A second-chance M/M novella about acceptance, bravery, and forgiveness.Blake and I weren't always together. But, we weren't always not together either.Everything began innocently. We were friends, nothing more.Then, two years ago, everything changed.I noticed his stares. He noticed mine.We weren't just friends anymore--we were a whole hell of a lot more.And that's how we remained, blissfully in love and ready to conquer anything that stood in our way.Except for ourselves.Approx. 30,000 words, this novella does feature characters from We Are the Stars, however, it can be read as a standalone.
TEAGAN HUNTER writes steamy romantic comedies with lots of sarcasm and a side of heart. She loves pizza, hockey, and romance novels, though not in that order. When not writing, you can find her watching entirely too many hours of Supernatural, One Tree Hill, or New Girl. She’s mildly obsessed with Halloween and prefers cooler weather. She married her high school sweetheart, and they currently live in the PNW.
If You Say So es una muy linda historia. Me gusto especialmente que tratara un tema tan cotidiano y real de una manera tan sencilla pero no por ello menos profunda, ademas la autora hizo un muy buen trabajo retratando a los protagonistas, ambos son interesantes y me hubiera gustado conocerlos aun mas.
La novela se lee muy bien, no solo porque no tiene una cantidad enorme de paginas sino tambien porque la historia es directa y no da vueltas innecesarias, lo unico que le hubiese cambiado es el que no tenga un epilogo, de haberlo tenido creo que su historia hubiera tenido un cierre mas especial, a la altura de la relacion de Blake y Nate.
En fin, un romance bonito y real que recomiendo, asimismo me esta gustando mucho conocer esta nueva faceta de Teagan Hunter, definitivamente estas novelas ( We Are The Stars y esta ) son mas imborrables que su saga Texting.
When Teagan Hunter announced The Boyfriend's story, I was super excited. I was really looking forward to finally finding out how they both became a couple. But If You Say So was more than that. The novella is not only a glance at their past, it's a glance at their current lives and that is everything but happy.
Teagan Hunter put a lot of heart, emotion, and love into this story. The dual POV helped a lot in understanding both guys: their feelings, their thinking, their actions, their love for one another. However, I wished Teagan Hunter had written a full-length novel instead of 'just' a novella. I think there is even more to their story than just this novella, which is why I give this one 4 amazing Boyfriend stars.
This was a heavy and emotional read featuring an already established couple from a previous story, who have split up, but still love one another. Nate isn’t ready to give up on them, but Blake isn’t sure he can get past the mistake Nate made.
While this story was enjoyable, it wasn’t always an easy read, you could feel the tension and emotional turmoil between Nate and Blake coming off the pages at you. I’ll be honest, my heart broke for Nate, while I understand he was supposed to be the guilty party in this split, I didn’t find that to be completely true. Sure, what he did was crappy, but Blake was just as guilty, in my opinion. But I also understand, first hand, what Blake was dealing with, still it was messed up, even if he didn’t want to discuss it, that he let Nate take the total blame in their friends eyes. Shame on you, Blake!
Anyway, this was a well-written story and I think it’s a good gateway book for anyone wanting to maybe dip their toes into the MM genre for the first time, as there was not really any explicit sex featured. Blake and Nate had amazing chemistry, but I was left wanting more. I wanted to be able to experience them as a true couple and I felt a bit cheated that I didn’t get that. Another chapter or two, or perhaps even an epilogue would have been a great addition to the story and gone a long way in making the story more complete and satisfying.
Still, this was an enjoyable read that I’d recommend!
*copy provided by author/publisher for my reading pleasure, a review was not a requirement*
*Read more of my reviews at Whoo Gives A Hoot* Teagan Hunter let me just begin by tell you that you made my day...my week...my year...when you announced that we were FINALLY getting the boyfriend's story! I have absolutely adored these two ever since first meeting them in We Are the Stars back when I read Carsen and Elliot's epic love story.
Let me just say that this was certainly NOT the story I was originally expecting, but oh my freaking goodness did I LOVE every second of it! The sexual tension could have been cut with a knife. If You Say So was an addictively hot and sweet romance about two young men who needed to find their way back to one another. Nate and Blake's story will make you a little emotional and pull on every single one of your heartstrings because these two are the absolute meaning of true love!
4 stars — I really enjoyed this one!! It was a bit rough, starting the book with our main characters being split up, but I enjoyed getting glimpses of the past and seeing them work through their problems. It’s funny, b/c in another situation I could see this not working for me, so I’m not sure why I was immediately connected to both Blake and Nate. I guess I could feel their connection, I could feel their loneliness and despair, I could feel their regret… I LOVED getting those tastes of how they went from friends to lovers in the past, because it helped me to want to root for them. And hoo boy did they have chemistry!! I was seriously tummy tingly all over for them!!
I was worried about how I would feel about Nate in this situation, because of what happened on New Year’s. But I could really feel how regretful he was… There’s a part of me that wishes for something more in that resolution, but I’m not sure what, you know? It’s kind of a strange story, b/c we don’t get to see that part play out…and we don’t get to see much of who Blake and Nate were for the majority of their relationship. We end up meeting them at a very inopportune moment. Seriously, I’m totally baffled for why that didn’t bug me, but instead sucked me in.
I think part of it is that both boys were easy to connect with. They both felt very real, and could be funny, and adorable, but were also very clearly flawed. They both made bad choices. But by the end of the story, they were both trying very hard.
I’m torn about the novella length. In some ways I felt like the pace was fantastic, and it worked very well. In other ways I would have liked a full novel about these two. I have a feeling there was a lot more I could have learned from them…and a lot more I could have understood about their past.
I appreciated that there was a light delving into depression…I think that’s another area that in a full novel could have been explored in greater detail. But we got to see Blake suffering under depression’s lies (being a burden, dealing with it on our own), and I appreciated how Nate supported him once he found out.
This story definitely made me want to read about Elliott and Carsen too…totally putting that on my wishlist. I’ve read an earlier work by this author, and found it only OK…so I can tell that her writing has improved, and I was excited by how much this story captured me. Yay!!! I love it when that happens!
This novella is well worth the read. I love a good romance story in whatever form it takes. That sweetness of a first date and first kiss is precious. Nate and Blake have been besties since middle school and take it to a relationship by senior year. But things get in their way, parents fighting and school, and pressures of life, so they take time apart. Both have the ability to break each other’s heart but they need to communicate better to heal. I really enjoyed getting to know them better from seeing a glimpse of them in a previous book. Loved they got their own book.
* I am grateful for the copy provided by the author for my honest opinion.
After reading We Are The Stars I fell in love with the boyfriends, Nate and Blake. Their comedic relief a dash of hopefulness in the story that was Elliot and Carsen. Bringing a light airy feeling when needed most.
That doesn’t stop in If You Say So, but this story is also one of pain and heart ache, about real life actions and the consequences of those actions.
What I love most about this story is how emotionally realistic it was. I can’t speak for anyone but the risks taken by each character is something I’ve gone through, something I could completely relate to, and that made the story and the outcome that much sweeter for me.
I love Nate and Blake’s relationship dynamic. Nate having the strong personality but also carries the weight of the world on his shoulders. And then Blake with his sweet stature and complete love for his friends. These two aren’t exactly polar opposites, but they’re enough different from the other that they just click.
This story is one I think everyone should read. The love these two characters have for their friends is undeniable and absolutely breath taking. Both men have struggles with their sexuality, learning to love themselves, and taking chances when their knees shook in fear. Having their friendship turn into something beautiful, but also loosing themselves along the way. The best part was watching them fight for what they believed in, no matter what anyone else thought.
My only downside is I WANT MORE. I know, I know, this is only a novella, but I was so enchanted by these characters, their struggles, and their complete devotion to themselves and others that I was wishing for just one more chapter.
This book is a five star read for me. It may be short, but it’s worth it. These two draw you in, and make you feel every emotion. Amazing read, and something to rage about while sitting on the beach this summer!
I loved this story. It was nice but also difficult to accompany these guys through their problems. Seeing that the bad communication was driving them away looking like there would be no happy ending was very sad. But it is clear that love moves mountains and as they needed to improve they could communicate and solve their problems. It will not be an easy road because the depression is not overcome overnight but as long as they try together, it will be worth that road and they are both willing. A very realistic story, very pretty but very short. I loved knowing that Elliot and Carsen managed to overcome their problems and now have a solid and stable relationship.
Awwwwwww Estos dos me encantaron en We Are the Stars, súper lindos. Así que leer un poco más de ellos no fue un problema. Creo que la mayor parte del libro la pasé con una nostalgia bárbara porque en serio Hunter es buenísima para proyectarte las emociones de los personajes y ya hasta me estaba deprimiendo por este par. Claro que tener esos atisbos de cómo inició todo lo hizo increíble. Siempre voy a amar más a Nate, pero Blake estuvo muy bien también, aunque lo odié un poco.
I adore Nate and Blake. I wish they could be my BFF's.
There is so much swoony goodness in this book. I smiled throughout my read. Sometimes in life you need a book to lighten life for you and this was that for me.
Being completely honest, this was my first time reading a MM romance. As a heterosexual female, I had no idea what to expect. It was a sweet and, at time a sad story. It started off with a breakup and led me trough the pain and discomfort of the aftermath between two people drawn together despite their troubles. It was sad to see a couple who clearly loved one another and felt like best friends hurt each other. It was nice and sweet to ride with them coming back together.
Me encantó. Es un libro que presenta una relación homosexual entre dos hombres, que en un comienzo son jóvenes e ingenuos pero que la vida se encarga de hacerlos madurar. Logran establecer una relación amorosa basada en el respeto de las individualidades, la confianza y el diálogo honesto y abierto. Pocas escenas sexuales, nunca concretando el acto y las mismas no se presentan así porque sí, tienen una razón de ser. Un libro corto pero que me ha dejado satisfecha.
If You Say So is my first M/M book, and I'm so grateful I went on this journey with Teagan Hunter. Her writing appears effortless (which of course takes talent) and her characters are fun, deep and angsty. I love the story, the way Teagan shows and doesn't tell without it sounding overly-fluffed, but more matter of fact. I loved seeing both POVs and how a simple miscommunication can create a disaster. And I loved the love between Nate and Blake.
Best friends turned lovers… turned enemies? That isn’t how the story is supposed to go. If You Say So is a unique and realistic take on romance. This story includes characters from We are the Stars also by Teagan Hunter. This story is much more than a romance story. This is a MM story. The plot of this book intrigued me. We met the main characters in the first book and they were amazing. We also got to see a little bit of their downfall as well. I felt invested in them before I even picked up If You Say So. This book is about real life. Relationships are not perfect. I love that Teagan really hit on this and created a story that readers can relate to. Blake and Nate are amazing characters. I loved them in the first book and this book did make me love them even more. I am fully invested in their story. Blake is complex. He has a past and some things going on with him that take some time to explore. Nate, well he is a special character. He made a huge mistake and feels like it has ruined his life. I think we all have done something a time or two that made us feel the same. I loved watching him wrestle with his feelings and come to terms with them. The heat in this book is quite steamy. I don’t normally read MM books so I wasn’t sure what to expect. I did not expect to feel the chemistry between these characters. Their sexual tension was flying off the pages. I truly invested in them so I think that added to the effect these scenes had on me. The pace of this book is steady. One of my favorite things about this book is the use of flashbacks. We didn’t get their beginning because when this story starts they have already ended. I loved getting the glimpse in the past and seeing where they came from. This story needed that connection to feel fully invested. My only complaint is I don’t really feel like the story is resolved. I would have loved a conclusion or a bit more at the end to feel like this story is resolved for me. In conclusion, I love the way this author is able to create characters that I am in love with. If You Say So is another hit for Teagan Hunter. The book discusses serious topics and explores the real-life complexities of relationships. I would recommend this book to others. Ratings: Plot: 5/5 Character: 5/5 Heat: 5/5 Writing Style: 4/5 Overall: 4/5
If You Say So was my first read by Teagan Hunter and while it was only a novella, Blake and Nate’s emotional journey back to one another, told from both of their perspectives, introduced me to Hunter’s writing style and her ability to write a story filled with heart - one that provides her readers with an in-depth understanding of her characters and the situation(s) that they either created or found themselves in due to miscommunication and hurt feelings as well as the steps they take to mend the fractured parts of themselves as well as the relationship that means so much to them.
Blake and Nate’s story illustrates the start of their relationship, the actions that led to their break up, and the steps taken to heal their broken hearts and perhaps find a way to be together despite everything that happened. And what’s made perfectly clear from the beginning is that these two men love each other and those feelings haven’t dissipated even though they both screwed up, destroying everything that they had worked through to be a couple.
I definitely enjoyed If You Say So; I’m a huge fan of M/M stories, especially ones that provide a full picture of the couple’s relationship. I would have liked to receive a bit more insight into Blake’s depression as well as Nate’s impulsive decision that pretty much destroyed everything he had with Blake. I understand that a novella condenses information and takes readers to the heart of the couple’s issues, focusing on those details, but I feel like a big part of Blake and Nate’s problems centered around Blake’s need to take care of himself so that he could be his best for not only Nate but for himself as well and I wanted to know how he went about doing that and what the focus was for him during these sessions.
Despite my need for more insights into Blake’s issues, Blake and Nate’s novella was a really good story and because their best friend Carsen and his girl, Elliott, are a big part of Blake and Nate’s lives, so I’m going to need to find some time in my reading schedule to read their story because they intrigued me throughout the course of If You Say So.
This is a short, angsty second chance romance that I was able to finish in just a couple of hours. As the author has said, it does feature some characters from another one of her books, but you don’t need to have read it before starting this one (I didn’t—this is my first book by this author). I’m betting though that if you haven’t read that other book (We Are the Stars), you’ll probably want to just to get Carsen and Elliott’s story.
When this story starts out, Nate and Blake are not together after trying to take a break…which didn’t work out quite the way they were expecting. We do get to see some of their relationship before this in flashback scenes, which for me felt a little disjointed since this book is just novella length. I liked both Nate and Blake’s characters, though Blake drove me a little nuts with his indecision. The way he vacillated with his feelings for Nate versus his worry about them being able to be together without losing their base friendship just contributed to the angst level.
There’s no question that the two have good chemistry together, and not just physically. They just need to communicate their feelings and fears to get past the uncertainty.
If You Say So was a 3.5-star read for me, I would have liked to have seen more of Nate and Blake as they were before things got out of sorts between them, a bit less of the angst, and maybe a short epilogue just to see where things went for them after. There’s a bit of adult language and some sexual content, so this book is meant for readers 18+.
Well, I was never one to read a M/M romance...., just wasn’t my thing. Anyway, after reading We are the Stars, I had to at least try. I loved everyone of Teagan’s books and have never been disappointed. This one didn’t disappoint either.
Nate and Blake are so cute. They have gone through so much as friends, growing up as best friends even double dated ( with girls, I might add). Now Nate realizes back when he was 18 that he is bi and Blake realizes he’s gay. I guess that’s what watching bi porno can do, lol. Seriously though, these two have had to deal with divorce and coming out but they did it together.
Now fast forward two plus a bit years and when one thinks he needs a break because he just isn’t him, the other is crushed and doesn’t hear time apart but break up and this all happens on New Years Eve. So what does any one that is hurting do? Well, ya know get drunk, kiss someone else in the room you share with your boyfriend and then....... we’ll no more spoilers you will just have to pick up your copy and read to find out. Here are a few questions that you may get answered if you read it...... Why does he feel different? Can they be friends again? Can they be more? Can they go back? Can they move forward? Is this a HEA? Does it leave you hanging? Thank you, Teagan for giving me a M/M romance that I’m glad I had the opportunity to read. Thank you for trying something other than a rom-com( however, I’ve loved yours tremendously) and by the way you’ve done a fantastic job with both these two books! Can’t wait for the next one!
I know that it says that you can read If You Say So on it's own, but I really recommend that you read We Are the Stars first, because I feel after doing that you will get more out of it. I'll get off of my soap box now & get on with it. This was a very emotional story that has me all kinds of wound up to be honest. See, Nate and Blake have split up because of a mistake on Nate's part, and usually, I'm all about blaming the one who made the big mistake, but for whatever reason, I'm not so black & white this time. I'm more gray area so I feel like Blake has a part in this one too, and I'm a bit pissy about him. (Please understand that I'm not condoning Nate's mistake, because I'm not, but Blake needs to look in the mirror for a cool minute in my opinion.) And this is where Teagan Hunter's talented writing style shines, because I'm completely immersed in Nate & Blake's world to the point that I want to choke them both out as the emotional roller coaster ride as the angst seeped out my kindle trying to choke me. It was hard for me to get over my anger throughout, especially as the push & pull of Blake trying to decide if he could get over what Nate did became almost too frustrating. See, there I go again, but where it fell short of the perfect rating was the ending was a bit too little for me, if that makes sense, because I guess after all the heavy, I wanted a bit more. Anyway, I LOVE this author so much, and can't wait for more, so HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
This novella was certainly angsty and emotionally charged. Right from the start you are met by Blake who has so many conflicting emotions you can’t help but really feel for him. You can’t help but feel his uncertainty coming from the pages. I knew as soon as I read the first page that this book was going to hurt my heart.
Nate and Blake have been friends for pretty much their whole lives. But friendship started to give way to more and then all of a sudden they were going down a road they never wanted to turn back on. But just like real life there are some bumps in the road. This book is told in a duel POV, which I enjoy. I like to read both characters feelings on a situation. Both characters were so full of emotion. Their thoughts both full of so much sadness and hurt. The tension between them was palpable. Some parts I wasn’t sure what was going to happen. It kept me on my toes. Even though it was such an emotionally fuelled story, I still felt all the love they had for one another.
This story is really well written. I enjoyed reading it. I felt like maybe there could have been more to the story however. I just a feeling that something was missing somewhere in there. But nevertheless this story was still a great read. I love reading M/M romances and hope that more M/M romances are written by Teagan.
*** Some spoilers for We Are The Stars. And if you haven't read it, go read it now (it's awesome)! ***
Fans of We Are The Stars, here is the book we have been waiting for. Sure we fell in love with Carsen and Elliott. But we also fell in love Carsen's best friends since childhood Nate and Blake. They were the fun couple that made us all laugh. They were the humor and the support Carsen needed in his life before Elliott. If You Say So shows a different side of them. The book starts out with them broken up. Woh. Calm down. Don't freak out. This isn't a tragedy. It's actually a great story about realtionships. It's the most honest I've ever read that portrays the reality of a realtionship. The beginning is always wonderful. But in the middle it's get real. And that's what happens with Blake and Nate. Life gets hard and mistakes are made. Now they have to decide if they can move on from each other or work it out. And I loved every minute of it! I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. I really couldn't predict what choiceS they would make. And they even surprised me at some points. I highly recommend this book. Not just for fans of romance stories. But for anyone who has ever felt the reality of a relationship and had to make a hard decision. Teagan Hunter did not disappoint in this story and it's an excellent continuation
I completely fell head over heels in love with Nate and Blake. Having not read We Are The Stars yet but being a lover of Teagan Hunter from her other novels, I was super intrigued when everyone of my friends began jumping up and down exclaiming that they were finally getting the "boyfriends" story. So, in Sam like fashion, I just had to read it.
Oh boy did I read it.
I devoured this story in one sitting and then when I was done, I went back to read my favorite scenes again. This story is so much more than just the beginning of a couples journey together but a story of two hearts finding themselves and ultimately each other again. I loved every scene and every emotion that Teagan poured into this novella; from the swoon worthy moments, to the giggling fest, and all the way to the heartbreaking-emotion filled moments that had me wishing I could jump in and give them a hug.
Nate and Blakes story is so much more than a rom-com, but rather their story, I believe is a true reflection of what falling in love is really like.
“How can you tell your heart to stop loving someone?”
Teagan has done it again with this wonderful story!!
Blake and Nate are two that I was so excited to read their book! This was Teagan’s first take on a M/M novel, and she did wonderfully!
This story takes you through friendship and love, along with heartbreak and acceptance. What happens when two best friends slowly fall for each other, only to be torn apart by certain circumstances they never saw coming?
“One thing I know for certain, though, is that this isn’t over between us-not by a long shot.”
I loved every aspect of this story! I was immersed into their world. I felt their struggles and much as I felt they live for each other. Teagan has a way of pulling your heartstrings while smiling through laughter. She knows how to right a story about friends to lovers so well!
For anyone that enjoys a good love story that includes wonderful characters read this book! You won’t regret it!
“Can I say something else that might freak you out?” “Yes.” “I...I think I’m falling in love with you.” “If you say so.”
We first met Nate and Blake in We Are The Stars, and they seemed to be begging for release into their own story.
And what a story it is!
We join the couple (Blate? Nake? Nah) a couple of months after they have broken up, but they are still living in the same house with their roommate, just in separate rooms now. They are tense and awkward, and it's painfully obvious to everyone that they both regret the split, but they are also both too hurt to do anything about it.
We get both their present-day struggles, and also through flashbacks get to see how they went from childhood best friends to The Boyfriends. We also get a realistic perspective of someone living with depression, and how that can affect relationships with friends and loved ones.
Teagan Hunter continues to be a Rom-Com Writing Queen! Her books are relatable, heartwarming, and sexy with a hint of sarcasm and a side of snark.
If You Say So is a standalone rom-com M/M novella that features Nate and Caleb who you first meet in We Are The Stars… this novella is a glimpse…a brief view…a tease…of their relationship. Break-ups are never easy when you are still in love, coping is hard when you know you messed up and taking a chance on forgiveness… can it be done?
If You Say So… and I DO say so… is a lovable story that I recommend to any romance fan. This book gave me the feels! I am hoping that Teagan decides to write more stories with these characters—Which I say about ALL her books!
This is the first book I have read by Author Teagan Hunter, but after this, I can honestly say it will not be the last! Nate and Blake's story is a short emotional read...but I LOVED every page. Although this can be read as a Standalone, I think it would be better to read We Are The Stars first, as Nate and Blake are introduced in that book. I will be reading that one next! Nate and Blake story just felt real, I think all would be able to relate to ther story at one point in one's life. I just loved it!
If you are looking for sweet, M/M story I highly recommend picking this novella up! I finished it in one sitting! I couldn't put it down!
A SUPERB novella that is OH SO HOT, BRILLIANTLY EMOTIONAL, AND IS COMPLETE PERFECTION! I love a good m/m romance. Especially one where we get Dual POVs that give us a inner depth into the characters feelings and mind. And in If You Say So I feel like we get a LOT more. We get a story that sweeps you off your feet and will make you smile, will make your heart clench and flutter and make you see love in its purest form in my opinion. I can't wait to read this novella again!
With this being a novella I won't say too much more other than you NEED to have this book in your life! Especially if you read previous books by Teagan Hunter, this is a MUST read. I give If You Say So a MAGNIFICENT FIVE SHOOTING STARS!