Review: Tied Together by Z.B. Heller

Ryan Keller had it all when he came out in high school; accepting parents, friends and his own credit line for J. Crew. His cocky attitude and good looks got him what he wanted, including samples off the man meat buffet. Then he found his favorite dessert, Brandon. But Brandon wasn’t sending out a rainbow vibe so Ryan was sent to the land that crushes dread, the friend zone.

Brandon Ford was buried so deep down in the closet that clothes from the seventies had a better chance of coming out. His anxieties of acting on his desires could keep a therapist entertained for hours. Even though he did his best to build his emotions out of bricks, it was no use against Ryan’s charms.
Follow Ryan and Brandon’s relationship from high school, to college and beyond to find out if they will be Tied Together.

 

I have not laughed this hard in awhile! I really enjoyed the funny, quirky, heartfelt second chance love story.  I found myself laughing with Ryan, enjoying his antics. My heart was aching for Brandon,  his pain and insecurities. It was truly love at first sight.

Ryan Keller was outed by a "hybrid: an anaconda turtle." Well sort of.  You'll have to read the story, it's way to funny to reveal anymore details. BTW, I love Ryan's family. They are awesome, understanding parents. 

Brandon Ford was from the other side of the tracks. You could not run fast enough away from his family. Brandon had been emotionally and physically scarred. He internally struggles with his true feeling, hiding them from his father, fearing for his life. 

Ryan meets Brandon one faithful day on the tracks, defending him against bullies and becoming best friends. There is a mutual attraction and on graduation day Brandon lowers his guard for just one minute to reveal he may want more from Ryan than just friendship. The glimpse leaves Ryan hoping for the next two years that Brandon could bat for his team. When Brandon attempts again to move forward with a sexual relationship with Ryan it all goes very wrong. They separately move on with their lives and careers, leaving a big gaping whole in their hearts for each other.

Don't worry, it's a second chance love story. It may have taken twelve years but they find each other again. The question is can Brandon forgive Ryan and move past the hurt? 

I  enjoyed the story, I love the witty retorts and the internal struggles all tied together.