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SAM
To the outside world, Tom is everything a young man should be: handsome, successful, athletic, ... popular. With a beautiful girl on his arm, a promising career, and a place in the first fifteen, he is the envy of all his friends. Yet when Tom meets Sam, one sunny December afternoon, a train of events is set in motion that will change both of their lives for ever.
A tale of love, betrayal, heartache, and hope. A testament to how one chance encounter can change everything.
A tale of love, betrayal, heartache, and hope. A testament to how one chance encounter can change everything.
- GenresM M RomanceLGBT
266 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2016
77 people are currently reading
224 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
June 7, 2024
This made me cry so hard 😭 I wasn't aware that there was no HEA going into this, but it's really clear within the first couple of chapters so I wouldn't consider that a spoiler.
While I loved what we saw of Sam and Tom's relationship and I was really invested in them, I didn't like a lot of things and that stopped me rating this five stars even though it hit me in the emotions like I love.
Firstly I hated the formatting. The book goes from present day to past but there's nothing to show what time period each chapter is in. If each chapter had the date and year, or even the character age, it would have been so much easier to follow. As it is, I found it really hard to figure out the passing of time - dyscalculia is a thing and I detest when authors utilise time jumps but don't make them clear. I liked the switch from past to present but it could have been executed in a much better way.
I also didn't like that we only see the lows of their relationship really. They're together eleven years but we only get to see when they first get together, Sam's diagnosis and death, and some of Tom's grieving. I wish there'd been more of the good times, because this was a couple I really loved and my heart absolutely broke in those last few chapters. Seeing the good times would definitely have added a better balance and I kind of feel a little cheated that I didn't get to see them truly happy and together.
This is the first non-HEA I've read for a while and I definitely needed the cry!
While I loved what we saw of Sam and Tom's relationship and I was really invested in them, I didn't like a lot of things and that stopped me rating this five stars even though it hit me in the emotions like I love.
Firstly I hated the formatting. The book goes from present day to past but there's nothing to show what time period each chapter is in. If each chapter had the date and year, or even the character age, it would have been so much easier to follow. As it is, I found it really hard to figure out the passing of time - dyscalculia is a thing and I detest when authors utilise time jumps but don't make them clear. I liked the switch from past to present but it could have been executed in a much better way.
I also didn't like that we only see the lows of their relationship really. They're together eleven years but we only get to see when they first get together, Sam's diagnosis and death, and some of Tom's grieving. I wish there'd been more of the good times, because this was a couple I really loved and my heart absolutely broke in those last few chapters. Seeing the good times would definitely have added a better balance and I kind of feel a little cheated that I didn't get to see them truly happy and together.
This is the first non-HEA I've read for a while and I definitely needed the cry!
April 8, 2018
Hell of a first novel
I have been reading my ebooks books in alphabetical order by author. I just have too many to choose from and can’t decide what to read next. So when I got to SAM I didn’t know anything about it. I don’t read the synopsis of a book prior to starting them. This story sucked me in. It’s not told in chronological order, so you learn a few things and then get the back story. Luke F Harris gave us a touching debut book. Looking forward to more stories from him. 4.75 for Awesome friends.
I have been reading my ebooks books in alphabetical order by author. I just have too many to choose from and can’t decide what to read next. So when I got to SAM I didn’t know anything about it. I don’t read the synopsis of a book prior to starting them. This story sucked me in. It’s not told in chronological order, so you learn a few things and then get the back story. Luke F Harris gave us a touching debut book. Looking forward to more stories from him. 4.75 for Awesome friends.
July 25, 2017
This is a strong effort by a first time author. Nice love story involving a young man who comes from a religious family and a seemingly "straight" guy who is drawn to him. The story jumps back and forth between present and past and I gotta say that did not work for me. Putting that aside the book is well written and their story worthwhile. It starts with how they meet and the back and forth it takes for them to be together. Their story is not easy. They are together 11 years and I think what I disliked the most about this book was that we don't get pretty much any of that. This book focused more on the struggle. NOTE: there is NO HEA here. The book is hopeful and the story beautiful but if your looking for that feel good sugar don't come here. It was good and I would recommend it to people who don't mind the sadder stories.
December 8, 2024
This book only scratched the surface of what could have been the "tale of love, betrayal, heartache and hope", as stated on the back cover. I feel like I don't know Sam. We're thrust into his life at one particular moment, but we get no backstory. It wasn't even until after 200 pages we find out his sister's name. What are his interests, why study law, how did we get from A to Z? For him to be the namesake of the book and half of the main characters, he is very one dimensional. Tom isn't any better. For that reason, I didn't connect with the characters, didn't really care about them. I tried to be invested in the romance, but there was no substance. I appreciated the story that was trying to be told, but I was forgetting what I was reading almost immediately. This was poorly written with tons of errors; the thanks given to the editor at the end must have been obligatory. I was hoping the story would eventually get somewhere, but to no avail. This wasn't terrible by any means, just utterly bland. Thank goodness this was a short read cause it went nowhere fast.
March 9, 2017
With SAM, Luke F Harris presents a stunning debut. By combining a compelling story with universal themes (even to those outside the LGBT community) and top-notch writing, SAM emerges an almost perfect novel.
Although the opening chapter reveals certain details of the ending, Harris proves that life—and his story—is about the journey rather than the destination. Having a little foresight about the conclusion takes some pressure off and allows the reader to invest in the characters’ present situations. The result is a deep connection with the protagonists as they navigate the personal and societal implications of their attraction and relationship. Touching upon love, happiness, grief, jealousy, social stigma, resilience and hope, SAM has something for everyone.
The writing is clean and light—full of vibrant description without weighing down the flow. The plot is perfectly paced, and Harris displays a talent for moving forward and backward in time with ease.
Finally, in a world where the gay community is often portrayed as promiscuous and detached, SAM offers an alternative view; one filled with warmth, devotion and light. In spite of the sad ending, it will leave readers hopeful. I’m definitely looking forward to more from this author.
Although the opening chapter reveals certain details of the ending, Harris proves that life—and his story—is about the journey rather than the destination. Having a little foresight about the conclusion takes some pressure off and allows the reader to invest in the characters’ present situations. The result is a deep connection with the protagonists as they navigate the personal and societal implications of their attraction and relationship. Touching upon love, happiness, grief, jealousy, social stigma, resilience and hope, SAM has something for everyone.
The writing is clean and light—full of vibrant description without weighing down the flow. The plot is perfectly paced, and Harris displays a talent for moving forward and backward in time with ease.
Finally, in a world where the gay community is often portrayed as promiscuous and detached, SAM offers an alternative view; one filled with warmth, devotion and light. In spite of the sad ending, it will leave readers hopeful. I’m definitely looking forward to more from this author.
July 23, 2017
I just couldn't get past the "foreign-nous" of the writing and locations that sound made up, though they are probably real.
What I'm saying is that stumbling over every foreign sounding word severely destroyed the rhythm of my reading. If I were from NZ (or maybe even the UK), I'd probably enjoy this more.
My 1-star rating might seem unfair, but I didn't enjoy what I read. So, yeah.
What I'm saying is that stumbling over every foreign sounding word severely destroyed the rhythm of my reading. If I were from NZ (or maybe even the UK), I'd probably enjoy this more.
My 1-star rating might seem unfair, but I didn't enjoy what I read. So, yeah.
April 28, 2018
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
I really enjoyed it. There were a few chapters that’s jumped to different times and it was sometimes hard to figure out when the story was taking place. The story is told from both Sam and Tom’s perspective. Sam’s story was the story of how they met and the beginnings their relationship. Tom’s story was told years later so getting to see both perspectives was cool.
I felt like when in Sam’s point of view, we learned way more about Tom, and I didn’t get much of Sam’s personality. But overall a really enjoyable book and story!
I really enjoyed it. There were a few chapters that’s jumped to different times and it was sometimes hard to figure out when the story was taking place. The story is told from both Sam and Tom’s perspective. Sam’s story was the story of how they met and the beginnings their relationship. Tom’s story was told years later so getting to see both perspectives was cool.
I felt like when in Sam’s point of view, we learned way more about Tom, and I didn’t get much of Sam’s personality. But overall a really enjoyable book and story!
June 2, 2018
Spoilers below *beware*
Great story. Only 3 stars for me because the flashbacks weren’t obvious at first. Wasn’t sure if that was the case, or if he was meeting a “new” Sam. Overall though, very well told. Will keep an eye out for new releases by this author.
Great story. Only 3 stars for me because the flashbacks weren’t obvious at first. Wasn’t sure if that was the case, or if he was meeting a “new” Sam. Overall though, very well told. Will keep an eye out for new releases by this author.
May 15, 2018
Sam
Easy to read and the story kept me interested. The characters are relatable and it was an easy read on my phone.
Easy to read and the story kept me interested. The characters are relatable and it was an easy read on my phone.
November 10, 2021
Ah I thought something different to pick up. I was attracted to the story that lets you know the main character has died -- but your interest is piqued as you want to find out what it is that killed him. I just wondered and had to discover what medical issue cropped up or perhaps accident took his life. Always up for a book dealing with a medical illness and curious to read a book set in New Zealand I jumped in and found it a quick read. Not my usual reading genre, but enjoyed the well developed characters and could not help remembering a movie with a main character with the same name -- Sam. Will have to check that out. Loved the cultural differences and different terms used by New Zealanders. Readers will definitely be surprised by a twist the author inserts at the very end -- but no peaking.
January 24, 2018
The writing was good - though the back-and-forth across time and characters was a bit confusing.
It's not an HEA, but what happens after the HEA ends.
A lot of the story is flashbacks to when the two MCs were young (teens/20s). The main background (family life) you get is about/from the POV of Sam. But you know from the first chapter of the book that Sam is dead, and Tom is having a hard time coping with his death. It's a bit odd to have the usual romance story developed after you already know that one of the main characters is going to die.
Good story, made me cry a little, and not your usual HEA romance.
It's not an HEA, but what happens after the HEA ends.
A lot of the story is flashbacks to when the two MCs were young (teens/20s). The main background (family life) you get is about/from the POV of Sam. But you know from the first chapter of the book that Sam is dead, and Tom is having a hard time coping with his death. It's a bit odd to have the usual romance story developed after you already know that one of the main characters is going to die.
Good story, made me cry a little, and not your usual HEA romance.
May 7, 2021
Heartbreakingly Lovely
This debut novel is extremely well written and shows what can be achieved by a novice novelist willing to put in the effort to secure professional editing. Luke Harris weaves the story of the struggle to accept who one is despite hostility from family and society. It's hard not to fall in love with vulnerable, courageous Sam and his fiercely loyal lover Tom. At first, I was put off by knowing the outcome of their story right up front, but I'm very glad I took the chance and read on. This is far beyond a mere romance; it's a study of human character and deep love.
This debut novel is extremely well written and shows what can be achieved by a novice novelist willing to put in the effort to secure professional editing. Luke Harris weaves the story of the struggle to accept who one is despite hostility from family and society. It's hard not to fall in love with vulnerable, courageous Sam and his fiercely loyal lover Tom. At first, I was put off by knowing the outcome of their story right up front, but I'm very glad I took the chance and read on. This is far beyond a mere romance; it's a study of human character and deep love.
June 17, 2017
What a heartfelt story with great characters, strong narrative and a vivid sense of place. Loved this book and the author thoroughly deserves to be proud of it.
September 12, 2017
Loved this book...
October 5, 2020
Beautiful, but sad
Loved this, interesting characters, strong writing skills. Almost a memorial, the love story is beautiful. Sadly, there is no HEA.
Loved this, interesting characters, strong writing skills. Almost a memorial, the love story is beautiful. Sadly, there is no HEA.
June 10, 2021
Lots of first novel problems, but a really respectable effort.
April 8, 2018
I received a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
Although I enjoyed the title character and the other main character, Tom, I didn't find there was a whole lot of point to this book, other than to be depressing. I had no idea where it was going or why I was reading until the last two or three chapters, and by the time it was revealed, I wished I hadn't kept going. There is definitely potential, but it needs more depth and more of a storyline.
Although I enjoyed the title character and the other main character, Tom, I didn't find there was a whole lot of point to this book, other than to be depressing. I had no idea where it was going or why I was reading until the last two or three chapters, and by the time it was revealed, I wished I hadn't kept going. There is definitely potential, but it needs more depth and more of a storyline.
October 16, 2016
Too sad for me.
I'm sure for people that like unhappy or sad endings, this would be a great book. For me, though, sad endings just don't seem to end after the story...
I'm sure for people that like unhappy or sad endings, this would be a great book. For me, though, sad endings just don't seem to end after the story...
April 29, 2017
The perfect novel.
The style of writing was unique, the tale superb.
For a first novel, it was a first in all its elements.
I cried, cried and read throughout the tears couldn't stop. Dawn has broken and I feel perfect. Thank you Luke Harris for a lot. I feel very much alive.
The style of writing was unique, the tale superb.
For a first novel, it was a first in all its elements.
I cried, cried and read throughout the tears couldn't stop. Dawn has broken and I feel perfect. Thank you Luke Harris for a lot. I feel very much alive.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews