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Forever Boys
The Boy Under the Gazebo
I loved Kendall. We’d always been friends, but the crush on her came and went. That was why I’d never acted on it. I knew that if I made my move too soon, I’d lose her. Kendall was the forever kind of girl.Most of the time, I thought we were actually perfect together. That was usually following a breakup. And I had a lot of breakups. I tried to ensure that I had a steady stream of dates so that I wouldn’t do something stupid with Kendall. Naturally, none of those relationships ever worked out.I should have figured it out sooner, that Kendall was the one for me. Then fate handed me the perfect opportunity. The Bear Creek Music Festival was just around the corner. Her parents were holding their annual party weekend. She needed a date. I didn’t even need to ask because she kind of volunteered me.I wanted her to see me with her family, fitting in. I wanted her to imagine the life we could have together. This wasn’t about a friend doing a friend a favor over the course of a weekend. This was about showing her I wanted a lifetime together. For her, I’d take a chance, even if it meant risking our friendship forever.
106 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 8, 2021
30 people are currently reading
113 people want to read
About the author
S.L. Sterling
75 books3,630 followersUSA Today Bestselling Author S.L. Sterling was born and raised in southern Ontario.
An avid reader all her life, S.L. Sterling dreamt of becoming an author. She decided to give writing a try after one of her favorite authors launched a course on how to write your novel. This course gave her the push she needed to put pen to paper and her debut novel "It Was Always You" was born.
When S.L. Sterling isn't writing or plotting her next novel she can be found curled up with a cup of coffee, blanket and the newest romance novel from one of her favorite authors.
In her spare time, she enjoys camping, hiking, sunny destinations, spending quality time with family and friends and of course reading.
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An avid reader all her life, S.L. Sterling dreamt of becoming an author. She decided to give writing a try after one of her favorite authors launched a course on how to write your novel. This course gave her the push she needed to put pen to paper and her debut novel "It Was Always You" was born.
When S.L. Sterling isn't writing or plotting her next novel she can be found curled up with a cup of coffee, blanket and the newest romance novel from one of her favorite authors.
In her spare time, she enjoys camping, hiking, sunny destinations, spending quality time with family and friends and of course reading.
Amazon: https://geni.us/SterlingAmazon
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hearomance
Instagram: https://geni.us/SLSterlingInstagram
Twitter: https://geni.us/SLSterlingTwitter
Bookbub: https://geni.us/SLSterlingBookbub
Sterlings Silver Sapphires: https://geni.us/SapphiresReaderGroup
Newsletter Signup: https://geni.us/GRNewsletterSignUp
Goodreads: https://geni.us/SterlingGoodreads
Tiktok: https://geni.us/slsterlingtiktok
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
November 9, 2021
Grayson and Kendall . . .
Kendall and Grayson have always been best friends. They won’t cross the friendship line. But when Kendall needs a fake boyfriend for the Bear Creek Music Festival and her parents’ weekend party, Grayson decides it is time to let her know what she means to him. Can he convince her they belong together forever? Will each finally reveal their feelings?
Kendall and Grayson have always been best friends. They won’t cross the friendship line. But when Kendall needs a fake boyfriend for the Bear Creek Music Festival and her parents’ weekend party, Grayson decides it is time to let her know what she means to him. Can he convince her they belong together forever? Will each finally reveal their feelings?
November 8, 2021
S.L. Sterling has written a 5-star book. This is the story of Kendall and Grayson. Kendall has known each other since they were six years old. She has had feelings for Grayson but does nothing about it. She has just gotten home from work and gets a call from Grayson. He asks "What her plans were for the night?" She expected him to be going out with his girlfriend Trish. She asked him "Did you finally break up with Trish?" "What did she do?" He said don't get him started. She asked him if he wanted to come over and have dinner and watch some movies. She shows up and she has already ordered pizza for them. While they are watching the first movie, her mom Jane calls. Jane wants to know if she is coming to the Music Festival in Bear Creek the next weekend and if she was bringing a plus one. Kendall tells her yes she was coming and yes she was coming with someone. Her mom wants to know who. Kendall said the first name she thought of and said Grayson. Grayson looks at her and asks when she gets off the phone "What have you gotten me into?" She tells him that she is tired of her mom and sister setting her up with dates that never work out. She just wants to enjoy the weekend for once. Grayson agrees to go with her and asked when they were going to leave. She tells him the next Friday. They talk through the week and she keeps asking if he is sure he wants to do this with her. He tells her that it is fine. When they get to her parent's home, they are put in the basement bedroom. Things happen between them and they end up sleeping together. The next morning when Kendall wakes up, she looks around for Grayson but he is not in the room. She sees his bag sitting by the door. She gets up and starts to get ready for the day. When she sees the bed, she noticed some spots of blood on the sheets. She takes the sheets off the bed and puts them in the wash. She knows something is wrong when she goes up to the kitchen and Grayson won't look at her. She thinks that he regrets what happened between them. The ride home is a silent one. When Grayson gets to her apartment, he insists on taking her bag up for her. Things don't go the way he wants them to go. He goes home and all he can do is think about Kendall. He needs to talk to her and let her know how he really feels. He looks for his phone and when he finds it, he starts to send her a text but thinks that it is not something to tell her over a message. He grabs his keys and goes to her apartment. He gets there and her apartment is dark. He waits for a while and sends her a message at one in the morning but doesn't get a return response from her. It has now been a week since she has seen or talked to Grayson except for the strange text he sent the night of their return. She didn't respond since she didn't know what to say to him. She was still hurt and didn't want to talk to him. She has just gotten home from the grocery store when her phone rings. It is her sister, Jade. and she said that she had been trying to get her. Kendall said that she left her phone at home that day. "What's wrong?" Jade tells her that it was their father and she hears sobbing and then Rick's voice. Rick tells her that her father was admitted into the hospital with chest pains. He tells her that he is coming to pick her up and asked if she could be ready in ten. When they get to the hospital, she goes up to her mom and wants to know what happened and if they have heard anything yet. Her mom tells her that he went out to the garden and just collapsed like a ton of bricks and gripping his chest. She is about to go to the nurse's station when the doctor comes out and she sees Grayson with him. Grayson doesn't come over to talk to her at all. The doctor tells Jane that her husband is going into surgery for a bypass. It should take a few hours to complete. Kendall has gone to get something to eat and sat down at a table when someone asked if she could use some company. She looks up and it's Grayson. She tells him that she saw him earlier and wanted to know why he didn't come over to them. He tells her that it was suggested that he didn't since he knew the family. It is a few hours later when the doctor comes out and tells Jane that her husband is out of surgery and doing fine. Jane tells Kendall and Jade to go home. Jade tells her that she is going to go home with her and Rick. Kendall is about ready to ask for a ride from them when Grayson comes up and said he would take her home. When she gets home, she finds a mess from the groceries that were not put away. She starts to clean up the mess and Grayson stops her and said he would clean it up while she went and took a bath. She tells him that he doesn't have to do that. He asked her if they could talk. She wants to know about what. He said the weekend. "Oh, Grayson, please, don't worry about it. It's done. It's over." "No, it's not done." "Sure it is. Grayson, please, we weren't together. What happened between us shouldn't have, but it did. Seriously, it’s not a big deal." "You're wrong. It matters. It matters to me. We should be together." "Grayson, please..." Kendall took her hand from his and walked across the living room. Instead of letting her go, Grayson went after her. When he got to her, he lifted her chin and told her that he wanted to be with her. She slowly lifted her eyes to mine and looked at me with shock. "You want to be with me? Grayson, I could never compare to the women you date." "You're wrong. You are so much above the women I date it’s not funny."
Will Kendall give Grayson a chance?
Will things work out between them?
This was a wonderful book and I would recommend it to anyone.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Will Kendall give Grayson a chance?
Will things work out between them?
This was a wonderful book and I would recommend it to anyone.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 18, 2021
One weekend is his perfect opportunity to make it real
The Boy Under the Gazebo by S.L. Sterling is part of the multi-author The All American Boy series. The author has given the reader a wonderful story that is a perfect afternoon read. The story is about Kendall and Grayson, best friends since childhood but have each loved the other in the "love love" way. But neither has ever crossed that line in an way, even though he has thought about it from time to time. But that is about to change when Grayson gets the perfect opportunity to be Kendall's boyfriend. It may be fake to begin with but that does not mean he will not make her see just how perfect they would be together in the real sense. He has all weekend and is going to make the most of every minute of it, making great memories for them as a couple.
I received a copy of this book and am leaving my honest review. My opinions are all my own.
The Boy Under the Gazebo by S.L. Sterling is part of the multi-author The All American Boy series. The author has given the reader a wonderful story that is a perfect afternoon read. The story is about Kendall and Grayson, best friends since childhood but have each loved the other in the "love love" way. But neither has ever crossed that line in an way, even though he has thought about it from time to time. But that is about to change when Grayson gets the perfect opportunity to be Kendall's boyfriend. It may be fake to begin with but that does not mean he will not make her see just how perfect they would be together in the real sense. He has all weekend and is going to make the most of every minute of it, making great memories for them as a couple.
I received a copy of this book and am leaving my honest review. My opinions are all my own.
November 23, 2021
Kendall and Grayson had been friends since they were six years old. He had tried dating a lot but no one ever compared to Kendall, but he did not want to lose their close tie. When a situation arises where she will be with her family and needs a plus one, she offers up Grayson so they do not set her up. While there, the relationship goes farther than ever and he panics when he sees she was a virgin. Now he thinks he has lost her completely and puts distance between them. Everything turns around a week later when her family is all at the hospital where he works as an intern and they get Kendall and Grayson to spend time and talk it out.
The characters are heartwarming in their deep caring and protectiveness. The storyline had great dialogue, chemistry, drama and surprises. Loved the ending and the timing. I will be rereading this one again soon.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The characters are heartwarming in their deep caring and protectiveness. The storyline had great dialogue, chemistry, drama and surprises. Loved the ending and the timing. I will be rereading this one again soon.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 16, 2022
The Boy Under the Gazebo:
The All American Boy Series
(All American Boy)
Written by: S. L. Sterling
Some of the best love stories can be found in a friends-to-lovers story and this is exactly what author S. L. Sterling gives to her readers in The Boy Under the Gazebo.
Kendall has had a ‘CRUSH” on her friend Grayson for a very long time. She’s sure though they can never really take their “friendship” any further.
Grayson has finally admitted to himself his interest in his dear friend Kendall is less - friend and more love interest. These two need to talk!
When an opportunity to “show” Kendall how he feels, he is all yes, yes and YES!
Will a weekend at the music festival with her family allow them to be honest with each other? This was a short but very enjoyable read and I got attached to these Kendall and Grayson.
The All American Boy Series
(All American Boy)
Written by: S. L. Sterling
Some of the best love stories can be found in a friends-to-lovers story and this is exactly what author S. L. Sterling gives to her readers in The Boy Under the Gazebo.
Kendall has had a ‘CRUSH” on her friend Grayson for a very long time. She’s sure though they can never really take their “friendship” any further.
Grayson has finally admitted to himself his interest in his dear friend Kendall is less - friend and more love interest. These two need to talk!
When an opportunity to “show” Kendall how he feels, he is all yes, yes and YES!
Will a weekend at the music festival with her family allow them to be honest with each other? This was a short but very enjoyable read and I got attached to these Kendall and Grayson.
November 8, 2021
Grayson has been friends with Kendall all long time, had a crush on her at one time. Grayson has broken up with another girlfriend for some minuscule reason, just like all the others. He goes over to Kendall's for pizza and movies. When Kendall gets a call, all of the sudden he is going to be her boyfriend for the weekend with her family.
As the weekend progresses, he realizes that the crush never left, that she is the one for him. Does she feel the same? Can he convince her to give them a real chance?
These two start with a great friendship, I really enjoyed their story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
As the weekend progresses, he realizes that the crush never left, that she is the one for him. Does she feel the same? Can he convince her to give them a real chance?
These two start with a great friendship, I really enjoyed their story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 17, 2021
Pleasant, easy to read friends-to-lovers short novel. 4*
This was a rather charming, feel-good, plausible story of 2 long-time friends Kendall and Grayson. He agrees to accompany Kendall to a long weekend of a family get together in the hope that her mother will stop trying to fix her up with any available single men. Predictably, the two protagonists realise the true depth of their feelings for one another and we get a satisfying HEA. Although I didn't really get the reference to the title, it is a short, enjoyable read that I am happy to recommend.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was a rather charming, feel-good, plausible story of 2 long-time friends Kendall and Grayson. He agrees to accompany Kendall to a long weekend of a family get together in the hope that her mother will stop trying to fix her up with any available single men. Predictably, the two protagonists realise the true depth of their feelings for one another and we get a satisfying HEA. Although I didn't really get the reference to the title, it is a short, enjoyable read that I am happy to recommend.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 8, 2021
This is a friends to lovers story. This is the story of Grayson and Kendall.
