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Queer Ways to Fall in Love #1
It Started with a Text
Nick:
Okay, so making a viral video mocking my celebrity crush's pretentious apartment tour isn’t exactly a strategy for finding love.
And when some random guy slides into my DMs claiming to be Anthony Devine—Grammy-winning pop star, LGBTQ+ icon, and owner of cheekbones that should be illegal—I do what any rational person would do. I assume he's a forty-five-year-old catfish living in his mom's basement.
Except we start chatting and somehow it’s the most real conversation I’ve had for ages. One month and approximately five thousand messages later, AntD has become my favorite person to talk to. He sends me Baby Yoda memes, asks about my assignments and actually listens when I rant about my cheating ex. And it's become our standing joke, him insisting he really is Anthony Devine.
Hilarious, right?
My friends say I need to stop catching feelings for a guy whose real name I don't even know. But meeting him would mean risking everything we've built. Stepping out of our perfect digital bubble. Finally finding out who he actually is.
What if he's not who he says he is?
What if he is?
Not Just Texting is a swoony MM novella about finding real connection in the digital age, featuring a broke college student with too many posters on his wall and the one catfish who might actually be the real deal.
Okay, so making a viral video mocking my celebrity crush's pretentious apartment tour isn’t exactly a strategy for finding love.
And when some random guy slides into my DMs claiming to be Anthony Devine—Grammy-winning pop star, LGBTQ+ icon, and owner of cheekbones that should be illegal—I do what any rational person would do. I assume he's a forty-five-year-old catfish living in his mom's basement.
Except we start chatting and somehow it’s the most real conversation I’ve had for ages. One month and approximately five thousand messages later, AntD has become my favorite person to talk to. He sends me Baby Yoda memes, asks about my assignments and actually listens when I rant about my cheating ex. And it's become our standing joke, him insisting he really is Anthony Devine.
Hilarious, right?
My friends say I need to stop catching feelings for a guy whose real name I don't even know. But meeting him would mean risking everything we've built. Stepping out of our perfect digital bubble. Finally finding out who he actually is.
What if he's not who he says he is?
What if he is?
Not Just Texting is a swoony MM novella about finding real connection in the digital age, featuring a broke college student with too many posters on his wall and the one catfish who might actually be the real deal.
129 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 19, 2026
89 people are currently reading
423 people want to read
About the author
Jax Calder
32 books1,148 followersJax's stories are all about light-hearted conversations and deeply-felt connections. She loves exploring exactly why two characters are the only ones who’ll make the other truly happy, and the journey they take to reach their happily-ever-after.
Jax lives in New Zealand and is a rabid sports fan, a hiking enthusiast and has a slightly unhealthy addiction to nature documentaries. As an extrovert who spends way too much time in her own head, she loves to connect with readers. To read her exclusive novella Being Set Up, sign up to her newsletter: https://jaxcalder.com/newsletter-sign.... You can also join her Facebook group Jax's Crew (www.facebook.com/groups/jaxcaldercrew) for bonus stories plus exclusive excerpts from her upcoming books.
Jax lives in New Zealand and is a rabid sports fan, a hiking enthusiast and has a slightly unhealthy addiction to nature documentaries. As an extrovert who spends way too much time in her own head, she loves to connect with readers. To read her exclusive novella Being Set Up, sign up to her newsletter: https://jaxcalder.com/newsletter-sign.... You can also join her Facebook group Jax's Crew (www.facebook.com/groups/jaxcaldercrew) for bonus stories plus exclusive excerpts from her upcoming books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 171 reviews
March 21, 2026
4.5 stars
This was adorable. It was only when Anthony mentioned his song Secret Crush that I realized that he is the musician from the Secret Crush short story. I love that story. And it was so cool that Jordan and Torrin were mentioned.
Anyway, I really had fun reading this one. Loved the text messages between Nick and Anthony. They were my favourite part. It was lovely to see them make a connection without knowing each other in real life. It felt genuine.
The story was well-paced, but the ending felt a bit rushed. I always say that with this type of stories, I'd prefer no intimate scenes.
This was adorable. It was only when Anthony mentioned his song Secret Crush that I realized that he is the musician from the Secret Crush short story. I love that story. And it was so cool that Jordan and Torrin were mentioned.
Anyway, I really had fun reading this one. Loved the text messages between Nick and Anthony. They were my favourite part. It was lovely to see them make a connection without knowing each other in real life. It felt genuine.
The story was well-paced, but the ending felt a bit rushed. I always say that with this type of stories, I'd prefer no intimate scenes.
March 19, 2026
The author said in her newsletter that when the world goes dark, she goes light and man, am I grateful for that!
This was just so deLIGHTful (hehe), just sweet, funny banter paired with genuine, meaningful conversations - all via texts between a broke college student and a guy who might or might not be his biggest celebrity crush.
(Guys falling in love via texts is my fav micro trope so ofc I loved this, GAH 🥹)
But it’s not just fluff, it’s also so relatable: just two disconnected, lonely guys seeking connection, being vulnerable, finding light in a world that can get dark at times, and revelling in the fact that they just might have found their person 🥹
This wasn’t as good as Moderating Love imo, but I still enjoyed this one so much!
Jax Calder remains the absolute queen of creating true, genuine connection in such a short amount of time and I WILL READ ANYTHING SHE PUTS OUT 😭💖
Also: I wish ShareYourGlow was real, I would become addicted instantly 🥹
Also also: I SQUEALED when the reference for another of the authors shorts came up (‚Secret Crush‘ - you can find it on her website for free and I recommend wholeheartedly 😍)
Also also also (okay, this is getting ridiculous): the bonus chapter made me lol, so make sure to check that one out too!
Thanks to GRR for the chance to read this arc, this is my honest opinion!
This was just so deLIGHTful (hehe), just sweet, funny banter paired with genuine, meaningful conversations - all via texts between a broke college student and a guy who might or might not be his biggest celebrity crush.
(Guys falling in love via texts is my fav micro trope so ofc I loved this, GAH 🥹)
But it’s not just fluff, it’s also so relatable: just two disconnected, lonely guys seeking connection, being vulnerable, finding light in a world that can get dark at times, and revelling in the fact that they just might have found their person 🥹
This wasn’t as good as Moderating Love imo, but I still enjoyed this one so much!
Jax Calder remains the absolute queen of creating true, genuine connection in such a short amount of time and I WILL READ ANYTHING SHE PUTS OUT 😭💖
Also: I wish ShareYourGlow was real, I would become addicted instantly 🥹
Also also: I SQUEALED when the reference for another of the authors shorts came up (‚Secret Crush‘ - you can find it on her website for free and I recommend wholeheartedly 😍)
Also also also (okay, this is getting ridiculous): the bonus chapter made me lol, so make sure to check that one out too!
Thanks to GRR for the chance to read this arc, this is my honest opinion!
March 21, 2026
⭐️ 4.5 stars ⭐️
Just as cute and swoony as book one. The best way to describe these short lovely stories is that they’re like little bubbles of happiness. Fairytale love. A simple yet ultra romantic novella, with the good kind of cheesy that makes you smile and giggle like a lunatic at your screen.
I don’t think I’ve read a catfishing book yet, so I definitely haven’t read a reverse catfishing. It was so fun and silly, the fact that Nick refused to believe he was actually talking to the real Anthony. Made when they finally meet face to face so sweet.
These books give me heart eyes and a weird ache in my chest. Huh, wonder what that’s about….
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
TROPES:
- Celebrity MC
- Online friends to lovers
- Reverse catfishing
- Mention of cheating (not MCs)
- Top/bottom
Sure, “Anthony.” And I’m secretly Beyoncé. Want to collab on my next album?
Just as cute and swoony as book one. The best way to describe these short lovely stories is that they’re like little bubbles of happiness. Fairytale love. A simple yet ultra romantic novella, with the good kind of cheesy that makes you smile and giggle like a lunatic at your screen.
I just performed for fifty thousand people who claim to love me, yet the connection that feels most real in my life right now is with a guy who thinks I’m catfishing him.
I don’t think I’ve read a catfishing book yet, so I definitely haven’t read a reverse catfishing. It was so fun and silly, the fact that Nick refused to believe he was actually talking to the real Anthony. Made when they finally meet face to face so sweet.
These books give me heart eyes and a weird ache in my chest. Huh, wonder what that’s about….
My heart is doing something stupid again. I really need to get that checked out.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
TROPES:
- Celebrity MC
- Online friends to lovers
- Reverse catfishing
- Mention of cheating (not MCs)
- Top/bottom
March 19, 2026
I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS.
Adorable, fun, quick, cute and so feel good 😊
The premise of this series, anonymous texting, is one of my favorites and these quick stories are just perfect smile bringers. 😁😉😎
A romantic daydream come true.
I can't wait for more🪄
...And can I just say that the bonus epilogue had me in laughing tears🤣🤣🤣
Adorable, fun, quick, cute and so feel good 😊
The premise of this series, anonymous texting, is one of my favorites and these quick stories are just perfect smile bringers. 😁😉😎
A romantic daydream come true.
I can't wait for more🪄
...And can I just say that the bonus epilogue had me in laughing tears🤣🤣🤣
March 22, 2026
Moderating Love, the introductory novella, aka book #0.5, was a hard act to follow. I liked It Started with a Text, officially the first book of the series, but I didn't love it.
I'm not a big fan of epistolary fiction, so I got bored reading Nick and Anthony's DM exchanges.
I also don't enjoy stories about celebrities, and Anthony is a rock star.
There was no relationship arc on page; it's all DMs, a one-time meeting with a Big Gesture during one of Anthony's concerts (followed by an expected steamy scene), and then the epilogue (a very cute one featuring doggos!). The men spend almost no time together before the story ends.
The female besties were rather one-dimensional, although to be fair, Nick's roomie was hilarious.
There was some humor and light banter, but it didn't hit the same.
I'm looking forward to the rest of the series though.
I'm not a big fan of epistolary fiction, so I got bored reading Nick and Anthony's DM exchanges.
I also don't enjoy stories about celebrities, and Anthony is a rock star.
There was no relationship arc on page; it's all DMs, a one-time meeting with a Big Gesture during one of Anthony's concerts (followed by an expected steamy scene), and then the epilogue (a very cute one featuring doggos!). The men spend almost no time together before the story ends.
The female besties were rather one-dimensional, although to be fair, Nick's roomie was hilarious.
There was some humor and light banter, but it didn't hit the same.
I'm looking forward to the rest of the series though.
March 21, 2026
4.5 stars
this was v fun!
this was v fun!
March 20, 2026
jax has the wonderful ability to make love stories believable in so little pages.
it’s incredible, really.
this is almost sickening sweet, but damn i ate it up.
it’s incredible, really.
this is almost sickening sweet, but damn i ate it up.
March 23, 2026
4.5 stars
It Started With A Text is a MM romcom novella about Nick and Anthony.
Nick is a broke college student who makes a video mocking his celebrity crush’s luxury apartment. Anthony is a Grammy Award winning singer who sees the video and can’t help but message Nick from his private account. Of course Nick doesn’t believe Anthony is who he says he is and thinks he is being catfished.
But this doesn’t stop Nick and Anthony from messaging each other constantly. It was so fun seeing their conversations and I really enjoyed their banter. They were both lonely guys and I loved seeing them connect and truly get to know each other on a deeper level. Seeing them fall for each other over messages was so incredibly sweet. And I couldn’t not stop smiling when reading the bonus epilogue so I definitely recommend checking it out!
I received an advanced copy of this book, and this is my honest review.
It Started With A Text is a MM romcom novella about Nick and Anthony.
Nick is a broke college student who makes a video mocking his celebrity crush’s luxury apartment. Anthony is a Grammy Award winning singer who sees the video and can’t help but message Nick from his private account. Of course Nick doesn’t believe Anthony is who he says he is and thinks he is being catfished.
But this doesn’t stop Nick and Anthony from messaging each other constantly. It was so fun seeing their conversations and I really enjoyed their banter. They were both lonely guys and I loved seeing them connect and truly get to know each other on a deeper level. Seeing them fall for each other over messages was so incredibly sweet. And I couldn’t not stop smiling when reading the bonus epilogue so I definitely recommend checking it out!
I received an advanced copy of this book, and this is my honest review.
March 19, 2026
How absolutely awesome! This story!! I swear I did not stop smiling! I adore AntD and Nick, their banter is supreme!
This is so the perfect meet cute, even without the meeting - unmeet-cute! There is no subterfuge o my chill getting to know you vibes. It has sweet sweet comeuppance - looking at you evil Chad! This is an adult fairy tale in the best way. Super interesting characters you immediately like, funny found family, plants and animal characters to round it out and swoony falling in love
need a 2 hour feel good escape - read this fabulous romance that’ll keep you hooked, umm off to read the bonus scene now cause I’m not sure I feel done with them.
This is so the perfect meet cute, even without the meeting - unmeet-cute! There is no subterfuge o my chill getting to know you vibes. It has sweet sweet comeuppance - looking at you evil Chad! This is an adult fairy tale in the best way. Super interesting characters you immediately like, funny found family, plants and animal characters to round it out and swoony falling in love
need a 2 hour feel good escape - read this fabulous romance that’ll keep you hooked, umm off to read the bonus scene now cause I’m not sure I feel done with them.
March 13, 2026
This book is even cuter than the first one in the series. Jax Calder is the absolute queen of believable sweet romance stories that have great banter and although sappy still soooo good! I loved how funny Nick was and how convinced he was Anthony couldn’t be real. And Anthony was as funny and sweet. Also loved the roommate!
I was wondering whether I would also try to interfere if it was my roommate who was texting this stranger since we got to be in Nicks head. I do think I would. And I’m so happy Nick ignored it 😄💕
Lovely read, will reread numerous times and definitely very much recommend 🤩🤩🤩
Btw I bought it off her website, she has an early release for everyone who like me can’t wait for the official publication date
I was wondering whether I would also try to interfere if it was my roommate who was texting this stranger since we got to be in Nicks head. I do think I would. And I’m so happy Nick ignored it 😄💕
Lovely read, will reread numerous times and definitely very much recommend 🤩🤩🤩
Btw I bought it off her website, she has an early release for everyone who like me can’t wait for the official publication date
March 20, 2026
4.5 ⭐
I LOVED this novella. I had a big smile on my face the entire time. It was both funny and cute.
The text trope gets me every time. Add the star/fan one and I'm sold!
It reminded me of my fangirl phase for Roger Federer in my twenties. Such good memories!
You need to read the bonus because it was the funniest part!
Jax is definitely my favorite author 🥰
- 0.5 for the morning breath/not showering after attending a concert & performing a 25min run for Nick. It felt so gross to me haha. (and I'm French 😅)
I LOVED this novella. I had a big smile on my face the entire time. It was both funny and cute.
