What do you think?
Rate this book
Reed #2
The Way You Say My Name
Eighteen year old Dillon Carver made the biggest mistake of his life when he dumped Jamie Walker two years ago over Jamie's decision to come out of the closet. At the time, he was afraid Jamie's revelation would out him to the world - and his narrow-minded parents. Jamie Walker's heart was ripped to shreds when Dillon walked out on him. With help from his best friend Ben, Jamie was able to pick up the pieces and move on. He still hasn't tried his hand at love again, but for the most part Jamie has been able to put the pain behind him. Now things are different. Dillon wants Jamie back, and he'll do whatever it takes to make that happen. Only one thing stands in his way: Jamie's relationship with "bad boy" Ben Lewis. When Dillon begins an open campaign to win Jamie back, Jamie's life is once again thrown into chaos.
288 pages, Paperback
First published June 12, 2009
1 person is currently reading
204 people want to read
About the author
Sara Bell
27 books200 followersSara Bell lives in North Alabama with the world's sexiest, most supportive husband, the two most beautiful, gifted daughters on the planet, and two of the most neurotic but loveable dogs ever created. She's a full-time author who writes stories about never-ending love for all kinds of characters--gay, straight, and somewhere in-between. Sara still can't believe she gets paid to do something she loves so much, and she's darned grateful to her incredible readers for making her dream a reality.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
November 5, 2016
Well, I enjoyed this one better than the first one. I do wish there had been more of the romance between Dillon and Jamie and less in the suspense/mystery department. It was also very looonnng..I found myself just wanting it to be done.
I loved Dillon. Yes he screws up in the beginning but he makes up for it in my opinion. Jamie was just so-so to me. I hated that he kept on "looking for answers" regarding . I felt like he was in love with Ben, not just being his friend at times so he annoyed me. He seemed to be putting all that first instead of Dillon.
I also wish I could get what happens between sweet Megan and Heath. What a douche! Oh well, I did enjoy it..just wished for a little less story and a lot more loving.
I loved Dillon. Yes he screws up in the beginning but he makes up for it in my opinion. Jamie was just so-so to me. I hated that he kept on "looking for answers" regarding . I felt like he was in love with Ben, not just being his friend at times so he annoyed me. He seemed to be putting all that first instead of Dillon.
I also wish I could get what happens between sweet Megan and Heath. What a douche! Oh well, I did enjoy it..just wished for a little less story and a lot more loving.
October 16, 2010
First read 10-11-10 to 10-15 and reviewed: I loved the story but it made me cry a lot.
Second read: I hated how it said "could care less" a lot. Everytine I was like "couldn't care less!"
Still love this story. It still made me cry a lot and now I really want a story for Mitch and Dex. They're both kind of broken so not sure if they each need a book or are perfect for each other? But i would liver to read about both of them getting a hea
Second read: I hated how it said "could care less" a lot. Everytine I was like "couldn't care less!"
Still love this story. It still made me cry a lot and now I really want a story for Mitch and Dex. They're both kind of broken so not sure if they each need a book or are perfect for each other? But i would liver to read about both of them getting a hea
July 31, 2012
I really enjoyed this story. There were so many twists and turns; more than one story line happening, and it left me to believe that a 3rd book might be planned.
This was a full length novel, with all the nitty, gritty details, and full character development. Quite original in plot, and more like a mystery with some romance sprinkled on top.
Dillon and Jamie are beyond cute. Ben was an idiot, until you learned his history. Then he was just tragic. Megan and Heath? Sad.
I can't really say anything about any other characters without spoilering so I will leave them be, with the exception of Dillon's parents. They are the epitome of parents at their worst. They are the reason that sterilization should still be allowed, especially on those that fail their children on a grand scale. In my opinion, they did not suffer near enough.
This was a wonderful book for a group read (which I did with Jen and Dane). But, I think we should have read book one first, lol.
Next?
This was a full length novel, with all the nitty, gritty details, and full character development. Quite original in plot, and more like a mystery with some romance sprinkled on top.
Dillon and Jamie are beyond cute. Ben was an idiot, until you learned his history. Then he was just tragic. Megan and Heath? Sad.
I can't really say anything about any other characters without spoilering so I will leave them be, with the exception of Dillon's parents. They are the epitome of parents at their worst. They are the reason that sterilization should still be allowed, especially on those that fail their children on a grand scale. In my opinion, they did not suffer near enough.
This was a wonderful book for a group read (which I did with Jen and Dane). But, I think we should have read book one first, lol.
Next?
April 4, 2010
The story is way better than the first one in this series. There are no over the top sugary love that makes my eyes roll high. The murder mystery is pretty solid and there are some twists and turns that I don't expect. Jamie and Dillon are both sympathetic character. It also packs more emotion that the first book, especially for the secondary characters (Ash, Megan, Heath, Mitch). Somehow I wish that every one of them will get their own story.
However, in overall, there is still some kind of "soap-operaish" theme, where the bad guys are incredibly bad and well, many people come out. Like having two brothers who are both gays.
BUT, I have fallen in love with Ms. Bell's most recent stories (this one is written back in 2003, I think?) and I believe that if there is a 3rd book, it will be much better. I already have proof on her other stories (which I LOVE)
However, in overall, there is still some kind of "soap-operaish" theme, where the bad guys are incredibly bad and well, many people come out. Like having two brothers who are both gays.
BUT, I have fallen in love with Ms. Bell's most recent stories (this one is written back in 2003, I think?) and I believe that if there is a 3rd book, it will be much better. I already have proof on her other stories (which I LOVE)
March 27, 2011
This book was recommended to me by my friend Deeze who is a big fan of yours. I was wary I admit because in the M/M genre life is FULL of disappointments. I was so glad that this story was not one of them. I sometimes find myself struggling to sit for more than 30 minutes reading some of these so called authors' works but your story captivated me from beginning to end! (^_^).
No story is perfect and while yours is great on its own...when compared to what I'd read thus far it was head and shoulders above the rest! Keep up the good work!
PS - I loved the bitchiness of the mom! And loved the gun toting old lady! Lol! And I'm a sucker for unrequited love! Lol!
No story is perfect and while yours is great on its own...when compared to what I'd read thus far it was head and shoulders above the rest! Keep up the good work!
PS - I loved the bitchiness of the mom! And loved the gun toting old lady! Lol! And I'm a sucker for unrequited love! Lol!
May 6, 2014
First off I want to start by saying the blurb is a bit inaccurate and describes only the first 75 pages. The story felt overly long and even though I liked it, it was unbelievable!
At first appearances the book seems like a romance, but it is more a mystery novel. There are several bad guys that appear out of nowhere and disappear just as quickly.
Our MC appears to be an idiot. This is my problem with sleuth stories. It is fine for an ex-vetran/cop to conduct their own investigation, but not a teenager. He doesn't think about the repercussions, and also get angry at anyone who points out how reckless he is being. What annoyed me the most is that his entire investigation is based on a drunk driver's word. He also blame the cops for not doing their due diligence, yet he withheld key evidence. Evidence that was inaccessible to them.
We get HEA for our MC's, but a very unhappy ending for 2 other characters. There was just so much drama throughout, and every time one thing gets solved another pop's-up.
This story contains:
At first appearances the book seems like a romance, but it is more a mystery novel. There are several bad guys that appear out of nowhere and disappear just as quickly.
Our MC appears to be an idiot. This is my problem with sleuth stories. It is fine for an ex-vetran/cop to conduct their own investigation, but not a teenager. He doesn't think about the repercussions, and also get angry at anyone who points out how reckless he is being. What annoyed me the most is that his entire investigation is based on a drunk driver's word. He also blame the cops for not doing their due diligence, yet he withheld key evidence. Evidence that was inaccessible to them.
We get HEA for our MC's, but a very unhappy ending for 2 other characters. There was just so much drama throughout, and every time one thing gets solved another pop's-up.
This story contains:
October 23, 2009
One of the best action packed stories that rank up with the others I've read and rated a 5 star. Usually I have a pretty good idea or a clue halfway through a book as to WHO done it, but right down to the last chapter of this book, just when I would ponder it had to be... I was so wrong! The beginning will get you absorbed, but the ending will have you flabbergasted. Stunned even. It'll take you by surprise.
I was so impressed that I'm hitting up the next one after it and plan to get lost in the plot of it.
I was so impressed that I'm hitting up the next one after it and plan to get lost in the plot of it.
August 10, 2012
I loved this story!! Beautiful!! I cried I laughed I cried and I just loved it all!! The mystery was awesome the boys were fantastic!! Real great love story had me second guessing my self all the time!! But dillon and james were perfect!'
Thanks bubbles for recommending babe!!
September 1, 2011
Again another great book. I might even prefer this one. The characters really grabbed me. I loved em to bits. A lovely story. Well done again Sara.
December 3, 2011
Even better than the original. The sign that an author is worth his/her salt is when they IMPROVE! Definite recommendation!
September 25, 2019
Loved this story as much or maybe a little more than the first. I do have one issue and that is how wordy the story was. Wordy for me means there is a lot that could be edited out that would not change the feel or intention of the story. I found myself skimming parts but I loved the story regardless. I would recommend this series.
TAGS
-- sweet -- young love -- young adult -- first time -- homophobic parents -- angst -- coming out -- friends to lovers -- made me cry or feel anxious -- made me laugh -- more off page sex than on -- loved the MCs... Jamie and Dillon -- mystery/suspense
TAGS
-- sweet -- young love -- young adult -- first time -- homophobic parents -- angst -- coming out -- friends to lovers -- made me cry or feel anxious -- made me laugh -- more off page sex than on -- loved the MCs... Jamie and Dillon -- mystery/suspense
June 16, 2010
you know that expression 'everything but the kitchen sink'? that's this book. so far (page 118 of 279) we've had:
the secret relationship,
remembering the break-up of said secret relationship,
reinstatement of the secret relationship that's no longer a secret,
super bigoted parents,
a public outting,
one boy being kicked out of his home,
the mother of said boy losing her job for being a bigot,
a boy who's in love with his gay brother's former beard,
a hit-and-run death,
a funeral,
a pervy high school principal,
a discovery that the dead boy was a prostitute,
a discovery of blackmail,
a private outting of a seemingly homophobic kid and
a suicide attempt.
and that's just what i remember off the top of my head. now we just need a terrorist plot to be thwarted by the teenage heros and the book will be complete.
snarkiness aside, it's not poorly written, just... untamed. way too much to focus upon. cut out about half of those things and the book could be good. although i'm still reading it, arent i? :)
okay well i've finished the book and there was no terrorist plot, just more implausibility... (a successful suicide, an unplanned teenage pregnancy followed by miscarriage, a murder, another murder, a prostition circle run by a pedophile for other pedophiles, a crazy psychologist bent on de-gaying dillon and more amateur super-sleuthing that is [of course] more successful than the police investigators)
i think, aside from the unbelievably hectic plot, my biggest problem with this book was the age of the main characters. how is it that everybody was so gung-ho about two 18 year old kids moving in together before finishing high school? there was absolutely NO voice of reason mentioning how perhaps the relationship was rushed. it just felt like this book is completely idealizing committed relationships. it's kind of creepy. but then again, to read the book with any enjoyment, one has to completely suspend any rational thought. oh- and after dillon's outting in school, did the boys just stop going?? school (and homework) were never really mentioned again. weird.
the other big problem with the book? how anybody who wasnt totally on board with the boys' relationship was portrayed a complete bigot- and in a totally cruel, harmful way, not just in an ignorant sense (like to the point that dillon's parents tried to institutionalize him and use aversion treatment to kill his homosexual tendencies). not to be misunderstood, homophobia is ridiculous and hurtful, but anybody who displayed a bit of misunderstanding about homosexuality was an entirely evil character (dillon's mother & father, the principal, etc) with absolutely no redeeming qualities- it came across as really preachy, extreme & rather improbable. clearly homophobia sucks, but everybody who disagrees with homosexuality isnt always the spawn of satan- some people are uneducated but can still have potential as a decent person.
anyway, if this book had been a bit more focused it would have been more enjoyable. as it is, it comes across like it was written by a very young author who sort of glamorizes things that she has not yet experienced herself. kind of like how middle school aged kids watch 'grease' and 'high school musical' and think that high school really will be like that. maybe this is targeted towards a younger audience that would enjoy the kind of 'kids can do anything!!' ideals?
i dont intend this to be a nasty review at all, the writing itself wasnt bad, it just seems a bit undisciplined- which is strange to me b/c i've read other books of hers and i dont remember that being an issue. maybe this was one of her first books?
the secret relationship,
remembering the break-up of said secret relationship,
reinstatement of the secret relationship that's no longer a secret,
super bigoted parents,
a public outting,
one boy being kicked out of his home,
the mother of said boy losing her job for being a bigot,
a boy who's in love with his gay brother's former beard,
a hit-and-run death,
a funeral,
a pervy high school principal,
a discovery that the dead boy was a prostitute,
a discovery of blackmail,
a private outting of a seemingly homophobic kid and
a suicide attempt.
