Cal

I would like to encourage everyone to read this story! It has an opposites attract theme, but what sets it apart are the writing and the main characters. The story is very readable, with interesting, realistic dialogue and good descritions. Davy is a great guy with many characteristics that make him a good boyfriend/lover, but the star of the show is the title character, Cal! As Cal narrates we learn his life has not been "middle class and comfortable." He meets Davy and they begin to connect; interesting since Davy is quite well off. As we watch their relationship grow, the best part is getting to hear Cal's thoughts about what is happening. Sam Wyler has given Cal the most interesting and enjoyable voice! "Cal" is definitely worth reading.

What you cannot fail to like about this book is how the author is telling you Cal's story through the voice of our protagonist, but he is also speaking directly to you, the reader. We learn how somewhat by accident Cal meets Davey, an event that is going to seriously impact his life. As their relationship develops so we get to see more of Cal, his thoughts, feelings, and inner struggles. Cal confides in us what he is going through, in a way that makes you a sort of silent witness.

The dialogue is brilliant, spot on, for example when Davey tells him:
“You look really cute when you’re concentrating. ...... You have this look, where you bite your bottom lip on one side, and sort of stare at stuff as if it’s going to be scared into doing something for you.”

The descriptions are just right, enough detail that you can conjure up a picture of places and people. There is emotional turmoil and Cal certainly has to struggle, but he seems to innately know his own weaknesses, though not necessarily how to overcome them.

You feel privileged when he addresses you, the reader directly:
I shuddered just a little bit remembering my mum yelling my full name at me when I was in trouble.  Not like serious trouble, she wasn't really around in my life by then, but like the time that I broke some stupid ugly glass-vase-bowl-dish thing, you know the sort of thing that costs enough so it really should have some sort of actual purpose, but it never fucking seems to ever get around to it.  I was probably only 6 or something, and I thought that if I just kept saying that I hadn't done it, then everyone was going to have to believe me.  Obviously that didn’t work, but I was a kid, it made perfect sense to me at the time. 

He shares what he's going through which draws you into the story and makes you like him, just as you would if you met him for real, he becomes your friend. This story is all about relationships, confronting and dealing with what life throws at you. It is not simply the burgeoning friendship between Cal and Davey, but the impact of others around them. It is a gentle story that at times cloaks dark and threatening forces. 

I highly recommend what I found to be a refreshing and well written novel. Read it, and enjoy it, you will come back wanting more!
 

I loved this intense, beautiful story.  Sad, moving, and ultimately joyful.  Two emotionally lost guys from different worlds connect in a sweet, though never cloying, romantic tale.  With high-quality, engrossing writing, this is a must-read!  An easy 5 stars.

Although this story isn't new I finally got a chance to read it. What a fun and funny delightful story!  Couple of typos but the grammar was very good.  This story really made me smile.

I agree with every review before me on that Cal is an amazing story and you should definitely read it. 

It revolves around Cal, this young, rough-around-the-edges, car thief who gets rescued by Davey - an older, more settled man. Afterwards he wanderes around London looking for him, which he does. After that the story -which is narrated by Cal- centeres on their relationship and how they'll integrate their lives.

A well written, quirky, fun, and lovable story filled with swear words. I'll definitely reread some day.

I am usually hesitant to review a story published long-ago but there are two good reasons to add my take: @Sam Wyer is actively sharing his talent here, today, in 2024 and this weekend I fell in love with Cal. 

Total binge read, I couldn’t put it down. 

Cal is a hot mess and, remember, I absolutely love him and the characters who fill his orbit. He is hot-headed, foul-mouthed, plus rather naive and innocent when it comes to the wider world. Inexperienced is fair to say. At the same time his life-experience is far from the norm for most young men leaving their teenage years behind.

No spoilers from me, just my sincere opinion that this is worthy of every single minute you spend with Cal. Bravo @Sam Wyer! Well done.
 

I definitely recommend this story to everyone! Both Cal and Davey are great characters and it's heartwarming to see their relationship develop. The way Davey deals with Cal's insecurities and makes him a part of his world is so beautiful and encouraging. Thanks to Sam Wyer for writing such an amazing story!

A lovely story that is sad, moving and intriguing. Cal and Davey are great characters. I would recommend this story to anybody who fancies a good read from a fresh new author.