C.S. MacInnes

David Ricci dreams of living life on his own terms—away from his tiny village in Scotland where everyone knows each other’s business, and his grandfather expects him to take over the family farm. When David is accepted into the University of Michigan, he knows it is his ticket to freedom. David relishes meeting new people and being able to explore his sexuality privately. While in Michigan, David meets not one but two charming men—Allen, who he is incredibly attracted to, and Anthony, with whom he has a great connection. David struggles to follow his heart, navigate his mental health, and grapple with familial pressure.

Follow David’s journey in this gripping coming-of-age novel!

“My American Boyfriend” by C.S. MacInnes is an intriguing LGBTQ+ romance about a conflicted young man. His tiny village in Scotland did nothing to prepare him for dating in America. From never kissing another guy to suddenly having various options, David’s heart is sent into a tailspin. Should he continue dating Anthony and see where it goes, or should he explore his intense feelings for Allen?

To further complicate matters, the stress of a toxic relationship is worsening his anxiety and depression. One minute, they are happy, and then David’s partner acts cold. Moreover, he struggles with feelings of worthlessness, causing his logic to become distorted. Why does David allow this perilous behavior from his partner?

The author has done an excellent job highlighting the struggles of those coming of age. Being brand new to romantic relationships and dealing with poor mental health can be a dangerous mix. David’s low self-worth causes him to see the world through a foggy lens, which makes him more susceptible to relationship red flags such as lying, cheating, gaslighting, and aggression. Readers witness examples of this throughout the novel as David repeatedly allows his partner to mistreat him.

David is a flawed but likable character you’ll root for, and his struggles will resonate with readers who may be grappling with anxiety, depression, or low self-esteem. “My American Boyfriend” by C.S. MacInnes will appeal to those who love coming-of-age stories, exploring themes such as sexual identity, friendship, and love. It will particularly speak to the challenges facing LGBTQ+ young adults.