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Superhero
It’s not easy for a young gay artist like Jordan Carson to grow up in Jefferson, Wisconsin, where all anyone seems to care about in middle school and high school are the sports teams. But Jordan was lucky. He met Owen Nelson in the second grade, and they’ve been BFFs ever since. Owen is a big, beautiful blond and their school’s champion wrestler. No one messes with Owen, or with anyone close to him, and he bucks popular opinion by keeping Jordan as his wingman even after Jordan comes out at school.
Their friendship survives, but Jordan’s worst enemy may be he can’t seem to help the fact that he is head-over-heels in love with a hopeless case—his straight friend, Owen. Owen won’t let anything take Jordan’s friendship away, but he never counted on Jordan running off to find a life of his own. Owen will have to face the nature of their relationship if he’s to win Jordan back.
Their friendship survives, but Jordan’s worst enemy may be he can’t seem to help the fact that he is head-over-heels in love with a hopeless case—his straight friend, Owen. Owen won’t let anything take Jordan’s friendship away, but he never counted on Jordan running off to find a life of his own. Owen will have to face the nature of their relationship if he’s to win Jordan back.
150 pages, ebook
First published July 25, 2013
About the author
Eli Easton
79 books2,779 followersHaving been, at various times and under different names, a minister’s daughter, a computer programmer, the author of paranormal mysteries, a game designer, an organic farmer, an avid hiker, and a profound sleeper, Eli is happily embarking on yet another incarnation as a m/m romance author.
As an addicted reader of such, she is tinkled pink when an author manages to combine literary merit, vast stores of humor, melting hotness and eye-dabbing sweetness into one story. She promises to strive to achieve most of that most of the time. She currently lives on a farm in Pennsylvania with her husband, three bulldogs, three cows and six chickens. All of them (except for the husband) are female, hence explaining the naked men that have taken up residence in her latest fiction writing.
Her website in www.elieaston.com
You can email her at eli@elieaston.com
COMING SOON:
See what's in the pipeline here: http://elieaston.com/work-in-progress/
As an addicted reader of such, she is tinkled pink when an author manages to combine literary merit, vast stores of humor, melting hotness and eye-dabbing sweetness into one story. She promises to strive to achieve most of that most of the time. She currently lives on a farm in Pennsylvania with her husband, three bulldogs, three cows and six chickens. All of them (except for the husband) are female, hence explaining the naked men that have taken up residence in her latest fiction writing.
Her website in www.elieaston.com
You can email her at eli@elieaston.com
COMING SOON:
See what's in the pipeline here: http://elieaston.com/work-in-progress/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 868 reviews
December 29, 2019
*4.5 stars*
Of COURSE I was going to love this! I mean, it's Eli Easton and a sexuality discovery story!!! That's practically a ticket to heaven for me!
This was one of those "read all night" books. I started at about 11 pm thinking I was just going to read a few chapters and the next thing I knew, it was 2 in the freaking morning! I could not unglue this book from my hands.
For fans of strict YA, I'm not sure what you are going to think about this one. There is a lot of explicit scenes, maybe too much for some readers. However, for dirty-minded people like myself, it was juuuuuuust fine. Actually, I could have REALLY used some more x-rated scenes, especially when the two guys were 18+. Eli Easton, your readers need some and we need it, like, yesterday.
Aside from the sex-topic, this story was just so damn sweet! I looooove a slow burn sexuality discovery story, I love it with all of my little heart, and this was a nice one. It was believable too, which is always important to me. I really got a sense of the characters and felt the love between them.
Just another delicious story from one of my favorite authors!
Of COURSE I was going to love this! I mean, it's Eli Easton and a sexuality discovery story!!! That's practically a ticket to heaven for me!
This was one of those "read all night" books. I started at about 11 pm thinking I was just going to read a few chapters and the next thing I knew, it was 2 in the freaking morning! I could not unglue this book from my hands.
For fans of strict YA, I'm not sure what you are going to think about this one. There is a lot of explicit scenes, maybe too much for some readers. However, for dirty-minded people like myself, it was juuuuuuust fine. Actually, I could have REALLY used some more x-rated scenes, especially when the two guys were 18+. Eli Easton, your readers need some and we need it, like, yesterday.
Aside from the sex-topic, this story was just so damn sweet! I looooove a slow burn sexuality discovery story, I love it with all of my little heart, and this was a nice one. It was believable too, which is always important to me. I really got a sense of the characters and felt the love between them.
Just another delicious story from one of my favorite authors!
August 11, 2016
4 stars.****Review completed February 9, 2014
Superhero is the story about Jordan Carson and Owen Nelson. Jordan and Owen couldn't be more different from a physical POV and yet they have some things in common. They are both students, best friends and developed a successful cartoon project together. It's called Pin Man and Pencil Boy. Jordan draws it and Owen contributes the speech bubbles. Owen is a very good-looking kid with several excellent attributes. He's a great sportsman and loyal friend, quiet, reasonable, very polite and the Wisconsin state champion wrestler.
(…) He always took his glass to the sink and rinsed it out. I mean, the kid was a parent's wet dream.
Jordan is all kinds of adorably geeky, stylish, witty and he excels at drawing. He's simply amazing and you can't not love him. Jordan loves to dream big; he wants to do a lot of things in his life. However, his biggest wish is to have Owen as his boyfriend. But Owen is straight or…is that a wrong assumption?
Despite its shortness this story packed quite aheroic punch. I enjoyed it very much. Extremely likable main characters, a good storyline and engaging writing that provided plenty of entertaining, thoughtful and witty dialogue made this an all-around winner. It was so much fun to follow Jordan and Owen, especially Jordan. I also liked the more serious tone of the plot. Superhero is another book that deals with bullying. It shows once again how important it is to stand up and fight for the things you believe in.
Also, I think this short story conveys another important message. Sometimes you have to sacrifice your alleged destination to find your real goal. It's not important if others are happy as long as you're making something of your life that will let you feel comfortable with yourself.
Superhero is a story that left me with a warm and fuzzy feeling in my belly and aside from the pretty steep pricing (4.10 euro for 98 pages), I have no complaints. I closed the book with a big smile on my face.
To sum it up in one word: adorkable.
Recommended read.
http://baba.booklikes.com
From that day on, Owen was my best friend—jelly to my peanut butter, fellow pea in my pod, Sam to my Frodo. And I was his.
„Clearly, this is your first wrestling match,“ I said dryly.
“But…why don’t they wear something underneath?”
“Owen says it’s a macho thing. Guys who wear straps or cups are considered lame. I guess it’s like gladiator mentality. Burp, fart, sweat, let it all hang out.”
„You’re a dork,“ I said.
“If I’m a dork, then you’re a bigger dork for being friends with me.”
“It doesn’t work that way. It’s not like people exude a dork ray or something. Well, sometimes you do, but I’m immune.”
“Oh, I see. You do know that you’re the king of dorks and that this conversation is absurd.”
Holy sexual paradise, Batman, I was so fucking glad I was gay!
Superhero is the story about Jordan Carson and Owen Nelson. Jordan and Owen couldn't be more different from a physical POV and yet they have some things in common. They are both students, best friends and developed a successful cartoon project together. It's called Pin Man and Pencil Boy. Jordan draws it and Owen contributes the speech bubbles. Owen is a very good-looking kid with several excellent attributes. He's a great sportsman and loyal friend, quiet, reasonable, very polite and the Wisconsin state champion wrestler.
(…) He always took his glass to the sink and rinsed it out. I mean, the kid was a parent's wet dream.
Jordan is all kinds of adorably geeky, stylish, witty and he excels at drawing. He's simply amazing and you can't not love him. Jordan loves to dream big; he wants to do a lot of things in his life. However, his biggest wish is to have Owen as his boyfriend. But Owen is straight or…is that a wrong assumption?
Despite its shortness this story packed quite a
Also, I think this short story conveys another important message. Sometimes you have to sacrifice your alleged destination to find your real goal. It's not important if others are happy as long as you're making something of your life that will let you feel comfortable with yourself.
Superhero is a story that left me with a warm and fuzzy feeling in my belly and aside from the pretty steep pricing (4.10 euro for 98 pages), I have no complaints. I closed the book with a big smile on my face.
To sum it up in one word: adorkable.
Maybe I was Jordan-sexual.
Recommended read.
http://baba.booklikes.com
April 4, 2019
4.5 holy Batman stars
Warning! Quotes Ahead!
Do not read this in public, people might think you have gone cuckoo, because of all the Lol moments.
Loved this book! Such a precious little gem.
The story of best friends Jordan the adorkable, aspiring comic book writer and Owen the gentle wrestler is not to be missed. I had a great time with these two trying to navigate middle school, high school, coming out and all other teen related stuff.
I don't know where i have been, i can't believe i waited so long to read this book. These guys talk comic books. They are my kind of guys. Well, not quite, it was all DC but i can't complain, Eli Easton knows these shite!
