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Barbara Elsborg
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The Story of Us Kindle Edition

by Barbara Elsborg (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.6 out of 5 stars 535 ratings
Two boys. One love. Ten summers.

Are you okay?
The first words Zed says to Caspian, and the first time someone has cared about the answer. On a hot summer’s day, the lives of two boys are changed forever. A rebel and a risk taker, Caspian doesn’t give a damn for the consequences. Studious and obedient, Zed is the good boy who is never good enough.

The two couldn’t be more different, but there’s one thing they share, a need to belong to someone who understands them, someone who cares. Their friendship goes deeper than either can possibly imagine. They’re young, in love, and planning their future when an act of betrayal tears them apart.

Fate deals its hand. Seasons pass. Zed’s words follow Caspian through pain, fear and into the darkest of places. Friendships can last a lifetime, even when the world conspires to crush them. But this is more than friendship. This is love and they’re not going to let it slip through their fingers.

Warning
The Story of Us is a tale of love and survival, and the triumph of good over evil against the odds. It's a new adult contemporary romance that deals with family and social issues. There is violence and cruelty to children but not sexual assault. The story has sexual situations, dark elements and suspense. The events and locations are a mixture of real and fictional. The characters are fictional.


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  1. Print length
    437 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publication date
    October 28, 2018
  4. File size
    1.4 MB
  5. Page Flip
    Enabled
  6. Word Wise
    Enabled
  7. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07JZ67778
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ (October 28, 2018)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ October 28, 2018
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.4 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 437 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 out of 5 stars 535 ratings

About the author

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Barbara Elsborg

Barbara Elsborg

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Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Barbara Elsborg lives in Kent in the South of England. She always wanted to be a spy, but having confessed to everyone without them even resorting to torture, she decided it was not for her. Volcanology scorched her feet. A morbid fear of sharks put paid to marine biology. So instead, she spent several years successfully selling cyanide.

After dragging up two rotten, ungrateful children and frustrating her sexy, devoted, wonderful husband (who can now stop twisting her arm) she finally has time to conduct an affair with an electrifying plugged-in male, her laptop.

Her earlier books feature quirky heroines and bad boys, now she concentrates on the bad boys, and hopes her books are as much fun to read as they are to write. If you'd like to know more about Barbara or be put on her mailing list, details can be found here www.barbaraelsborg.com She is also on Facebook and Twitter under her author name.

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
535 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book well-written with an interesting storyline of young but forever love, and appreciate its beautiful characters and humor. Moreover, the book receives positive feedback for its strength, with one customer noting how it holds fast against incredible odds. However, the emotional content receives mixed reactions, with some customers describing it as heartbreaking while others find it worth every tear.

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42 customers mention "Readability"38 positive4 negative

Customers find the book well written and lovely to read, with one customer describing it as spectacular and riveting.

"...way, I say dive in and take a chance, immerse yourself in a poignant piece of writing with two wonderful MCs that I doubt you’ll ever forget." Read more

"'The Story of Us' is an amazing book. Elsborg takes the reader on an emotional roller coater ride, from the highest high to the lowest low...." Read more

"...This is a an epic, very emotional tale, with current events woven into the story with perfect dramatic effect...." Read more

"I started the book yesterday, loving the beginning, and then hating what Caspian's father did to him... I just can't image!..." Read more

30 customers mention "Storyline"30 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the storyline of this book, describing it as a sweetly emotional love story of young but forever love, with one customer noting it's a soul-stirring coming-of-age tale.

"This is a beautiful, soul-stirring coming-of-age novel. Complete with innocent first love that deepens into so much more, and familial pain and..." Read more

"...book could have been ripped from current news headlines; everything is so realistic...." Read more

"...This is a an epic, very emotional tale, with current events woven into the story with perfect dramatic effect...." Read more

"...But totally, and utterly, WORTH EVERY TEAR! The Story of Us is simply stunning, and well worth the wait." Read more

14 customers mention "Character development"14 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, with one customer specifically mentioning Henry and Jonas as their favorite characters.

"...They are both very likable characters. From early on, I truly cared what happened to them. I didn't want to put the book down...." Read more

"...I loved the supporting cast of characters, and the beautiful, heartfelt message of Zed and Caspian's love story. "This is our story...." Read more

"...I will say there are bright spots...there is witty humor, strength of character, a bit of redemption with one of Caspian's siblings, 2 wonderful..." Read more

"This is a heart felt story, with two amazing characters. The love friendship and devotion between both of them is outstanding...." Read more

10 customers mention "Value for money"10 positive0 negative

Customers find the book worth every tear.

"...gentleness, moments of simple joy, caring, total despair, utter determination, and, once again, love, so much wonderous and heartfelt love...." Read more

"...Gah, it was a heartbreaker! But totally, and utterly, WORTH EVERY TEAR! The Story of Us is simply stunning, and well worth the wait." Read more

"...Not an easy read, but one so very well worth it. Very highly recommended." Read more

"...But as a romance fantasy, quite satisfying...." Read more

8 customers mention "Humor"8 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the humor in the book, with one mentioning the witty dialogue and another noting how the characters celebrated their accomplishments.

"...But there’s also humour, kindness, gentleness, moments of simple joy, caring, total despair, utter determination, and, once again, love, so much..." Read more

"...I will say there are bright spots...there is witty humor, strength of character, a bit of redemption with one of Caspian's siblings, 2 wonderful..." Read more

"...It was easy to fall for Zed and Caspian. There was plenty of witty dialogue...." Read more

"...I cried for and with the characters, as well as, laughed and celebrated their accomplishments. Great read! Another hit for Barbara Elsborg." Read more

5 customers mention "Beauty"5 positive0 negative

Customers find the book beautiful, with one mentioning its amazing eyes and another describing it as a cute couple.

"...I can’t recommend the beautifully named The Story of Us highly enough...." Read more

"...I loved the supporting cast of characters, and the beautiful, heartfelt message of Zed and Caspian's love story. "This is our story...." Read more

"...So read through the whole way! It's worth it! It's beautiful! It's an intriguing, layered, and lovely read!" Read more

"...This book did that and more. Beautiful, unexpected surprises, humor, angst, hot love scenes, and some moments push me to tears...." Read more

5 customers mention "Strength"5 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the strength of the book, with one review noting how it holds fast against incredible odds, while others highlight its themes of perseverance, survival, and loyalty.

"...light begin to appear, and ultimately this is a story of hope, faith, survival, loyalty, and love conquering all...." Read more

"This is a beautiful book about love and perseverance. Caspian was put the ringer but came out Shiney. I love him so very much...." Read more

"...real love that begins between two lonely, hurt boys, yet holds fast against incredible odds, survives and grows as they become men." Read more

"...Caspian was so wonderfully funny and Zed, so wonderfully loyal. Jonas & Henry were such amazing role models & such a cute couple. I highly recommend!" Read more

25 customers mention "Heartfelt story"17 positive8 negative

Customers have mixed reactions to the emotional content of the book, with some finding it very emotional and sympathetic, while others describe it as heartbreaking and depressing.

"...But there’s also humour, kindness, gentleness, moments of simple joy, caring, total despair, utter determination, and, once again, love, so much..." Read more

"...I loved the supporting cast of characters, and the beautiful, heartfelt message of Zed and Caspian's love story. "This is our story...." Read more

"...Gah, it was a heartbreaker! But totally, and utterly, WORTH EVERY TEAR! The Story of Us is simply stunning, and well worth the wait." Read more

"...While this is a beautifully written and heart-felt story, any potential reader should be aware that it is also a difficult read..." Read more

A beautiful Story
5 out of 5 stars
A beautiful Story
This is a long story but so worth reading. An amazing coming of age read with your emotions all over the place and please keep the tissues handy. The friendship between Zeb and Caspian is amazing.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Kazza - On Top Down Under/Dark Hints Book Reviews
    5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful. Soul-Stirring New Adult/Coming-of-Age Story.
    Reviewed in the United States on November 3, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    This is a beautiful, soul-stirring coming-of-age novel. Complete with innocent first love that deepens into so much more, and familial pain and betrayal. It’s the life over ten summers for two boys who become young men. It’s about finding a kindred spirit, someone who gives you hope in dark times, someone who cares for and eventually loves you for who you are, warts and all. That emotional bond that so many spend a lifetime searching for, these boys find, understand, and know is vital to hold on to. Life can throw you curveballs, some are life-altering, just ask Zed and Caspian. But there’s also humour, kindness, gentleness, moments of simple joy, caring, total despair, utter determination, and, once again, love, so much wonderous and heartfelt love.

    The blurb does a good job of breaking down the story at the foundation of this book, but it cannot truly convey the magnitude of the tale, the emotion and connection at its core. I can’t recommend the beautifully named The Story of Us highly enough. If you are like me and feel unsure of NA, and my review piques your interest in any way, I say dive in and take a chance, immerse yourself in a poignant piece of writing with two wonderful MCs that I doubt you’ll ever forget.
    11 people found this helpful
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  • Greg M.
    5.0 out of 5 stars What a ride...
    Reviewed in the United States on November 17, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    'The Story of Us' is an amazing book. Elsborg takes the reader on an emotional roller coater ride, from the highest high to the lowest low. I found myself caught up in the lives of Zed and Caspian sometime during the first summer of their story. They are both very likable characters. From early on, I truly cared what happened to them. I didn't want to put the book down.

    "Story' is set in England, 2010-2019. I found the third person writing to be very descriptive. The topics covered in this longish book could have been ripped from current news headlines; everything is so realistic. Some of the characters in this book can only be described as evil. I don't think readers will have a hard time rooting for the good guys and jeering at the bad ones. Unfortunately, I felt Elsborg was a bit too wordy during the mid-part of the eighth summer. Proofing also seemed to be a bit lax during that segment, which was sad because overall the book was so well written.

    It is easy for me to recommend 'The Story of Us' to readers looking for a different kind of M/M relationship novel.
    6 people found this helpful
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  • Ellen
    4.0 out of 5 stars Sweetly Emotional Love Story
    Reviewed in the United States on November 26, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    3.5 - 4 Stars

    "But this boy had smooth olive skin, hair darker than his, and those amazing eyes. Then he smiled and Caspian was lost. Not just lost but lost forever. Something inside him opened up, burst into life and the breath caught in his throat. This is the boy I want."

    I ADORE Barbara Elsborg's writing. She takes her time building characters and relationships and always makes me feel very invested in each story she writes. While I liked this story a lot, it was not a top favorite of mine but many readers absolutely loved it. So if YA m/m romance is your jam, then definitely give this one a try.

    Told over the course of ten years, this book introduces us to Zed and Caspian, two boys from very different families. Zed suffers at the hands of an abusive father and is deeply closeted due to his family's Muslim faith. Caspian is from a privileged background but also has a very turbulent relationship with his father.

    The two boys' lives take very different paths when a horrible twist of fate drives them apart. While Zed begins to thrive after his abusive childhood, Caspian suffers through years in jail. These two suffer enough for several lifetimes but yet they still yearn for each other and for what could be.

    "He’d been seventeen years old when he’d suffered the worst betrayal of his life. He’d never let that happen again. He’d rebuild his life and be who he wanted to be."

    This is a an epic, very emotional tale, with current events woven into the story with perfect dramatic effect. I loved the supporting cast of characters, and the beautiful, heartfelt message of Zed and Caspian's love story.

    "This is our story. We can make it whatever we want it to be.”
    5 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Soda
    5.0 out of 5 stars tough, but worthwhile
    Reviewed in Australia on April 28, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Well this book was just one kick in the guts after another..

    These poor boys, they both had it tough and life just kept throwing it all at them, it made me wonder how much they could tolerate before it all became to much?

    They became men though, they were stronger for fighting their battles, they turned out to be good and decent men despite their early role models.

    It was an excellent book, I highly recommend it!
    Report
  • Eve
    5.0 out of 5 stars Wow! Amazing story.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 14, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    A beautiful story.

    Zed and Caspian's story is an emotional roller coster of a book. Their journey will have you experience all range of emotions. Tears, anger, heartbreak, laughter, hope, fear, joy, love.

    Some heavy topics, horrific as they were, were well written and thoroughly explored.

    The chemistry between Zed and Caspian, and their banter, was just so awesome. Loved them.

    The secondary characters were also well represented.

    This book was beautifully and well written. I could not put it down.

    Great job, Barbara Elsbourg.
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  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Wow
    Reviewed in Canada on November 15, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    O my god what a wonderful story this was ... i couldn’t put it down and so sad to c it end
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  • David
    5.0 out of 5 stars A rollercoaster of emotions- my personal favourite in 2018
    Reviewed in Germany on November 3, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    This book...wow...this book. I don't know where to begin...
    This was all I could hope for and then more.....

    Let me start by saying that this was book number 113 of books read in 2018 (personal challenge and all). I can now, after having finished "The Story of Us", say without any doubt that for me this is my absolute favourite of all the MM romance books I've read this year.

    I am not going into much detail about the story, because it has all been said. I rather want to talk about the cycle of emotions I went through while reading. I went from a state of shock (after only having read 5 pages), into tears, rage, despair and joy. I didn't know a book could do that to me.

    The main characters Zed and Caspian and their journey through hardships, love and loss caught me.
    I have not read a book of the author before, so I wasn't prepared for the style of writing.
    Once I started, I couldn't put it down. I am just glad that I started it on a weekend and I've read it in one setting (with only 4 hours of sleep).
    The author manages to take us on a journey of a relationship of two young boys, who struggle through their individual hardships and still fall in love and be each others anchors.
    Be warned: This is a total rollercoaster ride of emotions and the story contains several forms of physical and psychological abuse. You feel with both of them, with their fears and their pain.
    On the other hand, the author manages to bring joy and laughter. The dialogues are funny and witty in moments they can be.

    This was my first book by Barbara Elsborg, but definitely not my last. This rollercoaster ride of emotions is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
    Report
  • Jan
    5.0 out of 5 stars I adore this story so much.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 22, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    I adore this story so much.

    The plot was such a breeze of fresh air told in a very irresistible and engaging voice!
    The author brought the characters very close to me.
    Zed and Caspian were adorable.
    Secondary characters were also strong enough to make me care for them.
    The angst, oh... sweet angst.Gotta love me some drama.
    My highlight is hands down the transformation Capian's personality suffered, from a careless and confident boy to a broken one, soul crushed and self worth wise heavily shaken. So well crafted.

    I do have some criticism though:
    .) The way Islamism was portrayed left me very uncomfortable, only showing them as bad guys.
    .) A trope I don't appreciate, insta-love.
    .) Zed's skills. Talent is surely a must, but to be a great musician I believe the person needs practicing, A LOT, hours and hours daily. So, a mesh of talent, dedication and hard work. However, Zed could only play at school, since he was forbidden to play by his father. Therefore, I found this bit a bit weak.
    Despite all that, I had the most gorgeous time whilst reading this and I am turning a blind eye for all that because none of the mentioned points above were enough to ruin this for me.
    Cutting to the chase, The Story of Us took me to places and that's why I'm rounding it up to 5*.
    2 people found this helpful
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