A Heartfelt Dive into "I Want To Kiss You In Public": A Journey of Self-Discovery
From the moment I stumbled upon I Want To Kiss You In Public: A Coming of Age, Gay Romance Novel by the talented author who paints love in the vibrant light of Paris, I felt an irresistible pull towards its pages. Maybe it was the intriguing title that promised young love in a brave new world, or perhaps it was the way it seemed to encapsulate all the wistfulness of youth — the confusion, exploration, and heartbreak that come with it.
At its core, Louis is your quintessential high school student — comically convinced of his rock star status in the bustling metropolis of Paris. With the coolest best friend and a fierce girlfriend, he believes he’s got life all figured out. But as life often does, it throws him a curveball in the form of Michael, the charming British student with dark curls and a smile that could light up any room. In what starts as a forced pairing for an essay evolves into an exploration of desire, identity, and friendship that had me captivated.
The primary theme resonates deeply: the journey of self-discovery is rarely linear. Louis’s unshakeable belief in his straightness begins to waver as he finds himself drawn to Michael, a twisting knot of emotions that are both exhilarating and terrifying. The push and pull of their growing friendship reveals the layered complexities of adolescent identity and love — themes that any reader, regardless of age, can appreciate.
What stood out to me was the author’s vivid writing style. The descriptions of Parisian life were lush and immersive, almost as if readers could feel the cobblestones beneath their feet and experience the city’s intoxicating energy. The pacing felt just right; it allowed the story to breathe while never losing the reader’s interest. Not to mention the dialogue sparkled with wit, balancing humor and emotional depth.
One of my favorite lines resonated as Louis wrestled with his evolving feelings: “Sometimes, the heart knows what the mind fears to admit.” It encapsulates the struggle many face in coming to terms with who they love and how they identify. This sentiment not only highlights the internal conflict but serves as a reminder that love transcends societal norms and personal expectations.
While I Want To Kiss You In Public is undeniably a romance novel, it is so much more than that. It’s a celebration of friendship, laughter, and learning that sometimes the most profound changes begin with the most unexpected connections.
This book is perfect for anyone who enjoys heartfelt coming-of-age stories with relatable characters grappling with their identities. If you’ve ever felt out of place, navigated the tricky waters of love, or simply longed for acceptance, you’ll find a piece of yourself in Louis’s journey.
As for me? Reading this novel was like finding a secret garden amidst a chaotic city — a place of reflection and warmth that made my heart swell. I’m excited to see where the next installment in the Colette International series takes us. If it’s anything like this, I’m sure it will be another journey worth taking.