endemictoearth's review against another edition
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
3.0
Review | This book should have worked for me, older protags, a diverse cast, well written, but the background characters took over. And the author just kept commenting through one of the MCs about how weird it was that everyone knew each other and everyone was in each other's business. (Also the older MC has a freakout [NOT that he slept with a man for the first time at age 59, but that he might have helped his ex-wife babysit said human 45 years ago???) The romantic chemistry is the strongest thing in this, but not strong enough.
otterpebbles's review against another edition
medium-paced
4.0
I enjoyed this short novella, full of community feels and open perspectives on sexuality especially as you get older. I liked a lot the thoughtfulness that went into the character developments, and how their various internal doubts, prejudices, and desires are questioned and developed into a fun and interesting relationship. I was also interested in how the whiteness of the society was highlighted and the intersection between various identities was raised.
For me, the community was one of the big highlights, and I'm looking forward to reading more set here and uncovering more about the residents.
For me, the community was one of the big highlights, and I'm looking forward to reading more set here and uncovering more about the residents.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Biphobia
qace90's review
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
4.0
I received an advance copy from the publisher via Netgalley for review purposes. This in no way influences my review; all words, thoughts, and opinions are my own.
Give Way is a sweet, short small town romance between Kevin, a retired lawyer, and Awais, a postal worker. When they meet while Awais is delivering mail there is an immediate attraction, though Kevin has always identified as straight up to this moment. When he reflects, Kevin realizes he’s always been bi, but the mutual attraction with Awais allows him to finally recognize and act on that aspect of his identity. They meet again at a local bar and have a wonderful night, but when Kevin realizes he helped his ex-wife babysit Awais a few times, he suddenly feels awkward about the attraction. Awais worries that it’s Kevin freaked out about his sudden sexual awakening at his age, and he has some history of men experimenting with him, which leaves him leery.
This was a pretty quick read and overall pretty light. It happens concurrently to events from No Parking, which features Kevin’s ex-wife Marianne. I really enjoyed getting Kevin’s story and seeing more of Swanley. It’s a fun small-town romance with some really wonderful characters.
Give Way is a sweet, short small town romance between Kevin, a retired lawyer, and Awais, a postal worker. When they meet while Awais is delivering mail there is an immediate attraction, though Kevin has always identified as straight up to this moment. When he reflects, Kevin realizes he’s always been bi, but the mutual attraction with Awais allows him to finally recognize and act on that aspect of his identity. They meet again at a local bar and have a wonderful night, but when Kevin realizes he helped his ex-wife babysit Awais a few times, he suddenly feels awkward about the attraction. Awais worries that it’s Kevin freaked out about his sudden sexual awakening at his age, and he has some history of men experimenting with him, which leaves him leery.
This was a pretty quick read and overall pretty light. It happens concurrently to events from No Parking, which features Kevin’s ex-wife Marianne. I really enjoyed getting Kevin’s story and seeing more of Swanley. It’s a fun small-town romance with some really wonderful characters.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content
Spoiler
internalized bimisia, alcohol consumption, bar setting, 15 year age gap (late 40s, early 60s)
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