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Big Love #2
Bigger Love
Truman Reid is Summitville High’s most out-and-proud senior. He can’t wait to take his fierce, uncompromising self away from his small Ohio River hometown, where he’s suffered more than his share of bullying. He’s looking forward to bright lights and a big city. Maybe he’ll be the first ever genderfluid star to win an Academy Award. But all that changes on the first day of school when he locks eyes with the most gorgeous hunk he’s ever seen. Mike Stewart, big, dark-haired, and with the most amazing blue eyes, is new to town. He’s quiet, manly, and has the sexy air of a lost soul. It’s almost love at first sight for Truman. He thinks that love could deepen when Mike becomes part of the stage crew for Harvey, the senior class play Truman’s directing. But is Mike even gay? And how will it work when Truman’s mother is falling for Mike’s dad? Plus Truman, never the norm, makes a daring and controversial choice for the production that has the whole town up in arms. See how it all plays out on a stage of love, laughter, tears, and sticking up for one’s essential self…
210 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 13, 2018
7 people are currently reading
142 people want to read
About the author
Rick R. Reed
118 books1,046 followersReal Men. True Love.
Rick R. Reed is an award-winning and bestselling author of more than sixty works of published fiction, spanning genres such as horror, psychological suspense and love stories. He is a Lambda Literary Award finalist and a multiple Rainbow Award winner.
Entertainment Weekly has described his work as “heartrending and sensitive.” Lambda Literary has called him: “A writer that doesn’t disappoint…”
Find him at www.rickrreedreality.blogspot.com. Rick lives in Palm Springs, CA, with his two rescue dogs, Kodi and Joaquin.
Rick R. Reed is an award-winning and bestselling author of more than sixty works of published fiction, spanning genres such as horror, psychological suspense and love stories. He is a Lambda Literary Award finalist and a multiple Rainbow Award winner.
Entertainment Weekly has described his work as “heartrending and sensitive.” Lambda Literary has called him: “A writer that doesn’t disappoint…”
Find him at www.rickrreedreality.blogspot.com. Rick lives in Palm Springs, CA, with his two rescue dogs, Kodi and Joaquin.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
January 11, 2019
3.5 stars, rounded up because Truman.
This is first and foremost a YA novel. I don't read those a lot anymore, but since this was the follow-up to Big Love, and because this was going to be all about Truman finding his way around the bigots of his small-town, I wanted to read it.
I adored Truman in Big Love, and I adored him and cheered him on in Bigger Love. Truman is brave. Truman isn't willing to let small-minded people stand in his way, no matter how much their words hurt. Truman is in love for the first time, and Truman will be damned if he's going to let bigots dictate what he can and cannot do, including what he wears and how he expresses his gender.
Truman's mother, his fiercest ally and friend, has been dating a man named George, whose son Mike has caught Truman's eye. Mike is much more masculine than Truman and can totally pass as straight, a fact that is part of what the author tried to convey with this book, IMHO - that what we perceive to be true isn't necessarily correct. So the masculine guy isn't straight, and the homophobic bigot isn't as without sin as he'd like you to believe, and the popular girl's life isn't as easy as you might think, and maybe, just maybe, Truman can play a female role in "Harvey" for his school's theater group.
With his father not gay-friendly, Mike struggles with hiding in the closet as his and Truman's connection grows. Or at least, we're told it grows. I for one didn't actually quite see the sparks flying between them. The romance lacked in chemistry, and a lot of the emotions I expected felt more telling than showing. Mike's actions in some instances also felt a lot like internalized homophobia, especially when it came to Truman's in your face, I'm queer, so deal with it kind of persona. And I didn't like Mike for how his actions hurt Truman. Because I'm super biased, and I love Truman. I think he deserved better.
Of course, there's drama because small-minded small-town bigots just can't keep silent in the face of Truman's fabulosity, but a grand gesture that was both sweet and funny is much louder than the shouting of the homophobes. And Truman's mama, God bless her, is fully and completely in his corner all the way.
The book ends with a HFN, though of course this being teenage love, we don't quite know what the future holds for Truman and Mike. It might be nice to revisit with them a few years down the road. Not sure if that's possible, but it would be nice nonetheless.
I still think Truman deserved better than Mike. Hell yeah, I'm biased. Sue me. (actually, please don't sue me - this is just my opinion, and it's totally cool if you don't agree. really.)
** I received a free copy of this book from its publisher in exchange for an honest review. **
This is first and foremost a YA novel. I don't read those a lot anymore, but since this was the follow-up to Big Love, and because this was going to be all about Truman finding his way around the bigots of his small-town, I wanted to read it.
I adored Truman in Big Love, and I adored him and cheered him on in Bigger Love. Truman is brave. Truman isn't willing to let small-minded people stand in his way, no matter how much their words hurt. Truman is in love for the first time, and Truman will be damned if he's going to let bigots dictate what he can and cannot do, including what he wears and how he expresses his gender.
Truman's mother, his fiercest ally and friend, has been dating a man named George, whose son Mike has caught Truman's eye. Mike is much more masculine than Truman and can totally pass as straight, a fact that is part of what the author tried to convey with this book, IMHO - that what we perceive to be true isn't necessarily correct. So the masculine guy isn't straight, and the homophobic bigot isn't as without sin as he'd like you to believe, and the popular girl's life isn't as easy as you might think, and maybe, just maybe, Truman can play a female role in "Harvey" for his school's theater group.
With his father not gay-friendly, Mike struggles with hiding in the closet as his and Truman's connection grows. Or at least, we're told it grows. I for one didn't actually quite see the sparks flying between them. The romance lacked in chemistry, and a lot of the emotions I expected felt more telling than showing. Mike's actions in some instances also felt a lot like internalized homophobia, especially when it came to Truman's in your face, I'm queer, so deal with it kind of persona. And I didn't like Mike for how his actions hurt Truman. Because I'm super biased, and I love Truman. I think he deserved better.
Of course, there's drama because small-minded small-town bigots just can't keep silent in the face of Truman's fabulosity, but a grand gesture that was both sweet and funny is much louder than the shouting of the homophobes. And Truman's mama, God bless her, is fully and completely in his corner all the way.
The book ends with a HFN, though of course this being teenage love, we don't quite know what the future holds for Truman and Mike. It might be nice to revisit with them a few years down the road. Not sure if that's possible, but it would be nice nonetheless.
I still think Truman deserved better than Mike. Hell yeah, I'm biased. Sue me. (actually, please don't sue me - this is just my opinion, and it's totally cool if you don't agree. really.)
** I received a free copy of this book from its publisher in exchange for an honest review. **
January 2, 2019
3.5*
This follow up to Big Love gives us Truman's story solely and at times it's as heart breaking as parts of the first book were and at others, truly uplifting.
It's rare for me to read a young adult romance, I tend to get irritated with the push and pull that usually provides the drama.
But this is Rick R. Reed, so I know better and sure enough, while Mike has his own fears and internal doubts to worry out, it never felt like it was a conscious decision to pull back from Truman.
Truman himself is as fabulously wonderful as he was in the first book and he's still the focus of all the disquiet and disgust from people who disgrace themselves with their actions.
Patsy is still awesome, a fierce mama who will do anything for her boy, even turn her back on a potential happy for herself because of the way her son is treated, she is what every parent should be.
It was great to see Truman slowly build up a small friendship base as he got involved in a school production of Harvey and I loved how he threw himself 100% into it.
Mike's grand gesture went a long way to gaining back my affections after he'd almost blown it with Truman and the lovely Epilogue left the future open with so much promise.
I'd love for there to be more, perhaps as Truman and Mike graduate and head off into the next stage of life but I'm also quite happy thinking of them years down the line in some city block apartment just being happy.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
This follow up to Big Love gives us Truman's story solely and at times it's as heart breaking as parts of the first book were and at others, truly uplifting.
It's rare for me to read a young adult romance, I tend to get irritated with the push and pull that usually provides the drama.
But this is Rick R. Reed, so I know better and sure enough, while Mike has his own fears and internal doubts to worry out, it never felt like it was a conscious decision to pull back from Truman.
Truman himself is as fabulously wonderful as he was in the first book and he's still the focus of all the disquiet and disgust from people who disgrace themselves with their actions.
Patsy is still awesome, a fierce mama who will do anything for her boy, even turn her back on a potential happy for herself because of the way her son is treated, she is what every parent should be.
It was great to see Truman slowly build up a small friendship base as he got involved in a school production of Harvey and I loved how he threw himself 100% into it.
Mike's grand gesture went a long way to gaining back my affections after he'd almost blown it with Truman and the lovely Epilogue left the future open with so much promise.
I'd love for there to be more, perhaps as Truman and Mike graduate and head off into the next stage of life but I'm also quite happy thinking of them years down the line in some city block apartment just being happy.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
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October 30, 2018*deep breath*
This is going to be hard.
It pains me because I had HIGH hopes for this story...but...well...it didn't work for me.
*sad face*
And I'm upset about that.
First and foremost, I missed the romance. Truman is so special and I wanted him to have the most incredible and romantic love story and *sigh* it didn't happen.
I honestly don't mind instalove when it's done right. As long as I feel the connection and we are given that much needed 'click', then I'm good.
There was no click here.
I consider this instalove because they had less than a handful of interactions before suddenly they were tossing around the big L word. There was growth within the guys individually but not together.
If it's not bad enough that Truman was gypped his swooning HEA, I struggled with scene after scene.
Which has NEVER happened to me with a RRR story before.
Little things like carb free lunches including a honeycrisp apple (say what? that's one of the things I miss most eating ultra low carb keto) and coffee drinking expecting mothers left me shaking my head. I know she's young but she had Patsy right there to help guide her with smart choices for her and her baby and I felt like this was a missed opportunity.
I think that sums up my feelings in general...missed opportunities.
Am I being picky? Maybe. I don't know.
I just know I had a completely different experience reading the first book.
The little quip about "not being able to rape the willing" was so out of character for this favorite author of mine...I sat frozen staring at that page.
I didn't like it.
If I'm truly honest, I didn't really like Mike.
Everything felt...off. I felt the connection between Truman and his dog more than I did with Truman's love interest. I anticipated more page time with our amazing couple from the first book. Sure Seth was present but I missed Dane. I suppose I had too many expectations? But I never thought it would lack a solid love story.
All that being said, there were a couple of scenes that warmed my heart and made me smile.
Sadly, they were few and far between.
I can give you a list of great recommendations by RRR...but I'm afraid this one doesn't make the cut.
*2.5 what-happened?!? stars*
This is going to be hard.
It pains me because I had HIGH hopes for this story...but...well...it didn't work for me.
*sad face*
And I'm upset about that.
First and foremost, I missed the romance. Truman is so special and I wanted him to have the most incredible and romantic love story and *sigh* it didn't happen.
I honestly don't mind instalove when it's done right. As long as I feel the connection and we are given that much needed 'click', then I'm good.
There was no click here.
I consider this instalove because they had less than a handful of interactions before suddenly they were tossing around the big L word. There was growth within the guys individually but not together.
If it's not bad enough that Truman was gypped his swooning HEA, I struggled with scene after scene.
Which has NEVER happened to me with a RRR story before.
Little things like carb free lunches including a honeycrisp apple (say what? that's one of the things I miss most eating ultra low carb keto) and coffee drinking expecting mothers left me shaking my head. I know she's young but she had Patsy right there to help guide her with smart choices for her and her baby and I felt like this was a missed opportunity.
I think that sums up my feelings in general...missed opportunities.
Am I being picky? Maybe. I don't know.
I just know I had a completely different experience reading the first book.
The little quip about "not being able to rape the willing" was so out of character for this favorite author of mine...I sat frozen staring at that page.
I didn't like it.
If I'm truly honest, I didn't really like Mike.
Everything felt...off. I felt the connection between Truman and his dog more than I did with Truman's love interest. I anticipated more page time with our amazing couple from the first book. Sure Seth was present but I missed Dane. I suppose I had too many expectations? But I never thought it would lack a solid love story.
All that being said, there were a couple of scenes that warmed my heart and made me smile.
Sadly, they were few and far between.
I can give you a list of great recommendations by RRR...but I'm afraid this one doesn't make the cut.
*2.5 what-happened?!? stars*
December 5, 2018
Truman and Mike and a lot of story
Truman doesn’t know it himself but he is strong, daring and real.
Truman the beautiful gender-fluid boy who has a difficult time with his surroundings, being himself... he is bullied years for who he is... but head up he was honest to himself.
He is student director at the high school part of the theater-play ‘Harvey’
When the leading lady can’t act anymore there is only one person who can fill this in.
The ‘whole’ village seems upset... seems..
Truman was at his best and I loved it.
I also loved Patsy, she was witty, honest and loved hard, and the ‘old boy’ Odd.
In the beginning I didn’t liked Mike... far in the closet... it’s dark there and doing things to his thoughts... when he got out... I was happy for Truman.
“If you can’t love yourself, how in the hell can you love somebody else?”
Nicely and steady written captivating story. The hard issues were civilized put down. Truman felt a lot more mature than his real age... on the other side some adults were less than immature.. ugh !
I would love to see Truman shine on a Hollywood stage!!
Read and reviewed for Signal Boost Promotions
Truman doesn’t know it himself but he is strong, daring and real.
Truman the beautiful gender-fluid boy who has a difficult time with his surroundings, being himself... he is bullied years for who he is... but head up he was honest to himself.
He is student director at the high school part of the theater-play ‘Harvey’
When the leading lady can’t act anymore there is only one person who can fill this in.
The ‘whole’ village seems upset... seems..
Truman was at his best and I loved it.
I also loved Patsy, she was witty, honest and loved hard, and the ‘old boy’ Odd.
In the beginning I didn’t liked Mike... far in the closet... it’s dark there and doing things to his thoughts... when he got out... I was happy for Truman.
“If you can’t love yourself, how in the hell can you love somebody else?”
Nicely and steady written captivating story. The hard issues were civilized put down. Truman felt a lot more mature than his real age... on the other side some adults were less than immature.. ugh !
I would love to see Truman shine on a Hollywood stage!!
Read and reviewed for Signal Boost Promotions
January 21, 2019
It's been a while since I read Big Love, so honestly, I read this as a stand-alone. It works fine in that regard.
This YA novel is about courage--the courage to be true to yourself no matter how non-conforming that is or the cost in bullying from others. Truman, the main character, is openly gay and quite femme presenting. He is a senior in high school and doesn't hide his light under a bush, so to speak. His has friends and his single mom is incredibly supportive, so this isn't a bleak story in any way, though there is some bullying.
Truman's love interest is Mike, a good-looking, butch guy who has recently moved to town. He was gay in his previous home of Seattle, but he's trying to fly under the radar in Truman's small Ohio town. Although immediately attracted to Truman, for quite a while Mike ignores him, not wanting to known as gay. He's a bit hot and cold with Truman, but fortunately, he ultimately steps up to the plate.
There's a high school play Truman is involved with that brings matters to a head with both the town in regards to Truman, and with Mike. Fortunately, we get an HEA.
If you enjoy gay coming of age stories, you will enjoy this one by Rick Reed. As usual, his writing is terrific and I read this through without a pause. Recommended.
This YA novel is about courage--the courage to be true to yourself no matter how non-conforming that is or the cost in bullying from others. Truman, the main character, is openly gay and quite femme presenting. He is a senior in high school and doesn't hide his light under a bush, so to speak. His has friends and his single mom is incredibly supportive, so this isn't a bleak story in any way, though there is some bullying.
Truman's love interest is Mike, a good-looking, butch guy who has recently moved to town. He was gay in his previous home of Seattle, but he's trying to fly under the radar in Truman's small Ohio town. Although immediately attracted to Truman, for quite a while Mike ignores him, not wanting to known as gay. He's a bit hot and cold with Truman, but fortunately, he ultimately steps up to the plate.
There's a high school play Truman is involved with that brings matters to a head with both the town in regards to Truman, and with Mike. Fortunately, we get an HEA.
If you enjoy gay coming of age stories, you will enjoy this one by Rick Reed. As usual, his writing is terrific and I read this through without a pause. Recommended.
July 29, 2020
Just to recap -- "Big Love" was one of my favorite books of 2016 with a 5+ rating and a Recommended Read. "Bigger Love" is its sequel and I would suggest you read "Big Love" first if you haven't already to get the background on the characters and the flavor of the setting.
While I enjoyed "Bigger Love" it didn't capture my heart like "Big Love," probably because the first book dealt with such pivotal moments in all the characters' lives - Truman embracing his sexuality in the face of bullying at school, Dane and Seth finding love after the death of Dane's wife, Truman's mother Patsy hoping to find her own love story, etc.
In "Bigger Love" Truman is entering his senior year and while he is disappointed he wasn't cast in the school play "Harvey," he is enjoying his role as student director, helping the actors get comfortable with their parts and making staging and set suggestions. Truman makes a new friend Stacy, who is cast as Myrtle Mae Simmons and he learns although she is one of the popular girls, her life isn't a sugar-coated existence.
Patsy has a new love George and Truman falls in insta-love with George's son Mike. Mike is tall and rugged looking, can pass as straight and is conflicted about coming out to his father and the town. I like the way Reed shows us all the preconceptions people have - Truman can't play a female part in "Harvey," Mike can't be gay because he looks so masculine, Stacy has a perfect life because she's popular, and the bigoted homophobe leading a protest is straight and narrow (hint, he's a closet case).
"Bigger Love" is an entertaining read, but I never felt chemistry or pure emotion between Truman and Mike and while their HFN is sweet, it feels unfinished. I would welcome another sequel in the Big Love series to see how their relationship matures, want an update on Seth and Dane and Dane's children, and hint, hint, hint would love for Truman's mother Patsy to find the love she so richly deserves. 3.5 stars for "Bigger Love."
I received an ARC from Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.
Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
While I enjoyed "Bigger Love" it didn't capture my heart like "Big Love," probably because the first book dealt with such pivotal moments in all the characters' lives - Truman embracing his sexuality in the face of bullying at school, Dane and Seth finding love after the death of Dane's wife, Truman's mother Patsy hoping to find her own love story, etc.
In "Bigger Love" Truman is entering his senior year and while he is disappointed he wasn't cast in the school play "Harvey," he is enjoying his role as student director, helping the actors get comfortable with their parts and making staging and set suggestions. Truman makes a new friend Stacy, who is cast as Myrtle Mae Simmons and he learns although she is one of the popular girls, her life isn't a sugar-coated existence.
Patsy has a new love George and Truman falls in insta-love with George's son Mike. Mike is tall and rugged looking, can pass as straight and is conflicted about coming out to his father and the town. I like the way Reed shows us all the preconceptions people have - Truman can't play a female part in "Harvey," Mike can't be gay because he looks so masculine, Stacy has a perfect life because she's popular, and the bigoted homophobe leading a protest is straight and narrow (hint, he's a closet case).
"Bigger Love" is an entertaining read, but I never felt chemistry or pure emotion between Truman and Mike and while their HFN is sweet, it feels unfinished. I would welcome another sequel in the Big Love series to see how their relationship matures, want an update on Seth and Dane and Dane's children, and hint, hint, hint would love for Truman's mother Patsy to find the love she so richly deserves. 3.5 stars for "Bigger Love."
I received an ARC from Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.
Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
February 14, 2019
4.5 stars, rounded up.
There are times when I’ll read a book with a character who will get to me in ways others haven’t. While I get invested in all the characters in the books I read, I’m referring to the ones that leave me thinking long after I’ve reached The End.
One of those characters is Truman Reid.
Truman was introduced in Big Love. The story was Seth and Dane’s, but it was also Truman’s, a student at the high school where Dane and Seth taught. Truman destroyed me. He was bullied mercilessly and was driven to the point of attempting suicide. I cried for Truman and all other kids like him – kids who just want to be themselves but are taunted, bullied by those who are too ignorant to try to get to know them – those who’ve been taught to be ignorant. In all the books I’ve read over the years I can’t think of one other character who has gotten to me the way he did.
Bigger Love is Truman's story. It's his senior year of high school and he's determined to make it a good year. Unfortunately, the same jerks who have bullied him throughout his high school years are still around.
Then he meets Mike, the new kid. I wasn't sure what to think about Mike, to be honest. But to me the story wasn't about Mike and Truman and whatever they may or may not have now and later. It was about Truman being true to himself.
As with the first book, this one made me shed a few tears. I hate it took me so long to read it.
Full review can be found at -
This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange for a fair and honest review.
There are times when I’ll read a book with a character who will get to me in ways others haven’t. While I get invested in all the characters in the books I read, I’m referring to the ones that leave me thinking long after I’ve reached The End.
One of those characters is Truman Reid.
Truman was introduced in Big Love. The story was Seth and Dane’s, but it was also Truman’s, a student at the high school where Dane and Seth taught. Truman destroyed me. He was bullied mercilessly and was driven to the point of attempting suicide. I cried for Truman and all other kids like him – kids who just want to be themselves but are taunted, bullied by those who are too ignorant to try to get to know them – those who’ve been taught to be ignorant. In all the books I’ve read over the years I can’t think of one other character who has gotten to me the way he did.
Bigger Love is Truman's story. It's his senior year of high school and he's determined to make it a good year. Unfortunately, the same jerks who have bullied him throughout his high school years are still around.
Then he meets Mike, the new kid. I wasn't sure what to think about Mike, to be honest. But to me the story wasn't about Mike and Truman and whatever they may or may not have now and later. It was about Truman being true to himself.
As with the first book, this one made me shed a few tears. I hate it took me so long to read it.
Full review can be found at -
This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange for a fair and honest review.
November 29, 2018
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.75 stars
Bigger Love is the second book in the Big Love series, but can easily be enjoyed on its own. It features a young adult romance, while the first one, Big Love, was adult. I adored both books and highly recommend them. I’m honestly afraid to say too much about Bigger Love because the things I loved about it might be spoiler-ish.
Read Veronica’s review in its entirety here.
4.75 stars
Bigger Love is the second book in the Big Love series, but can easily be enjoyed on its own. It features a young adult romance, while the first one, Big Love, was adult. I adored both books and highly recommend them. I’m honestly afraid to say too much about Bigger Love because the things I loved about it might be spoiler-ish.
Read Veronica’s review in its entirety here.
June 16, 2020
Featuring the same almost-idyllic setting – the fictional small town of Summitville, Ohio – as the first book in this series, this novel tells the story of one of my favorite characters of that first volume. In fact, I thought Truman was the third main character in Seth and Dane’s story and I am so happy to get to read the continuation of his story. Truman is now a senior, an out and proud genderfluid person, and fiercely determined to make it in the world as soon as he graduates. But Fate has a different idea and it means that Truman, and those who support him, do not have an easy time of it. I was fascinated by Truman’s story, loved seeing Seth and Dane again, and admire the way that Rick R. Reed manages to weave the themes of personal growth, self-acceptance, and the difficulty of finding love into a wonderful tale.
Please find my full review of the second edition on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Please find my full review of the second edition on Rainbow Book Reviews.
May 3, 2022
Bigger Love, is a sequel, and I recommend reading Big Love first.
In Rick R. Reed’s novel Big Love, he intertwines several stories that take place in a rural Ohio town. High School teachers Dean and Seth find romance; and freshman Truman, deals with being out and proud in this very bigoted small town.
I really loved Dean, and I'll admit that I was hoping for more of his story. But it's Truman who takes center stage in this one. It’s a few years later, and he’s continued to own it. Facing the small minded folks in his home town is still a challenge, but Truman stays true to himself, and ends up the winner in the process.
The audio is performed by Brian Stoddard, who is a new narrator to me. Mr. Stoddard’s warm voice is a nice fit for the youthful Truman.
an audiobook copy of Bigger Love was provided to me for the purpose of my honest review, all opinions are my own
In Rick R. Reed’s novel Big Love, he intertwines several stories that take place in a rural Ohio town. High School teachers Dean and Seth find romance; and freshman Truman, deals with being out and proud in this very bigoted small town.
I really loved Dean, and I'll admit that I was hoping for more of his story. But it's Truman who takes center stage in this one. It’s a few years later, and he’s continued to own it. Facing the small minded folks in his home town is still a challenge, but Truman stays true to himself, and ends up the winner in the process.
The audio is performed by Brian Stoddard, who is a new narrator to me. Mr. Stoddard’s warm voice is a nice fit for the youthful Truman.
an audiobook copy of Bigger Love was provided to me for the purpose of my honest review, all opinions are my own
December 10, 2018
I enjoyed Seth and Dane's story in Big Love, and was excited that Truman was getting his own story.
I adore Truman. He's unique and fabulous and brave. He is gender non-conforming and wears what he wants regardless of the haters. And his mother is so damn supportive. I loved everything about this part of of the story.
Mike is...well, he rubbed me the wrong way from the get-go. I didn't care for his mannerisms and some of his reactions to Truman. He came off as homophobic at times and so far in the closet that I wanted someone more worthy for Truman's affections.
Truly, Truman deserved better. He deserved someone who would proudly and openly appreciate all of his qualities and not be so tied up in others perceptions. Especially the perceptions of a bigoted town.
I wanted so much more for Truman than the author gave him.
I adore Truman. He's unique and fabulous and brave. He is gender non-conforming and wears what he wants regardless of the haters. And his mother is so damn supportive. I loved everything about this part of of the story.
Mike is...well, he rubbed me the wrong way from the get-go. I didn't care for his mannerisms and some of his reactions to Truman. He came off as homophobic at times and so far in the closet that I wanted someone more worthy for Truman's affections.
Truly, Truman deserved better. He deserved someone who would proudly and openly appreciate all of his qualities and not be so tied up in others perceptions. Especially the perceptions of a bigoted town.
I wanted so much more for Truman than the author gave him.
November 15, 2018
Rick R. Reed’s Bigger Love drew me in immediately, keeping me hooked throughout. A sequel to Big Love, this edition can easily be read as a standalone.
One of the best parts of this story is Truman himself, and his gender-fluidity. I appreciate how well this is written and the way it’s handled. From the beginning, my heart hurt for Truman, as he’s endured so much bullying.
Truman knows he doesn’t fit in, but doesn’t want to hide who he is. Instead, he chooses to flaunt it, thus taking the decision to taunt him out of the bullies’ hands by claiming the taunts first. His bravery is to be applauded, as it takes tremendous courage to stand out in a crowd.
Truman is rendered speechless the first time he sees Mike, who’s new in town. I find the character of Mike to be well done, as he’s closeted, loathes himself, and is terrified to be seen with Truman. He’s not only afraid of what people will think of him, he’s also just scared of how open Truman is about being gay, as he struggles with how people react to Truman.
Their story contains a lot of pain, cruelty and ostracism. Overall, the author does a fantastic job of capturing the accurate misconceptions that people make before they take the time to get to know someone.
And I can’t forget to mention the dog scenes. Even they are emotional and special.
As much as Bigger Love is about Truman, it’s really about how Truman’s strength and courage helps inspire Mike to accept himself. Rick R. Reed has created a heartfelt coming of age story that I find to be wonderful and encouraging.
One of the best parts of this story is Truman himself, and his gender-fluidity. I appreciate how well this is written and the way it’s handled. From the beginning, my heart hurt for Truman, as he’s endured so much bullying.
Truman knows he doesn’t fit in, but doesn’t want to hide who he is. Instead, he chooses to flaunt it, thus taking the decision to taunt him out of the bullies’ hands by claiming the taunts first. His bravery is to be applauded, as it takes tremendous courage to stand out in a crowd.
Truman is rendered speechless the first time he sees Mike, who’s new in town. I find the character of Mike to be well done, as he’s closeted, loathes himself, and is terrified to be seen with Truman. He’s not only afraid of what people will think of him, he’s also just scared of how open Truman is about being gay, as he struggles with how people react to Truman.
Their story contains a lot of pain, cruelty and ostracism. Overall, the author does a fantastic job of capturing the accurate misconceptions that people make before they take the time to get to know someone.
And I can’t forget to mention the dog scenes. Even they are emotional and special.
As much as Bigger Love is about Truman, it’s really about how Truman’s strength and courage helps inspire Mike to accept himself. Rick R. Reed has created a heartfelt coming of age story that I find to be wonderful and encouraging.
November 18, 2018
Die Fortsetzung zu Die Liebe und der Mut zum Leben handelt vom Schicksal Trumans.
Zur Handlung. Truman Reid, der sich im ersten Teil beinahe umgebracht hätte, ist mittlerweile Schüler der Abschlussklasse an der Summitville Highschool. Immer noch wird er von etlichen Mitschülern gehänselt und wegen seiner offensichtlichen Homosexualität beschimpft. Doch er hat auch Freunde gefunden und pfeift auf die Meinung der homophoben Kleinstädter. Er kann es kaum erwarten, seiner Heimatstadt den Rücken zu kehren. Als an der Schule ein Theaterstück aufgeführt werden soll, bewirbt sich Truman um eine der Rollen. Schließlich ist es sein Traum, eines Tages ein erfolgreicher Schauspieler zu werden.
Mike Stewart besucht nach einem Umzug die benachbarte Handwerksschule. Gleich am ersten Tag nach den Ferien fällt er Truman an der Bushaltestelle auf, doch er hält Mike für hetero. In Wahrheit ist er nur noch ungeoutet, um nicht solchen Schikanen ausgesetzt zu werden, wie Truman. Mike meldet sich freiwillig, um für die Theateraufführung mit einigen anderen Schülern die Kulissen zu fertigen. Trotz aller Widrigkeiten freunden sich die beiden jungen Männer an, doch Mike ist längst nicht so mutig wie sein Freund.
Der zweite Teil hat mir persönlich fast noch besser gefallen, als der erste. Aus dem schüchternen, verzweifelten Truman ist ein junger Mann geworden, der genau weiß, was er will. Auch wenn er selbstbewusster geworden ist, manchmal verletzen ihn die Gemeinheiten einiger Kleinstadtbewohner immer noch. Diesen intoleranten Zeitgenossen ist er ein Dorn im Auge, weil er nicht in ihr beschränktes Schema passt. Es hat Spaß gemacht zu lesen, wie Truman an seiner Theaterrolle wächst und mit den Anfeindungen immer besser fertig wird. Auch wenn ich Mike anfangs nicht besonders mochte, am Ende steht er zu seinen Gefühlen und ist für Truman wie ein rettender Engel.
Es gibt wieder liebenswerte Nebencharaktere, besonders Trumans Mutter ist ein Schatz, außerdem ein Wiedersehen mit den beiden Lehrern aus dem ersten Teil.
Die Story erhält von mir 5 Sterne und eine Leseempfehlung.
Mein Dank geht an Dreamspinner Press für das erhaltene Rezensionsexemplar.
Zur Handlung. Truman Reid, der sich im ersten Teil beinahe umgebracht hätte, ist mittlerweile Schüler der Abschlussklasse an der Summitville Highschool. Immer noch wird er von etlichen Mitschülern gehänselt und wegen seiner offensichtlichen Homosexualität beschimpft. Doch er hat auch Freunde gefunden und pfeift auf die Meinung der homophoben Kleinstädter. Er kann es kaum erwarten, seiner Heimatstadt den Rücken zu kehren. Als an der Schule ein Theaterstück aufgeführt werden soll, bewirbt sich Truman um eine der Rollen. Schließlich ist es sein Traum, eines Tages ein erfolgreicher Schauspieler zu werden.
Mike Stewart besucht nach einem Umzug die benachbarte Handwerksschule. Gleich am ersten Tag nach den Ferien fällt er Truman an der Bushaltestelle auf, doch er hält Mike für hetero. In Wahrheit ist er nur noch ungeoutet, um nicht solchen Schikanen ausgesetzt zu werden, wie Truman. Mike meldet sich freiwillig, um für die Theateraufführung mit einigen anderen Schülern die Kulissen zu fertigen. Trotz aller Widrigkeiten freunden sich die beiden jungen Männer an, doch Mike ist längst nicht so mutig wie sein Freund.
Der zweite Teil hat mir persönlich fast noch besser gefallen, als der erste. Aus dem schüchternen, verzweifelten Truman ist ein junger Mann geworden, der genau weiß, was er will. Auch wenn er selbstbewusster geworden ist, manchmal verletzen ihn die Gemeinheiten einiger Kleinstadtbewohner immer noch. Diesen intoleranten Zeitgenossen ist er ein Dorn im Auge, weil er nicht in ihr beschränktes Schema passt. Es hat Spaß gemacht zu lesen, wie Truman an seiner Theaterrolle wächst und mit den Anfeindungen immer besser fertig wird. Auch wenn ich Mike anfangs nicht besonders mochte, am Ende steht er zu seinen Gefühlen und ist für Truman wie ein rettender Engel.
Es gibt wieder liebenswerte Nebencharaktere, besonders Trumans Mutter ist ein Schatz, außerdem ein Wiedersehen mit den beiden Lehrern aus dem ersten Teil.
Die Story erhält von mir 5 Sterne und eine Leseempfehlung.
Mein Dank geht an Dreamspinner Press für das erhaltene Rezensionsexemplar.
November 11, 2018
Bigger Love is Truman's story. I was hoping he would get one as he was quite an important factor in the first book. But you can read this book without reading the first, however the first is amazing and heartfelt and you really should read it!
I am going to tell you a little about Truman. He is a fierce young man. He is starting his senior year, out and proud, putting his past behind him. He doesn't have a lot of friends, just Alicia and his dog Odd Thomas that is getting very old. Truman is small, and loves to wear women's shirts or bright colors and prints or tshirts with cute sayings. He dreams of being an actor and wen the chance to be in the school play Harvey opes up he tries out. Instead of a part he gets chosen to be student director. Then there is a really big pivotal twist here.
Truman's mom is the best mom ever. She is very supportive and protective of Truman. She now has a boyfriend George.
George has a son Mike that lives across town with his mom. Mike is gay, he was out back home but here he decides to try to fit in but Truman keeps catching his eye and heart.
I loved Truman in this book as much as I did in the last. Maybe even more. I do wish we got more Seth and Dane though we did get a little Seth as the play director. I wish he and Dane had a bigger part. I didn't connect to Mike as much as I wanted to but Truman did have to have a love interest.
I wish there had been more romance BUT, I love how the story had such a realistic feel. I could see all of this happening in real life. There was nothing fantasy or dream romance about it.
The epilogue was touching, a bit tear-jerking, yet we did get a HFN ending which is true to form for young adults as they have lots more growing to do. Who knows Maybe we can get more of Truman perhaps a Biggest Love HINT HINT, MR Reed...PLEASE!
If you like YA romance, stories with a realistic feel, strong fabulous characters, hard choices growing up, some hot man-sex and just an allover touching, charming story, I highly recomend this one!
I am going to tell you a little about Truman. He is a fierce young man. He is starting his senior year, out and proud, putting his past behind him. He doesn't have a lot of friends, just Alicia and his dog Odd Thomas that is getting very old. Truman is small, and loves to wear women's shirts or bright colors and prints or tshirts with cute sayings. He dreams of being an actor and wen the chance to be in the school play Harvey opes up he tries out. Instead of a part he gets chosen to be student director. Then there is a really big pivotal twist here.
Truman's mom is the best mom ever. She is very supportive and protective of Truman. She now has a boyfriend George.
George has a son Mike that lives across town with his mom. Mike is gay, he was out back home but here he decides to try to fit in but Truman keeps catching his eye and heart.
I loved Truman in this book as much as I did in the last. Maybe even more. I do wish we got more Seth and Dane though we did get a little Seth as the play director. I wish he and Dane had a bigger part. I didn't connect to Mike as much as I wanted to but Truman did have to have a love interest.
I wish there had been more romance BUT, I love how the story had such a realistic feel. I could see all of this happening in real life. There was nothing fantasy or dream romance about it.
The epilogue was touching, a bit tear-jerking, yet we did get a HFN ending which is true to form for young adults as they have lots more growing to do. Who knows Maybe we can get more of Truman perhaps a Biggest Love HINT HINT, MR Reed...PLEASE!
If you like YA romance, stories with a realistic feel, strong fabulous characters, hard choices growing up, some hot man-sex and just an allover touching, charming story, I highly recomend this one!
January 26, 2019
What did I think? Not much.
To be frank, I didn’t like or sympathise with Mike. I wasn’t sufficiently attached to anyone else much either. From about 60% it was all skim skim skim skim....
To be frank, I didn’t like or sympathise with Mike. I wasn’t sufficiently attached to anyone else much either. From about 60% it was all skim skim skim skim....
June 16, 2020
Featuring the same almost-idyllic setting – the fictional small town of Summitville, Ohio – as the first book in this series, this novel tells the story of one of my favorite characters of that first volume. In fact, I thought Truman was the third main character in Seth and Dane’s story and I am so happy to get to read the continuation of his story. Truman is now a senior, an out and proud genderfluid person, and fiercely determined to make it in the world as soon as he graduates. But Fate has a different idea and it means that Truman, and those who support him, do not have an easy time of it. I was fascinated by Truman’s story, loved seeing Seth and Dane again, and admire the way that Rick R. Reed manages to weave the themes of personal growth, self-acceptance, and the difficulty of finding love into a wonderful tale.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
November 20, 2018
Excellently written. Great story line.
Carries forward the story of Truman Reid who we met in Big Love. Now Truman is a senior falling for the new guy in town whose father just happens to be dating Truman's mom,as it turns out. The author makes you really care for his characters and their problems. Yet another great book from Rick R. Reed.
Carries forward the story of Truman Reid who we met in Big Love. Now Truman is a senior falling for the new guy in town whose father just happens to be dating Truman's mom,as it turns out. The author makes you really care for his characters and their problems. Yet another great book from Rick R. Reed.
January 15, 2019
4.5 STARS
Having read Big Love, the first book in this duology, I was super excited to see that Truman was getting his own book.
It’s probably not necessary that you read Big Love prior to Bigger Love, but I would definitely recommend it. Big Love introduces us to a younger Truman, who is struggling to pull off “out and proud”, is bullied to extreme lengths, and is literally balanced on the edge of a building working up the nerve to jump. While this second book ensures we meet Truman in a way that those readers who haven’t read Big Love will quickly fall in love with the young man, I think that reading both books allowed me to appreciate the growth of our MC between one book and the next.
Truman is the most amazing character, unapologetically gay in a small town filled with small-minded people. Well, to be fair, things are better for Truman these days, as he’s a lot more confident in who he is. Which means he’s not such a fun target for the bullies. Now Truman is basically counting down the days he has left in town, until he can break free of everything he dealt with growing up and become the star he knows he is meant to be. But when plans for the school play go pear shaped and Truman ends up playing the female lead, all the haters come out of the woodwork and Truman once again finds himself fighting to simply be himself.
This book features some awesome secondary characters, my favourite of which is Truman’s mother, Patty. That woman loves her child as fiercely as any parent could and the relationship between mother and son is one of the reasons I love both of these books so hard. The fact that Patty and Truman coincidently find themselves dating a father/son duo just adds further complications to Truman’s already dramatic life, and to be honest, I wasn’t keen on Mike for Truman throughout most of the story. Someone as strong as Truman needs an equally strong partner to stand with them, and I really didn’t think Mike fit that role, until right at the very end when Mike makes the most elaborate gesture of support, and my confidence in their relationship was cemented. With that one gesture, the author very creatively sold me on this teenage romance and convinced me that these boys just might have the balls to fight for their happily ever after. Well, I was always sold on Truman.
I case anyone missed it, this really is a teenage romance, a genre we don’t normally see Mr. Reed write in. However, I imagine that Truman was such a fascinating character in Big Love that the author couldn’t deny him his own story. If you’re a reader who doesn’t normally go for the young adult reads, maybe give Big Love a go first. That one has two adult main characters, and I feel pretty confident that You won’t be able to resist picking up Bigger Love to find out what happens next for Truman Reid.
Reviewed for Love Bytes Reviews
http://lovebytesreviews.com/2019/01/0...
Having read Big Love, the first book in this duology, I was super excited to see that Truman was getting his own book.
It’s probably not necessary that you read Big Love prior to Bigger Love, but I would definitely recommend it. Big Love introduces us to a younger Truman, who is struggling to pull off “out and proud”, is bullied to extreme lengths, and is literally balanced on the edge of a building working up the nerve to jump. While this second book ensures we meet Truman in a way that those readers who haven’t read Big Love will quickly fall in love with the young man, I think that reading both books allowed me to appreciate the growth of our MC between one book and the next.
Truman is the most amazing character, unapologetically gay in a small town filled with small-minded people. Well, to be fair, things are better for Truman these days, as he’s a lot more confident in who he is. Which means he’s not such a fun target for the bullies. Now Truman is basically counting down the days he has left in town, until he can break free of everything he dealt with growing up and become the star he knows he is meant to be. But when plans for the school play go pear shaped and Truman ends up playing the female lead, all the haters come out of the woodwork and Truman once again finds himself fighting to simply be himself.
This book features some awesome secondary characters, my favourite of which is Truman’s mother, Patty. That woman loves her child as fiercely as any parent could and the relationship between mother and son is one of the reasons I love both of these books so hard. The fact that Patty and Truman coincidently find themselves dating a father/son duo just adds further complications to Truman’s already dramatic life, and to be honest, I wasn’t keen on Mike for Truman throughout most of the story. Someone as strong as Truman needs an equally strong partner to stand with them, and I really didn’t think Mike fit that role, until right at the very end when Mike makes the most elaborate gesture of support, and my confidence in their relationship was cemented. With that one gesture, the author very creatively sold me on this teenage romance and convinced me that these boys just might have the balls to fight for their happily ever after. Well, I was always sold on Truman.
I case anyone missed it, this really is a teenage romance, a genre we don’t normally see Mr. Reed write in. However, I imagine that Truman was such a fascinating character in Big Love that the author couldn’t deny him his own story. If you’re a reader who doesn’t normally go for the young adult reads, maybe give Big Love a go first. That one has two adult main characters, and I feel pretty confident that You won’t be able to resist picking up Bigger Love to find out what happens next for Truman Reid.
Reviewed for Love Bytes Reviews
http://lovebytesreviews.com/2019/01/0...
January 12, 2019
Bigger Love
By Rick R. Reed
Published by Dreamspinner Press, 2018
Four stars
The sequel to “Big Love,” which dealt with two teachers in a small-town Ohio high school, focuses on the fey teenage boy, Truman Reid, whose life the two teachers saved in the first book. I really liked that first volume, and this one just as much. For a story like this to work, you have to believe in the characters, and also in the setting. Truman Reid is one of the most interesting characters I’ve come across in a romance like this – which isn’t really YA in spite of the age of the main characters. Truman is one of those gay boys who could never have passed for straight – and the fact that he owns his own somewhat fluid gender (i.e. he’s a boy, but as a strong streak of girl in him, too) puts him in the way of a lot of abuse during his school years. Fortunately, Truman has a strong, young mother, Patsy, who supports him 100%. Between Patsy and the two teachers who act as mentors and role models, Truman is as happy as he’s ever been. The slings and arrows of his small-minded classmates still hurt, but he has learned that he’s worth loving, and has found the inner strength to be proud of who he is.
Then a huge, mysterious, beautiful boy shows up on the bus on the first day of school, and Truman’s world takes a hitch to one side. The boy’s name is Mike, and he has the most amazing eyes that Truman has ever seen.
Bigger Love plot is structured around a high-school play, a brave young man who comes to understand just how strong he is, and a lot of interesting internal dialogue about why being gay is such a hurdle for so many people. The author has chosen “Harvey” as the play the school puts on – an old chestnut about a young man who has an imaginary friend who looks like a giant rabbit. The central idea there is that the young man doesn’t seem crazy other than the presence of his imaginary friend; but the people around him try to treat him like some sort of monster just because he doesn’t see the world as they do. It’s an interesting choice, and a clear parallel to the reality of social “difference” as a source of problems in young people’s lives.
The story has a plot arc that matters, but what it’s really about is the shifting relationships between people along the way. It is about the nature of love and how its presence can make a monumental difference in a person’s life. It is also about fear and how its presence can cause profound hurt and damage. All of this works because of the care with which Reed builds his characters. They tell the reader their stories and make them believe.
I bought this in the French translation, but the author’s voice comes through.
By Rick R. Reed
Published by Dreamspinner Press, 2018
Four stars
The sequel to “Big Love,” which dealt with two teachers in a small-town Ohio high school, focuses on the fey teenage boy, Truman Reid, whose life the two teachers saved in the first book. I really liked that first volume, and this one just as much. For a story like this to work, you have to believe in the characters, and also in the setting. Truman Reid is one of the most interesting characters I’ve come across in a romance like this – which isn’t really YA in spite of the age of the main characters. Truman is one of those gay boys who could never have passed for straight – and the fact that he owns his own somewhat fluid gender (i.e. he’s a boy, but as a strong streak of girl in him, too) puts him in the way of a lot of abuse during his school years. Fortunately, Truman has a strong, young mother, Patsy, who supports him 100%. Between Patsy and the two teachers who act as mentors and role models, Truman is as happy as he’s ever been. The slings and arrows of his small-minded classmates still hurt, but he has learned that he’s worth loving, and has found the inner strength to be proud of who he is.
Then a huge, mysterious, beautiful boy shows up on the bus on the first day of school, and Truman’s world takes a hitch to one side. The boy’s name is Mike, and he has the most amazing eyes that Truman has ever seen.
Bigger Love plot is structured around a high-school play, a brave young man who comes to understand just how strong he is, and a lot of interesting internal dialogue about why being gay is such a hurdle for so many people. The author has chosen “Harvey” as the play the school puts on – an old chestnut about a young man who has an imaginary friend who looks like a giant rabbit. The central idea there is that the young man doesn’t seem crazy other than the presence of his imaginary friend; but the people around him try to treat him like some sort of monster just because he doesn’t see the world as they do. It’s an interesting choice, and a clear parallel to the reality of social “difference” as a source of problems in young people’s lives.
The story has a plot arc that matters, but what it’s really about is the shifting relationships between people along the way. It is about the nature of love and how its presence can make a monumental difference in a person’s life. It is also about fear and how its presence can cause profound hurt and damage. All of this works because of the care with which Reed builds his characters. They tell the reader their stories and make them believe.
I bought this in the French translation, but the author’s voice comes through.
December 4, 2018
Review by: Jennifer
(4 stars)
Truman Reid's senior year starts out with a new crush, the hot guy on the bus, but then he doesn't set eyes on him again for a few weeks. That's ok with Truman, as school keeps him busy. Just when he decides to audition for the school play, he runs into the new crush, who signed up as a stage hand. Mike's parents decided to not only divorce but also move back to their hometown. Now labeled the new kid, and trying to fit in but at the same time hiding who he really is, Mike knows that Truman is just his type, but is he willing to step out and not be a "normal" boy? When Truman is asked to step up and take the lead in the play, will Truman be able to do what he knows he was born to do, be an actor.... even if it means playing the lead female part?
I found myself really enjoying this story, and feeling all the feels for Truman. All that Truman has had to go through in the past and the fact that he still refuses to hide just who he is, and if you don't like it don't look attitude that he has, just makes you totally in his corner. I did NOT read the first book in this series, and I probably should have, but I can't change that now. I LOVED that there were a few naughty moments in this story, I was really not expecting that so that was a very nice surprise. I give this 4 stars.
(4 stars)
Truman Reid's senior year starts out with a new crush, the hot guy on the bus, but then he doesn't set eyes on him again for a few weeks. That's ok with Truman, as school keeps him busy. Just when he decides to audition for the school play, he runs into the new crush, who signed up as a stage hand. Mike's parents decided to not only divorce but also move back to their hometown. Now labeled the new kid, and trying to fit in but at the same time hiding who he really is, Mike knows that Truman is just his type, but is he willing to step out and not be a "normal" boy? When Truman is asked to step up and take the lead in the play, will Truman be able to do what he knows he was born to do, be an actor.... even if it means playing the lead female part?
I found myself really enjoying this story, and feeling all the feels for Truman. All that Truman has had to go through in the past and the fact that he still refuses to hide just who he is, and if you don't like it don't look attitude that he has, just makes you totally in his corner. I did NOT read the first book in this series, and I probably should have, but I can't change that now. I LOVED that there were a few naughty moments in this story, I was really not expecting that so that was a very nice surprise. I give this 4 stars.
December 5, 2018
I haven't read Big Love. Some people may say I should. I enjoyed this book on it's own merits, without having met Truman in the first one.
The angst of being a teen, dealing with bigotry and hatred and being able to fight through and still be yourself and love yourself was, to me a very huge point in this book. Truman was proud of who he was thanks not only to two men who saved his life but to his mom who is , in my opinion , a great mom. She loves everything about her son...even his inability to be on time for the bus some of the time. She is his rock, his go to and his biggest fan.
It took me some time to like Mike . The attitude he needed adjusted sat wrong with me but I understood as a teen , he himself is unsure and confused a bit. But once he knew who and what he wanted and what was as stake , he stepped up in a big way. I try not to give too much of the plot away. I want other readers to experience this book as I did , first hand.
There are other characters that surprised me and made me so very happy to meet. Others, at a certain point made me say "Oh my gosh..I knew it!"
Such a great story. Rick does a great job getting a hold of feelings and giving them a savage twist at time. The end of one chapter had me.....well it'll become obvious to the reader what I am talking about.
I was given an Advanced Readers Copy in exchange for my honest review of the book.
The angst of being a teen, dealing with bigotry and hatred and being able to fight through and still be yourself and love yourself was, to me a very huge point in this book. Truman was proud of who he was thanks not only to two men who saved his life but to his mom who is , in my opinion , a great mom. She loves everything about her son...even his inability to be on time for the bus some of the time. She is his rock, his go to and his biggest fan.
It took me some time to like Mike . The attitude he needed adjusted sat wrong with me but I understood as a teen , he himself is unsure and confused a bit. But once he knew who and what he wanted and what was as stake , he stepped up in a big way. I try not to give too much of the plot away. I want other readers to experience this book as I did , first hand.
There are other characters that surprised me and made me so very happy to meet. Others, at a certain point made me say "Oh my gosh..I knew it!"
Such a great story. Rick does a great job getting a hold of feelings and giving them a savage twist at time. The end of one chapter had me.....well it'll become obvious to the reader what I am talking about.
I was given an Advanced Readers Copy in exchange for my honest review of the book.
December 31, 2018
It is really wonderful to read about a teenager who has a fantastic relationship with his mother. The love between Truman and Patsy was the foundation that set out his characterisation and allowed him to bloom.
Truman is ready to blow his small town life and has his sights set on the big city light. But first he has to get through his senior year and the senior year production. Things start looking up when he lands a big role and get even better when he finds out the boy (Mike) he has a crush on is also part of the production.
But things get complicated when it seems Patsy is falling for Mike's father and of course drama unfolds around his friends and the school production. It won't be teenage life without drama.
We don't get to see much of Truman and Mike interacting until more than half-way through the story. And for some of it Mike isn't exactly likeable.
In my opinion, this reads more like a YA coming-of-age story than a romance novel. And if you approach it from that perspective, then you should fall in love with Truman like I did.
Truman is ready to blow his small town life and has his sights set on the big city light. But first he has to get through his senior year and the senior year production. Things start looking up when he lands a big role and get even better when he finds out the boy (Mike) he has a crush on is also part of the production.
But things get complicated when it seems Patsy is falling for Mike's father and of course drama unfolds around his friends and the school production. It won't be teenage life without drama.
We don't get to see much of Truman and Mike interacting until more than half-way through the story. And for some of it Mike isn't exactly likeable.
In my opinion, this reads more like a YA coming-of-age story than a romance novel. And if you approach it from that perspective, then you should fall in love with Truman like I did.
December 19, 2018
Rick R Reed's Bigger Love is a fun read about young men finding love, finding themselves and learning to take a stand that their true self does not need to hide. Truman and Mike are great characters with an entertaining story. One out and proud and forced to deal with the fear of bigots, the other in the closet and facing fear of being outed. Angst, laughter, tears and sweet moments can be found in these pages, perfect mix for a young adult story.
I received an advanced reader's copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation.
I received an advanced reader's copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation.
January 2, 2019
Bigger Love
Wow. Bigger love is just what this book is. Believing any yourself and being there for the ones you love.
Wow. Bigger love is just what this book is. Believing any yourself and being there for the ones you love.
July 3, 2019
4.5 stars
June 28, 2020
🌈Small-town teen braves hatemongers to be true to himself: inspiring😍
I could not put down this moving continuation of Truman's story and read it in one sitting.. Young Truman debuted as a high school freshman in Big Love, another great Rick R. Reed MM romance based in a high school in a small Ohio town. Truman first exhibited his bravery in Big Love, and, though it's not necessary to fully enjoy this story which takes place during the fall of his senior year, I recommend reading the earlier standalone as well.
Truman is the star of the book, longing for Mike, a boy who's new in town and apparently unobtainable and uninterested. Truman is so brave because he's often terrified or hurt by other people's reactions to his unique style and attitude yet he pushes through his fears to earn respect and acceptance. He's got some great people in his corner, most particularly his mother Patsy and a mentoring teacher.
The social setting of the story helped elevate this book out of the ordinary for me. Truman and his friends are struggling, working class people, with few hopes for more than a high school education, from a Rust Belt town. I read alot of MM novels; though many deal with small-town prejudice, few broach the issue of life on the lower margins and the economic and social disappointments that can contribute to the rage vented against those who dare to be different and special like Truman.
I give Reed high marks for creating a love story with complex, flawed characters. So many emotions and, in the end, a young man who risks even a budding relationship to stand in his own truth.
Thanks to publishers NineStar Press and NetGalley for providing an advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
I could not put down this moving continuation of Truman's story and read it in one sitting.. Young Truman debuted as a high school freshman in Big Love, another great Rick R. Reed MM romance based in a high school in a small Ohio town. Truman first exhibited his bravery in Big Love, and, though it's not necessary to fully enjoy this story which takes place during the fall of his senior year, I recommend reading the earlier standalone as well.
Truman is the star of the book, longing for Mike, a boy who's new in town and apparently unobtainable and uninterested. Truman is so brave because he's often terrified or hurt by other people's reactions to his unique style and attitude yet he pushes through his fears to earn respect and acceptance. He's got some great people in his corner, most particularly his mother Patsy and a mentoring teacher.
The social setting of the story helped elevate this book out of the ordinary for me. Truman and his friends are struggling, working class people, with few hopes for more than a high school education, from a Rust Belt town. I read alot of MM novels; though many deal with small-town prejudice, few broach the issue of life on the lower margins and the economic and social disappointments that can contribute to the rage vented against those who dare to be different and special like Truman.
I give Reed high marks for creating a love story with complex, flawed characters. So many emotions and, in the end, a young man who risks even a budding relationship to stand in his own truth.
Thanks to publishers NineStar Press and NetGalley for providing an advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
May 4, 2022
High School love (an audio review)
I don’t listen to many YA stories, but this one had me intrigued. I didn’t have any out and proud fellow students when I was in high school (which was, admittedly, about a million years ago). Did my prom date turn out to be gay? Yes. Was I surprised? No, not really. Lovely guy.
So Truman strikes me as all kinds of brave. He’s gender fluid, so he doesn’t stick to conventions. He wears make-up and pretty clothes. He gets teased and harassed mercilessly by bullies. And adults take a few cracks at him as well.
He’s prepared to make his directorial debut in the student production of Harvey when he’s called upon to take a much larger role – one that suits his yearning to be free of his bigoted little town. But to do this, he’ll have to draw on all his courage and strength. His mom, favorite teacher, and best girl friend are there to support him, but it’s the new boy in town who really has his attention.
Mike just wants to fly under the radar screen, finish high school, and move beyond his prescriptive life. Then he locks gazes with the most beautiful man he’s ever met and those yearnings come to the fore. But can he convince Truman they’re meant to be together when his own father is dating Truman’s mother? When things are so Goddamned complicated? I had high hopes for these two. I wasn’t disappointed.
Brian Stoddard is a new narrator to me and I thought he did a great job with this lovely book. I enjoyed it and will look at going back to the first book in the series.
I don’t listen to many YA stories, but this one had me intrigued. I didn’t have any out and proud fellow students when I was in high school (which was, admittedly, about a million years ago). Did my prom date turn out to be gay? Yes. Was I surprised? No, not really. Lovely guy.
So Truman strikes me as all kinds of brave. He’s gender fluid, so he doesn’t stick to conventions. He wears make-up and pretty clothes. He gets teased and harassed mercilessly by bullies. And adults take a few cracks at him as well.
He’s prepared to make his directorial debut in the student production of Harvey when he’s called upon to take a much larger role – one that suits his yearning to be free of his bigoted little town. But to do this, he’ll have to draw on all his courage and strength. His mom, favorite teacher, and best girl friend are there to support him, but it’s the new boy in town who really has his attention.
Mike just wants to fly under the radar screen, finish high school, and move beyond his prescriptive life. Then he locks gazes with the most beautiful man he’s ever met and those yearnings come to the fore. But can he convince Truman they’re meant to be together when his own father is dating Truman’s mother? When things are so Goddamned complicated? I had high hopes for these two. I wasn’t disappointed.
Brian Stoddard is a new narrator to me and I thought he did a great job with this lovely book. I enjoyed it and will look at going back to the first book in the series.
November 29, 2018
3.5 stars
Choosing between being different and being loved is hard...
Truman Reid knows his last year in High School means many things are about to change. On the one hand, he is a senior, and that will grant him some respect. On the other hand, he is about to leave his village and its closed mentality forever. Too open and proud of it for the place, Truman is eagerly waiting for the moment to fly away. What he does not expect is falling for the new boy in town, or having to make a decision which may bring back all the hate, bigotry and pain he thought he had left behind…
I did not read the first book in this series, so these characters are new for me. But that did not make me feel lost or awkward reading about them. I liked Truman very much, his unique mixture of strength and vulnerability makes him a very appealing character. I also liked his family dynamics, his relationship with his mum is really special and it shows. The plot about the school play and Truman’s role in the crisis and solution is really good as well. What I did not feel was the romance between Mike and Truman. I must recognise insta-love is not my favourite thing to read about, it is very hard for me to believe that you can develop such deep feelings with a couple of looks and a date of sorts… So I really enjoyed all the story, but for the romance, which did not do it for me. But for it, the rest of the story is great.
Choosing between being different and being loved is hard...
Truman Reid knows his last year in High School means many things are about to change. On the one hand, he is a senior, and that will grant him some respect. On the other hand, he is about to leave his village and its closed mentality forever. Too open and proud of it for the place, Truman is eagerly waiting for the moment to fly away. What he does not expect is falling for the new boy in town, or having to make a decision which may bring back all the hate, bigotry and pain he thought he had left behind…
I did not read the first book in this series, so these characters are new for me. But that did not make me feel lost or awkward reading about them. I liked Truman very much, his unique mixture of strength and vulnerability makes him a very appealing character. I also liked his family dynamics, his relationship with his mum is really special and it shows. The plot about the school play and Truman’s role in the crisis and solution is really good as well. What I did not feel was the romance between Mike and Truman. I must recognise insta-love is not my favourite thing to read about, it is very hard for me to believe that you can develop such deep feelings with a couple of looks and a date of sorts… So I really enjoyed all the story, but for the romance, which did not do it for me. But for it, the rest of the story is great.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
May 5, 2022I listened to this book on audiobook. I absolutely loved it. Both of the main characters are in high school, but this featured very mature young men and some fantastic side characters who are supper supportive. Truman is an out and proud senior. He has been bullied since coming out and all he wants is to just be accepted for the fabulous fem guy he is. Mike is the new guy in school. He notices Truman the first day he rode the bus, but decides to stay away from temptation by not riding it again Mike is in the closet and just wants to get out of school before he lives life like he wants to. Truman decides to go out for a part in this high school play, becomes the Assistant Director, then after an actor leaves suddenly he gets that part... portraying a woman! Mike volunteers to do the background stage building.
Truman's mom and Mike's dad are dating, but when Truman and Mike are caught by Mike's dad, he says that Mike should be like normal guys and thus Truman's mom dumps him. Truman is confronted by a few small minded people protesting him being in the show, but Mike shows his support to Truman and comes out of the closet at the same time.
This is beautifully written, and the narrator is really good. I enjoyed it so much and hope there will be more in this series.
I received an ARC of this audiobook and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Truman's mom and Mike's dad are dating, but when Truman and Mike are caught by Mike's dad, he says that Mike should be like normal guys and thus Truman's mom dumps him. Truman is confronted by a few small minded people protesting him being in the show, but Mike shows his support to Truman and comes out of the closet at the same time.
This is beautifully written, and the narrator is really good. I enjoyed it so much and hope there will be more in this series.
I received an ARC of this audiobook and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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