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Marshmallows
Will came out to his friends.
Dan walked away from Matthew for the last time.
Although the first week of January has been intense, they're ready to relax together and focus on the next Will's second-year medicine exams, Dan's attempts to quit smoking, and the uncertain future which awaits them in the summer.
Summer is a long time away. For now, it's Christmas.
And Will wants to spend Christmas with his boyfriend.
Marshmallows is the sequel novella to Louise Willingham's debut novel, Not Quite Out.
Dan walked away from Matthew for the last time.
Although the first week of January has been intense, they're ready to relax together and focus on the next Will's second-year medicine exams, Dan's attempts to quit smoking, and the uncertain future which awaits them in the summer.
Summer is a long time away. For now, it's Christmas.
And Will wants to spend Christmas with his boyfriend.
Marshmallows is the sequel novella to Louise Willingham's debut novel, Not Quite Out.
- GenresQueer
155 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 17, 2022
1 person is currently reading
54 people want to read
About the author
Louise Willingham
2 books65 followersLouise Willingham is an environmental scientist and writer whose interests vary from Pre-Raphaelite art to going to rock and metal concerts. While studying for her BSc at Keele University, she was a regular at the village pub quiz and a vocal member of the LGBT+ society committee. Not Quite Out is their debut novel.
she/her they/them
she/her they/them
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
September 7, 2022
I am an ARC reader of marshmallows! For full transparency I am friends with the author. Spoiler free review below!!
Marshmallows is a companion novella to Not Quite Out. It is its own story which can be enjoyed alone, however I recommend reading NQO first for maximum effect and a better understanding of the characters and their relationships.
If you're looking for a fluffy, heart warming book to read with a hot chocolate on a rainy evening - this is the one. It is full of heart-bursting and soft moments, and is a lovely gentle read for when you need a little bit of light in your day!
The characters are flawed, and this is met with kindness and patience as they work through their own personal demons. It really gives you the sense that these are real people, in a real relationship, living their messy lives - and as a messy person, this felt so reassuring and comforting.
I challenge you not to fall even more in love with Daniel in this book!
This book is fuzzy, warm, and comforting, while still dealing with difficult topics such as addiction and anxiety. There is an available list of trigger warnings for the topics covered, so make sure you check it out before reading.
Marshmallows is a companion novella to Not Quite Out. It is its own story which can be enjoyed alone, however I recommend reading NQO first for maximum effect and a better understanding of the characters and their relationships.
If you're looking for a fluffy, heart warming book to read with a hot chocolate on a rainy evening - this is the one. It is full of heart-bursting and soft moments, and is a lovely gentle read for when you need a little bit of light in your day!
The characters are flawed, and this is met with kindness and patience as they work through their own personal demons. It really gives you the sense that these are real people, in a real relationship, living their messy lives - and as a messy person, this felt so reassuring and comforting.
I challenge you not to fall even more in love with Daniel in this book!
This book is fuzzy, warm, and comforting, while still dealing with difficult topics such as addiction and anxiety. There is an available list of trigger warnings for the topics covered, so make sure you check it out before reading.
January 23, 2023
Firstly, I wish to thank the editorial for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Took me a while, but better late than never!
Now, I have a beef with this book. I spent the entire book expecting the aforementioned food item in the title. And the story kept going on and on without reaching the scene where the squishy loaves of sugary goodness would appear.
Oh, wait, after checking the book's search function, marshmallows appear in a teeny tiny scene halfway through the book. It's just that the food item plays such a menial role in the scene that I forgot. So, I was about to make a fool out of myself writing a clever comparison of the lack of marshmallows with the Snakes on a Plane movie. The fact the food item never appears in the most important scene of the book still makes me feel very cheated. :/
Reading the whole story, I believe the book should have been titled Tinsel & Pudding instead.
I am still a bit confused about the plot of the book. William is a 1st-year med student, and the whole story is set in his POV. Whenever he isn't micromanaging his new boyfriend Daniel's life, he worries about how people will view him dating Daniel. I was just expecting it to have a more linear plot. The most important scene in the book happens halfway, whereas the ending doesn't feel like an ending at all.
Daniel is a lovely and far more interesting character than William, whose micromanaging behavior was getting on my nerves. As a college student close to his graduation, Daniel fears returning to Russia and trying to get a work visa. He doesn't have a good relationship with either of his parents and is battling drug addiction. Even though I didn't like William's possessive and overbearing behavior, Daniel was a real joy to read. He has been through a lot over the past few weeks, and I keep feeling William is just too pushy. The book delivers some heartwarming scenes when Daniel is in the mood to cuddle and say a few basic phrases in Russian. Note to the readers: there isn't a dictionary at the end of the book, and Daniel's phrases are always written in Cyrillic. I didn't struggle too much because I could read Cyrillic a little. The sole sentence in Spanish included in the book is missing a tilde and comma, but I understood it without major issues.
One thing that kept on pestering my mind while reading this book is Daniel's visa status. His mother is a Spanish citizen, which theoretically should grant him automatic Spanish citizenship without renouncing the other passport. The book hints he has only lived in Novosibirsk. It is plausible while he has the right to get his second citizenship, the lack of access to his mother's birth certificate and knowledge of the language would be a deterrent.
The timeline in the story doesn't specify whether it happened before or after Brexit, so I am not sure if the visa issue would have crept up regardless if Daniel had an EU passport. I still would have liked a chapter where Daniel & William visit the Spanish embassy and ask around.
In a nutshell, I didn't love the book because I felt William to be a tad bit annoying, and there weren't enough marshmallows. However, it is well written without typos, and I am certain plenty of readers will like it.
3 1/2 stars!
Now, I have a beef with this book. I spent the entire book expecting the aforementioned food item in the title. And the story kept going on and on without reaching the scene where the squishy loaves of sugary goodness would appear.
Oh, wait, after checking the book's search function, marshmallows appear in a teeny tiny scene halfway through the book. It's just that the food item plays such a menial role in the scene that I forgot. So, I was about to make a fool out of myself writing a clever comparison of the lack of marshmallows with the Snakes on a Plane movie. The fact the food item never appears in the most important scene of the book still makes me feel very cheated. :/
Reading the whole story, I believe the book should have been titled Tinsel & Pudding instead.
I am still a bit confused about the plot of the book. William is a 1st-year med student, and the whole story is set in his POV. Whenever he isn't micromanaging his new boyfriend Daniel's life, he worries about how people will view him dating Daniel. I was just expecting it to have a more linear plot. The most important scene in the book happens halfway, whereas the ending doesn't feel like an ending at all.
Daniel is a lovely and far more interesting character than William, whose micromanaging behavior was getting on my nerves. As a college student close to his graduation, Daniel fears returning to Russia and trying to get a work visa. He doesn't have a good relationship with either of his parents and is battling drug addiction. Even though I didn't like William's possessive and overbearing behavior, Daniel was a real joy to read. He has been through a lot over the past few weeks, and I keep feeling William is just too pushy. The book delivers some heartwarming scenes when Daniel is in the mood to cuddle and say a few basic phrases in Russian. Note to the readers: there isn't a dictionary at the end of the book, and Daniel's phrases are always written in Cyrillic. I didn't struggle too much because I could read Cyrillic a little. The sole sentence in Spanish included in the book is missing a tilde and comma, but I understood it without major issues.
One thing that kept on pestering my mind while reading this book is Daniel's visa status. His mother is a Spanish citizen, which theoretically should grant him automatic Spanish citizenship without renouncing the other passport. The book hints he has only lived in Novosibirsk. It is plausible while he has the right to get his second citizenship, the lack of access to his mother's birth certificate and knowledge of the language would be a deterrent.
The timeline in the story doesn't specify whether it happened before or after Brexit, so I am not sure if the visa issue would have crept up regardless if Daniel had an EU passport. I still would have liked a chapter where Daniel & William visit the Spanish embassy and ask around.
In a nutshell, I didn't love the book because I felt William to be a tad bit annoying, and there weren't enough marshmallows. However, it is well written without typos, and I am certain plenty of readers will like it.
3 1/2 stars!
October 5, 2022
What I Did Like:
+Characters. I didn’t read Not Quite Out. However, this novella packed enough of everyone’s personalities to help me fall in love with all of them. They’re well written and realistic. I loved them all!
+Loved that the author chose to make these two a couple who are abstaining from sex by choice. This is never pitched as a bad thing, which in itself is a great message.
+Adorable story. Definitely a cute vibe with a feel-good relationship story. I hear that Not Quite Out was a more serious book (which is obvious from the glimpses and hints you get during this book) but this has a very different feel. It feels healing and light.
Who Should Read This One:
-Hopeless romantics who like an adorable love story (it is LGBTQ).
-Anyone who wants more healing from Not Quite Out will love this journey for the characters.
My Rating: 4 Stars
Well written and enjoyable, for sure!
For Full Review: https://tabathashipleybooks.com/2022/...
+Characters. I didn’t read Not Quite Out. However, this novella packed enough of everyone’s personalities to help me fall in love with all of them. They’re well written and realistic. I loved them all!
+Loved that the author chose to make these two a couple who are abstaining from sex by choice. This is never pitched as a bad thing, which in itself is a great message.
+Adorable story. Definitely a cute vibe with a feel-good relationship story. I hear that Not Quite Out was a more serious book (which is obvious from the glimpses and hints you get during this book) but this has a very different feel. It feels healing and light.
Who Should Read This One:
-Hopeless romantics who like an adorable love story (it is LGBTQ).
-Anyone who wants more healing from Not Quite Out will love this journey for the characters.
My Rating: 4 Stars
Well written and enjoyable, for sure!
For Full Review: https://tabathashipleybooks.com/2022/...
November 16, 2022
If you are looking for a story that's going to warm your soul with relatable, flawed characters, look no further. Marshmallows was a wonderful, cold weather story that draws you in and wraps you up. (Even if you haven't read Not Quite Out.)
I loved the relationship between Will and Dan and really appreciated the nuances that the author wove into their personalities. The characters felt like they were people you might know and like they were living real lives right beside you.
I think this one is definitely worth checking out on a snowy, winter day, curled up in a cozy reading spot if you're looking for a character driven story that gives your heart a hug.
I look forward to checking out Not Quite Out to get more insight into Will and Dan!
I received an ARC copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review, with all my own opinions.
I loved the relationship between Will and Dan and really appreciated the nuances that the author wove into their personalities. The characters felt like they were people you might know and like they were living real lives right beside you.
I think this one is definitely worth checking out on a snowy, winter day, curled up in a cozy reading spot if you're looking for a character driven story that gives your heart a hug.
I look forward to checking out Not Quite Out to get more insight into Will and Dan!
I received an ARC copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review, with all my own opinions.
December 27, 2022
Marshmallows is the companion novella to Not Quite Out, taking place immediately after the end of the first book. It follows Will and Dan in the beginning stages of their relationship, as Will heads into exam season and Dan grapples with moving forward in his life.
It is a tender and sweet book, filled with love not just between Will and Dan but also from Will's group of friends who gather around them to offer support now they know the whole story. It is wonderful to see this after the strained relationships in Not Quite Out. Of course it isn't without trouble - this is Will and Dan we're talking about! But the difference is everything is now more open.
If you're read Not Quite Out then you *need* to read this too!
It is a tender and sweet book, filled with love not just between Will and Dan but also from Will's group of friends who gather around them to offer support now they know the whole story. It is wonderful to see this after the strained relationships in Not Quite Out. Of course it isn't without trouble - this is Will and Dan we're talking about! But the difference is everything is now more open.
If you're read Not Quite Out then you *need* to read this too!
Read
November 3, 2025This was a lovely read. You’ll fall in love with these characters in a heartbeat! (especially Dan, bless him)
This is definitely a quick, sweet read that’s easy to get through, however does face some difficult topics throughout so make sure you check the trigger warnings list.
Something I loved about this book was that the characters felt real, they weren’t polished to perfection, it was easy to feel like they were real people and not characters in a book. Usually it takes a book of a much longer length to get that “fully immersive” feeling.
Thankyou so much to SRL Publishing for this gifted copy.
- I have not rated this book as it was a companion to a book I haven’t read so I feel like I wouldn’t be able to fairly rate it.
This is definitely a quick, sweet read that’s easy to get through, however does face some difficult topics throughout so make sure you check the trigger warnings list.
Something I loved about this book was that the characters felt real, they weren’t polished to perfection, it was easy to feel like they were real people and not characters in a book. Usually it takes a book of a much longer length to get that “fully immersive” feeling.
Thankyou so much to SRL Publishing for this gifted copy.
- I have not rated this book as it was a companion to a book I haven’t read so I feel like I wouldn’t be able to fairly rate it.
October 8, 2022
“I can take grumpy. As long as you can take me being an idiot.”
Don't mind me absolutely bawling my eyes out every time Will and Dan says I love you to each other. Every time Dan speaks in another language. Every time they kiss, and smile and are happy together.
Every time Will calls Dan baby and other cure names.
Every time they care for each other, even in the smallest ways.
Perfect.
This follow on novel is perfect in every way.
Like a steaming cup of hot chocolate littered with marshmallows and with each mouthful it sends warmth and calmness into every bone and ounce of your body.
Thank you Lou and Lost Boys Press for an eArc of this amazing book in exchange for my honest review.
Don't mind me absolutely bawling my eyes out every time Will and Dan says I love you to each other. Every time Dan speaks in another language. Every time they kiss, and smile and are happy together.
Every time Will calls Dan baby and other cure names.
Every time they care for each other, even in the smallest ways.
Perfect.
This follow on novel is perfect in every way.
Like a steaming cup of hot chocolate littered with marshmallows and with each mouthful it sends warmth and calmness into every bone and ounce of your body.
Thank you Lou and Lost Boys Press for an eArc of this amazing book in exchange for my honest review.
December 19, 2022
Okay, I have one major problem with this book. It ended. Now what am I supposed to do without more cute Will and Dan moments?
Seriously, though. This book was adorable and perfect for the holiday season. And I learned new things about Russia that I didn't know before! Love that. I also loved seeing the cast of NQO all being cute couples together.
Will we ever get more of Will and Dan's story? I hope so. But if it ends here, it will end on a happy note.
Seriously, though. This book was adorable and perfect for the holiday season. And I learned new things about Russia that I didn't know before! Love that. I also loved seeing the cast of NQO all being cute couples together.
Will we ever get more of Will and Dan's story? I hope so. But if it ends here, it will end on a happy note.
October 5, 2025
Is it an inherently good book? Yes.
However overall I was bored throughout it. There were moments in the book that were cute. However by page 50 I really wanted to DNF this book. I pushed through and continued reading.
I loved that it was an LGBT main couple. I love that even if you haven't read, not quite out, like myself, you still get to know the characters, and you understand who they are and what they're like.
POSSIBLE SPOILER. I did enjoy that the book touched on drug addiction and withdrawal and how William was really supportive. Also how dan spoke about how much he struggled with trying to quite smoking.
However overall I was bored throughout it. There were moments in the book that were cute. However by page 50 I really wanted to DNF this book. I pushed through and continued reading.
I loved that it was an LGBT main couple. I love that even if you haven't read, not quite out, like myself, you still get to know the characters, and you understand who they are and what they're like.
POSSIBLE SPOILER. I did enjoy that the book touched on drug addiction and withdrawal and how William was really supportive. Also how dan spoke about how much he struggled with trying to quite smoking.
November 16, 2022
Thank you Lost Boys Press and Louise for a free e-copy in exchange for an honest review!
After Not Quiet Out, we were blessed with more of Dan and Will! And they are delightful as ever. This novella is perfect for a cold day with no obligations. It has some answers and possibilities for their future. We see Dan and Will being happy and in love, while still dealing with real-life problems and challenges. It was so beautiful and cute and I loved every moment and can't wait for what Louise does next!
After Not Quiet Out, we were blessed with more of Dan and Will! And they are delightful as ever. This novella is perfect for a cold day with no obligations. It has some answers and possibilities for their future. We see Dan and Will being happy and in love, while still dealing with real-life problems and challenges. It was so beautiful and cute and I loved every moment and can't wait for what Louise does next!
October 30, 2022
I received an ARC of this book, and have been asked to leave an honest review. So, to give my honest opinion, I absolutely loved this novella. It’s short and very sweet. It gave me cozy feelings inside while I read it, and even if I don’t like winter all that much myself (much like Dan), the cold, snowy weather in the book did a great job of setting the scene and making me feel immersed in the story. I really hope to read more of Will and Dan sometime in the future!
January 9, 2023
I was lucky enough to win an ebook and let me tell you it was such a great read!
January 21, 2023
Marshmallows picks back up with overly anxious med student Will and his brand-new boyfriend (!) Dan as they begin to navigate the ins and outs of their relationship and wrangle with the rest of their lives. Will is getting used to those around him knowing that he’s bisexual, juggling his exams with his personal life, and trying to live with his constant foot-in-mouth syndrome. Meanwhile Dan is still working the steps of his addiction recovery, trying to dodge his abusive ex, and being terribly busy worrying about Will getting enough rest and sustenance. It’s a brilliant snapshot of what the future for these two looks like, and there’s a lot to love.
From cute moments celebrating Russian Christmas, to more difficult imperfect times where Will’s words cut deeper than even he expected (the phrase “you of all people” has never hit me harder), in this little book Willingham has crafted a relationship that resembles a tightly bound knot; one that is never neat and never tidy, but holds fast. They did an incredible job of reminding my dusty, thirty-year-old heart of how simultaneously sweet and disastrous being in love in your twenties can be, and set up a life for these two boys that felt raw and real.
The truth is, if you’re looking for something sugary and simple to cuddle up with this shivery season, Marshmallows is actually probably not the book you want. I’ve seen a lot of reviewers talk about Willingham’s writing as if they’re cute pastel romances, but I feel like that sets up future readers with certain incorrect expectations. What Not Quite Out and Marshmallows both do wonderfully is blend those sweet cloud-like moments of a romance with the dark, 85% hot chocolate of real life. They’re tasty, delicious reads, but some mouthfuls are going to be bitter and set your stomach twisting for these two lads.
If what you after is a book about queer love and all it’s nuances, however, then march yourself over to Amazon, Waterstones or your friendly neiboughourhood indie bookstore and grab yourself a new favourite book … or two (although, as always, please check the trigger warnings, and feel free to reach out if there’s anything specific you need to know about).
From cute moments celebrating Russian Christmas, to more difficult imperfect times where Will’s words cut deeper than even he expected (the phrase “you of all people” has never hit me harder), in this little book Willingham has crafted a relationship that resembles a tightly bound knot; one that is never neat and never tidy, but holds fast. They did an incredible job of reminding my dusty, thirty-year-old heart of how simultaneously sweet and disastrous being in love in your twenties can be, and set up a life for these two boys that felt raw and real.
The truth is, if you’re looking for something sugary and simple to cuddle up with this shivery season, Marshmallows is actually probably not the book you want. I’ve seen a lot of reviewers talk about Willingham’s writing as if they’re cute pastel romances, but I feel like that sets up future readers with certain incorrect expectations. What Not Quite Out and Marshmallows both do wonderfully is blend those sweet cloud-like moments of a romance with the dark, 85% hot chocolate of real life. They’re tasty, delicious reads, but some mouthfuls are going to be bitter and set your stomach twisting for these two lads.
If what you after is a book about queer love and all it’s nuances, however, then march yourself over to Amazon, Waterstones or your friendly neiboughourhood indie bookstore and grab yourself a new favourite book … or two (although, as always, please check the trigger warnings, and feel free to reach out if there’s anything specific you need to know about).
November 24, 2023
I really liked this book. I loved seeing the characters from Not Quite Out again. I loved that we got to see more into Dan's background. I loved seeing Will and Dan's relationship again and seeing how far they have come together.
Will and Dan have become one of my favorite book couples. I loved how they are together and everything the do for each other and how strong their relationship really is.
I loved the writing style and will definitely be reading anything that this author writes in the future. If you are wanting to read this book i highly recommend reading Not Quite Out first and checking TWs before starting this book.
Will and Dan have become one of my favorite book couples. I loved how they are together and everything the do for each other and how strong their relationship really is.
I loved the writing style and will definitely be reading anything that this author writes in the future. If you are wanting to read this book i highly recommend reading Not Quite Out first and checking TWs before starting this book.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews