating 3.9
My rating: A frustrating 3.9
May 7, 2017
Even though this was a very short listen, it was my favorite book of the series. It is set several years in the future, with Teddy and Asher living together. Their lives aren't perfect but they have each other. Throughout the series, Asher has always been my favorite character. He has stood by Teddy's side and supported her through her cancer, depression and infertility. Even though there were times that he thought about leaving, his love for her always made him stay. He's still a flirt but only has eyes for Teddy.
Teddy is insecure about the changes in her body from years of battling cancer and instead of being happy for the many good things in her life, she obsesses about not being able to have a child. After blowing her trust money on IVF, all she has to show for it is three miscarriages which makes her even more depressed. Asher tries to be understanding but it is a constant source of stress in their household.
I was happy to see that Reggie had finally grown into a responsible adult after fathering a child with his ex. All three characters have matured and maintained their friendship, even though this was not always the case in the past.
The way that the story ended, I feel that there should be another book in the series. Instead of HEA, it was more like HFN and it's not clear where they are headed.They love each other but will that be enough? Can Teddy ever be truly happy? I'd love to find out.
As with the first two books in the series, the dual narration was outstanding. I would recommend How We Start but you really should read/listen to the other books first.
I was voluntarily provided this review copy audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator. This review is my honest opinion.
Teddy is insecure about the changes in her body from years of battling cancer and instead of being happy for the many good things in her life, she obsesses about not being able to have a child. After blowing her trust money on IVF, all she has to show for it is three miscarriages which makes her even more depressed. Asher tries to be understanding but it is a constant source of stress in their household.
I was happy to see that Reggie had finally grown into a responsible adult after fathering a child with his ex. All three characters have matured and maintained their friendship, even though this was not always the case in the past.
The way that the story ended, I feel that there should be another book in the series. Instead of HEA, it was more like HFN and it's not clear where they are headed.They love each other but will that be enough? Can Teddy ever be truly happy? I'd love to find out.
As with the first two books in the series, the dual narration was outstanding. I would recommend How We Start but you really should read/listen to the other books first.
I was voluntarily provided this review copy audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator. This review is my honest opinion.
September 24, 2017
How We Start is a short novella in the Friends that Have Sex series, and shows us Teddy and Asher 6 years down the road. Like most couples in real life, things aren't perfect and their lives are no longer in sync. Between working exhausting shifts, saving up to buy a home, and fertility issues, the couple has a lot to work through. The novella covers three days of their life and gives a lot of background on their day to day activities.
I like how the relationship is portrayed, this isn't a dreamy fairy tale with a happily ever after, these are real people with real struggles. Asher is sweet, his every thought revolves around what he can do to make Teddy happy. But he's also a flirt, and he isn't honest about his own needs for fear of losing Teddy. Teddy's internal dialogue is dismissive of Asher and we don't see her love for him, but near the end she shows her more vulnerable side. The novella doesn't end on a cliffhanger, but you can tell there is much more to come from this couple.
The dual narration was great, Mitchell reads Teddy with a really accessible friendliness, and McAllister reads Asher with a slight twang I liked. Altogether a good way to spend an hour and a half!
This book was gifted to me from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I like how the relationship is portrayed, this isn't a dreamy fairy tale with a happily ever after, these are real people with real struggles. Asher is sweet, his every thought revolves around what he can do to make Teddy happy. But he's also a flirt, and he isn't honest about his own needs for fear of losing Teddy. Teddy's internal dialogue is dismissive of Asher and we don't see her love for him, but near the end she shows her more vulnerable side. The novella doesn't end on a cliffhanger, but you can tell there is much more to come from this couple.
The dual narration was great, Mitchell reads Teddy with a really accessible friendliness, and McAllister reads Asher with a slight twang I liked. Altogether a good way to spend an hour and a half!
This book was gifted to me from the author in exchange for an honest review.
December 20, 2018
Not so much!
Wow the first book was great but the next two not so much. I'm really hoping that the next one will be better because the last two felt like just get it over with
Wow the first book was great but the next two not so much. I'm really hoping that the next one will be better because the last two felt like just get it over with
May 6, 2020
Worst couple ever
September 15, 2016
Bittersweet
I loved the characters but this book was painful to get through. Not because of bad writing but because of the topic. Knowing the first two books dealt with Hodgkins Lymphoma, I didn't think I could feel so conflicted by the end of the 3rd book. I know this is a romance story so it requires HEA but I just don't think these two will make it. Or by book 4, there's going to be a big break for them before they get their happily ever after. And that just makes me all kinds of sad.
Nevertheless, good writing, well rounded characters and I just love the chemistry between Asher and Teddy. Can't wait to read other stories by these two.
I loved the characters but this book was painful to get through. Not because of bad writing but because of the topic. Knowing the first two books dealt with Hodgkins Lymphoma, I didn't think I could feel so conflicted by the end of the 3rd book. I know this is a romance story so it requires HEA but I just don't think these two will make it. Or by book 4, there's going to be a big break for them before they get their happily ever after. And that just makes me all kinds of sad.
Nevertheless, good writing, well rounded characters and I just love the chemistry between Asher and Teddy. Can't wait to read other stories by these two.
November 14, 2016
I just really hate Teddy
I cannot stand her and think Asher can do better. She just keeps ruining the books for me with her constant BS . So six years have passed and these two are still bf and gf. No one bothered to try to get married. Teddy is hell bent on getting a baby but Asher is so worried the process might kill her. Not once did Teddy compromise to say let's adopt or use her parents money to do a surrogate. Ugh.
Asher can do way better but I'm too curious to find out how it all ends.
I cannot stand her and think Asher can do better. She just keeps ruining the books for me with her constant BS . So six years have passed and these two are still bf and gf. No one bothered to try to get married. Teddy is hell bent on getting a baby but Asher is so worried the process might kill her. Not once did Teddy compromise to say let's adopt or use her parents money to do a surrogate. Ugh.
Asher can do way better but I'm too curious to find out how it all ends.
January 3, 2017
Not sure how I feel about this book
Book 1 was good lots of detail and storyline but from book 2 on it got progressively worse ending with book 3 skimming over things but never really getting the heart of the matter and then at the end it picks up the issue and abruptly ends. I am assuming there is a 4th book but I am not sure I am going to torture myself to read it just to be disappointed. Gave 2 stars because I truly did like asher and teddy's story just wish there was more
Book 1 was good lots of detail and storyline but from book 2 on it got progressively worse ending with book 3 skimming over things but never really getting the heart of the matter and then at the end it picks up the issue and abruptly ends. I am assuming there is a 4th book but I am not sure I am going to torture myself to read it just to be disappointed. Gave 2 stars because I truly did like asher and teddy's story just wish there was more
July 1, 2017
Good Read
This novella was straight to the point but still had the angst from the rest of the series. It's a quick read. I am ready for the conclusion of Teddy and Asher.
This novella was straight to the point but still had the angst from the rest of the series. It's a quick read. I am ready for the conclusion of Teddy and Asher.
April 24, 2017
How We Start by G.L. Tomas was a great read. This was a great conclusion to the series. Although Teddy has survived her eleven year battle with Hodgkin's Lymphoma, she is having a hard time being happy. She doesn't completely have the man she loves, yet.
April 26, 2017
This short third book gives a look at Teddy and Asher about four years into the future. I thought it would close things out but I still want more of this series.
Their lives are just so easy to relate to that I feel really attached to them.
The only thing I'd change is to make the book longer, but I always feel like that after a good book/series.
The narration is just as good as the first two books, I love that we've had the same narrators all the way through, it's given the characters a really consistent voice. Aundrea and Logan work really well together both are easy to listen to and I like the character voices.
Note: This book was provided free by the author/narrator/publisher in exchange for an unbiased review.
Their lives are just so easy to relate to that I feel really attached to them.
The only thing I'd change is to make the book longer, but I always feel like that after a good book/series.
The narration is just as good as the first two books, I love that we've had the same narrators all the way through, it's given the characters a really consistent voice. Aundrea and Logan work really well together both are easy to listen to and I like the character voices.
Note: This book was provided free by the author/narrator/publisher in exchange for an unbiased review.
May 2, 2017
It was nice to see how things ended well at least looked like for them several years in the future. Who would have guess Reggie would have turned out as he did, lol.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews