What do you think?
Rate this book
Jericho Candelario's Gay Debut
Jerry Candelario, known as Potts to almost everyone, has spent his entire adult life focused on raising his siblings and his niece. But the home he fought hard to make feels empty since everyone has grown up and moved out, and his precious baby niece is now a teen with a life of her own. With fewer people at the dinner table every night, Jerry suddenly has all the time in the world to think about what he wants.
For years, Jerry has kept to himself, never going to college, never dating or doing anything with his evenings except getting lost in a book. But although he pushed aside his longing for community and romance, he never stopped imagining the freedom he might have in a distant someday.
Then kind, clever, and out Lincoln Lee opened a bakery in Jerry’s small town. Jerry told himself he was lucky when they became friends. He was too busy to try for a relationship, and someone like Lincoln would never want someone like him anyway. But now that Jerry’s nights are free, all he wants to do is spend them with Lincoln. Jerry knows nothing about gay culture, or dating, or being in love. With Lincoln, he wants to try, but is he making a fool of himself or is his someday finally here?
For years, Jerry has kept to himself, never going to college, never dating or doing anything with his evenings except getting lost in a book. But although he pushed aside his longing for community and romance, he never stopped imagining the freedom he might have in a distant someday.
Then kind, clever, and out Lincoln Lee opened a bakery in Jerry’s small town. Jerry told himself he was lucky when they became friends. He was too busy to try for a relationship, and someone like Lincoln would never want someone like him anyway. But now that Jerry’s nights are free, all he wants to do is spend them with Lincoln. Jerry knows nothing about gay culture, or dating, or being in love. With Lincoln, he wants to try, but is he making a fool of himself or is his someday finally here?
113 pages, ebook
First published June 2, 2018
About the author
R. Cooper
66 books777 followersI'm a somewhat absentminded, often distracted, writer of queer romance. I'm probably most known for the Being(s) in Love series and the occasional story about witches or firefighters in love. Also known as, "Ah, yes, the one with the dragons."
Find me on social media: https://linktr.ee/thercooper
Or support me on Patreon: @rcoops
Or sign up for my newsletter! It's free and it's barely one a month. :)
Or just visit my website to find everything all in one place and also a few Free Reads: https://www.riscooper.com/
Find me on social media: https://linktr.ee/thercooper
Or support me on Patreon: @rcoops
Or sign up for my newsletter! It's free and it's barely one a month. :)
Or just visit my website to find everything all in one place and also a few Free Reads: https://www.riscooper.com/
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
July 2, 2018
Oh, you perfect, perfect book!
Quintessential R. Cooper.
In fact, quite the best she's written.
All the stars!!!
Quintessential R. Cooper.
In fact, quite the best she's written.
All the stars!!!
June 29, 2018
A light pleasant read. I think we'd need more of Lincoln for it to have impact and perhaps more perspective of how others see Jerry. Immersed in Jerry's head it's one of those enjoyable but forgettable stories.
Lincoln sounds great what we know of him, would have loved more of his voice. Jericho a bit of a saint full of bumbling innocent sweetness. Two good friends take the steps closer to become more.
The end felt a bit sudden, although a clear HEA there's no lingering there.
Spotted a few wrong placed words.
Lincoln sounds great what we know of him, would have loved more of his voice. Jericho a bit of a saint full of bumbling innocent sweetness. Two good friends take the steps closer to become more.
The end felt a bit sudden, although a clear HEA there's no lingering there.
Spotted a few wrong placed words.
June 24, 2018
Oh, this story! I could reread it a thousand times and it will always give me the same lovely emotions. Maybe because I understand Potts so well, maybe because Lincoln’s patience is what I look for in my lovers, maybe simply because the book is wonderful.
I have to say, although my relationship with the author previous works is a hit or miss, my love for her words continues and with this new release I was hugely rewarded. There was nothing I didn’t like in Jericho Candelario’s Gay Debut, I found everything perfectly put in the right place and moment, every scene so well balanced with feelings, smiles and some tears. I soon emphasized with all the characters, I loved them all and so wanted to have them in my RL. Potts’ family is a mess, but his love for his sister, nice and dad is endless and so deep, it came strongly through his words and thoughts. He put himself and his needs before all his family’s needs and now for once he seems ready to start thinking just a little about his desire for Lincoln.
I adored their relationship, how Lincoln was so welcoming and open with Potts, although sometimes he seemed to be resigned to be just a friend and nothing more, he never gave up on the possibility to be loved as more than just a friend.
I want to recommend this new release by R. Cooper to everyone who is looking for a story deeply packed with feelings and positivity, It’s a light quick read but not a shallow one, not even for a second. Most of all it felt real and believable. Well done!
I have to say, although my relationship with the author previous works is a hit or miss, my love for her words continues and with this new release I was hugely rewarded. There was nothing I didn’t like in Jericho Candelario’s Gay Debut, I found everything perfectly put in the right place and moment, every scene so well balanced with feelings, smiles and some tears. I soon emphasized with all the characters, I loved them all and so wanted to have them in my RL. Potts’ family is a mess, but his love for his sister, nice and dad is endless and so deep, it came strongly through his words and thoughts. He put himself and his needs before all his family’s needs and now for once he seems ready to start thinking just a little about his desire for Lincoln.
I adored their relationship, how Lincoln was so welcoming and open with Potts, although sometimes he seemed to be resigned to be just a friend and nothing more, he never gave up on the possibility to be loved as more than just a friend.
I want to recommend this new release by R. Cooper to everyone who is looking for a story deeply packed with feelings and positivity, It’s a light quick read but not a shallow one, not even for a second. Most of all it felt real and believable. Well done!
November 24, 2019
Good
4.25 ⭐️
I really enjoyed this book.
Jericho broke my heart while reading this one, he had really spent the majority of his life helping his family gladly and didn’t know how to read the signals being given to him. His friendship with Lionel was good and gave a great base for their relationship to flourish. Him wanting Lionel and fearing the rejection was heartbreaking. I enjoyed the dance between the two of them. Lionel was a good match as all he wanted to do was take care of Jerry, when Jerry was so used to taking care of everyone else.
Jerry’s relationship with his family especially his sister and Sophia was lovely to read and I’m glad he found his relationship with Lionel.
4.25 ⭐️
I really enjoyed this book.
Jericho broke my heart while reading this one, he had really spent the majority of his life helping his family gladly and didn’t know how to read the signals being given to him. His friendship with Lionel was good and gave a great base for their relationship to flourish. Him wanting Lionel and fearing the rejection was heartbreaking. I enjoyed the dance between the two of them. Lionel was a good match as all he wanted to do was take care of Jerry, when Jerry was so used to taking care of everyone else.
Jerry’s relationship with his family especially his sister and Sophia was lovely to read and I’m glad he found his relationship with Lionel.
July 13, 2018
Absolutely loved this :)
June 23, 2018
I love the rich quality of R. Cooper's writing. There is depth and nuance and great character development.
Both Lincoln and Potts are finely drawn as a the side characters as we meander through Potts research for what he really really wants.
I think what holds me back from adoring Cooper's work is that so often we only get one really immersed point of view and usually of the more introverted or socially outside character.
I would have loved this more if we knew the inside of Lincoln. I would be more happy with the pace and then maybe we could linger in the HEA as well.
Both Lincoln and Potts are finely drawn as a the side characters as we meander through Potts research for what he really really wants.
I think what holds me back from adoring Cooper's work is that so often we only get one really immersed point of view and usually of the more introverted or socially outside character.
I would have loved this more if we knew the inside of Lincoln. I would be more happy with the pace and then maybe we could linger in the HEA as well.
May 11, 2022
Too Short
This book was way too short. I wanted more of everything: the relationship, the family time, the lovely descriptions.
I do have to admit though that I was a little frustrated at one point in the story. I enjoyed reading about Jerry’s love for his family. I also thought that the author did a great job of portraying the established friendship between him and Lincoln, but I did find myself wondering a few times when the romance would get started. Then, once it did, I definitely think things ended too quickly. I wanted to see Lincoln interact with the family and watch Jerry adjust to doing more for himself. Also, these glimpses of how both men cared for each other just wasn’t enough! I would definitely check out more—hopefully longer—books by this author.
This book was way too short. I wanted more of everything: the relationship, the family time, the lovely descriptions.
I do have to admit though that I was a little frustrated at one point in the story. I enjoyed reading about Jerry’s love for his family. I also thought that the author did a great job of portraying the established friendship between him and Lincoln, but I did find myself wondering a few times when the romance would get started. Then, once it did, I definitely think things ended too quickly. I wanted to see Lincoln interact with the family and watch Jerry adjust to doing more for himself. Also, these glimpses of how both men cared for each other just wasn’t enough! I would definitely check out more—hopefully longer—books by this author.
Want to read
May 28, 20195/28/19 Currently on sale for 99c via Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DH5B7CW/...
