Reviewed by annieb123 on
Counter Culture is a new M/M humorous romance by JL Merrow. Released 4th Nov 2019 by Riptide, it's 244 pages and available in paperback format.
This is a light romance with mismatched protagonists who are sweetly silly. The story arc is standard (misunderstandings and well meant lies threaten to tear the star crossed couple apart, complicated by loving and well meaning family and friends on both sides... can they find their way to happiness despite the drama... you know they will). The dialogue is unbelievable, but never truly wince-worthy. In short, it's a well written M/M feel good romance.
The author slips in some good points about the changing face of society with some comments about wealth inequality, power, respect, class divide, and culture. It's not heavily balanced toward social commentary, there's enough misunderstandings, drama, and kissing to keep romance readers pleased. It was nice to see some substance and not just fluff. (Don't get me wrong, I like fluff too).
There is explicit sexual content (very well written, adult, consensual, and in context). The language is rough (liberal sprinklings of everything from damn to bollocks to the f-bomb), but also used in context. The spellings, slang and constructions are British English, but shouldn't present any problems for readers who are used to American vernacular.
Three and a half stars, rounded up for the steampunk, and the very well written secondary characters.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Reading updates
- Started reading
- Finished reading
- 4 November, 2019: Reviewed