It seems like October is nearly over but today is still the second Monday of the month. That means that @W_L did a great review on a story that definitely has my interest!

by Mancunian

Reviewer: W_L
Status: Complete
Word Count: 80,270

This reads like a British balm for a weary gay soul—comforting, warm, and restorative. If you’re trudging through a bad day, numbed by apathy, or worn down by the headlines, this story offers a steady smile and a reminder that kindness still matters. It’s less about gritty plots of these vulnerable characters than grace they receive: a gentle reprieve that prioritizes tenderness, community, and the small wins that keep people moving through the dark.

I picked it up because it treads ground I first encountered in Suki Fleet’s This Is Not a Love Story, which follows homeless queer teens in a much harsher London environment. Suki Fleet’s novel is brilliant but emotionally pulverizing; by the end, you will need to crawl with your last ounce of strength towards the light of hope. By contrast, Mancunian’s What Happened to the Baxter Boys is lighter on the spirit and, set in Manchester, feels less brutal in tone.

The setup—brothers Charlie and Michael finding a family with the help of Max and Stacy—won’t surprise seasoned readers, but its familiarity is part of the charm. Even if the arc is idealized, there’s something genuinely healing about watching these boys catch a break, and the story delivers that respite without apology. Though there are moments of conflict, homophobia, and human malice in this universe; these elements are minor points in the overall narrative.

 Overall, it’s a good, heartwarming read—ideal when you’re seeking comfort.

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Category: Fiction  Genres: Comedy, General Fiction, Romance, Literary Fiction,  Sub-genres: Comedy Modern, General Romance, Coming of Age, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary Literary

Tags: teen, young adult, gay, light-hearted, serious, modern, brothers, friendship  Rating: Mature