SoWhatIf

by S.E. David

Doverville isn’t a town that’s going to be holding its own Pride celebrations any day soon, but Reece, on the run from his past, quickly finds acceptance down at the Kwik Auto Fix, working alongside Rob, the fluent restaurant-French-speaking boss, and Lyle, the cake-baking Southern boy. More than acceptance, however, he finds genuine friendship – then something far stronger. Back home in England, Reece was used to messy love affairs. It provides invaluable preparation for what lies ahead, as the three friends try to work out what they really want and how to get it.

313 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 17, 2023

Reviews

[Mr Clive · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a sucker for a good cover, that's why I went for this one, and I'm sure glad I did. I read it in a couple of days. This standalone story of Reece, Rob and Lyle takes familiar LGBT+ tropes and gives them a neat new twist; while the usual heavy emphasis on sex is here replaced by a firm focus on the group's evolving friendships. Don't get me wrong, there are spicy moments, but they tend to be more playful and erotic than sweaty and grunty. As a scientist, I found the chemistry between the MCs spot on, and I LOL on a number of occasions, even each new chapter heading made me smile (which it managed to do without giving away any plot developments, something I really hate in novels). So, it's an easy five stars from me and I look forward to more to follow.

[Sheila A. Cork · Rating 5 out of 5]

Three men find love and acceptance in a small town in southern America

With some gentle satire and humor this book captures the mood of a small southern town perfectly. Following a series of misadventures Reese, a young gay man, finds love and acceptance with Lyle and Rob who he works with at an auto repair shop

Lyle, and Rob are well portrayed, they have their unique quirks and all three have sad back stories. There are a number of interesting characters that Reese meets on his journey south.

The way in which Reese examines his past life and draws mature conclusions from these reflections help us to see him as a fully realized character.

[Saskia Veldhuis · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Quite a raw and unusual read with three very realistic characters. I really liked the way they interacted and slowly grew into a throuple relationship, much to their surprise. Lyle in particular was a lovely character. Please note for readers with triggers for cheating - Lyle is married to someone else and so was Rob for quite a lot of the book (although the latter was separated).
I received a complimentary copy of this book and am happy to leave a voluntary review.

[Clauee · Rating 5 out of 5]

S.E. David, SoWhatIf (Wrate’s Publishing, 2023) 441p

S.E. David publishes a debut novel (SoWhatIf). I really appreciate that it opens a door for us members of the LGBTQIA+ community. It is about finding who you are in a foreign country. Whether you are looking for friends or love or adventure, this is a book that you would want to read if you are looking to widen your perspective in different cultures and perspectives from individuals with different backgrounds.

[Vic · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved reading about a gay guy who was already out and not conflicted and also not a target because he's gay. I also liked the relatively easy acceptance of the others. I thought the story quite sweet really although at points I skipped bits. It's funny and well written, a fun taste of small town America.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sheila Cork · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really great romantic story of a young gay man’s time in the American South and the unexpected love and acceptance that he finds there.

Reese’s questioning of himself and his increasing maturity along with well written characters and thought provoking ideas make this book a great read.

[Samuel White · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read

I liked this book a lot. I love Lyle so much. Reece inspired love and hate and Rob ugh could just go away. #goodreadsgiveaway

[Lesley Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me hooked from the start and I struggled to put it down. I raced through it in two days. I loved the humour, the sadness and the back story of the three main characters, as well as the familiarity of how I view the USA as an English person. Reece isn’t always likeable, but I found myself rooting for him and hoping he would find his Happy Ever After. I highly recommend this book, but be warned it contains sexually explicit material and strong language!

[Chelsea · Rating 2 out of 5]

Did not finish. I love a gay romance, but I got bored of still reading exposition nearly halfway through the book.