July 4, 2022
All the feels
No-one does exquisite yearning like R Cooper, and this story doesn't disappoint. She writes such diverse characters, and even the secondary ones make your heart ache. Sweet, painful and satisfying. Just wonderful - a true talent.
No-one does exquisite yearning like R Cooper, and this story doesn't disappoint. She writes such diverse characters, and even the secondary ones make your heart ache. Sweet, painful and satisfying. Just wonderful - a true talent.
November 21, 2022
TLDR: I needed the mental hug of this story.
http://klishis.com/reading/archives/1...
http://klishis.com/reading/archives/1...
June 20, 2021
ahhh this was so sweet. jerry is so precious; he’s an instant fave mc for me. i’ll definitely be rereading this many, many times.
January 29, 2023
Such a sweet novella! I started tearing up a few pages in and wept steadily through most of it. Jerry's relationship with his sister and niece is really something special, and I loved his coming to terms with what it might mean to lay claim to his own life.
June 25, 2018
4 stars
October 28, 2018
Soft af
August 6, 2019
This is absolutely the sweetest story I've ever devoured! Awwww....
March 16, 2021
I liked the story and uncertainty of Jerry. We all have been there. I liked the slow burn, but thought once they were together the ending felt a bit rushed.
Read
July 1, 2018I loved this. Review to come.
Content Warnings
Content Warnings
July 17, 2018
3☆
Ahh Cute story.
Ahh Cute story.
June 25, 2018
Jericho Candelario has made a habit of not asking for what he wants. He already knows he won’t get it anyway, and fears he might get something worse just because he’s dared to ask for something for himself. When Jerry finally says, “I want” to Lincoln Lee, they are the truest and bravest words Jerry has ever spoken.
Jericho has spent his entire adult life taking care of his family. His father is a recovering alcoholic who suffers from PTSD. His sister and closest confidante Susana and his teenage niece, Sofia, compromise the entirety of his life’s focus now that his youngest brother and sister are grown and off to college, and he and Susanna work to make sure their shrinking family is whole and happy in the absence of the mother who deserted them (and much good riddance to her). That leaves little to no time for Jerry to have a life of his own. For that matter, he hasn’t even allowed himself time to embrace being gay. The only small pleasures he’s given himself are the trips to the bakery he’s made for the past five years to see Lincoln—the man who makes Jerry want so much more than what he has.
Jericho Candelario’s Gay Debut is such an incredibly sweet novella. Jerry’s kindness is eclipsed only by his commitment to his family. He’s so self-effacing, in fact, that he doesn’t even realize how all the little things he does has endeared him to people. His relationship with Sofia is so special—the reason he still wears his curls longer gave me all the feels—and it’s she who eventually gives her uncle the courage to do more than merely exist from day to day. But it’s his longing for something more and seeing Lincoln Lee as an unattainable dream that tugged so hard at my heartstrings.
Lincoln’s patience and hope that Jerry would see him as something more than just a friend was such a touching reminder of the poignance of unrequited love and affection, when friendship and maybe a little flirting have to be enough, because it’s better than not having that person in your life at all. R. Cooper captured this to a T. Every heady sensation of falling in love is caught and set free on the page. Jericho’s embarrassment over being a virgin at the age of thirty-four, let alone inexperienced in what it means to even be in a relationship, allows Lincoln to just shine and be awesome and grab on to the awareness that Jerry finally wants to be his. Their joy at finding their way to each other was everything lovely about a shiny new romance, the fizzy warm feelings and racing heartbeats and every breath that feels like too much and at the same time not enough.
Jericho Candelario’s Gay Debut is a warm and engaging little friends-to-lovers romance, one I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend for a quick romantic pick-me-up.
Reviewed by Lisa for The Novel Approach
Jericho has spent his entire adult life taking care of his family. His father is a recovering alcoholic who suffers from PTSD. His sister and closest confidante Susana and his teenage niece, Sofia, compromise the entirety of his life’s focus now that his youngest brother and sister are grown and off to college, and he and Susanna work to make sure their shrinking family is whole and happy in the absence of the mother who deserted them (and much good riddance to her). That leaves little to no time for Jerry to have a life of his own. For that matter, he hasn’t even allowed himself time to embrace being gay. The only small pleasures he’s given himself are the trips to the bakery he’s made for the past five years to see Lincoln—the man who makes Jerry want so much more than what he has.
Jericho Candelario’s Gay Debut is such an incredibly sweet novella. Jerry’s kindness is eclipsed only by his commitment to his family. He’s so self-effacing, in fact, that he doesn’t even realize how all the little things he does has endeared him to people. His relationship with Sofia is so special—the reason he still wears his curls longer gave me all the feels—and it’s she who eventually gives her uncle the courage to do more than merely exist from day to day. But it’s his longing for something more and seeing Lincoln Lee as an unattainable dream that tugged so hard at my heartstrings.
Lincoln’s patience and hope that Jerry would see him as something more than just a friend was such a touching reminder of the poignance of unrequited love and affection, when friendship and maybe a little flirting have to be enough, because it’s better than not having that person in your life at all. R. Cooper captured this to a T. Every heady sensation of falling in love is caught and set free on the page. Jericho’s embarrassment over being a virgin at the age of thirty-four, let alone inexperienced in what it means to even be in a relationship, allows Lincoln to just shine and be awesome and grab on to the awareness that Jerry finally wants to be his. Their joy at finding their way to each other was everything lovely about a shiny new romance, the fizzy warm feelings and racing heartbeats and every breath that feels like too much and at the same time not enough.
Jericho Candelario’s Gay Debut is a warm and engaging little friends-to-lovers romance, one I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend for a quick romantic pick-me-up.
Reviewed by Lisa for The Novel Approach
September 29, 2020
R. Cooper is still a new author to me and I really enjoyed reading Jericho Candelario's Gay Debut. Poor Jerry Candelario has had a rotten start to life with his parents being who they were. He spent most of his life raising his siblings and his niece. Jerry or Potts is a repairman and never went to college because he had to take care of his family. He is a loner and spends most of his evenings alone reading a book. The only part of life he really looks forward to family dinners at night around the table which is a tradition that he and his sister started. Unfortunately, the crowd around the table seems smaller and smaller as his siblings are off living their lives and his niece is growing older.
Jericho is so stuck inside his head that he never really had the chance to live his life. It's hard for him to accept that at thirty-four, there might be more to his life. His visits to Lincoln Lee's bakery is something that Jericho looks forward to. Lincoln and Jericho's interactions leave left me with a sweet and warm feeling because they're awkward flirtations was a slow build-up. I also enjoyed the story within the story concept with Jericho's niece and her truth that she reveals to her family. They are such a lovely family and it's obvious that they care about each other. Lincoln is patient with Jericho as they ease from friendship to a romantic relationship. This novella will leave you with a happy feeling because that's the type of book R. Cooper writes.
Jericho is so stuck inside his head that he never really had the chance to live his life. It's hard for him to accept that at thirty-four, there might be more to his life. His visits to Lincoln Lee's bakery is something that Jericho looks forward to. Lincoln and Jericho's interactions leave left me with a sweet and warm feeling because they're awkward flirtations was a slow build-up. I also enjoyed the story within the story concept with Jericho's niece and her truth that she reveals to her family. They are such a lovely family and it's obvious that they care about each other. Lincoln is patient with Jericho as they ease from friendship to a romantic relationship. This novella will leave you with a happy feeling because that's the type of book R. Cooper writes.
June 10, 2018
Ughhhh, so wonderful~
This was so soft and sweet~ I love how important family is to Jericho and all the ways Lincoln respects that and admires it. Sofia is wonderful and I loved how supportive the family is~ It isn’t R Cooper without the mutual pining, and this was so soft and beautiful to read. Definitely a new fave!!
Content notes:
🍰 (reclaimed?) homomisic slur
🍰 allusion to religious parent; biblical names
🍰 “we’re friends” to “if you wanted, you could have more than that” IDK if minimizing of friendship or not...
🍰 taking prescription meds that aren’t prescribed to MC
🍰 coming out scene (side character, teenager)
🍰 alcohol consumption - wine
🍰 references to past alcoholism of side character
🍰 casual ableism
🍰 discussion (sorta) of virginity
🍰 on page, low heat/explicit-ness, sex - handjob, frottage
🍰 use of “slut” during sex in a endearing mood(?)
🍰 mention of toxic relationship with parents
This was so soft and sweet~ I love how important family is to Jericho and all the ways Lincoln respects that and admires it. Sofia is wonderful and I loved how supportive the family is~ It isn’t R Cooper without the mutual pining, and this was so soft and beautiful to read. Definitely a new fave!!
Content notes:
🍰 (reclaimed?) homomisic slur
🍰 allusion to religious parent; biblical names
🍰 “we’re friends” to “if you wanted, you could have more than that” IDK if minimizing of friendship or not...
🍰 taking prescription meds that aren’t prescribed to MC
🍰 coming out scene (side character, teenager)
🍰 alcohol consumption - wine
🍰 references to past alcoholism of side character
🍰 casual ableism
🍰 discussion (sorta) of virginity
🍰 on page, low heat/explicit-ness, sex - handjob, frottage
🍰 use of “slut” during sex in a endearing mood(?)
🍰 mention of toxic relationship with parents
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 6, 2018
I absolutely loved this book! I ADORED Jerry and Lincoln, both as interesting characters and the relationship between them. They had great chemistry and I loved the way they both approached each other cautiously and sweetly. This contrasted really well with Jerry's complex family situation, which was well written and made his relationship hesitations understandable. His relationships with his family members felt real and you could tell he loved them, particularly his relationship with his niece. Also, watching people fall in love with Jerry through Jerry's clueless POV was delightful.
This was a great, sweet, and heartwarming novella that was just what I needed after a stressful few months. I couldn't recommend this book more!
This was a great, sweet, and heartwarming novella that was just what I needed after a stressful few months. I couldn't recommend this book more!
June 12, 2018
this is lovely and everything I expected from the author. it's sweet but not without complications for the characters. I loved everything about the relationship between Lincoln and Jerry - even though it's novella-length, their relationship (and Jerry's relationship with his family) felt very well fleshed out and very believable. it is absolutely going on my to-reread shelf - perfect comfort-read content and length.
July 1, 2018
Sweet and comfy
A story that fits with today's modern world, yet fits comfortably like a pair of old slippers. A life on hiatus, that reaches fruition, of long held dreams. A life , where love I s found after family is cared for .
Well written, deep characters , that flow thru the story like water in a country creek. This is a story to be cherished for the message , it's never to late to meet the one you love. Recommended.
A story that fits with today's modern world, yet fits comfortably like a pair of old slippers. A life on hiatus, that reaches fruition, of long held dreams. A life , where love I s found after family is cared for .
Well written, deep characters , that flow thru the story like water in a country creek. This is a story to be cherished for the message , it's never to late to meet the one you love. Recommended.
August 17, 2018
A joy to read
Jerry, Lincoln and Sophia are all well-developed characters. The mirroring of Jerry’s experience as a 34 year-old and Sophie experience at 15 is done very well. Very sweet pg13 story.
Just the right amount of everything: worry, friendship, angst, connection, joy, nerves, honesty, teasing and family. I wanted more because I love all the characters but it is a good complete story.
Jerry, Lincoln and Sophia are all well-developed characters. The mirroring of Jerry’s experience as a 34 year-old and Sophie experience at 15 is done very well. Very sweet pg13 story.
Just the right amount of everything: worry, friendship, angst, connection, joy, nerves, honesty, teasing and family. I wanted more because I love all the characters but it is a good complete story.
December 6, 2021
This is a short gay Rance novel that again took me too long to read, (because of life) but I really enjoyed. Jerry (Jericho) and Lincoln are really cute, I just want to hug them both along with Jerry's niece Sofia. Plus, Lincoln owns a bakery and I want to visit it. I actually read this to fit a leftover prompt from the WordNerds Readathon, can't remember which on at this precise moment I'll add it later.
October 6, 2018
Lord this is so good. I don't know when was the last time I read a m/m romance that made me feel so seen as a queer person. I cried. Like, I related so strongly to Jericho's story of coming out, of being closeted for so long, of being emotionally abused and not knowing how to ask for what he wants. The family bonds and relationship with his daughter... I just... It was just so good. AHHH.
July 2, 2020
Adorbs, especially back-to-back with Mr. Loverman. Sophia is the best. And while I’m slightly tired of the “I’m not worthy” insecurities of more-than-worthy characters, better sweet Jerry working on his self-esteem than brash, over-confident jerks.
July 5, 2020
A wonderfully sweet book
This is one of my favourite ever books. A constant re-read when things are tough and I just want a wonderful no-angst cheer me up story.
Jericho is just so sweet and Lincoln is adorable too.
A lovely couple in a little town that could be where you or I live. Just gentle and sweet and leaves you smiling by the end,
This is one of my favourite ever books. A constant re-read when things are tough and I just want a wonderful no-angst cheer me up story.
Jericho is just so sweet and Lincoln is adorable too.
A lovely couple in a little town that could be where you or I live. Just gentle and sweet and leaves you smiling by the end,
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews