Arthur And Teddy Are Coming Out is the first novel by British author, Ryan Love. Twenty-one-year-old Teddy’s first day as a trainee journalist at The Post isn’t ideal. His mother, outspoken journalist Elizabeth Marsh called in a favour to secure him the spot, and everyone seems to be aware of that, including his competition, a dishy fellow trainee called Ben. Teddy genuinely just wants to work and learn, but Ben King seems resentful.

Consoling himself after work at the pub with his best friends, Shakeel is sympathetic, but Lexie tells him not to be so sensitive. Her oft-repeated suggestion that he come out to his family dies a quick death when his mum comes home angry and upset: after fifty years married to Madeleine, his seventy-nine-year-old grandfather has revealed that he is gay.

It’s gone as badly as Arthur Edwards expected: his son Patrick is confused, but his daughter Elizabeth is livid. On behalf of her mother, she claims, even though Madeleine is wholly supportive of his decision. Lizzie cuts off contact, and forbids her children to see their grandfather. Arthur spends the following days and weeks hoping she’ll come around, as Patrick quickly has done.

In their small town of Northbridge, there are mixed reactions, and Arthur isn’t at all sure about the dating site his daughter-in-law-to-be signs him up to: surely he’s too old for all this? Arthur is glad that his only grandson won’t be deterred from visiting, despite Lizzie’s edict, and when Teddy reveals his own preferences, their bond is strengthened.

After hearing Arthur’s account of being a closet gay in the sixties, being subjected to conversion therapy at his father’s request, Teddy is grateful that attitudes have changed, but still wary of coming out, given his mother’s reaction. Then, having worked with Ben for some time, he realises he’s attracted, but Shakeel makes it plain he doesn’t trust the ambitious trainee’s motives.

Over the months that follow life for Arthur and Teddy includes: some nasty gossips, a secret crush, a dare-devil stunt for charity, a television appearance, a long-lost love, a teen suicide, long-held secrets, loyal friends, a gay bar, an engagement, a betrayal of trust, a surprise reunion, a vivacious eighty-two-year-old friend, and a double wedding. Teddy eventually matures enough to deal with an amazing job opportunity,

Love gives his protagonists insightful observations and wise words: Arthur tells Teddy “Life is full of sacrifices, Teddy. We’ll make good and bad choices, but we shouldn’t let regrets define us. I’m not perfect, but I hope when I’m not here that the people I love will remember me for the good things and know I did my best for them.” A heart-warming and thought-provoking read.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Harlequin Australia.