What do you think?
Rate this book
Backstrokes
After almost being expelled from a prestigious Chicago music conservatory for a prank gone wrong, twenty-two-year-old pianist Crawford Paul returns home to Northern California for what he predicts will be another boring summer. Concerned his scholarship is now at risk, Crawford accepts the only job he can find: accompanying a glamorous seven-year-old named Isabella to a community swimming pool for lessons. There, Crawford is befriended by a nanny named Nina, an aspiring fashion designer who finds it difficult to hide her disdain for children.
When Crawford meets Armando Leon, a lifeguard and Isabella’s swimming instructor, he accepts Armando’s offer to help him overcome his fear of water by way of private swimming lessons. As friendship turns into a summer affair, their lust for one another turns to love. When Crawford receives a chance of a lifetime audition, he is torn between returning to Chicago or staying in California to start a new life with Armando. As the end of the summer inches closer, Crawford and Armando fear they will be separated forever.
When Crawford meets Armando Leon, a lifeguard and Isabella’s swimming instructor, he accepts Armando’s offer to help him overcome his fear of water by way of private swimming lessons. As friendship turns into a summer affair, their lust for one another turns to love. When Crawford receives a chance of a lifetime audition, he is torn between returning to Chicago or staying in California to start a new life with Armando. As the end of the summer inches closer, Crawford and Armando fear they will be separated forever.
264 pages, Paperback
First published June 17, 2014
5 people are currently reading
245 people want to read
About the author
Dylan Madrid
3 books12 followersDylan Madrid is the bestselling author of the gay romance novels Mind Fields, Love in the Shadows, Backstrokes, Star Dust Lullaby, and Light Without Gravity. A California native, Dylan grew up in the Bay Area. He opted to backpack through seven countries before heading to college and spent a year living in Europe, primarily on the Greek island of Ios. When he's not dreaming about living on the Italian Riviera or running away to Belgium, Dylan teaches college courses in writing and the arts.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
August 24, 2023
First of all - I can't stand it when authors flip first and last names around. The MC's name is Crawford Paul. WHY? WHY WOULD YOU DO THIS? It would have been just as easy to call him Paul Crawford. It would have made much more sense and it wouldn't have cost the author any extra typing time.
Second of all - this is marketed as an adult MM romance but it feels like YA coming-of-age gay fiction. Paul (because that's what I'm gonna call him throughout this review) is supposed to be 22 years old but he acts like a teenager. Moody, self-absorbed, ignorant about the world and very quick to throw himself a pity party. I can't stand YA or immature characters so this was a no-go. The book's summary emphasized that Paul is 22 years old and it's not tagged as being YA so I was very annoyed to discover that this wasn't the adult romance I wanted it to be.
Third of all - the author's writing style didn't work for me at all. I read 13% and the only relevant thing that happened was a flashback to Paul's stupid prank and him being called into the office. Instead of relevant things, the author just goes on and on and on about nothing, filling pages with irrelevant words. For example, we're introduced to Paul's mom and immediately, we're told about all of her various hobbies (we aren't shown and she's not having a conversation about it, the author just info-dumps about her hobbies, as if it's important - which it's not). So she's in a quilting club, she sings in church choir but she doesn't do solos because she's shy, she dreamt of being a figure skater but Paul also adds that she could have been a ballerina, a tightrope walker or a swan.
A. Swan. WTF is this book?
Another example of the author pointlessly rambling is when we get an extremely long description of the town's record store. It's physical appearance on the outside, it's history, it's staff, it's physical appearance on the inside, what Paul did when he first went in etc etc etc etc.
By 13%, I had had enough and I can already tell that this book and this author won't work for me.
Second of all - this is marketed as an adult MM romance but it feels like YA coming-of-age gay fiction. Paul (because that's what I'm gonna call him throughout this review) is supposed to be 22 years old but he acts like a teenager. Moody, self-absorbed, ignorant about the world and very quick to throw himself a pity party. I can't stand YA or immature characters so this was a no-go. The book's summary emphasized that Paul is 22 years old and it's not tagged as being YA so I was very annoyed to discover that this wasn't the adult romance I wanted it to be.
Third of all - the author's writing style didn't work for me at all. I read 13% and the only relevant thing that happened was a flashback to Paul's stupid prank and him being called into the office. Instead of relevant things, the author just goes on and on and on about nothing, filling pages with irrelevant words. For example, we're introduced to Paul's mom and immediately, we're told about all of her various hobbies (we aren't shown and she's not having a conversation about it, the author just info-dumps about her hobbies, as if it's important - which it's not). So she's in a quilting club, she sings in church choir but she doesn't do solos because she's shy, she dreamt of being a figure skater but Paul also adds that she could have been a ballerina, a tightrope walker or a swan.
A. Swan. WTF is this book?
Another example of the author pointlessly rambling is when we get an extremely long description of the town's record store. It's physical appearance on the outside, it's history, it's staff, it's physical appearance on the inside, what Paul did when he first went in etc etc etc etc.
By 13%, I had had enough and I can already tell that this book and this author won't work for me.
September 5, 2014
After three years of social isolation, virtuoso pianist Crawford Paul commits vandalism--goaded by his bullying peers. Now, his scholarship is forfeited, and he is facing expulsion from the prestigious conservatory where he's been studying. Unfortunately, returning to his tiny hometown of Harmonville in Northern California for the summer only compounds Crawford's misery.
He was meant to break out of Harmonville--that's what his parents and mentor told him to do, anyway. So, he feels like an utter failure for returning. He wallows, a bit, until his mom gets him a job giving piano lessons. Well, sort of. Actually he's hired as a pseudo nanny to a sassy 7 y/o swimming phenom, Isabella, who thinks Crawford is a total 'lame-o' for not being able to swim.
Crawford's 'job' is to bring Isabella to the community pool every afternoon for free swim and team practice. It is here that Crawford reconnects with his town. And, Isabella's coach, Armando. Armando's a year younger than Crawford, but he's had his eye on the pianist since junior high when Crawford had played accompaniment for his dance class recitals. Having the opportunity to captivate Crawford, for whatever time they can share is, well, huge for Armando.
Having been such a pariah all his life, Crawford's not good at opening up, and he recognizes that he's in Harmonville (perhaps) temporarily. Should he pursue a relationship, knowing he'll be even more lonely with the loss?--that's a big worry for Crawford.
Then, he looks at Isabella's mother. She's living with a disease that could claim her at any time--yet she lives out loud. It's the kind of example Crawford takes to heart, and it is clear that his Summer Of Shame is soon to be the best part of his life.
This book is a tender, thoughtful redemption story, that has a dash of romance. Okay, the romance is a big part, but this is not a graphic, sweaty-grappling-bodies, F-Bomb-dropping, Big O tale. It's a story that any reader of gay fiction could enjoy, IMHO, because the story of Crawford's return to Harmonville is universal: the small-town community that he so detested as a kid is now the welcoming, soul-replenishing shelter that Crawford needs. He reconnects with his best friend, meets his first love, and finally SEES the loving atmosphere he had blocked out in his singular focus on his music.
It changes him. Suddenly, the most important thing isn't leaving Harmonville, but finding a way back--permanently--without sacrificing his dreams.
I really enjoyed this book. The language is terrific, with a smooth pace and constant movement. Crawford is a responsible character. He is insightful, and calm, and has an appreciable wit. I loved how he really brought the community together for a common cause, and how he opened his heart and soul and found his love returned many times over.
He was meant to break out of Harmonville--that's what his parents and mentor told him to do, anyway. So, he feels like an utter failure for returning. He wallows, a bit, until his mom gets him a job giving piano lessons. Well, sort of. Actually he's hired as a pseudo nanny to a sassy 7 y/o swimming phenom, Isabella, who thinks Crawford is a total 'lame-o' for not being able to swim.
Crawford's 'job' is to bring Isabella to the community pool every afternoon for free swim and team practice. It is here that Crawford reconnects with his town. And, Isabella's coach, Armando. Armando's a year younger than Crawford, but he's had his eye on the pianist since junior high when Crawford had played accompaniment for his dance class recitals. Having the opportunity to captivate Crawford, for whatever time they can share is, well, huge for Armando.
Having been such a pariah all his life, Crawford's not good at opening up, and he recognizes that he's in Harmonville (perhaps) temporarily. Should he pursue a relationship, knowing he'll be even more lonely with the loss?--that's a big worry for Crawford.
Then, he looks at Isabella's mother. She's living with a disease that could claim her at any time--yet she lives out loud. It's the kind of example Crawford takes to heart, and it is clear that his Summer Of Shame is soon to be the best part of his life.
This book is a tender, thoughtful redemption story, that has a dash of romance. Okay, the romance is a big part, but this is not a graphic, sweaty-grappling-bodies, F-Bomb-dropping, Big O tale. It's a story that any reader of gay fiction could enjoy, IMHO, because the story of Crawford's return to Harmonville is universal: the small-town community that he so detested as a kid is now the welcoming, soul-replenishing shelter that Crawford needs. He reconnects with his best friend, meets his first love, and finally SEES the loving atmosphere he had blocked out in his singular focus on his music.
It changes him. Suddenly, the most important thing isn't leaving Harmonville, but finding a way back--permanently--without sacrificing his dreams.
I really enjoyed this book. The language is terrific, with a smooth pace and constant movement. Crawford is a responsible character. He is insightful, and calm, and has an appreciable wit. I loved how he really brought the community together for a common cause, and how he opened his heart and soul and found his love returned many times over.
September 24, 2014
Crawford always wanted to escape his home town and found piano to be his way out. Once he left for Chicago he never looked back--until he had no choice to but to return. The one thing he never expected was to find love and acceptance in the very town he vowed to escape.
I liked Crawford and his journey. I liked that he grew as a person as the story progressed. He came to accept himself and to recognize his worth. He discovered what it was to love unconditionally and how it felt to be needed.
Armando and the whole cast of secondary characters were great too. I liked how each of them helped Crawford in one way or another and how they all came together in the end.
I liked this story a lot, but sadly I didn't love it--at least not as a romance. For me it is imperative that I see the main characters' connection brought to the page. I want to 'see' them falling in love and be with them through that journey.
Although the writing was superb, the concept intriguing and the characters complex the romance aspect of the story was seriously lacking in development. I would have loved to see how deeply connected Crawford and Armando were before they said their I love you's. I could see that they were attracted to each other and and enjoyed their few interactions but it wasn't enough for me to be convinced about their relationship. I would have appreciated being shown more than being told about how close they had become.
That said, I do feel like this was a sweet, heartwarming story. It dealt with a lot of different aspects in life--loss, regret and learning to accept yourself were the ones that stayed with me long after I finished the story.
All in all, a coming-of-age story that was a bit idealistic, but sweet nonetheless.
**I received a copy of this title in exchange of my honest opinion>
I liked Crawford and his journey. I liked that he grew as a person as the story progressed. He came to accept himself and to recognize his worth. He discovered what it was to love unconditionally and how it felt to be needed.
Armando and the whole cast of secondary characters were great too. I liked how each of them helped Crawford in one way or another and how they all came together in the end.
I liked this story a lot, but sadly I didn't love it--at least not as a romance. For me it is imperative that I see the main characters' connection brought to the page. I want to 'see' them falling in love and be with them through that journey.
Although the writing was superb, the concept intriguing and the characters complex the romance aspect of the story was seriously lacking in development. I would have loved to see how deeply connected Crawford and Armando were before they said their I love you's. I could see that they were attracted to each other and and enjoyed their few interactions but it wasn't enough for me to be convinced about their relationship. I would have appreciated being shown more than being told about how close they had become.
That said, I do feel like this was a sweet, heartwarming story. It dealt with a lot of different aspects in life--loss, regret and learning to accept yourself were the ones that stayed with me long after I finished the story.
All in all, a coming-of-age story that was a bit idealistic, but sweet nonetheless.
**I received a copy of this title in exchange of my honest opinion>
October 4, 2014
Review Copy Provided by Author
You know when you see a dessert that you really want, but after you do, you realize that wasn't really what you wanted? That is how Backstrokes felt for me. From reading the description, it is a book that should have fit right into my likes/dislikes -I mean, guy learning to swim, falling in love with his teacher and them finding love. Unfortunately, it just didn't work for me.
I think the biggest let down for me was that it wasn't so much a romance as more a finding yourself type story. Maybe that would have influenced my perception going in, but I honestly thought that I was going to be getting more of a romance, which is where my disappointment ultimately lay. Don't get me wrong, it was a strongly written story and I can't fault the author for that, it just wasn't what I was expecting.
Aside from the non-romance romance that I was expecting, there were a few other issues I had with the book, personally, I never really felt like Crawford was sorry for what he did - I think/felt that he was more sorry that he got caught - since he did what he did to try and become popular, which most people know never really works the way we would hope that it works. My other issue was how the tragedy was handled in the book - I don't know, I just felt like that part of the storyline was just not developed to the extent that it could have been. I didn't feel any connection to the characters, it just felt like it was in there for an emotional storyline, but it just didn't work for me - I never felt for the characters which to me, is something needed for me to be emotionally involved with a book.
I was really conflicted by the time I finished reading Backstrokes. Normally I can tell by the end of a book whether I want to try another book by the same author, but with Backstrokes, I just wasn't sure - I didn't mind the authors writing style, it was just the story that didn't work for me. So we'll have to see. Overall, I gave backstrokes 2.5 stars
You know when you see a dessert that you really want, but after you do, you realize that wasn't really what you wanted? That is how Backstrokes felt for me. From reading the description, it is a book that should have fit right into my likes/dislikes -I mean, guy learning to swim, falling in love with his teacher and them finding love. Unfortunately, it just didn't work for me.
I think the biggest let down for me was that it wasn't so much a romance as more a finding yourself type story. Maybe that would have influenced my perception going in, but I honestly thought that I was going to be getting more of a romance, which is where my disappointment ultimately lay. Don't get me wrong, it was a strongly written story and I can't fault the author for that, it just wasn't what I was expecting.
Aside from the non-romance romance that I was expecting, there were a few other issues I had with the book, personally, I never really felt like Crawford was sorry for what he did - I think/felt that he was more sorry that he got caught - since he did what he did to try and become popular, which most people know never really works the way we would hope that it works. My other issue was how the tragedy was handled in the book - I don't know, I just felt like that part of the storyline was just not developed to the extent that it could have been. I didn't feel any connection to the characters, it just felt like it was in there for an emotional storyline, but it just didn't work for me - I never felt for the characters which to me, is something needed for me to be emotionally involved with a book.
I was really conflicted by the time I finished reading Backstrokes. Normally I can tell by the end of a book whether I want to try another book by the same author, but with Backstrokes, I just wasn't sure - I didn't mind the authors writing style, it was just the story that didn't work for me. So we'll have to see. Overall, I gave backstrokes 2.5 stars
September 20, 2014
If you are looking for a fun flippant romance this is not it. what this is is a very deep and beautiful read. You get to see a young man battling himself and what he wants while looking back and trying to go forward with life and love. Crawford is a musical genius but socially not really accepted. he can see music and feel it. Music speaks to him. Because of this he has made it to a prestigious school in Chicago and away from small town life. A life he thought was what he didn't want. Now in trouble because he made a mistake and regrets it he is home again. Facing demons, questions and at a loss as to who he is and what he truly wants in life. He wants music but the question is how?
To help him be able to continue school Crawford accepts a job that changes everything. Passion and understanding comes into his life. He sees things differently and even finds someone. Someone who has him see things in a different light. Who has him see the good and hope that can com about with a smile and friendly face. How doing something just to be kind changes things for others and helps to brighten their day. He meets Armando and falls in love. Armando who is the kindest guy around. He sees the world as a place to make a difference through kindness and love. And he loves Crawford. Through teaching Crawford to swim he teaches him about love and laughter. About kindness and how to be..He teaches that not everything is so black and white that you don't always need to go far away to find yourself and where you belong.
these two have passion and through this passion Crawford finds a new depth to himself and his music. He sees that helping others can change life and the outcomes for those around him. He sees the world differently. These two have a beautiful relationship that through the poignant writing goes belong physical attraction.
a wonderfully written story of finding love, yourself and life while learnign where you belong.
To help him be able to continue school Crawford accepts a job that changes everything. Passion and understanding comes into his life. He sees things differently and even finds someone. Someone who has him see things in a different light. Who has him see the good and hope that can com about with a smile and friendly face. How doing something just to be kind changes things for others and helps to brighten their day. He meets Armando and falls in love. Armando who is the kindest guy around. He sees the world as a place to make a difference through kindness and love. And he loves Crawford. Through teaching Crawford to swim he teaches him about love and laughter. About kindness and how to be..He teaches that not everything is so black and white that you don't always need to go far away to find yourself and where you belong.
these two have passion and through this passion Crawford finds a new depth to himself and his music. He sees that helping others can change life and the outcomes for those around him. He sees the world differently. These two have a beautiful relationship that through the poignant writing goes belong physical attraction.
a wonderfully written story of finding love, yourself and life while learnign where you belong.
February 24, 2015
Crawford Paul is an accomplished pianist and student at a prestigious Chicago conservatory. After a prank goes wrong, his status at the school is called into question and he returns to his family's California home to await news of his fate. To avoid being bored all summer (and because he's worried about his scholarship being revoked), Crawford accepts a job escorting seven-year-old Isabella to her swimming lessons. While there, he quickly makes a connect with Nina, despite others telling him he should steer clear of her. Even more fortuitous is his discovery of Armando Leon, Isabella's swimming instructor. Armando offers Crawford private swimming lessons and the two make a quick but strong connection. What will happen at the end of the summer? If everything turns out, Crawford should be returning to Chicago, but will Armando wait for him? And what if he isn't allowed to return to the conservatory? Can he be content staying in their small California town forever?
I really liked this one. It is a bit on the fluffy side at points, but it deals with some rather heavy material as well. I can see how some might see this as possibly not taking things seriously, but I think it offered a nice balance. I laughed, I cringed, I cried--it's one of those books, for sure. An excellent read for young and new adults, but a great one for those of us who aren't quite so new, too.
I really liked this one. It is a bit on the fluffy side at points, but it deals with some rather heavy material as well. I can see how some might see this as possibly not taking things seriously, but I think it offered a nice balance. I laughed, I cringed, I cried--it's one of those books, for sure. An excellent read for young and new adults, but a great one for those of us who aren't quite so new, too.
Want to read
January 26, 2015After almost being expelled from a prestigious Chicago music conservatory for a prank gone wrong, twenty-two-year-old pianist Crawford Paul returns home to Northern California for what he predicts will be another boring summer. Concerned his scholarship is now at risk, Crawford accepts the only job he can find: accompanying a glamorous seven-year-old named Isabella to a community swimming pool for lessons. There, Crawford is befriended by a nanny named Nina, an aspiring fashion designer who finds it difficult to hide her disdain for children.
When Crawford meets Armando Leon, a lifeguard and Isabella’s swimming instructor, he accepts Armando’s offer to help him overcome his fear of water by way of private swimming lessons. As friendship turns into a summer affair, their lust for one another turns to love. When Crawford receives a chance of a lifetime audition, he is torn between returning to Chicago or staying in California to start a new life with Armando. As the end of the summer inches closer, Crawford and Armando fear they will be separated forever.
When Crawford meets Armando Leon, a lifeguard and Isabella’s swimming instructor, he accepts Armando’s offer to help him overcome his fear of water by way of private swimming lessons. As friendship turns into a summer affair, their lust for one another turns to love. When Crawford receives a chance of a lifetime audition, he is torn between returning to Chicago or staying in California to start a new life with Armando. As the end of the summer inches closer, Crawford and Armando fear they will be separated forever.
September 20, 2014
I love reading M/M contemporary novels and I was quite excited when I read the synopsis of this book.
I admit that the story is quite different from what I imagined at first. She is much deeper, emotional, a real learn about himself.
Our main character, Crawford, is a great pianist and a lousy swimmer. Passing through a bad joke at school, he saw his world crumble when he had to return to his hometown.
What for him showed to be a failure, ends up being his way back. Through new friendships and examples of alien force character, he begins to see that life is much more than living in hiding himself. And one of the major reasons for this change in attitude was to find himself in love with Armando, the swimming teacher.
Backstroke is the music he composes, via swimming he found his freedom.
It is a graceful short story, but I felt no connection to the characters.
3,5 stars
I admit that the story is quite different from what I imagined at first. She is much deeper, emotional, a real learn about himself.
Our main character, Crawford, is a great pianist and a lousy swimmer. Passing through a bad joke at school, he saw his world crumble when he had to return to his hometown.
What for him showed to be a failure, ends up being his way back. Through new friendships and examples of alien force character, he begins to see that life is much more than living in hiding himself. And one of the major reasons for this change in attitude was to find himself in love with Armando, the swimming teacher.
Backstroke is the music he composes, via swimming he found his freedom.
It is a graceful short story, but I felt no connection to the characters.
3,5 stars
July 7, 2014
Backstrokes by Dylan Madrid was a nice short novel about a man named Crawford who is trying to find out who he is, who he wants to be and what he wants to do with his life.
The writing was pretty simple, but still very nice with lovely prose. It was descriptive and very atmospheric, if not a bit too slow at times because of the 'mood' of the setting.
Crawford was a solemn character who begins to find out more about himself when he meets Armando and the two, fairly quickly, fall in love. They fall in love after one date and a couple of mention moments of meeting up - I did not believe it, but I accepted it.
The book focuses more on music, so the title is a bit odd, but that's okay.
Overall, Backstrokes was a good, quick, & simple read !
The writing was pretty simple, but still very nice with lovely prose. It was descriptive and very atmospheric, if not a bit too slow at times because of the 'mood' of the setting.
Crawford was a solemn character who begins to find out more about himself when he meets Armando and the two, fairly quickly, fall in love. They fall in love after one date and a couple of mention moments of meeting up - I did not believe it, but I accepted it.
The book focuses more on music, so the title is a bit odd, but that's okay.
Overall, Backstrokes was a good, quick, & simple read !
July 30, 2014
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.
This was a good story, but not one that is believable. The romance seemed rushed to me. And though I like the characters and storyline, I just didn't feel connected. If you are just wanting something to read to pass the time this would be a good book. However, if you want one that is believable and engrossing this isn't it.
This was a good story, but not one that is believable. The romance seemed rushed to me. And though I like the characters and storyline, I just didn't feel connected. If you are just wanting something to read to pass the time this would be a good book. However, if you want one that is believable and engrossing this isn't it.
September 12, 2014
A beautiful heart wrenching story about a piano prodigy forced to return home for the summer after vandalizing his school. He just wanted a summer job. He found love, friendship, family and so much more.
October 26, 2015
Exceptional Book. Enjoyed every page.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews