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Second Chance #0.5
First Time
It’s 2007, and no one is out at Hamilton High School…
…least of all Cody McPherson, the star quarterback everyone says is destined for the NFL; the boy who the entire school expects to see crowned Homecoming King in a few weeks.
Cody’s dad wants to see Cody start the professional football career he’s been grooming him for all his life. Cody’s friends all want him to hurry up and ask Jessica Edmonds to be his Homecoming date. Some days, it feels like everyone in the state of Ohio wants to chime in with an opinion about which college he should play for.
Just about the only one who doesn’t seem to want anything from Cody is Simon Andrews, the transfer student who’s been tutoring him in biology. Cody’s pretty sure he wants something from Simon, though. Not something he can ever admit to, of course. Not something he’d ever do anything about. And definitely not something he expects Simon to want, too.
It’s 2007, and Simon has no plans to come out any time soon…
…especially not before he graduates. Hamilton is the sixth school that Simon Andrews has attended during his high school career, and all he wants to do is keep his head down, his grades up, and make it through graduation without attracting any attention. Of course, that doesn’t mean there aren’t things at Hamilton that attract Simon’s attention.
Well, just one thing, really: Cody McPherson, the too-nice, too-hot, too-straight jock who Simon’s been crushing on—er, tutoring, ever since the start of the school year.
Simon has started looking forward to his study dates with Cody more than he should, but he’s smart enough to know nothing will ever come of it. He can’t imagine ever letting Cody know he’s interested—or letting anyone else at school know, either. Not after he’s already experienced firsthand just how ugly coming out at the wrong time, to the wrong people, can be. Besides, Simon doesn’t expect to be at Hamilton for long enough to matter. Sure, his mother has promised that this time, she’ll hold down a job long enough for them to stick around, but Simon’s too smart to trust that, either.
There’s a first time for everything though, and in 2007 at Hamilton High School, there are going to be a lot of firsts.
First Time is a coming-of-age gay romance novella of approximately 34,000 words that contains an unruly set of butterflies who take up residence in Simon Andrews’ stomach, biology tutoring that comes with a heaping side of sizzling chemistry, a quarterback with two left feet, a first date with far too many participants, and two boys who are each terrified of coming out… right up until the moment that they finally manage to do it.
…least of all Cody McPherson, the star quarterback everyone says is destined for the NFL; the boy who the entire school expects to see crowned Homecoming King in a few weeks.
Cody’s dad wants to see Cody start the professional football career he’s been grooming him for all his life. Cody’s friends all want him to hurry up and ask Jessica Edmonds to be his Homecoming date. Some days, it feels like everyone in the state of Ohio wants to chime in with an opinion about which college he should play for.
Just about the only one who doesn’t seem to want anything from Cody is Simon Andrews, the transfer student who’s been tutoring him in biology. Cody’s pretty sure he wants something from Simon, though. Not something he can ever admit to, of course. Not something he’d ever do anything about. And definitely not something he expects Simon to want, too.
It’s 2007, and Simon has no plans to come out any time soon…
…especially not before he graduates. Hamilton is the sixth school that Simon Andrews has attended during his high school career, and all he wants to do is keep his head down, his grades up, and make it through graduation without attracting any attention. Of course, that doesn’t mean there aren’t things at Hamilton that attract Simon’s attention.
Well, just one thing, really: Cody McPherson, the too-nice, too-hot, too-straight jock who Simon’s been crushing on—er, tutoring, ever since the start of the school year.
Simon has started looking forward to his study dates with Cody more than he should, but he’s smart enough to know nothing will ever come of it. He can’t imagine ever letting Cody know he’s interested—or letting anyone else at school know, either. Not after he’s already experienced firsthand just how ugly coming out at the wrong time, to the wrong people, can be. Besides, Simon doesn’t expect to be at Hamilton for long enough to matter. Sure, his mother has promised that this time, she’ll hold down a job long enough for them to stick around, but Simon’s too smart to trust that, either.
There’s a first time for everything though, and in 2007 at Hamilton High School, there are going to be a lot of firsts.
First Time is a coming-of-age gay romance novella of approximately 34,000 words that contains an unruly set of butterflies who take up residence in Simon Andrews’ stomach, biology tutoring that comes with a heaping side of sizzling chemistry, a quarterback with two left feet, a first date with far too many participants, and two boys who are each terrified of coming out… right up until the moment that they finally manage to do it.
Every Stella Starling romance takes place in the same interconnected, contemporary world. First Time is a prequel to Cody and Simon’s present-day love story, which will be told in the novel Second Chance, scheduled for release in 2019.
133 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 28, 2018
160 people are currently reading
259 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
September 17, 2018
Totally fucking YA-dorable!
This story was pretty much everything that I hoped it would be. Two sweet 18 y.o.'s finding one another, falling in love, and dealing with coming out as a couple at school.
I adored Cody's friends, Jessica and Brian, when they both had Cody's big ole' gay number right from the start, and were fully behind him and his feelings for Simon.
The scene where Brian forces the issue at lunch, in front of half the football time, God, so priceless. Gasp, smile, snort. Yep, all of the emotions on that one.
The feelings between Cody and Simon felt very believable, especially for high school seniors.
However, the fact that the entire story happened without ever being introduced to or dealing with Cody's ultra-conservative, strict parents, well, that felt a bit forced and unrealistic -- especially after they'd dated for six whole months.
The teen angst and manufactured melodrama were kept to nice, healthy levels, plus there was one pretty steamy sex scene right at the end. And wow, there was no skimping on the prep time. heh
What SUCKS though is that the cover touts this story as being "a second chance prequel".
Translation... THEY BREAK UP at some point before their next book begins, I'm assuming when they go away to different colleges. *sigh*
I'm NOT looking forward to that, but I'll gladly read another story about these two, preferably sooner than later. ;- )
Overall, I'd rate this novella at 4 stars and recommend it to any fans of YA.
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This novella is *FREE* on InstaFreebie at the following URL.
InstaFreebie Link
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This story was pretty much everything that I hoped it would be. Two sweet 18 y.o.'s finding one another, falling in love, and dealing with coming out as a couple at school.
I adored Cody's friends, Jessica and Brian, when they both had Cody's big ole' gay number right from the start, and were fully behind him and his feelings for Simon.
The scene where Brian forces the issue at lunch, in front of half the football time, God, so priceless. Gasp, smile, snort. Yep, all of the emotions on that one.
The feelings between Cody and Simon felt very believable, especially for high school seniors.
However, the fact that the entire story happened without ever being introduced to or dealing with Cody's ultra-conservative, strict parents, well, that felt a bit forced and unrealistic -- especially after they'd dated for six whole months.
The teen angst and manufactured melodrama were kept to nice, healthy levels, plus there was one pretty steamy sex scene right at the end. And wow, there was no skimping on the prep time. heh
What SUCKS though is that the cover touts this story as being "a second chance prequel".
Translation... THEY BREAK UP at some point before their next book begins, I'm assuming when they go away to different colleges. *sigh*
I'm NOT looking forward to that, but I'll gladly read another story about these two, preferably sooner than later. ;- )
Overall, I'd rate this novella at 4 stars and recommend it to any fans of YA.
-----------------------------------------------
This novella is *FREE* on InstaFreebie at the following URL.
InstaFreebie Link
-----------------------------------------------
September 8, 2018
I rarely read YA, but I can't resist Stella Starling. I'm super happy I gave this book a go, as I adored the two MCs, both of whom are seniors in high school.
Cody is the hot, charming quarterback with a big heart. Simon is his smart, quiet tutor, and new to the school.
There's not much angst in this coming-out, first-time, friends-to-lovers story, but SO MUCH CUTENESS.
Also: a smokin' hot sex scene at the end with not one but TWO honest-to-god virgins. *whimpers*
The ending is happy if open ended. The guys are together and in love, but they're going to different colleges in the fall and Cody isn't out (he's hoping for a career in the NFL and knows his chances of getting drafted as an out-and-proud player are low).
I didn't mind though, because I still count this ending as a tentative HEA, and it looks like there will be another story about this couple. Thank fuck. I am so not done with Cody and Simon.
Cody is the hot, charming quarterback with a big heart. Simon is his smart, quiet tutor, and new to the school.
There's not much angst in this coming-out, first-time, friends-to-lovers story, but SO MUCH CUTENESS.
Also: a smokin' hot sex scene at the end with not one but TWO honest-to-god virgins. *whimpers*
The ending is happy if open ended. The guys are together and in love, but they're going to different colleges in the fall and Cody isn't out (he's hoping for a career in the NFL and knows his chances of getting drafted as an out-and-proud player are low).
I didn't mind though, because I still count this ending as a tentative HEA, and it looks like there will be another story about this couple. Thank fuck. I am so not done with Cody and Simon.
August 1, 2019
First of all, that cover is everything!!! 😱 So cute!!! 😍 Anyhow, when this audio came out, I was really excited to listen to it because I love sweet, young, innocent love but I was also kinda afraid because of the blurb. I mean it’s 2007 and people hasn’t been that kind to LGBTQIA 🏳️🌈 people even these days. So I was worried that I might be under an angst umbrella 😅 but I was so happy that I was wrong. ☺️ Cute, fluffy and almost angst-free. 💜
Cody has always tried to hide who he really is. Not because he wants to but because he has to. He’s a star quarterback in his school and a very popular and prominent rising star when it comes to Ohio state football. Everybody said he would play in NFL one day. And there has never been a out and proud NFL player in the history of football .. like ever. So all he wants to do is to graduate high school without any incident, got into Ohio university with full sports scholarship and to become a NFL player one day. But Simon is seriously testing his endurance about being in the closest. Simon who is helping him pass biology is a transfer student and he’s the most beautiful person Cody’s ever met, inside and out. Suddenly, tutoring lessons with Simon seem even more important than playing football. And why does he become all gooey and flustered whenever he’s with Simon. Simon also knows Cody is the proverbial forbidden fruit. Star quarterbacks belong with head cheerleaders. Female cheerleaders. Not with someone who’s geeky and awkward as him and also very male. But why does he feel like presumably straight Cody like him more than as his tutor? May be there’s a chance they’ll be each other’s first love?
So very cute and adorable. 😍 Really! You’ll just go “awwwwww” 🥰 a lot! Almost angst-free and perfect to listen if you are craving for a sweet, innocent love story. 😌 The story mainly focuses on Cody and Simon’s attraction to each other and how they gradually shift it into something more and beautiful. Ah, isn’t young love sweet, innocent, beautiful and full of hopes? ☺️ I loved that their friends are awesome and so supportive of their relationship. I wish every school is like that. 🙂 This is very YA-ish but I wouldn’t call it a YA because there’s one explicit scene about their first time in the end of the book. So sweet, fluffy and cute and a beautiful love story. The ending is kind of HFN but since we will be getting a sequel about their adult life, I’m definitely ok with that. Stella Starling did a great job writing this hopeful story of young love. 👏 A very charming love story. 💜 This is my first time listening to Michael Fell and he did an excellent job with sweet, young voices of Cody and Simon. 😍 I am so rooting for these two. I need the next book soon because I need an epic HEA for these two with unicorns and rainbows. 😉😘
4.5 You’ll be my first everything stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Audio rating
Story - 4.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Narration - 4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Performance - 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Overall - 4.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Disclaimer: An audio copy of this book was provided by the author via LesCourt services for an honest and unbiased review.
Cody has always tried to hide who he really is. Not because he wants to but because he has to. He’s a star quarterback in his school and a very popular and prominent rising star when it comes to Ohio state football. Everybody said he would play in NFL one day. And there has never been a out and proud NFL player in the history of football .. like ever. So all he wants to do is to graduate high school without any incident, got into Ohio university with full sports scholarship and to become a NFL player one day. But Simon is seriously testing his endurance about being in the closest. Simon who is helping him pass biology is a transfer student and he’s the most beautiful person Cody’s ever met, inside and out. Suddenly, tutoring lessons with Simon seem even more important than playing football. And why does he become all gooey and flustered whenever he’s with Simon. Simon also knows Cody is the proverbial forbidden fruit. Star quarterbacks belong with head cheerleaders. Female cheerleaders. Not with someone who’s geeky and awkward as him and also very male. But why does he feel like presumably straight Cody like him more than as his tutor? May be there’s a chance they’ll be each other’s first love?
So very cute and adorable. 😍 Really! You’ll just go “awwwwww” 🥰 a lot! Almost angst-free and perfect to listen if you are craving for a sweet, innocent love story. 😌 The story mainly focuses on Cody and Simon’s attraction to each other and how they gradually shift it into something more and beautiful. Ah, isn’t young love sweet, innocent, beautiful and full of hopes? ☺️ I loved that their friends are awesome and so supportive of their relationship. I wish every school is like that. 🙂 This is very YA-ish but I wouldn’t call it a YA because there’s one explicit scene about their first time in the end of the book. So sweet, fluffy and cute and a beautiful love story. The ending is kind of HFN but since we will be getting a sequel about their adult life, I’m definitely ok with that. Stella Starling did a great job writing this hopeful story of young love. 👏 A very charming love story. 💜 This is my first time listening to Michael Fell and he did an excellent job with sweet, young voices of Cody and Simon. 😍 I am so rooting for these two. I need the next book soon because I need an epic HEA for these two with unicorns and rainbows. 😉😘
4.5 You’ll be my first everything stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Audio rating
Story - 4.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Narration - 4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Performance - 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Overall - 4.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Disclaimer: An audio copy of this book was provided by the author via LesCourt services for an honest and unbiased review.
February 24, 2020
OMG this was absolutely the sweetest book. Cody and Simon were freaking adorable! I loved them so much. I have to say, I’m glad the author wrote good friends for them. Especially Jessica. I was glad she wasn’t a bitch.
I’m really scared the author is going to ruin all my good feelings about these two. It’s fairly obvious that something happens since the next book will be called Second Chance. Is it too much to ask for that it means something entirely different than their relationship?
I’m really scared the author is going to ruin all my good feelings about these two. It’s fairly obvious that something happens since the next book will be called Second Chance. Is it too much to ask for that it means something entirely different than their relationship?
September 11, 2018
3.5. Un YA con muchísima azúcar. Muy bonito, pero es un cuento de hadas, ojalá la realidad para la mayoría fuera así. Un instituto con una estrella del deporte en un pueblo pequeño que tiene una relación pública con otro chico pero nadie fuera del instituto lo sabe, claro, sí. Anda qué...
August 8, 2019
Stella Starling’s First Time is the prequel for her new Second Chance series. The story of Cody, the popular high school quarterback, and Simon, the brainy transfer student, First Time is a coming out, opposites attract young-adult tale. If you enjoy a well written story full of charming characters, good-natured humor, and super sweet romance then Ms. Starling’s stories are going to work for you!
This is the first time I’ve listened to an audiobook narrated by Michael Fell, but I guarantee it won’t be the last! With a warm, sensual voice works Mr. Fell is able to perfectly convey the youth of these two young adults.
Now that we’ve gotten the story of how they met in 2007, Cody and Simon’s story continues in the present day in Second Chance, which is due to be published this year.
an audiobook copy of First Time was provided to me for the purpose of my review
This is the first time I’ve listened to an audiobook narrated by Michael Fell, but I guarantee it won’t be the last! With a warm, sensual voice works Mr. Fell is able to perfectly convey the youth of these two young adults.
Now that we’ve gotten the story of how they met in 2007, Cody and Simon’s story continues in the present day in Second Chance, which is due to be published this year.
an audiobook copy of First Time was provided to me for the purpose of my review
September 6, 2018
I really hope Cody and Simon get a second book, cause I need that HEA.
This book is filled with 'aww' moments. A closeted jock and his also closeted, but extremely cute biology tutor get tangled up in each other. Endless staring contests; blushing; stuttering, they're just too cute and absolutely NOT subtle. No wonder most of their friends knew what was going on, and tried to set them up for Homecoming.
It's really sweet, but since they go to different colleges, it's just a HFN, and I want a follow-up.
This book is filled with 'aww' moments. A closeted jock and his also closeted, but extremely cute biology tutor get tangled up in each other. Endless staring contests; blushing; stuttering, they're just too cute and absolutely NOT subtle. No wonder most of their friends knew what was going on, and tried to set them up for Homecoming.
It's really sweet, but since they go to different colleges, it's just a HFN, and I want a follow-up.
September 22, 2018
I’m going to review this story as if this is not a prequel to another book with this couple. Because while I loved this novella, I’m very uncomfortable thinking about another book with these guys that will be messing with their HEA. (Especially since this series is called second chance, oh how I hate second chance romances)
This was super cute and I loved how adorable these guys were together. Cody was a super sweet jock who everyone just loved because he was so nice. And Simon was adorable in his geekiness.
I live how Stella Starling can write attraction. How the guys in her books get stars in their eyes when looking at each other. And this was no exception. Cody tried to not let his crush on Simon get noticed, but he couldn’t help himself by looking lovestruck every time Simon was near.
Simon was no better. He crashed into people, dropped things, or hot tongue-tied whenever he saw Cody.
When the two finally get they did't have to be afraid to come out at school, they started dating for real. And have all kinds of firsts together…
As I said, I’m having a hard time thinking about the fact that these guys will probably break up and have another go at a relationship when they’ve been apart for years. I’m not looking forward to it, and I won’t be reading the next book. I’m just going to accept their current HEA and go with that.
(This is YA, since these guys are in high school, but we do get some lovely sexy times at the end.)
This was super cute and I loved how adorable these guys were together. Cody was a super sweet jock who everyone just loved because he was so nice. And Simon was adorable in his geekiness.
I live how Stella Starling can write attraction. How the guys in her books get stars in their eyes when looking at each other. And this was no exception. Cody tried to not let his crush on Simon get noticed, but he couldn’t help himself by looking lovestruck every time Simon was near.
Simon was no better. He crashed into people, dropped things, or hot tongue-tied whenever he saw Cody.
When the two finally get they did't have to be afraid to come out at school, they started dating for real. And have all kinds of firsts together…
As I said, I’m having a hard time thinking about the fact that these guys will probably break up and have another go at a relationship when they’ve been apart for years. I’m not looking forward to it, and I won’t be reading the next book. I’m just going to accept their current HEA and go with that.
(This is YA, since these guys are in high school, but we do get some lovely sexy times at the end.)
February 23, 2020
I adored Cody and Simon together. They were both PERFECTION!! As the next book is going to be their second chance, I may not read it. I don’t want to read about them separating and probably sleeping with others. I’m just going to believe they get their HEA from here. It’s a me thing.
September 17, 2018
Aaaaaw this was so cute. Loved Cody & Simon getting all goodly eyes on each other. This is how falling in love is.
Understanding this was just an prequel, I can't wait what will happen when they go to college. Hope not too much miscommunication-crap.
Understanding this was just an prequel, I can't wait what will happen when they go to college. Hope not too much miscommunication-crap.
November 5, 2020
It was sweet , but just not anything special.
July 29, 2019
A complimentary audio was provided in exchange for an honest review.
Wow, this was adorable and my cheeks hurt from smiling! Sweetness overload! Cody is the star football at his small town high school. Simon is the new kid in school who is closeted and hoping to stay in one place long enough to graduate. When Cody gets tutoring from Simone, sparks fly and Cody can't help himself.
The premise is not new but the delivery was superb. I found the story itself wonderful, the MCs Cody and Simone sweet and their nervousness and shyness around each other - the stuttering! - was OMG I couldn't stop smiling. Add in Cody's friends Jessica and Brian, and then the rest of the football team (the school!) and there was nothing wrong with this story.
This is a prequel and it's short so there isn't a lot of in depth on page relationship growth. It gives you the general highlights but in no way diminishes from the romance between Cody and Simon. I enjoyed how the story moved along (though I did want to see some of their cuddle time). The title is "First Time" which is what the story is leading up to. Their relationship and love yes, but their first time together is significant too. They have been dating for six months and it's prom night. They get a room and after Cody does online research (LOLOLOLOL) they are ready. I am not a big fan of long drawn out sex scenes (I gloss over them) so the ending wasn't for me but I still enjoyed listening to parts of their romance. They laughed during it, they were each tuned to what the other needed. Cody was always aware of Simone and not wanting to hurt him. It was romantic and they so deserved it.
The narration - this is a new narrator for me and I LOVED it! I can't imagine anyone else doing a better job. Simone was a joy to listen to and his shyness and stuttering around Cody, perfectly executed. Cody and his nervousness about coming out to Simone and his friends, his feelings about Simone. The narration made me love these two and I hope the next story comes out in audio soon.
I do recommend this to everyone. It's 100% light and fluffy and it ends well. I would say this is a perfect standalone and if you don't want to continue the series you don't have to. But I will be because I need to know what happens to them when they go to college and Cody is assumed to be going pro football.
Rounding this up to 5 (because I couldn't stop smiling) stars. :D
Wow, this was adorable and my cheeks hurt from smiling! Sweetness overload! Cody is the star football at his small town high school. Simon is the new kid in school who is closeted and hoping to stay in one place long enough to graduate. When Cody gets tutoring from Simone, sparks fly and Cody can't help himself.
The premise is not new but the delivery was superb. I found the story itself wonderful, the MCs Cody and Simone sweet and their nervousness and shyness around each other - the stuttering! - was OMG I couldn't stop smiling. Add in Cody's friends Jessica and Brian, and then the rest of the football team (the school!) and there was nothing wrong with this story.
This is a prequel and it's short so there isn't a lot of in depth on page relationship growth. It gives you the general highlights but in no way diminishes from the romance between Cody and Simon. I enjoyed how the story moved along (though I did want to see some of their cuddle time). The title is "First Time" which is what the story is leading up to. Their relationship and love yes, but their first time together is significant too. They have been dating for six months and it's prom night. They get a room and after Cody does online research (LOLOLOLOL) they are ready. I am not a big fan of long drawn out sex scenes (I gloss over them) so the ending wasn't for me but I still enjoyed listening to parts of their romance. They laughed during it, they were each tuned to what the other needed. Cody was always aware of Simone and not wanting to hurt him. It was romantic and they so deserved it.
The narration - this is a new narrator for me and I LOVED it! I can't imagine anyone else doing a better job. Simone was a joy to listen to and his shyness and stuttering around Cody, perfectly executed. Cody and his nervousness about coming out to Simone and his friends, his feelings about Simone. The narration made me love these two and I hope the next story comes out in audio soon.
I do recommend this to everyone. It's 100% light and fluffy and it ends well. I would say this is a perfect standalone and if you don't want to continue the series you don't have to. But I will be because I need to know what happens to them when they go to college and Cody is assumed to be going pro football.
Rounding this up to 5 (because I couldn't stop smiling) stars. :D
June 11, 2019
Empty Calories
Not much here, but a typical replay of the jock-nerd collection of tropes.
Three issues:
First, for most of this story the characters barely talk. There will be paragraphs of internal monologue until three words are spoken. It will be another several paragraphs before a response is spoken. So much for the writing dictum, " Don't tell. Show". Also, and related,the author spends little energy on scene/setting.
Second, a lot of important development is left "off script". After an important milestone is reached, the story picks up a week later. Another time, it's six months later. How can one justify blasting through the first months of the first relationship between two guys who just came out?
Last, football is used as a backdrop without the author showing any indication that a main character is working to be as good and as dedicated an athlete as is described. He could have been playing jacks for all that was brought out on the page. Yet, we are told that this Ohio State prospect has a future in the NFL. NOTHING in this guy's existence that we read aligns with that. This is why I rarely read sports themed stories in this genre. Few authors are able or willing to work within the realistic constraints of such a story.
Speaking of realistic, the sex scene at the end was obviously written by some who was/is not male - or at least not experienced in what was being written.
Stories that have to deal with the constraints present in the real world are more interesting stories.
Not much here, but a typical replay of the jock-nerd collection of tropes.
Three issues:
First, for most of this story the characters barely talk. There will be paragraphs of internal monologue until three words are spoken. It will be another several paragraphs before a response is spoken. So much for the writing dictum, " Don't tell. Show". Also, and related,the author spends little energy on scene/setting.
Second, a lot of important development is left "off script". After an important milestone is reached, the story picks up a week later. Another time, it's six months later. How can one justify blasting through the first months of the first relationship between two guys who just came out?
Last, football is used as a backdrop without the author showing any indication that a main character is working to be as good and as dedicated an athlete as is described. He could have been playing jacks for all that was brought out on the page. Yet, we are told that this Ohio State prospect has a future in the NFL. NOTHING in this guy's existence that we read aligns with that. This is why I rarely read sports themed stories in this genre. Few authors are able or willing to work within the realistic constraints of such a story.
Speaking of realistic, the sex scene at the end was obviously written by some who was/is not male - or at least not experienced in what was being written.
Stories that have to deal with the constraints present in the real world are more interesting stories.
September 22, 2018
Great YA freebie with two cute and innocent MC's, Cody the school quarterback with the awful parents and Simon, Cody's tutor who wants to go into medicine. Lots of hesitant smiles, shy gentle touches, glancing across the room type of thing...all of which was lovely, and unbelievably sweet, so I did find the descriptive first time sex scene at the end of the story to be a little incongruous....but there's going to be a full length story later for Cody and Simon. I'll be keeping an eye out for that one.
September 2, 2018
😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍!!
July 29, 2020
3.5 stars. A very sweet, first love, YA novella. Pretty much angst free (outside of internal teenage angst), and just a happy quick read.
April 27, 2020
Cute story, but it had way too much inner rambling and not enough dialogue. It got to the point that several times I had to page back to find the first part of the conversation because there was too much inner stuff in between. I had forgotten what was being answered.
Also, it says this is a prequel for a book that was supposed to be released in 2019, but I can’t seem to find the book anywhere. I’d be interested in reading it to see how the characters have matured and moved forward in their relationship.
Also, it says this is a prequel for a book that was supposed to be released in 2019, but I can’t seem to find the book anywhere. I’d be interested in reading it to see how the characters have matured and moved forward in their relationship.
September 6, 2018
OMG..I will never make it to next year to read the full length novel. LOL It better come out Jan 1! LOL This YA prequel was so cute and sweet. The first-time sex scene was beautifully written and sexy-hot!! I know you are going to crush me with the next one...build me up and tear me down! ❤️
September 12, 2018
Very good story. The author is writting a full length about this couple and based on this short I would say that has a lot of potential to be a good one. I enjoyed this.
September 8, 2019
A coming of age novel about a male teenage gay jock and his teenage nerd boyfriend, writen by a middle-age straight white woman - it's been writen before and done 1000 times better. AVOID!
January 14, 2019
This was really cute and an adorable story although I'm not sure it was overly realistic. I wish that something like this could happen in today's world and that your friends would have your back like the football team did in this book. The school dance scene was so much fun to read.
January 25, 2019
Nicely done coming-of-age coming out story.
Cute guys. Sweet plot. Solid writing.
May look into reading the rest of the series.
Cute guys. Sweet plot. Solid writing.
May look into reading the rest of the series.
September 1, 2019
Sweet high school romance (an audio review)
I was a little leery of a coming out in high school story. I’ve heard too many disastrous tales to know it always ends well. Or even sometimes. No one in my high school came out although later some did. Turns out my prom date was gay. I probably knew it but didn’t understand. Beyond my realm of experience.
That was the early 1990s. Have things gotten better? Today, perhaps, but 2007? I wasn’t holding out a lot of hope.
Simon is a young man who has been hurt a lot. Those tasked with caring for him haven’t done a great job. His mother tries, but consistency isn’t her strong suit and Simon’s in his sixth high school in four years. I moved twice and that was traumatic enough, but six schools? Almost too much to bear. He’s learned his lesson, though, and he has no intentions of making friends. Safer that way.
Cody is the quarterback in a football town. In a football state. Hell, in a football nation. The NFL is still the be-all and end-all for some many young men. For some, it’s a way out of poverty. For others, it’s all about the fame. For still others, like Cody, it’s about making people proud – people of the town, to be sure, but his father in particular. And if he were to disappoint everyone? Almost too much to bear.
I liked this story. I liked that both young men had plenty to lose but were still, in the end, willing to take the risk. I loved that they got support from the most unlikely of places. I was thrilled that the book had such a positive tone.
What I’m really excited about is seeing where this high school romance lands the two young men. The synopsis gives a few hints – this is a prequel novella and the book takes place ten years later. Part of me aches suspecting these two don’t spend those ten years together, but how realistic is that anyway? Sure some marry their high school sweethearts right out of school, but often people’s paths veer significantly from their intended goal. Does Simon get to study science at university? Does Cody make it all the way to the NFL? Needless to say, I’m looking forward to finding out.
I really enjoy Michael Fell’s narration of the story. These are two young men and Michael nails both characters really well. He did a great job and I hope if the next book gets narrated that he’s brought back. So if you’re looking for a coming of age story with some interesting twists and two great protagonists, this is your book.
I was a little leery of a coming out in high school story. I’ve heard too many disastrous tales to know it always ends well. Or even sometimes. No one in my high school came out although later some did. Turns out my prom date was gay. I probably knew it but didn’t understand. Beyond my realm of experience.
That was the early 1990s. Have things gotten better? Today, perhaps, but 2007? I wasn’t holding out a lot of hope.
Simon is a young man who has been hurt a lot. Those tasked with caring for him haven’t done a great job. His mother tries, but consistency isn’t her strong suit and Simon’s in his sixth high school in four years. I moved twice and that was traumatic enough, but six schools? Almost too much to bear. He’s learned his lesson, though, and he has no intentions of making friends. Safer that way.
Cody is the quarterback in a football town. In a football state. Hell, in a football nation. The NFL is still the be-all and end-all for some many young men. For some, it’s a way out of poverty. For others, it’s all about the fame. For still others, like Cody, it’s about making people proud – people of the town, to be sure, but his father in particular. And if he were to disappoint everyone? Almost too much to bear.
I liked this story. I liked that both young men had plenty to lose but were still, in the end, willing to take the risk. I loved that they got support from the most unlikely of places. I was thrilled that the book had such a positive tone.
What I’m really excited about is seeing where this high school romance lands the two young men. The synopsis gives a few hints – this is a prequel novella and the book takes place ten years later. Part of me aches suspecting these two don’t spend those ten years together, but how realistic is that anyway? Sure some marry their high school sweethearts right out of school, but often people’s paths veer significantly from their intended goal. Does Simon get to study science at university? Does Cody make it all the way to the NFL? Needless to say, I’m looking forward to finding out.
I really enjoy Michael Fell’s narration of the story. These are two young men and Michael nails both characters really well. He did a great job and I hope if the next book gets narrated that he’s brought back. So if you’re looking for a coming of age story with some interesting twists and two great protagonists, this is your book.
May 11, 2019
This was such a sweet read 😍 I wish there had been more. I love a good coming of age, first-time, YA Romance. And this had everything you could want for a mature reader (I say mature because there is a sex scene towards the end that definitely steps over into the NA genre)
Cody McPherson is the star of the football team and is expected to make it to the big leagues. He just needs to get his biology grade up to par to keep playing and to make sure he keeps those scholarships he's been offered. He's been keeping his head down, not looking at his team mates in the locker room and managed to get away with not dating throughout high school because he was focusing on football. Simon Andrews is a nobody and just wants to make it through high school without causing any waves and to make sure he gets a scholarship so he can finally be himself without any barriers.
Cody has been fighting his attraction to Simon since Simon started tutoring him. He's smart, kind, funny, and sweet. He's everything that Cody wants but thinks he can't have. Simon thinks Cody is a straight jock that's completely off limits. They are so cute with each other. They both get flustered, stumble over their words when they are around each other, and dissolve into shy smiles and laughter. It reminded me of the first relationship jitters that everyone gets. You're happy, excited and want everything all at once. This was exactly how they were with each other.
Cody's friends melted my heart. They were supportive and had his back, just like they would have on the football field. They had me smiling and laughing with how they were with both Cody and Simon. It didn't matter that they were gay, or from different ends of the high school social ladder. They were there for each other.
By the time I finished reading this, I was in such a good mood. It was exactly what I needed.
Cody McPherson is the star of the football team and is expected to make it to the big leagues. He just needs to get his biology grade up to par to keep playing and to make sure he keeps those scholarships he's been offered. He's been keeping his head down, not looking at his team mates in the locker room and managed to get away with not dating throughout high school because he was focusing on football. Simon Andrews is a nobody and just wants to make it through high school without causing any waves and to make sure he gets a scholarship so he can finally be himself without any barriers.
Cody has been fighting his attraction to Simon since Simon started tutoring him. He's smart, kind, funny, and sweet. He's everything that Cody wants but thinks he can't have. Simon thinks Cody is a straight jock that's completely off limits. They are so cute with each other. They both get flustered, stumble over their words when they are around each other, and dissolve into shy smiles and laughter. It reminded me of the first relationship jitters that everyone gets. You're happy, excited and want everything all at once. This was exactly how they were with each other.
Cody's friends melted my heart. They were supportive and had his back, just like they would have on the football field. They had me smiling and laughing with how they were with both Cody and Simon. It didn't matter that they were gay, or from different ends of the high school social ladder. They were there for each other.
By the time I finished reading this, I was in such a good mood. It was exactly what I needed.
May 16, 2019
i read this book as part of an arc program. This is the romance between Cody and Simon. Cody is the high school quarterback for his football team and he is hiding the fact he is gay from everyone. Cody needed a tutor to pass biology and shy Siman was asked to help him. Simon moved around to different high schools and now keeps to himself, he wants to avoid friendships because they are too hard to lose when he and his mother have to move again. Simon is gay and he has a huge crush on Cody, but thinks Cody is straight. When Cody and Simon realize they both have feelings for each other, they decide to date secretly. I really loved this heartwarming story. i love how Cody really loved Simon and wanted to be with him. I think they were so cute together and i was glad Cody's friends supported them. Good one.
May 11, 2019
Cute
This is a sweet story off first time gay and first love. I enjoyed reading about Cody and Simon. They are sweet guys that are scared to admit their feelings, but luckily a friend is willing to cause Cody make a move.
Sweet story with cute characters. Lots of friends that have their backs and support them. I would say this is both a short, but complete story and I would also call it a prequel since the author made more to mention that another story of the same characters will be coming. I'm sad to think of what the characters go through after this story, but can't wait to read about it.
This is a sweet story off first time gay and first love. I enjoyed reading about Cody and Simon. They are sweet guys that are scared to admit their feelings, but luckily a friend is willing to cause Cody make a move.
Sweet story with cute characters. Lots of friends that have their backs and support them. I would say this is both a short, but complete story and I would also call it a prequel since the author made more to mention that another story of the same characters will be coming. I'm sad to think of what the characters go through after this story, but can't wait to read about it.
September 13, 2019
Hot boys discover hot love and cool friends
Cody and Simon are different, but more the same than expected. Both face their high school senior year with high expectations and hidden secrets.
Cody is a football star in a football state. Simon is a scholar seeking a scholarship with hopes of medical school while not being noticed. Together they form a nuclear team when Simon tutors Cody for football glory and developing friendship as they bring out the best in each other.
But secrets are hard to keep from friends, especially good friends as relationships grow. Protecting Cody's football future takes support from the whole school for the good of the NFL.
Cody and Simon are different, but more the same than expected. Both face their high school senior year with high expectations and hidden secrets.
Cody is a football star in a football state. Simon is a scholar seeking a scholarship with hopes of medical school while not being noticed. Together they form a nuclear team when Simon tutors Cody for football glory and developing friendship as they bring out the best in each other.
But secrets are hard to keep from friends, especially good friends as relationships grow. Protecting Cody's football future takes support from the whole school for the good of the NFL.
May 16, 2020
First Time by Stella Starling is a feel good read filled with teenaged angst.
The MCs, closeted high school star quarterback, Cody McPherson, and his student biology tutor, Simon Andrews, are destined to be together.
With the help of Cody’s best friends, Jessica and Brian, fate finally becomes fact.
Easily a 4-star read - if - only so much hadn’t been left undone. Throughout the book the reader is constantly reminded that Cody’s father would never accept a gay son, and that both Cody and his father expected Cody to be drafted by the NFL.
In the end, neither of these issues is addressed or resolved.
The MCs, closeted high school star quarterback, Cody McPherson, and his student biology tutor, Simon Andrews, are destined to be together.
With the help of Cody’s best friends, Jessica and Brian, fate finally becomes fact.
Easily a 4-star read - if - only so much hadn’t been left undone. Throughout the book the reader is constantly reminded that Cody’s father would never accept a gay son, and that both Cody and his father expected Cody to be drafted by the NFL.
In the end, neither of these issues is addressed or resolved.
September 27, 2018
Super sweet read.
Relatively low angst book about two high school boys and their first love. Ends with a HFN, but given that the next book is called "Second Change" I think it's safe to assume it takes place in the future and that these two boys break up at some point. Which is believable, given this short story ends with them about to go off to college in different states. Didn't ruin the enjoyment of the book for me, but I know some people will be upset about that implication, so just a heads up!
Relatively low angst book about two high school boys and their first love. Ends with a HFN, but given that the next book is called "Second Change" I think it's safe to assume it takes place in the future and that these two boys break up at some point. Which is believable, given this short story ends with them about to go off to college in different states. Didn't ruin the enjoyment of the book for me, but I know some people will be upset about that implication, so just a heads up!
August 2, 2019
This coming of age story is totally adorable!
Cody and Simon are so freaking cute as they navigate through their very first love story during their senior year of high school.
The story is set in 2007, and is presented as a prequel to their current story (second Chance, which should be released in 2019).
The book leaves Cody and Si at the end of their high school prom dance, with a HFN and a promise of forever.
Micheal Fell is a new to me narrator, and I loved the job he did in expressing Cody and Simon's feelings.
I can't wait to get these two boys' HEA!
Cody and Simon are so freaking cute as they navigate through their very first love story during their senior year of high school.
The story is set in 2007, and is presented as a prequel to their current story (second Chance, which should be released in 2019).
The book leaves Cody and Si at the end of their high school prom dance, with a HFN and a promise of forever.
Micheal Fell is a new to me narrator, and I loved the job he did in expressing Cody and Simon's feelings.
I can't wait to get these two boys' HEA!
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