The Backlot Gay Book Forum discussion

The Coil, by L.A. Gilbert

This book centers around Mattie, a down on his luck 20 something, who's trying to improve himself by pursuing his GED and getting into an art school in NYC; and Simon, a 30 something writer and single father of an adorable autistic child named Jamie.

I really enjoyed this book. The characters, both main and secondary, were well fleshed out, and I genuinely cared what happened to them. The tensions in the relationship felt believably backed up by the characterizations; the history and baggage both of them brought to the table, as well as by the very imperfect way we humans tend to communicate with each other.

The depiction of raising a high-functioning Autistic kid was really well presented, in my opinion, showing the tremendous challenges as well as rewards. Simon at times felt almost too perfect in his approach to it, though his over-protective nature and occasionally crappy way he treated Mattie made him feel more real. The story kept my attention and pulled me along - I read most of it at one sitting.

I've read an objection to the way in which one part of the book is handled, and while I agree with (view spoiler)[the view that Simon can be seen as too paternalistic, taking Mattie's decision out of his hands and forcing him off to NY with no contact (hide spoiler)] it still worked for me, within the context of this story and these characters, and for me at least, made the ending that much more romantic, if a tad less realistic.

This is a feel good story I could see re-reading when I'm looking for a bit of comfort.

It’s been a while in between m-m romance books that I have been sufficiently moved (emotionally) and motivated to write a review since the large majority of m-m romance fare falls into the ‘pleasant, diversional, ‘nothing-to-write-mama’ zone for me. Every now and again, something stands up and hits me on the head … the last one prior to this was Mel Bossa’s Split.

There’s nothing extraordinary about the introduction to our MCs. The author uses the device of a tension-filled moment (for one of the MCs) before flashing-back three years to before the cute-meet. I like the characters – Simon and Matty are endearing and cute in so many ways. What grabbed my interest however is the introduction of Jaime ‘the kid’ … and having a child character is not all that unusual either … except this is not your typical wise-cracking toddler. The author has definitely done the work regarding autism spectrum/asbergers syndrome as scene after scene struck a chord with my own experience with such special children (my nephew). The most enjoyable moments in this book was reading how single dad Simon grapples with the daily stresses of making the world better for his special child – heart-string tugging and ‘head over heels falling in lurve stuff’. Of this gets to Matty who serves behind the sandwich counter at the deli-bar where Simon spends his time away from parenting typing away at an unfinished novel.

The associated storylines involving Matty’s educational pursuits, financial woes and alternative ‘employment’ served as a good foil/contrast to Simon and Jaime. The MCs dance of attraction was suitably drawn out (despite the insta-attraction) – largely because of several inherent situational / personal issues each MC is grappling with. The sex (when it finally happens) thank God is not overwrought and definitely does not distract from the main storyline plotting – succinct but sexy. Simon and Matty’s relational roadblocks were genuinely played out and I definitely had a couple of cry out aloud ‘oh no – don’t go there / say that’ moments.

I ended up burning the midnight oil with this one, just could not put down the Kindle until I discovered how that initial ‘tension-awkward’ scene played out for the MCs … was desperate for a HEA for these guys. Friends, supporters and family provide some excellent secondary characters as well (Ty & Sarah – you rock!). I can confidently say that if you liked books like Ethan, Who Loved Carter, The Door Behind Us and Chalk Butterfly: The Complete Trilogy – you will love this one. Thank you Aislinn for bringing it to my TBR attention.

It did strike some of the same chords for me as Ethan, Who Loved Carter, another book I loved. I haven't read the other two, but they're going into my TBR pile now. :-)

Aislinn wrote: "I haven't read the other two, but they're going into my TBR pile now. :-)"

I hope you'll like those two as much as I did Aislinn.
Have you read Rose Christo's Gives Light books? They're wonderfully written as well.

Yes, I adore that series. They are wonderfully written, with appealing characters and a pacing that worked well for me with her writing style.