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First Time for Everything
There s nothing like the first time. Whether it s a first crush, first date, first kiss, or finding tolerance and approval for the first time, for gay, lesbian, bi, and trans teens or those still exploring and discovering their sexuality and identity these important firsts can shape the rest of their lives. Gathering the courage to come out to their families, admit their feelings to a friend, or go to school presenting as the people they really are can be a struggle. But with the support of their allies and their own inner strength, the brave young people in these stories take the first steps toward happiness and living on their own terms. From sweet stories of newly discovered love, humorous accounts of awkward dinners and dances, to fights for acceptance and even survival, the teens in this anthology must face new challenges and rise to meet them. These are the first times they ll never forget.
"Just Right" by John Goode
"His World" by Eric Gober
"It's Not Our Fault" by Charli Green
"Courting Billy Roth" by Nick Hasse
"Me and My Friend" by Emery C. Walters
"Summer Crush" by SR Silcox
"Dear Cody" by Eric Renner
"Midnight In the Maze" by J. Leigh Bailey
"Beautiful" by Ella Lyons
"Dating My Best Friend" by Caitlin Ricci
"Dressed to Swim" by Renee Hirsch
"First Date" by Nicole McCormick
"It's In Their Kiss" by Kevay Gray
"Kiss and Makeup" by Allison Wonderland
"Kissing Scars" by Jo Ramsay
"When Wolverine Met Taylor" by Andrea Speed
"A Warrior From A Different Tribe" by S.A. Garcia
"Step by Step" by Emily Moreton "
"Just Right" by John Goode
"His World" by Eric Gober
"It's Not Our Fault" by Charli Green
"Courting Billy Roth" by Nick Hasse
"Me and My Friend" by Emery C. Walters
"Summer Crush" by SR Silcox
"Dear Cody" by Eric Renner
"Midnight In the Maze" by J. Leigh Bailey
"Beautiful" by Ella Lyons
"Dating My Best Friend" by Caitlin Ricci
"Dressed to Swim" by Renee Hirsch
"First Date" by Nicole McCormick
"It's In Their Kiss" by Kevay Gray
"Kiss and Makeup" by Allison Wonderland
"Kissing Scars" by Jo Ramsay
"When Wolverine Met Taylor" by Andrea Speed
"A Warrior From A Different Tribe" by S.A. Garcia
"Step by Step" by Emily Moreton "
294 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 4, 2014
2 people are currently reading
216 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
January 24, 2015
JUST RIGHT by JOHN GOODE
I wonder if there is ever gonna be a time when I find a John Goode book/short story that I don't absolutely love! I don't think so, but I sure will enjoy trying to find one :P
This is short, cute, funny and hopeful about love!
I would like to share my favorite quote from this wonderful short story:
"What you’re looking for is stupid rare, and if you’re going to give up after four tries, then you were never in it for real. It’s not you, it’s just hard. If it wasn’t hard, then everyone would be in freaking love. You want a good guy? A real guy who is worth you? Then you have to grind it out, dumbass, not give up after a couple of tries.”
(especially dedicated to John; isn't it cool when your owns words are used against you? :D)
Hugs!
I wonder if there is ever gonna be a time when I find a John Goode book/short story that I don't absolutely love! I don't think so, but I sure will enjoy trying to find one :P
This is short, cute, funny and hopeful about love!
I would like to share my favorite quote from this wonderful short story:
"What you’re looking for is stupid rare, and if you’re going to give up after four tries, then you were never in it for real. It’s not you, it’s just hard. If it wasn’t hard, then everyone would be in freaking love. You want a good guy? A real guy who is worth you? Then you have to grind it out, dumbass, not give up after a couple of tries.”
(especially dedicated to John; isn't it cool when your owns words are used against you? :D)
Hugs!
September 9, 2014
A wonderful collection of shorts about young LGBTQ men and women, who experience a first in some way, be it a first kiss or a first date or a first relationship. It's about finding yourself, being who you are and realizing your potential.
Some hit me harder than others, some ranged around three stars and some were outstanding, but all were carefully crafted to bring across a specific point, a lesson learned, or a moment that meant everything.
Some that stood out for me were Dear Cody by Eric Renner, Midnight in the Maze by J. Leigh Bailey, the super cute Just Right by John Goode, Kissing Scars by Jo Ramsey - these hit me the hardest.
I remember feeling inadequate as a teenager (and still do sometimes even in my middle age), and I can only imagine that it's not any easier for kids today, especially not when you throw in that some of them don't feel like their peers, that they fear coming out, that they feel different.
Some of the stories touched on harder subjects, like rejection and pain, and some made me laugh and smile because they were super cute. The biggest point the book makes though is that teenagers, no matter their sexuality or their gender, are really much the same across the board - insecure to some degree, wanting to belong, wanting to meet that first special someone, dealing with school and pack mentalities, dealing with bullies and having friends at their backs - and thus this is a book that is suitable for all teenagers, including the het ones, that they may learn that their not-so-het peers are really no different at all.
Well worth the time spent. Give this a try.
Some hit me harder than others, some ranged around three stars and some were outstanding, but all were carefully crafted to bring across a specific point, a lesson learned, or a moment that meant everything.
Some that stood out for me were Dear Cody by Eric Renner, Midnight in the Maze by J. Leigh Bailey, the super cute Just Right by John Goode, Kissing Scars by Jo Ramsey - these hit me the hardest.
I remember feeling inadequate as a teenager (and still do sometimes even in my middle age), and I can only imagine that it's not any easier for kids today, especially not when you throw in that some of them don't feel like their peers, that they fear coming out, that they feel different.
Some of the stories touched on harder subjects, like rejection and pain, and some made me laugh and smile because they were super cute. The biggest point the book makes though is that teenagers, no matter their sexuality or their gender, are really much the same across the board - insecure to some degree, wanting to belong, wanting to meet that first special someone, dealing with school and pack mentalities, dealing with bullies and having friends at their backs - and thus this is a book that is suitable for all teenagers, including the het ones, that they may learn that their not-so-het peers are really no different at all.
Well worth the time spent. Give this a try.
December 30, 2016
4 overall stars
That was a lovely mix of LGBT first-time stories, featuring a diverse range of honest and moving themes and characters. This anthology had a bit of everything; there were first dates and first kisses; a wide variety of relatable characters who identified as gay, straight, bisexual, transgender and gender-fluid; and even one or two touching stories featuring teens who were not only questioning their sexuality, but also their entire identity.
There were a lot of likeable stories among the 18 offerings here, but my personal stand-outs included:
Dear Cody by Eric Renner (3.5 Stars)
Dressed To Swim by Renee Hirsch (3.5 Stars)
His World by Eric Gober (4 Stars)
Midnight in the Maze by J. Leigh Bailey (4 Stars)
Just Right by John Goode (4 Stars)
Being a YA anthology, there is no steam here - it's all shy looks, innocent touches and sweet kisses. Just perfect for what each story was offering.
Initially, John Goode's involvement may have caught my attention and brought me to this anthology, but I will definitely be leaving it with a few new names and titles added to my TBR shelf.
That was a lovely mix of LGBT first-time stories, featuring a diverse range of honest and moving themes and characters. This anthology had a bit of everything; there were first dates and first kisses; a wide variety of relatable characters who identified as gay, straight, bisexual, transgender and gender-fluid; and even one or two touching stories featuring teens who were not only questioning their sexuality, but also their entire identity.
There were a lot of likeable stories among the 18 offerings here, but my personal stand-outs included:
Dear Cody by Eric Renner (3.5 Stars)
Dressed To Swim by Renee Hirsch (3.5 Stars)
His World by Eric Gober (4 Stars)
Midnight in the Maze by J. Leigh Bailey (4 Stars)
Just Right by John Goode (4 Stars)
Being a YA anthology, there is no steam here - it's all shy looks, innocent touches and sweet kisses. Just perfect for what each story was offering.
Initially, John Goode's involvement may have caught my attention and brought me to this anthology, but I will definitely be leaving it with a few new names and titles added to my TBR shelf.
July 5, 2015
** Only read 4 stories so far, probably will return to read the others in the future **
-- Read on July 5th, 2015 --
Midnight in the Maze (J. Leigh Bailey): 4 stars
Awww, this one was so cute!!! In a true young-ones-in-love fashion, Joey was caught up with his obsession towards the handsome Blake, that he didn't notice that one other boys liked him more. The secret kiss in the midnight maze was lovely. I was practically screaming for Joey to "remember the clues, darn it!!!" when he was trying to unravel the mystery of the boy. I loved the ending. Yes, it was short, but MAN, how it made me happy!
When Wolverine Met Taylor (Andrea Speed): 2.5 stars
Are you KIDDING me with that abrupt ending, Ms. Speed?!?! I loved it up to there!! I enjoyed Max's voice and the meeting with Taylor was cute. But then you cut it short JUST when 'their' story just about to start?!? WTF!! Not cool, Ms. Speed. NOT. COOL.
Kiss and Makeup (Allison Wonderland): 2.5 stars
I think this is my first F/F ever. Unfortunately, I felt detached throughout, I couldn't connect with the characters at all. Something lacking here (and no, it is not penis, please!) that stopped me from cheering for the two girls.
Just Right (John Goode): 4 stars
Ah, John Goode, you did it again, writing a YA story that just made me happy.. This short story was basically a coming of age, about a young man who realized that he might had to kiss few frogs in order to get it right. No, there was no love story here. Jordan didn't meet the boy. Again, it was a coming of age story. And I thought it was FABULOUS. I loved the friendship and I loved Jordan's voice. And the ending? When Jordan said "I wasn’t too young or too naïve, and I wasn’t too confused. I was just right and needed to find the guy who would see that, no matter how long it took", I just wanted to hug him and gave him my nod of approval. Loved it!
-- Read on July 5th, 2015 --
Midnight in the Maze (J. Leigh Bailey): 4 stars
Awww, this one was so cute!!! In a true young-ones-in-love fashion, Joey was caught up with his obsession towards the handsome Blake, that he didn't notice that one other boys liked him more. The secret kiss in the midnight maze was lovely. I was practically screaming for Joey to "remember the clues, darn it!!!" when he was trying to unravel the mystery of the boy. I loved the ending. Yes, it was short, but MAN, how it made me happy!
When Wolverine Met Taylor (Andrea Speed): 2.5 stars
Are you KIDDING me with that abrupt ending, Ms. Speed?!?! I loved it up to there!! I enjoyed Max's voice and the meeting with Taylor was cute. But then you cut it short JUST when 'their' story just about to start?!? WTF!! Not cool, Ms. Speed. NOT. COOL.
Kiss and Makeup (Allison Wonderland): 2.5 stars
I think this is my first F/F ever. Unfortunately, I felt detached throughout, I couldn't connect with the characters at all. Something lacking here (and no, it is not penis, please!) that stopped me from cheering for the two girls.
