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Love Like We Do #1
Love Like We Do - Side A
Four narrators. Two books. One story of love. Side A tells the story from the outsider's perspective.
The odds were stacked against Max Rosser when he was born sixteen years ago. A month before his birth, his father was put in jail for breaking parole, assault with a deadly weapon and resisting arrest. His single mother was an alcoholic, struggling to keep her job and her home. Already, she could barely take care of eight-year-old Will and twelve-year-old Jon.
Max's older brothers hid their mother’s disease from him as best as they could, and they made sure Max had everything he needed to be a normal, well-adjusted kid, despite the fact that they lived at or below the poverty line for much of his childhood. When his oldest brother became engaged to Livvy Holland, the daughter of the richest man in the state, Max befriended her little brother, Trey, and the two remained best friends even though their home lives couldn’t be more different.
Through Trey, Max made more friends, including star athlete Callen McNare. Over the years, the boys played team sports, went on group dates, and worked summer jobs together. They became close; closer than anyone would have guessed. Before a real relationship could even begin, Max and Callen were forced apart when their secret was discovered.
In LOVE LIKE WE DO - SIDE A, family and friends reevaluate their associations with the boys. Callen’s parents are in denial. Trey feels betrayed by his two closest buddies and wonders how their friendship will change. Jon struggles to keep his family together, despite his mother’s devout beliefs and his brother Will’s immoral ways. Interactions with the people around them could bring enlightenment and understanding, or they could keep Max and Callen apart while doing irreparable damage to their families.
This is Trey and Jon's side of the story.
The odds were stacked against Max Rosser when he was born sixteen years ago. A month before his birth, his father was put in jail for breaking parole, assault with a deadly weapon and resisting arrest. His single mother was an alcoholic, struggling to keep her job and her home. Already, she could barely take care of eight-year-old Will and twelve-year-old Jon.
Max's older brothers hid their mother’s disease from him as best as they could, and they made sure Max had everything he needed to be a normal, well-adjusted kid, despite the fact that they lived at or below the poverty line for much of his childhood. When his oldest brother became engaged to Livvy Holland, the daughter of the richest man in the state, Max befriended her little brother, Trey, and the two remained best friends even though their home lives couldn’t be more different.
Through Trey, Max made more friends, including star athlete Callen McNare. Over the years, the boys played team sports, went on group dates, and worked summer jobs together. They became close; closer than anyone would have guessed. Before a real relationship could even begin, Max and Callen were forced apart when their secret was discovered.
In LOVE LIKE WE DO - SIDE A, family and friends reevaluate their associations with the boys. Callen’s parents are in denial. Trey feels betrayed by his two closest buddies and wonders how their friendship will change. Jon struggles to keep his family together, despite his mother’s devout beliefs and his brother Will’s immoral ways. Interactions with the people around them could bring enlightenment and understanding, or they could keep Max and Callen apart while doing irreparable damage to their families.
This is Trey and Jon's side of the story.
378 pages
First published January 1, 2015
About the author
Lori L. Otto
27 books752 followersComing in 2019:
Make Waves - May 1
A Holland and a Fighter - July 15
Coming in 2020:
Leaving New York
Make Waves - May 1
A Holland and a Fighter - July 15
Coming in 2020:
Leaving New York
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
December 4, 2015
Love Like We Do.
Stories like this one make me wish I could read books for the first time more than once. This story right here... this is something everyone should read. Stories like this one makes people think. At least, it made me think. A lot.
Take a look at the title, for instance. Love Like We Do. First of all, let me tell you, it fits the story perfectly. But beyond that, this unique title lets you in in a world in which people can love freely. Wouldn't you want to live in a world where you can love whoever you want to love and be who you want to be, without worrying that someone won't like it? Everyone should feel free and good in their own skin. This book is about exactly that.
When I first heard about LLWD from Lori, I got a little scared. I'm not that much of a M/M or F/F reader, it's just not my cup of tea. But, it's a book written by Lori, how could I say no to her or her characters? That doesn't happen, so I jumped in the second I got it. And seriously guys, I couldn't be more happy to have read a book, because this story is so much more than two boys falling in love. It's a story about two learning their way into a mean world, but finding the best part it has to offer. It's a story about a brother and a friend being honest with himself and everyone he cares about. This is a story about two boys accepting that there's nothing wrong with them. This is a story about families coming together and loving together.
This story is something beyond important, it shows you the world we live in, but it also shows you the world we could have.
"The feeling of love is... well it's like an absolute. It's universally accepted, right? Why does it matter what gender or race we love?"
What happens when you find out that your brother or your best friend has been hiding a huge part of themselves from you? That he's been struggling with being different for a while and you had no idea about it? In LLWD Side A, we get to see and understand what it's like to be on the receiving side. We get to understand how the people who is closest to Max feel towards his confession, how they react and how they take this new information. While some might take it in the best possible way, we find that not everyone is going to just go with it. Sadly, many people, in stories and real life, take this kind of news badly, and we see a few of those people in here too. They end up making it everything about how they feel and not how the person in question feels.
In this side of the story, you get to see what it's like to be different, but above all, you get to see love in a different and still beautiful way. We should all be able to love the way Max loves. Each character gives meaning to the story and each of them makes it beautiful.
Lori's writing is once again flawless. We have characters that grow with every turn of the page, and the story itself develops in a perfect pace. Not too fast, but not too slow. It gives us the chance to understand each character's feelings and their reactions. It gives us also a glimpse to the family we've all become so attached to (at least, that's my case). I have my favorite characters, of course. Max and Callen, because of their bravery. Trey because of his big heart and his loyalty. Jon, because of his ability to try his best to help everyone. Livvy because she's open minded. But I have to admit something: the character I fell in love with from the very beginning was Will. His broken heart calls out to me. I can't help it. He might just be my favorite book boy. Ever.
I HIGHLY recommend this series. Not because it's about to gay teenagers. I highly recommend this because it's a love story that matters. It's a love story that everyone should aspire to have, because everyone should have the opportunity to love someone, anyone they want.
_____
LOVED IT. I mean, it's by Lori, of course I was going to love it.
Full review to come.
Stories like this one make me wish I could read books for the first time more than once. This story right here... this is something everyone should read. Stories like this one makes people think. At least, it made me think. A lot.
Take a look at the title, for instance. Love Like We Do. First of all, let me tell you, it fits the story perfectly. But beyond that, this unique title lets you in in a world in which people can love freely. Wouldn't you want to live in a world where you can love whoever you want to love and be who you want to be, without worrying that someone won't like it? Everyone should feel free and good in their own skin. This book is about exactly that.
When I first heard about LLWD from Lori, I got a little scared. I'm not that much of a M/M or F/F reader, it's just not my cup of tea. But, it's a book written by Lori, how could I say no to her or her characters? That doesn't happen, so I jumped in the second I got it. And seriously guys, I couldn't be more happy to have read a book, because this story is so much more than two boys falling in love. It's a story about two learning their way into a mean world, but finding the best part it has to offer. It's a story about a brother and a friend being honest with himself and everyone he cares about. This is a story about two boys accepting that there's nothing wrong with them. This is a story about families coming together and loving together.
This story is something beyond important, it shows you the world we live in, but it also shows you the world we could have.
"The feeling of love is... well it's like an absolute. It's universally accepted, right? Why does it matter what gender or race we love?"
What happens when you find out that your brother or your best friend has been hiding a huge part of themselves from you? That he's been struggling with being different for a while and you had no idea about it? In LLWD Side A, we get to see and understand what it's like to be on the receiving side. We get to understand how the people who is closest to Max feel towards his confession, how they react and how they take this new information. While some might take it in the best possible way, we find that not everyone is going to just go with it. Sadly, many people, in stories and real life, take this kind of news badly, and we see a few of those people in here too. They end up making it everything about how they feel and not how the person in question feels.
In this side of the story, you get to see what it's like to be different, but above all, you get to see love in a different and still beautiful way. We should all be able to love the way Max loves. Each character gives meaning to the story and each of them makes it beautiful.
Lori's writing is once again flawless. We have characters that grow with every turn of the page, and the story itself develops in a perfect pace. Not too fast, but not too slow. It gives us the chance to understand each character's feelings and their reactions. It gives us also a glimpse to the family we've all become so attached to (at least, that's my case). I have my favorite characters, of course. Max and Callen, because of their bravery. Trey because of his big heart and his loyalty. Jon, because of his ability to try his best to help everyone. Livvy because she's open minded. But I have to admit something: the character I fell in love with from the very beginning was Will. His broken heart calls out to me. I can't help it. He might just be my favorite book boy. Ever.
I HIGHLY recommend this series. Not because it's about to gay teenagers. I highly recommend this because it's a love story that matters. It's a love story that everyone should aspire to have, because everyone should have the opportunity to love someone, anyone they want.
_____
LOVED IT. I mean, it's by Lori, of course I was going to love it.
Full review to come.
September 20, 2015
4.5 Kinder Stars
Being kind to each other is harder than it looks. There are days when I am exhausted from being nice. Imagine if I weren't such a great person to begin with. It could really wear you out!
Being nice. Being kind. Those things don't come easy for some people. Especially if you have some strong opinions about how, what people should do. You know the "right way" to do things.
Warning: This is part of a series but can be read as a stand alone. The characters are intertwined. You'll catch on.
Warning II: This is a well written YA story that deals with issues teens deal with in a very frank, yet sensitive, manner. As a high school administrator, I would recommend it for high school students.
The blurb says this is Jon and Trey's story. I think this is Max and Trey and Callen's story. This is the story of very privileged teenage boys learning that sometimes life is hard no matter how much money you have. Friends get hurt. Parents get disappointed. Big life decisions must be made. Decisions about how you are going to react to those around you when things aren't all daisies.
Trey is 16 and having to decide if he is going to keep his parent's trust or not. He has enjoyed a great relationship with them so far. But does he want to do what he wants when he wants or does he want to accept the responsibility of being an adult. That means keeping the rules set for him. How well is that cute head screwed onto his shoulders?
Max is his best friend. The friend he treats like a brother. Max hasn't had to silver spoon that Trey has but he has family who loves him. Will they still continue that support when he realizes that he is not who everyone thinks he is. Can he be true to himself and still be in his circle of friends?
Callen is the party-boy athlete. He has a girlfriend, great friends and everyone watching him. That's the problem. Everyone is watching him. With expectations. But when his reality doesn't match those expectations....he knows he has all those eyes on him. That's a lot of pressure.
...the guy that never had any problems was hiding a big secret..
Ms Otto takes a sensitive subject and handles it well. Handles it without judgement and with honesty.
...there is nothing appalling about love, no matter who gives it or receives it.
If you are a fan of her series, this one brings all the families together. But if you have not read her other books, you can still pick this one up and enjoy it. There are big families with all the drama that comes with big families and teenagers. That's a lot of drama.
