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Vintage YA Books #2
Things I'll Never Say
This is an alternate cover edition of ASIN: B007SJVTRY.
Sam's best friend in the world is ditching him; moving out of state to go to college and leaving him behind. It hurts like hell but he doesn’t know how to tell Ryan that he needs him to stay without saying too much. Like maybe that he might want to be a lot more than just friends...
Ryan has to get out. He's been in love with Sam for so many years he’s afraid if he doesn’t leave that he’ll spend his whole life alone in love with someone he can never have…but of course Ryan can’t tell his oldest and best friend that he’s in love with him. It would ruin the most important thing in his life.
Before it's too late, they have to find the courage to tell each other the truth about how they feel…to finally say those things they’ve kept to themselves for far too long.
Sam's best friend in the world is ditching him; moving out of state to go to college and leaving him behind. It hurts like hell but he doesn’t know how to tell Ryan that he needs him to stay without saying too much. Like maybe that he might want to be a lot more than just friends...
Ryan has to get out. He's been in love with Sam for so many years he’s afraid if he doesn’t leave that he’ll spend his whole life alone in love with someone he can never have…but of course Ryan can’t tell his oldest and best friend that he’s in love with him. It would ruin the most important thing in his life.
Before it's too late, they have to find the courage to tell each other the truth about how they feel…to finally say those things they’ve kept to themselves for far too long.
116 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2010
38 people are currently reading
686 people want to read
About the author
M.J. O'Shea
85 books946 followersMJ O’Shea has never met a music festival, paintbrush, or
flower crown she can stay away from. She loves rainstorms
and a perfect cup of tea, beach days, music, bright colors, and
more than anything a cozy evening with a really great book.
She is from the Pacific Northwest. While she still lives there
and loves it, MJ has the heart of a wanderer. So she puts all
her dreams of far off places and extraordinary people in her
books.
Except for every once in a while when she does what all
travelers have to do on occasion… come home.
flower crown she can stay away from. She loves rainstorms
and a perfect cup of tea, beach days, music, bright colors, and
more than anything a cozy evening with a really great book.
She is from the Pacific Northwest. While she still lives there
and loves it, MJ has the heart of a wanderer. So she puts all
her dreams of far off places and extraordinary people in her
books.
Except for every once in a while when she does what all
travelers have to do on occasion… come home.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 146 reviews
October 6, 2023
4 Stars
Well, that was just buckets worth of adorable!!
******************************
Re-read #2: October, 2023
Things I'll Never Say is a story that still manages to warm my heart and put the goofiest smile on my face.
The short story follows 18-year-old besties Sam and Ryan, as they come to terms with their very big, very intense, definitely less-than-platonic feelings for one another, and how they find the courage to speak their truth before the love of a lifetime passes them by.
It’s been 9 long years since I first read this one and I’m thrilled to say that it still gave me all the warm and fuzzy feelings I first experienced as a newbie reading one of my first MM romances.
The story is very sweet and very sappy, with lots of pining and longing and sugary endearments that will either make you swoon or cringe, depending on your tastes for such, but I couldn’t help but STILL go all gooey for these very lovely young men and their very romantic friends-to-lovers story.
Well, that was just buckets worth of adorable!!
******************************
Re-read #2: October, 2023
Things I'll Never Say is a story that still manages to warm my heart and put the goofiest smile on my face.
The short story follows 18-year-old besties Sam and Ryan, as they come to terms with their very big, very intense, definitely less-than-platonic feelings for one another, and how they find the courage to speak their truth before the love of a lifetime passes them by.
It’s been 9 long years since I first read this one and I’m thrilled to say that it still gave me all the warm and fuzzy feelings I first experienced as a newbie reading one of my first MM romances.
The story is very sweet and very sappy, with lots of pining and longing and sugary endearments that will either make you swoon or cringe, depending on your tastes for such, but I couldn’t help but STILL go all gooey for these very lovely young men and their very romantic friends-to-lovers story.
March 30, 2014
Another wonderful and endearing read, by the obviously talented M.J. O'Shea. Such a delightful and cute read...with some tears along the way.
'God, Sammy, I've fallen asleep dreaming of you for years, wishing I could hold you and love you.'
RECOMMENDED!
'God, Sammy, I've fallen asleep dreaming of you for years, wishing I could hold you and love you.'
RECOMMENDED!
January 28, 2013
Strong 3.5 stars...
Super sweet...but not in that nauseating, eye-rolling kind of way...coming-of-age story about 2 best friends coming to the realization that their deep, deep feelings for each other may go beyond just friendship.
I loved Ryan and Sam...I loved their devotion to each other. I loved the bond forged over years of childhood and adolescence and the uncertain future they faced with college years ahead. This book was handled in such a tender and sweet way and I smiled and teared up more than a few times.
My only beef, minor, is that once they started realizing and accepting their feelings...it went into warp speed and the last 1/3 of the book felt a bit rushed and "wow, all that happened in this short amount of time?"
But, it was perfectly what I was looking for and I adored it.
Want to read
December 22, 2014Already bought this but... Kindle FREEBIE, 12/22/14!
December 20, 2011
Some writers just have that ability to make you feel everything their characters feel. Which is why I read romance - I'm sort of lacking in it in my real life, and I want to vicariously experience those feelings. M.J. is one of those writers. I felt Sam and Ryan's love for each other from page one and this was a very satisfying, short little love story about college age kids who have been best friends forever. Recommended.
December 31, 2014
Suuuuuuuuper sweet short story (perhaps too sweet according to some, but I was totally in the mood to be covered in syrup and icing sugar and "baby'd" to within an inch of my life).
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March 15, 2023
short, but sweet!! i could see this story line being angsty if it was a full length novel but i'm actually glad it was a novella this time around bc it wasn't as frustrating as it could have been. also, sometimes all we need is something cute and short and that's enough. <3
November 28, 2012
This is a sweet little short story about two boys, Sam and Ryan. They have been best friends for years. Now Ryan is moving away to college and leaving Sam behind. Sam is upset and angry at Ryan for leaving, while Ryan does not want to leave but feels he has to because he is in love with Sam.
I loved both MC's they were both quirky and fun characters. Sam did not know how he felt about Ryan until they kissed. Ryan has known for years. Sam was a happy go lucky character who was upset at loosing his best friend and Ryan was afraid of loosing his best friend if his feelings were shown.
I really wish this had been a little longer, its a good story and would have made a great full length novel. :)
I loved both MC's they were both quirky and fun characters. Sam did not know how he felt about Ryan until they kissed. Ryan has known for years. Sam was a happy go lucky character who was upset at loosing his best friend and Ryan was afraid of loosing his best friend if his feelings were shown.
I really wish this had been a little longer, its a good story and would have made a great full length novel. :)
November 14, 2024
I've not reviewed a book before, and have to admit that this is not a review. Just a comment about one of the funniest typos I've ever seen. Sometimes spellcheck just isn't enough. . .
"Little electrical CURRANTS sang across his skin, transferring to Sam and then back to him every place where their bodies connected"
I now have this image in my mind of raisins rolling around them and getting smushed between their bodies. I know it's juvenile, but it is hysterical!
There were several other similar type errors, but none of the others were nearly as entertaining!
"Little electrical CURRANTS sang across his skin, transferring to Sam and then back to him every place where their bodies connected"
I now have this image in my mind of raisins rolling around them and getting smushed between their bodies. I know it's juvenile, but it is hysterical!
There were several other similar type errors, but none of the others were nearly as entertaining!
August 16, 2010
This is a very (VERY) sweet coming of age story that shows how heady first love can be and all the drama young people feel so intensely. I don’t mean this as a negative comment but reading this reminds me of how intense and all consuming first love feels. How the slightest hint of rejection is totally blown out of proportion and becomes the biggest drama in young life. I admit I read this one with a smile and a laugh, remembering the angst of youth. It’s not bad and the story shows some real skill in keeping a light hand so the drama doesn’t overwhelm the story and turn it maudlin and sappy. Above all, the tale is deeply romantic with two young men who are soul mates so fans will likely really adore this offering.
Ryan and Sam have been inseparable since they met as children. Privileged Sam and impoverished Ryan may seem like opposites but they clicked from day one and never looked back. With Sam’s parents jet setting around the world, he eagerly has Ryan stay with him more often than not. Eventually Ryan falls in love with Sam but thinking Sam could never feel the same way, he accepts a scholarship for a college out of state. Hurt and sad about losing his best friend, Sam slowly comes to realize his true feelings are much deeper than brotherly love. When a chance kiss turns more passionate, the aftermath leaves Sam and Ryan’s friendship broken. They eventually find a way back to each other but can they have to be honest if they’re going to be together they way they both desperately want.
The story starts out with Ryan close to heading off to college. Sam is sad and upset about losing the other half of him and doesn’t understand why Ryan is leaving. The two young men are very sweet and the clean writing helps the story from getting way too sappy. Instead it shows the boys as they surf, laugh, play video games, and gets inside both of their heads. Both Ryan and Sam are upset about their coming separation but with the ignorance of youth, are convinced the other would never want to be with them. Part of this narrative is not only entertaining but it really gets into the intensity and rush of first love. That overwhelming feeling where reactions and emotions swing from one extreme to the other and the smallest misunderstand is (omg) the end of the world.
Some of the characters’ reactions, especially Sam as he decides to end their friendship, are immature and childish. I didn’t mind this since I think it speaks to the inexperience of the young men and their age. Neither Sam nor Ryan ever really dated and were content with each other so they have limited experience and knowledge outside of their bubble. It didn’t surprise me that they felt such explosive emotions and making wild decisions to end the best friendship of your life over a misunderstanding. It’s relatively mild too since there’s no doubt they’ll eventually make up. They do and besides the question of when will they admit their feelings, the story doesn’t have much tension. I didn’t mind since both Sam and Ryan are pretty immature and any tension would have seen bad reactions no doubt. I’m sure college will offer maturity and experience both need to really growth and develop. So it’d be nice to revisit these two down the road to see how they’ve changed.
Overall this is a pretty sweet story about young love and soul mates that will please romantics immensely. There is some drama but the light tone keeps this from being sappy or too ridiculous. Instead readers are likely to forgive youthful antics and exaggerations and instead appreciate that intensity of true love at a young age. As a quick, engaging, and entertaining story, it’s worth reading.
Ryan and Sam have been inseparable since they met as children. Privileged Sam and impoverished Ryan may seem like opposites but they clicked from day one and never looked back. With Sam’s parents jet setting around the world, he eagerly has Ryan stay with him more often than not. Eventually Ryan falls in love with Sam but thinking Sam could never feel the same way, he accepts a scholarship for a college out of state. Hurt and sad about losing his best friend, Sam slowly comes to realize his true feelings are much deeper than brotherly love. When a chance kiss turns more passionate, the aftermath leaves Sam and Ryan’s friendship broken. They eventually find a way back to each other but can they have to be honest if they’re going to be together they way they both desperately want.
The story starts out with Ryan close to heading off to college. Sam is sad and upset about losing the other half of him and doesn’t understand why Ryan is leaving. The two young men are very sweet and the clean writing helps the story from getting way too sappy. Instead it shows the boys as they surf, laugh, play video games, and gets inside both of their heads. Both Ryan and Sam are upset about their coming separation but with the ignorance of youth, are convinced the other would never want to be with them. Part of this narrative is not only entertaining but it really gets into the intensity and rush of first love. That overwhelming feeling where reactions and emotions swing from one extreme to the other and the smallest misunderstand is (omg) the end of the world.
Some of the characters’ reactions, especially Sam as he decides to end their friendship, are immature and childish. I didn’t mind this since I think it speaks to the inexperience of the young men and their age. Neither Sam nor Ryan ever really dated and were content with each other so they have limited experience and knowledge outside of their bubble. It didn’t surprise me that they felt such explosive emotions and making wild decisions to end the best friendship of your life over a misunderstanding. It’s relatively mild too since there’s no doubt they’ll eventually make up. They do and besides the question of when will they admit their feelings, the story doesn’t have much tension. I didn’t mind since both Sam and Ryan are pretty immature and any tension would have seen bad reactions no doubt. I’m sure college will offer maturity and experience both need to really growth and develop. So it’d be nice to revisit these two down the road to see how they’ve changed.
Overall this is a pretty sweet story about young love and soul mates that will please romantics immensely. There is some drama but the light tone keeps this from being sappy or too ridiculous. Instead readers are likely to forgive youthful antics and exaggerations and instead appreciate that intensity of true love at a young age. As a quick, engaging, and entertaining story, it’s worth reading.
November 17, 2013
This was a sugary sweet romance whose central conflict turns on the fact that the two main characters, Ryan and Sam, can't tell each other that they are in love with the other. As a result of their silence, they suffer until one of them gins up the nerve to say, "Hey, remember that night when we made out and came like rocket ships? Yeah, I was totally into you, and I'm kinda hoping you were into me." The only thing that makes the emo absurdity bearable is the fact that they were both 18. You're allowed to be stupid when you're young, and they (well, really mostly Sam) were idiots.
It sounds like I hated this book. I didn't. I actually thought it was adorable, even with its heaping helping of all-too-dramatic "extra." It was, however, mockable because seriously, these dudes were ridiculous. They were like Bella Swan, minus the vampires and werewolves, and with a penis.
It sounds like I hated this book. I didn't. I actually thought it was adorable, even with its heaping helping of all-too-dramatic "extra." It was, however, mockable because seriously, these dudes were ridiculous. They were like Bella Swan, minus the vampires and werewolves, and with a penis.
December 27, 2014
1.5 stars
That was...well, let's just say I'm glad I didn't pay for it. The story had potential, but it was ruined by poor writing and the fact that it was, as Lo-Lo said, "cheesy and sickeningly sweet". I managed to finish it, but not without rolling my eyes constantly. At least it was short.
That was...well, let's just say I'm glad I didn't pay for it. The story had potential, but it was ruined by poor writing and the fact that it was, as Lo-Lo said, "cheesy and sickeningly sweet". I managed to finish it, but not without rolling my eyes constantly. At least it was short.
January 4, 2015
3.5 STARS
October 23, 2015
Aaaaaw, that was one cute amazing story! Yes it was very very sweet, but sometimes you just want it! Don’t deny it, just go with it!
Sam and Ryan were just too cute to be true. I have a thing for best friends falling in love. These stories just bring me to my happy place in no time. And boy did this one deliver.
Sam and Ryan have been best friends for ages and Ryan has always known he is in love with Sam. But afraid to ruin their friendship Ryan has never acted on his feelings.
Sam just wants to be with Ryan all the time, but has never wondered why. When Ryan goes away to college Sam cannot deny his feelings any longer.
After that there is just cuteness and hot sex. :D
One of those happy happy happy books!
Sam and Ryan were just too cute to be true. I have a thing for best friends falling in love. These stories just bring me to my happy place in no time. And boy did this one deliver.
Sam and Ryan have been best friends for ages and Ryan has always known he is in love with Sam. But afraid to ruin their friendship Ryan has never acted on his feelings.
Sam just wants to be with Ryan all the time, but has never wondered why. When Ryan goes away to college Sam cannot deny his feelings any longer.
After that there is just cuteness and hot sex. :D
One of those happy happy happy books!
June 3, 2011
It's a sweet story about two best friends who are in love with one another but afraid to say something about it. The first half, I enjoyed, because there is the angst, and the emotional separation. But after they get together, it's a bit too sugary for me. It's not a bad story, really it's not. Since most of my friends are giving this high reviews. I guess I'm just being a Scrooge :p
January 13, 2011
Very sweet m/m romance about two guys who've been best friends for years. One's had a crush on the other for ages, but is so sure it isn't returned that he plans to go to college out of state to get some distance.
December 26, 2014
This was painful.
Sweet, unrequited love - a plotline I totally buy into, especially when there is a sprinkling of angst and some hotness. But this... So cheesy and sickeningly sweet that I feel a toothache coming on.
Sweet, unrequited love - a plotline I totally buy into, especially when there is a sprinkling of angst and some hotness. But this... So cheesy and sickeningly sweet that I feel a toothache coming on.
Want to read
December 23, 2014FREE at Amazon.com!
March 27, 2015
It's cute and angsty, but not as emotionally deep as it could have been, and it definitely crossed over into Cornville every now and then.
October 22, 2015
Loved it, so cute!!
December 23, 2014
4.5 Stars
This was a sweet, satisfying, quick read. It hit all the right spots for me.. but in fast forward since it's a short story. I especially enjoyed the vulnerability of the two characters. For Ryan, there was a lot of pining and for both guys, the countdown to when Ryan was leaving for college was sympathetically written. I feel like we've all been there at one point when we're dreading the end of something..school, vacation, a season, an era. For these boys that dread was magnified a thousand times because for Sam, Ryan is his family and best friend all in one. For Ryan, he's leaving the love of his life.
A few things that are usually conflicts in longer books - had to be glossed over here because of its length, but I didn't mind that these were not tackled here. Also, another thing that was a little unrealistic and a bit prevalent in GFY stories is how one minute being gay was not at all in Sam's radar but the next he was all in! Again, I didn't care and ate it all up as romantic!
Lastly, usually when the MCs are as young as these two we get a HFN ending but this one went for a HEA! Hooray!
This was a sweet, satisfying, quick read. It hit all the right spots for me.. but in fast forward since it's a short story. I especially enjoyed the vulnerability of the two characters. For Ryan, there was a lot of pining and for both guys, the countdown to when Ryan was leaving for college was sympathetically written. I feel like we've all been there at one point when we're dreading the end of something..school, vacation, a season, an era. For these boys that dread was magnified a thousand times because for Sam, Ryan is his family and best friend all in one. For Ryan, he's leaving the love of his life.
A few things that are usually conflicts in longer books - had to be glossed over here because of its length, but I didn't mind that these were not tackled here. Also, another thing that was a little unrealistic and a bit prevalent in GFY stories is how one minute being gay was not at all in Sam's radar but the next he was all in! Again, I didn't care and ate it all up as romantic!
Lastly, usually when the MCs are as young as these two we get a HFN ending but this one went for a HEA! Hooray!
April 7, 2011
I love MJ O'Shea's writing, heck I love MJ O'Shea! MJ's characters are so easy to fall in love with. You find yourself rooting for the characters as they find their way in life and love.
Sam and Ryan have been friends for years, not just friends, but best friends. Sam and Ryan prepare to say goodbye when Ryan leaves for college. A kiss brings they two closer, while miles apart. Sam and Ryan are a delight to read and cheer for.
Sam and Ryan have been friends for years, not just friends, but best friends. Sam and Ryan prepare to say goodbye when Ryan leaves for college. A kiss brings they two closer, while miles apart. Sam and Ryan are a delight to read and cheer for.
May 17, 2015
Read 05/27/2014, 05/16/2015
Ryan and Sam have been best friends for years, and as they graduate high school, are falling in love with each other, though neither has declared their feelings.
It's a sweet friends to lovers story, but, ultimately frustrating as everything could have been cleared up with a simple conversation. *growls*
Ryan and Sam have been best friends for years, and as they graduate high school, are falling in love with each other, though neither has declared their feelings.
It's a sweet friends to lovers story, but, ultimately frustrating as everything could have been cleared up with a simple conversation. *growls*
December 26, 2013
Sweet and lovely and gentle with some sadness. Lots of emotion and luckily Ryan and Sam are finally honest about their feelings for each other.
February 6, 2013
Last month, I was so fortunate to have watched what turned out to be my most favorite Korean drama series of all time:
*dramatic pause*
Reply 1997 (aka Answer Me 1997/Answer To 1997; thanks, Mweetch, for recommending it to me! *u* ).
It was mainly a kind of secret, unrequited, you're-so-near-yet-oh-so-far, I've-always-wanted-you-but-I-can't-tell-you (okay, enough!) love story between childhood friends. It was so cute and annoying and funny and frustrating and fast-paced and heartbreaking and just all sorts of perfect. It was short and simple, but it's satisfying. It's HEA. Perfect.
I can say the same things about this story.
Now, while Things I'll Never Say was not quite as perfect, it was, er, perfect for my current mood. I hope that made any sense.
*dramatic pause*
Reply 1997 (aka Answer Me 1997/Answer To 1997; thanks, Mweetch, for recommending it to me! *u* ).
It was mainly a kind of secret, unrequited, you're-so-near-yet-oh-so-far, I've-always-wanted-you-but-I-can't-tell-you (okay, enough!) love story between childhood friends. It was so cute and annoying and funny and frustrating and fast-paced and heartbreaking and just all sorts of perfect. It was short and simple, but it's satisfying. It's HEA. Perfect.
I can say the same things about this story.
Now, while Things I'll Never Say was not quite as perfect, it was, er, perfect for my current mood. I hope that made any sense.
October 15, 2014
3.5
Трогательные такие мальчишки.
Спасибо автору, что не затянул с объяснениями героев на года, как это многие любят.
И также моя благодарность за то, что не убил никого из парней. А то была у меня такая боязнь, когда спешили они встретиться.
По оценке: очень хочется поставить именно промежуточный балл, но округляю в большую сторону, т.к. все-таки очень приятно на душе после прочтения. Милая сладкая история.
Трогательные такие мальчишки.
Спасибо автору, что не затянул с объяснениями героев на года, как это многие любят.
И также моя благодарность за то, что не убил никого из парней. А то была у меня такая боязнь, когда спешили они встретиться.
По оценке: очень хочется поставить именно промежуточный балл, но округляю в большую сторону, т.к. все-таки очень приятно на душе после прочтения. Милая сладкая история.
January 7, 2015
Cute story. Pretty much the same as Unintended, just different characters/situation. Boys have been best friends forever, one goes off to college since he can't continue to stay 'just friends'. Night before....there is a mis-understanding. Boys separate....etc,etc,etc.
August 10, 2010
This was the first story of the genre that I've read. I must say it made me a big fan of m/m romance stories. Sweet and sensitive. I loved how they come to realize their love for each other.
July 7, 2011
If I ever find words to describe the feelings this book brought me, I'll put them here, because beautiful doesn't cover it.
dnf-not-4-me
December 9, 2014MCs are too young for me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 146 reviews