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Whistling in the Dark

by Tamara Allen (Goodreads Author)

4.26 · rating details · 205 ratings · 37 reviews

New York City, 1919. His career as a concert pianist ended by a war injury, Sutton Albright returns to college, only to be expelled after a scandalous affair with a teacher. Unable to face his family, Sutton heads to Manhattan with no plans and little money in his pocket but with a desire to call his life his own. Jack Bailey lost his parents to influenza and now hopes to ...more

Paperback, 340 pages

Published January 3rd 2009 by Lethe Press (first published 2008)

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Lists with This Book

The Gentleman and the Rogue by Bonnie Dee

Best Gay Historical Romance

5th out of 161 books — 230 voters

Best M/M Romance Published in 2009

44th out of 126 books — 326 voters

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Community Reviews

(showing 1-30 of 547)

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Oct 30, 2009

JenMcJ rated it

Shelves: e-books, mm-and-mmf-menage, z-5-star-reads

This was a great tale of romance at it's best that also happens to be a m/m story. The story was fully engaging and both the heroes were likeable and relatable.

Set just after WWI and about 4 months prior to prohibition, both heroes are back from the war with their own demons, dreams and desires. Relating to each other on different levels in almost every way, slowly they find that two different people can become one perfect couple.

My only issue with this book is the almo...more

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Feb 28, 2010

Helen rated it

Shelves: historical-fiction

Whistling in the Dark is a heartwarming and poignant historical romance set in New York in the aftermath of World War I. It's the story of two men, both damaged by the war in different ways, who are drawn together first by fate, then by friendship and finally by love.

Sutton Albright, son of a rich Kansas businessman, has just been expelled from college and, too ashamed to face his parents, travels to New York to look for work. Here he meets Jack Bailey, who is desperately trying to kee...more

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May 15, 2009

Elisa Ramblings added it

I had a very good history teacher in high school; he didn't teach us history through date but through the words of people who lived in the period we needed to study. I still remember the word, but not the name, of a writer who told his World War I: it was the war that changed the way of make war; before the WWI there were knights and the war was made by men; after the WWI there were machine and the men were only numbers, bodies to slaughter. Young men went to war with dreams of justice and came ...moreI had a very good history teacher in high school; he didn't teach us history through date but through the words of people who lived in the period we needed to study. I still remember the word, but not the name, of a writer who told his World War I: it was the war that changed the way of make war; before the WWI there were knights and the war was made by men; after the WWI there were machine and the men were only numbers, bodies to slaughter. Young men went to war with dreams of justice and came back, if they came back, forever changed.

It's not said why Sutton and Jack went to war, probably for the same reason of most of them, since it was the right thing to do, but now they are back home and home seems different, a place where they don't know how to live. Sutton is from a wealthy family, and he has still chances in his life to be someone, his family sends him to college but he is kicked out after a liaison between him and a teacher is discovered. Sutton has no face to be back home, probably since he still doesn't know what to do in his life... probably Sutton is wondering why a man like him, with forbidden desires in his mind, was allowed to come back alive when so many others lost their life; Sutton doesn't think he deserves that.

In New York instead Jack knows what he wants from his life, he wants to ail on radio, but he has also to pay off a lot of money he borrowed and his store is not doing well. Plus he is still recovering from the nightmares he brought back from Europe. He has no problem with the fact that he prefers men, since he has none intention to make a family and he is more than satisfy to spend his free time, and his few money, with his friends at night... anything to delay the time in which he will be alone in bed. Wasting all he has and behaving like a idleness is only a way to prove to himself that he is not worthy of something better.

But when Jack meets Sutton in the worst moment of the man's life, he has to help him... save one now since he couldn't save more then. Truth be told, Sutton and Jack help each other, Jack giving Sutton a shelter, and Sutton playing the piano for Jack's radio tune. And at night they again help each other, Sutton finally finding a man who doesn't fear to love him, and Jack having someone beside him to hunt down his nightmare. It's an easy and tender love story, not passionate declaration of undying love, but more the meeting of two lost souls. All right, maybe there is not graphic sex, but only since all happen behind closed door, and even if we don't see anything, the sensuality is all over the book, in the way Sutton looks at Jack when he wanders for the apartment, in the way they awake in the same bed still embracing each other and searching comfort, in the sweet smile of Sutton who thinks that Jack is the best man in the world, and in the good heart of Jack who knows that he has found a treasure and cherishes him.

You can say from the first pages that this novel will not deceive you and so you will happily loose yourself in the more than 300 pages, knowing that, at the end, the romantic in you will be happy.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001NIZ616/?tag...(less)

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Mar 16, 2009

T'Lar Tuscadero rated it

A charming, evocative romance. I got completely wrapped up in it and, a day later, want to pull it out and start rereading from page one and not stop until the end, even though I have other obligations. Sigh. Soon, though. Very soon.

If there were more m/m romances like this in the world, I'd be living in a van down by the river, for sure, because there's no way I could say no to them. I adored it, and I sincerely hope to hear more from this author. (No pressure, but yes, plz?)

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Jan 11, 2009

Erin rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: romance

The main appeal of the book is that it's a gay romance that takes place in the Jazz Age, and it is a very sweet book. It's main flaw is pacing; it kind of just goes on and on, and a lot of things happen, particularly in the second half of the book, but I think there are just too many plot threads, and everything gets wrapped up in a nice bow, and this is a book that could have stood to be shorter.

There are also some instances where I feel like we, the readers, don't get enough infor...moreThe main appeal of the book is that it's a gay romance that takes place in the Jazz Age, and it is a very sweet book. It's main flaw is pacing; it kind of just goes on and on, and a lot of things happen, particularly in the second half of the book, but I think there are just too many plot threads, and everything gets wrapped up in a nice bow, and this is a book that could have stood to be shorter.

There are also some instances where I feel like we, the readers, don't get enough information for some scenes to make sense. In the first chapter, for example, Sutton gets arrested for lewd conduct or public indecency or something similar, but all he did was talk to a man. The man propositioned him, yes, but I couldn't figure out what Sutton did that would make the cops come after him. This happens 3 or 4 times in the novel.

That said, I found it interesting for two reasons:

1) This is the only gay romance I've read without any sex in it. By which I mean, Jack and Sutton are definitely sleeping together and have had multiple partners in the past, but in the sequence of the novel, the sex is implied or we fade to black before the good stuff happens. I actually found this refreshing. About a week ago, I read an online discussion of sexuality in gay romance novels that came to the conclusion that most of them have too much sex, to the point where it overshadows the emotional development of the characters. This book is the exact opposite of that.

2) I've done a fair amount of research on the 1920s for a novel I'm writing. I don't claim to be an expert, but from what I know of the era, Allen got it right for the most part. The slang, the cost of things, some attitudes. I think Jack exemplifies the era in a way that I hope was intentional: he's deeply haunted by his experiences in World War I, but he puts on a cheery exterior. He's flirty and fashionable, he spends money he doesn't have, etc. It's party of why the exuberance of the Jazz Age was unsustainable: all of the dancing and booze and joy masked deeper problems, past horrors, the coming financial crisis, etc.

3) Sutton is really weirdly naive. He's so wide-eyed and surprised by everything Jack exposes him to, and yet, he's had affairs with men before. What I find interesting about him (and about most of the male characters in the novel, come to think of it) is that he's gay without having a name for it. He knows he's different, he's had plenty of people tell him he's wrong for feeling the way he does, he's gotten arrested for it (and kicked out of a dance club... and is basically disowned by his family) but he doesn't have any doubt about who he is or what he wants, he doesn't hate himself, he just accepts it for what it is. Which strikes me as unlikely, but what do I know?

So it's an interesting book, and I clearly have a lot to say about it, and there is a Big Misunderstanding at the end of the novel that I could have done without, but it's presented and resolved quickly, so it's relatively inoffensive. Thumbs up, generally. (less)

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Sep 21, 2011

Cat rated it

Shelves: dont_own, historical, illness, mm, novel, romance, guns, war

Whistling in the dark is one of those stories that if it weren't for a few issues I had with the story/plotline I would've rated it much higher. It's a sweet story and a very nice read but it's a bit too unrealistic for a story based in a historical period.

Not only are there parties that feature homosexual activities without any worry of being caught but the men don't even try to be quiet about what they do. Then, no matter how stuffy the family or how narrow minded the person, no ...more

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Jun 05, 2011

Top 2 Bottom Reviews Interviews and More rated it

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. 5+ stars

5+ stars

In the waning months of 1918, the Spanish influenza pandemic had erupted the world over just as World War I was breathing its final gasps. By the time the pandemic’s devastating effects had been fully realized, tens of millions of people worldwide had died in what is now known as one of the greatest medical catastrophes in the history of mankind.

Some 675,000 Americans succumbed to the virus, more than five times the number of American servicemen and ...more

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Dec 10, 2010

Lisa rated it

There is so much right and beautiful and memorable about this book. Allen writes with a sure grip on her style, the knowledge of her characters, her dialogue, her pacing and how to grow a relationship delicately and compellingly.

Others here give a good idea of the basic plotting, so only briefly: two men have returned from WWI and both are trying to restore a semblance of their former balance. Sutton has sustained an injury that compromises his ability to become a pianist. Jack h...moreThere is so much right and beautiful and memorable about this book. Allen writes with a sure grip on her style, the knowledge of her characters, her dialogue, her pacing and how to grow a relationship delicately and compellingly.

Others here give a good idea of the basic plotting, so only briefly: two men have returned from WWI and both are trying to restore a semblance of their former balance. Sutton has sustained an injury that compromises his ability to become a pianist. Jack has psychological wounds that run deep, but he operates 'chin up' as he tries to sustain his family's business and fulfill his wish to pursue radio broadcasting. Both men are gay in a time when one could wind up in jail for these things. Both men aren't terribly fussed about their sexual preferences and neither is a virgin. In fact, Sutton has the baggage of being ousted from school for a previous relationship with one of his teachers. Jack's been a bit luckier--most of the people in his life accept him as he is.

The two meet when Sutton has hit rock bottom and is questioning the value of his life, even of carrying on. It's a meeting that leads to Sutton's piano abilities fitting in well with Jack's radio aspirations. Against a backdrop of this-and-that plot twists, they find, question and commit to love.

I was actually well-pleased the issues characterising a non-gay-friendly period were given a lower profile. I don't really need these issues presented as adjunct polemics. I get the difficulties, and I tend to think however prohibitive the age, those who accept who they are usually find ways to be who they are, however removed from the public eye those ways might be. If they're not going to ignore their preferences, they have to. It's another matter if repressive tensions from anti-gay opinion or policy leave one or both of a story's leads in denial they have to cope with, but here we see the characters' sensitivities to the problem; we see they find their solutions within the existing framework. Works for me.

Even with a few grim fight scenes, this is a gentle story, gently and subtly told. Although Allen doesn't belabour period information and material detail--she thankfully reveals only what is necessary to each moment--the ambiance she creates in the reader's mind is alive with breath and reality and its own period hue. It's quite a stunning achievement to create with a beautifully spare technique something that feels lush. I love that she allows the reader to activate imagination to flesh out the context. Her character's actions and dialogue evoke deep, touching sentiment and yet they are never sentimental or maudlin. She knows her characters and lets them speak accordingly. How easily she could have overdone the emotional repercussions of their war experiences.

Allen's secondary characters are treated as carefully as her protagonists, if sometimes a bit stereotypically, but almost always in ways that give them some substance. I was quite fond of Theo, a character who embraces a life I imagine a club-scene gay of the time might experience: private parties, smoky jazz clubs.

The plot is neither complicated nor unpredictable. There are no epic qualities here, just believable lives, individuals looking to find themselves, peace, contentment and love as they pursue their passions. Some looking for an epic story might find this smaller scale disappointing; I hardly did, because within this simplicity Allen grows such a garden! To me, certain scenes, particularly toward the end where we're wrapping up, lacked the subtle textures at which Allen excels. For some reason, in most m/m romances I read, family reactions to things they'd rather not deal with are generally problematic, tending toward two-dimensional or too-readily accepting or unbelievably melodramatic. But for all I'm left feeling this way, I'm not sure how otherwise it could be handled. At any rate, Sutton's time with his family feels a little contrived, as does his announcement of his decision, as does the moment he makes his decision (if anything felt a touch sappy to me, it was this scene).

The quality of building romance is ever so lovely. I figure they probably have great sex, but that's generally handled in fade-to-black fashion. We mostly see them cuddle and kiss, and we know they're doing something more, though just what that something is, is left largely to the reader's imagination.

But, oh, how Sutton and Jack shine when they are together, even when they are circling and making assumptions the reader wishes they'd dispense with quickly. I fell in love with both of them. And I'll revisit their story again.

Brava, Ms Allen!(less)

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Jul 09, 2009

Ann Somerville rated it

Whistling in the Dark is one hell of a lovely book. Possibly one of the best m/m books I've ever read. Definitely the sweetest, most engaging romance I've ever read.

I don't even like historical m/m novels, because they're usually set when homosexuality was a crime punishable with severe penalties. Since the story opens with Sutton being picked up (wrongly) for public indecency and forced to spend the night in a police cell, it's clear the author doesn't intend to gloss over real worl...more

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Mar 21, 2011

Elizabeth H. rated it

Considering the ratings and reviews for Whistling in the Dark, I was disappointed in this book. I basically had to force myself to finish it, and there are two major reasons.

First, the book is too long. I really do prefer longer novels and am often frustrated when I can finish a "novel" in one night. (I do read very quickly.) But long for the sake of long? That's not good either. I feel that the author stretched her material. She needed a good editor who could have gu...more

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Apr 07, 2009

Mark Probst rated it

Every once in a while I’ll read a book that will literally sweep me off into another world and hold me there, in a magical trance. Whistling in the Dark is one of those novels, and while reading it, I began to feel that I had no business being a writer as nothing I write will ever compare.

Tamara Allen uses a very light touch to show the New York City of 1919 as she recreates a post-war Mecca vividly describing the birth of prohibition, jazz, and radio stations; underground homosexual...moreEvery once in a while I’ll read a book that will literally sweep me off into another world and hold me there, in a magical trance. Whistling in the Dark is one of those novels, and while reading it, I began to feel that I had no business being a writer as nothing I write will ever compare.

Tamara Allen uses a very light touch to show the New York City of 1919 as she recreates a post-war Mecca vividly describing the birth of prohibition, jazz, and radio stations; underground homosexual parties; automats; shady loan sharks; and two psychologically-damaged soldiers, Jack and Sutton, who find salvation in one another. The very long novel has a feel of Americana, but without the overly cheery optimism. What is so fascinating to observe, is how these two characters warm up to each other. The pace is deliciously slow and as they get to know each other, it never once feels staged, nor does the reader feel telegraphed ahead where their relationship is headed. It took great restraint to allow these characters to develop separately before they finally came together romantically. I shan’t spoil you by telling you how it happens, but the circumstances that lead up to their first kiss, is one of the most unique and imaginative plot twists I’ve ever encountered.

Though the novel certainly deals with some dark and serious issues, the overall tone is buoyant and charming and I had a silly grin on my face though most of it. The myriad of supporting characters are well-drawn and there was the full range of good to bad. The only thing I will say that is even remotely negative is that I counted five straight characters that knew about the love affair between Jack and Sutton and were completely supportive of it. It’s possible. Not likely, but possible. Also, this book has got to hold the record for the number of times the word “sandwich” is used. That’s not a complaint, just a playful observation. There were so many sandwiches consumed in this book, I felt positively stuffed.

Whistling in the Dark is a truly remarkable first novel and a beautiful and poignant romance that deserves to be read and savored by anyone who appreciates good gay fiction. So please read it, then tell all of your friends to read it too.
(less)

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Sep 11, 2010

Karen rated it

This was a little off the beaten path for me. A gay historical romance recommended by John of Dreaming In Books. I featured his review for the book during the Ultimate Reviewers Challenge and it convinced me to read it myself. The characters were really well written, the relationship between the MC’s Sutton and Jack was developed slowly and realistically. The book also addressed many of the issues of what it was like to be gay in that era and of the lingering effects of war on returning soldiers...more

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Jan 13, 2011

Fehu rated it

Great book!
I was positivly surprised because it was so well wrtitten and lovelly.
One could practicaly feel the atmosphere of the NY city in the early 20th. The timeperiod of the great depression and right after the 1. World War, does not sound promissing but the author describes the potential in a big city, like new kinds of music and inventions.
The characters have they flows, they are not the perfect,superficious dolls, created for romance and sex alone, like in some other boo...more

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Jun 13, 2009

Angel Martinez rated it

A sweet m/m romance, steeped in the attitudes and issues of the time (post WWI) I thoroughly enojyed this one. Oh, yes, there are some slow spots, especially at the beginning, but the characters are marvelous and the writing transportive.

Before the sexual revolutionm,before 'gay rights' was even a thought, these boys struggle with a society where gay men are shut away in institutions as mentally ill, where they can be arrested simply for talking to someone at a known 'pick up' spot, ...more

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Jun 16, 2010

Ruth Sims rated it

I enjoy Tamara Allen's writing. Period. Whistling in the Dark especially appealed to me because of the post-WWI setting. For some reason, there aren't that many books set then. It's an unabashed love story of two young men, both American veterans, who have been damaged in different ways by the war. Sutton Albright's career as a pianist was ended by the war. Jack Sutton has scars of a different sort. The feel for the era is faultless, and also interesting because of Jack's passion for the new-fan...more

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Jun 05, 2011

Lisa rated it

Recommended to Lisa by: top2bottomreviews.wordpress.com

Shelves: m-m-romance, historical-romance-fiction

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. 5+ stars

In the waning months of 1918, the Spanish influenza pandemic had erupted the world over just as World War I was breathing its final gasps. By the time the pandemic’s devastating effects had been fully realized, tens of millions of people worldwide had died in what is now known as one of the greatest medical catastrophes in the history of mankind.

Some 675,000 Americans succumbed to the virus, more than five times the number of American servicemen and civilians killed d...more

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Jun 14, 2010

Alex rated it

Shelves: romance, queer, fiction

After seeing this posted as a giveaway, I considered buying it, but I have a long list of books to read, so it got set aside. After an author I like recommended it as a favorite, and gave a favorable description, I gave in and ordered it (along with Allen's other book Down Time).

I loved it. I tagged it as a romance, but it's really not, although the romantic interests of two men is the central focus of the story. It's about so much more (war, fighting, being who you are, freedom, st...more

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May 14, 2010

Erin (PT) rated it

Shelves: lgbt, historical, romance

I wish Goodreads had half star ratings. I would give this a high three/low four. For the most part, the book was a lovely, entertaining read. The world is one you're quick to fall into. Jack and Sutton are distinct, vividly drawn characters and you're quickly involved in them as characters and as a couple. I really liked that it didn't feel like Allen didn't rush the romance, letting it develop sweetly and naturally.

I only have two issues. One is Allen's writing and is the sam...more

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Feb 02, 2010

Kassa rated it

· review of another edition

A truly lovely story in a brilliantly crafted world with charming characters that draw you into a story so engaging and absorbing, you wish it never had to end. But all stories must end and this one ends on a wonderfully romantic note that will resonate with readers and keep this as a must read in the future. With an attention to detail and descriptive prose, this story takes the time to develop and let the characters fully emerge. The slow blooming romance and lack of explicit sex is well wort...moreA truly lovely story in a brilliantly crafted world with charming characters that draw you into a story so engaging and absorbing, you wish it never had to end. But all stories must end and this one ends on a wonderfully romantic note that will resonate with readers and keep this as a must read in the future. With an attention to detail and descriptive prose, this story takes the time to develop and let the characters fully emerge. The slow blooming romance and lack of explicit sex is well worth the wait.

Jack is a delightful character as a cynical, scarred, flirtatious, and outrageous young man. He’s emotionally troubled from the war and struggles with his parents’ death, while trying to maintain the shop his father spent his life creating. Bad choices and decisions often plague Jack as he attempts to insulate himself from the world with a boisterous personality, hiding his true emotions deeply within. Often accused of lacking depth, Jack in fact has an immense loyalty and fear of abandonment that prompts him to keep an emotional distance from those around him. Only a select few actually see and understand the man beneath his often-flamboyant exterior. The shear complexity of his character could easily have overwhelmed the story but the author’s deft hand kept Jack as charming and immensely appealing even as he was inscrutable for more than the half of the story.

Sutton is an easier character to like and openly transparent from early on. A young man from a prominent and wealthy family struggling to find his place after the war and being kicked out of school for an indiscretion with a teacher. Sutton is a dreamer, hopeless romantic, painfully open and naïve, yet he is well aware of these aspects of his personality. He simply doesn’t see them as flaws as others might. He’s willing to work hard and his love of music often pulls him into his own thoughts and world. He and Jack are very well suited with their balancing personalities and steadfast support and understanding. Their attraction and chemistry was not instant but took time to grow as their friendship grew. Their eventual first kiss scene was highly inventive, humorous, and incredibly satisfying for just being a simple kiss. This mixture of humor, romance, sensuality, and originality typifies this unique and wonderful story.

The historical setting of New York in early 1920’s was skillfully and masterfully crafted from the incredible details, both large and small, even down to the weather of early fall. The day-to-day struggles with life, money, heat, food, and making a living give an authentic voice to the story and keep the characters grounded in the reality the author has created. Sutton and Jack never get the easy way as often in romance novels, no sudden windfall of money or sudden fix to their problems. They have to pawn their valuables for a few nickels to eat that night, worry about losing their job, their livelihood, if the radiator will give enough heat that night, live on borrowed credit and accept the consequences of poor decisions and wrong choices.

These details were a welcome addition to the charming turning of time when in a few months before prohibition, the decadence of the gay lifestyle was given shine. The hints of anonymous bath houses, the automat, free and easy encounters, open affection amongst friends, even getting thrown out of restaurants for daring to dance with another man. However, for the acceptance within the small bubble around Jack, there are hints of the outside world as men still hide within arranged marriages and homosexuals are arrested for being in the park late at night. Each example was given in the same tone and honest voice, lending an even quality to the pacing and prose.

Just as the additional characters were all given weight and purpose from the charming and irrepressible Theo, Miles, and even Lewis to Sutton’s family all of whom showed a different aspect of the time period with prevalent and changing attitudes. Henry, Ox, and Es were wonderfully created as they added a depth and layering to the gently built story. Each clearly had their own personality and their lives are easy to imagine well beyond the end of the story. Even the cast of Ned, Gert, and Marshall were nice touches without being over the top or stereotypes. Perhaps not as essential to the plot, they were necessary and added to the texture of the time and story.

I did have a few problems with the story, although I will stress these were minor. The added scenes of Ned attempting to manipulate the shop’s demise with the threat of exposure was one too many problems that didn’t need to happen and felt comical, as did the obvious resolution. Additionally, Sutton’s family’s reaction to his statements towards the end was surprising and somewhat not keeping with the story. The author creates a wonderful and believable tension amongst the various members with Sutton and Jack, which leads to the final problem and resolution between the two men, yet the reactions were too pat. Given the setup previous, it seemed too easy unfortunately.

Also, while Jack’s noble gesture was easily seen and predictable, Sutton’s acceptance felt unbelievable and out of character. One of the best qualities of the book was the character development and growth both Sutton and Jack went through and the ending seemed to regress both completely back to the beginning of the novel before the final resolution at the end. While clearly something had to be done to prompt the declarations neither were saying, this felt predictable and out of character at the same time. Both Sutton and Jack had grown beyond their reactions and I felt this scene could have happened another way with the same outcome.

However, my qualms were minimal as the writing was lovely, inventive, descriptive, original, and engrossing. The prose was engaging and delightful with a lovely, slow build of plot, romance, and characters that develops the story at its own pace, but entirely worthwhile. The sweetly romantic relationship between the men is typical of the story with the lack of any explicit sex and the language, while not formal lacks modern swearing and slang. However, for as romantic as this story is, it’s never sappy or overly sweet. The men are masculine men with strengths and weaknesses and this story is likely to appeal to more than just m/m romance fans. This is a fabulous piece of fiction and I easily recommend it. The print version will be sliding onto my keeper shelf. (less)

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Apr 10, 2011

Merith rated it

I loved this story! The romance build up was brilliant and so satisfying when it finally happened. The characters wonderfully developed, not just the MCs, but the main supporting characters were real - people you liked or hated by turn.

The era written has never been so riveting. I would love to read much more by this author and in this era.

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May 18, 2011

Thea Nishimori rated it

Shelves: homoerotica

Solid writing with interesting historical setting. Only found 3 errors in the entire book. Thought there needed to be some more foreshadowing for what Jack does in the end, or at least more of an explanation of his motivation beforehand, but otherwise a good, engaging story.

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Jul 06, 2009

Thomas rated it

Pure escapism, a good summer read. The back cover instructs us to file it under "gay historical romance" ... as if we could possibly wedge yet another volume in that massive section!

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Dec 13, 2009

Paul Jr. rated it

Shelves: gay-fiction, gay-romance, glbt, historical-fiction, literary-fiction

Historical gay fiction doesn't get better than this. Appealing characters, expert setting, and dialog that reads true to the period. Read this book. It is outstanding.

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Jun 01, 2009

Jo rated it

A Hayes-compliant terribly sweet mm romance set between returned Tommies in [just:] pre-Prohibition NYC. Made me stay up till 2.30am to finish reading it.

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Apr 08, 2010

Melissa added it

Tamara Allen has a unique ability to make her characters seem real. I find that to be the most charming aspect of this book. The story seemed to drag on about three quarters of the way through, but even when I was thinking to myself that there wasn't much more that could happen between these boys that would excite my inner romantic Allen managed to pull off one last wonderful event.

I think the only reason I didn't give it five stars is because I had just read Downtime and sadly, th...more

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Dec 29, 2009

Danielle rated it

Shelves: successfully-transportive

Lovely, transportive story in the jazzy realms of New York.

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Nov 28, 2009

Kirsten rated it

Shelves: rainbow

Actually there pretty much wasn't anything I didn't like about this book, except that a few passages I had to read twice because it was hard to determine who was speaking, but the characters were all very well developed, the period details made me grin, (automat!) the villains were appropriately evil, the pacing was spot on. All around lovely story.

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Dec 20, 2011

Logan rated it

This was a great read. A good 'ole fashioned love story.

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Oct 22, 2011

Sarrreen rated it

Shelves: m-m-books

This book ranks very low on the heat index, but the characters were interesting and the setting was good.

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Oct 20, 2011

Anna Gaigala rated it

Shelves: glbt, historical-fiction, read-in-2011

Quite a world, isn’t it? No bother at all for them to push a gun in our hands and tell us to kill any number of fellows we can—but God forbid we should kiss one. (Theo to Jack and Sutton)

Beautiful story, romance at its best.

Maybe I would have preferred a bit harsher world to Jack and Sutton as it would ring more realistic. But I don’t mind if in the story main characters were lucky enough to be surrounded mostly by kind people.

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About Tamara Allen

This author has also been published under the pen name James Allen.

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Quotes from Whistling in the Dark

“Jack hadn’t thought of love as a promise before—a promise that, even when the world was falling down around him, would stay kept. But without Sutton saying a word, he knew that there would be comfort when he couldn’t sleep tonight. And tomorrow and the day after, there would be a home to go to, even if it was no more than a pair of arms around him and a head tucked close to his in the darkness.” — 2 people liked it

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THE JAMES MASON COMMUNITY...

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M/M Romance

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American Historical Fiction

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Whistling in the Dark

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