The Boy Is Mine

All American Boy

by Shane K. Morton

All American Boy Series

When Devon Daniels reluctantly came home to Stoney Brook, Maine for the summer, he had no plans for romance. He wants to explore the world, and the thought of being trapped in his small hometown is depressing. But then he runs into an old enemy on the softball field, who flips his summer upside down. Why is Owen pursuing him and being overly sweet? What does this straight man want with him? Even if he has turned into the most handsome man in town, there's no way he could ever forgive Owen for what he's done.

Owen Thompson used to make Devon's life hell in high school. But after four years away at college in Los Angeles, he realized what was important to him - his beautiful small town and a life that he could be proud of. When he sees Devon playing third base for the other team, he can't take his eyes off him. Feelings he never felt before are all he can think about. How do you tell someone who hates you, that you might be falling in love with them? Hey there's a first time for everything...

Genres: M M Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Romance, Novella, Contemporary, Small Town Romance, Baseball

106 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 5, 2022

About the author

Shane K Morton lives in California with his husband and their fur baby. His Novels include: The Point Pleasant Holiday Series, Bluegrass Boys Series, Moray University Collection- Adorkable, The Trouble With Off-Campus Housing, Private Waterloos and The Year of the Cock. Short stories: And We Call It Bella Notte, Ginger in the City and Get off of my Runway. Shane can usually be found at a film festival or performing in cabaret somewhere in a dark dive bar in LA.

Reviews

[⋆｡°✮ Lucy InTheSky ✮°｡⋆]

I'm not rating this one, simply because it didn't deliver on many fronts, but it's one of those stories where you know many things aren't working for you, but you just have to finish it, you have to see how it ends.

🟡 #1 installment in All American Boy series
🔵 Former bully/the guy he bullied (for being gay)
🟣 Bisexual/gay
🟢 Age gap (21/25)
🟡 Small town, both from a working class family, but one was popular, one was bullied (in high school)
🔵 A bet
🟠 3rd act break up
🟣 Story not developed
🟢 Obnoxious side characters
🟡 I didn't like the dialogues
🌶️ Some smut; no penetrative sex (a 69 and some cuddling)

This was a bully novella. But for all of us bully trope lovers out there - no, it wasn't good.

Owen was a popular jock in highschool and even though he wasn't from a wealthy family, he always hung out with that crowd. He was tall, extremely attractive and everyone wanted to be with him.

Now here comes the sad part.

Devon was a scrawny nerd who was crushing on Owen, big time. And a lot of very important things happened in high school that weren't told until much later in the story. Devon was writing a diary where he put down everything about how he felt about Owen.
Owen got a hold of that diary and started bullying Devon, until he eventually wrote "fag" on his forehead and put Devon down for even more bullying since obviously Devon wasn't out.

It's not clear what else was going on, since the author doesn't go too deep into the past, but I felt like a lot was missing, the past should've been talked about more and the story should've started back then.

In present, Devon comes back to Stoney Brook for the summer all grown up, more mature and athletic and Owen makes a bet with his two asshole friends that he'll make Devon fall in love with him.

“Dude. We shook on it. I think Brian even wrote up a contract. You make Devon Daniels fall in love with you, and you get my truck. If you don’t, you get Brian’s apartment. We’re the ones who’ll be out of money.”

Owen and Devon start dating and really click, it's kind of amazing how after 3 dates they already love each other, right? I mean this story had a big potential to really make these two characters go through some things, to make it interesting with a bit of tension and hot sex, not just sealing the deal after a week and then grovelling and professing their love with almost no foundation.

"It was so honest and truthful, so full of emotion that it caught me by surprise. How could I mean that much? How could he? But he did already. Seriously, I think we both needed therapy."



I didn't like the writing. I just couldn't get into the story because of it. The main love development went by so fast I didn't even have the time to acclimate myself, I just barely started liking both characters - especially Owen - and their story almost ended already.

“Of course. I can’t really help laying it on thick. I have a lot of feelings… A lot riding on this. On us, and I know it’s stupid to… It’s only been a few days, but… I can’t seem to help myself.”
He hiccupped a small laugh. “That seems to be going around.”
“Do you feel the same?”
“Oh, I think you know how I… Yes, Owen. If you had asked, I would have told you that I already loved you.”

Huh?

I expected for Devon to really hit back and give Owen the taste of his own medicine. I also wanted more time of them getting together and experiencing different things, not just sexual, but there are so many aspects of their lives covered in this story - yet told with a sentence or two alone - that I can't be satisfied with the development overall.

[Kim Stone · Rating 4 out of 5]

New to me author. This is a contemporary Mm romance set in the USA. Main characters are Devon and Owen. Second chance love. In high school Owen used to tease Devon and there was a big incident that scarred Devon and he was glad to leave their small town. Now many years later Devon returned for the summer and Owen follows up with a bet his friends give him. Lots of misunderstandings and miscommunication. Ends in a HEA.

[Keith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Less than Expected

This book has all the necessary elements to create an excellent storyline and yet, somehow, it just never quite got there. Some of the “emotional moments” were flat, it uses an oft played trope of miscommunication to fluster and obfuscate, and while it ends with a promise for a HEA, this reader was left wishing for the story it could have been.

[Janet · Rating 1 out of 5]

Didn't do what it said on the tin

I'm sorry but this was not the story that the blurb led me to believe. An enemy isn't necessarily a bully and I'm not keen on bully romances, even though I've read one or two that were not bad, but the blurb completely played down the homophobic bullying that Owen inflicted on Devon, and the story was just too quick and too unbelievable, with no character development and taking place over a matter of days.
Without spoilers, the bet that Owen made with his friends was ridiculous and for no other reason than a plot point. Devon practically swooned when he first saw his childhood bully, tried to get a little bit of revenge but failed spectacularly while making a bad job of staying away from him, and fell into bed and in love with Owen in just three days. Owen felt bad about his behaviour and had wanted to make amends for years but when the time came, just ballsed everything up completely because of his stupid childish friends and their stupid childish bet and his own weakness.
Far from wanting to see Devon make up with Owen on the pier, I wanted him to push Owen off it, hunt down Brian and Matty and push them in the sea as well, then jump in himself pulling Katey with him too. Maybe the shock of the cold water would have made them all come to their senses.

[Claire Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Boy Is Mine is an enemies to lovers sports romance and part of the All American Boys Series.
I’m slowly getting through all the books in this series and I love the fact that they are all different tropes, styles, such a mixed bag.
I love a good enemies to lovers and sports romance so combining them, had me already!!
Devon & Owen build their characters in the story, and although it’s a short read you can still see what a long way they have come.
One high school bully, one the high school out gay kid that gets bullied. Now out of high school the tables have really turned.
Not the shy, bullied, small kids anymore Devon has really come out of his shell after moving away and it’s great to see. He clearly went through a lot at the hands of bullies.
Owen the high school bully, was so caught up being who he thought he should be and not wanting anyone to know he was gay took to bullying and now years later faced with Devon again, will he ever be able to make it right.
The book is fast paced to a degree because it’s short but still enjoyable and can easily get through in one sitting.
I’ll definitely read more from this author and can’t wait to read more in this series.

[Flick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not quite the story I expected - 3.5 stars

I’m torn on this one. If the book had been more along the lines of the blurb I think I would have really enjoyed it. Unfortunately, the story I read really wasn’t at all what I expected. Don’t get me wrong, I liked She’s All That but it’s not a trope I enjoy reading. To be fair I really liked some of the characters; I actually really liked Owen (who really does try and is a big softie) and Katey was a really awesome best friend. Devon I struggled with more especially at the end (I think maybe with more time his character could have been fleshed out a bit more and I would have connected more with him - though I still would have been irritated with him towards the end). The writing was good and the story moved along (sometimes at quite the clip, but that’s expected with a shorter book). My biggest problem is honestly that I probably wouldn’t have chosen to read it if I’d known the true premise. It’s still worth a read if you don’t mind that plot - it just wasn’t for me.

[Reading*Renee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Former at-odds high school alums Devon and Owen have recently moved back to their small Maine hometown, and their paths cross as rivals on the softball field.

The MCs share a painful (off-page) history, when Devon was an out teenager and treated as an outcast and bu||ied by then-closeted golden boy jock Owen and his friends. Neither forgot Owen's awful treatment of Devon - one especially abhorrent act in particular - and the former bu||y seeks to make amends.

This was a quick and easy read but needed more pages to fully marinate. As it was, the interwoven backstories of the MCs - which serves as the foundation of their unlikely love story - didn't feel fully fleshed out, and the story as a whole could've delved a whole lot deeper.

There's also some deception at play that left me not really liking either MC. While their story had the makings for a heart-tugging enemies-to-lovers romance, the speedy 180-degree emotional turns just weren't my jam. I received an advance reading e-copy of this book and have left this honest review voluntarily. (Also read in KU.)

[Cody James · Rating 3 out of 5]

Following the success of the series “Vino and Veritas” I wa excited at the prospect of another anthology series of MM romance novels. This had the potential to be a great story, but it wasn’t given the time he fully flushed out. The page count really hindered this and didn’t allow the story to grow where it needed to be. The characters of Devon and Owen weren’t overly likeable, but that’s through no fault of their lien, not the authors, just simply the time that can be spent on character building in a book that’s under 150 pages. The story is fundamentally very good: the bully in high school begging for forgiveness and a date from the now-hot guy he bullied. Alas, the page count also hindered the storyline of their connection. Seemingly in 3 pages we go from Devon hating Owen to falling in love with him. This could of been a much more enjoyable read it the length allowed for the characters to grow rather then speed through to the HEA

[Janet Hunt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ohh!! This one kind of tore me up in places. Devon has come back home after three years for the summer. Owen was his high school bully, but he was hiding a secret at that time. Now he’s out as bi. When they meet on the softball field, Owen is surprised by all the changes in Devon. Devon once had a crush on Owen but Owen was quite rotten to Devon in school. Owen gets a chance to redeem himself. This was a sweet instalove between a sweet guy and his high school bully. Overall, the story was really good, kept me glued to the pages! The story was well written with awesome pacing. Highly recommend! I’m voluntarily reviewing from an advanced copy that I received. My reviews are solely based on my thoughts and opinions.

[Bill · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really liked the premise here (okay, and the hot cover was a big draw!) and the Maine locale was a nice shift from the big cities--and allowed for some lobster jokes--they are a thing.

The MCs are both likeable and Owen's declaration(s) of love are sweet.

There are two main problems--the book is a novella but it really needs the full-length novel space for the relationship to grow. As it is, we get unbelievable insta-love; and the plot conventions of the MCs' original motives for getting involved are too quickly tossed aside. The back story from high school also needed development. The writing was below par even for the MM genre. The MCs and the premise deserved better treatment. The book needed a good editor--and a couple of additional drafts.

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

short and sweet

I liked the story. It really gives perspective to how much we change and aren’t the same people we were back in high school. Owen and Devon had a lot to work though after all that had happened. But they were different people now. I liked all the characters. They were realistic and it made it all the more connectable. I have to say though I think Devon blew things out of proportion. It was mean that there was a bet, but Owen wanted it to be called off because he was in love with Devon. And let’s be realistic after Owen asked Devon out Devon’s initial plan, that he told katey, was that he planned to make Owen fall in love with him and walk away. So how is it any better. They should have just started fresh and gone from there. Good story though.

[Latecia Jennings · Rating 4 out of 5]

**ARC Review**

I've read several books in the All American Boy series and so far they all have been enjoyable. This one by Shane K. Morton was nice but just a tad bit predictable but great nonetheless. Loved how Owen was able to face his mistakes and begged for forgiveness with Devon who he treated so bad in the past. Devon was so devastated I can see why he was hesitant but old crushes...feelings...somethings you cant help...but in this case resist...LOL. These young guys were sweet and I was definitely cheering them on with hopes of a happy ending. Like I said, certain instances were kind of predictable but I enjoyed the climax and all the big romantic gestures. Nice ending...Very Nice Indeed!

[Justine Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Boy is Mine is part of the multi-author All American Boy series. I enjoyed this story about Owen and Devon. Though Owen made Devon's life hell in high school, they both had their secrets. Home for the summer, Devon has no interest in anything Owen has to say, still remembering how awful Owen was to him. I loved watching Owen do whatever he could to get Devon to forgive him. He really wanted to show Devon how much he changed but would it be enough? Could they put the past behind them and find a future together? This is a wonderful addition to this series, and I recommend it.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

[C.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes, we can go home again. When they were in school, Owen was not kind to Devon. Devon, left town and went away to college. When he returned, he was almost unrecognizable he was so LA hot. He needed distance to gain confidence and perspective. Owen, is now out, proud and aware of how his past behavior hurt. He wants to make aments and pursue a relationship. Can Devon forgive him? Can they have a relationship built on mutual trust? Nice story. Devon and Owen are nice guys. Katey, Devon's bestie, is a hoot! Things don't run smoothly but they plug on. Story doesn't dig very deeply, but flows nicely. Enjoyable and satisfying. I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Patrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hatred Turns Into Love

In high school, Owen did something unforgivable to Devon that almost destroyed him. Going far away to college, he never wanted to return to his hometown, but he finally yielded to his parents to spend a summer back home. Owen had been his first crush and his worst bully before and seeing him again brought conflicting emotions that Devon wasn't sure how to deal with. Owen, on the other hand, was determined to apologize and make up for the past, and try to make a new beginning for them. It was hard to stop reading their story and wanting them to find their HEA. I want to read more about them and what happens next in their story.

[Amy Voce · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was looking forwards to this one the most out of The All American Boy series. Unfortunately The Boy Is Mine did fall short for me. This was like a typical 90's highschool "bully" movie. Which I would have loved if it wasn't a Novella, there just wasn't enough time for character building and as expected with Novella's it was just too short for a good basis that this story would need. I still enjoyed it and still recommend it, this series has some little gems in it. I just felt this was just too abrupt to work.

[Tessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was good. I am loving this series so far. This is part of the All American series, although each is by different authors and they can each be read as a standalone. Owen is a former bully who is now hard up for Devon who he bullies. Now in the present, they meet on the softball field and Owen is trying to get forgiveness from Devon and maybe something more. Since it is kind of a novella things move faster than maybe a full-length novel. But I liked the characters and the chemistry between them. Definitely recommend this series.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bully to lovers romance - that I was expecting, but I can't say I wasn't sad at the bet taken by Owen to get his friends off his back.
We are back at the Tall Ships Fair in Stoney Brook. Devon had come home for the summer holidays and gave Owen a second chance after he was the reason for leaving home. While things look as if it is going swimmingly, the bet brings all the anger and disappointment back.
Can the author get them to try again. I'm not sure I would. Shane Morton has a way with words, bringing you back into the fold.

[Shannon Everyday · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Boy is Mine follows Devon, who has returned to town, for the summer. He has had a crush on Owen, but an incident in their past, is a memory that neither can forget. During a night out, Owen accepts a bet involving Devon. As the two grow closer, can they work through their past, and Owen's secret bet? I felt for Devon and Owen as they came to realizations and worked through things. The Boy is Mine is a quick read involving second chances, and taking a chance on trust and love.

[Michelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

not the best

It's not terrible isn't he best that I can do
Listen, I'm perfectly aware that the given genre is not high literature - it's actually why I enjoy reading it BUT the writing is choppy and the "conversations" mostly read like a porn script. The words are the right ones but the delivery is way too practiced and doesn't flow . I DNF mostly just because the "bet" was so ridiculously trite and without substantial reasoning and I just didn't care how it played out

[kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can Owen redeem himself with Devon. He had bullied him throughout high school but was also hiding a key part of himself. I loved watching Owen do whatever he could to get Devon to forgive him. He wants Devon to see him as he is now and prove he is worthy of Devon.

This second chance romance will give you all the feels as Owen and Devon discover who they are as young adults.
I loved the small town Maine location!

[T Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

Devon finds himself back in his hometown but things have changed, namely Owen. The high school bully is still gorgeous but not much of a bully anymore. Their journey is quick but it’s full of emotions. Devon and Owen both are interesting characters, they have history which makes the story that much more enjoyable. It’s nice that they lay aside the past and make a future together. I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book.

[Jamey A Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great book. Didn’t want to put it down. Entertaining and steamy. Can you forgive the man who humiliated you in high school? Who made your life hell? Devon has returned home for the summer. He joins a softball team. He soon runs into his enemy Owen who is also part of a softball team. All Owen wants is to apologize to Devon. Devon can’t believe that Owen is being so nice and apologizing. Can he trust Owen’s sincerity? Can the two men find a way to happiness? I highly recommend.

[Lyndsay TC · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three and a half stars

Three and a half stars for this quick enemies to lovers romance between Devon and Owen. I felt this story needed just a little more. Once you find out the men's history, it was hard for me to watch them fall in love so quickly. The characters were great and the premise was interesting enough that I picked it up.

[Jill Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every time I read a book in this multi-author series I thinks it’s the best in the series and this story is no different! I loved every bit of the storyline appealed to me—from the actual love story to the buildup of repairing a past to make a relationship that last I was hooked! I was a little upset during part of it but that was quick to be in the past!

[Bkwrm24 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Devin and Owen ❤️

4 stars 🌟

Enemies to lovers/ second chances /redemption/past hurt : BIG ROMANTIC gestures ❤️❤️❤️❤️ very sweet and heartfelt, another great addition to this series of short stories. Most definitely recommend especially for fans of this All American Boys series.

* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *

[Rebecca Park · Rating 4 out of 5]

Devon & Owen have a past together that is painful and rough but now their older & things have changed! I wish their was a little more context to the story but it was still very enjoyable!
These guys are beyond adorable together! Matty & Brian are a hoot too even though are a little frustrating at the beginning! Very well written & very enjoyable! ❤️❤️😀😀

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

He has gone home but he was not happy about it and it is made even worse when he sees his old bully there. He is shocked when they come over to him and seems so very different. Why are they like that now? They soon realises that he is falling for the boy he had bullied at school. Will they be able to tell him? Can hate turn to love? See if it will

[Maureen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very touching tale as the bully and the victim meet again years later, forgiveness and regret mix within them but a secret still hangs that could spoil it all. A whole mix of emotions will take you through this lovely story but it's totally worth it. I've read several in this multi author series and have enjoyed them all.

[A. N. Cerbone · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve never read this author before so I tempered my expectations. It was a fun little quick read. SLIGHT SPOILERS: Ok so I liked the book, and then we got to the resolution on the field and that turned this from a 4 star to a 5 star. It was funny and emotional and VERY relatable. This was a great and very real feeling story.