Love Like We Do (Side B) (Volume 2) Paperback – September 29, 2015

"Love is love. It can never be ugly or hateful, no matter how many people try to put that spin on it."After reading Side A I wondered if reading Side B was just going to be a retelling of the same story by different characters, No it definitely is not.....Side B is from Max and Callen's perspective with lots more to add this love story that should not be missed!!It's so sad that so many of us are blind to "love is love" and that it shouldn't be withheld/denied/degraded/torn down just because it doesn't fit into a certain box! It's so sad that kindness is so scarce when faced with others being different than what so many see as being normal/accepted.....We all are different and should be loved and allowed to "love like we do"!!!!I have three boys, ages 16, 14, 7.....If I would only have one wish for them above any other is to love and be loved with no boundaries of race, gender, sexuality, or any other restrictions, just experience love because what is this life without LOVE!!!!In this duet Max & Callen experience the ugliness of the closed-minded leading to doubts and so much worse that two young people experiencing love should never have to endure but also and most importantly they get to see and feel the beauty of those that know that love is the ultimate gift and should be experienced freely with no boundaries.I truly urge any and all readers to read this duet, to experience this touching story that could be the story of your son or daughter or any loved one.

After reading Side A, I was quite anxious to watch the secret love story between Max Rosser and Callen McNare unfold through their eyes in Side B. And I can happily report that Lori Otto wrote it brilliantly.In this version of events, we are privy to Max and Callen's thoughts, desires and heartache firsthand. I felt like I truly was a part of them in every single scene. Even through the difficult encounters with family and the tortured time being apart, both Max and Callen were ingrained in my heart. I felt for them so deeply that at times I literally was lost in the pages of this book.And even though I knew the eventual outcome, it somehow felt like a whole new story. The author continues to amaze me with her writing talent. No detail is overlooked and the spirit and overall drive of her characters to be who they want to be and live the lives they were meant to be made my heart soar like nothing else. There is always a positive vibe that is carried throughout and with Love Like We Do dealing with the continued sensitivity in embracing one's sexuality, I'm still in awe of the love and the deep connection the characters have for and with each other. There is deep respect even for those who don’t approve of this pairing and the maturity held by these young men, Trey Holland included, is wildly uplifting.The entire Holland/Scott/Rosser crew is present once again and oh my goodness, both Matty Holland and Will Rosser are stand-outs once again. Matty with his sincere and encouraging attitude and the true empathy he has for Max and Callen, he is the true diamond in the Holland family. And then there’s Will. We haven’t had much time with him in the author’s books until now. And wow does he shine. His ability to keep tightly-held secrets, his no questions asked demeanor and his huge heart. He was the glue to this story. Wanting no credit for simply doing what he’d do for anyone in need. Oh my goodness, I fell for him hard. I want to be there when everything is completely revealed one day to his brother Jon. Will Rosser is one complicated man. It is my hope his story is next because we have only just skimmed the surface where he is concerned.This is a duet of books that is worthy of your time and must be read back to back. It’s a story that is current and thoughtful and well-written from start to finish. There may be those who don’t care for the subject matter but I encourage you to just remember one thing: love is love and we all deserve that chance to embrace it.A solid 5 stars!

Love Like We Do, side b, is the story of Max and Callen's budding relationship told from their points of view. I found it unusual that Lori Otto chose to tell their story from the perspective of others first, in side a, but it works well with regard to the story and I was surprised by the anticipation I felt as I read it. As is true in real life, PERCEPTION IS EVERYTHING! Side b proves to be just as highly emotional and grabs you from the beginning.As Max and Callen tell their side of things you can feel their fear, despair, disappointment as they struggle to understand themselves and what they mean to each other. They fear that their relationship will have repercussions and affect their friends and family. When their attraction is "discovered" it sets in motion events, drama, and tests the wills of those around them. Max and Callen have the same challenges that most teens face today.....sports, school, college, family expectations, dating, break ups, etc... Whether those around you will accept you without judgement is a very real fear that young people face today.As Lori Otto reveals how Callen and Max navigate this journey, she introduces some new characters, while bringing her familiar ones from Emi Lost and Found and Choisie back. It's wonderful to see old familiar characters in new, uncharted territory. This story is well worth reading because it reminds us that despite the difficult dynamics of families and friends, everyone deserves love, even when it is hard, even when it pushes our boundaries. I highly recommend this book!