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Fairmont Boys #2
I am Not Gay
Alex Wesley is a seventeen-year-old senior at Fairmont High School. He is a star jock and the captain of the swim team. Everything in his life seems perfect, except for one big secret: Alex has a boyfriend. In his efforts to keep his relationship hidden from his friends and family, Alex makes a mistake that changes everything and pushes him deeper into the closet. I am Not Gay is a story about fear and the kind of courage that is found in the most unlikely places.
126 pages, Unknown Binding
First published June 4, 2015
164 people are currently reading
311 people want to read
About the author
Jay Argent
24 books120 followersJay Argent is a novelist in his forties who lives a peaceful life with his husband. His favorite hobbies are music, movies, and romantic novels. He obtained a degree in engineering in 2001 and started his career in a management consulting firm. Right now, he is pursuing his true passion of writing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
October 9, 2018
This second book in the Fairmont Boys series really disappointed me. It felt (and read) like an outline as opposed to a novel. (This happened, then this happened and then this person felt this and this person did that.) On top of the fact that the plot line felt more like what I experienced in the 1980's, except here all the characters had ctaellphones and Facebook. I realize that there are many people and communities that are still 'sheltered' and not socially, culturally or sexually advanced-- I know many people and communities are still extremely homophobic-- I don't have a problem with the book's portrayal in those regards... the depiction though, just feels like it is taking place 30 years ago (but with today's technology). I totally understand Alex's struggle and choices in how to deal with the situation but enough is enough. After a while, even Liam's acceptance of the situation started to really bother me.
There were numerous inconsistencies I found disturbing too. One example is that in book one Liam's Mom didn't want her son hanging with Alex after what happened, not knowing anything about him or who he was... then in this book, it is stated how the boys' parents are such good friends-- as if they socialized for years. It was confusing.
Don't get me wrong, author Jay Argent is very talented. He came up with a great story and some vivid characters (love Tristan!) but this feels too much like a rough draft-- not a final product.
There were numerous inconsistencies I found disturbing too. One example is that in book one Liam's Mom didn't want her son hanging with Alex after what happened, not knowing anything about him or who he was... then in this book, it is stated how the boys' parents are such good friends-- as if they socialized for years. It was confusing.
Don't get me wrong, author Jay Argent is very talented. He came up with a great story and some vivid characters (love Tristan!) but this feels too much like a rough draft-- not a final product.
November 10, 2023
Mediocre story about two teen boys.
2.5 stars
Written with mid-grade prose, this book was an absolute trial to read. The dialogue was nearly infantile and the characters so wishy-washy and shallow as to be laughable.
Liam is gay and mercilessly emotionally and physically abused at his high school. Alex, Liam's crush, is a closeted gay who refuses to be seen in public with Liam. Not until the end of the book do things finally come out, literally speaking.
Numerous editing errors. Frequent non-seperation between paragraphs with differing scenes, leading to total confusion. And the antagonists are particularly vile towards Liam.
Debating whether to read the next book in this series. If I do, I hope the writing is much improved.
2.5 stars
Written with mid-grade prose, this book was an absolute trial to read. The dialogue was nearly infantile and the characters so wishy-washy and shallow as to be laughable.
Liam is gay and mercilessly emotionally and physically abused at his high school. Alex, Liam's crush, is a closeted gay who refuses to be seen in public with Liam. Not until the end of the book do things finally come out, literally speaking.
Numerous editing errors. Frequent non-seperation between paragraphs with differing scenes, leading to total confusion. And the antagonists are particularly vile towards Liam.
Debating whether to read the next book in this series. If I do, I hope the writing is much improved.
October 9, 2016
After a bit of a rocky start in Book 1, Jay's definitely hit a good place in his writing. Nice dialogue, mostly credible story line (see below). I'm glad I took a chance and got all three books. I like the characters a lot. Alex's struggles are portrayed sympathetically. You can feel the genuine emotions of both boys.
Characters A
Dialogue B+
Attention to storytelling details C
Overall B+ or four stars
===========
This has spoilers so skip it if you haven't read Fairmont Boys 1 or 2.
I'm about half way through. It's hard to believe that word of Rick's suspension from school, for the remainder of the semester and involvement with the cops for bullying Liam, didn't get back to Alex's parents. Small town, same social circle, people talk. Rick's parents seemed unperturbed.
Again, after the Prom, Alex's parents didn't get wind of what transpired on the dance floor?
(For Book 3, I'm predicting Sam gets out of prison and teams up with Rick, and possibly Eric, to do their worst. )
Characters A
Dialogue B+
Attention to storytelling details C
Overall B+ or four stars
===========
This has spoilers so skip it if you haven't read Fairmont Boys 1 or 2.
I'm about half way through. It's hard to believe that word of Rick's suspension from school, for the remainder of the semester and involvement with the cops for bullying Liam, didn't get back to Alex's parents. Small town, same social circle, people talk. Rick's parents seemed unperturbed.
Again, after the Prom, Alex's parents didn't get wind of what transpired on the dance floor?
(For Book 3, I'm predicting Sam gets out of prison and teams up with Rick, and possibly Eric, to do their worst. )
April 16, 2016
Liam is so sweet!!!
I love Liam's sweet and loving nature. And Tristan...wow...what an awesome friend!!! Hope in the next book Alex will make himself worthy of Liam's love because so far I have not been impressed with how he has treated Liam. He needs to prove himself to Liam and get a backbone. Come on, Alex, show you are worthy of Liam!!!
I love Liam's sweet and loving nature. And Tristan...wow...what an awesome friend!!! Hope in the next book Alex will make himself worthy of Liam's love because so far I have not been impressed with how he has treated Liam. He needs to prove himself to Liam and get a backbone. Come on, Alex, show you are worthy of Liam!!!
September 21, 2018
Like a complete twit, I didn’t get enough the first time but was hoping for something to come from these guys …
IT AIN’T HAPPENIN’!
This author is incapable of learning how to write. He should seek another career & quickly!
I won’t be making this mistake any further.
IT AIN’T HAPPENIN’!
This author is incapable of learning how to write. He should seek another career & quickly!
I won’t be making this mistake any further.
January 4, 2019
Second book was offered free at the end of the first (free) book so I gave it a go. Writing was marginally better than the first book - writer uses a different style than I’m used to and it feels clunky. Also could use some separation between thoughts and time - even just white space would help.
Bottom line is the underlying story is good and well presented. The end of the first book was better rounded out in the second although still pretty unbelievable and wouldn’t have come as such a surprise to the reader if Alex’s character was better explored.
That’s the fundamental problem with this writing style is that is not from either of the characters viewpoint, it’s written like someone looking in from the outside. Therefore you don’t get to understand the character unless they reveal their feelings through the writer.
I’ve improved my 2-star rating on the first book to 3-stars for this one. It was short (94 pages) and free.
Now that I’m into the story I’ve coughed up the $10 for the whole series (5 books in total in the Fairmont Boys) which I found on Amazon.
Was worth the money to see how things play out in the rocky coming out relationship between Liam and Alex. Hopefully the writing matured as the characters do.
Bottom line is the underlying story is good and well presented. The end of the first book was better rounded out in the second although still pretty unbelievable and wouldn’t have come as such a surprise to the reader if Alex’s character was better explored.
That’s the fundamental problem with this writing style is that is not from either of the characters viewpoint, it’s written like someone looking in from the outside. Therefore you don’t get to understand the character unless they reveal their feelings through the writer.
I’ve improved my 2-star rating on the first book to 3-stars for this one. It was short (94 pages) and free.
Now that I’m into the story I’ve coughed up the $10 for the whole series (5 books in total in the Fairmont Boys) which I found on Amazon.
Was worth the money to see how things play out in the rocky coming out relationship between Liam and Alex. Hopefully the writing matured as the characters do.
February 21, 2024
TW: suicide attempt, bullying, homophobia, gay slurs
I’m gonna be honest. I fucking HATED Liam in this book. I understand not wanting to be in a secret relationship but trying to force your boyfriend out of the closet and then hanging around and flirting with another guy when you don’t get proper attention is horrid behavior. I think the writing was marginally better in this book, though I think I spent most of the book hating Liam that I didn’t really pay attention to the writing. It was definitely more jam packed with content even for being shorter than the first book. It feels like the 80s rather than current times and I keep having to remind myself it’s not old times just based on how they’re treated.
I’m gonna be honest. I fucking HATED Liam in this book. I understand not wanting to be in a secret relationship but trying to force your boyfriend out of the closet and then hanging around and flirting with another guy when you don’t get proper attention is horrid behavior. I think the writing was marginally better in this book, though I think I spent most of the book hating Liam that I didn’t really pay attention to the writing. It was definitely more jam packed with content even for being shorter than the first book. It feels like the 80s rather than current times and I keep having to remind myself it’s not old times just based on how they’re treated.
May 28, 2022
Another solid hit for author Jay Argent
I am Not Gay is another solid hit for author Jay Argent. The second book in the Fairmont Boys series is a good read with solid characters. High school love is tough, and that is what I am Not Gay shows throughout the entire book.
Angst is the hardest thing to work through in the book, sometimes you just want to shake the Alex, one of the leads, until he gets a clue. But I highly recommend Agents books at any time.
My major complaint about the book is that Mr Argent needs a good proof reader because the errors are very distracting.
I am Not Gay is another solid hit for author Jay Argent. The second book in the Fairmont Boys series is a good read with solid characters. High school love is tough, and that is what I am Not Gay shows throughout the entire book.
Angst is the hardest thing to work through in the book, sometimes you just want to shake the Alex, one of the leads, until he gets a clue. But I highly recommend Agents books at any time.
My major complaint about the book is that Mr Argent needs a good proof reader because the errors are very distracting.
April 24, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this, as I did the first of the series and definitely intend on finishing the remaining 3 books too.
I think that despite the simplistic writing style, it has been written with a younger audience in mind.
I think that the questions I found that others had raised from the first book, were answered in this one, and I think that the writing style allows for light, easy, focused, targeted reading.
I think that the development of the relationship of the main characters is cute, but, considering my sexual orientation and my own school battles, am slightly biased with my ratings and thoughts.
I think this was another well written book.
~ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I think that despite the simplistic writing style, it has been written with a younger audience in mind.
I think that the questions I found that others had raised from the first book, were answered in this one, and I think that the writing style allows for light, easy, focused, targeted reading.
I think that the development of the relationship of the main characters is cute, but, considering my sexual orientation and my own school battles, am slightly biased with my ratings and thoughts.
I think this was another well written book.
~ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
February 24, 2024
Internalised homophobia is real!
Alex and Liam are boyfriends. Liam is out at school and has supportive parents. Alex is closeted and fearful of being outed. That fear makes him do lots of things that make him feel ashamed. So will Alex continue to say "I'm not gay" or will he step up to the plate and acknowledge Liam as his boyfriend? The complete distortion of homosexuality as a "choice" and "lifestyle" is rife in Fairmont, so it is clear why Alex is afraid of coming out. But will he be a caring boyfriend to Liam? This is a moving and thoughtful novel on these issues.
Alex and Liam are boyfriends. Liam is out at school and has supportive parents. Alex is closeted and fearful of being outed. That fear makes him do lots of things that make him feel ashamed. So will Alex continue to say "I'm not gay" or will he step up to the plate and acknowledge Liam as his boyfriend? The complete distortion of homosexuality as a "choice" and "lifestyle" is rife in Fairmont, so it is clear why Alex is afraid of coming out. But will he be a caring boyfriend to Liam? This is a moving and thoughtful novel on these issues.
January 12, 2021
This one is kind of disappointing. There is almost nothing left of the Alex we know from "Swimmer Boy". No sign of the proud boyfriend. I also think Alex's feelings weren't delivered well. In the last quarter of this book he makes a desicion that came out of nowhere. I don't know if that's due to the writing style or the fakt that we don't really get a lot of chapters from Alex's view. I will most likely continue the series just because Liam is the cutest!
October 10, 2025
A true M/M romance
Alex is a closeted gay male who has an outed gay boyfriend. The trials of such a relationship are wrought with the danger of Alex being outed himself, but love eventually overcomes his misgivings. High school is the absolute worst time in life for gays to hook up. If the two boys were not so close to graduation, I don't think they could have lasted through all those trials and pitfalls.
Alex is a closeted gay male who has an outed gay boyfriend. The trials of such a relationship are wrought with the danger of Alex being outed himself, but love eventually overcomes his misgivings. High school is the absolute worst time in life for gays to hook up. If the two boys were not so close to graduation, I don't think they could have lasted through all those trials and pitfalls.
November 10, 2025
Lies in not being gay
Alex in this story is having a hard time deciding if he is gay or not gay and if he is with Liam that he decides to hurt Liams heart and go out with a girl on dates and to the prom cause he is to afraid of what his parents are going to think or what others are going to think of him if he admits that he's gay and that he is going out Liam. But Alex brakes Liam heart till near the end and they start going back out together.
Alex in this story is having a hard time deciding if he is gay or not gay and if he is with Liam that he decides to hurt Liams heart and go out with a girl on dates and to the prom cause he is to afraid of what his parents are going to think or what others are going to think of him if he admits that he's gay and that he is going out Liam. But Alex brakes Liam heart till near the end and they start going back out together.
September 30, 2018
I like this story. I like the strong solid writing. My only issue is (and it actually is a smart thing) that stories are too short. Like that show from the early 80's, CLIFFHANGER, you are left wanting more immediately. So much so that I ordered the next 2 in the series so I wouldn't have to wait. Brain candy at its finest.
December 28, 2018
I feel like I could just skip right to book 5 with the return of his childhood friend Matthew without really missing anything important. I really just want to see what happens with those two anyway...
The books are super short and not a lot actually happens. Scenes that should be longer and more detailed are short, and scenes that should be short are too long. (In both books so far.)
The books are super short and not a lot actually happens. Scenes that should be longer and more detailed are short, and scenes that should be short are too long. (In both books so far.)
July 29, 2020
Great Story
The story is captivating and has twists and suprises, find myself falling in love with the characters and wanting to read the next book straight away, so thata what im doing
The story is captivating and has twists and suprises, find myself falling in love with the characters and wanting to read the next book straight away, so thata what im doing
June 17, 2017
Amazing series!
One of the best books of this genre that I have read. Actually the whole series is truly amazing. Great author!! Looking forward to his next book!
One of the best books of this genre that I have read. Actually the whole series is truly amazing. Great author!! Looking forward to his next book!
July 23, 2017
This second book is much better than the first one.
However, 3 stars are just enough.
However, 3 stars are just enough.
March 3, 2018
Needs some editing help but I’ve found myself addicted to this series.
January 12, 2019
And excellent read. Lots of ups and downs. and a few twists and turns. Well worth reading. I'm looking forward to the book in the series.
December 1, 2019
Good old fashioned fluff. Much better than the first book. I would gave liked a longer more detailed story, but still an enjoyable read.
December 2, 2020
Love?
A wonderful beautiful book about unrequited love and love as two boys try to figure things out about themselves and if their feelings are real. Bravo!
A wonderful beautiful book about unrequited love and love as two boys try to figure things out about themselves and if their feelings are real. Bravo!
July 3, 2021
Too clichéd.
December 25, 2023
Poor, cringey dialogue. Unbelievable characters. The writing is simple and basic. Glosses over any true narrative. Tells and doesn’t show.
December 29, 2023
This book was so emotional. It had my heart jumping so much!!! I truly love Liam and Alex as characters. The side characters are also really good in the story.
January 11, 2024
It was really good but sad I cried because of it but I would recommend it to my friends
April 26, 2024
Awesome Story 👌
Another great story with a lot of plot twists. I had trouble putting the book when I needed to be doing other things 🙃 Can't wait for the next book!
Another great story with a lot of plot twists. I had trouble putting the book when I needed to be doing other things 🙃 Can't wait for the next book!
January 9, 2025
A simple, light and fluffy, quick read. I Am Not Gay addresses the question most gay people have had to grapple with: when do I decide to say “I am gay.”
December 13, 2025
Not great story movement tbh.
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September 2, 2019I don't want to say anything bad about this book or give it a bad rating, because I like what it was trying to say.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews