Birthday Betrayal Blues

Liam Walker's 21st birthday takes a nosedive when he discovers his girlfriend Anna cheating on him with his baseball rival, Sam. The shock is numbing, but the pain is less about lost romance and more about losing a friend and feeling fundamentally unwanted. This event sets the tone for Liam's self-doubt and his struggle with intimacy, pleasure, and self-worth. He questions his desirability, his sexual prowess, and why he always seems to be the one left behind. The betrayal is a catalyst, pushing him to confront uncomfortable truths about himself and what he really wants from relationships, sex, and life.

Gym Encounters and Confusion

Liam's attempts to distract himself from heartbreak lead him to the gym, where he becomes fixated on Sebastian "Bash" Crawford, a tattooed, muscular, and intimidating personal trainer. Bash's presence is magnetic, and Liam's fascination quickly turns into confusion as he finds himself attracted to a man for the first time. The gym becomes a stage for Liam's internal struggle with his sexuality, masculinity, and the expectations placed on him by his father and society. Bash, meanwhile, notices Liam's attention but remains aloof, setting up a dynamic of longing and distance.

Obsession with the Trainer

Liam's fixation on Bash intensifies, manifesting in awkward stares, intrusive thoughts, and a growing desire to be noticed. He signs up for personal training sessions under the pretense of fitness but is really seeking connection. Bash is gruff, blunt, and seemingly uninterested, but there's an undercurrent of mutual attraction. Liam's confusion about his sexuality deepens as he compares his lackluster experiences with women to the visceral pull he feels toward Bash. The tension between them simmers, complicated by Liam's fear of being "boring" and Bash's reluctance to get involved with a client.

Gentle Giants and First Times

After a series of charged interactions, Bash invites Liam over, and their chemistry explodes into a night of intense, vulnerable sex. For Liam, it's a revelation—he's never felt so seen, desired, or satisfied. Bash, used to one-night stands and emotional detachment, is thrown by Liam's softness and need for gentleness. The encounter is transformative for both: Liam realizes he's not straight, and Bash is forced to confront feelings he's long suppressed. Yet, Bash's fear of attachment and his rule against sleeping with clients lead him to push Liam away immediately after.

Pillow Princess Realizations

Reeling from Bash's rejection, Liam turns inward, experimenting with sex toys and discovering a new relationship with his own body. He embraces his "pillow princess" tendencies—preferring to receive pleasure rather than give—and finds empowerment in his desires. This self-exploration is both liberating and isolating, as he struggles to reconcile his newfound sexual identity with lingering shame and the expectations of masculinity. Meanwhile, Bash can't stop thinking about Liam, his unique needs, and the way he made Bash feel.

Closet Doors and Coming Out

Liam's journey toward self-acceptance reaches a turning point as he comes out to his best friend Cade, his mother, and eventually, himself. Each conversation is fraught with anxiety, but also relief. His mother is supportive, while Cade's reaction is more complicated, tinged with jealousy and unspoken feelings. Liam's willingness to be open about his sexuality is both a gift to himself and a challenge to those around him. Bash, seeing Liam's courage, begins to let his own guard down, and the two slowly rebuild trust.

Friends, Fights, and Friction

As Liam and Bash grow closer, external pressures mount. Cade's jealousy over losing his best friend to a romantic relationship with a man leads to a drunken, misguided kiss, which Bash witnesses. Bash's violent reaction—breaking Cade's nose—threatens to unravel everything. The incident forces all three to confront their feelings, boundaries, and the meaning of loyalty. Liam is torn between his love for Bash and his history with Cade, while Bash is wracked with guilt over his inability to control his temper.

Daddy Issues and Diets

Liam's relationship with his father is a source of constant stress. His dad's obsession with baseball, fitness, and traditional masculinity has left Liam with deep-seated insecurities about his body, eating habits, and self-worth. Quitting baseball is an act of rebellion and self-preservation, but it comes at the cost of his father's approval and financial support. Liam's struggles with food, exercise, and self-image are mirrored by Bash's own battles with anger and his traumatic childhood, creating a bond of mutual understanding and healing.

Sex, Shame, and Self-Discovery

Liam and Bash's sexual relationship evolves into a space of exploration, affirmation, and healing. Liam's enjoyment of being cared for, his "pillow princess" identity, and his love of toys and lingerie become sources of pride rather than shame. Bash, in turn, learns to be gentle, attentive, and emotionally present—something he's never done before. Their intimacy is marked by communication, consent, and a willingness to try new things, from cockwarming to lingerie, challenging stereotypes about masculinity and queerness.

Jealousy, Violence, and Vulnerability

Bash's history of violence, rooted in a traumatic and abusive childhood, resurfaces in moments of jealousy and fear. His protective instincts toward Liam are both a strength and a liability, leading to confrontations with Liam's father and Cade. The fallout from these incidents forces Bash to confront his anger, seek help, and trust that he can be loved despite his flaws. Liam, meanwhile, must decide whether he can accept all parts of Bash, even the ones that scare him.

Family Ties and Tangled Pasts

The revelation that Anna, Liam's ex-girlfriend, is Bash's sister adds a new layer of complexity. Old wounds are reopened, but the three eventually find a way to coexist, with Anna and Liam making peace and Bash standing firm in his commitment to Liam. Bash's adoptive family, the Thompsons, are introduced, and their awkward, well-meaning attempts at connection highlight the importance of chosen family and the long road to healing. Liam's mother becomes a source of unconditional support, while his father's grudging acceptance is hard-won.

Roommates, Rivalries, and Reconciliations

Liam's move into Bash's apartment marks a new chapter, but not without growing pains. Cade and Liam's friendship is strained but ultimately survives, with both learning to accept change and let go of unrequited feelings. The other roommates—Baby and Logan—provide comic relief and a sense of community, while Bash's best friend Jax offers a mirror to Bash's own journey from detachment to vulnerability. The group navigates birthdays, parties, and the everyday messiness of young adulthood together.

Roses, Regrets, and Reassurances

Liam's gift of roses to Bash, a nod to Bash's late mother and his own tattoos, becomes a symbol of love, remembrance, and healing. Apologies are made, boundaries are set, and both men learn to express their feelings in words and actions. Bash's struggle to believe he is worthy of love is met with Liam's unwavering devotion, and together they build new rituals of care, comfort, and affirmation.

Healing, Hope, and Home

Bash's anger management classes, Liam's work with a nutritionist, and their mutual commitment to growth signal a new era of healing. Both men confront their pasts, forgive themselves and others, and begin to imagine a future together. The adoption of a stray dog, Panini, and the integration of their families—biological, adoptive, and chosen—create a sense of home and belonging that neither has ever known.

Love Lessons and Moving In

Liam and Bash's decision to move in together is both practical and symbolic—a declaration that they are building a life side by side. The challenges of cohabitation, from sharing space to navigating family dynamics, are met with humor, patience, and a lot of sex. Their love is messy, imperfect, and deeply real, grounded in mutual respect and a willingness to keep choosing each other, every day.

Happily Ever After, For Real

The story culminates in a joyful, kinky, and heartfelt proposal—Liam gets a "Marry Me?" tattoo, and Bash responds with a matching "Yes." Their journey from confusion and pain to love and acceptance is complete, but the work of loving each other continues. Surrounded by friends, family, and their beloved dog, Liam and Bash look forward to a future filled with laughter, healing, and the knowledge that they are, finally, home.

Characters

Liam Walker

Liam is a 21-year-old college student and former baseball player whose life is defined by the expectations of others—his father's obsession with sports and masculinity, his own good looks, and the pressure to perform. Betrayed by his first girlfriend, Liam is left questioning his worth, his sexuality, and his ability to give and receive pleasure. His journey is one of self-discovery, as he learns to embrace his desires, come out as bisexual, and demand more from love and sex. Liam is sensitive, loyal, and deeply insecure, but his willingness to be vulnerable and his capacity for joy make him a magnetic protagonist. His relationship with Bash is transformative, teaching him that he is worthy of being cherished, not just desired.

Sebastian "Bash" Crawford

Bash is a 26-year-old personal trainer with a traumatic past—abusive parents, time in the foster system, and a history of violence. He is guarded, blunt, and emotionally stunted, but beneath the tough exterior is a man desperate for connection and love. Bash's rules—no dating clients, no attachments—are upended by Liam's sweetness and need for gentleness. Bash's journey is one of learning to trust, to be vulnerable, and to believe that he can be loved despite his flaws. His protectiveness can tip into possessiveness and violence, but with Liam's help, he learns to channel his anger and build healthier relationships. Bash's development is marked by his willingness to seek help, make amends, and open his heart to family, friends, and, most of all, Liam.

Cade

Cade is Liam's childhood best friend and roommate, whose easygoing exterior hides a deep, unspoken love for Liam. Cade's jealousy and confusion over Liam's relationship with Bash lead to a moment of betrayal—a drunken kiss—that nearly destroys their friendship. Cade's journey is one of acceptance, as he learns to let go of what he can't have, support Liam's happiness, and find his own path. His story is a poignant exploration of friendship, loyalty, and the pain of loving someone who can't love you back.

Anna

Anna is the catalyst for much of the story's drama—her affair with Sam shatters Liam's trust, and her connection to Bash complicates everything. Anna is flawed, impulsive, and self-centered, but she is also a survivor of the same traumatic upbringing as Bash. Her journey is one of growth and reconciliation, as she makes amends with both men and learns to accept their relationship. Anna's presence is a reminder that healing is messy and that family ties can be both a source of pain and a path to forgiveness.

Jax

Jax is Bash's irreverent, loyal, and slightly chaotic best friend. He provides much-needed levity, perspective, and support, pushing Bash to open up and take risks. Jax's own history with Bash (they once hooked up) adds a layer of complexity, but his role is primarily that of confidant and cheerleader. Jax's presence underscores the importance of chosen family and the value of having someone who sees you, flaws and all.

Baby

Baby is one of Liam's roommates—a flamboyant, sharp-tongued, and fiercely loyal friend. He provides guidance, tough love, and a sense of community, helping Liam navigate the complexities of coming out and embracing his sexuality. Baby's own struggles with acceptance and identity mirror Liam's, and their friendship is a testament to the power of queer solidarity.

Logan

Logan is the newest roommate, a laid-back, straight guy who provides comic relief and a sense of normalcy amid the chaos. His easy acceptance of Liam's sexuality and his friendship with Baby highlight the story's themes of inclusivity and found family.

Walter and Nadine Thompson

Walter and Nadine are the suburban couple who adopt Bash and Anna, providing stability but struggling to connect emotionally. Their awkward attempts at parenting and their eventual reconciliation with Bash underscore the challenges of building family across lines of trauma and difference. Their journey is one of learning, humility, and the slow work of earning trust.

Dean Walker

Dean is the embodiment of toxic masculinity and parental pressure. His obsession with baseball, fitness, and appearances leaves Liam feeling inadequate and unloved. Dean's journey is one of grudging acceptance, as he is forced to confront his own limitations and make peace with his son's choices. His eventual willingness to support Liam, however imperfectly, is a small but significant victory.

Panini

Panini is the literal embodiment of found family—a scrappy, needy, and utterly devoted dog who worms her way into Bash and Liam's hearts. Her presence is a source of comfort, joy, and comic relief, symbolizing the messy, unexpected ways that love finds us.

Plot Devices

Dual POV and Intimate Narration

The novel alternates between Liam and Bash's points of view, allowing readers to experience both the vulnerability of self-discovery and the guardedness of trauma. This structure creates a sense of intimacy, drawing readers into the characters' internal worlds and highlighting the ways their fears, desires, and histories intersect. The use of first-person, present-tense narration heightens immediacy and emotional impact.

Sex as Character Development

Sex is not just titillation—it's a vehicle for character development, healing, and communication. The explicit scenes are used to explore issues of consent, pleasure, shame, and power, challenging stereotypes about masculinity and queerness. Liam's journey from sexual insecurity to self-acceptance is mirrored by Bash's evolution from detachment to emotional presence. Kink, toys, and lingerie are not just props but symbols of trust, vulnerability, and the joy of being wanted.

Found Family and Chosen Community

The story foregrounds the importance of found family—friends, roommates, and partners who provide the love, acceptance, and support that biological families often fail to give. The apartment, the gym, and the group of friends become safe havens where characters can be themselves, make mistakes, and grow. The contrast between biological and chosen family is a recurring theme, with reconciliation and forgiveness as key outcomes.

Foreshadowing and Emotional Payoff

The narrative is rich with foreshadowing—Liam's early doubts about his sexuality, Bash's history of violence, Cade's jealousy—all of which pay off in moments of crisis and reconciliation. The story is structured around cycles of rupture and repair, with each conflict leading to deeper understanding and intimacy. The use of recurring symbols (roses, lingerie, toys, the dog) ties the characters' emotional journeys to tangible objects and rituals.

Humor and Self-Awareness

Despite heavy themes—homophobia, abuse, body image, violence—the novel is laced with humor, self-deprecation, and meta-commentary. Characters are aware of their own messiness, and the narrative often pokes fun at romance tropes, gender roles, and the absurdities of young adulthood. This self-awareness keeps the tone buoyant and relatable, even in moments of pain.

Analysis

Pretty Boy is a contemporary queer romance that deftly balances eroticism, humor, and emotional depth to tell a story about self-acceptance, healing, and the transformative power of love. At its core, the novel is about two men—one soft, insecure, and desperate to be wanted; the other gruff, wounded, and afraid to be loved—who find in each other the safety and affirmation they've always craved. The book challenges traditional notions of masculinity, pleasure, and partnership, offering a vision of intimacy that is rooted in vulnerability, communication, and mutual care. Through its exploration of trauma, body image, sexuality, and chosen family, Pretty Boy speaks to the universal longing to be seen, cherished, and accepted, flaws and all. Its message is clear: love is messy, healing is ongoing, and happiness is found not in perfection, but in the willingness to keep showing up for each other, every day.

Last updated: June 18, 2025