Let Me Be the One

by Z.S. Storm

AidenFinn and I grew up as best friends. Sons of renowned politicians. Living life in the public eye but hiding the parts of us which we were most afraid to reveal. I was a closeted gay dude. Finn was a closeted...something. Shy and introverted...seemingly straight, he never looked at me the way I couldn't help but look at him sometimes. As we turned into young men from carefree teenagers, family and societal expectations entered the mix and one dreadful day, Finn got engaged. I had no choice but to suck it up. Because in worlds like ours, a guy didn't end up marrying his best friend. He ended up losing him to a girl.FinnMy wedding was supposed to be a huge and highly publicized affair. Invitations had all gone out. The whole country was waiting for it, and my family was beyond excited to see me as a married man, finally settled and ready to follow in my father's footsteps.Then Aiden decided to throw me a bachelor party. Not only that but he went one step further with a strip tease and lap dance. He meant it as a joke obviously. But there was nothing funny about the way my body responded to his grinding on my lap. Nothing funny about watching Aiden take his clothes off and get drunk with other male strippers at the party.It made me hard and angry. It made me walk up to him and kiss him like I'd never kissed anyone before. It led to a surprisingly hot sex session between me and my best friend. The best friend who I hadn't known was gay until that night. The best friend whom I had no business realizing I was in love with a week before my wedding to another woman...'Let Me Be The One' is a full-length standalone and does not contain any major triggers or heavy themes. It does have a HEA.

Genres: Friends To Lovers, Contemporary, Romance, Gay For You, M M Romance, LGBT

184 pages, Paperback

Published January 9, 2024

About the author

Z. S. STORM writes romances mostly of the dark and disturbed variety. His passions include singing, dancing, traveling, staying fit and healthy, making love and creating art.
Currently, Mr. Storm resides on a small island in the Pacific where he spends his days and nights enjoying life and whipping up intriguing plotlines. He prefers slow mornings, quiet evenings and dark fantasies for company.

He also likes hearing from fans and readers, so you can always contact him through email: z.s.storm.author@gmail.com
Or connect with him on Instagram: @mr_zsstorm (Zayn Storm)

All his books are published under the label, ‘Savage Fiction’.
Check out his website for more info.

Reviews

[~Nicole~ · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF


Wow, the book managed to get me mad from the very beginning. So, the gay guy pining for his straight friend gets mad and stops seeing and talking to said friend because the guy wants to get married to a woman. Oh,the nerve!!! A woman!!! 🙄 Not only Finn didn’t know his friend had a thing for him, he didn’t even know he was gay!!! Poor guy, couldn’t understand why he almost lost his friend so out of the blue.
Then the gay dude gets his friend drunk (on purpose) , puts him in a car (kidnaps him) and he takes him to a secluded spot/cabin/beach cottage. He carries him inside, and he takes off his clothes (while unconscious, of course) because oh,oh, he knew his friend doesn’t like to sleep with his clothes on. The next day Finn wakes up in a strange place naked and of course, starts to panic. He finds all this outrageous and borderline creepy but Aiden throws a tantrum and says that he did it for him, to spend a last week away with him as a single guy before the wedding. Then the bodyguard shows up and when Finn asks him why did he allow Aidan to kidnap him he says (I’m paraphrasing ) : “Sorry but he made puppy eyes and I couldn’t say no”. I need to mention that this is not a comedy so the bodyguard’s answer wasn’t funny, cute or endearing but a good reason to be fired. And sued probably. It’s also not a dark romance so the kidnapping is eww.
Tried some more pages and it gets from bad to worse. Aiden practically imposes a lap dance to Finn making him totally uncomfortable and then he insists that Finn likes it and sleeps with him (it’s eww and cringe ) although Finn is totally not ok and kind of confused (and drunk) . And guess what!! In the morning Aidan knows he fucked up so he packs his bags and takes off (because OH OH “I had been feeling insanely vulnerable the morning after”. HE felt vulnerable !🤣🤣) leaving Finn AGAIN to wake up confused and scared.
I’m afraid I have to dnf here. This is probably in the runner-up for worse book of 2024. The guys were weird from the beginning-they are supposed to be childhood best friends yet Aiden is gay and kept it hidden form Finn and Finn has some difficulties sleeping with women (probably he’s on the asexual spectrum) and he kept it hidden from Aiden. They each sneak behind each other’s back to get laid . What kind of friendship is that?? Also the dialogues are childish and the guys sound 16 and the writing amateurish and kinda bad.
DNF @ 50%
And it’s not even on KU.

[Lilly [Hiatus due to School]]

“I wanted the friendship and the chemistry. I wanted the conversations and the sex too. I just wanted Aiden in every way.”

