Blue Frosting, Heavy Hearts

Rhett, a foster kid recently adopted by a loving but affluent family, sits on the steps of his new home, unable to feel the joy he knows he "should." Despite material comfort and a supportive adoptive family, he's haunted by a sense of not belonging, of being fundamentally broken. His best friends, Bree and Fletcher, also adopted, are his chosen family, but even with them, he feels isolated. Bree's attempt to kiss him on his birthday exposes a rift—she wants more, but Rhett can't reciprocate, not just because of their history, but because he's unsure of his own desires. The moment is awkward, painful, and leaves both reeling, setting the stage for a story about identity, belonging, and the search for self-acceptance.

Family, Not by Blood

Rhett's adoptive parents, Blair and Rhys, are loving and generous, but their care only intensifies Rhett's guilt and sense of fraudulence. He feels he hasn't earned this life, and the trappings of privilege—private school, a car, a heated pool—make him uncomfortable. His friends, Bree and Fletcher, seem to adapt more easily, but Rhett's internal struggle is relentless. He plans to move out as soon as he turns eighteen, seeking independence and hoping distance will help him find himself. The family's love is real, but Rhett's trauma and self-doubt keep him from fully accepting it.

The Unwanted Kiss

Bree's feelings for Rhett come to a head, and her attempt to kiss him is met with gentle but firm rejection. Rhett's inability to return her feelings isn't just about friendship—it's about his own confusion and lack of attraction to anyone, male or female. The fallout is immediate: Bree is hurt, Rhett is wracked with guilt, and their once-easy friendship is strained. Fletcher, the third in their trio, notices the tension and tries to mediate, but Rhett can't articulate what's wrong. The trio's dynamic shifts, and Rhett's isolation deepens.

Grayson's Secret

Grayson Lancaster, the school's star athlete and apparent golden child, is living a double life. Outwardly, he's the all-American jock, but inside, he's hiding a secret: he's gay. He's never acted on it, never told anyone, and the pressure to conform to his family's and school's expectations is suffocating. Grayson's attraction to Rhett is intense and confusing, and he watches Rhett from afar, longing for connection but terrified of exposure. The rumors about Grayson swirl, but none come close to the truth.

Rain, Rides, and Rumors

After a miserable day, Rhett walks home in the rain, refusing to use his car. Grayson, noticing, offers him a ride. The encounter is charged with tension—Rhett is defensive, Grayson is persistent. Grayson's curiosity about Rhett's sadness and volunteer work at the city mission leads him to follow Rhett there, inserting himself into Rhett's world. The two begin to orbit each other more closely, their mutual attraction simmering beneath the surface, even as they both deny it.

Volunteering Hearts

At the city mission, Grayson witnesses Rhett's compassion for foster kids, and the two bond over their shared desire to help others. Grayson's natural charm wins over the kids, and Rhett is both annoyed and impressed. Their connection deepens as they work together, and the boundaries between them blur. The mission becomes a safe space where both can be more authentic, and their friendship—fraught with unspoken longing—begins to grow.

Drawing Boundaries

Rhett and Grayson discover a shared love of art, a passion both have suppressed for different reasons. Grayson gave up drawing to please his father, while Rhett uses it as an outlet for his pain. Their artistic collaboration becomes a metaphor for their relationship: contrasting styles that complement each other. As they open up through art, they also begin to open up emotionally, but the fear of labels and the risk of being outed keep them cautious.

Friends Who Maybe Kiss

The tension between Rhett and Grayson finally breaks when Grayson, unable to hide his feelings, tries to kiss Rhett. The moment is awkward but electric, and Rhett, surprised by his own reaction, doesn't push Grayson away. They begin a tentative exploration of their attraction, agreeing to be "friends who maybe kiss." Both are navigating uncharted territory—Rhett, who's never been attracted to anyone before, and Grayson, who's never been out. Their relationship is secret, fragile, and exhilarating.

Labels and Longing

As their physical relationship deepens, so does their emotional connection. Rhett struggles with labels—he's not sure if he's gay, pansexual, demisexual, or something else. Grayson, more certain of his sexuality, is patient and supportive. Their first sexual experiences are tender, awkward, and transformative, helping Rhett realize that his feelings for Grayson are real and unique. The question of coming out looms, as does the reality that Grayson will leave for college soon.

Family Ties, Family Lies

Rhett's guilt over not working at his adoptive father's tattoo shop, and his fear of disappointing his family, mirror Grayson's fear of coming out to his own. When Bree accidentally outs Rhett and Grayson to a friend, the secret is threatened, but the fallout is less catastrophic than feared. Both families, in their own ways, are more accepting than expected. Blair and Rhys, Rhett's adoptive parents, offer unconditional love, while Grayson's father, surprisingly, is indifferent to his son's sexuality as long as he's successful.

Cabin Confessions

Grayson invites Rhett to his family's cabin for a few days, and away from the pressures of school and family, they are free to be themselves. Their relationship deepens physically and emotionally, but the looming end of summer casts a shadow. Both know that Grayson will leave for college, and Rhett can't bear to be anyone's secret. The cabin becomes a place of both joy and heartbreak—a symbol of what they have and what they stand to lose.

Letting Go, Holding On

As summer ends, Grayson leaves for college, and Rhett stays behind, working at the tattoo shop and helping foster kids. Both are heartbroken but determined to move forward. They keep in touch, but the distance and secrecy take their toll. Rhett finds solace in his chosen family—Blair, Rhys, Bree, Fletcher, and the kids they help. Grayson, meanwhile, struggles with the emptiness of college life and the realization that success means nothing without love.

Coming Out, Coming Home

A crisis with one of the foster kids brings Grayson back home, and the two are reunited. Grayson, finally ready to live authentically, comes out to his parents and chooses Rhett over the expectations of his family. Rhett, in turn, embraces his own identity and the love of his chosen family. Together, they decide to build a life on their own terms, no longer hiding or apologizing for who they are.

Healing, Hurting, Hoping

The aftermath of coming out and choosing each other is both painful and healing. Grayson's relationship with his parents is strained but survivable, and Rhett's bond with his family is stronger than ever. They both find purpose in helping others—Rhett through art and tattooing, Grayson through social work and advocacy. Their love, once secret and fragile, becomes a source of strength and hope.

Love Out Loud

Rhett and Grayson move in together, build careers, and become active in their community. They adopt two foster children, continuing the cycle of healing and chosen family. Their relationship, once defined by secrecy and fear, is now open and celebrated. The support of their friends and family, especially Blair and Rhys, is unwavering. The story comes full circle as they create the home and family they always longed for.

New Beginnings

Years later, Rhett and Grayson are married, raising their children and thriving in their careers. The pain of their pasts is not forgotten, but it has been transformed into compassion and purpose. Their home is filled with love, laughter, and the knowledge that family is not defined by blood, but by choice and commitment. The journey from brokenness to wholeness is complete, and the future is bright.

Epilogue: Chosen Family

Seven years later, Rhett and Grayson are surrounded by the family they built—adopted children, supportive friends, and loving parents. Their story is one of resilience, healing, and the power of love to overcome trauma and fear. The message is clear: you are not defined by your past, your pain, or your labels. You are defined by the love you give and receive, and the family you choose.

Characters

Rhett

Rhett is the emotional core of the story—a foster kid who, despite being adopted by a loving family, struggles with deep-seated feelings of unworthiness and alienation. His trauma manifests as survivor's guilt, self-doubt, and a reluctance to accept love. He is fiercely loyal to his chosen family (Bree and Fletcher), compassionate toward other foster kids, and gifted as an artist. Rhett's journey is one of self-discovery: he moves from believing he is "broken" and asexual to realizing he is demisexual (or somewhere on the spectrum), capable of deep love and desire when the right person comes along. His relationship with Grayson is transformative, teaching him to trust, accept love, and ultimately build a family of his own.

Grayson Lancaster

Grayson is the archetype of privilege—athletic, wealthy, and admired—but beneath the surface, he is suffocating under the weight of expectations and secrecy. He is gay but closeted, terrified of disappointing his family and losing his future. Grayson's attraction to Rhett is immediate and intense, and their relationship forces him to confront his fears and choose authenticity over approval. Grayson is charming, persistent, and ultimately courageous, willing to risk everything for love. His arc is about breaking free from the roles assigned to him and embracing his true self, even when it means facing rejection.

Bree

Bree is Rhett's closest friend and emotional anchor. Her love for Rhett is deep and complicated—she wants more, but ultimately accepts his truth and supports him unconditionally. Bree is strong, independent, and loyal, often acting as the glue that holds the group together. Her journey is one of letting go, healing, and finding her own happiness.

Fletcher

Fletcher is the third member of the trio, a genius who skipped a grade and is fiercely protective of his friends. He is pragmatic, blunt, and supportive, providing a stabilizing presence for Rhett and Bree. Fletcher's arc is quieter but essential—he represents the possibility of healing and success after trauma.

Blair

Blair is the heart of the adoptive family—a nurturing, strong, and slightly eccentric woman who loves her children fiercely. She is a model of acceptance, always ready with support, advice, and a safe place to land. Blair's love is transformative, helping Rhett and the other kids believe in their own worth.

Rhys

Rhys is a former foster kid turned successful tattoo artist. He is quiet, strong, and deeply empathetic, understanding Rhett's struggles from personal experience. Rhys offers guidance, opportunity, and a model of what it means to overcome adversity.

Max and Ian

Max and Ian are younger foster kids whom Rhett and Grayson help through their volunteer work. Their stories mirror Rhett's own, and their eventual adoption by Blair and Rhys represents the ongoing work of healing and chosen family.

Josh

Josh is Grayson's friend, a typical jock who surprises everyone by being accepting and supportive when he learns the truth about Grayson and Rhett.

Kole

Kole is the owner of Hostile Ink, the tattoo shop where Rhett apprentices. He offers Rhett a chance to earn his place and find purpose outside the shadow of his adoptive father.

Josie

Josie is a new coworker at Hostile Ink, openly pansexual and comfortable with her identity. She provides Rhett with a model of self-acceptance and friendship without romantic complication.

Plot Devices

Dual Narration

The story is told in alternating chapters from Rhett's and Grayson's points of view, allowing readers to see the internal struggles, misunderstandings, and growth of both protagonists. This structure deepens empathy and highlights the ways trauma, privilege, and secrecy shape their experiences.

Found Family

The theme of found family is central—Rhett, Bree, and Fletcher form a sibling-like bond in foster care, and Blair and Rhys provide the unconditional love and stability they never had. The adoption of Max and Ian continues this cycle, showing that family is defined by love and choice, not biology.

Art as Metaphor

Art is both a literal and symbolic device—Rhett and Grayson's shared passion for drawing becomes a way to communicate, heal, and understand themselves and each other. Their contrasting styles reflect their personalities and the ways they complement each other.

Secrecy and Revelation

The plot is driven by secrets—Grayson's sexuality, Rhett's trauma, their relationship. The gradual process of coming out, both to themselves and others, is fraught with risk but ultimately liberating.

The Cabin

The cabin serves as a physical and emotional retreat where Rhett and Grayson can be themselves, free from external pressures. It is a place of intimacy, confession, and, ultimately, heartbreak as they confront the limits of secrecy.

Cycles of Healing

The adoption of new foster kids by Blair and Rhys, and later by Rhett and Grayson, illustrates the ongoing work of healing trauma and building family. The story suggests that while pain is inevitable, love and community can break cycles of harm.

Analysis

Hostile is a contemporary queer romance that explores the intersection of trauma, privilege, and the search for identity. At its core, it is a story about the power of chosen family and the courage it takes to live authentically. The novel challenges the idea that love is easy or that healing is linear; instead, it presents a nuanced portrait of two young men navigating the scars of their pasts, the expectations of their families, and the risks of being true to themselves. The book's message is both simple and profound: you are not defined by your pain, your past, or your labels, but by the love you give and receive. In a world that often feels hostile, the act of loving—openly, fiercely, and without apology—is a radical act of hope.

Last updated: June 18, 2025