If you can’t love yourself, how the hell are you gonna love somebody else?!

I’ve loved everything I’ve read by Matt Cain so far and this one was yet another lovely read. I love his rich characters who really come to life, the realistic way he portrays relationships and the gentle way his stories unfold.

Ted lives many a boy’s dream, working in his family business: an ice cream shop, married to a gorgeous guy. But it’s not his dream.
Cracks form in his relationship with Giles, and he doesn’t even like ice cream. Something has got to change.
With his new motto, Ted first, Ted takes charge of his life. Following his dreams, being who he really wants to be.
We follow Ted in his journey to new love, but most of all this is a story of self-love.
Matt Cain does it again with sensitivity in his characters and northern charm, and this all translates excellently to audiobook.
I really enjoyed this read.

Thanks so much to NetGalley and the publishers for letting me read this book in exchange for my review.

3.5*

I enjoyed a lot about this book, it is hopeful, comforting and full of genuine love, but mostly avoids being too cloying.

I really enjoyed that it kept close to its Northern English working/middle class roots and proudly showed a kind of middle aged gay man that is not always in romance novels. The narrator also did an excellent job and generally managed to keep the Polish accent from falling into caricature.

I did find the anonymous letter plot to be rather unnecessary though. It didn't add enough to the character development for me, and the big reveal at the end was more of a confusion than revelation. I think a stronger edit could have taken it out and left a much stronger book.

One of my favourite things was also an issue, namely the use of drag. I loved how drag was used within the story for positive effect, and how we saw the history in UK culture and also some conflicting reactions from the gay and straight communities. However it was really stark that the negative reactions were nearly all from gay men, and the current climate of hostility and righr wing attacks were ignored. I agree that this kept it in the cosy bracket, but for a book that addressed the ramifications of covid and homophobia, the ignoring of the transphobia against drag culture felt like a choice.

I also felt uncomfortable with how the cosy acceptance in the UK was contrasted with the homophobia in Poland, it just teetered a little on 'look how enlightened we are here compared to backwards Poland'.

Overall a cosy book, with a bit of a bite, but with a few parts that didn't quite work for me.

*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the free audio ARC*

A beautiful read about what journey life takes you through. Very inspiring, well worth a read.
As someone who has experienced something similar I found this read relatable. It’s about gripping life with both hands and being yourself! That’s the message I got, not matter what age, gender you are be you! I love that message.
I haven’t read any LGBTQIA’s books before so this was a great start, thank you Matt Cain for writing a truly exceptional book.

What a lovely book! Thr story of finding himself following a breakup and the people around him. The Narrator was great, able to imagine the people in the story.
Would recommend.

I liked the book, it has a similar feel to it as the previous book of the author.
So I think you shouldn't read them to soon after each other.
Ted wasn't my favorite character, I loved Stanley, Oskar and Denise.
The growth you see in Ted is great and I was gad that he was choosing his own path in life.
Although the use of the word ace could have been reduced by half...

The narrator did a great job, I liked how he did all the different characters,

Heart warming novel set in LANCASHIRE

Ted Ainsworth is the intended heir to his parents’ ice-cream parlour, but, poor man, he has never plucked up the courage to admit to them that he doesn’t actually like ice-cream. At all. He beats himself up because this is just one manifestation of him being unable to be true to himself.

As the novel opens he is truly contented, living with Giles, his husband of several years. But he then stumbles across incriminating photos of him with another man, who turns out to be Javier, and before he has a chance to understand the lie of the land, Giles has moved out.

Ted needs to pick up his life and relies on his friend Denise. He has always had a longing to express himself on stage, but Giles has grindingly undermined his talent and dreams. The more we learn of his husband, the more the ending of the relationship is clearly in Ted’s interests.

Becoming Ted is very much a story of one man in his 40s pressing re-set on his life. As he moves forward he has to contend with being open and honest with his parents and finding friendships that are supportive of him. He falls for Oskar who has had a very difficult time being gay in Poland and has had to leave the country of his birth. Oskar has his own demons to work through. Ted also discovers a new and heartening friendship with Stanely, who is many years his senior and who suffered greatly in the years when it was illegal to be homosexual – a very sobering thought, given that is only a few decades ago. This novel is certainly instructive on several levels.

To add an extra dimension, Ted is being sent notes which indicate that his father hasn’t been altogether the upright citizen he seems to be.

Becoming Ted is a very nicely penned and engaging story and may perhaps take you into worlds previously unexplored! 😉

In a tweet from the author on 2 February, he says that the setting is based on a mix of Southport, Eastbourne and St Anne’s.

This is an absolutely amazing Adult General Fiction/LGBTQIA book, which I thoroughly loved and enjoyed!

The story is about adorable Ted, who is in his forties and works in his family's ice cream shop in England. Ted's husband Giles splits up with him, which is a huge shock to him. From here, Ted goes on a journey of self discovery, as although he is grieving for Giles, he is now able to be himself, and be true to who his character really is.

We find out more about Ted's childhood, and about his family, his friends, his identity and other intriguing things. From here, Ted starts to put himself first, instead of being the people pleaser he always was. We see him blossom into a drag queen called Gail Force (great name), and then we celebrate with him as he meets a new love.

I found the whole book really interesting, as I didn't really know much about drag queens before, and how they perform on stage. I found this fascinating, and it was really enjoyable to read about it.

The audiobook narrator was absolutely perfect for the job, as he had the right accent and voice which suited Ted perfectly.

The story is heartwarming, touching, funny, sassy, fiery, romantic, emotional, dramatic, delightful and eye-opening, and I recommend it highly! It is a great book, which is really uplifting and warm, and it will bring joy to your heart!

Many thanks to the author, narrator, publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book.

This is the second book I have listened to by Matt Cain and again, I was not disappointed. I could have listened all day and had to drag myself away from listening to do every day life things.
I loved how Ted and the characters grew and came into themselves throughout the story (even Gilles – which I hate to admit). There were so many serious strands to the story and yet it was filled with, light, hope and humour.
There were points when I was listening while walking the dog and I actually had to stop, as I was laughing so hard. Some of the one liners, when Gail Force was in action, were hilarious and had me struggling not to pee my pants laughing.
I can’t wait for Matt’s next book to be released.

Lots of my friends have been urging me to read Matt Cain's books for a while and I am so glad I downloaded the audiobook of Becoming Ted. I absolutely loved the scene setting and characterisation. I could imagine St. Lukes-on-Sea and all of the amazing cast of characters so clearly. The narrator of the audiobook does such an amazing job of this. The story is so uplifting and heartwarming. I loved listening to Ted's journey and how he found himself and became the true version of himself that he had always wanted to be. I also loved Oskar and Denise's personal journeys too! This story had something for everyone and I loved every moment of it. Definitely a book I will recommend to friends. In this case I think listening to the book on audio totally enhanced the experience. Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publishers!

Where do I start, Having never read a Matt Cain book before I was very unsure what to expect, but I was not disspointed.

The story starts with Ted in a long term Relationship, and working at the family ice cream shop. As the relationship breaks down and he is left feeling unsure of what he wants to do he confided in his friend Denise that he wants to become a drag queen. After A chance encounter he meets a Man called Oskar who he falls for, there are a few obsticals that need to be overcome as well as a few demons.

The story follows Ted along his journey to becoming Gail Force, along with a few friends he find out secrets that have laid hidden for decade.

This book made me laugh and cry and never want to end, I would love to revisit and see ho the story develops Between Ted and Oskar and Gail Force.

It is no exaggeration to say this is the best audiobook I've ever listened to.
Ted is one of my favourite characters of all time! I love his growth through the book.
The narrator was fantastic! Absolutely loved every second of it
I haven't ever read a book before that delves into so many serious subjects but still keeps things lighthearted and joyful.
The way Ted started out seemingly completely happy but ended the book even happier was amazing and seeing the things he went through to get there... Brilliant!
I have no negatives. Literally, none!

Oh my goodness, EVERYONE needs to meet Ted! I had already listened to Matt Cain’s other books (The Secret Life of Albert Entwistle & Madonna of Bolton) and I loved his style so I couldn’t wait to pick this up on Netgalley when I spotted it. And it did not disappoint.

I think Ted is my favourite protagonist in all Mary’s books. When we meet him, he’s in a relationship, he has a job at his family business and he seems to be content. As the story unravels, however, it seems that Ted isn’t as concerned with his own happiness and ambition as he is with making sure everyone around him is happy and living their dream.

We see him grow into himself throughout the book and I admit to fist pumping the air in a couple of places when he started to put himself first.

Please pick up this book, you honestly won’t regret it. It’s just a really lovely read which touches on some powerful issues.

Ace! I absolutely loved Becoming Ted! I found it really refreshing to read a rom com with a male lead, and really enjoyed Ted’s story. Ideal if you are looking for something uplifting.

This book is brilliant for lots of reasons, but the first is that Ted is a wonderfully formed character and Matt Cain surrounds him with true to life and fully formed secondary characters.

Ted is forced into a second chance to build his life when his husband of 20 years leaves him. Suddenly, Ted has to consider the choices he has made, whether his life is fulfilling him and whether he has ever stepped into his full sense of self. His journey is lovely, and one that will give hope to many, many readers. It was brilliant that his family tension and unhappiness was about parental expectations of career rather than sexuality, but the book goes further and uses this to investigate the sense of gratitude Ted feels for not being ostracised.

This sits in contrast to the stories of Oskar and Stanley, two men of different generations that depict the painful experiences of family life many LGBTQ+ people have experienced and continue to live within. Seeing Stanley support Ted, and seeing Oskar take steps to reunite with his father and accept himself was touching.

It's also not very often I see where I live depicted in fiction - and when I do its genuinely never in a particularly positive light. Actually, it isn't even in reality. So this book, filled with flawed but ultimately kind people, complicated but hard working, maybe failing a little but but loving and supporting each other - it's nice to see the people I know, the place I grew up depicted the way I experience it.

The audiobook was brilliantly narrated.

Such an uplifting and delightful story! So inspiring and positive, go live your dreams because life is too short! Matt Cain has done it again, thanks for the opportunity to listen in advance.

This is my second book by Matt Cain and after reading The Secret Life of Albert Entwistle I had high hopes for this.
I definitely wasn’t disappointed, infact I was blown away. This book will really speak to you and crawl inside your heart.

Actual rating 3.5.

This book (and Ted!) is like a little ray of sunshine to brighten up your day!

This is a heartwarming read in which Ted finds that the end of his marriage might just be the start of the life he was meant to lead - as a rather fabulous drag queen! Ted is such a sweet character, always thinking of others and doubting himself, so it’s lovely to watch him come out of his shell and finally put himself first. There’s also a wonderful supporting cast of friends, family, neighbours and, of course, a rather adorable new love interest who I was very invested in! Oh and a dog named after Lily Savage 👏 Whilst there were moments that got a bit cheesy (and I’m sorry but I’m not on board with the wine abbreviations!! 🤣), this was just a big warm hug of a book like I was hoping for, and I definitely let out a whoop of joy at the end as Ted did his thing! Although still trying to process the idea of someone not liking ice-cream…

I absolutely loved Albert Entwhistle - it was one of my favourite reads last year. So I was really excited for Becoming Ted. Don't want to give anything away but this is a gentle take of Ted finding himself and his place in the world. The journey isn't always easy - but then life never is. Some great quirky characters really bring the story alive. Highly recommended. Matt has done it again.

I couldn't have been more excited about the publication of Becoming Ted. Matt Cain's last book: The Secret Life of Albert Entwhistle was one of my best reads of last year and one of my favourite ever reads. Albert shot straight into my heart and my favourite literary characters. With such high expectations, I wondered whether Ted would impress. Becoming Ted absolutely smashed my expectations. Ted is an absolute gem of a character. The audiobook is so brilliantly narrated that it feels like a chat with a friend. Ted really comes to life. Following a breakup with his husband Giles, Ted is left feeling small and defeated. His confidence was already low after years of fixing himself to please Giles. He squashed his dreams and his hobbies away deep inside. With the help of a wonderful friend, he begins to explore his true self. It is beautiful to watch him.blossom. Ted is another triumph in characterisation. I adore him. An uplifting listen. #BecomingTed #MattCain #Netgalley

I was really keen to read Becoming Ted after loving Albert Entwistle last year, so I was excited to be approved to listen to the audiobook on Netgalley. The book jumps straight into the action with Ted, a 43 year old man, goes from waking up contented, to having his world shattered by his husband Giles leaving him. The book unpicks Ted's relationship with Giles and explores details of his family and childhood. It also describes his friendships and journey to navigating his post-marriage identity. The book is written in the third person with snippets of first person thoughts from Ted and some of the other characters. As a character, Ted is certainly believable and relatable - he is somewhat downtrodden and has spent his life trying to please others, especially Giles and his parents. Ted works for the family ice cream business which he is expected to take over when his parents retire, but he becomes increasingly anxious about this as he doesn't care about or like ice cream amd wants to fulfil his lifelong dream. With support from his best friend Denise, Ted's mantra becomes 'Ted first', but it's not always easy. There are some great characters in the book, particularly Stanley, a resident of the nearby retirement flats who shocks and inspires Ted with his tales of life as a guy man before it was legal; and Oskar, a Polish painter and decorator who is lovely and has been through a lot back in his home country. Giles is just horrible and Ted is better off without him! I love the support Ted get from the drag Queens and I love the description of how Ted feels when he'sdancing. I felt truly heartbroken for Ted every time his spirit was squashed.. The book covers themes of homosexuality, adultery, family secrets, estrangement, illness, betrayal, identity, self discovery, friendship and new beginnings. In terms of the story, there are elements that are a little unrealistic, particularly around the subplot and the neatness with which everything is tied up, but - it's fiction, and it certainly didn't detract from my enjoyment. It's a book filled with warmth, joy, humour and sass and I really love the journey of self discovery and burgeoning love Ted goes through. The narration of the story by Samuel Barnett was spot on - the accents were great and the pacing and intonation worked really well. Ultimately, Becoming Ted is an uplifting, comforting story with hope and humanity. It tackles some difficult issues with sensitivity and a host of colourful characters. Many thanks for giving me the opportunity to listen and review this lovely book.