What do you think?
Rate this book
Tied Together #1
Tied Together
Ryan Keller has it all: a great supportive family, friends, and no limit to his self-confidence. Coming out of the closet was not as traumatic as he would have thought. Navigating through life isn't easy for any man, let alone a gay one. Rest assured that Ryan has it handled.
Brandon Ford comes from the wrong side of the tracks. With a dark past, he doesn't have much going for him, no money, no friends, definitely no charisma, and his family makes people on Jerry Springer look like total winners. Life can't be worse - until it becomes unbearable.
When Ryan helps Brandon out of a bad situation, chemistry sparks between them. Only Brandon has one problem: he's hiding in the closet with no way of finding his way out.
After years apart, Ryan runs into Brandon. This spells emotional turmoil for both Ryan and Brandon. Will years of resentment and bad feelings pull them apart or force them to work on their relationship so they can end up Tied Together?
Length: 6 hrs and 56 mins
©2015 Z.B. Heller (P)2017 Z.B. Heller
Brandon Ford comes from the wrong side of the tracks. With a dark past, he doesn't have much going for him, no money, no friends, definitely no charisma, and his family makes people on Jerry Springer look like total winners. Life can't be worse - until it becomes unbearable.
When Ryan helps Brandon out of a bad situation, chemistry sparks between them. Only Brandon has one problem: he's hiding in the closet with no way of finding his way out.
After years apart, Ryan runs into Brandon. This spells emotional turmoil for both Ryan and Brandon. Will years of resentment and bad feelings pull them apart or force them to work on their relationship so they can end up Tied Together?
Length: 6 hrs and 56 mins
©2015 Z.B. Heller (P)2017 Z.B. Heller
7 pages, Audible Audio
First published August 25, 2015
36 people are currently reading
553 people want to read
About the author
Z.B. Heller
13 books355 followersAs a little girl it was always a dream for Z.B. Heller to become She-Ra Princess of Power. Since this dream was unobtainable, she spent what was probably way to long in college trying to "find herself". Becoming an artist scratched the creative itch until the stories in her head were getting to be to loud for her to get anything else accomplished. She lives in St. Louis with her husband, son and Flemish Giant rabbit Chloe. In her spare time she likes to read, stalk celebrities on Twitter and create the type of art that people scratch their heads about.
The Chronicles of Moxie is Z.B. Heller's debut novel.
The Chronicles of Moxie is Z.B. Heller's debut novel.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 178 reviews
November 19, 2015
DNF at 64%
I’m not sure a book ever made me this angry.
If you want the short version, click here.
If you want the long version, click here.
I think what made it worse was that I was loving these guys so much.
This calls for the famous WTF gif.
I’m not sure a book ever made me this angry.
If you want the short version, click here.
If you want the long version, click here.
I think what made it worse was that I was loving these guys so much.
This calls for the famous WTF gif.
September 2, 2015
4 'çute loving' stars
Tied Together is the love story between Ryan and Brandon that span fifteen years. This is one cute and funny read that bring so much joy, but also come with a small dose of angst and some tender moments.
Ryan is the golden gay boy who had it all. He had an overly supportive family who loves him unconditionally. He is confident and cocky.
Brandon is the shy and timid trailer park kid who got abused at home and bullied at school. He's aiming for a scholarship to enable him to leave his home.
When Ryan stood up for Brandon in an altercation with the school bullies, they became fast friends and close confidant. They both have secret crush on each other with Brandon hiding his sexuality and Ryan not wanting to scare away his straight best friend.
I had been permanently placed in a cold, dark, lonely place known to many losers who roam the earth: The Friend Zone.
I love Ryan's POV, it is so funny that I had a hard time keeping a straight face while reading. I just have to snicker and laugh at his inner thoughts, especially the whole Brad Pitt vs Steve Buscemi. I'm dying to read more of these two crazy alter egos.
Brad Pitt: Told you so.
Steve Buscemi: Why do you have to be an ass fucker and all high and mighty?
Brad Pitt: Because I'm his good conscience and anything you say is a bad idea. Like the time you said putting his penis in an empty paper towel roll would feel just like sex. Then he ended up with paper cuts on his penis.
Steve Buscemi: Oh yeah.
While Ryan makes me laugh, Brandon makes me sad. He had an awful home and been hiding in the closet for years until he finally can't deny that he can't make it work with women, no matter how hard he tried.
Just when thing starting to look up for these two buys, Ryan had to be a stupid little shit and did some idiotic thing. Gah! I'm so mad and sad.
There are a few time jump in between that enable both Ryan and Brandon to grow and do some soul searching. Although I would prefer to get all the juicy bits during the time gap, I can't complaint that the flow do actually works. I am able to forgive Ryan for his immaturity and I'm definitely love Brandon's transformation. Who knew that timid boy turn into such a fine man.
Overall, this read had enough humor to make it a great comedy and had enough tender part that draw you in emotionally. I just wish that I got a bit more details during the in between time gaps.
Aww... the epilogue is a tear inducing scene.
"We're tied together."
Tied Together is the love story between Ryan and Brandon that span fifteen years. This is one cute and funny read that bring so much joy, but also come with a small dose of angst and some tender moments.
Ryan is the golden gay boy who had it all. He had an overly supportive family who loves him unconditionally. He is confident and cocky.
Brandon is the shy and timid trailer park kid who got abused at home and bullied at school. He's aiming for a scholarship to enable him to leave his home.
When Ryan stood up for Brandon in an altercation with the school bullies, they became fast friends and close confidant. They both have secret crush on each other with Brandon hiding his sexuality and Ryan not wanting to scare away his straight best friend.
I had been permanently placed in a cold, dark, lonely place known to many losers who roam the earth: The Friend Zone.
I love Ryan's POV, it is so funny that I had a hard time keeping a straight face while reading. I just have to snicker and laugh at his inner thoughts, especially the whole Brad Pitt vs Steve Buscemi. I'm dying to read more of these two crazy alter egos.
Brad Pitt: Told you so.
Steve Buscemi: Why do you have to be an ass fucker and all high and mighty?
Brad Pitt: Because I'm his good conscience and anything you say is a bad idea. Like the time you said putting his penis in an empty paper towel roll would feel just like sex. Then he ended up with paper cuts on his penis.
Steve Buscemi: Oh yeah.
While Ryan makes me laugh, Brandon makes me sad. He had an awful home and been hiding in the closet for years until he finally can't deny that he can't make it work with women, no matter how hard he tried.
Just when thing starting to look up for these two buys, Ryan had to be a stupid little shit and did some idiotic thing. Gah! I'm so mad and sad.
There are a few time jump in between that enable both Ryan and Brandon to grow and do some soul searching. Although I would prefer to get all the juicy bits during the time gap, I can't complaint that the flow do actually works. I am able to forgive Ryan for his immaturity and I'm definitely love Brandon's transformation. Who knew that timid boy turn into such a fine man.
Overall, this read had enough humor to make it a great comedy and had enough tender part that draw you in emotionally. I just wish that I got a bit more details during the in between time gaps.
Aww... the epilogue is a tear inducing scene.
"We're tied together."
December 7, 2017
~ 1* ~
DNF-ed at 61% , and I don't fucking care about their HEA
*** CHEATER SCUMBAG ALERT !***
*** WARNING ! :
THE HERO IS A SERIAL CHEATER. ANOTHER ONE IS A TSTL DOORMAT, IF THIS IS THE KIND OF BOOK YOU LIKE, GO AHEAD.
AND I'M PISSED THIS BOOK DIDN'T COME WITH WARNING THERE'S A CHEATING INVOLVED.
THE WARNING WITH ANACONDA IS NOT FUNNY.
THERE. I SAID IT.***
I hate to say this, but I don't see Ryan is funny, and he has NO redeem quality in him.
Once a cheater , always a cheater. !
And Brandon is a stupid guy who fall for a mainstream asshole, and he need to to wash his brain !
