The initial chemistry between the two characters was fantastic. It was easy to believe how their relationship bloomed through the first third or so of the book.

But, I had some issues with the dialogue. I'm not sure how old the two boys were supposed to be (21ish?) but they read more like 16 to me. When you're on the verge of graduating college, a very big part of your life is: What is your major? Where do you want to find a job? What are you going to be when you grow up?? Yet these two characters never have that conversation... And the "straight" character did not handle this relationship responsibly AT ALL. If his parents are supposed to be so liberal and supportive, why didn't he at least talk to them? Also, where are they? Cause he's living in their place...

Overall, a solid read. I wholeheartedly agree with the message in the book... and there is definitely a STRONG message in it. It ultimately felt a little preachy for a plain romance... which I don't mind much... but with the young-ish tone of the dialogue, it felt awkward to sometimes shift to dialogue that was suddenly significantly more mature, like, taking an academic paper on sexuality and translating it into a conversation.
( )

What a wonderful, eye-opening, novel!

STRAIGHT by Seth King is a standalone, New Adult, M/M romance. Due to the explicit M/M sexual content, I would recommend this for readers over 18 years old and those comfortable with explicit gay romance.

Henry Morgan has always been attracted to women. In fact, he has never really given any thought to the LGBTQ community. Everything changes when Ty Stanton boards his bus and sits next to him. For the first time in his life, Henry finds himself feeling an attraction for another guy. His feelings are confusing and difficult for him to deal with. However, Ty opens Henry’s eyes to a world he never knew existed. Henry soon realizes he will have to choose between his old familiar life or a take a chance at happiness like he has never known.

Some of my very favorite books are stories that are personal to the author. Seth King pours his soul onto the page. Everything about this book worked for me. I loved the beautiful characters and their effect on one another. The feelings that Henry and Ty share are what I hope for in a romance. I was even endeared to Caroline, Henry’s ex-girlfriend, by the end of the book.

The setting for this novel is Savannah, Georgia, and it was difficult for these two men to feel comfortable with who they are in this intolerant south. Their lives in Georgia are far from perfect. There's a lot of hostility and prejudice against the LGBTQ community there from both strangers and so-called friends. I was surprised when King described his own coming-out experience at the end of the book and the aggression he faced in real life. I suppose it’s my own naivety that I didn't realize how hard some people have it in society. I truly thought I lived in a place where who someone loved was their own business, and I wonder if I'm unwittingly making others feel judged or uncomfortable. It makes me sad and angry to read Seth King's experience. I just want to hug the past him. I hope to read more books like this. It was wonderfully written and really gave me a lot to think about. I applaud Seth King's courage in sharing a fictional story rooted in his own experiences, which reveals a lot of his raw emotion in his quest to live a life true to himself.

This book earns 5 North of Normal stars. I plan to purchase this book for myself and will read it again soon. ( )