theskyboi's reviews
81 reviews

Up until now, I had never had the pleasure of reading a romance that spoke to my desires and sentiments as a gay man; M.A. Wardell changed that for the better. What can I say that hasn't been said before about this masterpiece?

Marvin Block is a gay, Jewish kindergarten teacher with an immense passion for the work that he does in shaping the minds of tomorrow's world. His journey toward becoming teacher of the year hits a slight bump in the road when his new student, Illona, and her father, Olan Stone, come into his classroom.

I felt so immediately welcomed into every setting in this novel. The author does an impeccable job of laying out the scenery in a way that almost had me checking real estate listings in Maine. Similarly, the dialogue is captivating, realistic, and structured, all of which helped me to sink into Marvin and Olan's world.

Emotions and eroticism are well within Wardell's wheelhouse. I was feeling grief, compassion, frustration, and arousal all throughout this book. The clarity with which I could see myself in these characters' shoes let me feel the weight of their experiences as men, as parents, and as professionals.

A further note on the erotic nature of the book... I loved it! I wouldn't say that it's for everyone, but I didn't realize that the physical intimacy would heighten my reading of a book in the romance genre. For those who feel a certain sense of realism lacking from MM stories, this author is your vindication.

Above all else, Wardell's mission to paint gay men and educators alike in complex, varied hues is a noble effort—and one he has achieved flawlessly. I look forward to seeing what comes in future stories within his growing body of work!

The book was full of anecdotal evidence and personal convictions that I was never convinced about the science.

I want to thank the author, Scott E. Garrison (@scott_thelibrarian), for the opportunity to review his debut novel; I had tons of fun reading it, and I hope you do as well!

Tobias is a first-year history student in college, and he's excited to be attending the same school as his two best friends. Immediately, Garrison establishes Tobias as a well intentioned protagonist with a loving family and supportive friends. However, this brilliant support network is at odds with Tobias' largest secret.

As our protagonist finds himself academically, he gets thrust into discovering his sexuality when he is met with advances by his history professor, Gareth. Unable to come out to his loved ones and forced to keep his forbidden crush a secret, Tobias clings to his anxiety over whether he can confide in anyone around him.

From the Universe to Me continues the tradition of the coming-of-age college story by drawing upon the emotional minutiae of being a queer student. Earnest, emotional, and hopeful in equal measure, Tobias' story is one that many can relate to and that even more should have the chance to discover.

Fans of new adult tomes with a focus on identity will undoubtedly enjoy the emotionally charged pages of this novel. Anyone who has ever felt adrift in a sea of unlimited choices will definitely find themself empathizing with and echoing the thoughts that Tobias expresses from the very first page.