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Tales from Long Lily #1.5
Patchwork
Falling for Kit was the first of Basie's gravity related incidents...
Basie Elliot-Yeats and Orion Simon have one thing in they're both keeping secrets. Basie has been happily living with his husband in Long Lily, Pennsylvania for two years now. But it's only a matter of time before Kit starts noticing that something is up and demands answers.
Orion wishes that their brother, Lewie, would stop acting like they're the family disappointment. But it's useless to try to gain anyone's trust when the Simon family magic depends on Orion keeping their mouth shut.
When tragedy strikes Long Lily, will the secrets make sense once and for all? Or, will they come at an impossible price?
(This book is not a standalone. Readers should read Kit & Basie before reading Patchwork. This book also contains 3 bonus short stories, one of which was written by guest author Alana Savchuck.)
Content warnings: building fires, health crises, explicit sexual content (in short story), themes of war (in short story).
Basie Elliot-Yeats and Orion Simon have one thing in they're both keeping secrets. Basie has been happily living with his husband in Long Lily, Pennsylvania for two years now. But it's only a matter of time before Kit starts noticing that something is up and demands answers.
Orion wishes that their brother, Lewie, would stop acting like they're the family disappointment. But it's useless to try to gain anyone's trust when the Simon family magic depends on Orion keeping their mouth shut.
When tragedy strikes Long Lily, will the secrets make sense once and for all? Or, will they come at an impossible price?
(This book is not a standalone. Readers should read Kit & Basie before reading Patchwork. This book also contains 3 bonus short stories, one of which was written by guest author Alana Savchuck.)
Content warnings: building fires, health crises, explicit sexual content (in short story), themes of war (in short story).
218 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 5, 2024
1 person is currently reading
208 people want to read
About the author
Tess Carletta
6 books107 followersTess Carletta is a library assistant by day, and an indie writer every other waking moment. She holds a particular love for sunsets, quiet country walks, and stories about folks who love each other. She lives in Pennsylvania with two roommates and a round cat aptly named, Ruby the Ham Princess.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
May 5, 2024
Stars fading but I linger on dear / Still craving your kiss (Dream a Little Dream of Me – Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong).
I’ve got to admit that I actually finished this a little bit ago, but there was a character that I didn’t like named Orion, and I just knew that if I were to write a review right away, the whole thing would be colored by how annoying I found them. Had to sit with it for a minute, you know how it is. It’s not even like they ruined the book for me or anything, I'm just prone to exaggeration. This book is still wonderfully written, but I showed up for Kit and Basie, and putting all this focus on a character that’s supposed to irritate with reckless abandon, being argumentative to everyone around them, only helped to make me dislike this the tiniest bit more than the first. Oh also, this is such a small, silly thing, but the fact that their introduction scene has them loudly spilling a secret that wasn't theirs to spill, then scraping their plate super obnoxiously, on purpose, just to annoy the other dinner guests, did them no favors. Not to tell everybody my one weakness, but forks scratching plates is like, my one weakness! Forget I said anything. It also didn’t help that Kit didn’t even hold them accountable for acting like an ass. Yes, I know he’s the adult and has to be the mature one, but what is he, a saint!? No anger at all? Zero, zip, zilch!? I don't know, whenever a “know-it-all," smart aleck-y, Scrappy-Doo-type character is added to a story, stealing the spotlight from the characters we actually want to see, I’m going to dislike them no matter what kind of backstory is given to them. It's a matter of principle! And no, giving Orion a pov chapter where they go on and on about how terrible they felt didn’t help to alleviate my irritation. Exasperated it, if anything. Surprise, surprise, an annoying character annoyed me. I guess the issue is just how jarring this character is tonally. The first book has this easy-going, low-key vibe to it, where everyone is kind and outwardly talks about their feelings. And while this worked wonderfully, when you add a volatile character like Orion, who is always trying to needle others simply to get a reaction, suddenly I found what I loved so much about the characters in the first place (being charming, kind, and forgiving) annoying because they’d never react like real people do. Anyway, I said I wouldn’t make this whole thing about my hang-ups and now here we are. My bad. Maybe I'm not being fair, because after taking a step back and thinking for a little bit… well my feelings towards that character hasn’t really changed, but I am able to say that I did enjoy this. Kit and Basie remain lovely and I’m always down for reading about their small-town escapades. I can honestly say that this is a beautiful book and I’ll try to focus on the things I did like moving forward because I don’t want this review to be solely about beef I have with a teenager.
But all this talk about the endlessly forgiving nature of the residents of the Long Lily does kind of remind me another small issue. Sorry, I’ll try to make this brief! Yeah well, because this book seems interested in tackling realistic issues (marital issues, single parenthood, and saving people from fires like Spider-Man?) rather than the more existential questions posited in the first book, the story-book characterizations rang a little false this time around. I wouldn’t go as far as to say that it was hollow, but the magical, Stardew Valley quality can only take you so far. There was this Tumblr post I encountered recently while doing my daily scrolling about how in a lot of current media, whenever characters have the Big Fight™, "sorry for saying the things I mean," and all that, the scenes have less bite to them because everybody sounds like they’ve went through years of therapy. Kit would say something to Basie along the lines of, “I want to strangle you. Well, not really teehee, give me a moment to process my anger right now, but let’s dissect where we went wrong at a later date.” Good for them, but Basie's been holding a secret for months and after one conversation they're cool now? The truth is that when most people fight, they don’t have all this proper-speak at their arsenal. Kit and Basie communicating perfectly and being able to sort through their feelings in like, ten minutes flat, might be healthier for them… but it certainly didn't make for the most interesting couple of paragraphs. Huh, I changed my mind, bring back Orion to light a match on these Berenstain Bears-ass arguments. Anyway, on to the things I liked. Woohoo! I wasn’t too sure at first, but I kind of liked how Basie’s a firefighter now. I mean, random as hell in my opinion, but alright then. I warmed up to it a lot (Get it? He's a firefighter), because I like to think that if I were immortal, I’d try to randomly reinvent myself every couple of years. Why not, right? "Groundhog Day" it up! Become a master of all like some kind of Bethesda protagonist, without a care in the world. Now I'm hoping he has a new thing he's doing in every new installment like Homer Simpson. Also, I really enjoyed how this book didn’t read like an epilogue. Seriously, for that reason alone, this book will always have my utmost respect! Because the thing is, sometimes sequels are too afraid to let their characters evolve, like the passage of time doesn't exist. An epilogue will take place way later and everything is the same! Same as it ever was, same as it ever was, same as it ever was! Take Luke Skywalker (Oh, spoilers for The Mandalorian season 2) for example. When he showed up in The Mandalorian season 2, it's supposed to have been about four years later, and he’s still rocking the same black outfit!? Ugly ass haircut and black Chanel boots to match? Well, I guess it's kind of a serve and I repeat outfits when I find a winner, but I always just found it rather sad. Like he can't move on. Thankfully, that's not a problem here! And that is why I can safely say that I love this series; it lets the characters breathe. Ever flowing like the wind. Just because it follows an immortal man doesn’t mean it has to be about stagnation. Basie’s been around for a while, but he’s never shied away from the prospect of change. Not only do I personally think that’s a powerful message to center your novel around, but it’s just a lovely thought. These are the kinds of stories that stay with me.
“You really love me,” Basie accused softly. Playfully. “Like a lot.”
I’ve got to admit that I actually finished this a little bit ago, but there was a character that I didn’t like named Orion, and I just knew that if I were to write a review right away, the whole thing would be colored by how annoying I found them. Had to sit with it for a minute, you know how it is. It’s not even like they ruined the book for me or anything, I'm just prone to exaggeration. This book is still wonderfully written, but I showed up for Kit and Basie, and putting all this focus on a character that’s supposed to irritate with reckless abandon, being argumentative to everyone around them, only helped to make me dislike this the tiniest bit more than the first. Oh also, this is such a small, silly thing, but the fact that their introduction scene has them loudly spilling a secret that wasn't theirs to spill, then scraping their plate super obnoxiously, on purpose, just to annoy the other dinner guests, did them no favors. Not to tell everybody my one weakness, but forks scratching plates is like, my one weakness! Forget I said anything. It also didn’t help that Kit didn’t even hold them accountable for acting like an ass. Yes, I know he’s the adult and has to be the mature one, but what is he, a saint!? No anger at all? Zero, zip, zilch!? I don't know, whenever a “know-it-all," smart aleck-y, Scrappy-Doo-type character is added to a story, stealing the spotlight from the characters we actually want to see, I’m going to dislike them no matter what kind of backstory is given to them. It's a matter of principle! And no, giving Orion a pov chapter where they go on and on about how terrible they felt didn’t help to alleviate my irritation. Exasperated it, if anything. Surprise, surprise, an annoying character annoyed me. I guess the issue is just how jarring this character is tonally. The first book has this easy-going, low-key vibe to it, where everyone is kind and outwardly talks about their feelings. And while this worked wonderfully, when you add a volatile character like Orion, who is always trying to needle others simply to get a reaction, suddenly I found what I loved so much about the characters in the first place (being charming, kind, and forgiving) annoying because they’d never react like real people do. Anyway, I said I wouldn’t make this whole thing about my hang-ups and now here we are. My bad. Maybe I'm not being fair, because after taking a step back and thinking for a little bit… well my feelings towards that character hasn’t really changed, but I am able to say that I did enjoy this. Kit and Basie remain lovely and I’m always down for reading about their small-town escapades. I can honestly say that this is a beautiful book and I’ll try to focus on the things I did like moving forward because I don’t want this review to be solely about beef I have with a teenager.
But all this talk about the endlessly forgiving nature of the residents of the Long Lily does kind of remind me another small issue. Sorry, I’ll try to make this brief! Yeah well, because this book seems interested in tackling realistic issues (marital issues, single parenthood, and saving people from fires like Spider-Man?) rather than the more existential questions posited in the first book, the story-book characterizations rang a little false this time around. I wouldn’t go as far as to say that it was hollow, but the magical, Stardew Valley quality can only take you so far. There was this Tumblr post I encountered recently while doing my daily scrolling about how in a lot of current media, whenever characters have the Big Fight™, "sorry for saying the things I mean," and all that, the scenes have less bite to them because everybody sounds like they’ve went through years of therapy. Kit would say something to Basie along the lines of, “I want to strangle you. Well, not really teehee, give me a moment to process my anger right now, but let’s dissect where we went wrong at a later date.” Good for them, but Basie's been holding a secret for months and after one conversation they're cool now? The truth is that when most people fight, they don’t have all this proper-speak at their arsenal. Kit and Basie communicating perfectly and being able to sort through their feelings in like, ten minutes flat, might be healthier for them… but it certainly didn't make for the most interesting couple of paragraphs. Huh, I changed my mind, bring back Orion to light a match on these Berenstain Bears-ass arguments. Anyway, on to the things I liked. Woohoo! I wasn’t too sure at first, but I kind of liked how Basie’s a firefighter now. I mean, random as hell in my opinion, but alright then. I warmed up to it a lot (Get it? He's a firefighter), because I like to think that if I were immortal, I’d try to randomly reinvent myself every couple of years. Why not, right? "Groundhog Day" it up! Become a master of all like some kind of Bethesda protagonist, without a care in the world. Now I'm hoping he has a new thing he's doing in every new installment like Homer Simpson. Also, I really enjoyed how this book didn’t read like an epilogue. Seriously, for that reason alone, this book will always have my utmost respect! Because the thing is, sometimes sequels are too afraid to let their characters evolve, like the passage of time doesn't exist. An epilogue will take place way later and everything is the same! Same as it ever was, same as it ever was, same as it ever was! Take Luke Skywalker (Oh, spoilers for The Mandalorian season 2) for example. When he showed up in The Mandalorian season 2, it's supposed to have been about four years later, and he’s still rocking the same black outfit!? Ugly ass haircut and black Chanel boots to match? Well, I guess it's kind of a serve and I repeat outfits when I find a winner, but I always just found it rather sad. Like he can't move on. Thankfully, that's not a problem here! And that is why I can safely say that I love this series; it lets the characters breathe. Ever flowing like the wind. Just because it follows an immortal man doesn’t mean it has to be about stagnation. Basie’s been around for a while, but he’s never shied away from the prospect of change. Not only do I personally think that’s a powerful message to center your novel around, but it’s just a lovely thought. These are the kinds of stories that stay with me.
“You really love me,” Basie accused softly. Playfully. “Like a lot.”
March 10, 2024
UPDATE (MARCH 2024)
Re-read, now including the 3 new short stories.
I FEEL UNWELL.
Not only we got a (very heartbreaking) glimpse of Kit's life before meeting Basie in Soldier Boy(s), but then Old Men Don't Fuck on the Floor gave me EVERYTHING I wanted, and personally felt was the only thing shy of PERFECTION after Ch24 of Kit & Basie, and it was Basie on full grovelling and worshipping mode. Also the smut. GOOD GODS, I am pretty sure reading that much beautiful intimacy is a felony in every single possible jurisdiction in this third rock from the sun, and at this point I have no other choice than to quietly surrender to whatever law enforcement agency that is in charge of putting away good people who do very bad things because I REGRET NOTHING!!!!
The What If story of what it would be if Della was still alive when Kit moved into Long Lily (Great Day in the Morning) simultaneously broke me and made my heart grow 10 times its regular size. There is one paragraph that had me calling my sister to do a wellness check on me because it was either that or going to the ER:
PERFECTION! PERFECTION! ALL THE F*CKING STARS!!!!
P.S. Dear Tess Carletta, I really NEED answers re the main story cliffy ASAP. Thank you!!🙏🙏
.
.
UPDATE (FEB 2024)
Patchwork Official Release is gonna be on MARCH 5TH, with new cover, and THREE MORE SHORT STORIES about Kit & Basie???😍😍😍
PRE-ORDERED!!!!✅
.
.
DEC 2023
4.5⭐
I honestly could read thousands and thousands of pages of Kit and Basie's domestic life as husbands and I would not have enough. There is a reason why Kit & Basie is probably my favorite book by a debut author this year, and is because of the layers and layers of depth in Carletta's writing that just gets to you, that makes you yearn for a place to call home. (And please if you haven't read Kit & Basie, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE DO YOURSELF A FAVOR AND READ IT!! It has references to Ruben Darío's Azul, and it is sweet and beautiful and I haven't stopped thinking about it since I read it a few months ago).
Going from all that delicious slow burn in book 1 to this novella, where it feels like they would literally die (ok, not really lol) if they don't use a term of endearment when talking to the other one, made my heart almost burst with happiness. Although, I must admit I kinda missed Basie speaking in spanish a little bit; it was one of my favorite parts of the first book. Listen, if a book has a character who knows how to properly incorporate the word pendejo into their banter/teasing it will always get major bonus points from me and my undying devotion (which according to proper dictionaries means 'a stupid or contemptible person', however ask any hispanic and they will tell you it has all sorts of connotations lol and it is why is one of my favorite words to use).
Bottom line, LOVED this one!!
P.S. That ending. 😱
Where is the rest? I am calling my lawyer on you, Tess Carletta!😭(technically, that would be me since I am my own lawyer lol, so my lawyer is actually crying too😭)
Re-read, now including the 3 new short stories.
I FEEL UNWELL.
Not only we got a (very heartbreaking) glimpse of Kit's life before meeting Basie in Soldier Boy(s), but then Old Men Don't Fuck on the Floor gave me EVERYTHING I wanted, and personally felt was the only thing shy of PERFECTION after Ch24 of Kit & Basie, and it was Basie on full grovelling and worshipping mode. Also the smut. GOOD GODS, I am pretty sure reading that much beautiful intimacy is a felony in every single possible jurisdiction in this third rock from the sun, and at this point I have no other choice than to quietly surrender to whatever law enforcement agency that is in charge of putting away good people who do very bad things because I REGRET NOTHING!!!!
The What If story of what it would be if Della was still alive when Kit moved into Long Lily (Great Day in the Morning) simultaneously broke me and made my heart grow 10 times its regular size. There is one paragraph that had me calling my sister to do a wellness check on me because it was either that or going to the ER:
If Kit was [REDACTED], his intuition was older. It was a living thing forged before he was born and placed like a spirit in his body to keep him out of harm. He trusted it before all else. When a man with sun on his breath opened the door, Kit’s intuition said: He is the man all this has been for.
PERFECTION! PERFECTION! ALL THE F*CKING STARS!!!!
P.S. Dear Tess Carletta, I really NEED answers re the main story cliffy ASAP. Thank you!!🙏🙏
.
.
UPDATE (FEB 2024)
Patchwork Official Release is gonna be on MARCH 5TH, with new cover, and THREE MORE SHORT STORIES about Kit & Basie???😍😍😍
PRE-ORDERED!!!!✅
.
.
DEC 2023
In the few seconds it took for him to black out, he’d mustered enough strength and enough love to think of the house that knew how to miss him and the man with marigolds for hair who would sleep alone that night.
4.5⭐
I honestly could read thousands and thousands of pages of Kit and Basie's domestic life as husbands and I would not have enough. There is a reason why Kit & Basie is probably my favorite book by a debut author this year, and is because of the layers and layers of depth in Carletta's writing that just gets to you, that makes you yearn for a place to call home. (And please if you haven't read Kit & Basie, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE DO YOURSELF A FAVOR AND READ IT!! It has references to Ruben Darío's Azul, and it is sweet and beautiful and I haven't stopped thinking about it since I read it a few months ago).
Going from all that delicious slow burn in book 1 to this novella, where it feels like they would literally die (ok, not really lol) if they don't use a term of endearment when talking to the other one, made my heart almost burst with happiness. Although, I must admit I kinda missed Basie speaking in spanish a little bit; it was one of my favorite parts of the first book. Listen, if a book has a character who knows how to properly incorporate the word pendejo into their banter/teasing it will always get major bonus points from me and my undying devotion (which according to proper dictionaries means 'a stupid or contemptible person', however ask any hispanic and they will tell you it has all sorts of connotations lol and it is why is one of my favorite words to use).
Bottom line, LOVED this one!!
P.S. That ending. 😱
Where is the rest? I am calling my lawyer on you, Tess Carletta!😭(technically, that would be me since I am my own lawyer lol, so my lawyer is actually crying too😭)
March 8, 2024
I'm conflicted with this because I don't know what we're getting next. I'm not satisfied with the first story (which is actually the first 124 pages of the book). I need more. I thought this was going to be a collection of short stories, but it's a novella and three bonus short stories. Very well done, a great journey back into Long Lily. It's definitely heavier in tone than Kit and Basie. That surprised me, but also Tess did a great job with it.
May 7, 2024
4.5 ⭐️
I really enjoyed this. I’m trash for love interest in peril and hurt/comfort. I hate cliffhanger endings, but I’ll definitely be reading the next one.
I really enjoyed this. I’m trash for love interest in peril and hurt/comfort. I hate cliffhanger endings, but I’ll definitely be reading the next one.
March 11, 2025
I wasn’t ready to leave Long Lily behind just yet, so the moment I finished Kit & Basie, I immediately picked up Patchwork—and I have no regrets.
This collection, featuring a novella and three short stories, does some expanding on the Simon family (including a jaw-dropping cliffhanger that I hope mean more books are coming), revisits moments from the past, includes a deleted scene, and even explores a fascinating what-if scenario—which just might be my favorite part.
Long Lily and its residents have completely captured my heart, and I can only hope we’ll get to see more of them in the future. Absolutely adored this.
This collection, featuring a novella and three short stories, does some expanding on the Simon family (including a jaw-dropping cliffhanger that I hope mean more books are coming), revisits moments from the past, includes a deleted scene, and even explores a fascinating what-if scenario—which just might be my favorite part.
Long Lily and its residents have completely captured my heart, and I can only hope we’ll get to see more of them in the future. Absolutely adored this.
April 12, 2024
“I’m glad I get to go through this life with you.”
Oh my god I love these characters, this world, this everything. Tess Carletta does it again!!
Patchwork is a collection of stories from Tess Carletta’s Long Lily series. After loving Kit & Basie earlier this year I was excited to return to this world of cosy fantasy.
The main novella still had all the wholesomeness that made me fall in love with the first book yet it also felt a bit more serious. I loved seeing Kit and Basie tackling new challenges in their relationship and also loved that we got more Lewie and Orion content — all the Simon siblings have won my heart. The way the story ended had me going “what?” and I absolutely need there to be a sequel because whyyyyy??? I was not prepared.
The extra short stories were brilliant too. My favourite was probably the “What If” story at the very end. It was such a sweet take on what could have been if things had been different in the original story. And damn, if it wasn’t the sweetest story yet.
I really can’t recommend these Tales From Long Lily enough. Go pick up Kit & Basie and then Patchwork if you want brilliant, cosy, queer fantasy!
Great quotes:
“I think there are some people that you fit with; no effort required.”
“If you pick somewhere you don’t belong, you’re going to spend your entire life thinking you’re the reason you don’t feel settled. All the work and effort and soul you pour into the place will all be wasted, and you’ll be miserable.”
Oh my god I love these characters, this world, this everything. Tess Carletta does it again!!
Patchwork is a collection of stories from Tess Carletta’s Long Lily series. After loving Kit & Basie earlier this year I was excited to return to this world of cosy fantasy.
The main novella still had all the wholesomeness that made me fall in love with the first book yet it also felt a bit more serious. I loved seeing Kit and Basie tackling new challenges in their relationship and also loved that we got more Lewie and Orion content — all the Simon siblings have won my heart. The way the story ended had me going “what?” and I absolutely need there to be a sequel because whyyyyy??? I was not prepared.
The extra short stories were brilliant too. My favourite was probably the “What If” story at the very end. It was such a sweet take on what could have been if things had been different in the original story. And damn, if it wasn’t the sweetest story yet.
I really can’t recommend these Tales From Long Lily enough. Go pick up Kit & Basie and then Patchwork if you want brilliant, cosy, queer fantasy!
Great quotes:
“I think there are some people that you fit with; no effort required.”
“If you pick somewhere you don’t belong, you’re going to spend your entire life thinking you’re the reason you don’t feel settled. All the work and effort and soul you pour into the place will all be wasted, and you’ll be miserable.”
November 30, 2023
*Spoilers for Kit & Basie*
Patchwork was a beautiful reintroduction to the Long Lily community. It shows a slice of married life for Kit and Basie, as well as a more intimate view of the Simon family.
This book made me laugh out loud within the first few pages, and by the end I was sobbing. Carletta constructs a world by way of a thousand small truths, rendering an incredibly honest and intimate story. She also captures the subtle yet profound romance of married life, through Kit and Basie’s small tender moments as well as their grand gestures.
****Spoilers!!!****
As someone who has been on Basie’s side of the hospital bed, Tess has beautifully and heartbreakingly captured the knowing that your suffering can’t possibly be as bad as that of the loved one watching you suffer. And of course, that the other person thinks the exact same in reverse.
***end spoiler***
TLDR; Every moment in this patchwork life is sacred, even for an immortal.
Patchwork was a beautiful reintroduction to the Long Lily community. It shows a slice of married life for Kit and Basie, as well as a more intimate view of the Simon family.
This book made me laugh out loud within the first few pages, and by the end I was sobbing. Carletta constructs a world by way of a thousand small truths, rendering an incredibly honest and intimate story. She also captures the subtle yet profound romance of married life, through Kit and Basie’s small tender moments as well as their grand gestures.
****Spoilers!!!****
As someone who has been on Basie’s side of the hospital bed, Tess has beautifully and heartbreakingly captured the knowing that your suffering can’t possibly be as bad as that of the loved one watching you suffer. And of course, that the other person thinks the exact same in reverse.
***end spoiler***
TLDR; Every moment in this patchwork life is sacred, even for an immortal.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 21, 2024
When I read Kit & Basie last summer, I fell in love with the characters and the universe. Reading Patchwork, a short story set about a year after the last chapter of Kit & Basie reminded me why I loved this universe so much. Kit and Basie are absolutely adorable. The Simons siblings are all so interesting, with distinct voices, and I can't wait to read more about them in the second book—which this novella sets perfectly.
December 7, 2023
Very sweet, love seeing domestic side of Kit and Basie. But then again, I could probably read a 1,000 page slice of life novel about Kit baking pies and Basie watching him and be happy.
Loved seeing more Lewie and Orion and the whole Simon crew. I come from a big family, so it felt very much like home for me in their house.
But about that ending…what?!?! On the look out for book 2!
Loved seeing more Lewie and Orion and the whole Simon crew. I come from a big family, so it felt very much like home for me in their house.
But about that ending…what?!?! On the look out for book 2!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 26, 2023
I love Long Lily and the stories of Kit and Basie and the Simon’s. It was so fun to have some more time with these characters because what an ending! I’m going to need more!!
January 7, 2024
Well this was fabulous... I am so enamored by these characters and storylines in long lily!
June 7, 2024
I'm not entirely sure how to rate this because not all stories were as good as the others (they are all good, but some are better). I think if I would do a lot of math (which I won't), I'll end up somewhere around 4.5, so 5 it is.
The novella definitely left me wanting for more, especially because of that ending!!! The last short story was by far my favorite of all stories about Kit & Basie, even including the original book, which is funny because this story is an alternative version. Maybe I just love it when everyone's happy, but this was just so cozy and dramafree and ahhh I loved it. I'm actually sad this wasn't a full novel/novella. The other two short stories were good as well, I just didn't love them as much as the last one.
Many thanks to Tess Carletta for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest opinion! 🫶🏻
The novella definitely left me wanting for more, especially because of that ending!!! The last short story was by far my favorite of all stories about Kit & Basie, even including the original book, which is funny because this story is an alternative version. Maybe I just love it when everyone's happy, but this was just so cozy and dramafree and ahhh I loved it. I'm actually sad this wasn't a full novel/novella. The other two short stories were good as well, I just didn't love them as much as the last one.
Many thanks to Tess Carletta for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest opinion! 🫶🏻
March 19, 2024
This is a beautiful novella, followed by three beautiful shorter stories, the last of which is an alternate universe story of how Basie and Kit meet. The novella is part 2 in their story, and manages to be every bit as good as the first book. And, I'm never sure about additional stories, but I enjoyed all three very much.
If you enjoyed the first book, you'll enjoy this one.
If you enjoyed the first book, you'll enjoy this one.
April 22, 2025
Almost put me in a slump for some reason 😧 Definitely blaming my current state of mind and not the novella itself since I adore these characters and will read anything set in this world 💕 As long as it's by Tess Carletta and not Alana Savchuk because the Kit & Axe prequel story felt messy and broke up the flow of everything 😭 But the other two bonus stories certainly made up for it!!! I wish all spice in books was this hot and cute at the same time lol
February 21, 2024
It's always a pleasure to be back in the Long Lily universe! Kit and Basie were adorable as always, and Lewie, Orion and all the other Simons siblings are precious, deserve the best and need to be protected at all costs. I really loved this novella, and it sets the second book in this universe really well!
March 10, 2024
Some bits and bobs from Long Lily
I'm so pleased to get more stories about the Simons, Kit, and Basie. We get a story post-marriage, an alternative beginning to their love story, and story from Kit's past.
Both Basie and Kit are immortal, or at least will be very long-lived anne have found happiness in a small town in rural Pennsylvania. The stories and their world are lovely.
I'm so pleased to get more stories about the Simons, Kit, and Basie. We get a story post-marriage, an alternative beginning to their love story, and story from Kit's past.
Both Basie and Kit are immortal, or at least will be very long-lived anne have found happiness in a small town in rural Pennsylvania. The stories and their world are lovely.
November 16, 2023
Lovely to be with Kit and Basie again!
December 5, 2023
What!!! I need the next book like now!
January 4, 2024
More please? I was able to read this novella from the author's newsletter.
August 6, 2025
4.25 stars
I really truly liked this novella? Of sorts. It was cute and adorable but I do have a few bones to pick with it.
First, although yes I liked the few moments we saw of Orion in book one I did not like how they acted here, and that ending of “Lewie, they’re saying Orion started the fire.” Is absolutely crazy I know that they would never do that just because of their Simon Knowing but I guess we never really got a good foot in who they are and the first thing they said was spill someone’s secret they weren’t supposed to share. I really wanted to like them but I couldn’t 100% love them. I did understand their wandering because having other peoples lives put on your shoulders and always feeling like a mistake is not fun but don’t ruin others lives just because you don’t like yours.
Moving onto another issue is the fact that Basies career change was solved in a singular conversation when it caused an outburst with Kit. I do not believe it would be solved that quickly and nicely and smoothly. It would more realistically be a few nights spent on the couch separately. I did love Kit and Basie’s relationship other than that and I did like how they communicated just wish it wasn’t so quickly for once. I do like the career change from electrician to firefighter but boy was the fact that Basie feel through the floor and saving Love Dixon a crazy sort of thing.
I feel as though this #1.5 ending could have been better, unless if we are 100% getting another one which I’ve seen others speculate and I would love that. But until I get confirmation of #2 i say that ending was weird and abrupt. Very out place. Then immediately moving onto the short stories was odd.
I enjoyed the short stories for that they were.
1. Soldier boy(s) by Alana Savchuck. I thought this peek into Kits past was nice but random very random. It was sweet to see a past relationship that meant so much to Kit but I didn’t need to read about it though. I enjoyed the story nonetheless I just didn’t love the authors writing styles of long paragraphs.
2. Old Men Don’t Fuck On the Floor. A nice story set during chapter 24. I wish there could have been tags almost saying what was gonna happen to who and what. Mainly because I have preferences and wish Basie wasn’t the one to do it. But it was sweet to see Basie love on skit even more and help rid his mind of a Basie leaving after the kiss and not coming to say bye before he left.
3. Great Day in the Morning. I lived this “what if” story. Just wish it could have been cut into small chapters but eh that’s fine. I loved the quotes that came out of this sorry because so many good ones came. I’m really loved the feel and coziness of this story. I now wish that Della was still alive because she was just so lovable and added much to the short story.
I really truly liked this novella? Of sorts. It was cute and adorable but I do have a few bones to pick with it.
First, although yes I liked the few moments we saw of Orion in book one I did not like how they acted here, and that ending of “Lewie, they’re saying Orion started the fire.” Is absolutely crazy I know that they would never do that just because of their Simon Knowing but I guess we never really got a good foot in who they are and the first thing they said was spill someone’s secret they weren’t supposed to share. I really wanted to like them but I couldn’t 100% love them. I did understand their wandering because having other peoples lives put on your shoulders and always feeling like a mistake is not fun but don’t ruin others lives just because you don’t like yours.
Moving onto another issue is the fact that Basies career change was solved in a singular conversation when it caused an outburst with Kit. I do not believe it would be solved that quickly and nicely and smoothly. It would more realistically be a few nights spent on the couch separately. I did love Kit and Basie’s relationship other than that and I did like how they communicated just wish it wasn’t so quickly for once. I do like the career change from electrician to firefighter but boy was the fact that Basie feel through the floor and saving Love Dixon a crazy sort of thing.
I feel as though this #1.5 ending could have been better, unless if we are 100% getting another one which I’ve seen others speculate and I would love that. But until I get confirmation of #2 i say that ending was weird and abrupt. Very out place. Then immediately moving onto the short stories was odd.
I enjoyed the short stories for that they were.
1. Soldier boy(s) by Alana Savchuck. I thought this peek into Kits past was nice but random very random. It was sweet to see a past relationship that meant so much to Kit but I didn’t need to read about it though. I enjoyed the story nonetheless I just didn’t love the authors writing styles of long paragraphs.
2. Old Men Don’t Fuck On the Floor. A nice story set during chapter 24. I wish there could have been tags almost saying what was gonna happen to who and what. Mainly because I have preferences and wish Basie wasn’t the one to do it. But it was sweet to see Basie love on skit even more and help rid his mind of a Basie leaving after the kiss and not coming to say bye before he left.
3. Great Day in the Morning. I lived this “what if” story. Just wish it could have been cut into small chapters but eh that’s fine. I loved the quotes that came out of this sorry because so many good ones came. I’m really loved the feel and coziness of this story. I now wish that Della was still alive because she was just so lovable and added much to the short story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 29, 2025
This was kind of like reading a bunch of different stories on A03. And that's not a bad thing, love me some fanfic. It did mean it felt a little disjointed, and there were some hits and misses.
The 'What If' story, showing an alternative universe where Kit and Basie meet for the first time when Della is still alive, was the standout. It had all the cutesy vibes of book one.
The 'Kit and Axe' prequel was the lowlight. The tone was very different from everything else set in this world, which makes sense because another author wrote it, and the characterisation felt a little off to me.
The main story, seemingly setting the stage for a sequel, gave us some Kit and Basie being domestic, some loved-one-in-danger, and some hurt/comfort. So fun in a tropey way. So also fun in a fan-ficcy way (like I said above). Orion was less #relatable and more #insufferable, but perhaps they will grow on me with more context down the road.
| 3.75 stars |
The 'What If' story, showing an alternative universe where Kit and Basie meet for the first time when Della is still alive, was the standout. It had all the cutesy vibes of book one.
The 'Kit and Axe' prequel was the lowlight. The tone was very different from everything else set in this world, which makes sense because another author wrote it, and the characterisation felt a little off to me.
The main story, seemingly setting the stage for a sequel, gave us some Kit and Basie being domestic, some loved-one-in-danger, and some hurt/comfort. So fun in a tropey way. So also fun in a fan-ficcy way (like I said above). Orion was less #relatable and more #insufferable, but perhaps they will grow on me with more context down the road.
| 3.75 stars |
September 8, 2025
3.75
“I’m glad I get to go through this life with you,”
I hate reading unfinished series and I thought this one was finished but it ended on a cliffhanger and I want to scream because what. I need answers.
I am glad I got to see more of the husbands and I feel sorry for lewie mostly I really hope he gets his own happy ending and orion! oh my god I need to know what happened to them they were a little shit mostly but I love them and I want them to be happy too
also again my problem with this series: it’s marketed as cozy when it’s filled with moments that made my heart hurt so yeah....definitely not a cozy read.... can we please market books correctly? I was genuinely in a really bad headspace and picked this up wanting something cozy only to end up with a book about grief and death. It honestly made me feel worse
“I’m glad I get to go through this life with you,”
I hate reading unfinished series and I thought this one was finished but it ended on a cliffhanger and I want to scream because what. I need answers.
I am glad I got to see more of the husbands and I feel sorry for lewie mostly I really hope he gets his own happy ending and orion! oh my god I need to know what happened to them they were a little shit mostly but I love them and I want them to be happy too
also again my problem with this series: it’s marketed as cozy when it’s filled with moments that made my heart hurt so yeah....definitely not a cozy read.... can we please market books correctly? I was genuinely in a really bad headspace and picked this up wanting something cozy only to end up with a book about grief and death. It honestly made me feel worse
June 25, 2024
I loved getting to read more about Kit & Basie! You also get to learn more about the other characters but Kit & Basie are my favorites so I was very happy that there was a lot of the two of them in the book! I also loved the extra stories that were included as well! I love this author's writing, she really pulls on the heart strings and makes me feel things ❤️ The alternate universe story might have been my favorite thing from this book, it was such a sweet alternative and I love how no matter what happens, they will end up together 😍 I can't wait for more from this author! Tess Carletta is officially my new favorite author!
May 30, 2024
More Kit and Basie?! Yes please sign me up!!!
This was just as cute and wholesome as the first one, though just a little bit more high stakes.
I especially loved getting to see more of the Simon clan! The kids are so precious and their chaos made me giggle quite a few times. I also love the softness of a married Kit and Basie. And the 3 short stories included were a nice surprise!
At this point, I will absolutely devour anything Tess Carletta writes.
Thank you to the author for sending me a free eBook in exchange for a review!
This was just as cute and wholesome as the first one, though just a little bit more high stakes.
I especially loved getting to see more of the Simon clan! The kids are so precious and their chaos made me giggle quite a few times. I also love the softness of a married Kit and Basie. And the 3 short stories included were a nice surprise!
At this point, I will absolutely devour anything Tess Carletta writes.
Thank you to the author for sending me a free eBook in exchange for a review!
June 5, 2024
4.5⭐️! I’m obsessed with Long Lily - I want to go to there. These characters feel like family especially in this book. This one was much shorter but much more riveting and had me on the edge of my seat the whole time. I can’t express how much I adore them 😭 This also includes 3 short stories giving us even more content (a prequel, “what if” alternate story, and smut scene) so all the props to the author for giving the fans literally everything we could want!!!
Thank you to the author for a complementary copy of this book !
Thank you to the author for a complementary copy of this book !
July 26, 2024
Though I liked it less than book 1, I think if I remember it’s a novella and it seems to intentionally bridge stories and characters, it’s a nice addition to what I hope continues to be a good series! I like learning more about some of the tertiary characters and the addition of short stories in the back half was fun. Felt sort of AO3 reading-wise!
June 19, 2025
What was that ending with the first story?! Are we going to get more; I need MORE! I enjoyed getting a glimpse of Kit’s life before Basie while it did make my heart ache by the end of that short story. Really just a great set of stories where you get to see more from Kit and Basie!
June 20, 2025
Adorable characters all round! Please can we have more of them Ms Carletta.
June 11, 2024
I'm just so happy to be back in Long Lily!
I feel like this book is really a patchwork quilt made up of separate stories that come together into a much-expected new book. I also feel it's experimental in a good way. We get extra scenes that didn't make it into Kit & Basie and now have enough space to breathe. (Yes, it's a spicy scene but the spice isn't the point and I love that.)
The main story in this book is a rollercoaster of feelings and oh, my god, is it worth it! (The first time I read 'Basie Elliott-Yeats' I went "squee," I have to admit!) I think we have everything for the setup of the eventual book 2 of the series, and I can't wait for it. I have to note that the story does end on a bit of a cliffhanger, so be prepared for not getting all of the answers.
My favorite story was the What-if. What if Kit & Basie had met when Della was still there? When Basie wasn't bursting with grief? I loved seeing this Basie, now torn by a very different question. Being an immortal, what future could he have with Kit? Would it be fair to begin something when his partner would eventually grow old when Basie didn't? We get these questions in the original timeline of Kit & Basie too, but here they are front and center. I think it shows Tess Carletta's genius that we know exactly what's going through Basie's head even though we see the whole story unfold from Kit's POV.
Also, I just have to mention how much I loved Smug Della(tm) at the campfire!
We also get a short story by guest author Alana Savchuk. I believe this is her first published work. (Congratulations!) In it, we see a younger Kit with Axe, a relationship that (for obvious spoilery reasons) didn't work out. I really felt for how different a person Kit could be in the winter. I'm really not a winter person and it felt like somebody understood this part of me so well. That Basie understood it too gave me the coziest feelings.
Overall, I still want to live in Long Lily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I feel like this book is really a patchwork quilt made up of separate stories that come together into a much-expected new book. I also feel it's experimental in a good way. We get extra scenes that didn't make it into Kit & Basie and now have enough space to breathe. (Yes, it's a spicy scene but the spice isn't the point and I love that.)
The main story in this book is a rollercoaster of feelings and oh, my god, is it worth it! (The first time I read 'Basie Elliott-Yeats' I went "squee," I have to admit!) I think we have everything for the setup of the eventual book 2 of the series, and I can't wait for it. I have to note that the story does end on a bit of a cliffhanger, so be prepared for not getting all of the answers.
My favorite story was the What-if. What if Kit & Basie had met when Della was still there? When Basie wasn't bursting with grief? I loved seeing this Basie, now torn by a very different question. Being an immortal, what future could he have with Kit? Would it be fair to begin something when his partner would eventually grow old when Basie didn't? We get these questions in the original timeline of Kit & Basie too, but here they are front and center. I think it shows Tess Carletta's genius that we know exactly what's going through Basie's head even though we see the whole story unfold from Kit's POV.
Also, I just have to mention how much I loved Smug Della(tm) at the campfire!
We also get a short story by guest author Alana Savchuk. I believe this is her first published work. (Congratulations!) In it, we see a younger Kit with Axe, a relationship that (for obvious spoilery reasons) didn't work out. I really felt for how different a person Kit could be in the winter. I'm really not a winter person and it felt like somebody understood this part of me so well. That Basie understood it too gave me the coziest feelings.
Overall, I still want to live in Long Lily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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