.
I'm so mad right now.
I WILL NOT RECOMMEND THIS BOOK TO MY FRIENDS. NOPE.
BYE.
DNF-ed at 61% , and I don't fucking care about their HEA
*** CHEATER SCUMBAG ALERT !***
*** WARNING ! :
THE HERO IS A SERIAL CHEATER. ANOTHER ONE IS A TSTL DOORMAT, IF THIS IS THE KIND OF BOOK YOU LIKE, GO AHEAD.
AND I'M PISSED THIS BOOK DIDN'T COME WITH WARNING THERE'S A CHEATING INVOLVED.
THE WARNING WITH ANACONDA IS NOT FUNNY.
THERE. I SAID IT.***
I hate to say this, but I don't see Ryan is funny, and he has NO redeem quality in him.
Once a cheater , always a cheater. !
And Brandon is a stupid guy who fall for a mainstream asshole, and he need to to wash his brain !
.
I'm so mad right now.
I WILL NOT RECOMMEND THIS BOOK TO MY FRIENDS. NOPE.
BYE.
January 15, 2020
Sigh ..... the first part of Tied Together is 3-4 stars when Ryan and Brandon are high school friends - loved Ryan's internal monologue with his good angel (Brad Pitt) and bad angel (Steve Buscemi) and his out-n'-proud snark. Admired Brandon's perseverance in getting a pre-med scholarship that allowed him to escape his abusive parents, with the goal of becoming a doctor. Teenage angst over their mutual attraction .... and the boys move to Chicago (attending different schools) and carry on their friendship. So far, so good.
We next meet up with Brandon and Ryan after 2 years in Chicago, where things start to fall off the rails, big time. . Huge disgusted sigh ..... and trying to dodge the falling stars.
TWELVE YEARS LATER ... we have somehow sequed into the Moxie Show complete with a "meet-cute" birthing scene which reunites Ryan and Brandon. And at this point, I am too weary to care about what happens to these two. It was a Bataan Death March to the end of this book.
Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
We next meet up with Brandon and Ryan after 2 years in Chicago, where things start to fall off the rails, big time. . Huge disgusted sigh ..... and trying to dodge the falling stars.
TWELVE YEARS LATER ... we have somehow sequed into the Moxie Show complete with a "meet-cute" birthing scene which reunites Ryan and Brandon. And at this point, I am too weary to care about what happens to these two. It was a Bataan Death March to the end of this book.
Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
November 18, 2015
*2.5*
Not sure what happened here! Part 1 really was a four star for me, it was a funny, sweet, (overly)angsty, high school romance. Then came part 2. Here I lost the characters a bit, and did not really understand what they were doing or why. But fine, a bit OTT drama is always entertaining in romance, it doesn’t have to be realistic. Then came part 3. Here I felt myself drifting away totally. It felt like I stepped into a completely different book. There were suddenly major characters that I never heard about before (well, to be fair ), and these characters take up a big part of the plot.
When looking at the author’s other books, I realized that Moxie, the friend of Ryan, actually has her own books. Aha. And it seems Ryan was a character in those books (along with Brandon). So this book was the story of how they got together, as I understand it.
I’m sure I would have enjoyed it more if I would have read the Moxie books first, and I wish there would have been a mention of this in the blurb.
But whatever.
Part 1 was really good, and hilarious! Part 2 was not so bad, and it made me want to re-read Tell Me It's Real (Ryan has a drag queen flat mate. I miss Sandy!) So that is what I will do in order to forget the chaos that was part 3.
Not sure what happened here! Part 1 really was a four star for me, it was a funny, sweet, (overly)angsty, high school romance. Then came part 2. Here I lost the characters a bit, and did not really understand what they were doing or why. But fine, a bit OTT drama is always entertaining in romance, it doesn’t have to be realistic. Then came part 3. Here I felt myself drifting away totally. It felt like I stepped into a completely different book. There were suddenly major characters that I never heard about before (well, to be fair ), and these characters take up a big part of the plot.
When looking at the author’s other books, I realized that Moxie, the friend of Ryan, actually has her own books. Aha. And it seems Ryan was a character in those books (along with Brandon). So this book was the story of how they got together, as I understand it.
I’m sure I would have enjoyed it more if I would have read the Moxie books first, and I wish there would have been a mention of this in the blurb.
But whatever.
Part 1 was really good, and hilarious! Part 2 was not so bad, and it made me want to re-read Tell Me It's Real (Ryan has a drag queen flat mate. I miss Sandy!) So that is what I will do in order to forget the chaos that was part 3.
November 9, 2015
I loved this story! It was totally my kind of read. Because while I do love books with intense plots and epic love, those I typically look for in my paranormal candy. For contemporary, this really is more of the kind of stuff I enjoy. Nothing too hard core or deep, not a lot of sappy love or over-the-top angsty struggles. Yes, I know struggles are part of life (thus contemporary genre!) but hell, I get enough of that in real life. Reading contemporary or not, I still and will always read to get AWAY from the extreme troubles of life. And while this story had its struggles for sure, because yes, all stories need some form of opposition to overcome, it wasnt enough to really funk my happy. Probably because this author has an incredible sense of humor. I thoroughly enjoyed her writing style, it just effing made my insides grin. It FELT GOOD to read, all the way through. Always some comic relief to balance out any misfortunes that were taking place. I especially loved the side character, Moxie. OMG she was fantastic. Not sure I'd want her as a BFF around my kids... Well, yes, okay I would.. Ha! We only live once, peeps! Anyway, adorable and touching love story that I totally ate up. Have defo found me a new author to love in contemporary m/m.
October 1, 2017
Release Date: August 27, 2015
Genre: MM Romance
Tied Together is a funny MM romance with an emotional edge. Z.B. Heller is a hilarious author so I am forever grateful to have found her books because they always make me laugh and the stories she tells are absurd (in a good way). Now, while I did like this book, I have to admit what it wasn't a favorite of mine when it comes the authors work. I think this is mainly because the humor that I have grown to love was boggled down by the emotional spin.
Ryan has a loving family who accept him for who he is. They certainly didn't care when he came out of the closet and in fact, had waging bets on when he would finally do it! Brandon on the other hand comes from an abusive home who doesn't believe in homosexuality. So coming out for Brandon wasn't something he could do.
When Brandon and Ryan meet it's great! Ryan saves Brandon from a group of bullies and the two become fast friends. Both boys have secret crushes on the other of course, but Ryan isn't afraid to admit it while Brandon is.
A few years later the two reconnect on a deeper level and their feelings begin to shine. Unfortunately, Brandon isn't ready to come because of the hate and carelessness of his parents so it strains their relationship. So the two break it off (and not in the best of terms either).
Twelve years later they are lucky to meet yet again! Only this time, Brandon isn't afraid of his feelings... After all this time will the two have a happily ever after? Or will the past continue to get in the way of their future? This my friends is for YOU to find out if you decide to read this book!
Overall, I would recommend this novel for those who enjoy MM romances, romantic comedies, and of course, the works of Z.B. Heller. While it wasn't my particular favorite I think many will really love this one.
Genre: MM Romance
Tied Together is a funny MM romance with an emotional edge. Z.B. Heller is a hilarious author so I am forever grateful to have found her books because they always make me laugh and the stories she tells are absurd (in a good way). Now, while I did like this book, I have to admit what it wasn't a favorite of mine when it comes the authors work. I think this is mainly because the humor that I have grown to love was boggled down by the emotional spin.
Ryan has a loving family who accept him for who he is. They certainly didn't care when he came out of the closet and in fact, had waging bets on when he would finally do it! Brandon on the other hand comes from an abusive home who doesn't believe in homosexuality. So coming out for Brandon wasn't something he could do.
When Brandon and Ryan meet it's great! Ryan saves Brandon from a group of bullies and the two become fast friends. Both boys have secret crushes on the other of course, but Ryan isn't afraid to admit it while Brandon is.
A few years later the two reconnect on a deeper level and their feelings begin to shine. Unfortunately, Brandon isn't ready to come because of the hate and carelessness of his parents so it strains their relationship. So the two break it off (and not in the best of terms either).
Twelve years later they are lucky to meet yet again! Only this time, Brandon isn't afraid of his feelings... After all this time will the two have a happily ever after? Or will the past continue to get in the way of their future? This my friends is for YOU to find out if you decide to read this book!
Overall, I would recommend this novel for those who enjoy MM romances, romantic comedies, and of course, the works of Z.B. Heller. While it wasn't my particular favorite I think many will really love this one.
January 29, 2016
3.5 Stars
October 6, 2015
1.5 stars
So this one started out as a 4/5 star read for me, I was laughing so hard at the angel (Brad Pitt) and devil (Steve Buscemi). I hated what Brandon had to go through but I loved how great Ryan was to him. There is a quick kiss once they graduate high school but Brandon insists he is straight so they remain friends.
Fast forward 2 years, they are both in Chicago and after a failed date with a woman Brandon finally admits he is in love with Ryan...the next day he lets Brandon know and they have a night of sex and confession. The next day Ryan issues an ultimatum that Brandon must announce to they world he is gay and in a relationship or they can't even be friends.
This is where the book completely lost it for me and quite frankly, if I hadn't enjoyed the first 1/3 of the book as much as I did this would have made it a 1 star or even a DNF...I read a lot and I'm not sure I've read about such a disgusting, self centered, selfish, self righteous, OMG...I can't even come up with all the words to describe what a deplorable person Ryan is.
The What the Fuckery in this book was off the charts...I read several reviews before I picked this up and they were all so good, nobody mentioned cheating or that Ryan was such a narcissistic twat. I have very few taboos when it comes to reading but cheating is something I prefer to know about before I decide to read a book and the way it was done in this book was so shitty...so not a fan of this one
So this one started out as a 4/5 star read for me, I was laughing so hard at the angel (Brad Pitt) and devil (Steve Buscemi). I hated what Brandon had to go through but I loved how great Ryan was to him. There is a quick kiss once they graduate high school but Brandon insists he is straight so they remain friends.
Fast forward 2 years, they are both in Chicago and after a failed date with a woman Brandon finally admits he is in love with Ryan...the next day he lets Brandon know and they have a night of sex and confession. The next day Ryan issues an ultimatum that Brandon must announce to they world he is gay and in a relationship or they can't even be friends.
This is where the book completely lost it for me and quite frankly, if I hadn't enjoyed the first 1/3 of the book as much as I did this would have made it a 1 star or even a DNF...I read a lot and I'm not sure I've read about such a disgusting, self centered, selfish, self righteous, OMG...I can't even come up with all the words to describe what a deplorable person Ryan is.
The What the Fuckery in this book was off the charts...I read several reviews before I picked this up and they were all so good, nobody mentioned cheating or that Ryan was such a narcissistic twat. I have very few taboos when it comes to reading but cheating is something I prefer to know about before I decide to read a book and the way it was done in this book was so shitty...so not a fan of this one
Read
August 28, 2015I downloaded the sample from Amazon and quickly realized this was not going to work for me. I'm not sure if the author accidentally uploaded the arc because even though there were credits to an editor, there were multiple errors and I had only made it to chapter two (including a typo on the dedication page...). Examples:
"feel up girls on a daily bases"
"walked passed me"
You get the idea.
Sorry.
"feel up girls on a daily bases"
"walked passed me"
You get the idea.
Sorry.
January 21, 2017
WOOHOO que libro más malo, y no lo digo porque uno de los personajes sea un gilipollas manipulador con la inteligencia emocional de un pepino de mar, sino porque he visto mejor calidad en un capítulo de La Que Se Avecina, que quien me conoce sabe lo que "me gustan", humor facilón, narración no muy buena y por Dios, ¿Se puede ser más cliché que Ryan? Se es gay ergo tiene que ser incapaz de ser fiel..... ayoma....
February 5, 2017
http://amzn.to/1LJo5lT
This is a such a great book! The author evokes such a wide range of emotions from the reader including humor, heartbreak, empathy and pure love.
It’s a powerful love story told over the course of 15 years, yes you read that correctly, this book’s timeline is over a decade and becomes almost a third chance romance.
For me, the key to second chance romance is getting the reader to believe this time it’s forever and making this a third chance romance, Ms. Heller made this task even harder coupled that with the events of the break up and it truly is an became uphill battle to forever…An uphill battle the author hiked and conquered!!!
Tied Together is the story of Ryan Keller, a young man who when the book opens appears to have it all.
From the moment I read this, I knew I was in for a treat as so few authors can do humor well:
This was not a penis but an anaconda. His dick was a weapon of mass destruction and could have had its own area code. To make matters more frightening, Peter was uncut. I was dealing with a hybrid: an anaconda turtle. I eyed the monstrosity with my mouth agape.
Ryan’s first meeting with this book’s second leading man …a shy Brandon Ford was so heart warming.
Brandon and Ryan develop an easy friendship, though a friendship that for a while is surface deep as Brandon is living with a secret. The contrast between Ryan and Brandon’s home lives truly speaks to the reader and becomes a great undertone for the assumptions people make about each other.
Brandon struggles so much with coming to terms with who he is, and when he finally admits he wants Ryan my heart swelled.
“This is not a mistake, Ryan. I’ve wanted this for a long time. I just didn’t know how or when. I don’t want to be scared anymore. You make me want to be brave.”
The “what” that tears these two apart made me want to throw my kindle across the room and the moment after that made me want to throttle Ryan!
But when these men re-connect, you get humor and character growth, true growth for both men:
He was sexting me! That little shit was working the power of text to turn me on. I glanced down at my crotch and saw how Brandon’s words affected me. Two could play at that game. He was about to find out who the master was.
“I like to stick things in a man, a real man, who can take what I give him.”
I smirked when I hit send.
“Ryan, I don’t think you have the balls to give me what I need. I like it hot, dirty, and deep. If memory serves, you like to bring those twinks home, and baby, I am no twink.”
I almost dropped my phone. I just got my ass handed to me on a platter courtesy of Brandon.
Though I wanted to punch Ryan in the throat and thought I might never forgive him especially given what goes down in the dual POV chapter, Ms. Heller did a masterful job at bringing these two back together in a truly memorable and omg moment, one that has Brandon having almost everything he ever dreamt of.
Speaking of Brandon his journey to happy was so powerful, his evolution to a man able to grab what he wants out of life without caring about the judgement others, made me want to hug him.
In the end, this line proved true in spades:
“So that’s it, then. We’re tied together.”
The epilogue of this story was the lynch pin for me..the piece that took this story up to the top of that hill to a forever happy!
Ms. Heller amazed me with her ability to write funny, and emotional. She is truly a gifted writer and I look forward to reading more from her.
This is a such a great book! The author evokes such a wide range of emotions from the reader including humor, heartbreak, empathy and pure love.
It’s a powerful love story told over the course of 15 years, yes you read that correctly, this book’s timeline is over a decade and becomes almost a third chance romance.
For me, the key to second chance romance is getting the reader to believe this time it’s forever and making this a third chance romance, Ms. Heller made this task even harder coupled that with the events of the break up and it truly is an became uphill battle to forever…An uphill battle the author hiked and conquered!!!
Tied Together is the story of Ryan Keller, a young man who when the book opens appears to have it all.
From the moment I read this, I knew I was in for a treat as so few authors can do humor well:
This was not a penis but an anaconda. His dick was a weapon of mass destruction and could have had its own area code. To make matters more frightening, Peter was uncut. I was dealing with a hybrid: an anaconda turtle. I eyed the monstrosity with my mouth agape.
Ryan’s first meeting with this book’s second leading man …a shy Brandon Ford was so heart warming.
Brandon and Ryan develop an easy friendship, though a friendship that for a while is surface deep as Brandon is living with a secret. The contrast between Ryan and Brandon’s home lives truly speaks to the reader and becomes a great undertone for the assumptions people make about each other.
Brandon struggles so much with coming to terms with who he is, and when he finally admits he wants Ryan my heart swelled.
“This is not a mistake, Ryan. I’ve wanted this for a long time. I just didn’t know how or when. I don’t want to be scared anymore. You make me want to be brave.”
The “what” that tears these two apart made me want to throw my kindle across the room and the moment after that made me want to throttle Ryan!
But when these men re-connect, you get humor and character growth, true growth for both men:
He was sexting me! That little shit was working the power of text to turn me on. I glanced down at my crotch and saw how Brandon’s words affected me. Two could play at that game. He was about to find out who the master was.
“I like to stick things in a man, a real man, who can take what I give him.”
I smirked when I hit send.
“Ryan, I don’t think you have the balls to give me what I need. I like it hot, dirty, and deep. If memory serves, you like to bring those twinks home, and baby, I am no twink.”
I almost dropped my phone. I just got my ass handed to me on a platter courtesy of Brandon.
Though I wanted to punch Ryan in the throat and thought I might never forgive him especially given what goes down in the dual POV chapter, Ms. Heller did a masterful job at bringing these two back together in a truly memorable and omg moment, one that has Brandon having almost everything he ever dreamt of.
Speaking of Brandon his journey to happy was so powerful, his evolution to a man able to grab what he wants out of life without caring about the judgement others, made me want to hug him.
In the end, this line proved true in spades:
“So that’s it, then. We’re tied together.”
The epilogue of this story was the lynch pin for me..the piece that took this story up to the top of that hill to a forever happy!
Ms. Heller amazed me with her ability to write funny, and emotional. She is truly a gifted writer and I look forward to reading more from her.
August 28, 2015
So...this was my first Z.B. Heller book and I have to say, I absolutely LoVeD it!! Hands down a 5+ stars for me. I came across this by chance and heard it was the her first MM book so I got a sample first and was hooked from the start. I could not put this book down. It had a lot of humor and quick wit between the characters. I loved Ryan's battle of Brad and Steve in his mind! Those were pretty funny. Brandon's life growing up brought the angst to the book. I'm not a big fan of angst, but it was just the right amount for the story to work. He had big demons to overcome. Ryan had some things about himself to think about as well. And I loved that the timeline was realistic. While the boys do get their HEA, it wasn't instant and took years to come to fruition. Don't get me wrong, this book doesn't drag by any means. It's written in 3 parts so it can jump ahead in time when needed. And of course the sex was yummy. I highly recommend this book! I'm now going to go back and add Moxie's books to my TBR as she is hilarious with her smartassness. LOL.
June 30, 2016
Wow! That was terrible! As I was reading this I kept thinking this book was like a bad romantic comedy. Like something Tara Reid would star on. But even she was in American Pie which was nowhere near this terrible. That made me think of Seann William Scott which was also in the movie "Dude, Where is my Car" and that had a lot of similarities to this story: two very dumb MCs , some unlikely and unrealistic supporting characters and a stupid plot that at least makes you chuckle at times.
So I found this book to be like a super low budget romantic comedy starring Stifler and whoever you think the male equivalent of Tara Reid could be.
So I found this book to be like a super low budget romantic comedy starring Stifler and whoever you think the male equivalent of Tara Reid could be.
October 13, 2015
Up until the end of part two this was a solid four star read for me, then Ryan
February 5, 2016
Uh this book had the potential to be great. All I'm going to say is there is cheating and we jump ahead in the middle of the book 12 years. Ummm yeah it was a little bit of a let down because it started great. There is a HEA but I don't know if it was worth it.
November 9, 2015
Tied Together by Z.B. Heller
M/M Romantic Comedy Standalone
4.5 stars
*giveaway over*
To start off the review, I must qualify this with the fact that I am not normally an m/m fan. Nor have I read the Moxie books by ZB Heller beyond a short story. But the promos were so cute, and I just love Zolie, so I wanted to get out of my comfort zone and go for it.
Sugar, spice and all things nice. If you have a schlong, you belong. If you have a cooch, you can scoot along.”
I thought Tied Together by ZB Heller would be an over the top laugh-fest, more silly than serious. And while there are some light-hearted, laugh out loud moments, this was a true, sentimental, angsty romance. And I loved every second of it.
The book was told in basically three sections spanning many years. We start by meeting Ryan. Ryan is in high school, very well adjusted, gay, and accepted by his family. He is popular, confident, and just a great, outgoing guy.
Brandon was the opposite. He lived in a trailer park with abusive, homophobe parents, and could never, ever let on that he liked boys. He just spent his time studying, and often being bullied. Until one day Ryan stuck up for him against the bullies, and they became best friends.
Brandon loved Ryan, but his fear of coming out was so strong he never admitted he was gay, so Ryan just wished for it.
These guys were so close, and even with the funny and silly, they gave me all the feels. Ryan was funny, and Brandon was sad. Together they made a very interesting story, with a couple you know are meant to be together if they could both just get over their own drama, even after many, many years.
When they finally get together, I was ready to have a party.
But of course, it isn't that easy…..
Likes:
•Funny, laugh-out-loud lines.
•That it was a much deeper story than I expected.
•Not so much sex that I was freaked by it.
•A true second chance, even third chance romance.
•Just enough angst…OK, a lot of angst.
•I loved both characters.
•I enjoyed Moxie in the small dose I had.
•Lots of banter, my favorite thing.
•Well done male POV.
•Brought tears to my eyes a few times.
Dislikes:
•Desperately needed another round or two of editing, but not so much that it detracted from the story.
•There were a few scenes that felt a bit repetitive.
•Brandon's changes seemed very dramatic, and I would have liked a little more back story on them.
Not sure:
•Steve Buscemi and Brad Pitt were Ryan's "angel and devil" on his shoulders. While it made for some funny moments, I found it hard to get it with the names, but it was better once I realized who Steve was (so look him up here)
Rating: 4.5 Stars, 3 Heat
The Down and Dirty:
I was pleasantly surprised at how much I really loved Tied Together. It started off with a bang and was funny off the bat, but it mellowed into an angsty, emotional love story spanning 14 years. ZB Heller's writing style flowed well, and the humor blended well into the book without going over the top. I fell in love with and rooted for the characters, but found that the editing errors detracted from the great story. Still, I look forward to reading more m/m from Zolie, because she does it so well!
Purchase Tied Together by Z.B. Heller
August 4, 2017
I loved Sex Ed by this writer so I thought I would try her back list.
This is the story of the uncles in that book and it takes place over many years. I think it would have been a richer book if it open with the scene of Ryan and Brandon meeting as adults and then just referencing their.
It would have been a stronger love story for me to have them come together as healthy grown ups. Instead, this part of the romance is smooshed (with a great epilogue) and we spend a great deal of time with the heroes as very young and very dumb. lol
I still like them.
This is the story of the uncles in that book and it takes place over many years. I think it would have been a richer book if it open with the scene of Ryan and Brandon meeting as adults and then just referencing their.
It would have been a stronger love story for me to have them come together as healthy grown ups. Instead, this part of the romance is smooshed (with a great epilogue) and we spend a great deal of time with the heroes as very young and very dumb. lol
I still like them.
September 2, 2015
Tied Together by ZB Heller
3.5 stars!!
This was a real fun yet emotional and angsty M/M read. I am a sucker for M/M, for some reason I can get really emotionally invested in these stories and this one was no different. While the humour made light of some of the issues it was needed to break the tension and the humour literally was Ryan’s form of emotional defence, he was hilarious as were his angel and devil that sat firmly on his shoulders.
Ryan was the epitome of the guy that every girl wanted to date, he was hot, he was well off and he was incredibly popular, he was cocky, self assured and just a general Mr Nice Guy, shame that he didn’t bat for their team. He was always confident in his sexuality and while his coming out didn’t quite go to plan he had the most accepting parents; he was lucky, extremely lucky. He had a great emotional support system and a fantastic family.
Brandon was the total opposite, he was the boy from the other side of the track, he was dirt poor, lived in a trailer and had parents that just saw him as a mistake. His mum did work but didn’t care for Brandon at all and his dad was an out of work drunk that took all his frustrations out on him both emotionally and physically. He really did have a crap life; he was bullied at home and at school. He kept his nose stuck in his books, he was adamant that he was going to make something of himself and get the hell out of there, and he couldn’t wait.
Ryan and Brandon meet when Brandon is being bullied and Ryan literally becomes his knight in shining armour and from there a friendship was born. Ryan felt the gay vibes from Brandon, but Brandon was firmly in the closet, not even really admitting to himself his true feelings, he was scared too, his dad had been calling him all the “gay” names under the sun and he didn’t want to draw anymore attention to himself, he needed to stay alive to get out.
I felt everything between these two. The friendship, the conflict of emotions and the constant push and pull of affections. Brandon really was confused and conflicted, he knew what his heart wanted but his head was not on the same page, until it was, then it wasn’t.
This does have its fair share of angst and yes I did have a few tears while reading, my heart broke multiple times for these two as you could really tell that these two were meant to be together. There are elements of our trusty favourite “mis-communication” but understandable none the less and really brings this story together.
Sometimes you just meet someone at the wrong time and your time will come and that is definitely the case for these two, being older and wiser and more mature definitely makes a difference and I loved the new “Brandon,” the banter between these two was fantastic and the change in Brandon makes for some smoking hot scenes.
I loved ZB Heller’s writing style, her wit flowed throughout and I felt that she really nailed the male POV. My only niggle was this needed a proofread. There were a lot of errors and while this was an ARC, I have since looked at the final copy and there are still quite a few in there. While a few I can let slide when it is a fair amount I have to bring it up. This would have been a solid 4 star had it not been for that element.
This is my first read by ZB Heller and it won’t be my last.
www.theromancecover.com
3.5 stars!!
“How was it for you? Thanks for the spooge facial; my skin feels so renewed.”
This was a real fun yet emotional and angsty M/M read. I am a sucker for M/M, for some reason I can get really emotionally invested in these stories and this one was no different. While the humour made light of some of the issues it was needed to break the tension and the humour literally was Ryan’s form of emotional defence, he was hilarious as were his angel and devil that sat firmly on his shoulders.
“Sugar, spice and all things nice. If you have a schlong, you belong. If you have a cooch, you can scoot along.”
Ryan was the epitome of the guy that every girl wanted to date, he was hot, he was well off and he was incredibly popular, he was cocky, self assured and just a general Mr Nice Guy, shame that he didn’t bat for their team. He was always confident in his sexuality and while his coming out didn’t quite go to plan he had the most accepting parents; he was lucky, extremely lucky. He had a great emotional support system and a fantastic family.
Brandon was the total opposite, he was the boy from the other side of the track, he was dirt poor, lived in a trailer and had parents that just saw him as a mistake. His mum did work but didn’t care for Brandon at all and his dad was an out of work drunk that took all his frustrations out on him both emotionally and physically. He really did have a crap life; he was bullied at home and at school. He kept his nose stuck in his books, he was adamant that he was going to make something of himself and get the hell out of there, and he couldn’t wait.
“Stress is oozing off you like jizz running down a guy’s leg. Go get your pickle tickled, burp your worm, and crank the shank…”
Ryan and Brandon meet when Brandon is being bullied and Ryan literally becomes his knight in shining armour and from there a friendship was born. Ryan felt the gay vibes from Brandon, but Brandon was firmly in the closet, not even really admitting to himself his true feelings, he was scared too, his dad had been calling him all the “gay” names under the sun and he didn’t want to draw anymore attention to himself, he needed to stay alive to get out.
I felt everything between these two. The friendship, the conflict of emotions and the constant push and pull of affections. Brandon really was confused and conflicted, he knew what his heart wanted but his head was not on the same page, until it was, then it wasn’t.
“This is not a mistake, Ryan. I’ve wanted this for a long time. I just didn’t know how or when. I don’t want to be scared anymore. You make me want to be brave.”
This does have its fair share of angst and yes I did have a few tears while reading, my heart broke multiple times for these two as you could really tell that these two were meant to be together. There are elements of our trusty favourite “mis-communication” but understandable none the less and really brings this story together.
Sometimes you just meet someone at the wrong time and your time will come and that is definitely the case for these two, being older and wiser and more mature definitely makes a difference and I loved the new “Brandon,” the banter between these two was fantastic and the change in Brandon makes for some smoking hot scenes.
I loved ZB Heller’s writing style, her wit flowed throughout and I felt that she really nailed the male POV. My only niggle was this needed a proofread. There were a lot of errors and while this was an ARC, I have since looked at the final copy and there are still quite a few in there. While a few I can let slide when it is a fair amount I have to bring it up. This would have been a solid 4 star had it not been for that element.
“So that’s it, then. We’re tied together.”
This is my first read by ZB Heller and it won’t be my last.
www.theromancecover.com
February 26, 2017
I received a free copy of this audiobook from audiobookboom, for my listening pleasure.
Ryan is a senior in high school and outed by his parents, when going down on a jock in his garden shed. His parents are the epitome of support though, so no drama there - except for the drama inside Ryan's annoying head.
Brandon is white trash, who dreams of something better. His parents are absent and alcoholic, with his father using him as a punching bag every chance he gets. He is bullied in school and in denial about his sexuality.
The two meet in and become fast friends, when Ryan acts the white knight, rescuing Brandon from his bullies. Brandon keeps up the act that he is straight, even whilst falling in love with Ryan. The two remain friends when they leave for college and are - unbeknownst to each other - in love with one another with out ever admitting it.
Things finally come to a head, and they end up together, but the conflict of Brandon being in the closet tears them apart again. .
We then skip 12 years! And Brandon and Ryan meet again in a delivery room, they start up again and another drama ensues, when Ryan is caught kissing his ex-boyfriend Tom.
This was... bad. The writing was fine, the narration was fine, the story was not!
The characters were unsympathetic, Ryan especially was a complete jerk, that I just could not get on board with. The comedy was forced and in no way funny. The angsting and drama was over done and the secondary characters were superfluous and annoying- apparently Ryan's BFF Moxie has her own book, which at least explains the complete and utterly ridiculous info dump about her wedding in the middle of part 3 of this book.
The story does have a happy ending and a cute epilogue, but not enough to save this is any way.
I cannot recommend this book in any way, it was a chore for me to get through it - and I would not have been able to do it, if not for the pleasant narration. Had I been reading it, instead of listening to it, I would have DNF'ed around 30% in. However, it has a great many 4 and 5 star reviews, so it is probably a case of me and not the book. Therefore please do not let my review stand alone if you are considering picking it up.
Ryan is a senior in high school and outed by his parents, when going down on a jock in his garden shed. His parents are the epitome of support though, so no drama there - except for the drama inside Ryan's annoying head.
Brandon is white trash, who dreams of something better. His parents are absent and alcoholic, with his father using him as a punching bag every chance he gets. He is bullied in school and in denial about his sexuality.
The two meet in and become fast friends, when Ryan acts the white knight, rescuing Brandon from his bullies. Brandon keeps up the act that he is straight, even whilst falling in love with Ryan. The two remain friends when they leave for college and are - unbeknownst to each other - in love with one another with out ever admitting it.
Things finally come to a head, and they end up together, but the conflict of Brandon being in the closet tears them apart again. .
