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Snow Boys
Dean O’Donnell is a wallflower with a secret and a voice that could steal the show. Preferring to blend into the background at his high school, his world tilts on its axis when he is chosen for a major solo in the upcoming Christmas choir performance. His quiet life is further disturbed when he receives a Secret Santa gift, and an unexpected friendship forms.
Ben Hunter is the boy next door, well-liked but lonely. He wrestles with unspoken feelings for Dean and a family crisis that’s tearing him apart. When he takes a job at the local cinema to help his family out of a desperate situation, his academic life begins to crumble under the strain. But that’s the least of his worries.
As the holiday season unfolds, so do their feelings for each other. But with Dean’s anxiety escalating, and Ben’s life turning more chaotic, their differences seem more apparent than ever. Can they navigate their personal challenges and embrace the feelings growing between them? Or will this winter be the season of missed chances and what-ifs?
Ben Hunter is the boy next door, well-liked but lonely. He wrestles with unspoken feelings for Dean and a family crisis that’s tearing him apart. When he takes a job at the local cinema to help his family out of a desperate situation, his academic life begins to crumble under the strain. But that’s the least of his worries.
As the holiday season unfolds, so do their feelings for each other. But with Dean’s anxiety escalating, and Ben’s life turning more chaotic, their differences seem more apparent than ever. Can they navigate their personal challenges and embrace the feelings growing between them? Or will this winter be the season of missed chances and what-ifs?
384 pages, Hardcover
Published October 10, 2023
118 people are currently reading
2139 people want to read
About the author
Simon Doyle
7 books128 followersSimon Doyle (he/him) was born and raised in Ireland. He discovered that he could travel the world on a shoestring by reading books at a very young age. When he won a local poetry competition at the age of nine, it sparked a lifetime love of words. But he swears never to write poetry again.
His first novel release was Runaway Train, book 1 of the Runaway Bay series. The follow-up, Runaway Skies, released in January 2023.
He lives with a neurotic rescue dog, and Lucas, his human soulmate. They met in kindergarten. Where all good stories begin.
His first novel release was Runaway Train, book 1 of the Runaway Bay series. The follow-up, Runaway Skies, released in January 2023.
He lives with a neurotic rescue dog, and Lucas, his human soulmate. They met in kindergarten. Where all good stories begin.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 146 reviews
December 23, 2023
I was looking for something romancey and funny, but also a little angsty, and this book certainly delivered! One of the things that captured me the most was how different Ben and Dean’s lives were. And having both perspectives really opened up the characters for me. Moments through this book tore my heart out and others brought the pieces back together. But this was the best holiday read I could have asked for and I enjoyed every second of it! The ending was truly something amazing. 🫶
November 1, 2023
✰ 3 stars ✰
“Ben said, “Take a deep breath.”
“Why?”
“Because when I kiss you, I might not stop.”
And he kissed me.”
The cover art of Snow Boys really caught my eye, so I thought, why not indulge in the temptation? 😊 And indulge I did, and was treated to a soft and tender story of how a high school mathematical genius and a basketball jock unexpectedly, but inexplicably develop strong feelings for each other, while still trying to stave off the onslaught of other personal hardships that could potentially keep them apart.
“Snowball fights were one thing but playing a game of soldiers with a boy you had barely spoken a dozen words to was something else. We weren’t teenagers in that moment. We were little kids and we were warriors.
Boys and men.”
The writing may have been a bit on the simple side, but it wasn't something I minded too much, for it still displayed how distinctively different each of their perspectives were. Ben and Dean were so very sweet together; complete opposites, I liked how Dean slowly was able to bring down Ben's walls, so very softly, but with little displays of kindness and affection nudges and glances that they couldn't help but become friends, and then closer, still. 🤍🤍 Even though they swam in different social circles, their relationship progressed at a very believable and natural pace. They had such soft and intimate moments - endearing and cosy - 'I wanted to say, “If I wrap you up and put you under the tree, can I keep you?' 🥹 🌈
They felt just so at ease with each other - two boys, who had not openly come out as gay to the public eye, but still felt so very comfortable with each other - so full of mirth and merry when they were together. 🥰🥰 Set in Ireland during the Christmas season, I liked how quaint the setting was; how their group of friends could mingle around town and move about at a leisurely pace. Their first kiss, especially, gave my heart butterflies, just at how tender and yet, so full of intense feeling it was - a catalyst that lay the foundation of an onslaught neither of them were expecting or prepared for. 🥺🥺
“Harmony in music, just like in life, comes when every note, every part of you, is in the right place. Singing is just another form of speaking the truth. You need to be heard. So take those fears and face them. And then open your voice, Dean. Sing.”
But, even with their feelings deepening, all is not well elsewhere, and I liked how those conflicting factors played a pivotal and very serious part to the story. When said significant incident takes place, I did feel some of it was left a bit vague and unclear, but the fall-out itself was so integral to their relationship that I didn't factor into that missing part of it till much later. Because after that, so many other problems arose that took precedence and I appreciated how the author addressed each of them, albeit not completely out of the woods, but enough to showcase that times were changing in a positive way. 😟😟
Ben, especially, won over my heart; the troubles at home were really hard for me to see, and it was so painful to see what he was going through, but it also felt so very real. It was not brushed under the rug, and when it became unbearable to the point of it being unavoidable, I really appreciated the mature side of him. There was a lot of growth to his character, and it was really admirable at how he was so caring and self-conscious of all that was happening around him, that he wanted to protect Dean from getting involved in it more than he already was. 🙏🏻 For, even though Dean was shouldering his own personal troubles, I loved how he came to Dean's side, when he needed him - understood why he pushed him away when he did, and finally gained the courage from his family and friends to finally shine when he had to. ❤️🩹❤️🩹
“I had to read the next chapter of Lord of the Flies, but the idea made my brain hurt. William Golding was wrong. Kids don’t need to be stranded on a desert island in order to turn into savages.
They just needed to go to school.”
When I was in the ninth grade, we were assigned to read Lord of the Flies in our English class; I still have some of my essays from my semester exam. There is a latent presence of Lord of the Flies that is prevalent throughout the narrative, which was reflected in the actions and treatment of Ben and Dean's classmates. It's masked in the extreme form of homophobia, emotional abuse and physical aggression, general disregard of one's sexuality and even the coarse way of how we treat one another without fear or remorse.
Seeing how enthusiastic Dean's own set of friends were in their loyalty and support, it was a sharp harsh contrast to Ben's own support group and the ignorance and intolerance displayed by them. It irritated me how Ben's best friend was so very dismissive about him being gay, but when it was slightly addressed later, it made me and Ben understand why she behaved the way she did. 'Tony said, “The only thing worse than being blind is having sight with no vision. Helen Keller. 1880 to 1968,' and I couldn't agree with this more. It was painful and cruel, but sadly, very real. 😢
So, while it wasn't particularly a memorable read, I still don't regret reading it. And that feeling is one I always appreciate. 🩵🩵
“Ben said, “Take a deep breath.”
“Why?”
“Because when I kiss you, I might not stop.”
And he kissed me.”
The cover art of Snow Boys really caught my eye, so I thought, why not indulge in the temptation? 😊 And indulge I did, and was treated to a soft and tender story of how a high school mathematical genius and a basketball jock unexpectedly, but inexplicably develop strong feelings for each other, while still trying to stave off the onslaught of other personal hardships that could potentially keep them apart.
“Snowball fights were one thing but playing a game of soldiers with a boy you had barely spoken a dozen words to was something else. We weren’t teenagers in that moment. We were little kids and we were warriors.
Boys and men.”
The writing may have been a bit on the simple side, but it wasn't something I minded too much, for it still displayed how distinctively different each of their perspectives were. Ben and Dean were so very sweet together; complete opposites, I liked how Dean slowly was able to bring down Ben's walls, so very softly, but with little displays of kindness and affection nudges and glances that they couldn't help but become friends, and then closer, still. 🤍🤍 Even though they swam in different social circles, their relationship progressed at a very believable and natural pace. They had such soft and intimate moments - endearing and cosy - 'I wanted to say, “If I wrap you up and put you under the tree, can I keep you?' 🥹 🌈
They felt just so at ease with each other - two boys, who had not openly come out as gay to the public eye, but still felt so very comfortable with each other - so full of mirth and merry when they were together. 🥰🥰 Set in Ireland during the Christmas season, I liked how quaint the setting was; how their group of friends could mingle around town and move about at a leisurely pace. Their first kiss, especially, gave my heart butterflies, just at how tender and yet, so full of intense feeling it was - a catalyst that lay the foundation of an onslaught neither of them were expecting or prepared for. 🥺🥺
“Harmony in music, just like in life, comes when every note, every part of you, is in the right place. Singing is just another form of speaking the truth. You need to be heard. So take those fears and face them. And then open your voice, Dean. Sing.”
But, even with their feelings deepening, all is not well elsewhere, and I liked how those conflicting factors played a pivotal and very serious part to the story. When said significant incident takes place, I did feel some of it was left a bit vague and unclear, but the fall-out itself was so integral to their relationship that I didn't factor into that missing part of it till much later. Because after that, so many other problems arose that took precedence and I appreciated how the author addressed each of them, albeit not completely out of the woods, but enough to showcase that times were changing in a positive way. 😟😟
Ben, especially, won over my heart; the troubles at home were really hard for me to see, and it was so painful to see what he was going through, but it also felt so very real. It was not brushed under the rug, and when it became unbearable to the point of it being unavoidable, I really appreciated the mature side of him. There was a lot of growth to his character, and it was really admirable at how he was so caring and self-conscious of all that was happening around him, that he wanted to protect Dean from getting involved in it more than he already was. 🙏🏻 For, even though Dean was shouldering his own personal troubles, I loved how he came to Dean's side, when he needed him - understood why he pushed him away when he did, and finally gained the courage from his family and friends to finally shine when he had to. ❤️🩹❤️🩹
“I had to read the next chapter of Lord of the Flies, but the idea made my brain hurt. William Golding was wrong. Kids don’t need to be stranded on a desert island in order to turn into savages.
They just needed to go to school.”
When I was in the ninth grade, we were assigned to read Lord of the Flies in our English class; I still have some of my essays from my semester exam. There is a latent presence of Lord of the Flies that is prevalent throughout the narrative, which was reflected in the actions and treatment of Ben and Dean's classmates. It's masked in the extreme form of homophobia, emotional abuse and physical aggression, general disregard of one's sexuality and even the coarse way of how we treat one another without fear or remorse.
Seeing how enthusiastic Dean's own set of friends were in their loyalty and support, it was a sharp harsh contrast to Ben's own support group and the ignorance and intolerance displayed by them. It irritated me how Ben's best friend was so very dismissive about him being gay, but when it was slightly addressed later, it made me and Ben understand why she behaved the way she did. 'Tony said, “The only thing worse than being blind is having sight with no vision. Helen Keller. 1880 to 1968,' and I couldn't agree with this more. It was painful and cruel, but sadly, very real. 😢
So, while it wasn't particularly a memorable read, I still don't regret reading it. And that feeling is one I always appreciate. 🩵🩵
December 21, 2023
This book is hart to describe.
The first half was quiet and steady, but the second half hurt a lot.
Two sixteen year old schoolmates, Ben and Dean, are struggling through the months leading up to christmas, and get slowly closer.
It was devastating to see how lost espescially Ben was. His family was falling apart, his parents were neglecting him and hurting each other (and him, too). I felt that all the adults in his life were failing him. When he was outed he was so alone for weeks, it was painful to read. I hated his best friend Erin. Ben even apologized to her without there being any need for an apology, since she had treated him badly. I couldn't warm up to her, she seemed to be there for him but it felt as if it were for her own selfish reasons and not because of Ben himself.
She wasn't the only secondary character I didn't like, though. I didn't like most of them, only the music teacher and a few peers Ben and Dean hadn’t even known, showed their respect and empathy. And the parents in the end, too, but that felt very late.
The abrupt writing style with short sentences took me some time getting used to, but after a while the story felt in harmony with the emotions because of the abrupt writing.
Dean was lost, too, and so so afraid. I wanted to shake him to step up and be there for Ben, knowing at the same time he obviously couldn't because he was so afraid of being outed himself. I hated the situation both boys were forced into and it hurt to see them hurting.
Dean eventually found the much needed acceptance by his 2 friends and his parents, but nearly everybody who should have had Ben's back didn't.
This is why the story, although it ended in a positive way, felt until the end very depressing to me.
I'm glad I read it but I don't think I'll want to reread it.
Oh I nearly forgot to mention the STUNNING cover art by Wu Lei.
4,25 stars.
The first half was quiet and steady, but the second half hurt a lot.
Two sixteen year old schoolmates, Ben and Dean, are struggling through the months leading up to christmas, and get slowly closer.
It was devastating to see how lost espescially Ben was. His family was falling apart, his parents were neglecting him and hurting each other (and him, too). I felt that all the adults in his life were failing him. When he was outed he was so alone for weeks, it was painful to read. I hated his best friend Erin. Ben even apologized to her without there being any need for an apology, since she had treated him badly. I couldn't warm up to her, she seemed to be there for him but it felt as if it were for her own selfish reasons and not because of Ben himself.
She wasn't the only secondary character I didn't like, though. I didn't like most of them, only the music teacher and a few peers Ben and Dean hadn’t even known, showed their respect and empathy. And the parents in the end, too, but that felt very late.
The abrupt writing style with short sentences took me some time getting used to, but after a while the story felt in harmony with the emotions because of the abrupt writing.
Dean was lost, too, and so so afraid. I wanted to shake him to step up and be there for Ben, knowing at the same time he obviously couldn't because he was so afraid of being outed himself. I hated the situation both boys were forced into and it hurt to see them hurting.
Dean eventually found the much needed acceptance by his 2 friends and his parents, but nearly everybody who should have had Ben's back didn't.
This is why the story, although it ended in a positive way, felt until the end very depressing to me.
I'm glad I read it but I don't think I'll want to reread it.
Oh I nearly forgot to mention the STUNNING cover art by Wu Lei.
4,25 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 16, 2024
You have to hand it to this book, it takes its title seriously. There's a lot of snow and the boys are in the snow a lot. It's not quite a fluffy and cozy winter romance, as you can already guess from the darker tone of the cover. But it's far from being depressing. Overall it's an uplifting book.
This book is about two boys, who couldn't be more different. Dean, a skinny nerd, with only two friends who are also outcasts. Ben, the popular sports jock with a apparently lot of friends. The only thing they have in common is both are gay and closeted. And they secretly have a crush on each other.
There's a lot more going on with these two. Ben is the one who gets it the worst. And it just gets worse and worse throughout the whole book. It seems anything bad that can happen happens to him. And he hardly gets a break until the very end. I didn't quite like how his storyline was resolved. It's basically "tragedy must happen to open people's eyes and change their ways". Don't know if there's a name for this trope, but I'm not a big fan of it.
There's also a bit of the miscommunication trope between Dean and his parents. But to be fair, it's not contrived but quite realistic, so it's justified. It's still noticeable, probably because you see it coming from a mile away.
I love that the story is set in Irland. It feels more real and relatable that all the American high school dramas. I could easily relate to both Dean and Ben although I'm obviously more a Dean in real life than a Ben. It's certainly helping that the book is written in first person with alternating perspectives.
And I love the writing. I'm a big fan of character driven storytelling. The first half of the book is basically just character development and I love it. The plot is moving at snail pace but I don't care. Simon Doyle is really good at writing this way. It's never boring and a real page-turner.
On a side note, I like how text messages are handled in this book. In publishing there's still no common approach how to do this. With direct speech we have quotation marks. But text messages? Sometimes they're just italicized or in a different font and hard to recognize. Sometimes they're even graphics which you cannot use text markers on. In this book it's plain text, left and right aligned with the name bolded as heading. And emojis are not displayed but described, which makes it so much easier to read and also adds context to it. (It's probably also better for people who use screen readers or something like that.)
Overall I really loved reading this book. Relatable characters, relatable plot and good writing. And snow, lots of it.
This book is about two boys, who couldn't be more different. Dean, a skinny nerd, with only two friends who are also outcasts. Ben, the popular sports jock with a apparently lot of friends. The only thing they have in common is both are gay and closeted. And they secretly have a crush on each other.
There's a lot more going on with these two. Ben is the one who gets it the worst. And it just gets worse and worse throughout the whole book. It seems anything bad that can happen happens to him. And he hardly gets a break until the very end. I didn't quite like how his storyline was resolved. It's basically "tragedy must happen to open people's eyes and change their ways". Don't know if there's a name for this trope, but I'm not a big fan of it.
There's also a bit of the miscommunication trope between Dean and his parents. But to be fair, it's not contrived but quite realistic, so it's justified. It's still noticeable, probably because you see it coming from a mile away.
I love that the story is set in Irland. It feels more real and relatable that all the American high school dramas. I could easily relate to both Dean and Ben although I'm obviously more a Dean in real life than a Ben. It's certainly helping that the book is written in first person with alternating perspectives.
And I love the writing. I'm a big fan of character driven storytelling. The first half of the book is basically just character development and I love it. The plot is moving at snail pace but I don't care. Simon Doyle is really good at writing this way. It's never boring and a real page-turner.
On a side note, I like how text messages are handled in this book. In publishing there's still no common approach how to do this. With direct speech we have quotation marks. But text messages? Sometimes they're just italicized or in a different font and hard to recognize. Sometimes they're even graphics which you cannot use text markers on. In this book it's plain text, left and right aligned with the name bolded as heading. And emojis are not displayed but described, which makes it so much easier to read and also adds context to it. (It's probably also better for people who use screen readers or something like that.)
Overall I really loved reading this book. Relatable characters, relatable plot and good writing. And snow, lots of it.
April 2, 2024
Short, sweet and simple. I liked it but it felt unfinished. Maybe it was intended to be just like that. Like life. You would always have to wonder what’s ahead but you’ll face it head on.
The comparison of Dean and Ben’s life, personality and family was really highlighted. The narration wasn’t hard to understand, maybe it’s too simple and the conflicts were overused but it’s good for a coming out/coming of age theme. I guess wrapping up everything didn’t do it for me. I love a happy ending but not a rushed one.
The comparison of Dean and Ben’s life, personality and family was really highlighted. The narration wasn’t hard to understand, maybe it’s too simple and the conflicts were overused but it’s good for a coming out/coming of age theme. I guess wrapping up everything didn’t do it for me. I love a happy ending but not a rushed one.
October 16, 2023
Snow adds to the joy of the winter season by sharing love
Ben and Dean are brought together by opportunity and events, but try to keep there love of each other secret. It doesn't work as video evidence goes online. But with all of the other family and friends issues disrupting life, school, work, sports, dating, and extra curricular activities, being outed is not as much of a problem as they first thought.
Although Christmas was a drama for everyone, it made Halloween fade into memories as New Years Eve brought new blessings and beginnings to all of the Irish community as hot boys melted the snow to allow the Shamrocks, Rainbows, and Leprechauns to enchant the future.
Ben and Dean are brought together by opportunity and events, but try to keep there love of each other secret. It doesn't work as video evidence goes online. But with all of the other family and friends issues disrupting life, school, work, sports, dating, and extra curricular activities, being outed is not as much of a problem as they first thought.
Although Christmas was a drama for everyone, it made Halloween fade into memories as New Years Eve brought new blessings and beginnings to all of the Irish community as hot boys melted the snow to allow the Shamrocks, Rainbows, and Leprechauns to enchant the future.
January 12, 2024
At first I thought this was heading to four or five star territory with good writing and interesting, well developed characters. As time went on, though, it seemed like the author wanted to do too much, with the family issues Ben was having and the impending concert for Dean. For me these dramas didn’t work well and weren’t integrated enough. I even think the alcoholic parent switched from the dad to the mom as the story went on.
December 23, 2023
A festive love story of two Irish lads falling in love.
It was well written with all the usual secondary school types included and whilst it didn't surprise, it did entertain and delight.
Dean and Ben are two of the sweetest boys in love I think I've ever met :)
It was well written with all the usual secondary school types included and whilst it didn't surprise, it did entertain and delight.
Dean and Ben are two of the sweetest boys in love I think I've ever met :)
February 18, 2024
I really enjoyed this book! It's like a slightly darker version of Heartstopper (Nerdy guy meets popular jock).
I liked both Dean and Ben, but I would have wanted them to have spent a little more time together, because they were so sweet and in love when they actually hung out🥰 But a good portion of the book is basically the two of them being sad on their own🥲
I didn't mind this aspect of the book too much though. The main reason I'm not rating this higher than 3 stars is the writing. It was occasionally a little cliché and cringe. E.g.:
"I pictured Dean in a white lab coat, leaning over a beaker that was bubbling on top of a Bunsen burner. And I wanted to rip that lab coat off him."
They are two 15 and 16 year old boys, and I totally understand that they have lust and desire, but phrased like that!? I don't think so. I just found that last sentence a little unplausible and quite cringe. Another example:
"Dean looked so skinny that bending down to tie his shoelaces might snap his spine".
Like, whaaaat... What even is that sentence?
I also had some issues with the use of a certain trope. Something happens to Ben, and this very much defines the second half of the book. Aren't we a little done with that trope in liberal, Western settings?
If you choose to include this trope, it should at the very least be done in an interesting and believeable way, which I don't think it was in this book. I altogether wished the book would have focused on something else instead.
But, yeah, despite some issues, I thought it was sweet, and I had a good time:)
I liked both Dean and Ben, but I would have wanted them to have spent a little more time together, because they were so sweet and in love when they actually hung out🥰 But a good portion of the book is basically the two of them being sad on their own🥲
I didn't mind this aspect of the book too much though. The main reason I'm not rating this higher than 3 stars is the writing. It was occasionally a little cliché and cringe. E.g.:
"I pictured Dean in a white lab coat, leaning over a beaker that was bubbling on top of a Bunsen burner. And I wanted to rip that lab coat off him."
They are two 15 and 16 year old boys, and I totally understand that they have lust and desire, but phrased like that!? I don't think so. I just found that last sentence a little unplausible and quite cringe. Another example:
"Dean looked so skinny that bending down to tie his shoelaces might snap his spine".
Like, whaaaat... What even is that sentence?
I also had some issues with the use of a certain trope. Something happens to Ben, and this very much defines the second half of the book. Aren't we a little done with that trope in liberal, Western settings?
If you choose to include this trope, it should at the very least be done in an interesting and believeable way, which I don't think it was in this book. I altogether wished the book would have focused on something else instead.
But, yeah, despite some issues, I thought it was sweet, and I had a good time:)
December 11, 2023
Up there with the best of them - YA M/M coming of age romances that is. Both MCs progressively wormed their way into my heart and I was cheering them on with all guns blazing by books end. Easily 4.5 stars.
February 7, 2024
Amazing, Realistic, Harrowing, Compelling story of first love between two sixteeen-year-olds, whose bantering and fumbling and tumbling eventually lead to kissing . . . and more kissing. . . and a forced outing.
Just when Dean and Ben seem to find each other, the pressure cooker that is high school (this time in Cork, Ireland) blows up their intimate moment . . . and to find out how these two irresistible characters beat the odds, you'll have to read Simon Doyle's hard-to-put-down novel!
This one is worthy of rereading.
Just when Dean and Ben seem to find each other, the pressure cooker that is high school (this time in Cork, Ireland) blows up their intimate moment . . . and to find out how these two irresistible characters beat the odds, you'll have to read Simon Doyle's hard-to-put-down novel!
This one is worthy of rereading.
December 27, 2023
Snow Boys
By Simon Doyle
SD Press, 2023
Four stars
Ben and Dean, the tall blond jock and the little skinny nerd, both sixteen. A tale as old as time in the world of YA romance, and yet here, once more, presented in a fresh and touching way.
Ben Hunter is the popular star of the basketball team in his Cork, Ireland, high school—the tallest boy in school. Blond and handsome, he is the boy all the girls want and all the boys want to be. Dean O’Donnell is a short, slender math (or, maths) nerd and an introvert. Nobody knows who he is.
Thing is, Dean is more or less happy with his lot in life. He has loving parents, a couple of good friends (Ashley and Tony) who know he’s gay. He’s good at school. He’s fine. Ben Hunter, on the other hand, should be in his glory, but he’s not. The only good part of his day is on the basketball court with his teammates. His best friend, Erin, appears to be his girlfriend, but she is not. She knows he’s gay, but he isn’t quite sure she believes it. His home life is a shambles, and he’s desperately unhappy—which nobody but Erin can see.
What struck me about this, other than the respectful and gentle way the author handles these two boys and their emergent feelings for each other, is the tough fact that, even in modern-day Ireland, homophobia, or at least the fear of it, is as crippling as it was for me in high school fifty years ago in Northeastern USA. Both of these boys made my heart ache.
The only really horrible thing to happen in the book is not something that happens directly to either boy, but it is harrowing and important in its effects. The greatest enemy in this tale is fear, and it is love’s power to overcome fear that makes all the difference in the story.
The ability of YA romance to tap into deep truths over and over again is a testament to its important relevance to teen life today. I never cease to be amazed at how much I am moved by these stories.
By Simon Doyle
SD Press, 2023
Four stars
Ben and Dean, the tall blond jock and the little skinny nerd, both sixteen. A tale as old as time in the world of YA romance, and yet here, once more, presented in a fresh and touching way.
Ben Hunter is the popular star of the basketball team in his Cork, Ireland, high school—the tallest boy in school. Blond and handsome, he is the boy all the girls want and all the boys want to be. Dean O’Donnell is a short, slender math (or, maths) nerd and an introvert. Nobody knows who he is.
Thing is, Dean is more or less happy with his lot in life. He has loving parents, a couple of good friends (Ashley and Tony) who know he’s gay. He’s good at school. He’s fine. Ben Hunter, on the other hand, should be in his glory, but he’s not. The only good part of his day is on the basketball court with his teammates. His best friend, Erin, appears to be his girlfriend, but she is not. She knows he’s gay, but he isn’t quite sure she believes it. His home life is a shambles, and he’s desperately unhappy—which nobody but Erin can see.
What struck me about this, other than the respectful and gentle way the author handles these two boys and their emergent feelings for each other, is the tough fact that, even in modern-day Ireland, homophobia, or at least the fear of it, is as crippling as it was for me in high school fifty years ago in Northeastern USA. Both of these boys made my heart ache.
The only really horrible thing to happen in the book is not something that happens directly to either boy, but it is harrowing and important in its effects. The greatest enemy in this tale is fear, and it is love’s power to overcome fear that makes all the difference in the story.
The ability of YA romance to tap into deep truths over and over again is a testament to its important relevance to teen life today. I never cease to be amazed at how much I am moved by these stories.
February 21, 2025
This book took me by surprise. I didn't initially expect it to be so heavy in some parts. In addition to the absolutely adorable romance, Simon Doyle also tackles some difficult topics here. He strikes just the right balance between seriousness and levity, and it made for an excellent read that was truly heartwarming.
January 1, 2025
first book of 2025!!! actually really loved this, even tho it seems like it’s going to be kinda a basic gay story. but the characters were so full of heart and they didn’t go down the stereotypical paths i thought they might. really lovely, great characters, cute romance.
also vaguely heartstopper in the way that a sportsy boy and a sorta geeky musician get together during high school in europe.
also, what i wish sunburned was!!! irish and difficulties but also sweetness and love.
finally, i loved the mcs two bffs. they were so fun
also vaguely heartstopper in the way that a sportsy boy and a sorta geeky musician get together during high school in europe.
also, what i wish sunburned was!!! irish and difficulties but also sweetness and love.
finally, i loved the mcs two bffs. they were so fun
December 17, 2023
What started out as a very wholesome read ended up being much darker, with a good chunk of homophobia and family troubles. I didn't mind, but I wasn't expecting that.
I have a soft spot for Ben. I might have missed something but I still don't really know what was up with his dad. But I kinda went through these parts quicker than others as they reminded me a bit too much of my own family issues when I was younger.
Also, Mr Elliot is my favourite.
Tl;dr nice read but not very memorable.
I have a soft spot for Ben. I might have missed something but I still don't really know what was up with his dad. But I kinda went through these parts quicker than others as they reminded me a bit too much of my own family issues when I was younger.
Also, Mr Elliot is my favourite.
Tl;dr nice read but not very memorable.
March 21, 2024
I was looking for a light read to change the mood after my last few books were on the heavier side and this did not disappoint:
Lovable characters: check
Cute relationship: check
Fluff: Check
Endearing Christmas setting: check
Bonus point for the story taking place in Ireland as opposed to the usual American high school setting.
Lovable characters: check
Cute relationship: check
Fluff: Check
Endearing Christmas setting: check
Bonus point for the story taking place in Ireland as opposed to the usual American high school setting.
April 24, 2024
RTC when I can form the words 😭❤️
December 16, 2024
Soooooo good. I loveeeee a queer slow burn romance, and YA? Yes please. It was a great coming to terms with yourself while planting hints at guys you’re interested in while being closeted. It had coming out and queer friends and family dynamics. And the MCs were actually very cute and the drama was very realistic and made a lot of sense (can’t always say that with queer YA). It was really well written as it was a LONG book but kept me wanting to read more and more.
Two things I HATED that probably was intentional but still:
1. Erin, the BFF, was a horrible friend, homophobic, and deserved zero redemption.
2. The way the MCs parents were neglectful and borderline abusive and yet everyone was a happy family in the end really bothered me. I really wanted a better resolution to that family problem dynamic because it was just too happy ending for something so bad.
Two things I HATED that probably was intentional but still:
1. Erin, the BFF, was a horrible friend, homophobic, and deserved zero redemption.
2. The way the MCs parents were neglectful and borderline abusive and yet everyone was a happy family in the end really bothered me. I really wanted a better resolution to that family problem dynamic because it was just too happy ending for something so bad.
January 29, 2025
this book was so good it once again made me believe in YA romances, and that’s saying something!
I dived into snow boys without knowing a single thing about it—save for the fact that simon doyle is irish, and I ought to shop local. I instantly fell in love with the writing and small references to the shared experience of a good old irish life that decidedly helped me fall in love with the world he has set for dean and ben.
both characters were extremely interesting in their own rights, and i was not expecting the angst that came with learning more about their backgrounds and family. I loved the setting of the story—even though i’m not a huge fan of stories set in high school, and how well it unfolded with realism but hope laced together.
I will definitely read more from this author in the near future!
4.25 ⭐️
I dived into snow boys without knowing a single thing about it—save for the fact that simon doyle is irish, and I ought to shop local. I instantly fell in love with the writing and small references to the shared experience of a good old irish life that decidedly helped me fall in love with the world he has set for dean and ben.
both characters were extremely interesting in their own rights, and i was not expecting the angst that came with learning more about their backgrounds and family. I loved the setting of the story—even though i’m not a huge fan of stories set in high school, and how well it unfolded with realism but hope laced together.
I will definitely read more from this author in the near future!
4.25 ⭐️
December 5, 2025
I definitely should’ve looked into the content warnings for this book because it dealt with some pretty heavy and difficult topics. But I still really enjoyed it. Despite it having the, sometimes, harsh realities of life, it was a very heartwarming and adorable story. Ben and Dean are so cute. This was a great read!
April 26, 2024
Touching story about two boys in Ireland who fall in love amidst coming out in a gossip laden school, while one of their families fall apart.
The characters felt real, connected to each other, and it made it easy to invest in them.
At times the drama got laid on pretty thick, like in real life. I did want more Irishness to the language used but there some touches in there.
Overall, it was a good feeling to see them come through it and find their tribe!
The characters felt real, connected to each other, and it made it easy to invest in them.
At times the drama got laid on pretty thick, like in real life. I did want more Irishness to the language used but there some touches in there.
Overall, it was a good feeling to see them come through it and find their tribe!
featured
December 28, 2023https://www.tumblr.com/aspeccharacter...
Tony from Snow Boys is aroflux!
Tony from Snow Boys is aroflux!
February 24, 2024
4.5 stars rounded up!
ai-profiteering-garbage
April 8, 2024i don't normally bother pointing it out when i come across a book with a clearly ai-generated cover because, well, it's not illegal, and plenty of readers don't care, even though they should! even though it's a scummy thing to do! but i do think it's worth mentioning that this book goes out of its way to credit a cover artist who—truly, as far as i can tell (would love to be proven wrong)—does not exist. i'm unsure whether the name was just pulled from the aether, or if it's the person the author paid on fiverr to generate the image for him. either way. ew.
shame, though. this one sounded lovely.
shame, though. this one sounded lovely.
July 9, 2024
I was looking for a lighthearted, cute romance. This was not that, but it was really good. Their are a lot of serious topics in this (homophobia, addiction, etc.) and it was definitely tough to read at times. I think these topics were handled really well, and they tugged immensely at my heart strings. From the pointed writing to the witty banter, these characters had a lot of personality. I really felt for Ben, because he had the worst go about it, and I think Dean really paired off well with him. You could really feel how much they cared for each other, even in their worst moments. If you like heartfelt romances I would definitely recommend!!
February 7, 2024
a reminder of how glad i am to not be 15 years old anymore - and that life gets more fun when ur surrounded by queer friends and have a ben hunter to kiss <3
June 16, 2024
I love this! It has serious Heartstopper vibes, although does go quite a bit darker. It is a wonderful, YA romance, and both the main characters are wonderfully sweet.
April 17, 2025
4.5/5 stars
Snow Boys is a gay YA holiday romance between two Irish schoolboys. Dean O’Donnell is lonely despite having two best friends who accept him and parents who are still very much in love. He is still a nerdy wallflower in school and closeted when popular jock Ben inexplicably starts paying attention to him. Ben Hunter is lonely despite being well liked and having a seemingly perfect life. No one knows about his angry mentally ill father, alcoholic mother, and his not-his-girlfriend best friend—none of whom believe he is gay. So when Dean and Ben form an unexpected connection, can they work through their issues to embrace the romance blossoming between them?
I was expecting a cute coming-of-age romance (and it was that), but this book was much more. There was this undertone of melancholy throughout because of the heavy issues both boys are suffering from. My heart broke for Ben with his parents’ abuse of each other, and the book really highlighted how outward appearances and perception can be so different from reality. Then add on to that is his forced outing, which was just another heartbreak. Dean’s issues meanwhile are more internal, lacking a sense of belonging even though he actually has people who support him. I loved his sense of humor though and I was constantly chuckling at his statements and observations.
Their romance was sweet but with more angst than I was expecting. I liked how it developed gradually with Ben being more proactive and reaching out to Dean. It was cute and charming. I could have used without the third act break-up though, but it did fit in with the overall tone of the story.
Snow Boys can be more sad than expected, but it was ultimately sweet and uplifting.
Snow Boys is a gay YA holiday romance between two Irish schoolboys. Dean O’Donnell is lonely despite having two best friends who accept him and parents who are still very much in love. He is still a nerdy wallflower in school and closeted when popular jock Ben inexplicably starts paying attention to him. Ben Hunter is lonely despite being well liked and having a seemingly perfect life. No one knows about his angry mentally ill father, alcoholic mother, and his not-his-girlfriend best friend—none of whom believe he is gay. So when Dean and Ben form an unexpected connection, can they work through their issues to embrace the romance blossoming between them?
I was expecting a cute coming-of-age romance (and it was that), but this book was much more. There was this undertone of melancholy throughout because of the heavy issues both boys are suffering from. My heart broke for Ben with his parents’ abuse of each other, and the book really highlighted how outward appearances and perception can be so different from reality. Then add on to that is his forced outing, which was just another heartbreak. Dean’s issues meanwhile are more internal, lacking a sense of belonging even though he actually has people who support him. I loved his sense of humor though and I was constantly chuckling at his statements and observations.
Their romance was sweet but with more angst than I was expecting. I liked how it developed gradually with Ben being more proactive and reaching out to Dean. It was cute and charming. I could have used without the third act break-up though, but it did fit in with the overall tone of the story.
Snow Boys can be more sad than expected, but it was ultimately sweet and uplifting.
March 12, 2024
Before I tell you why I loved this book, I need to break my “no spoilers rule” and that’s due to CW/TW.
⚠️One of the MC’s Dean, suffers with anxiety.
Both MC’s Ben (mostly) and Dean are subject to homophobia.
Depictions of alcohol use and alcoholism (Ben’s parents)
Self harm (Ben’s parents)
Suggested Domestic/spouse about (Ben’s parents)⚠️
Ok, so with the heavy warning out of the way, please may I say, if you are effected by any of the above, please take care.
The scenes are through 16 year olds eyes and not all pieces are together.
Right, so the book.
It’s brilliant! The way the author handles all the above and still manages to make it such a heartwarming story is incredible! Each character had time to grow, the scenes felt loved in. I was rooting for the MC’s the whole time and none of the decisions any of the characters made felt forced in any way.
Dean has moved to Ben’s school. Ben is the popular jock type who’s great at sports. Dean is a maths wiz with an unexpected singing talent. Neither of them run in the same circles until one epic snow day, which leads to a chain of events no one will see coming.
Highly recommend.
⚠️One of the MC’s Dean, suffers with anxiety.
Both MC’s Ben (mostly) and Dean are subject to homophobia.
Depictions of alcohol use and alcoholism (Ben’s parents)
Self harm (Ben’s parents)
Suggested Domestic/spouse about (Ben’s parents)⚠️
Ok, so with the heavy warning out of the way, please may I say, if you are effected by any of the above, please take care.
The scenes are through 16 year olds eyes and not all pieces are together.
Right, so the book.
It’s brilliant! The way the author handles all the above and still manages to make it such a heartwarming story is incredible! Each character had time to grow, the scenes felt loved in. I was rooting for the MC’s the whole time and none of the decisions any of the characters made felt forced in any way.
Dean has moved to Ben’s school. Ben is the popular jock type who’s great at sports. Dean is a maths wiz with an unexpected singing talent. Neither of them run in the same circles until one epic snow day, which leads to a chain of events no one will see coming.
Highly recommend.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 9, 2025
I guess I'm weak for heartbreaking yet soft coming-of-age romance stories, because I loved this.
It's about wallflower, Dean and jock, Ben, and the surprising friendship formed between them. In terms of plot, not a lot truly happens, but we're seeing and exploring these character's lives. Ben has a difficult home-life that is plagued by his parents' arguments. Dean is cast in the school choir but struggles with nerves and shyness. And both are coming to terms with their sexuality. The friendship and then romance between Dean and Ben was so sweet and so soft. I truly loved their interactions. The set-up is kind of similar to Heartstopper, but it's unique enough to also stand on its own. It did break my heart in places but also mended it and gave me hope and all the fuzzy feelings.
It's about wallflower, Dean and jock, Ben, and the surprising friendship formed between them. In terms of plot, not a lot truly happens, but we're seeing and exploring these character's lives. Ben has a difficult home-life that is plagued by his parents' arguments. Dean is cast in the school choir but struggles with nerves and shyness. And both are coming to terms with their sexuality. The friendship and then romance between Dean and Ben was so sweet and so soft. I truly loved their interactions. The set-up is kind of similar to Heartstopper, but it's unique enough to also stand on its own. It did break my heart in places but also mended it and gave me hope and all the fuzzy feelings.
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