A review by jjfey
Cubs & Campfires by Dylan Drakes

adventurous funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective relaxing slow-paced

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

5.0

Dylan Drakes' Cubs and Campfires earns five stars from me. And it’s one of the easiest 5-stars I’ve ever given. 

 

The story opens with a bang, with some social commentary on the conservative movement and anti-prurience. We follow Luca, a recent graduate and aspiring journalist, who’s determined to make change by publishing sex-positive, uplifting stories. His work feels like a blend of a Carrie Bradshaw column and Humans of New York. Despite his passion, Luca struggles to find a job because his writing is seen as “too much spice, not enough nice.” 

 

Then there’s Artair. A wanderlust-driven adventurer and musician, he’s loud in his presence but quietly confident in his talents and adorably bashful when praised. Set in the mid-noughts, where it’s possible for Artair to have avoided digital communication - he doesn’t have an email address or a phone. I’d love to see a flash-forward of him today, just to know if he’s joined the digital age.These two men made this an unforgettable read. 

 

 Cubs and Campfires is deftly written. Drakes is a master of his craft. His prose is deliciously descriptive, decadent even, creating a story that is both laugh-out-loud funny and heart-warming. I found myself highlighting passages just to be able to relive the gorgeous writing. The book feels like a warm (and delightfully dirty) hug – rich, lush, and evocative. 

 

I also appreciated the chonkiness of these men. As a disabled person, body diversity makes me feel more connected to a story, and it’s especially needed in MM Romance, where it’s often lacking. 

 

I cried when I finished this book, from the sheer beauty of the story and the sadness of it being over. This is a book that will stay with me. 

 

Even the cover art is stunning, perfectly capturing Luca and Artair. My only complaint? I have to wait until 2025 for the next Sweet and Stocky story!