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Safe
They met at ten, kissed at twelve, and were madly in love by eighteen.
Caleb Deering is the captain of the swim team and the most popular senior at school. He comes from a loving family, with a kind father and a caring but strict mother who is battling breast cancer. Nico Caro, on the other hand, is small and beautiful, with a father who rules with an iron fist—literally.
One morning, Caleb forgets himself and pecks Nico on the lips at school. A teacher sees them and reports it to the Headmaster. But the accidental outing might be the least of their problems, because the calls to their parents could set off a chain of events that might get Nico killed.
In the face of this very real danger, Caleb knows he has only one mission: to keep Nico safe.
Caleb Deering is the captain of the swim team and the most popular senior at school. He comes from a loving family, with a kind father and a caring but strict mother who is battling breast cancer. Nico Caro, on the other hand, is small and beautiful, with a father who rules with an iron fist—literally.
One morning, Caleb forgets himself and pecks Nico on the lips at school. A teacher sees them and reports it to the Headmaster. But the accidental outing might be the least of their problems, because the calls to their parents could set off a chain of events that might get Nico killed.
In the face of this very real danger, Caleb knows he has only one mission: to keep Nico safe.
89 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 13, 2012
9 people are currently reading
1398 people want to read
About the author
C. Kennedy
25 books238 followersRaised on the mean streets and back lots of Hollywood by a Yoda-look-alike grandfather, award-winning author, Cody Kennedy, doesn’t conform, doesn’t fit in, is epic awkward, and lives to perfect a deep-seated oppositional defiance disorder. In a constant state of fascination with the trivial, Cody contemplates such weighty questions as: If time and space are curved, then where do all the straight people come from? When not writing, Cody can be found taming waves on western shores, pondering the nutritional value of sunsets, appreciating the much maligned dandelion, unhooking guide ropes from stanchions, and marveling at all things ordinary. Visit my blog with comments, questions, or simply share what’s on your mind.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews
February 3, 2014
"You're safe now."
Beautiful, emotional and endearing read, about two young boys falling in love and the hardships they endure. Their first kiss at 12, formed an unbreakable and sweet love , that grows deeper as Caleb and Nico mature.
Unable to keep apart but afraid of the consequences, Caleb and Nico must hide their relationship, or risk losing the precious bond they've formed.
They battle against those out to hurt them...but sometimes life forces you to experience the pain, before the healing can begin.
I cried, smiled and sighed, many happy sighs. throughout this delightful...yet sad story. Though short, this lovely read kept me interested and wishing for more. Its simply...wonderful.
"I love you. Always have, always will."
I have to say...it's safe to try this one out mates xx
July 27, 2014
4.5--Coming of Age--Stars!!
What a beautiful, emotional, heart-breaking and inspiring love story.
Between two boys who became friends at the age of 10, shared their first kiss at 12, fell in love at 13, and came out at 18.
Caleb who grew up with a supportive, loving family but was afraid to come out to them.
Nico who grew up with an abusive father, and could never come out to them.
Two people who fought for each other, who loved each other, who wanted nothing more than to be with each other.
What a beautiful, emotional, heart-breaking and inspiring love story.
Between two boys who became friends at the age of 10, shared their first kiss at 12, fell in love at 13, and came out at 18.
"You're my whole world. I could never love anyone else but you."
Caleb who grew up with a supportive, loving family but was afraid to come out to them.
Nico who grew up with an abusive father, and could never come out to them.
Two people who fought for each other, who loved each other, who wanted nothing more than to be with each other.
November 18, 2013
What a beautiful story!! I love “coming of age” and I love friends falling in love!
Caleb and Nico have been best friends since they were 10 years old and Nico came over for swimming lessons. They’ve been inseparable ever since. Their relationship evolves into kissing and youthful experimentation at 12. And by 18, they are madly in love. Caleb feels very protective of “his Nico” and will do anything to keep him safe. They just have to make it a few more months until they are off to college.
They have to hide their relationship because Nico’s abusive dad would never understand. Caleb, on the other hand, has a wonderful family. One of my favorite moments was his dad’s reaction when Caleb finally told him about his relationship with Nico.
The bullying they were subject to at school after they were discovered was eye opening. It’s been quite awhile since I was in high school (ha!), but I would have hoped that their friends and classmates would have been more open-minded and supportive. I guess I was wrong. How sad!
I enjoyed watching Caleb and Nico’s relationship develop. Through flashbacks, we get to know them from the beginning and follow them as they fall in love and explore their sexuality together. A must read for everyone who enjoys YA!
Caleb and Nico have been best friends since they were 10 years old and Nico came over for swimming lessons. They’ve been inseparable ever since. Their relationship evolves into kissing and youthful experimentation at 12. And by 18, they are madly in love. Caleb feels very protective of “his Nico” and will do anything to keep him safe. They just have to make it a few more months until they are off to college.
They have to hide their relationship because Nico’s abusive dad would never understand. Caleb, on the other hand, has a wonderful family. One of my favorite moments was his dad’s reaction when Caleb finally told him about his relationship with Nico.
The bullying they were subject to at school after they were discovered was eye opening. It’s been quite awhile since I was in high school (ha!), but I would have hoped that their friends and classmates would have been more open-minded and supportive. I guess I was wrong. How sad!
I enjoyed watching Caleb and Nico’s relationship develop. Through flashbacks, we get to know them from the beginning and follow them as they fall in love and explore their sexuality together. A must read for everyone who enjoys YA!
April 14, 2013
Awwwwww I loved this story. It was sweet and just gave me a lovely gooey warm feeling inside. Massive big up to the author and publisher for not holding back on the underage sex. There was nothing that could be deemed sordid about the sexual relationship the boys have in this story - it shows the totally believable progression of a loving relationship between two boys who just happen to be 'underage.'
My only disappointment is that the author doesn't seem to have any more books out yet, although I see that there are a couple in the pipeline - hooray!
I do realise that I use the word 'lovely' far too much, but this book is lovely, lovely, lovely and I make no apologies for saying so.
My only disappointment is that the author doesn't seem to have any more books out yet, although I see that there are a couple in the pipeline - hooray!
I do realise that I use the word 'lovely' far too much, but this book is lovely, lovely, lovely and I make no apologies for saying so.
January 3, 2014
Safe is a really cute short story by C. Kennedy. The couple in this story were just so adorable and I wanted to hug both of them so many times. I'm a sucker for boys who loose their virginity together, so this was the perfect story for me in that sense. Highly recommend it for fans of YA and like cute little stories.
October 26, 2013
ETA
I re read the new edition of this one, and while the story is the same its a much cleaner version. It's still too short for me, but the story reads better. Still needed the tissues even knowing how it ended.
Although this is a YA, I would so love to read Caleb and Nico at college. Or better yet a few more years down the line. Did their High school sweetheart status carry them through or did things change once they left home?
Overall this is well suited to the YA audience, or anyone looking for a quick fix of sweet romance (although still too much focus on the sex for me lol)
Up graded a star because second time reading I found the parts I liked out weighed the parts I didn't this time. Although its still too short lol.
******************************
Not sure what to say about this one.
I love the idea for this book, but its too short to do justice to the two themes.
First we have two kids growing closer and falling in love. I would of loved to watch Nico and Caleb fall in love, but instead it was all told in a series of time jumps and for me the focus was more on them learning about sex.
Second there is an abuse theme that again is given passing mentions until the end when it becomes the main story. But with so little time it all feels rushed.
Overall there were parts I liked and parts that felt off. I felt if only there had been more depth and length then I could of really loved this story.
January 2, 2016
Read 01/03/2014, 05/12/2015
The blurb really does say it all.
It's a very sweet love story, peppered with the sadness from the abuse Nico suffers at the hands of his father.
Ultimately, I would have given this five stars, except the end is a bit abrupt and I was left wanting much, much more.
The blurb really does say it all.
It's a very sweet love story, peppered with the sadness from the abuse Nico suffers at the hands of his father.
Ultimately, I would have given this five stars, except the end is a bit abrupt and I was left wanting much, much more.
August 12, 2014
A definite must read and keeper!
O.K.....I've been reading such great reviews of this book and have had it on my to read list for some time now but seem to keep passing on it. Boy was I stupid! This book was so beautifully written. I easily fell in love with Caleb and Nico from the start. C.Kennedy's style of writing is purely a work of art and makes the fiction believable.
A belated "great job" to C. Kennedy!
I'm still kicking myself for waiting too long to pick up and read this book.
This is definitely a MUST READ and a keeper for a re-read another day.
O.K.....I've been reading such great reviews of this book and have had it on my to read list for some time now but seem to keep passing on it. Boy was I stupid! This book was so beautifully written. I easily fell in love with Caleb and Nico from the start. C.Kennedy's style of writing is purely a work of art and makes the fiction believable.
A belated "great job" to C. Kennedy!
I'm still kicking myself for waiting too long to pick up and read this book.
This is definitely a MUST READ and a keeper for a re-read another day.
February 26, 2014
I've always secretly admired friends who've been coupled since, like, birth. So it’s no surprise that an m/m story along those lines appeals to me like warm chocolate cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. YUM. YUM.
Caleb and Nico have been best buddies since they had swimming lessons together at age 10, and they discovered pretty early on that they only had eyes for each other. How sweet, and later sexy, is that? They got to work through and share so many experiences together. I mean, imagine how much better all those teenage growing pains could be when shared with your best friend, who (BONUS!) also happens to be a smoking hot guy...like you?!?
But yeah, growing up. There’s also jealousy, and friends and family to contend with. Add an abusive parent into the mix and things did get pretty rough for Caleb and Nico. The abuse Nico suffers is heartbreaking, but I loved how Caleb was always there for him.
I liked how the story was told, too: something really tragic happens at the beginning and then there are flashbacks to Caleb and Nico’s relationship over the years, then back to present day. Something that didn't work for me, though, was how the kids talked to each other. These are teenagers we’re talking about, and there was an awful lot of tender embracing and face cupping. I’m 40, and as much as I’d like to have face cupping in my life, let’s face it: that shit doesn't happen. (Sad, right?) Anyway, I think if the boys had been a little older, the tenderness might have felt more realistic.
One other thing that concerned me was Caleb’s jealousy when girls found Nico attractive. First of all, we’re talking about GIRLS, second, Caleb’s reaction was fairly violent at one point. Knowing that Nico comes from an abusive home, that bugged me a lot.
Overall, I really, really liked the romance, and the sexy time was totally sweet and packed some heat (I’d go with an NA category v. YA, with that in mind!). I recommend Safe if you’re looking for something short and non-angsty between some of your heavier reads.
3.5 stars
Caleb and Nico have been best buddies since they had swimming lessons together at age 10, and they discovered pretty early on that they only had eyes for each other. How sweet, and later sexy, is that? They got to work through and share so many experiences together. I mean, imagine how much better all those teenage growing pains could be when shared with your best friend, who (BONUS!) also happens to be a smoking hot guy...like you?!?
But yeah, growing up. There’s also jealousy, and friends and family to contend with. Add an abusive parent into the mix and things did get pretty rough for Caleb and Nico. The abuse Nico suffers is heartbreaking, but I loved how Caleb was always there for him.
I liked how the story was told, too: something really tragic happens at the beginning and then there are flashbacks to Caleb and Nico’s relationship over the years, then back to present day. Something that didn't work for me, though, was how the kids talked to each other. These are teenagers we’re talking about, and there was an awful lot of tender embracing and face cupping. I’m 40, and as much as I’d like to have face cupping in my life, let’s face it: that shit doesn't happen. (Sad, right?) Anyway, I think if the boys had been a little older, the tenderness might have felt more realistic.
One other thing that concerned me was Caleb’s jealousy when girls found Nico attractive. First of all, we’re talking about GIRLS, second, Caleb’s reaction was fairly violent at one point. Knowing that Nico comes from an abusive home, that bugged me a lot.
Overall, I really, really liked the romance, and the sexy time was totally sweet and packed some heat (I’d go with an NA category v. YA, with that in mind!). I recommend Safe if you’re looking for something short and non-angsty between some of your heavier reads.
3.5 stars
November 4, 2013
Oh boy did this story pull at my heartstrings! Poor Nico! What an intense beginning to the book with the heart-wrenching first chapter! It is then followed by n truly amazing exploration of two boys growing up together in every sense of the word.
It is incredible to see how new author C. Kennedy takes the reader through all phases of the lives of main characters Caleb and Nico. The building of a friendship that grows into love, exploring their own preference of falling for a man, the forming of more than a friendship as it turns into a relationship.
The anguish, the hiding, the hurt and even the fight that is mentioned is all so realistic. I can only say it amazed me, impressed me and touched me deeply.
We meet main characters Caleb and Nico in the first chapter when the world seems to be crushing down on them. We get taken back to their story in the chapters that follow seeing them grow in every way, till we come back to the point where the story began.
I don’t want to go further in detail. I think my words mentioned above say it all.
For me Mr. Kennedy pushed all the right buttons and touched me deeply with this story. Isn’t there any critique? Yes there is and that is that it’s a bit too short. I would have liked to have seen it expanded a bit more and yes I also would have loved to have read the rest of their sexual relationship. I cannot deny the author made me long for more because of the way he portrays their experiences.
But all this didn’t take anything away from the powerful impact of this story and that is why I am going for a full five-star rating in the end.
As an additional note a mentioning of Liam, Caleb’s best friend (bro). Everybody should have a Liam in their life and I hope we get to see his story or an addition to this story with him finding his HEA.
Review posted at:
http://sidlove.com/2013/10/28/current...
It is incredible to see how new author C. Kennedy takes the reader through all phases of the lives of main characters Caleb and Nico. The building of a friendship that grows into love, exploring their own preference of falling for a man, the forming of more than a friendship as it turns into a relationship.
The anguish, the hiding, the hurt and even the fight that is mentioned is all so realistic. I can only say it amazed me, impressed me and touched me deeply.
We meet main characters Caleb and Nico in the first chapter when the world seems to be crushing down on them. We get taken back to their story in the chapters that follow seeing them grow in every way, till we come back to the point where the story began.
I don’t want to go further in detail. I think my words mentioned above say it all.
For me Mr. Kennedy pushed all the right buttons and touched me deeply with this story. Isn’t there any critique? Yes there is and that is that it’s a bit too short. I would have liked to have seen it expanded a bit more and yes I also would have loved to have read the rest of their sexual relationship. I cannot deny the author made me long for more because of the way he portrays their experiences.
But all this didn’t take anything away from the powerful impact of this story and that is why I am going for a full five-star rating in the end.
As an additional note a mentioning of Liam, Caleb’s best friend (bro). Everybody should have a Liam in their life and I hope we get to see his story or an addition to this story with him finding his HEA.
Review posted at:
http://sidlove.com/2013/10/28/current...
November 30, 2013
I think this is definitely a 5-star YA novella as it deals with some fairly edgy material without going over the top which I believe is appropriate for the target audience. The story was nicely written and executed very well. Like a lot of folks, I would have liked for it to have been a bit longer, but I think the story was conveyed nicely even given the short length. I thought the handling of the physical abuse was realistic given that most children who suffer this type of abuse at the hand of a parent don't tend to talk about it in great detail. A point Mr. Kennedy probably knows all too well from his work with abused youth. I loved Caleb's protective nature toward Nico and Nico's vulnerabilty was heartfelt. Both MCs were very endearing. I wouldn't mind seeing a more grown-up version of this story as these two enter their college and adult years perhaps delving deeper into Nico's character and how he eventually deals with his abuse at the hands of his father.
11-26-13 Just finished reading the second edition of this book and wanted to say how wonderful it was to revisit Caleb and Nico. This is such a beautifully told story of young love, first love and forever love. These two have nestled into a place in my heart and I cannot wait for the extended version of this story.
11-26-13 Just finished reading the second edition of this book and wanted to say how wonderful it was to revisit Caleb and Nico. This is such a beautifully told story of young love, first love and forever love. These two have nestled into a place in my heart and I cannot wait for the extended version of this story.
February 4, 2016
In lieu of writing reviews – I’m taking an extended break – I decided to leave this list showing some of the reasons for the stars I’ve given to the stories I’ve read.
5 Stars – Given to stories that had me falling in love with the characters or stories where I hated the characters but the author had me hooked. For stories that had me so engaged in the plot I couldn’t put the book down and stories that either made me cry buckets and/or laugh until I cried.
4 Stars– Given to stories that I REALLY enjoyed reading but had me wishing for just a bit more.
3 Stars – Given to stories that I thought were well worth the read but they didn’t knock my socks off.
2 Stars – Given to stories that didn’t work for me. I couldn’t connect to the MCs or feel any sort of connection between them. I couldn’t follow the plot or there wasn’t a plot. Every so often one of these stories just needs work to fix what went wrong but mostly 2 star reads are stories that leave me wondering why I kept reading until the end.
1 Star - I RARELY give out 1 Star so when I do it means the story was a complete train wreck.
I know what I may love another reader may wonder what the hell I was thinking and vise versa but I’m okay with that!
5 Stars – Given to stories that had me falling in love with the characters or stories where I hated the characters but the author had me hooked. For stories that had me so engaged in the plot I couldn’t put the book down and stories that either made me cry buckets and/or laugh until I cried.
4 Stars– Given to stories that I REALLY enjoyed reading but had me wishing for just a bit more.
3 Stars – Given to stories that I thought were well worth the read but they didn’t knock my socks off.
2 Stars – Given to stories that didn’t work for me. I couldn’t connect to the MCs or feel any sort of connection between them. I couldn’t follow the plot or there wasn’t a plot. Every so often one of these stories just needs work to fix what went wrong but mostly 2 star reads are stories that leave me wondering why I kept reading until the end.
1 Star - I RARELY give out 1 Star so when I do it means the story was a complete train wreck.
I know what I may love another reader may wonder what the hell I was thinking and vise versa but I’m okay with that!
April 13, 2013
3.5, I rounded up.
I read this novella for an interview I was conducting with the author.
As far as my opinion... I liked it. I thought the structure of the story was well done. (I am a structure person.) I liked the way Cody went back in time after the bruising and then brought it up to real time again. I think that style of "flashback" was well done. And the resolution of the story was good. So, yeah, I liked it. The abuse in the story was well done and realistic, I think.
My niggles... I had some problems with the age. I'm not a fan of talking about 10 yr olds, especially as intimately as they seemed. It bothered me. YES, it states it in the blurb, but personally I didn't care for that. It had editing issues. punctuation. misapelled words. I'm not a great critic on editing because we all know I suck, but there were definite spots that stood out to me enough to bother me. But, Cody said he had issues with the editing too, so...
Overall I liked it. It was cute, and their mutual affection was clear.
I read this novella for an interview I was conducting with the author.
As far as my opinion... I liked it. I thought the structure of the story was well done. (I am a structure person.) I liked the way Cody went back in time after the bruising and then brought it up to real time again. I think that style of "flashback" was well done. And the resolution of the story was good. So, yeah, I liked it. The abuse in the story was well done and realistic, I think.
My niggles... I had some problems with the age. I'm not a fan of talking about 10 yr olds, especially as intimately as they seemed. It bothered me. YES, it states it in the blurb, but personally I didn't care for that. It had editing issues. punctuation. misapelled words. I'm not a great critic on editing because we all know I suck, but there were definite spots that stood out to me enough to bother me. But, Cody said he had issues with the editing too, so...
Overall I liked it. It was cute, and their mutual affection was clear.
November 21, 2013
I have to say one very important thing about this book, It left me speechless. It was so incredibly good the relationship between Caleb and Nico was so well written you feel your heart break with each bruise Nico receives and the reactions from family, friends, and the school will make you cry but you will laugh through your tears.I know this is a book for young adults but I would recommend it to anyone who is in the mood for a wonderful story about two people in love.
May 2, 2013
An excellent LGBT YA, which I thoroughly enjoyed reading. For my full review, go to Greedy Bug Book Reviews-
http://greedybug.blogspot.com.au/2013...
http://greedybug.blogspot.com.au/2013...
August 28, 2012
5 Hearts
First published at MM Good Book Reviews
http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.co...
Caleb and Nico have been best friends since they were ten. they kissed at twelve and become boyfriends and at nearly eighteen they are happily madly in love. But, just one mistake could now take that all away from them. Nico faces his biggest fear when his vicious father finds out the truth and Caleb is left feeling helpless, as he can’t keep his true love safe.
This is a wonderful coming of age, first love, high school sweetheart story that by the end has you smiling as tears blur your vision. Caleb and Nico are a wonderful young couple who have had to hide their love for each other for nearly six years. When Caleb slips up and pecks Nico on the lips at school and a teacher can’t keep his mouth shut. It leads to danger for Nico. And Caleb has to admit the truth to his father when he doesn’t feel ready.
One of the best things I loved about this story was the way that it drew us into both Caleb and Nico’s lives. We see them as they grow up together at pivotal moments of their lives; as their relationship progresses and as they grow and explore their sexual relationship. Although it was from Caleb’s POV we get a great feel for the character Nico, how sweet and gentle he is but with a backbone when he needs one. Caleb is more of the protector in the relationship wanting to protect Nico from his father and anyone around them that would do him harm. Caleb also wants to take care of him and be the one that Nico relies on.
This story is really well written and gives us a wonderful experience of high school sweethearts who have to hide what they really are from everyone. to the struggles they face when they are outed and the ramifications of the actions of a careless adult. Nico and Caleb show how they stand together against anything thrown at them, but also how they support each other in a traumatic time. I was very happy with how the story played out. Although, I would have liked to see what happened to the teacher who spread it around and the punishment that he received for the distress and heartache he caused by his actions. So, even though this story is about teenage boys, that don’t mean that there is rampant sex. Yes, there is some experimenting, but they never go all the way. The sex in this is all about them discovering with each other; what they both like as their relationship progresses and doing what they both feel ready to do.
In all honesty I recommend this to both young adults and adults who love true romance and true love, being there for someone you love through the good times and bad, to being brave enough to face your demons and a happy ending for two wonderful young adults that is also a new beginning for them.
First published at MM Good Book Reviews
http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.co...
Caleb and Nico have been best friends since they were ten. they kissed at twelve and become boyfriends and at nearly eighteen they are happily madly in love. But, just one mistake could now take that all away from them. Nico faces his biggest fear when his vicious father finds out the truth and Caleb is left feeling helpless, as he can’t keep his true love safe.
This is a wonderful coming of age, first love, high school sweetheart story that by the end has you smiling as tears blur your vision. Caleb and Nico are a wonderful young couple who have had to hide their love for each other for nearly six years. When Caleb slips up and pecks Nico on the lips at school and a teacher can’t keep his mouth shut. It leads to danger for Nico. And Caleb has to admit the truth to his father when he doesn’t feel ready.
One of the best things I loved about this story was the way that it drew us into both Caleb and Nico’s lives. We see them as they grow up together at pivotal moments of their lives; as their relationship progresses and as they grow and explore their sexual relationship. Although it was from Caleb’s POV we get a great feel for the character Nico, how sweet and gentle he is but with a backbone when he needs one. Caleb is more of the protector in the relationship wanting to protect Nico from his father and anyone around them that would do him harm. Caleb also wants to take care of him and be the one that Nico relies on.
This story is really well written and gives us a wonderful experience of high school sweethearts who have to hide what they really are from everyone. to the struggles they face when they are outed and the ramifications of the actions of a careless adult. Nico and Caleb show how they stand together against anything thrown at them, but also how they support each other in a traumatic time. I was very happy with how the story played out. Although, I would have liked to see what happened to the teacher who spread it around and the punishment that he received for the distress and heartache he caused by his actions. So, even though this story is about teenage boys, that don’t mean that there is rampant sex. Yes, there is some experimenting, but they never go all the way. The sex in this is all about them discovering with each other; what they both like as their relationship progresses and doing what they both feel ready to do.
In all honesty I recommend this to both young adults and adults who love true romance and true love, being there for someone you love through the good times and bad, to being brave enough to face your demons and a happy ending for two wonderful young adults that is also a new beginning for them.
February 7, 2013
Safe captures young love in a queer teen's life very accurately. The world really does seem to vanish so all that is left is this sanctuary where you and your lover is all that exists. It is this a place where it does not matter what other people know or what they think about it. But then there is the fear of this paradise being infiltrated by those uninvited, along with the potential damage they can cause during that visit. This novella both justifies these fears and manages to also extinguish them with how surprisingly accepting some others can be. There were many scenes that made me smile and wince at the realism because it's a bittersweet reality for a lot of us. Makes for an interesting read!
While the dialogue did not always feel natural at times, the main characters were well established and had good chemistry. I particularly enjoyed the portion of the story that recapped the start of their relationship. The development of romance is always my favourite part to read because it sells their bond (plus I have a bit of a preference for past-tense, so it was a pleasant surprise). They were simply adorable. The author did a wonderful job painting the image of Nico's fragility; it had me worrying alongside Caleb and drove the plot. You can just envision that these two boys will always be inseparable.
While the dialogue did not always feel natural at times, the main characters were well established and had good chemistry. I particularly enjoyed the portion of the story that recapped the start of their relationship. The development of romance is always my favourite part to read because it sells their bond (plus I have a bit of a preference for past-tense, so it was a pleasant surprise). They were simply adorable. The author did a wonderful job painting the image of Nico's fragility; it had me worrying alongside Caleb and drove the plot. You can just envision that these two boys will always be inseparable.
October 29, 2013
Safe is the second book I have read by C.Kennedy. It involves two young men, Nico and Caleb, who have been friends since they were ten years old and that friendship develops over time into more. They are unable to be open about their relationship because Nico's father would never understand. Nico's father is abusive to him and his mother and he and Caleb are just waiting until they graduate to go away to college. This short story is both sweet in it's portrayal of the love that grows between Nico and Caleb, and a sad testament to what many go through with abuse. In this case a young boy and his mother. I had questions regarding why this man wasn't stopped why someone did not protect Nico. The author was very helpful in addressing these questions and here is a link to a blog that addresses this. http://www.shiraanthony.com/2013/10/c...
I enjoyed the story and thought it brought up a subject that is sad and troubling while still giving us a tender coming of age story for Caleb and Nico.
It is a good book and the proceeds of the sale of this book are being donated to charity.
For a full review please click here:
http://liveyourlifebuythebook.wordpre...
I enjoyed the story and thought it brought up a subject that is sad and troubling while still giving us a tender coming of age story for Caleb and Nico.
It is a good book and the proceeds of the sale of this book are being donated to charity.
For a full review please click here:
http://liveyourlifebuythebook.wordpre...
October 28, 2013
Caleb and Nico stole my heart so quickly. I love, love, love friends-turned-more stories, and this one was incredibly lovely. Things happened so naturally between them, and their love was so pure and beautiful right from the beginning. The moments when they are 'coming out' to each other, and discovering that they do, in fact, feel the same way about each other, and share their first kiss are so beautifully written. You feel so in the moment with these two; it's wonderful.
The abuse that Nico suffers at the hands of his father is horrific. Caleb's love for him, and desire to protect him is beautiful though, and somehow counteracts for Nico a lot of the pain he endures.
One of my favorite scenes in the book is when Caleb comes clean with his father about what is going on between him and Nico. His dad's reaction is fantastic. I completely fell in love with his character in that moment.
I hope C. Kennedy will write more of Caleb and Nicolo for us!!! I would love to see a continuation of their story. <3
The abuse that Nico suffers at the hands of his father is horrific. Caleb's love for him, and desire to protect him is beautiful though, and somehow counteracts for Nico a lot of the pain he endures.
One of my favorite scenes in the book is when Caleb comes clean with his father about what is going on between him and Nico. His dad's reaction is fantastic. I completely fell in love with his character in that moment.
I hope C. Kennedy will write more of Caleb and Nicolo for us!!! I would love to see a continuation of their story. <3
October 23, 2015
Cute coming of age story about two boys who have been in love with each other since they were 12.
This book was missing some depth, but it was enjoyable anyway. I just love a story about best friends falling in love..
Caleb and Nico have been best friends since they met when they were only 10. They were inseparable so it does not come as a surprise when they admit to each other they do not like girls, but they do like each other. The rest of this book takes us on a journey of sexual discovery, friendship and love.
Short, sweet, enjoyable. A nice in-between read.
This book was missing some depth, but it was enjoyable anyway. I just love a story about best friends falling in love..
Caleb and Nico have been best friends since they met when they were only 10. They were inseparable so it does not come as a surprise when they admit to each other they do not like girls, but they do like each other. The rest of this book takes us on a journey of sexual discovery, friendship and love.
Short, sweet, enjoyable. A nice in-between read.
May 21, 2015
Beautiful. Just beautiful.
For my honest and true view of this book, please read …MORE
Goodreads TOS-compliant review (I think, let me know when they tell us what the rules are):
"The book I just read is about two (or three) lovely people, written in beautiful language, by a very good and prolific author. I liked it very, very much.
It is for sale on Amazon.”
DISCLAIMER: My reviews now all have this pretty face, so that all and everyone on Goodreads can stay happy and beatific. I’ll let you know if I change my mind. See the real review above for my thoughts on this book.
For my honest and true view of this book, please read …MORE
Goodreads TOS-compliant review (I think, let me know when they tell us what the rules are):
"The book I just read is about two (or three) lovely people, written in beautiful language, by a very good and prolific author. I liked it very, very much.
It is for sale on Amazon.”
DISCLAIMER: My reviews now all have this pretty face, so that all and everyone on Goodreads can stay happy and beatific. I’ll let you know if I change my mind. See the real review above for my thoughts on this book.
October 25, 2013
I loved the book, but the writing seemed a bit awkward. I felt like I was on the outside of the story being told the sequence of events, rather than being inside a character's head and feeling his emotions as he lived it. BUT, this doesn't take away too much from the impact of the story itself. The boys were engaging enough that I did feel a connection and I wanted good things to happen for both Nico and Caleb. Overall, I enjoyed it and I'm looking forward to more books by this author.
February 8, 2013
It's good, but the way it's written is a bit confusing. It starts in media res, backtracks a bit, continues to the "present" point, then continues beyond.
It was good-ish, I think. Certainly an interesting read.
It was good-ish, I think. Certainly an interesting read.
September 24, 2012
Very sensitive and authentic handling of the core relationship.
January 19, 2016
Beautiful book - I recommend everyone read this gorgeous story!
December 21, 2024
okkkkkkkaaaaaaaaaaaaaay that was cuuuute.
January 16, 2014
This was a challenge book suggested for me because I am not normally a YA reader. Has nothing to do with anything that I've read before, but more with my own personal preferences and my comfort level of reading about young love and first times. I know it is the beautiful and natural progression of stepping out of innocence and into young adulthood, but it is not normally for me. So with that said, read this knowing that it is not the kind of story I would choose and make your own decisions on whether or not to read it.
The story-line itself is one that I do like. I love when you have one of the main characters doing everything in their power to keep their lover safe. In this case Nico was raised in an abusive home and was beaten on an almost daily basis by his heavy handed father. Caleb struggles with trying to keep him safe, but it’s very hard to do because this all begins when they are just ten years old.
At twelve they begin to understand that they do not have the same feelings for girls that they have for each other. It is at this stage that they begin to explore those feelings and take their first kiss. They are very secretive because they know, even at this young age, that many will not understand nor accept their growing attraction and love for each other.
The young Nico and Caleb are opposites in many ways. Caleb is large, an athlete, popular and comes from a loving family. Nico is small, quiet, and lives in with an abusive father, and a weak mother who isn’t able to protect him. You don’t really get too much insight or detail to go on; just that life pretty much sucks for Nico.
The timeline in this short story just touches on each phase of their growth and ends with them in their senior year of high school. The prologue and the ending cover their “outing” and the subsequent issues that brings to them both. It’s pretty heartbreaking, as you could already guess, for Nico. And it’s quite nice for Caleb. Caleb has the perfect dad for a gay teen, I just wish he (the dad) had tried harder or done more for Nico.
Almost the entire story takes place in a high school, covering all the issues that gay teens would find themselves in. Even though it was great to see Liam step up and be a true friend, I found Megan to be a bit unrealistic. However, I have been out of high school a long time, so maybe it’s just me.
So overall I survived my challenge book and, on the whole, it was pretty good. I don’t see myself reading another one anytime soon, but I can definitely understand why many love this kind of book. I think for me it mostly deals with my not wanting to read about kids, or especially kids and sex. Nevertheless the sex is pretty tame, no anal, and definitely inexperienced, so it’s still appropriate for young adults. I would definitely recommend this to those who normally gravitate towards young love and minimal sex…that would be you, Nikyta.
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The story-line itself is one that I do like. I love when you have one of the main characters doing everything in their power to keep their lover safe. In this case Nico was raised in an abusive home and was beaten on an almost daily basis by his heavy handed father. Caleb struggles with trying to keep him safe, but it’s very hard to do because this all begins when they are just ten years old.
At twelve they begin to understand that they do not have the same feelings for girls that they have for each other. It is at this stage that they begin to explore those feelings and take their first kiss. They are very secretive because they know, even at this young age, that many will not understand nor accept their growing attraction and love for each other.
The young Nico and Caleb are opposites in many ways. Caleb is large, an athlete, popular and comes from a loving family. Nico is small, quiet, and lives in with an abusive father, and a weak mother who isn’t able to protect him. You don’t really get too much insight or detail to go on; just that life pretty much sucks for Nico.
The timeline in this short story just touches on each phase of their growth and ends with them in their senior year of high school. The prologue and the ending cover their “outing” and the subsequent issues that brings to them both. It’s pretty heartbreaking, as you could already guess, for Nico. And it’s quite nice for Caleb. Caleb has the perfect dad for a gay teen, I just wish he (the dad) had tried harder or done more for Nico.
Almost the entire story takes place in a high school, covering all the issues that gay teens would find themselves in. Even though it was great to see Liam step up and be a true friend, I found Megan to be a bit unrealistic. However, I have been out of high school a long time, so maybe it’s just me.
So overall I survived my challenge book and, on the whole, it was pretty good. I don’t see myself reading another one anytime soon, but I can definitely understand why many love this kind of book. I think for me it mostly deals with my not wanting to read about kids, or especially kids and sex. Nevertheless the sex is pretty tame, no anal, and definitely inexperienced, so it’s still appropriate for young adults. I would definitely recommend this to those who normally gravitate towards young love and minimal sex…that would be you, Nikyta.
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October 23, 2013
4 Stars
A "Live Your Life, Buy The Book" Review
Safe is the story of two young boys, Caleb Deering and Nico Caro. They meet at swim lessons at Caleb’s house when they are ten years old and become best friends. By twelve they share their first kiss, and then slowly progress to more explorations as they get older. During this time they both decide to keep it quiet. Caleb because he is not sure how his family will react and Nico because he knows how his father will react. Nico’s father is abusive to both him and his mother and he frequently appears with bruises as a result. Caleb and Nico are just waiting until they graduate and can leave for college, but Caleb wonders if he will be able to keep Nico safe until then.
The story is told in the present tense in the beginning of the story. The boys are seniors in high school. As they part for class, Caleb forgets they are at school and kisses Nico goodbye. A teacher sees them and reports it to the Head Master, who then calls their families. This is a disaster, especially for Nico. The story then flashes back to when Nico and Caleb met and progresses through the experiences that have shaped their lives and their love for one another. We then return to the present and the consequences of that kiss.
I thought the portrayal of the coming of age and falling in love was presented in a realistic light. Youthful experimenting and puberty is in full swing for many boys by age twelve. There are several points in the book that I would have loved to see further developed; more from Nico’s point of view and background, Liam, Caleb’s friend, one of the other characters Caleb meets in a diner, and Megan. I realize there is only so much you can put in a short story and I feel my curiosity is more indicative of the author weaving an intriguing story, than the story missing anything. I thought the relationship between Caleb and Nico was very sweet. The abuse from Nico’s father is disturbing and unfortunately not uncommon. The author lists many resources at the end of the book for anyone seeking help for themselves or someone they know.
Safe is the second story I have read by Cody Kennedy; the first was Omorphi, a full length novel. Even though I wanted this one to be longer, I enjoyed Safe and I am looking forward to more from this author.
A "Live Your Life, Buy The Book" Review
Safe is the story of two young boys, Caleb Deering and Nico Caro. They meet at swim lessons at Caleb’s house when they are ten years old and become best friends. By twelve they share their first kiss, and then slowly progress to more explorations as they get older. During this time they both decide to keep it quiet. Caleb because he is not sure how his family will react and Nico because he knows how his father will react. Nico’s father is abusive to both him and his mother and he frequently appears with bruises as a result. Caleb and Nico are just waiting until they graduate and can leave for college, but Caleb wonders if he will be able to keep Nico safe until then.
The story is told in the present tense in the beginning of the story. The boys are seniors in high school. As they part for class, Caleb forgets they are at school and kisses Nico goodbye. A teacher sees them and reports it to the Head Master, who then calls their families. This is a disaster, especially for Nico. The story then flashes back to when Nico and Caleb met and progresses through the experiences that have shaped their lives and their love for one another. We then return to the present and the consequences of that kiss.
I thought the portrayal of the coming of age and falling in love was presented in a realistic light. Youthful experimenting and puberty is in full swing for many boys by age twelve. There are several points in the book that I would have loved to see further developed; more from Nico’s point of view and background, Liam, Caleb’s friend, one of the other characters Caleb meets in a diner, and Megan. I realize there is only so much you can put in a short story and I feel my curiosity is more indicative of the author weaving an intriguing story, than the story missing anything. I thought the relationship between Caleb and Nico was very sweet. The abuse from Nico’s father is disturbing and unfortunately not uncommon. The author lists many resources at the end of the book for anyone seeking help for themselves or someone they know.
Safe is the second story I have read by Cody Kennedy; the first was Omorphi, a full length novel. Even though I wanted this one to be longer, I enjoyed Safe and I am looking forward to more from this author.
June 21, 2015
SAFE. A word that holds so much meaning for Nico. Most parents want to protect their children, never letting any harm come to them but unfortunately some parents are cruel beyond belief. I've never understood how someone can cause such harm to a child never mind their own.
Although I felt sadness reading this story, I found myself smiling a lot too. Nico and Caleb are two young boys growing up as best friends, doing all the normal things teenagers do, hanging out, doing homework together, sleepovers.
Nico is older than Caleb by a few months but he's smaller and lives his life in fear. His dad is as mean as they come. Nico has suffered years of violent abuse, his dad likes to drink them beat him up. There are so many words I wish to use right now to describe this monster but not really appropriate for a review.
Caleb is a wonderful boy, looking out for Nico wishing he could help and feeling hurt at what his best friend is going through.
When something happens at school, you know everyone finds out about it. One day is a complete nightmare for Nico and Caleb.
Caleb worries so bad for Nico, he fears for that school day to be over. Both parents of the boys have to collect them from school at the end of the day.
Caleb is lucky to have such wonderful parents, supportive, help guide him. Yes his mom is strict but she loves him and protects him.
Nico doesn't have that lifestyle, his mom can't protect him and he can't protect his mom.
As you can imagine the news of Nico being Gay does not go down well with his father. The man is brutal. I HATE HIM!!
The best thing about this book is reading the love blossom between two best friends, it's heart warming, it's beautiful. Smiling while turning the pages. It's an excellent read, written brilliantly.
Today I am thankful that I decided to read this book. Thank you Cody Kennedy for sharing this wonderful book. To all who read this review I hope where ever you are YOU ARE SAFE.
Although I felt sadness reading this story, I found myself smiling a lot too. Nico and Caleb are two young boys growing up as best friends, doing all the normal things teenagers do, hanging out, doing homework together, sleepovers.
Nico is older than Caleb by a few months but he's smaller and lives his life in fear. His dad is as mean as they come. Nico has suffered years of violent abuse, his dad likes to drink them beat him up. There are so many words I wish to use right now to describe this monster but not really appropriate for a review.
Caleb is a wonderful boy, looking out for Nico wishing he could help and feeling hurt at what his best friend is going through.
When something happens at school, you know everyone finds out about it. One day is a complete nightmare for Nico and Caleb.
Caleb worries so bad for Nico, he fears for that school day to be over. Both parents of the boys have to collect them from school at the end of the day.
Caleb is lucky to have such wonderful parents, supportive, help guide him. Yes his mom is strict but she loves him and protects him.
Nico doesn't have that lifestyle, his mom can't protect him and he can't protect his mom.
As you can imagine the news of Nico being Gay does not go down well with his father. The man is brutal. I HATE HIM!!
The best thing about this book is reading the love blossom between two best friends, it's heart warming, it's beautiful. Smiling while turning the pages. It's an excellent read, written brilliantly.
Today I am thankful that I decided to read this book. Thank you Cody Kennedy for sharing this wonderful book. To all who read this review I hope where ever you are YOU ARE SAFE.
October 14, 2013
Caleb and Nico have been best friends since they were ten years old and they’ve loved each other nearly that long. They attend a private school together but while Caleb has a loving family, Nico has an abusive father and a mother who can’t stand up to him. Nico frequently shows up with bruises, cuts and stitches. He’s trying to hold out for just a few more months, when he will turn 18 and can get away from it all.
Caleb and Nico are very careful about showing affection, although sometimes they can’t help the emotions (jealousy, longing) that come through. When Caleb completely forgets himself and kisses Nico, it would have been a small thing except a teacher saw them, and talked. Now Nico is in fear of his father’s reaction.
3.5 I loved the relationship of Caleb and Nico. The story is told mostly in flashbacks centering around their growing up together and begin to understand not only the physical part of being in love but the emotional support provided. To be so in love and have to hide it, horrible. I liked Liam immensely and was glad he was there.
What bothered me about this was Caleb’s father. He is a lawyer and as such should be aware of the consequences for child and spousal abuse, yet even when he is sure Nico is being beaten (and badly), he phrases it as “a man from a different culture…He believes in ruling his home with an iron fist.” As if that makes it okay. He gives Caleb a wait until next time and when Caleb protests, he lets Caleb know Nico may end up in a foster home and “You might never see him again.” Better to be abused than in foster care? It seemed so out of character for a man who otherwise seemed caring and who was willing to take on the school for his son.
Read it for the sweetness of Caleb and Nico, for the young romance of it all.
Caleb and Nico are very careful about showing affection, although sometimes they can’t help the emotions (jealousy, longing) that come through. When Caleb completely forgets himself and kisses Nico, it would have been a small thing except a teacher saw them, and talked. Now Nico is in fear of his father’s reaction.
3.5 I loved the relationship of Caleb and Nico. The story is told mostly in flashbacks centering around their growing up together and begin to understand not only the physical part of being in love but the emotional support provided. To be so in love and have to hide it, horrible. I liked Liam immensely and was glad he was there.
What bothered me about this was Caleb’s father. He is a lawyer and as such should be aware of the consequences for child and spousal abuse, yet even when he is sure Nico is being beaten (and badly), he phrases it as “a man from a different culture…He believes in ruling his home with an iron fist.” As if that makes it okay. He gives Caleb a wait until next time and when Caleb protests, he lets Caleb know Nico may end up in a foster home and “You might never see him again.” Better to be abused than in foster care? It seemed so out of character for a man who otherwise seemed caring and who was willing to take on the school for his son.
Read it for the sweetness of Caleb and Nico, for the young romance of it all.
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