Gina Rae Mitchell

Straight Expectations by Calum McSwiggan | Ultimate Book Tour ~ Book Review 

A book blog tour from The Write Reads.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and Dave & the Gang at The Write Reads for providing me with the information for this tour.

Book Details

Straight Expectations by Calum McSwiggan
Published by Penguin on 05/04/2023
Genres: Fiction, Romantic Comedy, Teen, Young Adult, LGBTQplus
Format: eBook, Hardcover, Paperback
Pages: 336

The brilliant debut novel from author, presenter and LGBTQ+ advocate Calum McSwiggan!

Seventeen-year-old Max has always been out, proud, and just a little spoiled. Frustrated by the lack of romantic options in his small-town high school, during an argument with his lifelong best friend, Dean, Max lashes out and says he wishes he had never been born gay.

Max gets more than he bargained for when he wakes up to find his wish has come true - not only have his feelings for boys vanished, but so has Dean.

With his school life turned upside down and his relationship with his family in tatters, Max sets out on a journey of rediscovery to find a way back to the life he took for granted and the romance he thought he'd never have.

Perfect for fans of Adam Silvera and Sex Education.

Source: The Write Reads Tours

 

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Purchase Links for Straight Expectations

Amazon      BookShop/IndieBound

Straight ExpectationsShop on Amazon

Please note there are different covers available, depending on where you purchase the book.

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My thoughts on Straight Expectations

Calum McSwiggan’s debut novel, “Straight Expectations,” is a heart-warming coming-of-age story targeted at LGBTQ+ teens and young adults. Max, a seventeen-year-old boy, is frustrated by his small-town high school’s lack of romantic options. During an argument with his lifelong best friend Dean, Max says something he regrets – he wishes he had never been born gay.

When Max wakes up the next morning, he discovers his wish has come true. His feelings for boys have vanished, and so has Dean. Max’s life is turned upside down as he navigates his new reality, trying to find a way back to the life he took for granted and the romance he thought he’d never have.

While the book touches on the issue of white gay privilege, it never gets in the way of the story, which flows well from beginning to end. Some aspects of the book can be seen as a bit stereotypical and cliché, but the writing is never heavy-handed or overbearing.

There is some light sexual innuendo in the book, and it is chuckle-out-loud funny at times. However, the thought-provoking and heart-warming tale of self-discovery and friendship will stick with readers long after they finish reading the last page.

Overall, “Straight Expectations” is a great addition to the LGBTQ+ romantic comedy genre, and fans of Adam Silvera and “Sex Education” will love it.

I received a copy of the book for the tour. This review is my honest, unbiased opinion.

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Purchase Straight Expectations online from your local bookstore.

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Amazon – OneLink for every country 

If the above link does not take you to your country, here are a few more:

Amazon – Canada

Amazon – France

Amazon – Germany

Amazon – UK

If your country isn’t listed and you would like to purchase using my links, please send me a note. Using my link does not change the price you pay. Amazon pays me a very small amount out of their share. 

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