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We Don't Matter
*2022 NIEA Award Winner Contemporary Fiction!*
*2022 Readers' Favorite Book Award Winner - LGBTQ Fiction!*
*2022 Firebird Award Winner -Bronze- New Adult Fiction!*
*2022 The BookFest Award Winner- LGBTQ Fiction!*
*2022 Readers' Choice Award Winner - Adult Fiction!*
*2022 Indies Today Award Winner - Honorable Mention!*
At fifteen years old Aidan Osher lost his older brother to a drug-induced suicide. Now, at twenty-two, about to graduate from film school in Seattle, he is struggling with knowing who he is or where he belongs. A chance meeting with another skateboarder, Zeke, launches Aidan into an unfamiliar world both inside himself and out. As their friendship unfolds, Aidan is drawn to Zeke in a way he can’t explain. Zeke’s openness about his own homosexuality and abuse from the family and church he was raised in, makes Aidan question feelings he has long since buried. They find themselves intricately woven and their connection deeper than friendship. Aidan finds in Zeke answers to himself, his place in the world and a love he didn’t know could exist.
Recent tensions in Seattle, place Aidan, Zeke, and their friends in a situation where they have to decide between their own safety, or standing up to police intimidation and violence against the residents of a nearby homeless encampment. Footage of police brutality Aidan catches on film, puts them all on the run, fearing for their lives and their future. Zeke and Aidan flee to his brother’s best friend in North Carolina, which opens the door to his past he had closed to save his sanity. Reopening these old wounds forces both Aidan and Zeke to have to face what their true purpose is, and find the best way to fight together, against an oppressive system determined to keep them silent.
*2022 Readers' Favorite Book Award Winner - LGBTQ Fiction!*
*2022 Firebird Award Winner -Bronze- New Adult Fiction!*
*2022 The BookFest Award Winner- LGBTQ Fiction!*
*2022 Readers' Choice Award Winner - Adult Fiction!*
*2022 Indies Today Award Winner - Honorable Mention!*
At fifteen years old Aidan Osher lost his older brother to a drug-induced suicide. Now, at twenty-two, about to graduate from film school in Seattle, he is struggling with knowing who he is or where he belongs. A chance meeting with another skateboarder, Zeke, launches Aidan into an unfamiliar world both inside himself and out. As their friendship unfolds, Aidan is drawn to Zeke in a way he can’t explain. Zeke’s openness about his own homosexuality and abuse from the family and church he was raised in, makes Aidan question feelings he has long since buried. They find themselves intricately woven and their connection deeper than friendship. Aidan finds in Zeke answers to himself, his place in the world and a love he didn’t know could exist.
Recent tensions in Seattle, place Aidan, Zeke, and their friends in a situation where they have to decide between their own safety, or standing up to police intimidation and violence against the residents of a nearby homeless encampment. Footage of police brutality Aidan catches on film, puts them all on the run, fearing for their lives and their future. Zeke and Aidan flee to his brother’s best friend in North Carolina, which opens the door to his past he had closed to save his sanity. Reopening these old wounds forces both Aidan and Zeke to have to face what their true purpose is, and find the best way to fight together, against an oppressive system determined to keep them silent.
302 pages, Paperback
Published December 6, 2021
About the author
Juliet Rose
21 books475 followersMulti award-winning, cross-genre author, journalist, and librarian!
Juliet Rose is driven to bring to life characters from many walks of life and the struggles faced in modern society. Her writing style is open and fluid, giving the characters the ability to shine as the truth of their own story. Her works are honest and sometimes brutally painful but in the end, her characters are given the voice which needs to be heard.
Juliet is a New York native living in the mountains of Georgia. She has lived all over the United States and Mexico and doesn’t plan to stop seeing the world beyond her front doorstep. She spends her time rescuing animals, painting, and writing.
Juliet Rose is driven to bring to life characters from many walks of life and the struggles faced in modern society. Her writing style is open and fluid, giving the characters the ability to shine as the truth of their own story. Her works are honest and sometimes brutally painful but in the end, her characters are given the voice which needs to be heard.
Juliet is a New York native living in the mountains of Georgia. She has lived all over the United States and Mexico and doesn’t plan to stop seeing the world beyond her front doorstep. She spends her time rescuing animals, painting, and writing.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
August 17, 2022
READERS' FAVORITE REVIEW
Five Stars!
We Don't Matter by Juliet Rose is a coming-of-age story of a young man who discovered himself in the strangest of ways. Aidan was just 22 years old and was on his way to graduating from college. However, Aidan wasn’t so sure what he wanted in life, who he was, and where he was headed. Meeting Zeke in a chance encounter was the best thing that could happen to Aidan. Zeke opened new avenues for Aidan, and before they knew it, their friendship turned into something much more. Getting closer and falling in love was as easy as breathing. However, things changed when they witnessed police brutality. Before they knew it, Aidan and Zeke were fleeing from the police, hoping to get away before it was too late. Hiding in North Carolina, the lovers had no idea they would be running from the present and getting caught up in their pasts. What would happen next?
Nothing could have prepared me for the intensity of We Don't Matter. Aidan’s past left a huge mark on his present and future, and the kicker was that Aidan had no idea how much the death of his brother affected him. Zeke was the breath of fresh air he needed, but Zeke was also a sign for Aiden to wake up and finally live. Zeke was calmer, more centered, and more courageous than Aidan (even though his teens were no less traumatizing). While Aidan was spiraling, Zeke was keeping him grounded. Author Juliet Rose did a fantastic job of creating a powerful subplot to support Zeke and Aidan’s relationship and their journey to discovering themselves. The dialogues revealed a lot about the characters and their mentality at any given point in the story. Mind you, this is not just an LGBTQ romance. It is a much more powerful, reality-based narrative that will wow readers! A fantastic approach to a coming out and coming of age story.
Five Stars!
We Don't Matter by Juliet Rose is a coming-of-age story of a young man who discovered himself in the strangest of ways. Aidan was just 22 years old and was on his way to graduating from college. However, Aidan wasn’t so sure what he wanted in life, who he was, and where he was headed. Meeting Zeke in a chance encounter was the best thing that could happen to Aidan. Zeke opened new avenues for Aidan, and before they knew it, their friendship turned into something much more. Getting closer and falling in love was as easy as breathing. However, things changed when they witnessed police brutality. Before they knew it, Aidan and Zeke were fleeing from the police, hoping to get away before it was too late. Hiding in North Carolina, the lovers had no idea they would be running from the present and getting caught up in their pasts. What would happen next?
Nothing could have prepared me for the intensity of We Don't Matter. Aidan’s past left a huge mark on his present and future, and the kicker was that Aidan had no idea how much the death of his brother affected him. Zeke was the breath of fresh air he needed, but Zeke was also a sign for Aiden to wake up and finally live. Zeke was calmer, more centered, and more courageous than Aidan (even though his teens were no less traumatizing). While Aidan was spiraling, Zeke was keeping him grounded. Author Juliet Rose did a fantastic job of creating a powerful subplot to support Zeke and Aidan’s relationship and their journey to discovering themselves. The dialogues revealed a lot about the characters and their mentality at any given point in the story. Mind you, this is not just an LGBTQ romance. It is a much more powerful, reality-based narrative that will wow readers! A fantastic approach to a coming out and coming of age story.
July 16, 2023
LOVE LOVE LOVE
This is by far one of my favorite reads this year. There was a lot that I was expecting but this just blew me out of the water and it had a little bit if everything.
Angst, romance, fluff and real world problems.
Hats off to Juliet Rose because this book actually made me cry.
This is by far one of my favorite reads this year. There was a lot that I was expecting but this just blew me out of the water and it had a little bit if everything.
Angst, romance, fluff and real world problems.
Hats off to Juliet Rose because this book actually made me cry.
January 10, 2023
This is a book for readers who want to get into a character’s head. Aidan, the protagonist, comes with a background of hurt and heartache, and the incredible friends he’s made speak to the power of love and change. If it weren’t for their support, he’d be worse off — though their relationships aren’t exactly perfect themselves.
As Aidan evolves in his understanding of the self, he learns first-hand that the world isn’t so accepting of all kinds. It soon gives him quite the headache…
Aidan’s desire to change the world with film doesn’t take the route he had in mind, but with a great effort shared between him and his partner — and a lot of risk-taking — what his camera captures has more tangible effects than he might have imagined, and a net is cast that catches world.
Though WE DON'T MATTER is a work of fiction, its believability lends to the tragedies found between its covers. If only we could pluck the love from this book and find it as plentiful in our own world.
As Aidan evolves in his understanding of the self, he learns first-hand that the world isn’t so accepting of all kinds. It soon gives him quite the headache…
Aidan’s desire to change the world with film doesn’t take the route he had in mind, but with a great effort shared between him and his partner — and a lot of risk-taking — what his camera captures has more tangible effects than he might have imagined, and a net is cast that catches world.
Though WE DON'T MATTER is a work of fiction, its believability lends to the tragedies found between its covers. If only we could pluck the love from this book and find it as plentiful in our own world.
November 28, 2023
Everything Matters
I didn’t realize so many social issues could be seamlessly integrated in one book. I read it in doses, embracing every emotion the content stirred inside of me. I thought about the well-developed characters even when I wasn’t reading. And while I read the previous book with some shared characters and definitely viewed it as the sequel, I love that it can be read without the other book. No one would get lost in anything but the stand alone stories of this specific book. Well done.
I didn’t realize so many social issues could be seamlessly integrated in one book. I read it in doses, embracing every emotion the content stirred inside of me. I thought about the well-developed characters even when I wasn’t reading. And while I read the previous book with some shared characters and definitely viewed it as the sequel, I love that it can be read without the other book. No one would get lost in anything but the stand alone stories of this specific book. Well done.
July 7, 2023
We Don't Matter by Juliet Rose is fantastic novel that left me with a profound sense of introspection and a renewed perspective on life. This book is a beautifully written and thought-provoking exploration of the human experience, offering a refreshing take on our place in the world. We Don't Matter is a remarkable book that deserves a place on every thoughtful reader's shelf.
May 1, 2023
A beautifully developed coming of age story with characters the reader grow to care about.
Rapidly changing events take place that help the main character and his friends leap into their future. The main character finds both the love of his life and lets go of his childhood trauma.
Romance
Crime
Trauma
Rapidly changing events take place that help the main character and his friends leap into their future. The main character finds both the love of his life and lets go of his childhood trauma.
Romance
Crime
Trauma
December 18, 2021
This Book Matters!
There’s a lot of love, beauty and thought provoking work to be found here! Wonderfully written and really expands one’s view on real world topics.
There’s a lot of love, beauty and thought provoking work to be found here! Wonderfully written and really expands one’s view on real world topics.
July 5, 2023
The heart of "We Don't Matter" is the budding relationship between two young men. Aidan appears to be asexual until he meets Zeke, who is comfortable with his own homosexuality. Together they form a romantic union that any couple (straight or gay) would envy. The backbone of this novel, however, is social justice, and this, along with many well developed characters, make for a thought provoking read about love, grief, friendship, and standing up for what is right. The love scenes are romantic, the action intense, and the story timely. I will be reading more works in the future by Juliet Rose.
June 15, 2023
This book was very beautiful!! As someone who is from a church background I was shocked to see what some people go through. A person who looks at the face of Christ should not feel judged. They should feel love because that is what Christ is. He doesn't want to see his children in pain.
What the characters in this book went through is horrid. I think anyone with empathy and a heart should read this book. It is sad, happy. It will cause anger and frustration. If you are struggling with how events are unfolding in America and how much judgement is in the world you need to read this book.
What the characters in this book went through is horrid. I think anyone with empathy and a heart should read this book. It is sad, happy. It will cause anger and frustration. If you are struggling with how events are unfolding in America and how much judgement is in the world you need to read this book.
February 10, 2023
We Don't Matter is about coming of age in a messed-up world and making peace with the place you want to occupy and the role you want to assume in it.
There is a lot in there (police brutality, religious abuse, grief, homophobia…) and while it's treated with great humanity, I advise that you approach with caution if you are in a vulnerable place.
For my sex repulsed peeps; there are a few not overly descriptive and pretty short sex scenes.
There is a lot in there (police brutality, religious abuse, grief, homophobia…) and while it's treated with great humanity, I advise that you approach with caution if you are in a vulnerable place.
For my sex repulsed peeps; there are a few not overly descriptive and pretty short sex scenes.
March 7, 2023
If you're looking for LGBTQ+ rep or POC rep, something talking about police brutality and injustices.....something that sticks with you after you've read it, this one's for you!
This beautifully written slow burn tackles a lot of real life horrors without being outright political. "We Don't Matter" by Juliet Rose is a story about human rights, it follows our main character who's just started to figure out who he is.
What I loved: chapters 26,27 & 28 raw and gritty emotion.
We know representation matters and all her characters flow naturally, no one seems written in to meet a quota. Something that should be on everyone's TBR.
I enjoyed the MCs love interest and friend group who were definitely ride or dies!
What kept this from a 5 star rating was personal preference, I'm not a fan of trauma bonding.
I also found myself waiting for a more in depth backstory revolving around the MCs brother but again personal preference.
This beautifully written slow burn tackles a lot of real life horrors without being outright political. "We Don't Matter" by Juliet Rose is a story about human rights, it follows our main character who's just started to figure out who he is.
What I loved: chapters 26,27 & 28 raw and gritty emotion.
We know representation matters and all her characters flow naturally, no one seems written in to meet a quota. Something that should be on everyone's TBR.
I enjoyed the MCs love interest and friend group who were definitely ride or dies!
What kept this from a 5 star rating was personal preference, I'm not a fan of trauma bonding.
I also found myself waiting for a more in depth backstory revolving around the MCs brother but again personal preference.
January 14, 2022
Rose has the ability to make you relate to a character even if you aren't in their shoes. Even though the main character, Aidan, is on a different journey, I felt connected to his plight and was rooting for him and his friends to the very end. This story reveals modern-day issues and approaches them in a way that the reader can relate to. The author weaves a story of friendship, love, and standing up against tyranny, but in a heartfelt way. A must read!
July 22, 2025
Read as part of the 2025 Indie Author Project
This book has such high ratings, but it didn't hit for me. It read very YA despite being marketed as an adult book. The writing also felt, to me, very stilted. I didn't care about the characters or their problems.
Also, I physically had trouble reading the book. The ebook file was formatted in such a way that the text was very small and even though I kept enlarging it, I couldn't read it without my eyes hurting. And the bookmark function would not work.
I am sorry to be negative and I know a lot of people liked this book, but it was not for me.
This book has such high ratings, but it didn't hit for me. It read very YA despite being marketed as an adult book. The writing also felt, to me, very stilted. I didn't care about the characters or their problems.
Also, I physically had trouble reading the book. The ebook file was formatted in such a way that the text was very small and even though I kept enlarging it, I couldn't read it without my eyes hurting. And the bookmark function would not work.
I am sorry to be negative and I know a lot of people liked this book, but it was not for me.
January 31, 2023
This is a newfound star on my bookshelf for sure, it provokes deep thoughts I never had before. The relationship between Aidan and Zeke was so beautiful and I will go down with that ship.
June 16, 2025
"He didn't deserve to die like that. No one does. It takes people like us to stand up against people like them, otherwise they will always win."
Juliet has, once again, brought me to tears with her last installment of this series. We watched addiction take Aidan's older brother. Now we see the toll it truly took on young Aidan as he grows up to find himself.
Police brutality. A crooked justice system. Hate and violence to the LGBT+ community. Aidan has to over come and adapt these hurdles that are in his way, so that he can find his own voice and stand up for those who can't stand up foe themselves.
As always, this was a beautiful, powerful, painful story. I will recommend it to anyone. Especially those that may need a little help seeing the other side of the coin.
Juliet has, once again, brought me to tears with her last installment of this series. We watched addiction take Aidan's older brother. Now we see the toll it truly took on young Aidan as he grows up to find himself.
Police brutality. A crooked justice system. Hate and violence to the LGBT+ community. Aidan has to over come and adapt these hurdles that are in his way, so that he can find his own voice and stand up for those who can't stand up foe themselves.
As always, this was a beautiful, powerful, painful story. I will recommend it to anyone. Especially those that may need a little help seeing the other side of the coin.
April 13, 2023
Should be required reading.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews