When Everything Is Blue

By: Laura Lascarso

Narrated by: Michael Mola

Sometimes the people we need most aren’t bonded by blood but by something deeper.

When they were kids, golden boy Chris Mitcham rescued dweeby Theo Wooten from the neighborhood bullies and taught him how to “be cool.” Now, years later, Theo’s developed romantic feelings for his best friend that “arise” at the most inopportune times. Theo hates lying to Chris, but in coming out, he might lose the one person who understands him best, a risk he’s not willing to take.

When a relationship with another young man goes south, Theo is forced to confront his own sexuality along with his growing attraction to Chris and the stunted, tenuous relationship Theo has with his father. Will Chris abandon Theo when he learns the truth, or will he stand by him in this tumultuous season of self-discovery?

In this quirky coming-of-age romance, Theo’s path to manhood is fraught with several awkward firsts, a few haters, but also the tender comfort of an unexpected lover.

©2018 Laura Lascarso (P)2018 Dreamspinner Press

sweet predictable coming out story

although the story was completely predictable, it was charming and delightful. If you're looking for escape to your youth and first love, it's a great way to spend a few hours lost in memories of what happened or should have happened. the narrator added to the experience although the almost Latinx accent was sometimes odd. generally, the narration was an asset, however.

Wonderful Coming of Age

I’m very picky about my YA reads, so I was a little surprised by how much I enjoyed this one. I felt for Theo. I felt instantly for him and couldn’t stop the audiobook.

This book shocked me. I got pulled in and binged it until the end. Theo had so much going on in his life. The ups and downs pull at every emotion. I laughed, cried, and stressed with and for Theo. His emotions go through the ringer with teenage angst.

This is a new to me author and narrator. Michael Mola was very good, he kept me intrigued while bringing the characters to life. He was good at separating the character voices and Theo’s emotions. I very much would listen to Michael Mola again.

*Listener Note: I received a free copy of this audiobook through Gay Romance Reviews (GRR) and this is my honest review.

Easy listen

I listened to this book three times already. I love the story and characters and their connections. well done

Great Listen

I enjoyed it a lot. Beautifully written coming of age story with a bit of an edge. All the characters were very interesting especially Theo and it was entertaining following his character development as well as all the relationship dynamics going on throughout the story. I am not usually in a mood for a YA story, but I really liked this one and glad I gave it a try. Narrator did a good job telling this story, but I didn’t love the voice he chose for Theo. Overall this was a great listening experience.

Very Enjoyable!

When Everything is Blue is a wonderfully written coming of age, sweet friends to lovers story about Theo and his best friend and neighbor Chris. This book is told entirely from Theo's POV. Theo struggles with his sexuality and his more than friendly feelings for Chris. Chris himself seems to be unsure whether or not to share his own feelings for Theo. I love that Chris is so protective of Theo but also lets him make his own mistakes. Chris is also so supportive of Theo and really encourages him with his skateboarding. Though Theo is unsure how to tell his dad about his relationship with Chris, he needs to live his own truth with or without his dad's acceptance of him. I love Theo and Chris's dynamic as they discover how to be friends and boyfriends. I would love to see more of them in future books. Definitely recommend. 
Narrator Michael Mola does a fabulous job and was a joy to listen to.