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Not Letting Go #1
Not Letting Go
YA M/M short story.
When someone dies, how are you supposed to behave? Josh Roberts has no idea. Losing his dad has left him deeply confused. He loved his dad, so why isn't he crying? All Josh can think about is spending time with his boyfriend, Bradley. He can't wait to go to Uni, when he and Bradley will finally get to be alone.
Bradley wants nothing more than to give love and support to his grieving boyfriend. But Josh's expectations of a life together next year are putting a lot of pressure on him. He's not going to get good enough grades for Uni, especially if whenever they are in Josh's room they don't get round to any real studying. Why can't Josh understand that?
http://www.jms-books.com/index.php?ma...
When someone dies, how are you supposed to behave? Josh Roberts has no idea. Losing his dad has left him deeply confused. He loved his dad, so why isn't he crying? All Josh can think about is spending time with his boyfriend, Bradley. He can't wait to go to Uni, when he and Bradley will finally get to be alone.
Bradley wants nothing more than to give love and support to his grieving boyfriend. But Josh's expectations of a life together next year are putting a lot of pressure on him. He's not going to get good enough grades for Uni, especially if whenever they are in Josh's room they don't get round to any real studying. Why can't Josh understand that?
http://www.jms-books.com/index.php?ma...
27 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 17, 2013
56 people are currently reading
302 people want to read
About the author
Danni Keane
11 books99 followersDanni Keane lives in the depths of English suburbia, where she likes to divide her time equally between writing, daydreaming and napping.
Having never really grown up, Danni fits right in at her day job, working with children. She spends her days avidly listening to the whimsical imaginings of five-year-olds, and then rushes home to shamelessly plagiarise their ideas. However, she has yet to write a story about an exploding ghost banana. Maybe one day...
She loves to read and write all different types of stories, but her favourite characters usually have one thing in common: they are ordinary people with extraordinary dreams.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
May 22, 2013
geeeeeeeeee whhhhheeeeeeee squeeeeeeee tweeeeeeee!!!!! (<-me ...overwhelmed by sweetness and giddyness!)
Everything about this book feels like a hug.
This is all that I LOVE about YA books. Boys who aren't afraid to be emotional. Boys finding love for the first time. Boys exploring each other. Boys hanging on to the sweetness of youth.
Josh, our MC coping with loss, uncertainty for the future and experiencing new feelings for a boy...his boy...Bradley. I love these two...I would want my future son to be just like Josh and date someone just like Bradley. :)
Danni Keane, you wrote such a sweet, tender, lovely, caring, wrapped-in-a-hug story. Short, but I didn't end it feeling jipped. Me likey!!!!
September 3, 2013
NOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!! I want more, MORE, MORE!!
4.5 stars
I read the free prequel to this story, Sunshine and Buttercups, prior to starting this one so I was off and running with the characters and plot page 1. And page 1 is where the first tears fell. My tears. That's when I knew this was a winner.
This is a sweet, YA, friends-to-lovers story. There's a tiny bit of angst and a lot of emotion in this book and I enjoyed every word. And of course I'd love to see Josh and Bradley's story continue in Ms. Keane's future writings. Hint, hint.
4.5 stars
I read the free prequel to this story, Sunshine and Buttercups, prior to starting this one so I was off and running with the characters and plot page 1. And page 1 is where the first tears fell. My tears. That's when I knew this was a winner.
This is a sweet, YA, friends-to-lovers story. There's a tiny bit of angst and a lot of emotion in this book and I enjoyed every word. And of course I'd love to see Josh and Bradley's story continue in Ms. Keane's future writings. Hint, hint.
June 21, 2013
Not letting go is a short YA short story by Danni Keane. I really enjoyed reading this and it was an easy 5 stars. This short story covers two things. The death of a parent and growing up. Ms. Keane did a very good job with both those things while adding in the romance and connecting it with the two main topics.
Josh was the protagonist. He was a young man who lost his dad and had a couple of small issues with his boyfriend. He was 17 years old, growing up and moving on. But all that was too much. I felt bad for him and could connect with him. I know what it's like to lose your dad, although I didn't know mine the emotion is still there.
I really loved Bradley. He was a great, supportive boyfriend to Josh during his grief. It was sad to see him struggle with his own issues and holding Josh up at the same time. When he snapped I wasn't surprised. It was all done nicely and kept me interested. The length of the story was just right for the way the story was written.
I highly recommend this YA short story. It was perfect for me and even the size was good because it didn't bore me to tears. It would be nice for someone who wants to read a nice short, sweet story or someone who might have lost a parent.
Highly recommend this!
This book was provided by the author for a fair and honest review.
Josh was the protagonist. He was a young man who lost his dad and had a couple of small issues with his boyfriend. He was 17 years old, growing up and moving on. But all that was too much. I felt bad for him and could connect with him. I know what it's like to lose your dad, although I didn't know mine the emotion is still there.
I really loved Bradley. He was a great, supportive boyfriend to Josh during his grief. It was sad to see him struggle with his own issues and holding Josh up at the same time. When he snapped I wasn't surprised. It was all done nicely and kept me interested. The length of the story was just right for the way the story was written.
I highly recommend this YA short story. It was perfect for me and even the size was good because it didn't bore me to tears. It would be nice for someone who wants to read a nice short, sweet story or someone who might have lost a parent.
Highly recommend this!
This book was provided by the author for a fair and honest review.
July 24, 2016
This story is so cute it almost hurts.
March 19, 2013
This is not a long read, in fact it only runs at about 301 locations on my Kindle but in those 301 locations is one of the sweetest, most poignant YA stories Ive read for a longtime. The story deals with the loss of a loved parent, first love and the fears and doubts that come with it and the realisation that life is always changing and that things can't always stay as they are. Josh and Bradley are 17, they are still in the flush of first love and ready to take their lives into a new stage with college and the call of adulthood on the horizon. Luckily they have been able to be open around their families about their relationship that is still in the stage of making out frantically, lots of heated kisses and fumblings but no full on sex. There s no homophobia or angst around them being gay but as the book opens, Josh has just been told the sad news and his first reaction is to ask for Bradley, you know that this is not a callous move against his mum, its obvious both of them have been expecting it as his dad has been ill for a while so the reaction we see is not hysterical grief, just a sad resignation that finally the inevitable has happened, so he needs the comfort from his Bradley who he realises at that moment he has truly fallen in love with and both his and Bradley's mum are happy to let the two of them comfort each other. This is essentially an emotionally driven story that brought tears to my eyes from the first word and its why I can't give it less than 5 stars because Danni Keane has captured every emotional response from every character perfectly and my own emotions responded in kind. Bittersweet, tender and poignant I became totally engaged in Josh's struggle to come to terms with everything that was going on around him. I have to say it was beautifully written and sensitively handled. I want to know more about Josh and Bradley because they made me care! Sad but sweet at the same time, I loved it.
This preview copy was given to me by the author in return for an honest and unbiased review and that's what I've given.
This preview copy was given to me by the author in return for an honest and unbiased review and that's what I've given.
Want to read
July 3, 2015Kindle freebie 7/3/15!
March 21, 2013
Seventen year old Josh's dad has just died. He immediately wants his boyfriend, Bradley, to come around. Josh can't cry. Is he the bastard that he thinks he is? Is he Bradley's strong Joshy? Or does everyone have their own timeframe in which they grieve? When things suddenly hit them. Life also goes on and teenage love, whilst emotional, can be strong and grounding when you lose a parent, when life is changing. Especially when you need to talk to/hold someone who just might understand when you need them to.
This is a very well written YA LGBT ebook. Short on pages, amazing depth of writing. A lovely read with meaning for middle to older teens and adults as well.
Full review at Greedy Bug Book Reviews http://greedybug.blogspot.com.au/2013...
April 1, 2013
I don't generally read very much ya, but this one sounded really good. I was not disappointed. It grabbed me from the start, and though it was a bit sad as Josh dealt with the death of his father, it was wonderful to see him turn to his boyfriend, Bradley. It was extremely easy to feel the emotions at play as Josh and Bradley supported each other through Josh's loss, as well as their journey to college. This was very well written, flowed nicely and was just a nice enjoyable quick read. I only wish I was able to see more to their story, and I'm definitely looking forward to seeing more of these two.
March 17, 2013
Should be on any high school short story curriculum. Seriously. Not just for gay teens. Especially for their peers. "Not Letting Go" is not only touching, thoughtful and uplifting, it is that important.
Potential reader be assured: This is not a sad story at all, but keep some hankies at the ready anyway. It is a crisp, seemingly effortless, ultimately joyous, unexpectedly subtle depiction of (a) defining event(s) in a young man's life that in one form or another will have to be dealt with, utterly unprepared, by everyone. It is a paean to how it ought to happen, in a friendly, loving world, when it does. Without preaching, it tells us some very precious truths about ourselves and each other, offering to subtly enrich and strengthen us as human beings, of any age and gender.
Which is not to say that this quick, deceptively simply and lucidly written contemporary tale -- descriptive prose like a silver bell, or a crystal cameo -- about growing up into love, loss and awareness* can't move a grown man (person) to (painless, cathartic, wide-open) tears of compassionate recognition. Or a good bawl.
(*awareness of what's important after all is said and done, of personal and familial bonds, of the meaning of a small unselfconscious public gesture to integrity of heart and acknowledgement of identity ... the author manages to touch on so many salient points in so few words, it's amazing ...)
It is also refreshing -- and important, I apologize for being both a romantic and a pedant at heart -- in it its portrayal of an already well underway, developing youthful relationship rather than the more commonly depicted, at least in this genre, pathway from guilty infatuation to first love. Whatever awkwardness, hesitation, doubts about sexual identity they may have felt at some point, those aren't part of Josh and Bradley's story here. They have issues, but coming out and being attracted to their best friend are not two of them. The boys' feelings and sexual identity are presented matter-of-factly, casually, courageously as essentially universal, which is I suppose why I want every teen to read it, having no sheltering blush of "difference" to hide behind, snickering or embarrassed, depending on orientation or level of enlightenment.
Or maybe "Not Letting Go" (when I first read the title, before reading the story, my heart sank a little, now it makes me want to cry all over again) is just (as if that weren't enough) a sweet, deftly sketched little love story taking place in the context of coming to terms with grief. As such, had it not also personally resonated as being so profoundly (dammit) important , it would get a solid four stars plus change. The terse, limpid, quiet narration, about as far from "purple" as you can get and thus precisely appropriate to the subject matter, is simple perfection; on the other hand, some of the dialogue I might niggle with as unnecessarily expository and in a couple of places a little stiff. A central flashback is, for me, in the wrong tense, even though technically it is not, since the author narrates in the present tense. Which I don't usually go in for but which is, big surprise, the perfect decision here. And I only bring any of this up for the sake of being objective and to prove to you that I did analyze the work critically, and because everything else -- pacing, selection of scenes, temporal jumps, glimpses of supporting characters and descriptive detail -- is so masterfully efficient. Ok, there's one 4-word sentence ... Ms Keane knows the one I mean. But I don't mind it so much now either. ;)
None of those niggles, I suspect, even if the reader is prepped for critical evisceration, as I was -- having been advanced a copy specifically for review -- will matter a whit, provided you enjoy YA fiction, which is very much the style and tone here. Because chances are you'll be too baffled by how a writer can cause your vision to suddenly blur on page 4 with an and not clear up again until the final, funny, sweet lines. Which quote sums it all up so beautifully and is starting to make me bawl again as I type it. So I'm just going to hit send now, please pardon any typos and other muddles that might have crept in.
Potential reader be assured: This is not a sad story at all, but keep some hankies at the ready anyway. It is a crisp, seemingly effortless, ultimately joyous, unexpectedly subtle depiction of (a) defining event(s) in a young man's life that in one form or another will have to be dealt with, utterly unprepared, by everyone. It is a paean to how it ought to happen, in a friendly, loving world, when it does. Without preaching, it tells us some very precious truths about ourselves and each other, offering to subtly enrich and strengthen us as human beings, of any age and gender.
Which is not to say that this quick, deceptively simply and lucidly written contemporary tale -- descriptive prose like a silver bell, or a crystal cameo -- about growing up into love, loss and awareness* can't move a grown man (person) to (painless, cathartic, wide-open) tears of compassionate recognition. Or a good bawl.
(*awareness of what's important after all is said and done, of personal and familial bonds, of the meaning of a small unselfconscious public gesture to integrity of heart and acknowledgement of identity ... the author manages to touch on so many salient points in so few words, it's amazing ...)
It is also refreshing -- and important, I apologize for being both a romantic and a pedant at heart -- in it its portrayal of an already well underway, developing youthful relationship rather than the more commonly depicted, at least in this genre, pathway from guilty infatuation to first love. Whatever awkwardness, hesitation, doubts about sexual identity they may have felt at some point, those aren't part of Josh and Bradley's story here. They have issues, but coming out and being attracted to their best friend are not two of them. The boys' feelings and sexual identity are presented matter-of-factly, casually, courageously as essentially universal, which is I suppose why I want every teen to read it, having no sheltering blush of "difference" to hide behind, snickering or embarrassed, depending on orientation or level of enlightenment.
Or maybe "Not Letting Go" (when I first read the title, before reading the story, my heart sank a little, now it makes me want to cry all over again) is just (as if that weren't enough) a sweet, deftly sketched little love story taking place in the context of coming to terms with grief. As such, had it not also personally resonated as being so profoundly (dammit) important , it would get a solid four stars plus change. The terse, limpid, quiet narration, about as far from "purple" as you can get and thus precisely appropriate to the subject matter, is simple perfection; on the other hand, some of the dialogue I might niggle with as unnecessarily expository and in a couple of places a little stiff. A central flashback is, for me, in the wrong tense, even though technically it is not, since the author narrates in the present tense. Which I don't usually go in for but which is, big surprise, the perfect decision here. And I only bring any of this up for the sake of being objective and to prove to you that I did analyze the work critically, and because everything else -- pacing, selection of scenes, temporal jumps, glimpses of supporting characters and descriptive detail -- is so masterfully efficient. Ok, there's one 4-word sentence ... Ms Keane knows the one I mean. But I don't mind it so much now either. ;)
None of those niggles, I suspect, even if the reader is prepped for critical evisceration, as I was -- having been advanced a copy specifically for review -- will matter a whit, provided you enjoy YA fiction, which is very much the style and tone here. Because chances are you'll be too baffled by how a writer can cause your vision to suddenly blur on page 4 with an and not clear up again until the final, funny, sweet lines. Which quote sums it all up so beautifully and is starting to make me bawl again as I type it. So I'm just going to hit send now, please pardon any typos and other muddles that might have crept in.
March 21, 2013
I like this book. A lot.
The " a lot" results from the courage of this story to attest to an understanding that many reject but that I endorse and that some others also know to be true. Someone can be your everything.
This book, whilst being somewhat of a vignette, highlights a period in Josh's life that is without constancy...except for his boyfriend, Bradley's, being in his life that it is. We enter Josh's life just as he is undergoing loss and change and growth, the kind which surpasses that typically experienced by seventeen year olds.
Maybe this is why Joshua's insight extends beyond that which many seventeen year olds may have. He knows what he needs. He knows who he needs. Joshua needs Bradley and he needs him in life. Period....so much so that he prioritises this truth above other aspects of life that some people (erroneously) esteem higher.
I found this beautiful and powerful...this not letting go of what is real.
Notwithstanding, while I 5-star love the premise of this book, the emotionalism, the simplicity with which it is written that allows the reader easy entry, Joshua's direct, open and engaging narration, the exploration of true love's longevity and its ability to appear at any age, I have to say that I felt a better job could have been done with the transition at 51% into the book.
We move from the father's death to the issue of A' levels and university with a jump that jerks one out of the first half into the second. Although, the marriage of the two issues appears some time further on and the issues do indeed relate to each other well enough, there needed to be better movement. As it stands, I found it reminiscent of a treatment, a script-writing exercise...just in that bit, though.
This technical issue did not take away my enjoyment of this book. I found it stark, clear, truthful and enjoyable. Enjoyable, not in a chuckles and laughs way, but in strong appreciation of an honest story that touched me way.
Good work, Danni :-)
(I received a copy of this book in return for an HONEST review)...and given my propensity for two stars, I am unhesitatingly honest.
The " a lot" results from the courage of this story to attest to an understanding that many reject but that I endorse and that some others also know to be true. Someone can be your everything.
This book, whilst being somewhat of a vignette, highlights a period in Josh's life that is without constancy...except for his boyfriend, Bradley's, being in his life that it is. We enter Josh's life just as he is undergoing loss and change and growth, the kind which surpasses that typically experienced by seventeen year olds.
Maybe this is why Joshua's insight extends beyond that which many seventeen year olds may have. He knows what he needs. He knows who he needs. Joshua needs Bradley and he needs him in life. Period....so much so that he prioritises this truth above other aspects of life that some people (erroneously) esteem higher.
I found this beautiful and powerful...this not letting go of what is real.
Notwithstanding, while I 5-star love the premise of this book, the emotionalism, the simplicity with which it is written that allows the reader easy entry, Joshua's direct, open and engaging narration, the exploration of true love's longevity and its ability to appear at any age, I have to say that I felt a better job could have been done with the transition at 51% into the book.
We move from the father's death to the issue of A' levels and university with a jump that jerks one out of the first half into the second. Although, the marriage of the two issues appears some time further on and the issues do indeed relate to each other well enough, there needed to be better movement. As it stands, I found it reminiscent of a treatment, a script-writing exercise...just in that bit, though.
This technical issue did not take away my enjoyment of this book. I found it stark, clear, truthful and enjoyable. Enjoyable, not in a chuckles and laughs way, but in strong appreciation of an honest story that touched me way.
Good work, Danni :-)
(I received a copy of this book in return for an HONEST review)...and given my propensity for two stars, I am unhesitatingly honest.
June 19, 2013
Not Letting Go is a very tender, moving love story documenting the thoughts of a gay 17 year old, Joshy, who learns his long suffering and loved dad has died.
Who does he turn to in his moments of incredulity, those moments that don't separate reality from non-understanding? He turns to his schoolmate and boyfriend, Bradley. And from that moment we learn, by the author's splendid and skilful word weaving, the boys' past relationship and a glimmer of their future.
Not Letting Go is a delicately delivered story of a gay teen relying on his mate through his grief and of the superb instinctive support provided by Bradley. The author has softly stepped through those poignant grounds of grieving in her depictions of Josh's initial withheld sorrow to the uncontrolled gushes of emotional release.
It is a lovely story told from Josh's rather astute teenage viewpoint: of love, care and teen insecurity. The reader will subtly come across one of those early confrontations of a teen, unanswerable by life's short experiences, purely and inadequately addressed by the words, "I'm sorry".
Do read this short, heart-warming story. You won't be sorry.
Who does he turn to in his moments of incredulity, those moments that don't separate reality from non-understanding? He turns to his schoolmate and boyfriend, Bradley. And from that moment we learn, by the author's splendid and skilful word weaving, the boys' past relationship and a glimmer of their future.
Not Letting Go is a delicately delivered story of a gay teen relying on his mate through his grief and of the superb instinctive support provided by Bradley. The author has softly stepped through those poignant grounds of grieving in her depictions of Josh's initial withheld sorrow to the uncontrolled gushes of emotional release.
It is a lovely story told from Josh's rather astute teenage viewpoint: of love, care and teen insecurity. The reader will subtly come across one of those early confrontations of a teen, unanswerable by life's short experiences, purely and inadequately addressed by the words, "I'm sorry".
Do read this short, heart-warming story. You won't be sorry.
March 18, 2013
I beta read this, and was most annoyed with Danni for tricking me into reading something all touching and sweet and lovely because it *almost* moved me to tears. NOT a crier, I wasn't happy about that at all. However, now that I'm over it, this is one of those stories that will stay with me and make me randomly think of these boys at odd times of the day, with a smile.
I love Danni's style of writing. It's quick and witty, with loads being said in quirky little comments or actions of the characters. The end result is poignancy with a smile. A little funny, a little unexpected, but really, really beautiful.
BTW - don't blame me for the missing epilogue. I whined and cajoled and offered things entirely inappropriate for one, but alas, I didn't get one. (I've heard rumors of a prequel, though. Okay, I read it. Neener neener).
I love Danni's style of writing. It's quick and witty, with loads being said in quirky little comments or actions of the characters. The end result is poignancy with a smile. A little funny, a little unexpected, but really, really beautiful.
BTW - don't blame me for the missing epilogue. I whined and cajoled and offered things entirely inappropriate for one, but alas, I didn't get one. (I've heard rumors of a prequel, though. Okay, I read it. Neener neener).
August 8, 2015
4 Stars
For such a short little story, Not Letting Go and its itty-bitty prequel, Sunshine and Buttercups, sure does pack an emotional punch.
Y/A in theme, this coming of age story deals heavily in parental loss and first love.
The story is sweet and poignant, and the prose is both graceful and thought provoking.
The combined edition of this book is currently available for FREE at Smashwords.
For such a short little story, Not Letting Go and its itty-bitty prequel, Sunshine and Buttercups, sure does pack an emotional punch.
Y/A in theme, this coming of age story deals heavily in parental loss and first love.
The story is sweet and poignant, and the prose is both graceful and thought provoking.
The combined edition of this book is currently available for FREE at Smashwords.
July 19, 2013
I'm glad I read Sunshine and Buttercups before this, otherwise it would have been too depressing. And with the impact the father's death has in this story, his absence in the previous book is even more apparent.
July 24, 2013
I received a copy in exchange of honest review.
Not Letting Go
by Danni Keane is a heartwarming story made my eyes fill with tears.
In summary:
The book deals with the loss of a parent. Josh Roberts is a 17 year old who loses his dad. We understand through the story that his dad has been struggling with illness for a while. When his mom comes to tell him about the bad news, he intensely he asks for Bradley “his boyfriend”. Josh comes to terms like “My dad died. I fell in love.”
Through this short story josh struggles between the loss of his dad and the issues he is having with his boyfriend. One of the issues is sex. With all the heated kisses and touching Josh and Bradley haven’t had sex.
Although Bradley was great and supporting to josh and he as the title of the book says “Never letting go.” One of my favorite sentence was the one that embedded the title.
“The others either ignore me, or say sorry, offering their condolences with soft, sad voices. And all the while Bradley stays there, holding my hand. Not letting go.”
Now josh hadn’t dropped one tear over the loss of his dad, either he was a jerk or so tough a guy. And when he and Bradley are studying together josh goes for sex. That’s what creeps Bradley leaving and letting josh tearing up after him. As Bradley says it was a matter of toughness that josh was strong and he wasn’t good enough for him. My own Interpretation is that maybe there was a teeny tiny in Bradley’s mind tells him that josh wanted to have sex with him only to overcome his dad’s loss, not because he was lusting after his boyfriend.
Those two go through problems like the grief, the uni and the grades, the idea of young love could last, the coming out. But They overcome THEM at the end.
This short story brought tears into my eyes in a lot of places. One of them was when Bradley snapped at josh when he wanted to have sex with him after the death of his father. Other, came at the end of the story.
I also smiled stupid and goofy, but I did. One of the moments was when they were trying to have sex before the death of the father. Other moments were when I sensed Bradley’s love and the way he supported josh.
Josh and Bradley are so cute and I would love to read the prequel Sunshine and Buttercups
or anything about these boys. The writing style is great and simple. The cover is lovely, I like it so much. <3<3<3
Totally recommended
Five stars out of five.
please i want lists with this book:(
i am aching to vote...
lists...lists...lists...
Not Letting Go
by Danni Keane is a heartwarming story made my eyes fill with tears.
In summary:
The book deals with the loss of a parent. Josh Roberts is a 17 year old who loses his dad. We understand through the story that his dad has been struggling with illness for a while. When his mom comes to tell him about the bad news, he intensely he asks for Bradley “his boyfriend”. Josh comes to terms like “My dad died. I fell in love.”
Through this short story josh struggles between the loss of his dad and the issues he is having with his boyfriend. One of the issues is sex. With all the heated kisses and touching Josh and Bradley haven’t had sex.
Although Bradley was great and supporting to josh and he as the title of the book says “Never letting go.” One of my favorite sentence was the one that embedded the title.
“The others either ignore me, or say sorry, offering their condolences with soft, sad voices. And all the while Bradley stays there, holding my hand. Not letting go.”
Now josh hadn’t dropped one tear over the loss of his dad, either he was a jerk or so tough a guy. And when he and Bradley are studying together josh goes for sex. That’s what creeps Bradley leaving and letting josh tearing up after him. As Bradley says it was a matter of toughness that josh was strong and he wasn’t good enough for him. My own Interpretation is that maybe there was a teeny tiny in Bradley’s mind tells him that josh wanted to have sex with him only to overcome his dad’s loss, not because he was lusting after his boyfriend.
Those two go through problems like the grief, the uni and the grades, the idea of young love could last, the coming out. But They overcome THEM at the end.
This short story brought tears into my eyes in a lot of places. One of them was when Bradley snapped at josh when he wanted to have sex with him after the death of his father. Other, came at the end of the story.
I also smiled stupid and goofy, but I did. One of the moments was when they were trying to have sex before the death of the father. Other moments were when I sensed Bradley’s love and the way he supported josh.
Josh and Bradley are so cute and I would love to read the prequel Sunshine and Buttercups
or anything about these boys. The writing style is great and simple. The cover is lovely, I like it so much. <3<3<3
Totally recommended
Five stars out of five.
please i want lists with this book:(
i am aching to vote...
lists...lists...lists...
February 3, 2015
Again. I wish I knew this was a prequel to No Big Deal. Having read the two shorts now, I get Joshy a bit more than I did having read No Big Deal as a stand alone. This made me cry, not only because it was sad, Josh dealing with the passing of his father, but it brought back memories of me losing my dad at a young age.
I get it now though; Bradley and his Joshy and why things are the way they are. Ugh. The boys are who they are, frustrating and young and just so in love that at times it's all they see. But they are lovely and I am glad I had a chance to come back and meet them this way because young love, can last.
I get it now though; Bradley and his Joshy and why things are the way they are. Ugh. The boys are who they are, frustrating and young and just so in love that at times it's all they see. But they are lovely and I am glad I had a chance to come back and meet them this way because young love, can last.
And all the while Bradley stays there, holding my hand. Not letting go.
February 5, 2015
Awww, these two are just so sweet! I can't wait to read No Big Deal!
February 28, 2023
Life can deal some pretty hard blows sometimes, and being able to deal with them is difficult. Josh has lost his father but doesn't seem to be able to grieve the loss as others do. He finds consolation in the arms of his boyfriend, Bradley. He can't understand why Bradley is becoming more distant as time goes on. They have plans to attend university together, but Bradley is afraid he won't qualify and that Josh will go away and find someone new. Josh can't see a future without Bradley and just doesn't want to let go. A very sweet story of young love, and I look forward to the next instalment.
September 13, 2019
Ok, so normally I can't really connect to novellas or short stories, but this 27 page teeny thing had me crying - at several different points! I don't know if I was somehow already overly emotional or what, but damn!
This is about loss and love and growing up. Great novella
This is about loss and love and growing up. Great novella
April 1, 2013
Reviewed for Hearts On Fire Reviews
Josh is so close to his dad and now his dad is gone. He’s not sure what to do. He goes to school, sees his boyfriend Bradley and realizes he has to go to a funeral. A funeral for his dad. He doesn’t cry though. He makes plans for next year, when he and Bradley will go away. The fact that Bradley isn’t making the grade to get into uni isn’t penetrating his head. There’s just so much changing for Josh, how can he cope with it all?
This young adult short story is emotional and bittersweet. I was leery of reading it because I was afraid it would be so sad. There is a point where Josh checks Facebook and sees that his 223 friends are “still chatting, still doing homework, and playing games and watching telly. I don’t update my status, but if I did it would say: Josh Roberts. Reached Lieutenant II. My dad died. I fell in love.” I cried at that, I have to admit. It’s a difficult enough thing to be an adult and deal with the fact that when someone you love so much dies, the world doesn’t stop. To have it happen at 17? Heartbreaking.
But that is not the focus of the story. It is more of realizing what is important and who you feel safe enough to grieve with. You can see the maturity Josh has, such as when he’s upset that he and Bradley fought and then realized he’s moping while his mom is dealing with “thirty-odd years of love. And now it’s gone.”.
