What do you think?
Rate this book
Lost Boys #2.5
Still Beating
THE END WAS JUST THE BEGINNING...
I thought I was strong enough to say goodbye.
I thought I was ready to leave him.
It doesn't matter that I'll be seeing him in three days.
I just have to get through three more nights.
I'm dying now. Shattering. Breaking.
I'm determined to show him I can manage on my own.
What if he needs me?
I need him...
What if he doesn't?
...but I want to be better for him.
What if this time I need him?
I want to be strong without him.
Still Beating is a 29,000 word novella that picks up right where the Lost Boys Duet left off. It is highly recommended that this series be read in order, starting with Where There's A Will. This novella deals with topics that may be difficult for some to read. Triggers for this series are listed on the author's website.
I thought I was strong enough to say goodbye.
I thought I was ready to leave him.
It doesn't matter that I'll be seeing him in three days.
I just have to get through three more nights.
I'm dying now. Shattering. Breaking.
I'm determined to show him I can manage on my own.
What if he needs me?
I need him...
What if he doesn't?
...but I want to be better for him.
What if this time I need him?
I want to be strong without him.
Still Beating is a 29,000 word novella that picks up right where the Lost Boys Duet left off. It is highly recommended that this series be read in order, starting with Where There's A Will. This novella deals with topics that may be difficult for some to read. Triggers for this series are listed on the author's website.
185 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 7, 2022
177 people are currently reading
1791 people want to read
About the author
Jessie Walker
14 books1,466 followersJessie Walker is an indie author of queer love stories based out of Scranton, Pennsylvania, where she lives with her long-time partner and fur-spawn. Drawn to all things dark and twisted, she likes to pretend she's not the hopeless romantic at heart that she is. She has ADHD and a background in psychology/mental health services, both of which contribute greatly to her storytelling and the themes of her long-winded, character-driven works. When she's not drudging away at a keyboard, there's a very good chance you'll find her vegged out on her couch, listening to sad '90s grunge, and day dreamin’ about the all the stories crowding her brain.
Random Facts About Me
Scorpio Sun | Aries Moon | Scorpio Rising
The most socially anxious ENFP you'll ever meet.
Chaotic AF because decisioning and planning is hard.
Random Facts About Me
Scorpio Sun | Aries Moon | Scorpio Rising
The most socially anxious ENFP you'll ever meet.
Chaotic AF because decisioning and planning is hard.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 290 reviews
March 6, 2023
reread #1: march 2023 - 𝟱++ ⭑
no bcs shut up just as i thought i couldn't love them more. just as i thought they couldn't get more imperfectly perfect, they did and i love it. 💗
not will being just as obsessed with way's dimples as ever - 😭 they have my entire heart and soul.
first read: november 2022 - 𝟱++ ⭑
✨perfection in the form of a book✨
✧ How is it that he's right here, and I already miss him?
✧ I press a hand to my chest.
Still beating.
Still his.
✧ It's a damn crime it took this long to get here. To this moment, where he is me and I am him, and I will destroy anything or anybody who tries to sever us.
Unhealthy, my ass. This love is just straight up primal. Our need for each other ingrained in us as deeply as our need for air. Inescapable.
Losing him would literally kill me, and I don't care what anyone has to say about that.
✧ Free, and together at long last.
He hums against my lips. ❝Missed you.❞
My fingers stroke over his dimples. ❝Missed you more.❞
❝Not possible.❞
no bcs shut up just as i thought i couldn't love them more. just as i thought they couldn't get more imperfectly perfect, they did and i love it. 💗
not will being just as obsessed with way's dimples as ever - 😭 they have my entire heart and soul.
first read: november 2022 - 𝟱++ ⭑
✨perfection in the form of a book✨
✧ How is it that he's right here, and I already miss him?
✧ I press a hand to my chest.
Still beating.
Still his.
✧ It's a damn crime it took this long to get here. To this moment, where he is me and I am him, and I will destroy anything or anybody who tries to sever us.
Unhealthy, my ass. This love is just straight up primal. Our need for each other ingrained in us as deeply as our need for air. Inescapable.
Losing him would literally kill me, and I don't care what anyone has to say about that.
✧ Free, and together at long last.
![Profile Image for moonlight ☾ [semi-hiatus].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1645500038i%2F37448930._UX200_CR0%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
November 7, 2022
“You don't just stop existing when we're not together,” I tell him. Grabbing his hand, I bring it to my chest. “You exist in here.” I push his knuckles against where my heart thumps strongly, ensuring he can feel it. “So long as this thing keeps beating, you're not going anywhere. On the good days, the bad days, and everything in between. Even when you're miles and miles away from me.”
His jaw quivers in my hand.
Wetting my lips again, I rock my head against his. “I might love you harder when you're at your worst, but that's only because you need it harder then. But my love for you when you're at your best?” I release a breath, smiling. “It's unmatched. It consumes me.”
i love Way and Will so fucking much. 🥺 i love how, even though this novella takes place after the duet, we don't just see the good (or happy) side of their relationship, but we also see the struggles. the fears and insecurities they've both been keeping inside. from the very start of the series, the tone of this story has always felt so realistic and raw. unfiltered. i love how that tone continues to follow the series so far. it's one of the reasons this stood out to me when i took a chance on it. it doesn't hold back from tugging at your heartstrings when it comes to these characters and what they've been through. i loved how we've had glimpses of Mason and Shawn throughout the novella as well. i missed them. Way-Mason-Shawn, best trio. argue with the wall if you disagree idc. 🤪
also...
***
the way i'm literally so attached to the characters in this universe that i'm excited with every little crumb. 😭😭
His jaw quivers in my hand.
Wetting my lips again, I rock my head against his. “I might love you harder when you're at your worst, but that's only because you need it harder then. But my love for you when you're at your best?” I release a breath, smiling. “It's unmatched. It consumes me.”
i love Way and Will so fucking much. 🥺 i love how, even though this novella takes place after the duet, we don't just see the good (or happy) side of their relationship, but we also see the struggles. the fears and insecurities they've both been keeping inside. from the very start of the series, the tone of this story has always felt so realistic and raw. unfiltered. i love how that tone continues to follow the series so far. it's one of the reasons this stood out to me when i took a chance on it. it doesn't hold back from tugging at your heartstrings when it comes to these characters and what they've been through. i loved how we've had glimpses of Mason and Shawn throughout the novella as well. i missed them. Way-Mason-Shawn, best trio. argue with the wall if you disagree idc. 🤪
also...
***
the way i'm literally so attached to the characters in this universe that i'm excited with every little crumb. 😭😭
April 8, 2025
These two own a part of my soul atp😭 They feel so real to me.. I miss them already 😞
April 24, 2024
3/5
Happy ending, or rather happy for now, these guys truly deserve. I really enjoyed their story, but I still think that it’s a little bit too long, and a little bit dragged. But, it just might be me.
I was hoping to see more of Mason and Jeremy here — the future book main characters, but I guess I'll have to wait until their book to finally see more of them. I wish I could teleport to the time their book is released, because I won't find peace until I see a happy Jeremy.
Happy ending, or rather happy for now, these guys truly deserve. I really enjoyed their story, but I still think that it’s a little bit too long, and a little bit dragged. But, it just might be me.
"It’s insane. Loving him this easily… Like every piece of me was made for every piece of him."
“I might love you harder when you’re at your worst, but that’s only because you need it harder then. But my love for you when you’re at your best?” I release a breath, smiling. “It’s unmatched. It consumes me.”
I was hoping to see more of Mason and Jeremy here — the future book main characters, but I guess I'll have to wait until their book to finally see more of them. I wish I could teleport to the time their book is released, because I won't find peace until I see a happy Jeremy.
November 26, 2022
"This love is just straight up primal. Our need for each other ingrained in us as deeply as our need for air. Inescapable."
I could never get enough of these two angsty, flawed, vulnerable and yet so incredibly strong, beautifully broken boys. The divine Jessie Walker has blessed us with a 29,000 word novella, Still Beating, picking up where If There's a Way left off.
Every happy ending is also a new beginning, and for our MCs Will and Waylon, that means Way over in California recording with the Lost Boys, and Will back at home looking after the bar. And both missing each other. Desperately. Passionately. Destructively.
Can our boys survive a long distance relationship, even if it's only for a matter of weeks?
I sooo loved finding out.
Jessie Walker you're a queen.
Highly recommended (but read the duet first!)
⭐ ALL⭐ THE ⭐ STARS ⭐
I could never get enough of these two angsty, flawed, vulnerable and yet so incredibly strong, beautifully broken boys. The divine Jessie Walker has blessed us with a 29,000 word novella, Still Beating, picking up where If There's a Way left off.
Every happy ending is also a new beginning, and for our MCs Will and Waylon, that means Way over in California recording with the Lost Boys, and Will back at home looking after the bar. And both missing each other. Desperately. Passionately. Destructively.
Can our boys survive a long distance relationship, even if it's only for a matter of weeks?
I sooo loved finding out.
Jessie Walker you're a queen.
Highly recommended (but read the duet first!)
⭐ ALL⭐ THE ⭐ STARS ⭐
May 8, 2024
5***** stars
Shit. I’m dead 💀
This was everything! What an amazing addition to the duet that is Will & Way’s epic love story!! 😭😭😭 Thank you, Jessie Walker, for gifting us more time with these boys. ♥︎
side note: This is not a standalone. It’s a sequel for Will & Way and their duet. Book #3 will be about another couple but is still part of an ongoing storyline.
**************
Shilohverse recommended reading
Lost Boys Book 1 - Where There’s A Will - 5.0 stars
Lost Boys Book 2 - If There’s A Way - 5.0 stars
Lost Boys Novella - All We Are
Lost Boys Novella - Still Beating - 5.0 stars
Aviary Duet Book 1 - Little Bird Lost - 5.0 stars
Lost Boys Book 3 - Every Breath After, Part 1 - no rating for now
“Still beating?”
“Yeah,” I tell him strongly. “Still beating.”
Shit. I’m dead 💀
This was everything! What an amazing addition to the duet that is Will & Way’s epic love story!! 😭😭😭 Thank you, Jessie Walker, for gifting us more time with these boys. ♥︎
“How long do we have?”
“Five days.” […]
“After that?”
“After that, we try again.”
“We try again.”
It will get easier.
side note: This is not a standalone. It’s a sequel for Will & Way and their duet. Book #3 will be about another couple but is still part of an ongoing storyline.
**************
Shilohverse recommended reading
Lost Boys Book 1 - Where There’s A Will - 5.0 stars
Lost Boys Book 2 - If There’s A Way - 5.0 stars
Lost Boys Novella - All We Are
Lost Boys Novella - Still Beating - 5.0 stars
Aviary Duet Book 1 - Little Bird Lost - 5.0 stars
Lost Boys Book 3 - Every Breath After, Part 1 - no rating for now
November 7, 2022
I cannot fully articulate the cocktail of neurotransmitters my brain is currently releasing after finishing this. I know for fact there are heavy doses of both ✨️dopamine and serotonin✨️
"Hunger like nothing I’ve ever felt before consumes me, and it’s a damn crime it took this long to get here. To this moment, where he is me and I am him, and I will destroy anything or anybody who tries to sever us."
Anyone who has successfully survived the rollercoaster that was the Lost Boys Duet (books 1 and 2) willingly left that ride carrying two precious protect them at all costs boys etched into the walls of their hearts. There's a fondness that we have for Will and Way, an itch to constantly be aware of how they're doing ... we recognize in ourselves the unfortunate fact that these are fictional humans, but we honestly could care less. We carry them with us, and inhale any crumbs we can get.
So for my #wail lovers, I hope you know that in this novella is more than crumbs. It's the entire makings of a loaf of bread that just came out of the oven. It's soft, it's sweet, it's warm. It's also makes your gut clench simultaneously in anticipation of the angst it's about to digest and in excitement induced by the butterflies it anabolizes. We get to see Will and Way in the settings after the chaos that swept through their existence and almost upends their relationship. We get to see their unmatched resilience and perseverance over and over again, we get to see the shapes their healing takes whether apart whether together. In this small snapshot of a moment in time we truly get to see on that ECG machine that regardless of the pain they've experienced, both their hearts are Still Beating.
"This love is just straight up primal. Our need for each other ingrained in us as deeply as our need for air. Inescapable."
I'm not going to say anymore because I think you should take a bite of this bread yourself 🥰
From the author's note: Please note that this is not a standalone. This novella picks up almost immediately where the Epilogue in If There's A Way left off, with the Lost Boys out in Los Angeles, recording their first album. If you've yet to read the duet, it's highly, highly recommended
"Hunger like nothing I’ve ever felt before consumes me, and it’s a damn crime it took this long to get here. To this moment, where he is me and I am him, and I will destroy anything or anybody who tries to sever us."
Anyone who has successfully survived the rollercoaster that was the Lost Boys Duet (books 1 and 2) willingly left that ride carrying two precious protect them at all costs boys etched into the walls of their hearts. There's a fondness that we have for Will and Way, an itch to constantly be aware of how they're doing ... we recognize in ourselves the unfortunate fact that these are fictional humans, but we honestly could care less. We carry them with us, and inhale any crumbs we can get.
So for my #wail lovers, I hope you know that in this novella is more than crumbs. It's the entire makings of a loaf of bread that just came out of the oven. It's soft, it's sweet, it's warm. It's also makes your gut clench simultaneously in anticipation of the angst it's about to digest and in excitement induced by the butterflies it anabolizes. We get to see Will and Way in the settings after the chaos that swept through their existence and almost upends their relationship. We get to see their unmatched resilience and perseverance over and over again, we get to see the shapes their healing takes whether apart whether together. In this small snapshot of a moment in time we truly get to see on that ECG machine that regardless of the pain they've experienced, both their hearts are Still Beating.
"This love is just straight up primal. Our need for each other ingrained in us as deeply as our need for air. Inescapable."
I'm not going to say anymore because I think you should take a bite of this bread yourself 🥰
From the author's note: Please note that this is not a standalone. This novella picks up almost immediately where the Epilogue in If There's A Way left off, with the Lost Boys out in Los Angeles, recording their first album. If you've yet to read the duet, it's highly, highly recommended
![Profile Image for Megan [At The Cottage].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1634561405i%2F25103878._UY200_CR50%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
November 9, 2022
MM Romance
Follow up novella
NOT a stand-alone. Go read their duet first.
5 Stars ⭐️
”Our need for each other ingrained in us as deeply as our need for air. Inescapable. Losing him would literally kill me, and I don’t care what anyone has to say about that.”
My need for this couple is ingrained as deeply as my need for air and I’ve now read over 300k words (according to author) of these boys and this world and I’m always going to want more. I will never get enough of Will & Way and even though the duet had a proper ending, it didn’t have an epilogue that went years out in the future because this series is still ongoing. I had concerns about their immediate future though (not as a couple but it’s all I can write without spoilers) but it’s like this author read my mind and included all the worries I had and didn’t just gloss them over but made them play out in a very real way showing how far my boys have come. I just loved this so much and I cried both sad and happy tears. This author is going to be the death of me but at least I’ll die happy. 💗💗
I know Jeremy & Mason are next and that their book will likely ruin me but I would like more of Way and Will through novellas or short stories or anything really whether it’s one of their POVs in another book, anythinggggg.
If you haven’t picked up the Will & Way duet yet… What are you waiting for? I waited until it was completed to read it and I highly recommend taking a small break before diving into book 2 because it’s not an easy read and I was sobbing so much I was forced to take a break because I literally couldn’t see. 😭😭
Follow up novella
NOT a stand-alone. Go read their duet first.
5 Stars ⭐️
”Our need for each other ingrained in us as deeply as our need for air. Inescapable. Losing him would literally kill me, and I don’t care what anyone has to say about that.”
My need for this couple is ingrained as deeply as my need for air and I’ve now read over 300k words (according to author) of these boys and this world and I’m always going to want more. I will never get enough of Will & Way and even though the duet had a proper ending, it didn’t have an epilogue that went years out in the future because this series is still ongoing. I had concerns about their immediate future though (not as a couple but it’s all I can write without spoilers) but it’s like this author read my mind and included all the worries I had and didn’t just gloss them over but made them play out in a very real way showing how far my boys have come. I just loved this so much and I cried both sad and happy tears. This author is going to be the death of me but at least I’ll die happy. 💗💗
I know Jeremy & Mason are next and that their book will likely ruin me but I would like more of Way and Will through novellas or short stories or anything really whether it’s one of their POVs in another book, anythinggggg.
If you haven’t picked up the Will & Way duet yet… What are you waiting for? I waited until it was completed to read it and I highly recommend taking a small break before diving into book 2 because it’s not an easy read and I was sobbing so much I was forced to take a break because I literally couldn’t see. 😭😭
November 21, 2022
All this did was make me want to reread the original duet. I love and miss these battered and bruised boys. I can't wait for Mason's book. I bet it's gonna hurt.
June 25, 2024
it’s a fucking tragedy there will be no will and way books after this😭✋🏼
July 25, 2024
⊹ ⁺ ₊ ✧
Still Beating
┊
5 stars
✧ ₊ ⁺ ⊹
☆₊⋆ → thoughts┊Deceased. LOVE THEM . I keep coming back to this novella because it’s simply beautiful and it brings me so much joy to read about Will and Way finally getting their HEA😭🫶🏼.
⋆╰┈✩ Jessie Walker delivered with this novella! She gave me everything I wanted and more in this addition to the lost boys series
⭒ ⊹ ₊ reread ₊ ⊹ ⭒
⤷ 25/07/24 ┊I reread this novella every time I miss Will and Way because its short yet so angsty AND they’re happy😌🤍
↻ ◁ II ▷ ↺ 1:35 ─── ⊹ songs I listened to ⊹ ────── 3:47
♫ author’s playlist
⤷ I highly recommend giving this one a listen while reading!
☾ TWs ☽
౨ৎ happy reading ౨ৎ
∘₊✧ ── "He’s here, I think. That’s all that matters in this second. The rest is just noise." ── ✧₊∘
☆₊⋆ → thoughts┊Deceased. LOVE THEM . I keep coming back to this novella because it’s simply beautiful and it brings me so much joy to read about Will and Way finally getting their HEA😭🫶🏼.
⋆╰┈✩ Jessie Walker delivered with this novella! She gave me everything I wanted and more in this addition to the lost boys series
∘₊✧ ── "It’s insane. Loving him this easily… Like every piece of me was made for every piece of him." ── ✧₊∘
✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄☆⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧
⭒ ⊹ ₊ reread ₊ ⊹ ⭒
⤷ 25/07/24 ┊I reread this novella every time I miss Will and Way because its short yet so angsty AND they’re happy😌🤍
↻ ◁ II ▷ ↺ 1:35 ─── ⊹ songs I listened to ⊹ ────── 3:47
♫ author’s playlist
⤷ I highly recommend giving this one a listen while reading!
☾ TWs ☽
౨ৎ happy reading ౨ৎ
December 10, 2022
I just love Will and Way. That is all!
December 1, 2022
Any dose of Will and Waylon I can get, I’m going to take it.
Jessie writes in a way that the vibes of the people and places are thrown at you so clearly and I’m OBSESSED with that level of storytelling.
For some reason I’m always reminded of the 1996 movie Beautiful Girls with Matt Dillon when I’m in the Shiloh boys universe.
If you have read the Lost Boys Duet then the novella is a must not miss.
If you haven’t read the duet yet, you should really get on that.
Jessie writes in a way that the vibes of the people and places are thrown at you so clearly and I’m OBSESSED with that level of storytelling.
For some reason I’m always reminded of the 1996 movie Beautiful Girls with Matt Dillon when I’m in the Shiloh boys universe.
If you have read the Lost Boys Duet then the novella is a must not miss.
If you haven’t read the duet yet, you should really get on that.
Read
February 11, 2024i think i would need to reread the main books to actually appreciate this more. not gonna rate this, as my weak memory of these characters probably impacted my enjoyment of this.
July 25, 2024
So raw, imperfect, intense and unhinged! Fucking Love this and then for eternity!
This novella was all I needed from these two troubled beautiful souls!
“I might love you harder when you’re at your worst, but that’s only because you need it harder then. But my love for you when you’re at your best?” I release a breath, smiling. “It’s unmatched. It consumes me.”
Will, it consumes us too ☀️
“Unhealthy, my ass. This love is just straight up primal. Our need for each other ingrained in us as deeply as our need for air. Inescapable.”
Yes Way, that’s right! 🖤
This novella was all I needed from these two troubled beautiful souls!
“I might love you harder when you’re at your worst, but that’s only because you need it harder then. But my love for you when you’re at your best?” I release a breath, smiling. “It’s unmatched. It consumes me.”
Will, it consumes us too ☀️
“Unhealthy, my ass. This love is just straight up primal. Our need for each other ingrained in us as deeply as our need for air. Inescapable.”
Yes Way, that’s right! 🖤
August 20, 2024
“My love for you when I’m sad and scared is very selfish. Even a little ugly. But when I’m happy, it’s pure. Easy and simple as breathing.”
My heart beats for Will and Way! This novella was shorter than I expected, but I loved it so much. It's always hard for me to rate novellas because I can't compare them to full-length novels, but I can't give this less than 5 stars. It was so sweet and heartwarming. I want more 😭 I could seriously read about these two forever, I love them so much.
── .✦ quotes:
This love is just straight up primal. Our need for each other ingrained in us as deeply as our need for air. Inescapable.
And if we fall together, then so be it. Our strength goes beyond just the two of us. That’s what family’s for. That’s what we have thorns for. Tethering us even when things get ugly.
“You exist in here.” I push his knuckles against where my heart thumps strongly, ensuring he can feel it. “So long as this thing keeps beating, you’re not going anywhere. On the good days, the bad days, and everything in between. Even when you’re miles and miles away from me.”
“One day, I’m going to get it through your thick, stubborn skull that I love you even more when I’m happy. That for as much as I need you when shit’s all dark and fucked up in my head, I love you just as much, if not more so, when I’m clear-headed. When I feel strong and capable, and not strangled by the fear that I’m going to lose you, or by the voices that try to convince me you deserve better.”
We’ll be each other’s burdens. We’ll be each other’s strengths. Pillars to rest upon until we can be in each other’s arms once more and remember what it’s like to sit under a hot pink California sunset, watching the waves crash along the beach.
November 1, 2022
*ARC received from author in exchange for my honest review. *
Can Jessie Walker possibly ring anymore tears out of me for Waylon and Will? The answer is yes because I was balling reading this novella.
Way & Will's story was heartbreaking from start to finish and when you finally saw that sunrise at the end you knew it was going to be okay. You knew that that the tears shed, the blood lost, and the raw emotions shared were worth it because at the end of the day their story is just now starting...
"I might love you harder when you're at your worst, but that's only because you need it harder then. But my love for you when you're at your best?" I release a breath, smiling. "It's unmatched. It consumes me."
Still Beating picks up almost immediately where If There's a Way leaves off. Way is in California and Will is back home, but distance doesn't always make the heart grow fonder. And both boys are just trying to make the best of their time apart when they are aching for the other.
What happens after the happy ending? Are there still problems or does love conquer all? Jessie Walker gave us a look into the aftermath of the high of a good ending. She gave us the Will and Waylon we have been in love with and added more emotions somehow while keeping them true to their story.
While this was just a pit stop on Waylon and Will's journey, I hope this isn't the last that we have seen of them because these Lost Boys stole my heart in such a profound way, I don't think I will ever be ready to let them go.
Can Jessie Walker possibly ring anymore tears out of me for Waylon and Will? The answer is yes because I was balling reading this novella.
Way & Will's story was heartbreaking from start to finish and when you finally saw that sunrise at the end you knew it was going to be okay. You knew that that the tears shed, the blood lost, and the raw emotions shared were worth it because at the end of the day their story is just now starting...
"I might love you harder when you're at your worst, but that's only because you need it harder then. But my love for you when you're at your best?" I release a breath, smiling. "It's unmatched. It consumes me."
Still Beating picks up almost immediately where If There's a Way leaves off. Way is in California and Will is back home, but distance doesn't always make the heart grow fonder. And both boys are just trying to make the best of their time apart when they are aching for the other.
What happens after the happy ending? Are there still problems or does love conquer all? Jessie Walker gave us a look into the aftermath of the high of a good ending. She gave us the Will and Waylon we have been in love with and added more emotions somehow while keeping them true to their story.
While this was just a pit stop on Waylon and Will's journey, I hope this isn't the last that we have seen of them because these Lost Boys stole my heart in such a profound way, I don't think I will ever be ready to let them go.
May 17, 2024
The character development in this series is top tier. I just really love these characters!! Did I cry? Oh you KNOW I was on the floor UNWELL! But did I expect no less? Absolutely not. Now on to Little Bird Lost 🦅
Will and Way forever 🥹💜
Will and Way forever 🥹💜
March 18, 2023
I LOVE THEM SO MUCH, I WANT TO PROTECT THEM AT ALL COSTS, THIS WAS EVERYTHING CAN'T WAIT FOR THE NEXT BOOK
November 8, 2022
God I love this series, I love this couple, I love this author.
Just a perfect look into Will and Way working at their HEA. They're still in very solid HFN territory by the end of this, but it shows them really working on the tools they need to get to their solid HEA one day.
This starts 10 days after the epilogue of their duology, and both Will and Way have some difficulties being apart from each other for so long. Way has a panic attack and freaks out without Will there, and Will has been missing Way like crazy and hates the distance, and is almost relieved that Way needs him, so he can hop on a plane 3 days early to see Way.
They both have insecurities that aren't magically fixed when their book ended. But I really loved to see them work through their insecurities and problems, together. It really is amazing to see how far these tow have come from their first book together. While their problems haven't gone away, they have improved, and when they crop up, these two have learned better ways to deal with them than they had before.
So these two have to talk things through - after some delicious sexy times ;) - after some angst they're both dealing with comes up, and they work through it, together, and come out stronger for it. It made me so so happy to see the place they're in that they can deal with the hard stuff, instead of run away from it.
We also get some Mason and Shawn in this too. I can't wait for Mason and Jeremy's book. Oh the delicious angst that will come with their love story...
Also I have no idea if Shawn will really be paired with Phoebe, Mason's sister, or if his story will also be MM. Me, being the voracious MM reader that I am, and who loves Shawn as a character, hopes his love story will also be MM....*fingers crossed*
Anywho, if you loved Will and Way's story, pick this up right away. We get a little more of this wonderful couple, and get to see them working through relationship drama together, as a solid, in love couple and I absolutely LOVED it.
I'll be counting down the days for Mason and Jeremy's love story, can't wait!
My ratings for the Lost Boys Series:
🔆 Where There's a Will: 5 stars (my review)
🔆 If There's a Way: 5 stars (my review)
🔆 Still Beating: 5 Stars
🔆 Every Breath After: TBR
Just a perfect look into Will and Way working at their HEA. They're still in very solid HFN territory by the end of this, but it shows them really working on the tools they need to get to their solid HEA one day.
This starts 10 days after the epilogue of their duology, and both Will and Way have some difficulties being apart from each other for so long. Way has a panic attack and freaks out without Will there, and Will has been missing Way like crazy and hates the distance, and is almost relieved that Way needs him, so he can hop on a plane 3 days early to see Way.
They both have insecurities that aren't magically fixed when their book ended. But I really loved to see them work through their insecurities and problems, together. It really is amazing to see how far these tow have come from their first book together. While their problems haven't gone away, they have improved, and when they crop up, these two have learned better ways to deal with them than they had before.
So these two have to talk things through - after some delicious sexy times ;) - after some angst they're both dealing with comes up, and they work through it, together, and come out stronger for it. It made me so so happy to see the place they're in that they can deal with the hard stuff, instead of run away from it.
We also get some Mason and Shawn in this too. I can't wait for Mason and Jeremy's book. Oh the delicious angst that will come with their love story...
Also I have no idea if Shawn will really be paired with Phoebe, Mason's sister, or if his story will also be MM. Me, being the voracious MM reader that I am, and who loves Shawn as a character, hopes his love story will also be MM....*fingers crossed*
Anywho, if you loved Will and Way's story, pick this up right away. We get a little more of this wonderful couple, and get to see them working through relationship drama together, as a solid, in love couple and I absolutely LOVED it.
I'll be counting down the days for Mason and Jeremy's love story, can't wait!
My ratings for the Lost Boys Series:
🔆 Where There's a Will: 5 stars (my review)
🔆 If There's a Way: 5 stars (my review)
🔆 Still Beating: 5 Stars
🔆 Every Breath After: TBR
November 3, 2022
Please note, you must read the first two books before reading this as it is not a standalone.
"Unhealthy, my ass. This love is just straight up primal. Our need for each other ingrained in us as deeply as our need for air."
I needed this novella so much, after reading Will and Way I wasn't read to say goodbye to their story, so when I heard they were getting a novella, I jumped so hard for it. Will and Way are one of my all-time favourite couples with their angst and trauma, and this gave me everything I needed to get an extra fill of them. Reading this was like going without air for so long and finally being able to breathe again. It was just as raw and painful as the first two books and rendered me speechless. I swear I went through an entire box of tissues in the novella alone. It flowed on perfectly from the ending of If There's A Way, and showed the struggles of figuring life out as a long-distance couple, and it broke my heart all over again having to say goodbye when the book ended. I cannot wait for the next book in the series and I hope we see more of these two again, they truly are the best.
"Unhealthy, my ass. This love is just straight up primal. Our need for each other ingrained in us as deeply as our need for air."
I needed this novella so much, after reading Will and Way I wasn't read to say goodbye to their story, so when I heard they were getting a novella, I jumped so hard for it. Will and Way are one of my all-time favourite couples with their angst and trauma, and this gave me everything I needed to get an extra fill of them. Reading this was like going without air for so long and finally being able to breathe again. It was just as raw and painful as the first two books and rendered me speechless. I swear I went through an entire box of tissues in the novella alone. It flowed on perfectly from the ending of If There's A Way, and showed the struggles of figuring life out as a long-distance couple, and it broke my heart all over again having to say goodbye when the book ended. I cannot wait for the next book in the series and I hope we see more of these two again, they truly are the best.
November 18, 2022
My boys!!! They've come a very long way!
I'm soo happy!!!
And looking forward to Mason and Jeremy's book! I need it ASAP!
I'm soo happy!!!
And looking forward to Mason and Jeremy's book! I need it ASAP!
June 4, 2024
We grow together, together or not at all. That’s the only way this works.”
& oh how my babies have grown 😭
After how heavy Will & Way’s story was and the fight they went through to be together, it was amazing to finally get a glimpse into their very hard won happy ever after! It’s always going to be an uphill battle for these two, especially after everything, but they’re thriving and I’m so fucking happy!
& oh how my babies have grown 😭
After how heavy Will & Way’s story was and the fight they went through to be together, it was amazing to finally get a glimpse into their very hard won happy ever after! It’s always going to be an uphill battle for these two, especially after everything, but they’re thriving and I’m so fucking happy!
December 29, 2025
“It’s insane. Loving him this easily… Like every piece of me was made for every piece of him.”
Ohhhh, how I will miss these two broken, beautiful boys. Their story made my heart ache, break, and fly at so many different moments, but God, it made me feel, and my God, I love them. I love their love. I love who they are individually and how they grow and develop as a couple, because wow, that growth was everything.
In this novella, we see them struggle, but also communicate, fix things, and actively work to have the beautiful relationship they have fought for and continue to fight for. It felt so real and so human—how could I not love it?
Just incredible. This is my first series from this author, and I want more. I could definitely read many more books about Will and Way, and I am sooo ready for Jeremy and Mason.
————————
Quotes
“Because that’s why I have him, I remind myself. To always have my back. To always catch me when I fall. Just as I’ll have his. Just as I’ll catch him. And if we fall together, then so be it. Our strength goes beyond just the two of us. That’s what family’s for. That’s what we have thorns for. Tethering us even when things get ugly.”
“One day, I’m going to get it through your thick, stubborn skull that you matter.” He stills. “Not just to me, but especially to me.” I swallow tightly. “That you don’t just…” —I wet my lips, searching his bright eyes— “disappear when no one’s looking.”
“You don’t just stop existing when we’re not together,” I tell him. Grabbing his hand, I bring it to my chest. “You exist in here.” I push his knuckles against where my heart thumps strongly, ensuring he can feel it. “So long as this thing keeps beating, you’re not going anywhere. On the good days, the bad days, and everything in between. Even when you’re miles and miles away from me.”
“I might love you harder when you’re at your worst, but that’s only because you need it harder then. But my love for you when you’re at your best?” I release a breath, smiling. “It’s unmatched. It consumes me.”
“My love for you when I’m sad and scared is very selfish. Even a little ugly. But when I’m happy, it’s pure. Easy and simple as breathing.”
Ohhhh, how I will miss these two broken, beautiful boys. Their story made my heart ache, break, and fly at so many different moments, but God, it made me feel, and my God, I love them. I love their love. I love who they are individually and how they grow and develop as a couple, because wow, that growth was everything.
In this novella, we see them struggle, but also communicate, fix things, and actively work to have the beautiful relationship they have fought for and continue to fight for. It felt so real and so human—how could I not love it?
Just incredible. This is my first series from this author, and I want more. I could definitely read many more books about Will and Way, and I am sooo ready for Jeremy and Mason.
————————
Quotes
“Because that’s why I have him, I remind myself. To always have my back. To always catch me when I fall. Just as I’ll have his. Just as I’ll catch him. And if we fall together, then so be it. Our strength goes beyond just the two of us. That’s what family’s for. That’s what we have thorns for. Tethering us even when things get ugly.”
“One day, I’m going to get it through your thick, stubborn skull that you matter.” He stills. “Not just to me, but especially to me.” I swallow tightly. “That you don’t just…” —I wet my lips, searching his bright eyes— “disappear when no one’s looking.”
“You don’t just stop existing when we’re not together,” I tell him. Grabbing his hand, I bring it to my chest. “You exist in here.” I push his knuckles against where my heart thumps strongly, ensuring he can feel it. “So long as this thing keeps beating, you’re not going anywhere. On the good days, the bad days, and everything in between. Even when you’re miles and miles away from me.”
“I might love you harder when you’re at your worst, but that’s only because you need it harder then. But my love for you when you’re at your best?” I release a breath, smiling. “It’s unmatched. It consumes me.”
“My love for you when I’m sad and scared is very selfish. Even a little ugly. But when I’m happy, it’s pure. Easy and simple as breathing.”
September 6, 2024
Awww I'm going to miss Will and Way 😭
Read
November 13, 2022Not a review. Just some quotes I really loved.
I shouldn't have read this book on a whim. I remember very little from the original duet. So, I couldn't enjoy this book much, I felt disconnected from the characters. Everything seemed foreign and I was f*cking annoyed at the whole world....therefore, not gonna rate it.
“You don’t just stop existing when we’re not together,” I tell him. Grabbing his hand, I bring it to my chest. “You exist in here.” I push his knuckles against where my heart thumps strongly, ensuring he can feel it. “So long as this thing keeps beating, you’re not going anywhere. On the good days, the bad days, and everything in between. Even when you’re miles and miles away from me.”
I might love you harder when you’re at your worst, but that’s only because you need it harder then. But my love for you when you’re at your best?” I release a breath, smiling. “It’s unmatched. It consumes me.
My love for you when I’m sad and scared is very selfish. Even a little ugly. But when I’m happy, it’s pure. Easy and simple as breathing.”
I squeeze my eyes shut. “Is it wrong that I want it all? The ugly and the pure. I’ll take it all.”
I shouldn't have read this book on a whim. I remember very little from the original duet. So, I couldn't enjoy this book much, I felt disconnected from the characters. Everything seemed foreign and I was f*cking annoyed at the whole world....therefore, not gonna rate it.
“You don’t just stop existing when we’re not together,” I tell him. Grabbing his hand, I bring it to my chest. “You exist in here.” I push his knuckles against where my heart thumps strongly, ensuring he can feel it. “So long as this thing keeps beating, you’re not going anywhere. On the good days, the bad days, and everything in between. Even when you’re miles and miles away from me.”
I might love you harder when you’re at your worst, but that’s only because you need it harder then. But my love for you when you’re at your best?” I release a breath, smiling. “It’s unmatched. It consumes me.
My love for you when I’m sad and scared is very selfish. Even a little ugly. But when I’m happy, it’s pure. Easy and simple as breathing.”
I squeeze my eyes shut. “Is it wrong that I want it all? The ugly and the pure. I’ll take it all.”
November 7, 2022
"I might love you harder when you're at your worst, but that's only because you need it harder then. But my love for you when you're at your best?" I release a breath, smiling. "It's unmatched. It consumes me."
Where do I even start honestly? Where There's a Will and If There's a Way are my favourite reads of this year and Will and Way are one of my all time couples. So when I saw the poll on Jessie’s instagram if we'd rather have something new from Will and Way or a chapter from the books in a different POV, I was like, can you fucking IMAGINE? But then she went and announced a NOVELLA. My heart fucking stopped when I seen that on her facebook page, I felt my heart actually skip a beat I'm not even exaggerating. So to say I was excited for this is a complete understatement.
If I had to pick everything that I adore in a book, it would be this series. The angst, the heartbreak, the healing, all the characters, I can't even formulate the right words to express how much I love this series. Will and Way are the type of characters that you know will be able to overcome anything together. They're soulmates. I know they will always come back to each other no matter what. I've never felt this way about a couple in a book this intensely. It's like these characters are real to me lmao. I don't know how Jessie does it, but how she wrote these books and these characters have absolutely captivated me and I feel so drawn to them.
This novella was everything and more to me. I'm so grateful she decided to write this. This wasn't an extended epilogue which I fucking loved. Not everything is wrapped up. It felt so realistic and they still have much of their lives left to live and so much to still experience. So in reality, it makes sense that not everything is wrapped up in a nice bow because there's still so much room for growing. But you just can feel how in love Will and Way are, and they'd literally doing anything for each other.
If I had to recommend one author and series. Jessie Walker and The Lost Boys would be it, no hesitation. Then to have this novella to read after the duet? A literal fucking chocolate cake, the best gift ever honestly ❤️
Where do I even start honestly? Where There's a Will and If There's a Way are my favourite reads of this year and Will and Way are one of my all time couples. So when I saw the poll on Jessie’s instagram if we'd rather have something new from Will and Way or a chapter from the books in a different POV, I was like, can you fucking IMAGINE? But then she went and announced a NOVELLA. My heart fucking stopped when I seen that on her facebook page, I felt my heart actually skip a beat I'm not even exaggerating. So to say I was excited for this is a complete understatement.
If I had to pick everything that I adore in a book, it would be this series. The angst, the heartbreak, the healing, all the characters, I can't even formulate the right words to express how much I love this series. Will and Way are the type of characters that you know will be able to overcome anything together. They're soulmates. I know they will always come back to each other no matter what. I've never felt this way about a couple in a book this intensely. It's like these characters are real to me lmao. I don't know how Jessie does it, but how she wrote these books and these characters have absolutely captivated me and I feel so drawn to them.
This novella was everything and more to me. I'm so grateful she decided to write this. This wasn't an extended epilogue which I fucking loved. Not everything is wrapped up. It felt so realistic and they still have much of their lives left to live and so much to still experience. So in reality, it makes sense that not everything is wrapped up in a nice bow because there's still so much room for growing. But you just can feel how in love Will and Way are, and they'd literally doing anything for each other.
If I had to recommend one author and series. Jessie Walker and The Lost Boys would be it, no hesitation. Then to have this novella to read after the duet? A literal fucking chocolate cake, the best gift ever honestly ❤️
June 19, 2024
Wow, how is it possible to pack so much emotion into such a small book. Loved it of course. Was happy to revisit these two. Will and Way are one of my fav couples ever! I just want them to succeed in everything they do. I love that the author doesn’t shy away from the struggles of codependency. It’s very much a reality for these two, and I love that they acknowledge it. So good. Not much else to say.
Also I’m reading the two novellas backwards but I don’t think it’ll matter in the long run. 😂
Also I’m reading the two novellas backwards but I don’t think it’ll matter in the long run. 😂
February 17, 2023
“Take me home, City Boy?” is all he says, voice deep and rumbly. A deep-chested groan vibrates through my chest.
“Don’t have to ask me twice.”
i'll just be here … waiting impatiently for book three …
April 18, 2024
obsession and codependency 😍
Displaying 1 - 30 of 290 reviews