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Heartthrob
One chance meeting. Two curious college boys. Three weeks to figure out their feelings.
Clark
Meeting Leo was a happy accident. Now I can’t get him off my mind. Having feelings for a guy is new, and I’m in way over my head. My future’s been decided since I was in diapers, and falling for a boy in college wasn’t in my family’s master plan.
But from our first curious kiss, everything about Leo feels right. Before I know it, I’m dying for our friendship to become something more before the semester ends.
Screw the plan. I’m not going the rest of my life without him.
Leo
So much for not crushing on a straight boy. Only Clark’s not so straight, and it’s way more than a crush.
It’s easy to lose myself in his kiss and hard to forget the way he makes me feel. To the rest of Honeywood, Clark is the untouchable campus king of Royal U. To me, he’s the boy who comes apart when we touch, the boy who wants me to put him back together, and the boy who stole my heart when I wasn’t looking.
Clark is the muse who pulls poetry out of me.
Can he also be the boy who teaches me what it’s like to fall in love?
Heartthrob is a new adult low angst gay romance. Visit Royal U and the small town of Honeywood for a dreamy, steamy slice of life MM romance featuring explosive first times, fierce friendships, and curious college boys thinking with their bodies.
Clark
Meeting Leo was a happy accident. Now I can’t get him off my mind. Having feelings for a guy is new, and I’m in way over my head. My future’s been decided since I was in diapers, and falling for a boy in college wasn’t in my family’s master plan.
But from our first curious kiss, everything about Leo feels right. Before I know it, I’m dying for our friendship to become something more before the semester ends.
Screw the plan. I’m not going the rest of my life without him.
Leo
So much for not crushing on a straight boy. Only Clark’s not so straight, and it’s way more than a crush.
It’s easy to lose myself in his kiss and hard to forget the way he makes me feel. To the rest of Honeywood, Clark is the untouchable campus king of Royal U. To me, he’s the boy who comes apart when we touch, the boy who wants me to put him back together, and the boy who stole my heart when I wasn’t looking.
Clark is the muse who pulls poetry out of me.
Can he also be the boy who teaches me what it’s like to fall in love?
Heartthrob is a new adult low angst gay romance. Visit Royal U and the small town of Honeywood for a dreamy, steamy slice of life MM romance featuring explosive first times, fierce friendships, and curious college boys thinking with their bodies.
260 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 26, 2022
47 people are currently reading
99 people want to read
About the author
Noah Steele
8 books96 followersNoah Steele is a gay author based in Toronto, Canada. His books are low angst, dreamy, steamy reads starring queer characters getting the happy endings they deserve. Queerness is strength, and the men at the heart of his books embody that strength without experiencing queerness as a roadblock to happiness.
Like Noah, they're figuring themselves out and thriving in their whirlwind romantic adventures! When he's not writing, Noah is an avid video gamer and gym-goer.
Like Noah, they're figuring themselves out and thriving in their whirlwind romantic adventures! When he's not writing, Noah is an avid video gamer and gym-goer.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
January 12, 2024
That first chapter is how you get me excited for the
rest of the book and it only got better.
Fun and unique meet-cute
Swoony, ethereal imagery
Subtle sexy mannerisms
Ghost stories
Super hot circle jerk
Feeling the intensity of first love
I loved the best friend relationship in this. I hope all of the friends get their own books.
Cutest, sweetest, deep, sappy souls - they trade their clothes to feel close to each other when they can’t be together 🥺
Leo Yoshida - poet/writer, carries around his moleskine notebook, Japanese MC
Clark Lockwood - rich boy next door w/ a dash of manic pixie dream boy, photographer, always has his camera with him
”Nothing good could come from making a bet with a boy like Clark, but I wanted to. At the sight of him leaning in front of me under the street light, his hands next to mine on my bike’s handlebars, his bottom lip caught between his teeth, his eyes as impish as they were pleading, I might have said yes to anything.” Yup. Me too, Leo.
Setting is really beautiful. Somewhere in Canada. Pine trees, waterfalls, ladybugs, butterflies, streams, castle libraries, astronomy towers, old college campus with its own romantic lore (I’m looking at you Nathaniel Honeywood.)
rest of the book and it only got better.
Fun and unique meet-cute
Swoony, ethereal imagery
Subtle sexy mannerisms
Ghost stories
Super hot circle jerk
Feeling the intensity of first love
I loved the best friend relationship in this. I hope all of the friends get their own books.
Cutest, sweetest, deep, sappy souls - they trade their clothes to feel close to each other when they can’t be together 🥺
Leo Yoshida - poet/writer, carries around his moleskine notebook, Japanese MC
Clark Lockwood - rich boy next door w/ a dash of manic pixie dream boy, photographer, always has his camera with him
”Nothing good could come from making a bet with a boy like Clark, but I wanted to. At the sight of him leaning in front of me under the street light, his hands next to mine on my bike’s handlebars, his bottom lip caught between his teeth, his eyes as impish as they were pleading, I might have said yes to anything.” Yup. Me too, Leo.