The text trope gets me every time. Add the star/fan one and I'm sold!
It reminded me of my fangirl phase for Roger Federer in my twenties. Such good memories!
You need to read the bonus because it was the funniest part!
Jax is definitely my favorite author 🥰
- 0.5 for the morning breath/not showering after attending a concert & performing a 25min run for Nick. It felt so gross to me haha. (and I'm French 😅)
March 21, 2026
3.5 Stars ✨
I love epistolary romances and had a lot of fun reading Anthony’s and Nick’s exchanges. Whilst my interest did start to wane slightly around the half way mark, it picked up again at the prospect of these two finally meeting. The concert scene was priceless 🫠👌 Another super cute novella from JC - can’t wait to see what she has in store next!
I love epistolary romances and had a lot of fun reading Anthony’s and Nick’s exchanges. Whilst my interest did start to wane slightly around the half way mark, it picked up again at the prospect of these two finally meeting. The concert scene was priceless 🫠👌 Another super cute novella from JC - can’t wait to see what she has in store next!
March 20, 2026
Awwww this was absolutely adorable!
I love Jax Calder's type of sweetness.
And to have a famous person fall in love with a regular guy. Yes please! Famous people are people too.
I love Jax Calder's type of sweetness.
And to have a famous person fall in love with a regular guy. Yes please! Famous people are people too.
March 20, 2026
4.25 stars - very cute novella!
March 20, 2026
Cute, short, low angst, fun story.
Anthony ❤️ Nick
After a video clip goes viral of Nick doing a parody of Anthony’s pretentious Architectural Digest apt tour, Anthony sends Nick a message from his personal account.
Nick doesn’t believe it’s really him and what starts as a fun text chat becomes more. The story is of them getting to know each other more deeply than anyone else in their lives via text and how they finally meet in person.
❤️No third act breakup or drama
🗣️All the communication. Even amid text, they develop lots of small moments and genuine connection
🎤Global pop star and college student (who has been his longtime fan complete w posters in his bedroom)
😊Lots of humor; no power imbalance; mutual respect
👬🏽Both out/gay.
🤗Relationship based story; no other drama
🌶️Spice - one open door scene near the end. Lots of joking and giggling involved.
👥Dual POV; HEA; 3 yrs later epilogue, married w 2 rescue dogs
Cute, light and fun. More, please!
Anthony ❤️ Nick
After a video clip goes viral of Nick doing a parody of Anthony’s pretentious Architectural Digest apt tour, Anthony sends Nick a message from his personal account.
Nick doesn’t believe it’s really him and what starts as a fun text chat becomes more. The story is of them getting to know each other more deeply than anyone else in their lives via text and how they finally meet in person.
❤️No third act breakup or drama
🗣️All the communication. Even amid text, they develop lots of small moments and genuine connection
🎤Global pop star and college student (who has been his longtime fan complete w posters in his bedroom)
😊Lots of humor; no power imbalance; mutual respect
👬🏽Both out/gay.
🤗Relationship based story; no other drama
🌶️Spice - one open door scene near the end. Lots of joking and giggling involved.
👥Dual POV; HEA; 3 yrs later epilogue, married w 2 rescue dogs
Cute, light and fun. More, please!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 22, 2026
Short, sweet, and super hilarious!
𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗧𝗢 𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗘𝗖𝗧:
- celebrity x fan
- reverse catfishing
- online to IRL romance
𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗧𝗢 𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗘𝗖𝗧:
- celebrity x fan
- reverse catfishing
- online to IRL romance
March 20, 2026
Adorable!
March 21, 2026
This was an absolutely adorable novella. I loved this. The premise of texting someone and connecting with a stranger has always been one of my favorite tropes. This fulfilled that so well.
March 19, 2026
As an artist, Anthony has a persona for his fans and the media, but he’s lonely and has lost his muse for writing songs. He hears about a spoof by a fan on his piece about his apartment for an architecture magazine and laughs watching Nick talk about his dumpy college apartment.
When Nick gets a private message from AntD about his video he doesn’t believe it’s Anthony, but they chat and share views on the silly, quirky stuff of life. They also share deeper talks about pain, loneliness, and existence.
Throughout, Anthony maintains he’s the famous guy he is, but Nick just thinks he’s sending stock photos of himself. Until Anthony returns to New York from his tour and Nick suggests they meet.
At Anthony’s concert he reveals he’s the guy Nick has been texting, and Nick freaks out and considers not meeting as they’d agreed after the concert. They do meet, and once Nick sees his AntD is the same, real guy he’s been texting, they start dating and fall in love.
This was a really fun story with a great premise, lots of humour, and well developed in the formation of the relationship between these two men. I love Nick’s humour and Anthony’s genuineness.
I received this ARC for free and am pleased to provide my honest review with gratitude.
When Nick gets a private message from AntD about his video he doesn’t believe it’s Anthony, but they chat and share views on the silly, quirky stuff of life. They also share deeper talks about pain, loneliness, and existence.
Throughout, Anthony maintains he’s the famous guy he is, but Nick just thinks he’s sending stock photos of himself. Until Anthony returns to New York from his tour and Nick suggests they meet.
At Anthony’s concert he reveals he’s the guy Nick has been texting, and Nick freaks out and considers not meeting as they’d agreed after the concert. They do meet, and once Nick sees his AntD is the same, real guy he’s been texting, they start dating and fall in love.
This was a really fun story with a great premise, lots of humour, and well developed in the formation of the relationship between these two men. I love Nick’s humour and Anthony’s genuineness.
I received this ARC for free and am pleased to provide my honest review with gratitude.
March 23, 2026
4.5 Stars
This was delightful! I’ve been looking forward to it since reading Moderating Love and it turned out to be just as good as I hoped it would be.
I’ve said it many times, but Jax Calder writes the best novellas. This was barely 130pgs but it still felt like a well developed romance.
I loved the premise and having the main communication between Nick and Anthony be texting, we were really able to see their relationship develop before they ever actually met. The messages were fun and flirty and I loved everything about them.
The reverse catfish aspect was sooo much fun. I’ve never read a book where someone was nervous for the other person to find out they’d been telling the truth rather than lying. And the way the reveal happened made me so giddy!
I really loved everything about this story and if you read it, be sure to download the bonus epilogue because it was hilarious!
This was delightful! I’ve been looking forward to it since reading Moderating Love and it turned out to be just as good as I hoped it would be.
I’ve said it many times, but Jax Calder writes the best novellas. This was barely 130pgs but it still felt like a well developed romance.
I loved the premise and having the main communication between Nick and Anthony be texting, we were really able to see their relationship develop before they ever actually met. The messages were fun and flirty and I loved everything about them.
The reverse catfish aspect was sooo much fun. I’ve never read a book where someone was nervous for the other person to find out they’d been telling the truth rather than lying. And the way the reveal happened made me so giddy!
I really loved everything about this story and if you read it, be sure to download the bonus epilogue because it was hilarious!
March 21, 2026
I just finished this novella, IT STARTED WITH A TEXT, and 💕swoons dramatically💕 I absolutely adored this story.
The vibes SCREAM romcom and it gives me that squealy giddy vibes romcoms from the 90s used to deliver.
• biggest fan/rock star
• textual misunderstandings
• reverse catfishing
• FALLING IN LOVE
• NYC as a side character
• rich man/poor man
• mockery as a love language
This was the sweetest story, truly. Nick and Anthony make this beautiful connection, right when they need it most.
I laughed, I squealed, and I definitely craved some ice cream. I could have read 600 pages of their cuteness. But then I would surely ☠️. The bonus chapters you can get at the end is 100% worth it. I loved this story so much.
4 75⭐️
The vibes SCREAM romcom and it gives me that squealy giddy vibes romcoms from the 90s used to deliver.
• biggest fan/rock star
• textual misunderstandings
• reverse catfishing
• FALLING IN LOVE
• NYC as a side character
• rich man/poor man
• mockery as a love language
This was the sweetest story, truly. Nick and Anthony make this beautiful connection, right when they need it most.
I laughed, I squealed, and I definitely craved some ice cream. I could have read 600 pages of their cuteness. But then I would surely ☠️. The bonus chapters you can get at the end is 100% worth it. I loved this story so much.
4 75⭐️
March 19, 2026
I would like to thank writers who write novellas, I am a reading in one sitting kind of girl (it’s a disease really) but sometimes I don’t feel like reading 300 pages after a really long day at work. A little over 100 pages is perfect.
This was so fucking cute. I love stories with people who learn to know each other by writing, where one or both don’t know who they’re talking to (I watched You’ve got mail at a very formative age). Loved both characters so much, funny and vulnerable at the same time (so so funny exactly my kind of humor too).
« Big spoon me. But like, sexually » I snorted
Really important too, the women are awesome, they’re smart, they’re funny and they seem very real.
This was so fucking cute. I love stories with people who learn to know each other by writing, where one or both don’t know who they’re talking to (I watched You’ve got mail at a very formative age). Loved both characters so much, funny and vulnerable at the same time (so so funny exactly my kind of humor too).
« Big spoon me. But like, sexually » I snorted
Really important too, the women are awesome, they’re smart, they’re funny and they seem very real.
March 23, 2026
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
This is a charming, shorter story with great banter that has good vibes all of the way through. The series was first introduced with the story Moderating Love, which was offered free in a giveaway and is now for sale. It Started with a Text stands on its own, as the similarities are finding love through texting.
It Started with a Text is a book that will make you smile with its warmth, heart, and entertaining banter.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
4.5 stars
This is a charming, shorter story with great banter that has good vibes all of the way through. The series was first introduced with the story Moderating Love, which was offered free in a giveaway and is now for sale. It Started with a Text stands on its own, as the similarities are finding love through texting.
It Started with a Text is a book that will make you smile with its warmth, heart, and entertaining banter.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
March 19, 2026
Absolutely adorable!! Nick and Anthony are so cute together. I loved the text thread’s and how their conversations were all over the place, it showed their chemistry even though they were thousands of miles apart at some points. The reverse “catfish” was fun and funny. I highly recommend downloading the bonus scene as it is laugh out loud funny. I absolutely adore these novellas from Jax as they just bring me so much Joy and happiness and I can read them in one sitting.
I received this ARC from GRR and these are my honest opinions.
I received this ARC from GRR and these are my honest opinions.
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March 20, 2026Sometimes you want to grab a quick and quirky read... and today's offering was just that! At only 11 chapters (and an epilogue), I gobbled up this read in one afternoon! I love how it focuses on texting almost exclusively, so that when they finally meet, it's like they've been together for years! It's a slow burn with a long first date sweet and spicy payoff! This would be perfect for you if you want to curl up and listen to the spring rain while finding queer joy in a low angst novella!
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February 15, 2026beta read!!
March 22, 2026
Jax Calder’s new novella, second in the Queer Ways to Fall in Love series, is simply perfect. I loved the first installment of this series, Moderating Love, and snatched up the opportunity to review this book as soon as I saw it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Calder’s writing is well-paced, perfectly succinct. The yearning and longing just jumps off the page. I have read almost all of Jax Calder’s published works, so consider me a fan in general. But even if this were the first time reading anything by Calder, I would love this book just as much.
It Started with a Text
This book has everything. Mistaken identity, text message conversations with people who just click, goofy grinning at a phone until friends complain about it, and one hell of a reveal. Massively impressive that so many plot twists and turns are all done in a novella-length story! That’s so much harder to do than non-writer people understand!
Nick, a college student and huge fan of singer Anthony Devine, satirizes a tour of Devine’s house with a quickly filmed video tour of his broke college student apartment. The video goes viral enough to hit Devine’s publicist/keeper’s feeds, and she shows the singer. Devine, lonely and isolated in his fame, reaches out to Nick using a private account and they hit it off in a way that is different for both of them. Anthony is easy to talk to, gets Nick’s humor. The two just click into each other’s lives so easily that soon enough they are trading messages until 2 in the morning and can’t stop thinking about one another.
One snag, though. Nick does not believe for one minute that the person who messages him is really the singer he is a massive fan of. Who would?
This “sure, Jan.” perspective is just what the two need, though, because it allows their relationship to grow organically. If Nick knew it was Anthony from the start, Anthony would always wonder if Nick was just gaga over him because he was a fan before they met. And there would be a power imbalance. Nick would feel out of his depth dating a celebrity he idolizes and has the posters to prove it. Because Nick thinks Anthony is just a rando, the relationship that develops between them has a solid foundation of Yoda memes and debates over the superior cake flavor.
Hey, I Didn’t Ask for a Red Velvet Cake Recipe
But you’re getting one. This is a complete aside from the book review, sure. But I cannot help myself. Red Velvet cake, Anthony Devine, is not a chocolate cake in disguise! It’s a buttermilk cake with a touch of cocoa powder. This recipe is hands down delish (https://divascancook.com/the-best-red...). Modern cheapo cakes might just be chocolate with red food color, but that’s just devil’s food cake. Real Red Velvet is a thing of absolute beauty, and I’m sorry, but Nick wins this debate hands down.
The Mask Comes Off
People are just people, and this is the theme that sticks with me from this book. Anthony has discovered that the downside of fame is that people expect him to be a celebrity all the time. His muse has disappeared because of that. Messaging Nick becomes the refreshing change he needed. He needed someone to see him without the façade of fame. The anonymous messages and a disbelieving recipient mean that Anthony can be his true self, and that’s who Nick falls for. That’s the richness in this story that its length belies. The Anthony in the final epilogue is someone who can be who he is more confidently than before, and this growth and grounding give this story more impact than a quick meet-cute story of mistaken identity.
Recommendation
This is a great series, and I can’t wait to read more. I think I’ll go reread the first book now. Read this if you’re a fan of cute stories with hidden depth, love stories about queer joy and finding one’s true self in the most unlikely of ways.
Last Thought
One last thing. This website, introduced in the spectacular Moderating Love. I want this website to be a real thing. Please!? I want to read Queer love stories and meet-cutes. I love it so much.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Calder’s writing is well-paced, perfectly succinct. The yearning and longing just jumps off the page. I have read almost all of Jax Calder’s published works, so consider me a fan in general. But even if this were the first time reading anything by Calder, I would love this book just as much.
It Started with a Text
This book has everything. Mistaken identity, text message conversations with people who just click, goofy grinning at a phone until friends complain about it, and one hell of a reveal. Massively impressive that so many plot twists and turns are all done in a novella-length story! That’s so much harder to do than non-writer people understand!
Nick, a college student and huge fan of singer Anthony Devine, satirizes a tour of Devine’s house with a quickly filmed video tour of his broke college student apartment. The video goes viral enough to hit Devine’s publicist/keeper’s feeds, and she shows the singer. Devine, lonely and isolated in his fame, reaches out to Nick using a private account and they hit it off in a way that is different for both of them. Anthony is easy to talk to, gets Nick’s humor. The two just click into each other’s lives so easily that soon enough they are trading messages until 2 in the morning and can’t stop thinking about one another.
One snag, though. Nick does not believe for one minute that the person who messages him is really the singer he is a massive fan of. Who would?
This “sure, Jan.” perspective is just what the two need, though, because it allows their relationship to grow organically. If Nick knew it was Anthony from the start, Anthony would always wonder if Nick was just gaga over him because he was a fan before they met. And there would be a power imbalance. Nick would feel out of his depth dating a celebrity he idolizes and has the posters to prove it. Because Nick thinks Anthony is just a rando, the relationship that develops between them has a solid foundation of Yoda memes and debates over the superior cake flavor.
Hey, I Didn’t Ask for a Red Velvet Cake Recipe
But you’re getting one. This is a complete aside from the book review, sure. But I cannot help myself. Red Velvet cake, Anthony Devine, is not a chocolate cake in disguise! It’s a buttermilk cake with a touch of cocoa powder. This recipe is hands down delish (https://divascancook.com/the-best-red...). Modern cheapo cakes might just be chocolate with red food color, but that’s just devil’s food cake. Real Red Velvet is a thing of absolute beauty, and I’m sorry, but Nick wins this debate hands down.
The Mask Comes Off
People are just people, and this is the theme that sticks with me from this book. Anthony has discovered that the downside of fame is that people expect him to be a celebrity all the time. His muse has disappeared because of that. Messaging Nick becomes the refreshing change he needed. He needed someone to see him without the façade of fame. The anonymous messages and a disbelieving recipient mean that Anthony can be his true self, and that’s who Nick falls for. That’s the richness in this story that its length belies. The Anthony in the final epilogue is someone who can be who he is more confidently than before, and this growth and grounding give this story more impact than a quick meet-cute story of mistaken identity.
Recommendation
This is a great series, and I can’t wait to read more. I think I’ll go reread the first book now. Read this if you’re a fan of cute stories with hidden depth, love stories about queer joy and finding one’s true self in the most unlikely of ways.
Last Thought
One last thing. This website, introduced in the spectacular Moderating Love. I want this website to be a real thing. Please!? I want to read Queer love stories and meet-cutes. I love it so much.
March 20, 2026
IT STARTED WITH A TEXT - JAX CALDER
This is a cute novella about a superfan (Nick) and celebrity (Anthony) who meet through a text after the fan makes a parody video of a tour through his own apartment after seeing the celebrity’s million dollar apartment tour.
Nick doesn’t believe the person who text him was really Anthony, so he uses humor to banter back and forth knowing he will enjoy the conversation even if it’s just another fan like him. His roommate tells him he is being catfished because there is no way his celebrity crush is online chatting to the person who mocked his own video, but that doesn’t stop Nick from engaging with AntD and becoming glued to his phone over the next month texting at all hours getting to know his new friend.
Meanwhile Anthony has tried to tell Nick several times it’s really him, but he doesn’t believe him. Meanwhile, the more time they spend texting and sharing memes and learning more about each other, the more Anthony realizes how much Nick means to him. He has also helped inspire Anthony to write music again.
When they finally have the reveal moment during Anthony’s concert, and meet up at the cafe afterwards, both of them realize just how much they enjoy being together, and their banter and conversation in person is just as exciting as it is when they are constantly reaching for their phones to share their latest thoughts and feelings. The bonus scene of Anthony meeting Nick’s family was excellent, and reading their HEA was very heartwarming.
Jax Calder always write realistic engaging stories, and they always bring humor that makes you laugh out loud, and romance that makes your heart smile. Definitely a must read author!
This is a cute novella about a superfan (Nick) and celebrity (Anthony) who meet through a text after the fan makes a parody video of a tour through his own apartment after seeing the celebrity’s million dollar apartment tour.
Nick doesn’t believe the person who text him was really Anthony, so he uses humor to banter back and forth knowing he will enjoy the conversation even if it’s just another fan like him. His roommate tells him he is being catfished because there is no way his celebrity crush is online chatting to the person who mocked his own video, but that doesn’t stop Nick from engaging with AntD and becoming glued to his phone over the next month texting at all hours getting to know his new friend.
Meanwhile Anthony has tried to tell Nick several times it’s really him, but he doesn’t believe him. Meanwhile, the more time they spend texting and sharing memes and learning more about each other, the more Anthony realizes how much Nick means to him. He has also helped inspire Anthony to write music again.
When they finally have the reveal moment during Anthony’s concert, and meet up at the cafe afterwards, both of them realize just how much they enjoy being together, and their banter and conversation in person is just as exciting as it is when they are constantly reaching for their phones to share their latest thoughts and feelings. The bonus scene of Anthony meeting Nick’s family was excellent, and reading their HEA was very heartwarming.
Jax Calder always write realistic engaging stories, and they always bring humor that makes you laugh out loud, and romance that makes your heart smile. Definitely a must read author!
March 22, 2026
Nick • Anthony
….
“I aim to be memorable.” - “You’re already unforgettable.”
….
These novellas (talking here also about Moderating Love) have been the reading highlight of this week. You know the feeling when you’re in the mood for something but don’t know what that something is - this was my sweetest reprieve. I felt like I was in a fantasy bubble fairytale but at the same time in reality. A good reality. I was the heart eye emoji. So little pages and so much love.
Celebrity crush, reverse “catfishing”, bubbles and bubbles of texts back and forth, a song inspiration, a long date and two good souls finding each other.
If you’re a fan of emotional connections, an organic relationship development, fantastic banter, a grand gesture moment and a happy ever after - It Started With A Text has it all. I really can’t wait for another story in this shorts series.
….
“I’ve been trying to write the same song for two months now. It’s supposed to be about connection. But every time I reach for the feeling, I come up empty.” // “Tell me something about you that no one else knows.” // “You know who I am, Nick. I think you know me better than anyone else.” // “I want to touch those dimples. Trace the lines they cut into his cheeks when he laughs. I want to kiss that smile.” // “Yeah?” - “Yeah.” // “Nick’s hand finds my face, his thumb tracing my cheekbone, and the tenderness of the gesture contrasts so sharply with what we’re doing that something in my chest cracks open.” // “So, what do you say? Want to break the internet with me?” …
….
*I reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.
….
….
“I aim to be memorable.” - “You’re already unforgettable.”
….
These novellas (talking here also about Moderating Love) have been the reading highlight of this week. You know the feeling when you’re in the mood for something but don’t know what that something is - this was my sweetest reprieve. I felt like I was in a fantasy bubble fairytale but at the same time in reality. A good reality. I was the heart eye emoji. So little pages and so much love.
Celebrity crush, reverse “catfishing”, bubbles and bubbles of texts back and forth, a song inspiration, a long date and two good souls finding each other.
If you’re a fan of emotional connections, an organic relationship development, fantastic banter, a grand gesture moment and a happy ever after - It Started With A Text has it all. I really can’t wait for another story in this shorts series.
….
“I’ve been trying to write the same song for two months now. It’s supposed to be about connection. But every time I reach for the feeling, I come up empty.” // “Tell me something about you that no one else knows.” // “You know who I am, Nick. I think you know me better than anyone else.” // “I want to touch those dimples. Trace the lines they cut into his cheeks when he laughs. I want to kiss that smile.” // “Yeah?” - “Yeah.” // “Nick’s hand finds my face, his thumb tracing my cheekbone, and the tenderness of the gesture contrasts so sharply with what we’re doing that something in my chest cracks open.” // “So, what do you say? Want to break the internet with me?” …
….
*I reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.
….
March 22, 2026
5 stars
Such a wonderful novella! It made me smile and laugh and swoon at every page. And the banter is delicious!
Nick is a broke college student who adores the popstar Anthony Devine and constantly listens to his music and watches his videos. In one of them, Anthony shows his stylish home and Nick does his own home tour video just for fun and to laugh about their differences.
The next day, both videos go viral and Anthony is charmed by that cute guy with dimples and a killer smile, so he contacts him from his private account and they start chatting.
I adored their messages! They're hilarious, witty, funny, they can go back and forth like they've known each other for years and not just for a few days. Anthony, without the pressure of keeping his public persona, is finally free to be himself and he's not afraid to disappoint his new friend, while Nick feels finally seen and understood and he confides to Ant his dreams and hopes.
During their interactions, Anthony keeps telling Nick he truly is the Anthony Devine, but Nick brushes it off like an inside joke.
Until they finally agree to meet.
I'm not going to spoil how that happens, just saying that it was awesome and very well written, especially the parts about their fear of disappointing each other.
The story is low on spice, there's just one scene and it was wonderful, they were so very tender and sweet together.
I can't wait to see what the author will write next, I'm already in love with this series!
I received an ARC of this book from Booksprout and this is my honest review.
Such a wonderful novella! It made me smile and laugh and swoon at every page. And the banter is delicious!
Nick is a broke college student who adores the popstar Anthony Devine and constantly listens to his music and watches his videos. In one of them, Anthony shows his stylish home and Nick does his own home tour video just for fun and to laugh about their differences.
The next day, both videos go viral and Anthony is charmed by that cute guy with dimples and a killer smile, so he contacts him from his private account and they start chatting.
I adored their messages! They're hilarious, witty, funny, they can go back and forth like they've known each other for years and not just for a few days. Anthony, without the pressure of keeping his public persona, is finally free to be himself and he's not afraid to disappoint his new friend, while Nick feels finally seen and understood and he confides to Ant his dreams and hopes.
During their interactions, Anthony keeps telling Nick he truly is the Anthony Devine, but Nick brushes it off like an inside joke.
Until they finally agree to meet.
I'm not going to spoil how that happens, just saying that it was awesome and very well written, especially the parts about their fear of disappointing each other.
The story is low on spice, there's just one scene and it was wonderful, they were so very tender and sweet together.
I can't wait to see what the author will write next, I'm already in love with this series!
I received an ARC of this book from Booksprout and this is my honest review.
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