Tied Together by Z.B. Heller
M/M Romantic Comedy Standalone
To start off the review, I must qualify this with the fact that I am not normally an m/m fan. Nor have I read the Moxie books by ZB Heller beyond a short story. But the promos were so cute, and I just love Zolie, so I wanted to get out of my comfort zone and go for it.
Sugar, spice and all things nice. If you have a schlong, you belong. If you have a cooch, you can scoot along.ā
I thought Tied Together by ZB Heller would be an over the top laugh-fest, more silly than serious. And while there are some light-hearted, laugh out loud moments, this was a true, sentimental, angsty romance. And I loved every second of it.
The book was told in basically three sections spanning many years. We start by meeting Ryan. Ryan is in high school, very well adjusted, gay, and accepted by his family. He is popular, confident, and just a great, outgoing guy.
Brandon was the opposite. He lived in a trailer park with abusive, homophobe parents, and could never, ever let on that he liked boys. He just spent his time studying, and often being bullied. Until one day Ryan stuck up for him against the bullies, and they became best friends.
Brandon loved Ryan, but his fear of coming out was so strong he never admitted he was gay, so Ryan just wished for it.
To a night of friendship,” I said, clinking Brandon’s glass. What I really wanted to say was, “Here is a liquid potion that will automatically turn you gay so I can get well acquainted with your butthole.”
These guys were so close, and even with the funny and silly, they gave me all the feels. Ryan was funny, and Brandon was sad. Together they made a very interesting story, with a couple you know are meant to be together if they could both just get over their own drama, even after many, many years.
When they finally get together, I was ready to have a party.
But of course, it isn’t that easyā¦..
Likes:
- Funny, laugh-out-loud lines.
- That it was a much deeper story than I expected.
- Not so much sex that I was freaked by it.
- A true second chance, even third chance romance.
- Just enough angstā¦OK, a lot of angst.
- I loved both characters.
- I enjoyed Moxie in the small dose I had.
- Lots of banter, my favorite thing.
- Well done male POV.
- Brought tears to my eyes a few times.
Dislikes:
- Desperately needed another round or two of editing, but not so much that it detracted from the story.
- There were a few scenes that felt a bit repetitive.
- Brandon’s changes seemed very dramatic, and I would have liked a little more back story on them.
Not sure:
- Steve Buscemi and Brad Pitt were Ryan’s “angel and devil” on his shoulders. While it made for some funny moments, I found it hard to get it with the names, but it was better once I realized who Steve was (so look him up here)
Rating: 4.5 Stars, 3 Heat
The Down and Dirty:
Cheryl Nasca says
Thank you for the awesome giveaway!
Boots says
Read the book and liked it !!
Nancy VanSpunky says
I love Zolie! She’s a hoot and so are her books!
Laina G says
This is on my TBR
Heather Keller says
Such a great book. So proud of ZB!! Great review Ann’s Attic!!!!
Heather D says
I read a lot of m/m books, but I hadn’t run across this one yet. I just bought it and I’m looking forward to reading it. Thank you for the great review and the giveaway!
Karen G. says
Thanks for the post. I love when a book can make me laugh, and Steve Buscemi is one of my favorite actors too! I will have to check this out. =D
Denise says
I too loved this one
And I M so happy to see you enjoying a Great m/m love story
Stacie Elliott says
LOVE Zolie’s books!! I look forward to reading about Ryan and Brandon’s story. LOVE your blog Ana!! Thanks for the chance to win!!
kp says
on my wish list!
Elaine Coates says
I love Zolie’s writing! I love when I can read a book and laugh but then it touches your heart as well.
Pam says
Love ZB! Can’t wait to read this one!
Jenn says
Thanks
Jennifer Taylor says
Thank you for this giveaway.
Loraine Oliver says
Thanks for chance for the giveaway, loved this book!
Loraine Oliver says
Thanka for chance to win this awesome prize!
Jenny Rapp says
Thanks for the chance!
Leslie Justice says
I’m not usually a m/m reader, but your review has made me wanna check it out. š Thank you!
Clarisa Barahona says
Love the sound of this book! I haven’t read many m/m books, but I have many in my TBR list, now including Tied Together ? thanks so much for the giveaway as well! ā¤ļø
Ashley Jasper says
Fun review. Way to have to look up Steve (he totally works as a devil on the shoulder). Thanks for the chance.
Nancy Jones says
Thanks for the awesome giveaway.
Lisa says
Thanks for the awesome giveaway this book looks fabulous !!!!
Diana Doan says
Thank you for the awesome giveaway!
CassieRose says
Thank you for the wonderful giveaway and the wonderful review