and that's just what i remember off the top of my head. now we just need a terrorist plot to be thwarted by the teenage heros and the book will be complete.
snarkiness aside, it's not poorly written, just... untamed. way too much to focus upon. cut out about half of those things and the book could be good. although i'm still reading it, arent i? :)
okay well i've finished the book and there was no terrorist plot, just more implausibility... (a successful suicide, an unplanned teenage pregnancy followed by miscarriage, a murder, another murder, a prostition circle run by a pedophile for other pedophiles, a crazy psychologist bent on de-gaying dillon and more amateur super-sleuthing that is [of course] more successful than the police investigators)
i think, aside from the unbelievably hectic plot, my biggest problem with this book was the age of the main characters. how is it that everybody was so gung-ho about two 18 year old kids moving in together before finishing high school? there was absolutely NO voice of reason mentioning how perhaps the relationship was rushed. it just felt like this book is completely idealizing committed relationships. it's kind of creepy. but then again, to read the book with any enjoyment, one has to completely suspend any rational thought. oh- and after dillon's outting in school, did the boys just stop going?? school (and homework) were never really mentioned again. weird.
the other big problem with the book? how anybody who wasnt totally on board with the boys' relationship was portrayed a complete bigot- and in a totally cruel, harmful way, not just in an ignorant sense (like to the point that dillon's parents tried to institutionalize him and use aversion treatment to kill his homosexual tendencies). not to be misunderstood, homophobia is ridiculous and hurtful, but anybody who displayed a bit of misunderstanding about homosexuality was an entirely evil character (dillon's mother & father, the principal, etc) with absolutely no redeeming qualities- it came across as really preachy, extreme & rather improbable. clearly homophobia sucks, but everybody who disagrees with homosexuality isnt always the spawn of satan- some people are uneducated but can still have potential as a decent person.
anyway, if this book had been a bit more focused it would have been more enjoyable. as it is, it comes across like it was written by a very young author who sort of glamorizes things that she has not yet experienced herself. kind of like how middle school aged kids watch 'grease' and 'high school musical' and think that high school really will be like that. maybe this is targeted towards a younger audience that would enjoy the kind of 'kids can do anything!!' ideals?
i dont intend this to be a nasty review at all, the writing itself wasnt bad, it just seems a bit undisciplined- which is strange to me b/c i've read other books of hers and i dont remember that being an issue. maybe this was one of her first books?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 22, 2013
Again, it hurt my eyes to read and I was really hoping for a Kindle edition. Oh well, it was free :)
I almost liked this one better than the first, but I don't think I can say that. I wanted more of the mystery. It seemed like everything was kind of figured out too soon for me.
I thought the insta love here worked though, because of their history. What didn't work for me
I liked how Dillon prepared for things with his folks. He was smart and wasn't naive. I really liked Jamie, but I thought he was a little me me me there in the beginning. Then he grew on me. He was the stable one where Dillon was the one to fly off the hinges, but only when it came to Jamie and Megan.
I am not sure if there's another book in the works, but I would definitely read it.
As far as errors that drove me bonkers, in the last one it was lose/loose, in this one it was could have cared less/couldn't care less. ARGH!!!!!!! It wasn't just once either.
Overall, it was good, just wish it came in an ebook format.
I almost liked this one better than the first, but I don't think I can say that. I wanted more of the mystery. It seemed like everything was kind of figured out too soon for me.
I thought the insta love here worked though, because of their history. What didn't work for me
I liked how Dillon prepared for things with his folks. He was smart and wasn't naive. I really liked Jamie, but I thought he was a little me me me there in the beginning. Then he grew on me. He was the stable one where Dillon was the one to fly off the hinges, but only when it came to Jamie and Megan.
I am not sure if there's another book in the works, but I would definitely read it.
As far as errors that drove me bonkers, in the last one it was lose/loose, in this one it was could have cared less/couldn't care less. ARGH!!!!!!! It wasn't just once either.
Overall, it was good, just wish it came in an ebook format.
August 1, 2012
What a fabulous book. There is young love, sadness, horror, humor, murder and mystery. At some point, I felt bad for almost every character in this story. Nothing is as it seems as mostly every scenario is played out. Every time you think you are close to figuring something out, another layer is peeled back, and you are left questioning everyone all over again.
The characters - there were so many characters to invest in here. Dillon and Jamie, who are so sweet once they finally figure things out. Ben, who had been through so much but only let a select few know the real deal. Mitch, who was not a whole lot better off than Ben. Megan and Heath are interesting as well. And I certainly can't leave out smexy Nate and Brandon. Dillon's parents are truly unbeleivable. I really didn't want to think there are parents out there who are actually capable of the things they were.
There is so much going on here, with the main story, as well as a few on the side. Every time I thought I was at a good place to put this book down, I would glance at the next sentence and get sucked right back in. It keeps you guessing right up until almost the very end. I did not read book 1 first, but plan to do that right away. I'm really looking forward to seeing how Nate and Brandon came together, and I really hope there is another book planned, because I'd really love to read more about Mitch and see how some of the others are making out.
The characters - there were so many characters to invest in here. Dillon and Jamie, who are so sweet once they finally figure things out. Ben, who had been through so much but only let a select few know the real deal. Mitch, who was not a whole lot better off than Ben. Megan and Heath are interesting as well. And I certainly can't leave out smexy Nate and Brandon. Dillon's parents are truly unbeleivable. I really didn't want to think there are parents out there who are actually capable of the things they were.
There is so much going on here, with the main story, as well as a few on the side. Every time I thought I was at a good place to put this book down, I would glance at the next sentence and get sucked right back in. It keeps you guessing right up until almost the very end. I did not read book 1 first, but plan to do that right away. I'm really looking forward to seeing how Nate and Brandon came together, and I really hope there is another book planned, because I'd really love to read more about Mitch and see how some of the others are making out.
July 16, 2010
Free online here: http://www.crvboy.org/stories/sarabell/twysmn/c01.html Apparently the printed version was further edited, but I haven't seen any typos or stylistic jumble in this one. Some plot twists could (and should be!) altered in paperback to make the story more realistic, but somehow reading other reviews I doubt they were.
Altogether I love the boys and love their relationship story, but black and white world of Reed's town was a bit to much to stomach.
4,5 stars
Altogether I love the boys and love their relationship story, but black and white world of Reed's town was a bit to much to stomach.
4,5 stars
December 12, 2010
Fabulous story by a fabulous author.
August 26, 2014
Okay, I don't really get what's so great about this book. Not very good dialogs, too soapy. Chicks with dicks, yeah.
didnt-finish
April 27, 2012I didn't read the first book, which is probably the one Brandon and Nathan are from, because the way they are shown in every chapter got a little bit annoying. I don't care about them, I'm reading it for James and Dillon.
Speaking of which,
I expected something different... Not just rushed get-together and then seeing the plot revolve around a crime.
Speaking of which,
I expected something different... Not just rushed get-together and then seeing the plot revolve around a crime.
January 13, 2014
This was so much better than the first book of the series. And it was nice to see characters from the first book make a return. The author truly improved by leaps and bounds. It is heartening to see an author take constructive criticism the right way...instead of whining, and acting aggressive which is what most "authors" in this genre do. Could barely put the book down!
March 7, 2012
Why 4 stars? Good characters. Good plot(s). Great romance.
Why not 5 stars? By the time it ended I was exhausted, and a bit irked. Several things happened that I felt were stuck in, in a hurry.
Still - worth the read. :)
Why not 5 stars? By the time it ended I was exhausted, and a bit irked. Several things happened that I felt were stuck in, in a hurry.
Still - worth the read. :)
October 16, 2010
Meh m/m romance about two 18-year old high school students. Besides the insta-love and chicks with dicks, there was just way too much going on in this book and it dragged on way too long.
August 1, 2011
Really enjoyed the first two books in this series. Very nice romance / mystery stories. i had to get print copies, but it was definitely worth it to read these books.
February 27, 2012
Loved it. I thought it was a bit better than the first book and as of now my favorite of the series.
November 21, 2012
Review to follow.
August 29, 2012
Sequel to this series, please.
January 16, 2013
would so love to see Sara do another book in this series. Or maybe follow the boys to/through college.
June 17, 2013
Feel like I just read a soap opera
January 11, 2015
This novel was excellent from the first line. The mystery was captivating and the romance was sweet. I loved how flawed the characters were. I do hope Ash, Mitch and Heath finds love soon.
July 30, 2015
This was an emotional story. I think it was quite well written, but then again, some people will disagree.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews