February 6, 2023
Kay (Tell Me Everything) delivers a cute queer rom-com that feels like a warm hug. Uptight Londoner Eleanor “El” Evans feels stuck in her dead-end job and tiny flatshare. She’s also hopelessly in love with Ray, her gorgeous (and totally oblivious) best friend. After Ray teases El for being overly sensible, El determines to prove herself wild, fun, and brave, and thus become the cool, sexy girl of Ray’s dreams. But drugs, alcohol, and tattoos don’t do the trick, and El is beginning to despair—until their “token straight” friend Will announces he’s inherited enough money for a down payment on a house in the countryside. And so, together with gay social-media wizard Jamie, the little found family moves into quiet village retreat Lavender House. What could be wilder, El reasons, than leaving real life behind to buy a house with her best friends? Well, maybe trying to sleep next door to the girl she can’t stop thinking about without giving herself away. Despite El’s commitment to going wild, she remains a surprisingly passive character throughout. Still, with breezy, low-stakes conflict, heaps of charming queer characters, and a happy ending for all, this proves both compulsively readable and tremendously enjoyable. Agent: Emma Finn, C&W Agency.
June 10, 2024
El is stuck in a dead-end office job and suffers from unrequited love for her lesbian best friend, Ray. One day, El, Ray, and their friends Will and Jamie decide to buy a house together in a small village, leaving the city behind and creating a unique, mostly queer commune. The group works together to DIY their new home, dubbed Lavender House. As the renovation continues and plans for a welcome party come to fruition, El is forced to confront her feelings for Ray. UK author Kay's (Tell Me Everything) newest novel is a laugh-out-loud listen set in a loving queer community. Narrator Abigail Hardiman gives a nuanced performance of four young people creating the life of their dreams. Hardiman's varied, personality-filled character voices ensure listeners can easily discern who is speaking. Listeners should note that while this title is marketed as romance, the heart of the story centers on friendship and growth, not just on El and Ray's romantic relationship. VERDICT Though the romance is a bit slow to ignite, patient listeners will be rewarded with an enjoyable sizzle at the end. An excellent fit for those seeking a low-key queer romance full of fun and engaging characters.--Elyssa Everling
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