They Met in the Library

by Nell Iris

Adrian, book-lover extraordinaire, adores his job at the small community library. He gets to share his passion with other people and help them with all book-related questions and issues. When a big, hulking man walks into the library, looking terrified, Adrian’s skills are tested in a completely different way.

Manne’s relationship with books is uneasy, to say the least. He’s dyslexic and events in his past have made him fearful of books and turned libraries into his worst nightmare. But when the quirky, bowtie-wearing librarian steps in to help, the experience turns positive.

Their banter is easy and their chemistry instant. But can an accidental meeting turn into something more? Can someone who has trouble reading ever fit into the life of a man whose passion is the written word?

Genres: Short Stories, Novella, M M Romance, Contemporary, LGBT

65 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 16, 2021

About the author

Nell Iris writes gay romance, prefers sweet over angsty, short over long, and quirky characters over alpha males. She published her first book in 2017.

Nell is an author with a day job that steals too much time from her writing, her reading, her gardening, and her crocheting. She’s an introverted tea drinker who loves her family, her books, and her home in the Swedish countryside.

Reviews

[Snjez · Rating 1 out of 5]

After reading the blurb, I thought the story would focus on one character being dyslexic and the other helping him with that. I expected something sweet and heartwarming. Well, that's not what I got.

The fact that Manne is dyslexic isn't that important for the story at all, except in the first scene when he and Adrian meet. The ways in which Adrian helps him include getting him a book from a shelf, asking him if he listens to audiobooks and telling him he's not stupid because he's dyslexic. And that's it.

The rest of the story is them flirting over the phone, twice, accidentally meeting at a coffee shop and then having sex at Adrian's place followed by a HEA. I didn't like their flirting, I didn't like the sex scene and Manne's dirty talk, and everything happened too fast to be in any way believable.

Another thing that bothered me has to do with Manne's physical appearance. He is described as huge, bald, tough looking man with tattoos and piercings. Nothing wrong with that. But we are expected to see him for what he is on the inside – a gentle, kind and loving person. Nothing wrong with that either and I really wanted to, though it wasn't easy when Adrian wouldn't stop thinking about his body, his flexing biceps and his thick thighs.

The epilogue didn't bring much to the story either, except confirm that the two of them are a couple and mention Manne's upper body a few more times. And some weird conversation between Adrian and Manne's 12-year-old niece.

I'm sure by the end of my review you forgot that Manne is dyslexic. I did, too.

[Len Evans Jr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderfully Woven Novellal

Wow... Sweet and sexy short that hits every note perfectly and brought me to happy tears multiple times! With exquisitely place humor that had me laughing outloud again and again!!!!!

[Preeti · Rating 3 out of 5]

Because Dimples are my kryptonite.🥵🥵

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

This is an adorable read. Go into it knowing that it is, as the series title states, a meet cute. It's not super deep, it won't change your life, but it will sneak up on you with a warm, horny, angst-free hug. There's a spot in everyone's day for that.

[Marion · Rating 5 out of 5]

I totally loved this book! The story is wonderful. The main characters have chemistry for days. The story is engaging and draws you in. This is the story of Adrian and Manne. Adrian works in a library and is crazy about books. Manne has not had the same comfortable relationship with books that Adrian has. Manne has a panic attack as he tries to address his problems with books and Adrian is right there to help him. He is warm and comforting. That is the beginning of their story. And it is a story that you will enjoy and want to read. It is a quick read that will bring a smile to your face.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sadonna · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

This review can be found at

[ButtonsMom2003 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such as great story!

I am addicted to Nell Iris’ books. She writes the best MM short stories and short novellas. I love that I know I can pick up one of her books and finish it easily when I don’t have a lot of time in an evening to read. I also know that something about her story will make me smile even if it also makes me shed one or more tears.

In They Met in the Library Nell takes two complete opposites (at least as far as looks go) and brings them together in a most unusual way. It taught me that I should not rely on stereotypes and we shouldn’t judge a book by its cover.

Adrian and Manne are wonderful characters but I particularly loved how Adrian was so compassionate towards Manne and how that led to a beautiful HEA. I’m looking forward to reading more of her Meet Cute stories; the next one, They Met in the Park, comes out February 27th.

A 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*** (Posting January 19, 2021.)

[Anita · Rating 3 out of 5]

So there is a line from Adrian that sums up my feelings about books, especially for the last year "For me, the books are a comfort, a joy. " Yes indeed. So anyway, I enjoyed the beginning of Adrian's and Manne's book and their meet cute. I was less enamored of the second half and the sexual innuendo filled flirting between Adrian and Manne. Now usually I love those sexy comments between guys just getting to know each other but for some reason it was jarring here because it seemed so abrupt. So it was me, not the book. Loved the premise - Manne's issues and Adrian's kind offer to help. Wish I'd gotten a little more of that playing out and how Manne progresses but alas, didn't get that. So a lovely read that didn't completely work for me.

[Juniper · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are many, many things to love about this story. It's a quick read, but well-paced, with complex characters whose personalities are drawn in loving detail. Adrian is a librarian whose kindness, like his bowties, suit him perfectly. Manne is a gentle giant determined not to let his dyslexia keep him from reading. They work together beautifully, and I liked the way they connected emotionally before they connected physically. Extra points for the awesome supporting cast of sisters and one epically precocious niece.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable fast read. I loved the main characters, Manne and Adrian. One is a librarian and the other has trouble reading due to dyslexia. The opposites attract part of the story was great since Adrian was so supportive and helpful to Manne. The relationship that both men had with their families, especially their sisters was enjoyable. The humor in texts and conversations made me laugh a few times. Well written. The only thing that bugged me is that the story stops following Manne's efforts at reading and getting his GED, so I don't know what happened. Otherwise, I loved the story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Nell's Meet Cute Chronicles and this one takes place in a library (guaranteed happiness). They Met in the Library is a sweet, low-angst, opposites-attract novella that like the title suggests, takes place in a library. Adrian is the town's local librarian and sees a man panicking. Manne is dyslexic and studying to return to high school. Cute bow-tie librarian, Adrian, helps shy, large, Manne conquer his fear of words and books in this wonderful story :)

[Shelley Chastagner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love, love, love Nell's writing. Adrian has a kind heart. I loved that he treats Manne with such gentleness when they meet. His interactions with everyone, from Charlie to seniors who come in wanting to start a book club, are proof. Manne came across as more of a teddy bear than a biker. His adoration for his sister and niece was lovely to see. While the story isn't long, the ending was the cherry on top.
Highly recommended author and series

[Janet Hunt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adrian is the sweet nerdy librarian who has a thing for big, tattooed bad boys. Manne is a sweet fluffy marshmallow inside, but he fits Adrian like a glove. This was a really sweet, fluffy insta love story with some really awesome side characters. Really good story!! I’m voluntarily leaving a review form an advanced copy that I received.

[Urszula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice read. Well developed characters and relationships among them. Good reality and background. The learning disabilities adds to the story. Enjoyable plot. Lots of emotions and action. All together a pleasurable read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightful chocolate truffle of a novella - petite, sweet, and delicious. The meet-cute is surprisingly poignant, the two main characters are charmers, and their chemistry is off the charts. Not a lot of conflict; this is just a straight up love story. Very enjoyable.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Elaine Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet short love story. Adrian and Manne meet while Manne was having a panic attack just by looking at books. You can see the attraction and chemistry between these two from the beginning. The romance is sweet, funny, romantic, no angst, their sexy times are hot and I love Charlie. The book had my attention from start and I enjoyed it.

[Shawna (endemictoearth) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars - I read these novellas in a compilation that is not listed on goodreads. They are the narrative equivalent of those cozy ambient noise videos that shows us a rainy day in a cabin with a crackling fire in the hearth and a steaming mug of tea by the window. They are instalove in the least annoying way, and the perfect palate cleansers between more substantial books.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

they met in the library

Okay, this is such a cute little lunchtime read. Simple concept, beautifully done. Having experience with dyslexia both my self and more Severely my daughter I understood where Manne was coming from and how the actions of a stranger Adrian can really help.

[Christina Wade · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read a couple of books by this author years ago and loved them. She just writes short stories that are fluffy. They are good but I usually want more. This is no exception. Dyslexic big guy meets librarian. The instalove is not as convincing in this one. However, this is a series of 3 in this Meet Cute Chronicles and I may hit the other 2.

[Jocelyn Whaley · Rating 4 out of 5]

They Met in the Library is a great story. Adrian is a darling of a man with a kind heart. Manne is a gentle giant struggling with dyslexia. They find a connection that fits them emotionally as well as physically. I love the dynamics between the two.

[Raven Immortas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how its the big man who has the reading problem and not the usual jock bad boy type. This is an easy to read story that will keep you reading til the end. Check it out!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Flick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute and sweet

This was the perfect little read for a cold afternoon. The characters are well-developed and they fit together. I have to say I fell in love with Manne a little - he’s just so gentle. I highly recommend it - adorable librarian and gentle giant is a perfect combo!

[Tina Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another beautiful story

I’m hooked on these meet cute stories. This one is just as beautiful as the others. A gut-wrenching start, with a steamy middle and a beautiful heartwarming sexy ending. All of them are must read books!!!!

[Kobie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this story...until 80%. And then the author couldn't get out of the way of the story. Words like scurry, when walk would do. Too much description in sexy scene made the scene drag.

[Eric Peterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's adorable.

[MsS · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5*

[... · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aww, super sweet! This is a new-to-me author, and I thoroughly enjoyed this bite-sized little nugget 🥰

[Amris]

DNF @ 17%

Not a fan of the writing

[Maureen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet, cute short story with two of the loveliest men, Adrian, a  librarian, and Manne, an slightly older tattooed and multi pierced mass of muscle who looks intimidating but deep down is a gentle giant. These two unlikely pair click immediately. A really sweet and gently written short that ended way too soon.


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