Just Right (John Goode): 4 stars
Ah, John Goode, you did it again, writing a YA story that just made me happy.. This short story was basically a coming of age, about a young man who realized that he might had to kiss few frogs in order to get it right. No, there was no love story here. Jordan didn't meet the boy. Again, it was a coming of age story. And I thought it was FABULOUS. I loved the friendship and I loved Jordan's voice. And the ending? When Jordan said "I wasn’t too young or too naïve, and I wasn’t too confused. I was just right and needed to find the guy who would see that, no matter how long it took", I just wanted to hug him and gave him my nod of approval. Loved it!
June 12, 2016
Since John Goode is the reason I wanted to read this anthology, I started with his story, although it's the last in the collection, and the rating is also for his book, since it's quite difficult to rate an anthology.
What I really liked about this collection is it's diversity. Besides from being a YA collection, the stories don't have much in common. I especially liked to read about the transgender characters, since I hadn't read much about them so far.
Concerning my rating, I want to add some background information. There are only 3 short stories that I have ever rated with 5 stars. I think it is immensely difficult to write a short story that has everything I would want in a story. So when I rate a short story with 3 or 4 stars, it's a really good one, and I probably have nothing to complain about.
Just Right by John Goode
My faith had taken too many hits in a row for me to be able to handle someone that good-looking turning out to be just another douche. I'd rather sit over here and dream that he was perfect rather than walk over there and make it a reality. What did I have to lose? The last shred of a broken heart that hadn't even been able to like someone for real. It was just too much for me to handle.
Bittersweet, snarky, and nerdy. A great combination, and very well written.
4 stars
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Dear Cody by Eric Renner
Beautiful. I loved these letters. They were so intimate and touching. Made me feel good and warm and fuzzy.
4 stars
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Dating my Best Friend by Caitlin Ricci
Huh... Meh...
It was okay, I guess. Neither story nor execution are anything to shout out about, in my opinion.
2 stars or 1.5, dunno
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A Warrior from a Different Tribe by S.A. GARCIA
DNF after 5 pages
Too descriptive for my taste. Too slow. Couldn't get into it.
1 star
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Dressed to Swim by Renee Hirsch
Beautiful. Well written in a first person point of view. Tells the story of a very young teenager who doesn't fit in anywhere. It ends on a hopeful note when he discovers something new about him.
Beautiful, sigh...
3.5 or 4 stars
******************************************
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Courting Billy Roth by Nick Hasse
Awwwwww :-)))))) A best friends to lovers story. This was really cute and awwww.... the kisses and tender moments. L O V E D
3.5 or 4 stars
******************************************
******************************************
Beautiful by Ella Lyons
Intersting. Nice. Transgender-curious theme.
2.5 stars
******************************************
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His World by Eric Gober
I'm pissed. So much potential. Such a great, heartwarming idea. But the execution... Gah. Fucked it all up. Bumpy writing style, lengthy in parts, too short in others. Disappointing.
1.5 stars
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It's in their Kiss by Kevay Gray
Since this is supposed to be a journal entry written by a teenage girl, I probably should give this shorty 5 stars. But, oh my... Who the fuck wants to read something like that? Bad writing is bad.
1 star
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Summer Crush by SR Silcox
That was okay... Not bad, but not good, either.
2 stars
******************************************
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Midnight in the Maze by J. Leigh Bailey
The writing was actually pretty good, but I didn't really like the protagonist. He was a creep and an idiot, and such an idiot. Yeah, so the plot was also wtf-ery, but also somehow sweet.
2 stars
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First Date by Nicole Mccormick
2 boys on their first day, very sweet, writing a bit awkward in parts
3 stars
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Step by Step by Emily Mortan
A very beautiful trans YA story. It was really lovely.
4 stars
******************************************
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Me and my Friend by Emery C. Walters
Um... So, this wasn't for me. Very detailed, too much overthought inner monologue, and the plot or message was so... I don't even have words for this. I didn't like the message, nor the 'happy' outcome.
1 star
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Kissing Stars by Jo Ramsey
Now, if it weren't for the utterly awkward and unrealistic ending, this story would have been good.
2 stars
******************************************
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It's not our Fault by Charli Green
WOW. What just happened??? I... I think I feel like our MC Jordan right now, I feel slightly overwhelmed, out of control, turned on, and... wow. I think I just read about my first genderqueer/fluid (need to do more research) character. I... Phew. This was quite intense. What an experience.
4 stars
******************************************
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When Wolverine met Taylor by Andrea Speed
Cute with Comic Con. Nothing more and nothing less.
2 stars
******************************************
******************************************
Kiss and Makeup by Allison Wonderland
DNF after 5 pages. Just don't have the patience for another overthought inner-monologue right now.
1 star
***
This book counts for my following reading challenges 2015:
- 100 books in total
- 20 books about a marginalised group
- 20 books, trying something new
What I really liked about this collection is it's diversity. Besides from being a YA collection, the stories don't have much in common. I especially liked to read about the transgender characters, since I hadn't read much about them so far.
Concerning my rating, I want to add some background information. There are only 3 short stories that I have ever rated with 5 stars. I think it is immensely difficult to write a short story that has everything I would want in a story. So when I rate a short story with 3 or 4 stars, it's a really good one, and I probably have nothing to complain about.
