I love when there’s a story in a story. Will Wright is a Brummie drag queen. She’s Grace Anatomy when she’s in drag, and Will the sweet book shop guy when the wig and girdle are put away.

He never expects to meet Hollywood (not the Birmingham one) heartthrob, Patrick Lake in a gay bar. Patrick is most definitely not gay, or so the world thinks, and so his agent wants everyone to believe. Dress a man in a spandex suit and call him a superhero and he can be whatever he wants to be.

Patrick is trying to track down a rare edition of the comic book featuring his film character Captain Kismet aka Richard Ranger. Will and Patrick go on an adventure to find a copy and have such a great time together that they become inseparable. They are so lovely together but you just know that Patrick being in the closet is going to bite them on the proverbial butt.

The creators of Captain Kismet were actually a sweet husband and wife team. Iris wrote the words, Charles did the illustrations. They aren’t quite what they seem. You don’t get much of their story, but it’s just enough. Thank goodness the world has moved on a lot since the 1940’s, although sometimes current events make me furious. The world is a better place when it’s full of rainbows.

I really did enjoy the story. Patrick’s adventures in his Captain Kismet outfit might be my favourites. I do wish the sex scenes hadn’t been fade to grey though.

We Could be Heroes was published in 2024, but I got an e-copy from NetGalley to read and review, so thanks to PJ Ellis and Harper North for the opportunity to read this gloriously uplifting Queer book!

This braided narrative covers two time periods. The primary one is set in present day (2024) Birmingham where drag Queen/bookshop worker Will meets superstar Hollywood actor Patrick Lake, while filming for the latest blockbuster 'Captain Kismet 2'. Their chance meeting in Will's local where he performs as Grace Anatomy leads to a knuckle-wrapping from Patrick's agent, Simone, but lights a spark... Will is as straight as straight, right? He's Hollywood's darling, he could never like someone like Will... could he?

Okay, this book was totally predictable, but I enjoyed it! So much Queer Joy! With interposed parts of Queer sadness, having to compromise, having to be secretive, having to lie... I guess it felt real; however, I don't believe (correct me if I'm wrong!) that it would be a career breaker to come out as gay in Hollywood in 2024. I know that Patrick is supposed to be representing extreme machismo etc, but it didn't quite ring true that the potential ramifications would be so high...

The second storyline was one I really wanted to love. It was the backstory of the 'Captain Kismet' comics, written by a brother/sister duo, both of whom were Queer during the Mcarthy era. This could have been great but... it just fell flat. The pacing was off when the two strands were braided together, and because there was so little of this earlier storyline, it was hard to feel much for the characters. I think this could have been rewritten to make this part shine, and I, for one, would have been there for it!

Will and Patrick coming together was two worlds colliding (it's not a spoiler, it happens very early in the book). I think that was well done. And there were some really touching moments, as well as some them made you want to smack your head because they were being so damn stupid! Yes, it was cheesy (a bit like Notting Hill actually), but as a quick fun read I was able to overlook that, and just go with the story.

The side characters were great! They were fully fleshed out, 'real' characters, which is a nice change compared to a lot of rom coms where the side characters feel like they're present to make up the numbers. I loved Will's non-binary nephew and his sister. And his best mate Jordan was just lovely. SPOILER



And in the end Patrick's casemates were incredibly supportive too - aw! Real, gooey, cheese. It put a smile on my face.

What didn't was Patrick's agent Simone. She was ultimately playing the role of a sort of Queer fairy godmother almost and it DIDN'T WORK (for me). Internalised homophobia, much?? I didn't like her, and I hated the way she was sort-of managing Patrick's sexuality, but it was all supposed to be 'okay' because she was Queer herself... Er, no. No thank you. END SPOILER

So, it was a quick, fun read with some really, touching (if you don't mind lots of Gruyere) moments; however, the tempo was sadly ruined by the second plot line which, IMO, could actually have been better than the main one if it had been developed properly. Disappointing.

On the fence. 3 stars overall, for the sheer amount of celebrating Queer Joy. Points off for the rest.

the two time difference plot points to this novel were amazing. they are woven into the book with such clever writing. they fit perfectly together. in the older era we have the two creators of a comic. and what they are doing in their own time is going to have a way to bring our two present day characters together. its cute, its fun but its also so very heartfelt and serious. but the issues it covers are done with such joyful seriousness that you just want to smile and cheer for these guys. not only that but the side characters are just as gorgeous to read about and only add more to that cozy feel.
it didnt feel like one of those "brave" books because of our two gay guys. it felt like a love story and all the lovely things we love in those book were here in this one. of course, there is more to it because our "hero" was having to come to terms a bit more about who he was. but boy was he help out of his shell by our Queeeeeeen of the drag who also happens to be the bookseller dont you just know it. i think we could meet more than one hero in this book. on screen and off.
this book was adorable. in all the squishy feely ways.

A fabulous and incredibly enjoyable read. Loved the setting and storyline. A well written, breathtakingly romantic book, looking forward to reading lots more by this author..

‘We Could Be Heroes’ is a queer romcom in which Patrick, American superstar and face of a big action movie series, meets Will, a bookseller and drag queen, when Patrick’s movie relocated to Birmingham for last minute reshoots. Back in the 1940s, Charles and Iris are working on the creation of the Captain Kismet comics, all the while hiding their true selves. However, their story brings together Patrick and Will in the present day, as they hunt the elusive lost story and sparks begin to fly…

I cannot express to you what a fun time I had with this book. The romance made me kick my little feet - neurotic, out-and-proud drag queen Will bringing closeted, golden boy Patrick into the world of Birmingham’s queer scene was so lovely to read. Their relationship was at times tender and at others, pretty damn hot, but always wonderful - except the ol’ third act break-up (look, it’s a romance novel, I knew it was coming). The secondary characters rounded off the novel in a way that made the story more full and the found family vibes were perfect for me. I thought the 1940s subplot added some really powerful layering to a story that had a whole lot of heart. Exploring queer identity and the joy that is found in truly knowing and being yourself was the real strength of this novel, and the little subplots interwoven with the main romance meant this book packed more of a punch that I anticipated.

As I hinted earlier, I’m not going to moan about the third act break-up, because we all saw that coming. I feel this is pretty common, so I don’t judge a book for employing this. What I will judge is how the aftermath is handled. And honestly? This book did not fumble. No spoilers, but we love to see growth and introspection from our main characters!

Was this book cheesy? A little. Was it predictable? Kind of. Does that matter, when I had such a great time reading it? Nope! This was a fun, queer romantic romp grounded with deeper themes exploring queer identity, the state of our world (both past and present), the challenges queer people face - and what a joy it is to beat them.

If you’re looking for something with plenty of heart and a lot of sass, I highly recommend putting on your heels and tucking in - pun fully intended - to the most fabulous superhero story.

4.5 🌟

3.5 out of 5 stars

Overall, cute and wholesome. Initially, I was a tiny bit hesitant that the first meeting between the main characters would be cliché, but it wasn’t, and I was drawn into the story straight away. The superhero movie star Patrick falling for daytime bookseller and nighttime local drag queen Will worked surprisingly well—a match made in heaven. Birmingham was a fun setting. The different quirky supporting characters, with a special shout-out to those comprising Will’s chosen family, were amazing. I absolutely loved the added dimension of reading from the Captain Kismet comic creators’ perspectives in the 1940s, and how this was tied together with the main plot. The hardships that were faced felt realistic. The anti-anti-drag protest and other moments added a lot. I loved the sense of community present in the story. Well done.

Would recommend to anyone in the mood for a fun queer celebrity romance.

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperNorth for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

We Could be heroes
Patrick a famous American film actor who is gay but very much in the closet is in Birmingham England filming the second instalment of the super hero film Kismet 2.
Taken to a local bar where drag queens entertain he meets Will in his full drag Queen costume and then again when he visits a local bookshop looking for an original comic that started the film franchise, Will is working there. Both are smitten with each other and start a secret relationship.
A book full of humour, misunderstandings, brilliant dialogue and depth, great characters and also the bigotry they ha=e to contend with.
There are two time lines which blend seamlessly the past that lays the foundation for this story in the present.
An enjoyable story that flows well and is very entertaining.
My thanks to net galley and publisher for the opportunity to review this book honestly.

A really enjoyable romance between a closeted actor and a Drag Queen set in Birmingham. I loved the romance of this book - the way that meeting Will allowed Patrick to explore an idea of his life that he had previously shut down. In the early parts of the book, you could see that Patrick hadn't fully connected with his sexuality - partly due to his upbringing, but largely due to his career choice. It was a fascinating portrayal of the film industry, when even as people are becoming more inclusive of varied gender and sexuality, there is still a noticeable trend of typecasting.
But then to contrast Patrick's buttoned-up existence with the glitz and glamour of Brum's gay quarter was fantastic! It was the setting that ultimately pushed my rating to a 5, I can't lie. Growing up in Brum, I spent my early adult years frequenting some of the bars in this book - The Village, and Hurst St in general were regular haunts, and I was surprised to see The Flapper mentioned, which was my 'local'. Birmingham, in general, is a contrast - simultaneously welcoming and open minded to all types of people, but also with a big chunk that reject anything but a masculine, industrial, working-man outlook. I suppose most cities are the same, and trying to find a balance and a tolerance for people not like yourself is key. It worked so well, though, for the contrast between Will and Patrick! The themes of homophobia and intolerance were well looked at, both on the wider community front, and also at how they can be internalised.
The romance was gorgeous, and I particularly loved the contrasting timelines - seeing a glimpse of the Kismet creators, and how their lives and experiences were woven into the comic book character that Patrick is suppressing his real self to play, added to the tension - particularly as Patrick closed himself off. I had my fingers crossed throughout that he would find the Omega issue and it would help him align his working and personal lives.
100% recommend this book, and there was no waiting for the paperback release - my hardcover is on its way!

I loved this uncomplicated romance. It’s clear from the beginning the main characters are attracted, the conflicts they have are understandable and not too contrived and the resolution is sweet and funny. The historical thread is interesting too, contrasting two eras approaches to sexuality.

This was fun, readable and had interesting things to say about queer relationships. I will definitely read their work again.

We Could Be Heroes by PJ Ellis is a captivating and unconventional romance that blends love, identity, and the power of storytelling across time. This novel is not just about the relationship between two men, but also a reflection on how our past can shape our futures, how secrets can bind or tear us apart, and how love, in all its forms, is anything but simple.

Set in two distinct time periods—2024 Birmingham and 1949 New York—the story unfolds in a way that is both intricate and mesmerizing. Patrick, an American actor starring in a blockbuster superhero film, has everything he thinks he needs in life—fame, fortune, and a schedule packed with filming. However, the last thing on his mind is falling in love, especially since he is not yet ready to come out as gay. That is, until he meets Will, a local bookseller and drag performer. Will’s charm is magnetic, and Patrick finds himself pulled into a secret romance that challenges everything he thought he knew about himself and his future.

Meanwhile, across the ocean and decades earlier, Charles and Iris, a married couple and comic-book artists, are living their own secrets. Together, they’re creating a superhero unlike any the world has ever known—one who might just change Patrick and Will’s lives forever. As their stories unfold in parallel, we begin to understand the profound impact that art, love, and bravery can have in both personal and public spheres.

Ellis’s writing is beautifully layered, moving seamlessly between the two narratives, showing how the creative spark of the past intersects with the very real desires and struggles of the present. The characters of Patrick and Will are irresistibly engaging, with their chemistry palpable from the very first meeting. Their romance, set against the backdrop of societal expectations and personal hesitations, is tender, secretive, and heartwarming in all the right ways.

What makes We Could Be Heroes stand out is how it takes the familiar tropes of a superhero story and turns them on their head, weaving them into the fabric of a love story that’s as much about self-discovery as it is about romance. The connection between the two timelines is both surprising and deeply satisfying, showing how the things we create—whether it’s a comic book, a relationship, or a secret—can shape the course of history in ways we never imagined.

If you’re a fan of complex characters, slow-burn romance, and the power of narrative to change lives, We Could Be Heroes is a must-read. PJ Ellis has crafted a novel that is equal parts thought-provoking and heartwarming, with a touch of whimsy and a lot of heart. I loved it!

I have been extra depressed for the past few days since the election and desperately needed something to cheer me up. I decided to listen to the audiobook of this (mostly because my libby hold had just come in) while doing a puzzle. And it lifted my mood quite a bit. I cried a lot but it was a cathartic crying, not a sad crying.

The love story, between a closeted actor in popular superhero movies and a drag queen, was sweet and I enjoyed it. But it actually wasn't the main draw for me. What kept me listening, and kept me crying softly, was the sheer queer joy that this story exuded.

There was the more overt queer joy when the drag queens banded together to resist the protestors at drag queen storytime, and also the ending. But there was also the quieter but no less joyful queer joy found in the second timeline between the husband and wife team who created the superhero in the first place, both of whom were queer and forced to hide in the 1940s, and their secret partners. And the everyday joy of the found family groups of queer characters.

It reminded me that no matter what some people want, queer people aren't going away. We're still here. We still love. We can still find joy. And that's exactly what I needed to be reminded of.

*Thanks to HarperNorth and G.P. Putnam's Son's for providing an early copy for review.

DNF @ 17%

I was so hopeful for this and really disappointed.

I am kind of amazed that's only how far I got. It felt like so much longer, this was just a drag (pun unintended and unfortunately not a positive in this case) to read. It was just....boring? The characters are flat and feel like they rely on stereotypes to be 'fun' and 'relatable'.. I started this, struggled through the bit that I did, and then put it down for almost 7 months before finally calling it quits. Just not for me I'm afraid.

The two timelines seemed interesting but from what I could read, didn't really integrate well. The conflicts felt manufactured from the start and I can guess how it builds up but am not invested in any of the characters to even care enough to see if I'm right. The writing was also off. It felt like it was geared for a younger audience - meant to be easy to fly through and full of slang in the mindset of the main characters, but felt forced and awkward.

This was a miss for me :/

This is such a gorgeous, fun book. Real sense of place. Great characters and sense of humour running through it, and a sexy, unexpected romance that, as a gay reader, I really responded to.

This was a simple, fun, easy and quick read. The perfect type of book for your holiday, beach, pool kind of read. This is a first for me by the author and one I enjoyed and I would read more of their work. The book cover is eye-catching and appealing and would spark my interest if in a bookshop. Thank you very much to the author, publisher and Netgalley for this ARC.

3.5/5.

This was a lovely romance about finding out who you can be when you let yourself. Getting to see Patrick connecting with Will and his community was delightful and I loved reading about all of Will's supportive friends. The romance was believable and compelling and I'll definitely want to reread this book for a pick-me-up at some point.

I had fun, love Will and Patrick and thoroughly enjoyed this story as old as the world: celebrity-falls-for-underdog.
I rooted for the characters, loved the description of Hollywood life, and had fun.
Some parts about you-must-hide-if-you-want-to-succeed are a bit old but the rest was fun.
The dual timeline is interesting and I liked it.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

A joyous split timeline romance, partly set in my hometown, just filled my heart and put the biggest smile on my face.

4/5 stars.

We Could Be Heroes" by PJ Ellis is a fun split timeline romance that jumps between two different timelines. The book follows the lives of Patrick and Will in present-day Birmingham, as well as Iris and Charles, comic creators in 1948 New York. The characters are all really well-written, from the shy but lovable Patrick to the outgoing and charming Will. The story mixes humour and deeper themes, touching on LGBTQ+ issues in a sensitive way that still keeps things light and interesting. My only complaint is that I wanted a bit more from the 1948 storyline and the side characters. Overall, "We Could Be Heroes" is a feel-good read that touches important issues with a lot of charm and cleverness.

Thank you NetGalley and Harper North for giving me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I thought that this was such a fun book, full of thought provoking and emotional events. This is definitely for fans of Red, White & Royal Blue, and is fairly similar (but not so similar that it feels as though you’re reading the exact same book).

Patrick is a Hollywood film-star who is filming in Birmingham. One unexpected night, he comes across the charming local bookseller and drag performer Will, who is simply irresistable. Working in a primariliy heterosexual film industry makes it difficult for their blossoming relationship.

Additionally, throughout this the true story of a comic that Patrick is after is unveiled, helping him to find a solution to his problem.

This book is packed full of passion and love, it is a must read!

This was a nice little romance, with slightly more gravitas leant to it by the inclusion of the historical plotline. Not my favourite queer famous-people romance I’ve read and tbh I think it overall lacked a lot of depth I’ve found more in books like Sophie Gonzales’s If This Gets Out. Regardless, a fun little read.