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Author, Author: a Midcentury Gay Romance
Harlan Evans saved Ben’s life, long before they met. Meeting him was more than Ben could hope for, and it might be about to ruin everything.
Ben Quirke became a writer after reading Man of War, Harlan’s controversial novel, written when he was only twenty and Ben was little more than a boy. When Ben meets the now-famous writer, the last thing he expects is for Harlan to give him more than a minute of his time. Never mind ask him to dinner.
A chance encounter, and a chance of a lifetime, for Harlan holds the rights to a book too hot to publish. Too hot for anyone, that is, except Ben and his pulp shop Baron Press. But the burly heroes and green-skinned girls of the dime-store book rack are light years away from Harlan’s uptown life of martinis and bebop. And when Harlan’s interest in him crosses into dangerous territory, how long can Ben stay afloat on the churning seas of sleaze? Or will the business he built from nothing be the thing that breaks his heart?
A gay midcentury romance about loss, legacy, and the inalienable right to read dirty books.
Ben Quirke became a writer after reading Man of War, Harlan’s controversial novel, written when he was only twenty and Ben was little more than a boy. When Ben meets the now-famous writer, the last thing he expects is for Harlan to give him more than a minute of his time. Never mind ask him to dinner.
A chance encounter, and a chance of a lifetime, for Harlan holds the rights to a book too hot to publish. Too hot for anyone, that is, except Ben and his pulp shop Baron Press. But the burly heroes and green-skinned girls of the dime-store book rack are light years away from Harlan’s uptown life of martinis and bebop. And when Harlan’s interest in him crosses into dangerous territory, how long can Ben stay afloat on the churning seas of sleaze? Or will the business he built from nothing be the thing that breaks his heart?
A gay midcentury romance about loss, legacy, and the inalienable right to read dirty books.
- GenresHistoricalQueer
Kindle Edition
Published April 23, 2025
3 people are currently reading
32 people want to read
About the author
Will Forrest
23 books20 followersAuthor, blogger, and general nuisance Will Forrest writes unusual (and usually queer) Historical and Paranormal Romances with a dash of mischief and mayhem, and grew up on a steady diet of Douglas Adams and classic 90s bodice rippers.
Will has a diploma of fashion design, a degree in social theory, and a bad habit of changing careers, life goals, and continents. Currently they live in a very warm part of Canada with three lovely humans and a succession of martyred houseplants.
Will has a diploma of fashion design, a degree in social theory, and a bad habit of changing careers, life goals, and continents. Currently they live in a very warm part of Canada with three lovely humans and a succession of martyred houseplants.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
April 20, 2025
3.5 stars
Ben is given an opportunity to work with his hero, a man who’s writing saved his life. And definitely gets more than he bargained for.
This novel is heavy on the history which I loved.
From talking about their experiences in the war to the censorship and laws surrounding what could be published and sold. And obviously the need to be secretive with their relationship.
And given the current political climate it was certainly hard to see it all beginning again.
A quote from Harlan in regards to his family leaving Germany. “Thank God my folks saw it coming, got out while we were still allowed to travel. Though anyone could have seen it coming, if only they’d been looking. A hell of a thing, watching your nation turn against you.”
As history repeats itself.
Anywho.
Ben was definitely struggling with mental health which I felt was decently represented but I do have to say what Joan did while Ben “disappeared” was pretty fucked up. Ben was far too forgiving of both Joan and Harlan IMO. But I guess he was also relieved. I dunno. It felt all sorts of wrong.
Thanks so much for giving me the opportunity to ARC read this novel
April 23, 2025
I loved this book.
May 8, 2025
A beautifully written, emotionally resonant story set in an unforgettable time and place
Wow. Just wow. Author, Author completely swept me off my feet. I initially picked it up because of the stunning cover, but once I started reading, I simply couldn’t put it down.
Set in 1950s New York, this novel is as gritty and immersive as it is romantic and emotionally nuanced. The writing is phenomenal—Forrest's prose somehow moves at a brisk, urgent pace that mirrors the energy of the city, while still delivering some of the most lyrical, insightful descriptions I’ve read in a long time. Every word feels purposeful and perfectly placed.
Told from a single POV, the story gives us deep insight into Ben’s insecurities, his questioning of the relationship, and his feelings of being unequal to Harlan. While that perspective naturally leaves some of Harlan’s inner world a mystery, it actually enhances the tension and emotional depth of the story. I found myself truly rooting for Ben, and I loved watching Harlan’s persistent, heartfelt efforts to break down Ben’s walls.
The characters—both main and secondary—are incredibly well drawn, perfectly imperfect, and easy to connect with. The romance is beautiful and believable, and yes, the steam is delicious. The 1950s setting is not only unusual for the genre, but also deeply atmospheric and clearly well-researched.
This is one of those books I wish I could read again for the first time. I adored it. Highly, highly recommend.
Wow. Just wow. Author, Author completely swept me off my feet. I initially picked it up because of the stunning cover, but once I started reading, I simply couldn’t put it down.
Set in 1950s New York, this novel is as gritty and immersive as it is romantic and emotionally nuanced. The writing is phenomenal—Forrest's prose somehow moves at a brisk, urgent pace that mirrors the energy of the city, while still delivering some of the most lyrical, insightful descriptions I’ve read in a long time. Every word feels purposeful and perfectly placed.
Told from a single POV, the story gives us deep insight into Ben’s insecurities, his questioning of the relationship, and his feelings of being unequal to Harlan. While that perspective naturally leaves some of Harlan’s inner world a mystery, it actually enhances the tension and emotional depth of the story. I found myself truly rooting for Ben, and I loved watching Harlan’s persistent, heartfelt efforts to break down Ben’s walls.
The characters—both main and secondary—are incredibly well drawn, perfectly imperfect, and easy to connect with. The romance is beautiful and believable, and yes, the steam is delicious. The 1950s setting is not only unusual for the genre, but also deeply atmospheric and clearly well-researched.
This is one of those books I wish I could read again for the first time. I adored it. Highly, highly recommend.
April 23, 2025
Standalone. Historical (1950’s). Single POV (primarily).
A chance meeting with the author that changed his life, Ben realizes he’s out of his depth and already slightly enamored with Harlan, especially as he gets to know him better. When Harlan wants Ben’s help publishing a book that may get them both into hot water with the censors of the time, Ben feels himself swept along into Harlan’s goals and into their mutual attraction.
This was an interesting story, and although single POV always leaves questions about the other character’s motivations, this narrating lends itself to Ben’s questioning of the relationship, his feelings of being unequal to Harlan and continued self doubts. I enjoyed the writing, the characters, the supportive secondary characters, and the constant effort Harlan made in trying to truly win Ben’s affections. An unusual time period to read about and a story that I really enjoyed.
A chance meeting with the author that changed his life, Ben realizes he’s out of his depth and already slightly enamored with Harlan, especially as he gets to know him better. When Harlan wants Ben’s help publishing a book that may get them both into hot water with the censors of the time, Ben feels himself swept along into Harlan’s goals and into their mutual attraction.
This was an interesting story, and although single POV always leaves questions about the other character’s motivations, this narrating lends itself to Ben’s questioning of the relationship, his feelings of being unequal to Harlan and continued self doubts. I enjoyed the writing, the characters, the supportive secondary characters, and the constant effort Harlan made in trying to truly win Ben’s affections. An unusual time period to read about and a story that I really enjoyed.
May 5, 2025
I adored this book!
Wow. Just wow. I picked this book up because of the stunning cover art, and once I started reading, I couldn’t put it down.
There are many things to love about Author, Author: the perfectly imperfect characters; the gritty, well-researched and immersive setting (New York City in the 1950s); the heartrendingly beautiful romance; and the delicious steam… it’s all just... perfect.
But what I loved most about this book was the writing.
Somehow, Forrest’s prose manages to both pull the reader along at an unrelenting, almost breakneck pace - a speed that perfectly matches the city of New York - while also delivering some of the most beautifully descriptive and insightful prose I’ve read in a long time.
I honestly don’t know how he did it—it’s neither excessive nor spare, and each word is put in its place with obvious intention and care.
Gah, it’s so good! I only wish I could read it again for the first time.
Highly, highly, recommend.
Wow. Just wow. I picked this book up because of the stunning cover art, and once I started reading, I couldn’t put it down.
There are many things to love about Author, Author: the perfectly imperfect characters; the gritty, well-researched and immersive setting (New York City in the 1950s); the heartrendingly beautiful romance; and the delicious steam… it’s all just... perfect.
But what I loved most about this book was the writing.
Somehow, Forrest’s prose manages to both pull the reader along at an unrelenting, almost breakneck pace - a speed that perfectly matches the city of New York - while also delivering some of the most beautifully descriptive and insightful prose I’ve read in a long time.
I honestly don’t know how he did it—it’s neither excessive nor spare, and each word is put in its place with obvious intention and care.
Gah, it’s so good! I only wish I could read it again for the first time.
Highly, highly, recommend.
April 25, 2025
What a truly lovely story. I haven't watched a lot of movies from the mid-century, but this book reads like a story from that time; fast-paced, quick story telling, characters already having gone through a lot in their lives. I had a hard time not thinking about these characters when I wasn't reading the book and truly wondering where the story was going. The spicy scenes were poetic and a joy to read, even as our main MC couldn't decide if he deserved the love he was receiving. Hard not to relate. This story as begs the question, I have many authors I am for sure half in love with, so what would that do to my heart if I met them? Probably best not to find out.
May 19, 2025
SUPER ADORABLE mid-century romance. I loved Ben and Harlan. Especially Ben. I wanted to hug him or smack him throughout the whole book on and off, which is pretty much perfect. All of the dialogue in this was such a treat to read. I could *hear* all of the characters. It was so immersive and wonderful. I loved the side characters as well, especially Joan, and the theme of censorship in media was so refreshing and cool. Really awesome book. I recommend this one to any fans of queer historical romances.
May 24, 2025
The first thing that caught my eye about this book was the super cute cover by Jane Hadley (another great historical romance author).
And I was so glad the book was so good! From the first page, I was hooked and couldn't put it down, loved Ben and Harlan so much, and the fact that Harl was Ben's author crush, argh, my catnip.
I also loved the found family aspect of this and how Joan's unconditional friendship with Ben.
And Harl's mom, she was so fun and a sweetheart.
The extra story of Joan and Melody was fun too, I would love to read more about them!
Thanks to the author for the free eArc.
And I was so glad the book was so good! From the first page, I was hooked and couldn't put it down, loved Ben and Harlan so much, and the fact that Harl was Ben's author crush, argh, my catnip.
I also loved the found family aspect of this and how Joan's unconditional friendship with Ben.
And Harl's mom, she was so fun and a sweetheart.
The extra story of Joan and Melody was fun too, I would love to read more about them!
Thanks to the author for the free eArc.
August 17, 2025
Ben and Harlan's romance starts as hero worship and professional pleasantries. Harlan needs Ben's publishing company to publish his smutty book. Ben has looked up to Harlan since he was a boy. Then it gets complicated. Admiration turns to love for Ben but does Harlan feel the same way? I really wish we had more of Harlan's prospective. The writing is so beautiful and the story is enticing.
June 9, 2025
Lovely and kind; this was delightful.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews