What do you think?
Rate this book
And Then He Kissed Me: A 1960s MM Romance
Britain is booming.
The winds of change are blowing.
But for some, love is still illegal.
Tommy Kent lives a boring, unfulfilling life and can’t see any way out. He does the same thing over and over again, hundreds of times a day in an unbearably loud, hellishly hot, acrid-smelling factory.
He lives for the weekends, when he can lose himself in the music, fashion and nightclubs of the mod scene. His friends and family love him unconditionally, but he’ll never have the one thing he truly someone to share his life with, someone to grow old with.
He decided long ago that it’s easier - and safer - to be alone. Even if that means a life half-lived.
That is, until Eric Greene rides into his world on a beautiful blue Lambretta, making Tommy want things he’d long since given up hoping for.
Eric has his own demons to fight. He was born into wealth and privilege but he’s never known love or affection, not even from his family. All he’s ever wanted is to belong somewhere.
Are they brave enough to risk falling in love?
What have they got to lose? Only everything.
Set against the vibrant backdrop of 1960s London, And Then He Kissed Me is a story of forbidden love and found family accompanied by a soundtrack of American Soul and British Beat music.
The winds of change are blowing.
But for some, love is still illegal.
Tommy Kent lives a boring, unfulfilling life and can’t see any way out. He does the same thing over and over again, hundreds of times a day in an unbearably loud, hellishly hot, acrid-smelling factory.
He lives for the weekends, when he can lose himself in the music, fashion and nightclubs of the mod scene. His friends and family love him unconditionally, but he’ll never have the one thing he truly someone to share his life with, someone to grow old with.
He decided long ago that it’s easier - and safer - to be alone. Even if that means a life half-lived.
That is, until Eric Greene rides into his world on a beautiful blue Lambretta, making Tommy want things he’d long since given up hoping for.
Eric has his own demons to fight. He was born into wealth and privilege but he’s never known love or affection, not even from his family. All he’s ever wanted is to belong somewhere.
Are they brave enough to risk falling in love?
What have they got to lose? Only everything.
Set against the vibrant backdrop of 1960s London, And Then He Kissed Me is a story of forbidden love and found family accompanied by a soundtrack of American Soul and British Beat music.
316 pages, Paperback
Published September 14, 2024
About the author
C.M. Daniels
3 books17 followersCM Daniels is exactly who you expect her to be: a disaster bisexual with former-gifted-child syndrome who writes because she gets more sense from her characters than anyone in her real life. She lives in London with two cats, a guinea pig, a stick insect, a husband and a teenager. Sometimes, she misses the quiet, but she loves the chaos if she’s honest with herself.
She hates talking about herself in the third person, doesn’t everyone?
As yet another thirsty middle-aged lady writing MM romance, she strives to write stories that reflect the real lived experience of men who loved men throughout history.
She is mainly focused on telling stories from the 20th century. This is because it maddens and saddens her that people in living memory were persecuted for who they love. She is fully aware that in some countries, it is still illegal to be LGBTQ+ and this makes her head and heart hurt.
She always gives her characters an HEA because they deserve it.
She hates talking about herself in the third person, doesn’t everyone?
As yet another thirsty middle-aged lady writing MM romance, she strives to write stories that reflect the real lived experience of men who loved men throughout history.
She is mainly focused on telling stories from the 20th century. This is because it maddens and saddens her that people in living memory were persecuted for who they love. She is fully aware that in some countries, it is still illegal to be LGBTQ+ and this makes her head and heart hurt.
She always gives her characters an HEA because they deserve it.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
January 11, 2025
4.5 stars.
And then he kissed me is a debut historical novel. It is set in England in the 1960s, when same-sex relationships were a crime (decriminalized in 1967).
Eric is a boy from a rich family, who is still controlled by his father, who sends him to live in a guarded apartment to control his tendencies (his words not mine, I dislike him very much). He starts a new job and there he meets Tommy. Tommy adds him to his group of friends and the feelings between them begin to surface.
Tommy is a pretty smart guy who, for family reasons, dropped out of school and got a job. He loves his mother.
I was afraid they wouldn't get their HEA, because of the era it's set in.
It's very well set, both for the language, the clothes, the music...
The titles of the chapters are songs, i really like that kind of details. I'm going to make myself a playlist. I will follow the author closely.
The playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/10P...
And then he kissed me is a debut historical novel. It is set in England in the 1960s, when same-sex relationships were a crime (decriminalized in 1967).
Eric is a boy from a rich family, who is still controlled by his father, who sends him to live in a guarded apartment to control his tendencies (his words not mine, I dislike him very much). He starts a new job and there he meets Tommy. Tommy adds him to his group of friends and the feelings between them begin to surface.
Tommy is a pretty smart guy who, for family reasons, dropped out of school and got a job. He loves his mother.
I was afraid they wouldn't get their HEA, because of the era it's set in.
It's very well set, both for the language, the clothes, the music...
The titles of the chapters are songs, i really like that kind of details. I'm going to make myself a playlist. I will follow the author closely.
The playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/10P...
January 12, 2025
You probably already know how much I love historical MM romance, and particularly mid 20th century.
The vibe, the culture, the class issues, the music. This was pretty much perfect. Tommy and Eric made my heart so full.
The vibe, the culture, the class issues, the music. This was pretty much perfect. Tommy and Eric made my heart so full.
January 28, 2025
What an amazing book. I studied Sociology in the UK and we had an assignment on the Mods vs Rockers and their turf wars, but my reading on the subject was never as vivid as reading this book.
The MCs were so good together and the way they navigated their first times was so wholesome.
I admit that I cried at the epilogue because it brought their journey together in such an amazing way and my heart was just too full to keep it in.
The times are tough out there again (not that it ever went away), so these books are even more needed to bring hope when hope is fading.
Is Mick having his own book? 'nudge, nudge, wink'.
The MCs were so good together and the way they navigated their first times was so wholesome.
I admit that I cried at the epilogue because it brought their journey together in such an amazing way and my heart was just too full to keep it in.
The times are tough out there again (not that it ever went away), so these books are even more needed to bring hope when hope is fading.
Is Mick having his own book? 'nudge, nudge, wink'.
April 15, 2026
Wow, I have been waiting to read this book for ages, building it up in my mind, expectations sky high and CM Daniels still managed to surpass them. I LOVE Eric and Tommy, love the Mod (obsessed) found family that fits so beautifully together, redefining friendship, set in the 1960’s the author does an exceptional job of making you love the times! Life was simpler and so much more complicated, there was more freedom and far less than today, the music scene is a character in itself almost and this immersive world still has a pull on me, I don’t know how long I’ll be inhabiting it.
This a high swoon book so be prepared, it’s also a book that will tug hard on your emotions - the love that Eric and Tommy find, not just between themselves but between the wonderful platonic friendships that hold them steady and navigate the hate that comes their way is inspiring
This book is written with a lot of courage I think, it is not predictable and is extreamly relevant in its themes even today.
This a high swoon book so be prepared, it’s also a book that will tug hard on your emotions - the love that Eric and Tommy find, not just between themselves but between the wonderful platonic friendships that hold them steady and navigate the hate that comes their way is inspiring
This book is written with a lot of courage I think, it is not predictable and is extreamly relevant in its themes even today.
April 3, 2025
This book was great! Tommy and Eric were such a great couple, and the way they handled their relationship and their first time together was so honest and felt more real than some of the books I’ve read in the past.
The epilogue was beautiful, and I had a few happy tears in my eyes that they got the ending they both deserved. The dedication at the beginning— to those who didn’t get or couldn’t tell anyone about their happy endings— some people still love that way and it’s heartbreaking.
“In the bottom picture, we were looking at each other— The looks of love and longing and sheer happiness on both our faces were unmistakable. Here, in front of us, we had a visual record of what we shared— Protecting the photos was so important. This may be the only physical proof we’d ever have that we loved each other.”
I’ve trimmed this down, but the way my eyes filled and my throat became tight reading those few paragraphs. That something as simple as a photograph could be enough to condemn you, that we now take that for granted.
I loved the playlist we were given as we read along. The group of friends were great, and I hope we get a story for Mick! I did feel a bit sorry for Davey at the end 😂 I wasn’t sure if she was keeping him that way because he was going to turn out to be a wrong’un but nope I think he might have his own sexuality issues going on.
I really recommend and enjoyed this.
The epilogue was beautiful, and I had a few happy tears in my eyes that they got the ending they both deserved. The dedication at the beginning— to those who didn’t get or couldn’t tell anyone about their happy endings— some people still love that way and it’s heartbreaking.
