What do you think?
Rate this book
One More Thing #1
One Little Word
What happens when the most popular guy in school must depend on a social pariah to save his skin?
Luke Chambers is about to find out. When one stupid word heard by the wrong ears sends the captain of the baseball team’s life into chaos, his plan to get out of trouble involves the one kid who seems to hate him.
Ryan just wants to have some fun at the jock’s expense. He won’t be stupid enough to fall for the gorgeous blonde with green eyes, dimples and impressive arm muscles from pitching. Okay, he might like to look, but it’s difficult being the only gay kid in a small town.
Relationships are never easy, especially when both people want different things. Ryan wants a boyfriend who wants him back. Luke wants things to start making sense again. But what if they both wanted the same thing? What if they want each other?
Could one terrible word lead to something great?
One Little Word is an LGBT teen fiction book for anybody who loves fun romantic comedies, fake boyfriends and silly situations, enemies becoming friends and opposites who attract. This gay romance novel also includes a ridiculous amount of hand holding. This is the first book in a series, though this novel can stand alone.
Luke Chambers is about to find out. When one stupid word heard by the wrong ears sends the captain of the baseball team’s life into chaos, his plan to get out of trouble involves the one kid who seems to hate him.
Ryan just wants to have some fun at the jock’s expense. He won’t be stupid enough to fall for the gorgeous blonde with green eyes, dimples and impressive arm muscles from pitching. Okay, he might like to look, but it’s difficult being the only gay kid in a small town.
Relationships are never easy, especially when both people want different things. Ryan wants a boyfriend who wants him back. Luke wants things to start making sense again. But what if they both wanted the same thing? What if they want each other?
Could one terrible word lead to something great?
One Little Word is an LGBT teen fiction book for anybody who loves fun romantic comedies, fake boyfriends and silly situations, enemies becoming friends and opposites who attract. This gay romance novel also includes a ridiculous amount of hand holding. This is the first book in a series, though this novel can stand alone.
244 pages, Paperback
First published August 28, 2017
167 people are currently reading
284 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
November 9, 2018
A very cute story about a nice guy, who happened to use a homophobic word, then to avoid getting suspended, he pretended to be gay. But he doesn't stop there. No, he claimed that he was dating the only gay kid in school.
As you might imagine, the self-inflicted problems in this story were pretty uniquely YA. Neither captain of the baseball team Luke nor sciency nerd Ryan were wise beyond their years. Not even close.
Both boys were pretty adorable and I *adored* Ryan's snark, when Luke ropes him into the fake boyfriend scheme. Talk about making the jock work for it! Over and over and over again. heh
Another thing that I really enjoyed was that, due to Luke's popularity, the homophobic backlash was only ever verbal, which could've gone in an entirely different, terrible direction.
One thing that I wasn't a huge fan of was how the book ended, without them ever really defining their relationship, but have no fear, they did finally get there in the free follow-up short, "One Little Extra", free on InstaFreebie at:
https://claims.prolificworks.com/free...
The story wasn't completely over, though, so I'll be reading book 2, "One Little Lie", next to wrap up Luke and Ryan's story.
I'm totally on a string of first books not ending in a tight HFN/HEA (which needs to change *soon*), but it didn't really bother me as much this time, so I'd rate the story at around 3.75 stars.
** NOTE: Who is the dude on the cover? Literally, not a single person in this story had a beard, especially neither of the MC's.
I kind of *hate* when the cover photo doesn't match up with MC descriptions. I mean, seriously, what's the point in that???
-----------------------------------------------
This book is *FREE* with Kindle Unlimited membership.
See All My Latest Reads (Review Quick-Links)
-----------------------------------------------
As you might imagine, the self-inflicted problems in this story were pretty uniquely YA. Neither captain of the baseball team Luke nor sciency nerd Ryan were wise beyond their years. Not even close.
Both boys were pretty adorable and I *adored* Ryan's snark, when Luke ropes him into the fake boyfriend scheme. Talk about making the jock work for it! Over and over and over again. heh
Another thing that I really enjoyed was that, due to Luke's popularity, the homophobic backlash was only ever verbal, which could've gone in an entirely different, terrible direction.
One thing that I wasn't a huge fan of was how the book ended, without them ever really defining their relationship, but have no fear, they did finally get there in the free follow-up short, "One Little Extra", free on InstaFreebie at:
https://claims.prolificworks.com/free...
The story wasn't completely over, though, so I'll be reading book 2, "One Little Lie", next to wrap up Luke and Ryan's story.
I'm totally on a string of first books not ending in a tight HFN/HEA (which needs to change *soon*), but it didn't really bother me as much this time, so I'd rate the story at around 3.75 stars.
** NOTE: Who is the dude on the cover? Literally, not a single person in this story had a beard, especially neither of the MC's.
I kind of *hate* when the cover photo doesn't match up with MC descriptions. I mean, seriously, what's the point in that???
-----------------------------------------------
This book is *FREE* with Kindle Unlimited membership.
See All My Latest Reads (Review Quick-Links)
-----------------------------------------------
February 5, 2019
Lemon drop
2.75 stars
Luke is on the verge of being suspended for a word he used around his friends. As a Hail Mary he blurted out he is gay and the only gay kid in school is his boyfriend. The plan works. Luke just has to convince Ryan to help him out.
The positive: Mrs. Reynolds. Her part was minimal but she made the greatest impact with her awesomeness.
Negative: At times, the story felt choppy. I was not a big fan of Luke initially. The little word was actually a big word. He didn't understand the emotions the word evokes in others. He was very ignorant when it came to LGBTQIA+ community. However, I did like how the author, through Luke, pointed out all the bias of others.
I am hoping book 2 does a better job of high lighting Ryan and Luke's relationship.
2.75 stars
Luke is on the verge of being suspended for a word he used around his friends. As a Hail Mary he blurted out he is gay and the only gay kid in school is his boyfriend. The plan works. Luke just has to convince Ryan to help him out.
The positive: Mrs. Reynolds. Her part was minimal but she made the greatest impact with her awesomeness.
Negative: At times, the story felt choppy. I was not a big fan of Luke initially. The little word was actually a big word. He didn't understand the emotions the word evokes in others. He was very ignorant when it came to LGBTQIA+ community. However, I did like how the author, through Luke, pointed out all the bias of others.
I am hoping book 2 does a better job of high lighting Ryan and Luke's relationship.
May 11, 2018
3.75 stars
April 6, 2018
One Little Word
By Finn Manning
By the author 2017
Four stars
I’m a longtime fan of YA/LGBT stories. I guess I’m one of those old guys who never gets tired of reliving his teenage years, only BETTER. Part of it is the fact that coming out, even today, for most teens is still pretty hard. Even a positive story like Finn Manning’s “One Little Word” makes that clear. Sure, easier than when I was a teenager in the early 1970s, but still not easy.
There is much here that is familiar—the handsome popular jock, and the nerdy, gay kid. The setting, in a substantial midwestern farming town, simply adds a currency to the idea that not every place is easy to be gay in when you’re still in high school. Luke Chambers is the gorgeous blond baseball jock. Ryan Miller is the smart, defiantly gay boy; the only out gay student at the regional high school. Ryan is out, and the worst is that his popularity rating is pretty much zero, in spite of his one best friend who, typically but realistically, is a girl.
The plot hinges on “one little word” that a teacher overhears Luke say to one of his friends. Hauled into the principal’s office under threats of serious consequences due to “zero tolerance” rules, Luke makes an impulsive choice that suddenly places him in daily contact with Ryan.
What I loved about this book was Luke and Ryan gradually building a friendship out of a weird situation. What this essentially means is teenaged boys being forced to step outside their self-obsessed personal experience and looking closely at people around them. I think to myself: “I wasn’t that way as a teenager!” and then realize that, in fact, I was. Coming out at 20 (in 1975, because NOBODY came out in high school) meant that I was slightly more mature…but not by all that much. Manny catches the tone of being a teenager nicely. I’m also very happy that adults play important, if peripheral, roles in this. So much of my journey into gay adulthood was shaped by the adults around me as I grew up.
What worried me about this book was, unfortunately, the central premise behind the finale. I can’t give it away, because, well, spoilers, but as an old gay man who has known hundreds of gay men and their stories over the years, there are some popular tropes in today’s LGBT literature that just don’t jibe with anything in my own experience. Maybe I’ve just lived a narrower life than I thought. But I had a bisexual father (which I did not know as a teenager) and have lived with a bisexual man for 42 years...
But I hope Finn Manning keeps writing YA, and does more full-length books in this vein. No matter how old I get, these stories never get old for me.
By Finn Manning
By the author 2017
Four stars
I’m a longtime fan of YA/LGBT stories. I guess I’m one of those old guys who never gets tired of reliving his teenage years, only BETTER. Part of it is the fact that coming out, even today, for most teens is still pretty hard. Even a positive story like Finn Manning’s “One Little Word” makes that clear. Sure, easier than when I was a teenager in the early 1970s, but still not easy.
There is much here that is familiar—the handsome popular jock, and the nerdy, gay kid. The setting, in a substantial midwestern farming town, simply adds a currency to the idea that not every place is easy to be gay in when you’re still in high school. Luke Chambers is the gorgeous blond baseball jock. Ryan Miller is the smart, defiantly gay boy; the only out gay student at the regional high school. Ryan is out, and the worst is that his popularity rating is pretty much zero, in spite of his one best friend who, typically but realistically, is a girl.
The plot hinges on “one little word” that a teacher overhears Luke say to one of his friends. Hauled into the principal’s office under threats of serious consequences due to “zero tolerance” rules, Luke makes an impulsive choice that suddenly places him in daily contact with Ryan.
What I loved about this book was Luke and Ryan gradually building a friendship out of a weird situation. What this essentially means is teenaged boys being forced to step outside their self-obsessed personal experience and looking closely at people around them. I think to myself: “I wasn’t that way as a teenager!” and then realize that, in fact, I was. Coming out at 20 (in 1975, because NOBODY came out in high school) meant that I was slightly more mature…but not by all that much. Manny catches the tone of being a teenager nicely. I’m also very happy that adults play important, if peripheral, roles in this. So much of my journey into gay adulthood was shaped by the adults around me as I grew up.
What worried me about this book was, unfortunately, the central premise behind the finale. I can’t give it away, because, well, spoilers, but as an old gay man who has known hundreds of gay men and their stories over the years, there are some popular tropes in today’s LGBT literature that just don’t jibe with anything in my own experience. Maybe I’ve just lived a narrower life than I thought. But I had a bisexual father (which I did not know as a teenager) and have lived with a bisexual man for 42 years...
But I hope Finn Manning keeps writing YA, and does more full-length books in this vein. No matter how old I get, these stories never get old for me.
May 27, 2018
Luke is an idiot. Finally he pulls his head out of his ass. Ryan is also a bit of an idiot for letting Luke get him tangled up in his idiocy. Despite that an amusing, unrealistic look at high school love connections. Check your expectations of reality at the door and it will work well for you.
April 23, 2018
3.5*. . . would have been higher, but Finn Manning needs a copy editor.
This is the kind of cute story that keeps you wanting to read, undermined by the occasional ink splat of a verb in the wrong tense, or the completely incongruous response by a character that would indeed make sense five chapters later.
Speaking of the characters, I have to admit their dialogue is sharp, and while their sarcasm may not be the best defense of the weak, it is of the vulnerable. The females, however, have some of the more droll humor, whereas Ryan's personification of a small town cheerleader pouring it on heavy in front of Scott's coaches is over-the-top, laugh-out-loud, line after line.
If Finn acquires an editor, look out. . . the future's bright!
This is the kind of cute story that keeps you wanting to read, undermined by the occasional ink splat of a verb in the wrong tense, or the completely incongruous response by a character that would indeed make sense five chapters later.
Speaking of the characters, I have to admit their dialogue is sharp, and while their sarcasm may not be the best defense of the weak, it is of the vulnerable. The females, however, have some of the more droll humor, whereas Ryan's personification of a small town cheerleader pouring it on heavy in front of Scott's coaches is over-the-top, laugh-out-loud, line after line.
If Finn acquires an editor, look out. . . the future's bright!
October 30, 2017
2 and a half starts rounded up to 3 because there was potential so I hung in there to see how things turned out. But there were many errors with regard to spelling, missing words, extra words in odd places, even a couple of sentences worded in such a way as to make no sense whatsoever, and too much repetition of the "how we got into this situation to begin with" for me to call this a really good read. The author indicates there will be more books in this series, if so they will certainly benefit from the services of a good proofreader/editor.
April 26, 2025
Just reread. I go back periodically to this series about Luke and Ryan. Luke is a high school baseball star who claims to be dating Ryan, the school’s only out gay kid, to avoid punishment for discrimination. Frequently in romance I get the sense that the characters are just there to find love. Luke and Ryan are three-dimensional. While the book can be a little slow, mostly it keeps me laughing over how Ryan reacts to and provokes Luke. This is also a bi-awakening story, although quite a slow burn. It is ya, which I don’t usually read, but I enjoy these characters.
September 7, 2021
How many coming out/ coming to terms stories have been written in the last decade? I’ve read a bunch and generally love the best ones as they allow me to empathize with the boy or boys coming out. It’s therapeutic to see this gut-wrenching experience through the eyes of another. This one is doubly therapeutic in that it’s laugh out loud funny in spots. Laughter is, as they say, the best medicine.
Ryan is the only openly gay student at his small rural high school. Luke is the school’s athletic golden boy and has earned Ryan’s animus in a way that we only learn later. The two begin a fake (but closeted?) dating relationship, Ryan is looking to avoid being expelled while Ryan is looking get a little revenge of the clueless popular kid… if only he weren’t so gosh dang sweet, and cute, and Grrr.
This is a surprisingly well written “he said/he said” novel in which both boys get what they want, and discover that they both want more. The insights that both boys gain, moves this out of the merely entertaining and into the enlightening. For a book to do that while also being an enjoyable read, and even laugh out loud funny in spots, makes this one great.
The characters here are pretty much all good people. I enjoyed spending time with them. Several of the supporting characters here really deserve their own books as well… or at least appearances in the sequel to this one. I look forward to seeing how this story (and these lads) develop further.
Since this is aimed at the YA market, don’t expect any graphic sex here, but do expect a few first kisses, first dates and as the author puts it “a ridiculous amount of hand holding.”
This was F.N. Manning’s debut-novel but this re-released version is longer than the original. Given the witty repartee here, I can’t imagine why this hasn’t been scooped up and made into an audio-book. Someone needs to do something about that. And while they’re at it, maybe consider a movie? Some of the scenes here feel like they’d be incredibly telegenic.
*** Note: While I received a free copy of this title, this is a fair and honest review ***
Ryan is the only openly gay student at his small rural high school. Luke is the school’s athletic golden boy and has earned Ryan’s animus in a way that we only learn later. The two begin a fake (but closeted?) dating relationship, Ryan is looking to avoid being expelled while Ryan is looking get a little revenge of the clueless popular kid… if only he weren’t so gosh dang sweet, and cute, and Grrr.
This is a surprisingly well written “he said/he said” novel in which both boys get what they want, and discover that they both want more. The insights that both boys gain, moves this out of the merely entertaining and into the enlightening. For a book to do that while also being an enjoyable read, and even laugh out loud funny in spots, makes this one great.
The characters here are pretty much all good people. I enjoyed spending time with them. Several of the supporting characters here really deserve their own books as well… or at least appearances in the sequel to this one. I look forward to seeing how this story (and these lads) develop further.
Since this is aimed at the YA market, don’t expect any graphic sex here, but do expect a few first kisses, first dates and as the author puts it “a ridiculous amount of hand holding.”
This was F.N. Manning’s debut-novel but this re-released version is longer than the original. Given the witty repartee here, I can’t imagine why this hasn’t been scooped up and made into an audio-book. Someone needs to do something about that. And while they’re at it, maybe consider a movie? Some of the scenes here feel like they’d be incredibly telegenic.
*** Note: While I received a free copy of this title, this is a fair and honest review ***
November 10, 2018
How do you determine what you are if you do not fit the expectations?
Luke is straight, except he kisses Ryan. Zach was straight, but now is bi, but still Luke's best friend. Luke outed Ryan, but has allowed Zach and Ryan to date since breaking up with Ryan who he was fake dating. Luke likes Lydia. Zack likes everyone, but will not talk about other gays in the area. The baseball team is confused. Some teachers are supportive. Some families are not because they do not know. More than a scholarship is at stake for Luke. Ryan is in love. Luke helps Ryan and his father tear down a barn that broke Ryan's leg.
If this makes sense or you do not love teen angst, read something else. But this book and the sequel are the best examples of teen angst around, and I love these books better than I love Luke and Ryan. Holding hands takes on new meaning and Zack is a real best friend. If only they knew who was what and with who. Good thing it's a small town. This could get complicated.
Luke is straight, except he kisses Ryan. Zach was straight, but now is bi, but still Luke's best friend. Luke outed Ryan, but has allowed Zach and Ryan to date since breaking up with Ryan who he was fake dating. Luke likes Lydia. Zack likes everyone, but will not talk about other gays in the area. The baseball team is confused. Some teachers are supportive. Some families are not because they do not know. More than a scholarship is at stake for Luke. Ryan is in love. Luke helps Ryan and his father tear down a barn that broke Ryan's leg.
If this makes sense or you do not love teen angst, read something else. But this book and the sequel are the best examples of teen angst around, and I love these books better than I love Luke and Ryan. Holding hands takes on new meaning and Zack is a real best friend. If only they knew who was what and with who. Good thing it's a small town. This could get complicated.
March 18, 2020
Overall this was a really sweet story.
I tried to make being the lone gay boy in this school look effortless, but it could be exhausting.
Mostly, I was there for Ryan who I really enjoyed. As the only openly gay kid in his small town he has had to handle way too much. His snark had me cackling, this is one boy you shouldn't mess with.
I had reservations about Luke, self-declared 'nice guy'. Yes, he in fact was very much not a bad guy that's true. But he did act a little selfishly throughout the book. He quietly struggles with internalised homophobia and wanting everyone to like him. In the end he slowly won me over.
I tried to make being the lone gay boy in this school look effortless, but it could be exhausting.
Mostly, I was there for Ryan who I really enjoyed. As the only openly gay kid in his small town he has had to handle way too much. His snark had me cackling, this is one boy you shouldn't mess with.
I had reservations about Luke, self-declared 'nice guy'. Yes, he in fact was very much not a bad guy that's true. But he did act a little selfishly throughout the book. He quietly struggles with internalised homophobia and wanting everyone to like him. In the end he slowly won me over.
April 10, 2020
A well written enemies to boyfriends story.
3.75 solid stars
Having read book 3 first, I know how Ryan and Luke got together. This story had many interesting items; angst, friendship, break-ups, make-ups, outing, humor and a lot of personal discovery.
It seemed no matter how hard the two MCs tried, they could never get things right between them. But when Luke's best friend, Zach, willingly announces he's bisexual, Luke begins to question his own sexuality. Does he REALLY like Ryan? Does he really want to date Lydia? Not certain, he confides in one the school's teachers, who offers some wise words.
After much thought, by both Ryan and Luke, Luke finally decides he does like Ryan and they have a first real date.
A huge plus - no editorial errors! (So rare for these type of books.) And the story flowed smoothly, the characters were almost well defined (some more than others) and the conclusion segued nicely into book two.
Overall, a pleasant, satisfying m/m story regarding beginning relationships.
3.75 solid stars
Having read book 3 first, I know how Ryan and Luke got together. This story had many interesting items; angst, friendship, break-ups, make-ups, outing, humor and a lot of personal discovery.
It seemed no matter how hard the two MCs tried, they could never get things right between them. But when Luke's best friend, Zach, willingly announces he's bisexual, Luke begins to question his own sexuality. Does he REALLY like Ryan? Does he really want to date Lydia? Not certain, he confides in one the school's teachers, who offers some wise words.
After much thought, by both Ryan and Luke, Luke finally decides he does like Ryan and they have a first real date.
A huge plus - no editorial errors! (So rare for these type of books.) And the story flowed smoothly, the characters were almost well defined (some more than others) and the conclusion segued nicely into book two.
Overall, a pleasant, satisfying m/m story regarding beginning relationships.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 25, 2018
Fun fast read.
Cute. Likable characters. Nicely paced. By the time it's over everybody is gay. Too funny. Very sweet and chaste - g rated.
Cute. Likable characters. Nicely paced. By the time it's over everybody is gay. Too funny. Very sweet and chaste - g rated.
January 2, 2018
Well, normally I don't leave a review, but I felt I needed to leave one for this book. I will agree with some of the comments of another reviewer. There were some spelling and grammatical errors, but those are cosmetic to me. The story line is pretty great and the writing drew me in instantly. This is a perfect length book, I can finish it in a few hours instead of a few days. The characters were interesting and the author did a great job of explaining their points of view. This is a great book for young adults who are coming to terms with their sexuality. It shows how lonely they can feel and how brave they have to be.
Thanks for this book, keep up the great work.
Thanks for this book, keep up the great work.
February 18, 2020
One word can change everything
https://ladiikeiii.wordpress.com/2020...
**There Spoilers but•• not many just a few••^*
Am I going to read the other books to this series? I don't know... I don't think I will. Though this... even though the book was had my attention from being to end.
I think Luke could've been bisexual but didn't know it until he had to pretend to FAKE date, Ryan... I mean, he didn't say much when he and his baseball friends were joking around about "he and Zach" being gay... after learning that Zach was gay himself. It's interesting to learn why he didn't say anything to the other guys when they said that he was...
Maybe Zach knew deep down his best friend Luke was more likely bisexual too. & Luke didn't realize until he got to be around Ryan. Plus; Luke kept going for Lydia but deep down she didn't like him back nor was she attracted to guys... later on in the book she mentioned something about "her may not be attracted to them" and Luke learning that he had feelings for Ryan after the fact that he learned that Zach was gay **bisexual** himself. & asked Ryan to sit with them at lunch...
Everyone saw how jealous Luke was when it came to Ryan. The only one who didn't see it was Luke. Until it was too late... after they (He & Ryan) fake broken up. Though both their feelings for each other were real. More than Luke realize... though Ryan knew he had feelings that ran deep.
Those football players and some of the baseball players (more so Mate or whatever that baseball player) name was on Luke's team. Hated guys, people. The way they talked to them, especially Ryan, was horrible. You also learn who liked you once they learn you are "gay" or "bisexual".....
Plus, I didn't see how Luke couldn't see Lydia had a thing for Alicia.. since they kissed that once time... when they helped Ryan out... but in the end, at least he learned his real main friends were gay. Except for Joey? Whatever his name was, lol!
https://ladiikeiii.wordpress.com/2020...
**There Spoilers but•• not many just a few••^*
Am I going to read the other books to this series? I don't know... I don't think I will. Though this... even though the book was had my attention from being to end.
I think Luke could've been bisexual but didn't know it until he had to pretend to FAKE date, Ryan... I mean, he didn't say much when he and his baseball friends were joking around about "he and Zach" being gay... after learning that Zach was gay himself. It's interesting to learn why he didn't say anything to the other guys when they said that he was...
Maybe Zach knew deep down his best friend Luke was more likely bisexual too. & Luke didn't realize until he got to be around Ryan. Plus; Luke kept going for Lydia but deep down she didn't like him back nor was she attracted to guys... later on in the book she mentioned something about "her may not be attracted to them" and Luke learning that he had feelings for Ryan after the fact that he learned that Zach was gay **bisexual** himself. & asked Ryan to sit with them at lunch...
Everyone saw how jealous Luke was when it came to Ryan. The only one who didn't see it was Luke. Until it was too late... after they (He & Ryan) fake broken up. Though both their feelings for each other were real. More than Luke realize... though Ryan knew he had feelings that ran deep.
Those football players and some of the baseball players (more so Mate or whatever that baseball player) name was on Luke's team. Hated guys, people. The way they talked to them, especially Ryan, was horrible. You also learn who liked you once they learn you are "gay" or "bisexual".....
Plus, I didn't see how Luke couldn't see Lydia had a thing for Alicia.. since they kissed that once time... when they helped Ryan out... but in the end, at least he learned his real main friends were gay. Except for Joey? Whatever his name was, lol!
May 30, 2021
Well this one put me through some ups and downs, but in the end won me over with its ending. I will look into the next books in the series as Ive seen they continue the story of the same MCs.
The premise might be a little stretched, but it's fiction I got over that quite quickly. Ryan as an MC worked great, I couldn't wait to see his next idea to humiliate his fake boyfriend. Luke however was irritating and sometimes a jerk. I get that this was our view into the mind of someone dealing with internalized homophobia. It is great that more light was brought to it. Had it been only affecting himself I would easily forgive that, but Ryan didn't deserve any of the thing he put him through. I started to warm up to him in the end, but wasn't my favorite.
I was glad to see that Ryan had other friends aside from the main love interest (and healthy ones at that!). I missed some more of their interactions being shown. Zach was the only exception - he came out of nowhere and basically became a plot device - his motivations weren't really clear.
My main problem with the book is the scholarship storyline. It was a rather poor way of continuing the main premise, once the main reason for the fake relationship went away. I'd much rather see more of the fallout of that ending and them trying to navigate that new setting. We still got some of that, but it would be much more interesting to see that expanded upon.
Every gripe I might have had with this book faded away with the ending though, I loved the way the author approach it. A lot of YA romance books end exactly the same - this one didn't exactly do that. Kudos for that.
Overall a solid 3.5 stars rounded up for the ending. If you like enemies to relationship and fake boyfriend you'll like it. The side characters are great, if a bit underutilized. One of the MCs is great, the other one takes warming up to. Great ending. That's all I can say.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I've since bought a copy with my own money.
The premise might be a little stretched, but it's fiction I got over that quite quickly. Ryan as an MC worked great, I couldn't wait to see his next idea to humiliate his fake boyfriend. Luke however was irritating and sometimes a jerk. I get that this was our view into the mind of someone dealing with internalized homophobia. It is great that more light was brought to it. Had it been only affecting himself I would easily forgive that, but Ryan didn't deserve any of the thing he put him through. I started to warm up to him in the end, but wasn't my favorite.
I was glad to see that Ryan had other friends aside from the main love interest (and healthy ones at that!). I missed some more of their interactions being shown. Zach was the only exception - he came out of nowhere and basically became a plot device - his motivations weren't really clear.
My main problem with the book is the scholarship storyline. It was a rather poor way of continuing the main premise, once the main reason for the fake relationship went away. I'd much rather see more of the fallout of that ending and them trying to navigate that new setting. We still got some of that, but it would be much more interesting to see that expanded upon.
Every gripe I might have had with this book faded away with the ending though, I loved the way the author approach it. A lot of YA romance books end exactly the same - this one didn't exactly do that. Kudos for that.
Overall a solid 3.5 stars rounded up for the ending. If you like enemies to relationship and fake boyfriend you'll like it. The side characters are great, if a bit underutilized. One of the MCs is great, the other one takes warming up to. Great ending. That's all I can say.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I've since bought a copy with my own money.
May 31, 2021
Making Choices . . .
Luke Chambers got himself into trouble when he was heard using a word that went against the school's zero tolerance policy. He recognized the huge trouble he would be in unless… he “confessed” a lie about being gay. To make it more convincing, he said he was dating Ryan Miller, the only openly gay student at the school.
Now Luke has to talk to Ryan and ask him, or beg him, to “confirm” the lie he told that they were dating. If he wouldn’t, then Luke could be punished by being expelled or at least suspended, neither of which would help his scholastic goals. The rest of the story plays out where Luke insists he is straight but his behavior does not totally support that.
When they “break up” and Ryan is on his own again, another tells himself throughout 98% of this book that he's straight and he doesn't like Ryan. But they hold hands, they kissed, more than once, and they even went on a date. However, he's convinced he has no feelings for Ryan in that way. But then they break up and suddenly Luke needs to decide the truth or he can lose Ryan to someone else who is interested. Will he ask Ryan to give him a chance… a real one? Or will he continue to try to convince himself that he is not interested.
This was a very well done story line. The reader could feel the emotions and reactions of the characters, and that made it more realistic. It’s difficult to stand up for something that others will knock you down for. What will Luke decide is right for him?
Luke Chambers got himself into trouble when he was heard using a word that went against the school's zero tolerance policy. He recognized the huge trouble he would be in unless… he “confessed” a lie about being gay. To make it more convincing, he said he was dating Ryan Miller, the only openly gay student at the school.
Now Luke has to talk to Ryan and ask him, or beg him, to “confirm” the lie he told that they were dating. If he wouldn’t, then Luke could be punished by being expelled or at least suspended, neither of which would help his scholastic goals. The rest of the story plays out where Luke insists he is straight but his behavior does not totally support that.
When they “break up” and Ryan is on his own again, another tells himself throughout 98% of this book that he's straight and he doesn't like Ryan. But they hold hands, they kissed, more than once, and they even went on a date. However, he's convinced he has no feelings for Ryan in that way. But then they break up and suddenly Luke needs to decide the truth or he can lose Ryan to someone else who is interested. Will he ask Ryan to give him a chance… a real one? Or will he continue to try to convince himself that he is not interested.
This was a very well done story line. The reader could feel the emotions and reactions of the characters, and that made it more realistic. It’s difficult to stand up for something that others will knock you down for. What will Luke decide is right for him?
May 27, 2021
I almost DNF'd this book in the prologue. It seemed very juvenile and bigoted but I decided to keep going until at least the 25% mark to give it a fair chance. I'm thankful I did because I ended up adoring this book. Luke got into trouble for using a word that went against the school's zero tolerance policy. He then told a little lie about being gay and dating Ryan. However, Luke then needs to get Ryan on board with his lie and pretend to be his boyfriend so he won't get suspended or expelled. Needless to say the comedy and drama ensues from there. Luke tells himself throughout 98% of this book that he's straight and he doesn't like Ryan. But they hold hands, they kissed, more than once, and they even went on a date. However, he's convinced he has no feelings for Ryan in that way. But then they break up and suddenly Luke is aware that he likes Ryan - like likes him likes him. So he asks him out, for real this time. However, he's still questioning himself if this makes him gay for all guys, or is it just for this one guy. And you know what, whichever way the answer goes, it's alright. Because you do what you have to do for love.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 17, 2022
Teen Love, Confusion, Angst, ...
This novel has everything but an HEA. It has a TBD. The author has written as a couple of confused teenagers, who are trying to figure out who and what they are and feel. Ryan has figured out that he is gay, but was accidentally outed by Luke, who is straight, at least he thought so. A slip of the tongue ends up with Luke saying that he is gay to avoid getting suspended from school. As a star baseball jock, he was clueless about the doors he was opening while pretending to be gay and fake dating Ryan to keep up this comedy of errors. He is even more confused and terrified when he starts to feel something for Ryan and is jealous that he starts to date someone else. The book ends with them kind of together and still trying to figure out what their relationship is. Realistic portrayal of real teenage romance. Suitable reading for teens and older, as there is no actual sex, real or implied, but a frank, realistic portrayal of the inner feelings of two teenage boys trying to figure out who and what they are and where they are going.
This novel has everything but an HEA. It has a TBD. The author has written as a couple of confused teenagers, who are trying to figure out who and what they are and feel. Ryan has figured out that he is gay, but was accidentally outed by Luke, who is straight, at least he thought so. A slip of the tongue ends up with Luke saying that he is gay to avoid getting suspended from school. As a star baseball jock, he was clueless about the doors he was opening while pretending to be gay and fake dating Ryan to keep up this comedy of errors. He is even more confused and terrified when he starts to feel something for Ryan and is jealous that he starts to date someone else. The book ends with them kind of together and still trying to figure out what their relationship is. Realistic portrayal of real teenage romance. Suitable reading for teens and older, as there is no actual sex, real or implied, but a frank, realistic portrayal of the inner feelings of two teenage boys trying to figure out who and what they are and where they are going.
July 14, 2019
Excellent book. A unique, delightful twist keeps this from being just another one of the many typical YA LGBT romances where a gay teen is infatuated with a (seemingly) straight jock. The. Book'stitle gives away the nature of the twist: "One little word."
The jock says "one little word" that could get him suspended for saying a homophobic slur, UNLESS he can convince the principal that he's gay himsel, bu how can he keep the principal convinced without ruining his reputation with the other straight jocks? To support his pretense of being gay, he enlists the help of the very same gay teen who has a crush on him, but is the relationship just one-sided? Is one boy just using the other, and if so, who is using whom? All is not as straightforward (no pun intended) as it seems!
The girls in the story are not just there as window-dressing for the straight (or closeted) jocks, either. They have their own parts to play, their own schemes, and the girls are not content to do what the jocks want or expect them to do. At least one of the major girl characters is LGBTQIA herself.
The jock says "one little word" that could get him suspended for saying a homophobic slur, UNLESS he can convince the principal that he's gay himsel, bu how can he keep the principal convinced without ruining his reputation with the other straight jocks? To support his pretense of being gay, he enlists the help of the very same gay teen who has a crush on him, but is the relationship just one-sided? Is one boy just using the other, and if so, who is using whom? All is not as straightforward (no pun intended) as it seems!
The girls in the story are not just there as window-dressing for the straight (or closeted) jocks, either. They have their own parts to play, their own schemes, and the girls are not content to do what the jocks want or expect them to do. At least one of the major girl characters is LGBTQIA herself.
June 2, 2021
This writer obviously failed 1st grade English!
Don't get me wrong, the story is actually kind of sweet, and I liked the characters a lot. But the grammar sucks. Especially because the author clearly doesn't understand how pronouns work as subject and object in a sentence. Examples:
Her and Alicia did whatever. Wrong! SHE and Alicia. She is the subject, her is used as
Me and Ryan went wherever. Wrong! Ryan and I went. I is subject, me is object, as in He gave something to Ryan and me.
Also, when speaking of yourself and one or more others, you ALWAYS list yourself last, never first! He and I, never.
d him.
These are simple rules we learn in the first grade!
And then there's so much other stuff.
...the ball would have went... Wrong! Would have GONE. Gone is the participle of go, not went!
...I grabbed to onto his arm...WHAT? Sentences like this where there are words that don't belong are numerous.
Do us all a favor and take some remedial English classes!
Don't get me wrong, the story is actually kind of sweet, and I liked the characters a lot. But the grammar sucks. Especially because the author clearly doesn't understand how pronouns work as subject and object in a sentence. Examples:
Her and Alicia did whatever. Wrong! SHE and Alicia. She is the subject, her is used as
Me and Ryan went wherever. Wrong! Ryan and I went. I is subject, me is object, as in He gave something to Ryan and me.
Also, when speaking of yourself and one or more others, you ALWAYS list yourself last, never first! He and I, never.
d him.
These are simple rules we learn in the first grade!
And then there's so much other stuff.
...the ball would have went... Wrong! Would have GONE. Gone is the participle of go, not went!
...I grabbed to onto his arm...WHAT? Sentences like this where there are words that don't belong are numerous.
Do us all a favor and take some remedial English classes!
February 16, 2021
It started with a slur overheard by a teacher and soon blew up in Luke’s face after he lied and said he was gay and in a relationship to get out of trouble at school. Ryan’s the only out and proud gay guy at school and Luke offered him up as his boyfriend. Now he just has to convince Ryan to play along… This was a look into the high schools of today where no tolerance policies try to protect students but sometimes they don’t. This was a story where pretending developed into friendship and maybe something more. This story was funny and outrageous as Ryan put Luke on the spot. Add in some “helpful” friends and you have high school drama mixed in with sports teams and discovering not everyone is who you think they are. A wonderful book for a teen to read to understand that it’s ok to be who you are and it’s ok to develop feelings for someone to explore where it can take you!
February 8, 2018
I would give this a 3.25 stars at best.
There is a creativity within the story, but when you can predict the story from both the blurb and the first few chapters, there is a difficulty. It all depends on the writing. And the writing was not great. There were too many grammatical errors and spelling mistakes - I found these quite distracting. The story had some gaps too, and I would have enjoyed more if it wasn't written from two active first-person voices. There was so much potential, and I would have loved to delve in deeper into Ryan's or Luke's character and emotions.
Full Review on: https://steemit.com/books/@poetrybyje...
There is a creativity within the story, but when you can predict the story from both the blurb and the first few chapters, there is a difficulty. It all depends on the writing. And the writing was not great. There were too many grammatical errors and spelling mistakes - I found these quite distracting. The story had some gaps too, and I would have enjoyed more if it wasn't written from two active first-person voices. There was so much potential, and I would have loved to delve in deeper into Ryan's or Luke's character and emotions.
Full Review on: https://steemit.com/books/@poetrybyje...
October 6, 2019
Enjoyable Read!
This was an interesting YA title and I got invested in the characters very quickly. A wide range of LGBTQA+ representation is included, along with the typical jocks, bullies and nerds. Even though we didn't see too much of her, I really loved the Science teacher!
There are some spelling and grammar issues, along with misplaced words and missing words, but not enough to distract from this lovely story.
I'm happy to see more books in this series and will get to all of them by end of 2019. This author has great themes and worth checking out.
Thank you!
This was an interesting YA title and I got invested in the characters very quickly. A wide range of LGBTQA+ representation is included, along with the typical jocks, bullies and nerds. Even though we didn't see too much of her, I really loved the Science teacher!
There are some spelling and grammar issues, along with misplaced words and missing words, but not enough to distract from this lovely story.
I'm happy to see more books in this series and will get to all of them by end of 2019. This author has great themes and worth checking out.
Thank you!
May 2, 2021
F.N. writes in such an authentic way it almost seems autobiographical. At least he's definitely still in touch with his 'youth' and is able to create characters, write dialogue and develop scenarios that seem totally plausible and true to life. The teenagers face the angst with a myriad of emotions and doubts, make mistakes and missteps, while being genuine as they do so. The humor and interactions with their friends, teachers and coaches is perfectly written.
I loved Ryan and Luke's story. I'm positive you will too.
I loved Ryan and Luke's story. I'm positive you will too.
July 10, 2021
This was a sweet, sometimes very funny, story of self-awakening and coming of age. I see some of the other (lower rated) reviews complain about the DRAMA and ridiculousness and assumptions and cluelessness in the story. Well, yeah, high school...that's exactly how I remember it. I enjoyed the dynamics and growth of the characters. Could some of the lessons have been hammered on a little harder? Perhaps, but I thought it was pretty reflective of reality.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 13, 2021
One Little Word is the first book from One More Thing series by Finn Manning. I thought it was incredibly charming. Featuring a MM romance and sports, I thought the storyline was interesting. Though you can clearly tell this was a young. adult novel (the characters didn't have the maturity or wiseness that comes from adult-related books), it was nice to read an LGTB+/Queer novel with sports themes. It's not usually something I've seen, which might have been why I was so excited to pick this up. Overall, it's cute, deals with real problems, and was interesting.
July 21, 2025
This seemed like it was going to be a fun read, it promised so much, high school jocks teasing the only gay in the village (if you watched that show) but yelling the F(ag) word as his Principal walked by gets Luke in trouble, school rules are strict, he faces being expelled, that is until he comes up with the perfect excuse. Well for a while it was amusing as Ryan (gay) has a wonderful time getting his revenge on Luke and some of it was really funny, but then for me it just went on and on in the same vein, chapter after chapter. I did read a fair amount but I confess to moments of skimming.
June 14, 2018
A Cliche, but still a good story!
I enjoyed reader this story and how easy it was for me to connect to the story. Not gonna lie, I totally wanted to impossibly punch some of the characters in the face at times, but loved Ryan's and Luke's beginning story. I like that the author was good at adding humor into the book and especially loved the variety of the queer community. Can't wait to read the Part 2 of their story! 4 out of 5 stars!!! 😊
I enjoyed reader this story and how easy it was for me to connect to the story. Not gonna lie, I totally wanted to impossibly punch some of the characters in the face at times, but loved Ryan's and Luke's beginning story. I like that the author was good at adding humor into the book and especially loved the variety of the queer community. Can't wait to read the Part 2 of their story! 4 out of 5 stars!!! 😊
July 12, 2019
Listen, this was CUTE AF!
Yes, it's not the best book ever written, and there are some typos here and there (this usually bothers me way more), but I just enjoyed this SO MUCH, because it gave me exactly what was promised. A high school setting, a nerd and a jock and a fake relationship! It was super easy to read and I loved both main characters. Definitely recommended if you're just looking for a fun high school romance!
Yes, it's not the best book ever written, and there are some typos here and there (this usually bothers me way more), but I just enjoyed this SO MUCH, because it gave me exactly what was promised. A high school setting, a nerd and a jock and a fake relationship! It was super easy to read and I loved both main characters. Definitely recommended if you're just looking for a fun high school romance!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews