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Still Summer Nights
A 1950s Historical Gay Romance
Paul
He was the man on the balcony that I watched from afar.
The man that distracted me from all my problems, that I thought of constantly, that kept me wondering and kept me dreaming.
I didn’t even know his name.
And he didn’t even know I was alive.
Or so I thought…
Asher
He was the guy in the shrub that watched me every evening.
I got used to him. I knew he was watching, and I had no idea why.
But one day I disrupted this little silent game between us.
I thought that would be the end of it. My life would return to normal.
But it didn’t.
It was far from the end.
And my life would never be normal again…
In the summer of 1958, Paul Wells and Asher Holdren are just trying to escape their troubled pasts and bad memories. Paul escapes by reading the same books over and over. Asher escapes by fixing cars and riding his motorcycle. They couldn’t possibly be any more different.
They couldn’t possibly be any more attracted to each other.
Still Summer Nights is a historical MM romance about a vulnerable love blossoming between two troubled young men, finding a community of belonging, and discovering that honesty will set you free.
Paul
He was the man on the balcony that I watched from afar.
The man that distracted me from all my problems, that I thought of constantly, that kept me wondering and kept me dreaming.
I didn’t even know his name.
And he didn’t even know I was alive.
Or so I thought…
Asher
He was the guy in the shrub that watched me every evening.
I got used to him. I knew he was watching, and I had no idea why.
But one day I disrupted this little silent game between us.
I thought that would be the end of it. My life would return to normal.
But it didn’t.
It was far from the end.
And my life would never be normal again…
In the summer of 1958, Paul Wells and Asher Holdren are just trying to escape their troubled pasts and bad memories. Paul escapes by reading the same books over and over. Asher escapes by fixing cars and riding his motorcycle. They couldn’t possibly be any more different.
They couldn’t possibly be any more attracted to each other.
Still Summer Nights is a historical MM romance about a vulnerable love blossoming between two troubled young men, finding a community of belonging, and discovering that honesty will set you free.
229 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2022
About the author
Lillian Empire
5 books22 followersLillian first attempted to write a novel in the fifth grade but failed horribly. She was born in the mountains of West Virginia, but she was raised in the valleys of Virginia. Lillian majored in history and conducted her primary research on crime and gender in Victorian England. When she’s not writing, Lillian enjoys pretending she has a green thumb, reading gay romance or any type of thriller/mystery, and doing genealogical research on her family. Lillian’s special talents include reciting all US states in alphabetical order and (kind of) singing classical pieces in her mezzo-soprano voice.
Lillian hopes that her stories and characters will resonate with her readers. Want to know what else she’s working on or to send her a message? Visit her website or find her on social media: https://linktr.ee/lillianempire
Lillian hopes that her stories and characters will resonate with her readers. Want to know what else she’s working on or to send her a message? Visit her website or find her on social media: https://linktr.ee/lillianempire
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
August 26, 2022
"let me drown in him, in his very essence. let me sink into the depths with him, pinned under his kiss, and what a way to go."
✦ 3.5 stars seems right. this was almost a 4 star read for me.
✦ very atmospheric and beautifully written. despite all the ups and downs, the love between the mcs Paul and Asher was very sweet, tender and gentle.
✦ the themes of grief, death, homophobia and sexuality were handled pretty well in this story imo.
✦ this had a lonely, moody and sad feel/atmosphere throughout the story. i suppose i felt that way because of the themes i mentioned above, and the fact that this book is set in the 50s. you couldn't help but feel a little hopelessness at times while reading.
✦ i had some issues with this overall, like the lack of a better plot, and the fact that everything came together a little too easily at the end, considering the circumstances and the time setting. however, these aspects didn't take away from the whole story itself that much. this is just me being picky as usual.
✦ definitely a beautiful and interesting read. this just seemed different from a lot of the other recent copy and paste MM releases.
✦ 3.5 stars seems right. this was almost a 4 star read for me.
✦ very atmospheric and beautifully written. despite all the ups and downs, the love between the mcs Paul and Asher was very sweet, tender and gentle.
✦ the themes of grief, death, homophobia and sexuality were handled pretty well in this story imo.
✦ this had a lonely, moody and sad feel/atmosphere throughout the story. i suppose i felt that way because of the themes i mentioned above, and the fact that this book is set in the 50s. you couldn't help but feel a little hopelessness at times while reading.
✦ i had some issues with this overall, like the lack of a better plot, and the fact that everything came together a little too easily at the end, considering the circumstances and the time setting. however, these aspects didn't take away from the whole story itself that much. this is just me being picky as usual.
✦ definitely a beautiful and interesting read. this just seemed different from a lot of the other recent copy and paste MM releases.
July 31, 2023
DNF @ 16%
Nothing about this book worked for me. The writing style nearly bored me to sleep, the pacing moved at a glacial pace, Paul was written as a creepy, immature kid and I was so repulsed by the idea of a sexual relationship between Asher and Paul that I had to stop reading.
I could have lived with the writing style if I liked everything else but because I hated the rest, the writing style was the final nail in the coffin. Paul spends his entire life navel gazing, constantly having rambling thoughts about nothing, such as comparing people in his life to Les Miserables characters. The author went on and on about nothing while the plot moved at a glacial pace. Even worse - Paul was 19 years old but he was written like a 14 year old kid. Why is this adult man spending his days sitting around at his aunt's home, spying on his neighbor like a creep and making nasty mental observations about his aunt instead of getting a job?? Everything about him screamed 'immature teenage boy'.
It blew my mind that this 19 year old man spends his days doing creepy teenage boy things and moaning about how 'manish' his aunt looks and how terrible her cooking is while taking it for granted that she's cooking for him, washing his clothes and keeping a roof over his head. This guy spends his life sitting around, feeling sorry for himself, judging the people around him and acting like he's entitled to do so. And I'm supposed to root for this guy??
His childish behavior only got worse when he gets caught spying on Asher. He begs Asher not to tell his aunt and he enters into a childish agreement with Asher that he'll wash Asher's motorcycle in exchange for Asher's silence. Even worse, Asher thinks of him as a kid (how could he not?) and he feels conflicted over giving the guy beer. But then I'm supposed to believe Asher is instantly attracted to him?? When Asher invited Paul over to his apartment, the scenario was written in such a weird way that I got creepy-pedophile vibes from it. Everything about the way they were written grossed me out and I'm not interested in a romantic relationship between them.
I know I'm the outlier here because everybody else seems to have loved this book and I did enjoy the way the author portrayed the 1950s atmosphere but the writing style and the author's take on the characters didn't work for me at all.
Nothing about this book worked for me. The writing style nearly bored me to sleep, the pacing moved at a glacial pace, Paul was written as a creepy, immature kid and I was so repulsed by the idea of a sexual relationship between Asher and Paul that I had to stop reading.
I could have lived with the writing style if I liked everything else but because I hated the rest, the writing style was the final nail in the coffin. Paul spends his entire life navel gazing, constantly having rambling thoughts about nothing, such as comparing people in his life to Les Miserables characters. The author went on and on about nothing while the plot moved at a glacial pace. Even worse - Paul was 19 years old but he was written like a 14 year old kid. Why is this adult man spending his days sitting around at his aunt's home, spying on his neighbor like a creep and making nasty mental observations about his aunt instead of getting a job?? Everything about him screamed 'immature teenage boy'.
It blew my mind that this 19 year old man spends his days doing creepy teenage boy things and moaning about how 'manish' his aunt looks and how terrible her cooking is while taking it for granted that she's cooking for him, washing his clothes and keeping a roof over his head. This guy spends his life sitting around, feeling sorry for himself, judging the people around him and acting like he's entitled to do so. And I'm supposed to root for this guy??
His childish behavior only got worse when he gets caught spying on Asher. He begs Asher not to tell his aunt and he enters into a childish agreement with Asher that he'll wash Asher's motorcycle in exchange for Asher's silence. Even worse, Asher thinks of him as a kid (how could he not?) and he feels conflicted over giving the guy beer. But then I'm supposed to believe Asher is instantly attracted to him?? When Asher invited Paul over to his apartment, the scenario was written in such a weird way that I got creepy-pedophile vibes from it. Everything about the way they were written grossed me out and I'm not interested in a romantic relationship between them.
I know I'm the outlier here because everybody else seems to have loved this book and I did enjoy the way the author portrayed the 1950s atmosphere but the writing style and the author's take on the characters didn't work for me at all.
August 16, 2022
In the fifties, we
were all poets, alone, and
searching for something.
were all poets, alone, and
searching for something.
August 13, 2022
Gentle, sweet and beautifully written
Did Not Finish
December 7, 2022dnf @ 30%
This is probably me and not the book. The pining at the beginning was very nice, but this is just not holding my attention. 🤷♀️
This is probably me and not the book. The pining at the beginning was very nice, but this is just not holding my attention. 🤷♀️
January 4, 2023
This was a really warm read. I especially loved Paul's narration and Aunt Amy is also a really lovely character. Her and Paul's relationship added a lot to the story.
July 29, 2026
I love M/M HISTORICAL ROMANCES, and STILL SUMMER NIGHTS was just the perfect read if you love the 1950’s! I loved the forbidden romance of Asher and Paul, and how they deeply loved each other while having it in secret. Back then, it was still wrong for gay people to love in public, but Lillian made this story with precision and with a lot of love with these boys! Would absolutely recommend!
November 13, 2024
4.25 stars!
I like this so much. The slow pace, light angst, and the simple life of the characters really worked for me. Aside from the obvious fear of sodomy being illegal at the time set, I appreciated how there's little outside conflict that affected Asher and Paul's relationship. They were really just battling their own selves.
No third parties, no blatant homophobic on-page incidents, just the absence of violence which is often present in historical gay romances. But this book focused more on how Asher and Paul navigated their relationship, and how to make make themselves realize that it's okay to love despite their own battles with their respective pasts.
I must admit though that the beginning was a little creepy with Paul being caught as a peeping Tom. That was a weird meetup idea. But after that, it's a pretty enjoyable read for me. I can understand how at his age Paul acted like the way he did. I think meeting Asher and how their relationship went was kind of a wake up call for him to keep his ass moving. And good for him. There's angst but it's not too heavy and besides all I can think about are their sweetest moments, especially when Paul went to the farm. And I was just... I can't even.
So add me to the pile who's smitten by this book!
I like this so much. The slow pace, light angst, and the simple life of the characters really worked for me. Aside from the obvious fear of sodomy being illegal at the time set, I appreciated how there's little outside conflict that affected Asher and Paul's relationship. They were really just battling their own selves.
No third parties, no blatant homophobic on-page incidents, just the absence of violence which is often present in historical gay romances. But this book focused more on how Asher and Paul navigated their relationship, and how to make make themselves realize that it's okay to love despite their own battles with their respective pasts.
I must admit though that the beginning was a little creepy with Paul being caught as a peeping Tom. That was a weird meetup idea. But after that, it's a pretty enjoyable read for me. I can understand how at his age Paul acted like the way he did. I think meeting Asher and how their relationship went was kind of a wake up call for him to keep his ass moving. And good for him. There's angst but it's not too heavy and besides all I can think about are their sweetest moments, especially when Paul went to the farm. And I was just... I can't even.
So add me to the pile who's smitten by this book!
September 11, 2022
What a completely atmospheric feel and endearing story.
I liked this one more than I even thought I would, a very touching book set in a very different time. How difficult it must have been for this community during this time in history.
I received this ebook as a Goodreads contest win.
I liked this one more than I even thought I would, a very touching book set in a very different time. How difficult it must have been for this community during this time in history.
I received this ebook as a Goodreads contest win.
September 5, 2022
This book was so well-written and intensely evocative of a 1950s summer, being 19 and discovering yourself. Stumbled upon it in the desperate throes of a book slump and proceeded to devour it in one sitting.
February 21, 2023
Outstanding
Gripping, engaging. A great read. I fell in love with Asher and Paul. So good to see a love story set against the dark days of oppression in the 1950’s.
Gripping, engaging. A great read. I fell in love with Asher and Paul. So good to see a love story set against the dark days of oppression in the 1950’s.
December 3, 2022
I loved this book. It's not perfect: the ending gets wrapped up a little too easily and too nicely, imho. But I understand why the author perhaps wanted that ending in particular, and not a more difficult, more realistic (maybe?) one. I'd like to believe many queer people could find their happy ending in the 50s as well, I'm confident at least some did. So I'd believe that Lillian Empire decided to show us one of these happier endings.
And to be honest, despite being set in the 50s, homophobia is not a huge part of this book. Many other things are, and there's a sense of hopelessness almost through most part of the story, but... It gets never talked about in detail. I'm still not sure how I feel about that.
But apart from this, this book is absolutely precious. The prose is wonderful: so lyrical, poetic, but without being purple or redundant. You could really see the author chose each word carefully, and how polished this manuscript was. Stunning.
