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Better Together
The List
Tommy Carter was just minding his own business, taking out the trash from his job at a local bar and grill, when he noticed the man hiding behind the dumpster. He couldn’t get a good look at the guy, and the less he can find out about him, the more curious he becomes. He’d lived through difficult circumstances in his past, and decides if he can help, he will. Tommy doesn’t have a lot, but he has a heart of gold that won’t let him walk away from someone he knows needs a hand up.
Zane Martin was left wandering the streets of Sacramento in a haze after tragedy struck. He’s afraid to trust anyone and suffering from a lack of food and adequate clothing to keep him alive and well against the weather about to hit the area. He’s not sure he can trust Tommy, but he wants to. There has to be one good person out there, and maybe he’s just found him.
A story of helping when you can, and accepting help when it’s offered.
Zane Martin was left wandering the streets of Sacramento in a haze after tragedy struck. He’s afraid to trust anyone and suffering from a lack of food and adequate clothing to keep him alive and well against the weather about to hit the area. He’s not sure he can trust Tommy, but he wants to. There has to be one good person out there, and maybe he’s just found him.
A story of helping when you can, and accepting help when it’s offered.
194 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 16, 2019
82 people are currently reading
283 people want to read
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December 31, 2022
I did like the idea in the blurb, and although good I found the actual story lack much of the romance element. There was also heavy use of comma-splice sentences, and quite a few pacing and plotting issues.
March 16, 2021
Storm Meet Silver Lining❣️
It started with a blanket, some socks, warm meals, and evolved into a love match for Tommy & Zane. I think this tale of homelessness was a bit too simplistic and Tommy just assumes Zane was gay. The dialogue with classmates was somewhat stilted. Co-character Bruce's interaction with other employees seems nonexistent. Was Tommy special to him?
Even though this was a short story, I wish it was fleshed out more. Overall, this an okay read.
It started with a blanket, some socks, warm meals, and evolved into a love match for Tommy & Zane. I think this tale of homelessness was a bit too simplistic and Tommy just assumes Zane was gay. The dialogue with classmates was somewhat stilted. Co-character Bruce's interaction with other employees seems nonexistent. Was Tommy special to him?
Even though this was a short story, I wish it was fleshed out more. Overall, this an okay read.
December 30, 2019
THIS IS A STORY OF THE SOUL
This is my first book by this Author. It will not be my last, there are many more stories by BL MAXWELL to read. This story touched me to my soul. I was so caught up I read it straight through. Tommy is a college student working at a bar and grill. Trying to keep himself together so he can earn his degree. Then he noticed the guy behind the dumpster. His instincts wouldn't let him not try to help somehow. Zane found a safe place behind the dumpster at the bar and grill. Life circumstances had run him over and weren't finished yet. This story is MAGNIFICENTLY written. This gives you the first hand look into what can happen by one wrong circumstance at the exact wrong time. All the characters in this story are amazing, well written and a joy to learn about. This book is beautiful, heartbreaking, hopeful and inspiring. It has my favorite, an AMAZING EPILOGUE. Soul touching, don't pass this one up. I HIGHLY, HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK!!!!!!
This is my first book by this Author. It will not be my last, there are many more stories by BL MAXWELL to read. This story touched me to my soul. I was so caught up I read it straight through. Tommy is a college student working at a bar and grill. Trying to keep himself together so he can earn his degree. Then he noticed the guy behind the dumpster. His instincts wouldn't let him not try to help somehow. Zane found a safe place behind the dumpster at the bar and grill. Life circumstances had run him over and weren't finished yet. This story is MAGNIFICENTLY written. This gives you the first hand look into what can happen by one wrong circumstance at the exact wrong time. All the characters in this story are amazing, well written and a joy to learn about. This book is beautiful, heartbreaking, hopeful and inspiring. It has my favorite, an AMAZING EPILOGUE. Soul touching, don't pass this one up. I HIGHLY, HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK!!!!!!
April 16, 2021
New adult isn’t really my thing, but the premise really grabbed me. I did enjoy this book and wished there was more, but that’s how I always feel about new adult. They are lacking in a satisfying conclusion because everything just ends in the beginning stage.
This was certainly worth the quick read and I would definitely like to read more from this author. I love the hurt/comfort troupe and BL Maxwell seems to enjoy it too.
This was certainly worth the quick read and I would definitely like to read more from this author. I love the hurt/comfort troupe and BL Maxwell seems to enjoy it too.
December 26, 2022
I had no idea, this was the next installment after "Better together", only found out at the very end. The first book didn't really work for me and although this was slightly better, I still found it lacking.
I adore second chance stories, so the homeless trope sounded great, but I need a little bit of plausibility, everything here was so far from reality I couldn't take it seriously.
On the plus side, this was quite short, so it was okay for an evening read, but overall not more than 2.5 stars for me.
I adore second chance stories, so the homeless trope sounded great, but I need a little bit of plausibility, everything here was so far from reality I couldn't take it seriously.
On the plus side, this was quite short, so it was okay for an evening read, but overall not more than 2.5 stars for me.
December 14, 2024
DNF 46% The premise sounded good, but I could tell early on that the writing was problematic. The wording was simplistic. I couldn’t get into it and kept reading for the hurt comfort. When the homeless MC disappeared for over a week in hellish weather with only the threadbare clothes on his back, I was too uncomfortable to continue.
December 18, 2019
So shines a good deed in a weary world...
"The List" is a charmingly sweet, rather poignant and pointed look at what happens when people fall so low that asking for a helping hand feels utterly insurmountable. That the kindness of strangers is accepted only after a world-weary questioning of one's worth--can I pay them back? No? Why are they doing this? I'm not worth anything.
And yet, there are those with kindness to spare who make the lives of others just a little more bearable, perhaps enough so to give someone hope.
"The List" is chock full of that kindness in Tommy. And Zane has no idea what to do with it, after being on the receiving end of many unkindnesses for the better part of a year. And when it feels like you're rooting for Tommy to give in, he remains true to his course and pours his heart into helping Zane, to give him a second chance when he felt in his own heart he didn't deserve it.
The book ends in an HEA, though it does not necessarily entail the trappings of a romance novel.
It doesn't mean that you should skip it, though.
In this time, in this day and age of cruelty for the sake of cruelty, it's important to know that stories such as these can give us hope for a better day.
"The List" is a charmingly sweet, rather poignant and pointed look at what happens when people fall so low that asking for a helping hand feels utterly insurmountable. That the kindness of strangers is accepted only after a world-weary questioning of one's worth--can I pay them back? No? Why are they doing this? I'm not worth anything.
And yet, there are those with kindness to spare who make the lives of others just a little more bearable, perhaps enough so to give someone hope.
"The List" is chock full of that kindness in Tommy. And Zane has no idea what to do with it, after being on the receiving end of many unkindnesses for the better part of a year. And when it feels like you're rooting for Tommy to give in, he remains true to his course and pours his heart into helping Zane, to give him a second chance when he felt in his own heart he didn't deserve it.
The book ends in an HEA, though it does not necessarily entail the trappings of a romance novel.
It doesn't mean that you should skip it, though.
In this time, in this day and age of cruelty for the sake of cruelty, it's important to know that stories such as these can give us hope for a better day.
November 25, 2021
This was a beautiful story that kinda makes me hope that maybe not all humanity is as rotten as it seems.
I teared up most of the time while reading this novel. I KNOW that the homelessness situation portrayed here is extremely tame compared to most of the real cases out there, but even then, it didn't make it any less hard to read.
My heart went to both Zane and Tommy, one with a huge heart of gold and an honest caring soul, and the other filled with hopelessness and despair and loneliness. The way Tommy helped Zane and how grateful and respectful Zane behaved towards Tommy was very heartwarming.
Again, I know reality is not nearly as "easy" as this story developed, and even when some people do try to help, not everyone out there is like Zane. Still, this story was beautiful.
I agree with other reviewers that their relationship and feelings bloomed so fast and easy, and I do wish we had known a bit more of how things went for them right after, with work and Zane's family. But regardless, I really enjoyed reading it.
I teared up most of the time while reading this novel. I KNOW that the homelessness situation portrayed here is extremely tame compared to most of the real cases out there, but even then, it didn't make it any less hard to read.
My heart went to both Zane and Tommy, one with a huge heart of gold and an honest caring soul, and the other filled with hopelessness and despair and loneliness. The way Tommy helped Zane and how grateful and respectful Zane behaved towards Tommy was very heartwarming.
Again, I know reality is not nearly as "easy" as this story developed, and even when some people do try to help, not everyone out there is like Zane. Still, this story was beautiful.
I agree with other reviewers that their relationship and feelings bloomed so fast and easy, and I do wish we had known a bit more of how things went for them right after, with work and Zane's family. But regardless, I really enjoyed reading it.
June 15, 2021
This could have been really good, but:
1. This story was way too short, it could have been longer and more fleshed out but it felt like it both dragged and was rushed at the same time.
2. The MC’s don’t even kiss until over 80% into the book, and honestly their interactions were minimal before it. Realistically, Tommy spent not even a full day with Zane before Zane disappears and when he comes back, Tommy nurses him back to health and then they kiss and then that’s basically the end of the book. Again, if it were fleshed out better, it could have been great.
3. A bit repetitive at times. Not too terrible but enough that I noticed.
4. No sex scenes at all. Only chaste kisses. Which is fine but I love reading the connection between characters when they become intimate with each other.
1. This story was way too short, it could have been longer and more fleshed out but it felt like it both dragged and was rushed at the same time.
2. The MC’s don’t even kiss until over 80% into the book, and honestly their interactions were minimal before it. Realistically, Tommy spent not even a full day with Zane before Zane disappears and when he comes back, Tommy nurses him back to health and then they kiss and then that’s basically the end of the book. Again, if it were fleshed out better, it could have been great.
3. A bit repetitive at times. Not too terrible but enough that I noticed.
4. No sex scenes at all. Only chaste kisses. Which is fine but I love reading the connection between characters when they become intimate with each other.
May 4, 2020
DNF @ 5%.
Not-homeless Tommy thinks he isn't so different from the homeless guy living behind a dumpster. Um, okay.
Also...
Chapter 1: It was hard to tell his age or what he looked like under all the dirt and grunge that coated his skin.
Chapter 2: I kept thinking how we weren't all that different, we looked to be around the same age, both with dark hair, only his was long, where mine was cropped short on the sides with a little length on top.
The Ch. 2 statement happens the same night as Ch. 1, so it's not like he had a better look at him. So he went from finding it hard to tell his age to thinking they looked to be around the same age. Blah.
Not-homeless Tommy thinks he isn't so different from the homeless guy living behind a dumpster. Um, okay.
Also...
Chapter 1: It was hard to tell his age or what he looked like under all the dirt and grunge that coated his skin.
Chapter 2: I kept thinking how we weren't all that different, we looked to be around the same age, both with dark hair, only his was long, where mine was cropped short on the sides with a little length on top.
The Ch. 2 statement happens the same night as Ch. 1, so it's not like he had a better look at him. So he went from finding it hard to tell his age to thinking they looked to be around the same age. Blah.
December 27, 2022
DNF @ 40%. The plot sounded promising but the writing was pretty clunky. There was also a shit ton of repetition and things said over and over agin with different wording. I’ve read similar books on Wattpad that had better characterization.
December 22, 2019
A little kindness makes a big difference
A story of finding hope, friendship and love when you think all is lost. “I think I’ve looked for you my whole life.” Tommy, who may be the sweetest and most selfless person in the world, befriends Zane who is homeless. It’s not an instant friendship either. It’s hard won with small gifts and acts of kindness every day. Zane, well, I would definitely be his friend for life. His story simultaneously broke my heart and put it back together. I just want to hug him. There are many lighthearted moments too; yams are serious business. If you’re looking for a holiday miracle in book form, this is it. A beautiful, touching and heartwarming story that will fill you up with joy and love.
A story of finding hope, friendship and love when you think all is lost. “I think I’ve looked for you my whole life.” Tommy, who may be the sweetest and most selfless person in the world, befriends Zane who is homeless. It’s not an instant friendship either. It’s hard won with small gifts and acts of kindness every day. Zane, well, I would definitely be his friend for life. His story simultaneously broke my heart and put it back together. I just want to hug him. There are many lighthearted moments too; yams are serious business. If you’re looking for a holiday miracle in book form, this is it. A beautiful, touching and heartwarming story that will fill you up with joy and love.
December 18, 2019
Poor Zane, my heart broke for him.
I've been where he's been, so this one hit close to home.
He's so sweet and tired of living the life he has but he just can't see a way out.
He's also very proud and it's hard to accept help from people when you feel like such a failure and embarrassed to be in such a difficult situation.
Tommy has been alone for a while now and when he sees Zane hiding, his heart goes out to him because he knows that could very well have been him and just wants to help.
Thankfully his boss is a good man and also has personal experience with the situation and wants to help as well.
Unfortunately, Zane's pride nearly has catastrophic consequences.
I loved seeing Chloe, Rio and Caden.
This brought their story full circle.
Getting to see a glimpse of their future was wonderful as well as having Chloe be the one to actually resolve Zane's situation.
Altogether, this was an incredibly realistic and moving story about how some people simply fall through the cracks and find themselves again, with a little help.
I've been where he's been, so this one hit close to home.
He's so sweet and tired of living the life he has but he just can't see a way out.
He's also very proud and it's hard to accept help from people when you feel like such a failure and embarrassed to be in such a difficult situation.
Tommy has been alone for a while now and when he sees Zane hiding, his heart goes out to him because he knows that could very well have been him and just wants to help.
Thankfully his boss is a good man and also has personal experience with the situation and wants to help as well.
Unfortunately, Zane's pride nearly has catastrophic consequences.
I loved seeing Chloe, Rio and Caden.
This brought their story full circle.
Getting to see a glimpse of their future was wonderful as well as having Chloe be the one to actually resolve Zane's situation.
Altogether, this was an incredibly realistic and moving story about how some people simply fall through the cracks and find themselves again, with a little help.
December 23, 2019
A wonderful story
This was a wonderful story for me during this festive season. A homeless man who lost all his hope gets a chance in life. I couldn't put the story down until i read the last sentence. Zane and Tommy will make you sigh with happy thoughts and they'll make you look at those who are homeless with compassion. Bravo, BL Maxwell.
This was a wonderful story for me during this festive season. A homeless man who lost all his hope gets a chance in life. I couldn't put the story down until i read the last sentence. Zane and Tommy will make you sigh with happy thoughts and they'll make you look at those who are homeless with compassion. Bravo, BL Maxwell.
December 26, 2022
helping out
Marvelous story about helping a stranger that has been put in a bad situation due to no fault of their own.
Marvelous story about helping a stranger that has been put in a bad situation due to no fault of their own.
February 22, 2024
2.5 stars
December 27, 2022
It starts well with a good hearted guy and a guy in need. But I didn't think the reasons why Zane was homeless were believable or logical. I really hope it's not that easy to become homeless in the States.
March 20, 2020
Who is in your family?
This is a wonderful book..
It reminds you of all your blessings and how lucky you are.
It reminds us that others aren't nearly as fortunate.
That we need to open our eyes and look around.
We all need to figure out what we can do to help.
We are members of a big world and can always add more members to our family.
This is a wonderful book..
It reminds you of all your blessings and how lucky you are.
It reminds us that others aren't nearly as fortunate.
That we need to open our eyes and look around.
We all need to figure out what we can do to help.
We are members of a big world and can always add more members to our family.
January 21, 2020
PLEASE READ MY RATING SYSTEM!!!
To my ratings:
A 3,5* is clicked with a 4* but in review marked as 3,5*:
5* - very very good and rare (it would be a Blow-Away-book like ‘Jesse's Smile’ or ‘Joey’ from Angelique Jurd, ‘Save the the kids’ series
from EM Leya, ‘Love’s Tethered Heart’ from C.L. Etta or ‘Liberty’ from Seth King),
it's like an A+
4* - very good and will be often reread and is a WOW-book with interesting plot and surprises (like most of Andrew Grey books and Davidson Kings 'Haven Hart'-series)
it's like an A
3,5* - a really good book, which will be reread a few times (most romances where you can enjoy for relaxing and during waiting times in
hospitals). I can recommend them definitively!
It's like an B+
3* - it could be more then a one-time-reader (2-3 times a year),
it's like a B
2* - it was ok to read, but it's more a one-time-reader (I wouldn't recommend it heartily, but it was ok)
It's like a C-, D
1* - sorry, but that isn't really a book for me (too many mistakes, not nice plot, illogical, so an absolute NO-GO). It's like failure in the
whole line, dismissed, repeat the class
To my ratings:
A 3,5* is clicked with a 4* but in review marked as 3,5*:
5* - very very good and rare (it would be a Blow-Away-book like ‘Jesse's Smile’ or ‘Joey’ from Angelique Jurd, ‘Save the the kids’ series
from EM Leya, ‘Love’s Tethered Heart’ from C.L. Etta or ‘Liberty’ from Seth King),
it's like an A+
4* - very good and will be often reread and is a WOW-book with interesting plot and surprises (like most of Andrew Grey books and Davidson Kings 'Haven Hart'-series)
it's like an A
3,5* - a really good book, which will be reread a few times (most romances where you can enjoy for relaxing and during waiting times in
hospitals). I can recommend them definitively!
It's like an B+
3* - it could be more then a one-time-reader (2-3 times a year),
it's like a B
2* - it was ok to read, but it's more a one-time-reader (I wouldn't recommend it heartily, but it was ok)
It's like a C-, D
1* - sorry, but that isn't really a book for me (too many mistakes, not nice plot, illogical, so an absolute NO-GO). It's like failure in the
whole line, dismissed, repeat the class
April 4, 2020
Good Read!
Highly recommend " The List " a little sad but sweet story.
I will definitely be reading more books by BL Maxwell. Perhaps you should to.
Highly recommend " The List " a little sad but sweet story.
I will definitely be reading more books by BL Maxwell. Perhaps you should to.
August 14, 2020
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This was a beautiful story about a homeless guy and a kind soul that decides to help him.
The book is short. Well, I didn't check for the page amount, but it felt short to me. Not it a bad way necessarily, but I can't deny some parts lacked depth for me.
Let's start from the beginning: Tommy is a simple guy, he doesn't have family nor that much money, but works at a restaurant and is finishing his economics degree. One day, he decides to help the homeless guy that started living behind the dumpster the restaurant uses, and so his life changes.
He becomes aware of how many things that guy doesn't have: blancket, socks, a coat... And decides to make a list of thins to do and buy for him to help him out. Each chapter has for title a little bit of spoiler, so to say, linking it with the things on Tommy's list, and I loved it. It was a nice detail that keep you into the read.
Day by day he helps Zane a little bit more, but one day he just dissapears without another word and Tommy can't help but feel worried about him. He doesn't give up and with the help of another kindred souls that come in his way, he will do everything he can to discover more about Zane and help him however he can.
Overall it was a nice and heartwarming story. But as I said, it felt kind of short. I mean... I've read a couple of "help the homeless" books and most of them feel a little bit shallow... Like... Too unrealistic? I know there's good people out there, but they tend to be a little bit too rainbow colored.
I need more development of the relationship to justify the homeless one to trust the other. Some authors do a pretty good job of nurturnig this relationship and so making it believable, but some other just kind of rush things.
This time it was not one nor the other option. The story didn't felt rushed, but mostly because the romance is completely secondary. Most of the book is about a guy wanting to help another. Just because. I think this prevented the rushed feeling. But at the same time, I can't help but feel the romance is lacking. What made them fall in love? When did they fall in love? I like it when things brew slowly and I feel their feelings growing little by little. That's something I didn't find here.
I will definitely check the author's other titles. I think her writing style is nice and this story was a nice read. Not perfect, but really nice.
This was a beautiful story about a homeless guy and a kind soul that decides to help him.
The book is short. Well, I didn't check for the page amount, but it felt short to me. Not it a bad way necessarily, but I can't deny some parts lacked depth for me.
Let's start from the beginning: Tommy is a simple guy, he doesn't have family nor that much money, but works at a restaurant and is finishing his economics degree. One day, he decides to help the homeless guy that started living behind the dumpster the restaurant uses, and so his life changes.
He becomes aware of how many things that guy doesn't have: blancket, socks, a coat... And decides to make a list of thins to do and buy for him to help him out. Each chapter has for title a little bit of spoiler, so to say, linking it with the things on Tommy's list, and I loved it. It was a nice detail that keep you into the read.
Day by day he helps Zane a little bit more, but one day he just dissapears without another word and Tommy can't help but feel worried about him. He doesn't give up and with the help of another kindred souls that come in his way, he will do everything he can to discover more about Zane and help him however he can.
Overall it was a nice and heartwarming story. But as I said, it felt kind of short. I mean... I've read a couple of "help the homeless" books and most of them feel a little bit shallow... Like... Too unrealistic? I know there's good people out there, but they tend to be a little bit too rainbow colored.
I need more development of the relationship to justify the homeless one to trust the other. Some authors do a pretty good job of nurturnig this relationship and so making it believable, but some other just kind of rush things.
This time it was not one nor the other option. The story didn't felt rushed, but mostly because the romance is completely secondary. Most of the book is about a guy wanting to help another. Just because. I think this prevented the rushed feeling. But at the same time, I can't help but feel the romance is lacking. What made them fall in love? When did they fall in love? I like it when things brew slowly and I feel their feelings growing little by little. That's something I didn't find here.
I will definitely check the author's other titles. I think her writing style is nice and this story was a nice read. Not perfect, but really nice.
December 21, 2019
What a GREAT story!
The List is heart wrenching and had me in tears for so many reasons.
The story is about the helplessness and hopelessness of what happens to someone when they’re living on the streets. There’s not only the physical factor of braving the elements and hunger, but the fear and mistrust and loneliness is enough for so many to just give up.
Luckily, Zane has been finding shelter behind the right dumpster when he meets Tommy, who works in the restaurant.
This story revolves around one person’s concern for a stranger’s well-being and in helping him out by being pro-active, somewhere along the way those actions fall into the hands of others who want to do the right thing. If we all just did a little something extra to look out for others, the world would be a better place.
And of course this is a love story:
“I’m pretty sure you were put in my path for a reason. You saved me, Tommy. So many people never even saw me, even though I was right in front of them. But you saw me.” I sat next to him and pulled him close.
“There’s no way I could have missed you,” I breathed out before once more pressing my lips to his. “I think I’ve looked for you my whole life.”
There are some familiar characters who show up toward the end of the book, which made me jump for joy because they’ll always be some of my all-time favorites!
I really can’t recommend this book enough. It’s well-written with so much love and all the feels. Perfect for this holiday season and a fitting reminder of what’s important in life. Five stars for me.
The List is heart wrenching and had me in tears for so many reasons.
The story is about the helplessness and hopelessness of what happens to someone when they’re living on the streets. There’s not only the physical factor of braving the elements and hunger, but the fear and mistrust and loneliness is enough for so many to just give up.
Luckily, Zane has been finding shelter behind the right dumpster when he meets Tommy, who works in the restaurant.
This story revolves around one person’s concern for a stranger’s well-being and in helping him out by being pro-active, somewhere along the way those actions fall into the hands of others who want to do the right thing. If we all just did a little something extra to look out for others, the world would be a better place.
And of course this is a love story:
“I’m pretty sure you were put in my path for a reason. You saved me, Tommy. So many people never even saw me, even though I was right in front of them. But you saw me.” I sat next to him and pulled him close.
“There’s no way I could have missed you,” I breathed out before once more pressing my lips to his. “I think I’ve looked for you my whole life.”
There are some familiar characters who show up toward the end of the book, which made me jump for joy because they’ll always be some of my all-time favorites!
I really can’t recommend this book enough. It’s well-written with so much love and all the feels. Perfect for this holiday season and a fitting reminder of what’s important in life. Five stars for me.
August 16, 2020
I was absolutely thrilled and delighted when BL Maxwell announced the new release date of The List. Zane's story really made me sad because it made me realize how quickly someone's luck can change overnight. A series of bad unfortunate events can lead someone to end up on the streets.
Tommy's first encounter with Zane leads him to create a list of everything he needs to survive on the streets. It was heart-breaking when Zane disappeared for a while and Tommy kept searching for him. I was so happy he found him and wonderfully surprised when Chloe popped up. I didn't connect the dots with John's backstory until after the introductions and I was so excited and happy that he got his own HEA too. It was great to see where Cade, Rio, Chaos, Eron, and Adana end up in the future and now they have little Jesse. I'm so excited to hear the audiobook version as well. I know it will be amazing and I can't wait to hear Tommy and Zane's voices.
5 STARS ALL THE WAY AND HAPPINESS! THANK YOU BL MAXWELL FOR BRINGING THEM BACK (P.S. If you haven't read Ghost Hexed, you should because a certain couple also appear.)
Tommy's first encounter with Zane leads him to create a list of everything he needs to survive on the streets. It was heart-breaking when Zane disappeared for a while and Tommy kept searching for him. I was so happy he found him and wonderfully surprised when Chloe popped up. I didn't connect the dots with John's backstory until after the introductions and I was so excited and happy that he got his own HEA too. It was great to see where Cade, Rio, Chaos, Eron, and Adana end up in the future and now they have little Jesse. I'm so excited to hear the audiobook version as well. I know it will be amazing and I can't wait to hear Tommy and Zane's voices.
5 STARS ALL THE WAY AND HAPPINESS! THANK YOU BL MAXWELL FOR BRINGING THEM BACK (P.S. If you haven't read Ghost Hexed, you should because a certain couple also appear.)
December 31, 2023
Tommy Carter was taking out the rubbish from his job at a local bar and grill when he noticed the man hiding behind the dumpster. He lived through his difficult circumstances in the past so if he can help he will. Tommy doesn’t have a lot, but he has a heart of gold that won’t let him walk away from someone he knows needs a hand up. Zane Martin was left wandering the streets of Sacramento in a haze after tragedy struck. He’s afraid to trust anyone and suffering from a lack of food and adequate clothing to keep him alive and well against the weather about to hit the area. He’s not sure he can trust Tommy, but he wants to. There has to be one good person out there, and maybe he’s just found him. A story of helping when you can, and accepting help when it’s offered.
This was such an inspirational story of big-hearted Tommy who was determined to help Zane and all the friends and acquaintances who helped. I loved the tender way that Tommy cared for Zane and that he never gave up on him. I loved the way that the other people in the Better Together universe were involved. Easy to read, feel and understand. This was an MM story.
This was such an inspirational story of big-hearted Tommy who was determined to help Zane and all the friends and acquaintances who helped. I loved the tender way that Tommy cared for Zane and that he never gave up on him. I loved the way that the other people in the Better Together universe were involved. Easy to read, feel and understand. This was an MM story.
January 7, 2025
Tommy never expected a simple act of kindness to change his life, but when he notices Zane, a homeless man seeking shelter behind the diner where he works, he can’t ignore him. What starts as leaving food and blankets quickly becomes something more as Tommy opens his home, and his heart, to a man who has lost everything. Zane has been surviving on the streets after losing his family, his possessions, and his hope. But Tommy’s unwavering compassion gives him a second chance. As they navigate Zane’s recovery and search for answers about his family, their bond deepens into feelings neither expected. In the face of challenges, snowstorms, and Zane’s fragile health, the two find strength in each other. With help from a community of friends, they uncover a path forward, proving that even the smallest gestures can lead to life-changing connections. "The List" is a story about love, resilience, kindness, connection, compassion, resilience, and the power of helping others when they need it most.
December 24, 2019
This story is a wonderful reminder that one person can make a difference in someone's life even in a small way. This story is beautiful and tugs on the heart strings and the human spirit. Have tissues handy, if you're like me you'll need them from the first page on. Tommy finds Zane living behind the dumpster at his work and wants to help. He starts to make a list of things Zane needs. Thankfully Tommy has an awesome boss, Bruce, who wants to also help. And with Bruce comes his huband John and their friend Chloe, all wanting to help. It took Zane being beaten and nearly freezing to death to finally end up on Tommy's door for help. But Tommy took Zane in and never let him go. I'm so happy for those two.
This story is true to life, I've been there, and sometimes it's hard to remember that there are people out there that really do care and don't want anything from you, they just want to help.
I highly recommend this beautiful book.
This story is true to life, I've been there, and sometimes it's hard to remember that there are people out there that really do care and don't want anything from you, they just want to help.
I highly recommend this beautiful book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 9, 2023
I had to stop at 63% because it was too annoying. Everything was repeated, continuously. This book is 133 pages according to the listing, and I am fairly positive it would be around seventy pages max if the repetitions were removed. There are so many things that are just clearly not researched or understood. For example, this is set in Sacramento, and it snows, like multiple inches of snow. I looked it up, and there are thirty-one places in the world that are named Sacramento, seven of those are in the US. And maybe this is a fictional Sacramento where it snows. But this is really the point, if that's what I'm thinking about when I'm reading a book, if I go to the trouble of looking up the possibility that you got something so completely wrong then the book doesn't work. This book doesn't work. It's too bad because I like the characters, but the rest is such a mess I couldn't take it anymore.
April 30, 2021
A good deed
Seriously never underestimate where you can end up, through no fault of your own. This book is so well written and brings home how delicately balanced our lives are.
If you can always pay it forward, do a good deed or just plain help someone out.
I loved Tommy and Zane's characters, the flaws, the positives, everything. The trust is impressive from both sides—a must-read, in my opinion.
Excellent narration from Michael Wetherbee. Very clear and easy to listen to. Although, like usual, I sped up the audio, and I listened at 1.40 speed on audible, but I do prefer all my audios to be a little quicker.
The List
By: BL Maxwell
Narrated by: Michael Wetherbee
Length: 3 hrs and 21 mins
❤❤❤❤❤ Overall
🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧 Narration
📚📚📚📚📚 Story
Read at 1.40 speed on Audible
Seriously never underestimate where you can end up, through no fault of your own. This book is so well written and brings home how delicately balanced our lives are.
If you can always pay it forward, do a good deed or just plain help someone out.
I loved Tommy and Zane's characters, the flaws, the positives, everything. The trust is impressive from both sides—a must-read, in my opinion.
Excellent narration from Michael Wetherbee. Very clear and easy to listen to. Although, like usual, I sped up the audio, and I listened at 1.40 speed on audible, but I do prefer all my audios to be a little quicker.
The List
By: BL Maxwell
Narrated by: Michael Wetherbee
Length: 3 hrs and 21 mins
❤❤❤❤❤ Overall
🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧 Narration
📚📚📚📚📚 Story
Read at 1.40 speed on Audible
May 18, 2025
Open your heart and let in all that is kind and good!!!😍😍😍
I think this book picked me. I live near paradise and was there when the fire devastated everyone. I know first hand how people were and still are affected by this tragedy! This is a beautiful story with the HEA I want for everyone! The emotions and circumstances depicted are strong and deep. Zane is complex and his suffering is something that reaches your soul. No one really knows the story behind someone down on their luck. Tommy is exceptionally sympathetic. It's not a bad way to be. He shows real concern for a fellow human being and is compelled to help.😘 I highly recommend this heartfelt story of our human condition!!!🤔
I think this book picked me. I live near paradise and was there when the fire devastated everyone. I know first hand how people were and still are affected by this tragedy! This is a beautiful story with the HEA I want for everyone! The emotions and circumstances depicted are strong and deep. Zane is complex and his suffering is something that reaches your soul. No one really knows the story behind someone down on their luck. Tommy is exceptionally sympathetic. It's not a bad way to be. He shows real concern for a fellow human being and is compelled to help.😘 I highly recommend this heartfelt story of our human condition!!!🤔
November 7, 2020
The Never Ending List, more like it.
I will say this, I couldn't stop tearing up throughout the book. Tommy being so open-minded with a heart on his sleeve, wanting to help however he can. Finding a certain someone who needed stability, family and love. Tommy had that in abundant. Ilove Tommy and Zane so much, I was literally hooting when Zane kissed Tommy for the first time. But that's the only spoilers I'll give.
If you like MM, slow build, love story in a horrible storm, this is a perfect book for ya.
This deserves 5 stars because it kept jerking at my heart string and Ijust wanna burst in puddle of joy at the end.
I will say this, I couldn't stop tearing up throughout the book. Tommy being so open-minded with a heart on his sleeve, wanting to help however he can. Finding a certain someone who needed stability, family and love. Tommy had that in abundant. Ilove Tommy and Zane so much, I was literally hooting when Zane kissed Tommy for the first time. But that's the only spoilers I'll give.
If you like MM, slow build, love story in a horrible storm, this is a perfect book for ya.
This deserves 5 stars because it kept jerking at my heart string and Ijust wanna burst in puddle of joy at the end.
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