Best of Both Worlds

by N.R. Walker

This 20,000-word story is told in each chapter consisting of only 100 words.Sebastian Gilman meets a guy on a dance floor every Friday night. He knows nothing about him, not even his name, only to find one day this familiar stranger turns up on his building site and they need to work together.Ryland Keller knows better than to get involved. Alone and half a country away from home, he revels in isolation until a handsome man in a gay bar turns his world upside down. Sebastian wants to help Ryland recover from a horrible past, but only if Ryland can let his guard down long enough to see that he can have the best of both worlds.

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Contemporary, Novella, LGBT, Short Stories, Queer

114 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 9, 2017

About the author

Author also writes as A. Voyeur

N.R. Walker is an Australian author, who loves her genre of gay romance. She loves writing and spends far too much time doing it, but wouldn't have it any other way.

She is many things; a mother, a wife, a sister, a writer. She has pretty, pretty boys who she gives them life with words.

She likes it when they do dirty, dirty things...but likes it even more when they fall in love. She used to think having people in her head talking to her was weird, until one day she happened across other writers who told her it was normal.

She’s been writing ever since...

https://www.facebook.com/N.R.WalkerAu...

Reviews

[~✡~Dαni(ela) ♥ ♂♂ love & semicolons~✡~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

~3.5~

This story is told in the first-person, present-tense POV in a series of vignettes and spans more than a year. This narrative style isn't my favorite, and the short paragraphs broke up the continuity of the story.

I got used to the format eventually, but I prefer scenes to be longer and better developed. There was a lot of summarizing here.

The majority of the story focuses not on how the MCs get together but how they handle the troubles that come their way after they begin a serious relationship.

There is angst, yes, but there is also tenderness and a few steamy moments. I felt bad for Ryland; the poor guy had suffered enough. Sebastian was amazing; I loved the way he stood by Ryland.

I don't think Ryland's mother deserved forgiveness. Sebastian's family was all kinds of awesome, fortunately.

The HEA is wonderful! I read this book in about an hour, and it was time well spent.

[Sheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was interesting. And different.
And despite a few niggles, I really enjoyed it.
Drabble style was very engaging, I didn't want to put it down.
Sebastian and Ryland's chemistry was electric and I could almost feel the buzz.
History and Present collide...determining the fate of their future.
All in all, I gotta say, it was a great read!

**and BONUS, it's free right now!!

[Janie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually really enjoyed this little novella. The writing style of 100 words per paragraph was hard to get into at first but as the story went on it began to flow smoother. I loved both Ryland and Sebastian. They were so good together and I loved how they loved each other. Sebastian’s family were all amazing. This author really does no wrong in my eyes.

[Len Evans Jr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well this book was an pretty awesome read... for one thing I learned a new word... even if I'm still not quite sure what a drabble is! However I do know it must be something pretty incredible. Ryland and Sebastian are so well-written that I would almost swear they are real and Ms. Walker knows them... well umm, of course she knows them since she created them! She tells their story in a tender and intimate style that just brings them to life completely. She also does a wonderful job of weaving the supporting cast of characters in and around the two MCs until the story is complete and whole. This is my second book by this author and now I need to read everything else she has published because these first two were just pure joy to read!

[Vanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Loved-It Stars!! ❤️ I loved the story despite the medium angst.. and loved both the MCs. Sebastian was just amazing.. a little unreal to be honest; and Ryland was like a wounded bird learning how to fly once again. But what I didn't love was the drabble style of writing; although unique it felt incomplete.. unfinished sometimes. If it was in a dairy form (with Sebastian's POV) I think I would have accepted it, but just 100 words per chapter felt like it a limitation.
Nevertheless, still a great short story, highly recommended!! 👍

[patrícia]

This was like watching a movie in fast forward… I catch glimpses but just don’t connect with the story.The story had potential but this format let to many blanks.

Also forgiving the mother was way to easy, and Sebastian leaving his job just felt unnecessary.

It shows it’s age.

No rating because honestly I don’t now how to rate this.

[Papie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so sweet and emotional and sexy and adorable and the writing was lovely and omg I loved it so much.

[BWT · Rating 3 out of 5]

Told in drabbles (100 word increments/chapters) the story is told mostly from Sebastian's first person, present tense POV, with a couple of drabbles from Ryland's POV later in the book.

It was sweet, but not spectacularly well served by the short bursts of vignette storytelling.

Ryland and Sebastian meet at a gay club in Seattle and dance with each other every Friday night. When they meet coincidentally outside of the club Ry makes it very clear he's not, and will not be, out. He has his reasons, and they're a real tearjerker.

Seb, who's out to family and friends, but not at work either, slowly works to break down Ty's barriers.

N.R. Walker has a gift of taking the everyday man with everyday situations and weaving these incredible stories of love and passion. Even in drips and drabs she manages to get across the romance, fear, pain, love, and acceptance, but IMO in this case it is dampened by each chapter/sections's brevity.

While I'll admit I wish she'd rewrite it in a "'real' (properly structured) book" format, I think it was very cool of her to try something new, and, if nothing else, proves that Walker can tell a love story in any setting.

[Dia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I usually enjoy N.R. Walker's writing style, but this one wasn't quite what I expected. This novella was entertaining enough, but it kind of left me wanting more. It has a good pace and it's pretty sweet so maybe it's just me here., not enjoying it enough.

[Elsa Bravante · Rating 3 out of 5]

Parece un experimento de la autora, el libro se divide en escenas cortas en primera persona en presente que se suceden a lo largo de un año o año y pico. Interesante, no ha sido aburrido, pero el hecho de que sean escenas tan cortas a mi personalmente me impiden alcanzar un pico de emoción y el conocimiento de los personajes es algo superficial.
Está bien para pasar un rato sin muchas pretensiones.

[Elsbeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

FREE at Smashwords....
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...

[Bibliophile · Rating 4 out of 5]

A free read. By N.R. Walker! It's like Christmas came early!

[Marion · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars! I just loved it. I’ve never read a Drabble before, but trust N.R. Walker to make it fantastic!

[Mariah · Rating 2 out of 5]

An interesting novella told in drabbles.
I'm quite familiar with this format, but this one didn't stand out for me.

[Simon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started and finished this in one day. Goodreads will not allow me to add my "finish" date for some unknown reason!?
I really enjoyed the concept. The one/one-and-a-half page chapters. I thought maybe I wouldn't....but I did....enjoy it.
Ms Walker always makes me cry! I like to cry. I like the "Lurve".
Sweet and warm and cuddly and a bit angsty....but that's Ms Walker, it's what she does best.
Great story. Very romantic.

[Dani · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wasn't really sure on the format of this one, it felt quite disjointed and made it hard to connect to the characters.

It also threw me that it was set in the US - I much prefer the Australian settings in the author's other books!

[AussieMum · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Because I want to give you my heart.”

Oh, the feels.

I enjoyed this. The writing style was free-flowing, condensed, streamlined, at times just bare-bones, but it worked for the story. N.R. Walker is such a talented author that I happily filled in the blanks.

This was a really lovely short read for those who might like angst, but don't want to drown in it to get to their solid HEA.

"How could I not like anyone who thinks my boy hung the moon?"

[annob [on hiatus] · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25 stars. This is a touching story filled with love, empathy and perseverance through tough times. It was a nice read, but somehow it failed to do just that; touch me. Ryland is well portrayed but my disconnect with the story had to do with the fact I never felt as close to Sebastian. Which is odd since the story mostly is narrated from his perspective. Over all, this little free read has a poignant plot, memorable moments and hits both sugary and angsty feels.

[Caipi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't sure if I would like this style of storytelling in drabbles, but I really enjoyed reading it.
The author managed with these few snippets to tell a sweet and emotional romance, managed to get me to feel for both MCs and even to cry because of all the hurt and loss Ryland had to endure.

[Ariana (mostly offline) · Rating 3 out of 5]

*3,5 stars*

I enjoyed the way the story was told - it felt fast paced and to the point.
Sebastian, however, is too good (and sweet) to be true, and to me, Ryland's problems are not explored in enough detail (but then this is a novella...)
Not quite my cup of tea, although it is well written.

[Bluebelle-the-Inquisitive (Catherine) · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Because you’re the best thing in my life,” he answers softly. “Because I want to give you my heart.” — Ryland Keller

Best of Both Worlds is a novella that I think is too good to be free. I found it to be too creative and well-executed for that. While I do get the feeling that N.R. Walker wrote this either as a NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) project or combined slightly edited daily writing practices/ warm-ups. That doesn't lessen the enjoyment available from the story of the continuity. The format is the most important thing about Best of Both Worlds, it is written in two untitled parts with the second part set six months after the first. Each chapter is 100 words long, an author can fit a lot of emotional punch into 100 words when they try. And oh boy does N.R. Walker try. There are moments where you realise all of that only happened in 100 words.

The novella follows Sebastian Gilman and Ryland Keller as they meet, come together, fall in love and deal with life's struggles, primarily Ryland's struggles and trauma. Ryland has a past and many scars some physical, mostly emotional. Texan Ryland is stunning with his blue eyes, accent, light jealous streak and general attitude. That jealous streak is really on display at one point really on Marcel looks at him, challenging. “Can I help you?”
Blue eyes never leave mine. He answers low but direct. “Yes. You can leave.” (Sebastian) Honestly it's a moment. Sebastian is the sole narrator of the story, we see the world through his eyes but we also see his concerns and insecurities. I do appreciate Sebastian's empathy and his ability to play dirty when that is what Ryland needed to force him to make a move (see above with Marcel). Better yet when we meet Sebastian's family you see echoes of that empathy, where that comes from, his parents nurtured that skill in their sons. It is something that is often missed in writing, the origins of our personalities. The same could be said about meeting Ryland's family, especially Justin, you see where some of Ryland's core personality traits come from. Ryland and Sebastian don't just fall in together they do have to work for it. There is an easy chemistry between them, their whole relationship is built off weekly dancing, no names no intimacy just dancing. I see him and he looks at me with those blue eyes that have owned me every Friday night for the last four weeks.
My hands are on his hips. He licks the sweat off my neck, and I shiver. (Sebastian) This from the first chapter before we know names, before we know the first thing about either of them. and I like the way everything works out. There is a whole lot of pain first though.

Given the word limit per chapter, all the details are revealed in an almost natural manner. The setting of the book, Names (both Christian and Family), ages, histories, and family stories. It was the only logical way to do the background There are mentions of homophobia and gay-bashing, but they are handled with grace and not raised just to gouge wounds it's still brutal though. I would recommend Best of Both Worlds as something a bit different style-wise, it is also just a good story.

Have some quotes because this is another well-written one for me.
• I trail my lips up his neck and I can feel him shiver. I run my nose along his jaw and his breath stops in his throat. He gasps like he’s drowning. — (Sebastian)At this point, my thought was 'touch looks like is going to be a big thing for these two'. But also this line... you can see it. Christ, I can almost feel it.
• “My choice to live my life, to not lie about myself or to myself anymore—to come out—cost me everything.” — (Ryland) This from a character who lost his family. Who got gay-bashed. Ryland broke my heart in this moment and this was before we knew the whole truth.
• “Sebastian,” he says with a laugh. “Just fucking kiss me.”
I chuckle, a little embarrassed. But I kiss him. Sweet God in heaven, do I kiss him. — (Sebastian) This is all in the presentation. The emphasis. This is an important moment for them but that's not why it's here. I like passionate, intelligent phrasing.
• I tell Hamish with my eyes to be nice as I make introductions. Hamish just grins his stupid fucking grin and says, “Mom’s gonna fangirl when I tell her Seb’s got himself a man.” — (Sebastian) Hamish is of course Sebastian's brother. Look this line made me smile. Because damn straight Allison fangirls.
• Mom pats his arm and says, “You can kiss him, Ryland. He is kinda cute.” — (Allison Gillman) See also the previous comment about Allison fangirling
• “Why? Why are you doing this?”
Justin answers. His voice desperate. “Because you’re my brother, I love you, and I’m so fucking sorry.” — (Ryland and Justin Keller) This is a reminder that people change. And being from small-town Texas will not have helped prejudices. It takes a lot of bravery than Justin had at 19(ish) to stand up to his parents when they disowned Ryland.
• “He told me grief is a funny thing, never the same for any two people. He told me maybe I wasn’t grieving the loss of my father as such, more the loss of the relationship we could never fix. I’m grieving the relationship I never had… and will now never have.” — (Ryland) I have no words for how much I love this. The 'he' is Sebastian's father, who has become his adoptive father in a way.
• He needs this connection, this intimacy, this love. And I give it to him, until he’s shaking, convulsing and spilling between us. — (Sebastian) Look to put the context here goes into full-on spoiler territory but it's just perfect as a moment. But I like the way it's written, I like the near visual nature of it.
• I turn to face him, my broken boy, and see the corner of his lips curl. His eyes are heavy-lidded.
“You look like hell,” Neil tells him. “Hasn’t anyone told you being hit by a van is bad for your complexion?” — (Sebastian and Neil) Sweetie not funny. Ok, it's kinda funny.
• “Can I get anyone anything?”
Brandon brightens. “Another gay son, if you have one.”
I resist the urge to groan, but Mrs Keller surprises us by laughing. “He’d be no use to you, sugar. It seems my sons have a thing for blonds.” — (Mrs Keller and Brandon) This is just a joyous moment of levity that follows one of my fave chapters. Of note since this is under a spoiler warning now. Mrs Keller refused to defend her son when her p***k of a husband disowned their son for his sexuality.

Time, give him time, everyone said.
Time, he needs time, they urged me.
Well, now he doesn’t have any fucking time. — Sebastian Gilman

A representative gif:

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ryland & Sebastian

- Construction Workers
- Hurt/Comfort
- 100 Word Chapters

This was a different writing style for me, I haven't read a book where the chapters are deliberately a certain amount of words only. I probably wouldn't read this style often because it felt chopped off with the breaks that kind of ended and started within the same conversation.

I did like the MCs as individuals and as a couple. They were meant for each other and Sebastian was a rock for Ryland as his life kept getting upended. Sebastian's family are also the MVP's bringing Ryland into the fold and showing him what family really is and how you're supposed to support one another. I could easily see how Ryland could forgive his younger brother and start to rebuild their relationship, but his mother, no ma'am! She would be allowed to try and make amends but I would not be able to forget what she did and said, how she left Ryland to fend for himself.

Content Warnings : Death of parent (off page); Homophobia; Hospital visit due to physical assault (off page, due to being gay); Hospital visit from vehicle accident on the job (on page)

Verse: Yes
HEA: Yes
POV: Single (Sebastian)
Breakup: No
Cheating: No
Ages: Not specified, but around 24

[Lelyana's Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can't believe just had a chance to read this one. The horror!
But I'm glad that I can finally met Sebastian and Ryland.
I enjoyed the sweetness, and both MCs are adorable. And Sebastian? He's the best boyfriend in the world! Ryland would't ask for more. Loved this one!
It's a short read, enjoyable, fun, and all we could ask for from NR Walker :)

[Akknieszka · Rating 5 out of 5]

The cover is absolutely fantastic!

[Makhda]

FREE.

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...

[Leyna · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first half was quite good, despite the strange form of telling. Unfortunately, the second half turned into a soap opera :(


Free on https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...

[Bati · Rating 5 out of 5]

[Mindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the fast past reading style of this book. I don't know how N.R. Walker can put so much in only 112pages.

[book_reader_addict · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is beautiful and heartbreaking❤️ The writing style is different but it suits the story. Even though it’s short, I fell in love with the characters and their story made me cry❤️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

[✵Damjana✵ · Rating 4 out of 5]

✽ 4.5 STARS ✽