Sometimes things click with a book and sometimes they really click. We had so many good feelings going into this story, just dug right in with the tropey romance with our own special spin.
What I really enjoyed about writing this with Thursday Euclid was how we examined some ideas beyond social justice into class and even some religion. Mostly it’s a breezy book with some laughs, some sexual tension, and finding acceptance.
I’m super proud that it caught the attention of two Rainbow Award judges.
- “This book hooked me from the moment I pressed Go. Immediate conflict and a quick establishment of character voice made it an easy and engaging read; I became invested in the obvious plot goal (fake relationship to lovers) very quickly, and, as that’s one of my favorite tropes, I then found it quite difficult to put the book down. The characters were unique and well-developed, and I especially enjoyed how there was no apology for Trev’s clear wealth and privilege even while his parents’ failure to accept who he is was outlined and battled against. He understood where he stood, had decisive opinions, and discovered how all of that might not fit into the larger world. He was forced to broaden his horizons. I admire the author’s choice to continue to allow him to be a little holier-than-thou in spite of it. It was true to character. Prevalent use of current slang and references might work against this novel for some readers; I didn’t have a problem with anything and it definitely established age and viewpoint. Setting details were sparse but effective, evocative where they needed to be, but not overwhelming at all. It gave me a hint of a picture but plenty of room to let my mind play! I did not give the novel full marks because the dialogue was at times awkward, more in tune with introspection than verbal discourse, and could be somewhat heavy-handed. There was a VERY slight issue with drag in pacing, where whole days and weeks would be glossed over. I would have liked to see more of the subtle mechanics of bringing this relationship together during those missing stretches. The penultimate climax leaned a little more toward melodrama than I prefer, but was well-delivered and paced, with a great resolution on all fronts. The characters were highly relatable and their chemistry was obvious, their angst believable, and their voices individual. The final choice in ending was satisfying for me as the reader: exactly the kinds of scenes I was hoping to see. Closure all around but plenty of room left to move forward in the characters’ lives. Gripping, easy writing style. A most enjoyable read!”
- “This was a sweet and often humorous story and all in all, pleasant to read. The plot worked around a Pretty-Woman-esque kind of trope, rather skilfully at that, and the style was more of a YA with some explicit scenes.”
Thanks to the judges & the Rainbow Awards. Find out more about the Rainbow Awards.
What happens when a nerd and a jock pretend to be dating for the summer? Social justice whiz Trev needs to convince his parents that his bisexuality isn’t a phase, and swim team star Lee needs somewhere to stay until the new semester starts. Forced together for three months at a Vermont lake house with Trev’s family, the boys influence each other in unexpected ways, and despite their differences, a real bond begins to form. What will it take for a fake odd couple to become a real one?
Authors: Clancy Nacht & Thursday Euclid
Cover art: April Martinez
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