If you have ever seen the movie, Grease, then you know the basic plot of this book, but it is so much more. This book is sweet and funny and makes you want to cry. It was the kind of book I needed while the world is in lockdown.

Not the light read I was expecting, but I’m not at all disappointed.

Also available as an eBook and downloadable audiobook. While in North Carolina helping babysit his little cousins as his Aunt Linda was treated for cancer, high school senior Ollie experienced his first true romance with Will. After Ollie’s parents decide to stay on to help for at least this school year, imagine his surprise when he runs into Will at his new high school! But this popular, wise-cracking, in-the-closet Will is nothing like the sweet, sensitive boy he fell in love with over the summer. As Will navigates new friendships, an on-again, off-again relationship with Will, and the grief he feels over his dying aunt, the one constant is the love and support of his family.

This book is sort of a cross between the movie Grease and the movie Love, Simon. It is a charming romantic comedy that will have you rooting for all the characters.

When I saw the description of this book I immediately thought, "OH MY LORD. GAY GREASE!" And then proceeded to flail. I was pumped to read this book and am happy to say it DID NOT disappoint!!

The plot follows the same basic premise of Grease: a whirlwind, but really tender and sweet summer lovin' that turns awkward when both parties end up attending the same high school. The twist is that what's keeping our two boys apart is that Ollie, our narrator, is out while his summer love, Will, is not. The story follows Ollie as he tries to manage moving across the country, navigating a new high school, spending uncomfortable amounts of time with Will (the boy who ghosted him after their summer romance!), and supporting his family as they deal with a terminal illness. Ollie's an out musician who is extremely comfortable in his skin and I love how music and his identity are as natural as breathing to him and his narration. His internal dialogue really gets all of the uncertainty and emotional highs and lows that come with high school, dating, and grief and I couldn't stop nodding my head in agreement and cheering him on. The supporting cast is also great! The Rose Gold Roses are a bit more on the classy side than what I was expecting, but I love each of their personalities and story lines. Some parts toward the end feel a bit rushed plot-wise, but over all it is an enticing and quick read. I was a bit disappointed there are no power ballads, but there is all the laughs, wit, and hopeless devotion that you are expecting in this great retelling.