“Sandman doesn’t count,” Owen argued. “Sandman is, like, an elemental or a god. Superman is just some dude from another planet.”
“So? It doesn’t matter where they’re from. The point is, Sandman could beat Superman because all he has to do is make him fall asleep.”
The writing is solid, the banter on point, the book is less than 100 pages but fully packed. I laughed, i smiled, i was happy-sad, but most of all i laughed and loved.
I love, love, loved everything about this. Holy sexual paradise, Batman, I was so fucking glad I was gay!
This book is Amazing and dorky!
Owen peeked at me from under his lashes. He looked very impressed.
From that day on, Owen was my best friend—jelly to my peanut butter, fellow pea in my pod, Sam to my Frodo. And I was his.
Warning! Quotes Ahead!
Do not read this in public, people might think you have gone cuckoo, because of all the Lol moments.
Loved this book! Such a precious little gem.
The story of best friends Jordan the adorkable, aspiring comic book writer and Owen the gentle wrestler is not to be missed. I had a great time with these two trying to navigate middle school, high school, coming out and all other teen related stuff.
I don't know where i have been, i can't believe i waited so long to read this book. These guys talk comic books. They are my kind of guys. Well, not quite, it was all DC but i can't complain, Eli Easton knows these shite!
“Sandman doesn’t count,” Owen argued. “Sandman is, like, an elemental or a god. Superman is just some dude from another planet.”
“So? It doesn’t matter where they’re from. The point is, Sandman could beat Superman because all he has to do is make him fall asleep.”
The writing is solid, the banter on point, the book is less than 100 pages but fully packed. I laughed, i smiled, i was happy-sad, but most of all i laughed and loved.
I love, love, loved everything about this. Holy sexual paradise, Batman, I was so fucking glad I was gay!
This book is Amazing and dorky!
Owen peeked at me from under his lashes. He looked very impressed.
From that day on, Owen was my best friend—jelly to my peanut butter, fellow pea in my pod, Sam to my Frodo. And I was his.
November 12, 2017
4.5 HOLY SHIT, BATMAN STARS
This is joining Amy Lane's Christmas Kitsch as one of my favorite YA m/m reads (and I typically avoid YA/NA like the plague). This book is crazy sweet and hopeful and sparkly. Owen truly is a superhero and Jordan, with his crazy-themed underwear and mad drawing skills, THE best friend everyone wants in high school.
I don't usually like GFY, but this one was very well done. Owen is most likely bi, but what matters is that he's into Jordy; it's not about boys or girls but about Jordy, his closest friend since second grade (they bond over Matchbox cars). Sure, yeah, that's everyone's secret fantasy, to find their soulmate, and, even though I'm a terrible cynic usually, books like this make me believe in fairy tales.
I appreciated that Owen's girlfriend Emily was smart and supportive. While neither set of parents was exactly embracing of the "gay thing," they weren't horrible homophobes either; their reactions were middle of the road and exactly what I would expect from an average parent.
The secondary characters were so well rounded, I even feel like I know Jordan's Aunt Beth, and she was never on the page, just mentioned in passing.
Eli Easton can write, and her dialogue is always witty and funny. This was such a light read, not steamy but brimming with that youthful I-want-to-rub-against-you-and-lick-you-all-over sexual tension, a melt-in-your-mouth dessert. Go savor it.
This is joining Amy Lane's Christmas Kitsch as one of my favorite YA m/m reads (and I typically avoid YA/NA like the plague). This book is crazy sweet and hopeful and sparkly. Owen truly is a superhero and Jordan, with his crazy-themed underwear and mad drawing skills, THE best friend everyone wants in high school.
I don't usually like GFY, but this one was very well done. Owen is most likely bi, but what matters is that he's into Jordy; it's not about boys or girls but about Jordy, his closest friend since second grade (they bond over Matchbox cars). Sure, yeah, that's everyone's secret fantasy, to find their soulmate, and, even though I'm a terrible cynic usually, books like this make me believe in fairy tales.
I appreciated that Owen's girlfriend Emily was smart and supportive. While neither set of parents was exactly embracing of the "gay thing," they weren't horrible homophobes either; their reactions were middle of the road and exactly what I would expect from an average parent.
The secondary characters were so well rounded, I even feel like I know Jordan's Aunt Beth, and she was never on the page, just mentioned in passing.
Eli Easton can write, and her dialogue is always witty and funny. This was such a light read, not steamy but brimming with that youthful I-want-to-rub-against-you-and-lick-you-all-over sexual tension, a melt-in-your-mouth dessert. Go savor it.
June 23, 2014
Note to self: download July 25th
Note to DSP: please remind me to download.
DSP didn't send out a reminder email...sigh* but a 'like' got me over here and I noticed the date and I downloaded it ( go me) and it's up next. Yay.
I Love This Book
My review is mushy and gushing and a teeny bit spoilerish so proceed at your own risk.
Here's a quote from Jordan: "Damn, he looked fine in that burnt orange and black singlet with the big white W on his chest. As it was wont to do, my heart did a happy little squiggle in my chest before flopping over and surrendering in a puddle of goo.”
Jordan perfectly sums up how I feel about this adorable little YA story. I turned into a Mandy-shaped pile of goo.
I am not going to give a real review of it, all I can say is Jordan rocks, Owen is an absolute sweetheart and Emily is a beautiful soul.
Maybe it's an idealized version of how it can be, but damn it, this is how it should be.
I smiled and laughed, sniffled and growled and finally sighed while reading this and I hope lots of people decide it's worth picking up and spending a little time in Jordy and Owen's world.
I'm going to end with another quote, because Jordan says it so much better than I ever could.
“I thought about how he’d given up being perfect for being real. For us. For me.
And I realized that Owen Nelson was the greatest superhero ever.”
Note to DSP: please remind me to download.
DSP didn't send out a reminder email...sigh* but a 'like' got me over here and I noticed the date and I downloaded it ( go me) and it's up next. Yay.
I Love This Book
My review is mushy and gushing and a teeny bit spoilerish so proceed at your own risk.
Here's a quote from Jordan: "Damn, he looked fine in that burnt orange and black singlet with the big white W on his chest. As it was wont to do, my heart did a happy little squiggle in my chest before flopping over and surrendering in a puddle of goo.”
Jordan perfectly sums up how I feel about this adorable little YA story. I turned into a Mandy-shaped pile of goo.
I am not going to give a real review of it, all I can say is Jordan rocks, Owen is an absolute sweetheart and Emily is a beautiful soul.
Maybe it's an idealized version of how it can be, but damn it, this is how it should be.
I smiled and laughed, sniffled and growled and finally sighed while reading this and I hope lots of people decide it's worth picking up and spending a little time in Jordy and Owen's world.
I'm going to end with another quote, because Jordan says it so much better than I ever could.
“I thought about how he’d given up being perfect for being real. For us. For me.
And I realized that Owen Nelson was the greatest superhero ever.”
May 19, 2017
Cross-posted at Shelf Inflicted and at Outlaw Reviews
I absolutely adored Jordan Carson and Owen Nelson, best friends since second grade. Jordan has only two dreams for his life. One is to become a comic book artist, and the other is to be Owen’s boyfriend.
Their story begins in the second grade and concludes in their sophomore year of college. Though told mostly from Jordan’s perspective, we also get Owen’s impressions, feelings, and observations of high school life, family, friends, sports, and their joint comic project, Pin Man and Pencil Boy.
Typical teenage issues and problems, like academic pressure, family conflicts, relationships, and bullying were gently explored without overwhelming the story and burdening the main characters.
I loved spending time with Jordan and Owen as they grew older and discovered things about themselves and each other. Even though I found them both a lot more mature and self-aware than I was at their age, their youth and innocence was very much apparent. Jordan and Owen were different in so many ways, yet so perfect together. I appreciated Owen’s smart and supportive girlfriend, Emily, so unlike the shrewish women commonly found in gay romances. I very much enjoyed the way fluid sexuality was handled, allowing the characters time for exploration, experimentation and acceptance without erasing or denying past experiences. My bisexual heart is bursting with joy!
This story is sweet, sensual, and oh so satisfying. I still can’t wipe the silly smile off my face.
Very highly recommended.
Thanks to Sonja from Bookie Nookie's Erotic Lending Group for lending this to me.
I absolutely adored Jordan Carson and Owen Nelson, best friends since second grade. Jordan has only two dreams for his life. One is to become a comic book artist, and the other is to be Owen’s boyfriend.
Their story begins in the second grade and concludes in their sophomore year of college. Though told mostly from Jordan’s perspective, we also get Owen’s impressions, feelings, and observations of high school life, family, friends, sports, and their joint comic project, Pin Man and Pencil Boy.
Typical teenage issues and problems, like academic pressure, family conflicts, relationships, and bullying were gently explored without overwhelming the story and burdening the main characters.
I loved spending time with Jordan and Owen as they grew older and discovered things about themselves and each other. Even though I found them both a lot more mature and self-aware than I was at their age, their youth and innocence was very much apparent. Jordan and Owen were different in so many ways, yet so perfect together. I appreciated Owen’s smart and supportive girlfriend, Emily, so unlike the shrewish women commonly found in gay romances. I very much enjoyed the way fluid sexuality was handled, allowing the characters time for exploration, experimentation and acceptance without erasing or denying past experiences. My bisexual heart is bursting with joy!
This story is sweet, sensual, and oh so satisfying. I still can’t wipe the silly smile off my face.
Very highly recommended.
Thanks to Sonja from Bookie Nookie's Erotic Lending Group for lending this to me.
September 28, 2024
I am so in love with this book!! Once in a while, a book comes along that makes you smile from the start and doesn't let up, doesn't stop grabbing your attention until the very last word has been read....THIS is one of those very rare books. 5 Superb, Golden stars
and a quick visit from those wonderful dancing girls.
I was smiling, grinning like a loon [yes, no comments please!], laughing, weeping and saying no, don't do that..I was totally enchanted by and completely wrapped up in the lives of these two young guys Jordan [Jordy] and Owen aka Pin Man and Pencil Boy, and finished the book with a huge grin on my face and my heart having been melted into a puddle of goo 🥰🥰🥰!!
Having read Eli's 'The Lion and The Crow', which was one of this year's star LHNB stories for me, I already knew that I liked her style of writing, and would [hopefully] not be disappointed by this one. My only slight doubt before pre-ordering was the fact that it was YA, and I normally prefer my MC's to have a little more experience under their belts in the 'life' department, but I really needn't have worried.
Not going into great detail here, but I will say that Jordy and Owen have been best friends since 2nd grade, and that Jordy has been in love with Owen since the 6th...Owen is his Superhero, and although Owen loves Jordy in a purely platonic and BFF kind of way, for Jordy it is deep and true and heartbreaking 'No, Owen. That's what I am to you. I'm your best friend. But that's not what you are to me. What you are to me is the guy that I've been madly in love with since sixth grade. You're the guy I think about every night when I'm in bed by myself. You're the one who doesn't want me but insists on keeping me tied so close that I can't have anyone else, who keeps one hand on my collar and the other hand up his girlfriend's skirt. And I can't do it anymore.'
There were some absolutely fabulous one liners and so many quotes I could insert here, this review would be 12 pages long if I put them all in....oh OK, I'll mention a few then since you ask so nicely...
'I pouted. "Whatever. My point is, no one's going to come shopping if the 'for sale' sign isn't on the door" and not forgetting
'I wished I could freeze time, make this last forever, but I couldn't, so I tried to memorise everything I wanted to remember.. the smell of him, musky and warm, the texture of him in my mouth, all hard and silky and pulsing, the slight give of him under my fingers. No matter how many times I'd fantasised about being with a guy, being with Owen, it had never come close to the reality. I love, love, LOVED everything about this. Holy sexual paradise Batman, I was so fucking glad I was gay!' and
'I'd only ever gotten a blowjob from Matt and this - this was like a professional vacuum cleaner versus a handheld mini-vac.'
I honestly have to say that if anyone DOESN'T read this book, you'd be missing out on one of life's great reading experiences - as you will see from my updates, I finished reading this at 1am, and I don't do that for just any old story. It leaves you with a lovely warm and tingly feeling, and not a lot of books nowadays do that for me, and I must just mention, I loved the sex in the book, it was sooo tender and loving, so actually no, it was making love, not sex. The cover was great too!
SUPERHERO WAS COMPLETELY AND UTTERLY WONDERFUL, AND I CANNOT RECOMMEND IT HIGHLY ENOUGH!!
and a quick visit from those wonderful dancing girls.
I was smiling, grinning like a loon [yes, no comments please!], laughing, weeping and saying no, don't do that..I was totally enchanted by and completely wrapped up in the lives of these two young guys Jordan [Jordy] and Owen aka Pin Man and Pencil Boy, and finished the book with a huge grin on my face and my heart having been melted into a puddle of goo 🥰🥰🥰!!
Having read Eli's 'The Lion and The Crow', which was one of this year's star LHNB stories for me, I already knew that I liked her style of writing, and would [hopefully] not be disappointed by this one. My only slight doubt before pre-ordering was the fact that it was YA, and I normally prefer my MC's to have a little more experience under their belts in the 'life' department, but I really needn't have worried.
Not going into great detail here, but I will say that Jordy and Owen have been best friends since 2nd grade, and that Jordy has been in love with Owen since the 6th...Owen is his Superhero, and although Owen loves Jordy in a purely platonic and BFF kind of way, for Jordy it is deep and true and heartbreaking 'No, Owen. That's what I am to you. I'm your best friend. But that's not what you are to me. What you are to me is the guy that I've been madly in love with since sixth grade. You're the guy I think about every night when I'm in bed by myself. You're the one who doesn't want me but insists on keeping me tied so close that I can't have anyone else, who keeps one hand on my collar and the other hand up his girlfriend's skirt. And I can't do it anymore.'
There were some absolutely fabulous one liners and so many quotes I could insert here, this review would be 12 pages long if I put them all in....oh OK, I'll mention a few then since you ask so nicely...
'I pouted. "Whatever. My point is, no one's going to come shopping if the 'for sale' sign isn't on the door" and not forgetting
'I wished I could freeze time, make this last forever, but I couldn't, so I tried to memorise everything I wanted to remember.. the smell of him, musky and warm, the texture of him in my mouth, all hard and silky and pulsing, the slight give of him under my fingers. No matter how many times I'd fantasised about being with a guy, being with Owen, it had never come close to the reality. I love, love, LOVED everything about this. Holy sexual paradise Batman, I was so fucking glad I was gay!' and
'I'd only ever gotten a blowjob from Matt and this - this was like a professional vacuum cleaner versus a handheld mini-vac.'
I honestly have to say that if anyone DOESN'T read this book, you'd be missing out on one of life's great reading experiences - as you will see from my updates, I finished reading this at 1am, and I don't do that for just any old story. It leaves you with a lovely warm and tingly feeling, and not a lot of books nowadays do that for me, and I must just mention, I loved the sex in the book, it was sooo tender and loving, so actually no, it was making love, not sex. The cover was great too!
SUPERHERO WAS COMPLETELY AND UTTERLY WONDERFUL, AND I CANNOT RECOMMEND IT HIGHLY ENOUGH!!
September 20, 2018
I loved it. I could say a bunch of stuff but there are already a number of great reviews out there.
If you love stories that pull on your heartstrings, this is a book for you.
If you love the jock/geek trope, this story is for you.
If you love best friends to lovers stories, this is a book for you.
If you love coming of age stories, this is a book for you.
Easton's writes always seem to sneak up on me. This is lighthearted with an undercurrent of emotion inherent to coming of age stories, particularly those wherein one protagonist is "not gay".
Owen and Jordan are funny and genuine and relateable and likable. Owen is the all American good guy without being cliched and Jordan is his foundation, his touchstone, his North Star.
What touched me was how Easton developed this story, sexuality-wise; there's no "right way" to be gay or bi or whatever. Jordan knows early on in life whereas Owen doesn't.
It also warmed my squishy marshmallow heart that Owen while he's attracted to girls he's only ever truly been attracted to Jordan or as he calls it, Jordansexual.
If you haven't read this and you like heartwarming stories that make you laugh and maybe make you a little verklempt, this is a story for you.
If you have read it and maybe you're having a bad day, it's worth a reread.
If you love stories that pull on your heartstrings, this is a book for you.
If you love the jock/geek trope, this story is for you.
If you love best friends to lovers stories, this is a book for you.
If you love coming of age stories, this is a book for you.
Easton's writes always seem to sneak up on me. This is lighthearted with an undercurrent of emotion inherent to coming of age stories, particularly those wherein one protagonist is "not gay".
Owen and Jordan are funny and genuine and relateable and likable. Owen is the all American good guy without being cliched and Jordan is his foundation, his touchstone, his North Star.
What touched me was how Easton developed this story, sexuality-wise; there's no "right way" to be gay or bi or whatever. Jordan knows early on in life whereas Owen doesn't.
It also warmed my squishy marshmallow heart that Owen while he's attracted to girls he's only ever truly been attracted to Jordan or as he calls it, Jordansexual.
If you haven't read this and you like heartwarming stories that make you laugh and maybe make you a little verklempt, this is a story for you.
If you have read it and maybe you're having a bad day, it's worth a reread.
September 29, 2015
AUDIOBOOK REVIEW - 9/29/15
5 stars
This was DELIGHTFUL!
I think this is the first audiobook experience where the audio enhanced the story…the first where I loved the audio even more than I did the ebook! And I also think Tristan Wright is my forever favorite narrator…he should do ALL YA/NA books moving forward. :)
I have adored this book from my first read and more and more with every reread. The childhood best friends to lovers trope is my FAVORITE! Throw in a GFY, a jock & nerd pairing, and some of the most honorable and loveable characters around…and you’ve got a win!
But what Tristan Wright is able to do is truly bring the characters of Jordan and Owen to life. Where some narrators go over the top trying to change their voices to distinguish the characters, this narrator was subtle, his voice really contemporary, and I liked that he reads at a quicker speed than most the others I’ve listened too.
This was also the first audiobook that I cried to as I listened. Despite having listened to books I’d shed a tear or more through as I read them, I had yet to cry during a listening. This one captured the funny parts, the sarcastic parts, the emotional parts, the conflicted parts, the banter, the affection, the devotion, the confusion, and the love between these characters. It was…perfect.
My favorite audiobook to date.
I reviewed the ebook at 4 stars.
This audiobook gets top rating at 5 stars!
**************************************************
ORIGINAL REVIEW (ebook) - 9/21/13
4 stars
I think somewhere along the line, I got the reputation for loving YA books. That’s not necessarily true. If you see the YA books I’ve read in the M/M category, you’ll notice it’s a love-hate relationship. That’s because the gay-geek-loves-closeted-jock storyline is, inherently, cheesy. So, the fine line is either to be annoyingly cheesy to the point of being inauthentic….or to write well enough, with characters strong enough, to surprise the reader and win them over.
And aside all the many not-so-great ones, I’ve actually found quite a few winners. So as happily entertained and as warm as my heart felt by the end of the good ones, I can’t help but wanting to keep reading this tried-true-hit-or-miss trope to find the gems.
SUPERHERO IS A GEM.
Jordan (geek) and Owen (jock) have been best friends since 2nd grade. Their utter devotion to each other and their friendship throughout the years is, in and of itself, the fairy tale. They have great chemistry and Eli Easton writes them in such a way that they’re 2 well-adjusted kids with good families…but still seem REAL…like 2 teenaged boys I’d meet in real life…and that I’d like a lot.
Jordan is a sweetheart…but he’s not the victim gay geek. He’s strong-willed, knows what he wants, and he’s brave. I loved that about him. But the superhero, and the real JOY to read was Owen. Owen is who I’d want my future son to be like…or who I’d want my future daughter or son to date. He’s just a good kid…popular, focused, disciplined, seeps integrity from his pores. But again, what I can appreciate is that these two are not cheesy caricatures of young men…they feel authentic.
The best friends grow to have feelings for each other…which causes confusion for I-thought-I-was-straight-but-maybe-I’m-bi-or-maybe-I’m-Jordansexual Owen. I shared the feelings of care, desire, confusion, and hurt alongside both the MC’s and getting alternating POV’s worked for this story.
By the end, you’re not gonna get any surprises from this one. You rarely do with YA. But, I was smitten and entertained and my heart felt warm fuzzies.
To discuss this book, hop on over to:
May 29, 2016
Written October 11, 2014
5 Huge Stars - Top points for an amazing YA tale about
Pen- & Pinman - Perfect in all ways!!
I just finished the most fantastic book... an short 3 hrs, by so many loved, M/M story.
I could "feel it", already after a few minutes. —You know the feeling?! You want to happydance, send recommendations to all friends and bang your head in the wall beacuse you'd been such a dumb silly girl and for so long time ignored all rec's you got about a book.— Yeah, 'Never.Ever' stop listening to all your much wiser GR friends.
Jordan & Owen, you're both MY superheroes!
This was as well, as a great story, an AMAZING good audio listening. ~ I add an extra big glittering sixth star to a (-nother) fantastic audiobook narrator. This time to Tristan Wright.
***********************************************************
Superhero is about Jordan Carson and Owen Nelson.
Two boys growing up in Jefferson, Wisconsin, where the only thing everyone seems to care about in middle school and high school, are the sports teams.
Owen is a great wrestler but Jordan is more an artistic boy (...who can draw nice superheroes). These two met already in second grade, and they’d been BFFs ever since and has spent every possible free time together.
They loves their superheroes and like to duscuss Superman and other important stuff about powerful strong men. They also do their own stories about their own comics superhero characters (Penman and Pinman).
Then one day Jordan starts to feel 'more' for his big, beautiful blond and always so nice friend. Much more. ~ Strange new feelings.
***********************************************************
Jeez, I have been enchanted for three hours of listening. ~ So d@rn compelling was this story.
We follow these guys from early boyhood until they are two young adult who have to take some tough and difficult decisions for life. Decisions about education, choice of university, athletic career and those big decisions about life's essentials. About love, priorities, and friends and family.
I love this "speach quote". It is so true.
This will be short, there isn't much more to say than:
If you are a stupid silly M/M reader like me, and havn't read this novella yet, change that fact immedetly.
Superhero is a MUST read for every romantic romance reading soul & heart out there. ~ Higly recommended!
I LIKE - yes, yes, yes I freeking loved it!!
************
Big THANKS and hugs to Dear Bev, who recommended me to read this over a year ago (Smack my head, Bev!) and to Sweet Irina who maked me start this lovely book at last.
5 Huge Stars - Top points for an amazing YA tale about
Pen- & Pinman - Perfect in all ways!!
I just finished the most fantastic book... an short 3 hrs, by so many loved, M/M story.
I could "feel it", already after a few minutes. —You know the feeling?! You want to happydance, send recommendations to all friends and bang your head in the wall beacuse you'd been such a dumb silly girl and for so long time ignored all rec's you got about a book.— Yeah, 'Never.Ever' stop listening to all your much wiser GR friends.
Jordan & Owen, you're both MY superheroes!
This was as well, as a great story, an AMAZING good audio listening. ~ I add an extra big glittering sixth star to a (-nother) fantastic audiobook narrator. This time to Tristan Wright.
***********************************************************
Superhero is about Jordan Carson and Owen Nelson.
Two boys growing up in Jefferson, Wisconsin, where the only thing everyone seems to care about in middle school and high school, are the sports teams.
Owen is a great wrestler but Jordan is more an artistic boy (...who can draw nice superheroes). These two met already in second grade, and they’d been BFFs ever since and has spent every possible free time together.
They loves their superheroes and like to duscuss Superman and other important stuff about powerful strong men. They also do their own stories about their own comics superhero characters (Penman and Pinman).
“Oh God," I said, through my fingers. "I'm. I'm gay." I had been playing with the idea for a while. But at that moment there was no fucking doubt about it. I wanted Owen. Heck, I would have done anything he asked me to, and said "please" before and "thank you very much" after. Repeatedly. His hard, boy's body was everything I could ever dream of. Done.’
Then one day Jordan starts to feel 'more' for his big, beautiful blond and always so nice friend. Much more. ~ Strange new feelings.
***********************************************************
Jeez, I have been enchanted for three hours of listening. ~ So d@rn compelling was this story.
We follow these guys from early boyhood until they are two young adult who have to take some tough and difficult decisions for life. Decisions about education, choice of university, athletic career and those big decisions about life's essentials. About love, priorities, and friends and family.
I love this "speach quote". It is so true.
‘No matter what you do with your life during the day, there's always that moment when you have to wake up with yourself, with yourself and with the person that's sleeping beside you.
That's the person that you make a home with, discuss life's big decisions with, share your finances, eat, shop, maybe parent with. ...
That's the person you share your body with forever, kiss, touch, the one you sit on the couch with and watch movies, the one who gives you a hug when you've had a rough day.
That's the person you put up a Christmas tree with and arrive home with for the holidays, the person you watch grow old and who still loves you when you're not as nice to look at, the one who holds your hand when you're dying.’
This will be short, there isn't much more to say than:
If you are a stupid silly M/M reader like me, and havn't read this novella yet, change that fact immedetly.
Superhero is a MUST read for every romantic romance reading soul & heart out there. ~ Higly recommended!
I LIKE - yes, yes, yes I freeking loved it!!
************
Big THANKS and hugs to Dear Bev, who recommended me to read this over a year ago (Smack my head, Bev!) and to Sweet Irina who maked me start this lovely book at last.
April 21, 2020
FANGIRL ALERT!
I LOVED IT! I loved every moment of it!
There are so many beautiful reviews about this book, so all I can say that I agree with all the five-star reviews. I know I’m not alone when I say Superhero is
And the characters are
The plot, the romance, the erotica, the humor, the amount of sweetness are
All in all
My favorite quotes.
I LOVED IT! I loved every moment of it!
There are so many beautiful reviews about this book, so all I can say that I agree with all the five-star reviews. I know I’m not alone when I say Superhero is
And the characters are
The plot, the romance, the erotica, the humor, the amount of sweetness are
No matter how many times I’d fantasized about being with a guy, being with Owen, it had never come close to the reality. I love, love, loved everything about this. Holy sexual paradise, Batman, I was so fucking glad I was gay!
All in all
My favorite quotes.
January 12, 2014
OMG! I adored this story so much. I read it straight through late last night in bed ( insomnia! Lol ) and I just couldn't put it down. I loved Owen, I loved Jordan, I loved pin man and Pencil boy, I loved the wrestling , I loved the sexual tension , I loved the love scenes .... I could gush on forever... I just felt the love full stop!!
Eli Easton has created an absolute cracker of a novella and its absolutely perfect for reading when you really want that feel good, funny, sexy read to balance out all those angsty, do your head in emotional blockbusters and I know I'll be reading this again and again. Its charming, endearing, cute and I want to have its babies... Ok that's going way over the top but it was near perfection for me in terms of plot, execution and sheer enjoyment!
Don't get me wrong there is a little bit of conflict but for the most it just had me smiling like a loon all the time I was reading it and I did an internal happy dance at the end as well as a pout because I'd finished it and I didn't want it to end.
5 star plus, two new favourite characters and a new favourite author! Happy, happy, happy! :D
Edit: 12/01/14.
Second read of a book that made my top ten of 2013 and I've just been reminded why. Originally read and loved in July, I'll be revisiting this little gem on a regular basis and backing up those 5 stars again and again. I love everything about this story. It just makes me smile and feel good!!
Eli Easton has created an absolute cracker of a novella and its absolutely perfect for reading when you really want that feel good, funny, sexy read to balance out all those angsty, do your head in emotional blockbusters and I know I'll be reading this again and again. Its charming, endearing, cute and I want to have its babies... Ok that's going way over the top but it was near perfection for me in terms of plot, execution and sheer enjoyment!
Don't get me wrong there is a little bit of conflict but for the most it just had me smiling like a loon all the time I was reading it and I did an internal happy dance at the end as well as a pout because I'd finished it and I didn't want it to end.
5 star plus, two new favourite characters and a new favourite author! Happy, happy, happy! :D
Edit: 12/01/14.
Second read of a book that made my top ten of 2013 and I've just been reminded why. Originally read and loved in July, I'll be revisiting this little gem on a regular basis and backing up those 5 stars again and again. I love everything about this story. It just makes me smile and feel good!!
January 20, 2018
*one, two, three*
It was so cuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuute!
*giggles *
Hey, now. I needed this, okay? Have you tried reading a whole trilogy in two days and been left hanging there, helpless? I'll break it down for you : It freaking hurts. That's why, I, being resourceful and all that (I really believe in self-praise, can you tell?) I went on a hunt for a cute, short and good-feeling book. What I found is Jordan's story, who's been in love with Owen, his straight best-friend, for all his life.
So. Did Superhero deliver?
Well, yes and no.
Yes because I loved Jordan's voice (this kid is too adorable and funny for his own good), Owen's loyalty (yeah, even when he puts some stalker move - he's his best friend, I can live with it) and rooted for them to be together from the start (but then, I'd ship anything that made Jordan happy). Plus, it was hot (don't ask me why I'm using italics because I have no idea)
No because the jumps in time made me feel as if I was walking around...
(10 years in 130 pages, come on now, so much is glossed over, my head hurts), some parts were leaning toward the unbelievable side of things, and for me the book could have gone without cheerleaders bitchy stereotypes. But that's just me. You authors do know that cheerleaders can read, right? Because honestly, YA must suck for them. Oh, and I wonder if the scene of was really needed. Not.
► Yet despite everything that bothered me, I cheered in the end, and Laurent only popped out one time or
January 21, 2015
5 I FEEL-FANTASTIC-STARS!!
My first book of Eli Easton was A Prairie Dog's Love Song .
I fall in love with her writing.
With her tender voice behind the lines.
Superhero BLEW ME AWAY.
I'm her fan forever.
It is this kind of MAKE-ME-FEEL-GOOD-BOOKS that makes you high, puts you in a permanent state of HAPPINESS through the flow of POSITIVE emotions!
And...make you cry at the end...because you're HIGH and have absolutely no control over your feelings!
Highly highly recommended.
P.S I gave it first 4,5 stars, but day after I rounded it to 5.
I just love this book too much. And will for sure re-read someday.
August 15, 2013
3.80 stars
A toughie because I enjoyed it and its a great friends to lovers romance, however it wasn’t on the same level as The Lion and the Crow which was so fantastic and a marvellous freebie. The best friends forever+defensive and protective nature, against all forces+eventual love was too good to be true especially without the usual consequences you’d expect to befall Jordan and Owen while navigating that maze called high school. I really liked Jordan and Owens range of emotions, their personalities were markedly different, adorable, funny, endearing and at times thorny imps.
The calamity Jordan found himself in was considerable, Owen keeping his best friend by his side constantly wasn’t fair. He didn’t want him but didn’t want anyone else to have him either, so frustrating and selfish. Then shoving the *girlfriend* in his face while stringing her along wasn’t the nicest or most thoughtful action, very hurtful, he clearly wasn’t thinking of the potential repercussions. In some ways teen love has outgrown its appeal, or I am becoming too fussy. A likable YA story but I much prefer my men in Armour, any day.
A toughie because I enjoyed it and its a great friends to lovers romance, however it wasn’t on the same level as The Lion and the Crow which was so fantastic and a marvellous freebie. The best friends forever+defensive and protective nature, against all forces+eventual love was too good to be true especially without the usual consequences you’d expect to befall Jordan and Owen while navigating that maze called high school. I really liked Jordan and Owens range of emotions, their personalities were markedly different, adorable, funny, endearing and at times thorny imps.
The calamity Jordan found himself in was considerable, Owen keeping his best friend by his side constantly wasn’t fair. He didn’t want him but didn’t want anyone else to have him either, so frustrating and selfish. Then shoving the *girlfriend* in his face while stringing her along wasn’t the nicest or most thoughtful action, very hurtful, he clearly wasn’t thinking of the potential repercussions. In some ways teen love has outgrown its appeal, or I am becoming too fussy. A likable YA story but I much prefer my men in Armour, any day.
July 3, 2014
♥♥♥ 4.5 'I Loved It!! Stars ♥♥♥
● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
'From that day on, Owen was my best friend--jelly to my peanut butter, fellow pea in my pod, Sam to my Frodo. And I was his.'
● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
Omg!! I seriously don't know why it took me this long to read this! I am kicking myself for it, but I am so glad that I finally did. I loved this short book so much!!
When I began reading this book, I knew I was going to love it. I just loved how it started out, by Jordan retelling how he met Owen and became best friends. From then on, I could keep the smile off my face...well except for the emotional moments. Otherwise, I was giddy seeing Jordan and Owen interact.
Jordan is a total comic nerd. He loves to draw and is very talented at it. I fell in love with Jordan's personality. He was honest, loyal, goofy, but also quite sure of himself in certain ways. I loved seeing how Jordan 'seduced' Owen with his toys as kids in order to become friends in the second grade. It was so adorable. Jordan is always happy just being himself. I love the type of friendship Owen and Jordan shared. They were like brothers, but way more than that. As these two kids grow up, Jordan finds his feelings changing too. He soon realizes that he is in love with his best friend, and he is not gay.
Owen on the other hand is the opposite of Jordan. While they share their love for comics and occasionally create some together, they are totally different. Owen is a jock and is following in his family's footsteps. He loves to wrestle and is the best from his family so far. He works hard at it, when he isn't spending his time with Jordan. I loved that Owen was very supportive of Jordan when he came out. I loved how he cared and protected Jordan. It completely melted me.
● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
“No matter what you do with your life during the day, there's always that moment when you have to wake up with yourself, with yourself and with the person that's sleeping beside you. That's the person that you make a home with, discuss life's big decisions with, share your finances, eat, shop, maybe parent with. That's the person you share your body with forever, kiss, touch, the one you sit on the couch with and watch movies, the one who gives you a hug when you've had a rough day. That's the person you put up a Christmas tree with and arrive home with for the holidays, the person you watch grow old and who still loves you when you're not as nice to look at, the one who holds your hand when you're dying. And none of that had anything to do with wrestling.”
● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
This may have been a short book, but it was absolutely awesome. I connected to the characters very well. I loved the positive message in this book. I loved all of those heartwarming moments as well. I even hurt for Jordan during a few emotional scene. Despite these two characters being teens, they seemed a lot more mature when they handled things. I loved them both a lot because of that. They were so adorkable together that they made my heart turn to mush. The ending was perfect. I loved the writing and will definitely be checking more books from this author. I can't say enough how much I just loved this sweet, heartwarming book!!
May 17, 2015
Absolute Perfection
This is one of the best M/M romance books I have ever read. A beautiful story of two friends whose selflessness in their love for one another is as bright as the sun.
It's going on the Fuck Yeah shelf and it might even get me to look into other high school romance books.
Maybe...
This is one of the best M/M romance books I have ever read. A beautiful story of two friends whose selflessness in their love for one another is as bright as the sun.
It's going on the Fuck Yeah shelf and it might even get me to look into other high school romance books.
Maybe...
August 19, 2014
5 Super Stars
This was a really cute story and I really enjoyed it. I always love stories where the main leads have known/loved each other since childhood and Owen and Jordan were seriously adorable together.
Also, considering how relatively short this was, Easton was able to pack a lot of punches here and touch on a lot of subjects - bigotry, sexual identity, and some of the difficulties people face when simply trying to be themselves in the world - without it coming off cliche and campy (at least not to me, others may disagree).
Regardless, I really loved this story and if you are looking for a really sweet child to teenage love story with low steam, this fits the bill. I will definitely read more from Eli Easton.
This was a really cute story and I really enjoyed it. I always love stories where the main leads have known/loved each other since childhood and Owen and Jordan were seriously adorable together.
Also, considering how relatively short this was, Easton was able to pack a lot of punches here and touch on a lot of subjects - bigotry, sexual identity, and some of the difficulties people face when simply trying to be themselves in the world - without it coming off cliche and campy (at least not to me, others may disagree).
Regardless, I really loved this story and if you are looking for a really sweet child to teenage love story with low steam, this fits the bill. I will definitely read more from Eli Easton.
April 13, 2017
OMFG this book!!!
This book had me swooning and choking up with emotion and all hot and bothered!
Everything about this story was perfect (tho there were a few missing scenes that would have been much much appreciated - ahem.)
This was a beautiful story about realizing who you love shouldn't matter and being brave enough to take a stand and fight for it and winning in the end because of it. Just freakin awesome!
This book had me swooning and choking up with emotion and all hot and bothered!
Everything about this story was perfect (tho there were a few missing scenes that would have been much much appreciated - ahem.)
This was a beautiful story about realizing who you love shouldn't matter and being brave enough to take a stand and fight for it and winning in the end because of it. Just freakin awesome!
December 18, 2014
5 You're The One For Me Stars
There will be SPOILERS.
Jordan has known he was gay since he was 12 and barely understood what his body wanted. Thankfully, Jordan also has an awesome friend, Owen, who never once has always supported and never made Jordan feel bad about his sexual preferences despite being straight and a jock at their school. Too bad that Owen's bone deep kindness and acceptance, also make him what Jordan wants most in his life.
Being in love with your best friend is one of the most popular stories in Romance. Being gay and in love with your straight best friend seems even more interesting to read. This book was all kinds of awesome, cute, heart-warming, a little sad at parts and so freaking romantic. I was rooting for Jordan and Owen from the very first moment.
The one thing I loved most about this book was Owen. Owen is a wrestler at their school since he was old enough to get on the mat and he is his school'd superstar since wrestling is a big deal in Jefferson, Wisconsin. But he is also a very nice, accepting and kind guy. I do think he made a mistake in his relationship with Emily because he was kind of using her but he was so nice aboit it that I just couldn't hold it against him. I also loved how he was prepared to sacrifice everything he had worked for in his life for Jordan.
Jordan was a good character too. Despite being in love with Owen, he didn't put pressure on him or make things weird. And let's face it, seeing how he hurt by Owen's and Emily's relationship made me sympathise with him. He did make a few really bad choices but he is a teenager and teenagers are allowed their foolish moments.
But, I think above else I loved the romance between the two kids because Owen wasn't gay. Owen could be considered bi-sexual but I really think he was just Jordan-sexual. He wasn't attracted to any other guy. Now, I know that some people would think that this is the kind of convenient plot twist for the author but for me it was just so romantic that Owen was so in love with Jordan that his gender didn't matter. Sometimes you can't help who you fall in love with. I've seen it happend in RL so I know it can be realistic.
PS. I loved Emily, her spank combined with her inner goodness made it obvious why Owen would be with her. I also loved how supportive she was after. And the ending of the book was all kinds of awesome.
There will be SPOILERS.
Jordan has known he was gay since he was 12 and barely understood what his body wanted. Thankfully, Jordan also has an awesome friend, Owen, who never once has always supported and never made Jordan feel bad about his sexual preferences despite being straight and a jock at their school. Too bad that Owen's bone deep kindness and acceptance, also make him what Jordan wants most in his life.
Being in love with your best friend is one of the most popular stories in Romance. Being gay and in love with your straight best friend seems even more interesting to read. This book was all kinds of awesome, cute, heart-warming, a little sad at parts and so freaking romantic. I was rooting for Jordan and Owen from the very first moment.
The one thing I loved most about this book was Owen. Owen is a wrestler at their school since he was old enough to get on the mat and he is his school'd superstar since wrestling is a big deal in Jefferson, Wisconsin. But he is also a very nice, accepting and kind guy. I do think he made a mistake in his relationship with Emily because he was kind of using her but he was so nice aboit it that I just couldn't hold it against him. I also loved how he was prepared to sacrifice everything he had worked for in his life for Jordan.
Jordan was a good character too. Despite being in love with Owen, he didn't put pressure on him or make things weird. And let's face it, seeing how he hurt by Owen's and Emily's relationship made me sympathise with him. He did make a few really bad choices but he is a teenager and teenagers are allowed their foolish moments.
But, I think above else I loved the romance between the two kids because Owen wasn't gay. Owen could be considered bi-sexual but I really think he was just Jordan-sexual. He wasn't attracted to any other guy. Now, I know that some people would think that this is the kind of convenient plot twist for the author but for me it was just so romantic that Owen was so in love with Jordan that his gender didn't matter. Sometimes you can't help who you fall in love with. I've seen it happend in RL so I know it can be realistic.
PS. I loved Emily, her spank combined with her inner goodness made it obvious why Owen would be with her. I also loved how supportive she was after. And the ending of the book was all kinds of awesome.
November 15, 2017
3.75 stars rounded up
There are already so many good reviews about this one -- so I try not to ramble on.
It's a great best-friends-to-lovers story. I love how the two young men are written in very distinctive voices. Jordan, who is good at brooding over the fact the he loves his straight best friend and a little bit sarcastic. Owen, who is noble, and loyal, and definitely worth to be a superhero.
There's the common (cliché) homophobic stance from the jocks (wonder if this is a must in young adult/new adult stories) -- and a set of parents that don't immediately welcome the idea that their son's best friend is gay (because it will ruin Owen's wrestling career, obviously). But at least, it never goes too much of an angst. It's the right amount of friendship, sexual tension, and love forever and ever... and ever.
.... except, I still can't get over the fact that . It's making me a little bit uncomfortable, a similar issue that I have with Lane Hayes's Better Than Good.
In overall, though, it's a good one from Eli Easton. After the amazing historical freebie and this one, I definitely 'keep' her in "to-keep-my-eye-on" list of authors.
PS: Can someone make the comic out of the script that these boys make? Because I'd love to see that comic strip comes alive.
There are already so many good reviews about this one -- so I try not to ramble on.
It's a great best-friends-to-lovers story. I love how the two young men are written in very distinctive voices. Jordan, who is good at brooding over the fact the he loves his straight best friend and a little bit sarcastic. Owen, who is noble, and loyal, and definitely worth to be a superhero.
There's the common (cliché) homophobic stance from the jocks (wonder if this is a must in young adult/new adult stories) -- and a set of parents that don't immediately welcome the idea that their son's best friend is gay (because it will ruin Owen's wrestling career, obviously). But at least, it never goes too much of an angst. It's the right amount of friendship, sexual tension, and love forever and ever... and ever.
.... except, I still can't get over the fact that . It's making me a little bit uncomfortable, a similar issue that I have with Lane Hayes's Better Than Good.
In overall, though, it's a good one from Eli Easton. After the amazing historical freebie and this one, I definitely 'keep' her in "to-keep-my-eye-on" list of authors.
PS: Can someone make the comic out of the script that these boys make? Because I'd love to see that comic strip comes alive.
December 23, 2018
My war with insomnia is kicking my ass this week, but at least last night I got something out of it — a one-sitting read of this book that I loved. I was in the mood for something sweet and sexy, and it delivered.
Midway through, I already knew Superhero would be one I’d reread. Having stories like this on my shelves is like having my favorite blanket, tea, and bubble bath on hand. It’s a self-care thing. Some days (or sleepless nights), books like this are exactly the balm I need.
Just enough angst not to feel too superficial but not enough to raise my blood pressure. Very well-written — baby’s first Easton won’t be her last.
Midway through, I already knew Superhero would be one I’d reread. Having stories like this on my shelves is like having my favorite blanket, tea, and bubble bath on hand. It’s a self-care thing. Some days (or sleepless nights), books like this are exactly the balm I need.
Just enough angst not to feel too superficial but not enough to raise my blood pressure. Very well-written — baby’s first Easton won’t be her last.
January 22, 2014
Our February Book of the Month - WHOOP WHOOP!
Me before reading Superhero:
[I wave my sword around while wearing my kick ass boots. Got a problem? :P]
Me after reading Superhero:
Eli Easton's Superhero was a sweet novella with a friends to lover theme between damn near lifelong best friends Jordan and Owen. I mean being best buds from second grade, that was a great way to learn about both boys. Even though this is a novella, I got a sense of knowing both protagonists. It didn't even feel short at all. Plus, Eli Easton's writing works for me. There's wit with a hint of sweet and realism that I enjoy.
I lapped this story up like it was mother's milk. Gobbled this bad boy. Chugged it down!
One friend realizing he is gay and in love with best friend and the feelings are not returned? I love stories like that. This story delivers Jordan's internal angst in spades without getting to melodramatic. Owen is such a sweet kids, a gentle giant of a wrestling hero who is loyal to a fault. I enjoyed both characters equally and separately.
And while Owen was being straight but curious, I actually loved his girlfriend too. Emily was not a bitch and wasn't that a breath of fresh air!
The writing? Great! YA with smexy times without being too graphic. Friends to lovers and gay-for-you score.
The characters? I want to take them home and play video games with them. I want them to be together forever and ever.
And ever.
The ending? Realistic in tone. I am happy with the ending, thoroughly satisfied.
Recommended? Fuck yes! I didn't drown in a sugar coma and left with a happy smile. What more could this reader want?
Come check out our book chat for Eli Easton's "Superhero" the first week in February, folks!
November 4, 2018
A truly remarkable story.
This novella follows two best friends through their teenage years. Owen and Jordan couldn't be more different and the biggest surprise is certainly that they're best friends in the first place.
Owen is a gifted wrestler who makes it to the top of the state athlete in high school wrestling. Jordan is a slim artsy guy whose greatest dream is being a comic artist and working for DC. Jordan is also gay and madly in love with Owen, basically since they were twelve.
Owen, however, knows that wrestling is a homophobic macho sport, so he follows the path his parents, trainers and team set for him: Get a girlfriend, become the best wrestler possible and apply for a sports scholarship to attend university.
He does not, however, stay away from his openly gay best friend in order to protect his straight macho reputation that seems to be a requirement in the wrestling world.
A one-time sexual encounter with Jordan shows Owen that there is something inside him that he hasn't acknowledged before, but accepting this side of himself is impossible in the environment he's living in.
I loved both Jordan and Owen. Sure, Owen certainly led Jordan on, acting almost like a boyfriend while keeping Jordan at a distance AND not allowing him to be free to go for other guys who are openly gay and available. Jordan's turmoil was believable and heartfelt. I loved that about the story. But I also couldn't be mad at Owen, who seemed so naive and innocent and acting protective over Jordan and other guys weaker than himself.
When Owen realized he would lose Jordan for good, he made a pros/cons list for his current life and a life with Jordan - which really had me in tears. It was such a touching moment. It showed that Owen was genuinely a good guy and the way he hurt Jordan over the years wasn't a deliberate act, but the result of being confused and pressured by so many external sources that wanted to steer him in a certain direction.
The fact that he managed to break through his chains is why this story is called 'Superhero' and I think it is a well deserved title.
It's quite an explicit YA story with a GFY theme. And where the hell are those GFY guys in real life? They're awesome!!
5 stars!
This novella follows two best friends through their teenage years. Owen and Jordan couldn't be more different and the biggest surprise is certainly that they're best friends in the first place.
Owen is a gifted wrestler who makes it to the top of the state athlete in high school wrestling. Jordan is a slim artsy guy whose greatest dream is being a comic artist and working for DC. Jordan is also gay and madly in love with Owen, basically since they were twelve.
Owen, however, knows that wrestling is a homophobic macho sport, so he follows the path his parents, trainers and team set for him: Get a girlfriend, become the best wrestler possible and apply for a sports scholarship to attend university.
He does not, however, stay away from his openly gay best friend in order to protect his straight macho reputation that seems to be a requirement in the wrestling world.
A one-time sexual encounter with Jordan shows Owen that there is something inside him that he hasn't acknowledged before, but accepting this side of himself is impossible in the environment he's living in.
I loved both Jordan and Owen. Sure, Owen certainly led Jordan on, acting almost like a boyfriend while keeping Jordan at a distance AND not allowing him to be free to go for other guys who are openly gay and available. Jordan's turmoil was believable and heartfelt. I loved that about the story. But I also couldn't be mad at Owen, who seemed so naive and innocent and acting protective over Jordan and other guys weaker than himself.
When Owen realized he would lose Jordan for good, he made a pros/cons list for his current life and a life with Jordan - which really had me in tears. It was such a touching moment. It showed that Owen was genuinely a good guy and the way he hurt Jordan over the years wasn't a deliberate act, but the result of being confused and pressured by so many external sources that wanted to steer him in a certain direction.
The fact that he managed to break through his chains is why this story is called 'Superhero' and I think it is a well deserved title.
It's quite an explicit YA story with a GFY theme. And where the hell are those GFY guys in real life? They're awesome!!
5 stars!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 13, 2013
Oh this was just what I needed.
I adored this book. The progression from childhood friends to lovers is a mix of absolute joy and an absolute agony. Jordan is a gifted and gorgeous geeky gay boy and his BFF is a straight talent jock boy and together they are ...PERFECT!
I fell inlove with a seven year old Jordan when he even then trying to impress his beloved Owen. Lil' Jordan just made me GRIN! I could have squeezed him so hard at this point:
"I kept zipping the ambulance around, up and down my legs making a siren sound. I opened the back and took out the little roller cot with the victim on it. I was going for the maximum drool factor."
And then he says this:
"Owen was my best friend—jelly to my peanut butter, fellow pea in my pod, Sam to my Frodo. And I was his."
Oh my squeeeee...right?
And then, they grow up and poor Jordan still craves his beautiful BFF with a passion that blinds him ...hurts him. Until one night, one question changes the whole thing and Owen can no longer deny how he feels. And oh my, if this is YA? I want more just like it...phew, what they experience goes beyond a sexual encounter, it is mesmerising in it's gentle coaxing intensity. Wow Ms Easton, just WOW!
Owen is the Superhero. No, Owen is the golden Superhero with angel wings and hulk strength and the integrity of a saint. Oh boy, this young man is something special - I love him for Jordan. He is totally "Jordan-sexual" - lol!
Perfect friends, a perfect pair that share a perfect love; and they are the perfect antidote for a jaded cynic like me.
It's really nice to reminded that love can exist for that one special person and to believe that it's strong enough to cross genders - the wrath of society be damned for it.
This was so FULL of goodness but without being overly sweet or contrived in any way. It was just ...lovely. I'm so glad I read it.
I adored this book. The progression from childhood friends to lovers is a mix of absolute joy and an absolute agony. Jordan is a gifted and gorgeous geeky gay boy and his BFF is a straight talent jock boy and together they are ...PERFECT!
I fell inlove with a seven year old Jordan when he even then trying to impress his beloved Owen. Lil' Jordan just made me GRIN! I could have squeezed him so hard at this point:
"I kept zipping the ambulance around, up and down my legs making a siren sound. I opened the back and took out the little roller cot with the victim on it. I was going for the maximum drool factor."
And then he says this:
"Owen was my best friend—jelly to my peanut butter, fellow pea in my pod, Sam to my Frodo. And I was his."
Oh my squeeeee...right?
And then, they grow up and poor Jordan still craves his beautiful BFF with a passion that blinds him ...hurts him. Until one night, one question changes the whole thing and Owen can no longer deny how he feels. And oh my, if this is YA? I want more just like it...phew, what they experience goes beyond a sexual encounter, it is mesmerising in it's gentle coaxing intensity. Wow Ms Easton, just WOW!
Owen is the Superhero. No, Owen is the golden Superhero with angel wings and hulk strength and the integrity of a saint. Oh boy, this young man is something special - I love him for Jordan. He is totally "Jordan-sexual" - lol!
Perfect friends, a perfect pair that share a perfect love; and they are the perfect antidote for a jaded cynic like me.
It's really nice to reminded that love can exist for that one special person and to believe that it's strong enough to cross genders - the wrath of society be damned for it.
This was so FULL of goodness but without being overly sweet or contrived in any way. It was just ...lovely. I'm so glad I read it.
January 23, 2021
⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱*Contains Spoilers*⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱
The book centers around Jordan ‘Jordy’ Carson (the artist) and Owen Nelson (the writer and wrestler). Jordy is in love with his best friend and Owen needs his best friend in his life. Overall, it's a cute, fast forward and short book. It doesn't have much depth, and not much happens, but it's an okay read that make the time pass. I didn't connect with either of the characters, but as it was short and still somewhat enjoyable, it was okay.
Timeline:
→ 7 (second grade) Jordy and Owen meet and became best friends.
→ 11 (sixth grade) Pin Man and Pencil Boy comics; Art by Jordan Carson. Story by Owen Nelson. Jordy finds himself getting hard-ons while Owen wrestles.
→ 12 (seventh grade) Kissed for the first time; Owen made Jordy promise not to do it again. Ever.
→ 16 (sophomore) Owen got his first girlfriend, Emily Abrams.
→ 16 (junior year) Jordy decided to come out at school. Jordy gave Owen a blowjob. First time for both, even though Owen is still dating Emily.
→ 17 (senior year) Jordy tells Owen he needs space because he's in love with him. Tells him they're going to different colleges. Owen breaks up with Emily and decides he can't live without Jordy and stops hiding his true love for him.
→ 19 (sophomore year of college) Owen is openly bi and in a relationship with Jordy. Both he and Jordy goes to the same college; Jordy in the art department and Owen wrestling for UW Badgers NYU.
Quick basic facts:
Genre: - (Mature YA) Contemporary Romance (M/M).
Series: - Standalone.
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Favorite character? - Owen Nelson.
Would I read more by this author/or of series? - I think so...
Would I recommend this book/series? - Sure, if you want something super easy.
Will I read this again in the future? - No.
Rating - 3 stars.
November 4, 2017
***4 Stars***
This was a great friends to lovers read. Jordan and Owen have been best friends since second grade, and with each passing year, Jordan realizes that what he's feeling for Owen might be more than just friendship.
The book spans from second grade to their senior year in high school, with both POV's given. In a nutshell, Jordan pined, Owen was confused and this reader gobbled it up.
I typically stay away from YA due to the teenage drama and immaturity, but after reading some trusted reviews, I was assured that there was none of that here....and I can confirm there isn't. Eli Easton even added a dose of steam. But don't worry, they're older (17-ish), so no uncomfortable creepiness.
This ended up being a really great one sitting read. A dash of sweet, a touch of angst and a pinch of steam. Just what I was looking for.
"There are only two big dreams I've ever had for my life. And being with you, Owen Nelson, has always been one of them."
This was a great friends to lovers read. Jordan and Owen have been best friends since second grade, and with each passing year, Jordan realizes that what he's feeling for Owen might be more than just friendship.
The book spans from second grade to their senior year in high school, with both POV's given. In a nutshell, Jordan pined, Owen was confused and this reader gobbled it up.
I typically stay away from YA due to the teenage drama and immaturity, but after reading some trusted reviews, I was assured that there was none of that here....and I can confirm there isn't. Eli Easton even added a dose of steam. But don't worry, they're older (17-ish), so no uncomfortable creepiness.
This ended up being a really great one sitting read. A dash of sweet, a touch of angst and a pinch of steam. Just what I was looking for.
January 5, 2016
Dear Eli Easton,
You hurt me.
And then you healed me.
And then you tore my heart out...
But I forgive you.
I forgive you for the simple reason that this is quite possibly the sweetest story I have read. It made me laugh, it made me cry, it made me hope and it made fall in love with a second grader on the prowl with his first seduction.
I had no idea what I was getting myself into when I decided that I would sneak read at my desk a story called Superhero. No idea that it would fully consume me and I would get no work done for the rest of the day. No idea that I would lock and close my office but not leave for an extra 30mins to go home because I was so close to finishing this story. No idea that when I finally left, that I would be smiling to myself thinking about things Jordy and Owen had done as I walked through the grocery story picking up Grape Jam for school lunches and having strangers look at me as if I was high on some sort of drug. I was high, high from the gorgeous story of young love, of forever love and I still am on that high today almost 24hrs after finishing this story.
So yes, I forgive you and I thank you. Thank you for Jordy. Thank you for Owen and thank you for their wonderful story that is now fully in my heart.
Sincerely,
Sara's Hopeless Romantic Heart
July 27, 2016
We need more people like him.
Superheroes like Owen are always lacking.
There are lots of qualities that make someone interesting and attractive to me. I’m not talking about sex appeal, but “person appeal”. I love a confident person, a person not scared to speak his mind, but without being aggressive. A person who knows which is good and which is bad, and is not an hypocrite choosing the easier path. A person who loves and is not ashamed of that feeling, and he goes as far as he can to not to hurt.
A person who follows his dreams and values the doors that are closed but doesn’t regret his choices. A person who is kind and serious and laughs with you and not at you when you are not looking. A person who feels empathy and helps without staring at you as if he is doing you a favor. A person who encourages you to better yourself and is proud of you afterwards, because envy is not in his dictionary.
Oh, it’s so rare to find someone like that! I’ve known one person or two with lots of those qualities, but not all of them.
I’m still waiting for that person.
Maybe I’m naive to do so, but as Plato said, if it’s thought about, it’s because it does exist, because otherwise we would not be able to think about it. So, in the end, the ideas we have are real, even if we have not seen them with our very own eyes.
Of course, that kind of person appears more frequently in books. But not that much, because there is always something in the MC that strays from that idea. And books are not good with statistics, as normal people are not normally portrayed in them. Usually we meet the most beautiful main characters, the most intelligent, the most everything… Owen is all of that, but he is not perfect. He hurts the one he loves.
He was everybody’s hero till he announces he is in love with Jordan, and that’s when he falls from grace and becomes MY hero.
Maybe you find it sad, but if I could choose it, I would want to be with one man my whole life. No “experimentation” before, no “fun”. Just, first and last love. A whole life together. I believe that’s the best I could ask for in life. Of course, in a short while like that one, which are the chances of finding that someone?
And that’s when I recall a director’s words in an interview. He said: “I love filming about adolescence because that’s when we are more clever”. Look at that!
So, do I love this book due to Owen only? Yes and no. Yes, because he is what was worth reading this book. No because I love YA books. I think young love is purer and ingenuous, and that’s the best I can think about.
Young people have not already learnt how to protect themselves, they are not cynical and disillusioned (yet, or if they are lucky, never). I find that refreshing, I love innocence. I’m not saying they don’t have issues but you get me.
So, when a Disney gay love story?
I’m waiting.
Superheroes like Owen are always lacking.
There are lots of qualities that make someone interesting and attractive to me. I’m not talking about sex appeal, but “person appeal”. I love a confident person, a person not scared to speak his mind, but without being aggressive. A person who knows which is good and which is bad, and is not an hypocrite choosing the easier path. A person who loves and is not ashamed of that feeling, and he goes as far as he can to not to hurt.
A person who follows his dreams and values the doors that are closed but doesn’t regret his choices. A person who is kind and serious and laughs with you and not at you when you are not looking. A person who feels empathy and helps without staring at you as if he is doing you a favor. A person who encourages you to better yourself and is proud of you afterwards, because envy is not in his dictionary.
Oh, it’s so rare to find someone like that! I’ve known one person or two with lots of those qualities, but not all of them.
I’m still waiting for that person.
Maybe I’m naive to do so, but as Plato said, if it’s thought about, it’s because it does exist, because otherwise we would not be able to think about it. So, in the end, the ideas we have are real, even if we have not seen them with our very own eyes.
Of course, that kind of person appears more frequently in books. But not that much, because there is always something in the MC that strays from that idea. And books are not good with statistics, as normal people are not normally portrayed in them. Usually we meet the most beautiful main characters, the most intelligent, the most everything… Owen is all of that, but he is not perfect. He hurts the one he loves.
He was everybody’s hero till he announces he is in love with Jordan, and that’s when he falls from grace and becomes MY hero.
Maybe you find it sad, but if I could choose it, I would want to be with one man my whole life. No “experimentation” before, no “fun”. Just, first and last love. A whole life together. I believe that’s the best I could ask for in life. Of course, in a short while like that one, which are the chances of finding that someone?
And that’s when I recall a director’s words in an interview. He said: “I love filming about adolescence because that’s when we are more clever”. Look at that!
So, do I love this book due to Owen only? Yes and no. Yes, because he is what was worth reading this book. No because I love YA books. I think young love is purer and ingenuous, and that’s the best I can think about.
Young people have not already learnt how to protect themselves, they are not cynical and disillusioned (yet, or if they are lucky, never). I find that refreshing, I love innocence. I’m not saying they don’t have issues but you get me.
So, when a Disney gay love story?
I’m waiting.
February 22, 2018
Why did it take me so long to get to this one? Don't answer that...I know I can be stupid. This was a rec from years ago. Thank goodness I finally listened and read that damn thing. Thanks Di!!!
It's excellent!!! As many of you already know since it's been out for years.
For the few of you who still have it in your tbr. Don't wait. It's gorgeous! Childhood friendship that grows and matures along with the boys. Two super perfect characters. One of them realizing he's gay at an early age. The other struggling with his identity but continuing with his loyal friendship.
Funny dialogue. Heartbreaking scenes. Hot sex. It's all there.
Actually, there are only a couple of sex scenes, but if teenagers making out bother you then you probably should skip this one. You can't call it a YA novel because there is "sex", but the MCs are teenagers for the majority of the story.
Five humongous stars for an oldie but goody.
It's excellent!!! As many of you already know since it's been out for years.
For the few of you who still have it in your tbr. Don't wait. It's gorgeous! Childhood friendship that grows and matures along with the boys. Two super perfect characters. One of them realizing he's gay at an early age. The other struggling with his identity but continuing with his loyal friendship.
Funny dialogue. Heartbreaking scenes. Hot sex. It's all there.
Actually, there are only a couple of sex scenes, but if teenagers making out bother you then you probably should skip this one. You can't call it a YA novel because there is "sex", but the MCs are teenagers for the majority of the story.
Five humongous stars for an oldie but goody.
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