Having grown up in the absolute heyday of the 90s/early-aughts romantic comedy, this book was a delightful blast from the past, and I was here for every minute of it. If you’ve enjoyed a teen romcom and miss the delight of what was the movie (and sometimes book) of yesteryear, this is a fab book for you! And, it even features more than one LGBTQIA character!
About the Book
Lucas Cook is tired of being the third wheel. He’s never even been kissed. Enter Vicky, his new best friend, armed with his late mother’s bestselling love guide and a wild idea: transform Lucas into a dating success story.
When he finally catches the eye of his long-time crush, Grayson Murray, his world turns upside down. Soon Lucas must decide how much he is willing to change for love and whether he’s losing himself-or discovering what he truly wants.
Fans of Heartbreak Boys by Simon James Green, Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston, and Heartstopper by Alice Oseman will love this hilarious and heartfelt YA LGBTQ+ romantic comedy – from George Lester author of YA Novel Boy Queen.
My Thoughts
I always seem to forget that I enjoy YA romance. But, every time I read one, they remind me why I love romance at all—discovering love and trying to understand the feelings and the newness of it all. It’s possible that being ace has something to do with it, too, because adult romance novels – and some YA ones, too – don’t make a whole lot of sense to me. But that’s a whole different kind of post.
This book ended up being especially close to my heart, because I could relate to Lucas so much as a fellow anxiety kid. And since he absolutely had anxiety, but no one seemed to be dealing with it, other than his BFF Max helping him come down from an attack, it was very similar to my own life. I also know what it’s like to feel like you need to hide that “crazy” from people you love. So this was some great anxiety rep, even if it unfortunately didn’t involve really dealing with it at all. It did involve people loving you through your mental illness, though, that is a big win!
This is the kind of stuff you don’t get to see in films and on TV. A gay character is far too often sitting off to the side, a catalyst for the straight character to do something. Right now, I’m having a main character moment, and it’s all because of mum’s book.
Lucas Cook – “Don’t Die Alone, Lucas Cook!”
Anyways, I loved Lucas and his very real person. He was imperfect and flawed. He was not the best friend or son ever. He made real mistakes and had to figure out how to fix them. And he was trying to navigate life as a gay teen. The LGBTQIA rep in the book is awesome. Every time I read a book like this, it heals my little broken teen heart that much more. I enjoy that none of the parents were awful, but that the world was realistic.
The author did a great job building the characters and the relationships. At least one character pointed out how the teens would get wrapped up in their new relationships and forget about their friends, which is a phenomenon that seems to transcend generation, sexuality, gender, and all other manner of boundaries—great representation of so many important issues, characters, and dynamics.
I really enjoyed the story, and I couldn’t put it down! I can’t wait to read more by this author – whether YA or adult writing – and I’m so grateful to the author and Pride Books Tours for including me on this tour!
Who’s It For?
If you’re a fan of classic 90s romcoms, found (and regular) family, YA fiction, and coming-of-age fiction, you’ll love this one. It is just a fantastic, hilarious, but also heartfelt exploration of growing up, friendship, love, family, and more! But, like with everything, I advise viewing the content warnings, because books will always wait until you’re ready for them!
Content Warnings: This book contains scenes and topics that may upset some readers, including, but not limited to, Grief, Parental Death, Anxiety (Mild), Dysfunctional Family Units, Friendship Fights/Dysfunction, Adult Language, discussions of Adult Situations, and possibly more.
About the Author
George Lester is a freelance editor, musical theatre lover and drag nerd who lives with his wonderful partner in Twickenham. He semi-regularly posts videos online talking about books and writing mostly. He is also a Drag Queen under the name That Girl. You can follow him on Instagram and Twitter @TheGeorgeLester or you can follow That Girl on Instagram @ThatGirlDrag
Links
Amazon US: https://a.co/d/iQXIZ95
Amazon UK: https://amzn.eu/d/0FEMwo1
Bookshop US: https://bookshop.org/a/25511/9781068767029
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/218280503-don-t-die-alone-lucas-cook
As a Bookshop.org (US) Affiliate, I may earn on qualifying purchases. Bookshop.org purchases support local, independent bookshops. My chosen affiliate bookshop is Tubby & Coo’s Traveling Bookshop, a local, queer-owned bookshop in New Orleans.
Published by Amorina Carlton. Award-winning American author, Amorina Carlton, is currently working on her first novel. You can find more about her published work and works in progress on the home page. She also serves as the PR/Marketing Lead for Ravens and Roses Publishing, and reviews books, mostly by other indie authors, here and on Bookstagram.