Queen B’s Decree: No Tears with Him was an emotional story. Set in 1999, Malcolm is a young, black 19 year old man, trying to find his place in the world. He lives with his mom and his siblings, and he feels stuck. I really felt for him. He’s anxious, and uncomfortable in his skin, and he feels this pressure from his mom to get a job…of her choosing.
When he lands a job interview for a graphics designer, it’s basically his dream job, and yet he’s late for the interview (thanks to his older brother!) and he assumes he’s lost it. Surprisingly, he meets a charismatic man outside who invites him for a coffee date. And naturally…that man is his interviewer and soon becomes his new boss, Scott.
Now Malcolm wouldn’t call himself gay, but he is drawn to Scott. What’s really great about No Tears is how it handles LGBTQ and exploring your sexuality. The fear and uncertainty Malcolm felt is well written and so empathetic. Add in the interracial component, and you’ve got a story with some angst and some drama. And yet it felt so smooth and comfortable. Scott and Malcolm felt made for each other.
The side characters were interesting, and I’m hoping a few will get stories of their own. In fact, Malcom’s brother Madden turned out to be one of my favorites. He really grew and turned himself around, becoming a beautifully decent human being.
No Tears with Him made me feel like I was back in 1999 without being too overwhelming with the forced pop culture references. I hope K Webster does more like this.
Book: No Tears with Him by K Webster
Series: standalone, but this might become a series
Genre: Contemporary
Hotness: medium salsa
Plot Devices/Tropes: gay, boss/employee