This book was a warm hug. Maybe it's because I relate closely with the ages of the characters and the areas in which they're living. Or maybe it's just because the writing is so approachable, but I just found it so relatable, wholesome and an overall treat.

I've previously read The Madonna of Bolton and Albert Entwistle, the former of which I enjoyed, but wasn't blown away by and the latter was just one of a favourite books of recent times. So I was very excited when I got approved for the audio on Netgalley (thank you to the publisher!).

The story is almost a coming of age story, with our main character having been repressed by a partner who didn't appreciate or nurture him in the way he deserved. But with the main character being in his 40s, it's extremely refreshing that we're not just hearing from 18 year olds on the subject. It's a tale of self discovery and emancipation, but it's also deals with a subject with which I am personally extremely fascinated; internalised homophobia. One of our characters suffers from self loathing which has a negative impact on his whole life and his relationships (or lack thereof) with the people around him. I thought it thoughtfully handled either from someone who has a similar experience or has done some excellent research. I wouldn't call this a romance, although there are certainly significant elements of that, for me it wasn't the main focus of the story, which was another reason that I enjoyed it so much.

The audio production was a high quality affair. It didn't seem that the narrator was from the north west of England, however, speaking as someone who is, I think he did an excellent job of conveying the accent in a believable and not just a comic way.

All in all I had a super fun time with this book and I feel the need to own a physical copy which I intend to purchase at my earliest opportunity. I can't wait to read whatever Matt writes next.

Someone described the book as a big hug, and I completely agree! It was a very funny, warm, and delightful read that I thoroughly enjoyed and recommend.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the opportunity to listen to this ARC.

Many thanks to Netgalley, Headline Audio and the author for the ALC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Becoming Ted follows the story of Ted Ainsworth, who is a happy and contented man or so he believed, till everything in his life quite literally falls apart starting with his husband Giles leaving him. Ted finally get a moment to think and with the help of his best friend Denise realises much to his utter distress that he had glossed over all his dreams and had actually been putting everyone before him. And hence starts the journey of 'putting Ted first'. The story also follows the POV of Oskar, our love interest who has a complicated history with his identity and of course Denise, who's finally ready to look for love after going through a very abusive relationship.

Matt Cain has a way of writing stories which are about queer joy while dealing with all the hurt and pain one has to deal with to exist in this heteronormative patriarchal world. The supporting cast as always is brilliant especially Stanley, Peggy and Pussy, not to forget Marina. The way they help to mould the future of the MC's slowly pushing and encouraging them showing the beauty of humanity and empathy and obviously friendship.

The only issue I had is the way infidelity was portrayed in story with just a tiny little bit of repercussion for the cheater. While I understand the sentiment of 'it all comes down to bring just human', I cannot personally let the fact out of my head that it was an obvious choice made by the married men in the story to cheat on their partners while they were dealing with with being new parent or dealing with the illness of a loved one.

The narrator was brilliant with Ted's and Oskar's part, though I struggled to realise that the POV had switched when it did to Denise.

Also that one hug, that ONE HUG, you'll know which when you read made me cry!! It was so beautiful that moment!! I can't 😭

TW: Homophobia, Infidelity, Religious fanaticism, emotional abuse, gaslighting

I absolutely adored 'Becoming Ted' by Matt Cain. A fast paced, funny, lighthearted but predictable read. Ted is a gay man who is forced to come to terms with who he really is after his marriage of 20 years falls apart. As we learn more about Ted's life, working in the family ice cream shop that has been forced upon him, Ted appears boring and lacks confidence. I felt this was a bit of a ruse and, as it transpired what he thought he knew, is wrong. Giles, his husband, is so consumed by what people think that he constantly puts Ted down and makes him believe he is lesser than he is. Yet Ted is a vibrant, funny man who's creativity has been suppressed and stifled over the years. I really enjoyed this book and although I found it quite predictable, the book does touch on the serious historical facts of being gay. I very much enjoyed this book and the opportunity to review it early, my only criticism is the affair with Trevor as it was almost too nicely wrapped up. A wonderful, lighthearted read about learning to love and accept yourself.