String Boys

Kelly and Seth were childhood friends who fell in love as teens, then just fell deeper as the painfully turbulent years went by. There was never a moment that either young man doubted his feelings, and there was never a moment that I didn't ache for them to get the HEA they so deeply deserved.
This book broke my heart again and again and again. Seth and Kelly had to deal with the deaths of loved ones, intolerance and hate, violence, and the heartache of separation. They saved each other in different ways, but each definitely became a hero to the other.
The support system for the couple was family and eventually friends who loved them fiercely and kept them moving forward. Family also played a role in keeping them apart, but that gets too close to spoiler territory, where I won't go.
Along with the angst and pain I knew I was going to get with this story, there was also enough love and sweetness to cause cavities, and I ate that stuff up! Kelly was the light of Seth's life, and the younger man adored Seth right back. There were funny moments between them, as well as with their shared family. One of the highlights of the book for me was seeing Kelly's sisters grow up, but the best parts were absolutely the private moments between Seth and Kelly. From the very beginning, their conversations and interactions made me love them as much as they loved each other. This book is painful and passionate, full of the various forms of love - for a partner, a family member, and a friend. I laughed and cried more than once. I loved Seth and Kelly, as well as the people they loved. I will read this again, and I know my emotions will still be deeply affected. I thank the author for a beautiful romance that was meant to last, despite so many obstacles constantly thrown at the couple. This is definitely a new favorite for me, and I highly recommend it to others.

An extraordinary tale of family, of heartache, and of healing, it's tough to explain how emotional Amy Lane's String Boys really is.

Seth and Kelly's love story covers many, many years of complications and separation. There's pain, love, betrayal, and more family issues than one could ever imagine. The struggle with loss and grief, blame and expectations, let downs and responsibilities.

It wonderfully explores the struggle of coming out, dealing with extreme homophobia, the spiral of drugs, and the hatred that comes with some religions.

It's full of complex characters, all of whom contribute to the storyline greatly.
And pretty much everyone suffers. There's an extensive exploration of family, both the highs and the lows. The way family can have excellent influences, as well as huge let downs and betrayal. The utter tragedy of having other's affecting one's life and decisions. The relationship the boys have with their fathers is so damn touching. The good, the bad, the tragic. All of it makes for emotional scenes that will hit you hard.

The love between Seth and Kelly is absolute and unconditional. The sex scenes are great, not so much on their actions, but in their depth of emotion. The love and tenderness is clearly displayed.

Ultimately it's a story of hope and overcoming all the obstacles.

Please note that there's a rape in the story. It's off page, but some of the effects of it are detailed. Skip this one if that's a trigger for you.


Obviously the writing is fantastic if the story can affect me this much. Despite the slow-ish pace, the character development is accomplished, and feelings jump off the page. I love this story. I wish I could give it 10 stars. Intriguing from the start, it's not until later that the twists and turns just punch you in the gut, leaving you unable to put it down.


The storyline is superb. String Boys is a must read in my book. This is one of those amazing books that leaves me wanting to thank Amy Lane for writing it, as well as yell at her for writing it. If you read it, you'll understand.

I cried. A lot. But with Amy Lane books, that is what you do... sometimes. This is one of her rip your heart out tear jerkers that is beautifully written so you can't hate her... too much. lol The only thing I wish this had was an epilogue. Like... 10 years later. Or even 20 years, just to see more of the happy pay off.

This book is STILL with me. I stayed up until about 2:30am finishing. My eyes are gritty the morning after, but the boys and the family are still in my heart. They go through.. a LOT.

I didn't read the blurb first, so I really had no expectations, I find it is easier to go in that way.

Seth. Just... what a beautiful soul. He is full of love and some things happened when he was younger that could have made things different, but thanks to the Cruz family, he kept his pure heart and it comes out in his music.

The book starts off in the present, but then goes right into the past and you can see the relationships build as you watch Seth and Kelly grow. It builds up to the part in the beginning of the story to close out this masterpiece. Amy can weave a story like nobodies business.

This is a wonderful story, just be prepared to cry. Like... a ton. But, as always, it IS worth it.

Seth and Kelly's story was simply amazing. An angst filled rollercoaster of emotions, it absolutely broke my heart. Going along with them as they find their way back to each other, as they hurt and grow and become such strong young men was worth every mile of their journey to their happy ending.

*I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book*

I 'm not going to give a summary on this as the blurb pretty much says it all. The story begins with a call from Kelley telling Seth that Matty wants to see him and it's important and that he only has about a week, He promptly tells Kelley he will come back for him as e has always promised. Heart wrenching first paragraph leaving me wondering WTH happened up to this point. I sat on the edge of my seat through the entire story as we go back to the past and grow up with this family. (stop at the store for lots of tissues and if going to be reading out somewhere some travel size as well),
Amy makes us nice and comfortable as she introduces us to Seth, Matty and Kelley and both boys’ families at school preparing for a concert as the string boys. Such a sweet scene, then the rollercoaster speeds up and starts taking us over hills and sharp curves of happiness sadness and smacks us into a wall of angst. Holy heck I know my heart bled during this book. I know I cried enough. I fell in love with all three boys, but man oh man the romance with Seth and Kelley was so sweet it rivals cotton candy. There were enough love and sweetness in the romance to help tamp down the darkness and angst. A balance that Amy Lane has a knack for. If you loved her Promise Rock books... Here ya go. Another book to help fill that void.
I added this to my all-time favorites pile and YA/NA books are not my favorite genre. And there is a little surprise at the end that made me clap in glee when we find out who the officer was that was wanting to help Seth.
If you like YA to NA books, friends to lovers, angst, can tolerate some violence and off page assault and sweet mm-sex and LOVE dark romance with a happy ending you must read this one!