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shugentobler's review
challenging
funny
hopeful
informative
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, Rape, Racial slurs, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Suicidal thoughts, Racism, Emotional abuse, Sexual violence, Physical abuse, Homophobia, Death of parent, Drug abuse, and Classism
upnorth's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug use, Alcohol, and Sexual content
Moderate: Toxic relationship and Racial slurs
Minor: Suicidal thoughts
amandalorianxo's review
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Laugh out loud funny moments and painfully hard but truthful moments of realness are doused in this debut. The interseconality in being black and gay is not ignored in Boys Come First. Each of our male MC’s( Dominick, Troy and Remy) have been through the ropes when it came to acknowledging and accepting their sexualities. Dom is arriving back to Detroit from NY after losing his job and finding out his boyfriend of eight years was not faithful to him. His best friends, Troy and Remy, have remained in their home city and are willing to lend an ear as Dom tries to pick up the pieces. Troy is a middle school teacher at a charter school. He is half Asian, half Black (his mom was from Bangladesh, his dad is a Black man from Arkansas.) Remy is building his career as a real estate agent, confidently rubbing elbows with the label “Mr. Detroit.” In spite of their different paths, the trio of men have the same struggles and concerns that anyone in their thirties does - how to maintain a successful career, find someone worth being in a relationship with and just … enjoying the skin they are in. Everything is on the table, including the discussion of family dynamics, self-esteem, self-respect (you gotta put yourself first!) as well as being in toxic relationships/situationships. I was surprised, perhaps pleasantly so, when I realized these men weren’t shamed by their families when it came to their preferences. You don’t really get that a lot in bipoc communities. I also liked the change in setting. I got to experience Detroit in ways I didn’t think I could. It’s nice reading words about a place you know the author is 100% familiar with where their story is taking place. Props to Mr. Foley and his dedicated preciseness. I would rate this 4.5 stars and am only taking half a star away because for some reason, there are two POV’s that are third person and one that is first. Why not make all of them a single pov? Each MC had their own distinct voice so it wouldn’t have distracted me personally but that was my only mild gripe.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Drug use and Racial slurs
Minor: Drug abuse, Homophobia, Racism, Toxic relationship, Infidelity, and Physical abuse
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