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The Ivy Years #5.6
Yesterday
It’s been seven years since John Rikker left his childhood home in Michigan. Surely that’s long enough to scar over the wounds he received there. Or is it? Can Rikker survive a visit with his parents? And can Graham let him do it alone?
(Only published in the Novella Collection "Extra Credit" - The Ivy Years 6 which contains all three novellas
(Only published in the Novella Collection "Extra Credit" - The Ivy Years 6 which contains all three novellas
67 pages, Kindle Edition
8 people are currently reading
1093 people want to read
About the author
Sarina Bowen
105 books18.8k followers
Sarina Bowen is the 24-time USA Today bestselling and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of contemporary fiction, including: The Five Year Lie, the True North series, and the Brooklyn Hockey series. She's the co-author of Him/Us and the WAGs series with Elle Kennedy. And more!
You can find a complete reading order list of Sarina's books on her website. Or see what's coming next from Sarina, and sign up for her newsletter so you don't miss a new book or a deal.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
February 17, 2021
4 Stars
A much needed epilogue regarding Graham and Rikker, looking in on them approximately 8 months later which totally makes up for the absolute fretful time they gave me in The Understatement of the Year.
I’m ecstatic to see them secure and so in love despite some ongoing challenges. Warms my cold heart right up!
A much needed epilogue regarding Graham and Rikker, looking in on them approximately 8 months later which totally makes up for the absolute fretful time they gave me in The Understatement of the Year.
I’m ecstatic to see them secure and so in love despite some ongoing challenges. Warms my cold heart right up!
January 30, 2024
✰ 3.25 stars ✰
“Hands skim and caress.
Everything is finally okay.
I love you, my kisses say.
I know, is his reply.”
A much-needed and much-appreciated epilogue into the lives of two people who felt their happiest when with each other. It's only a brief look into their lives when Rikker takes Graham along with him to visit his parents back home for a week-long trip in an effort to repair his relationship with them, but it captures such a warmth and sweetness to how their affection and reliance on each other has become something so beautiful and tender. It is a big step for both of them, returning to the proverbial scene of the crime, so to speak - where it all began. 😥 But, Yesterday - as it's been quoted - 'is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but the present is a gift.' And while some old wounds can never heal, there is growth shown from both of them that really touched my heart. 💞
“Rikker smiles down at me, warmth in his eyes. His family is cruel, but that smile never dies. If I were ever as strong as Rikker, I’d be a worthy man.”
Rikker's mother - I have no words. It is an emotional time for him, and he tries to mend the battles, but some people are beyond help - some people can't even try. But, his father is - as awkward and as stilted his time was between the two - was able to give Rikker a little bit of closure - a small window of opportunity to air out the waves of grievances that hung between them. 😢 All this time, Rikker has always been a pillar of support for Graham; so to see those tables turned, to see Rikker being the vulnerable one - it's almost as if, it is a chance for Graham to redeem himself for the grievous past mistake that he could never forgive himself for. 'Graham will be my reward for suffering through a few days with my parents. He’s my happy thought.' And also for him to take the next important leap in accepting himself in front of others, as well. ❤️🩹
“I love you, and I’m never going to stop. I love you and I want to be with you, no matter how hard it is.
“How did you become the high-functioning person in this relationship?”
Graham lets out a burst of nervous laughter. “I know, right?” I lean in, letting him wrap me into a hug. “Everything I know I learned from you.”
And he really did step up his game; not only in his honesty of affections, and the gentle tenderness of his reassuring embrace, it's the courage to speak up for himself and admit to those things he had kept buried. To not hide away in shame and be proud of himself. His meeting with his old team was a crucial part of his growth and I loved how it was shown. 👌🏻👌🏻 A reunion of old friends that captured not only fond memories but the acceptance of those who are patient and willing to listen. And he was there for Rikker when he needed him; when Rikker was feeling hurt and alone, he was there. The uncertainty of their future lies in the balance, but one thing that remains unwavering for both is how much they deeply care for each other. 🫶🏻
“You’re going to be okay.”
“I’m fine,” I say quickly. But my eyes are stinging.
Fucking eyes.
“Uh-huh,” he agrees gently. I put my head back down on his chest, and his broad hand smooths the skin of my back.”
Baby penguins will make you cry; no, it's nothing like Happy Feet, but nature documentaries can reduce even the sturdiest of composures into a bubbling mess. 😭😭 I love how it ties in very neatly into Rikker's own vulnerable state of emotions, how his heart feels so raw right now. And who better to comfort him than Graham? 🫂 It was almost cathartic to see, like Graham had to redeem himself for the past, but it never felt forced; almost as if it's simply showing that everything will be okay. 🫶🏻🫶🏻
“I love you. So much.”
“I love you, too.” I let my eyes fall shut as he continues to rub my back.
“I’ll never stop.”
“Okay,” I agree shakily.”
🥺🥹
“Hands skim and caress.
Everything is finally okay.
I love you, my kisses say.
I know, is his reply.”
A much-needed and much-appreciated epilogue into the lives of two people who felt their happiest when with each other. It's only a brief look into their lives when Rikker takes Graham along with him to visit his parents back home for a week-long trip in an effort to repair his relationship with them, but it captures such a warmth and sweetness to how their affection and reliance on each other has become something so beautiful and tender. It is a big step for both of them, returning to the proverbial scene of the crime, so to speak - where it all began. 😥 But, Yesterday - as it's been quoted - 'is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but the present is a gift.' And while some old wounds can never heal, there is growth shown from both of them that really touched my heart. 💞
“Rikker smiles down at me, warmth in his eyes. His family is cruel, but that smile never dies. If I were ever as strong as Rikker, I’d be a worthy man.”
Rikker's mother - I have no words. It is an emotional time for him, and he tries to mend the battles, but some people are beyond help - some people can't even try. But, his father is - as awkward and as stilted his time was between the two - was able to give Rikker a little bit of closure - a small window of opportunity to air out the waves of grievances that hung between them. 😢 All this time, Rikker has always been a pillar of support for Graham; so to see those tables turned, to see Rikker being the vulnerable one - it's almost as if, it is a chance for Graham to redeem himself for the grievous past mistake that he could never forgive himself for. 'Graham will be my reward for suffering through a few days with my parents. He’s my happy thought.' And also for him to take the next important leap in accepting himself in front of others, as well. ❤️🩹
“I love you, and I’m never going to stop. I love you and I want to be with you, no matter how hard it is.
“How did you become the high-functioning person in this relationship?”
Graham lets out a burst of nervous laughter. “I know, right?” I lean in, letting him wrap me into a hug. “Everything I know I learned from you.”
And he really did step up his game; not only in his honesty of affections, and the gentle tenderness of his reassuring embrace, it's the courage to speak up for himself and admit to those things he had kept buried. To not hide away in shame and be proud of himself. His meeting with his old team was a crucial part of his growth and I loved how it was shown. 👌🏻👌🏻 A reunion of old friends that captured not only fond memories but the acceptance of those who are patient and willing to listen. And he was there for Rikker when he needed him; when Rikker was feeling hurt and alone, he was there. The uncertainty of their future lies in the balance, but one thing that remains unwavering for both is how much they deeply care for each other. 🫶🏻
“You’re going to be okay.”
“I’m fine,” I say quickly. But my eyes are stinging.
Fucking eyes.
“Uh-huh,” he agrees gently. I put my head back down on his chest, and his broad hand smooths the skin of my back.”
Baby penguins will make you cry; no, it's nothing like Happy Feet, but nature documentaries can reduce even the sturdiest of composures into a bubbling mess. 😭😭 I love how it ties in very neatly into Rikker's own vulnerable state of emotions, how his heart feels so raw right now. And who better to comfort him than Graham? 🫂 It was almost cathartic to see, like Graham had to redeem himself for the past, but it never felt forced; almost as if it's simply showing that everything will be okay. 🫶🏻🫶🏻
“I love you. So much.”
“I love you, too.” I let my eyes fall shut as he continues to rub my back.
“I’ll never stop.”
“Okay,” I agree shakily.”
🥺🥹
August 27, 2021
the Graham character growth that we should’ve witnessed three quarters into the main book!!! there’s some resolution with the parents (poor Rikker) and Graham is finally owning his sexuality, but unfortunately the novella’s too little too late when it comes to salvaging the story for me 😔
April 22, 2021
3.5
Bonus Rik and G, so I couldn't pass it up.
I'm still missing that feeling of true satisfaction, but damn are these two soft.
Bonus Rik and G, so I couldn't pass it up.
I'm still missing that feeling of true satisfaction, but damn are these two soft.
March 4, 2025
Not really enthusiastic about this. 2.75⭐
🔵 An epilogue to Rikker and Graham's story
🟢 Happening about a year after the ending of their book
🟡 No new developments
🌶️ Still FTB
So many events and interactions were packed into this small novella that you get very little alone time with the main characters. Basically nothing's changed.
We don't get their first summer together.
We don't know what happened after Rikker went back to the team without Graham.
How are they handling everything as a couple?
“I know we’re exclusive right now and don’t need them. But if there was a day coming when we weren’t anymore, and then we’d have to go back to condoms…” He winces. “That would be a really bad day.”
You're telling me they went through all this shit together to get to this point? How does this even come up??
And when Rikker finally decides to go back home, my first thought was they were going to just grab him and throw him into a conversion camp or something - and I wasn't far off!
The whole situation with his parents wasn't really resolved, even the relationship with Rikker's father brought nothing new to the table. Rikker could've stayed for that dinner and fought his mother and the pastor and dad would take his side. Something!
I don't think this is the epilogue I wanted. They still have a lot of ways to go until they finish college and then what? That's what I wanted to know.
🔵 An epilogue to Rikker and Graham's story
🟢 Happening about a year after the ending of their book
🟡 No new developments
🌶️ Still FTB
So many events and interactions were packed into this small novella that you get very little alone time with the main characters. Basically nothing's changed.
We don't get their first summer together.
We don't know what happened after Rikker went back to the team without Graham.
How are they handling everything as a couple?
“I know we’re exclusive right now and don’t need them. But if there was a day coming when we weren’t anymore, and then we’d have to go back to condoms…” He winces. “That would be a really bad day.”
You're telling me they went through all this shit together to get to this point? How does this even come up??
And when Rikker finally decides to go back home, my first thought was they were going to just grab him and throw him into a conversion camp or something - and I wasn't far off!
The whole situation with his parents wasn't really resolved, even the relationship with Rikker's father brought nothing new to the table. Rikker could've stayed for that dinner and fought his mother and the pastor and dad would take his side. Something!
I don't think this is the epilogue I wanted. They still have a lot of ways to go until they finish college and then what? That's what I wanted to know.
March 1, 2022
This is like the epilogue that is needed for Graham and Rikker's story. This takes place 8 months down the line. The two of them are still happy and in love with one another. There are still things that are unsure for them in the future but their love for one another is not one of them 💜
August 27, 2021
Read for Graham and Rikker only.
Kind of cute, kind of sweet, and definitely short. Liked that Graham was so open after a few years, but not much else was that fun.
Kind of cute, kind of sweet, and definitely short. Liked that Graham was so open after a few years, but not much else was that fun.
December 30, 2022
What a pleasure it is to spend some more time with Rikker and Graham. They’re still my favorite hockey players ❤️
October 23, 2024
This was cute, a nice little wrap up for Graham and Rikker's story 😊
January 24, 2021
Michael Graham and John Rikker are back. While Graham's family have accepted him unconditionally, at the Rikker's residence things are still cold and unforgiven. Luckily Rikker's father is proud of him and accepts him as he is.
Graham has grown a lot, he owns his sexuality and his boyfriend.
I loved reading about these two, about their plans for the future and their family issues.
Part of the The Ivy Years Series and Graham and Rikken's story must be read in order:
June 23, 2021
And STILL we don't know if Rikk and G end up together after Rikk finishes college...WHY can't we have a HEA story for these two?? I 😍😍😍 them to bits.
May 14, 2023
Ivy Years (4,5): Gisteren ~ Sarina Bowen
SVM Publishing, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Rikker en Graham zijn samen zó cute, dus heel blij dat we met deze novelle nog een stukje extra van hun verhaal kunnen lezen. Wat zijn beide personages toch enorm gegroeid, en niet alleen in hun liefde voor elkaar... ♡
www.facebook.com/thebookbabecisz
SVM Publishing, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Rikker en Graham zijn samen zó cute, dus heel blij dat we met deze novelle nog een stukje extra van hun verhaal kunnen lezen. Wat zijn beide personages toch enorm gegroeid, en niet alleen in hun liefde voor elkaar... ♡
www.facebook.com/thebookbabecisz
September 21, 2019
Rikker & Graham 💚💚💚
Trip back home is bittersweet.
Trip back home is bittersweet.
February 6, 2023
The Understatement of the Year had a kind of open ending: Graham had overcome his massive paranoia, they were solid, but Rikker's relationship with his parents unresolved.
Yesterday visits those two about half a year after the end of UotY around Christmas: Rikker comes to visit his parents with a (longer than expected) detour at Grahams house. Some issues get resolved, others cannot be resolved, but some important issues get tackled/discussed.
Some other authors would have stuffed all of this in one epilogue, but I'm glad Sarina Bowen didn't do this but wrote a separate short piece.
Rikker and Graham are just absolutely adorable and in believably manly hockey players (even though Graham is concentrating on something else now.
Yesterday visits those two about half a year after the end of UotY around Christmas: Rikker comes to visit his parents with a (longer than expected) detour at Grahams house. Some issues get resolved, others cannot be resolved, but some important issues get tackled/discussed.
Some other authors would have stuffed all of this in one epilogue, but I'm glad Sarina Bowen didn't do this but wrote a separate short piece.
Rikker and Graham are just absolutely adorable and in believably manly hockey players (even though Graham is concentrating on something else now.
January 2, 2022
5 stars
Well it is the follow up to one of my favourite ever m/m romances!
Well it is the follow up to one of my favourite ever m/m romances!
February 9, 2024
So sweet…..so glad to have had this epilogue…..why is it so short, sigh….
May 23, 2024
This is the Graham and Rikker epilogue I needed. I would have loved to see even more of this duo out and happy together, but this felt like a good start.
March 6, 2022
I wanted to see the wedding
April 11, 2024
- loved this, the epilogue we needed since the book ended a bit abruptly
- bonus novella was pretty good, too. I really enjoyed the penguin baby being saved, thank god! And we sorta got a half open and half closed door steam scene. Also Mrs. G is wonderful. I loved the conversation about how Graham wanted to have a concrete plan to present to Rikker on where he was going to work after graduation and how they were going to stay together no matter what. And then the whole condoms discussion and Rikker realizing that Graham still didn’t fully think they were solid… and then Rikker reassuring him that this was it. Like what a great bonus epilogue!
✅ feels
- bonus novella was pretty good, too. I really enjoyed the penguin baby being saved, thank god! And we sorta got a half open and half closed door steam scene. Also Mrs. G is wonderful. I loved the conversation about how Graham wanted to have a concrete plan to present to Rikker on where he was going to work after graduation and how they were going to stay together no matter what. And then the whole condoms discussion and Rikker realizing that Graham still didn’t fully think they were solid… and then Rikker reassuring him that this was it. Like what a great bonus epilogue!
✅ feels
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 18, 2020
I was so excited to hear that we were getting a little more of Graham and Rikker. I loved this. Graham has come a long way and become more comfortable with himself. Rikker has a tougher time in this one and it broke my heart a bit to see how him Mom treated him. But with how his Dad responded, it was enough to know that he will be ok as well. I missed them and this was a perfect little snippet of their life together now.
August 17, 2023
Una historia extra que sirve como epílogo de la historia de Rikker y Graham. Me ha gustado ver cómo está su relación meses después del final del libro, The understatement of the year.
Rikker vuelve después de 7 años a su ciudad natal, en Michigan, para visitar a sus padres que le repudiaron al enterarse que era gay debido a su homofobia y a su fanatismo religioso. Graham está ahí para él. Me ha encantado ver la evolución del personaje de Graham, cómo ha conseguido superar todas las dificultades y lo enamorados que están el uno del otro.
El epílogo se hace un poco corto. Me he quedado con ganas de leer cómo les va en un futuro, si Graham consigue el trabajo de sus sueños, si Rikker consigue triunfar en el hockey o si tienen que llevar a cabo una relación a distancia.
#M-M-romance #Sports-romance
Rikker vuelve después de 7 años a su ciudad natal, en Michigan, para visitar a sus padres que le repudiaron al enterarse que era gay debido a su homofobia y a su fanatismo religioso. Graham está ahí para él. Me ha encantado ver la evolución del personaje de Graham, cómo ha conseguido superar todas las dificultades y lo enamorados que están el uno del otro.
El epílogo se hace un poco corto. Me he quedado con ganas de leer cómo les va en un futuro, si Graham consigue el trabajo de sus sueños, si Rikker consigue triunfar en el hockey o si tienen que llevar a cabo una relación a distancia.
#M-M-romance #Sports-romance
November 20, 2024
Graham: You didn’t point out the most lickable players, and rate them on a scale of 1-10?
Rikker: Why bother? You’re hotter than the whole team. Times ten.
OMG! What a treat! This is the epilogue we very much need from Graham and Rikker. I can finally sleep knowing Graham will never let go of Rikker’s hand, ever.
It has almost all the elements I needed from the previous book.
Thanks to Megan for making the existence of this novella known to my dummy self. I wouldn’t realize it existed otherwise.
PS.: For some reason, I found it really cute that when G and his family referred to Rik as John. Idk whyyyy 😩🫣
Rikker: Why bother? You’re hotter than the whole team. Times ten.
OMG! What a treat! This is the epilogue we very much need from Graham and Rikker. I can finally sleep knowing Graham will never let go of Rikker’s hand, ever.
It has almost all the elements I needed from the previous book.
Thanks to Megan for making the existence of this novella known to my dummy self. I wouldn’t realize it existed otherwise.
PS.: For some reason, I found it really cute that when G and his family referred to Rik as John. Idk whyyyy 😩🫣
January 28, 2025
Super cute super short book about Graham and Rikker.
An update about them visiting their hometown and how that goes down from for them.
I loved it and actually cried the middle of it 💖
There are some hot spicy scenes too 🌶🌶🌶
I really hope we get another Rikker/Graham follow-up book. They are one of my favorite Sarina couples right up there with the Him, Us,
Epic guys.
On to Rookie Move the Brooklyn Bruisers series.
An update about them visiting their hometown and how that goes down from for them.
I loved it and actually cried the middle of it 💖
There are some hot spicy scenes too 🌶🌶🌶
I really hope we get another Rikker/Graham follow-up book. They are one of my favorite Sarina couples right up there with the Him, Us,
Epic guys.
On to Rookie Move the Brooklyn Bruisers series.
March 13, 2021
I love the figuring out of it. These years are formative and yet fleeting. A time to be free, yet responsible and all the messes and miracles made in between. Sarina Bowen gives me warmth to soothe those heart wrenching moments away.
I adored this series and these novellas. It's a great place to be in the storytelling world of Sarina Bowen.
Thank you
I adored this series and these novellas. It's a great place to be in the storytelling world of Sarina Bowen.
Thank you
September 14, 2021
I liked seeing Graham and Rikker again and I thought that this was a nice short story.
Rikker’s Grandma seemed fine but she’s only mentioned once. I didn’t like Rikker’s mother and I didn’t understand his father.
Graham’s parents and his high school friends could have been shown more.
I can’t wait to read other series by this author.
Rikker’s Grandma seemed fine but she’s only mentioned once. I didn’t like Rikker’s mother and I didn’t understand his father.
Graham’s parents and his high school friends could have been shown more.
I can’t wait to read other series by this author.
May 23, 2021
I need more Graham & Rikker in my life. Understatement of the Year is perhaps my favorite Sarina Bowen novel.
Dear Sarina Bowen,
Please allow Graham & Rik to make additional appearances in the Bruisers series.
With Gratitude,
Me
Dear Sarina Bowen,
Please allow Graham & Rik to make additional appearances in the Bruisers series.
With Gratitude,
Me
August 21, 2023
een kort verhaal, dus meestal is dat niet zo mijn ding
maar ik ben zo verliefd op deze serie, dat ik dit boekje verslonden heb
lijkt meer op enkele extra hoofdstukken in een boek, omdat beide personages al gekend zijn
ik genoot er dus van met volle teugen
maar ik ben zo verliefd op deze serie, dat ik dit boekje verslonden heb
lijkt meer op enkele extra hoofdstukken in een boek, omdat beide personages al gekend zijn
ik genoot er dus van met volle teugen
January 10, 2024
totally forgot to mark this as read since I desperately read it right after the book. this novella wraps up the understatement of the year in a very satisfying way, and it should've been part of the actual book.
April 24, 2024
i only read rikker and graham's story! super cute and sweet. im glad there wasn't any angst between them besides post-grad stuff. that part is relatable because post-grad life is so depressing and stressful.
October 7, 2025
I still love Graham and Rikker was much as I did in their story! They prove, once again, sometimes you can go home again, and sometimes you can’t. I did like that Rikker got some closure on a part of his life, and that they solidified that they were indeed, each others end game <3
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews