Book Review: "Cubs & Campfires" by Dylan Drakes

There’s something about feeling seen when you read a book. I read a lot of M/M romance and for the most part, the main characters are usually gym-toned and muscular. But that’s not me. Which is why Dylan Drakes’ new book resonated so much for me, apart from being romantic and steamy as hell.

Luca has always wanted to be a journalist. But in 2005, news outlets have become more conservative, and they’re not comfortable publishing the sex-positive, queer-friendly type of work Luca has been best at. So he makes a deal with a newspaper: he’ll write a column about staying celibate for the entire summer. The catch is, he has to live what he’s writing, or he’ll get fired.

Since he’s taken a summer job as a fire lookout in a remote part of a forest in Washington State, he feels fairly confident he can avoid temptation and get his article written. But within a day or two, he’s caught in an awkward situation by Artair, a handsome, bearish musician who is camping in the woods nearby.

The attraction between Luca and Artair is immediate and intense. Luca is determined to resist the temptation that Artair presents—a difficult challenge, considering that every time they encounter one another, one of them is barely dressed.

While remaining celibate is tough enough with Artair around, Luca is enjoying his company and flirtation so much. Does he give into temptation and lose the newspaper gig, or embrace the possibilities that Artair presents? And given Artair’s wandering ways, will this just be a summer fling?

I absolutely loved this. It’s a sexy, emotional, body-positive romance with two amazingly appealing characters and an adorable fox. I can’t wait for the next book in this series. Thanks so much to Dylan Drakes for the advance copy!