I absolutely loved both of the MCs, as well. Asher broke my heart, and in general I felt more his voice than Paul's. His conflict, his inner dialogue... I just loved it all. Every time he believes Paul to be too good for him, he literally broke my heart. And I mean, it's a common romance motif, this one. But it felt so real, in Asher. So human.
The plot is really quiet, nothing really happens apart from these two meeting, getting to know each other, loving each other, and then making a mess of it before it's better again. A part of me wished .
Not the book I was expecting to read, tbh. It was much better. I already miss it.
And to be honest, despite being set in the 50s, homophobia is not a huge part of this book. Many other things are, and there's a sense of hopelessness almost through most part of the story, but... It gets never talked about in detail. I'm still not sure how I feel about that.
But apart from this, this book is absolutely precious. The prose is wonderful: so lyrical, poetic, but without being purple or redundant. You could really see the author chose each word carefully, and how polished this manuscript was. Stunning.
I absolutely loved both of the MCs, as well. Asher broke my heart, and in general I felt more his voice than Paul's. His conflict, his inner dialogue... I just loved it all. Every time he believes Paul to be too good for him, he literally broke my heart. And I mean, it's a common romance motif, this one. But it felt so real, in Asher. So human.
The plot is really quiet, nothing really happens apart from these two meeting, getting to know each other, loving each other, and then making a mess of it before it's better again. A part of me wished .
Not the book I was expecting to read, tbh. It was much better. I already miss it.
January 6, 2023
Still Summer Nights is a stunning exploration of sexuality and growing up against the backdrop of a 1950s small town. The main characters, Asher and Paul, are incredibly well developed, with unique voices and perspectives and the side characters, particularly Paul’s aunt, are an absolute delight.
While the novel does explore difficult themes including death, physical violence, and homophobia, the subjects are handled very respectfully by the author.
I read the entire book in just over one sitting and was unable to put it down. The threads of tenderness and gentle exploration woven through the narrative were compelling and the well-crafted building of the relationship kept me turning page after page. The spicy scenes are a perfect balance of sweet and sexy.
All in all, Still Summer Nights was a lovely, cozy romance and I would recommend it to anyone looking for an emotion-packed journey that was as sweet as a snack at a 50s soda counter.
Disclaimer: I was given a copy of this book for free to review.
While the novel does explore difficult themes including death, physical violence, and homophobia, the subjects are handled very respectfully by the author.
I read the entire book in just over one sitting and was unable to put it down. The threads of tenderness and gentle exploration woven through the narrative were compelling and the well-crafted building of the relationship kept me turning page after page. The spicy scenes are a perfect balance of sweet and sexy.
All in all, Still Summer Nights was a lovely, cozy romance and I would recommend it to anyone looking for an emotion-packed journey that was as sweet as a snack at a 50s soda counter.
Disclaimer: I was given a copy of this book for free to review.
October 31, 2022
4.6 stars
I don't know if I'll be able do to this book justice but know that I loved it. A lot.
The story takes places in 1958 and follows two young men, Paul and Asher, and how they fell in love. And yes, just that narrative is enough to make a dazzling story. Why? Because the writing is absolutely beautiful. The book really shines in the way emotions are expressed by all the characters, making them feel vibrant and so very real. Like, my heart was physically fluttering and aching when Paul and Asher exchanged glances or were thinking of each other, but also when Paul was figuring out his relationship with his aunt. I couldn't help empathizing with everyone and wanting to see how they overcame difficulties and connected with each other.
I will definitely come back to this book in the future for a comfort read ❇
I don't know if I'll be able do to this book justice but know that I loved it. A lot.
The story takes places in 1958 and follows two young men, Paul and Asher, and how they fell in love. And yes, just that narrative is enough to make a dazzling story. Why? Because the writing is absolutely beautiful. The book really shines in the way emotions are expressed by all the characters, making them feel vibrant and so very real. Like, my heart was physically fluttering and aching when Paul and Asher exchanged glances or were thinking of each other, but also when Paul was figuring out his relationship with his aunt. I couldn't help empathizing with everyone and wanting to see how they overcame difficulties and connected with each other.
I will definitely come back to this book in the future for a comfort read ❇
September 19, 2024
Asher and Paul couldn’t be more different. Paul has gone through a lot and recently ended up at his aunts house. Asher is the mysterious neighbor across the courtyard, who has also been through so much in his life. It’s the 50’s when being gay was socially unacceptable and governmentally oppressed. Somewhere in the midst of it all, these two find each other and slowly change the course of each other’s lives for good.
Lillian Empire is out to get me. She’s unbelievable. Her writing is absolutely beautiful and almost poetic. I will read any book she puts out happily. The fact that she can write these love stories in a way that makes my heart feel like it’s in a vice in the best way blows me away. It’s so thoughtful and beautiful and I get attached to her characters immediately.
Lillian Empire is out to get me. She’s unbelievable. Her writing is absolutely beautiful and almost poetic. I will read any book she puts out happily. The fact that she can write these love stories in a way that makes my heart feel like it’s in a vice in the best way blows me away. It’s so thoughtful and beautiful and I get attached to her characters immediately.
October 4, 2024
I can't describe how much this book got to me.
It read like a classic novel, rather than a steamy romance, but still held as much passion as I usually expect from a mm book.
It was beautiful.
Asher and Paul are both different than expected in the 50's. They are both alone. They both have ghosts from their pasts. But together, they comfort each other. Usually without even having to say anything.
I'm sure there are many stories from this era similar to Asher and Paul, that didn't turn out this way, with men and women having to hide themselves. But in the lovely little world these two men create for themselves, I hope they had a happy, quiet life.
Lillian excelled with this book. Please go and read it
It read like a classic novel, rather than a steamy romance, but still held as much passion as I usually expect from a mm book.
It was beautiful.
Asher and Paul are both different than expected in the 50's. They are both alone. They both have ghosts from their pasts. But together, they comfort each other. Usually without even having to say anything.
I'm sure there are many stories from this era similar to Asher and Paul, that didn't turn out this way, with men and women having to hide themselves. But in the lovely little world these two men create for themselves, I hope they had a happy, quiet life.
Lillian excelled with this book. Please go and read it
July 14, 2025
Gorgeous- it will immediately draw you in from the first page. High-quality, gorgeous prose, atmospheric and “moody” and a very believably 1950’s setting. I felt such a connection and care for the two main leads (and of course Aunt Amy) and read this all in one setting. I was sucked into their world and it held me there the entire time- so so worth it.
April 14, 2023
Oh my god I've been searching high and low for GOOD new m/m historical romances to read and was about to give up before I found this. I don't know how to describe this book other than it reminded me SO much of Tamara Allen (my fave m/m author) and trust that that's a compliment. The perfect amount of angst and sweet (without being eye-rolly). I cannot wait for this author to write more stufffff
September 12, 2024
Adored it.
April 9, 2026
I really loved it.
March 9, 2026
Dnf at 31%.
I found this book horribly dull. No actual chemistry between characters at all. The two guys are hooking up for the sake of it being convenient, nothing more, nothing less. Neither has any reason to be attracted to the other. In Paul's case, he's drawn to his Neighbour because he's naive, inexperienced and indulging his secret about being "different".
I felt that there could have been more to this connection if Asher were closer to Paul's age. As it stands, the interactions are just creepy.
Then we have the inaccuracy of the time period. I'm not saying that the circumstances of that time weren't suitably portrayed, but so much of the 50s lingo is out of context. (everyone older or of better standing is referred to as a square. In the 50s, a 'square' would be what kids would probably call a 'loser' or a 'nerd' in today's times. Square was essentially a mildly derogatory term, and far too loosely used in this narrative.
For the most part, it was the inaccurate reference to that time that made my hair stand on end and I decided to ditch the book.
Audio version: the author really should have chosen a different narrator. The narration is mundane and weak. No definition between voices at all, and mostly this book was read using a female pitch, which just threw me off any enjoyment.
Pity, because I have listened to two prior audiobooks by Lillian (Kissing Boys & He's All That). Both outstanding in story and narration.
Can't recommend. Sorry.
I found this book horribly dull. No actual chemistry between characters at all. The two guys are hooking up for the sake of it being convenient, nothing more, nothing less. Neither has any reason to be attracted to the other. In Paul's case, he's drawn to his Neighbour because he's naive, inexperienced and indulging his secret about being "different".
I felt that there could have been more to this connection if Asher were closer to Paul's age. As it stands, the interactions are just creepy.
Then we have the inaccuracy of the time period. I'm not saying that the circumstances of that time weren't suitably portrayed, but so much of the 50s lingo is out of context. (everyone older or of better standing is referred to as a square. In the 50s, a 'square' would be what kids would probably call a 'loser' or a 'nerd' in today's times. Square was essentially a mildly derogatory term, and far too loosely used in this narrative.
For the most part, it was the inaccurate reference to that time that made my hair stand on end and I decided to ditch the book.
Audio version: the author really should have chosen a different narrator. The narration is mundane and weak. No definition between voices at all, and mostly this book was read using a female pitch, which just threw me off any enjoyment.
Pity, because I have listened to two prior audiobooks by Lillian (Kissing Boys & He's All That). Both outstanding in story and narration.
Can't recommend. Sorry.
March 29, 2025
I lose track of the time. All there is, is his hand in mine, fingers rubbing, squeezing, the warmth of it, then he wraps his fingers around my thumb and does a suggestive move that makes sweat breakout on my forehead. Every thought disappears from my mind except for ones about him and that hand of his.I fell in love with this book almost instantly. I loved the writing and the descriptive yet simple style. I loved the MCs together even though it drove me batty that we never learned Asher's age.
July 27, 2024
so slow, Paul is immature and honestly a bit creepy, he’s supposed to be 19 and yet my 12 y.o. nephew is more mature than him. He is written to be this contemplative guy, but I found him to be a twit. Asher also finds him childish and yet he is instantly attracted to him? I kept reading hoping it would get better. It did, barely, I should have dnf’d it. I don’t know why I keep doing this to myself. Maybe it was my mood going in, so many people liked this one.
June 24, 2024
⭐️2 i had such high expectations for this book but ultimately it fell flat. points for theming & effort but not for me!
April 27, 2025
I should have read more of the e-sample, to understand that this was going to stay boring for me for far too long (if it ever gets less boring, that is). Just not my kind of story, apparently.
July 15, 2022
Aw, this was endearing. It's 1958; Paul is a lonely gay boy, staying with his mannish aunt for reasons slowly revealed over the course of the book; he watches Cool Motorcycle Fellow Asher smoking on his balcony of an evening. CMF Asher keeps "girly" magazines and hooks up with men whom he never lets stay overnight. Asher calls Paul out for spying on him, they meet properly, love of course ensues.
I had quibbles, because I always have quibbles. The big one, because it kept throwing me out of the book, was the treatment of Asher's smoking. The first time we see him, he smokes 9 cigarettes in 45 minutes, which as someone who went through a pack a day back in the era of smoking on airplanes I am here to tell you is highly overcommitted chain-smoking. I don't care if Asher's only 30 or so, if he habitually smoked that much he would have a hard time getting up a flight of stairs. In general, Asher gives the impression of smoking more than almost anyone ever smoked; plus which, even back when smoking was commonplace, most people who didn't smoke disliked kissing tobacco breath. (Ask me how I know.)
It was almost entertaining -- drug use as written by someone who has heard rumors about how people do that drug but never actually seen it happen. I guess as far as tobacco is concerned, that's a good thing.
IMO, Paul's behavior toward his aunt Amy could have used more context. He's fairly awful to her on several occasions and I had to sort of take it on faith that they had a strong enough pre-existing relationship for her to forgive him while not being a doormat. I don't think it's ever explained, either, how she managed to get rid of the police when they show up for Paul. (This isn't a spoiler -- we learn early on that it happened.)
The big reveal about Amy is not much of a reveal by the time it happens, and it leads to a situation that ... how can I put this? Sometimes writers who've set a book in an era even more queerphobic than ours will supply a happy ending by conjuring up some implausible circumstances. I mean, it's fine, it didn't really detract from my enjoyment. I do believe people found happy endings back then, but I suspect they had to work a little harder for them.
But, like I said, this book was endearing. Well written overall and gets points for not being cookie-cutter. 4-4.5/5
I had quibbles, because I always have quibbles. The big one, because it kept throwing me out of the book, was the treatment of Asher's smoking. The first time we see him, he smokes 9 cigarettes in 45 minutes, which as someone who went through a pack a day back in the era of smoking on airplanes I am here to tell you is highly overcommitted chain-smoking. I don't care if Asher's only 30 or so, if he habitually smoked that much he would have a hard time getting up a flight of stairs. In general, Asher gives the impression of smoking more than almost anyone ever smoked; plus which, even back when smoking was commonplace, most people who didn't smoke disliked kissing tobacco breath. (Ask me how I know.)
It was almost entertaining -- drug use as written by someone who has heard rumors about how people do that drug but never actually seen it happen. I guess as far as tobacco is concerned, that's a good thing.
IMO, Paul's behavior toward his aunt Amy could have used more context. He's fairly awful to her on several occasions and I had to sort of take it on faith that they had a strong enough pre-existing relationship for her to forgive him while not being a doormat. I don't think it's ever explained, either, how she managed to get rid of the police when they show up for Paul. (This isn't a spoiler -- we learn early on that it happened.)
The big reveal about Amy is not much of a reveal by the time it happens, and it leads to a situation that ... how can I put this? Sometimes writers who've set a book in an era even more queerphobic than ours will supply a happy ending by conjuring up some implausible circumstances. I mean, it's fine, it didn't really detract from my enjoyment. I do believe people found happy endings back then, but I suspect they had to work a little harder for them.
But, like I said, this book was endearing. Well written overall and gets points for not being cookie-cutter. 4-4.5/5
March 13, 2023
3.5 stars
It is the early 1950s and Dwight Eisenhower is president. Paul is living with his aunt and not really interested in anything. Then he notices the guy living in the apartment building next door and he becomes very interested in something in particular. When the guy acknowledges that he can see Paul and gets him to come over to make up for his kind of creepy spying, a kinship starts up. Both Paul and Asher have had bad things happen in the past, and neither of them are over it. Plus, it's the 1950s, and they definitely aren't allowed to be themselves by law.
I had a hard time reading this. Not that it was badly written, but it was very descriptive, and I don't think that I had the bandwidth/patience for descriptive. So it's really hard for me to judge, but I think that I thought it was very beautiful prose.
He smiles at me and it's like getting a drink of cool water on a hot day. How as I not supposed to fall in love with him?
Plus, it is present tense, and I have to get completely involved in the characters and the story in order to not be annoyed by present tense. I enjoyed that both Paul and Asher grow and change for the better during the story. The story itself was interesting because it was set in a decade that usually doesn't get written about, and it was "neato" to see the different slang and attitudes. I was seriously worried about Asher's life expectancy as he lit up cigarette after cigarette while the story rolled on.
It is the early 1950s and Dwight Eisenhower is president. Paul is living with his aunt and not really interested in anything. Then he notices the guy living in the apartment building next door and he becomes very interested in something in particular. When the guy acknowledges that he can see Paul and gets him to come over to make up for his kind of creepy spying, a kinship starts up. Both Paul and Asher have had bad things happen in the past, and neither of them are over it. Plus, it's the 1950s, and they definitely aren't allowed to be themselves by law.
I had a hard time reading this. Not that it was badly written, but it was very descriptive, and I don't think that I had the bandwidth/patience for descriptive. So it's really hard for me to judge, but I think that I thought it was very beautiful prose.
He smiles at me and it's like getting a drink of cool water on a hot day. How as I not supposed to fall in love with him?
Plus, it is present tense, and I have to get completely involved in the characters and the story in order to not be annoyed by present tense. I enjoyed that both Paul and Asher grow and change for the better during the story. The story itself was interesting because it was set in a decade that usually doesn't get written about, and it was "neato" to see the different slang and attitudes. I was seriously worried about Asher's life expectancy as he lit up cigarette after cigarette while the story rolled on.
July 30, 2026
One of my fave all time reads, love the time period, and absolutely adore Paul and Asher. Both are so different yet have much in common. Loss of loved ones, personal growth, and unable to live openly as gay men in the late 1950s. Beautiful storytelling, descriptive writing that never overwhelmed with too much detail. My favorite part was their weekend away at the lake. Some of my fave quotes...
"I won't let you go."
"Pal"
Wasn't too heavy, just the right amount of angst, tons of touching, heart felt moments, and a wonderful ending. ***Sigh*** 🥰
"I won't let you go."
"Pal"
Wasn't too heavy, just the right amount of angst, tons of touching, heart felt moments, and a wonderful ending. ***Sigh*** 🥰
June 16, 2023
In tears. Reading this made me realize that Paul Dally writes music for the fifties.
This late your either earning or yearning- Phantom Embrace, Paul Dally.
This late your either earning or yearning- Phantom Embrace, Paul Dally.
December 3, 2022
Very sweet
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