Being kind to each other is harder than it looks. There are days when I am exhausted from being nice. Imagine if I weren't such a great person to begin with. It could really wear you out!
Being nice. Being kind. Those things don't come easy for some people. Especially if you have some strong opinions about how, what people should do. You know the "right way" to do things.
Warning: This is part of a series but can be read as a stand alone. The characters are intertwined. You'll catch on.
Warning II: This is a well written YA story that deals with issues teens deal with in a very frank, yet sensitive, manner. As a high school administrator, I would recommend it for high school students.
The blurb says this is Jon and Trey's story. I think this is Max and Trey and Callen's story. This is the story of very privileged teenage boys learning that sometimes life is hard no matter how much money you have. Friends get hurt. Parents get disappointed. Big life decisions must be made. Decisions about how you are going to react to those around you when things aren't all daisies.
Trey is 16 and having to decide if he is going to keep his parent's trust or not. He has enjoyed a great relationship with them so far. But does he want to do what he wants when he wants or does he want to accept the responsibility of being an adult. That means keeping the rules set for him. How well is that cute head screwed onto his shoulders?
Max is his best friend. The friend he treats like a brother. Max hasn't had to silver spoon that Trey has but he has family who loves him. Will they still continue that support when he realizes that he is not who everyone thinks he is. Can he be true to himself and still be in his circle of friends?
Callen is the party-boy athlete. He has a girlfriend, great friends and everyone watching him. That's the problem. Everyone is watching him. With expectations. But when his reality doesn't match those expectations....he knows he has all those eyes on him. That's a lot of pressure.
...the guy that never had any problems was hiding a big secret..
Ms Otto takes a sensitive subject and handles it well. Handles it without judgement and with honesty.
...there is nothing appalling about love, no matter who gives it or receives it.
If you are a fan of her series, this one brings all the families together. But if you have not read her other books, you can still pick this one up and enjoy it. There are big families with all the drama that comes with big families and teenagers. That's a lot of drama.
December 8, 2015
The one thing that's been running through my mind since finishing this book is this: This story is so important. It's relevant. It's what society needs right now. I'm so proud of Lori for putting Max and Callen's story out there for the world to read and experience.
Side A is told from Trey and Jon's POV which I absolutely loved. I enjoyed getting to know Trey better and seeing his perspective of the events that happened. He's so much like his father, but he's young and still has some growing to do, especially when his two best friends come out as being gay. Trey represents the average person going through this experience and how they might feel as they grasp how to handle the situation. At times, he was confused and paranoid, like any normal person would be, but he handled it with grace and the maturity of someone much older than him.
With Jon's perspective, we get to see how a person would handle finding out a family member is gay. Of course, Jon is an exceptional person but he still had some obstacles to face. While reading this, I fell in love with him all over again. He's an amazing husband, father, brother and friend. I hope one day I'll find my very own Jon.
"I cradle her head in my hands as I kiss her some more. 'We're doing fine. I'll do whatever I need to do to support whatever you want to do. Always. Everywhere. Those were my vows to you.'"
As with any Lori Otto book, it was emotional and it was real. She's so good at capturing and showing the human condition. That's why I'm so happy she decided to write this story. She lays it all out there and doesn't hold anything back. What she writes is raw and relatable.
I hope an LGBT youth picks up these books and gains the courage and strength to be themselves in this world. I hope a person who is against, or uncomfortable about homosexuality will read these books and gain a better understanding of the LGBT community and put aside their prejudices. Love Like We Do has something to give to everyone.
"The feeling of love is... well it's like an absolute. It's universally accepted, right? Why does it matter what gender or race we love?"
Side A is told from Trey and Jon's POV which I absolutely loved. I enjoyed getting to know Trey better and seeing his perspective of the events that happened. He's so much like his father, but he's young and still has some growing to do, especially when his two best friends come out as being gay. Trey represents the average person going through this experience and how they might feel as they grasp how to handle the situation. At times, he was confused and paranoid, like any normal person would be, but he handled it with grace and the maturity of someone much older than him.
With Jon's perspective, we get to see how a person would handle finding out a family member is gay. Of course, Jon is an exceptional person but he still had some obstacles to face. While reading this, I fell in love with him all over again. He's an amazing husband, father, brother and friend. I hope one day I'll find my very own Jon.
"I cradle her head in my hands as I kiss her some more. 'We're doing fine. I'll do whatever I need to do to support whatever you want to do. Always. Everywhere. Those were my vows to you.'"
As with any Lori Otto book, it was emotional and it was real. She's so good at capturing and showing the human condition. That's why I'm so happy she decided to write this story. She lays it all out there and doesn't hold anything back. What she writes is raw and relatable.
I hope an LGBT youth picks up these books and gains the courage and strength to be themselves in this world. I hope a person who is against, or uncomfortable about homosexuality will read these books and gain a better understanding of the LGBT community and put aside their prejudices. Love Like We Do has something to give to everyone.
"The feeling of love is... well it's like an absolute. It's universally accepted, right? Why does it matter what gender or race we love?"
September 25, 2015
I was so lucky to be able to get an ARC of this book from one of my favorite authors. So, of course, I immediately jump into Side A of this series and get immersed in the lives of the Holland and Scott families. It is so nice being able to watch the characters in this series grow from book to book. It makes my heart happy to go back to these books...it's almost as if I'm visiting family I haven't seen in a long time. I just pick right back up where we left off.
This book is told from the perspectives of Jon Scott and Trey Holland. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to witness the boys from the Choisie series grow into young men. Trey is exactly the kind of young man you would expect from Livvy and Jack Holland. I did love watching him struggle with making the right choice some of the time, however. I also loved the bits we got of Will and Max and I hope to one day get more of Wills story. I cannot wait to go to Side B and get more from Max and Callen. Those boys already have my heart and I haven't even gotten their perspective yet!
The message in this book really resonated with me. I love how Lori Otto books are easy to read and flow well, but always have an important underlying theme. Very enjoyable 4 stars!!
This book is told from the perspectives of Jon Scott and Trey Holland. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to witness the boys from the Choisie series grow into young men. Trey is exactly the kind of young man you would expect from Livvy and Jack Holland. I did love watching him struggle with making the right choice some of the time, however. I also loved the bits we got of Will and Max and I hope to one day get more of Wills story. I cannot wait to go to Side B and get more from Max and Callen. Those boys already have my heart and I haven't even gotten their perspective yet!
The message in this book really resonated with me. I love how Lori Otto books are easy to read and flow well, but always have an important underlying theme. Very enjoyable 4 stars!!
October 20, 2015
I bounce in and out of YA books, some I love, some I hate. Lori Otto might be the most prolific YA storyteller of our time.
This book, Love Like We Do - Side A is the coming out story of two young men. If you are a young mother you should read this book. If you have young teen, girls or boys you should read this book then have your teen read this book. There is so much life in the story, both acceptance and homophobia. Jack Holland may be my favorite all time book dad. How he parents, disciplines, talks to and treats his children is a lesson in good parenting for us all. How he loves and supports his family, extended family and close friends is like no other.
I am by nature a serial reader. I so enjoy catching up with previous book characters while meeting new ones along the way. As Emi gets older, I love her more. Jon and Olivia and now their new daughter are experiencing all the feels young families experience. Trey, Max and Callan are friends, two with a secret that requires Matty (Lost and Found Series) to step in and help mediate.
This is the story of the coming out struggle without any graphic sex. It's the struggle to be accepted and the struggle of knowing where they belong. It's a beautiful story with angst and drama from start to finish. On to side B!
This book, Love Like We Do - Side A is the coming out story of two young men. If you are a young mother you should read this book. If you have young teen, girls or boys you should read this book then have your teen read this book. There is so much life in the story, both acceptance and homophobia. Jack Holland may be my favorite all time book dad. How he parents, disciplines, talks to and treats his children is a lesson in good parenting for us all. How he loves and supports his family, extended family and close friends is like no other.
I am by nature a serial reader. I so enjoy catching up with previous book characters while meeting new ones along the way. As Emi gets older, I love her more. Jon and Olivia and now their new daughter are experiencing all the feels young families experience. Trey, Max and Callan are friends, two with a secret that requires Matty (Lost and Found Series) to step in and help mediate.
This is the story of the coming out struggle without any graphic sex. It's the struggle to be accepted and the struggle of knowing where they belong. It's a beautiful story with angst and drama from start to finish. On to side B!
October 20, 2015
I want to start off by saying that I love Lori's writing. Her writing style just draws you in and truly wraps you in her characters world as you read on through her books. It truly is amazing.
Having read this whole entire series... This book felt like I was home. This book kind of picks up from where the last book left off in the Choisie series. It truly felt like a family reunion in the beginning. Then it started to feel more like this book should have been a continuation of the Choisie series.
Don't get me wrong...
I was really happy to see how everyone's life changed since the last book. The new people introduced in this book was a great surprise! And I loved it....
So... Why the 3 star rating.
As I was reading I kept waiting for the main characters to show up. So far it's been all about Trey & his girlfriend, Jon & Livvy and their new added addition, & Jack & Emi.
Where are the main characters? I'm well into the book and only a hint of something has been brought up.
I had to keep going back and read the synopsis to make sure I didn't miss anything.
This book felt like it was more about Jon & Will and how strained their relationship was towards each other.
I understand that this is all in Jon's & Trey's POV's.
But I was expecting something way different.
There are a lot of things going on in this book. Too much I felt. And not enough of the main characters story.
And... I had a hard time liking Callen. What he was doing to Max was just wrong. And I felt Max need to stand up for himself. And not just accept that things had to be the way they were.
There was so many people involved in Max & Callen's relationship. It truly felt unreal. Group meetings involving all these people.
I mean... I just wanted more of Max & Coullen already.
Overall... If I were to rate this book as part of the Choisie series... this book would be a solid 4-4.5.
But since I went into this book thinking I was reading a M/M YA coming of age and a coming out story.
This book fell short for me. Way short.
This book felt like Max and Callen story was the side story.... and not the main story.
I needed the main characters to interact. That didn't happen to way later in the book. And there wasn't a lot of it.
And I know Lori says this book can be read as a standalone...
But I would have to disagree with that. Having read all these books in this series. You will most definitely feel lost and left out with all these characters being thrown at you. And all their little inside jokes.
And to be honest... I was hoping that there wasn't going to be a lot of the Hollands in this book. That they would be more in the background in this book. And that this book would focus more on the kids.... Not the adults.
This is really hard for me to write! Because I truly loved Lori's other books. Her writing is spectacular! Attention to detail is amazing.
But... This story just fell a little short for me.
*ARC provided by author for an honest review*
-Michelle
Having read this whole entire series... This book felt like I was home. This book kind of picks up from where the last book left off in the Choisie series. It truly felt like a family reunion in the beginning. Then it started to feel more like this book should have been a continuation of the Choisie series.
Don't get me wrong...
I was really happy to see how everyone's life changed since the last book. The new people introduced in this book was a great surprise! And I loved it....
So... Why the 3 star rating.
As I was reading I kept waiting for the main characters to show up. So far it's been all about Trey & his girlfriend, Jon & Livvy and their new added addition, & Jack & Emi.
Where are the main characters? I'm well into the book and only a hint of something has been brought up.
I had to keep going back and read the synopsis to make sure I didn't miss anything.
This book felt like it was more about Jon & Will and how strained their relationship was towards each other.
I understand that this is all in Jon's & Trey's POV's.
But I was expecting something way different.
There are a lot of things going on in this book. Too much I felt. And not enough of the main characters story.
And... I had a hard time liking Callen. What he was doing to Max was just wrong. And I felt Max need to stand up for himself. And not just accept that things had to be the way they were.
There was so many people involved in Max & Callen's relationship. It truly felt unreal. Group meetings involving all these people.
I mean... I just wanted more of Max & Coullen already.
Overall... If I were to rate this book as part of the Choisie series... this book would be a solid 4-4.5.
But since I went into this book thinking I was reading a M/M YA coming of age and a coming out story.
This book fell short for me. Way short.
This book felt like Max and Callen story was the side story.... and not the main story.
I needed the main characters to interact. That didn't happen to way later in the book. And there wasn't a lot of it.
And I know Lori says this book can be read as a standalone...
But I would have to disagree with that. Having read all these books in this series. You will most definitely feel lost and left out with all these characters being thrown at you. And all their little inside jokes.
And to be honest... I was hoping that there wasn't going to be a lot of the Hollands in this book. That they would be more in the background in this book. And that this book would focus more on the kids.... Not the adults.
This is really hard for me to write! Because I truly loved Lori's other books. Her writing is spectacular! Attention to detail is amazing.
But... This story just fell a little short for me.
*ARC provided by author for an honest review*
-Michelle
October 18, 2015
Lori L. Otto ALWAYS DELIVERS I will continue to say this until the day she doesn’t, but after reading Love Like We Do Side A I doubt that day will come.
The opening of the book is phenomenal. I can’t give too much away. Trey is a great character. I was so happy to see him grown up. He is so much like Jacks it’s funny. He is almost the complete opposite of Livvy. He is logical, methodical, serious, and extremely mature. His relationships are great. The love for his family is evident and the love and care for Zany comes off the page in volumes. He has grown to be an exceptional young man.
"Any other decisions you need to make, Callen, or habits you need to break, or form, we will support you. That's what friends do." Trey Holland everyone. The best friend anyone could ask for.
What I enjoy about Lori’s writing is that she doesn’t stick to any stereotypes. She writes characters in endlessly open ways. Her characters may seem one dimensional at first sight, but the further you get to know them the more you see the layers unfold. Lori does not conform to one rule. She makes her people in her own way and she does so unapologetically and rather beautifully if you ask me.
What I ESPECIALLY enjoyed about Love Like We Do Side A was getting inside Jon Scott’s head once again. I love seeing him as a grown man. As a husband, a business man, if I keep going I may give too much away! Jon has been my favorite male lead lately. He isn’t any one way. He is rebellious then cautious. He is strong and weak. He is level headed then out of his mind. There were times he irked my nerves in this book, but I can’t help but love him anyway. His treatment of Will left me with a weird taste in my mouth, but I hope it gets resolved. It’s funny that he can be accepting of one brother’s way of love, but not the other’s.
"We're doing fine. I'll do whatever I need to do to support whatever you want to do. Always. Everywhere. Those were my vows to you." Jon Scott the husband everyone.
I know side a is mainly told through Jon and Trey’s words, but I’d like to point out that Max and Will were very central and important to the story. What Max is going through and the way Will is there for him made me love those two so so much.
Everything about this book moved me. The tragedy surrounding Callen and the way everyone got together to look for him. The unity, the relationships explored. The fact that I keep seeing characters I have grown to love.
I believe the theme in Love Like We Do Side A is acceptance. Lori takes a great theme and spins it in the best way possible. There is nothing but love and acceptance. There is growth in each character. There is love within each page.
The opening of the book is phenomenal. I can’t give too much away. Trey is a great character. I was so happy to see him grown up. He is so much like Jacks it’s funny. He is almost the complete opposite of Livvy. He is logical, methodical, serious, and extremely mature. His relationships are great. The love for his family is evident and the love and care for Zany comes off the page in volumes. He has grown to be an exceptional young man.
"Any other decisions you need to make, Callen, or habits you need to break, or form, we will support you. That's what friends do." Trey Holland everyone. The best friend anyone could ask for.
What I enjoy about Lori’s writing is that she doesn’t stick to any stereotypes. She writes characters in endlessly open ways. Her characters may seem one dimensional at first sight, but the further you get to know them the more you see the layers unfold. Lori does not conform to one rule. She makes her people in her own way and she does so unapologetically and rather beautifully if you ask me.
What I ESPECIALLY enjoyed about Love Like We Do Side A was getting inside Jon Scott’s head once again. I love seeing him as a grown man. As a husband, a business man, if I keep going I may give too much away! Jon has been my favorite male lead lately. He isn’t any one way. He is rebellious then cautious. He is strong and weak. He is level headed then out of his mind. There were times he irked my nerves in this book, but I can’t help but love him anyway. His treatment of Will left me with a weird taste in my mouth, but I hope it gets resolved. It’s funny that he can be accepting of one brother’s way of love, but not the other’s.
"We're doing fine. I'll do whatever I need to do to support whatever you want to do. Always. Everywhere. Those were my vows to you." Jon Scott the husband everyone.
I know side a is mainly told through Jon and Trey’s words, but I’d like to point out that Max and Will were very central and important to the story. What Max is going through and the way Will is there for him made me love those two so so much.
Everything about this book moved me. The tragedy surrounding Callen and the way everyone got together to look for him. The unity, the relationships explored. The fact that I keep seeing characters I have grown to love.
I believe the theme in Love Like We Do Side A is acceptance. Lori takes a great theme and spins it in the best way possible. There is nothing but love and acceptance. There is growth in each character. There is love within each page.
September 29, 2015
It was an absolute joy to read this book that has characters that I love so much. To see them grow at different stages was so fulfilling. Every time I read about them is like coming home. This book can be read as a standalone and it is not necessary to have read Lori Otto's previous series but if you have read them it will be even more beautiful.
I love books that deal with family life and its struggles, the emotional struggles every family no matter their socioeconomic status, goes through. And this is what this book is all about. Lori Otto captivated me in her story telling and all emotions were felt to the core. This is a book that touches on such important issues in life, the struggles teenagers face and how important it is to have family and friends to be there to support one another and celebrate your successes as well as be there to offer them a shoulder to cry on when you just can't take it anymore or don't know what to do. I was just in awe of this author and her message of the phrase of "Love Like We Do", such a beautiful way of capturing the message through the story of these families. I highly recommend any book this author have written and look forward to reading Love Like We Do, Side B to read Callen and Max's story. <3
I love books that deal with family life and its struggles, the emotional struggles every family no matter their socioeconomic status, goes through. And this is what this book is all about. Lori Otto captivated me in her story telling and all emotions were felt to the core. This is a book that touches on such important issues in life, the struggles teenagers face and how important it is to have family and friends to be there to support one another and celebrate your successes as well as be there to offer them a shoulder to cry on when you just can't take it anymore or don't know what to do. I was just in awe of this author and her message of the phrase of "Love Like We Do", such a beautiful way of capturing the message through the story of these families. I highly recommend any book this author have written and look forward to reading Love Like We Do, Side B to read Callen and Max's story. <3
October 25, 2015
I love words and I think its highly important sometimes that when one begins a journey into a forest of words that they do so without prejudice so as not to distract from the love of the word itself.There were too many distractions here to count that I sometimes felt I was wading through a swamp instead of dancing through a forest
Having said that I did not love this book,in fact I sometimes felt in need of a lighter to burn away all the unnecessary dialogue,paragraphs & chapters.I wanted to tear away at the millions of leaves to find the branches that Callan & Max where sitting on.
Callan's reaction to having been discovered kissing a boy was also selfish,overblown & a bit extreme.No mention was made about him seeing a therapist to ascertain his mental capacity.It's not a crime to be gay( well not in the USA) but claiming stupidity is a class all of it's own.
Trey's profound understanding of Tom Cruise sexuality was another jarring note to emerge from the mouth of a sixteen year old boy.Not many sixteen year old's even know who Tom Cruse is nor care two hoots about his sexuality & for him to state just because a man has fathered a baby is proof enough that he cannot be gay is humorous in novel preaching about the acceptance of homosexuality.
Having said that I did not love this book,in fact I sometimes felt in need of a lighter to burn away all the unnecessary dialogue,paragraphs & chapters.I wanted to tear away at the millions of leaves to find the branches that Callan & Max where sitting on.
Callan's reaction to having been discovered kissing a boy was also selfish,overblown & a bit extreme.No mention was made about him seeing a therapist to ascertain his mental capacity.It's not a crime to be gay( well not in the USA) but claiming stupidity is a class all of it's own.
Trey's profound understanding of Tom Cruise sexuality was another jarring note to emerge from the mouth of a sixteen year old boy.Not many sixteen year old's even know who Tom Cruse is nor care two hoots about his sexuality & for him to state just because a man has fathered a baby is proof enough that he cannot be gay is humorous in novel preaching about the acceptance of homosexuality.
September 24, 2015
Once again this author delivers another novel so well written with her flawless writing style, this time about a very sensistive subject that she handles brilliantly.
While this is not your typical "romance story," this novel becomes so much more than that. It becomes a story of life, acceptance, young relationships, friendship, forgiveness, self esteem, and in the end...love is love.
The themes in this story are centered around an emotional journey for these two young boys, Max and Callen. Along the way, we revisit familiar family members and get a glimpse into their personal lives as we discover the events between Max and Callen as told from their perspective.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story as I love the family that she has created. It is a comforting feeling and almost like I am revisiting old family members. :) I am very exicted to dive into Side B and read more about Max and Callen.
While this is not your typical "romance story," this novel becomes so much more than that. It becomes a story of life, acceptance, young relationships, friendship, forgiveness, self esteem, and in the end...love is love.
The themes in this story are centered around an emotional journey for these two young boys, Max and Callen. Along the way, we revisit familiar family members and get a glimpse into their personal lives as we discover the events between Max and Callen as told from their perspective.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story as I love the family that she has created. It is a comforting feeling and almost like I am revisiting old family members. :) I am very exicted to dive into Side B and read more about Max and Callen.
October 20, 2015
What happens when you realize that you're not like everyone else? That you're not like you're expected to be? Not like you thought you'd be? Do you run from yourself and do everything in your power to be the person you are expected to be? Or do you accept yourself for who you are and hope that everyone you love will accept you?
Those are some hard questions for a teenager to face. Being a teen is tough enough without added difficulties. And this is what Love Like We Do is about. All the questions and some of the answers. Acceptance isn't easy, but acceptance IS right.
Love Like We Do is one story told from four different perspectives. Side A gives us the outsider's perspective. A friend has to deal with two of his best friends having a shared secret; a secret he thinks will change everything. A brother finds out that his baby brother has grown up while he was away. And he wasn't around to help him through a personal discovery. If you've read any of Lori's previous books these characters will be familiar, but we get to learn more about them. Trey (from the Choisie Series) has grown into a young man that his dad can be very proud of. But he still struggles with discovering that his friends are gay. Trey reacts exactly how every one of us might. Jon (also from the Choisie Series) is now a husband and a dad himself. He reacts to finding out that his brother is gay, exactly as we would expect him to. With acceptance and support. It's how he treats his other brother, that comes as a surprise. Once again, I am cross with Jon. He does that to me. But the way he treats his scared and unsure youngest brother is Jon Scott at his best.
It is really interesting beginning this story from outside. We aren't sure what is going on in the minds of the two teens at the center of this story, we only see how their actions affect those around them. In Side B, we get to hear their story.
But Side B wouldn't have the impact that it does, without Side A.
I can't tell you how much I love these books. Lori doesn't shy away from the difficult situations or questions. And she adeptly shows how everyone deals with things differently. Not all the answers are right for everyone. But some answers are universally right.
I do believe that Lori's writing gets better with each book she writes, and that's quite and achievement considering how good her first book was. Love Like We Do is more than a well-written story, more than an engaging story, more than an absorbing story. It's an important story.
Warning (if you need it): LGBT be gloriously here.
Those are some hard questions for a teenager to face. Being a teen is tough enough without added difficulties. And this is what Love Like We Do is about. All the questions and some of the answers. Acceptance isn't easy, but acceptance IS right.
Love Like We Do is one story told from four different perspectives. Side A gives us the outsider's perspective. A friend has to deal with two of his best friends having a shared secret; a secret he thinks will change everything. A brother finds out that his baby brother has grown up while he was away. And he wasn't around to help him through a personal discovery. If you've read any of Lori's previous books these characters will be familiar, but we get to learn more about them. Trey (from the Choisie Series) has grown into a young man that his dad can be very proud of. But he still struggles with discovering that his friends are gay. Trey reacts exactly how every one of us might. Jon (also from the Choisie Series) is now a husband and a dad himself. He reacts to finding out that his brother is gay, exactly as we would expect him to. With acceptance and support. It's how he treats his other brother, that comes as a surprise. Once again, I am cross with Jon. He does that to me. But the way he treats his scared and unsure youngest brother is Jon Scott at his best.
It is really interesting beginning this story from outside. We aren't sure what is going on in the minds of the two teens at the center of this story, we only see how their actions affect those around them. In Side B, we get to hear their story.
But Side B wouldn't have the impact that it does, without Side A.
I can't tell you how much I love these books. Lori doesn't shy away from the difficult situations or questions. And she adeptly shows how everyone deals with things differently. Not all the answers are right for everyone. But some answers are universally right.
I do believe that Lori's writing gets better with each book she writes, and that's quite and achievement considering how good her first book was. Love Like We Do is more than a well-written story, more than an engaging story, more than an absorbing story. It's an important story.
Warning (if you need it): LGBT be gloriously here.
September 29, 2015
Lori Otto has once again proven she can take a sensitive topic and give it the voice it deserves. With her latest, we are witness to the painful coming out of two characters, Max Rosser and Callen McNare. Through the eyes of older brother Jon Scott and best friend Trey Holland, each alternate chapters, and not only do we come to understand the dilemma faced by these two courageous young men, but get to hear all about Jon and Trey's lives since the Choisie series ended. **These characters have been a vital part of the books that Lori Otto has written previously and although you should read them since they are exceptional, you don't have to, in order to enjoy this journey.
This well-written and detailed read chronicles days in the life of an affluent family and the people they love no matter what. Jon married into the Holland household and now enjoys married life with Livvy and their newborn daugher Edie. Trey is the 16 year old son of Jack and Emi and has the world at his fingertips. His best friends are Max and Callen and he has a beautiful girlfriend in Zaina and a bright future ahead of him. We watch as an event concerning Callen turns everyone's worlds upside-down and the fall-out from his actions. We watch as beloved Uncle Matty becomes the true voice of reason when families are threatened to be torn apart by a well-guarded secret many parents would refuse to accept. And we watch as Max has to come to grips with the fact that the person who holds his heart has abandoned him.
The emotions felt by the entire crew are very intense at times. In addition, Will Rosser, middle brother to Jon and Max is trying to find his way in the world and is having a hard time relating to his older sibling. Jon, the man who basically raised Will and who now is suffocating any dreams the talented musician wants to pursue. This background story was very intriguing and there are many parts to his puzzle that are vital to the main story-line and I'm hopeful Side B will give me the answers I need.
There is a lot to digest and sometimes it's easy to get lost in the many voices being heard. However, with patience and a comfy reading spot, you will find yourself wanting more once those last pages are read. I honestly can't wait to get immersed in Side B.
4 solid stars and well worth your time.
This well-written and detailed read chronicles days in the life of an affluent family and the people they love no matter what. Jon married into the Holland household and now enjoys married life with Livvy and their newborn daugher Edie. Trey is the 16 year old son of Jack and Emi and has the world at his fingertips. His best friends are Max and Callen and he has a beautiful girlfriend in Zaina and a bright future ahead of him. We watch as an event concerning Callen turns everyone's worlds upside-down and the fall-out from his actions. We watch as beloved Uncle Matty becomes the true voice of reason when families are threatened to be torn apart by a well-guarded secret many parents would refuse to accept. And we watch as Max has to come to grips with the fact that the person who holds his heart has abandoned him.
The emotions felt by the entire crew are very intense at times. In addition, Will Rosser, middle brother to Jon and Max is trying to find his way in the world and is having a hard time relating to his older sibling. Jon, the man who basically raised Will and who now is suffocating any dreams the talented musician wants to pursue. This background story was very intriguing and there are many parts to his puzzle that are vital to the main story-line and I'm hopeful Side B will give me the answers I need.
There is a lot to digest and sometimes it's easy to get lost in the many voices being heard. However, with patience and a comfy reading spot, you will find yourself wanting more once those last pages are read. I honestly can't wait to get immersed in Side B.
4 solid stars and well worth your time.
October 9, 2015
Love Like We Do side A, is a beautiful story written about two teens, Max and Callen, who come face to face with the harsh reality of first time love, acceptance, rejection, fear, courage, and living up to the standards of others in the face of adversity. This story, like many of Lori's other works (Emi Lost and Found and the Choisie series), weaves a story about coming of age through out the everyday lives of a group of teenagers and their families. In between the main plot of the story you find characters you learned to love from Lori Otto's other books.....so if you haven't read Emi Lost and Found and Choisie, there will be spoilers!
Lori Otto chooses a different way to tell this story.....Side A is told from the perspective of Jon Scott and Trey Holland, Max's brother and best friend. So while the story is centered around Max and Callen's budding relationship, you get the affects of this relationship on those closest to them. Thrown into the story are side plots and dramas that occur in all families and friendships.....that's what makes this story so relatable.....you will be able to identify with or recognize someone in this book in your own life. This may not be a typical love story but it is very real, genuine and closer to home than some of us would like.
Characters such as Jon Scott, Matty Holland, Will Roser, Jack, Emi, Livvy etc....all have a place in this story that evolves just as its characters do. There is a feeling of familiarity for those fans of Emi Lost and Found and Choisie, as well as the sense of a new adventure with characters you're just being introduced to.
Max and Callen start to recognize that theirs is a relationship that will have repercussions. It will test the love and commitment their families have toward them as well as their commitment to each other. You will feel every heartbreaking, gut wrenching emotion this book will throw at you. True, unconditional love is what is at stake in this story. Those who want it and those who can give it are really what this story is about, whether it be romantic love, familial love or friendship.
I would love to say that this a story of two teens who want to be together and struggle to find the place where they belong, but it is so much more than that.......you simply must read this book!
Lori Otto chooses a different way to tell this story.....Side A is told from the perspective of Jon Scott and Trey Holland, Max's brother and best friend. So while the story is centered around Max and Callen's budding relationship, you get the affects of this relationship on those closest to them. Thrown into the story are side plots and dramas that occur in all families and friendships.....that's what makes this story so relatable.....you will be able to identify with or recognize someone in this book in your own life. This may not be a typical love story but it is very real, genuine and closer to home than some of us would like.
Characters such as Jon Scott, Matty Holland, Will Roser, Jack, Emi, Livvy etc....all have a place in this story that evolves just as its characters do. There is a feeling of familiarity for those fans of Emi Lost and Found and Choisie, as well as the sense of a new adventure with characters you're just being introduced to.
Max and Callen start to recognize that theirs is a relationship that will have repercussions. It will test the love and commitment their families have toward them as well as their commitment to each other. You will feel every heartbreaking, gut wrenching emotion this book will throw at you. True, unconditional love is what is at stake in this story. Those who want it and those who can give it are really what this story is about, whether it be romantic love, familial love or friendship.
I would love to say that this a story of two teens who want to be together and struggle to find the place where they belong, but it is so much more than that.......you simply must read this book!
September 25, 2015
A beautiful and important book I think every mom (and dad) should read. The relationships between people - lovers, families and friends - were so beautiful and deep!
Starting the second book now. Don't want to return to reality yet. ☺
Starting the second book now. Don't want to return to reality yet. ☺
October 3, 2015
GPI RATING: GOLD LIPSTICK
It's an interesting concept to have two books for essentially the same story, companion novels are not a new occurrence, to be honest some I have enjoyed and some have missed the mark for me, but Love Like We Do side A and B was definitely nothing like a companion novel. This story is split up into two full length books for very good reason, Ms Otto has given the reader four narrators, side A focusing on Jon Scott and Try Holland's POV. The reader is able to immerse themselves in the reactions of those around Max and Callen, as opposed to the thoughts and emotions of the central characters, the stories true hero's.
This style of book was risky for sure, would the author be able to capture the attention of the reader with two separate full size books addressing largely the same story? To answer that, in my opinion not only did Ms Otto capture my attention, she had me completely and utterly invested in all the key players, in their thoughts and emotions, in their moments of weakness and their triumphs, and she proved without a doubt while side A and B focus on one central story, there is definitely more than just two sides to every story.
While Love Like We Do can be read as a dual stand alone, that being you must read both sides here, I would also recommend reading both the Emi: Lost and Found and the Choisie series, not because you won't understand Love Like We Do without it, but because they are both series that stay with you long after you turn the last page, they will leave footprints on your heart, they will steal a little piece of your soul.
What I adored so much about Love Like We Do side A is that we see everything from an outsiders point of view, while the main characters remain Callen and Max, it was refreshing to see everything unfold from Max's older brother Jon Scott and Jon's younger brother in law/Max's best friend Trey Holland's eyes.
So many books that deal with coming out at whatever stage in life generally steer towards either end of the spectrum for peoples reactions, one of shame, revulsion, hatred and even violence, or one of joy and acceptance, we very rarely see the middle ground, we very rarely see the confusion, the what ifs, the questioning of every touch, every hug, every conversation and every smile being examined under a magnifying glass. Even when those people come from a very tolerant upbringing, one in which they don't judge others based on their sexual orientation, where being gay is no more of a choice of being straight, there's an important lesson here, one that even the most tolerant of us in society may not even realise.
Many years ago, when I was in high school, at my fairly conservative all girls school, I had a group of best friends, we'd been together since primary school, nothing could break us, when rumors starting circulating that one of us seemed to be sexually ambiguous, feathers were ruffled, people were confused, not because someone being a lesbian was against our beliefs or our moral compass, not because we believed that she has a choice in whether she was attracted to men or women, but because members of the group started to feel uncomfortable, what about all of those slumber parties - sharing sleeping bags and beds, all of those times we changed in front of each before and after swimming classes, what about all those hugs, and cheek kisses, and school girl conversations about kissing boys, and high school crushes and just how far you'd go with a boy you liked...all of a sudden their was a pink elephant as the newest member of our tight knit group, because could this girl, who was once our closest friend still do all those same things, could we still share a bed without her thinking more of it, was she attracted to all or any of us now because she liked girls, even as a 16 year old girl I remember not even considering it, thinking so few boys showed me any attention, chances were a girl wouldn't be interested either... but what I do remember is the rift it caused in friendships that we once believed to be infallible, because even the most liberal thinkers, those who wave a rainbow flag touting equal rights, are human, please don't mistake me saying this means I condone any form of homophobic feeling, but what I adored so much in Side A is that Lori took a much beloved character, one who was raised in a family that held a steadfast belief that love is love, regardless of race, gender, or background, and explored these feelings and situations like the one I experienced in high school, she gave voice to all these feelings and emotions that we sometimes don't want to address, she didn't just cast characters into two categories of hero and villain, but she had beloved characters wading into the grey in between as well.
"He is your son, and he was put on this planet for you to love unconditionally. Do that."
Our world is a grey place, it's not always right and wrong, we're human, with feelings and emotions, even the best of us can have moments we'd rather forget, we have moments where fear and curiosity win out over what is right, sometimes what we know isn't always what we thought we believed, there's a beautiful, heartfelt message here about the human condition, about friendship, about family - not just the ones we are born into but the ones we create, there's a hopefulness for a time when who someone loves won't be the source of pain and fear and destruction, when love is given freely and is unconditional.
It's an interesting concept to have two books for essentially the same story, companion novels are not a new occurrence, to be honest some I have enjoyed and some have missed the mark for me, but Love Like We Do side A and B was definitely nothing like a companion novel. This story is split up into two full length books for very good reason, Ms Otto has given the reader four narrators, side A focusing on Jon Scott and Try Holland's POV. The reader is able to immerse themselves in the reactions of those around Max and Callen, as opposed to the thoughts and emotions of the central characters, the stories true hero's.
This style of book was risky for sure, would the author be able to capture the attention of the reader with two separate full size books addressing largely the same story? To answer that, in my opinion not only did Ms Otto capture my attention, she had me completely and utterly invested in all the key players, in their thoughts and emotions, in their moments of weakness and their triumphs, and she proved without a doubt while side A and B focus on one central story, there is definitely more than just two sides to every story.
While Love Like We Do can be read as a dual stand alone, that being you must read both sides here, I would also recommend reading both the Emi: Lost and Found and the Choisie series, not because you won't understand Love Like We Do without it, but because they are both series that stay with you long after you turn the last page, they will leave footprints on your heart, they will steal a little piece of your soul.
What I adored so much about Love Like We Do side A is that we see everything from an outsiders point of view, while the main characters remain Callen and Max, it was refreshing to see everything unfold from Max's older brother Jon Scott and Jon's younger brother in law/Max's best friend Trey Holland's eyes.
So many books that deal with coming out at whatever stage in life generally steer towards either end of the spectrum for peoples reactions, one of shame, revulsion, hatred and even violence, or one of joy and acceptance, we very rarely see the middle ground, we very rarely see the confusion, the what ifs, the questioning of every touch, every hug, every conversation and every smile being examined under a magnifying glass. Even when those people come from a very tolerant upbringing, one in which they don't judge others based on their sexual orientation, where being gay is no more of a choice of being straight, there's an important lesson here, one that even the most tolerant of us in society may not even realise.
Many years ago, when I was in high school, at my fairly conservative all girls school, I had a group of best friends, we'd been together since primary school, nothing could break us, when rumors starting circulating that one of us seemed to be sexually ambiguous, feathers were ruffled, people were confused, not because someone being a lesbian was against our beliefs or our moral compass, not because we believed that she has a choice in whether she was attracted to men or women, but because members of the group started to feel uncomfortable, what about all of those slumber parties - sharing sleeping bags and beds, all of those times we changed in front of each before and after swimming classes, what about all those hugs, and cheek kisses, and school girl conversations about kissing boys, and high school crushes and just how far you'd go with a boy you liked...all of a sudden their was a pink elephant as the newest member of our tight knit group, because could this girl, who was once our closest friend still do all those same things, could we still share a bed without her thinking more of it, was she attracted to all or any of us now because she liked girls, even as a 16 year old girl I remember not even considering it, thinking so few boys showed me any attention, chances were a girl wouldn't be interested either... but what I do remember is the rift it caused in friendships that we once believed to be infallible, because even the most liberal thinkers, those who wave a rainbow flag touting equal rights, are human, please don't mistake me saying this means I condone any form of homophobic feeling, but what I adored so much in Side A is that Lori took a much beloved character, one who was raised in a family that held a steadfast belief that love is love, regardless of race, gender, or background, and explored these feelings and situations like the one I experienced in high school, she gave voice to all these feelings and emotions that we sometimes don't want to address, she didn't just cast characters into two categories of hero and villain, but she had beloved characters wading into the grey in between as well.
"He is your son, and he was put on this planet for you to love unconditionally. Do that."
Our world is a grey place, it's not always right and wrong, we're human, with feelings and emotions, even the best of us can have moments we'd rather forget, we have moments where fear and curiosity win out over what is right, sometimes what we know isn't always what we thought we believed, there's a beautiful, heartfelt message here about the human condition, about friendship, about family - not just the ones we are born into but the ones we create, there's a hopefulness for a time when who someone loves won't be the source of pain and fear and destruction, when love is given freely and is unconditional.
October 12, 2015
I have been back and forth on my thoughts about this book and honestly I can say it was somewhat difficult for me. I had to really put my views and opinions aside and really try to read with an open mind. I knew it would be a challenge and I accepted head on. Now before anyway yells at me hear me out. I'm a firm believer that we all don't have to have the same views on everything in life but I do respect ones choices to live their life the way they seem fit to live it.
I have loved Lori's writing from the very first book I read of hers and she made me fall in love with Jack and with each book she simply amazes me. She basically wrote one whole book and split it into a side A and side B. With doing this we get the pov's from 4 different people. And we get to read how this not only affects the people that are "coming out" but also how their love ones take news.
The subject of the story really hit close to home for me. I will never forget the day my best friend came to me and told me that not only did she like boys but she also liked girls. And it was really hard for me to wrap my mind around sometimes it still is. It wasn't that I thought she had a crush on me or anything like that. I just couldn't understand how she could like both girls and boys. But it was something that I learned to deal with. Like I said before she and I have different views but I love that girl with all my heart and even if she only like I girls I would always be her best friend/sister.
I 100% felt where Trey was coming from. I felt his pain and his confusing. But once all of that goes away you realize they are still your friend and nothing has changed. And for Jon the only thing he saw was his brother and that was enough for him. I just wished Jon saw Will the same way (but that will have to wait for Will's book!!).
But with all of that going on we still got to know what was going on in the personal lives of Jon and Trey.
While this can be read as a standalone I highly recommend reading the series from the very beginning.
I have loved Lori's writing from the very first book I read of hers and she made me fall in love with Jack and with each book she simply amazes me. She basically wrote one whole book and split it into a side A and side B. With doing this we get the pov's from 4 different people. And we get to read how this not only affects the people that are "coming out" but also how their love ones take news.
The subject of the story really hit close to home for me. I will never forget the day my best friend came to me and told me that not only did she like boys but she also liked girls. And it was really hard for me to wrap my mind around sometimes it still is. It wasn't that I thought she had a crush on me or anything like that. I just couldn't understand how she could like both girls and boys. But it was something that I learned to deal with. Like I said before she and I have different views but I love that girl with all my heart and even if she only like I girls I would always be her best friend/sister.
I 100% felt where Trey was coming from. I felt his pain and his confusing. But once all of that goes away you realize they are still your friend and nothing has changed. And for Jon the only thing he saw was his brother and that was enough for him. I just wished Jon saw Will the same way (but that will have to wait for Will's book!!).
But with all of that going on we still got to know what was going on in the personal lives of Jon and Trey.
While this can be read as a standalone I highly recommend reading the series from the very beginning.
September 22, 2015
Warning: The characters in this book are the son and brother of characters introduced in the Emi and Choisie series. If you are reading the other books in order, you will want to wait until you finish them. However, it can be read and appreciated as a stand alone.
This is a well-written book about two teenage boys, Max and Callen, struggling to accept who they are and to be accepted by their family and peers. It is told in alternating chapters from Trey (a good friend of both Callen and Max) and Jon (the older brother of Max) as they and their families learn the truth about Max and Callen. While it is about the boys being physically attracted to each other, there is no graphic sex. The book focuses much more on acceptance of who the boys are and realizing that we don’t get to decide who anyone else is supposed to be or who they are supposed to love.
I hope parent that has any doubt about whether they can accept a child being homosexual will read this and realize the pain they will cause their child if they try to force them or guilt them into being someone they are not. I am not a parent, but I am an Aunt to a teenage boy and girl. Throughout this book, I continued to think of them. I hope they know I love and accept them without conditions.
This is a well-written book about two teenage boys, Max and Callen, struggling to accept who they are and to be accepted by their family and peers. It is told in alternating chapters from Trey (a good friend of both Callen and Max) and Jon (the older brother of Max) as they and their families learn the truth about Max and Callen. While it is about the boys being physically attracted to each other, there is no graphic sex. The book focuses much more on acceptance of who the boys are and realizing that we don’t get to decide who anyone else is supposed to be or who they are supposed to love.
I hope parent that has any doubt about whether they can accept a child being homosexual will read this and realize the pain they will cause their child if they try to force them or guilt them into being someone they are not. I am not a parent, but I am an Aunt to a teenage boy and girl. Throughout this book, I continued to think of them. I hope they know I love and accept them without conditions.
October 28, 2015
In side A, I spent more time trying to find my narrators, but once I had Trey and Jon hammered down the tunnel vision begin. I go into all book with an open minded, especially since I was warned by Lori in advice. But I think that warned throw me more that I expected, the content was different and I some ways hurtful, at least from this POV. I love all, no matter the live they chose, but here you have to understand that side A is from the best friend and brother POV.
Trey is really character, someone who is very blind to the fact that his friend is not as well off as he is, there is more he's is so not okay with, and like a self child tries to take what is right and make it wrong.
As for Jon, his brother is his main force, but what happens when you mother is not all there and may just very well tear his brother to pieces. How can you protect one loved one from another.
As always you are going to have to read the book for yourself. But I will tell you that side A is a difficult read and can trigger emotions in you, you will never expect. This is a 4 Heart review for me, simply because I felt very raw after reading side A, raw in bad way, and had reserves on reading side B. But This is a side all should see and know the pain first hand, so I give Lori huge props on this book.
November 27, 2015
Love Like We Do (Side A) ~ Another Lori Otto FIVE STAR Read!
Lori Otto is one of my go-to authors. I devour every word she writes. And with Love Like We Do (Side A) I fell a little deeper in love with her brilliant mind and writing style. Did I mention I'm a huge Lori Otto fan?
Love Like We Do (Side A) is a coming-of-age story that addresses sixteen year old Max's emerging sexuality and feelings toward his good friend, Callen. Max and Callen's story is told with sensitivity and an unexpected frankness from the view of the two most important people in Max's life, his older brother, Jon, and best friend, Trey.
The unique third-party point-of-view provides seamless observations and insights into events uncluttered by the main characters' motivations.
Love Like We Do (Side A) can be read as a standalone but you will not want to miss the companion book: Love Like We Do (Side B). Side B completes the story told from Max and Callen's views. Also a Five Star read for me.
Lori Otto is one of my go-to authors. I devour every word she writes. And with Love Like We Do (Side A) I fell a little deeper in love with her brilliant mind and writing style. Did I mention I'm a huge Lori Otto fan?
Love Like We Do (Side A) is a coming-of-age story that addresses sixteen year old Max's emerging sexuality and feelings toward his good friend, Callen. Max and Callen's story is told with sensitivity and an unexpected frankness from the view of the two most important people in Max's life, his older brother, Jon, and best friend, Trey.
The unique third-party point-of-view provides seamless observations and insights into events uncluttered by the main characters' motivations.
Love Like We Do (Side A) can be read as a standalone but you will not want to miss the companion book: Love Like We Do (Side B). Side B completes the story told from Max and Callen's views. Also a Five Star read for me.
November 15, 2022
Super cute!
November 22, 2015
En español: http://locasxloslibros.blogspot.cl/20...
I was lucky to received an ARC (my first one!!!) of this book in exchanged of an honest review
“How can love be the catalyst for so much hatred?”
Dear Lori: I love you. You can write like few people can. Your stories are not superficial, i think (a lot) when im reading your books. i Think about love. friendship, family...life. I was afraid to read Love like we do cause i havent read Choise series, i just read Emmi Lost and Found , so i was worried i was going to be lost with all the characters and the love story of Olivia and Jon. But no. I wasnt lost, you told love like we do story that i didnt have any problem understanding the plot or dinamics of the characters.
This book is very different from others, cause , yes we have a first person narrator, but the main story, the main plot, the main conflict its not their story. Trey and Jon are witness about whats happening with Max and Callen ( Trey is their best friend and Jon is Max's brother) so it was ibteresting what was going on in ther heads when all the things, the main problem? conflic? was developening (is that a word?). And it was great too see their lifes moving on, their lwn problems, confusion, drama and life happen.
"When you said to be able to “love like you do,” that doesn’t really make sense. The feeling of love is… well, it’s like an absolute. It’s universally accepted, right? Why does it matter what gender or race we love".
We have two characters very differents from each other. Jon is married and with a newborn Girl, he is 28? and his life is complete. Trey has 15-16 and he has a girlfriend, buy he just starting living, he's just starting to know about relationship, sex and all that you learn at that age.
So, when the secrets are out, they react in different way, Trey is confused , because Max And Callen are his best friends, so he is overthinking things , i mean , when you have know a person ( in this case) two persons for all your life, you never expected this thing, this kind of secrets, so obviously he looks at his past and think ...how did i miss this?.
“Why did he feel like he had to hide it from me? I would rather have known, all this time.”
And Jon , looking at his younger brother suffering, living a lie, with his heart broken he nevrr qestion anything, he accept, but with some faults too. and Max let him know.
“For the record, I don’t love any differently than you. The love I feel is the exact same love you feel,” he tells me. “It shouldn’t be viewed separately. So you shouldn’t feel proud for me. You should just feel happy for me".
But the main problem in this Book, i mean in the plot were the parents. I would have LOVED too read the parents p.o.v. It such a shame that "grown up" people, think so stupidly (no idea if this is a word). How can you qestion your sons? The Way they are? how can you give them your back to them? how can you believe they are wrong? they are confused? that they have return to "the good Way? wth? and The sad part is that this happen in real life, that are people who doesnt accept all the Love, in its differents from and that is just lame. But, luckily Lori knows how to turn the tables and make a good story out Of that.
"You know what I should be focusing on? The fact that he is in love at all. I know not everyone gets to feel love for someone, and not everyone gets to be loved in return. But maybe our sons get both (...) Maybe our sons are the lucky ones.”
Bravo Lori!! i really liked this Book, but i can wait to read Callens and Max's POV.
I was lucky to received an ARC (my first one!!!) of this book in exchanged of an honest review
“How can love be the catalyst for so much hatred?”
Dear Lori: I love you. You can write like few people can. Your stories are not superficial, i think (a lot) when im reading your books. i Think about love. friendship, family...life. I was afraid to read Love like we do cause i havent read Choise series, i just read Emmi Lost and Found , so i was worried i was going to be lost with all the characters and the love story of Olivia and Jon. But no. I wasnt lost, you told love like we do story that i didnt have any problem understanding the plot or dinamics of the characters.
This book is very different from others, cause , yes we have a first person narrator, but the main story, the main plot, the main conflict its not their story. Trey and Jon are witness about whats happening with Max and Callen ( Trey is their best friend and Jon is Max's brother) so it was ibteresting what was going on in ther heads when all the things, the main problem? conflic? was developening (is that a word?). And it was great too see their lifes moving on, their lwn problems, confusion, drama and life happen.
"When you said to be able to “love like you do,” that doesn’t really make sense. The feeling of love is… well, it’s like an absolute. It’s universally accepted, right? Why does it matter what gender or race we love".
We have two characters very differents from each other. Jon is married and with a newborn Girl, he is 28? and his life is complete. Trey has 15-16 and he has a girlfriend, buy he just starting living, he's just starting to know about relationship, sex and all that you learn at that age.
So, when the secrets are out, they react in different way, Trey is confused , because Max And Callen are his best friends, so he is overthinking things , i mean , when you have know a person ( in this case) two persons for all your life, you never expected this thing, this kind of secrets, so obviously he looks at his past and think ...how did i miss this?.
“Why did he feel like he had to hide it from me? I would rather have known, all this time.”
And Jon , looking at his younger brother suffering, living a lie, with his heart broken he nevrr qestion anything, he accept, but with some faults too. and Max let him know.
“For the record, I don’t love any differently than you. The love I feel is the exact same love you feel,” he tells me. “It shouldn’t be viewed separately. So you shouldn’t feel proud for me. You should just feel happy for me".
But the main problem in this Book, i mean in the plot were the parents. I would have LOVED too read the parents p.o.v. It such a shame that "grown up" people, think so stupidly (no idea if this is a word). How can you qestion your sons? The Way they are? how can you give them your back to them? how can you believe they are wrong? they are confused? that they have return to "the good Way? wth? and The sad part is that this happen in real life, that are people who doesnt accept all the Love, in its differents from and that is just lame. But, luckily Lori knows how to turn the tables and make a good story out Of that.
"You know what I should be focusing on? The fact that he is in love at all. I know not everyone gets to feel love for someone, and not everyone gets to be loved in return. But maybe our sons get both (...) Maybe our sons are the lucky ones.”
Bravo Lori!! i really liked this Book, but i can wait to read Callens and Max's POV.
October 20, 2015
I want to start off by saying that I love Lori's writing. Her writing style just draws you in and truly wraps you in her characters world as you read on through her books. It truly is amazing.
Having read this whole entire series... This book felt like I was home. This book kind of picks up from where the last book left off in the Choisie series. It truly felt like a family reunion in the beginning. Then it started to feel more like this book should have been a continuation of the Choisie series.
Don't get me wrong...
I was really happy to see how everyone's life changed since the last book. The new people introduced in this book was a great surprise! And I loved it....
So... Why the 3 star rating.
As I was reading I kept waiting for the main characters to show up. So far it's been all about Trey & his girlfriend, Jon & Livvy and their new added addition, & Jack & Emi.
Where are the main characters? I'm well into the book and only a hint of something has been brought up.
I had to keep going back and read the synopsis to make sure I didn't miss anything.
This book felt like it was more about Jon & Will and how strained their relationship was towards each other.
I understand that this is all in Jon's & Trey's POV's.
But I was expecting something way different.
There are a lot of things going on in this book. Too much I felt. And not enough of the main characters story.
And... I had a hard time liking Callen. What he was doing to Max was just wrong. And I felt Max need to stand up for himself. And not just accept that things had to be the way they were.
There was so many people involved in Max & Callen's relationship. It truly felt unreal. Group meetings involving all these people.
I mean... I just wanted more of Max & Coullen already.
Overall... If I were to rate this book as part of the Choisie series... this book would be a solid 4-4.5.
But since I went into this book thinking I was reading a M/M YA coming of age and a coming out story.
This book fell short for me. Way short.
This book felt like Max and Callen story was the side story.... and not the main story.
I needed the main characters to interact. That didn't happen to way later in the book. And there wasn't a lot of it.
And I know Lori says this book can be read as a standalone...
But I would have to disagree with that. Having read all these books in this series. You will most definitely feel lost and left out with all these characters being thrown at you. And all their little inside jokes.
And to be honest... I was hoping that there wasn't going to be a lot of the Holland's in this book. That they would be more in the background in this book. And that this book would focus more on the kids.... Not the adults.
This is really hard for me to write! Because I truly loved Lori's other books. Her writing is spectacular! Attention to detail is amazing.
But... This story just fell a little short for me.
*ARC provided by author for an honest review*
(This same review is on my blog goodreads account)
Having read this whole entire series... This book felt like I was home. This book kind of picks up from where the last book left off in the Choisie series. It truly felt like a family reunion in the beginning. Then it started to feel more like this book should have been a continuation of the Choisie series.
Don't get me wrong...
I was really happy to see how everyone's life changed since the last book. The new people introduced in this book was a great surprise! And I loved it....
So... Why the 3 star rating.
As I was reading I kept waiting for the main characters to show up. So far it's been all about Trey & his girlfriend, Jon & Livvy and their new added addition, & Jack & Emi.
Where are the main characters? I'm well into the book and only a hint of something has been brought up.
I had to keep going back and read the synopsis to make sure I didn't miss anything.
This book felt like it was more about Jon & Will and how strained their relationship was towards each other.
I understand that this is all in Jon's & Trey's POV's.
But I was expecting something way different.
There are a lot of things going on in this book. Too much I felt. And not enough of the main characters story.
And... I had a hard time liking Callen. What he was doing to Max was just wrong. And I felt Max need to stand up for himself. And not just accept that things had to be the way they were.
There was so many people involved in Max & Callen's relationship. It truly felt unreal. Group meetings involving all these people.
I mean... I just wanted more of Max & Coullen already.
Overall... If I were to rate this book as part of the Choisie series... this book would be a solid 4-4.5.
But since I went into this book thinking I was reading a M/M YA coming of age and a coming out story.
This book fell short for me. Way short.
This book felt like Max and Callen story was the side story.... and not the main story.
I needed the main characters to interact. That didn't happen to way later in the book. And there wasn't a lot of it.
And I know Lori says this book can be read as a standalone...
But I would have to disagree with that. Having read all these books in this series. You will most definitely feel lost and left out with all these characters being thrown at you. And all their little inside jokes.
And to be honest... I was hoping that there wasn't going to be a lot of the Holland's in this book. That they would be more in the background in this book. And that this book would focus more on the kids.... Not the adults.
This is really hard for me to write! Because I truly loved Lori's other books. Her writing is spectacular! Attention to detail is amazing.
But... This story just fell a little short for me.
*ARC provided by author for an honest review*
(This same review is on my blog goodreads account)
September 22, 2015
In Love Like We Do - Side A, we take a journey though a summer in New York. Even though this duet of novels is about sixteen-year-olds Max Rosser and Callon McNare, it is told through the points of view of Trey Holland and Jon Scott. If you've read Ms. Otto's Choisie series, you'll recall that Trey is Livvy Holland's younger brother and one of Max's best friends; and Jon is Livvy's husband, also the oldest half-brother of Max.
I was a little wary about reading a story through someone else's view, but that thought was quickly squashed. I felt it was actually a really good idea in that not only did we get a story about Max and Callen, but also of the personal lives of Trey and Jon. We got a glimpse into Trey's relationship with his girlfriend Zaina, plus more of Jon and Livvy. Also, we got to see the strained relationship between Jon and his other half-brother, Will.
This story takes us through the struggle that surmounts when Max and Callen's relationship is discovered and the way their friends and family react. It is in no way a romantic novel, but as Ms. Otto has stated, it's a story about life. Because of Callen's family's wealth and Max's connection to the Hollands, their relationship is a huge cause of public criticism. Callen's parents and Max's mother try to resist the truth, but thankfully every one else close to the two boys are fully supportive. Although hesitant, Max is strong to come out to those close to him. Callen, on the other hand, couldn't face the pressure and expectations, and chose to run.
We read how Trey deals with feeling deceived by his two best friends, then learning to accept it. The love Trey has towards them really shows through the way he supports and defends them. Even going so far as to have paparazzi attention focus on him, rather than Max. It seems Trey's relationship with his girlfriend also blossoms this summer. The bit we get makes me anxious to read a full novel about Trey's life!
Regarding Jon, we dive into his relationship with his family - his mother and brothers, and being a new dad. Jon wants the best for those he loves, but at some points I found it to be a little overbearing, especially when dealing with Will. He had been away for most of Will's young adult life, so it's hard for him to connect and understand his brother's way of life. Jon is too stubborn be more open-minded and receptive to anything Will has to say, so it puts a disappointing wall between the two. Overall, Jon is fiercely protective of his family and is sort of moderator between all those involved in finding and bringing Callen home.
This was Max & Callen's story, and I knew I would get more of them in Side B, but I was left wanting more. More of Trey Holland's story and I especially can't wait to see how Will's life unfolds. Thank you, Lori Otto, for another fantastic read!
I was a little wary about reading a story through someone else's view, but that thought was quickly squashed. I felt it was actually a really good idea in that not only did we get a story about Max and Callen, but also of the personal lives of Trey and Jon. We got a glimpse into Trey's relationship with his girlfriend Zaina, plus more of Jon and Livvy. Also, we got to see the strained relationship between Jon and his other half-brother, Will.
This story takes us through the struggle that surmounts when Max and Callen's relationship is discovered and the way their friends and family react. It is in no way a romantic novel, but as Ms. Otto has stated, it's a story about life. Because of Callen's family's wealth and Max's connection to the Hollands, their relationship is a huge cause of public criticism. Callen's parents and Max's mother try to resist the truth, but thankfully every one else close to the two boys are fully supportive. Although hesitant, Max is strong to come out to those close to him. Callen, on the other hand, couldn't face the pressure and expectations, and chose to run.
We read how Trey deals with feeling deceived by his two best friends, then learning to accept it. The love Trey has towards them really shows through the way he supports and defends them. Even going so far as to have paparazzi attention focus on him, rather than Max. It seems Trey's relationship with his girlfriend also blossoms this summer. The bit we get makes me anxious to read a full novel about Trey's life!
Regarding Jon, we dive into his relationship with his family - his mother and brothers, and being a new dad. Jon wants the best for those he loves, but at some points I found it to be a little overbearing, especially when dealing with Will. He had been away for most of Will's young adult life, so it's hard for him to connect and understand his brother's way of life. Jon is too stubborn be more open-minded and receptive to anything Will has to say, so it puts a disappointing wall between the two. Overall, Jon is fiercely protective of his family and is sort of moderator between all those involved in finding and bringing Callen home.
This was Max & Callen's story, and I knew I would get more of them in Side B, but I was left wanting more. More of Trey Holland's story and I especially can't wait to see how Will's life unfolds. Thank you, Lori Otto, for another fantastic read!
July 31, 2017
I read and loved Lori Otto's Emi Lost and Found series (most favorite series EVER), read and loved her Choisie series (also now a most favorite), and read/loved the novella Crossroads (can not wait to read more about Will).
Even though I read and LOVED all the above listed books by Lori L. Otto who has become one of my most favorite authors I was very hesitant to read the Love Like We Do duet and admittedly almost skipped over it to her next book. The reason being that I had never read an M/M book before, just never appealed to me/ never thought I would enjoy it and most often it's hard to open yourself up to something you've already closed yourself off to. But knowing how much I loved Ms. Otto's previous books, all her wonderful characters, and her brilliant writing I knew I needed to give this duet a chance.
Love Like We Do - Side A.....This story is a beautiful coming of age story of two unique wonderful boys, Max & Callen, who are from completely different backgrounds but have become the best of friends and have found a deeper connection than they let anyone see even their closest friends and family....a new young love that may be doomed before it's even been able to begin.
I loved seeing and experiencing this story through the perspective's of Jon Scott (Max's oldest brother) and Trey (Max's best friend) along with other loved characters who all love Max and Callen, viewing it all through their minds and hearts really opens your eyes to so much more!!
I'm so glad that I followed my instincts and allowed myself to be more open when comes to the stories that I read and I know beyond a doubt that just by reading this authors heart felt words that my mind and heart are more open than ever before!!!
I can now say that I have read and loved the Love Like We Do duet (a top favorite and would recommend to everyone)!!!!
Even though I read and LOVED all the above listed books by Lori L. Otto who has become one of my most favorite authors I was very hesitant to read the Love Like We Do duet and admittedly almost skipped over it to her next book. The reason being that I had never read an M/M book before, just never appealed to me/ never thought I would enjoy it and most often it's hard to open yourself up to something you've already closed yourself off to. But knowing how much I loved Ms. Otto's previous books, all her wonderful characters, and her brilliant writing I knew I needed to give this duet a chance.
Love Like We Do - Side A.....This story is a beautiful coming of age story of two unique wonderful boys, Max & Callen, who are from completely different backgrounds but have become the best of friends and have found a deeper connection than they let anyone see even their closest friends and family....a new young love that may be doomed before it's even been able to begin.
I loved seeing and experiencing this story through the perspective's of Jon Scott (Max's oldest brother) and Trey (Max's best friend) along with other loved characters who all love Max and Callen, viewing it all through their minds and hearts really opens your eyes to so much more!!
I'm so glad that I followed my instincts and allowed myself to be more open when comes to the stories that I read and I know beyond a doubt that just by reading this authors heart felt words that my mind and heart are more open than ever before!!!
I can now say that I have read and loved the Love Like We Do duet (a top favorite and would recommend to everyone)!!!!
October 19, 2015
Once again, Lori Otto brings to life characters who are relatable and honest. She tells stories that aren't above reality. She writes about love and loss, first love and growing up. She isn't afraid to tackle any topic.
It's always a treat to read another character's point of view, but Lori Otto's taken it to the next lever. In Side A, Jon Rossner and Trey Holland tell us about what it's like to watch their younger brother and best friend come to terms with his sexuality.
Because we get this alternate POV, we see how Max's coming out affects his friends and his family. We see the natural reactions of friends and family move from confusion to acceptance. We see how Trey comes to terms with his best friend being gay, and how that could affect his relationship going forward.
We also see how Jon responds to Max, how he steps in to his familiar shoes as role model for his brothers. We also see how things aren't always what they seem. That we are all flawed, despite thinking we're doing the right thing for the ones we love. Jon is a husband and a father and we learn how these new titles affect the way he goes forward with his younger brothers.
The story centers around the scandal of Max and Callen, and how each person responds to the pressure of what it means to truly accept. Each person in the story has a completely visceral reaction to Max being gay. Rather than looking at the fact that it hasn't changed who he is as a person, we see how these flawed characters struggle to come to accept the word gay and what it means for them.
Look for the same characters you've enjoyed in Lori's other books to bring insight and guidance: Jack and Emi, Matty, and Will.
Thank you again, Lori for giving me the opportunity to have a first peak at your stories.
It's always a treat to read another character's point of view, but Lori Otto's taken it to the next lever. In Side A, Jon Rossner and Trey Holland tell us about what it's like to watch their younger brother and best friend come to terms with his sexuality.
Because we get this alternate POV, we see how Max's coming out affects his friends and his family. We see the natural reactions of friends and family move from confusion to acceptance. We see how Trey comes to terms with his best friend being gay, and how that could affect his relationship going forward.
We also see how Jon responds to Max, how he steps in to his familiar shoes as role model for his brothers. We also see how things aren't always what they seem. That we are all flawed, despite thinking we're doing the right thing for the ones we love. Jon is a husband and a father and we learn how these new titles affect the way he goes forward with his younger brothers.
The story centers around the scandal of Max and Callen, and how each person responds to the pressure of what it means to truly accept. Each person in the story has a completely visceral reaction to Max being gay. Rather than looking at the fact that it hasn't changed who he is as a person, we see how these flawed characters struggle to come to accept the word gay and what it means for them.
Look for the same characters you've enjoyed in Lori's other books to bring insight and guidance: Jack and Emi, Matty, and Will.
Thank you again, Lori for giving me the opportunity to have a first peak at your stories.
September 26, 2015
Love Like We Do (Side A) reminded me just how much I love Lori Otto. Her writing is some of the best I've ever read.
The characters in Love Like We Do will be familiar to those that have read the Emi Lost and Found & Choisie series. While you don't have to read either of the series in order to enjoy this one, it will provide a deeper understanding and connection to the characters. Personally, I love that Lori's books focus on the same grouping of characters. Each character has a story to tell and she's telling them all beautifully. Besides, it's nice to see beloved characters again and again.
As far as this book goes, it was wonderful. I teared up within the first few pages (like, seriously, third page in and I had tears in my eyes!). Lori's writing is powerful. She covers what some may consider a sensitive topic in this book and she does so with finesse. There's a beautiful message of acceptance and, most importantly, love.
It's easy for me to say that this is my favorite book by Lori yet. It hit all the right notes for me. I wasn't disappointed with a single thing. I am so eager to start on Side B.
Oh, one thing of note: I am very glad that I read the novella, Crossroads, before reading this book. As someone that read both the Emi Lost and Found & Choisie series, I feel like this was especially important to read. It gives insight into Will that I am glad I had. If I hadn't read it, I would have had some serious questions about some of his behavior throughout the story. This is likely because I knew him from the previous series, though, and wouldn't affect someone that's only reading Love Like We Do.
* This book was received from the author in exchange for an honest review. *
The characters in Love Like We Do will be familiar to those that have read the Emi Lost and Found & Choisie series. While you don't have to read either of the series in order to enjoy this one, it will provide a deeper understanding and connection to the characters. Personally, I love that Lori's books focus on the same grouping of characters. Each character has a story to tell and she's telling them all beautifully. Besides, it's nice to see beloved characters again and again.
As far as this book goes, it was wonderful. I teared up within the first few pages (like, seriously, third page in and I had tears in my eyes!). Lori's writing is powerful. She covers what some may consider a sensitive topic in this book and she does so with finesse. There's a beautiful message of acceptance and, most importantly, love.
It's easy for me to say that this is my favorite book by Lori yet. It hit all the right notes for me. I wasn't disappointed with a single thing. I am so eager to start on Side B.
Oh, one thing of note: I am very glad that I read the novella, Crossroads, before reading this book. As someone that read both the Emi Lost and Found & Choisie series, I feel like this was especially important to read. It gives insight into Will that I am glad I had. If I hadn't read it, I would have had some serious questions about some of his behavior throughout the story. This is likely because I knew him from the previous series, though, and wouldn't affect someone that's only reading Love Like We Do.
* This book was received from the author in exchange for an honest review. *
October 20, 2015
"I knew from that moment on that I would be kinder to them all."
This is the first full novel I have read by Author Lori Otto. She is actually a new-to-me author, and I had just begun her series, Emi Lost and Found. Love Like We Do - Side A is a story of living life in the face of different and sometimes difficult circumstances. It speaks to us of being true to one's self, and not being ashamed.
"There's plenty to discover between that and this."
Love Like We Do - Side A is a multi-faceted story dealing with real situations that occur throughout various stages of life. It had so many great characters. Initially, it was a little difficult to acclimate to each of the characters and their personalities. However, once I was able to do that, the story went at a quick pace and flowed with ease. Author Lori Otto wrote about many hot social topics, and did so respectfully and with much emotion. I enjoyed hearing the thought processes of the characters as they weighed out their life choices, and those of their friends and family.
"In the back of my head, I knew I had nothing to lose."
I loved that regardless of the decisions one of our main characters made, his parents loved and supported him. Their home was filled with respect and values. It was refreshing. In contrast was the family that felt a need to keep up appearances, seemingly ignoring the truth in front of them. This made me sad for them and their loved ones, as it said that their affections were based on a criteria being met, and not just because they were family. I look forward to more in Love Like We Do-Side B.
"Who you love in life is truly the most important thing. It matters more than anything."
This is the first full novel I have read by Author Lori Otto. She is actually a new-to-me author, and I had just begun her series, Emi Lost and Found. Love Like We Do - Side A is a story of living life in the face of different and sometimes difficult circumstances. It speaks to us of being true to one's self, and not being ashamed.
"There's plenty to discover between that and this."
Love Like We Do - Side A is a multi-faceted story dealing with real situations that occur throughout various stages of life. It had so many great characters. Initially, it was a little difficult to acclimate to each of the characters and their personalities. However, once I was able to do that, the story went at a quick pace and flowed with ease. Author Lori Otto wrote about many hot social topics, and did so respectfully and with much emotion. I enjoyed hearing the thought processes of the characters as they weighed out their life choices, and those of their friends and family.
"In the back of my head, I knew I had nothing to lose."
I loved that regardless of the decisions one of our main characters made, his parents loved and supported him. Their home was filled with respect and values. It was refreshing. In contrast was the family that felt a need to keep up appearances, seemingly ignoring the truth in front of them. This made me sad for them and their loved ones, as it said that their affections were based on a criteria being met, and not just because they were family. I look forward to more in Love Like We Do-Side B.
"Who you love in life is truly the most important thing. It matters more than anything."
November 5, 2015
I have so many thoughts and not sure how to express them. Amazing. Beautiful. Bold. Brilliant. Those are just a few of the words that I have to express my love for this book. Lori wrote a very relate-able story in our current times.
I thoroughly enjoyed hearing more about the characters that were introduced in Otto's previous series. I was super excited to hear more about Jon and Livvy. I always felt like after Livvy I was dying to know what would happen next with them.
Trey was a great addition to this cast of characters too. He was such a loyal and great friend.
Max. Ohh Max. He was seriously hilarious and adorable. I would have loved to hung out with him. He reminds me of my younger brother alot actually.
Callen was amazing too. He, Max and Trey have such a great friendship. It was good to get to know him a little better.
Now to tell you about my favorite person. Will. Sigh. He is so perfectly imperfect. He was the gorgeous yet sorta nerdy rock star. I mean come on Lori. Did you have to make him so perfect?! I cannot wait for his story. I know we're in for a wild ride with him
I binge read this story in like a few hours. I couldn't stop reading. I just wanted more and more. At one point I paused and was checked the clock and I had been reading non stop for more than an hour. It's been a while since I've done that.
I thoroughly enjoyed hearing more about the characters that were introduced in Otto's previous series. I was super excited to hear more about Jon and Livvy. I always felt like after Livvy I was dying to know what would happen next with them.
Trey was a great addition to this cast of characters too. He was such a loyal and great friend.
Max. Ohh Max. He was seriously hilarious and adorable. I would have loved to hung out with him. He reminds me of my younger brother alot actually.
Callen was amazing too. He, Max and Trey have such a great friendship. It was good to get to know him a little better.
Now to tell you about my favorite person. Will. Sigh. He is so perfectly imperfect. He was the gorgeous yet sorta nerdy rock star. I mean come on Lori. Did you have to make him so perfect?! I cannot wait for his story. I know we're in for a wild ride with him
I binge read this story in like a few hours. I couldn't stop reading. I just wanted more and more. At one point I paused and was checked the clock and I had been reading non stop for more than an hour. It's been a while since I've done that.
October 21, 2015
Side A is a fresh, relevant take as we get 2 sides of people's perspectives (brother and friend) to Max who is gay and is in a secret relationship with the all-American jock Callen and how they cope with that knowledge. The author has a way with flawless, emotional and real storytelling where you can understand some of the misconceptions and thoughts that we all have had at some point and realize that it can and should be treated like a normal relationship. It is so well crafted in the subject matter and being sensitive to all people's beliefs and backgrounds and just makes people get a better understanding that love is love without being preachy.
Loyal fans of Lori's previous two series are also in for a treat as we catch up with a lot of our favorite characters making this extra special for me but it is not necessary to have read these beforehand to appreciate this book. I highly recommend it and after you're done, Side B will give you two more perspectives from Max and Callen themselves in what they go through to accept who they are and be comfortable in their skin with people finding out before they were quite ready.
Loyal fans of Lori's previous two series are also in for a treat as we catch up with a lot of our favorite characters making this extra special for me but it is not necessary to have read these beforehand to appreciate this book. I highly recommend it and after you're done, Side B will give you two more perspectives from Max and Callen themselves in what they go through to accept who they are and be comfortable in their skin with people finding out before they were quite ready.
October 15, 2015
I know that when I pick up a book by Lori Otto, I am getting her heart and soul poured into every word on the page. Her love for her characters shines though with each turn of the page. We get a fierce family love that just keeps me addicted to the Holland family.
Although Max isn't directly related to the Hollands, only through the marriage of his brother to Livvy Holland, but that does't stop them from loving him like their own.
In this 2 part series, we learn that Max is gay and he struggles with the harsh realities of the world. Shame, unacceptance, denial, pain, anguish and fear of what his family and friends might think of him.
I love how supportive the Hollands are when they find out and the encouragment and acceptance that they give him.
Side A is told in Jon (his brother) and Trey's (his best friend and Livvy's brother) POV. I love how we get more of a story line than just focusing on Max, even though this IS Max's story. I have missed Jon and Livvy and was happy to see how parenthood was doing for them. The story is so in depth that we not only get Max's story, but we get it seen through the eyes of the two people that is closest to him.
Although Max isn't directly related to the Hollands, only through the marriage of his brother to Livvy Holland, but that does't stop them from loving him like their own.
In this 2 part series, we learn that Max is gay and he struggles with the harsh realities of the world. Shame, unacceptance, denial, pain, anguish and fear of what his family and friends might think of him.
I love how supportive the Hollands are when they find out and the encouragment and acceptance that they give him.
Side A is told in Jon (his brother) and Trey's (his best friend and Livvy's brother) POV. I love how we get more of a story line than just focusing on Max, even though this IS Max's story. I have missed Jon and Livvy and was happy to see how parenthood was doing for them. The story is so in depth that we not only get Max's story, but we get it seen through the eyes of the two people that is closest to him.
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