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Port Java #1
Finally Us
With college on the horizon, can best friends find the freedom to love one another no matter how much history is between them?
Trevor and Gabe never knew life without the other. As only children, they grew up as close as brothers, but their love grew to something more.
Something they couldn't talk about because their parents wouldn't understand...
Gabe is gay and unapologetic about his sexuality. He refuses to live his life in the shadows, but that doesn't mean he isn't harboring secrets.
Trevor is his parents’ miracle child and he doesn’t want to hurt them. Coming out, admitting he's in love with Gabe, could ruin everything.
Trevor and Gabe never knew life without the other. As only children, they grew up as close as brothers, but their love grew to something more.
Something they couldn't talk about because their parents wouldn't understand...
Gabe is gay and unapologetic about his sexuality. He refuses to live his life in the shadows, but that doesn't mean he isn't harboring secrets.
Trevor is his parents’ miracle child and he doesn’t want to hurt them. Coming out, admitting he's in love with Gabe, could ruin everything.
215 pages, ebook
First published November 27, 2017
67 people are currently reading
172 people want to read
About the author
Sloan Johnson
26 books836 followersSloan Johnson is a big city girl trapped in a country girl’s body. While she longs for the hustle and bustle of New York City or Las Vegas, she hasn’t yet figured out how to sit on the deck with her morning coffee, watching the deer and wild turkeys in the fields while surrounded by concrete and glass.
When she was three, her parents received their first call from the principal asking them to pick her up from school. Apparently, if you aren’t enrolled, you can’t attend classes, even in Kindergarten. The next week, she was in preschool and started plotting her first story soon after.
Later in life, her parents needed to do something to help their socially awkward, uncoordinated child come out of her shell and figured there was no better place than a bar on Wednesday nights. It’s a good thing they did because this is where she found her love of reading and writing. Who needs socialization when you can sit alone in your bedroom with a good book?
Now, Sloan is a tattooed, purple haired mom of two kids, one of which was a thank you present to her husband for letting her get a Staffordshire Terrier with more anxiety issues than Sloan has, which is saying something. She’s been kicked out of the PTA in two school districts and is no longer asked to help with fundraisers because she’s been known to lose herself in a good book and forget that she has somewhere to be.
When she was three, her parents received their first call from the principal asking them to pick her up from school. Apparently, if you aren’t enrolled, you can’t attend classes, even in Kindergarten. The next week, she was in preschool and started plotting her first story soon after.
Later in life, her parents needed to do something to help their socially awkward, uncoordinated child come out of her shell and figured there was no better place than a bar on Wednesday nights. It’s a good thing they did because this is where she found her love of reading and writing. Who needs socialization when you can sit alone in your bedroom with a good book?
Now, Sloan is a tattooed, purple haired mom of two kids, one of which was a thank you present to her husband for letting her get a Staffordshire Terrier with more anxiety issues than Sloan has, which is saying something. She’s been kicked out of the PTA in two school districts and is no longer asked to help with fundraisers because she’s been known to lose herself in a good book and forget that she has somewhere to be.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
November 27, 2017
This is a fantastic coming of age, first love, young adult romance from Sloan Johnson with enough drama to stop it being too sweet but without any unnecessary angst.
Gabe and Trevor are fully flesh out young men, different enough to have their own unique voice but both demonstrating typical traits of being young men finding their feet at college and in a relationship.
I loved all the family dynamics in this one and the sense of college life was well done. The steady expansion of their relationship from friends to lovers was also handled realistically, although my personal preference would have been for a bit less fade to black or happening off page, so the reader would have seen even more of the love and care they took with each other.
Great setting and hopefully there's more to come as I'd love to find out more about Seth and Jessie.
#ARC received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
Gabe and Trevor are fully flesh out young men, different enough to have their own unique voice but both demonstrating typical traits of being young men finding their feet at college and in a relationship.
I loved all the family dynamics in this one and the sense of college life was well done. The steady expansion of their relationship from friends to lovers was also handled realistically, although my personal preference would have been for a bit less fade to black or happening off page, so the reader would have seen even more of the love and care they took with each other.
Great setting and hopefully there's more to come as I'd love to find out more about Seth and Jessie.
#ARC received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
December 3, 2017
I received a copy of this title to read and review for Wicked Reads
3.5 Stars
Inseparable is the short journey between a pair of best friends who've known each other inside and out since birth. Their families are close, mothers especially, and they've kept their relationship a secret as they ended their high school career.
With the escape of college, Gabe & Trevor are rooming together, finally taking their relationship to the next level. Gabe is an open book to Trevor, a heart-on-the-sleeve type of guy, whereas Trevor is terrified to come out, leaving Gabe to feel as if he's a dirty secret to be kept behind the locked door of a closet.
Sugary sweet, the entire time I was reading, I was waiting for the other shoe to drop into angsty drama territory, because the novel was always on a romance high, from start to finish. The same feel from page one until nearly the end, the only conflict self-created.
For readers looking for an easy, quick read, wanting a book that doesn't stress them out, never fear- other than an irrational miscommunication scene, with Trevor's fear causing him to keep their relationship in neutral, don't worry something major is going to leap out at you from the pages.
Inseparable was a romantic read, between a pair of best friends, navigating a new world.
3.5 Stars
Inseparable is the short journey between a pair of best friends who've known each other inside and out since birth. Their families are close, mothers especially, and they've kept their relationship a secret as they ended their high school career.
With the escape of college, Gabe & Trevor are rooming together, finally taking their relationship to the next level. Gabe is an open book to Trevor, a heart-on-the-sleeve type of guy, whereas Trevor is terrified to come out, leaving Gabe to feel as if he's a dirty secret to be kept behind the locked door of a closet.
Sugary sweet, the entire time I was reading, I was waiting for the other shoe to drop into angsty drama territory, because the novel was always on a romance high, from start to finish. The same feel from page one until nearly the end, the only conflict self-created.
For readers looking for an easy, quick read, wanting a book that doesn't stress them out, never fear- other than an irrational miscommunication scene, with Trevor's fear causing him to keep their relationship in neutral, don't worry something major is going to leap out at you from the pages.
Inseparable was a romantic read, between a pair of best friends, navigating a new world.
December 9, 2017
3.5 Stars
I usually love Sloan’s books, but I’m sad to say this one missed the mark for me.
Trevor and Gabe have been inseparable since they were born and have admitted, in the past year, to being attracted to each other, but they have kept things in the friends-zone for the most part out of fear of being discovered by their parents, who still have no clue Trevor is gay.
I liked Gabe, as far as his feelings and what he wanted from their relationship, he was sure-footed and confident in how he felt about Trevor and what he wanted for them. Trevor, on the other hand, was annoying with his push and pull routine. I actually wasn’t sure for quite some time if he was even on the same page as Gabe when it came to how they felt. He would pull away and then come on really strong and this was a pattern throughout the entire story.
As far as school and the future, academically and career wise, they were at opposite ends of the spectrum. Trevor has his college career and future planned out while Gabe is having trouble adjusting to college and deciding what he wants for himself in the future, well, besides Trevor, he knows he wants him.
This was a sweet story, almost sugary sweet at times, but I never felt comfortable when it came to Gabe and Trevor’s relationship and I spent most of the book with a rock in the pit of my stomach waiting for something terrible to happen. I love the college setting and I really loved watching Gabe open up and blossom. As for Trevor, although we got his POV, I felt I didn’t know him as well, aside from school stuff, whereas I found Gabe to be better developed when it came to getting to know what he was liked outside of the college and Trevor. I loved watching him join a group and make friends.
Now I’m gonna get to the thing I really disliked about this story, and I know some won’t like it or agree with me, but oh well. I don’t care if an author doesn’t want to write sex in a book, you want to write fade to black sex scenes, go for it, while not my preference, it’s the author’s prerogative. This story had fade to black sex, which would have been fine if the author hadn’t focused so much on sex. Let’s face it, Gabe and Trevor are away from the watchful eyes of parents for the first time and have found their sexual awakening and freedom. They talked about and thought about sex almost constantly. They rubbed up against one another and dipped fingers into each other’s pants continually throughout the story. They kissed and nibbled on jaws and ears, it was all very sensual and there was even a scene with condoms, lube, fingers and a hole, yet as soon as they would get busy, fade to black. I was so beyond frustrated and I wanted to throw my iPad across the room. This story was a big sex tease, in my opinion and I hated that aspect of it and I’m really hoping this won’t be the path this author's future books will take.
The writing, as always, is good, but I can’t really say that I enjoyed the story, especially Trevor’s mother. She was over the top protective and meddling and her reaction to Trevor and Gabe turned my stomach and I wanted to throat punch her, as well as the other 3 parents when, in my opinion, they didn’t really stand up for Trevor and Gabe and the resolution to the situation was too rushed and abrupt.
Look, I feel a bit bad, because while my review is rather negative, this wasn’t a bad book per se, it just wasn’t for me. It frustrated me to no end, so I can’t say it was enjoyable and that hurts because I’ve read all of this author's books and have loved most. I just hope this isn’t what the future holds, because I really liked Seth, Gabe and Trevor’s suite mate, and am looking forward to his story. I guess I’ll just have to wait and see.
*copy provided by author/publisher in exchange for an honest review*
I usually love Sloan’s books, but I’m sad to say this one missed the mark for me.
Trevor and Gabe have been inseparable since they were born and have admitted, in the past year, to being attracted to each other, but they have kept things in the friends-zone for the most part out of fear of being discovered by their parents, who still have no clue Trevor is gay.
I liked Gabe, as far as his feelings and what he wanted from their relationship, he was sure-footed and confident in how he felt about Trevor and what he wanted for them. Trevor, on the other hand, was annoying with his push and pull routine. I actually wasn’t sure for quite some time if he was even on the same page as Gabe when it came to how they felt. He would pull away and then come on really strong and this was a pattern throughout the entire story.
As far as school and the future, academically and career wise, they were at opposite ends of the spectrum. Trevor has his college career and future planned out while Gabe is having trouble adjusting to college and deciding what he wants for himself in the future, well, besides Trevor, he knows he wants him.
This was a sweet story, almost sugary sweet at times, but I never felt comfortable when it came to Gabe and Trevor’s relationship and I spent most of the book with a rock in the pit of my stomach waiting for something terrible to happen. I love the college setting and I really loved watching Gabe open up and blossom. As for Trevor, although we got his POV, I felt I didn’t know him as well, aside from school stuff, whereas I found Gabe to be better developed when it came to getting to know what he was liked outside of the college and Trevor. I loved watching him join a group and make friends.
Now I’m gonna get to the thing I really disliked about this story, and I know some won’t like it or agree with me, but oh well. I don’t care if an author doesn’t want to write sex in a book, you want to write fade to black sex scenes, go for it, while not my preference, it’s the author’s prerogative. This story had fade to black sex, which would have been fine if the author hadn’t focused so much on sex. Let’s face it, Gabe and Trevor are away from the watchful eyes of parents for the first time and have found their sexual awakening and freedom. They talked about and thought about sex almost constantly. They rubbed up against one another and dipped fingers into each other’s pants continually throughout the story. They kissed and nibbled on jaws and ears, it was all very sensual and there was even a scene with condoms, lube, fingers and a hole, yet as soon as they would get busy, fade to black. I was so beyond frustrated and I wanted to throw my iPad across the room. This story was a big sex tease, in my opinion and I hated that aspect of it and I’m really hoping this won’t be the path this author's future books will take.
The writing, as always, is good, but I can’t really say that I enjoyed the story, especially Trevor’s mother. She was over the top protective and meddling and her reaction to Trevor and Gabe turned my stomach and I wanted to throat punch her, as well as the other 3 parents when, in my opinion, they didn’t really stand up for Trevor and Gabe and the resolution to the situation was too rushed and abrupt.
Look, I feel a bit bad, because while my review is rather negative, this wasn’t a bad book per se, it just wasn’t for me. It frustrated me to no end, so I can’t say it was enjoyable and that hurts because I’ve read all of this author's books and have loved most. I just hope this isn’t what the future holds, because I really liked Seth, Gabe and Trevor’s suite mate, and am looking forward to his story. I guess I’ll just have to wait and see.
*copy provided by author/publisher in exchange for an honest review*
December 5, 2017
Needs Editing...and Perspective
There is a lot of useless melodrama here. It kinda wreaks of first world problems. I couldn't take Trevor and Gabe seriously because of their ridiculously over the top angst regarding the supposed complexity of their relationship issues.
To top It all off, Parker apparently didn't even proofread this. I lost count of how many times DeeDee was changed from Gabe's mom to Trevor's and then back again. The phrase "your mom and DeeDee" was used during both POVs, and it made me think Parker originally wrote this with a single POV, but never bothered to change certain elements.
The conflicts are wrapped up with a speed that belies the weight they were given throughout the story, and I never really felt a connection between the two boys who were supposedly so in love.
There is a lot of useless melodrama here. It kinda wreaks of first world problems. I couldn't take Trevor and Gabe seriously because of their ridiculously over the top angst regarding the supposed complexity of their relationship issues.
To top It all off, Parker apparently didn't even proofread this. I lost count of how many times DeeDee was changed from Gabe's mom to Trevor's and then back again. The phrase "your mom and DeeDee" was used during both POVs, and it made me think Parker originally wrote this with a single POV, but never bothered to change certain elements.
The conflicts are wrapped up with a speed that belies the weight they were given throughout the story, and I never really felt a connection between the two boys who were supposedly so in love.
December 10, 2017
Hmm...I don't know. Maybe it's just me. But I didn't feel any strong chemistry between Gabe and Trevor. The moms annoyed me, they're too nosy, imo.
Gabe spent too much time with his friend Seth. I almost thought that Seth has a 'thing' for him.
Trevor and Gabe didn't do anything meaningful to let us reader know that they're deserved each other and made for each other.
Their relationship is too fragile. Even it based on bestfriend's first.
I worried they couldn't keep the relationship for too long.
It's a HFN though. I'm not convinced.
I think this is just an okay read for me, besides, the writing style is not my cuppa. Sorry.
Gabe spent too much time with his friend Seth. I almost thought that Seth has a 'thing' for him.
Trevor and Gabe didn't do anything meaningful to let us reader know that they're deserved each other and made for each other.
Their relationship is too fragile. Even it based on bestfriend's first.
I worried they couldn't keep the relationship for too long.
It's a HFN though. I'm not convinced.
I think this is just an okay read for me, besides, the writing style is not my cuppa. Sorry.
August 9, 2020
Cute. I guess my only “but” was how close they’re suppose to be, “know everything” about each other and yet they kinda didn’t. A lot of missed opportunities. But nevertheless entertaining.
November 27, 2017
ARC received from author for an honest review
I adore Sloan Johnson's words. Devour every new story she gives us.
Inseparable is a NA (which I don't read too much of -old fart here) coming out, coming of age story.
It ticks a lot of my boxes and touches on many issues that people leaving home for the first time deal with. I loved that Trevor and Gabe were already kinda together as the story starts, as it lets them deal with more than the fact that they like each other.
There is great family dynamics (though even I as the reader felt a little bit smothered by them at times!) I enjoyed seeing our lovelies spread their wings and fly.
There are some fantastic secondary characters that I would love to see more of in the future also.
Short, sweet and lovely story.
I adore Sloan Johnson's words. Devour every new story she gives us.
Inseparable is a NA (which I don't read too much of -old fart here) coming out, coming of age story.
It ticks a lot of my boxes and touches on many issues that people leaving home for the first time deal with. I loved that Trevor and Gabe were already kinda together as the story starts, as it lets them deal with more than the fact that they like each other.
There is great family dynamics (though even I as the reader felt a little bit smothered by them at times!) I enjoyed seeing our lovelies spread their wings and fly.
There are some fantastic secondary characters that I would love to see more of in the future also.
Short, sweet and lovely story.
November 28, 2017
**I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.**
Sloan Johnson has quickly turned into one of my go-to m/m authors. Her stories are gripping and emotional with just the right mix of sexy. Once I got my hands on Inseparable I finished it in one sitting. I had to know what was going to happen between Trevor and Gabe!
Trevor and Gabe are best friends. They grew up together and fell in love. Going to the same college and living in the same dorm is going to be the time they need to finally be together without sneaking around. They are both tired of hiding who they are to each other. But all the big dreams they had of what college was going to be like are diminished when they find out it's nothing like they were expecting.
Inseparable is about fighting for that person that makes your heart skip a beat. I loved Gabe and Trevor, it's the perfect story of finding themselves and finding out how to live in their new reality.
And of course...Ms. Johnson pulls no punches with the heart strings in this one!!
Sloan Johnson has quickly turned into one of my go-to m/m authors. Her stories are gripping and emotional with just the right mix of sexy. Once I got my hands on Inseparable I finished it in one sitting. I had to know what was going to happen between Trevor and Gabe!
Trevor and Gabe are best friends. They grew up together and fell in love. Going to the same college and living in the same dorm is going to be the time they need to finally be together without sneaking around. They are both tired of hiding who they are to each other. But all the big dreams they had of what college was going to be like are diminished when they find out it's nothing like they were expecting.
Inseparable is about fighting for that person that makes your heart skip a beat. I loved Gabe and Trevor, it's the perfect story of finding themselves and finding out how to live in their new reality.
And of course...Ms. Johnson pulls no punches with the heart strings in this one!!
December 10, 2017
I was given a copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
This is a sweet and angsty story about two best friends starting their first year of college together. Gabe and Trevor grew up together. Their families are inseparable and somewhere along the way they fell in love with each other.
At it’s best, this story captures some of the magic of first love and some of the anxieties faced by the two boys as they start adulting and adjusting to life on their own. These two are sweet and at times they struggle to find space to develop as individuals while nurturing their relationship. But this is a slow story and there is far more angst than the situations probably merited.
At times this story where it felt like a parent’s slightly wishful take on the college freshman experience. Trevor and Gabe’s sexual boundaries and hang ups really didn’t make sense to me. They are lifetime BFFs who are constantly anxious about going too far and moving too fast. It didn’t feel terribly realistic. These two are far too chaste and way too involved with their parents. Teenage boys like Trevor and Gabe might exist - but I’ve never met any. As the story progressed, I found their sexual boundaries and hang ups pretty irritating.
This is a low heat romance that reads more like a young adult book than a new adult book. Gabe and Trevor feel really young and their helicopter parents are always a little bit too involved in their college lives.
This is a sweet and angsty story about two best friends starting their first year of college together. Gabe and Trevor grew up together. Their families are inseparable and somewhere along the way they fell in love with each other.
At it’s best, this story captures some of the magic of first love and some of the anxieties faced by the two boys as they start adulting and adjusting to life on their own. These two are sweet and at times they struggle to find space to develop as individuals while nurturing their relationship. But this is a slow story and there is far more angst than the situations probably merited.
At times this story where it felt like a parent’s slightly wishful take on the college freshman experience. Trevor and Gabe’s sexual boundaries and hang ups really didn’t make sense to me. They are lifetime BFFs who are constantly anxious about going too far and moving too fast. It didn’t feel terribly realistic. These two are far too chaste and way too involved with their parents. Teenage boys like Trevor and Gabe might exist - but I’ve never met any. As the story progressed, I found their sexual boundaries and hang ups pretty irritating.
This is a low heat romance that reads more like a young adult book than a new adult book. Gabe and Trevor feel really young and their helicopter parents are always a little bit too involved in their college lives.
November 26, 2017
I enjoyed this, what is essentially a NA MM coming out story. It ticks so many important boxes and touches on so many things that young mostly-closeted gay men, fresh at college may feel. Add in two of the very best of friends who have felt the need to hide their relationship from their parents fear of the reaction they may receive and you have a scenario that reads true and sympathetic.
Trevor and Gabe manage to negotiate their insecurities, both within themselves and of their relationship in a relatively mature manner. We are often reminded that they are both only nineteen years old, that they are experiencing the stresses that come with being together, being in the closet, being in their first year of college, being away from home for the first time and dealing with at least one helicopter mother who doesn't know how or when you let go.
I was lucky to receive an ARC for 'Inseparable' from the author so am aware that there will be some edits before release.
I enjoyed this book.
Trevor and Gabe manage to negotiate their insecurities, both within themselves and of their relationship in a relatively mature manner. We are often reminded that they are both only nineteen years old, that they are experiencing the stresses that come with being together, being in the closet, being in their first year of college, being away from home for the first time and dealing with at least one helicopter mother who doesn't know how or when you let go.
I was lucky to receive an ARC for 'Inseparable' from the author so am aware that there will be some edits before release.
I enjoyed this book.
December 14, 2017
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~
3.5*s of inseparability
This is the perfect read for the end of a long or difficult week. It is soft and loving and brings all the warm feelings that a long time friendship can, as well as the usual run of ups and downs. The abiding knowledge that they have of everything about each other is reassuring and romantic.
It is so usual in a romance that there is a point where it could all go terribly wrong, that I kept waiting for it to happen - and as the pages counted down, I started to believe that it didn't need a major drama, and was happy that in the end the title was exactly what they achieved.
3.5*s of inseparability
This is the perfect read for the end of a long or difficult week. It is soft and loving and brings all the warm feelings that a long time friendship can, as well as the usual run of ups and downs. The abiding knowledge that they have of everything about each other is reassuring and romantic.
It is so usual in a romance that there is a point where it could all go terribly wrong, that I kept waiting for it to happen - and as the pages counted down, I started to believe that it didn't need a major drama, and was happy that in the end the title was exactly what they achieved.
January 5, 2018
2.5 stars . It just didn’t work for me. I found it hard to get into and from about 40% I found my self skimming. Too much melodrama and over thinking. I didn’t feel their connection at all unfortunately it just didn’t work.
January 11, 2018
Great contemporary romance. The beginning was a bit slow, but about halfway through it really picked up for me. Definitely recommend this to fan of gay romance who like college guy and friends-to-lovers.
December 10, 2017
I recieved a copy to read and review for Wicked Reads
Another great story by Sloan Johnson. This book just made my heart melt. Trevor and Gabe had one heck of a ride. We saw all the ups and downs that happen in all relationships and how to get through it all and still come out on the other end. I loved these guys and their story. I would think this would be a good book for young adults to read as well.
Another great story by Sloan Johnson. This book just made my heart melt. Trevor and Gabe had one heck of a ride. We saw all the ups and downs that happen in all relationships and how to get through it all and still come out on the other end. I loved these guys and their story. I would think this would be a good book for young adults to read as well.
January 4, 2018
~ 3.5 Stars ~
Inseparable is the latest offering by author Sloan Johnson. It is a coming of age/coming out novel that easily fits into the Young Adult category given it’s tendency to have most intimate scenes fade to black, allowing for very little actual on-page sex, but has been labeled New Adult. What this story may lack in graphic sex it makes up for by exploring the emotions of its two main characters, their home lives, and their very different concerns about coming out to their families.
Trevor was the miracle baby for his parents. His mom, in particular, wanted many children but discovered fairly early on that getting pregnant was nearly impossible. When Trevor came along, they knew he would be their only one, and that’s when his mother began inserting herself in her son’s life to the point where it became stifling. As an only child, Trevor felt the weight of his mother’s expectations for him to get a good education, meet and marry a nice girl and give her grandkids, pretty heavily. Unfortunately his heart had other ideas, and when he realized he was gay and, worse yet, in love with his best friend, he panicked. What if Gabe found out that Trevor had a crush on him and rejected him. What if he lost his best friend?
It turns out that Trevor had no need to worry, for Gabe was just as interested in him. However, unlike Trevor, Gabe’s parents knew that he was gay, and were very accepting. What they didn’t know was that Gabe was in love with his best friend—the one who lives just a few houses away, and whose parents were as close as the boys were. To compound the weirdness, it turns out that Gabe and Trevor are related, not by blood but by their widowed grandparents remarrying each other, making their mothers stepsisters, and Gabe and Trevor step-cousins. If your head is spinning a bit, join the club, for mine was as well.
Everything comes to a head when the boys leave for college. Suddenly they must adjust to being able to be together but still keep it a secret, for fear of it getting back to their parents. Neither boy is quite ready to tell their folks, but it ends up that Gabe turns that corner well before Trevor, which makes their new relationship rather strained. As time passes, more and more truths crop up that the boys must face—openly communicating their fears and worries is tantamount and pretty hard to do. Before long, the future for our two young lovers is looking uncertain, and the idea of coming out becomes even more critical if their love is to survive.
There was much to appreciate about this novel. First and foremost was the way in which the author chose to allow the reader to experience all the many emotions that Trevor and Gabe grappled with as they maneuvered through this new chapter in their lives. It was so effective to have the boys realize that whereas college should have been this amazing time of living together openly, they still had to hide due to the fact that Trevor was so afraid of letting his parents know he was gay, especially his mom. She defined the idea of a controlling parent, and I was thrilled to see Trevor grow so much during the first year of university that he was able to combat her persistent negativity.
Gabe was the epitome of a typical college freshman, really not aware of what he wanted to do with his life. From trying to not push his sensitive and fearful boyfriend into a physical relationship that neither was fully comfortable with, yet to simply finding his way through a year that was alternately boring and unsatisfying, Gabe was swamped with all the uncertainty one might expect. While his parents might support him being gay, he was not quite so sure they would approve of him settling for the best friend he had grown up with as his first boyfriend. But it was Gabe’s sensitivity toward Trevor that really made this novel so very sweet.
Gabe took care of him, tried his best to be open and supportive, and put off coming out to everyone because of him. Trevor was always appreciative and fully aware that his fears were holding both of them back. When things came to a head, and Trevor accidentally blurted out more secrets than he ever meant to, it was staggering to him to realize what a weight had lifted once everything was out in the open. Even then the author didn’t give her men an easy road. Rather, it was a realistic one fraught with all the emotional upheaval one can expect.
As good and realistic as their journey was, I felt, at times, the story was a bit labored, spending much too much time on Trevor’s worries and not enough time on moving the story forward. I also felt that Trevor’s reaction to Gabe’s secret was a little over-the-top, as was his own mother’s response. It was just a bit too dramatic when most of the novel was really spot-on in its attempt to depict real life problems facing both young men. In the end, I felt the quick final resolution to most, if not all, of the problems facing Gabe and Trevor was just too easy. It took away from all the hard work both boys had done when wading through the pitfalls of a new relationship. However, Inseparable still provided a realistic and compelling view of the many emotions and decisions that accompany coming out today.
Reviewed by Sammy for The Novel Approach
Inseparable is the latest offering by author Sloan Johnson. It is a coming of age/coming out novel that easily fits into the Young Adult category given it’s tendency to have most intimate scenes fade to black, allowing for very little actual on-page sex, but has been labeled New Adult. What this story may lack in graphic sex it makes up for by exploring the emotions of its two main characters, their home lives, and their very different concerns about coming out to their families.
Trevor was the miracle baby for his parents. His mom, in particular, wanted many children but discovered fairly early on that getting pregnant was nearly impossible. When Trevor came along, they knew he would be their only one, and that’s when his mother began inserting herself in her son’s life to the point where it became stifling. As an only child, Trevor felt the weight of his mother’s expectations for him to get a good education, meet and marry a nice girl and give her grandkids, pretty heavily. Unfortunately his heart had other ideas, and when he realized he was gay and, worse yet, in love with his best friend, he panicked. What if Gabe found out that Trevor had a crush on him and rejected him. What if he lost his best friend?
It turns out that Trevor had no need to worry, for Gabe was just as interested in him. However, unlike Trevor, Gabe’s parents knew that he was gay, and were very accepting. What they didn’t know was that Gabe was in love with his best friend—the one who lives just a few houses away, and whose parents were as close as the boys were. To compound the weirdness, it turns out that Gabe and Trevor are related, not by blood but by their widowed grandparents remarrying each other, making their mothers stepsisters, and Gabe and Trevor step-cousins. If your head is spinning a bit, join the club, for mine was as well.
Everything comes to a head when the boys leave for college. Suddenly they must adjust to being able to be together but still keep it a secret, for fear of it getting back to their parents. Neither boy is quite ready to tell their folks, but it ends up that Gabe turns that corner well before Trevor, which makes their new relationship rather strained. As time passes, more and more truths crop up that the boys must face—openly communicating their fears and worries is tantamount and pretty hard to do. Before long, the future for our two young lovers is looking uncertain, and the idea of coming out becomes even more critical if their love is to survive.
There was much to appreciate about this novel. First and foremost was the way in which the author chose to allow the reader to experience all the many emotions that Trevor and Gabe grappled with as they maneuvered through this new chapter in their lives. It was so effective to have the boys realize that whereas college should have been this amazing time of living together openly, they still had to hide due to the fact that Trevor was so afraid of letting his parents know he was gay, especially his mom. She defined the idea of a controlling parent, and I was thrilled to see Trevor grow so much during the first year of university that he was able to combat her persistent negativity.
Gabe was the epitome of a typical college freshman, really not aware of what he wanted to do with his life. From trying to not push his sensitive and fearful boyfriend into a physical relationship that neither was fully comfortable with, yet to simply finding his way through a year that was alternately boring and unsatisfying, Gabe was swamped with all the uncertainty one might expect. While his parents might support him being gay, he was not quite so sure they would approve of him settling for the best friend he had grown up with as his first boyfriend. But it was Gabe’s sensitivity toward Trevor that really made this novel so very sweet.
Gabe took care of him, tried his best to be open and supportive, and put off coming out to everyone because of him. Trevor was always appreciative and fully aware that his fears were holding both of them back. When things came to a head, and Trevor accidentally blurted out more secrets than he ever meant to, it was staggering to him to realize what a weight had lifted once everything was out in the open. Even then the author didn’t give her men an easy road. Rather, it was a realistic one fraught with all the emotional upheaval one can expect.
As good and realistic as their journey was, I felt, at times, the story was a bit labored, spending much too much time on Trevor’s worries and not enough time on moving the story forward. I also felt that Trevor’s reaction to Gabe’s secret was a little over-the-top, as was his own mother’s response. It was just a bit too dramatic when most of the novel was really spot-on in its attempt to depict real life problems facing both young men. In the end, I felt the quick final resolution to most, if not all, of the problems facing Gabe and Trevor was just too easy. It took away from all the hard work both boys had done when wading through the pitfalls of a new relationship. However, Inseparable still provided a realistic and compelling view of the many emotions and decisions that accompany coming out today.
Reviewed by Sammy for The Novel Approach
December 11, 2017
Best friends to lovers has always been one of my favorite tropes; here in Inseparable the author takes this in a new adult setting and gives it a little extra complication thanks to the dynamic between Gabe and Trevor’s families. In addition, Gabe’s out status while Trevor is still in the closet means some extra angst on top of the tension already present each time the two head home to visit.
After so long not being able to spend intimate time together without having to play lookout, both Gabe and Trevor are happy to finally be getting away to college where they can be with each other without looking over their shoulders. Since nothing ever goes as planned, there’s bumps along the way which in turn cause stress levels to rise, and both men worry over the other spreading his wings with things that don’t include them both. The angst levels get pretty high as they both worry about losing each other.
One thing that’s very obvious between them is how much they love each other, and as a reader it was easy to see that neither would give up without doing everything they could to make sure they’d stay together—even if neither of them was sure themselves. The angst and tension continues to rise throughout the story, spurred on by the normal growth of both Gabe and Trevor as they adapt to college life as well as the even more troublesome issue of how their families will react to the two of them being together. It all builds up as they both come under more and more pressure until things hit a breaking point.
For the supporting characters, my curiosity is piqued for Seth, one of Gabe and Trevor’s roommates, and I’ll be waiting to see if we get to hear his story at some point. I really liked Trevor’s dad and how supportive he was, as well as Gabe’s parents. I did find both of their mothers to be a bit overbearing, though Trevor’s mom was well over the top (and don’t even get me started on her reaction when she finds out about them).
Inseparable is a good new adult/college romance, and was between a 3.5 and 4-star read for me. I’d have said a solid 4 stars if it wasn’t for the constant tension and angst which for me was just a tad grating after a while. While the full-on sex scenes took place primarily off-page, there’s enough intimate action along with adult language to make this a book for readers 18+. This is the first book in the author’s Port Java series, and I’m intrigued to get the stories of the supporting characters—especially Seth.
After so long not being able to spend intimate time together without having to play lookout, both Gabe and Trevor are happy to finally be getting away to college where they can be with each other without looking over their shoulders. Since nothing ever goes as planned, there’s bumps along the way which in turn cause stress levels to rise, and both men worry over the other spreading his wings with things that don’t include them both. The angst levels get pretty high as they both worry about losing each other.
One thing that’s very obvious between them is how much they love each other, and as a reader it was easy to see that neither would give up without doing everything they could to make sure they’d stay together—even if neither of them was sure themselves. The angst and tension continues to rise throughout the story, spurred on by the normal growth of both Gabe and Trevor as they adapt to college life as well as the even more troublesome issue of how their families will react to the two of them being together. It all builds up as they both come under more and more pressure until things hit a breaking point.
For the supporting characters, my curiosity is piqued for Seth, one of Gabe and Trevor’s roommates, and I’ll be waiting to see if we get to hear his story at some point. I really liked Trevor’s dad and how supportive he was, as well as Gabe’s parents. I did find both of their mothers to be a bit overbearing, though Trevor’s mom was well over the top (and don’t even get me started on her reaction when she finds out about them).
Inseparable is a good new adult/college romance, and was between a 3.5 and 4-star read for me. I’d have said a solid 4 stars if it wasn’t for the constant tension and angst which for me was just a tad grating after a while. While the full-on sex scenes took place primarily off-page, there’s enough intimate action along with adult language to make this a book for readers 18+. This is the first book in the author’s Port Java series, and I’m intrigued to get the stories of the supporting characters—especially Seth.
December 14, 2017
I loved this story.
Inseparable is the first book I've read by Sloan Johnson. I have several of her books on my TBRL (to be read list) but I just haven't made time to read any of them before now. I'm a sucker for a good NA (New Adult) romance and I really love this particular sub-genre of MM romance.
While I'm usually not terribly fond of books written in first-person I don't seem to mind it at all in NA stories. Inseparable is told in alternating first person POV, with Gabe and Trevor taking turns telling the story.
When I first read the blurb for this story, I knew that I wanted to read the book and I'm so glad that it lived up to the blurb. Too often I've thought a book's blurb to be fantastic with the book ending up being a big disappointment. Since the book's blurb is great I won't restate it here.
Gabe isn't finding college life to be everything he thought it would be and he's afraid to let Trevor know. Like most young people (and a lot of older ones!) these two guys have trouble communicating with each other. Once they finally start being honest with each other their problems begin to even out.
Inseparable had my emotions all over the place. Trevor is so afraid to come out to his parents and he's afraid they will never accept the relationship he has with Gabe that they've kept hidden. There's a surprise in the story that I didn't see coming but it helped explain why Gabe and Trevor were so reluctant to tell their parents about their feelings for each other.
Inseparable kept my attention right from the beginning and I didn't want to put it down once I started reading it. I read it while I was on vacation and my hubby got a bit perturbed when I didn't want to stop reading and do vacation-y things with him. 😊
I was very pleased to learn that this is book one of a series and I can't wait to read the next one.
An advanced copy of this book was provided to me but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com***
Inseparable is the first book I've read by Sloan Johnson. I have several of her books on my TBRL (to be read list) but I just haven't made time to read any of them before now. I'm a sucker for a good NA (New Adult) romance and I really love this particular sub-genre of MM romance.
While I'm usually not terribly fond of books written in first-person I don't seem to mind it at all in NA stories. Inseparable is told in alternating first person POV, with Gabe and Trevor taking turns telling the story.
When I first read the blurb for this story, I knew that I wanted to read the book and I'm so glad that it lived up to the blurb. Too often I've thought a book's blurb to be fantastic with the book ending up being a big disappointment. Since the book's blurb is great I won't restate it here.
Gabe isn't finding college life to be everything he thought it would be and he's afraid to let Trevor know. Like most young people (and a lot of older ones!) these two guys have trouble communicating with each other. Once they finally start being honest with each other their problems begin to even out.
Inseparable had my emotions all over the place. Trevor is so afraid to come out to his parents and he's afraid they will never accept the relationship he has with Gabe that they've kept hidden. There's a surprise in the story that I didn't see coming but it helped explain why Gabe and Trevor were so reluctant to tell their parents about their feelings for each other.
Inseparable kept my attention right from the beginning and I didn't want to put it down once I started reading it. I read it while I was on vacation and my hubby got a bit perturbed when I didn't want to stop reading and do vacation-y things with him. 😊
I was very pleased to learn that this is book one of a series and I can't wait to read the next one.
An advanced copy of this book was provided to me but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com***
November 30, 2017
A fantastic story about two best friends, not falling in love, but staying in love. Staying in love through all the hardships life throws at you.
Trevor and Gabe are best friends since birth and became boyfriends in high school. When they go to college together, they feel they can finally be who they want to be. They can conquer the world, dreaming of a perfect life together. But the harsh reality of college life, of growing up, can be so different from all your dreams and expectations.
Sloan Johnson created a perfect picture of what Trevor and Gabe have to face before they can find their happily ever after. Without caring fathers and hovering mothers around to guide them, Trevor and Gabe have to find their goal in life on their own. This is not as easy as they thought it to be. A future together means that each boy first has to discover himself. And sometimes that clashes with their hopes and wishes. With ups and downs, some misunderstandings and misplaced selflessness, they learn to navigate through life’s trials and tribulations.
It is beautifully written with a profound insight into the psyche of nineteen-year-olds, and it brings back all the emotions experienced at that age.
Trevor and Gabe are best friends since birth and became boyfriends in high school. When they go to college together, they feel they can finally be who they want to be. They can conquer the world, dreaming of a perfect life together. But the harsh reality of college life, of growing up, can be so different from all your dreams and expectations.
Sloan Johnson created a perfect picture of what Trevor and Gabe have to face before they can find their happily ever after. Without caring fathers and hovering mothers around to guide them, Trevor and Gabe have to find their goal in life on their own. This is not as easy as they thought it to be. A future together means that each boy first has to discover himself. And sometimes that clashes with their hopes and wishes. With ups and downs, some misunderstandings and misplaced selflessness, they learn to navigate through life’s trials and tribulations.
It is beautifully written with a profound insight into the psyche of nineteen-year-olds, and it brings back all the emotions experienced at that age.
December 4, 2017
It was understandable that Trevor and Gabe had to work on the new dynamic of being in love with one another and being from home for the first time. Add in the grueling pace of college and they had their emotional and physical plates full.
The theme in this story and why I have this story 3* was the over the top parental hovering. Empty nest feelings are understandable...to a point. Trevor's mother took her involvement in every aspect of Trevor's life to an absurd extreme. So much so that I believe there was something psychologically wrong with her. Everyone seemed to molly coddle her and her obsession with her son instead of trying harder to wean her away from her unhealthy behavior.
That the ever growing closeness between the boys wasn't necessarily a surprise to the remaining parents but they didn't try a little harder to curb Trevor's mother spoke to me of enabling her over the top parental control.
I'm glad that things turned out in the end, but so much unnecessary angst and pressure on the boys could have been avoided if the "adults" would have stepped up to help Trevor's mother ease up on her controlling behaviors.
The theme in this story and why I have this story 3* was the over the top parental hovering. Empty nest feelings are understandable...to a point. Trevor's mother took her involvement in every aspect of Trevor's life to an absurd extreme. So much so that I believe there was something psychologically wrong with her. Everyone seemed to molly coddle her and her obsession with her son instead of trying harder to wean her away from her unhealthy behavior.
That the ever growing closeness between the boys wasn't necessarily a surprise to the remaining parents but they didn't try a little harder to curb Trevor's mother spoke to me of enabling her over the top parental control.
I'm glad that things turned out in the end, but so much unnecessary angst and pressure on the boys could have been avoided if the "adults" would have stepped up to help Trevor's mother ease up on her controlling behaviors.
December 20, 2017
Hmm not sure about this one. I liked it but I didn't *love* this book.
Gabe and Trevor have been titular inseparable all their lives. Now the boys are heading to college and have a chance to live life more openly than before.
The story starts literally at the point where the boys head off to college, only backstory provided is via random flashbacks so I didn't really get a sense of them being close or indeed inseparable. As they settle into college, the pair seem confused whether to be open about their relationship or to keep it totally in the closet - so they hover constantly in between the two extremes and the story lags a bit as a result. The fear of parental disapproval is a valid plot point but here it felt a bit forced - the only reason offered is 'our moms are like sisters so they will be upset if we're out as boyfriends' - didn't really bring anything to the story.
While this was sweet and sugary and low in angst, it left me a bit frustrated - I know this author can work a better story than this, it's an awesome idea and a really good starting point but the execution fell a little short this time.
Gabe and Trevor have been titular inseparable all their lives. Now the boys are heading to college and have a chance to live life more openly than before.
The story starts literally at the point where the boys head off to college, only backstory provided is via random flashbacks so I didn't really get a sense of them being close or indeed inseparable. As they settle into college, the pair seem confused whether to be open about their relationship or to keep it totally in the closet - so they hover constantly in between the two extremes and the story lags a bit as a result. The fear of parental disapproval is a valid plot point but here it felt a bit forced - the only reason offered is 'our moms are like sisters so they will be upset if we're out as boyfriends' - didn't really bring anything to the story.
While this was sweet and sugary and low in angst, it left me a bit frustrated - I know this author can work a better story than this, it's an awesome idea and a really good starting point but the execution fell a little short this time.
November 29, 2017
Review by: Jennifer
(4 stars)
Gabe and Trev grew up together, and both realized early on that they were meant to be together. Now they are getting the chance to go off to college and live life without hiding from their parents the relationship they have. The two couldn't be more different but they somehow fit. When they start to realize that just maybe this college thing wasn't going to be as easy as they thought, both work hard to make sure that their relationship doesn't fall in the cracks. But sometimes it can happen even though you don't mean for it to. When the secrets that they each are harboring come to light, will they be able to make it to the other side together, or was this all just an unrealistic dream?
This was a good read, giving us more of a YA story, Gabe and Trevor's story is sweet. Nothing really over the top as far as the drama goes, and really tame sexy times (although with this story I don't even want to call it sexy time). A bit different than what I was expecting from the author, but still it was nice. I give this 4 stars.
(4 stars)
Gabe and Trev grew up together, and both realized early on that they were meant to be together. Now they are getting the chance to go off to college and live life without hiding from their parents the relationship they have. The two couldn't be more different but they somehow fit. When they start to realize that just maybe this college thing wasn't going to be as easy as they thought, both work hard to make sure that their relationship doesn't fall in the cracks. But sometimes it can happen even though you don't mean for it to. When the secrets that they each are harboring come to light, will they be able to make it to the other side together, or was this all just an unrealistic dream?
This was a good read, giving us more of a YA story, Gabe and Trevor's story is sweet. Nothing really over the top as far as the drama goes, and really tame sexy times (although with this story I don't even want to call it sexy time). A bit different than what I was expecting from the author, but still it was nice. I give this 4 stars.
December 12, 2017
Sweet and enjoyable read
INSEPARABLE is a coming of age story about two young men, Trevor and Gabe. One who is confident about his sexuality, the other still hiding in the closet. They have been friends for life, now they realise that friendship is a lot deeper and more involved than what they previously thought. Having moved on to college, they reach the decision that it's time to take their relationship further.
I enjoyed this book, it was a sweet story of self discovery, trust and love. My only concern with it was that it just seemed that their relationship was too good to be true. There was no angst or major problems that seem to arise. I kept waiting for it to happen, but it never appeared. Surely there had to be some form of trouble that came their way.
Overall, I enjoyed this story. It was a nice easy read - a happy read.
Read and Reviewed for reading Is Our Satisfaction
THREE AND A HALF STARS
INSEPARABLE is a coming of age story about two young men, Trevor and Gabe. One who is confident about his sexuality, the other still hiding in the closet. They have been friends for life, now they realise that friendship is a lot deeper and more involved than what they previously thought. Having moved on to college, they reach the decision that it's time to take their relationship further.
I enjoyed this book, it was a sweet story of self discovery, trust and love. My only concern with it was that it just seemed that their relationship was too good to be true. There was no angst or major problems that seem to arise. I kept waiting for it to happen, but it never appeared. Surely there had to be some form of trouble that came their way.
Overall, I enjoyed this story. It was a nice easy read - a happy read.
Read and Reviewed for reading Is Our Satisfaction
THREE AND A HALF STARS
November 29, 2017
Sloan Johnson creates a world that makes you want to live there. I really connected with Trevor and Gabe from the beginning. Sometimes it takes a few chapters to connect but there’s something about these characters and their lives that you instantly want to be their friend. I’m really excited to see where this series goes! The connection that Gabe and Trevor share with each other is palpable and you can just tell how much they mean to each other and the roller coaster of trying to be together and acclimate to the college experience is just told with such an emotional attachment. The story is fantastic, Sloan is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors, and in the end, these boys left me swoony... :)
December 14, 2017
This was my first book by the author. Gabe is openly gay and doesn't have a problem with it, but he's in love with his best friend, Trevor, who isn't. They have been friends most of their lives and they think as they go off to college and room together, that they could finally explore their relationship, but it's not as easy as they, well Gabe, thinks. Trevor is worried about coming out to his parents and he pulls away from Gabe when the doubts start, which happens more than once. Another thing I would have liked to have read is the intimacy between the two who love each other and know each other inside out. It's missing when the scenes that should reveal what they are thinking and the feeling while intimate is cut off abruptly. All-in-all it was a good read!
December 10, 2017
Every book that I’ve read by this author just keeps getting better and better. She just has a way of pulling you in and never letting go. Pulls at every emotion your heart and head have. I swear every emotion this author has it pours out in her stories.
Trevor and Gabe pulled me in an I never want to let go. I laughed, I cried, through most of the Book my heart was in my throat. They had to overcome so much. My heart hurt for them. There were some times I was talking to my kindle. But as always the author left me wanting more of these two.
Trevor and Gabe pulled me in an I never want to let go. I laughed, I cried, through most of the Book my heart was in my throat. They had to overcome so much. My heart hurt for them. There were some times I was talking to my kindle. But as always the author left me wanting more of these two.
December 3, 2017
Gabe and Trev grew up together, and both realized early on that they were meant to be together. Now they are getting the chance to go off to college and live life without hiding from their parents the relationship they have. The two couldn't be more different but they somehow fit. When they start to realize that just maybe this college thing wasn't going to be as easy as they thought, both work hard to make sure that their relationship doesn't fall in the cracks. But sometimes it can happen even though you don't mean for it to. When the secrets that they each are harboring come to light, will they be able to make it to the other side together, or was this all just an unrealistic dream?
This was a good read, giving us more of a YA story, Gabe and Trevor's story is sweet. Nothing really over the top as far as the drama goes, and really tame sexy times (although with this story I don't even want to call it sexy time). A bit different than what I was expecting from the author, but still it was nice. I give this 4 stars.
This was a good read, giving us more of a YA story, Gabe and Trevor's story is sweet. Nothing really over the top as far as the drama goes, and really tame sexy times (although with this story I don't even want to call it sexy time). A bit different than what I was expecting from the author, but still it was nice. I give this 4 stars.
November 27, 2017
Awe the feels. It was a good story about young love & coming out to the family. It was sweet young long & my heart hurt at times for both Trevor & Gabe. I love them both so much & I need to hug them hard! Thanks for sharing their story. A TBR for sure.
January 1, 2018
Great friends to lovers coming of age read. The characters Trever and Gage have been friends since birth. Their parents are best friends, family.
I really enjoyed this quick read. It's sweet, the characters are loveable and there is even a little drama.
I really enjoyed this quick read. It's sweet, the characters are loveable and there is even a little drama.
December 4, 2017
This wasn’t my favorite by this author. The writing was good, the storyline could have been better. It was more PG13 than not. The little bit of drama was all about nothing quickly resolved.
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