Just Right by John Goode
My faith had taken too many hits in a row for me to be able to handle someone that good-looking turning out to be just another douche. I'd rather sit over here and dream that he was perfect rather than walk over there and make it a reality. What did I have to lose? The last shred of a broken heart that hadn't even been able to like someone for real. It was just too much for me to handle.
Bittersweet, snarky, and nerdy. A great combination, and very well written.
4 stars
******************************************
******************************************
Dear Cody by Eric Renner
Beautiful. I loved these letters. They were so intimate and touching. Made me feel good and warm and fuzzy.
4 stars
******************************************
******************************************
Dating my Best Friend by Caitlin Ricci
Huh... Meh...
It was okay, I guess. Neither story nor execution are anything to shout out about, in my opinion.
2 stars or 1.5, dunno
******************************************
******************************************
A Warrior from a Different Tribe by S.A. GARCIA
DNF after 5 pages
Too descriptive for my taste. Too slow. Couldn't get into it.
1 star
******************************************
******************************************
Dressed to Swim by Renee Hirsch
Beautiful. Well written in a first person point of view. Tells the story of a very young teenager who doesn't fit in anywhere. It ends on a hopeful note when he discovers something new about him.
Beautiful, sigh...
3.5 or 4 stars
******************************************
******************************************
Courting Billy Roth by Nick Hasse
Awwwwww :-)))))) A best friends to lovers story. This was really cute and awwww.... the kisses and tender moments. L O V E D
3.5 or 4 stars
******************************************
******************************************
Beautiful by Ella Lyons
Intersting. Nice. Transgender-curious theme.
2.5 stars
******************************************
******************************************
His World by Eric Gober
I'm pissed. So much potential. Such a great, heartwarming idea. But the execution... Gah. Fucked it all up. Bumpy writing style, lengthy in parts, too short in others. Disappointing.
1.5 stars
******************************************
******************************************
It's in their Kiss by Kevay Gray
Since this is supposed to be a journal entry written by a teenage girl, I probably should give this shorty 5 stars. But, oh my... Who the fuck wants to read something like that? Bad writing is bad.
1 star
******************************************
******************************************
Summer Crush by SR Silcox
That was okay... Not bad, but not good, either.
2 stars
******************************************
******************************************
Midnight in the Maze by J. Leigh Bailey
The writing was actually pretty good, but I didn't really like the protagonist. He was a creep and an idiot, and such an idiot. Yeah, so the plot was also wtf-ery, but also somehow sweet.
2 stars
******************************************
******************************************
First Date by Nicole Mccormick
2 boys on their first day, very sweet, writing a bit awkward in parts
3 stars
******************************************
******************************************
Step by Step by Emily Mortan
A very beautiful trans YA story. It was really lovely.
4 stars
******************************************
******************************************
Me and my Friend by Emery C. Walters
Um... So, this wasn't for me. Very detailed, too much overthought inner monologue, and the plot or message was so... I don't even have words for this. I didn't like the message, nor the 'happy' outcome.
1 star
******************************************
******************************************
Kissing Stars by Jo Ramsey
Now, if it weren't for the utterly awkward and unrealistic ending, this story would have been good.
2 stars
******************************************
******************************************
It's not our Fault by Charli Green
WOW. What just happened??? I... I think I feel like our MC Jordan right now, I feel slightly overwhelmed, out of control, turned on, and... wow. I think I just read about my first genderqueer/fluid (need to do more research) character. I... Phew. This was quite intense. What an experience.
4 stars
******************************************
******************************************
When Wolverine met Taylor by Andrea Speed
Cute with Comic Con. Nothing more and nothing less.
2 stars
******************************************
******************************************
Kiss and Makeup by Allison Wonderland
DNF after 5 pages. Just don't have the patience for another overthought inner-monologue right now.
1 star
***
This book counts for my following reading challenges 2015:
- 100 books in total
- 20 books about a marginalised group
- 20 books, trying something new
November 26, 2014
(Referring to Just Right by John Goode)
4,5 stars.
I’m not so much into anthologies, I need to connect to the characters, need to feel the emotions in a story and most of the time short stories leave me wanting more than they can give me.
But how is the saying? “The exception proves the rule.” And John Goode’s Just Right is definitely one.
The short story about the ‘hardships’ of trying to find the right guy to date is just lovely done. It’s cute, funny and entertaining written.
I loved the humour, best quote:
“Look, dude, we’re gay. Things work differently here. If you’re Bella looking for your Edward, trust me, that’s not how gay guys are. You keep looking down at everyone, and they’ll just think you’re a stuck-up bitch.”
Goldilocks… I loved Jordan’s nickname… becomes aware quickly that dating boys isn’t THAT easy.
All in all, Just Right was an enjoyable shorty. Loved it. Now I’m off to Forks/Washington to comfort one stuck-up Vampire… :D
September 12, 2014
I don’t read a lot of YA stories so when I saw this anthology I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to try out stories that I don’t normally gravitate towards. Like with a lot of anthologies this had a few hits and misses but overall I found that I really enjoyed quite a few of the offers. These are all very short stories that span the spectrum of LGBTQ youth, more tasters than anything but I think it was impressive just how much information the authors were able to get across given the length of the works. If you’re looking to try out some YA stories but don’t want to commit to a longer read I recommend giving this a try. I’ve rated the individual works but overall I’m giving this anthology a 3.75
Dear Cody by Eric Renner
This is an epistolary style story told through emails as Sam, a high school senior, confesses his love to Cody, who’s away at college, and then we get Cody’s response. I loved how their history was revealed. 3.75
Dating My Best Friend by Caitlin Ricci
I liked the premise. A girl coming out to her best friend as a lesbian and the best friend revealing she’s bisexual. Both girls seemed like older teenagers but they turned out to be only fourteen so some of their responses seemed a bit off after that reveal. Although I enjoyed Cassie’s thoughts on her coming out there were a few grandstanding moments that overshone it. 2.5
A Warrior From A Different Tribe by S.A. Garcia
There was an otherworldly quality to this one and I kept expecting a PNR twist but there wasn’t, it was just a lovely coming of age story about boyfriends Joe and Ed. Lightly touches on Joe’s Seminole heritage. Great characters, great story. 4
Dressed to Swim by Renee Hirsch
I found this one a bit stilted but I enjoyed how Marina helped Mike to see that it’s not wrong to explore who you are and how everyone is uncertain at their age. 2
Courting Billy Roth by Nick Hasse
A sweet story about best friends becoming boyfriends. 3
Beautiful by Ella Lyons
Duncan is questioning his gender and his best friend Abby is helping him to see how he’d look with a bit of make-up. A wonderful friendship story. 3.5
His World by Eric Gober
A.J.’s life shifts when his parents divorce and he’s shuffled from one to the other. He meets Cory and tries to decide how brave he’s willing to be in order to get the world he’s always wanted with the boy of his dreams. The ending was rushed but even with that this was a fabulous read. I wanted more. 4.5
It’s In Their Kiss by Kevay Gray
Emmie is in love with her best friends Ezekiel and Frankie but she doesn’t know how to tell them. They get tired of waiting and take things into their own hands instead. Nice characters here but seemed more like a scene from a longer story. 2
Summer Crush by SR Silcox
Lovely first kiss story. Jess accidentally reveals her crush on Ellie at a beach party. 3
Midnight In The Maze by J. Leigh Bailey
Halloween is Joey’s sweet sixteen and someone kisses him in a blacked out corn maze. Could it be Blake, the golden boy? Or Jared, the bad boy? 3
First Date by Nicole Mccormick
Truth in advertising. It’s a first date. 2.5
Step by Step by Emily Moreton
Friendships of a trans student, both old and new and the struggles of high school. 3
Me and My Friend by Emery C. Walters
Aiden wandering through the Art Fair trying to make a friend. 2.5
Kissing Scars by Jo Ramsey
Two girls finding each other and maybe forging a friendship after they both survived being attacked. Really emotional story. Both sad and hopeful. 3
It’s Not Our Fault by Charli Green
Jordan doesn’t make a good first impression with Nay and struggles to fix that. 2.5
When Wolverine Met Taylor by Andrea Speed
A cos-playing Wolverine needs a little help from his BFF when he meets a boy but is too shy to ask him out. 3
Kiss and Makeup by Allison Wonderland
Gina and Simone forge a connection over the makeup counter. 2
Just Right by John Goode
Jordan AKA Goldilocks dips his toes in the world of dating boys. It doesn’t go quite how he was expecting it to. Great friendships here. 3.5
Dear Cody by Eric Renner
This is an epistolary style story told through emails as Sam, a high school senior, confesses his love to Cody, who’s away at college, and then we get Cody’s response. I loved how their history was revealed. 3.75
Dating My Best Friend by Caitlin Ricci
I liked the premise. A girl coming out to her best friend as a lesbian and the best friend revealing she’s bisexual. Both girls seemed like older teenagers but they turned out to be only fourteen so some of their responses seemed a bit off after that reveal. Although I enjoyed Cassie’s thoughts on her coming out there were a few grandstanding moments that overshone it. 2.5
A Warrior From A Different Tribe by S.A. Garcia
There was an otherworldly quality to this one and I kept expecting a PNR twist but there wasn’t, it was just a lovely coming of age story about boyfriends Joe and Ed. Lightly touches on Joe’s Seminole heritage. Great characters, great story. 4
Dressed to Swim by Renee Hirsch
I found this one a bit stilted but I enjoyed how Marina helped Mike to see that it’s not wrong to explore who you are and how everyone is uncertain at their age. 2
Courting Billy Roth by Nick Hasse
A sweet story about best friends becoming boyfriends. 3
Beautiful by Ella Lyons
Duncan is questioning his gender and his best friend Abby is helping him to see how he’d look with a bit of make-up. A wonderful friendship story. 3.5
His World by Eric Gober
A.J.’s life shifts when his parents divorce and he’s shuffled from one to the other. He meets Cory and tries to decide how brave he’s willing to be in order to get the world he’s always wanted with the boy of his dreams. The ending was rushed but even with that this was a fabulous read. I wanted more. 4.5
It’s In Their Kiss by Kevay Gray
Emmie is in love with her best friends Ezekiel and Frankie but she doesn’t know how to tell them. They get tired of waiting and take things into their own hands instead. Nice characters here but seemed more like a scene from a longer story. 2
Summer Crush by SR Silcox
Lovely first kiss story. Jess accidentally reveals her crush on Ellie at a beach party. 3
Midnight In The Maze by J. Leigh Bailey
Halloween is Joey’s sweet sixteen and someone kisses him in a blacked out corn maze. Could it be Blake, the golden boy? Or Jared, the bad boy? 3
First Date by Nicole Mccormick
Truth in advertising. It’s a first date. 2.5
Step by Step by Emily Moreton
Friendships of a trans student, both old and new and the struggles of high school. 3
Me and My Friend by Emery C. Walters
Aiden wandering through the Art Fair trying to make a friend. 2.5
Kissing Scars by Jo Ramsey
Two girls finding each other and maybe forging a friendship after they both survived being attacked. Really emotional story. Both sad and hopeful. 3
It’s Not Our Fault by Charli Green
Jordan doesn’t make a good first impression with Nay and struggles to fix that. 2.5
When Wolverine Met Taylor by Andrea Speed
A cos-playing Wolverine needs a little help from his BFF when he meets a boy but is too shy to ask him out. 3
Kiss and Makeup by Allison Wonderland
Gina and Simone forge a connection over the makeup counter. 2
Just Right by John Goode
Jordan AKA Goldilocks dips his toes in the world of dating boys. It doesn’t go quite how he was expecting it to. Great friendships here. 3.5
Read
September 4, 2014I can't rate/review this because my childlike alter-ego, Charli Green, is a contributor. But I loved the other stories too, and highly recommend you check them out!
October 2, 2014
Dear Cody by Eric Renner
When Cody goes to college, his “friend” confesses to feeling more.
Dating My Best Friend by Caitlin Ricci
Two girls find love after friendship.
A Warrior from a Different Tribe by S.A. Garcia
Two boys in Florida involved in a first romance find out that though they are from different cultures they have more support than they thought.
Dressed to Swim by Renee Hirsch
A “loner” boy gets invited to a class swim party where one of the girls shows him a side of himself he never explored: cross-dressing.
Courting Billy Roth by Nick Hasse
Billy is his best friend and Toby sends him a valentine. Billy surprises Toby with his response.
Beautiful by Ella Lyons
A young boy who has always felt like a girl uses make-up for the first time and feels… beautiful.
His World by Eric Gober
AJ’s parents are divorced and move to different states. Now AJ is visiting his father in California where if he’s brave, he might find love.
It's In Their Kiss by Kevay Gray
A girl wishes for a kiss from her two best friends, one male, one female.
Summer Crush by SR Silcox
A girl is crushing on another long-time classmate and tries to get the courage up to ask her out.
Midnight in the Maze by J. Leigh Bailey
It’s Joey’s 16th birthday and he’s never been kissed! Someone overhears this and gives him his first, then runs away!
First Date by Nicole McCormick
Logan and Jason, a bi-racial couple, go on their first date.
Step by Step by Emily Moreton
Jen is in transition from being John and her friends rally around to support her by forming a new soccer team.
Me and My Friend by Emery C. Walters
Aidan is on his way to being a misanthrope when he is issued a challenge to make a friend, so he does. And what a friend!
Kissing Scars by Jo Ramsey
It's Not Our Fault by Charli Green
When Wolverine Met Taylor by Andrea Speed
Cute guy meets new love at Comicon.
Kiss and Makeup by Allison Wonderland
A newly graduated high school senior meets someone at the make-up counter and together they experience many firsts.
Just Right by John Goode
A sixteen year old boy explores the gay dating scene.
My Review:
Dear Cody by Eric Renner
Very sweet, nice getting into the head of a young guy opening himself up to love and being gay for the first time. I liked the use of the emails as a way to tell the story.
Dating My Best Friend by Caitlin Ricci
Kind of strange, but interesting. Very fast paced, short.
A Warrior from a Different Tribe by S.A. Garcia
Kind of disjointed, some mystical elements and some sadness, but mostly a sweet, leading to what sound like a forever love.
Dressed to Swim by Renee Hirsch
There wasn’t enough to this story to really understand what the author was aiming for. It was startling to think of cross-dressing at a class swim party, but I guess it happens differently for everyone.
Courting Billy Roth by Nick Hasse
Super sweet! I loved this. A great example of how a short story can tell so much! Billy was amazing and I loved their dates!
Beautiful by Ella Lyons
This was a touching story not just about a guy coming to grips with his desire to be different than the world sees him, but also about acceptance and friendship. Made me cry it was so heartfelt.
His World by Eric Gober
Very interesting use of the aquarium metaphor throughout story. Sweet and happy-ish ending. I loved how the boys’ experiences had shaped them already, even though they were so young.
It's In Their Kiss by Kevay Gray
Interesting concept, a teenage triad or ménage, nicely written.
Summer Crush by SR Silcox
Mostly sweet, another look at being young and in love but needing to be brave, too.
Midnight in the Maze by J. Leigh Bailey
Really fun. Joey is solving the mystery of who kissed him and discovering more about the guys he “thought” he had knew everything about.
First Date by Nicole McCormick
Super, super sweet! Loved the awkward silences, and blushes and the first kiss. Really fun!
Step by Step by Emily Moreton
Touching show of friendship and courage.
Me and My Friend by Emery C. Walters
Nice idea, sometimes hard to follow, loved the happy ending.
Kissing Scars by Jo Ramsey
It's Not Our Fault by Charli Green
When Wolverine Met Taylor by Andrea Speed
Funny, cute, sweet. Just a brief hint at what might be…
Kiss and Makeup by Allison Wonderland
Interesting, sometimes hard to follow, but mostly sweet and a little sexy.
Just Right by John Goode
Really interesting, especially in this book of first “loves” and such. He doesn’t have any luck on the dating scene and his friend tells him that having a sample size of 3 guys does not mean he gets to get all bitter and jaded. It was funny and real and very enjoyable.
When Cody goes to college, his “friend” confesses to feeling more.
Dating My Best Friend by Caitlin Ricci
Two girls find love after friendship.
A Warrior from a Different Tribe by S.A. Garcia
Two boys in Florida involved in a first romance find out that though they are from different cultures they have more support than they thought.
Dressed to Swim by Renee Hirsch
A “loner” boy gets invited to a class swim party where one of the girls shows him a side of himself he never explored: cross-dressing.
Courting Billy Roth by Nick Hasse
Billy is his best friend and Toby sends him a valentine. Billy surprises Toby with his response.
Beautiful by Ella Lyons
A young boy who has always felt like a girl uses make-up for the first time and feels… beautiful.
His World by Eric Gober
AJ’s parents are divorced and move to different states. Now AJ is visiting his father in California where if he’s brave, he might find love.
It's In Their Kiss by Kevay Gray
A girl wishes for a kiss from her two best friends, one male, one female.
Summer Crush by SR Silcox
A girl is crushing on another long-time classmate and tries to get the courage up to ask her out.
Midnight in the Maze by J. Leigh Bailey
It’s Joey’s 16th birthday and he’s never been kissed! Someone overhears this and gives him his first, then runs away!
First Date by Nicole McCormick
Logan and Jason, a bi-racial couple, go on their first date.
Step by Step by Emily Moreton
Jen is in transition from being John and her friends rally around to support her by forming a new soccer team.
Me and My Friend by Emery C. Walters
Aidan is on his way to being a misanthrope when he is issued a challenge to make a friend, so he does. And what a friend!
Kissing Scars by Jo Ramsey
It's Not Our Fault by Charli Green
When Wolverine Met Taylor by Andrea Speed
Cute guy meets new love at Comicon.
Kiss and Makeup by Allison Wonderland
A newly graduated high school senior meets someone at the make-up counter and together they experience many firsts.
Just Right by John Goode
A sixteen year old boy explores the gay dating scene.
My Review:
Dear Cody by Eric Renner
Very sweet, nice getting into the head of a young guy opening himself up to love and being gay for the first time. I liked the use of the emails as a way to tell the story.
Dating My Best Friend by Caitlin Ricci
Kind of strange, but interesting. Very fast paced, short.
A Warrior from a Different Tribe by S.A. Garcia
Kind of disjointed, some mystical elements and some sadness, but mostly a sweet, leading to what sound like a forever love.
Dressed to Swim by Renee Hirsch
There wasn’t enough to this story to really understand what the author was aiming for. It was startling to think of cross-dressing at a class swim party, but I guess it happens differently for everyone.
Courting Billy Roth by Nick Hasse
Super sweet! I loved this. A great example of how a short story can tell so much! Billy was amazing and I loved their dates!
Beautiful by Ella Lyons
This was a touching story not just about a guy coming to grips with his desire to be different than the world sees him, but also about acceptance and friendship. Made me cry it was so heartfelt.
His World by Eric Gober
Very interesting use of the aquarium metaphor throughout story. Sweet and happy-ish ending. I loved how the boys’ experiences had shaped them already, even though they were so young.
It's In Their Kiss by Kevay Gray
Interesting concept, a teenage triad or ménage, nicely written.
Summer Crush by SR Silcox
Mostly sweet, another look at being young and in love but needing to be brave, too.
Midnight in the Maze by J. Leigh Bailey
Really fun. Joey is solving the mystery of who kissed him and discovering more about the guys he “thought” he had knew everything about.
First Date by Nicole McCormick
Super, super sweet! Loved the awkward silences, and blushes and the first kiss. Really fun!
Step by Step by Emily Moreton
Touching show of friendship and courage.
Me and My Friend by Emery C. Walters
Nice idea, sometimes hard to follow, loved the happy ending.
Kissing Scars by Jo Ramsey
It's Not Our Fault by Charli Green
When Wolverine Met Taylor by Andrea Speed
Funny, cute, sweet. Just a brief hint at what might be…
Kiss and Makeup by Allison Wonderland
Interesting, sometimes hard to follow, but mostly sweet and a little sexy.
Just Right by John Goode
Really interesting, especially in this book of first “loves” and such. He doesn’t have any luck on the dating scene and his friend tells him that having a sample size of 3 guys does not mean he gets to get all bitter and jaded. It was funny and real and very enjoyable.
December 21, 2014
Overall, a great selection of sweet, emotional, cute, mostly well written short stories. As always, there were some that did and some that did not interest me, but I enjoyed this.
April 26, 2017
Took me ages to finish because most of the stories were not for me. YA. Not my thing. Just right, the last one by J. Goode was really nice so on the end it's a 3 stars read...
May 23, 2017
Because I'm a crazy person, I took each of my ratings, weighted them based on what percentage of the total book they are and averaged those scores. That left me with 3.48! Since it is not quite 3.5, I'm giving this a 3.
Individual ratings below.
1. DEAR CODY by ERIC RENNER: Cute 3.5*
2. DATING MY BEST FRIEND by CAITLIN RICCI: 2.75*
3. A WARRIOR FROM A DIFFERENT TRIBE by S.A. GARCIA: so after reading the first two which were short and sweet and light on plot and complexity, here comes this long story with supporting characters and background stories and all kinds of stuff that I was not expecting or prepared for and that led me to skimming most of it. It may have deserved more than that ... it just didn't seem to fit in with the other stories at all. 2*
4. DRESSED TO SWIM by RENEE HIRSCH: 3*
5. COURTING BILLY ROTH by NICK HASSE: THIS was lovely!!! Absolutely my favorite so far! 4.75*
6. BEAUTIFUL by ELLA LYONS: 3.25* had my eyes glazing over with the excessive makeup details but super sweet and I heart Dee and Abby.
7. HIS WORLD by ERIC GOBER: 4.75* I WANT MOOOOOOORE!
8. IT’S IN THEIR KISS by KEVAY GRAY: 2.75*
9. SUMMER CRUSH by SR SILCOX: 3*
10. MIDNIGHT IN THE MAZE by J. LEIGH BAILEY: 4*
11. FIRST DATE by NICOLE MCCORMICK: 4.25* awwww I want more of this one tooo!
12. STEP BY STEP by EMILY MORETON: 4.5* SERIOUSLY WANT MORE! So many fantastic characters!!! ahhhhh.
13. ME AND MY FRIEND by EMERY C. WALTERS: 3.75*
14. 4*
15. 4*
16. 3.5*
17. 3*
18. 3*
Individual ratings below.
1. DEAR CODY by ERIC RENNER: Cute 3.5*
2. DATING MY BEST FRIEND by CAITLIN RICCI: 2.75*
3. A WARRIOR FROM A DIFFERENT TRIBE by S.A. GARCIA: so after reading the first two which were short and sweet and light on plot and complexity, here comes this long story with supporting characters and background stories and all kinds of stuff that I was not expecting or prepared for and that led me to skimming most of it. It may have deserved more than that ... it just didn't seem to fit in with the other stories at all. 2*
4. DRESSED TO SWIM by RENEE HIRSCH: 3*
5. COURTING BILLY ROTH by NICK HASSE: THIS was lovely!!! Absolutely my favorite so far! 4.75*
6. BEAUTIFUL by ELLA LYONS: 3.25* had my eyes glazing over with the excessive makeup details but super sweet and I heart Dee and Abby.
7. HIS WORLD by ERIC GOBER: 4.75* I WANT MOOOOOOORE!
8. IT’S IN THEIR KISS by KEVAY GRAY: 2.75*
9. SUMMER CRUSH by SR SILCOX: 3*
10. MIDNIGHT IN THE MAZE by J. LEIGH BAILEY: 4*
11. FIRST DATE by NICOLE MCCORMICK: 4.25* awwww I want more of this one tooo!
12. STEP BY STEP by EMILY MORETON: 4.5* SERIOUSLY WANT MORE! So many fantastic characters!!! ahhhhh.
13. ME AND MY FRIEND by EMERY C. WALTERS: 3.75*
14. 4*
15. 4*
16. 3.5*
17. 3*
18. 3*
March 16, 2018
Collectively, nice. Some kept my interest others not as much. But that's what you get with short story compilations.
October 1, 2014
I admit I usually stay away from anthologies but when I found out Nick Hasse was one of the authors I one clicked First Time for Everything.
This is the second book Nick Hasse has published. Once again he has used words to not only tell a story but also paint us a picture of Billy and Toby as they experience their first love. One of the things I love about Nicks writing is he can bring your senses into play with his words. You will see, feel, smell and maybe even taste this story as it unfolds.
Nick has done this so well that after you read this story if you have already experienced your first love your mind and heart will revisit that time. If you have not had this nerve racking, heart pounding, glorious event yet happen, you will be looking forward to it even more.
Some times when you buy an anthology you buy it because of one author. (I bought this one because Nick Hasse had a story in it.) So you get one good story and a collection of so-so or not so good stories. That is not the case with this anthology. There are many good stories for you to enjoy. So….
A big Thank You for Harmony Ink / Dreamspinner Press for putting together a wonderful anthology!
This is the second book Nick Hasse has published. Once again he has used words to not only tell a story but also paint us a picture of Billy and Toby as they experience their first love. One of the things I love about Nicks writing is he can bring your senses into play with his words. You will see, feel, smell and maybe even taste this story as it unfolds.
Nick has done this so well that after you read this story if you have already experienced your first love your mind and heart will revisit that time. If you have not had this nerve racking, heart pounding, glorious event yet happen, you will be looking forward to it even more.
Some times when you buy an anthology you buy it because of one author. (I bought this one because Nick Hasse had a story in it.) So you get one good story and a collection of so-so or not so good stories. That is not the case with this anthology. There are many good stories for you to enjoy. So….
A big Thank You for Harmony Ink / Dreamspinner Press for putting together a wonderful anthology!
December 16, 2016
Like all anthologies, a mix of stories—some of which will resonate, some not. There were some gems in here, and only one or two fell a bit flat, for various reasons. Definitely worth a read for anyone who enjoys queer "first love" stories.
January 5, 2015
Overall rounded up, but "it's in his kiss" and "his world" are definite 5 stars!
April 13, 2017
I enjoyed this anthology. It's got a good range of stories about many different types of first times. I appreciate that in addition to protagonists being gay, lesbian, bi, and trans, some of the characters under the trans umbrella are genderfluid/genderqueer/nonbinary/still figuring out their gender (nonbinary identity is something I've rarely seen in fiction, but there are tons of nonbinary folks in the world). I also was pleasantly surprised with the fact that one of the stories touched on polyamory, something seemingly rare in YA. Overall I enjoyed all of the stories, and some definitely stood out as being especially entertaining and touching.
July 10, 2016
3.5 stars. there were some gems in there and then some that were so-so. some were great, but just too short - they would have been a great beginning to a longer work.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews