Book Review | We Could Be So Good: A Swoonworthy Gay Romance Story

Being gay in the 1950s was still an illegal and criminal offense in many parts of the world. You could languish in jail for years or be sentenced to death in some countries for being ‘gay’. Bestselling author Cat Sebastian’s We Could Be So Good is an absolute treat of a read. The author gets under the skin and has her fingers on the pulse of the New York queer community. She manages to capture the sadness and frustration of gay men who were forced to hide their identity, suppress their feelings, and discreetly catch glimpses of their true love. 

In this mid-century novel ruggedly handsome reporter Nick Russo and Andy Fleming, the son of a newspaper tycoon are the main characters. Initially, Nick’s sexuality is unclear because he keeps it at arm’s length. It’s only later that one learns about his sexapades. Nick and Andy meet at work. Nick chases stories. Andy tags along. They munch on burgers, sip coffee, meet at cafes, watch movies, and before you know it – are ‘comfortable’ with each other’s company. Simply put, they are in love. Andy moves in with Nick in his tiny flat. But it takes them almost a year to acknowledge their feelings toward each other. Although the feelings are mutual and natural, they still don’t know what to call their relation- ship. They are embarrassed to talk about ‘sex’ even as they end up spooning in bed. Lest you forget, Nick- Andy’s love affair is set in the late 1950s, a rather hostile time for gay men.  There is pure and organic growth in their relationship. If there are instances of gay-bashing, rowdy kids, and homophobic jibes, Cat Sabastian manages to balance it with the couple’s eccentric but caring neighbour Linda, a neighbourhood cat, close pals Emily, Gerald, and a host of other characters. Each character adds value to the story. The only minor irritant is the constant back-forth ‘if ’ and ‘but’ situation that the author weaves in every situation. It breaks the reading flow and the chemistry between Nick and Andy.

Sometimes it’s best to let the characters and props do the talking. However, the simple joy and premise in this incredible love story is — two people meet, sparks fly, they move in together and organically start planning a life together like any other heterosexual couple. Despite all the odds against them, Nick and Andy are indeed so good together!

WE COULD BE SO GOOD
Author: Cat Sebastian
Publisher: Avon