“Him” by Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy is a captivating M/M romance exploring friendship-to-lovers, featuring Jamie Canning and Ryan Wesley․ This RITA Award-winning novel blends emotional depth with passionate storytelling․
Overview of the Book
“Him” by Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy is a heartfelt M/M romance that explores the evolving relationship between Jamie Canning and Ryan Wesley․ Once inseparable friends, their bond fractures, only to reignite years later․ The story delves into themes of love, redemption, and second chances, set against the backdrop of hockey and personal growth․ This RITA Award-winning novel is celebrated for its emotional depth and sizzling chemistry, marking the first installment in the series․ Readers praise its authentic portrayal of friendship-to-lovers, making it a standout in contemporary romance․
Importance of the Topic
“Him” by Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy holds significant importance as a groundbreaking M/M romance novel that has reshaped the genre․ Its exploration of LGBTQ themes, paired with a compelling friends-to-lovers narrative, has resonated deeply with readers․ The book’s RITA Award win highlights its literary merit and impact on contemporary romance․ As a collaboration between two acclaimed authors, it showcases the power of co-authorship in creating memorable stories․ “Him” not only entertains but also fosters representation and inclusivity, making it a pivotal work in modern romance literature․
Structure of the Article
This article delves into the nuances of “Him” by Sarina Bowen, organized into key sections for a comprehensive understanding․ It begins with an introduction to the novel, followed by the author’s background, detailing her collaboration with Elle Kennedy and notable works․ The plot and themes are explored, highlighting the friendship-to-lovers trope and themes of love and redemption․ Reception and awards, including the RITA Award, are discussed, along with reader reviews and critical acclaim; Availability and formats, related series, genre, target audience, and cultural impact are also covered, concluding with final thoughts and recommendations․
Author Background
Sarina Bowen is a USA Today bestselling author known for contemporary romances like “The Five Year Lie” and collaborations with Elle Kennedy, including the RITA Award-winning “Him․”
Sarina Bowen’s Biography
Sarina Bowen is a USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of contemporary romance novels․ Known for her heartfelt stories and relatable characters, she has co-authored several successful series with Elle Kennedy, including Him, which won the RITA Award for Best Contemporary Romance․ Bowen’s works often explore themes of love, redemption, and sports, blending emotional depth with engaging narratives․ Her notable series include the True North and Brooklyn Hockey collections․ A advocate for LGBTQ+ representation, her books are celebrated for their authenticity and appeal to a wide range of readers․
Elle Kennedy’s Collaboration
Sarina Bowen’s collaboration with Elle Kennedy on Him marked a pivotal moment in her career, blending their unique writing styles to create a compelling M/M romance․ Kennedy, known for her witty dialogue and dynamic characters, complemented Bowen’s emotional depth, resulting in a RITA Award-winning novel․ Their partnership produced a seamless narrative, exploring themes of friendship and love․ The success of Him led to its sequel, Us, further cementing their joint impact on the genre․ This collaboration not only enhanced Bowen’s repertoire but also expanded the reach of M/M romance, appealing to a broader audience․
Notable Works by Sarina Bowen
Sarina Bowen is a renowned author of contemporary romance, known for her heartfelt and engaging stories․ Her notable works include the True North series, which explores themes of family, love, and redemption in a small Vermont town․ Additionally, she has authored the Brooklyn Hockey series, blending sports and romance․ Bowen’s collaborations with Elle Kennedy, such as the WAGs series and the Him/Us duology, have also gained significant acclaim․ Her books are celebrated for their relatable characters, emotional depth, and authentic portrayals of love, solidifying her place in the romance genre․
Plot and Themes
“Him” explores the evolving friendship between Jamie and Ryan, delving into unresolved feelings and a bet that sparks tension․ Themes of love, redemption, and self-discovery shine․
Main Characters: Jamie Canning and Ryan Wesley
Jamie Canning and Ryan Wesley are childhood friends turned college hockey stars, whose bond is tested when a bet sparks unexpected intimacy․ Jamie, the charming yet reserved athlete, struggles with losing his closest friend, while Ryan, the tattooed, rule-breaking roommate, hides his true feelings․ Their reunion years later reignites unresolved emotions, leading them to confront past misunderstandings and societal expectations․ Their journey from friendship to lovers is fraught with tension, self-discovery, and the challenge of embracing their true selves, making them relatable and endearing to readers․
Friendship-to-Lovers Trope
The friendship-to-lovers trope in “Him” by Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy is masterfully explored through Jamie and Ryan’s evolving relationship․ Their bond, rooted in trust and camaraderie, gradually transitions into something deeper, creating undeniable tension․ The slow-burn dynamic captivates readers, as unspoken feelings and shared history fuel their connection․ This trope not only highlights the emotional depth of their relationship but also underscores the challenges of navigating intimacy with someone once considered “just a friend․” The authors’ portrayal of this journey is both authentic and compelling, making it a standout element of the story․
Themes of Love and Redemption
“Him” by Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy delves into powerful themes of love and redemption, exploring the complexities of human relationships․ Jamie Canning and Ryan Wesley’s journey highlights the transformative power of love, as they confront past misunderstandings and unresolved emotions․ Their story is a testament to redemption, offering a second chance at connection and healing․ Through their evolving relationship, the authors illustrate the beauty of vulnerability, forgiveness, and the enduring strength of love․ This emotional depth resonates deeply, leaving readers hopeful and inspired․
Reception and Awards
“Him” by Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy won the 2016 RITA Award for Best Contemporary Romance․ The novel received widespread acclaim for its emotional depth and compelling storytelling․
RITA Award for Best Contemporary Romance
In 2016, Him by Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy earned the prestigious RITA Award for Best Contemporary Romance․ This recognition underscores the novels emotional depth and compelling storytelling․ The RITA Award, presented by the Romance Writers of America, highlights excellence in romance writing, making this achievement a testament to the books impact․ The collaboration between Bowen and Kennedy seamlessly blends hockey, friendship, and love, creating a narrative that resonates deeply with readers․ This award solidifies Hims place as a standout in the contemporary romance genre․
Reader Reviews and Ratings
“Him” by Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy has garnered widespread acclaim from readers, earning high ratings on platforms like Amazon and Goodreads․ Fans praise the novels emotional depth, heartfelt storytelling, and the compelling dynamic between Jamie and Ryan․ Many highlight the books ability to balance humor with poignant moments, making it a standout in the M/M romance genre․ With a 4․5-star average rating, readers consistently recommend Him for its authentic character development and satisfying narrative․ The novels relatable themes and passionate plot have solidified its place as a fan favorite among romance enthusiasts․
Critical Acclaim from Fellow Authors
“Him” has received high praise from fellow authors, with New York Times bestselling author Colleen Hoover describing it as “so, so good” and a standout collaboration between Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy․ Hoover emphasized the novels emotional depth and its unique place in the M/M romance genre․ Other authors have lauded the books authentic storytelling, relatable characters, and the authors’ ability to weave humor with heartfelt moments․ The novels success is further highlighted by its RITA Award win, solidifying its reputation as a must-read in contemporary romance․
Availability and Formats
“Him” by Sarina Bowen is available in PDF and eBook formats, downloadable from popular retailers or free via libraries on Overdrive and Hoopla platforms online․
PDF and eBook Formats
“Him” by Sarina Bowen is widely available in digital formats, including PDF and eBook․ Readers can download the book in EPUB or MOBI from popular retailers like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or Kobo․ The novel, co-authored with Elle Kennedy, spans 358 pages and is published under ISBN 9781942444077․ Fans of M/M romance can easily access the eBook online, ensuring a seamless reading experience․ This format flexibility makes “Him” accessible to a broad audience, catering to both romance enthusiasts and hockey fans alike, while maintaining its RITA Award-winning appeal․
Free Online Reading Options
“Him” by Sarina Bowen can be accessed for free through various online platforms․ Many local libraries offer the book via OverDrive and Hoopla, allowing readers to borrow and read it digitally․ Additionally, some websites provide free PDF versions, though users should ensure they are accessing the book through legal and authorized platforms․ This availability makes the novel accessible to a wide audience, aligning with its popularity and the authors’ reputation․ The free reading options highlight the books cultural impact and its appeal to both romance and LGBTQ+ literature fans․
Library Access through Overdrive and Hoopla
Readers can access “Him” by Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy through OverDrive and Hoopla, popular digital library platforms․ These services allow users to borrow the eBook for free with a valid library card, making it easily accessible to readers worldwide․ OverDrive and Hoopla offer convenient options for those who prefer borrowing books rather than purchasing them․ This accessibility has contributed to the novels widespread reach and popularity, ensuring that fans of M/M romance and LGBTQ+ literature can enjoy the story without cost barriers․
Related Series and Works
Sarina Bowen’s works include The WAGs Series, True North Series, and Brooklyn Hockey Series, all showcasing her mastery of contemporary romance and LGBTQ+ themes, resonating with fans of Him․
The WAGs Series
The WAGs Series, co-authored by Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy, delves into the lives of athletes and their partners, blending romance with sports․ Titles like Good Boy and Stay explore themes of love, identity, and personal growth, resonating with fans of contemporary romance․ This series, part of Bowen’s notable works, highlights her ability to craft compelling narratives that balance humor and emotion, making it a favorite among readers who enjoy sports romance and LGBTQ+ themes․ The WAGs Series complements her other works, showcasing her versatility as a storyteller․
True North Series
The True North Series by Sarina Bowen is a heartwarming collection of contemporary romances set in rural Vermont․ Titles like Bittersweet and Steadfast explore themes of family, love, and redemption․ The series is known for its emotional depth, witty dialogue, and relatable characters․ Bowen’s vivid portrayal of small-town life and complex relationships has captivated readers․ The series also delves into LGBTQ+ themes, showcasing Bowen’s ability to craft diverse and inclusive stories․ Available in PDF and eBook formats, the True North Series is a must-read for fans of heartfelt, character-driven romance․
Brooklyn Hockey Series
The Brooklyn Hockey Series by Sarina Bowen combines sports romance with LGBTQ+ themes, featuring characters like Jamie Canning and Ryan Wesley․ Titles such as The Understatement of the Year explore the intersection of hockey and personal identity․ Bowen’s vivid portrayal of athletes navigating love and life on and off the ice captivates readers․ The series is celebrated for its emotional depth and authentic representation of LGBTQ+ relationships․ Available in PDF and eBook formats, the Brooklyn Hockey Series is a must-read for fans of sports romance and heartfelt storytelling․
Genre and Style
“Him” by Sarina Bowen is a heartfelt blend of M/M romance, LGBTQ+ themes, and contemporary sports romance, offering a deeply emotional exploration of love and identity․
M/M Romance and LGBTQ Themes
“Him” by Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy delves into the M/M romance genre, exploring themes of forbidden love and self-discovery․ The story follows Jamie and Ryan, two hockey players navigating their friendship-turned-romance․ With emotional depth and authenticity, the novel portrays LGBTQ+ experiences, offering a heartfelt and passionate narrative․ The collaboration between Bowen and Kennedy brings a fresh perspective to the genre, blending sports and romance seamlessly․ This RITA Award-winning novel continues to resonate with readers, celebrating love and identity in a compelling and relatable way․
Contemporary Romance Elements
“Him” seamlessly blends contemporary romance with sports, exploring real-life issues and emotional depth․ Jamie and Ryan’s journey from friendship to love is relatable and heartfelt, set against the backdrop of hockey and college life․ The novel’s modern setting and authentic dialogue make it a standout in the genre․ Bowen and Kennedy’s collaboration brings a fresh voice, capturing the complexities of relationships and personal growth․ With its realistic portrayal of love and identity, “Him” resonates with readers seeking a compelling and emotionally charged contemporary romance story․
Sports Romance Subgenre
“Him” excels in the sports romance subgenre, blending hockey with heartfelt storytelling․ Jamie Canning and Ryan Wesley’s journey navigates athletic rivalry, camaraderie, and forbidden attraction․ The novel highlights the pressures of competitive sports and the emotional challenges faced by athletes․ Bowen and Kennedy’s portrayal of hockey culture adds authenticity, while the friends-to-lovers trope deepens the emotional stakes․ This blend of sports and romance creates a compelling narrative that resonates with fans of the genre, making “Him” a standout in contemporary sports romance literature․
Target Audience
“Him” appeals to romance readers, hockey enthusiasts, and LGBTQ+ supporters, offering a compelling blend of sports, emotion, and identity, perfectly capturing diverse reader interests․
Appeal to Romance Readers
“Him” captivates romance enthusiasts with its emotional depth, passionate storytelling, and authentic character development․ The friends-to-lovers trope, combined with sports and LGBTQ+ themes, resonates deeply, making it a must-read for fans of heartfelt, sexy, and relatable contemporary romance․ Its RITA Award win underscores its excellence, appealing to readers seeking quality romance․ Bowen and Kennedy’s collaboration ensures a compelling narrative that balances humor, angst, and love, making it a standout in the genre․ The book’s emotional journey and satisfying conclusion leave readers eager for more, solidifying its place as a romance favorite․
Interest for Hockey Fans
“Him” offers a unique blend of hockey culture and heartfelt romance, appealing to sports enthusiasts․ Jamie Canning and Ryan Wesley, both hockey players, navigate their careers and personal dynamics on and off the ice․ The novel vividly portrays the camaraderie, competition, and challenges of professional hockey, resonating with fans of the sport․ Bowen and Kennedy’s authentic depiction of the hockey world, including training, games, and locker room banter, adds depth and realism․ This fusion of sports action with emotional storytelling makes “Him” a compelling read for hockey lovers seeking more than just a game-day narrative․
Crossover with LGBTQ Literature
“Him” seamlessly blends M/M romance with LGBTQ themes, offering authentic portrayals of same-sex relationships․ Jamie and Ryan’s journey explores identity, acceptance, and love, resonating deeply with LGBTQ readers․ The novel’s emotional depth and realistic storytelling make it a standout in both romance and queer literature․ Bowen and Kennedy’s collaboration creates a narrative that transcends genre boundaries, appealing to a broad audience while remaining a powerful voice in LGBTQ storytelling․ Its impact lies in its ability to connect with readers seeking genuine, heartfelt representations of love and identity․
Downloading and Reading Options
“Him” by Sarina Bowen is available as a PDF and eBook on popular retailers like Amazon․ Readers can also access it for free through Overdrive and Hoopla libraries․
Popular eBook Retailers
“Him” by Sarina Bowen is widely available on major eBook platforms like Amazon Kindle, Barnes & Noble Nook, Kobo, and Apple Books․ Readers can easily download the book in PDF, EPUB, or MOBI formats․ The novel is a bestseller and part of the Him series, making it a popular choice among romance readers․ For those seeking convenience, the book can also be accessed through library services like Overdrive and Hoopla․ Always opt for legal downloads to support authors and ensure quality reading experiences․ This contemporary romance is a must-read for fans of heartfelt stories and sports themes․
Legal Download and Reading Platforms
“Him” by Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy is available for legal download through reputable platforms like Amazon Kindle, Apple Books, and Kobo․ Readers can access the book in PDF, EPUB, or MOBI formats, ensuring a seamless reading experience․ Additionally, library services such as Overdrive and Hoopla offer the novel for free, allowing borrowers to enjoy it without purchasing․ Legal downloads not only support the authors but also guarantee high-quality, virus-free files․ This makes it easy for fans to engage with the story while respecting intellectual property rights and fostering a sustainable literary ecosystem․
Library Access and Borrowing
Readers can access “Him” by Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy through libraries via Overdrive and Hoopla, offering free borrowing options․ These platforms provide legal, high-quality digital copies, allowing readers to enjoy the book without purchasing․ Library access is a convenient and cost-effective way to explore the story of Jamie and Ryan․ This option is particularly beneficial for those who prefer borrowing over buying, ensuring widespread accessibility to this RITA Award-winning novel․
Cultural and Social Impact
“Him” by Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy has significantly influenced LGBTQ+ representation in romance novels, promoting diversity and normalizing M/M relationships in mainstream literature․
Representation in Romance Novels
“Him” by Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy marks a significant milestone in LGBTQ+ representation, offering authentic portrayals of M/M relationships․ By normalizing same-sex romance, the novel challenges traditional norms in the genre․ Its success has inspired a wave of diverse storytelling, encouraging authors to explore beyond conventional pairings․ The collaboration between Bowen and Kennedy exemplifies how co-authored works can bridge gaps in representation․ Fans and critics praise the book for its heartfelt and realistic depiction of love, making it a cornerstone in modern romance literature․ Its impact continues to resonate, paving the way for more inclusive narratives․
Influence on the M/M Romance Genre
“Him” by Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy has significantly influenced the M/M romance genre, setting a new standard for authentic and emotional storytelling․ Its exploration of friendship-to-lovers and forbidden love resonated widely, inspiring a wave of similar narratives․ The novel’s success proved that M/M romance could achieve mainstream acclaim, encouraging publishers to embrace diverse voices․ Bowen and Kennedy’s collaboration became a blueprint for co-authored works in the genre․ The book’s impact is evident in its loyal fan base and its role in normalizing LGBTQ+ stories in contemporary romance, making it a pivotal work in the genre’s evolution․
Community Engagement and Fan Base
“Him” fostered a passionate online community, with fans actively discussing the novel on forums and social media․ Readers resonated deeply with Jamie and Ryan’s journey, creating fan art and fan fiction․ Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy’s direct engagement with readers through platforms like BookTok and reading groups further strengthened the fan base․ The novel’s relatable themes and emotional depth inspired a loyal following, with many fans revisiting the story multiple times․ This dedication highlights the book’s lasting impact and its ability to create a sense of belonging among its readers․
“Him” by Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy leaves a lasting impact with its heartfelt story and memorable characters, showcasing the authors’ mastery of contemporary romance and LGBTQ themes․
Final Thoughts on “Him”
“Him” by Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy is a masterful blend of emotional depth and passionate storytelling, capturing the essence of friendship and love․ The novel follows Jamie Canning and Ryan Wesley, whose journey from friendship to romance is both heartfelt and compelling․ This collaboration between two romance titans has set a new standard in the M/M romance genre․ With its well-crafted characters and poignant themes, “Him” has earned its place as a RITA Award-winning novel, resonating deeply with readers seeking authentic and emotional stories․ Its availability in PDF and eBook formats ensures accessibility for all fans of contemporary romance․
Recommendations for Further Reading
After enjoying “Him”, readers can explore the next installments in the series, “Us” and “Epic”, to continue Jamie and Ryan’s journey․ Fans of Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy’s collaboration may also enjoy their WAGs series, blending sports and romance․ For more of Bowen’s solo work, the True North and Brooklyn Hockey series offer heartfelt stories of love and family․ These titles are available in PDF, eBook, and print formats, ensuring easy access for all readers․ Exploring these works provides a deeper dive into Bowen’s captivating storytelling and memorable characters․
Legacy of Sarina Bowen’s Work
Sarina Bowen’s work has left an indelible mark on contemporary romance, particularly in M/M and LGBTQ+ literature․ Her collaborations with Elle Kennedy, such as “Him”, have redefined the genre, earning critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base․ Bowen’s ability to weave emotional depth with relatable characters has solidified her legacy as a trailblazer in romance writing․ Her novels continue to inspire authors and captivate readers, ensuring her influence endures in the literary world․