Trust Me

by Jeff Erno

Shawn Graham and Bobby Wilder couldn't be more different. Shawn is a devout Christian fundamentalist from northern Michigan; Bobby is a street-smart latchkey kid from southern Ohio. From an early age, they are both confused and troubled by their attraction to the same sex. Shawn believes that homosexuality is sinful, and a traumatic incident of childhood sexual abuse adds to his guilt and shame. Bobby has an image to maintain and flatly denies the possibility that his same-sex attractions even exist. He's just too cool to be gay. When they finally connect, their preconceptions are suddenly dwarfed by what they feel for each other. They become inseparable and fall deeply in love; however, love doesn't make life easy. Plans are in motion that will surely devastate the young couple. Painful experiences of the past overshadow happy memories, and heartbreaking obstacles loom over the possibility of a future. If Shawn and Bobby want to stay together, they will have to fight with everything they have.

Genres: M M Romance, Young Adult, Romance, Contemporary, Coming Of Age, Gay, Abuse

366 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 30, 2010

About the author

Jeff Erno currently lives in southern Michigan. He holds a bachelor's degree in business management and human resources. Jeff began writing stories in the late 1990's and initially posted them to a free online amateur website. The positive feedback he received from readers encouraged him to continue, and this eventually led to the publication of his first novel, Dumb Jock. Erno has subsequently published several other novels.

His greatest passion in life is writing, and he hopes to be able to continue sharing his work with readers worldwide.

Reviews

[Rina Pride · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars 💟 Garotos de 15 anos vivendo um amor mais forte do que de alguns adultos!! Chorei e não foi pouco 😭Shawn e Bobby conseguiram arrancar lágrimas de mim ( sou muito manteiga derretida quando se trata de adolescentes queer). Tenho um certo ódio com religião, não vou mentir aqui e dizer que gosto de ter pessoas religiosas ao meu lado. Eu cresci numa família religiosa ( cristãos e católicos) minha mãe virou evangélica quando eu ainda era criança e claramente fui influenciada em ser uma pessoa religiosa, tinha que ir na igreja, tive de me batizar porque viviam dizendo que eu iria para o inferno se não fosse crente batizada. Aos 12 me batizei numa igreja evangélica ( nem sabia o que eu tava fazendo). Sei o que Shawn passou em se culpar por se sentir atraído por pessoas do mesmo sexo, desde criança eu me sentia excitada com o corpo feminino, gostava de olhar para seios fartos e sentia vontade de colocar minha boca neles. Tentei evitar isso com religião e claramente não deu certo... Comecei detestar religião, achava os cristãos muito hipócritas, maioria deles tentam moldar sua vida e apontar dedos de julgamento. Passei a entender que não precisava de religião para acreditar em Deus. Deus não é religião, posso muito bem acreditar nele e não ser religiosa, não seguir um fanatismo criado pelo homem, religião foi criada pelo homem, não foi criada por Deus. Depois de compreender que não adiantava esconder minha atração por garotas, larguei religião de lado e consegui me aceitar como eu era. Não é fácil, mas vale a pena se aceitar.

Trust me mostra exatamente o que crianças que cresceram em família religiosa passam, ler esse livro foi como voltar na minha infância onde eu vivia mais na igreja do que em casa. Minha libertação dessa lavagem cerebral religiosa foi parar e me aceitar, e fiquei torcendo para que isso tbm acontecesse com Shawn e Bobby. Shawn passou por uma violação dolorosa na infância, foi um momento do livro que detestei, o garoto tão bom tendo de passar pelo que passou. Pedófilos são criaturas repugnantes, Shawn foi um garoto forte. Mesmo nos momentos em que ele se achava fraco, Shawn tentou o melhor para superar esse problema. Seu romance com Bobby foi tão lindinho, teve altos e baixos como todo romance. Foi bonito como os dois se apaixonaram, Bobby e Shawn viveram algo que muitos na vida adulta ainda não encontraram... Um verdadeiro amor ❤

O único defeito que achei nesse livro foi o lance do abuso, achei que o livro poderia seguir sem isso, foi muito triste ver um menino como Shawn ser vítima de um pedófilo filho da puta.

O engraçado é que achei que essa seria uma história com protagonistas adultos, teria uns momentos adolescentes e depois teria toda trama na vida adulta, mas o livro todo foi eles com 15 anos e só no final teve passagem de tempo só para mostrar um momento memorável deles. Pelo fato de ter sido um romance muito intenso com dois meninos de 15.. Eu realmente fiquei mais tocada que o normal. Foi uma bela surpresa..

[Darien · Rating 4 out of 5]

^^TRUST ME! ITS THAT GOOD!^^

4.5


Jeff has done it again, a book where I literally fell in love with both characters and later moved on to crying like a baby. I might be biased but I think Jeff is one of the best, his books always manages to touch something in me, and Trust Me was no different. Imagine the worst possible scenario for a young gay boy; imagine the worst possible scenario for a young boy. This book had it all, the questions of self-identity, the stereotypes and all the love. Moreover, the hot topic of homosexuality and Christianity.

Shawn Graham is your average teenager, he worries about fitting in and getting along with his peers. The unique thing about Shawn is that he is a devout Christian, a truly good person who loves god. Thing is Shawn is a little on the effeminate side, and that seems to drive people to bully him, and adults telling him he is not man enough. Combine everything with being just your average teenager; this is a lot for Shawn to handle. He questions his sexuality; his self worth, and if he is queer can he still be a man devoted to god or does god hate him now.

Bobby Wilder is your typical teenage bad boy, with problems at home and doing what he wants when he wants to. Only thing is Bobby seems to be attracted to other boys, and no self-respecting bad boy has those feelings. He does the only thing he can and that is to ignore his feelings. When situations leads him to live with his father, these feelings come back and they come hard, because Shawn Graham is everything he wants, and everything he should not have.

From the very beginning, this book hit me hard; there was an intense scene that had my heart breaking and the tears flowing. Mr Erno manages to embody all the teenage angst and struggles within this book and it sure is effin believable. The writing is edgy and truthful, makes no apologies about the content and gives a big “WHY NOT”. As a gay man, why can’t I love god and have him love me back; why not live, be happy, and comfortable with who I am. Why not just love.

I loved Bobby and Shawn together, their innocence and growing affection for each other was written wonderfully. I felt like a part of them, I got to watch them grow, cry and most of all fall in love and it was beautiful. Through hardships ( man it was hardships), and I read this at a time where so many young beautiful innocent lives were lost and it made me cry so much more. Being a teen is bad enough, a time of questioning and self-hatred, and to bring bullying into the mix, and not feeling acceptance, it can be rough. This book walked that line effortlessly, and made me celebrate the small victories. I am in love with these characters, I am in love with this book and I guarantee that Bobby and Shawn will bring a little joy into your life. Loved it!

[LenaRibka · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rounded up to 3 stars.

I liked the short novels of Jeff Erno and was excited to read at last my first full length novel of this author. Unfortunately my high expectations were not fulfilled.

The book told us the love story of Shawn Graham and Bobby Wilder growing up in the 80s, two boys with different and and the same time similar family background. They both were raised by a single mother without brothers or sisters. But Shawn unlike Bobby grow up in a very religious environment. The first time they met when Bobby spent his summer by his father's new family in Michigan. It was just a quick but fateful encounter, even if they had no idea about it at that time.

Jeff Erno presents a whole range of different topics, from sexual abuse and bullying through religion up to homophobia. The author can perfectly portray a teen outsider, like in his Invisible he knows perfectly how to rip your heart out and then put it together.

Only what worked for me in the short novel, didn't work in a full length one. And the main reason for it was the writing.

I think that the book could be much better if it would have at least 100 pages less. The author told us the same situations again and again, from many different views. There are so many empty words, sentences, pages that took my attention from the story. In spite of I loved the boys I was reading about, at some point the repetitions became annoying and I catched myself skipping pages.

What bothered me apart from repetitions was a third person part. I have never had a feeling that it was told from the 13-15 years old boy's POV. It was told from a middle age male person, who TRIED TO BE a teen boy. On one hand they were too childish and naive for their age in some situation, on the other hand they were embarrassingly mature during sex scenes.

All in all, if you're a fan of a YA genre and enjoy heart-wrenched stories with HEA, you should try it.

I would say, the book is more suitable for MM-beginners, MM-old hands could be less satisfied with it.

[Robert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy crap! What an emotional roller coaster!! What I thought was going to be just a sweet romance between two boys, turned into a gut-wrenching story of youthful innocence, true love, disappointment, broken hearts, betrayal, and redemption.

I haven't been this wrapped up in a story for quite some time. Wish I could give it more than 5 stars.

[Jeff Erno]

Trust Me receives a 5 star review from Bitter Shade Reviews http://bitter.failed-to-say.net/archi...

Trust Me receives a 4.5-star review from Leontine's Book Realm Review Site http://www.leontinesbookrealm.com/201...

Trust Me receives a 4.5-star review from Bookwenches. http://www.bookwenches.com/january11r...

Trust Me receives a five-star review from Romance Studio. http://theromancestudio.com/reviews/r...

Trust Me receives a five-star Recommended Read from Fallen Angel Reviews http://fallenangelreviews.com/2010/De...

Trust Me receives a rave 4.5-Star Review from Three Dollar Bill Reviews. http://threedollarbillreviews.com/201...

Book reviewer Amos Lassen of Eureka Pride gives Trust Me a five-star review. http://www.eurekapride.com/talk/showt...

Trust Me receives the Golden Blush Recommended Read Award by Literary Nymphs http://literarynymphsreviewsonly.blog...

Trust Me is now available at Dreamspinner Press. http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/stor...

[Demon · Rating 1 out of 5]

Fucking horrible!
Never want to see it again!

[Julia ♥Duncan♥ · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is one of those tragic cases where I liked the story, but didn't like the book.

Things I liked:
1. Characters. They were likeable.

Things I did not like:
1. Repetitiveness. Every few chapters the author summarized everything that had happened in the book so far. Why was this necessary? It's not like a TV show where I only get a small bit each week. I needed no help remembering that Shawn has no self confidence and thinks he is a terrible person and that Bobby expects everyone to abandon him. I got it the first time I read it. The next ten times made me want to smack someone. It's really boring reading about the exact same thing over and over again. And it made the book way too long.

2. Point of view. In theory the book switches between third person points of view, but several times the author actually stops to explain everything. For example at one point he tells you what Bobby is NOT thinking. But if we're in Bobby's point of view why are we told this? If he's not thinking it... then he isn't thinking it and thus we shouldn't read it!

3. Tone of voice. This read more like a textbook than like fiction. I felt like it was preaching to me, especially the way the author stopped to over explain and over analyze everything. The book felt the need to tell me when characters were making bad choices or thinking bad things. I wish it had just told the story and let me figure the rest out for myself. Too much telling, not enough showing.

4. Accents. Normally these don't bother me overly much, I've read some crazy highlander-type books with over done accents, but this just got to me over the course of the book. Seriously though, not one character ever used -ing, it was always -in'. No one ever said you or your, it was always ya and yer. Also wanna and gonna. I was "gonna" kill someone by about half the way through the book. Even the adults spoke like this!

5. Depressingness. I read for fun. This book was not fun to read. I have read tons of books where horrifically awful things happen to the characters and this was still more depressing because there was almost nothing happy that happened ever. There were no moments of lightness to contrast the dark subject matter. The characters spent the majority of the book being miserable and I was miserable right along with them.

To summarize: Too long, too boring. Had to force myself to finish it.

[Trisha Harrington · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful, heartbreaking book.

This book is just raw emotion. I do not have a better way of describing it. It was my second mm romance and it was heartfelt and poignant and just the right amount of funny in places. A book like this is not just a simple story and it cannot be described easily. But it can be recommended.

Bobby and Shawn stole my heart and left me feeling raw and in need of a hug. Trust me has a way of ripping your heart out and repairing you again and leaving you numb. The two protagonists are just stunning character and their stories needed to be told.

The more you read the more you need to read. Well that is how I felt and how I needed to feel. This book could have been ruined, but to be honest it was perfect and what it had to be. Its not easy and love does not always conquer all. But this book shows how it can survive through tough times.

To be put off of this book by the tough subject it brings up could be a mistake. There is only one scene with graphic content about the abuse and it was not as bad as other books I have read. Its up to the reader but I survived reading it.

I have a need to say more and yet I cannot find the words. It needs better than a simple review. It needs to be read and re-read and maybe read for a third time. Eyes need to look and brains need to take it all in. So that is all I will say.

Well done Jeff Erno, you have written an amazing book and one I will cherish for the rest of my life.

[Major English (Laura) · Rating 2 out of 5]

The last 25% of this book was absolutely horrible. The two main characters didn't interact for a whole year. It was incredibly redundant writing... The whole book was incredibly redundant writing, but I was able to overlook it...

But I am just mad, the last 25% was infuriating.

Also I read Erno's most recent book, You Belong With Me, and there are literally the same lines from this book that are in that book.

If the last 25% of this book was not so horrible, in content, characterizations and writing, this could have been a four star book. Shawn's mom was infuriating, her disgust of her son and then her sudden "epiphany" was disgusting. Shawn and Bobby not interacting for an entire year wasinfuriating. Shawn cruising in a park was infuriating, Shawn and Bobby being stupid and not talking to each other for a year was ridiculous... I could name a million more things....

I could write pages about what I didn't like about it, but I'm just mad. I stayed up late to read it hoping it would get better and other than a sugary sweet HEA it never got better, but at least it was a HEA.

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

This m/m romance was a very mixed read for me. I really liked the base story, about two boys, one extremely religious, growing up in the 80s and trying to come to terms with their attraction to other boys. But I kept feeling as if I were being drawn into the story, only to be shoved out again, perhaps because there was too much telling and not enough showing? Additionally, the story had these odd, very meta-feeling lecturey interludes that did not work for me at all.

[Valentina Heart · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is somewhat conflicting for me. I've read Jeff Erno's work before and I was pretty amazed by the way he writes. It's shocking and emotional and often too sweet.
When I first started reading this one, I already decided that I would be rating it with a four. There was a lot of telling that was a bit difficult at times. And then the moment of discovery came and I was blown away. It was so emotional I kept blinking away tears while I kept on reading. And exactly that is what I love about Jeff Erno - with his brilliance, he makes you love it! Even when certain aspects of the book don't sit well with the reader; you still love it.
I was raised very religiously, and it shaped a lot of my self esteem while growing up, and not in a good way. By the time I recognized that what was right for my church was not necessarily right for me, the damage was done. And I'm not a gay man. The religious parts of the book really ticked me off (you'll know which parts once you get to them), but like I said, despite all that, the author makes you love whatever he writes.
The ending is too sweet for me, and I'm really not a fan of so much crying. Still, this book is a 5 star read and I'm happy to rate it as such.

[Fiona Goodman · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story is about Shawn and Bobby who meet at the age of twelve and then again a year or so later. Shawn has grown up in a religion who feel that homosexuality is a sin and a chosen lifestyle and those who are gay are abominations in the eyes of the Lord.

Bobby, on the other hand spends his early childhood being raised by a neglectful mother who turns him out to live with his father after remarrying. He learns quickly to manipulate and use others. He has the attitude of hurt them before they hurt you and feels that the world is an untrustworthy place. His famous saying throughout the book is 'trust me' and he uses it to get what he wants from those around him.

It seems like an odd pairing, but the two boys find healing and love with each other. Bobby learns to trust more, and Shawn begins to accept himself as he is, not as others perceive him to be.

I really love this book because it doesn't just start at the two boys meeting each other, but goes into detail about their pasts that have influenced the way they see themselves and the world. The focus on Shawn is especially touching and at times very disturbing. Shawn has been raised with the expectation that he will be a leader in the church because of his piousness and gentle manner. He is constantly at odds with himself and is filled with self-hatred due to his inability to live up to others expectations. His knowledge that he will be rejected by the church if anyone discovers that he is gay leads to feelings of shame and unworthiness towards himself.

The book mainly takes place between the boys 12-18th years. It is really a beautiful love story. There are some really shocking and heartbreaking events that take place in the book. These events are very realistic and are that much more disturbing because of this.

However, there is also great joy and love and taking the journey with these two remarkable young boys in the search of their happily ever after is definitely worth the time.

[Phil Ansell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've finally stopped crying enough to write the review of this book.

Trust Me is a beautiful, emotional, loving and heartbreaking story of two very different young men, who have faced a some pretty big issues growing up, but as teenagers find love and acceptance in each other.

I completely fell in love with both Bobby and Shawn, the main characters, and I honestly feel like I've just been through everything with them, the writing is that good. I particularly felt for Shawn, and the thoughts and feelings that he had resonated so much with those I had growing up, also myself being gay and Christian. Both the characters were full of depth and very real and I just hoped so much that everything would work out for them in the story.

I loved how the author addressed the issues of Christianity and homosexuality. He showed both how the horrific, hypocritical and judgemental side of Christianity can badly damage someone's life but also that there is a wonderful side to Christianity, found in love and compassion for others. It's so sad that there are many many people out there with the views of both Shawn's mother and his pastor.

There were plenty of moments of joy in the story but some really dark heartbreaking ones too, you are taken on such an emotional roller-coaster, and I challenge you not to cry whilst reading this book, I sobbed my heart out.

Deeply touching, intelligently thought provoking and tragically heartbreaking, with the most lovable characters, this book has it all for me and is absolutely one of the best books I've ever read!

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now that I have stop crying I can give my review ( I hope it make sense). As I have stated before I can relate to Shawn I feel for him when it comes to our religious belief growing up as a PK (preachers kid) you are told the "gay people" are ging to go the hell and burn in the pit of fire and for a while I believed it (sad I know). It wasn't until my best friend came out to me that I really started to see that he was no different from when I knew he wasn't gay. But the turmoil that he went through was almost the same as what Shawn and Bobby went through.

This book was an incredible read I could not put it down because it had me from the beginning. The feeling and emotions that this book brought out in me was very surprising, from Shawn's molestation to wanting knock some sense into his mother for somewhat abandoning her son.

However, I'm glad that in the end everything worked out. I would recommend this book to everyone. Jeff Erno has really out done himself in this book, it was completely different from all the other I have read and I think that is what I loved about it. Bravo Zulu!!!

[Andi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can someone hand me a tissue please? I loved Trust Me! I adored the characters and the roller coaster ride their story put me on. I laughed, I cried, I got angry and I rejoiced at the end. What an amazing coming of age story!

[Andrew Grey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This blew me away. I started reading it while on a cruise and couldn't put it down.

[Nancy L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Coming....after my tears dry up

At first I wasn't sure what I was reading, it's a small boy in kindergarten and I'm kinda feeling confused. I almost put the book down. Then it switches to another little boy. I'm still not quite sure what's up but as I'm reading this I'm starting to get a feel for these boys and how their lives are shaped and morals/values are moulded into their daily lives. Both get a lot of shit placed on their shoulders at an early age. Neither has a good outlet for their frustrations and questions which really brought out the mommy in me. I could feel for these boys and just wanted to tAke then in and shelter them! Typical teenage stuff but both have their feelings toward other boys suppressed and that sets them up for when they finally meet at age 12.

Reading about their thoughts of failure and indecision and frustration at the lack of answers and feeling not normal was hard to take. They really just were regular boys but had no one to tell them. I was very surprised they got together sexually as quick as they did knowing that both had obstacles to overcome regarding being gay. Then again it could have been the hormones doing most of that! They seemed to be the best of friends and really fit well. Jeff did a great job making you feel the emotions and angst of being a teen and in love with a boy. When Shawn was in the hospital I started crying, no it was when he made the decision with the pills. I didn't stop until well after the last page. This story will stick with me for a long long time.

[Luta Wolf · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm glad I read this book because it's one of those that forces you to think and hopefully become a more compassionat human being. It also sent my tale spinning into the face of my own past, however I don't feel this book is the type to leads you depression as much as it leads you to healing. Books like these can break you apart but in the end when you put yourself back together you can't help but feel you came out of it a better person. I will however recommend that everyone who reads this have a back up fluff chocolate pie with chocolate milk type book as a back up read to this though... I'd like to say a special thank you to the author for writing a book such as this. For not sugar coating that there are those that go through experinces such as this. However you also wrote a wonderful message of hope. Thank you.

[Mickie Ashling · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've never read anything by this author but I decided to try this based on several recommendations. It was a long and gut wrenching story that brought me to tears several times. Some parts were extremely difficult to get through but I'm glad I forged ahead. The trauma that Shawn had to endure on his own broke my heart. As a mother I had a hard time understanding Deni's blatant disregard for her son's feelings. I loved Bobby and his cocky attitude but Shawn won me over from the very first. Great story if you like angst. I'd recommend it without hesitation.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars YOWZA! That was quite! the emotional journey! I really really loved this sometimes heartbreaking and emotional journey. I rounded up to 4 stars but there were a few things that kept this from reaching it's full potential for me:

1) While I loved getting to know the boys individually first, it probably went on a bit too long. It took forever for our MC's to even meet!

2) A tad preachy. Certain things like the PFLAG meeting and gay boot camp were important but we didn't need quite so detailed of a run down and specs.

3) A little too much 'tell'. Don't worry, we got plenty of 'show' as well, however some parts just reiterated previous information we already knew and it could have been edited down a bit more.

But if you want a good cry and some serious coming-of-age shit, you'll definitely love this. I completely believed the love between these two boys. It was great to learn them on their own first, what made them who they are, their strengths and weakness. And then to see them compliment and support each other. The characters were very well written, but would benefit from taking out some of the repetitive or extraneous stuff.

Received from the publisher as part of Jeff Erno's Greatest Hits in exchange for an honest review, reviewed for Hearts On Fire

[Eli Easton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of my very first m/m romances and I adored it! I loved the vulnerability of Shawn and the development of his romantic and physical relationship with Bobby.l

[Trix · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a very touching story!

I admit I had a hard time getting to like the characters and immerse in the story. Had to go through like 100 pages before I was interested in truly reading in earnest. In fact, it's the reason why I gave it a 4 star rating. The writing style kind of threw me. Even towards the end, I found it peculiar to read the characters' thoughts mingled with characterisation and psychological analysis from a third party narrator. It made me lose focus in the story, though I admit it helped portray Shawn and Bobby better.

The story of the two boys was heart-wrenching. With different scarring past but equally marked and hurting. And it took their coming together to finally be able to make amends with themselves and accept who and what they are. While reading the story, I felt more sorry for Shawn as he seemed to be suffering in silence with no one to help him answer the questions plaguing his mind. And in fact, burdened by his hatred for himself and the demeaning acts he was subjected to his whole life, he resorted to suicide. It must have been an awful life been cornered from all sides and having people tell him it was wrong to be the way he was.

Bobby's story is just as sad. His differs in that his loneliness and lack of affection made him carefree and cold towards other people, trusting only in protecting himself. While aware of society's view on homosexuals, he hid that aspect of himself and created a lie for others to see. And although he had started to open to Shawn, their break-up only solidified his self defense mechanism of shutting people out.

The story had its typical happy-ending where everyone forgives and forgets and live happily ever after. It was a bit sudden in my opinion after all the gloom of the story and bigotry of people. But Shawn and Bobby deserved it after a life filled with misconceptions. They deserved to be together, surrounded by the love of their families.

[Byron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read it!

Seriously, read it. It's heartbreaking, it's romantic, it's scary.

This is in my top 5 for this year. I've never felt sick reading a story before but today I was so close to throwing up from what was happening. I've spent the last hour crying and shaking. This story has just blown me out of the water's of happily reading m/m romance..

Right my usual details with out plot - Character development - 10 out of 10. The two leads are so well written. We follow them from a very young age. The supporting characters are also highly developed with out leaving you to wonder how they relate to the leads.

Plot 10 out of 10 - There is no point where this book drift's into aimless details. The crafting of this plot must have taken weeks (god knows how long the characters took - although I think there HAS to be some basis for the whole story!) There is no tripping about facts or events it all flows effortlessly, from beginning to end.

This story follows the early lives of two very different boys. Like Chalk and Cheese really. It could be real life like you and I experience and the events contained with in could easily be happening right next door. I really did enjoy this book and no it's not a horror story but it's close.

Jeff, your work is just FREAKING amazing. I have GOT to buy your other stories ASAP and hope that I don't have to wait to long between new stories.

b

[Michael Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW. Jeff Erno never seems to disappoint me.

I've debated reading this book for a while. How stupid of me.

Trust me......this is one of the best YA coming of age books out there. A rollercoaster of emotions. I am so glad I took the advice of a friend (thanks Justin) and didn't cave to my emotions. I was ready to put the book down after just a few chapters. Some things are just too heartbreaking. And Jeff Erno has a gift of putting us right in the minds of his characters. Good or bad.
Trust me..... this is a book you'll wanna read and read again. It's on my favorites list for sure.

Merged review:

Fantastic!!!

WOW. Jeff Erno never seems to disappoint me.
I've debated reading this book for a while. How stupid of me.
Trust me......this is one of the best YA coming of age books out there. A rollercoaster of emotions. I am so glad I took the advice of a friend (thanks Justin) and didn't cave to my emotions. I was ready to put the book down after just a few chapters. Some things are just too heartbreaking. And Jeff Erno has a gift of putting us right in the minds of his characters. Good or bad.
Trust me..... this is a book you'll wanna read and read again. It's on my favorites list for sure.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book and the only reason it didn't get 5 stars is for the same reasons that other reviewers have mentioned. Jeff has a tendency to recap everything. I've heard this habit was developed when he was posting his stories online and there were sometimes long gaps in between posts so he felt is necessary to remind the readers what had already transpired. I'm hoping that as his writing style matures, this habit will go away. I love Jeff's characters and the stories he tells are engaging and emotional. A little less time spent in the head of his characters and little more action would be a welcome change.

[Ptdog · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is just what we can expect from Erno. It starts off a little slow letting us get acquainted with the characters. Then It builds momentum to the driving climax. It's a good coming of age story that reminds us of how our parents can be slow to understand the miracles that are their children. Love can be hurtful and dysfunctional. Reparative Therapy is a dangerous hoax. God is all about the love!

[Justin · Rating 5 out of 5]

In my opinion this is absolutely one of the best gay, young adult books ever written!

[Bárbara · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF @ 12%

N O P E.
I won't do this. I won't put myself through this kind of book. Bye.

[George · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 Stars

Despite the overwrought nature of its narrative, Trust Me is nevertheless at times both gut-wrenching and heartwarming.

In telling Shawn and Bobby’s story, Enro does a great job of highlighting the harm that some organized religions still do in their teachings about homosexuality, and particularly about the horrors of the fully discredited concept of “conversion therapy”.

The angst that Shawn feels about being ‘less than’ is palpable, as is the love the two teens feel for each other. Having said that, though, there definitely should be stronger trigger warnings provided in descriptions for this book about statutory rape, suicide, and attempted suicide.

[Octobercountry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author Jeff Erno has used a rather unusual writing style in writing "Trust Me." The opening chapters read slightly like a documentary; when describing the early lives of the two main characters the tone is rather dispassionate, almost clinical at times. There are some passages where we get to experience scenes from the day-to-day lives of these characters, but these alternate with many passages where the author tells us what’s going on, rather than showing us. The style overall doesn’t really loosen up to become more relaxed and immediate until we reach the point in the story where the boys first meet and start to get to know one another.

However, even then (and throughout the remainder of the book), the author often steps back a bit after the completion of an affecting scene to play the part of the narrator. He’ll comment upon what’s just happened, giving the reader a wider view and more background on what these boys are going through---information that is unknown to the protagonists themselves.

Some readers found this rather off-putting and condescending. And ordinarily I would say that this isn’t a sign of good writing---after all, “show, don’t tell” is one of the primary rules of well-crafted literature. And whenever the author does embark on one of these asides it does tend to draw the reader out of the immediacy and flow of the story somewhat. But you know, in the end I found this didn’t bother me at all. And that may be because the additional information imparted by the author in this fashion is so interesting, and so very important for young gay men to know.

But---this brings up another question. For what audience is this book intended? I would say that the plot itself would be quite appropriate for the early-to-mid-teens age range. However, the sexual content is moderately frank. I wouldn’t say the scenes of intimacy are titillating; this isn’t written in the same style as a romance book for adults. Nevertheless, there are some scenes that perhaps are a bit graphic for those under sixteen. On the other hand, I really cannot say what is or is not appropriate in young adult literature; I don’t know precisely what the commonly-followed guidelines are.

What I will say, is that a book like this could change a gay teen’s life. I think it makes an interesting and thought-provoking story for adults, but I’m very serious when I state that this story could quite literally save a gay youth’s life, if he’s having a lot of questions or problems in dealing with his sexuality. Kids need to hear this stuff---and I’m so glad that books like this are now being published. I couldn’t imagine such a story seeing print when I was a teenager myself.

The middle portion of the story is quite sweet; it’s so nice to watch these young men fall in love. But the final quarter of the book left me emotionally drained---oh, never fear, there’s a happy ending! But getting to that point was quite the emotional roller-coaster. I was completely invested in the lives of these boys on an emotional level, despite what some might say is an off-putting writing style. And I was so involved in the story at this point that I simply couldn’t put the book down.

Finally, I think it’s important to note that this book shows what a huge amount of damage a very conservative Christian religious upbringing can do to the psyche of a child. It’s infuriating---but from what I’ve seen and experienced over the years, the book lays it all out in an extremely accurate fashion. The story doesn’t trash religion in general, but it does very clearly show how certain beliefs and practices often causes extreme mental trauma to the youth brought up in this way. It’s heartbreaking, really.

So, despite some reservations about the writing style (which in the end didn’t bother me too much, frankly), I highly recommend this book. Though I’m wondering, if any parents out there read this book, for what age they would think it appropriate.

I haven’t read any of Jeff Erno’s other books, but I had a look through what he’s written and I see that there are at least a couple of titles which sound interesting, so I’ll likely be revisiting this author’s work in the future.