Let Me Be the One is a childhood best friends-to-lovers story. We have Aiden and Finn, who both grew up wealthy as the sons of prominent politicians. Aiden has decided not to follow in his father’s footsteps into politics and has opened a fitness centre. He’s a closeted gay man and deeply in love with Finn. However, Finn wants to follow in his father’s footsteps in becoming a senator one day. He seeks his father’s approval and works hard to ensure he never brings any negative attention that may impact his family or political future. He wants the picture-perfect life for his political career, going as far as getting engaged to a woman, even if it feels wrong.

You feel for Aiden, who has to watch his best friend, the man he loves, pick up women as he struggles with even telling him this huge part of himself. He fears that due to his conservative background, he could lose his best friend.

I shook my head at him and stepped back, a frown puckering my forehead. Sometimes, I wished that he would stop playing the part of a friend and just notice me… as a man. As an attractive man. Who wanted him something bad. Would it kill him to entertain the possibility, at least?

Finn frustrated me a lot. I get it; he has been raised in a particular world, literally groomed to take over his father’s role as a senator one day. He’s idealistic yet so blind, especially to Aiden’s feelings. Aiden does not make things easy, of course, but I wanted to shake him a few times. Honestly both guys drove me nuts at different points.

Their progression from friends to lovers is a challenging path. For Finn, there’s a lot he has to deal with, especially since his future is just as important (at times, it felt even more) to him as Aiden. He also has to come to terms with sexuality and his lack of a sex drive with women. He wants to straddle two worlds but that is not possible. However, they both deeply care for one another, and you feel that with Finn's conflict.

“I wasn’t a big believer in romance, but this seemed very romantic to me. Everything was just so perfect tonight. Our connection, our lovemaking, the conversation and the pace at which things were moving.”

“It was like he heard my soul crying out for him here in the wilderness. Without saying a word, Finn came to sit closer to me, his eyes fixed on the fire while mine were studying his profile. We didn’t speak for a long time. It was such a sensitive situation for both of us. I had no idea what to do honestly, how to approach him.”

Aiden carried a lot of resentment towards Finn, even when Finn reached out to him due to the hurt and pain he could not accept. I liked how they didn’t just jump to lovers despite sleeping together. Finn learns things about himself and understands that maybe he has always carried feelings that ran deeper than friends for Aiden, but he can’t fully accept it due to shock. It felt realistic in a way. You just discovered your best friend is not only gay but in love with you in a very shocking way; it will take time to digest that. That tension is still there almost right till the end. I get things aren't going to be perfect but still! I questioned Finn's love for Aiden a few times.

The story felt a bit rushed to me towards the end, and I wished we could have gotten more of them together as they learned to be partners. This story would have benefited from being a bit longer, so many things were jammed packed. I saw the small twist coming; let’s just say Finn’s father needed a good smack. This story is also lower on the steam but the chemistry (when it was there) was nice, also there was no lube used in the first sex scene.

[Fany Herondale · Rating 2 out of 5]

Mejores amigos, uno de ellos enamorado del otro, y el otro apunto de casarse, yo esperaba más angustia, a mí me gusta sufrir.

[Micronova · Rating 2 out of 5]

Let Me Be the One, a standalone MM romance novel-
My rating is 2 stars.

The synopsis states that this novel focuses more on the plot and emotional aspects of the relationship…yet, the plot was weak, at best, and at 166 pages long, it wasn’t really long enough to delve into the relationship let alone the emotional aspects.

Finn and Aiden have been best friends since they were young boys. Aiden has been in love with Finn for years but has never told Aiden for several reasons. The first being that Finn doesn’t even know that he’s gay and the second is that Finn is a straight man and he doesn’t want to lose his friendship with him. When Finn comes to Aiden to let him know that he’ll be getting married soon, Aiden’s whole world starts to crumble…

I’m not sure what the point of this book was…I feel like the events of this story didn’t make any sense. The story started off okay but then just fizzled out. The end felt extremely rushed and I don’t necessarily feel like the HEA was actually a happy ending?

It’s near impossible for me to write a review for this novel, I’m at a loss for words and am left wondering what did I just read and why was it published this way? This feels like it should have been left as an outline for a pending novel…

Yeah. That’s all I’ve got. This book may have earned a spot as the most disappointing read of January, in my book journal. *shrugs*

[patrícia]

RTC

[ElleReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the first book that I’ve read from this author and definitely looking forward to reading more of their work.

I loved Aiden and Finn very much and was happy when they finally found their hard earned HEA.

My heart oftentimes hurt for Aiden who had loved Finn for years but was afraid to tell him in case it ruined their friendship.

Finn was quite often frustrating when he chose to not step up and confront his overbearing father. He always chose to continue to please him at the expense however of hurting Aiden, who my heart ached for.

Eventually all works out between the two and I was pleasantly surprised with a slight twist that occurs near the end of the book. Didn’t see that coming at all.

All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed this well written book very much.

“This is my honest review in exchange for a complimentary advance reader copy.”

[Mandee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant, heartbreaking, and beautiful! So many emotions while reading this book. Finn and Aiden, sons of conservative politicians, grew up together. Aiden developed feelings for Finn, but never disclosed these feelings, and once Finn dropped a bombshell that he was set to be married (what?!), their friendship hit a major road block. The rest of the story goes into what happens while Aiden tries to cope with the news of his friend’s impending nuptials, and Finn trying to cope with Aiden pulling away.

These two broke my heart over and over again! It was so hard to see Aiden being pushed away, and Finn not acknowledging his true feelings. It was awful to see Aiden getting his hopes up time and time again, only to be hurt once more. It was painful to see how much Finn just wanted to please his father, only to find out what we did later in the book.

This was my first ZS Storm experience, and I am so grateful to have received the ARC. Cannot wait to delve into more!!

[Rebekah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow best MM all year

Such a good book. Really enjoyed it. Their passion is so raw and believable! Highly recommend this book for the spice and the story!

[Julia Toth · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ☆

I'm sad to give this book a 3 star rating, but some things rubbed me the wrong way. I really enjoyed the writing style. The writing flowed nicely and it was easy to read.
Aiden and Finn are best friends who were born on the same day and both have senators for fathers. Finn deciding to get married ignites a fire under Aiden to somehow make Finn see him for something other than a best friend.
The blurb was really good, and I had high hopes, but sadly it did not deliver. Aiden came off as so thirsty for Finn. I did not feel his pining and feelings toward Finn, and I should have if it's a story with unrequited love. Sadly it felt a bit shallow and the boys gave me whiplash with how quickly they changed their behavior towards each other from one moment to the next.
Aiden was childish a lot of times, and it felt to me that a lot of times he just wanted what's best for him, which I understand to a certain degree. It also felt lile Aiden focused on the physical things he wanted from Finn, while we got more emotion from Finn while he was figuring things out. Aiden did make his feelings known, and in those scenes I was really feeling all of his emotions, but after he would change quickly and go back to how it was before.
Finn was really wrestling with his sexuality and his perceived duty towards his family , and I was happy that in the end he chose Aiden. I would have like to see how Finn's family reacted to them being together.

The "kidnapping" Aiden did to get Finn to his bachelor party getaway wasn't the best thing that he could have done.Sometimes I really wanted these 2 boys to talk things out. There was a lot of back and forth and a bit of toxicity too. Aiden was fun and Finn was more reserved and I really enjoyed their personalities, and I elso enjoyed reading the little flashbacks as well. It was great to have the flashbacks so we could see more of their history, i feel like the flashbacks were necessary.

It's a me a thing that I rated it this way and I can understand why things happaned the way they did in the book, but I wasn't vibing with it that much, I did enjoy the writing though.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nedra81 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have missed the emotional rollercoaster Zayn takes me on during his journey of words. Italian feels so good being back in his brain, with his voice flowing so freely through the words on the page. The battles his characters face have always been genuine concerns, allowing the renders to experience the emotions alongside them.

Aiden and Finn were no different with their life struggles. Feeling for Aiden while he sat idly by watching the love of his life without being able to tell him had to of been difficult enough, but he was forced to watch as his best friend becomes engaged to another woman, my heart shattered into pieces.

These two go through so much in their lifetime. Being the son’s of conservative politicians, expectations to live and act a certain way, added to their personal longings and desires, has me completely wrapped up with my feelings on a ledge. And that ending!! My heart melted and drained from my soul, lying in an AidenFinn puddle of tears.

[Iysis Bethea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aiden and Finn’s love story is amazing, I love a book that makes me giggle and kick my feet at the characters interactions and this book made me do just that! Seeing Aiden overcome his fear and announce his love to Finn was exciting, knowing how much he loved his bestfriend and be overshadowed it with friendship was sad and gut wrenching but seeing Aiden literally help Finn work the gears in his brain for the attraction was exhilarating. Finn is 100% a dom and i would love to see more of that from him if there are more books! I do wish towards the end there was more world building and description/development in their relationship and also to see how they grew in lives during the elapsed time that takes place. Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this book , I loved it and want more!

[Anne Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

So Raw
I’ve got to say I enjoyed this read this author is brand-new to me and I will be looking out for more books.
I found this book to be quite raw. You’ve got best friends, Finn and Aiden,
Aiden has never told Finley that he was gay and had the biggest crush known to man on him. The problem being that Finn is straight and about to get married. Aiden goes out on a limb to show Finn how he feels, but it isn’t just the two of them, because both families are involved in politics, therefore you always have to look out for the best reputation. But could they find the happy ending together or will it or just get too much.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Deborah Varnado · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was not expecting that twist but I’m so here for it. If you’ve ever been on the bad side of an unrequited love scenario then this story will get you in the feels. Aiden and Finn have been best friends literally from birth and have done everything together. But when someone comes along and changes that dynamic they both have to confront feelings and issues that will test their friendship.

This book had me wanting to grab these guys and shake some sense into them one minute, then hug them and tell them everything will be alright the next. The twists and secrets revealed left me speechless but I'm so glad they got their happily ever after.

[Kellie Waldron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aiden had been in love with Finn as long as he can remember. Sad thing, Finn was straight. Aidens parents didn't mind he was gay as long as he didn't embarrass the family. When Finn told him he was engaged to be married he was hurt .

Finn had problems being with women. He really couldn't handle being around them. He always thought he was straight until his batchelor party. Then he finds out how much his best friend loves him. But with his father telling him he has to marry a woman and be all prim and proper he doesn't know what to do.

Can their friendship survive the everything? This was a great read.

[Emma Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let Me Be The One by Z. S. Storm is a heartwarming MM romance that beautifully explores the transformation from best friends to lovers. The bi-awakening theme at a bachelor party adds a layer of emotional depth, making it both steamy and tender. The characters, both sons of politicians, have a rich backstory that adds complexity to their relationship. I loved how the book balanced the warmth of their connection with the emotional journey they each go through. It's a sweet and satisfying read for fans of slow-burn romance with a dash of real-world stakes.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Flo₂₂ · Rating 1 out of 5]

the plot is all over the place, it leaked in all the places.
there were a lot and i mean a lot of time jumps and things OFF page! important things!!!
The ending was a disappointment all together , to rushed when all went side ways for no reason.
There is no development , nothing! let's not talk about the intimacy because even that was weird, how accepting Finn was considering he was straight.
Then there is that wedding where i truly believe Finn would've totally went through it if Cassidy didn't ditch!
I also totally believe Darcy was a better fit for Aiden.

[Amanda Grange · Rating 4 out of 5]

"It was like he heard my soul crying out for him here in the wilderness."

It was a little slow to start. There were also some things that were glossed over that I needed more of and some things that needed to be glossed over because it wasn't pertinent to the story and kinda made it drag. With that being said, I really enjoyed this book. I did cry a few times. My heart goes out to Aiden. Finn was so unlikable for me until the last chapter. He just kept breaking Aiden's heart for no reason.

[Naty's Naughty Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed Finn and Aiden's story through trying to navigate their forbidden relationship as son's of two powerful conservative politicians. They had great chemistry, and their relationship was built beautifully. The author showcased their love, heartache, despair, and trauma as the story progressed. I would have liked to seen a little more world building and more in-depth scenes with some of the supporting characters. All in all, it's a great novella length tale. Enjoy.

[A-Jj · Rating 1 out of 5]

From the start I couldn’t shake off this eerie vibe of the story. I’m glad I saw few reviews because they seemed to confirm my gut feeling that something was off.

For so called besties, these two were deeply dysfunctional with each other, the dog flashback just really cemented that for me, sorry dnf and also big nope from me

[NinaInkdawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't know this author but I fell in love with the story between Aiden and Finn... How can you not love a story between two best friends in which Finn is the one I felt closest to especially for his fears of losing what is around him him but if happiness is being completely yourself without ifs or buts... absolutely worth reading... The two of them entered my heart

[Nayely · Rating 2 out of 5]

"Era curioso cómo el mundo a veces nos hacía olvidar lo que de verdad importaba. Cuando estábamos atrapados en horarios y fechas límite, ganando dinero y estresándonos por las cosas cotidianas. Perdíamos el aprecio por la belleza que el amor tenía la capacidad de traer a nuestras vidas."

[clear skies · Rating 1 out of 5]

Baaaaaaaaad.

[nick · Rating 2 out of 5]

These characters are the definition of the phrase 'blow hot and cold', I could barely take them seriously

[Eva (taylor's version ) · Rating 1 out of 5]

Sentí que regrese a wattpad

[Sammy Standing · Rating 3 out of 5]

Let me be the one is a friends to lovers romance, I did enjoy this book but I also felt like I wanted to love this more than I did.

[Maddie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aiden and Finn 🥹❤️😭

From childhood best friends sharing the fame of having parents in politics to sharing other, more intimate pieces of themselves.

I just absolutely adored their relationship and this book. I felt so much love for the characters and felt connections with them immediately!!

I doooooo wish I got a little bit more at the end because 😭😭 I need so much more but it doesn’t negate the fact that I LOVED this!