Genre: Contemporary, Romance
LGBTQ+ Category: Gay
Reviewer: Jay
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About The Book
Love is the role of a lifetime
This captivating romance, perfect for viewers of the latest season of The White Lotus, drops a handsome fish out of water into the vibrant backdrop of Thailand’s entertainment industry.
When American software engineer Chris Eriksen trades corporate politics for a Thai adventure, he never expects to fall for First Amonsak, one of Thailand’s most beloved TV stars. Their whirlwind romance faces not just the usual challenges of cross-cultural relationships, but the unique pressures of First’s career in Thailand’s booming “Boys’ Love” drama industry, where his on-screen romance with his straight co-star has captivated a rabid and insatiable fanbase.
For First, choosing to love openly means risking his career and disappointing thousands of devoted fans who believe in his scripted romance. For Chris, it means opening his commitment-phobic heart not just to love, but to uprooting his entire life. When their relationship sparks a social media firestorm that leads to a shocking act of violence, both men must decide what they’re willing to sacrifice for love. Can Chris overcome his fears of commitment and build a life split between two cultures? Can First break free from the artificial world of staged romance to embrace real love?
From the bustling streets of Bangkok to the ancient temples of Lopburi, where mischievous monkeys and destiny intervene, The Only Farang in Town is a heartwarming tale about finding love in unexpected places and having the courage to fight for it. Perfect for fans of Crazy Rich Asians and anyone who believes that true love is worth risking everything for, this novel offers a unique glimpse into Thailand’s contemporary entertainment scene while delivering a universal message about choosing authentic love in a world obsessed with created fantasies.
The Review
American software engineer Chris takes a sabbatical in Thailand, where he meets First, a well-known actor in a ‘boy love’ series. The fans and the production company are not pleased, but First’s family and friends are supportive.
The novel explores the problems that beset the couple, and the further issue of where Chris might work if their relationship progresses. This is all set against an interesting background of modern Bangkok, Thai culture, and the various historical sites which Chris visits.
An amusing incident with the monkeys at a famous temple creates some solutions for Chris and First. The setting is unusual and contributes to the plot, which has moments of drama, as well as a cast of minor characters who are interesting in their own right.
I enjoyed the story, which is well written, and I particularly liked the introduction to Thailand – quite different from what is often presented in media accounts of the country as a holiday destination.
I gather that this is the author’s first novel, and I hope we will get more from him.
The book is available on Amazon and in Kindle Unlimited.
The Reviewer
Genre: GENRE
LGBTQ+ Category: IDENTITY
Reviewer: REVIEWERNAME
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About The Book
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The Review
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The Reviewer
I’ve been doing book reviews on my website, crossposted or linked to various social media, for a few years. I read a number of genres but I really enjoy all kinds of speculative fiction so thought I’d like to share my views with you. I love sci fi and other speculative fiction because of the way it can, at its best, make us see ourselves in a new light. Quite apart from the exciting stories, of course! I used to be an English teacher, and I’m a writer (fantasy) so I can be quite critical about style etc. but I hope I can also appreciate properly some books that don’t appeal to me personally but might be simply perfect for others. I have, obviously, read widely, and continue to do so.
