Whistling in the Dark

Sweet and fun romance taking place right after WWI in New York. It's right before Prohibition and in the midst of strong anti-homosexuality laws, despite what you took comfort in overseas. Sutton and Jack are both very charming characters, as is the rest of the cast, but you will definitely get frustrated with them both. It's the typical “I have all these feelings but I'm not going to say anything which will cause a very dramatic miscommunication” trope in mm romance but it works itself out and you get that HEA. It tackles some tough problems - like PTSD, anti-gay laws, and war injuries -with aplomb but that I can see how it may read differently with someone who's actually experienced any/all of those things. Like all of Allen's stories I've read, it's a meandering, quiet romance between two men who are conflicted so while it wasn't a book I could have devoured in one sitting, it's still a recommend if you need something light and sweet.

Atmospheric, set in New York right before the start of Prohibition with a lovely cast of characters, but getting any forward impetus is like pulling teeth. There's no plot beyond the romance and it takes painfully long for things to progress anywhere. Definitely a more sedate read - but did I mention the lovely characters?