Tangled up in Blue

by Marion Castella

Luke Perlith is a closeted black teenager with a gift for piano playing, two things he tries to keep private from the world. When he meets the wealthy swimmer Santos Rodriguez, both of his secrets are at risk of being revealed when Santos hears his music and talks of record deals and concerts. When Luke’s father is struck in a car accident, however, Santos is the one who has his own secrets to tell.

Genres: Contemporary, LGBT, Queer, M M Romance, Amazon, Romance

266 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 6, 2019

Reviews

[Tobia · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was the first gay romance novel I read.
Unfortunately it wasn't a very good pick.

While I never had any issue with the romance between the two boys, the flirting and getting physical I was bothered by the story itself. It might have been a good book if the focus was on the romance, the teenage love, the getting to know yourself.

But instead the author tried to pack every possible scenario of storyline in this book. I don't want to give away too much but to name a few options: murder, addiction, fame, divorce, etc. This really bothered me. Why not write one great story and develop one plot, build it up show layers?!

[Tim Trent · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well crafted, easy, romantic read. Too often one can tell that a gay male romance has been written by someone who is not a gay male. In this case this does not happen, which is pleasing. You may conclude from that that this is not an erotic book. While there is quiet eroticism there is nothing explicit. I think that adds value.

I found none of the characters were people I could identify with, nor people I wanted to identify with. Even so the writing made me sufficiently interested in their lives to read on. I found I had raced through it!

That the main plot is somewhat telegraphed is no issue. The peak of the plot arrives like a warm overcoat we are expecting to wear. A secondary, later peak was unexpected and arrived in time to stop me from wondering why there was more book when everything had been resolved well enough. The secondary peak allowed all to be resolved.

I enjoyed my time in this world

[aphrodite · Rating 1 out of 5]

this book was awfully unrealistic. i truly do not know how i managed to finish it (tbh i did skip a few chapters but shh). the characters lacked depth, the plot was totally irrational and messy, and overall it was just really boring and far-fetched. the author could have chosen to focus on one main issue but instead they decided to include every storyline possible.

it was a shame really—the book had potential.

[D. Colwell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disorganized

The story didn’t really hold together. Over and over there are events and conversations that are totally improbable. And what is this about hiring an attorney to prosecute someone for murdering your father? Why not go to the police? This story is well written and kept my interest, but more care should have been taken to give it a believable story line.

[J.S. Gray · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a sweet little romance with lots of action and drama.

Unfortunately there were a few typos - and Santos’ eyes did change colour at one point - but other than that it was a fun book, and worth a read.

[Soraya]

In looking up the title Bob Dylan song I learned interesting things about him, his music, and its depiction of flow-of-time. I think this story can be hard to understand if you aren't aware of what inspired it. Take a few minutes to look up the song first, maybe.

[Hoong · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a good gay novel (without much graphic explicitness), this is appropriate as a coming-out YA novel for gay teens.

[Monique · Rating 2 out of 5]

⭐️2.25⭐️

[KC · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF for now at 30%