Reviews with content warning for Panic attacks/disorders - We Could Be So Good

Being queer in the 1950s isn't easy. Hard-bitten, ink-stained reporter Nick knows this better than most. But when he meets scatterbrained, haphazard, endearingly optimistic Andy, all the walls he's built to keep himself safe start to come down. The problem is, Andy is engaged to a woman, sparkling, sharp-witted Emily.

When Andy's engagement to Emily falls apart, Andy slowly begins wrestle with something he had refused to think about for most of his life: he's attracted to men. And he's attracted to Nick in particular.

As Nick and Andy's relationship evolves, they both must reckon with their pasts and learn to trust each other. Along the way, they discover that family isn't just blood, and that hiding as part of a community is always better than hiding alone.

Cat Sebastian's slice-of-life romance is lighthearted without being flippant of the very real dangers of being queer in the 1950s. Nick and Andy, and all the rest of the characters, are lovable, well-rounded and fit in with the real-life events depicted in the book. We Could Be So Good is a lovely read with plenty of opportunities for a happy cry.

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wilybooklover's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful reflective medium-paced

5.0

I'm calling it now, even though it's only June; this is my favourite book of the year. My heart is so full after reading this book. Every page was utter perfection. The dynamics actually remind me a lot of Cat Sebastian's 60s-set novella Peter Cabot Gets Lost, which is a big favourite of mine. I don't know how she does it, but she never misses.

This quietly introspective story, about prickly, closed-off journalist Nick and ADHD-coded bisexual disaster Andy, is so soft and tender and heartwarming. These two characters are just so sweet and kind to each other, and I love how the book just carves out a little space for them to be that way even though the world at large doesn't. A good 70% of this story was just cute little domestic scenes like making each other soup, bringing home flowers, caretaking, and rescuing dumb cats, which I adored. Loved the workplace 'work spouse' dynamics too.

The insight into what it could look like to be queer in the 50s was really interesting, especially Andy's discovery of his queer self and how Nick feels when he finds a community of queer people where he can open up and finally feels safe to be himself (in an age where there was a very real fear of being found out even by a neighbour). Nick's whole journey to self-acceptance was lovely to read. It was also interesting to see the contrast between the casual acceptance of Andy's father and Nick knowing he could never truly come out to most of his family. I loved the 1950s New York setting and all the little historical and political details sprinkled in.

I really enjoyed the narrative structure choices made in this book as well. It was dual POV, but large chunks were written solely from either Nick's or Andy's POV, which really amped up the tension without losing that whole 'these two idiots don't realise they feel the same way!' kind of vibe that I always love about this author's books.

And of course, it wouldn't be a Cat Sebastian book without lots of discussion on class and inequality with 'eat the rich' vibes.

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lim's review

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adventurous funny informative inspiring medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

“He can believe that the future they have is worth more than his fear, and he can do what it takes to make that future as safe and happy as possible.”

Cat Sebastian has been a must-read since I picked up a copy of The Queer Principles of Kit Webb last year and developed an appreciation for historical romance. I knew I would like We Could Be So Good, but I was not expecting to fall in love with a beautiful and heartfelt story.

It’s moving and delightfully funny, with the right amount of pining and mostly fade-to-black spice that fits the tone perfectly. Nick and Andy are endearing from the very first page, and though it is a love story, their friendship remains at the heart of the novel. Sebastian also does a brilliant job weaving a fair amount of well-researched (and timely) queer history into the narrative.

A book rarely manages to hit all the right notes for me, especially in the romance genre, but this low angst, best friends-to-lovers, slow-burn did everything right. It was an absolute joy to read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon for providing the ARC

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