ARC Review: In Me an Invincible Summer by Ryan Loveless

“If IN ME AN INVINCIBLE SUMMER is any indication of the level of writing one can expect from this author, then you can be sure I’ll be reading more.” ~ Under the Covers

I’ve never read Ryan Loveless before this but always heard good things about this author, so I decided to give this newest release a shot. The first thing I noticed is that Loveless has a very strong voice. I found the writing to be very eloquent and free-flowing, which is always a massive bonus when reading first person POV.

Joe Nestra is a closeted Hollywood actor who is staring in his first indie Canadian film. The catch is that his character is gay and he is nervous that word might get out his sexuality. His assistant and best friend, Derek helps him through it, providing Joe with men behind closed doors while he films.

What’s interesting about this book is that while I thought the whole book would be about Joe coming to terms with the fact that his fans and family will know about his sexuality, it isn’t. It’s more than that. Loveless doesn’t put the focus on that alone, tons of emotions are involved and while the blurb keeps who Joe ends up with a secret, it is clear early on who is the most important person in his life is.

The romance isn’t the main feature of this book. Yes, it’s there and it’s well done. But Loveless also explores many other themes that I think are just as important for this book. I would say that the most prominent thing about this book is the emotions involved. Reading from Joe’s POV definitely makes you feel his conflict. At first, I wasn’t sure how I liked Joe. He seemed too scared about what others thought of him and in order to protect that vulnerability, he lashes out to his co-star, Hunter. But eventually, Joe levels out and I ended up enjoying his story.

I will be definitely looking more into Loveless’ books. If IN ME AN INVINCIBLE SUMMER is any indication of the level of writing one can expect from this author, then you can be sure I’ll be reading more.

*ARC provided by publisher