It's a beautiful story of being in love with your best friend but not daring to give in, for fear of putting the friendship on the line.
When Kendall gets a call from her family, Grayson comes along and pretends to be her boyfriend for the family weekend Kendall is having. The storyline and the build up from friends to lovers is nicely done. This book is definitely recommended!!!
I have received an Advance Review Copy of this book through Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It's a beautiful story of being in love with your best friend but not daring to give in, for fear of putting the friendship on the line.
When Kendall gets a call from her family, Grayson comes along and pretends to be her boyfriend for the family weekend Kendall is having. The storyline and the build up from friends to lovers is nicely done. This book is definitely recommended!!!
I have received an Advance Review Copy of this book through Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 8, 2021
friends and lovers
Good little short story
Grayson and Kendall are best friends and she is his long time love, which he has carefully avoided acting on by dating and breaking up with others for fear of spoiling and losing what they have.
Her parents annual party is looming and Kendall decides that he will be her boyfriend for the weekend - is this an opportunity to find out if she feels the same and whether there is the possibility of romance and deeper relationship
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Good little short story
Grayson and Kendall are best friends and she is his long time love, which he has carefully avoided acting on by dating and breaking up with others for fear of spoiling and losing what they have.
Her parents annual party is looming and Kendall decides that he will be her boyfriend for the weekend - is this an opportunity to find out if she feels the same and whether there is the possibility of romance and deeper relationship
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 9, 2021
I really enjoyed The Boy Under the Gazebo by S.L. Sterling. Kendall and Grayson have been best friends since they were kids and not once have crossed the line beyond friendship despite their mutual crushes on each other Grayson has definitely thought about from time to time but it usually passes. But when her mom calls and Kendall needs a fake boyfriend for the Bear Creek Music Festival, Grayson realizes this could be his chance to finally make his move. He has the weekend to prove to Kendall they belong together. Will this be the weekend they both admit their true feelings? 5 stars.
November 10, 2021
loved it !! love this series !!! love Grayson and Kendall... this is their story... a fast paced drama... Grayson and Kendall have been best friends forever... he's crushed on her many times.. on and off again... but, he comes to realize that she's the one... has always been the one... what now ? well, Kendall needs a fake boyfriend to go to her parents weekend party... this is Grayson's chance... a sweet story...
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.
November 28, 2021
I volunteered to read this ARC for an honest review..I enjoyed this quick story about Kendall and Grayson. They are best friends, but he's had an on again off again crush on her for years. Comparing every girl he dates to her.. When she asks him to attend the music festival at her parents, he agrees. He wants to give it a shot this weekend and prove that can be more. But fear of what ifs cause havoc. Great HEA.
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.
January 26, 2022
I've read several books written by S.L. Sterling; she is becoming one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more of her books.
This is part of the All American Boy Series; it is a stand-alone short story. The story is about Kendall & Grayson; they have been friends since childhood and even though they both having feelings for the other neither has acted upon them. Now she needs a date for her parents annual party weekend.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
This is part of the All American Boy Series; it is a stand-alone short story. The story is about Kendall & Grayson; they have been friends since childhood and even though they both having feelings for the other neither has acted upon them. Now she needs a date for her parents annual party weekend.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
November 9, 2021
This story is part of a multi-author series called "All American Boy". They are stand alone reads with connected characters. The series is set in Bear Creek, Colorado with a music festival, summer fun and music. This is a fairly quick read that is not overly short more novella size. This is the story of Kendall and Greyson. The timing was not right or the risk was to high but this is a beautiful story of best friends finding so much more. Such a fun story! i love the characters!!!
November 9, 2021
It’s highly recommended to listen to your doctor, heart and alcohol! To do so could save you a lot of misery, tears and hospital stays, and bring you lots of hugs, love and a long and happy life.
This all American Boy romance is definitely one of the best in the series and I can’t wait for the next book/author.
Enjoy your read!
I received a free copy of this book from the author via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This all American Boy romance is definitely one of the best in the series and I can’t wait for the next book/author.
Enjoy your read!
I received a free copy of this book from the author via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 10, 2021
Kendell and Grayson have been friends for years and he has dated and broken up with so many girls that never lived up to Kendell. When she needs a weekend date for a music festival at her parents house she ask her friend Grayson and he is happy to go because after all these years he is ready to make his move on the one woman he knows his heart wants. Sweet romance with some funny situations throughout.
