Many people have regrets about their romantic history and reflecting on the one(s) that got away usually features prominently in those regrets. Wren is in that emotional neighborhood on his birthday. He is approaching finals week of his last semester in college, has a few too many drinks while out celebrating with his friends, and gets a bit nostalgic about his former crushes. He rashly sends out emails to his top four might-have-beens, then awakens in the morning to regret the decision. The results of his rash decision quickly come home to roost when his high school crush lands a summer internship at the drive-in theater where Wren is assistant manager.
The story of their summer involves mix-ups at the ticket booth, home renovations for a crotchety old lady, playlists, reminiscing about their teenage friendship, waffles, and an appeal to the Historic Review Board. In the midst of all the spackling, painting, popcorn, and social media campaign, Wren and Derrick try to work out the nature of their relationship. It doesn't help that their memories of their almost-date don't quite agree.
Wren may be a bit of a mess in the romance department, but he is a whiz at anything related to movies and television. The book is littered with references to films from across the decades. He compares his situation to a "boy stuffing chocolates into his mouth as the conveyor belt of his love life speeds up and out of control." When his roommates surprise him, he wonders "Maybe I did hit my head while running from a twister, and this is my sepia-toned reality now." And, as he considers how frightening a committed relationship is, he thinks "Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan should've warned me about that."
(from the back cover) "A feel-good summer LGBTQIA+ New Adult rom-com, perfect for fans of Red, White & Royal Blue, Boyfriend Material, and What If It's Us." This first book in the "Boy Meets Boy" series has a scheduled release date of May 3, 2022 - in time to be a favorite beach read.
No comments:
Post a Comment