Title and Link: My Summer of Wes
Author: Missy Welsh
Publisher URL: Loose Id
Genre: Contemporary M/M
Length: Short Novel (147 PDF pages)
Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
Summary Review: An unexpectedly heartwarming, delightful, funny story which will grab you by the throat and never let go, as you fall for Mal and Wes.
THE BLURB
I didn’t know. How could I? All through high school, I was beaten up and teased for being gay. But I wasn’t gay. Or didn’t think I was. Now Wes, the guy across the street who’s taken me under his wing and been the best friend I’ve ever had, won’t stop invading my dreams, hell, my every waking thought. Am I gay? Because I’m thinking I’d like to kiss him. Actually, I’m thinking there’s a lot more I’d like to do with his mouth and the rest of that tall, confident, muscular body. Ah, man… I’m so gay!
But what if he doesn’t feel the same way about me? And, Jesus, what about my parents? And those bastards from school are still around. And I’m supposed to go to college this fall… Shit, I need to sit down. I can’t breathe and I’m about to shake apart.
Then Wes puts his hand on the back of my neck, gives me one of those encouraging squeezes and his bright smile, and everything’s okay again. Yeah, I’m hooked. Oh, boy…
THE REVIEW
This debut novel by Missy Welsh was an absolute delight and you will want to hug the protagonists, Mal and Wes, when you finish it. Eighteen year old Malcolm Small spent his high school years being beaten up by homophobic bullies and had the scars to prove it. Unfortunately he also had the misfortune of having parents who didn’t care about him - the only thing they cared about was keeping up appearances, and if they suspected the reason he was always bruised and battered, they ignored it. When Wes’s family moved in next door, Mal’s parents’ main concern was that those ‘liberals’ would bring the tone of the neighbourhood down, and they demanded that Wes not mix with them. Shy, introverted, insecure Mal wanted to be friends with 24 year old Wes Kinney who seemed like a god because he was so confident and daring. He even told the guys who regularly had fun using Mal as a punching bag that he was gay. He was out and proud and didn’t care who knew it.
Mal lived in a vanilla pudding world – his parents were vanilla, the neighbourhood was vanilla, he was vanilla. He hated his life but he soon figured out that Wes was the sprinkle in his vanilla world as everything changed overnight when Wes became his friend. The first time they met he was still in denial about being gay, but Wes only smiled and let him continue to delude himself. Mal had no friends and had never dated, but it wasn’t too long after he met Wes that he figured out he had wasted his entire life trying to escape himself.
Wes at 24 made a comfortable living restoring cars but had moved back home with his parents temporarily because his neighbours hated his sexual orientation and lifestyle and harrassed his boyfriends. Meeting Mal was a dream come true for him as he fell head over heels for him almost immediately, but he knew that Mal wasn’t quite ready to make a commitment; first because of his age and second he still had not admitted that he was gay, a very important step to a relationship with another man. 
However, things moved quickly once Mal accepted himself as a gay man.
What I liked
>>The fact that Mal at eighteen had enough sense to figure out if what he felt for Wes was lust or love
>>The protagonists – Mal and Wes were made for each other
>>The prose and dialogue which would have done a more experienced author proud
What I didn’t like
>> Neither Wes nor Mal had any flaws to speak of. Maybe one should have had a blemish or two.
>>The “throw away” flirting” scene with a girl almost at the end of the book. I guess Mal wanted to test whether he was gay or bi and perhaps the scene was designed to create conflict between him and Wes, but to me it didn’t achieve its objective and fell flat
>>When Mal was beaten up by Rick for the umpteenth time and required medical attention, suddenly it became an OK homo world where everyone, from the police officers, to the EMTs, to the middle-aged nurse in the hospital were all “gay friendly.” Even in California that seemed strange
What I loved and didn’t expect was the humorous banter between Wes and Mal, especially during sex, and at times I laughed out loud because the dialogue was sparkling. Here are a few examples:
“Tell me what to do?”
His grin went a little wicked. “Sure. Lie here. Breathe. Let me get you naked and spend a few hours doing really naughty things to you.”
I laughed, but then… “Wait. Hours?”
His chuckle was wicked too. Then he leaned in and nipped at my bottom lip. And there went my thoughts about his tongue and those lips and my dick. “Yeah, okay.”I lay back, lifting my hips, wiggling free before untangling my legs and tossing my briefs at him. He caught them; then his eyes snapped down to where my dick stood up just for him.
“Dude, you need to change your name. You are not small.”
I blushed and lay back, all worries vanishing. Gym class hadn’t been a safe time for me, but I’d thought I might be impressive.
Wes was definitely not quiet during sex.
He tried to say different things a few times, starting and stopping. Mostly things that sounded like amazement, contained my name, and praised God. Over and over. I loved it and would’ve smiled a lot if my mouth hadn’t been so full of him.
His smile was small and quiet as he stroked my cheek with his thumb.
“It’s a shame cock sucking isn’t a degree, because you—”
I howled with laughter and covered his mouth so he couldn’t say any more.
Missy Welsh sure can write and her characters came alive on the page. Once the guys got in a groove they had sex just about everywhere and I couldn’t figure out how they were so noisy during sex both at Mal’s and Wes’s parents’ homes and were never caught. Aaah, the magic of books! I did have a few minor issues: The conflicts were mostly external and there were no hiccups in the romance; there were so many mentions of Mal’s Kindle in the story they reminded me of product placements in television shows; not many guys know the colour fuchsia unless they were decorators, but Mal did.
This was a true romance and the tenderness between Mal and Wes was so palpable you could feel it. The story is told from Mal’s first person POV and he was such a delight. Wes was the kind of boyfriend every guy should have his first time, as he cherished Mal. As for the other characters - Mal’s parents were snobbish, self righteous and opinionated as was to be expected, but I never found out if they were homophobic, I guess you could say they weren’t very nice. Wes’s family was, of course perfect, maybe too perfect but not over the top, and the guys in the garage where Mal helped Wes refinish ‘Ted,’ his almost vintage car, were priceless.
My Summer of Wes was a fun story with two wonderful protagonists, great pacing, and dialogue and prose that many authors can only wish for. This book would have been 4.25 for me but I gave it an extra .25 on the rating scale because it was so funny. Definitely recommended.
This is the second great review I’ve hard. I’m looking forward to giving it a try.
Tam
I didn’t know what to expect – I thought it would be a ‘cutesy’ story but it turned out to be highly entertaining and most of all, funny. I think you will really like it. Oh, there’s no cheating in My Summer of Wes.
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by jessewave, Sloan Parker. Sloan Parker said: RT @jessewave: My Summer of Wes by Missy Welsh reviewed. Link http://tinyurl.com/26hgq3w [...]
Wave, you reviewed it before Sunday! Yay. LOL!
I had the same “What? Really?” feeling about the flirting bit towards the end but I was able to shake it loose and move on. I was pleasantly surprised by the humor (I’m a sucker for it) and that this wasn’t a ‘bam, insta-love’ kinda read. The dialogue and flow of Missy’s writing is perfect. She is definitely someone I’m going to keep my eye on for future releases. I immediately reread it and I hardly ever do that.
I loved this book and your review is right on point…athough I would have given it a 4.75.
Wave, you made me cry. Happy tears, but still, I’m having to hide in my office until they fade. Lovely thing to find first thing in the morning, this. {hugs you} Thank you so much!
Yes, I’m mildly conflict-disabled, but I’m working on it. I’ve learned that, though it’s tough to beat up your characters, it’s definitely necessary. I’ll be destroying the next set before I put them back together again, promise.
I’m going to go bounce around, brag and get a big head for a bit now.
Thanks again, Wave!
Missy
It was not my intention to make you cry – maybe I will be tougher on your next book.
I loved the story and I was quite surprised, in a good way, because debut novels usually have a lot of holes that are filled when the authors gain experience. I’m looking for fully rounded characters next time with a few character flaws to make them nuanced – maybe they could be cheating on the side. Kidding!!!! I know you hate cheaters.
Seriously, an enjoyable and fun book.
Hi Aisha
As you can tell I really loved this book. The reason it wasn’t 4.75 was that real people have flaws and neither Wes nor Mal had any, so from a characterization perspective it fell short.
I realize that authors fall in love with their characters and want them to be perfect, but people are not perfect and I think sometimes it’s important to make their protagonists nuanced to be truly three dimensional. I know that these stories are fantasies but they should be realistic as well. However the book was a real treat and I definitely recommend it.
I did update my review before you commented to indicate that that I would have liked Mal and Wes to have a couple of flaws – maybe a hangnail or two. LOL
Wave, you know what? I was so engrossed in the story that I didn’t notice it but you got me to thinking…and I can definitely see your point. I believe I saw on Missy’s blog that she is writing (or thinking about writing) a sequel from Wes’ POV. The ending left it open enough for flaws to be revealed and interpersonal challenges to be unravelled in the future.
Hi Aisha
One of the reasons I’m not a big fan of a particular M/M author whose name I won’t mention, (and she has legions of fans) is that all of her characters so far are gorgeous, flawless and can leap tall buildings at a single bound. LOL
I tbelieve some authors think that if their characters are flawed readers won’t like their books, but it’s usually the reverse unless you love perfect people. I think the only place you would find those would be in fairy tales or if they are not human. That’s my take anyway.
I look forward to another book from the Wes and Mal ‘verse.
[...] Stop over to see the full review on Jessewave’s site here. [...]
This sounds so good. I’m definitely picking it up soon. Great review, Wave!
Hi Lily
It’s not the norm that a debut novel resonates with me as much as this one. I can only think of abut 3 in the recent past. Now if only Missy can write flawed characters!
Great review, Wave! I enjoyed the book, too.
Hi Val
Mal and Wes were the perfect couple and I’ll wait to see what’s next from Missy. Maybe she can top this.
Hi Wave
No cheating? Bah!
Despite that, it sounds like a great debut. I love humor in my stories and these guys sound so adorable. It seems we have another promising author to follow. Great review – thanks Wave.
Sorry TJ – no cheating!!! You know how Missy feels about guys like you. LOL.
If you like first time romances without a lot of conflict I think you will love Wes and Mal. I did!
Great and thorough review, Wave, thank you!
I so didn’t have this one on my radar but it went straight to my TBB. It sounds like a really good, uplifting read.
The title “My summer…” doesn’t mean the protags only spend one summer together, right? I mean, it’s (kind of) a HEA?
Hi Lilli
The end was left somewhat up in the air but no they definitely had a future together. I think Missy gave you a peek into what’s coming up next.
I really hope you enjoy the book and please don’t expect a complex story because this is, above all, a romance.
The un-contracted, no-one’s-even-seen-the-whole-thing-yet sequel Aisha mentioned is tentatively titled “Forever Mal”… Does that help, Lilli?
Jeez, make one little comment about cheating and Wave and TJ pounce… Watch the knees and elbows when you get off me, please
It wasn’t my intention to write perfect characters, so if that happened… Oops. Mal describes himself as being emaciated and squirrely at one point, so he doesn’t think he’s perfect. Thinks Wes is, though, and that’s colored by awe and then love.
I hope you do review my books for years to come, Wave.
Give it to me. I can take it. (Words I plan to say again tonight whilst celebrating, I think.)
“The un-contracted, no-one’s-even-seen-the-whole-thing-yet sequel Aisha mentioned is tentatively titled “Forever Mal”… Does that help, Lilli?”
*lol* Absolutely, the tentative title says it all. Thanks Missy.
(must have misinterpreted Aisha’s comment, huh. should go sleeping…)
Hi Missy
You may not like my review of your next book.
I went easy on you because this was your debut, but the gloves will be off for your next book because I will treat you like an experienced writer at that time. LOL
I’ve been learning a lot since writing this book, so I’m going to do my best to give you all a fantastic read with the next one.
You’re one tough cookie, Wave. {hugs you anyway}
Missy
You’ll just have to go all out. Remember, flawed characters, like real people.
I read this today and really enjoyed it. A very sweet story. The thing that motivated me to read it ASAP was not this review (sorry, Wave! LOL) but the fact that I heard that one of the characters owns a Kindle. It was Mal and he does (it was a HS graduation present) although for readers who want a lot of hot Kindle action, be warned that it disappears in chapter 2, ’round about the same time that Mal discovers the joy of s-e-x.
L
Leslie
“hot Kindle action”? I should have used that line in the review. LOL
LOL, Leslie! Hot Kindle action…
Those of us who own (and love) Kindles long for hot Kindle action…LOL
Great story, Missy. I enjoyed it a lot.
L
I’m glad you liked it, Leslie!
This book was an absolutely delightful read! So sweet!
And wayyyyyyyyyyy too cute!
Larissa
well I didn’t write it but I’m glad you enjoyed it. As you said, waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay too cute.
LOL
So I finally got the chance to pull this out from under my TBR pile. It was so heart warming and very sweet. It’s hard to believe this is Missy’s first book. It was really well done and a lot of fun to read.
As you said Wave, everyone should have a first boyfriend like Wes! Actually, I’d take one like him now.
I’m looking forward to seeing what Missy does in the future. This was a great beginning!
Tj
I’m so pleased you liked My Summer of Wes. I have read it a number of times and every time I do I fall in love all over again with the characters. Missy’s second book is M/M/F so I didn’t read or review it, but I can’t wait for the sequel to My Summer of Wes which I hope she’s almost finished.
Yay, Tj! I’m so glad you liked MSOW
And thank you for the big compliment about my writing. I’m all bouncy now…
Wave, I’m actually rewriting the sequel after editor comments, so it’ll be a little longer before I’ll send it in to her officially. But I’ve also got three others I’m working on (including a collaboration with Mark Alders!!!) and a short coming soon from MLR.
Hi Missy
I’m happy to hear that you’re working on a few M/M books. Please give me a heads up before they are released so that I can request them. Can’t wait for the MSOW sequel – it will be great to read about the boys again, all grown up.
Thank you so very much, Wave. Your message is hanging on my wall so I won’t forget
[...] of the most delightful couples that I met almost 3 years ago was Mal and Wes when I reviewed My Summer of Wes which I have linked. This story stayed with me and I frequently re-read it because they were so [...]