November 11, 2021
This was a nice, quick read with an interesting storyline. I'm always a sucker for old friends who fall in love when they least expect it. However, for me I just didn't fully feel the chemistry between the characters as I felt that there should have been a little more since they had been such good friends for so many years. All in all, a nice story.
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.
November 12, 2021
Kendall and Grayson both have an unspoken crush on each other. When she needs a plus one for a trip home, he's up to the challenge. We've all seen the friends to lovers theme before, but the author's words and descriptions grabbed my interest from the beginning. The story feels fresh; it was well written, and a very enjoyable book to read. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 23, 2021
loved it !! love this series !!! love Grayson and Kendall... this is their story... a fast paced drama... Grayson and Kendall have been best friends forever... he's crushed on her many times.. on and off again... but, he comes to realize that she's the one... has always been the one... what now ? well, Kendall needs a fake boyfriend to go to her parents weekend party... this is Grayson's chance... a sweet story...
August 8, 2024
2.5 ✨. Umm 🤔
Oh how I'd love to give this more stars, but I just can't. PROOFREADING! Wow this needs some attention. Overall quality of writing was fair. The passion was PG. The storyline was good, but the writing was stilted. Dad comes across as curt and cold. The "Truth or Dare" game didn't fit. Jade was out of line! There's no cheating or cliffhanger and the happy couple get the beginning of a happy ever after. So.....this had a lot of potential, but fell flat. 🧐
Oh how I'd love to give this more stars, but I just can't. PROOFREADING! Wow this needs some attention. Overall quality of writing was fair. The passion was PG. The storyline was good, but the writing was stilted. Dad comes across as curt and cold. The "Truth or Dare" game didn't fit. Jade was out of line! There's no cheating or cliffhanger and the happy couple get the beginning of a happy ever after. So.....this had a lot of potential, but fell flat. 🧐
November 8, 2021
This is the perfect friends to lovers story that warms your heart with fun banter between the friends and the love that has grown over time. Grayson has always had feelings for Kendell, now it's his time to tell her.
Fast read that is perfect to get lost in.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Fast read that is perfect to get lost in.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 9, 2021
Love this trope of best friends to lovers, a wonderful storyline of having a weekend to prove that he can be more than just a best friend, but more. Good characters with some mixed emotions and crossed signals which makes the story more depth, liked the ending as it dealt with so much then just their relationship.
I am voluntarily leaving a review for this book that I received free.
I am voluntarily leaving a review for this book that I received free.
June 19, 2022
Kendall and Grayson have been friends since childhood, and although both have wondered what it would be like if they dated, neither has dared to take the step. Until Kendall invites him to spend the weekend at her parents' house and there they finally unleash their passion.
A short, entertaining and romantic story.
A short, entertaining and romantic story.
November 7, 2021
If you love friends to lovers stories this is the book for you. I loved the first person point of view of the story. This is a deal breaker for me. I loved Grayson and Kendall. They had beautiful friendship.
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.
November 8, 2021
3.5 stars. An okay read.
A short, light story about Kendall and Grayson. I quite enjoyed it but just didn’t fully engage with the characters and found the writing style and dialogue a little boring.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A short, light story about Kendall and Grayson. I quite enjoyed it but just didn’t fully engage with the characters and found the writing style and dialogue a little boring.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 9, 2021
This was a friends to lovers storyline, with wonderful characters this was a quick sweet read, he was there all along.
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.
February 20, 2022
Pretending
A sweet story of longtime friends s helping each other out realize they have had more than friends feelings. It is awkward each realizing if they act on these feeling everything changes and are they willing to take that chance.
A sweet story of longtime friends s helping each other out realize they have had more than friends feelings. It is awkward each realizing if they act on these feeling everything changes and are they willing to take that chance.
May 11, 2024
This was terrible read the inconsistencies are wild! Friends since they were little, and they never lost touch…. but her parents don’t know he finished medical school? I’m all for some besties turned lover but this was just not it.
October 18, 2021
Received an ARC for honest review.
This is a quick friends to lovers story. It was enjoyable.
My only thing is I wanted the gazebo to play more of a role in the book.
This is a quick friends to lovers story. It was enjoyable.
My only thing is I wanted the gazebo to play more of a role in the book.
November 8, 2021
Such an amazing book. I loved reading it and truly think the author did an awesome job. It held me from beginning to end. A must read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews