I came to this book in an unusual way. It was on a recommendation of sorts. I'd posted that I was looking for a story with elements of the Cyrano plotI came to this book in an unusual way. It was on a recommendation of sorts. I'd posted that I was looking for a story with elements of the Cyrano plot. This was suggested as it involves a younger guy getting romantic/courting advice from an older, more experienced player. Plus the mentor would actually prefer to be the one doing the romancing rather than helping his young protege with their stated goal.
This tale DOES somewhat have some congruencies with what I was looking for and the characters did seem like folks I would enjoy spending some time with. Given what I was looking for, I was predisposed to like this but the book does have some flaws that annoyed the proofreader in me.
The first, that kept repeatedly bothering me was a missed opportunity. One romantic lead (our Cyrano) is best friends with the older brother of our other romantic lead. That point is quickly and ably established when our Cyrano character refers to the younger guy as "Mini-Walsh" and the kid bristles at the teasing nickname. My problem with this is that that term is never used again in that form. For some reason, the teasing nickname is changed to little Walsh which doesn't work as elegantly and given that that nickname is used a dozen times or so it's a semi-constant reminder that it might have been better.
The mix-up with the nicknames Mini-Walsh vs little Walsh seemed kind of careless given the prominence that it's given.
A similar problem was noted by another reviewer who mentions the many overdone descriptions of lips. It's part of an author's job to create scenes that the reader can envision. Generally, I believe that it's the author's prerogative as to how they do that. It felt like the author here was somewhat clumsy in that regard. Another facet of that problem was there were so many unnecessary and ineptly placed descriptions. Using an unnecessary adjective can often disrupt the story more than add to it. e.g. When describing a two-man dorm room mentioning that Vaughn is "lounging on the room's uncomfortable bed" might interrupt the flow of what's going on, causing the reader to wonder "Why is only one bed uncomfortable? How does Owen know that that bed is uncomfortable? Is there ONLY one bed?" Example two... Why does it matter that our protagonist chooses light blue underwear when heading to the shower? Particularly when he's in the midst of obsessing over the other protagonist's reactions to a comment on social media? And finally, when the character is kvetching about the heater in his crappy old car not working, why does the reader need to know that the car is ruby red? Illuminating the RIGHT details adds to a story; drizzling random details into the story in a Jackson Pollock-like manner doesn't.
Other than the petty "authorial annoyances", the characters are likable, the story is sweet, and is generally well-told. I always enjoy stories where "straight" guys realize that they may be more bent than they previously thought.
This is my first exposure to this author and I enjoyed the tale well enough to add another of her books to my TBR list. I'll be curious to see if the flaws that annoyed me in this book are repeated and whether the author can once again overcome the minor imperfections and still craft an enjoyable story.
I listened to this in audiobook form rather than reading it. Narrated by Iggy Toma, the story moves along well and is ably served by a single narrator. Toma is quickly becoming one of my favorite narrators. Iggy has a bit of an Adam Brody kind of thing going with his narrative voice style - which I find generally works quite well. That style does seem more pronounced here than in other things I've heard him read.
This book is very suitable for a solo narration. The story is told in MM Romances' now standard "he said / he said" chapter-swapping style. The two main characters are distinctive enough that their voices are never confused. And since the tale focuses so heavily on the two main characters, there's not much dialogue provided by the supporting cast, but what is there, is acted in a workman-like way as well.
Emotionally satisfying tale of a two guys coming together after yearning for each other for years. Erik is a strong gentle giant Viking type who has eEmotionally satisfying tale of a two guys coming together after yearning for each other for years. Erik is a strong gentle giant Viking type who has elected to move away from a troubled homelife situation. The other, Jules, is the younger brother of Erik's out, proud, and fabulous, best friend. Problem is that the younger brother is off-limits and suffers from crippling social anxiety.
Decades after they first recognize their attraction, Erik returns home trusting that his siblings have finally worked through most of their sh*t. Half afraid that Jules has moved on, both guys are pleasantly surprised to find that absence has simply made their hearts grow fonder.
They still have issues to work through but basically the angst in this story is pretty much all consumed by Jules. This is one part hurt/comfort tale and one part two people with problems finding the one that will help them solve those problems.
Truly enjoyable, low angst, buddy movie of a romance book. In this bit of fantasy fulfillment, these guys sound just heteronormative enough to be the Truly enjoyable, low angst, buddy movie of a romance book. In this bit of fantasy fulfillment, these guys sound just heteronormative enough to be the clueless dude-bros that they sound like. The overall story is sweet and not entirely flawless but their attraction sounds like it's obvious to everyone close to them while somehow escaping their notice.
The author made a couple of fact-checking mistakes but they're, at worst, tangential to the story. NYU doesn't really have a campus. As something of a New Yorker a favorite pastime of mine is spotting these geo-glitches in TV and movies. Also I knew that in 1953, NYU discontinued its college football program indefinitely
The loosening of these guys' "straight boy" restrictions was fantasy fodder, and it was a pleasure to listen to these guys becoming closer. As Jonny McGovern used to sing... "There's nothin' wrong with helping a buddy out."
On an entirely different level, I liked thinking about Andy's career conflict; the generational struggle of parents wanting their kid to be free of their parents' worries. It's a bit odd in that Jake is actually acting out the reverse of his dad's struggle. When we FINALLY meet Andy's mother we really bring that into focus. Of course, that's also when it finally starts to become clear to Any as well.
The audiobook narration is done here by Tristian Josiah and for the most part, he did a credible job. My main issue was that the two MC voices are too similar. The names Jake and Andy don't really help that. It did lead to some minor, momentary confusion. ...more
Sweet simple dessert of a book with folks that you just enjoy spending time with. No angsty plot crises, no deep underlying epiphanies. Just an emotioSweet simple dessert of a book with folks that you just enjoy spending time with. No angsty plot crises, no deep underlying epiphanies. Just an emotionally satisfying story....more
I've liked pretty much everything that I've read by N.R. Walker, so when I spotted this in audiobook format as being available on HOOPLA, I added it tI've liked pretty much everything that I've read by N.R. Walker, so when I spotted this in audiobook format as being available on HOOPLA, I added it to my must-read list.
I finally got around to it and started it without recalling too much about the synopsis. I'd first encountered this book, (an ACE romance,) back when I was reading Franklin in Paradise by John Patrick I've always been a very sexual person and about as far from ACE as it gets. I had trouble really understanding the ACE attitude and wrapping my head around it but have always prided myself on being open-minded and have always tried to be accepting of what two consenting adults get up to (or not?) in their "private time.
This book was so sweet and the ACE issue is so central to the book that I'd highly recommend it to others that would like to try and understand it better themselves. The main characters are both book lovers and about as adorable as a couple of young puppies. They're so open with the others in their social circle that that aspect alone would make this an enjoyable way to pass the time.
Australian Glen Lloyd does a great job with the narration. How could a book set in Australia NOT have an Australian Narrator?
Finally, being a North American born and raised, reading a book set in Australia that was titled Upside Down appealed to my weird sense of irony.
Was re-listening to this as it was one of the books still downloaded onto my Kindle during my cruise to Bermuda. Imagine my surprise when I encountered the T-shirts bearing the inscription Ace Boy and Ace Girl in Bermuda aceboy (plural aceboys) is slang (originally African-American Vernacular, now chiefly Bermuda) A male friend that one is very close with....more
Having recently read several somewhat negative reviews of The Front Runner, a book that I consider one of the seminal works of gay literature, I decidHaving recently read several somewhat negative reviews of The Front Runner, a book that I consider one of the seminal works of gay literature, I decided it was time to revisit this old favorite. Out of curiosity I decided to check out the audio-book version and I’m certainly glad that I did.
Truly living up to its title, this powerful book was itself, a Front Runner. It told a story that many in America were ready for, and many others needed to hear. For those of us that lived through this era, the book is still as clear, and as relevant as when it was first released. Most importantly, it’s true …as only a fictional story can be.
I’ll forever remember discovering this classic tale one summer while at college. My embarrassment at the register buying it, was not unlike the first time I bought condoms. Surreptitiously transferring it from my backpack to my bedside table, I purposely waited until my roommate left for his girlfriend’s before feeling that I could read it. Once started I couldn’t put it down. I read through the night. I still remember feeling shattered, and a bit like the world had shifted, as the sun rose the next morning. I finished it in one go, it was truly heart-rending, so much so that I couldn’t bring myself to re-read it for several years.
The story is told in first person, almost as a confession, from the POV of Harlan Brown. Harlan was a gay man who’d come of age in a pre-Stonewall straight world. He’s an ex-Marine, an ex-Villanova miler, a divorced father of two sons, and an ex-high-end hustler. All that and yet still closeted, he’s quietly, somewhat contentedly, coaching track at a prestigious small private college when the book begins.
Then three Olympic level collegiate runners lose their spots on Oregon’s premier team after coming out to their old coach. When they show up on his doorstep and ask to join his team, Harlan’s calm, closeted, collegiate life is shattered. I think it was “Fair do’s” considering how this book shattered me.
Harlan Brown is still only a partly enlightened man. While today his attitudes and ways of expressing himself may seem unacceptable by modern standards, they’re authentic and believable to anyone who experienced that time first hand. Harlan’s overly prim use of the word semen rather than cum, his use of “the gays” as a collective noun, his casual misogyny, even his lamenting the end of the crew-cut are all evocative of an earlier, less enlightened time.
Enter Billy Sive, a young man who grew up in San Francisco, knowing who and what he was. A vegetarian, and a Buddhist, Billy Sive is also a phenomenally gifted runner who wears his heart on his sleeve. Billy Sive, with a gay attorney father, was probably the first 2nd generation gay that any of us ever encountered. And when he expresses a romantic interest in his crusty new coach… you just know that a lot of taboos are going to be challenged.
When the two do finally come together for the first time, the fade to black surrounding the more intimate details is incredibly well handled. The first person narration by Harlan gives the perfect excuse for that reticence.
And the ending… Of course considering it’s time, it might have been expected, but it caught me totally by surprise and I’m certain I wasn’t the only one. The Bantam paperback only showed Harlan in a towel in a locker-room while Billy in a track singlet was donning his spikes. The newer cover foreshadows the ending a bit more clearly. I’ll say no more even now, for fear of spoilers, although the book is approaching its fiftieth anniversary.
Since this tale is told in first person, it’s an ideal candidate for an audio book. And Christian Rummel was a wonderful choice for narrator. Christian’s voice is perfect for the forty year old Harlan. And his measured but almost whispered vocal characterization of the younger, soft spoken Billy sheds a telling light on Billy as well. Billy’s deliberate speaking further colors the conflict surrounding their age gap. While making the issue even more real than just the text does, it also buffers any feelings that the characters are of different maturities. Also, hearing Christian’s voice as Billy when Billy lovingly talks about his father John Sive is remarkable. It adds aspects to that relationship that one is apt to miss from just reading the prose oneself. Christian’s Vince Matti voice also enhances that character. It accentuates aspects of Vince that I only really appreciated after reading the later books in the series.
In some ways, some elements of The Front Runner were autobiographical; Warren came out later in life as a lesbian. Others were prophetic; Warren went on to be involved in several cases involving homosexuality and gay rights, some of which ended up in front of the Supreme court. Strangely Warren set the book in 75, 76, and beyond even though she released it in 74. Looking at how many athletes have come out recently, one is reminded of just what a debt the community owes to this woman for writing about these struggles in the way she did at the time she did it.
If you’ve never read the book, I recommend you do. But approach it as an amazing, heart-rending, but accurate portrait of its times. Just compare this to the laughably stereotyped film Cruising that premiered six years later. One can see just how much more accurate this depiction of those times was. I can also recommend the audiobook as a good way to “get through” some of the more antiquated parts. Even if, like me, you loved the original version of this tale, I still highly recommend listening to the audio-book version. Fully respectful of the masterful text version, (I’ve read it repeatedly over the decades) there are aspects that are brought to light in this audio-book version that makes the story fresh again.
Trigger Warnings: There are plenty of homophobic comments, some out-dated terminology and a description of one victim of childhood sexual abuse that many may find troubling… as well as some gun violence....more
Jay’s Gay Agenda is really Jay’s Nine Hour Monologue. This is a tale told in first person by a hormonal young gay boy transplanted from rural RivertonJay’s Gay Agenda is really Jay’s Nine Hour Monologue. This is a tale told in first person by a hormonal young gay boy transplanted from rural Riverton Washington to a high School in Seattle.
Main character Jay is a charming if somewhat confused guy. But Jay’s constant, frequently angsty, inner monologue made the early part of this something that might be best enjoyed a chapter or two at a sitting. Narrator Mark Sanderlin does the narration in a perfectly credible adolescent voice, but it gets to be a bit whiny when listened to in long stretches.
Jay starts as “the gay kid”at his school in rural Eastern Washington State, and while it was not as bad as in decades past, he was very much alone in his feelings. Relocating to Seattle is like he won the lottery, a big city with plenty of liberal people and even boys his age into other boys.
Jay quickly conceives of the titular Jay’s Gay Agenda. A gay-centric “to do list” of sorts detailing what Jay hopes to achieve. It ranges from the romantic, #1 Meet another gay kid, somewhere, anywhere, please. to the randy #8 Lose my Virginity. While this was a fast and mostly fun read, this agenda gets repeatedly revised and items are amended, added and checked off.
But… and this is a big but, this started life as a text based book. Jay is a list maker (and reviser) While I’m sure the continually revised list works well in the print edition, it gets incredibly repetitive in the audio-book version. (There had to be a better way of presenting this) I swore that, by the end, if I had to listen to one more revision to Jay’s Gay Agenda list, I’d have to hunt down the lad & strangle him.
Also it was a bit odd that we finally have a gay teen where everything is going so well for him only to have his character concerned with the girl he left behind whose life is falling apart. It’s odd having the gay teen’s biggest dilemma being how to be himself and still be a good friend to a now distant BFF. This is only part of the morale dilemma at the heart of this great coming of age story. And while I’m sure that the way that “girl back home” problem is resolved is very “feminist friendly,” to me it felt like a bit of a cop out.
Other than what’s already been covered, I could tell you about Digi-hips, adorkable dates, and football player fashionistas but it’s better you read about that yourselves. There as also some really enjoyable secondary characters. There’s Max, an out gay boy that sees himself as gay but loves wearing women’s fashions. There’s Albert the cute gay dork that is Jay’s first encounter with another gay guy. There’s Reese who initially seems seems to be the gay Mr. Freeze. And on and on. After reading about the “group hang” at Pike Place my guess was that Reese might become Jay’s main squeeze… Boy was I wrong.
As a bit of a stats geek myself, I immediately recognized that Jay’s understanding of what Regression Analysis was a bit wrong; but then, he’s young and much of what Jay thinks he understands is wrong as well. But he has a disarming charm and his not recognizing Proud Mary choreography, can be forgiven as easily as when a partly trained puppy has an over-excitement accident. Unfortunately some of the mistakes he makes later are tougher to forgive. And some parts bring a whole new meaning to the term half-assed.
Overall this is a great, romantic YA novel (though there is some sex involved) As a first person account, it should really work well in audio, and apart from the repetitive list aspect, it does. I’m torn between recommending the text version or the audio version. Both have their merits but that re-reading of lists gaff is an almost unforgivable misjudgment....more
A cattle stop is a grid of metal bars covering a hollow or hole dug in a roadway. It prevents livestock passing while allowing vehicles to pass unhindA cattle stop is a grid of metal bars covering a hollow or hole dug in a roadway. It prevents livestock passing while allowing vehicles to pass unhindered. Oddly it’s a psychological barrier only. Cows don’t cross it because they believe that they can’t.
Here it’s a metaphor for the relationship between Cooper and Whit. Though both guys knew themselves to be gay, and firmly suspected the other was, there was a barrier that they feared to cross. Years ago Cooper gave the Hispanic farm hand, Whit, a drunken kiss and was rebuffed. Cooper now sees an enmity that’s not really there, and it’s kept him from returning to work on the dairy farm that he spent summers growing up on. Even with Drew’s cheese making side-line, the farm isn’t profitable, and may go under so Cooper agrees to stay and help a bit.
This tale is redolent of the failing family farms found throughout the United States. Having grown up in a largely rural area of Michigan, with more than it’s share of family owned and operated dairy farms, this tale was especially poignant to me. After crushing on guys I "knew" to be straight, while afraid to do anything about it, even more so.
This story is told in third person, primarily focusing on Cooper. For me Cooper is oblivious as to how Whit really feels for a bit too long. Whit’s reticence also goes on too long. Of course we see the parental reason that Cooper feels he’s unlovable, or at least we hear about it from his step-mom. Turns out bio-mom is too busy to even appear in this book.
Despite that understanding, by the 40% mark, I was losing patience with both of these two. I wanted to “get to the good stuff” quicker. Even after one night of “getting to the good stuff,” clueless Cooper’s still a bit confused. I suppose some readers thrive on strife. Also some writers are afraid that without it their prose will be “prosaic” but I was ready for the poetic. …And as an ex-country boy I can appreciate a good “post-pounder” double entendre.
That said, I really thought this was going to take a turn for the worse, not believing just how obtuse Cooper could be. And while the penultimate section got my goat, in the end I got my whey — with the cheesy happy ending I was looking for. Turns out Hispanic Whit does care so… (queso?) I don’t give edam, it’s all gouda.
***Note: I am voluntarily reviewing this after receiving a complimentary copy ***
Have you ever had one of those 14 oz containers of Häagen-Dazs turn into a “single serving” size? I started this book just after breakfast and figuredHave you ever had one of those 14 oz containers of Häagen-Dazs turn into a “single serving” size? I started this book just after breakfast and figured it would be great read over the next couple of days. Now as the sun is setting I wonder what about it was so riveting that I couldn’t stop listening? The first two book in this series were also of the “YA” action movie ilk and I enjoyed them but this one had some extra addictive properties.
Partly it was that this one brings Theo to New York City, one of my favorite cities in the world. More so it was due to a plot development partway through the book that not only make this one an “edge of your seats” adventure but also something of a cliff-hanger. Now I need to get the final installment of this epic tale. Partly just out of a compulsion to see what happens next and partly to see if my theories are correct.
Those familiar with the first two book in this series will not be surprised that Theo has an almost too good to be true boyfriend nor that he he never gets to spend the kind of quality time he wants with him because of his “sideline” as a security operative for spy organization. When Theo’s parents pull him out of Boston on a “family trip” to NYC to help a college buddy of his dad’s, Theo’s upset at what that means for his end of summer plans with Eddie. But imagine his surprise when Eddie shows up in NYC to surprise him. Will Theo be able to do the kind of high tech hacking he needs to do and still have time for Eddie without putting Eddie in danger?
As you’d expect with teen-aged main characters, there is no graphic sex depicted here. Theo’s kept so busy that he gets even less time with Eddie than in previous books.
Kirt Graves does the audiobook narration and his youthful voice is perfect for the first person narration as seen by Theo. His other character’s dialogue voices are spot on as well. Now I need to arrange to get hold of Book 4, the finale to the series.
***Note: While I received a free copy of this title, this is an honest and impartial review ***
Trigger warning: brief references to parental abuse and suicide.
For a debut novel Wendi Dennison has crafted a compelling story. It quickly enamors usTrigger warning: brief references to parental abuse and suicide.
For a debut novel Wendi Dennison has crafted a compelling story. It quickly enamors us of her main characters and engages us in her story-line. I’m a sucker for coming-home stories and this started as one of those. I’m a sucker for underdogs and bullies getting their comeuppances and this story has those elements as well. I’m a sucker for waifs and strays, and siblings uniting against a sometimes uncaring world and it’s one of those. Finally, this is the story of a smart but somewhat clueless straight-boy finding out, much to his chagrin, that maybe, just maybe, he’s not all that straight.
That said… Wendi could clearly use the services of a good copy-editor to tighten up her prose. She really needs to rethink her sometimes goofy word choices, and to finally learn the difference between lie and lay, but the bones of a great story are clearly in evidence. The last time I read a book that hooked me this completely but had me reaching so often for the blue pencils in my mind involved sparkly vampires and native American wolf-boys.
I’d advise anyone who enjoys a sweet m/m romance by a new author to take a look at this one. But anyone who’s also an English teacher (or an “Authoritarian Grammarian”) should probably have a couple of glasses of wine first.
This is the final installment in the Codename Winger series and I’m sad to see it end. This is NOT the typical YA LGBTQ book. It’s a techno-thriller wThis is the final installment in the Codename Winger series and I’m sad to see it end. This is NOT the typical YA LGBTQ book. It’s a techno-thriller with a main character that just happens to be a young openly gay man.
In prior books we’ve seen a savant-like computer security nerd with a preternatural level of maturity face challenges that many gay teens face. e.g. Trying to balance his secret life with his hockey and school commitments while keeping his boyfriend happy. Of course in Theo’s case he’s in the closet about being a spy, not that he’s gay. We’ve seen him face a kidnapping attempt, deal with coaching fellow computer geeks, while being hunted by a terrorist, suffer musical mental manipulation, and finally, actually have a major boyfriend crisis.
Of course THAT creates a bit of a cliff-hanger of sorts that needs to get resolved in this, the final book.
In this the final book, the challenges are greater, and the danger even more close to home. While in some ways, we see Theo become stronger in each book, we also see him open up more in each book, and let himself feel what other folks his age are feeling. That vulnerability only increases the empathy that the reader feels for this brave young man. The scenes in this book include more crying than what’s common among your typical “action hero”/James Bond types. However, if you’re like me, you’ll find that they just help make our hero more human, more relatable and more lovable. One warning though: Be sure and lay in a stack of tissues as there may well be some collateral crying fall-out.
Now that the series is ending, I’ll miss young Theo, but perhaps, someday soon we’ll hear about a new couple. I think that Max and Rodney (a couple we meet late in the book) sound like a couple I’d care to hear more about. I wonder if Iowa born Max is anywhere near as good at hockey as Theo seemed to be in these books.
Given our teen-aged main characters, there is still no graphic sex depicted here. Though toward the end we do get intimations that our MCs future will contain, as John Green puts it… “plenty of skoodelypooping.”
Kirt Graves does the audiobook narration and his youthful voice is perfect for the first person narration as seen by Theo. There is not as much scope here for his other character’s dialogue voices as in previous books, but those that are here are spot on.
This is my second book in the Codename Winger series and I enjoyed it more than the first. Theo Reese is super-smart when it comes to computers and haThis is my second book in the Codename Winger series and I enjoyed it more than the first. Theo Reese is super-smart when it comes to computers and has a maturity well beyond his years but he’s also a “normal” teenager in many ways. Though he’s been a “secret agent” of sorts for a while, in this installment he has to deal with the death of a co-worker and mentor. It clearly affects him. I guess Edna St. Vincent Millay was right… “Childhood is the kingdom where nobody dies.” Here Theo is forced to leave another part of his childhood behind. He’s still lucky enough to have understanding parents and a sexy and caring boyfriend.
These tales are clearly told in a YA “action movie” style. Much of the action in this one concerns the theft of a secret encryption key, and Theo trying to “coach” a team of his fellow school-mates in a cyber-security challenge with college scholarships and cash prizes at stake.
Again, I was struck by the way Theo’s being gay is accepted by his parents, his teammates, and his workmates as if it were just commonplace. It’s just treated in an “It’s no big deal” manner. At one point Theo and Eddie even double date with Theo’s best friend, Mitch, and his girlfriend. Later that girlfriend and Theo team up on the straight boy by teasing him about what they find attractive in a guy.
As you’d expect with teen-aged main characters, there is no graphic sex depicted here. Very little is even suggested, though the boys do get to spend some private time alone again.
This audiobook presentation is again narrated by Kirt Graves. His boyishly youthful voice works perfectly for Theo. Kirt even does a passable British accent for his boss, and a bit of an Irish one for one of the villains. Many of the more minor characters don’t get their own “voices.” While this might have been better with more variety, it isn’t all that confusing, and doesn’t really detract from the story in any way.
If you’d like to read something with a gay main character, where romance isn’t the primary focus, these books may be right up your alley.
***Note: While I received a free copy of this title, this is an honest and impartial review ***
Did you like the Alex Rider book series but kind of wish that Alex had been gay?
Well, meet Theo Reese. Unlike Alex Rider, Theo isn’t physically ninjaDid you like the Alex Rider book series but kind of wish that Alex had been gay?
Well, meet Theo Reese. Unlike Alex Rider, Theo isn’t physically ninja quick, but he is smart. And he uses that skill in his work with the ultra-secret TOS agency that he and his parents work for. At the tender age of 16 he’s attending high school, taking a class at MIT, playing hockey for his high-school team… and oh yeah… He’s a hacker/tech guru for the spy organization his parents work for.
But this is spy fantasy… He’s also got a sexy and caring boyfriend. and both sets of parents are understanding enough not to be troubled by having gay sons.
That said, this is not so much a romance as a YA “action movie” style title. There are some bits where Theo (or Winger since he’s most often using his code name) is concerned that his boyfriend Eddie might be getting fed up with the secrets he’s keeping from him. There’s also his very legit concern that he may be endangering Eddie’s life without every really letting him know the full truth. But, it’s most definitely NOT a romance novel.
I do love the way that being gay is just accepted by his parents, his teammates, and his workmates as if it were just commonplace. Talk about a fantasy!
Also along those lines, Eddie is described as being “darker skinned.” In one bit Theo reflects on how Eddie doesn’t blush very often and when he does it takes longer to spot. Also at one point his hairstyle is described as being a short afro-style. While it’s not spelled out anywhere, I’m guessing/hoping that Eddie is at least partly African-American. While I love to celebrate diversity, I like to think that someday we’ll all get to a point where all of our differences can be celebrated without necessarily commenting on them.
Some critics have mentioned that Theo exhibits way more maturity than any teen has a right to. While I can understand their concerns, I wasn’t particularly bothered by that aspect of his character. He may be a bit too perfect in that regard, but unusual abilities are just part of the super-spy genre, no? Anyone who’s dealt with what he has for any length of time, and who has caring and supportive parental role models might well be more mature than most of his peers. He is still dealing with many of the other issues of being a teen. In some ways he’s completely normal. I was particularly touched by his concern that his employer, TOS were actually “the Good Guys.” Though he may be “too good to be true” on another front as well. At one point he sends himself to his room.
As you’d expect with teen-aged main characters, there is no graphic sex depicted here. Theo’s kept so busy that very little sex is even suggested here. Though both boys do get to spend some private time. …in Eddie’s room, in Theo’s hotel room, and even a sauna at various points.
An earlier release of this audiobook was criticized by some for John Solo‘s voice not being a good match for the teen-aged protagonist in this single POV story. The current version is narrated by Kirt Graves who’s definitely got a youthful voice. At some points his boyish timbre still rings of Clearasil®. He’s also got some pretty spot-on regional accents that make a few of the tale’s characters more interesting as well.
Not sure if it’s just my preconceptions or something about Kirt Graves’s voice acting, but I kept picturing Theo as he might be portrayed by Ansel Elgort; and that’s despite his self-described status as a ginger.
If like me, you’d like to read something with a gay main character, but where romance (and/or being gay) isn’t the primary focus, you could certainly do worse than choosing this title. I’m already diving into book 2.
*** In the spirit of full disclosure: I did receive a free copy of this title but this is an honest and impartial review ***
Loading...
