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The Story of Us
Two boys. One love. Ten summers.
Are you okay?
The first words Zed says to Caspian, and the first time someone has cared about the answer. On a hot summer’s day, the lives of two boys are changed forever. A rebel and a risk taker, Caspian doesn’t give a damn for the consequences. Studious and obedient, Zed is the good boy who is never good enough.
The two couldn’t be more different, but there’s one thing they share, a need to belong to someone who understands them, someone who cares. Their friendship goes deeper than either can possibly imagine. They’re young, in love, and planning their future when an act of betrayal tears them apart.
Fate deals its hand. Seasons pass. Zed’s words follow Caspian through pain, fear and into the darkest of places. Friendships can last a lifetime, even when the world conspires to crush them. But this is more than friendship. This is love and they’re not going to let it slip through their fingers.
Warning
The Story of Us is a tale of love and survival, and the triumph of good over evil against the odds. It's a new adult contemporary romance that deals with family and social issues. There is violence and cruelty to children but not sexual assault. The story has sexual situations, dark elements and suspense. The events and locations are a mixture of real and fictional. The characters are fictional.
Are you okay?
The first words Zed says to Caspian, and the first time someone has cared about the answer. On a hot summer’s day, the lives of two boys are changed forever. A rebel and a risk taker, Caspian doesn’t give a damn for the consequences. Studious and obedient, Zed is the good boy who is never good enough.
The two couldn’t be more different, but there’s one thing they share, a need to belong to someone who understands them, someone who cares. Their friendship goes deeper than either can possibly imagine. They’re young, in love, and planning their future when an act of betrayal tears them apart.
Fate deals its hand. Seasons pass. Zed’s words follow Caspian through pain, fear and into the darkest of places. Friendships can last a lifetime, even when the world conspires to crush them. But this is more than friendship. This is love and they’re not going to let it slip through their fingers.
Warning
The Story of Us is a tale of love and survival, and the triumph of good over evil against the odds. It's a new adult contemporary romance that deals with family and social issues. There is violence and cruelty to children but not sexual assault. The story has sexual situations, dark elements and suspense. The events and locations are a mixture of real and fictional. The characters are fictional.
437 pages, ebook
First published October 28, 2018
155 people are currently reading
1327 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Elsborg
100 books1,677 followersBarbara Elsborg lives in Kent in the south of England. She always wanted to be a spy, but having confessed to everyone without them even resorting to torture, she decided it was not for her. Volcanology scorched her feet. A morbid fear of sharks put paid to marine biology. So instead, she spent several years successfully selling cyanide.
After dragging up two rotten, ungrateful children and frustrating her sexy, devoted, wonderful husband (who can now stop twisting her arm) she finally has time to conduct an affair with an electrifying plugged-in male, her laptop.
Her books feature quirky heroines and bad boys, and she hopes they are as much fun to read as they are to write.
After dragging up two rotten, ungrateful children and frustrating her sexy, devoted, wonderful husband (who can now stop twisting her arm) she finally has time to conduct an affair with an electrifying plugged-in male, her laptop.
Her books feature quirky heroines and bad boys, and she hopes they are as much fun to read as they are to write.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 234 reviews
December 19, 2018
"(...)This is our story.We can make it whatever we want it to be. "
The Story of Us is a thought provoking,emotional story about 2 young boys who meet in the summr of 2010 and the subsequent story follows their lives over ten summer's.
Aged 14 and 15 when they meet both boys don't have happy home lives and their struggles within their families were incredibly difficult to read at times.Caspian is just a little bit wild,a free spirit,always looking for new adventures.Zed is more cautious,he definitely doesn't want to take risks and draw attention to himself but they compliment each other perfectly.Time passes and they wait and they plan...but the worst kind of betrayal leaves both their young lives in tatters.My heart was in my mouth more than once reading this,it's definitely not pretty at times but it had me completely gripped.
There's a reason Barbara Elsborg is one of my favourite Authors and this book is no exception.She weaves a carefully crafted story here,incorporating real life events effortlessly that fit into the story so well.
Caspian and Zed's story is so many things,
-there's love and laughter,
-there's pain and suffering,
-it's about friendship,family (not necessarily conventional),
-it's happy,
-it's sad,
Go on this remarkable journey with these two young men...you won't be disappointed.
An Arc of The Story of Us was kindly provided to DirtyBooksObsession in exchange for an honest review.
This review is posted on DirtyBooksObsession
October 27, 2018
I love this author. I have read many of her books and I have plenty of them in paperback in my bookcase. So the moment I heard about this one...I knew I had to read it....no question about it !!
Then I started this one, and within a few pages ....I wanted to close my book and throw my Kindle out of the window...
I know this book has a trigger alert...but I am still gonna give out my own warning. This book deals with physical, psychological and emotional child abuse... and it damn near broke my black little heart !!!
There were some moments I even considered not finishing it because it hurt...
I have heard this author being referred to, as the "queen of angst" and I've got to say, that she really stuck to that title with this one !!
I myself am actually a sucker for angsty books, so I knew I just had to suck it up and keep on keeping on. I love book that make me "feel" and since this one gave me an overdose of "feels"...I have to give it 5 stars.
I don't want to go into the storyline too much, because I really don't want to spoiler it, so I am gonna keep this short.
Zed and Caspian meet one summer, when both are around 15 years old. They click instantly and form a deep bond, one that goes beyond friendship even. Both have horrible home lives in their own way....and both can't wait to be old enough to leave...
When things go from bad to worse, they decide they no longer want to wait until they are old enough to leave. But some things are just not meant to be and sometimes the people closest to you, are the ones who will betray you the most...
Years pass, but these boys, who slowly grow into men...they never forget, especially each other. It was love in the truest form...
This book cut open my chest, took my heart out, ripped it into pieces, sowed it back together and put it back in !! How is that for a visual :P
If you are a fan of angsty books and a sucker for young and "true love", then you should definitely give this one a shot. I am so glad I did... I highly recommend !!!
Follow Us on➦
My reviews are posted on DirtyBooksObsession
November 6, 2018
My first full 5 star read for the year, which makes this one my favorite book of 2018.
There really is no way I can do this book justice with a review.
It's a long book, which I dislike. It's YA-ish, which I dislike. It's low(ish) steam, which I dislike.
Yet, I loved every. single. word. of this book. Every moment of Caspian and Zed's journey. Every heartbreak, every struggle, every success, every bit of pain. Their friendship. Their connection. Their love for each other.
Their journey, their story.....it was everything. Every. Thing.
There really is no way I can do this book justice with a review.
It's a long book, which I dislike. It's YA-ish, which I dislike. It's low(ish) steam, which I dislike.
Yet, I loved every. single. word. of this book. Every moment of Caspian and Zed's journey. Every heartbreak, every struggle, every success, every bit of pain. Their friendship. Their connection. Their love for each other.
Their journey, their story.....it was everything. Every. Thing.
November 8, 2018
**** 4.5 Stars ****
I adore this story so much.
The plot was such a breeze of fresh air told in a very irresistible and engaging voice!
The author brought the characters very close to me.
Zed and Caspian were adorable.
Secondary characters were also strong enough to make me care for them.
The angst, oh... sweet angst.Gotta love me some drama.
My highlight is hands down the transformation Capian's personality suffered, from a careless and confident boy to a broken one, soul crushed and self worth wise heavily shaken. So well crafted.
I do have some criticism though:
.) The way Islamism was portrayed left me very uncomfortable, only showing them as bad guys.
.) A trope I don't appreciate, insta-love.
.) Zed's skills. Talent is surely a must, but to be a great musician I believe the person needs practicing, A LOT, hours and hours daily. So, a mesh of talent, dedication and hard work. However, Zed could only play at school, since he was forbidden to play by his father. Therefore, I found this bit a bit weak.
Despite all that, I had the most gorgeous time whilst reading this and I am turning a blind eye for all that because none of the mentioned points above were enough to ruin this for me.
Cutting to the chase, The Story of Us took me to places and that's why I'm rounding it up to 5*.
I adore this story so much.
The plot was such a breeze of fresh air told in a very irresistible and engaging voice!
The author brought the characters very close to me.
Zed and Caspian were adorable.
Secondary characters were also strong enough to make me care for them.
The angst, oh... sweet angst.Gotta love me some drama.
My highlight is hands down the transformation Capian's personality suffered, from a careless and confident boy to a broken one, soul crushed and self worth wise heavily shaken. So well crafted.
I do have some criticism though:
.) The way Islamism was portrayed left me very uncomfortable, only showing them as bad guys.
.) A trope I don't appreciate, insta-love.
.) Zed's skills. Talent is surely a must, but to be a great musician I believe the person needs practicing, A LOT, hours and hours daily. So, a mesh of talent, dedication and hard work. However, Zed could only play at school, since he was forbidden to play by his father. Therefore, I found this bit a bit weak.
Despite all that, I had the most gorgeous time whilst reading this and I am turning a blind eye for all that because none of the mentioned points above were enough to ruin this for me.
Cutting to the chase, The Story of Us took me to places and that's why I'm rounding it up to 5*.
November 4, 2018
**5++ stars** because I felt so much…
”Two boys. One love. Ten summers.” This summarizes the story of Caspian and Zed, a story that hooked me right from the start and made me feel so many emotions. It moved me to no end.
Caspian and Zed are two teenagers (14 and 15 yo), living in the same small English town, both with different backgrounds, with different struggles to grow up into adulthood, with different personalities. One summer afternoon, their path crosses and from there, I witnessed a beautiful journey over the spade of 10 years.
I’m fan of Barbara Elsborg’s writing, whether it’s MF or MM romances, whether it’s contemporary or fantasy. Not so much of New Adults MM romances nor of stories that are on such a long period. Therefore, I was not sure this would work for me and to my delight and surprise, this is my favorite book from this author and among the best read I had. Much more angsty with less banter and less steam (but still enough and placed at the right time of this journey) than the previous books I read from her, but with an intensity that struck me a lot.
Right from the start, I was enthralled by the story of Caspian and Zed and by these two endearing characters. I felt with them : their hope, their dreams, their fears, their despair, their pain, their distrust, their longing, their frustrations, their uncertainties, their joys, their love. I laughed with them, I got anxious with them, I battled along with them.
I loved following them through their life, with all the up and down that came their way by fate or by their actions, their growing love for each other and the bond they created with Jason and Henry, two fantastic secondary characters. And I couldn’t be happier for their HEA, an HEA that perfectly fitted them and that they both deserved.
Barbara Elsborg gave me a wonderful and emotional fiction, nicely woven with real events and issues (with the right balance for me, avoiding the “black and white” stands that could sometimes annoy me and never reaching the point where the piling of fictional angst turns into dramalala for me).
I wish I could write how I felt about Caspian and Zed, their story, their journey but I have no word great enough for that. Suffice to say that it’s now on my “to reread” shelf, that I give more than well deserved 5 stars, that I couldn’t put down this book even though I was sometimes overwhelmed.
Dear Barbara Elsborg, thank you so much for this story.
”Two boys. One love. Ten summers.” This summarizes the story of Caspian and Zed, a story that hooked me right from the start and made me feel so many emotions. It moved me to no end.
Caspian and Zed are two teenagers (14 and 15 yo), living in the same small English town, both with different backgrounds, with different struggles to grow up into adulthood, with different personalities. One summer afternoon, their path crosses and from there, I witnessed a beautiful journey over the spade of 10 years.
I’m fan of Barbara Elsborg’s writing, whether it’s MF or MM romances, whether it’s contemporary or fantasy. Not so much of New Adults MM romances nor of stories that are on such a long period. Therefore, I was not sure this would work for me and to my delight and surprise, this is my favorite book from this author and among the best read I had. Much more angsty with less banter and less steam (but still enough and placed at the right time of this journey) than the previous books I read from her, but with an intensity that struck me a lot.
Right from the start, I was enthralled by the story of Caspian and Zed and by these two endearing characters. I felt with them : their hope, their dreams, their fears, their despair, their pain, their distrust, their longing, their frustrations, their uncertainties, their joys, their love. I laughed with them, I got anxious with them, I battled along with them.
I loved following them through their life, with all the up and down that came their way by fate or by their actions, their growing love for each other and the bond they created with Jason and Henry, two fantastic secondary characters. And I couldn’t be happier for their HEA, an HEA that perfectly fitted them and that they both deserved.
Barbara Elsborg gave me a wonderful and emotional fiction, nicely woven with real events and issues (with the right balance for me, avoiding the “black and white” stands that could sometimes annoy me and never reaching the point where the piling of fictional angst turns into dramalala for me).
I wish I could write how I felt about Caspian and Zed, their story, their journey but I have no word great enough for that. Suffice to say that it’s now on my “to reread” shelf, that I give more than well deserved 5 stars, that I couldn’t put down this book even though I was sometimes overwhelmed.
Dear Barbara Elsborg, thank you so much for this story.
January 13, 2019
DNF
If I could use one word to describe this book up until the point I read it, it would be ‘overkill.’
I’ve read many angst-filled books. The ones I have enjoyed the most, and the ones that have made their way on to my favourites shelf, have been those that flowed naturally.
It’s those ones that tugged at my heartstrings, and made me root for the MCs to get their happy ever after, making the heartbreak and pain worth it.
In ‘The Story of Us,’ one unrealistic scenario after another is thrown at Zed and Caspian. I found I didn’t care about whether the boys found their happy ending with each new dramatic turn.
I decided to call it quits when I rolled my eyes at what was supposed to be a pivotal moment between the MCs, in the midst of yet another crisis.
]Also, an observation: there are quite a few Muslim secondary characters in this book, yet not a single one of them was redeemable. I’m a gay man with Muslim friends who grew up in Toronto, a city with a sizeable population of Muslims. My experiences just don’t mesh with the author’s portrayal, though perhaps her experiences have been different.
Again, I think it was a case of overkill.
I decided to put this book down because I just didn’t care enough about the MCs to look past the over-dramatization.
But I’m clearly in the minority, so I might be missing something. Your mileage may vary.
If I could use one word to describe this book up until the point I read it, it would be ‘overkill.’
I’ve read many angst-filled books. The ones I have enjoyed the most, and the ones that have made their way on to my favourites shelf, have been those that flowed naturally.
It’s those ones that tugged at my heartstrings, and made me root for the MCs to get their happy ever after, making the heartbreak and pain worth it.
In ‘The Story of Us,’ one unrealistic scenario after another is thrown at Zed and Caspian. I found I didn’t care about whether the boys found their happy ending with each new dramatic turn.
I decided to call it quits when I rolled my eyes at what was supposed to be a pivotal moment between the MCs, in the midst of yet another crisis.
]Also, an observation: there are quite a few Muslim secondary characters in this book, yet not a single one of them was redeemable. I’m a gay man with Muslim friends who grew up in Toronto, a city with a sizeable population of Muslims. My experiences just don’t mesh with the author’s portrayal, though perhaps her experiences have been different.
Again, I think it was a case of overkill.
I decided to put this book down because I just didn’t care enough about the MCs to look past the over-dramatization.
But I’m clearly in the minority, so I might be missing something. Your mileage may vary.
November 5, 2018
I am not a fan of YA, but there is the odd book in that genre that calls out to me.
This one was one of them, as the massive amount of 5 star reviews that came with it, as well as the promise of a great angsty story tempted me to go for it.
Did I regret it? Certainly not!
I like Barbara Elsborg's writing ('Falling' and 'Breaking' are two of my most favourite reads), but I think she really pulled out all the stops for this one.
As soon as I started it was like a vortex sucking me into the plot. It is not often the angst gets so intense I have to physically put the book down for half an hour. As I usually love that kind of stuff I tried to analyse why it got to me that much.
I think it's because ...
a) Zed and Caspian are so young (14 and 15) at the beginning, and what happens to them, physically and psychologically, is horrifying. My inner fury rocketed sky-high at what they have to suffer and I needed a break to calm down again.
b) Their situation feels so hopeless. There is absolutely nothing they can do to change it. They are at the whim of adults who are failing them left, right and centre.
The betrayal by those who should love them is absolutely shocking. I admit I had a few select swear words on my lip for their fathers, in the first half of the book particularly.
Barbara Elsborg absolutely shines with her characterization. I adored both, Zed and Caspian for their incredible bravery, their determination to do what's right and their unbelievable resilience in the face of what life throws at them. Of course they have their downs, but the belief in what they have with each other keeps them going, even though giving up would be so much easier.
Their love story is deeply touching, and grabbed my heart tight where it matters. And there is heat too, but so much love and tenderness. Not to forget the humour (Caspian's) during their love making. Their first time was amazingly cute and hot at the same time.
While the first half really had me on tenterhooks all the way, the tension lightened in the second part a little bit. Not there isn't plenty to fret about, but Jonas and Henry hit the plot like two rays of sunshine on a bright summer's day. I love these guys so hard, so hard. Showing first Zed and then Caspian, there are some decent adults in this world was like balm on an open wound after all what happened before!
I admit that at times it all felt a bit 'too much': the intensity, the angst, the horror, and maybe some plot development felt a tad too easy. But it didn't matter. AT ALL. The characters win this one by a mile. And their love story is one I won't forget.
Without you my future is nothing. I will never desert you. Don't think I will. This is our story. We can make it whatever we want it to be.
Highly recommended.
This one was one of them, as the massive amount of 5 star reviews that came with it, as well as the promise of a great angsty story tempted me to go for it.
Did I regret it? Certainly not!
I like Barbara Elsborg's writing ('Falling' and 'Breaking' are two of my most favourite reads), but I think she really pulled out all the stops for this one.
As soon as I started it was like a vortex sucking me into the plot. It is not often the angst gets so intense I have to physically put the book down for half an hour. As I usually love that kind of stuff I tried to analyse why it got to me that much.
I think it's because ...
a) Zed and Caspian are so young (14 and 15) at the beginning, and what happens to them, physically and psychologically, is horrifying. My inner fury rocketed sky-high at what they have to suffer and I needed a break to calm down again.
b) Their situation feels so hopeless. There is absolutely nothing they can do to change it. They are at the whim of adults who are failing them left, right and centre.
The betrayal by those who should love them is absolutely shocking. I admit I had a few select swear words on my lip for their fathers, in the first half of the book particularly.
Barbara Elsborg absolutely shines with her characterization. I adored both, Zed and Caspian for their incredible bravery, their determination to do what's right and their unbelievable resilience in the face of what life throws at them. Of course they have their downs, but the belief in what they have with each other keeps them going, even though giving up would be so much easier.
Their love story is deeply touching, and grabbed my heart tight where it matters. And there is heat too, but so much love and tenderness. Not to forget the humour (Caspian's) during their love making. Their first time was amazingly cute and hot at the same time.
While the first half really had me on tenterhooks all the way, the tension lightened in the second part a little bit. Not there isn't plenty to fret about, but Jonas and Henry hit the plot like two rays of sunshine on a bright summer's day. I love these guys so hard, so hard. Showing first Zed and then Caspian, there are some decent adults in this world was like balm on an open wound after all what happened before!
I admit that at times it all felt a bit 'too much': the intensity, the angst, the horror, and maybe some plot development felt a tad too easy. But it didn't matter. AT ALL. The characters win this one by a mile. And their love story is one I won't forget.
Without you my future is nothing. I will never desert you. Don't think I will. This is our story. We can make it whatever we want it to be.
Highly recommended.
November 1, 2018
God. This. Book. These boys. All. The. Goddamn. Emotions.
This is a very emotional coming-of-age story, complete with all the feelings - like happiness, fun, joy. Or sad and angry ones, like sorrow, hurt, fear, and disgust. They're all there, there isn't anything that isn't covered, so it's an intense rollercoaster that doesn't finish until the fantastic and uplifting end which, by the way, is about as perfect as possible, especially for a New Adult story.
The MCs, Zed and Caspian, go through the wringer in The Story of Us but this is their story over ten summers, starting in 2010. Set in Kent and London and including significant, sometimes tumultuous, periods during this time - the 2012 London Summer Olympics, the Manchester Ariane Grande concert bombing, and more. Fiction and non-fiction collide in a thoughtful way to tell these two boy's story and their individual stories, because sometimes they can't be together. However, one thing remains a constant throughout - no matter what happens, no matter where they are, they remain devoted to one another.
I'm not sure that Barbara Elsborg has written a New Adult book before but I hope she writes more. More than anything this is a beautiful and powerful tale. It moved me, it shattered me, it gave me life. I had to put the book aside for short periods to catch my breath because I was totally involved. I loved Zed. I loved Caspian. Loved them right from the time they met at ages 14/15. My heart bled for them at times, and on other occasions I laughed with them, even if the humour could be used to hide some fear or anxiety. I adored Henry and Jonas, everyone lost and alone deserves a Henry and Jonas to find them.
Wonderful writing thus reading, it can steal your breath away.
Brave and gorgeous MCs. Ones who grab your heart and don't let it go, not even after finishing
A little different.
Great connection.
Beautiful, heartfelt storytelling.
Worth every one of the 5 stars.
Prepare your tissues because you'll need them, even if you smile or aww at times through the tears, have them prepared.
Longer, non-spoiler blog review at-
This is a very emotional coming-of-age story, complete with all the feelings - like happiness, fun, joy. Or sad and angry ones, like sorrow, hurt, fear, and disgust. They're all there, there isn't anything that isn't covered, so it's an intense rollercoaster that doesn't finish until the fantastic and uplifting end which, by the way, is about as perfect as possible, especially for a New Adult story.
The MCs, Zed and Caspian, go through the wringer in The Story of Us but this is their story over ten summers, starting in 2010. Set in Kent and London and including significant, sometimes tumultuous, periods during this time - the 2012 London Summer Olympics, the Manchester Ariane Grande concert bombing, and more. Fiction and non-fiction collide in a thoughtful way to tell these two boy's story and their individual stories, because sometimes they can't be together. However, one thing remains a constant throughout - no matter what happens, no matter where they are, they remain devoted to one another.
I'm not sure that Barbara Elsborg has written a New Adult book before but I hope she writes more. More than anything this is a beautiful and powerful tale. It moved me, it shattered me, it gave me life. I had to put the book aside for short periods to catch my breath because I was totally involved. I loved Zed. I loved Caspian. Loved them right from the time they met at ages 14/15. My heart bled for them at times, and on other occasions I laughed with them, even if the humour could be used to hide some fear or anxiety. I adored Henry and Jonas, everyone lost and alone deserves a Henry and Jonas to find them.
Wonderful writing thus reading, it can steal your breath away.
Brave and gorgeous MCs. Ones who grab your heart and don't let it go, not even after finishing
A little different.
Great connection.
Beautiful, heartfelt storytelling.
Worth every one of the 5 stars.
Prepare your tissues because you'll need them, even if you smile or aww at times through the tears, have them prepared.
Longer, non-spoiler blog review at-
November 14, 2019
4,5 stars
I love this author's writing and this story is so full of angst! Just my kind of book. I adore drama in books, and here we get a ton! I really enjoyed both main characters but their journey was extremely tough to witness. I hated some characters with all my heart. It's beyond me how some parents mistreat their children. The beginning was shocking, and sad, and painful. The story continued to shock me. Both Zed and Caspian had to fight big to find happiness.
Loved both Henry and Jonas!! They were extremely sweet!!
The ending left me with a huge smile on my face!!! I loved the postcard!
I feel like I can't give it 5 full stars because there were some passages that dragged and dragged, even if there's action too. Overall I've loved it!
I love this author's writing and this story is so full of angst! Just my kind of book. I adore drama in books, and here we get a ton! I really enjoyed both main characters but their journey was extremely tough to witness. I hated some characters with all my heart. It's beyond me how some parents mistreat their children. The beginning was shocking, and sad, and painful. The story continued to shock me. Both Zed and Caspian had to fight big to find happiness.
Loved both Henry and Jonas!! They were extremely sweet!!
The ending left me with a huge smile on my face!!! I loved the postcard!
I feel like I can't give it 5 full stars because there were some passages that dragged and dragged, even if there's action too. Overall I've loved it!
June 2, 2021
4.5 stars 💫
Caspian and Zed are the bravest boys I've ever seen in a book. This story was perfect, beautiful, and intense. I fought with so many emotions when I read this book. I think I felt rage, angry, sadness, awful, happiness, furious, mad, irritated, and everything. This was the journey of the two bravest boys who happened to face so many experiences and incidents because of the consequences of their surrounded ones.
“Sad boy in blue
You cry with white loneliness
For technicolor hopes and dreams
Your future grey
Unless you find the sun” ☀️
Young love is hard to exist. I love to read them. They are beautiful and Zed and Caspian as well. Their love is unconditional. I love how they hold and find each other when life is going to fall apart.
When Zed was fourteen and Caspian was fifteen, they happened to meet each other at a wood. It was a pleasant experience for both of them, and they instantly adored each other. Zed was an innocent and sad child who was being beaten by his abused father. There was no one who wanted to help him. My heart ached for Zed. With his age, he carried so much pain on his shoulders. He was struggling. Caspian was helping him. But life was the cruelest thing, and everything turned upside down.
I felt sorry for Caspian. I want to hug him and soothe him. He sacrificed his whole life for nothing. There was no one who understood him. He was a rich but poor little boy who faced horrible things in his life for not wanting to ruin his family. He was larger than his life. He fought to find his true self. He was a courageous, strong, braver boy. I was in awe of how amazing he was despite everything spun upside down in his life. I was very happy for Zed. He did the right things. He was the bravest child. I was so glad he found his own life and achieve everything. He was a talented young boy. I was glad he found unconditional love from Jonas and Henry. They are Gods. They show me that still there is good human nature in the world.
This story broke my heart best possible way. It was lovely but cruel and gave me a good cry. This was hard to read. But worth giving a try. 🤍
Caspian and Zed are the bravest boys I've ever seen in a book. This story was perfect, beautiful, and intense. I fought with so many emotions when I read this book. I think I felt rage, angry, sadness, awful, happiness, furious, mad, irritated, and everything. This was the journey of the two bravest boys who happened to face so many experiences and incidents because of the consequences of their surrounded ones.
“Sad boy in blue
You cry with white loneliness
For technicolor hopes and dreams
Your future grey
Unless you find the sun” ☀️
Young love is hard to exist. I love to read them. They are beautiful and Zed and Caspian as well. Their love is unconditional. I love how they hold and find each other when life is going to fall apart.
When Zed was fourteen and Caspian was fifteen, they happened to meet each other at a wood. It was a pleasant experience for both of them, and they instantly adored each other. Zed was an innocent and sad child who was being beaten by his abused father. There was no one who wanted to help him. My heart ached for Zed. With his age, he carried so much pain on his shoulders. He was struggling. Caspian was helping him. But life was the cruelest thing, and everything turned upside down.
I felt sorry for Caspian. I want to hug him and soothe him. He sacrificed his whole life for nothing. There was no one who understood him. He was a rich but poor little boy who faced horrible things in his life for not wanting to ruin his family. He was larger than his life. He fought to find his true self. He was a courageous, strong, braver boy. I was in awe of how amazing he was despite everything spun upside down in his life. I was very happy for Zed. He did the right things. He was the bravest child. I was so glad he found his own life and achieve everything. He was a talented young boy. I was glad he found unconditional love from Jonas and Henry. They are Gods. They show me that still there is good human nature in the world.
This story broke my heart best possible way. It was lovely but cruel and gave me a good cry. This was hard to read. But worth giving a try. 🤍
February 5, 2019
It was my first book by Barbara Elsborg but I dare to say she writes plot driven novels. A LOT of things happen, a LOT of twists. The author doesn’t waste too much time on interior monologues, her personal motto is probably dialogues instead of monologues. This way of telling makes the whole story fast-moving and easy to consume, and also kinda to a page turner because you just want to know what comes next and how it ends.
I can understand WHY the author is so popular withing the genre and I can also imagine that this book will find many lovers, but it just fell a bit flat for me and left me slightly unsatisfied.
What was good:
Many events and a lot of action, it was not boring at all, and I was curious all the time while reading how the story would develop itself.
A heartwarming love tale-story that will make many hearts melt.
What didn’t work for me:
TOO MUCH DRAMA. Beginning with their back stories and through the whole plot this novel is OVERLOADED with DRAMA.When I finished this book, I didn’t rate it immediately. It took me some time to order my thoughts, but I’m still on the fence with this one.
There were part that were good, but I had too many eye-rolling moments and I am still not sure, if 3,5 stars are a bit too much for this novel.
But I decided to leave it this way. I’m not sure if I am going to read more by the author in the future.
I think that the fans of Barbara Elsborg won’t be disappointed as they know what to expect and they want exactly THAT what she offers to her readers.
If you’re new to the author’s works and enjoy the plot-driven novels with many twists and all kind of emotions, and don’t mind some eye-rolls you’ll probably like this book too.
ARC kindly provided by the author to GBR in exchange for a honest review.
June 7, 2023
I've been saving Barbara Elsborg's The Story of Us for ages now, like a greedy bugger. I've come to the last of my Barbara Elsborg MM romances :( - thankfully she's publishing a new one this summer!
Also, I had heard rumors of what an absolute killer this storyline was, and nobody can break my heart quite like Barbara Elsborg, I needed to be in the right mood. Gah, it was a heartbreaker! But totally, and utterly, WORTH EVERY TEAR!
The Story of Us is simply stunning, and well worth the wait.
Also, I had heard rumors of what an absolute killer this storyline was, and nobody can break my heart quite like Barbara Elsborg, I needed to be in the right mood. Gah, it was a heartbreaker! But totally, and utterly, WORTH EVERY TEAR!
The Story of Us is simply stunning, and well worth the wait.
November 3, 2018
I'm at a loss of words... BE really put me through the wringer emotionally. I love when authors are able to do that.
Mannnnnnn. My heart breaks when I realise how many kids are unfortunate enough to be born and raised by despicable parents. The abuse these boys had to go through. It's a miracle there was a happy bone left.
This was truly their story. Their story towards their so deserved HEA.
During the book you get the idea Zed is given the roughest upbringing by being hit around. Yes it's absolutely awful but later on Caspian dealt with the ultimate betrayal. It was horrifying. How do you come back from that?
You come back from that by wonderful people like Henry and Jonas!!! Everyone needs a Henry and Jonas is their lives. They were absolutely life savers. I wanna live with them.
I loved Zed. He was such a sweet soul. But my true love lies with Caspian. I loved that after what he endured and let me tell you that was unbearable, he still was that funny guy. I love his kind of humor. His inappropriate comments had me in stiches all the times. The "love you's at inappropriate places" were hysterical.
Caspian had told him he loved him while he was taking a piss in the bathroom, and then he burped "I love you".
Four was yelled out at the top of a cliff scattering a flock of birds and freaking out a couple out walking.
Five was written in the sand along with I love your arse. Zed had to kick that part out.
Six was laid out in stones and shells along with I love your cock. He had to kick that out too.
"I love you too. I love sticking my fingers up your arse."
I'm not really going say much more plotwise cause you really have to take this rollercoaster yourself. Have tissues by hand.
I know this review is a mess but that's because I'm a mess. Excuse-moi
*HIGHLY RECOMMENDED*
November 4, 2018
4.5 stars
I sort of thought the author overdid it with the extent of the crap these kids went through (not quite believable) but then the last 30% or so really made up for it.
I also adored Henry and Jonas and would love to read their story ...
I sort of thought the author overdid it with the extent of the crap these kids went through (not quite believable) but then the last 30% or so really made up for it.
I also adored Henry and Jonas and would love to read their story ...
October 30, 2018
The Story of Us 5+++
An extraordinary story... one of a kind... one you’ll rarely meet.
Only at 23% and my heart already broke more than once. Horrible, painful circumstances.
I wanted to stop reading because this has just the triggers I can’t handle... deceive... lies... and because no one argues against it, a whole future goes to hell... but of course I didn’t stop... I tortured myself.
Zed flew from one living prison into the other and somehow he survived it.
Caspian had no other story. Life was hard, very very hard. He was fading...
I had a feeling of walls closing upon me... the angst... the hurt... almost unbearable, I cried my eyes out
And the joy... heartwarming, beautiful, I cried my eyes out.
“Whatever you’re on the edge of, fall on my side,”
They had to wait until the right time and chance come by to be together, and that.... that took some time.
Jonas and Henry thank goodness there are men like them. The light they shine!!
It’s almost impossible to give a review without spoiling so I will avoid the story and tell you what I thought and felt about it:
Amazingly beautiful written captivating story. Widely and detailed described journey of two boys growing up in the wrong families and environments. Going through heavy stuff no one should have to go! A heartbreaking story, with some extreme events. They survived thank goodness !!
Caspian and Zed together..? So much of everything, sweetness, kindness, sexiness, humor and above all... unconditional love!! All with capitals! I wanted to hug them hard, I wanted to scream their names and ‘I love you both so much’ from the top of that cliff.
I laughed and cried and laughed out loud and now I just can’t get them out of my mind...
Extremely good story Highly recommended!!
Read and reviewed for LesCourt ARC team
An extraordinary story... one of a kind... one you’ll rarely meet.
Only at 23% and my heart already broke more than once. Horrible, painful circumstances.
I wanted to stop reading because this has just the triggers I can’t handle... deceive... lies... and because no one argues against it, a whole future goes to hell... but of course I didn’t stop... I tortured myself.
Zed flew from one living prison into the other and somehow he survived it.
Caspian had no other story. Life was hard, very very hard. He was fading...
I had a feeling of walls closing upon me... the angst... the hurt... almost unbearable, I cried my eyes out
And the joy... heartwarming, beautiful, I cried my eyes out.
“Whatever you’re on the edge of, fall on my side,”
They had to wait until the right time and chance come by to be together, and that.... that took some time.
Jonas and Henry thank goodness there are men like them. The light they shine!!
It’s almost impossible to give a review without spoiling so I will avoid the story and tell you what I thought and felt about it:
Amazingly beautiful written captivating story. Widely and detailed described journey of two boys growing up in the wrong families and environments. Going through heavy stuff no one should have to go! A heartbreaking story, with some extreme events. They survived thank goodness !!
Caspian and Zed together..? So much of everything, sweetness, kindness, sexiness, humor and above all... unconditional love!! All with capitals! I wanted to hug them hard, I wanted to scream their names and ‘I love you both so much’ from the top of that cliff.
I laughed and cried and laughed out loud and now I just can’t get them out of my mind...
Extremely good story Highly recommended!!
Read and reviewed for LesCourt ARC team
November 3, 2018
Wow, these two boys completely stole my heart. Especially Caspian. I adore him. This is so much more than just a YA romance, there's so much more going on. Family drama, betrayals, doubts and insecurities, religion, etc. The storyline was fantastic and kept me engaged the whole time. One of my favorite reads this year!
Want to read
November 4, 2019I already own this, but if I didn't... Price drop to $0.99 at Amazon US! 11/3/19!
December 2, 2018
There should be a trigger warning here.
Child abuse is depict very thoroughly and it was very hard at time to read it.
I'm not going to go into a long review. I'm still too much in the feelings this story brought on.
The book is long but I was completely captivated, from start to end.
This author is so good with the angst. So good with everything.
Words fail me a little here.
I just LOVED it! Just read it!!
Child abuse is depict very thoroughly and it was very hard at time to read it.
I'm not going to go into a long review. I'm still too much in the feelings this story brought on.
The book is long but I was completely captivated, from start to end.
This author is so good with the angst. So good with everything.
Words fail me a little here.
I just LOVED it! Just read it!!
November 26, 2018
I’ve been dragging my feet with this review. Which is entirely unfair but I was struggling to properly describe my overwhelming thoughts. Still am, to be honest. So, here goes and apologies in advance.
This isn’t just a story…but an experience.
This experience isn’t just moving…it’s a string of explosions.
These explosions transfer from the pages…and directly hit your heart.
I was furious.
I was terrified.
I was devastated.
I was overcome with joy so bright, I couldn’t see the words.
I’m sure the tears had nothing to do with that. This book is a tsunami of feels, not all of them good, but I have no doubt that I will never forget it.
What's to like: At first, I was concerned about the number of pages but I quickly discovered the reason behind the size. This book is a journey! Ten years pass from the beginning to end but it felt like a lifetime. Mainly because…there is a LOT going on. They went through so much together (and apart) and by association, I was exhausted by the final pages. Barbara mentions her triggers in the blurb and they shouldn’t be taken lightly…
Warning
The Story of Us is a tale of love and survival, and the triumph of good over evil against the odds. It’s a new adult contemporary romance that deals with family and social issues. There is violence and cruelty to children but not sexual assault. The story has sexual situations, dark elements and suspense. The events and locations are a mixture of real and fictional. The characters are fictional.
At times I wondered what I had gotten myself into but I also knew there was no way I could give up. Never. It was imperative that I pushed through and made it to their happily ever after. *deep sigh* So grateful that I did.
What's to love: Zed and Caspian. Oh my heart! I loved each of them to bits. They are nearly neighbors but live in different worlds. Opposites not only attract in this tale but they fuse together. These two hearts and souls connect in a way that I can’t say I’ve ever seen before. It was breathtaking. Sadly, it was also heartbreaking. Zed lives with a monster. Caspian faces appalling betrayal. They are beaten down, kicked, and abused by those that should love them the most. The horrors that confront them are atrocious. I raged. I cried. I burned with a fierce need to protect them. But then, the storm clouds began to clear. Amazing and caring allies appear and I was overcome with relief. Zed deserved his change of fate. I quickly fell for Jonas and Henry. They brought a bright light and hope that we all desperately needed. I could spill all the family drama but it’s best left unsaid. Barbara clearly demonstrates that family isn’t about blood shared or chromosomes in common but it’s the people who embrace your successes and failures and love you no matter what.
Beware of: Child abuse. Terrorism. Betrayal. The list could go on and on. But I should also warn you that…this is a legendary tale of two boys who grow into men and battle unthinkable demons just to have a future together. Prepare for turmoil and trust, hurt and healing, and limitless love.
This book is for: Not everyone. But those that choose to embark on their staggering journey will be rewarded greatly.
Book UNfunk
This isn’t just a story…but an experience.
This experience isn’t just moving…it’s a string of explosions.
These explosions transfer from the pages…and directly hit your heart.
I was furious.
I was terrified.
I was devastated.
I was overcome with joy so bright, I couldn’t see the words.
I’m sure the tears had nothing to do with that. This book is a tsunami of feels, not all of them good, but I have no doubt that I will never forget it.
What's to like: At first, I was concerned about the number of pages but I quickly discovered the reason behind the size. This book is a journey! Ten years pass from the beginning to end but it felt like a lifetime. Mainly because…there is a LOT going on. They went through so much together (and apart) and by association, I was exhausted by the final pages. Barbara mentions her triggers in the blurb and they shouldn’t be taken lightly…
Warning
The Story of Us is a tale of love and survival, and the triumph of good over evil against the odds. It’s a new adult contemporary romance that deals with family and social issues. There is violence and cruelty to children but not sexual assault. The story has sexual situations, dark elements and suspense. The events and locations are a mixture of real and fictional. The characters are fictional.
At times I wondered what I had gotten myself into but I also knew there was no way I could give up. Never. It was imperative that I pushed through and made it to their happily ever after. *deep sigh* So grateful that I did.
What's to love: Zed and Caspian. Oh my heart! I loved each of them to bits. They are nearly neighbors but live in different worlds. Opposites not only attract in this tale but they fuse together. These two hearts and souls connect in a way that I can’t say I’ve ever seen before. It was breathtaking. Sadly, it was also heartbreaking. Zed lives with a monster. Caspian faces appalling betrayal. They are beaten down, kicked, and abused by those that should love them the most. The horrors that confront them are atrocious. I raged. I cried. I burned with a fierce need to protect them. But then, the storm clouds began to clear. Amazing and caring allies appear and I was overcome with relief. Zed deserved his change of fate. I quickly fell for Jonas and Henry. They brought a bright light and hope that we all desperately needed. I could spill all the family drama but it’s best left unsaid. Barbara clearly demonstrates that family isn’t about blood shared or chromosomes in common but it’s the people who embrace your successes and failures and love you no matter what.
Beware of: Child abuse. Terrorism. Betrayal. The list could go on and on. But I should also warn you that…this is a legendary tale of two boys who grow into men and battle unthinkable demons just to have a future together. Prepare for turmoil and trust, hurt and healing, and limitless love.
This book is for: Not everyone. But those that choose to embark on their staggering journey will be rewarded greatly.
Book UNfunk
November 4, 2018
I really liked this book but it also left me sad and disappointed. The love story between Zed and Caspian was lovely. But as a Muslim it was hard to read this book. It seems as though all the negativity and prejudice you can find online about Islam and Muslims has found its way to this book. Not one of the Muslim characters had something positive to bring. The Islam and Muslims where portrayed as inhuman savages who are full of hatred. Our costumes were portrayed without any context and putt in a bad light. For example the holy month of Ramadhan. The author made it look like we starve ourselves and our children. While Ramadhan is a spiritual month of devotion and learning to have control over our desirers and do good deeds. Believe me, Im aware there are extremists Muslims and that they do horrible things. But there is also the vast majority that just wants to practice their faith in peace and live with others in peace and harmony. All this book does is enforce the image that Muslims are hateful terrorists. This book doesn’t help with bringing people with different backgrounds and believes together. But hey, I guess it wasn’t meant to. You just needed villains for your plot, right.
August 31, 2020
4.5 stars
This story was so full of pain and heartache and sadness that I didn't know if I could get through with it. The first half in particular is so heavy and sad. When you think your heart can't break any more, something tragic happens again and you feel like you have no more tears. My husband asked me why I didn't quit, and I said I couldn't let these boys hang in unhappiness, I had to see them to their HEA. He probably thinks he married a crazy woman.
That being said, there is also a powerful love, full of hope. It just takes a long time to get to the happy future, and it hurts so much along the way. So be warned. I am not sure if there are trigger warnings (I often miss these), but there are definitely triggers in the book. The second half is much lighter, but I wouldn't say light.
Caspian and Zed meet when they are 15 and 14. It is instant friendship and love.
“You’re trying to protect me?” “I rescued you. You’re mine now.”
“You are the most important person in my world,” Caspian whispered. “You are all that I have,” Zed told him. Caspian felt the weight of it and embraced it. “I will never let you down.”
But life doesn't work that way. Struggle after struggle. Losing each other, not knowing where the other is. Finding each other, but with so many obstacles on their way.
"Zed pulled him down gently so they were lying on the bed. Zed spooned behind him and pressed his mouth to Caspian’s ear. “There will never be anyone else for me. Whatever happens, I’ll always wait for you.”"
Now that being said, some things bothered me about the book:
- the constant tragic events. I couldn't take it anymore. I could have done without the last one.
- Islam is only portrayed negatively. It is mentionned that the "old ways" of islam were not extremist, but even that old way versus new way discussion felt like islamophobia. Not a single happy beautiful muslim soul in this book. Please.
- The end dragged a little, until the unnecessary new tragic event. I'd have preferred it shorter and drama-less.
- The lack of dealing with the PTSD. It was mentionned but glossed over. Both these boys should be in therapy. Love doesn't magically cure everything.
But I love these boys forever. And Henry and Jonas were the most amazing beautiful men. So much love for these broken boys.
“I remember how lonely I was. How lonely you were. That was the beginning of our story.” “And it will go on forever.” Caspian smiled. “Forever.”
This story was so full of pain and heartache and sadness that I didn't know if I could get through with it. The first half in particular is so heavy and sad. When you think your heart can't break any more, something tragic happens again and you feel like you have no more tears. My husband asked me why I didn't quit, and I said I couldn't let these boys hang in unhappiness, I had to see them to their HEA. He probably thinks he married a crazy woman.
That being said, there is also a powerful love, full of hope. It just takes a long time to get to the happy future, and it hurts so much along the way. So be warned. I am not sure if there are trigger warnings (I often miss these), but there are definitely triggers in the book. The second half is much lighter, but I wouldn't say light.
Caspian and Zed meet when they are 15 and 14. It is instant friendship and love.
“You’re trying to protect me?” “I rescued you. You’re mine now.”
“You are the most important person in my world,” Caspian whispered. “You are all that I have,” Zed told him. Caspian felt the weight of it and embraced it. “I will never let you down.”
But life doesn't work that way. Struggle after struggle. Losing each other, not knowing where the other is. Finding each other, but with so many obstacles on their way.
"Zed pulled him down gently so they were lying on the bed. Zed spooned behind him and pressed his mouth to Caspian’s ear. “There will never be anyone else for me. Whatever happens, I’ll always wait for you.”"
Now that being said, some things bothered me about the book:
- the constant tragic events. I couldn't take it anymore. I could have done without the last one.
- Islam is only portrayed negatively. It is mentionned that the "old ways" of islam were not extremist, but even that old way versus new way discussion felt like islamophobia. Not a single happy beautiful muslim soul in this book. Please.
- The end dragged a little, until the unnecessary new tragic event. I'd have preferred it shorter and drama-less.
- The lack of dealing with the PTSD. It was mentionned but glossed over. Both these boys should be in therapy. Love doesn't magically cure everything.
But I love these boys forever. And Henry and Jonas were the most amazing beautiful men. So much love for these broken boys.
“I remember how lonely I was. How lonely you were. That was the beginning of our story.” “And it will go on forever.” Caspian smiled. “Forever.”
October 22, 2019
Dear Madame Author...
Can you write YA?? Can you also pull off an 'historical' novel [I don't really consider this to be historical as it refers to events less than 20 years ago] whilst getting an important message across?? Most definitely YES and YES!! Do NOT doubt yourself in future....
I ADORED Zed and Caspian, and was quite taken with Jonas and Henry too 😍. There were happy and sad tears, some chuckles [it's Barbara after all] but I was on a very short fuse indeed with Caspian's appalling parents, Zed's hateful father and brother...and with the impossibly religious cretins who interfere in other people's lives and try to indoctrinate the unwary, forcing them into doing things they would otherwise not even begin to think about doing.
Christian/Muslim...who/whatever, it doesn't matter one iota to me which faith you radical Zealots follow, the world is supposedly about choice and free will. You mind YOUR own business and we'll mind ours...
March 12, 2019
Then he smiled and Caspian was lost. Not just lost but lost forever. Something inside him opened up, burst into life and the breath caught in his throat. This is the boy I want.
This book guys.
This book was everything I'd been craving to read for months.
I loved it. Loved every word. Zed and Caspian's journey is one to read. It beautiful, emotional, heartbreaking and it will leave you feeling whole. There is a reason why people love Barbara's work. And this book is why.
This is my first five star read in over three months and I'm glad it was The Story of Us.
November 5, 2018
4.5 stars!
Wow. What a roller coaster ride this was.
Getting to read Zed and Caspian's journey together was both uplifting and heartbreaking. Their absolute love for each other was amazing and their commitment to each other was lovely, but also the pain and angst they go through is devastating at times.
I felt the most bad for Caspian throughout this book. Because his family was horrible to him, his father treated him like utter crap, and the betrayal that happens was so utterly disgusting and devastating and I felt so horrible for him.
I myself, was never able to forgive Lachlan. I didn't absolutely hate him by the end, because he was the only one in Caspian's family who got better, who even tried to redeem himself. But I myself couldn't forgive him. I honestly feel that
And I know that is sometimes just how life works. Justice isn't always given. I know
But just because it was realistic, doesn't mean I have to like it. It was so unfair and heartbreaking. I don't know why, personally, Caspian cared so much about his family's reputation. Maybe he still had hope that they would treat him decently, I don't know. But while he hid the truth, I didn't get why. He should have told the whole truth, even if it didn't work. Because fuck Lachlan and his father and all that. Fuck them so much. They didn't deserve his silence one bit.
Ugh! Anyway, now that that rant is over - I did love this book, so much. It was so engaging and I couldn't put it down and I stayed up so late reading this and I ADORED Caspian and Zed together. Their love was amazing, and how they never truly gave up on each other, even if Caspian tried.
I loved Jonas and Henry, Zed's eventual...basically adoptive parents, really. And I loved that eventually they became Caspian's family too.
Even if I wasn't exactly happy about how not everything came to light, I was happy that everything was wrapped up and that Caspian was able to eventually move on and live a happy, fulfilling life with Zed.
What an amazing story this was. Absolutely heartbreaking, but also uplifting as well - that even in the darkest of times, light can shine through, and it can become better. The romance was so special, and the heat and chemistry was there as well.
Yeah, most first loves don't make it, and usually are a stepping stone in someone's life, a learning opportunity on the way to finding someone you can share a life with. But sometimes, in rare circumstances, that first love can be your only love as well, and that was the case with Caspian and Zed.
They love wasn't just a first love type of a love, it was a forever love. Not even a first love would have waited 5 years to be with the one they love like Zed did. What they had was extremely special, and I loved that they never gave up. Even when Caspian tried to, in his heart of hearts, he didn't really give up, and didn't want Zed to. They never could let the other go, and that want made them try when so many others wouldn't have. Which is okay, if you don't. But for them it worked, for Caspian and Zed, they were each other's one and only.
Two massive thumbs up from me. Despite all the pain and heartbreak, this story was worth reading. What a journey.
HIGHLY recommend!
Wow. What a roller coaster ride this was.
Getting to read Zed and Caspian's journey together was both uplifting and heartbreaking. Their absolute love for each other was amazing and their commitment to each other was lovely, but also the pain and angst they go through is devastating at times.
I felt the most bad for Caspian throughout this book. Because his family was horrible to him, his father treated him like utter crap, and the betrayal that happens was so utterly disgusting and devastating and I felt so horrible for him.
I myself, was never able to forgive Lachlan. I didn't absolutely hate him by the end, because he was the only one in Caspian's family who got better, who even tried to redeem himself. But I myself couldn't forgive him. I honestly feel that
And I know that is sometimes just how life works. Justice isn't always given. I know
But just because it was realistic, doesn't mean I have to like it. It was so unfair and heartbreaking. I don't know why, personally, Caspian cared so much about his family's reputation. Maybe he still had hope that they would treat him decently, I don't know. But while he hid the truth, I didn't get why. He should have told the whole truth, even if it didn't work. Because fuck Lachlan and his father and all that. Fuck them so much. They didn't deserve his silence one bit.
Ugh! Anyway, now that that rant is over - I did love this book, so much. It was so engaging and I couldn't put it down and I stayed up so late reading this and I ADORED Caspian and Zed together. Their love was amazing, and how they never truly gave up on each other, even if Caspian tried.
I loved Jonas and Henry, Zed's eventual...basically adoptive parents, really. And I loved that eventually they became Caspian's family too.
Even if I wasn't exactly happy about how not everything came to light, I was happy that everything was wrapped up and that Caspian was able to eventually move on and live a happy, fulfilling life with Zed.
What an amazing story this was. Absolutely heartbreaking, but also uplifting as well - that even in the darkest of times, light can shine through, and it can become better. The romance was so special, and the heat and chemistry was there as well.
Yeah, most first loves don't make it, and usually are a stepping stone in someone's life, a learning opportunity on the way to finding someone you can share a life with. But sometimes, in rare circumstances, that first love can be your only love as well, and that was the case with Caspian and Zed.
They love wasn't just a first love type of a love, it was a forever love. Not even a first love would have waited 5 years to be with the one they love like Zed did. What they had was extremely special, and I loved that they never gave up. Even when Caspian tried to, in his heart of hearts, he didn't really give up, and didn't want Zed to. They never could let the other go, and that want made them try when so many others wouldn't have. Which is okay, if you don't. But for them it worked, for Caspian and Zed, they were each other's one and only.
Two massive thumbs up from me. Despite all the pain and heartbreak, this story was worth reading. What a journey.
HIGHLY recommend!
October 29, 2018
Ugly cry alert! Do read the warnings at the front of the book but mostly it deals with physical and emotional abuse of children. As the story begins it seems like Zed has a harder life than Caspian but in the end you can’t weigh one kind of abuse against another. Caspian certainly ends walking a much more difficult road to happiness than Zed. I loved these two boys to pieces and my heart broke for them so many times. Even as they grew older, even when there were wonderful things happening, I’d end up hurting again for the very bad things they went through. But I can always count on this author to lift me up again and her men find their way to ultimate happiness.
I adore Barbara’s work and there’s hardly any of her MM books I’ve missed. I can always depend on enthralling plots and sympathetic characters that keep me fully engaged. There’s wonderful secondary figures too, Henry and Jonas who need their own story! Can’t recommend this enough if you enjoy emotional reads, star-crossed lovers and men who have to fight hard for their HEA.
*An ARC was provided by the author, publisher or a promotional service and I have chosen to publish a fair and honest review*
I adore Barbara’s work and there’s hardly any of her MM books I’ve missed. I can always depend on enthralling plots and sympathetic characters that keep me fully engaged. There’s wonderful secondary figures too, Henry and Jonas who need their own story! Can’t recommend this enough if you enjoy emotional reads, star-crossed lovers and men who have to fight hard for their HEA.
*An ARC was provided by the author, publisher or a promotional service and I have chosen to publish a fair and honest review*
March 14, 2025
Oh, look! A book to finally add to my 'Pain' shelf. This was like putting my heart in a blender. Yum.
I don't get it when in epic romances, something happens and A pushes B away because he can't ask him to wait. Am I just incredibly selfish? Not only would I ask that you wait, I'd sort of expect you to do it??? Does love mean nothing anymore? We used to be a society.
They weren't even that old. It wasn't an unreasonable ask.
ANYWAY. In the beginning, I LOVED Zed so much. By the middle, I LOVED Caspian so much. These two are so fucking adorable with each other. And they don't lose that with themselves, even though they really get put through the wringer. Yeeish.
The hits start coming pretty early on in the book and they just DON'T STOP COMING. So many times I wanted to ask the author if they knew these are just my sweet little baby boys????
Adults have gone through less than these boys. This is a beautifully heartbreaking romance. The HEA is so hard won. I was so traumatized that 95% in, I STILL expected some shit to happen.
I want no sequels for them. I've read The Long Game. I know what happens in sequels. Let them rest. Please, please let them rest.
I don't get it when in epic romances, something happens and A pushes B away because he can't ask him to wait. Am I just incredibly selfish? Not only would I ask that you wait, I'd sort of expect you to do it??? Does love mean nothing anymore? We used to be a society.
They weren't even that old. It wasn't an unreasonable ask.
ANYWAY. In the beginning, I LOVED Zed so much. By the middle, I LOVED Caspian so much. These two are so fucking adorable with each other. And they don't lose that with themselves, even though they really get put through the wringer. Yeeish.
The hits start coming pretty early on in the book and they just DON'T STOP COMING. So many times I wanted to ask the author if they knew these are just my sweet little baby boys????
Adults have gone through less than these boys. This is a beautifully heartbreaking romance. The HEA is so hard won. I was so traumatized that 95% in, I STILL expected some shit to happen.
I want no sequels for them. I've read The Long Game. I know what happens in sequels. Let them rest. Please, please let them rest.
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November 15, 2019
This story broke my heart in the best possible way. It was lovely. It was cruel. Sometimes it was actually hard to read, and yet so good. Perhaps the final 20% could have benefitted from being shortened, but nothing that distracted from my overall enjoyment.
My first read by Elsborg, and I'm certain it won't be my last.
My first read by Elsborg, and I'm certain it won't be my last.
March 14, 2022
[ Re-read in 2022. ]
4.5/5.
It’s been a while since I’ve loved an M/M so much and this book was such a roller-coaster of emotions that I was drawn to the very end in just a couple of days.
It tells the story of two boys who meet when they’re young, and how they become friends, and eventually each other’s love interest. But they have to get through A LOT in order to become lovers.
Zed is a really smart boy with talented hands and ears for music, but since he lives in a Muslim household, his father won’t let him do or be what he truly is. He has an older brother who’s the only one praised by his father, since their mother’s death. Zed is alone in this world and on top of that, his father hits him and treats him as if he were worse than trash.
On the other hand, we have Caspian, a kid with the brightest smile and a keen sense of creating things out of nothing. He has dyslexia, so his father too treats him like he’s not worthy, like he’s not smart enough. They’re part of a rich family, so for his father it is important to be “someone”.
Therefore, when they meet they become instant friends. It feels so good to talk to somebody that gets you, and that truly cares about you. But their story, like I said, has a lot of bumps on the road.
Now, I don’t want to spoil the whole thing so I will stick to the things I loved about this book:
– Both of their POVs are really interesting. Their personalities are different, but they complement each other, which is something I appreciate. I honestly didn’t mind about the instant-love because I think the author made a great job by writing several summers to tell the story, so we watch them grow and change from boys to men.
– The music in the story, such as the lyrics and the songs they play, is utterly beautiful. Music is a big part of my life and the only thing I could not live without, so I love it when a musician takes part in a story. They seem to understand music in a whole different level.
– There are a lot of things going on through the whole book, so of course there’s drama but it is the kind of drama I find intriguing. Like I said before, I was drawn to know what happened next.
– The connection they have is unique. The sex scenes were hot but what I really found more beautiful was the fact that they understood and accepted each other. Nobody is perfect, and we all have struggles, but they seem to get best out of each other. They’re a better version of themselves when they’re together.
– The letters Zed writes are among my favorite pages. I have a thing for those kinds of details. I believe that when we write on paper to someone else, it has to be absolutely special. It takes time, so when we do it, we put our hearts in there.
– Last but not least, Henry and Jonas, who become their family, are such a kind, mature couple that I really wanted a spin-off of their story. I loved it when Henry asked Jonas to marry him. I was crying and laughing, and my heart was so full of joy.
We should be more like them: kind and gentle to those who deserve it, but make people pay for their mistakes when they have to.
The only thing I probably disliked was that dyslexia is a condition that is always so misunderstood. I’m glad that these characters have a lot of struggles, because they can overcome them. But I wish I would have seen more of Caspian learning in a different way.
Also, OH MY GOD! It’s been AGES since I hated a character so god damned much, but both of their fathers take the winning price in this one. I hated their guts to the very end and I could never forgive them. Those bastards deserved worse than death. And not even then, could repay for what they did to their sons.
Anyway, I would recommend this book to anyone. I promise you it is such a nice, heart-warming reading that when it is over, you would crave for more of Caspian and Zed’s story.
And, in case you didn’t notice, it comes with a trigger warning about violence and child abuse, so be careful.
4.5/5.
It’s been a while since I’ve loved an M/M so much and this book was such a roller-coaster of emotions that I was drawn to the very end in just a couple of days.
It tells the story of two boys who meet when they’re young, and how they become friends, and eventually each other’s love interest. But they have to get through A LOT in order to become lovers.
Zed is a really smart boy with talented hands and ears for music, but since he lives in a Muslim household, his father won’t let him do or be what he truly is. He has an older brother who’s the only one praised by his father, since their mother’s death. Zed is alone in this world and on top of that, his father hits him and treats him as if he were worse than trash.
On the other hand, we have Caspian, a kid with the brightest smile and a keen sense of creating things out of nothing. He has dyslexia, so his father too treats him like he’s not worthy, like he’s not smart enough. They’re part of a rich family, so for his father it is important to be “someone”.
Therefore, when they meet they become instant friends. It feels so good to talk to somebody that gets you, and that truly cares about you. But their story, like I said, has a lot of bumps on the road.
Now, I don’t want to spoil the whole thing so I will stick to the things I loved about this book:
– Both of their POVs are really interesting. Their personalities are different, but they complement each other, which is something I appreciate. I honestly didn’t mind about the instant-love because I think the author made a great job by writing several summers to tell the story, so we watch them grow and change from boys to men.
– The music in the story, such as the lyrics and the songs they play, is utterly beautiful. Music is a big part of my life and the only thing I could not live without, so I love it when a musician takes part in a story. They seem to understand music in a whole different level.
– There are a lot of things going on through the whole book, so of course there’s drama but it is the kind of drama I find intriguing. Like I said before, I was drawn to know what happened next.
– The connection they have is unique. The sex scenes were hot but what I really found more beautiful was the fact that they understood and accepted each other. Nobody is perfect, and we all have struggles, but they seem to get best out of each other. They’re a better version of themselves when they’re together.
– The letters Zed writes are among my favorite pages. I have a thing for those kinds of details. I believe that when we write on paper to someone else, it has to be absolutely special. It takes time, so when we do it, we put our hearts in there.
– Last but not least, Henry and Jonas, who become their family, are such a kind, mature couple that I really wanted a spin-off of their story. I loved it when Henry asked Jonas to marry him. I was crying and laughing, and my heart was so full of joy.
We should be more like them: kind and gentle to those who deserve it, but make people pay for their mistakes when they have to.
The only thing I probably disliked was that dyslexia is a condition that is always so misunderstood. I’m glad that these characters have a lot of struggles, because they can overcome them. But I wish I would have seen more of Caspian learning in a different way.
Also, OH MY GOD! It’s been AGES since I hated a character so god damned much, but both of their fathers take the winning price in this one. I hated their guts to the very end and I could never forgive them. Those bastards deserved worse than death. And not even then, could repay for what they did to their sons.
Anyway, I would recommend this book to anyone. I promise you it is such a nice, heart-warming reading that when it is over, you would crave for more of Caspian and Zed’s story.
And, in case you didn’t notice, it comes with a trigger warning about violence and child abuse, so be careful.
December 10, 2018
5 INCREDIBLE STARS!
Sad boy in blue
You cry with white loneliness
For technicolour hopes and dreams
Your future grey
Unless you find the sun
We’ve read many books by the wonderful Barbara Elsborg. So many stories met so many brilliant characters and had so many emotions ranging from sheer joy to extreme heartbreak. The story of Us is without question our favourite story of them all, written by this magnificent and versatile Author. We cannot even begin to express how we felt whilst reading and how we feel now that we have finished what can only be described as an epic journey of family, friendship, and the harsh realities of life and of course ultimately love. We do not have enough words and the words we do have, can -in no way- do any justice to Barbara Elsborg.
Always for you
Only for you
I long for you
I breathe for you
Please breathe for me
Please long for me
I’m waiting for you
So, we’ve decided to firstly tell you all that we personally know and love about Barbara Elsborg, because in our opinion she is one of the most underrated Authors in our wondrous book world. We began reading her books back in 2012 and this Lady has written a lot of books in a lot of genres and we’re still making our way through her book list. Whatever you like to read or whatever tickles your fancy, she has undoubtedly written a book just for you. Her writing is quite simply astounding, mesmerising and heavily laden with emotion. Her quirkiness, sense of humour, her sarcasm, her realism and let’s not forget her research. Her research is unmatched. You know that when you read something she’s written, Barbara Elsborg has researched it to the nth degree. Barbara Elsborg is an Author everyone should have on their reading list.
You know that Barbara Elsborg’s entire heart and soul is threaded through her words. You know that her characters will come alive right before your eyes. You know that you will laugh, cry and feel the passionate heat. You know that she will take your heart and hold it in her hand squeezing it, stroking it, whisper words of comfort amidst the utter heartbreak, angst and drama.You know that every single character will have a stunning realism, have an important role and a truthful voice. You know that her words will challenge you, provoke you and compel you through her ability to weave real life events into her fiction.
‘Life was made up of moments. Some good, some bad, some like this one that swept everyone up in a burst of sunshine. This was a moment you wanted to swallow whole so you could absorb every second of it.’
Barbara Elsborg is one of our favourite Authors of all time, having written books and characters we will never forget. Once again, in The Story of Us, she has left us sat here staring into space trying to come to terms with an overwhelming sense of awe and the extreme emotions in our hearts; beating as it’s healing itself. We cannot compare – we cannot do The Story of Us any justice with our words. So, we will give you our thoughts, spoiler free and without any storytelling of our own.
My dreams have no place to go
This journey will end
But I don’t know
When that will be
What I will be
And when I’m free
There’s no place to hide
Unless you’re by my side
We’ll run till we fall
We can have it all
Zed and Caspian’s story begins when they’re in their early teens. A chance meeting. On the surface it seems like these two boys are night and day in life- what with family, religion and sexuality all playing poignant roles. However, years of childhood hurt dressed in different guises makes their bond instantaneous. In each other, they find a possibility of a better life- with love, respect and dreams. A life without pain. A life with each other by their side.
Strange roads
Dark days
Our path is right before us
If we dare risk it
All we need to do is fly
The world is ours
Stay close to me
Listen to me call
Only you can make me feel
Like we can have it all
Make me believe
We can have it all.
Their journey spans many years and whilst they’re not always together -due to situations outside of their control- their journeys feel like one. Their characters both present in heart, mind and soul. Both boys have a journey to make with many demons and so much suffering, but the heart never forgets and the heart wants what it wants until it’s reunited.
“Once, I wasn’t afraid of anything.”
“What are you frightened of?”
“You. Disappointing you. Getting it wrong. Wanting you too much. Messing this up. Hurting you.” Loving you.
And whilst the heart weeps for the part of it which is missing, the other part is learning what it feels like to be loved, nurtured and being truly alive. When inner strength is built, when your clipped wings are allowed to unfold and spread, when your growth isn’t hampered by others, your heart will thrive and love will complete it.
‘Their lives were entwined. Zed knew he was waiting for Caspian.’
Zed and Caspian have to go through so much, together as well as individually. Love is severely tested but true love stays true and have a funny way of proving again and again that it will not be defeated by life nor the cruel actions and intentions of others. Boys growing into men whilst life throws everything it possibly can at them. Experiencing Zed and Caspian’s love story as well as their journey gave us the wonderful and amazing, Jonas and Henry who both utterly captivated us and stole our hearts alongside the boys.
We experienced so much hurt and pain. We felt the incredible fear from real life events. We felt rage and indignation. We felt the passion and love. We felt the friendship and the cheeky joy. We laughed – we cried. WE FELT EVERY WORD written by the extraordinary, Barbara Elsborg. Please make sure you do too and one click without hesitation. Say yes to an epic journey that will make you feel every emotion and colour of the rainbow.
‘I am the master of my fate. I am the captain of my soul.’
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November 3, 2018
This is a beautiful story of two neighbors who meet as teenagers, become best friends and fall in love over the course of several summers.
I really enjoyed this. I loved Zed and Caspian’s devotion to each other, even through some long separations. I was so happy when they finally were able to start building a life together and got the HEA they deserved.
*I voluntarily read an ARC
I really enjoyed this. I loved Zed and Caspian’s devotion to each other, even through some long separations. I was so happy when they finally were able to start building a life together and got the HEA they deserved.
*I voluntarily read an ARC
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