“In the bottom picture, we were looking at each other— The looks of love and longing and sheer happiness on both our faces were unmistakable. Here, in front of us, we had a visual record of what we shared— Protecting the photos was so important. This may be the only physical proof we’d ever have that we loved each other.”
I’ve trimmed this down, but the way my eyes filled and my throat became tight reading those few paragraphs. That something as simple as a photograph could be enough to condemn you, that we now take that for granted.
I loved the playlist we were given as we read along. The group of friends were great, and I hope we get a story for Mick! I did feel a bit sorry for Davey at the end 😂 I wasn’t sure if she was keeping him that way because he was going to turn out to be a wrong’un but nope I think he might have his own sexuality issues going on.
I really recommend and enjoyed this.
November 25, 2024
4.5 rounded up to 5!
A sweet and fun read with plenty of period details and local flavour. I loved the many colourful expressions, and as someone who grew up on Quadrophenia, the music references and mod background were exciting and a bit nostalgic. The characters are lovable, the first-time moments adorable, and the happy-ending-against-the-odds so satisfying!
For readers outside of the UK, the explicit class differences (toff vs working class) might seem odd (in the Americas, we like the pretence of egalitarianism even if our reality isn’t any different) but many aspects of this story – like finding your people outside of your own family, and Eric’s “code-switching” when he moves between different environments – are especially relatable. (I did kind of wonder where his mother was for most of the story though.)
Favourite song reference: "Hold On I’m Coming" when the gang goes to rescue Eric!
A sweet and fun read with plenty of period details and local flavour. I loved the many colourful expressions, and as someone who grew up on Quadrophenia, the music references and mod background were exciting and a bit nostalgic. The characters are lovable, the first-time moments adorable, and the happy-ending-against-the-odds so satisfying!
For readers outside of the UK, the explicit class differences (toff vs working class) might seem odd (in the Americas, we like the pretence of egalitarianism even if our reality isn’t any different) but many aspects of this story – like finding your people outside of your own family, and Eric’s “code-switching” when he moves between different environments – are especially relatable. (I did kind of wonder where his mother was for most of the story though.)
Favourite song reference: "Hold On I’m Coming" when the gang goes to rescue Eric!
June 13, 2025
Oh my gosh, this was absolutely glorious! A beautiful coming-of-age story about two young men in the 1960’s Mod scene in Dagenham, this book was sad in places, joyous in others and reinforced why I love historical romance so dang much!
Dogged by a queer scandal, Eric Greene has been exiled from his father’s posh country home to a flat in Dagenham. Under strict instructions to not socialise, and to focus only on his job in the offices of the Ford Car plant, Eric is lost and alone. Until he is brought into the fold of the young Mod scene by fellow Mod, Mick.
Tommy Kent’s life is stagnating - trapped working on the production line of the Ford factory, he’s resigned to never moving on… or ever finding love. But when Mick brings beautiful, posh outcast Eric to the pub, Tommy’s world is turned upside down and suddenly everything doesn’t look so bleak.
This was such a fantastic look into the 1960’s scenes - Mods, Teddy Boys, Rockers - and their rivalries. There was a focus on the music and clothes that made the Mod scene so recognisable, which I loved. Eric and Tommy come from wildly different backgrounds but they click almost instantly (as friends, then later as lovers). I adored the found family aspect of this book; their group of friends are amazing and whilst Eric’s family are absolutely horrendous, Tommy’s are just salt-of-the-earth people who love him so much.
Read And Then He Kissed Me for:
✨ Historical romance, 1960’s England
✨ The Mod Scene
✨ Friends to lovers
✨ Coming of age
✨ Class difference
✨ (Willing) forced proximity
✨ Just the best found family
Dogged by a queer scandal, Eric Greene has been exiled from his father’s posh country home to a flat in Dagenham. Under strict instructions to not socialise, and to focus only on his job in the offices of the Ford Car plant, Eric is lost and alone. Until he is brought into the fold of the young Mod scene by fellow Mod, Mick.
Tommy Kent’s life is stagnating - trapped working on the production line of the Ford factory, he’s resigned to never moving on… or ever finding love. But when Mick brings beautiful, posh outcast Eric to the pub, Tommy’s world is turned upside down and suddenly everything doesn’t look so bleak.
This was such a fantastic look into the 1960’s scenes - Mods, Teddy Boys, Rockers - and their rivalries. There was a focus on the music and clothes that made the Mod scene so recognisable, which I loved. Eric and Tommy come from wildly different backgrounds but they click almost instantly (as friends, then later as lovers). I adored the found family aspect of this book; their group of friends are amazing and whilst Eric’s family are absolutely horrendous, Tommy’s are just salt-of-the-earth people who love him so much.
Read And Then He Kissed Me for:
✨ Historical romance, 1960’s England
✨ The Mod Scene
✨ Friends to lovers
✨ Coming of age
✨ Class difference
✨ (Willing) forced proximity
✨ Just the best found family
November 14, 2025
Set in the 60s and from different walks of life Eric and Tommy find each other and take us on their journey with them. I love that the author has written this as alternate first POV.
As a girl of the 60s I can say that this is such a wonderful genuine snapshot of the time, words used, clothing worn, opinions held and music played.
I don’t have enough words to praise this amazing book enough. The writing is perfect and just keeps us invested, not wanting to take a break, being there with them!
Then…then… there’s a wonderful playlist!
My heart is full right now!!❤️
As a girl of the 60s I can say that this is such a wonderful genuine snapshot of the time, words used, clothing worn, opinions held and music played.
I don’t have enough words to praise this amazing book enough. The writing is perfect and just keeps us invested, not wanting to take a break, being there with them!
Then…then… there’s a wonderful playlist!
My heart is full right now!!❤️
May 23, 2026
And Then He Kissed Me by C.M. Daniels was such a sweet, emotional, and nostalgic read set in 1960s England. The story follows Tommy and Eric as they navigate life, friendship, identity, and love during a time when simply being yourself could be dangerous. Tommy comes from a loving and supportive family with a close-knit group of friends, while Eric is trapped under the weight of a controlling household and desperately longs to live authentically. The two find comfort and understanding in one another, but in a world where loving another man is considered wrong, falling in love comes with very real risks.
I absolutely adored this story. I already love the mod era, and C.M. Daniels did such an incredible job bringing it to life. From the fashion references to the slang and atmosphere, everything felt immersive and authentic, like stepping directly into the 1960s. The setting had so much charm and personality that it became one of my favorite aspects of the book.
What really made this story special, though, was the relationship between Tommy and Eric. Their friendship and romance felt tender, genuine, and at times heartbreaking, but so beautifully written. Watching them grow closer and become a safe place for one another was incredibly moving. I also loved their friend group so much. The found family dynamic added so much warmth to the story, and honestly, I’d love to read books centered around every single one of them.
One detail I especially loved was that every chapter was titled after a song from the era, which fit the vibe of the book perfectly and added such a fun touch. And I have to mention the epilogue because it was honestly one of my favorite parts of the entire book. No spoilers, but if you know… you know.
If you enjoy historical queer romance, found family, emotional slow-burn relationships, and rich 1960s vibes, I definitely recommend picking this one up.
I absolutely adored this story. I already love the mod era, and C.M. Daniels did such an incredible job bringing it to life. From the fashion references to the slang and atmosphere, everything felt immersive and authentic, like stepping directly into the 1960s. The setting had so much charm and personality that it became one of my favorite aspects of the book.
What really made this story special, though, was the relationship between Tommy and Eric. Their friendship and romance felt tender, genuine, and at times heartbreaking, but so beautifully written. Watching them grow closer and become a safe place for one another was incredibly moving. I also loved their friend group so much. The found family dynamic added so much warmth to the story, and honestly, I’d love to read books centered around every single one of them.
One detail I especially loved was that every chapter was titled after a song from the era, which fit the vibe of the book perfectly and added such a fun touch. And I have to mention the epilogue because it was honestly one of my favorite parts of the entire book. No spoilers, but if you know… you know.
If you enjoy historical queer romance, found family, emotional slow-burn relationships, and rich 1960s vibes, I definitely recommend picking this one up.
March 2, 2026
I honestly just loved this. It was not just the friends to lovers romance that I adored. It was the music, clothes and different culture among youth/adults depending where you lived. All of it together was just like a time trip. I loved the two MMCs and all the core side characters. It just really pulled you in to the time period.
March 8, 2025
This story has my whole heart. I enjoyed it so much. It's always a beautiful thing when people from two seemingly walks of life come together. Eric was the sweetest posh boy I've ever heard of and despite all the trauma and horror his father put him through, he remained pleasant and kind and reached for what he wanted and deserved. Tommy was great too~ Of course he is a bit of a hot head but you can tell he's passionate and kind. It's a little sad to read about how hard they had to hide their love for each other but it all makes sense with the time. It breaks my heart, as someone living in America where we clearly haven't advanced past the 1960s, especially with the current administration. But at least they got their happy ending. The epilogue almost had me crying... Finally being able to get married is heartwarming. I loved all the side characters as well.. Mick, the classic wingman. Frank and Sissy the token straights... I loved them all so much and loved getting to see their personalities. I definitely recommend this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 4, 2024
And Then He Kissed Me was a sweet and fun read—a solid debut by C.M. Daniels. I absolutely adored Tommy and Eric, as well as the entire supporting cast. The characters felt raw, real, and incredibly easy to love.
The romance was beautifully crafted—watching two individuals who never thought they’d find true love stumble upon it with each other was heartwarming. Their chemistry was electric, their passion undeniable, and the epilogue provided such a satisfying conclusion.
As a fan of historicals, I especially appreciated the atmospheric and immersive historical elements. The writing was wonderfully evocative, and I’m already looking forward to reading more from C.M. Daniels.
That said, I can’t quite give it a full 5 stars because my interest did dip at certain points. Still, it was a very enjoyable read overall, and I’m giving it 4 stars!
The romance was beautifully crafted—watching two individuals who never thought they’d find true love stumble upon it with each other was heartwarming. Their chemistry was electric, their passion undeniable, and the epilogue provided such a satisfying conclusion.
As a fan of historicals, I especially appreciated the atmospheric and immersive historical elements. The writing was wonderfully evocative, and I’m already looking forward to reading more from C.M. Daniels.
That said, I can’t quite give it a full 5 stars because my interest did dip at certain points. Still, it was a very enjoyable read overall, and I’m giving it 4 stars!
Read
July 3, 2026What a fantastic book. I really do enjoy historical fiction, but there are very few MM that are written during the 1960s. Wonderful references to the Beatles and The Who and what was taking place at the time. These characters both have depth and show great emotion. How they handle the beginning and struggles of their relationship during this critical time was visceral. I loved seeing their relationship bloom. Moderate spice, which was just fine. Of course there’s the evil father who added great interest to the plot. Can’t wait for the next story about Mick. Highly recommended.
January 19, 2026
And Then He Kissed Me by C. M. Daniels swept me back to my teenage years, where fashion, music, and attitude defined everything. British beat music forever! I remember the Mods and Rockers squaring up at traffic lights—the Mods in their sharp parkas with fur-lined hoods on scooters, the Rockers in leather jackets with Brylcreem in their hair, roaring past on motorbikes.
This wonderfully written story captures that era perfectly and had me wishing it would never end. An absolutely brilliant read.
This wonderfully written story captures that era perfectly and had me wishing it would never end. An absolutely brilliant read.
November 24, 2024
One of the sweetest love stories I've ever read
I couldn’t put this book down! Tommy and Eric's story is immensely touching and so beautiful. There are a few points in the story I would have loved to see fleshed out a bit more, but the overall book was amazing and definitely worthy of five stars. Each character (MCs and side characters) felt so real, and the author's research into the time period was incredibly detailed and vivid. I can't wait to read more from CM Daniels!
I couldn’t put this book down! Tommy and Eric's story is immensely touching and so beautiful. There are a few points in the story I would have loved to see fleshed out a bit more, but the overall book was amazing and definitely worthy of five stars. Each character (MCs and side characters) felt so real, and the author's research into the time period was incredibly detailed and vivid. I can't wait to read more from CM Daniels!
March 9, 2025
I really loved this book. Well written and engaging. The MMCs were fully developed and their relationship felt real.
I also liked the secondary characters. The Frankies and Mick were great.
This is a romance, so there is a satisfying HEA, but it does bring to mind all of the invisible queer love stories that perhaps didn’t have a happy ending and that have been lost to history. I was moved to tears a few times.
A definite recommendation!
I also liked the secondary characters. The Frankies and Mick were great.
This is a romance, so there is a satisfying HEA, but it does bring to mind all of the invisible queer love stories that perhaps didn’t have a happy ending and that have been lost to history. I was moved to tears a few times.
A definite recommendation!
October 4, 2024
Beautiful story
I’m thoroughly enjoyed this story. I loved both main characters. They were so well developed and the relationship between them was so tender. I’ve not read a lot of books about this era so it was good (tho sad) to learn more about what gay couples experienced during that time. Really nice writing. Highly recommend.
I’m thoroughly enjoyed this story. I loved both main characters. They were so well developed and the relationship between them was so tender. I’ve not read a lot of books about this era so it was good (tho sad) to learn more about what gay couples experienced during that time. Really nice writing. Highly recommend.
October 13, 2024
what a gem of a story
Fabulous, really different to anything else I’ve read this year, loved the development of the love story and the great group of friends, would highly recommend
Fabulous, really different to anything else I’ve read this year, loved the development of the love story and the great group of friends, would highly recommend
December 28, 2024
I loved reading this book. The characters personalities were clearly developed and I had images of them in my mind as a result.
March 5, 2025
Fucking adorable 💜💜💜
So sweet. Perfect ending 🥹
May 29, 2025
What a sweet historical romance!
4.5⭐ (rounded off)
4.5⭐ (rounded off)
June 23, 2025
the epilogue got me
July 17, 2026
This book was a lot of fun! I loved the story, their relationships, friends, family; it was all such an enjoyable read. I do have to say though, how the climax until conclusion played out felt very fairytale-y to me, with the confrontation/standing up to your abusers with no further consequence into a happily ever after where they’re fully accepted by their community with no pushback (in the 1960s too) - it all just felt too much of a fantasy and no longer rooted in reality. That being said, I don’t care too much about that and it was still a very lovely read. Excellent debut book! I can’t wait to get my hands on the paperback of the next book.
And I wanna also say, the author themselves recommended this book to me on Reddit! Let it be known that I saw your comment and went ahead and bought your book and read it (granted, a few months later, but still).
And I wanna also say, the author themselves recommended this book to me on Reddit! Let it be known that I saw your comment and went ahead and bought your book and read it (granted, a few months later, but still).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
February 16, 2025Paused at 40%. I love the time period and setting. I may come back to it later, just a little too slow paced for what I need right now.
September 15, 2024
This is a mod romance from a very different angle and was a great trip into the past. Beautifully crafted and delivered. The characters are immediately identifiable and real. Within a few pages I felt part of the Cherry Tree gang and was routing for our (anti-) heroes.
The playlist was a great addition and as I sat with the mussic gently playing in the background I was completely transported back over six decades.
Remember its a MM romance and what that entails, it all fits seamlessly.
Highly recommended. I am already waiting for CM Daniels's next book.
The playlist was a great addition and as I sat with the mussic gently playing in the background I was completely transported back over six decades.
Remember its a MM romance and what that entails, it all fits seamlessly.
Highly recommended. I am already waiting for CM Daniels's next book.
October 10, 2025
the writing got fairly confusing sometimes. i really like the idea of this story, but the execution leaves room for improvement
however, i did like the main characters very much, so 3.5 stars rounded to 4
however, i did like the main characters very much, so 3.5 stars rounded to 4
September 21, 2024
Cool Britannia. Mods in love. And Then He Kissed Me is the giddy, glorious story of two young men who fall in love amid a time of sweeping social change - even as that love was still illegal.
Posh public school boy Eric had been exiled to a minor management position in the Ford factory after an incident his father wants forgotten. I loved this sweet man with his stylish suits, vast record collection, posh voice, and desire to just be himself.
When one of the movers invites him to join his friends for a pint, he impulsively agrees. At The Cherry Tree he meets a group that will quickly become his friends - and Tommy Kent.
Tommy Kent. Brooding working class boy. Mod. Public library lover. He left school at 15 to support his family and works the floor at the Ford factory. Bonding over their shared love of music - there’s a fun scene where The Who (Who?) plays a local club - there’s no denying their attraction.
Even though both are in their early 20s, there’s a sheltered innocence about them. Eric had a bullying, overbearing father and Tommy still lived at home. Watching them fumble and figure things out is sweet and awkward and sexy.
A lot happens, and I’m not going to spoil the plot, but it’s so good!
I loved Tommy’s family. His quirky twin brothers are adorable.
Given the era, I was worried if they would get their HEA, but how they got there was lovely. What the author does in the epilogue is amazing!
There’s a wonderfully cinematic edge to vignettes like shopping on Carnaby Street, a scooter ride to Brighton, sneaking friends in past nosy neighbors, and a road trip rescue. A tiny bit Quadrophenia. A dash of Made in Degenham. And a totally original new voice. A great debut!
1d
Posh public school boy Eric had been exiled to a minor management position in the Ford factory after an incident his father wants forgotten. I loved this sweet man with his stylish suits, vast record collection, posh voice, and desire to just be himself.
When one of the movers invites him to join his friends for a pint, he impulsively agrees. At The Cherry Tree he meets a group that will quickly become his friends - and Tommy Kent.
Tommy Kent. Brooding working class boy. Mod. Public library lover. He left school at 15 to support his family and works the floor at the Ford factory. Bonding over their shared love of music - there’s a fun scene where The Who (Who?) plays a local club - there’s no denying their attraction.
Even though both are in their early 20s, there’s a sheltered innocence about them. Eric had a bullying, overbearing father and Tommy still lived at home. Watching them fumble and figure things out is sweet and awkward and sexy.
A lot happens, and I’m not going to spoil the plot, but it’s so good!
I loved Tommy’s family. His quirky twin brothers are adorable.
Given the era, I was worried if they would get their HEA, but how they got there was lovely. What the author does in the epilogue is amazing!
There’s a wonderfully cinematic edge to vignettes like shopping on Carnaby Street, a scooter ride to Brighton, sneaking friends in past nosy neighbors, and a road trip rescue. A tiny bit Quadrophenia. A dash of Made in Degenham. And a totally original new voice. A great debut!
1d
March 20, 2026
Utterly charming and disarming! This gorgeous story takes place in Dagenham in the early 1960s where England (or at least London) is on the cusp of massive social change.
CM Daniels portrays the generation gap with unerring accuracy, with young people chafing at the restrictions place on them by their elders and the establishment, and rebelling through the emerging youth culture of music, dance and clothes.
Despite restrictions, frustrations and injustice, both in terms of class and sexuality that the MCs struggle with, the story is imbued with the bright energy and optimism of the times. Upper middle-class Eric and working class Tommy are both such endearing and beautifully realised characters and I was completely invested in their romance. I loved their group of supportive friends and Tommy's wonderful parents (especially his mum), and even the unpleasant supporting characters were utterly believable. Full of life, hope and wonderful music, this really is a breath of fresh air and an absolutely wonderful read!
CM Daniels portrays the generation gap with unerring accuracy, with young people chafing at the restrictions place on them by their elders and the establishment, and rebelling through the emerging youth culture of music, dance and clothes.
Despite restrictions, frustrations and injustice, both in terms of class and sexuality that the MCs struggle with, the story is imbued with the bright energy and optimism of the times. Upper middle-class Eric and working class Tommy are both such endearing and beautifully realised characters and I was completely invested in their romance. I loved their group of supportive friends and Tommy's wonderful parents (especially his mum), and even the unpleasant supporting characters were utterly believable. Full of life, hope and wonderful music, this really is a breath of fresh air and an absolutely wonderful read!
August 5, 2026
Fascinating Era
This is such an interesting period to me because it’s during my lifetime. I’m too young to remember and I grew up in the US rather than the UK but the fact is this portrays a period in history that I was alive for. While this is most definitely a romance and I love Tommy and Eric as a couple there are also aspects of historical fiction here that has me interested enough to do additional research. I really enjoyed this - my heart broke for them and I got angry on behalf of the thousands and thousands of couples who have had to hide - but loved the relationship and the whole atmosphere that the author portrayed. Looking forward to book 2.
This is such an interesting period to me because it’s during my lifetime. I’m too young to remember and I grew up in the US rather than the UK but the fact is this portrays a period in history that I was alive for. While this is most definitely a romance and I love Tommy and Eric as a couple there are also aspects of historical fiction here that has me interested enough to do additional research. I really enjoyed this - my heart broke for them and I got angry on behalf of the thousands and thousands of couples who have had to hide - but loved the relationship and the whole atmosphere that the author portrayed. Looking forward to book 2.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews