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A review by mythopoeia
We Could Be So Good by Cat Sebastian
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I had previously read (and loved) both Kit Webb and Marian Hayes, and with this, it's official - I will read whatever Cat Sebastian writes. I think my only complaint here is that I inhaled this in less than a day and now it's over.
But, starting at the beginning. Nick Russo is a journalist on the Chronicle's city desk who maintains a gruff facade and keeps people at arm's length. After all, it's the 1950s, and if anyone were to learn that Nick's gay, he'd lose everything. Enter Andy Fleming, the son of the Chronicle's owner, who is basically a gentle duckling struggling to take care of himself in a world that has never quite taken care of him enough. Nick and Andy quickly become best friends, then roommates, then...
Sebastian has built a rich and well-researched version of 1950s NYC as a backdrop against which the characters' relationships shine--Nick and Andy, of course, but also a cast of compelling and loveable side characters (Emily!!). There's also a cat who is not very good at being a cat, who is sure to delight fans of Rob's penchant for wayward pets.
The blend of friends-to-lovers and idiots-to-lovers certainly lends itself to a bit of miscommunication, but instead of the frustrating "just talk already!" type of miscommunication, it's the kind where you understand why the characters' individual fears and doubts hold them back and you just want to hug them both and make them soup. (Because yes, homemade soup is indeed a cure all, as Nick would have you know.)
Readers should go in aware that it is the 1950s and homophobia - with the all the risks of violence and societal/familial rejection it entails - is a very real fear driving characters' choices throughout. However, it's not a story about bringing that violence and isolation to a head; it's about found family, queer joy, and the ways we can look out for each other in a world that can be rough to go alone.
Content warnings: homophobia, threats from police, bullying and mild physical injury (off page), parental death (past/referenced)
Thanks to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for providing a free digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
But, starting at the beginning. Nick Russo is a journalist on the Chronicle's city desk who maintains a gruff facade and keeps people at arm's length. After all, it's the 1950s, and if anyone were to learn that Nick's gay, he'd lose everything. Enter Andy Fleming, the son of the Chronicle's owner, who is basically a gentle duckling struggling to take care of himself in a world that has never quite taken care of him enough. Nick and Andy quickly become best friends, then roommates, then...
Sebastian has built a rich and well-researched version of 1950s NYC as a backdrop against which the characters' relationships shine--Nick and Andy, of course, but also a cast of compelling and loveable side characters (Emily!!). There's also a cat who is not very good at being a cat, who is sure to delight fans of Rob's penchant for wayward pets.
The blend of friends-to-lovers and idiots-to-lovers certainly lends itself to a bit of miscommunication, but instead of the frustrating "just talk already!" type of miscommunication, it's the kind where you understand why the characters' individual fears and doubts hold them back and you just want to hug them both and make them soup. (Because yes, homemade soup is indeed a cure all, as Nick would have you know.)
Readers should go in aware that it is the 1950s and homophobia - with the all the risks of violence and societal/familial rejection it entails - is a very real fear driving characters' choices throughout. However, it's not a story about bringing that violence and isolation to a head; it's about found family, queer joy, and the ways we can look out for each other in a world that can be rough to go alone.
Content warnings: homophobia, threats from police, bullying and mild physical injury (off page), parental death (past/referenced)
Thanks to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for providing a free digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia
Moderate: Bullying
Minor: Blood, Police brutality, and Death of parent
Re: police brutality/threats: No actual harm comes to the characters, but as a result of the time period (1950s), there is an ongoing fear of harm from police for being gay and mention of raids and past arrests. One of the characters is investigating police corruption and is threatened as a result - a threat with an added dimension of possible harm because of his sexuality.