Setting is really beautiful. Somewhere in Canada. Pine trees, waterfalls, ladybugs, butterflies, streams, castle libraries, astronomy towers, old college campus with its own romantic lore (I’m looking at you Nathaniel Honeywood.)
October 24, 2022
The good
+ The connection they both felt right from the start
+ Clark's refusal to hide his sexuality from himself, his friends, or anyone
+ Mutual first times!
+ The time and effort they put in all their dates
+ No relationship angst
The neutral
o I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. My review remains honest and unbiased
o That was unexpected. It came out of nowhere, but both MCs enjoyed it, so that's fine
o The weeks they were going to have to spend apart during summer were skipped entirely. I hope they got to do everything they wanted to do
o There was no distinction in the voices of the different POVs, so it was hard to remember whose POV I was reading
The bad
- There was too much sex in this book. There was so much of it, no room was left for plot
- Leo and Clark engaged in some extreme PDA, which was displayed as something cute and romantic, but is actually really annoying for bystanders. Rubbing each other's boners is not appropriate PDA
- Clark's personal subplot was all about his parents and his art show, but in the end, nothing happened. There wasn't even one line quickly summarizing what happened at the show, it was just skipped
- I loved the idea for Clark's gallery theme:
- Clark's best photos were candid pictures. Pictures taken without the subject's consent. In fact, both River and Gage even asked him to delete photos multiple times, and Clark pretended to delete them without really doing so
Quotes
x "I get it, okay? Grades matter. But you can't bang a textbook, Leo. Not without paper cuts."
x I knew I wanted more - needed more - even if it was only ever going to be one-sided pining. I was only nineteen; I could afford to lose a few years to some pining.
This book was not for me. It was way too horny and I felt like I was reading about boys in puberty, not college men. It read like some elaborate fantasy where everyone was horny all the time and nobody was disturbed by any of this. I just really couldn't enjoy this, and I wouldn't recommend it.
+ The connection they both felt right from the start
+ Clark's refusal to hide his sexuality from himself, his friends, or anyone
+ Mutual first times!
+ The time and effort they put in all their dates
+ No relationship angst
The neutral
o I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. My review remains honest and unbiased
o That was unexpected. It came out of nowhere, but both MCs enjoyed it, so that's fine
o The weeks they were going to have to spend apart during summer were skipped entirely. I hope they got to do everything they wanted to do
o There was no distinction in the voices of the different POVs, so it was hard to remember whose POV I was reading
The bad
- There was too much sex in this book. There was so much of it, no room was left for plot
- Leo and Clark engaged in some extreme PDA, which was displayed as something cute and romantic, but is actually really annoying for bystanders. Rubbing each other's boners is not appropriate PDA
- Clark's personal subplot was all about his parents and his art show, but in the end, nothing happened. There wasn't even one line quickly summarizing what happened at the show, it was just skipped
- I loved the idea for Clark's gallery theme:
- Clark's best photos were candid pictures. Pictures taken without the subject's consent. In fact, both River and Gage even asked him to delete photos multiple times, and Clark pretended to delete them without really doing so
Quotes
x "I get it, okay? Grades matter. But you can't bang a textbook, Leo. Not without paper cuts."
x I knew I wanted more - needed more - even if it was only ever going to be one-sided pining. I was only nineteen; I could afford to lose a few years to some pining.
This book was not for me. It was way too horny and I felt like I was reading about boys in puberty, not college men. It read like some elaborate fantasy where everyone was horny all the time and nobody was disturbed by any of this. I just really couldn't enjoy this, and I wouldn't recommend it.
August 27, 2023
- instant attraction
- insta love
- bi awakening
- first times
Nothing says romance like telling your boyfriend you love him during a circle jerk with all your best bros.
Outside of 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵, Heartthrob was adorable fluffiness, and was perfect after DNFing three other books today.
- insta love
- bi awakening
- first times
Nothing says romance like telling your boyfriend you love him during a circle jerk with all your best bros.
Outside of 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵, Heartthrob was adorable fluffiness, and was perfect after DNFing three other books today.
March 5, 2024
This is Insta love with lots of sex (a lot of it repetitive) and tons of fluff. It’s zero angst, new adult, bi-awakening.
This started out pretty sweet and I was enjoying their discovery of each other. One of the things I noticed right off the bat though is that action is really difficult to follow… especially the sex. As readers we need movements and what’s where and who’s doing what when pretty much constantly so we can get visuals, but in this case heavy action scenes were big jumbles. Scene transitions, movement transitions… it was really rough writing. This was probably my biggest issue with this book and it got really distracting.
There were some really sweet lines in the beginning, but the shmoop started to wear on me in the second half because there’s not a lot of development. They fall for each other nearly instantly (around 20%) so they rest of the book is full of epic confessions and sometimes that’s awesome but it dragged as the book went on.
Someone complained there is too much sex. I am never one to complain about tons of sex but in this case it was almost filler at times. Like, “I don’t know what to do here so let’s throw in a hand job.” Soooo many hand jobs.
And there’s this random circle jerk scene with all of their friends that was utterly bizarre and out of place and had me scratching my head. 🤔🤣
I didn’t NOT like this book. There were some great things happening and tons of potential, but the amateurish writing really threw me off and I doubt I’ll try this author again.
This started out pretty sweet and I was enjoying their discovery of each other. One of the things I noticed right off the bat though is that action is really difficult to follow… especially the sex. As readers we need movements and what’s where and who’s doing what when pretty much constantly so we can get visuals, but in this case heavy action scenes were big jumbles. Scene transitions, movement transitions… it was really rough writing. This was probably my biggest issue with this book and it got really distracting.
There were some really sweet lines in the beginning, but the shmoop started to wear on me in the second half because there’s not a lot of development. They fall for each other nearly instantly (around 20%) so they rest of the book is full of epic confessions and sometimes that’s awesome but it dragged as the book went on.
Someone complained there is too much sex. I am never one to complain about tons of sex but in this case it was almost filler at times. Like, “I don’t know what to do here so let’s throw in a hand job.” Soooo many hand jobs.
And there’s this random circle jerk scene with all of their friends that was utterly bizarre and out of place and had me scratching my head. 🤔🤣
I didn’t NOT like this book. There were some great things happening and tons of potential, but the amateurish writing really threw me off and I doubt I’ll try this author again.
October 27, 2022
3 ambivalent stars
It was a nice reading with an instalove and first timers completely head over heels with each other. Leo and Clark could be so sweet and fun at times, and their friends brought good energy to the book. I loved the beginning of their relation, the shyness, and the reclusive outings. It was all very romantic, carried along by a poetic writing.
But then I got whiplash because of how unbalanced some elements were. The poetic way Leo – and sometimes Clark – reflected or talked about their feelings made a complete one-eighty during regular or sexy talk. It was less and less present from the middle of the book, probably tied to the huge increase in sex scenes. At some point, a group bonding intimate scene that came up completely out of nowhere (MCs not cheating or touching other people) kind of killed the vibe I was still holding on to. It all overwhelmed the plot, including the one about Clark’s parents that never got any closure, leaving me hanging there.
I’m sad because I really liked the beginning of the book, feeling like it’d be a good 4.25 stars… too bad. I’m still curious about River and Gage’s story, so I might try it when it’s getting released.
It was a nice reading with an instalove and first timers completely head over heels with each other. Leo and Clark could be so sweet and fun at times, and their friends brought good energy to the book. I loved the beginning of their relation, the shyness, and the reclusive outings. It was all very romantic, carried along by a poetic writing.
But then I got whiplash because of how unbalanced some elements were. The poetic way Leo – and sometimes Clark – reflected or talked about their feelings made a complete one-eighty during regular or sexy talk. It was less and less present from the middle of the book, probably tied to the huge increase in sex scenes. At some point, a group bonding intimate scene that came up completely out of nowhere (MCs not cheating or touching other people) kind of killed the vibe I was still holding on to. It all overwhelmed the plot, including the one about Clark’s parents that never got any closure, leaving me hanging there.
I’m sad because I really liked the beginning of the book, feeling like it’d be a good 4.25 stars… too bad. I’m still curious about River and Gage’s story, so I might try it when it’s getting released.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 28, 2022
4 Stars
Heartthrob was a sweet, quick read. There really was no angst, like the synopsis states, but the one place there should have been some, there was none. I think I would’ve liked to know what happened with Clark’s parents when he wasn’t there for his show, but I can appreciate a story where there isn’t anything to get in the way of soulmates.
Clark and Leo are just that – soulmates. They met outdoors when Clark got some pictures of Leo’s roommate and he wanted them deleted. Clark gives Leo the camera, tells him to run and where to meet him later. When Clark shows up, sparks fly, lightning flashes, planets align and heartbeats begin to beat in sync. Leo knows better than to fall for the straight guy, but after seeing Leo on his camera display and meeting his eyes on the rooftop, Clark realizes that he probably isn’t so straight after all. What follows is discovery, first times and epic levels of passion (as well as one scene in an abandoned room with friends that… whew!!).
Noah Steele wanted these two to fall in love and fall into bed (and the water, the library, the forest) without anything or anyone coming between them and I’d say that he succeeded. If you flove love, fluff, bi-awakenings and zero angst, Heartthrob is for you.
I received this book as an Advanced Reader Copy and, as always, my review is unpaid and honest.
Heartthrob
Noah Steele
Heartthrob was a sweet, quick read. There really was no angst, like the synopsis states, but the one place there should have been some, there was none. I think I would’ve liked to know what happened with Clark’s parents when he wasn’t there for his show, but I can appreciate a story where there isn’t anything to get in the way of soulmates.
Clark and Leo are just that – soulmates. They met outdoors when Clark got some pictures of Leo’s roommate and he wanted them deleted. Clark gives Leo the camera, tells him to run and where to meet him later. When Clark shows up, sparks fly, lightning flashes, planets align and heartbeats begin to beat in sync. Leo knows better than to fall for the straight guy, but after seeing Leo on his camera display and meeting his eyes on the rooftop, Clark realizes that he probably isn’t so straight after all. What follows is discovery, first times and epic levels of passion (as well as one scene in an abandoned room with friends that… whew!!).
Noah Steele wanted these two to fall in love and fall into bed (and the water, the library, the forest) without anything or anyone coming between them and I’d say that he succeeded. If you flove love, fluff, bi-awakenings and zero angst, Heartthrob is for you.
I received this book as an Advanced Reader Copy and, as always, my review is unpaid and honest.
Heartthrob
Noah Steele
October 26, 2022
This book made me swoon so much. It was adorable, sweet, and steamy all rolled into one engaging story.
Leo is on his way to a party he doesn’t really want to go to when he meets Clark. Leo is instantly interested in Clark but he runs away when he learns Clark identifies as straight. Leo is so attracted Clark he’s worried he’s do something he’s regret if he stayed. When he flees, he leaves behind his notebook of poetry.
Clark was sad when Leo ran away. He found Leo really interesting and wanted to get to know him more. He reads Leo’s poetry book and it enraptures him. He can’t get Leo or his poems out of his head.
When they run back into each other, they can’t help but hangout. It doesn’t take Clark long to realize he is attracted to Leo. They romance is so sweet, and fully of happy moments. This is a very light and fluffy book with no angst. I absolutely adored this story and will be reading the sequel.
I did receive a free ARC of this book but that did not influence my review.
Leo is on his way to a party he doesn’t really want to go to when he meets Clark. Leo is instantly interested in Clark but he runs away when he learns Clark identifies as straight. Leo is so attracted Clark he’s worried he’s do something he’s regret if he stayed. When he flees, he leaves behind his notebook of poetry.
Clark was sad when Leo ran away. He found Leo really interesting and wanted to get to know him more. He reads Leo’s poetry book and it enraptures him. He can’t get Leo or his poems out of his head.
When they run back into each other, they can’t help but hangout. It doesn’t take Clark long to realize he is attracted to Leo. They romance is so sweet, and fully of happy moments. This is a very light and fluffy book with no angst. I absolutely adored this story and will be reading the sequel.
I did receive a free ARC of this book but that did not influence my review.
October 25, 2023
Spoiler free review:
I think this might be my first time reading a low-angst insta-love, but Heartthrob has me obsessed!
The romance? Amazing. The writing? Beautiful. The setting? Picturesque. The friendships? God tier. And the spice? In-fricking-credible.
Seriously. Chapter 15 alone was enough to make this a one handed read - throw in the rest of the spicy scenes and we’re on to a winner! If I were a guy I’d be sending my water bill to Noah Steele so they could pay for all the cold showers I needed after finishing this book.
Plus I didn’t realise how much I needed a book with little to no angst. Sure the characters have things they worry about, but there’s no actual angst. No overdone miscommunication trope, no needless fighting and breakups. Just god damn great romance!
I need the second book immediately.
Note: this did not take me 4 days to read. I read it in one night and forgot to update my gr.
I think this might be my first time reading a low-angst insta-love, but Heartthrob has me obsessed!
The romance? Amazing. The writing? Beautiful. The setting? Picturesque. The friendships? God tier. And the spice? In-fricking-credible.
Seriously. Chapter 15 alone was enough to make this a one handed read - throw in the rest of the spicy scenes and we’re on to a winner! If I were a guy I’d be sending my water bill to Noah Steele so they could pay for all the cold showers I needed after finishing this book.
Plus I didn’t realise how much I needed a book with little to no angst. Sure the characters have things they worry about, but there’s no actual angst. No overdone miscommunication trope, no needless fighting and breakups. Just god damn great romance!
I need the second book immediately.
Note: this did not take me 4 days to read. I read it in one night and forgot to update my gr.
November 16, 2022
Ever read one of those books where the plot gets lost in all the sex? This one is one of those. The love was insta love, which isn't a problem. it's the fact that these two couldn't keep their hands off each other even at the most inappropriate times. There was basically nothing going on but their horniness and the photos of sexy men. I didn't like it. i kept thinking it would get better but i was wrong. I only finished it because i was at work and didn't have anything else to read.
March 8, 2024
“It’s cute. You’re cute.”
Set in Honeywood. At…a college. Royal University. Undisclosed location…possibly in Canada??
Leo Yoshida, 19, has writer’s block. He writes poetry in his black Moleskin. His professor has told Leo that he needs to find his muse.
