Mars enters Pisces, giving Beckett Cooper the opportunity to assert himself when it comes to a secret infatuation; his best friend’s younger brother Levi. But can Beckett trust what’s in front of him and be brave enough to take what he wants?
With Venus in Virgo, people usually become more reserved, but Levi Byrne always takes the opposite road of what’s expected of him. So, instead of pulling back, he reaches out for a man he’s been interested in for years; Beckett Cooper.
Is it the celestial bodies aligning to bring together two people destined for each other? Or is it a simple tale of boy meets boy, boy likes boy, and boy wants to kiss boy? Do Beckett and Levi even care, or are they too busy getting to know each other ... and falling in love?
Nell Iris writes gay romance, prefers sweet over angsty, short over long, and quirky characters over alpha males. She published her first book in 2017.
Nell is an author with a day job that steals too much time from her writing, her reading, her gardening, and her crocheting. She’s an introverted tea drinker who loves her family, her books, and her home in the Swedish countryside.
Oh my goodness this was a lovely sweet romantic story, it had a kindness in it that made my heart light. Beckett had always eyes for Levi, the younger brother of his best friend Matt. When there is finally an opportunity to be alone with Levi he is somewhat nervous... Levi is so gorgeous and he himself is... not. He just doesn’t see what Levi’s eyes see.
A careful, attentive friendship with already years of attraction is turning into something deeper.
Goshh I loved this story. It was a short one but written in a way as if we all know them already a long time. Levi and Beckett were so engaging and when they were together the world lit up. All the busy hassle of Levi’s family, the opposite of Beckett’s was a great addition. The way how Levi and Beckett turn from friends into lovers was amazingly done for a short read. Two kind and genuine personalities with big caring hearts. There is more.... and all together makes this an appealing and winning read. Wonderful title!
This sweet, warm and yeah a bit sexy story about how Levi and Beckett got together was just amazing. Ms. Iris soooooo knows how to write not only the feels, but also sexy adorable with humor. There were a couple of laugh out loud moments, several tears of happiness and a lot of romance. I am working my way through everything that she has written cuz yeah she is that good and I am loving every story!
I loved this little story. It was pure fluff and brain candy!
Nobody Else's was an über cute and sweet and I would say cuddly, love story. It had everything I want from this kind of story, little to no angst, sweet characters. a pinch of humor and just had that feel-good vibe to it. I had a smile to my face throughout the read.
Beckett Cooper is what Levi would call cuddly, a teddy bear with a bit of low self-esteem. He's also been in love with his best friend's younger brother Levi for years. But thinking that the gorgeous and super smart man could never be interested in him, he's never acted on his feelings.
Levi Byrne has his hands full. At 23 he's still living (kind of) at home, helping to take care of his many, many siblings - in particular his 5 year old twin sisters - dubbed the Hell Sisters. Being one of 10 kids it's no wonder his parents need all the help they can get. At the same time he's also trying to run his programming business and all the paperwork that a successful business has. It's no wonder he's never really had the time to act on his infatuation on Beckett. Until the stars align and enable Beckett and Levi to spend time together, get to know each other.
This book was as low-angst and drama free a book can get. It was about being brave and take that first step to the unknown. But also about speaking up, daring to go for what you want. But above all this book was all about falling in love.
Simply a beautiful love story perfect to cuddle up to at night!
A copy of this book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review
This was a nice enough book but certainly not worthy of this slew of gushing, five star reviews. Goodness, the bar is low for these readers.
Things on the plus side, this is a normal couple with love handles and a receding hairline. It was kinda cool as you get tired of MCs with cut cheekbones and chiselled abs. On the downside Nell Iris went to the nth level with regards to what she perceives, I imagine, nerds are like. As a nerd I will tell you, yes, my favourite genre is sci-fi/fantasy. As a nerd I do not eat, breathe, sleep nerd stuff. I certainly am not consumed by one instalment in this genre. And neither is anyone I know which is quite a number of nerds as I run a couple of cons. Levi was obsessed with Star Wars. Beckett was obsessed with Harry Potter. What tragically boring people. Anyone who has a single interest becomes tiresome super quick.
It’s almost as if Iris wanted her characters to be nerds but couldn’t be bothered to look into any other geeky interests so just selected two huge franchises and bashed them to death.
Nell Iris’s Nobody Else’s is, in a word, sweet. But, not at all in that ugh-that-gave-me-a-stomachache way. It’s just the right amount to put a wistful smile on your face. At least that’s what it did to me. 😊 It’s not just sweet, though; it’s also fun, light-hearted, and utterly worth spending a couple of hours reading.
The story starts out with Beckett meeting his college buddy, Matt, for lunch, except, Matt doesn’t show up alone. He brings his younger brother Levi, whom he helped escape from babysitting their younger siblings. We know from the very beginning that Beckett has a good-sized crush on Levi and has had for years. He admires Levi for so many reasons. I loved how sort of…reverent Beckett’s view of Levi is. He loves his intelligence, his kindness, his love for his family, his thoughtfulness, etc. When Matt has to rush out on lunch to help his girlfriend, Beckett surprises himself by offering to take Levi home, giving them a chance to catch up.
Levi also has a secret crush on Beckett (Duh! It’s a romance novella) that he has never had the courage to act on. But, when Beckett suggests they stay at lunch a little longer, and offers to give him a ride home, Levi takes full advantage of the opportunity to open up a little to Beckett, and to maybe be seen as someone other than just Matt’s younger brother. I loved Beckett, but I think Levi was my favorite. He was just so sincere and earnest. And, I love the way he boosted Beckett’s confidence and sense of self-worth, made him feel worthy of love and attention.
As with her other novellas, Iris makes the most out of the limited pages. The MCs are nicely fleshed out—I really liked Levi’s backstory—and the romance builds naturally and not too quickly. Also, these characters were so real, which is refreshing, and so sweet to each other; I just adored them. I feel like I know more about Beckett and Levi than I do about some characters in three-hundred page novels I’ve read. The author’s use of alternating POV chapters also helps give a good sense about both guys, which is great. And, I enjoyed the funny little horoscopes; they were a cute device.
I’ve become a fan of this author’s feel-good novellas. In fact, I think Iris has made fans out of a few reviewers at TNA. Nobody Else’s delivered on the cute, short read I was looking for; I would definitely recommend checking out Beckett and Levi’s story!
Nobody Else’s is a year in the life of Beckett and Levi as they follow the path the stars have laid out for them. With humorous horoscopes and a computer programmer who can’t add, this a cute story of taking chances and being brave enough to take the first step. This isn’t a story of opposites attract, it’s instead a story of two people who are right for each other realizing that happiness is just a cup of cocoa away.
Beckett is insecure, self-conscious, and seems to have that ability to fade into the background. His parents are cold and distant and left him a little too often to his own devices, with his mother busy with charities and social work. Beckett escaped into fantasy, always hoping that the letter from Hogwarts would be flown to him on an owl’s wings, or a closet door would open to take him into Narnia. Something to show him that he was special, that he was wanted, that he deserved to be happy. But life isn’t a book and so Beckett became an accountant.
3.5 stars - I was given a copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
This is a gentle and very sweet romance. Even though Beckett is in his late twenties, it feels like a new adult story because Beckett and Levi are both quite wonderfully innocent. Tiny details like Beckett’s hang ups about his weight and Levi’s slightly overwhelming family commitments make the two men come fully to life in a short novella.
For a short book, a little bit too much time is spent on secondary characters like Levi’s brother and mother. I don’t read many short stories or novellas - mostly because I struggle to believe in instalove stories that race to a HEA. And this story is no different. There is limited time spent developing Levi and Beckett’s relationship into a convincing partnership. The HEA feels a bit rushed and a bit forced. Levi and Beckett feel incredibly young and a HFN might have worked better.
This was such a fantastic read. Low angst, fun, sweet and oh so very cute, perhaps a bit on the instalovish side and once Levi and Beckett get together the book advances at lightning speed, but I didn't even care. Never mind that the featured horoscopes were pure gold!
Levi and Beckett had so much chemistry and were such lovely guys that I couldn't do anything but root for them and hope they would get their HEA. I didn't care as much about Matt, Levi's older brother and Beckett's bff, but the rest of Levi's family was amazing.
Very recommendable!
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
True rating ... 4.25 stars :-)!! What an adorable little novella :-)!! I wouldn't mind a follow up story on Levi and Beckett :-)!! I definitely recommend this little gem!!
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
Nobody Else’s was just too freaking cute. I’ve become a fan of Nell Iris’ novellas over the past year, loving that the author gives me just enough of a look at a couple and where they’re at in their lives and relationship, yet leaves me wanting more of their story because I’ve enjoyed my time with them. Within a couple of hours, I’ve met new friends and fallen in love with them, and Beckett and Levi are no different.
Using the best friend’s little brother trope, Iris is able to start the story with a bit of built-in history that makes Beckett and Levi’s awkward dance both cute and believable. By changing narrators with each chapter, we learn that not only are both men attracted to one another, both doubt the other would see them as a potential love interest. Beckett has some self-esteem issues due to his less-than-fit appearance, not believing anyone, let alone Levi would be attracted to a boring man with a soft belly and three years on him. On the other hand, Levi worries that he’s too young at twenty-three to catch Beckett’s eye, worried he’ll always be seen as Matt’s little brother. But with the right stars and planets in alignment and some cheeky horoscopes to nudge them along, the two find themselves meeting up without Matt, getting to know one another better, and developing their own friendship. I had mixed feelings when Levi informed Matt that he planned on asking Beckett out, but that was because I went from wanting to throat punch Matt to wanting to hug him, after elbowing him in the solar plexus. But their talk gave Levi the courage to ask Beckett out and it was tooooooo funny watching Beckett go all teenage girl, giddy with excitement, when it happened.
While the date was perfect and demonstrated just how well Levi knew Beckett, I was a tad surprised with how far things went on their first official date – which is the only downside of this being a novella. Even with their built-in history and them having spent time together (including a spur of the moment dinner that could be considered their first unofficial date), I didn’t expect the clothes to come off. However, as neither man is a player and we know they both really like one another, it actually made sense story-wise and in the progression of their relationship. Both are men who prefer a quiet evening in, men who are looking for something long-term and see the potential for it with the other, men who look before leaping, so the decision to get physical fit who they are and is driven by feelings and a long-time attraction, not by lust. I always find meet-the-parents dinners amusing when the boyfriend already knows the parents but is meeting them as their child’s love interest for the first time, and Nell Iris didn’t disappoint. As I expected, the author left me wanting more, but left me with one of the cutest endings I’ve read in a while – I may have awwwww-ed at it. Nobody Else’s was a sweet read and was exactly what I needed this evening.
Please note: My review is of an unedited, pre-release copy of this book and assumes that any errors were corrected prior to publication.
Okay, you know when you read a romance story and you catch yourself saying “Awww…” a whole bunch while you’re reading? That’s this book in a nutshell. Levi and Beckett are so adorably cute both on their own and together, and this story was everything I needed to read right now.
This is a relatively quick read, but was still a satisfying and complete story. Both Beckett and Levi go through the “I really think he’s cute and I like him” phase, but they also get to demonstrate to each other how considerate and thoughtful they each are when it comes to the other—and that’s even before they go on their first date! It’s swoon-worthy and had me happy-sighing quite a bit.
Levi’s brother Matt—who is also Beckett’s best friend (so you’ve got the whole best friend’s brother/brother’s best friend situation going on)—is an interesting secondary character with his frankly oblivious attitude and stereotyping thoughts about those who are LGBT. But he does support both his brother and Matt, and provides some laughs…even if they are annoyed laughs…with his penchant for talking in texting acronyms.
This was a wonderfully sweet and uplifting story, with a bit of naughtiness peppered throughout in the form of some awesome daily horoscopes. Nobody Else’s was a 5-star read for me, and I do highly recommend it. I think once you read it you’ll Lima Oscar Victor Echo it as much as I did (you’ll need to read it to get that!); I know this is one I’ll be rereading in the future any time I want a pick-me-up. As sweet as it is, it still is for readers 18+ for adult language, a splash of sexual content, and those delightfully naughty horoscopes.
Beckett Cooper has secretly been attracted to his best friend’s little brother, Levi. Beckett’s self-confidence isn’t good, so when he starts seeing signs that Levi may be interested in him, it’s hard for him to want to act. The fear of rejection and of causing a rift between his best friend is enough to put him on edge. But once Levi opens up more, Beckett can’t resist what he’s being offered. A chance of happiness.
I thoroughly enjoyed the horoscopes at the beginning of each chapter. You will too. I was cracking up laughing at some of them and was so glad they were included. Don’t shy away from this if you’re worried you’ll be immersed in astrology, you won’t. But it is a great addition to each chapter and very fitting to the story line.
Beckett is in no way perfect and I found myself relating to him, very much so. He doesn’t have abs, or large muscles, Beckett is your normal guy who is also Harry Potter geek. (I secretly fist pumped with that because I was like there is hope out there for weirdos like me!) He doesn’t expect people to be attracted to him and puts up with his friends inappropriate comments about LGBT people.
I think what made this shine was how Beckett reacted to Levi and Levi’s interest in him. It felt real and honest. Like I would have had the same worries that Beckett had. How could Levi be attracted to someone like him? Well Levi made it very clear that he loved Beckett exactly the way he was. That is what made me love this so much. How they were with each other, reassuring and honest, but always willing to communicate about their uncertainties.
What a delightful story this is. Sweet, funny, lighthearted, and heartwarming. For me, Nell Iris is the queen of the novella. Everything she writes is pure gold whether it is heartwrenching and deeply emotional or sweet and romantic. She has a way of writing that pulls you into a story right from the start. Her characters are always very well developed and genuine. And she always gives her stories that little extra, which makes them uniquely hers. Just like in this story. Levi and Beckett came alive on the pages. I loved those guys. Smart, selfless, and caring Levi, who has ten brothers and sisters. Not someone to attract attention to himself, he stays quietly on the sidelines and helps whenever he can. But Beckett sees him, and then some. Not as his best friend’s little brother but as a very attractive man. He sees, listens, and hears. Because with Beckett, Levi is not the silent one. He gives the self-conscious, not-model-perfect Beckett the boost to see him as worthy of love. Levi loves Beckett’s corny, accountant’s jokes and his hairy chest. They might not be perfect for others, but they are perfect for each other and nobody else. I am not one who curses a lot, but I might try their way. And do read the introductions to every chapter. They are too fun and snarky. Despite its length, this story had all the vibes of a slow-burn love story and gave me those soft, heartwarming tingles I love. Or in other words: Sierra-Hotel-India-Tango, I loved this story.
4-1/2 Stars Nobody Else's is a delightfully fun short novella. Can't think of a more simpler yet honest description, its just plain delightful. I just finished reading one of the saddest HEA trilogies that ever crossed my kindle so this little gem couldn't have come to me at a better time. We get to know both Levi and Beckett through alternating POVs, some don't care for that but I love getting to see inside the inner workings of both halves of the couple/would-be couple, it allows me to connect better with the characters. As for Levi & Beckett, they are both lovely as they secretly crush on the other and take that leap of faith to follow said crush. There's really not much more I can think to say other than if you are looking for something to put a smile on your face than Nobody Else's is definitely worth reading. This one may be short on pages and short on drama but it is certainly not short on romance, not short on humor, and not short on fun. Romantic comedy all the way.
Nobody Else's is a very sweet best friend's younger brother story and I loved it. Sometimes I like to grab a shorter book, novella length or short story even, so that I know I can finish it in one evening. This one was perfect for that.
Nell Iris did a great job of creating a compelling story in a short number of pages. I didn't feel like the story was rushed and because the two MCs already knew each other for a while it didn't really feel like an insta-love story either (I don't mind those anyway).
The sexy and funny horoscopes at the beginning of each chapter were so much fun to read. Levi and Beckett just clicked and I loved reading their story.
An advanced copy of this book was provided to me but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com*** (posting on 7/2/18)
Nicely written, soft and sweet with very likable endearing main characters in Beckett and Levi. But my gosh, if the energy level was any lower nothing would be happening at all. The story, itself, while sweet, was rather flat. It’s written in the style of alternating POVs for each chapter but I kept on waiting for something to happen beyond the goo goo eyes and wo-is-me-he-couldn’t-possibly-be-inerested-in-me. We’re talking zero drama. Not even that whole ridiculous nonsense of Levi’s parents forbidding him to have “sleep overs” (what is he five?)! For the story itself, I was at 3 stars, but I bumped it up a star because I really appreciate when an author creates normal, more representative characters with real features (bellies, love handles, crooked noses, etc.) instead of the usual totally unrealistic gym bods.
I can’t get over how adorable this too . It was a fantastic read with a lovely story line.
Beckett has been best friends with Matt for years. He is bi and Matt and his family just don’t seem to understand that. But Beckett has a secret he has been longing after Matts brother for forever .
Levi has been drawn to Beckett for ages. He is all cuddly and cute and just wants to see where that hair on his chest actually stops. But he is his big brothers best friend.
When the 3 meet for lunch and Matt gets called away suddenly it’s the opportunity that he has been waiting for someone one on one time with Beckett and with Matt not overshadowing Levi Beckett finally sees what Levi is really like.
Will their stars aline ?? :)
I received an arc copy in exchange for an honest review.
Beckett’s best friend, Matt, comes from a big family. As in, a really big one with eleven children. Matt is the oldest and his younger brother, Levi, is three years his junior. Levi is also the focus of Beckett’s crush. “I’d had a crush on him for years, but he was Matt’s little brother, and besides…what would he see in someone like me?” Beckett is a bit of a bear, hairy with a chubby belly. When he sees Levi, he “…pulled in my stomach and sat a little straighter. Not that it helped. My belly couldn’t be hidden.” In a family of loud people, Levi is the exception. While everyone else is yelling over each other to be heard, he is quiet. He is a tech wizard, nearly dropping out of high school to open his business (though parents put the stop to that). His business is very successful and he lives in an apartment over the garage at his parent’s, helping out financially and with the siblings, particularly the Hell Sisters, twins age 5. The story is told in back and forth first person point of view from both Levi and Beckett. This is something I always appreciate as I like to know the why of what each person does, says and how they react. It begins with Matt and Beckett meeting for a meal and Beckett is surprised by the arrival of Levi. I was a little surprised at Matt’s behavior – when Beckett reads a horoscope (which is racy, gay and funny) from a website, Matt is shocked. “It’s a site for gay people.” Because Beckett is bisexual and his last partner was female, Matt thought, well now he’s straight. Which is sad considering Levi is gay, but they call him out on it. I loved reading the horoscopes, one for each chapter. First it was surprising and then they were funny. You can see where it’s going early but that didn’t detract from them at all. That’s the kind of horoscope I would read! The story is sweet with very little angst, if any. Beckett is a serious Harry Potter fan, which I enjoyed, being one myself. Beckett is an accountant and offers to help Levi with his business accounting and that’s how the courtship begins. “Levi: Why would you offer something that valuable to me? Beckett: Because you always help everyone else. It’s time someone has your back.” Like I said, sweet. There is quite often mentioning of how each thinks the other is so cute and so kind. I liked that when Levi talks to Matt about asking Beckett out, Matt gives the “don’t hurt my friend” speech to Levi, rather than to Beckett about Levi. Their first date is an amazing one and shows how much Levi understands Beckett. The book is very relationship focused, with little outside plot. We get insights into both Levi’s and Beckett’s families. I liked this book but be warned that at times it is very sugary. Cover art, depicting both Levi and Beckett, was pretty close to what I imagined they would look like.
This has to be one of the cutest stories I’ve read this year, and with all the different fandom references, man, I was in heaven.
Levi and Beckett were so adorable that I just wanted to bundle them up and cuddle them like teddy bears! I felt a close kinship with Beckett, being a single child and an introvert, as well.
This book was really well written and even with it being on the shorter spectrum, it was fleshed out well and kept me captivated and giggling from page one.
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
Another Nell Iris ultra sweet shortie with a best friend's brother spin. Beckett's best friend is Matt who is 1 of 11 siblings. Levi, Matt's brother has had a crush on Beckett for years. And Beckett has had similar feelings for Levi. What makes this book stand out are the hilarious LGBTQ-focused horoscopes that begin each chapter. Levi is an accomplished software creator but needs help with managing the business' finances. Beckett is an accountant and offers to help. I just love Nell Iris' books. In a few sentences, we get a well developed backstory on each of our characters, nice progression to romance and as always, a emotional HEA. I know her thing is to write short stories, but wish she'd write a few full length novels...
What a sweetly romantic story. I think that appealed to me the most was the raw honest attraction and appreciation the two characters had for each other. I loved how they were smitten over the little things. That subtlety can get easily lost or is just nonexistent, but it gave this story it's strength.
Also, kudos for having the cover dudes look how they are described in the book!
Levi and Beckett are too cute together. I liked that it's Levi that goes to his brother and announces his intent to date Beckett. The way that Levi cares for and loves his family gave me a surprise with his declaration. Beckett response is lovely. Sweet ending. Adult read
Sweet and Light... A very nice and quickly reading. Love how the romance grow. This is a ideal read when you want something easy, sweet and non-angst but well writing and leave you with a happy face.... I almost don't read it because horoscopes don't do it for me. But I'm glad a did it ....
3.5 stars - This was a very cute best friend’s brother romance. The horoscope framework was not the strongest way to structure the story, but fun nonetheless. I really liked the point that gave us the title of the book, bc I want more books like that. (Vague, I know.)
It was okay. I had just read a previous book by this new to me author and I saw some similarities in the plot and characters. The writing for this one was a bit too simplistic, but the heat, when it happened, was good. These MCs were the anti alphas, but nice guys.