Review: Coffee Shop and Condoms
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 03 22, 2014
When Dave Preston moves from the country to the big city, he knows that things will be different, but he doesn't realize just how different. Dave's experience with being out in the past was wearing what he described as his homo camo, i.e., flannel shirts, jeans, and boots, remaining as inconspicuous as possible. He is amazed that things considered taboo in his hometown, like a bowl of rainbow colored condoms in a coffee shop, are perfectly acceptable here. Fortunately, Dave has a friend, Billy Henderson, who gladly acts as his guide to becoming out and proud.Billy is attracted to Dave from the start and, out of concern, shares his safe sex information. Being a virgin, Dave has lots of questions which, along with a little teasing, Billy attempts to answer, even though his knowledge of sex is from a textbook, not practical experience, but he doesn't tell Dave that. When words aren't enough, Billy resorts to using demonstrations, which soon get very personal. Dave likes Billy and their relationship is intimate, but he never considers him boyfriend material. Billy, on the other hand, is hopeful that their relationship will grow into something more. When Dave decides it's someone else he wants for his first time, Billy is disappointed, but, because he cares about Dave, doesn't say anything. Instead, he warns him about the pitfalls of having sex with someone he doesn't know and how bad things can get. When things fall apart with his chosen one, Billy is right there, picking up the pieces. Dave needs to remember that sometimes, what you want most may be right in front of you if you only look with discernment.This is a short, endearing friends to lovers story, emphasizing the importance of safe sex, delivered in an informative, practical, and often hilarious manner, with the phrase: “No glove, no love” as the battle cry. Thanks, Eden, for this lovely, but pertinent tale.Originally published by Rainbow Book Reviews.