Sweet Nineteen (Gay Romance)

Firstly a confession. I'm a bit of a romantic at heart. And having spent years reading gay themed stories that end up tragically, as in those days gay people were seen to be in need of some ultimate punishment for being homosexual and against the so called norm, it is so gratifying to read a well written gay romance that has, as all romances must, a happy ending. Thank god for Anthony McDonald! Years ago I found a book of his called Adam, which became an instant favourite of mine, partly because it was set in France, where I have lived, and partly because I fell for the main character (plus a few of the others, it has to be admitted!). Obviously this new one is a genre novel, so in weight and style is lighter than his other more serious works, but he has brought to it all his powers of characterisation and description and of place that you would expect from a master of his craft. Plus some very satisfactory scenes of a sexual nature! To précis the story would be pointless; in this genre it is the journey that counts, and you want the two youngsters Mick and Tom to reach their goal of happiness, despite setbacks. Set in the garden of England, Kent, and Scotland, with one boy from a rich family and the narrator from a poorer one, this is an ideal read for anyone who likes to curl up and inwardly purr with contentment! Just discovered on Kindle that there is a second novel in what is obviously going to become a series, Gay Romance on Garda, so no doubt that will be full of Italian heat and passion! Have to say too that I love the covers. They are also themed. If you look the Garda one up, you'll see what I mean. Clever silhouettes! Thank you Anthony McDonald. All in all a five star read.

Well written, good story, entertaining read - recommended.

A generally good feel gay romance. Held my interest and developed themes well. The characters have realism and could be related to well enough.

As promised, a sweet story, told with humour and empathy, featuring likeable characters whom the reader is rooting for from start to finish. You close the book looking forward to reading it again soon with equal pleasure.

I was hooked from the first page, the author really managed to place me right there. There was one or two items that niggled me though hence only four stars but definitely worth a read.

For a young man of nineteen, first love can be difficult and painful.....especially if the object of desire is another guy. Tender love story with a very satisfying HEA ending.

a brilliant read explaining the journey of two nineteen year old boys who fall in love and their sexual exploits which are sensitively covered - takes the whole lives into account which is healthy too.

A good storey of close encounter and a great friendship that follows, how true love overcomes class difference and help and guidance from parents puts their lives on a whole new track.

Don't let the book's blurb put you off if you think this will be just another how-I-met-a-boy-and-became-gay story. Instead, get ready for one of the most amazingly plotted and beautifully written how-I-met-a-boy-and-fell-in-love stories you are likely to ever read. Set in a number of small towns surrounding Canterbury in England, and expanded occasionally to the highlands of Scotland, this tale of Tom and Mick will grab you quickly--like each of them tentatively grabbed each other on the bus--and hold you enthralled through the end. And leave you wishing for more. Perfectly drawn, Tom and Mick and their families create a wonderland of love, and the two boys create a magical, scorching and almost (yes, almost) angst-free relationship that sometimes bears down on each of them somehat ruefully because neither one of them can believe how the other one loves him so much. That's all I'm going to tell you. For the rest, just settle back and smile, sometimes laugh, sometimes wipe a tear, and have a lovely time.

A wonderful, but far too short, book about coming of age as a young man who is questioning their sexuality.

Well written story line and character development. No great dramatic swings of the plot though there were a few tense moments there was no angst and forced drama to complicate the story. A pleasant tale of new love.

This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I loved it. It’s about two nineteen year old college students who meet on a bus on the way to school. It starts out with Mick stealing shy glances at Tom’s profile as he sits next to him on the bus. Those glances leads to longing (and lustful) stares at Tom’s lap. At the end of the bus ride Mick thinks of Tom throughout the day which leads us to their second ride. Oh boy! It doesn’t take them long to become great friend and more. This was a wonderful story. It had some angst as there were growing pains between these two young men but they had wonderful mentors who helped them with their struggles. I highly recommended this 5 star book.

This book is 100% Anthony McDonald. Young men finding each other, developing a relationship. Learning to adjust and be honest with each other. Enough sex to make it romantic, but not slutty. And working through problems to a good resolution. His books are always a joy to read, nothing heavy, but engaging nonetheless. I also like the way these 19-year-olds find a 30-something couple who mentor their relationship. I really enjoyed reading this book.