Clark Lockwood is just dreamy. The photography student looks like a model. Clark is confused about his sexual identity.
Weird narrative style; where to even start with writing like this??
We slipped from the illuminated sidewalks of Honeywood to the crunchy gravel path that twisted through a thicket of pines toward Royal U, and Clark’s eyes on me shone with curiosity in the setting sun as I raised my hands.
The constant referring to each other as boys (mostly in internal monologues) is very odd, and comes off as infantilizing by the author. The word boy appears 61 times in this novel.
Clunky attempts of writing attraction and lust.
When Clark cums from…a kiss…and no touching whatsoever…you know we’re in for a real treat.
Mild attempts at character building. Extremely thin “plot.”
The (in)famous Circle Jerk Scene is actually adequate. But the declarations of love uttered during said circle jerk? Choices. 💀
Fifteen growls. Is this supposed to be a shifter book?
The writing attempts to be lyrical, but it’s mostly just awkward and filled with non sequiturs.
Action is not descriptive. Absolutely nonsensical condom usage. They are both virgins. That it takes two monogamous virgins the entire book to realize that bareback is an option for them does not track whatsoever.
Does not describe their looks or their bodies. Mentions of prostate or circumcision status? Zero.
The friends are so interchangeable that it’s impossible to keep track of them.
The men just randomly crying is a complete Tal Bauer ripoff.
Epilogue is not sufficient. Could use something more permanent to try to sell this.
Claims to be a gay romance; yet has all the hallmarks of standard, trite M&M’s.
“With my whole heart, I’ll follow wherever you lead.”
Set in Honeywood. At…a college. Royal University. Undisclosed location…possibly in Canada??
Leo Yoshida, 19, has writer’s block. He writes poetry in his black Moleskin. His professor has told Leo that he needs to find his muse.
Clark Lockwood is just dreamy. The photography student looks like a model. Clark is confused about his sexual identity.
Weird narrative style; where to even start with writing like this??
We slipped from the illuminated sidewalks of Honeywood to the crunchy gravel path that twisted through a thicket of pines toward Royal U, and Clark’s eyes on me shone with curiosity in the setting sun as I raised my hands.
The constant referring to each other as boys (mostly in internal monologues) is very odd, and comes off as infantilizing by the author. The word boy appears 61 times in this novel.
Clunky attempts of writing attraction and lust.
When Clark cums from…a kiss…and no touching whatsoever…you know we’re in for a real treat.
Mild attempts at character building. Extremely thin “plot.”
The (in)famous Circle Jerk Scene is actually adequate. But the declarations of love uttered during said circle jerk? Choices. 💀
Fifteen growls. Is this supposed to be a shifter book?
The writing attempts to be lyrical, but it’s mostly just awkward and filled with non sequiturs.
Action is not descriptive. Absolutely nonsensical condom usage. They are both virgins. That it takes two monogamous virgins the entire book to realize that bareback is an option for them does not track whatsoever.
Does not describe their looks or their bodies. Mentions of prostate or circumcision status? Zero.
The friends are so interchangeable that it’s impossible to keep track of them.
The men just randomly crying is a complete Tal Bauer ripoff.
Epilogue is not sufficient. Could use something more permanent to try to sell this.
Claims to be a gay romance; yet has all the hallmarks of standard, trite M&M’s.
“With my whole heart, I’ll follow wherever you lead.”
October 30, 2022
Heartthrob is the first book in the Honeywood new adult (NA), small town romance from Noah Steele, who is a new-to-me author. Leo and Clark cross paths while attending the same party on campus. There's an instant connection between them, even though there isn't much of a chance to explore it during that first, albeit brief, meeting. Once they're able to reconnect, resistance is futile. Being with Leo allows Clark to explore a side of himself that he wasn't all too sure about in the past. What he is sure about now, though, is just how undeniable his feelings are towards Leo. Being with a guy was never part of Clark's plans, but know that they're together, he can't imagine life without Leo around.
This was a romance about two college students who try to figure out who they are, what they feel, and what they're going to do about it all. I liked that both Leo and Clark were discovering things together and that they kept the communication open and honest. There isn't a whole lot of angst here, with Clark's main bone of contention being his parents' expectations. That was pretty much resolved, albeit in a way that was kind of passive and left me wanting a wee bit more. However, I'm a sucker for a happy ending, and these two may have been young, but love became the primary force for them to make a go of not only being a couple, but of blending their lives together. Four stars for Heartthrob.
This was a romance about two college students who try to figure out who they are, what they feel, and what they're going to do about it all. I liked that both Leo and Clark were discovering things together and that they kept the communication open and honest. There isn't a whole lot of angst here, with Clark's main bone of contention being his parents' expectations. That was pretty much resolved, albeit in a way that was kind of passive and left me wanting a wee bit more. However, I'm a sucker for a happy ending, and these two may have been young, but love became the primary force for them to make a go of not only being a couple, but of blending their lives together. Four stars for Heartthrob.
November 4, 2022
3.5-4 stars--This is one of the lowest angst romances I’ve ever read. It is all love and heart eyes and two people very much on the same page. I’m not sure why anyone thinks that Clark can’t express his feelings verbally because he seems to be nearly as poetic as Leo when he waxes on about his love for Leo. Leo and Clark are very sweet, with each other and with their friends. This is also a sort of insta-love story, with the only thing slowing the coming together of Leo and Clark down even a tiny bit is that Clark didn’t realize he was bisexual until Leo. But it really doesn’t slow them down, to be honest. Mostly this book is just two lovely guys, being lovely to and with each other and having a lot of sex. There are some fun scene of them with their friends as they try to either help Clark with pictures for his photography show or to help them talk through whatever minor speed bumps they encounter. I’m glad to see that Gage and River will get a book, and hopefully Simon and Finch will too.
If you are looking for something happy, sweet, and sexy, this might just be the perfect book for you.
If you are looking for something happy, sweet, and sexy, this might just be the perfect book for you.
January 18, 2023
3.75 stars (Minor spoilers.)
Leo, a poet, and Clark, a photographer, meet at a party and instantly feel an attraction. Their last three weeks of the semester at Royal U. is consumed by college final exams, Clark's admission of his bisexuality and scorching heat between the two that only grows hotter with every passing day.
Written with a perfect mixture of humorous supporting characters, ghost stories and detailed repeated sexual exploits, the author builds a story filled with passion and sexual awakenings. The only fault I observed was with the the overly sentimental and, at times, annoyingly "mushy" dialogue between the two men. The overusage of certain words led me to accurately predict what one was about to say to the other numerous instances, ruining many tender moments within the story.
The plot follows Leo, Clark and their oversexed friends through college, but deals mainly with the last weeks of the final semester of their first year.
I would have given 4 stars if not for the overly sentimental and, at times, frequently sappy dialogue. I have been around enough gay men to know they just do not speak in such an infantile manner.
Leo, a poet, and Clark, a photographer, meet at a party and instantly feel an attraction. Their last three weeks of the semester at Royal U. is consumed by college final exams, Clark's admission of his bisexuality and scorching heat between the two that only grows hotter with every passing day.
Written with a perfect mixture of humorous supporting characters, ghost stories and detailed repeated sexual exploits, the author builds a story filled with passion and sexual awakenings. The only fault I observed was with the the overly sentimental and, at times, annoyingly "mushy" dialogue between the two men. The overusage of certain words led me to accurately predict what one was about to say to the other numerous instances, ruining many tender moments within the story.
The plot follows Leo, Clark and their oversexed friends through college, but deals mainly with the last weeks of the final semester of their first year.
I would have given 4 stars if not for the overly sentimental and, at times, frequently sappy dialogue. I have been around enough gay men to know they just do not speak in such an infantile manner.
October 23, 2022
Sweet and steamy perfection.
This book is for the dreamers, for the romantics, for the ones who believe in all-consuming love.
It's dripping in honey, it's steaming from how hot it is, and positively enchanting with the poetic way it's written.
It's got zero angst and yet it's never boring as the reader follows Leo and Clark stumble into love and have adventures in the romantic town and woods of Honeywood and Royal U, sometimes alone, sometimes with their crazy friends.
A beautiful, light read that makes you fall in love for the first time all over again.
It can't even be compared to other new adult or college books. This author has a style of his own, and that is very much a good thing. No following a marketable template that is used too much but pure uniqueness and creativity instead. I can't recommend it enough.
This book is for the dreamers, for the romantics, for the ones who believe in all-consuming love.
It's dripping in honey, it's steaming from how hot it is, and positively enchanting with the poetic way it's written.
It's got zero angst and yet it's never boring as the reader follows Leo and Clark stumble into love and have adventures in the romantic town and woods of Honeywood and Royal U, sometimes alone, sometimes with their crazy friends.
A beautiful, light read that makes you fall in love for the first time all over again.
It can't even be compared to other new adult or college books. This author has a style of his own, and that is very much a good thing. No following a marketable template that is used too much but pure uniqueness and creativity instead. I can't recommend it enough.
November 3, 2022
Live your truth! Clark is straight and feels he needs to meet family obligations and expectations. Leo, knows who Clark represents and is supposed to be. When Clark and Leo first meet, they think they are starting a campus friendship. They are unexpectedly attracted to each other and aware that a straight man experiencing his first bi curious crush and a gay man crushing on a straight man can add complication. Will they expand on their friendship? Can Clark come out to his parents and choose his own dream? Will Clark accept being bi? Will they last? Fun story. Great group of friends who we may hopefully see again. The author, did a nice job pulling us in and while Leo and Clark work through their preferences and coices. Good story. Nicely done. I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 5, 2022
In some ways, I loved this book. Clark and Leo are sweet and quickly fall head over heels in love with each other.
That made me smile.
However, in several areas this book was REALLY hard to follow. In the many scenes, with only words, I have to be able to picture the action in my head as it happens. Instead, it was like the author was channeling Leo and poetically describing how the scene felt, with only sparse attention paid to how the action would play out. It was frustrating and confusing and made for some difficult reading.
It also felt like the relationship was mostly about sex, when the author could have stretched things out for them to get to know each other on a non-physical level as well. I’m also super confused about the timeline. Did they meet in February or April? And how would the semester end only 3 weeks later? So hard to follow!
So…recommended, kinda?
That made me smile.
However, in several areas this book was REALLY hard to follow. In the many scenes, with only words, I have to be able to picture the action in my head as it happens. Instead, it was like the author was channeling Leo and poetically describing how the scene felt, with only sparse attention paid to how the action would play out. It was frustrating and confusing and made for some difficult reading.
It also felt like the relationship was mostly about sex, when the author could have stretched things out for them to get to know each other on a non-physical level as well. I’m also super confused about the timeline. Did they meet in February or April? And how would the semester end only 3 weeks later? So hard to follow!
So…recommended, kinda?
November 1, 2022
SWEET AND STEAMY!
Oh my word the start to the series had me enthralled from the first chapter right up to the last!
This couple was the epitome of relationship goals!
Leo and Clark officially met on a rooftop while Clark pushed his camera in his arms when photos was taken without permission!
This is where Clark has his bisexual awakening and their bromance just grows from there when a best friend plays matchmaker….
I loved all the characters especially the shooting scene in the old house where they all “bonded”- it was hot!
This was a low angst coming out story with a difference as it was so sweet and steamy and I look forward to more from this author!
I voluntarily received a free copy from GRR for an honest review.
Oh my word the start to the series had me enthralled from the first chapter right up to the last!
This couple was the epitome of relationship goals!
Leo and Clark officially met on a rooftop while Clark pushed his camera in his arms when photos was taken without permission!
This is where Clark has his bisexual awakening and their bromance just grows from there when a best friend plays matchmaker….
I loved all the characters especially the shooting scene in the old house where they all “bonded”- it was hot!
This was a low angst coming out story with a difference as it was so sweet and steamy and I look forward to more from this author!
I voluntarily received a free copy from GRR for an honest review.
November 2, 2022
What a sweet story! On his way to a party he does not want to really attend, his roommate is dragging him, Leo meets Clark. There is a spark there but Clark identifies as straight. Leo was concerned that he was attracted to a man that he thought was straight so he did not stick around. But it turned out that things can change. Clark was drawn to Leo as well. When they cross paths again both are eager to spend time with one another and as they do Clark has a bi-awakening and they find themselves falling in love. This had all the feels.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 7, 2022
The first paragraph led me to believe the book was going a certain way, but it was just because the supporting character was a horndog. The book is actually a very sweet, sappy falling in love for the first time feel-good book. I loved the way the MC's first interacted, and you could tell from the first that there was an instant attraction, even though Clark, who has identified as straight up to this point, does not realize it yet. Leo is a sweetheart and is careful to hide his feelings from Clark, but once they were both on the same page, magic happens.
I really enjoyed this book. It was well written and you could just feel the MC's falling in love. It made me sigh and laugh. I am looking forward to the next book in this series.
I really enjoyed this book. It was well written and you could just feel the MC's falling in love. It made me sigh and laugh. I am looking forward to the next book in this series.
October 27, 2022
First book by this author and I’m blown away!!!
All the ⭐️s for this one!!!
Leo & Carter are the perfect couple!!! Carter knew who he was and what he wanted and was afraid to show it on the beginning until he decided he wanted to be his true self. Love that about Carter. Leo was pretty secure in what he wanted and he went for it even when he wasn’t sure if Carter or his own feelings. This is a great double first time, bi awakening, romance.
5⭐️ for Leo and Carter looking forward to more in the series and seeing how their relationship grows.
All the ⭐️s for this one!!!
Leo & Carter are the perfect couple!!! Carter knew who he was and what he wanted and was afraid to show it on the beginning until he decided he wanted to be his true self. Love that about Carter. Leo was pretty secure in what he wanted and he went for it even when he wasn’t sure if Carter or his own feelings. This is a great double first time, bi awakening, romance.
5⭐️ for Leo and Carter looking forward to more in the series and seeing how their relationship grows.
October 29, 2022
Leo and Clark. This book just made me happy. It’s a super sweet love letter to an epic first love and the importance of good friends. It really is zero angst, but the writing is so good and the characters so well drawn that it completely pulled me in. I loved all the support and encouragement they received from Gage, River and the rest of their friends. A really lovely read filled with so much love, sweetness, and positive energy. I loved it! Definitely looking forward to more stories from Honeywood. ❤️
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
November 3, 2022
I really was hoping the blurb was true and this was a low angst story as I've been reading some lately that tied me up in knots and I wanted a break. This was perfect. Clark and Leo have a relationship that ignites quickly and everything runs smoothly for them. They have great friends and lots of love and support. With college age romances, I'm often not sure we can really say the characters get an HEA but here for a reason you'll see at the end I was convinced this wasn't just an HFN. Looking forward to many more in this series.
November 6, 2022
This was a great, low angst swoony small-town romance. Very high heat insta love romance. Leo and Clark had an instant connection from the beginning and from there it was mostly them feeling out their relationship. Very little drama, none in the relationship. We see some of Clark's art. I liked the secondary characters. This book is high on sex and I am never one that will complain about that but some people don't like books with high sex content. This is the first time I have read this author but I am all for reading more. Definitely recommend this book.
November 7, 2022
Heartthrob is book one in Honeywood Series an m/m romance.
I fell in love with Clark & Leo straight away. This has got to be right up there with my top reads this year.
It was funny, sweet, steamy and full of first times, guys trying to find their way through new experiences. I love this book so much and it gave me so many feels.
The side characters were hilarious as well and I’m really hoping we get their stories too. I couldn’t get enough and didn’t want it to end.
This is a 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 hot and sweet college romance that I can’t recommend enough. I will be looking out for more in this series.
I fell in love with Clark & Leo straight away. This has got to be right up there with my top reads this year.
It was funny, sweet, steamy and full of first times, guys trying to find their way through new experiences. I love this book so much and it gave me so many feels.
The side characters were hilarious as well and I’m really hoping we get their stories too. I couldn’t get enough and didn’t want it to end.
This is a 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 hot and sweet college romance that I can’t recommend enough. I will be looking out for more in this series.
October 26, 2022
Clark and Leo will have you whole-heartedly believing in insta-love, all-encompassing, fierce love and happily ever after.
Steele created a hot and steamy world in Honeywood, full of adventurous college boys.
The story is also full of swoon-worthy, emotionally impactful scenes. The MC’s connection, while undoubtedly physical, is so much deeper than that. And I love how the friends repeatedly get involved to make things better.
5 stars for this playful, emotional, adorable romp.
Steele created a hot and steamy world in Honeywood, full of adventurous college boys.
The story is also full of swoon-worthy, emotionally impactful scenes. The MC’s connection, while undoubtedly physical, is so much deeper than that. And I love how the friends repeatedly get involved to make things better.
5 stars for this playful, emotional, adorable romp.
October 29, 2022
Heartthrob is Book 1 In Honeywood series. It features 1st year students Leo and Clark at Royal U in the small town of Honeywood. Meeting gay Leo, Clark discovers he is not as straight as he thought was. What follows is a fast escalating relationship between the two!
The entire story concentrates on their sexual relationship. They appear not to attend any classes in their chosen studies. I found this to be quite unbalanced and disappointing.
Noah Steele has a good flowing writing style.
The entire story concentrates on their sexual relationship. They appear not to attend any classes in their chosen studies. I found this to be quite unbalanced and disappointing.
Noah Steele has a good flowing writing style.
November 3, 2022
Heartthrob is book 1 in the Honeywood series. This is a sweet, low angst, steamy college romance about Leo, a poet, and Clark, a photographer. Though it was happenstance that Leo and Clark met at all, it didn't take long for them to explore each other. Sometimes all a cute boy has to do is smile at you for you to discover that all you want is that cute boy. This was an enjoyable book and I look forward to more from this series.
I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book.
November 3, 2022
A first and sweet story of a new series
Leo and Clark meet at the party, where Leo is not happy to go there
Connenction strong since first, but Clark is straigh or maybe not so much...
Leo left his poetry notebook and Clark find and read, he's very intriguing of that guy, he want to see him again
start of this funny and light story of two guy attracted to each other, no drama, very adorable.
thank GRR another autor to keep in mind.
Leo and Clark meet at the party, where Leo is not happy to go there
Connenction strong since first, but Clark is straigh or maybe not so much...
Leo left his poetry notebook and Clark find and read, he's very intriguing of that guy, he want to see him again
start of this funny and light story of two guy attracted to each other, no drama, very adorable.
thank GRR another autor to keep in mind.
November 5, 2022
Heartthrob has everything I love in an low angst, instalove story. I loved Leo and Clark's first meeting, and as they both realize that they may have something special with each other. One of my favorite things in Noah Steel's writing is the friendships he writes between characters, and in Heartthrob, he creates another fantastic friend group. Leo and Clark are wonderful together, and I loved seeing them come together.
November 15, 2022
This is the story of Clark and Leo, it is the first book in the Honey wood series. If you are looking for a story that will leave you smiling and feeling very good, this one is for you. It is written wonderfully with lots of humour, is sweet and steamy moments. The characters are beautiful and funny,. Can't wait to see what is next. Definitely recommended.
I received this book as an Arc and I am happily reviewing it voluntarily.
I received this book as an Arc and I am happily reviewing it voluntarily.
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