This had a great historic feel to it. The writing and word choice really transports you back to the prohibition era. The story was cute and the characters had great dimension. The conflicts and choices all made sense and I really enjoyed it overall.

I enjoyed this story. It took me a little while to get used to the language at first. I’m not expert but I feel as though it’s historically accurate. I really enjoyed the feeling of disappearing into another time!

I admit to having to look up a few phrases and terms. Let me clarify: the language and attitudes are correct for the time. The author deals with the unpleasantness of the homophobia, in part, by giving Del a bisexual friend in Glen. Glen and Del have a lovely friendship. Somehow, in the confines of a homophobic, toxically masculine world, they have a caring and open friendship. I’d love to know more about the beginnings of their friendship.

When Del meets genderqueer Ev, there’s quick chemistry between them. Don’t be put off if you don’t like instalove, because this is a slow burn romance fraught with road bumps and challenges.

As Del and Ev continue to get to know one another, Del continues to struggle with his self-confidence. He wasn’t able to stay in school past eighth grade and struggles constantly under the weight of thinking that he isn’t good enough. When it comes to Ev, Del isn’t sure that they can stay together if he can’t make enough money to impress Ev with gifts and a fancy life.

This is where things begin to go wrong for Del. His intentions might be good, but he gets involved with “leggers” and they’re not even the successful kind.

Unfortunately, about the time Ev accepts a relationship with Del, they also reveal their dislike of men who are involved in illegal activity. The truly precarious nature of their relationship begins to show when Ev’s friend is arrested for lewd vagrancy.

There’s an amusing and terrifying car chase, a heart-shattering breakup, new relationships, and reunions. I was moved so many times by the depth of Del’s emotion. He was so sweet and lost at times.

This is a great story with some beautifully diverse characters spiced up with some well-written sex scenes.