There are moments (such as their argument) when I thought Bradley was being hurtful, and in a way he was. Yet he was because he was trying to get Josh (his Joshy) to see reality.
This ended up being sweet, emotional and lovely. I want to see their future, if they make it together and what happens. Recommended.
Josh is so close to his dad and now his dad is gone. He’s not sure what to do. He goes to school, sees his boyfriend Bradley and realizes he has to go to a funeral. A funeral for his dad. He doesn’t cry though. He makes plans for next year, when he and Bradley will go away. The fact that Bradley isn’t making the grade to get into uni isn’t penetrating his head. There’s just so much changing for Josh, how can he cope with it all?
This young adult short story is emotional and bittersweet. I was leery of reading it because I was afraid it would be so sad. There is a point where Josh checks Facebook and sees that his 223 friends are “still chatting, still doing homework, and playing games and watching telly. I don’t update my status, but if I did it would say: Josh Roberts. Reached Lieutenant II. My dad died. I fell in love.” I cried at that, I have to admit. It’s a difficult enough thing to be an adult and deal with the fact that when someone you love so much dies, the world doesn’t stop. To have it happen at 17? Heartbreaking.
But that is not the focus of the story. It is more of realizing what is important and who you feel safe enough to grieve with. You can see the maturity Josh has, such as when he’s upset that he and Bradley fought and then realized he’s moping while his mom is dealing with “thirty-odd years of love. And now it’s gone.”.
There are moments (such as their argument) when I thought Bradley was being hurtful, and in a way he was. Yet he was because he was trying to get Josh (his Joshy) to see reality.
This ended up being sweet, emotional and lovely. I want to see their future, if they make it together and what happens. Recommended.
April 29, 2013
Not Letting Go by Danni Keane is short story about loss and the power of love.
Joshua’s world comes crashing down when his mother tells him that his dad is dead. They have known that he had cancer, but in the end the shock is still the same. All Joshua can think is to ask if his boyfriend Bradley can come over. Bradley is saddened for Josh’s loss and will do anything to support him. Josh goes numb as the days go by and Bradley is afraid that something is wrong. On top of all of this is their upcoming decisions about uni and if they will be together. All this may be too much for Josh, but Bradley is determined to give help Josh, but is their love strong enough?
This is a short sweet story takes the reader into Josh’s responses as he works his way through the trauma of losing his dad. The heartbreaking loss Josh feels coupled with his inability to cry made it that much more shocking when he finally broke down. Everyone deals with loss differently so Josh’s reaction wasn’t unusual and Bradley’s concern over it showed how important Josh was to him. It is always sad when someone loses a member of their family and how the people around them react can affect how they work through that loss. Joshua’s decisions of the future may depend on what will happen in the coming days, but with Bradley and his mom’s support he should find a way to get through his grief.
Joshua’s world comes crashing down when his mother tells him that his dad is dead. They have known that he had cancer, but in the end the shock is still the same. All Joshua can think is to ask if his boyfriend Bradley can come over. Bradley is saddened for Josh’s loss and will do anything to support him. Josh goes numb as the days go by and Bradley is afraid that something is wrong. On top of all of this is their upcoming decisions about uni and if they will be together. All this may be too much for Josh, but Bradley is determined to give help Josh, but is their love strong enough?
This is a short sweet story takes the reader into Josh’s responses as he works his way through the trauma of losing his dad. The heartbreaking loss Josh feels coupled with his inability to cry made it that much more shocking when he finally broke down. Everyone deals with loss differently so Josh’s reaction wasn’t unusual and Bradley’s concern over it showed how important Josh was to him. It is always sad when someone loses a member of their family and how the people around them react can affect how they work through that loss. Joshua’s decisions of the future may depend on what will happen in the coming days, but with Bradley and his mom’s support he should find a way to get through his grief.
January 1, 2016
This story is sweet and heartbreaking and loving all within a short tale.
The main character (POV) is Josh, a smart, level A student, (High school senior to us Americans) who is working his way towards uni. He's falling for his best mate Bradley and going through tough times with his Dad having cancer. He's the image of a lost soul trying to find his way.
And while I would love to discuss this in detail, I can't say a word about him and Bradley, him and his dad, or what happens. I will say, it roused some tears, because of my own experience with someone in my family having cancer. But that being said, the happy in this book far outweighs the tough parts.
Definitely give this one a go if you want a quick m/m romance that's more heart than anything... just know, it is very British, which, personally, adds to the charm of the tale.
The main character (POV) is Josh, a smart, level A student, (High school senior to us Americans) who is working his way towards uni. He's falling for his best mate Bradley and going through tough times with his Dad having cancer. He's the image of a lost soul trying to find his way.
And while I would love to discuss this in detail, I can't say a word about him and Bradley, him and his dad, or what happens. I will say, it roused some tears, because of my own experience with someone in my family having cancer. But that being said, the happy in this book far outweighs the tough parts.
Definitely give this one a go if you want a quick m/m romance that's more heart than anything... just know, it is very British, which, personally, adds to the charm of the tale.
September 13, 2013
I'm not usually a fan of short stories. I invest in the characters only to find them taken away when we've only just started; it's really frustrating. This is the exception. I read Danni Keane's 'Not Letting Go' on holiday (three times) and I simply loved it. The central characters, Bradley and Josh are beautifully and sympathetically crafted and the story is told with rare insight and empathy. The writing simply oozes compassion and understanding.
This story is very close to my heart; I lost my mum to cancer when I was 14. All I can say is that I wish I'd had this story to read at the time.
This story is very close to my heart; I lost my mum to cancer when I was 14. All I can say is that I wish I'd had this story to read at the time.
April 20, 2013
Not Letting Go is a short YA story about 17 year old Josh who just lost his father. Josh doesn't know how to behave in a situation like this, he is confused, lost and all he knows is that he wants his boyfriend Bradley by his side.
Despite how short this story was, I enjoyed reading it from beginning to end just wish it was longer. I highly recommend this YA short story.
I demand a sequel :)!
Despite how short this story was, I enjoyed reading it from beginning to end just wish it was longer. I highly recommend this YA short story.
I demand a sequel :)!
June 11, 2013
This is the first of Danni Keane's work that I have read, and I absolutely adored it! It's a fast read, and I didn't expect to be so invested in the characters as a result, but I was hooked. I flew threw it, and I couldn't tear myself away until I finished it completely. I just want to read it over and over again. I'll spare any spoilers - but love and loss are captured so will in Keane's diction. She has a great talent for engaging the reader quickly. I cannot wait to read more of her work!
March 9, 2015
Not Letting Go is a very sweet and beautiful first part in a YA m/m romance serial. I felt like everything in this was very real. The emotions, the reactions, the hardships, everything. I would be very willing to continue on to the next part.
3.5 stars
Josh is gay. Josh wants his best friend Bradley. Josh's dad has cancer. No-one knows. Watch him go through life as he's forced to deal with all of those things head on.
3.5 stars
Josh is gay. Josh wants his best friend Bradley. Josh's dad has cancer. No-one knows. Watch him go through life as he's forced to deal with all of those things head on.
March 10, 2015
Leer éste libro fue como estar envuelto en un abrazo muy, muy tierno.
December 21, 2018
The father is always in another room or at treatment, never present, and so the love Josh has for his dad is never established. His retching from cancer treatments in the bathroom next to Josh's bedroom interrupts Josh and Bradley's going at it . . at Bradley's initiative. His grandmother tries to clutch Josh's hand at her only son's funeral, but Josh only has hands for Bradley. So he offers her a tissue (even though she already has one) just to free his hand and bury it in his own pants pocket. His mum asks him if he would like to stay home from school and watch a movie with her the day after her husband of 30 years passes away. But Josh decides to be "selfish" and go to school . . . just so he can see his bf Bradley. When the MC is the epitome of self-centered repugnance, it's remarkably easy not to care. (Bradley, on the other hand, seems like a pretty decent chap.)
September 17, 2019
Relatable
This story, unlike many I've read on Kindle, is very well written. Not due just to the grammar and structure but to the style and content. It contains a youthful romanticization of young love, but remains down to earth with the small relatable details of dealing with everyday life and grief. I particularly enjoy how the author highlights the sensual while weaving in the realism of relationships. It feels balanced. Having dealt with loss many times over while young, I appreciate the attention to detail on the small emotional things that seem miniscule yet leave such a huge impact in the mind if someone reeling emotionally.
This story, unlike many I've read on Kindle, is very well written. Not due just to the grammar and structure but to the style and content. It contains a youthful romanticization of young love, but remains down to earth with the small relatable details of dealing with everyday life and grief. I particularly enjoy how the author highlights the sensual while weaving in the realism of relationships. It feels balanced. Having dealt with loss many times over while young, I appreciate the attention to detail on the small emotional things that seem miniscule yet leave such a huge impact in the mind if someone reeling emotionally.
August 30, 2020
Very emotional
Honestly, I hadn't realized this was a YA book. It popped up in my suggestions on Amazon. What happened with Josh, his family and Bradley. Brought out a lot of tears. Young love is explored and it was entirely about what Josh thought about the events in his. A short and sweet story. Not sure it was exactly a good ending, given all that had gone on, but it was beautiful and hopeful.
Honestly, I hadn't realized this was a YA book. It popped up in my suggestions on Amazon. What happened with Josh, his family and Bradley. Brought out a lot of tears. Young love is explored and it was entirely about what Josh thought about the events in his. A short and sweet story. Not sure it was exactly a good ending, given all that had gone on, but it was beautiful and hopeful.
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