REVIEW: “An Unexpected Summer” by Kate Sands
ABOUT:
Life at home has become awkward since Brendan told his parents he’s gay. Relief comes when his cousin gets him a job at a nearby lake resort for the summer. Happy to get away, he plans to give his parents space while saving money for his college fund and hanging out with his cousin Tracey, the only other person he’s out to. Turns out Tobin, a boy from school Brendan has a crush on, is also working there for the summer, and the two of them have been assigned to share a room. Brendan’s nervous reaction doesn’t get the summer off to the best start. Now, not only does Brendan have to fix his relationship with his parents, he has to figure out a way to make things right with Tobin too.
REVIEW:
I stumbled over this book because one of my favorite authors tweeted about it – apparently they are friends. It was one of those impulsive moments; I didn’t even pay attention to the book summary. I only knew that it would be a young adult story (which I hoped would translate into no on-page sex *ha!*).
The story was pretty much what the blurb said, there weren’t any surprises. But what I appreciated from this was the relationship between Brendan and his parents. While it did start rather awkward since his mother seemed to have difficulty coming to terms with Brendan’s sexuality, but in the end, it didn’t turn out as an ‘angsty’ and ‘dark’ storyline. I admit that one of the reasons why I tend to avoid LGBT young adult from MM publishers is because often the story turns sad. As much as it is realistic, but I also prefer to read hopeful and positive coming-of-age stories. I want to read about supportive parents and unconditional love, even if it takes a little time for them to adjust their expectations when it comes to their own children.
As for Brendan and Tobin’s storyline – it was nice and uncomplicated. I really liked the fact that it wasn’t instant-love (or lust) between the two. They formed a friendship and it ended as a hopeful beginning of something more. I imagine that Brendan and Tobin would have a memorable year once summer is over and they are going back to school. For that, I wish them all the best.
RATING: 3.5 STARS
BOOK INFO:
![UnexpectedSummer[An]LG](https://boysinourbooks.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/unexpectedsummeranlg.jpg)
Title: An Unexpected Summer
Author: Kate Sands
Publisher: Harmony Ink Press
Pages: 56
Release Date: January 15, 2015
Purchase Links: Dreamspinner Press, ARe, Amazon
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