We then skip 12 years! And Brandon and Ryan meet again in a delivery room, they start up again and another drama ensues, when Ryan is caught kissing his ex-boyfriend Tom.
This was... bad. The writing was fine, the narration was fine, the story was not!
The characters were unsympathetic, Ryan especially was a complete jerk, that I just could not get on board with. The comedy was forced and in no way funny. The angsting and drama was over done and the secondary characters were superfluous and annoying- apparently Ryan's BFF Moxie has her own book, which at least explains the complete and utterly ridiculous info dump about her wedding in the middle of part 3 of this book.
The story does have a happy ending and a cute epilogue, but not enough to save this is any way.
I cannot recommend this book in any way, it was a chore for me to get through it - and I would not have been able to do it, if not for the pleasant narration. Had I been reading it, instead of listening to it, I would have DNF'ed around 30% in. However, it has a great many 4 and 5 star reviews, so it is probably a case of me and not the book. Therefore please do not let my review stand alone if you are considering picking it up.
February 19, 2017
I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher.
I tried, I honestly did. But I could not finish the audiobook version of Tied Together by ZB Heller. I had to stop listening at 85% of the way through because I have better uses for my time-HEA or no. I had some issues with the narration by Derrick McClain, but the biggest downfall by far was the writing and story itself.
Let's begin with the good. I enjoyed McMclain’s portrayal of Brandon. I felt it was on the mark when we first meet him as a closeted teenager and then a decade and a half later as a successful doctor. If you've listened to Derrick McClain’s narration of How to Be a Normal Person by TJ Klune, then you know what a talented voice actor he is. Unfortunately, his performance for the other MC, Ryan, resonated very poorly with me. Why? I believe it’s due to the writing and to the character itself. No matter how good an actor, a badly written character is a badly written character.
This brings us to the bad. As I progressed listening to this story about a very out and privileged individual, Ryan, and his closeted and abused best friend, I gained less and less sympathy for the characters. Ryan was obnoxiously self absorbed, and although this selfishness was part of the plot line, the author wrote no endearing characteristics into his personality. Brandon, as written was a little more interesting, a little more complex and real, but still he felt very superficial. Both characters were prone to emotional dumping which came out of nowhere and seemed out of character. I had a difficult time caring what happened to them--as evidenced by the fact that I didn’t care to finish the book. The secondary (tertiary?) characters were equally flat, superficial and obnoxious. At one point, I asked myself if the author was trying to go for a TJ Klune comedy style--unfortunately, Zeller was not successful.
Along with the shallow character development, the plot didn't serve to connect the reader to the conflicts and eventual HEA of the characters. It went from love to idiotic betrayal, and back to forgiveness and insta-lust 12 years later. It was difficult to swallow.
I applaud McClain’s rendition of this book in trying to flesh out and make ill-conceived characters likeable. I would buy more audiobooks narrated by McClain, but this is my first and last work by ZB Heller.
I tried, I honestly did. But I could not finish the audiobook version of Tied Together by ZB Heller. I had to stop listening at 85% of the way through because I have better uses for my time-HEA or no. I had some issues with the narration by Derrick McClain, but the biggest downfall by far was the writing and story itself.
Let's begin with the good. I enjoyed McMclain’s portrayal of Brandon. I felt it was on the mark when we first meet him as a closeted teenager and then a decade and a half later as a successful doctor. If you've listened to Derrick McClain’s narration of How to Be a Normal Person by TJ Klune, then you know what a talented voice actor he is. Unfortunately, his performance for the other MC, Ryan, resonated very poorly with me. Why? I believe it’s due to the writing and to the character itself. No matter how good an actor, a badly written character is a badly written character.
This brings us to the bad. As I progressed listening to this story about a very out and privileged individual, Ryan, and his closeted and abused best friend, I gained less and less sympathy for the characters. Ryan was obnoxiously self absorbed, and although this selfishness was part of the plot line, the author wrote no endearing characteristics into his personality. Brandon, as written was a little more interesting, a little more complex and real, but still he felt very superficial. Both characters were prone to emotional dumping which came out of nowhere and seemed out of character. I had a difficult time caring what happened to them--as evidenced by the fact that I didn’t care to finish the book. The secondary (tertiary?) characters were equally flat, superficial and obnoxious. At one point, I asked myself if the author was trying to go for a TJ Klune comedy style--unfortunately, Zeller was not successful.
Along with the shallow character development, the plot didn't serve to connect the reader to the conflicts and eventual HEA of the characters. It went from love to idiotic betrayal, and back to forgiveness and insta-lust 12 years later. It was difficult to swallow.
I applaud McClain’s rendition of this book in trying to flesh out and make ill-conceived characters likeable. I would buy more audiobooks narrated by McClain, but this is my first and last work by ZB Heller.
August 27, 2015
ZB Heller has done a fantastic job telling this story and bringing these characters to life. I have read my fair share of M/M books and this one ranks right up there. Follow along as Ryan and Brandon try to navigate through high school, college and the adult worlds. What has Brandon so afraid to come out? Will Ryan ever take anything seriously? Are these two guys just better off as friends? Trust me you don't want to miss seeing how their story unfolds.
May 28, 2017
Ryan: happy, self-indulgent, gay man with the rainbows and glitter family.
Brandon: quiet, timid, in-the-closet gay man with... well... the OPPOSITE of rainbows and glitter family.
The story is broken up in three parts. The humor of the story had me sucked in right from the start. I love Ryan's attitude in the beginning and enjoyed reading about him. For the FIRST 1/3rd of the book. After that, Ryan became a bit obnoxious, his "good vs evil" selves bickering back and forth got old fast.
I wanted to feel more for Brandon. He came up short for me. I typically like the overcoming-the-odds and finding--your-HEA, but it wasn't very emotional. It seemed more forced.
Then skip ahead 12 years... and BAM... happy...little angst...completion.
I'm glad I read it... worth reading. Just not superb.
3.5 stars
Brandon: quiet, timid, in-the-closet gay man with... well... the OPPOSITE of rainbows and glitter family.
The story is broken up in three parts. The humor of the story had me sucked in right from the start. I love Ryan's attitude in the beginning and enjoyed reading about him. For the FIRST 1/3rd of the book. After that, Ryan became a bit obnoxious, his "good vs evil" selves bickering back and forth got old fast.
I wanted to feel more for Brandon. He came up short for me. I typically like the overcoming-the-odds and finding--your-HEA, but it wasn't very emotional. It seemed more forced.
Then skip ahead 12 years... and BAM... happy...little angst...completion.
I'm glad I read it... worth reading. Just not superb.
3.5 stars
August 30, 2015
I love that #goatfucker ZB Heller so much and I couldn't WAIT to get my hands on Ryan, even if he is gay and I'm a chick. I've been dying for some good m/m. Then Ryan pissed me off and I was all "Yeah, Brandon! Don't be anyone's bitch!" And then I, well… I don't want to give it all away, so I won't go into detail. I'll just say this book is totally ZB. I loved getting another glimpse of Moxie and Miles, and even Steve Buscemi and Brad Pitt. I highly recommend!!!!
September 10, 2015
Innocent crushes, curious glances and unknown feelings turn into first love, slippery cocks and devastation.TIED TOGETHER is a feel good m/m romance full of lots of angst (LOTS) but ultimately a sweet look at a relationship spanning eighteen years.
We start off with Brandon and Ryan as they meet in high school and there’s definitely a spark that ignites when the two share their first glance. Ryan’s out and about and ready to throw himself a pride parade down Main Street, while Brandon refuses to acknowledge the lingering feelings inside of him. I seriously laughed out loud at Ryan’s coming out to his parents – ohmygod, so so funny. What isn’t funny is Brandon’s life at home. The two couldn’t be more opposite, and yet they seem to mesh so well together.
Their time in college only grows their deepening friendship – and something more. I really loved the building heat that grew between them. Crossing the line from friendship to more was hot, sexy and delicious. Of course, right as we uhhh get to the good stuff, Bad Shit happens and drama ensues. GAHHHH.
I sort of felt that I read three separate books. The writing is great, as were the characters, yet the time jumping really messed with me and when we meet Brandon later in life he’s changed so drastically that it caught me a little off guard. I mean, I LOVED the change, but didn’t feel that there was enough in the story to explain it. Additionally, if you like your characters together for most of the book – be warned. While when they ARE together it’s lightning hot and Full of Feels, they suffer from a boomerang relationship.
Regardless, Brandon and Ryan are memorable to each other and as characters. Their love is all consuming and incredibly hot. Wet kisses, open hearts and timeless love gets this one 3.75 stars!
[I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review]
This review looks prettier on my blog: http://obsessedwithmyshelf.com/2015/0...
We start off with Brandon and Ryan as they meet in high school and there’s definitely a spark that ignites when the two share their first glance. Ryan’s out and about and ready to throw himself a pride parade down Main Street, while Brandon refuses to acknowledge the lingering feelings inside of him. I seriously laughed out loud at Ryan’s coming out to his parents – ohmygod, so so funny. What isn’t funny is Brandon’s life at home. The two couldn’t be more opposite, and yet they seem to mesh so well together.
Their time in college only grows their deepening friendship – and something more. I really loved the building heat that grew between them. Crossing the line from friendship to more was hot, sexy and delicious. Of course, right as we uhhh get to the good stuff, Bad Shit happens and drama ensues. GAHHHH.
I sort of felt that I read three separate books. The writing is great, as were the characters, yet the time jumping really messed with me and when we meet Brandon later in life he’s changed so drastically that it caught me a little off guard. I mean, I LOVED the change, but didn’t feel that there was enough in the story to explain it. Additionally, if you like your characters together for most of the book – be warned. While when they ARE together it’s lightning hot and Full of Feels, they suffer from a boomerang relationship.
Regardless, Brandon and Ryan are memorable to each other and as characters. Their love is all consuming and incredibly hot. Wet kisses, open hearts and timeless love gets this one 3.75 stars!
[I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review]
This review looks prettier on my blog: http://obsessedwithmyshelf.com/2015/0...
December 16, 2015
I was really enjoying this. The whole friends to lovers trope is a favourite of mine, the writing was great, and I liked the characters, until I didn't. It was all great until around 60%, I won't spoil it and say what happens, but yeh totally true love right their, NOT!
And then to make it worse straight after it all goes down, the story skips ahead TWELVE years. I finished the book, but it was really difficult after that. Sure, they got their happy ending many years later, but honestly if they really loved each other that much would they have waited that long? Not to mention it was an accident they found each other anyway. Unfortunately this didn't work for me. I've still given it three stars because as I said I enjoyed a lot of it, but kind of wish I'd skipped this one now.
Copy provided by NetGalley for honest review
And then to make it worse straight after it all goes down, the story skips ahead TWELVE years. I finished the book, but it was really difficult after that. Sure, they got their happy ending many years later, but honestly if they really loved each other that much would they have waited that long? Not to mention it was an accident they found each other anyway. Unfortunately this didn't work for me. I've still given it three stars because as I said I enjoyed a lot of it, but kind of wish I'd skipped this one now.
Copy provided by NetGalley for honest review
October 9, 2015
Teaser
Big thumbs up to Z.B. Heller on her first m/m book.
Tied Together is an engagingly beautiful love story that takes you on a twenty-year journey of self-discovery for two men.
It is a book about life. Two boys starting out at different points in their acceptance of their sexuality, who—after finding one another—walk through confusion, denial, fear, desire, and acceptance as men. It is a story about how egos can blind us to our love and cause harsh reality to rain down on us. But it is also a story of how real love, deep and true, endures.
See Full Review At:
http://blog.queercentricbooks.com/tie...
OR
Kimmers' Erotic Book Banter At: https://www.facebook.com/KimmersEroti...
Big thumbs up to Z.B. Heller on her first m/m book.
Tied Together is an engagingly beautiful love story that takes you on a twenty-year journey of self-discovery for two men.
It is a book about life. Two boys starting out at different points in their acceptance of their sexuality, who—after finding one another—walk through confusion, denial, fear, desire, and acceptance as men. It is a story about how egos can blind us to our love and cause harsh reality to rain down on us. But it is also a story of how real love, deep and true, endures.
See Full Review At:
http://blog.queercentricbooks.com/tie...
OR
Kimmers' Erotic Book Banter At: https://www.facebook.com/KimmersEroti...
September 29, 2017
On y retrouve Ryan Keller, un jeune lycéen de dix sept ans. Le récit commence sur son coming out, donc je ne vous spoil rien, et puis c'est noté sur la quatrième de couverture. Coming out qui se passe extrêmement bien, il y a même le cliché du "on le savait" venant des parents, alors.. Mais ce n'est pas tout. Il y a aussi son "coming out" en général, de la vie de tous les jours, qui se passe bien, et il n'y a aucun problème, pas vraiment d'homophobie, sauf de sa soeur mais on fait passer cela pour quelque chose de drôle alors que c'est de l'homophobie ordinaire. Bref. Ryan est un jeune homme un peu beaucoup extraverti, assez égocentrique, en effet il ne pense qu'à lui, et il veut que tout fonctionne comme il le veut, sinon il y a des conséquences, il se vexe énormément, et il est chiant. Ah, et il pense qu'au sexe. Surtout à ses 17/18 ans, merci le cliché quoi. En grandissant, il devient mature, il a tendance à réfléchir plus, à penser aux autres. Par contre, il se bat moins pour ce qu'il veut, je trouve. Et il pense toujours autant au sport de lit, haha.
Et puis il y a Brandon. Ce dernier est un jeune homme assez renfermé, qu vit dans un parc, dans une caravane, et qui a des parents très pénibles. Très idiots. Je les déteste. Haha, plus sérieusement, il est très fort, réussir à supporter des parents comme ça, chapeau. Il est incroyablement fort, mais aussi très intelligent, et il espère travailler un jour dans la médecine. Sur la quatrième de couverture, on pense qu'il ne veut pas faire son coming out alors que ce n'est absolument pas le cas. Il ne peut juste pas le faire, pour des raisons qu'il faut découvrir. J'ai l'impression qu'on le fait passer pour l'idiot avec cette quatrième de couverture, alors que c'est le personnage le plus important du récit, le personnage qui évolue le plus, et le personnage le mieux travaillé. Lorsqu'on le voit grandir, on le voit s'épanouir, se relever, prendre les choses en main. Il passe du petit adolescent renfermé qui se laisse faire à un homme bien dans sa peau, qui n'hésite pas à être direct, et qui réussit dans tout ce qu'il fait.
Pour les personnages secondaires, il y a bien évidemment les parents.
Les parents de Ryan sont ouverts d'esprit, ils aiment leur famille plus que tout et cela se voit. Ils soutiennent leur fils, et ils sont très drôles.
Et pour les parents de Brandon, c'est l'inverse. Son père est alcoolique, il ne fait rien de ses journées, il se fait tout le temps virer, et il n'est bon qu'à maltraiter son fils, qu'il traite de tous les noms. C'est une erreur pour lui. Et sa mère est accro au shopping même s'ils sont loin d'être riche, elle ne fait rien pour défendre son fils, et elle ne fait que l'ignorer.
Il y a Sam, qui devient Jasmine la nuit. C'est un personnage très fort, qui m'a beaucoup touché, surtout lorsqu'il s'est dévoilé. J'aimerai savoir ce qu'il est devenu d'ailleurs. J'aurai aimé en apprendre un peu plus sur ce dernier.
Il y a Tom, sur lequel je ne vais pas m'attarder, mais qui est très énervant et que j'ai eu envie de frapper.
Moxie, la meilleure amie de Ryan qui est juste incroyable et tellement drôle. J'ai vu qu'il y avait deux tomes sur elle, sur sa vie, et je pense les lire rapidement. C'est des personnages féminins comme ça qu'on veut ! Gros coup de coeur pour ce personnage.
Il y en a d'autres, évidemment, mais je vous laisse découvrir cela.
Le récit se déroule en plusieurs parties, plusieurs années. J'aimais beaucoup les sauts dans le temps, mais de deux/trois ans quoi. J'ai trouvé que douze ans, c'était un peu trop. C'est le petit point négatif, j'aurai aimé qu'on ne passe pas sous silence cette période qui est pour moi la plus importante par rapport à Brandon. J'aurai aimé le suivre, le voir grandir, évolué clairement, sans ces résumés de sa vie.
L'histoire est assez niaise, je ne vais pas mentir, mais il y a énormément de retournements de situation. Et pas des bons retournements, ça non, les coeurs de nos protagonistes ont souffert. Il y a énormément de scènes "adultes", de sexe quoi. Beaucoup trop à mon goût, on aurait clairement pu s'en passer parfois, mais bon. C'est mon côté "je n'aime pas les livres érotiques" qui parle, haha.
J'ai lu ce livre en très peu de temps, c'est une histoire certes assez banale, mais c'est addictif. Les chapitres sont courts donc ça se lit rapidement. Et puis avec les nombreux retournements de situation, on a envie de savoir la suite à chaque fois !
J'ai beaucoup pleuré en lisant l'épilogue. Franchement quoi. J'ai eu des petits coeurs dans les yeux, et ahhh quoi ! Je n'ai pas de mot. Mon petit coeur a fondu. Et j'ai compris le pourquoi du comment de la cravate !
La plume de l'auteure est très agréable à lire, et comme je l'ai dis plus haut, c'est addictif. (Bien pour cela que je veux lire les livres concernant Moxie!)
En bref, un assez bon livre dans l'ensemble, qui parle de sujets importants, qui sont encore d'actualité malheureusement. Des personnages attachants, superbement travaillés, qui ne sont pas forcément des clichés sur pieds, puisqu'ils évoluent au fur et à mesure de l'histoire. Un récit prenant, rempli d'espoir, une belle morale. C'est un livre qui montre qu'il ne faut jamais rien lâché, toujours croire en ses rêves, et surtout, que les idiots n'ont que ce qu'ils méritent à la fin. Loin du livre doudou que j'imaginais, mais tout de même un bon moment de lecture. Je lui donne la note de 4/5
Et puis il y a Brandon. Ce dernier est un jeune homme assez renfermé, qu vit dans un parc, dans une caravane, et qui a des parents très pénibles. Très idiots. Je les déteste. Haha, plus sérieusement, il est très fort, réussir à supporter des parents comme ça, chapeau. Il est incroyablement fort, mais aussi très intelligent, et il espère travailler un jour dans la médecine. Sur la quatrième de couverture, on pense qu'il ne veut pas faire son coming out alors que ce n'est absolument pas le cas. Il ne peut juste pas le faire, pour des raisons qu'il faut découvrir. J'ai l'impression qu'on le fait passer pour l'idiot avec cette quatrième de couverture, alors que c'est le personnage le plus important du récit, le personnage qui évolue le plus, et le personnage le mieux travaillé. Lorsqu'on le voit grandir, on le voit s'épanouir, se relever, prendre les choses en main. Il passe du petit adolescent renfermé qui se laisse faire à un homme bien dans sa peau, qui n'hésite pas à être direct, et qui réussit dans tout ce qu'il fait.
Pour les personnages secondaires, il y a bien évidemment les parents.
Les parents de Ryan sont ouverts d'esprit, ils aiment leur famille plus que tout et cela se voit. Ils soutiennent leur fils, et ils sont très drôles.
Et pour les parents de Brandon, c'est l'inverse. Son père est alcoolique, il ne fait rien de ses journées, il se fait tout le temps virer, et il n'est bon qu'à maltraiter son fils, qu'il traite de tous les noms. C'est une erreur pour lui. Et sa mère est accro au shopping même s'ils sont loin d'être riche, elle ne fait rien pour défendre son fils, et elle ne fait que l'ignorer.
Il y a Sam, qui devient Jasmine la nuit. C'est un personnage très fort, qui m'a beaucoup touché, surtout lorsqu'il s'est dévoilé. J'aimerai savoir ce qu'il est devenu d'ailleurs. J'aurai aimé en apprendre un peu plus sur ce dernier.
Il y a Tom, sur lequel je ne vais pas m'attarder, mais qui est très énervant et que j'ai eu envie de frapper.
Moxie, la meilleure amie de Ryan qui est juste incroyable et tellement drôle. J'ai vu qu'il y avait deux tomes sur elle, sur sa vie, et je pense les lire rapidement. C'est des personnages féminins comme ça qu'on veut ! Gros coup de coeur pour ce personnage.
Il y en a d'autres, évidemment, mais je vous laisse découvrir cela.
Le récit se déroule en plusieurs parties, plusieurs années. J'aimais beaucoup les sauts dans le temps, mais de deux/trois ans quoi. J'ai trouvé que douze ans, c'était un peu trop. C'est le petit point négatif, j'aurai aimé qu'on ne passe pas sous silence cette période qui est pour moi la plus importante par rapport à Brandon. J'aurai aimé le suivre, le voir grandir, évolué clairement, sans ces résumés de sa vie.
L'histoire est assez niaise, je ne vais pas mentir, mais il y a énormément de retournements de situation. Et pas des bons retournements, ça non, les coeurs de nos protagonistes ont souffert. Il y a énormément de scènes "adultes", de sexe quoi. Beaucoup trop à mon goût, on aurait clairement pu s'en passer parfois, mais bon. C'est mon côté "je n'aime pas les livres érotiques" qui parle, haha.
J'ai lu ce livre en très peu de temps, c'est une histoire certes assez banale, mais c'est addictif. Les chapitres sont courts donc ça se lit rapidement. Et puis avec les nombreux retournements de situation, on a envie de savoir la suite à chaque fois !
J'ai beaucoup pleuré en lisant l'épilogue. Franchement quoi. J'ai eu des petits coeurs dans les yeux, et ahhh quoi ! Je n'ai pas de mot. Mon petit coeur a fondu. Et j'ai compris le pourquoi du comment de la cravate !
La plume de l'auteure est très agréable à lire, et comme je l'ai dis plus haut, c'est addictif. (Bien pour cela que je veux lire les livres concernant Moxie!)
En bref, un assez bon livre dans l'ensemble, qui parle de sujets importants, qui sont encore d'actualité malheureusement. Des personnages attachants, superbement travaillés, qui ne sont pas forcément des clichés sur pieds, puisqu'ils évoluent au fur et à mesure de l'histoire. Un récit prenant, rempli d'espoir, une belle morale. C'est un livre qui montre qu'il ne faut jamais rien lâché, toujours croire en ses rêves, et surtout, que les idiots n'ont que ce qu'ils méritent à la fin. Loin du livre doudou que j'imaginais, mais tout de même un bon moment de lecture. Je lui donne la note de 4/5
October 21, 2015
DNFed at about 20%.
The language and humor of the characters felt utterlery forced and artificial.
I constantly thought "Who speaks like that? Who thinks like that?"
Had some other issues, too and after reading some other reviews of the coming plot I thought to myself "Nope." and gave up.
The language and humor of the characters felt utterlery forced and artificial.
I constantly thought "Who speaks like that? Who thinks like that?"
Had some other issues, too and after reading some other reviews of the coming plot I thought to myself "Nope." and gave up.
March 2, 2016
Hat mit echt gut gefallen, da bei den beiden nicht alles nach 2 Tagen wieder gut war wie sonst so häufig sondern alles seine Zeit hatte und die Charaktere sich entwickelt haben wie es im Leben wirklich passieren könnte...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 178 reviews