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The Boy I Love The Most
Ashton Carpenter tried his best to be invisible, staying under the radar and pining after the boy he’s loved for years, but knows he can’t have. Hiding among the choir, he was content to be ignored at school. But in order to make his singing dreams come true and win the scholarship, he has to push aside that shyness and stand out.
When new kid, Maverick Cole shows up, all of Ashton’s plans are thrown into chaos. Now he has to work with his new duet partner to perfect their song for the biggest choir competition in the country.
The moment things start to look up, Ashton suddenly finds himself at the lowest point in his life. His new friend steps in to save him, proving their friendly rivalry might be more than friendship, on and off the stage. If only he could tell Maverick how he really feels.
With his heart and his future on the line, will Maverick and Ashton be able to work together to make this work or will the pressure of winning tear them apart?
The stakes are high, so Ashton will have to be ready to not only stand out, but come out. Especially if he wants to win both the competition and his Maverick’s heart.
Besides, who needs therapy when you have harmony?
*The Boy I Love The Most is a young adult gay romance*
When new kid, Maverick Cole shows up, all of Ashton’s plans are thrown into chaos. Now he has to work with his new duet partner to perfect their song for the biggest choir competition in the country.
The moment things start to look up, Ashton suddenly finds himself at the lowest point in his life. His new friend steps in to save him, proving their friendly rivalry might be more than friendship, on and off the stage. If only he could tell Maverick how he really feels.
With his heart and his future on the line, will Maverick and Ashton be able to work together to make this work or will the pressure of winning tear them apart?
The stakes are high, so Ashton will have to be ready to not only stand out, but come out. Especially if he wants to win both the competition and his Maverick’s heart.
Besides, who needs therapy when you have harmony?
*The Boy I Love The Most is a young adult gay romance*
137 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 18, 2020
35 people are currently reading
48 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
August 8, 2020
How do you know who you love the most?
Is it the boy you have loved forever but are afraid to talk to about anything? Is it your best friend that knows you completely except for the most deepest darkest secret? Your dead father? Your absent and uncaring mother? Or is it all imagined until the new boy adopts you? How will you deal with his family when they accept you when you need support?
What do you have to offer? How can you make it work? How can life get better? What will you do for college and after? Can you save each other?
Is it the boy you have loved forever but are afraid to talk to about anything? Is it your best friend that knows you completely except for the most deepest darkest secret? Your dead father? Your absent and uncaring mother? Or is it all imagined until the new boy adopts you? How will you deal with his family when they accept you when you need support?
What do you have to offer? How can you make it work? How can life get better? What will you do for college and after? Can you save each other?
May 28, 2021
A really great feel good book.
I rate d this 5 stars because I really enjoy good winning over evil. I'm a 76 year old man who just found out I'm bisexual. Reading about young people falling in love and conquering the obstacles in life is a true joy. I was really afraid something bad was going to happen to ruin the ending, so I was thrilled by the way the story ended. J J writes well and tells a good story. I suspect there is a bit of himself in The Big I Love The Most.
I rate d this 5 stars because I really enjoy good winning over evil. I'm a 76 year old man who just found out I'm bisexual. Reading about young people falling in love and conquering the obstacles in life is a true joy. I was really afraid something bad was going to happen to ruin the ending, so I was thrilled by the way the story ended. J J writes well and tells a good story. I suspect there is a bit of himself in The Big I Love The Most.
October 24, 2020
I don't want to be mean, but I didn't expect much going into this and still I was disappointed. It's very short, their relationship in the summary was described as being rivals but the two are best friends from the get go, none of the problems they face ever feel serious because it all lasts like 5 seconds and then they move in together because the other guy's family is perfect and there's no more problems ever.
September 14, 2020
Well. I feel like I've read this before. Although I'm sure I would've remembered that ending -- I nearly DNFed at 90% with 10 minutes left to read, it was that ridiculous. I'm honestly not sure why this has so many 5 star ratings...and am I alone in seeing the freaky similarity between two of the reviews? Nearly the exact same reviews, with one of the reviewers having only one friend? Something smells a little fishy here... Cute cover though!
May 14, 2020
Honestly, I was unable to make it past the 20% mark in this book. I think that the plot idea is interesting, and I think the characters have good potential.
That being said, in this first 20% of the book, there were several spelling and grammatical errors. These errors, specifically, were most often the lack of capitalization of proper nouns as well as commas in place of periods or semi colons.
I also felt that the story moved too fast. As we were meeting the love interest for the first time, I did not feel the same sense of excitement as a reader as the main character supposedly felt. This happened in many instances, especially in the bullying scenes, where I expected to feel scared or sympathetic at the least, but I had just not formed a bond to the main character. Much of the dialogue also felt forced, and dialogue can be so vital in a story that addresses the tough topics that this book does. These elements prevented the characters and their interactions from feeling genuine and believable, which left me questioning the book rather than feeling immersed in it.
Finally, I had a hard time following the timeline, as there were many jumps where it seemed that plot points happened, unmentioned, between paragraphs. Specifically, there was an instance after choir at the end of the first day we meet Maverick when we are in choir class. Suddenly, in the next paragraph, Asher misses the buses, despite the fact that we did not realize that the school day had ended. It seemed disconnected and hard to follow.
This book may be a good, quick read if you're in the mood for something fast-paced, but I found it lacking in the gripping emotion, rawness, and character relationships that I love in books.
That being said, in this first 20% of the book, there were several spelling and grammatical errors. These errors, specifically, were most often the lack of capitalization of proper nouns as well as commas in place of periods or semi colons.
I also felt that the story moved too fast. As we were meeting the love interest for the first time, I did not feel the same sense of excitement as a reader as the main character supposedly felt. This happened in many instances, especially in the bullying scenes, where I expected to feel scared or sympathetic at the least, but I had just not formed a bond to the main character. Much of the dialogue also felt forced, and dialogue can be so vital in a story that addresses the tough topics that this book does. These elements prevented the characters and their interactions from feeling genuine and believable, which left me questioning the book rather than feeling immersed in it.
Finally, I had a hard time following the timeline, as there were many jumps where it seemed that plot points happened, unmentioned, between paragraphs. Specifically, there was an instance after choir at the end of the first day we meet Maverick when we are in choir class. Suddenly, in the next paragraph, Asher misses the buses, despite the fact that we did not realize that the school day had ended. It seemed disconnected and hard to follow.
This book may be a good, quick read if you're in the mood for something fast-paced, but I found it lacking in the gripping emotion, rawness, and character relationships that I love in books.
June 25, 2020
I don’t hate this book but the story line lacks originality.
At times the dialog was hard to follow. There would be an outburst by a secondary character that I didn’t even know was in the scene. But the primary characters reacted as though he was there the whole time. In fact, at the time, it wasn’t obvious who had even spoken the line.
Some events don’t make sense in the timeline presented. For example, the biggest problem I couldn’t get over is Max and Ashton’s physical relationship. For weeks they shared a bed and nothing happened more than some kissing and cuddling. Seriously? Then, (using a baseball metaphor), they went from 1st base to home run without touching 2nd and 3rd bases. And, the 1st time they had actual sex should have been a time of at least some significant conversation, especially given they were both virgins. But, it was “you got a condom? Lube?”, then they did the deed, said it was enjoyable, end of scene. What a missed opportunity to flesh out the scene with the characters each experiencing their first time, with emotions including shyness and fear. Then the typical discomfort prior to receiving pleasure. And afterwards some post-sex cuddling.
At times the dialog was hard to follow. There would be an outburst by a secondary character that I didn’t even know was in the scene. But the primary characters reacted as though he was there the whole time. In fact, at the time, it wasn’t obvious who had even spoken the line.
Some events don’t make sense in the timeline presented. For example, the biggest problem I couldn’t get over is Max and Ashton’s physical relationship. For weeks they shared a bed and nothing happened more than some kissing and cuddling. Seriously? Then, (using a baseball metaphor), they went from 1st base to home run without touching 2nd and 3rd bases. And, the 1st time they had actual sex should have been a time of at least some significant conversation, especially given they were both virgins. But, it was “you got a condom? Lube?”, then they did the deed, said it was enjoyable, end of scene. What a missed opportunity to flesh out the scene with the characters each experiencing their first time, with emotions including shyness and fear. Then the typical discomfort prior to receiving pleasure. And afterwards some post-sex cuddling.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 20, 2020
I truly loved this book from more then one aspect. For one it is a really great story, just what I would expect from the author. On the other hand it is a beautiful display of how love is deserved by anyone and everyone.
The characters are built up piece by piece, the story is of course magical, but it still could be reality too which makes the whole package very relatable and loveable at the same time. I love that the book is placed into a musical environment and how supportive Mav's family is. This book is about self acceptance, fight, love, support, with an oh so great ending that worth to read.
The characters are built up piece by piece, the story is of course magical, but it still could be reality too which makes the whole package very relatable and loveable at the same time. I love that the book is placed into a musical environment and how supportive Mav's family is. This book is about self acceptance, fight, love, support, with an oh so great ending that worth to read.
January 23, 2020
So every now and then you read a story that really makes you feel and also think. This book made me feel just about every emotion there is. I laughed, cried, screamed, and in the end feel like a better person. This is more than just a sweet love story it also deals with real life realities. We get to go on a beautiful journey with this story and I don't want to give to much away. Trust me when I say this is one of those books that everyone should read no matter who you are. Hopefully everyone comes out a little better of a person and with a little more understanding of other people or you find acceptance and don't feel so alone! Amazing job J.J. you wrote a beautiful story.
February 11, 2020
Wow. Absolutely phenomenal. Emotional, tear-jerk HEA. "Typical" high school drama and characters, but when faced with trials and difficult choices, the MCs show a strength that so few people have today. I was impressed with the believability of these realistic situations and could not be more pleased with the overall themes of friendship, unconditional love, and total acceptance. JJ Riley has written a masterpiece that, in my personal opinion, needs to be taught in school curriculum. BRAVA.
February 11, 2020
So this story really makes you feel and also think. This book made me feel every emotion. I laughed, cried, screamed, and in the end felt like a better person. It's so much more than just a sweet love story it deals with real life realities and situations!! I just loved everything about this book and I truly fell in love with all the characters! 5 stars without even thinking about it and I reccomend this story to everyone!!
January 18, 2020
Pulls at your heart!!!! ♥️
The Boy I Love The Most was bloody amazing and pulled at my heart it’s such an emotional roller coaster. You just can’t help but fall in love with Ashton and Maverick and all that they endure during this book and still be able to come out strong. I highly recommend this book.
The Boy I Love The Most was bloody amazing and pulled at my heart it’s such an emotional roller coaster. You just can’t help but fall in love with Ashton and Maverick and all that they endure during this book and still be able to come out strong. I highly recommend this book.
January 20, 2020
This story was so sweet and it got me emotional a few times. Perhaps at times it is a tad unrealistic but honestly, covering such heavy topics, a bit of that is needed. Would have loved it to be a bit longer because it really was that good. A couple of tiny edits needed at the start but otherwise a great first solo m/m book from this, author
March 29, 2020
2,5/5
Voilà un petit livre court qui me tentait bien ! Ashton est une jeune lycéen dont la vie est rythmée entre ses cours, ses amis...et son coup de cœur pour l'un de ses camarades.
L'arrivée d'un nouvel élève va chambouler son quotidien, d'autant que les deux jeunes vont devoir travailler ensemble pour un duo dans leur chorale.
La début est assez long, mais j'aimais quand même le fait que l'auteur prenne le temps d'installer son histoire. Ashton est un jeune homme très gentil, assez timide. L'arrivée de Maverick va bousculer ses habitudes, mais surtout ses sentiments. C'était mignon de les voir se rapprocher.
Par contre, le très gros point négatif de ce court roman est tout l’enchaînement d'événements qui s'y déroulent durant ce court laps de temps ! En particulier ce qui se passe avec Ashton, ses parents et ceux de Maverick, mais c'était surréaliste !
C'était franchement dommage, car l'auteur aurait pu traiter ce sujet-là sans tout ça !
Voilà un petit livre court qui me tentait bien ! Ashton est une jeune lycéen dont la vie est rythmée entre ses cours, ses amis...et son coup de cœur pour l'un de ses camarades.
L'arrivée d'un nouvel élève va chambouler son quotidien, d'autant que les deux jeunes vont devoir travailler ensemble pour un duo dans leur chorale.
La début est assez long, mais j'aimais quand même le fait que l'auteur prenne le temps d'installer son histoire. Ashton est un jeune homme très gentil, assez timide. L'arrivée de Maverick va bousculer ses habitudes, mais surtout ses sentiments. C'était mignon de les voir se rapprocher.
Par contre, le très gros point négatif de ce court roman est tout l’enchaînement d'événements qui s'y déroulent durant ce court laps de temps ! En particulier ce qui se passe avec Ashton, ses parents et ceux de Maverick, mais c'était surréaliste !
C'était franchement dommage, car l'auteur aurait pu traiter ce sujet-là sans tout ça !
January 19, 2020
This book was so incredibly sweet! With such heartbreak and cruelty! And such a beautiful knight in shining armour!
I loved the message this story brought home!
Such beautiful accepting friendships for someone going through such darkness!
I loved the message this story brought home!
Such beautiful accepting friendships for someone going through such darkness!
June 21, 2020
Cute and heartfelt
This felt like a classic romcom full of tears and joy. I love music so much and wish I could hear these characters in real life, sing. Loved it! And for those wondering it is a HEA ending.
This felt like a classic romcom full of tears and joy. I love music so much and wish I could hear these characters in real life, sing. Loved it! And for those wondering it is a HEA ending.
August 14, 2020
Sweet
It was a sweet story - but it glosses over some major points that I’m not gonna mention in detail because #spoiler - but seriously - you can’t just fill out paperwork and suddenly you have full custody. I did enjoy it but more like cotton candy than a steak....
It was a sweet story - but it glosses over some major points that I’m not gonna mention in detail because #spoiler - but seriously - you can’t just fill out paperwork and suddenly you have full custody. I did enjoy it but more like cotton candy than a steak....
January 26, 2020
Oh, the feels! This book had me sobbing, laughing, hoping and holding my breath. What a beautiful story that I just couldn't put down. Fabulous!
March 10, 2020
❤️❤️❤️
March 21, 2020
great read.
This book got to the root of what most have to go through, before finding themselves . and learning who they are ,and learning how to be themselves. Well written...
This book got to the root of what most have to go through, before finding themselves . and learning who they are ,and learning how to be themselves. Well written...
May 14, 2021
1.5 stars. I didn’t love the writing and the plot seemed a bit too unrealistic at times.
May 30, 2021
Superb characters
Well written, great story! Superb characters. Love to see them win and overcome challenges! The choir is awesome. Love the support.
Well written, great story! Superb characters. Love to see them win and overcome challenges! The choir is awesome. Love the support.
June 4, 2021
Love
This story was absolutely wonderful. I cried, laughed,got so unbelievably mad, and so much more. I will be on the look out for more just like it
This story was absolutely wonderful. I cried, laughed,got so unbelievably mad, and so much more. I will be on the look out for more just like it
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September 10, 2021Wonderful Story
Great Reading!enjoyed reading this book a great deal.I know this book will inspire me young people to believe in themselves. Wonderful and Heartbreaking story.😊😊😢😢😁😁
Great Reading!enjoyed reading this book a great deal.I know this book will inspire me young people to believe in themselves. Wonderful and Heartbreaking story.😊😊😢😢😁😁
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews