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By the Book
Joshua Dayton met the man of his dreams as a sophomore in high school—his mentor and biology teacher, Mr. Cayden. Fearing his love would be considered forbidden and rejected, he ran away to college, determined to move on and forget. Three years later, he is summoned home and comes face to face with the man he tried to leave in the past. The same man he never stopped loving.
Samuel Cayden was looking for a fresh start and an escape. What he was not expecting was to develop feelings for his student, Joshua. Yet when the boy returns home a man, Samuel can no longer pretend the pull between them doesn’t exist.
Will the student become the teacher, showing Samuel how to open his heart? Will Samuel be able to prove to Joshua that things are not always what they appear? Or will the spark fizzle before it has a chance to ignite?
It’s time they got a lesson in love and temptation.
Samuel Cayden was looking for a fresh start and an escape. What he was not expecting was to develop feelings for his student, Joshua. Yet when the boy returns home a man, Samuel can no longer pretend the pull between them doesn’t exist.
Will the student become the teacher, showing Samuel how to open his heart? Will Samuel be able to prove to Joshua that things are not always what they appear? Or will the spark fizzle before it has a chance to ignite?
It’s time they got a lesson in love and temptation.
294 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 14, 2017
90 people are currently reading
221 people want to read
About the author
Maria Vickers
45 books393 followersMaria Vickers is a bestselling and award-winning author who currently resides in St. Louis, MO with her pug, Spencer Tracy. She has always had a passion for writing and after she became disabled in 2010, she decided to use writing as her escape. Life is about what you make of it, you have to live it to the fullest no matter the circumstances.
From a young age, she has always loved books and even dreamed of being an author when she was younger. Growing up in the Navy, she used to weave tales for her siblings and her friends about anything and everything. And when she wasn't creating her own stories, she had a book in her hand. They transported her to another world. She hopes that her readers will have the same experience when reading her stories, and that, in some way, they can relate to her characters.
Getting sick changed her life forever, but it also opened doors for her that she thought would always be out of reach.
From a young age, she has always loved books and even dreamed of being an author when she was younger. Growing up in the Navy, she used to weave tales for her siblings and her friends about anything and everything. And when she wasn't creating her own stories, she had a book in her hand. They transported her to another world. She hopes that her readers will have the same experience when reading her stories, and that, in some way, they can relate to her characters.
Getting sick changed her life forever, but it also opened doors for her that she thought would always be out of reach.
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Blurb:
Joshua Dayton met the man of his dreams as a sophomore in high school—his mentor and biology teacher, Mr. Cayden. Fearing his love would be considered forbidden and rejected, he ran away to college, determined to move on and forget. Three years later, he is summoned home and comes face to face with the man he tried to leave in the past. The same man he never stopped loving.
Samuel Cayden was looking for a fresh start and an escape. What he was not expecting was to develop feelings for his student, Joshua. Yet when the boy returns home a man, Samuel can no longer pretend the pull between them doesn’t exist.
Will the student become the teacher, showing Samuel how to open his heart? Will Samuel be able to prove to Joshua that things are not always what they appear? Or will the spark fizzle before it has a chance to ignite?
It’s time they got a lesson in love and temptation.
Blurb:
Joshua Dayton met the man of his dreams as a sophomore in high school—his mentor and biology teacher, Mr. Cayden. Fearing his love would be considered forbidden and rejected, he ran away to college, determined to move on and forget. Three years later, he is summoned home and comes face to face with the man he tried to leave in the past. The same man he never stopped loving.
Samuel Cayden was looking for a fresh start and an escape. What he was not expecting was to develop feelings for his student, Joshua. Yet when the boy returns home a man, Samuel can no longer pretend the pull between them doesn’t exist.
Will the student become the teacher, showing Samuel how to open his heart? Will Samuel be able to prove to Joshua that things are not always what they appear? Or will the spark fizzle before it has a chance to ignite?
It’s time they got a lesson in love and temptation.
did-not-finish
May 28, 2017No, no... just, no. I really can't get into this book. DNF and at this point if I kept going and rated, looking at a 1.5 star .. maybe. Going to just "not rate" and hope a lot is changed prior to publication.
Choppy, undeveloped characters, conflict that makes no sesnse...
Made it to 60%
Choppy, undeveloped characters, conflict that makes no sesnse...
Made it to 60%
May 29, 2017
By the Book
by Maria Vickers
2.5 stars
Alrighty book lovers, you know the drill … I just love mm romance but this… this I couldn’t get into, and I tried. I tried so hard to like it but I couldn’t.
Josh meet the man of his naughty dreams when he was in high school, the very sexy Samuel. But the thing is he was so many years older, that’s not the problem, the problem for both is that Sam is his teacher *gasp* I know lol!
It’s not that bad, its kind of hot I mean there were some sexy AF teachers around in my day of schooling, Christ!
But anyways, I just didn’t enjoy the drams rama of this book, Josh’s mum is a C*unt! Yeah, no holding back, and Sam’s parents are just as bad…
Josh is kind of summoned home, to take care of his “sick” mum… while he is home he is faced with seeing the man he has always love, 3 years apart… they never acted on their feelings then but now they are older and that it’s not really a teacher student thing, so they are all in…
They both need to overcome a lot of BS and there for there are some twist and turns.
I on the other hand just couldn’t get into it, I found the writing okay and the story meh. For a debut mm I was hoping for something much better. Reading the genre for ten years we always run into stories that make Ang stop and go oh look at the cover, yes please I will read you. in this case *hangs head* I should have just keep scrolling!
You may love this story, you may think I am wrong. But I think we all enjoy what we enjoy, unfortunately this is something couldn’t.
Arc was received for my honest opinion
PNR Book Lover Reviews
by Maria Vickers
2.5 stars
Alrighty book lovers, you know the drill … I just love mm romance but this… this I couldn’t get into, and I tried. I tried so hard to like it but I couldn’t.
Josh meet the man of his naughty dreams when he was in high school, the very sexy Samuel. But the thing is he was so many years older, that’s not the problem, the problem for both is that Sam is his teacher *gasp* I know lol!
It’s not that bad, its kind of hot I mean there were some sexy AF teachers around in my day of schooling, Christ!
But anyways, I just didn’t enjoy the drams rama of this book, Josh’s mum is a C*unt! Yeah, no holding back, and Sam’s parents are just as bad…
Josh is kind of summoned home, to take care of his “sick” mum… while he is home he is faced with seeing the man he has always love, 3 years apart… they never acted on their feelings then but now they are older and that it’s not really a teacher student thing, so they are all in…
They both need to overcome a lot of BS and there for there are some twist and turns.
I on the other hand just couldn’t get into it, I found the writing okay and the story meh. For a debut mm I was hoping for something much better. Reading the genre for ten years we always run into stories that make Ang stop and go oh look at the cover, yes please I will read you. in this case *hangs head* I should have just keep scrolling!
You may love this story, you may think I am wrong. But I think we all enjoy what we enjoy, unfortunately this is something couldn’t.
Arc was received for my honest opinion
PNR Book Lover Reviews
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 24, 2017
It's too bad I don't have a shelf called "bratty child", because that's what Josh is. He has anger issues, too. He snappy, quick to assume, he yells all the time. He's trying to tell his mother he's an adult while at the same time he's acting like a bratty child. UGH! I have no idea what Sam saw in him. I skimmed quite a bit, because I couldn't take it any more.
May 19, 2017
First and foremost lets all remember that love is love and that it does not care about who you are or what you look like, all it does is swoops in, disregards everything and all that matters is that you are with the one you love.
Joshua Dayton met the man of his dreams while still in high school, as always an ugly little monster managed to infiltrate his life making him afraid that it would be a forbidden love and that he would be rejected.
Yet live has a strange way in making things right in her own way, three years later he finds himself going home after a call that his mother was ill and in the hospital. But low and behold when he arrives home he comes face to face with the man he fell in love while in high school and is still in love with and he is in his Mothers home, well his home too.
Samuel Cayden was looking for a new start and and escape, what he did not expect was to have feelings for his student Joshua. Yet when the boy comes home, Sam discovers that he is not longer the boy that left but a man and Sam can not pretend that the feelings between them do not exist.
Will both Sam and Joshua overcome the twist and turns life has for them and admit what both of them feel, read the book to find out, a great love story.
Joshua Dayton met the man of his dreams while still in high school, as always an ugly little monster managed to infiltrate his life making him afraid that it would be a forbidden love and that he would be rejected.
Yet live has a strange way in making things right in her own way, three years later he finds himself going home after a call that his mother was ill and in the hospital. But low and behold when he arrives home he comes face to face with the man he fell in love while in high school and is still in love with and he is in his Mothers home, well his home too.
Samuel Cayden was looking for a new start and and escape, what he did not expect was to have feelings for his student Joshua. Yet when the boy comes home, Sam discovers that he is not longer the boy that left but a man and Sam can not pretend that the feelings between them do not exist.
Will both Sam and Joshua overcome the twist and turns life has for them and admit what both of them feel, read the book to find out, a great love story.
probably-not-but-freebie
July 13, 2018Freebie at amazon.com right now: https://smile.amazon.com/Book-Maria-V...
May 19, 2017
First and foremost lets all remember that love is love and that it does not care about who you are or what you look like, all it does is swoops in, disregards everything and all that matters is that you are with the one you love.
Joshua Dayton met the man of his dreams while still in high school, as always an ugly little monster managed to infiltrate his life making him afraid that it would be a forbidden love and that he would be rejected.
Yet live has a strange way in making things right in her own way, three years later he finds himself going home after a call that his mother was ill and in the hospital. But low and behold when he arrives home he comes face to face with the man he fell in love while in high school and is still in love with and he is in his Mothers home, well his home too.
Samuel Cayden was looking for a new start and and escape, what he did not expect was to have feelings for his student Joshua. Yet when the boy comes home, Sam discovers that he is not longer the boy that left but a man and Sam can not pretend that the feelings between them do not exist.
Will both Sam and Joshua overcome the twist and turns life has for them and admit what both of them feel, read the book to find out, a great love story.
I received a free copy for my honest review!
Review by Jara
Joshua Dayton met the man of his dreams while still in high school, as always an ugly little monster managed to infiltrate his life making him afraid that it would be a forbidden love and that he would be rejected.
Yet live has a strange way in making things right in her own way, three years later he finds himself going home after a call that his mother was ill and in the hospital. But low and behold when he arrives home he comes face to face with the man he fell in love while in high school and is still in love with and he is in his Mothers home, well his home too.
Samuel Cayden was looking for a new start and and escape, what he did not expect was to have feelings for his student Joshua. Yet when the boy comes home, Sam discovers that he is not longer the boy that left but a man and Sam can not pretend that the feelings between them do not exist.
Will both Sam and Joshua overcome the twist and turns life has for them and admit what both of them feel, read the book to find out, a great love story.
I received a free copy for my honest review!
Review by Jara
May 10, 2017
The first official review, kind of like a blank slate, lots of pressure :)
M/M Romance between high school teacher Sam and his ex-student Josh, Josh has been away for 3 years at college he's grown up now, mature. not the awkward high school boy he once was. But, the only thing that hasn't changed is his love for His ex teacher Sam. When Josh returns home Sam notices right way that Josh has changed, but, still the young man he fell in love with. Now it's sort of safe for him to act on his feelings. but old habits of holding himself back are hard to break. Josh wants Sam, he's not his student anymore and he's an adult -(Dam-it) Family stands in their way, wanting each to find a good woman to settle down with. Family I want to bash over the head with a stick. lots of emotions in this book, the struggle to love and defend your choice of who you love. grab the tissue. an get ready to fall in love with 2 gay men.
M/M Romance between high school teacher Sam and his ex-student Josh, Josh has been away for 3 years at college he's grown up now, mature. not the awkward high school boy he once was. But, the only thing that hasn't changed is his love for His ex teacher Sam. When Josh returns home Sam notices right way that Josh has changed, but, still the young man he fell in love with. Now it's sort of safe for him to act on his feelings. but old habits of holding himself back are hard to break. Josh wants Sam, he's not his student anymore and he's an adult -(Dam-it) Family stands in their way, wanting each to find a good woman to settle down with. Family I want to bash over the head with a stick. lots of emotions in this book, the struggle to love and defend your choice of who you love. grab the tissue. an get ready to fall in love with 2 gay men.
September 18, 2017
Started reading it and sadly couldnot finish it however i gave it 3 stars because the subject matter was good and i liked the charater. maybe i didnt finish it just because of my current mood but i will be trying to read it again soon!!!!
May 22, 2017
I absolutely loved this. It is a story about love,friendship,trust and hardship. You will fall in love with Sam and Josh!!!
June 1, 2017
Maria Vickers is fast becoming one of my favourite authors! I was riveted by her 'Love Seekers' novels and have been intrigued to read By the Book. This is only my second MM romance (the first was a Regency novella), so I wasn't quite sure what to expect. I don't know why I was worried - Maria, as ever, has produced a superb novel.
Josh has loved Sam for a long time, but Sam was his teacher, so whether or not the affection was mutual was immaterial - he was forbidden territory. Until graduation. Unable to face Sam, Josh leaves him a letter - then leaves the State. Now its 3 years later and Josh is summoned home because his mother is sick. To see Sam again is both exciting and terrifying, for despite his best efforts, Josh's love for Sam has not faded - not even a little bit. But will Sam even remember him, did he ever read that letter and if so how will this impact their relationship?
Three years is a long time - people mature and change, lives move on - but unbeknownst to Josh, Sam has long returned his feelings and when they meet again, the intensity of their attraction is clear. Deep seated insecurities and family pressures however, seem determined to tear them apart, so can they be persuaded to relinquish their hearts' desire, or will they trust in their love?
One of the great things about this book is that it's a romance, a love story - like any other romance with all the accompanying tensions and issues - gender didn't even come into it and to me that is the mark of a master storyteller (or mistress in this case). I was immediately vested in these two characters, hoping they would find their HEA. Love is not always plain sailing - more often than not, it's messy, tricky and challenging and easily thwarted, but sometimes we just have trust our hearts and take the risk.
I admit I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. It's beautifully written, the characters are not perfect, they have all the same hangups we all struggle with, but that makes them all the more real. There are some serious issues to be dealt with, but these are balanced by fun, laughter and most of all life-changing, enduring, ridiculously intoxicating love!
This is a great read and for me an easy 5 stars.
Josh has loved Sam for a long time, but Sam was his teacher, so whether or not the affection was mutual was immaterial - he was forbidden territory. Until graduation. Unable to face Sam, Josh leaves him a letter - then leaves the State. Now its 3 years later and Josh is summoned home because his mother is sick. To see Sam again is both exciting and terrifying, for despite his best efforts, Josh's love for Sam has not faded - not even a little bit. But will Sam even remember him, did he ever read that letter and if so how will this impact their relationship?
Three years is a long time - people mature and change, lives move on - but unbeknownst to Josh, Sam has long returned his feelings and when they meet again, the intensity of their attraction is clear. Deep seated insecurities and family pressures however, seem determined to tear them apart, so can they be persuaded to relinquish their hearts' desire, or will they trust in their love?
One of the great things about this book is that it's a romance, a love story - like any other romance with all the accompanying tensions and issues - gender didn't even come into it and to me that is the mark of a master storyteller (or mistress in this case). I was immediately vested in these two characters, hoping they would find their HEA. Love is not always plain sailing - more often than not, it's messy, tricky and challenging and easily thwarted, but sometimes we just have trust our hearts and take the risk.
I admit I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. It's beautifully written, the characters are not perfect, they have all the same hangups we all struggle with, but that makes them all the more real. There are some serious issues to be dealt with, but these are balanced by fun, laughter and most of all life-changing, enduring, ridiculously intoxicating love!
This is a great read and for me an easy 5 stars.
June 5, 2017
I'm a sucker for a student/teacher story. Even though this book takes place 3 years after Josh was a high school student, there's still a slight element of taboo when you think about a kid falling for their biology teacher. I'm glad that there was a 3-year gap, honestly - a 21-year-old and a 35-year-old is a little more understandable than an 18-year-old and a 32-year-old. But I digress.
Josh and Sam had SMOKING chemistry. They didn't spend TOO long pining for each other during the story (not counting those three years!), which is great, because while I love a good slow burn once in a while, I felt they'd waited long enough. The majority of the book is spent deepening their relationship and learning to interact as peers/adults instead of student/teacher, and dealing with the obstacles thrown in their way.
The obstacles were my only real negative of this book. I felt like Sam's brother was almost a cartoon villain, all bluster and no real threat, and rather one-dimensional. And Josh's mom, though eventually there comes to be more of an understanding, got frustrating after the umpteenth conversation covering pretty much the same ground as had been discussed many times before. I mean, I get it - I know that in real life, major arguments and differences of opinion aren't usually resolved in one encounter - but that doesn't mean I want to read about every one of them in detail.
Still, my frustrations were minor and I really enjoyed this book overall. Josh and Sam seemed like such a perfect fit for each other, and I loved reading about them, both in AND out of the bedroom. I enjoyed the glimpses we got of Josh's friends, and am hoping to read about them in future books!!!
Josh and Sam had SMOKING chemistry. They didn't spend TOO long pining for each other during the story (not counting those three years!), which is great, because while I love a good slow burn once in a while, I felt they'd waited long enough. The majority of the book is spent deepening their relationship and learning to interact as peers/adults instead of student/teacher, and dealing with the obstacles thrown in their way.
The obstacles were my only real negative of this book. I felt like Sam's brother was almost a cartoon villain, all bluster and no real threat, and rather one-dimensional. And Josh's mom, though eventually there comes to be more of an understanding, got frustrating after the umpteenth conversation covering pretty much the same ground as had been discussed many times before. I mean, I get it - I know that in real life, major arguments and differences of opinion aren't usually resolved in one encounter - but that doesn't mean I want to read about every one of them in detail.
Still, my frustrations were minor and I really enjoyed this book overall. Josh and Sam seemed like such a perfect fit for each other, and I loved reading about them, both in AND out of the bedroom. I enjoyed the glimpses we got of Josh's friends, and am hoping to read about them in future books!!!
June 16, 2017
4 stars
This is a sweet story by Maria Vickers with characters that captured my heart. The connection between Sam and Josh is so strong from the beginning I couldn’t help but fall in love with them. Their struggles and commitment to each other makes it an emotional story.
The first day they saw each other after years apart was a bit tense, as expected but you could still feel that spark between them. I love how they both blush and snuggle into each other; they’re so cute. There are challenges for them of course but I think they handle them well. Both Sam and Josh’s parents struggle with accepting their son’s choices but I love how they stand up to them. I really needed Josh’s mom to come around. I was hoping with time she would learn to love and accept him for who he is.
Sam, geez his dad and brother are a piece of work. Giving someone time to adjust and accept is one thing but, seriously he gave them more than they deserved. Their invitation…...Ugh, so wrong. I wish that I could’ve been there when his dad got his mail. It makes me smile thinking about it, I’m glad they did it that way, as he wasn’t deserving of anymore of Sam’s time.
Great story, great characters! I love when I can add new authors and books to my wish list. I just added a couple of hers. It looks like this was her first time writing a m/m, great job Maria Vickers.
This is a sweet story by Maria Vickers with characters that captured my heart. The connection between Sam and Josh is so strong from the beginning I couldn’t help but fall in love with them. Their struggles and commitment to each other makes it an emotional story.
The first day they saw each other after years apart was a bit tense, as expected but you could still feel that spark between them. I love how they both blush and snuggle into each other; they’re so cute. There are challenges for them of course but I think they handle them well. Both Sam and Josh’s parents struggle with accepting their son’s choices but I love how they stand up to them. I really needed Josh’s mom to come around. I was hoping with time she would learn to love and accept him for who he is.
Sam, geez his dad and brother are a piece of work. Giving someone time to adjust and accept is one thing but, seriously he gave them more than they deserved. Their invitation…...Ugh, so wrong. I wish that I could’ve been there when his dad got his mail. It makes me smile thinking about it, I’m glad they did it that way, as he wasn’t deserving of anymore of Sam’s time.
Great story, great characters! I love when I can add new authors and books to my wish list. I just added a couple of hers. It looks like this was her first time writing a m/m, great job Maria Vickers.
May 12, 2020
Love is love
Josh left his home town the day after he graduated high school to attend college in Florida, and he never had any intention of going back. When he left that day he was running away from his mother who never accepted that he was gay even though his father always had his back until he passed away when Josh was 16; and he was running away from Sam his baseball coach, science teacher love of his life. Josh confided in his dad about his feelings for Sam, he told him to wait not to do anything until after he graduated. That is exactly what Josh did, after graduation he handed Sam a sealed letter poring his heart out but he ran and did not wait to find out that Sam felt the same about Josh. 3 years had passed and Josh got a phone call from his nosey neighbor telling him his mother was sick & he better come home. Josh thought should be go & would he see him? If so what will be do.....Sam and Josh caught the same battle, Josh's mother could not understand why he chose to be gay and Sam's brother & father would not accept Sam's life and was constantly trying to make him straight. Could Sam and Josh find their way back to one another and if they did could they survive the haters.
Josh left his home town the day after he graduated high school to attend college in Florida, and he never had any intention of going back. When he left that day he was running away from his mother who never accepted that he was gay even though his father always had his back until he passed away when Josh was 16; and he was running away from Sam his baseball coach, science teacher love of his life. Josh confided in his dad about his feelings for Sam, he told him to wait not to do anything until after he graduated. That is exactly what Josh did, after graduation he handed Sam a sealed letter poring his heart out but he ran and did not wait to find out that Sam felt the same about Josh. 3 years had passed and Josh got a phone call from his nosey neighbor telling him his mother was sick & he better come home. Josh thought should be go & would he see him? If so what will be do.....Sam and Josh caught the same battle, Josh's mother could not understand why he chose to be gay and Sam's brother & father would not accept Sam's life and was constantly trying to make him straight. Could Sam and Josh find their way back to one another and if they did could they survive the haters.
June 30, 2017
While student-teacher romances aren't usually my thing, I liked the premise of this one- student falls for teacher, does nothing about it for years until an unexpected return home and run-in makes them both realize their feelings for each other have never faded. But sadly By the Book left me feeling underwhelmed. It had great potential but there was just not enough character development and I never reached a point where I felt a real connection to Josh or Sam.
They both had some deep, ugly, family issues, which I could definitely appreciate. I just wish there had been more resolution, though, especially when it came to Sam’s family. There was a lot of anger there and for the way things ended it was pretty anti-climatic.
Although By the Book didn’t quite live up to my expectations, I think it’s a respectable first foray into the m/m genre for Ms. Vickers.
***There was a chapter that repeated which caused some confusion. I did see this morning a response from Ms. Vickers on a review on Amazon that an update is available. I though my Kindle was set for automatic updates so I will have to check into that.
June 13, 2020
Josh left his small town in Missouri to start college in Tallahassee and to forget about his high school biology teacher, Sam, that was there for him and helped him cope with his father's death and that he had fallen in love with. When Josh gets a call from his mother's neighbor telling him that she was rushed to the hospital he rushes home to come face to face with Sam again. Neither one of them expected to see each other again yet both were still pining over the other.
I think one of my favorite aspects of this book is that it wasn't all sunshine and roses for these guys once they admitted their feelings and decided to be together. Neither one of them had a supportive family, the both received a lot of flack/push back/hate about them being together but both of them didn't let it deter them from the love they shared. I really respected that they were both there for each other and supported the other both emotionally and physically. Loved their journey together but I felt like half the story is missing. There is a lot that was left unresolved and unfinished. I am a bit disappointed in that but still a very good read overall.
I think one of my favorite aspects of this book is that it wasn't all sunshine and roses for these guys once they admitted their feelings and decided to be together. Neither one of them had a supportive family, the both received a lot of flack/push back/hate about them being together but both of them didn't let it deter them from the love they shared. I really respected that they were both there for each other and supported the other both emotionally and physically. Loved their journey together but I felt like half the story is missing. There is a lot that was left unresolved and unfinished. I am a bit disappointed in that but still a very good read overall.
June 25, 2017
A sweet and heartfelt read.
Josh has always known who he loves: his biology teacher Sam. He also knew he could never do anything about it until he left school. His love was declared in a letter before he left town and he has not been back since. When Josh's mum is taken into hospital, Josh returns home to find Sam helping her out. Josh's feelings for him haven't diminished. In fact absence has made the heart grow even fonder.
This was a reminder that prejudice is still alive and rife in society, with Sam and Josh not only having to overcome their past teacher-student relationship and age difference but the extreme hatred and verbal abuse they face from the very people who should support them and love them unconditionally: their families. The strength of these characters and of their love for each other shone through and enabled them to stay strong in the face of such appalling prejudice.
This was a beautifully woven story and the beauty of their love outshone even those darker parts. So heartfelt.
***Reviewed for LBM Book Blog***
Josh has always known who he loves: his biology teacher Sam. He also knew he could never do anything about it until he left school. His love was declared in a letter before he left town and he has not been back since. When Josh's mum is taken into hospital, Josh returns home to find Sam helping her out. Josh's feelings for him haven't diminished. In fact absence has made the heart grow even fonder.
This was a reminder that prejudice is still alive and rife in society, with Sam and Josh not only having to overcome their past teacher-student relationship and age difference but the extreme hatred and verbal abuse they face from the very people who should support them and love them unconditionally: their families. The strength of these characters and of their love for each other shone through and enabled them to stay strong in the face of such appalling prejudice.
This was a beautifully woven story and the beauty of their love outshone even those darker parts. So heartfelt.
***Reviewed for LBM Book Blog***
June 19, 2017
Review by: Jennifer
(3.5 stars)
Josh receives a call one night that his mother is sick and so decides that he needs to go home and see what's going on. When he gets there he doesn't expect to see Sam, or Mr. Cayden his former teacher and coach. Josh never really expected to see him again, especially after he wrote him that letter telling him that he was in love with him. Things get a bit awkward for the two, until its realized that Sam does have the same feelings for Josh, and they decide to see where this can go. But with both Josh's mom and Sam's dad definitely opposed to their sexual orientation, will they be able to make this last? Will the distance apart be too much?
This was an ok read. I felt there could have been a bit more to the story; I ended it feeling like something was missing, I just don't know what. There is some drama, some sexy times, and there was a promise of some really hot naughtiness... but we didn't get it. I give this 3.5 stars.
(3.5 stars)
Josh receives a call one night that his mother is sick and so decides that he needs to go home and see what's going on. When he gets there he doesn't expect to see Sam, or Mr. Cayden his former teacher and coach. Josh never really expected to see him again, especially after he wrote him that letter telling him that he was in love with him. Things get a bit awkward for the two, until its realized that Sam does have the same feelings for Josh, and they decide to see where this can go. But with both Josh's mom and Sam's dad definitely opposed to their sexual orientation, will they be able to make this last? Will the distance apart be too much?
This was an ok read. I felt there could have been a bit more to the story; I ended it feeling like something was missing, I just don't know what. There is some drama, some sexy times, and there was a promise of some really hot naughtiness... but we didn't get it. I give this 3.5 stars.
January 10, 2018
By the Book is a story that will give you the warm fuzzies as you pray for Josh and Sam to get together, and to STAY together. This may sound easy, but these two have both families against them. Josh does act immature at times, but he is actually mature enough to realise it! Sam is trying so hard to do the right thing, that he may end up losing the best thing for him.
This is a wonderful story, excellently told, and giving great insight into how family can cause issues even if they are not on the doorstep! With plenty of situations to keep the characters on their toes, their characters grow throughout. This is definitely a feel-good book, that has no editing or grammatical errors that I noticed.
Hot, steamy, tender, poignant, it's all here. Definitely recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
This is a wonderful story, excellently told, and giving great insight into how family can cause issues even if they are not on the doorstep! With plenty of situations to keep the characters on their toes, their characters grow throughout. This is definitely a feel-good book, that has no editing or grammatical errors that I noticed.
Hot, steamy, tender, poignant, it's all here. Definitely recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
July 4, 2018
By the Book is about Josh, a 21 year old college student still in love with his high school teacher 35 year old Sam. Neither one acted on said feelings while Josh was Sam student. Jump a head three years and Josh rushes home from college to take care of his "sick" mom and runs into Sam, for the first time since he confessed his feelings in a letter three years prior. The chemistry is still there between them and they can't fight their feeling for each other. While they are trying to get to know each other and start a relationship there is Josh's mom and Sam's father and brother trying to interfere, break them up and trying to force them to choose women instead of being gay. I had a hard time connecting with the characters. Josh acts like a toddler not getting his way most of the time and Sam is too indecisive about everything to make his own mind up. The story line is nice but too much unneeded drama.
June 13, 2017
This is an MM romance story.
Josh finally comes out to his dad about his sexuality while he is in highschool. Confessing to his dad that he has fallen in love with Sam, his teacher. Josh's dad asks him to wait before acting on his feelings. When Josh leaves for college, he leaves his heart behind.
Sam has always known he was gay, and after having had enough dealing with his painful family, starts a new life as a teacher at Josh's school.
When Josh returns home to help his sick mum, all his feelings are for Sam are brought back to the surface when he is face to face with Sam.
Their story is one with ups and downs, and some characters are easy to like and love and others.....well they won't leave you warm and fuzzy...quite the opposite in fact.
I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.
Josh finally comes out to his dad about his sexuality while he is in highschool. Confessing to his dad that he has fallen in love with Sam, his teacher. Josh's dad asks him to wait before acting on his feelings. When Josh leaves for college, he leaves his heart behind.
Sam has always known he was gay, and after having had enough dealing with his painful family, starts a new life as a teacher at Josh's school.
When Josh returns home to help his sick mum, all his feelings are for Sam are brought back to the surface when he is face to face with Sam.
Their story is one with ups and downs, and some characters are easy to like and love and others.....well they won't leave you warm and fuzzy...quite the opposite in fact.
I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.
October 11, 2017
Can i start off with the ONLY thing that i did not particularly love about this book, which is the cover. (Literally only the cover)
I don't mind people on the cover but no faces (it messes with my imagination).
Now there are tons of GOOD BITS which I will leave up to the reader to get to because *damn*.
We meet two really conflicted men, one being a former student, Joshua and one being his former teacher, Sam. Not conflicted over their sexuality, but instead their feelings.
Without giving anything away, can i just say I was rooting like a court-side seated basketball fan for these two and damn it if things were not going the way I wanted.
But it gets better and sexier as you read.
I'm officially a fan Miss Vickers! Officially!
Definitely recommending it!
* * * * *
December 12, 2019
No one matters but him
By the Book is a secret, unrequited love story or so Josh thought!
Crushing on his teacher and then realizing it was actually love...
Confessing said feelings...
Then running away...
Not exactly the best start to a love story good thing it starts years before...or is it years after!?!
By the Book is a former student /teacher romance. It's clearly an age gap romance but it feels so damn right. Emotional, physically, and mentally these two are complimentary. The ying and yang of each other. Their relationship is impressive and sweet. I would say their understanding of each other is something to be jealous of.
Oh and did I mention its MM?!? Yes, yes it is! (Naughtiest winky face and waggling eyebrows) By the Book may not follow the rules but then rules were made to be broken.
By the Book is a secret, unrequited love story or so Josh thought!
Crushing on his teacher and then realizing it was actually love...
Confessing said feelings...
Then running away...
Not exactly the best start to a love story good thing it starts years before...or is it years after!?!
By the Book is a former student /teacher romance. It's clearly an age gap romance but it feels so damn right. Emotional, physically, and mentally these two are complimentary. The ying and yang of each other. Their relationship is impressive and sweet. I would say their understanding of each other is something to be jealous of.
Oh and did I mention its MM?!? Yes, yes it is! (Naughtiest winky face and waggling eyebrows) By the Book may not follow the rules but then rules were made to be broken.
September 19, 2017
I love taboo teacher/student romances. Throw in MM and I couldn't resist not reading By the Book.
Samuel is a teacher in a small town. He lives it there.
Joshua just graduated and Sam was one of his teachers.
The day of graduation Josh hands Sam a letter declaring his love.
Then he leaves for Florida to attend University. Both thinking of the other but that's it.
Now three years later Joshua is heading back to his hometown because his mom is sick.
Josh and Sam finally come face to face again.
Their feelings for one another are still there. Stronger than before.
But too many obstacles stand in their way. Most especially their families.
Can their love withstand and hold with the odds against them?
Sexy book with good characters and a good storyline.
Arc provided by A&B...Arc's & Books
Samuel is a teacher in a small town. He lives it there.
Joshua just graduated and Sam was one of his teachers.
The day of graduation Josh hands Sam a letter declaring his love.
Then he leaves for Florida to attend University. Both thinking of the other but that's it.
Now three years later Joshua is heading back to his hometown because his mom is sick.
Josh and Sam finally come face to face again.
Their feelings for one another are still there. Stronger than before.
But too many obstacles stand in their way. Most especially their families.
Can their love withstand and hold with the odds against them?
Sexy book with good characters and a good storyline.
Arc provided by A&B...Arc's & Books
June 23, 2017
This is my first book by this author, I really liked it. I'm a sucker for M/M books. By The Book is a sweet sexy read. I loved the characters Joshua and Sam.
Sam was Joshua high school science teacher. On graduation day Joshua gave Sam a letter telling him his feelings before leaving the state for college. Now three years later he gets a call his Mom is sick and he's needed at home. A place he hasn't returned to since finishing high school. Walking in the door to his childhood home he gets the surprise of his life.
These two are sweet caring characters who love and love big. The writing was great and I loved the story.
Sam was Joshua high school science teacher. On graduation day Joshua gave Sam a letter telling him his feelings before leaving the state for college. Now three years later he gets a call his Mom is sick and he's needed at home. A place he hasn't returned to since finishing high school. Walking in the door to his childhood home he gets the surprise of his life.
These two are sweet caring characters who love and love big. The writing was great and I loved the story.
June 26, 2017
I truly enjoyed this story, a love story between Joshua, a college student, and Sam, his high school teacher, Sam.
Joshua has always been in love with Sam, but he was still his student, so he cobfessed his feelings then left for college..but 3 years later he is back in town and their meeting proves that there are still feelings.
There are people and prejudices that comes eith their story, and the story progressed quite wuickly even tho it's been in the making for years.
I loved both characters, even tho at times Joshua showed his age..but all in all, I loved them together and how they gave their all, despite the misgivings.
It was low on angst, sweet and certainly hot!
Joshua has always been in love with Sam, but he was still his student, so he cobfessed his feelings then left for college..but 3 years later he is back in town and their meeting proves that there are still feelings.
There are people and prejudices that comes eith their story, and the story progressed quite wuickly even tho it's been in the making for years.
I loved both characters, even tho at times Joshua showed his age..but all in all, I loved them together and how they gave their all, despite the misgivings.
It was low on angst, sweet and certainly hot!
April 7, 2018
Joshua left his hometown for college 3 years ago, thinking he would never have a chance with the man he loved. Three years ago, Sam realized that his feelings for a student weren't strictly platonic. One trip brings them together, but others don't agree. Will Josh be able to prove that he still love Sam? Will Sam be willing to take a chance despite their age difference?
This was the first book by Maria Vickers that I have read and I loved it. I loved how despite his age, Josh knew what he wanted and was willing to take that chance. I loved how Sam kind of kept him grounded and was able to help him seeing more than one point of view. Great read and definitely recommend!
This was the first book by Maria Vickers that I have read and I loved it. I loved how despite his age, Josh knew what he wanted and was willing to take that chance. I loved how Sam kind of kept him grounded and was able to help him seeing more than one point of view. Great read and definitely recommend!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 22, 2020
Past love returns
I enjoyed this story about two men who secretly desired but took years to confront and admit it to each other. The characters are great and there is growth, particularly with the supporting characters reaction.
My only reason for 4 instead of 5 stars was the inconsistency with the chapters. In the beginning they were short and quick moving. They would bounce between the two POVs. But around the middle the chapters suddenly got super long in comparison with constant POV changes. I would have preferred they were broken up into smaller chapters to keep the pace even.
Aside from that, I recommend this story, and plan to read other stories by this author.
I enjoyed this story about two men who secretly desired but took years to confront and admit it to each other. The characters are great and there is growth, particularly with the supporting characters reaction.
My only reason for 4 instead of 5 stars was the inconsistency with the chapters. In the beginning they were short and quick moving. They would bounce between the two POVs. But around the middle the chapters suddenly got super long in comparison with constant POV changes. I would have preferred they were broken up into smaller chapters to keep the pace even.
Aside from that, I recommend this story, and plan to read other stories by this author.
May 24, 2020
For the first little while into this I wasn't really enjoying it, Josh, considering he was all "I love him, I love him!", when finally meeting Sam again after 3 years he was bratty, snappy, and rude. What the heck! But then it got better, a lot better and one of my favourite themes began, an age gap romance. Sam and Josh was a sweet couple despite being surrounded by hostile people raging against them, raging against the gay life. The impending long distant and long time separation was looming, making their time together all the more special. Mild angst, nice sexy moments, a sweet love affair, all made for an enjoyable read.
June 19, 2017
After reading some of the mixed reviews I didn't know what to expect. I'm happy to say that I extremely enjoyed this book. Loved Sam and Josh. There was some drama, but it didn't override the story. Loved that no matter what was thrown at them, whether it was Josh's mom, which she redeemed herself towards the end, or Sams father and brother, they pushed through it, and became stronger because of it.
There was a sort of secondary character, Jacob, that I would love to, hopefully, hear more about in the future. Possibly his own book.
All in all I enjoyed it and have it 5 stars.
There was a sort of secondary character, Jacob, that I would love to, hopefully, hear more about in the future. Possibly his own book.
All in all I enjoyed it and have it 5 stars.
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