Nate Plus One by Kevin Van Whye

The Blurb On The Back:

Two boys. Two bands. Two worlds colliding.

Nate Hargreaves - stage-shy singer-songwriter - is totally stoked for his cousin’s wedding in South Africa, an all-expenses-paid trip of a lifetime. Until he finds out his sleaze ball ex-boyfriend is also on the guest list.

Jai Patel - hot-as-hell high school rock god - has troubles too. His band’s lead singer has quit, just weeks before the gig that was meant to be their big break.

When Nate saves the day by agreeing to sing with Jai’s band, Jai volunteers to be Nate’s plus-one to the wedding, and the stage is set for a summer of music, self-discovery, and simmering romantic tension. What could possibly go wrong …?

( The Review (Cut For Spoilers): )

The Verdict:

There are no big surprises in Kevin Van Whye’s YA gay romance, which hits all the beats you’d expect in a friends-to-lovers tale. It’s sweet without being cloying and I believed in Nate and Jai’s attraction but there are missed opportunities here, from the homophobia of some members of Nate’s family and their wealth disparity to the battle of the bands competition and Nate’s relationship with Tommy, which lacks resolution.

Thanks to the Amazon Vine Programme for the review copy of this book.