Boy Next Door (Adam Wye Gay Romance)

I did know that this was Anthony writing under a pseudonym before I started to read this book and had wondered why he needed to adopt a different angle from the well-established and loved style in his output to date. It was with some trepidation that I began reading and realised very soon that the ice was going to be thin here. It was a surprisingly risky theme – older man Will, falling for a boy barely of legal age the son of his dear friend Michael living next door. He was bound to get found out and then his life would be in pieces (I thought). But with his established skill Anthony managed to weave a tale which encompassed Will’s love for both men and resolved itself by the end, which I felt was a tad contrived. It was something of a cliff-hanger book and when Will did finally get found out I thought he had blown it (!). You must read it yourself to find out what happens.

Adam Wye? Who is he? And why has he stolen the title of the wonderful series written by Anthony McDonald? Of course the answer becomes clear that Adam is in fact Anthony. But this is not a typical Anthony McDonald in that it deals with lines being crossed and long term, valued friendships put at risk. The story is rather dark as we watch Will, totally besotted, taking risk after risk and putting his good name in jeopardy. This is a fine book with well written sex scenes and genuinely moving romance. Things do work out in the end - but only just. Read it to find out the why, who, when and how. It is definitely worth it.

I can see why Anthony McDonald didn't write this under his usual name. It's Ok but came over as a bit bleak and mechanistic to me, lacking in the usual warmth of characterisation that we would expect from Adam Wye's alter ego. Sorry ... maybe others will enjoy it but I was left feeling disappointed. Some of this came across as a bit sleazy to me. But that's just a personal reaction to this particular novel ... can't win 'em all!

Like so many Anthony McDonald novels, a very interesting situation is set up with good characters but then it all falls away. Here a gay man falls for his best friend's son. So far, so good - very good in fact.. But then the author loses courage and comes up with a dreary conventional ending.

I did not realise who the author was initially. The style is a bit different. Anyway it is decent read whilst not breaking any new ground. The ending steers away from the improbable towards the unlikely but feels ok. I will be reading the next on the series.

A good guide to boys who think they may be gay, entertaining read to older people on the struggles of youth.

Good book