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Aqua Follies
The 1950s. Postwar exuberance. Conformity. Rock and roll.
Homophobia.
Russell tells himself he’ll marry Susie because it’s the right thing to do. His summer job coaching her water ballet team will give him plenty of opportunity to give her a ring. But on the team’s trip to the annual Aqua Follies, the joyful glide of a trumpet player’s solo hits Russell like a torpedo, blowing apart his carefully constructed plans.
From the orchestra pit, Skip watches Poseidon’s younger brother stalk along the pool deck. It never hurts to smile at a man, because good things might happen, but the timing has to be right. Once the last note has been played, Skip gives it a shot.
The tenuous connection forged by a simple smile leads to events that dismantle both their lives. Has the damage been done, or can they pick up the pieces together?
Homophobia.
Russell tells himself he’ll marry Susie because it’s the right thing to do. His summer job coaching her water ballet team will give him plenty of opportunity to give her a ring. But on the team’s trip to the annual Aqua Follies, the joyful glide of a trumpet player’s solo hits Russell like a torpedo, blowing apart his carefully constructed plans.
From the orchestra pit, Skip watches Poseidon’s younger brother stalk along the pool deck. It never hurts to smile at a man, because good things might happen, but the timing has to be right. Once the last note has been played, Skip gives it a shot.
The tenuous connection forged by a simple smile leads to events that dismantle both their lives. Has the damage been done, or can they pick up the pieces together?
220 pages, ebook
First published June 15, 2017
About the author
Liv Rancourt
46 books172 followersLiv Rancourt writes romance of all kinds. Because love is love, even with fangs.
Liv is a huge fan of paranormal romance and urban fantasy and loves history just as much, so her stories often feature vampires or magic or they’re set in the past…or all of the above. When Liv isn’t writing she takes care of tiny premature babies in the NICU. Her husband is a soul of patience, her kids are her pride and joy, and her dogs – Trash Panda and The Boy Genius – are endlessly entertaining.
Liv is a huge fan of paranormal romance and urban fantasy and loves history just as much, so her stories often feature vampires or magic or they’re set in the past…or all of the above. When Liv isn’t writing she takes care of tiny premature babies in the NICU. Her husband is a soul of patience, her kids are her pride and joy, and her dogs – Trash Panda and The Boy Genius – are endlessly entertaining.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
May 31, 2017
More story-based blog review -
This book makes me feel old. I'm a child of the 1950s and I don't want to think I fit into some historical period, but it's been sixty two years since the 1955 Sea Follies in Seattle, the backdrop of this particular story. I think I'll stick with the term retro, that sounds way better. But you know what's funny? And I think this every now and then when someone posts something about 'those damn hipsters' like they're new, or the worst thing in the world, which they aren't. They were around in the 1950's and this book reminds me of hipsters and greasers... and Dobie Gilles (and Maynard G Krebs), if I'm thinking about America, which this book is set in.... So I can laugh and feel old all at the same time thanks to Liv Rancourt, and be reminded that everything old is new again.
This is a quality piece of writing and I can't recommend it highly enough to those readers who enjoy queer or gay historical romance with depth and breadth and a great sense of time and place, never letting you forget where you are. If you'd like to learn a few things about an era that is not often explored without being overcome by reds under the beds or conservative facts, and the junior senator from Wisconsin, then this is your book. Ms Rancourt knows this is a romance but still makes sure the world building is on point while allowing the MCs to take us on their journey shaped by their time - and what a journey it is. It sneaks up on you. I thought Skip was an amazing character and I found I'd gravitated toward his quotes when I was looking at clippings, but Russell's growth throughout is pretty spectacular and the best quotes of his, when he becomes somewhat more loquacious, are kind of spoilers. These are characters I'm still thinking about a couple of days after finishing it, and I'm hoping Ms Rancourt has one more book in place for Skip and Russell. If this book sounds like you, do yourself a big favour and grab it when it is released on June 15th.
This book makes me feel old. I'm a child of the 1950s and I don't want to think I fit into some historical period, but it's been sixty two years since the 1955 Sea Follies in Seattle, the backdrop of this particular story. I think I'll stick with the term retro, that sounds way better. But you know what's funny? And I think this every now and then when someone posts something about 'those damn hipsters' like they're new, or the worst thing in the world, which they aren't. They were around in the 1950's and this book reminds me of hipsters and greasers... and Dobie Gilles (and Maynard G Krebs), if I'm thinking about America, which this book is set in.... So I can laugh and feel old all at the same time thanks to Liv Rancourt, and be reminded that everything old is new again.
This is a quality piece of writing and I can't recommend it highly enough to those readers who enjoy queer or gay historical romance with depth and breadth and a great sense of time and place, never letting you forget where you are. If you'd like to learn a few things about an era that is not often explored without being overcome by reds under the beds or conservative facts, and the junior senator from Wisconsin, then this is your book. Ms Rancourt knows this is a romance but still makes sure the world building is on point while allowing the MCs to take us on their journey shaped by their time - and what a journey it is. It sneaks up on you. I thought Skip was an amazing character and I found I'd gravitated toward his quotes when I was looking at clippings, but Russell's growth throughout is pretty spectacular and the best quotes of his, when he becomes somewhat more loquacious, are kind of spoilers. These are characters I'm still thinking about a couple of days after finishing it, and I'm hoping Ms Rancourt has one more book in place for Skip and Russell. If this book sounds like you, do yourself a big favour and grab it when it is released on June 15th.
June 25, 2017
When I think about historicals I usually think anything before the 1920's. It's hard to believe that the 1950's are considered historicals, but alas it is.
This is a story about Russell and Skip. Russell has graduated law school and is helping out his aunt by assisting coach her Aqua Dancing group. He travels with her one summer and it's there he meets Skip. Skip is an out and proud gay man. Which, in the 50's is dangerous. He plays the horn in the evening and is such a well-loved character.
Even though the 50's doesn't seem that long ago, it actually is and tolerance was almost nonexistant. Because of the way society dictated things it's why Russell tried to keep to his plan of marrying his girlfriend, who also swam with his aunt, and living happily ever after with her.
My heart ached for these two. It cracked a few times and I got all misty. It's hard not to feel emotional when we see all their struggles.
I was born int he 70's. I won't begin to pretend I know what it was like in the 50's or being gay then either. That said, I felt Liv Rancourt gave this story, and Russell and Skip, great justice. It was authentic of its time and a story that should be told.
The use of aqua dancers was awesomely creative. I love when I read uncommon occupations or situations. Silly probably but it's what actually drew me to this story in the first place.
Liv is an amazing author and if you've never read her start here. If you're a fan then you're going to love this!
This is a story about Russell and Skip. Russell has graduated law school and is helping out his aunt by assisting coach her Aqua Dancing group. He travels with her one summer and it's there he meets Skip. Skip is an out and proud gay man. Which, in the 50's is dangerous. He plays the horn in the evening and is such a well-loved character.
Even though the 50's doesn't seem that long ago, it actually is and tolerance was almost nonexistant. Because of the way society dictated things it's why Russell tried to keep to his plan of marrying his girlfriend, who also swam with his aunt, and living happily ever after with her.
My heart ached for these two. It cracked a few times and I got all misty. It's hard not to feel emotional when we see all their struggles.
I was born int he 70's. I won't begin to pretend I know what it was like in the 50's or being gay then either. That said, I felt Liv Rancourt gave this story, and Russell and Skip, great justice. It was authentic of its time and a story that should be told.
The use of aqua dancers was awesomely creative. I love when I read uncommon occupations or situations. Silly probably but it's what actually drew me to this story in the first place.
Liv is an amazing author and if you've never read her start here. If you're a fan then you're going to love this!
October 9, 2017
There is a wonderful feeling of time and place in this story - 1950's and the era of live bands and swimming spectaculars, and homophobia. Russell is working a summer job as an assistant coach for his aunt's water-ballet show, for the travel and because his girlfriend Susie is in the show. Susie is cute and fun, just wild enough to be exciting to hang out with, but still a good girl - the girl Russell plans to marry soon and spend his life with. In fact he has a ring in his pocket.
Susie is his best friend. He just wishes he could get more excited about her in a lustful or romantic way. He's not naive - he fooled around enough with guys enough in college to know how his tastes run. But in this era when being gay can cost you everything, and mean being forced into prison, or a mental ward, it's just not an option for serious guy like Russell. He's going to marry Susie, make his mother who's grieving the loss of his brother in Korea happy, and live his life home in Red Wing. But then he sees Skip, playing trumpet to accompany their show, and a door inside him opens. After meeting Skip, how will he go on doing the right thing for the rest of his life?
Skip is a talented musician, working a day job and dreaming of hitting it big. But family responsibilities have him tied to Seattle and earning money. He's out as gay with a select few, and walks the edge of trouble in the rougher districts where gay establishments can exist. He has a thing for broad shoulders and strong guys. But definitely not for scared closet cases. It's not a match made in Heaven.
There was a low-key realism to the plot and story-line here that I appreciated. Russell's moments of fear of looking gay, his inability to match, or even approve of, Skip's boldness, are very rational for that era, and all they had to lose. I liked the resolution to Susie's situation, and the absence of melodrama. I did find Russell's attitude toward his family at the end a bit too low-key, but over all a worthwhile read for those who enjoy M/M in a twentieth-century historical setting.
Susie is his best friend. He just wishes he could get more excited about her in a lustful or romantic way. He's not naive - he fooled around enough with guys enough in college to know how his tastes run. But in this era when being gay can cost you everything, and mean being forced into prison, or a mental ward, it's just not an option for serious guy like Russell. He's going to marry Susie, make his mother who's grieving the loss of his brother in Korea happy, and live his life home in Red Wing. But then he sees Skip, playing trumpet to accompany their show, and a door inside him opens. After meeting Skip, how will he go on doing the right thing for the rest of his life?
Skip is a talented musician, working a day job and dreaming of hitting it big. But family responsibilities have him tied to Seattle and earning money. He's out as gay with a select few, and walks the edge of trouble in the rougher districts where gay establishments can exist. He has a thing for broad shoulders and strong guys. But definitely not for scared closet cases. It's not a match made in Heaven.
There was a low-key realism to the plot and story-line here that I appreciated. Russell's moments of fear of looking gay, his inability to match, or even approve of, Skip's boldness, are very rational for that era, and all they had to lose. I liked the resolution to Susie's situation, and the absence of melodrama. I did find Russell's attitude toward his family at the end a bit too low-key, but over all a worthwhile read for those who enjoy M/M in a twentieth-century historical setting.
June 6, 2017
this was a sweet and realistic romance with interesting characters, but it didn't quite click for me. i suspect this is to do with the setting, as i've never really been particularly interested in 1950s america (i mean, i've never even seen grease! i know, i know). i think a lot of people will love this though and it was just a personal thing for me, so if you like the sound of the synopsis you should probably go for it!
June 13, 2017
It is probably more than 3 stars rating, but for me it didn't quite reach the level of 3,5 stars to round up to 4 stars.
3,3 stars
Even if I don't rate it very high, I think that Aqua Follies will meet the expectations of the majority MM romance readers. It is a typical romance novel, with a MUST BE HEA, likable characters, with the right dose of drama and- what I really appreciate-just the right amount of sex scenes. (Many MM romance writers tend to exaggerations here.) The historical setting is well done, the plot delivers a credible atmosphere of the 1950s without being too political that can perfectly suit also readers who normally don’t read historical.
The plot:
Summer 1955. Seattle. Russel who has recently graduated from the Law School took a summer job as the assistant coach of the water ballet during its summer tour across the country. It’s a good possibility to help his Aunt Maude, a team coach, and to propose to his fiancée Susie who is one of a dancer of the twenty-four Aqua Dears.
My Russel
His life seems to be regulated and already carefully planned: he’ll marry Susie, land a job in his hometown in Minnesota, buy a house, and she’ll give him babies. More importantly, the wedding will give his parents something to be happy about.
Only Russel’s plans for the future and his apparently stable and lukewarm life begins to fall apart when he gets to know Skip, trumpet player of the big band that accompanies the show., Russel, a closet case, has never in his life felt such a strong attraction toward a man. And Skip, a horn player, who actually goes much easier with his own sexuality and sexually more experienced, is fascinated by a reserved Midwest stranger. Does their relationship has a chance?
My Skip
And how can they manage to stay together in the homophobic world where two adult men don’t play house? And more important, is Russel with his rational mind is able to make the right decision? Can he sacrifice his apparent secure life in lies without passion for a man he falls in love with?
I was a bit worried about the denouement of the plot at the last part of the book. When the problems that appeared impossible at the beginning started to solve themselves easily toward the end, I smelled a trap: I was sure the author tried to lull me in order to slap me with a blasting twist when I the least expected it . But fortunately THAT has never happened: the events that seemed to be fatal turned into a trifling matter, the obstacles were smoothly overcome and every conflict has been nicely solved. It is why the story became rather a Walt Disney fairy tale at the end that per se is not a bad thing, but made the whole story-line a bit less realistic to me.
Overall- a sweet MM romance with a light touch of historical atmosphere that satisfy every romantic soul.
***Copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.***
3,3 stars
Even if I don't rate it very high, I think that Aqua Follies will meet the expectations of the majority MM romance readers. It is a typical romance novel, with a MUST BE HEA, likable characters, with the right dose of drama and- what I really appreciate-just the right amount of sex scenes. (Many MM romance writers tend to exaggerations here.) The historical setting is well done, the plot delivers a credible atmosphere of the 1950s without being too political that can perfectly suit also readers who normally don’t read historical.
The plot:
Summer 1955. Seattle. Russel who has recently graduated from the Law School took a summer job as the assistant coach of the water ballet during its summer tour across the country. It’s a good possibility to help his Aunt Maude, a team coach, and to propose to his fiancée Susie who is one of a dancer of the twenty-four Aqua Dears.
My Russel
His life seems to be regulated and already carefully planned: he’ll marry Susie, land a job in his hometown in Minnesota, buy a house, and she’ll give him babies. More importantly, the wedding will give his parents something to be happy about.
Only Russel’s plans for the future and his apparently stable and lukewarm life begins to fall apart when he gets to know Skip, trumpet player of the big band that accompanies the show., Russel, a closet case, has never in his life felt such a strong attraction toward a man. And Skip, a horn player, who actually goes much easier with his own sexuality and sexually more experienced, is fascinated by a reserved Midwest stranger. Does their relationship has a chance?
My Skip
And how can they manage to stay together in the homophobic world where two adult men don’t play house? And more important, is Russel with his rational mind is able to make the right decision? Can he sacrifice his apparent secure life in lies without passion for a man he falls in love with?
I was a bit worried about the denouement of the plot at the last part of the book. When the problems that appeared impossible at the beginning started to solve themselves easily toward the end, I smelled a trap: I was sure the author tried to lull me in order to slap me with a blasting twist when I the least expected it . But fortunately THAT has never happened: the events that seemed to be fatal turned into a trifling matter, the obstacles were smoothly overcome and every conflict has been nicely solved. It is why the story became rather a Walt Disney fairy tale at the end that per se is not a bad thing, but made the whole story-line a bit less realistic to me.
Overall- a sweet MM romance with a light touch of historical atmosphere that satisfy every romantic soul.
***Copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.***
June 15, 2017
I have to admit I had no idea what I was getting into with Liv Rancourt’s Aqua Follies. Esther Williams and her “aquamusical” films? Sure, I know about those. And who hasn’t caught a little synchronized swimming during the Summer Olympics? But I was clueless that Seattle, Washington’s Green Lake was the site of “swimusical” performances in the 1950s, which is the setting of this lovely and emotionally evocative novel.
While the Aqua Follies certainly provides a unique backdrop for this story—something I appreciated and was even curious enough about to google and learn a bit more—it’s the era in which Russell and Skip’s story is told that provides for the pathos and those heart tugging moments throughout. This story isn’t in any way my history, of course, but I empathized with it on a deep level because of Russell’s struggle and Skip’s pragmatic recognition of the fact that love wasn’t for a guy like him. This is a time that wasn’t only dangerous for gay men, it was a time when it was quite literally illegal to be gay, a time when being arrested could lead to a monetary fine, at best; time in jail or a sanitorium, at worst. It’s the constraints of legalized ignorance and prejudice that informs Russell’s efforts to conform to what society expects of him—a wife, a couple of kids, the white picket fence—and is the root cause of the shame he feels for being engaged to Susie but being attracted to a gorgeous trumpet player, Skip.
I don’t mean to make this novel seem like a downer, though, so let me tell you about the author’s storytelling style, which is so comfortable, and I appreciate that she uses phrases and slang that fit the time period and allows the characters to move through the setting in a way that feels authentic. It’s obvious that Liv Rancourt knows her way around Seattle and its recent history, and that only made Russell and Skip’s story all the more intimate and realistic. There were some quiet moments of bonding that, sadly, didn’t last more than was appropriate for two adult men to be alone together—especially when one of those men is already being harassed by the police. The most important thing that worked for me is that I liked Russell and Skip, even when Russell wasn’t always at his likable best, and I was invested in their journey and bought into an ending that doesn’t rely on giving tidy and unrealistic expectations to the future of their relationship. I also loooooved that music played such a big part in Russell’s attraction to Skip—there’s just something about a man who can play and/or sing. Skip’s music speaks a language all its own, and the glimpses we get are sexy.
Apart from the building of Russell and Skip’s romance, there’s a storyline between Russell and Susie, his ex-fiancée, that ended up surprising me in a good way. I can only imagine what finding allies in the 1950s was like—rare, I’m guessing?—but finding that support system, even if in only a small circle of people, including Skip’s mom, added an uplifting and hopeful touch to this novel. There was only one minor character I didn’t like at all, but I wasn’t supposed to like him, so mission accomplished.
I enjoyed this book so much, from the trials to the triumphs, for the characters, the story, and the simple joy of watching two people fall in love against all the odds.
Reviewed by Lisa for The Novel Approach
While the Aqua Follies certainly provides a unique backdrop for this story—something I appreciated and was even curious enough about to google and learn a bit more—it’s the era in which Russell and Skip’s story is told that provides for the pathos and those heart tugging moments throughout. This story isn’t in any way my history, of course, but I empathized with it on a deep level because of Russell’s struggle and Skip’s pragmatic recognition of the fact that love wasn’t for a guy like him. This is a time that wasn’t only dangerous for gay men, it was a time when it was quite literally illegal to be gay, a time when being arrested could lead to a monetary fine, at best; time in jail or a sanitorium, at worst. It’s the constraints of legalized ignorance and prejudice that informs Russell’s efforts to conform to what society expects of him—a wife, a couple of kids, the white picket fence—and is the root cause of the shame he feels for being engaged to Susie but being attracted to a gorgeous trumpet player, Skip.
I don’t mean to make this novel seem like a downer, though, so let me tell you about the author’s storytelling style, which is so comfortable, and I appreciate that she uses phrases and slang that fit the time period and allows the characters to move through the setting in a way that feels authentic. It’s obvious that Liv Rancourt knows her way around Seattle and its recent history, and that only made Russell and Skip’s story all the more intimate and realistic. There were some quiet moments of bonding that, sadly, didn’t last more than was appropriate for two adult men to be alone together—especially when one of those men is already being harassed by the police. The most important thing that worked for me is that I liked Russell and Skip, even when Russell wasn’t always at his likable best, and I was invested in their journey and bought into an ending that doesn’t rely on giving tidy and unrealistic expectations to the future of their relationship. I also loooooved that music played such a big part in Russell’s attraction to Skip—there’s just something about a man who can play and/or sing. Skip’s music speaks a language all its own, and the glimpses we get are sexy.
Apart from the building of Russell and Skip’s romance, there’s a storyline between Russell and Susie, his ex-fiancée, that ended up surprising me in a good way. I can only imagine what finding allies in the 1950s was like—rare, I’m guessing?—but finding that support system, even if in only a small circle of people, including Skip’s mom, added an uplifting and hopeful touch to this novel. There was only one minor character I didn’t like at all, but I wasn’t supposed to like him, so mission accomplished.
I enjoyed this book so much, from the trials to the triumphs, for the characters, the story, and the simple joy of watching two people fall in love against all the odds.
Reviewed by Lisa for The Novel Approach
May 18, 2017
Aqua Follies, Liv Rancourt
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: Romance, LGBTQIA
I loved this story, a great read, bringing in a very real feel of life in the fifties.
I was born at the very tale end of the fifties, but from my parents conversations about what they'd done this tale felt perfectly suited to the era.
Even in the sixties there was an emphasis on going out for entertainment. TV was limited, we didn't have one like many families until i was maybe 9 or 10, and even then it was limited- no 24 hr TV, only two channels, definitely no daytime TV so we had to do things, not sit indoors. Carnivals, festivals etc all took place in the tiniest of villages even, with everyone turning out for what was a break from the usual work, home, sleep routine. As kids we were involved too so a festival like Aqua Follies which wouldn't get off the ground now would have been high profile for many people. Liv does a terrific job or bringing that era to light.
Of course that makes it all sound like utopia, sunbeams and rainbows when it was anything but. Some of us lurked outside events, lacking the entry fee, trying to soak up a bit of atmosphere from the distance. There wasn't parental leave, childcare etc in jobs so we were bundled off to others or left to roam when parents were working. It was work or starve, pay the rent or out, and Human Rights Act was a far off dream...
Life was tough if you were ordinary, toed the line, conformed, but if you dared to want a same sex relationship - woe is you....Still illegal back then. ( I'm not really sure when that changed, need to have a look at that) It was awful and guys like Russel didn't even want to admit to themsleves they liked other men.
Its so sad, that pressure to conform, to stay safe and legal led to many marrying when there was no way they'd be fully happy. Russel certainly wouldn't be and poor Susie, having a husband that doesn't really love her. Sooner or later she'd realise that, and that's what happened to so many couples, marrying to hide they really wanted a same sex relationship, but brought up to think it was perverted, against the Church, and risking prison if caught.
We're a weird, judgmental group us humans.
I loved Russel and Skip. Skip's sure in his desires for men, has found a group and places where he's reasonably safe, but of course the police were given a pretty free rein then and he's got one that keeps a close eye on him, never missing a chance to nip, berate, harass him.
Police brutality and harassment wasn't recognised then so Skip had to just try to keep out of his way.
I loved Skip's mum, in a sanitorium with TB, as happened to many then. The Fresh Air stance is very true, there was one near where I live and the huts were left open on one side all year round believing that it helped the lungs. Must have been pretty cold in winter!
When Skip is worried about being convicted, even if its a fine and caution he rightly says he'll find it hard to get work. Who wants someone with a sex caution teaching music to their kids, joining their orchestra, working in their firm and of course without income he wouldn't have anywhere to live, even if he could get a landlord to rent to someone with that on their record.
The world was a different place then, though some things seem good, there were things like this that made it a hard place for so many.
Russel, he sort of thinks he's happy with Susie, there's no grand passion but he has nothing to contrast with how he feels so he think that's normal.
He knows his mum has been withdrawn after his brother died in Service, and he thinks it will make her happy if he gets married,so he's planning to ask Susie to marry him - til he sees Skip. One look and he's hooked, one word and he knows what he has with Susie isn't Love.
What happens now though? What will they do, can they do living so far apart, when men cannot live openly with, be in a relationship with other men.
Is there a way through or are they a doomed, never to be together couple. And can he settle for Susie if that's so?
Reading through the blurb I saw this was edited by KJ Charles, one of my favourite M/M authors - actually The favourite, she's my number one for that genre, and it made me wonder if she had much influence over this book.
At the end reading through Liv's explanations of how this book came to be she's had the input of many people and it reminded me of the "it takes a village to raise a child" phrase. Maybe it takes a Team to raise a successful book.
Certainly its worked well this time, and its a great author who listens to critics, and shapes the story while still keeping it essentially the one they had in mind. You can please some readers some of the time and all that....
Stars: five, an enjoyable read, taking me back to a time when homosexuality was still illegal, still seen as perverted.
ARC supplied for review purposes by author
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: Romance, LGBTQIA
I loved this story, a great read, bringing in a very real feel of life in the fifties.
I was born at the very tale end of the fifties, but from my parents conversations about what they'd done this tale felt perfectly suited to the era.
Even in the sixties there was an emphasis on going out for entertainment. TV was limited, we didn't have one like many families until i was maybe 9 or 10, and even then it was limited- no 24 hr TV, only two channels, definitely no daytime TV so we had to do things, not sit indoors. Carnivals, festivals etc all took place in the tiniest of villages even, with everyone turning out for what was a break from the usual work, home, sleep routine. As kids we were involved too so a festival like Aqua Follies which wouldn't get off the ground now would have been high profile for many people. Liv does a terrific job or bringing that era to light.
Of course that makes it all sound like utopia, sunbeams and rainbows when it was anything but. Some of us lurked outside events, lacking the entry fee, trying to soak up a bit of atmosphere from the distance. There wasn't parental leave, childcare etc in jobs so we were bundled off to others or left to roam when parents were working. It was work or starve, pay the rent or out, and Human Rights Act was a far off dream...
Life was tough if you were ordinary, toed the line, conformed, but if you dared to want a same sex relationship - woe is you....Still illegal back then. ( I'm not really sure when that changed, need to have a look at that) It was awful and guys like Russel didn't even want to admit to themsleves they liked other men.
Its so sad, that pressure to conform, to stay safe and legal led to many marrying when there was no way they'd be fully happy. Russel certainly wouldn't be and poor Susie, having a husband that doesn't really love her. Sooner or later she'd realise that, and that's what happened to so many couples, marrying to hide they really wanted a same sex relationship, but brought up to think it was perverted, against the Church, and risking prison if caught.
We're a weird, judgmental group us humans.
I loved Russel and Skip. Skip's sure in his desires for men, has found a group and places where he's reasonably safe, but of course the police were given a pretty free rein then and he's got one that keeps a close eye on him, never missing a chance to nip, berate, harass him.
Police brutality and harassment wasn't recognised then so Skip had to just try to keep out of his way.
I loved Skip's mum, in a sanitorium with TB, as happened to many then. The Fresh Air stance is very true, there was one near where I live and the huts were left open on one side all year round believing that it helped the lungs. Must have been pretty cold in winter!
When Skip is worried about being convicted, even if its a fine and caution he rightly says he'll find it hard to get work. Who wants someone with a sex caution teaching music to their kids, joining their orchestra, working in their firm and of course without income he wouldn't have anywhere to live, even if he could get a landlord to rent to someone with that on their record.
The world was a different place then, though some things seem good, there were things like this that made it a hard place for so many.
Russel, he sort of thinks he's happy with Susie, there's no grand passion but he has nothing to contrast with how he feels so he think that's normal.
He knows his mum has been withdrawn after his brother died in Service, and he thinks it will make her happy if he gets married,so he's planning to ask Susie to marry him - til he sees Skip. One look and he's hooked, one word and he knows what he has with Susie isn't Love.
What happens now though? What will they do, can they do living so far apart, when men cannot live openly with, be in a relationship with other men.
Is there a way through or are they a doomed, never to be together couple. And can he settle for Susie if that's so?
Reading through the blurb I saw this was edited by KJ Charles, one of my favourite M/M authors - actually The favourite, she's my number one for that genre, and it made me wonder if she had much influence over this book.
At the end reading through Liv's explanations of how this book came to be she's had the input of many people and it reminded me of the "it takes a village to raise a child" phrase. Maybe it takes a Team to raise a successful book.
Certainly its worked well this time, and its a great author who listens to critics, and shapes the story while still keeping it essentially the one they had in mind. You can please some readers some of the time and all that....
Stars: five, an enjoyable read, taking me back to a time when homosexuality was still illegal, still seen as perverted.
ARC supplied for review purposes by author
May 19, 2017
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the ARC.
I enjoyed this book thoroughly.
It is set in Seattle in 1955 and Liv Rancourt has captured the feel of the 50's perfectly.It just exudes the atmosphere of that period without being heavily historical.
The main characters Skip (Lawrence) and Russell are well-rounded.Skip works daytime for Boeing and nights playing horn while Russell is filling in time after graduating from law school helping run his Aunt's troupe of Aqua Dears.Skip is openly gay whereas Russell is closeted and at the start of the book is determined to marry Susie.Then they meet........
The problems associated with being homosexual in the 50's are well-captured.The secrecy, the illegality, the "hidden" bars and clubs, the snatched moments of happiness, the pressure to marry and be "normal",the homophobia, the attitude of the police and society in general, are all touched on.
Russell has to overcome his own prejudices and decide if he is brave enough to follow his heart. Skip has to accept that happiness and commitment as a male couple can be achieved.They can only "play it by ear" in the manner of musicians who do not have the full score laid out for them.
No hesitation in giving five* and recommending this as a good read. I look forward to a sequel.
I enjoyed this book thoroughly.
It is set in Seattle in 1955 and Liv Rancourt has captured the feel of the 50's perfectly.It just exudes the atmosphere of that period without being heavily historical.
The main characters Skip (Lawrence) and Russell are well-rounded.Skip works daytime for Boeing and nights playing horn while Russell is filling in time after graduating from law school helping run his Aunt's troupe of Aqua Dears.Skip is openly gay whereas Russell is closeted and at the start of the book is determined to marry Susie.Then they meet........
The problems associated with being homosexual in the 50's are well-captured.The secrecy, the illegality, the "hidden" bars and clubs, the snatched moments of happiness, the pressure to marry and be "normal",the homophobia, the attitude of the police and society in general, are all touched on.
Russell has to overcome his own prejudices and decide if he is brave enough to follow his heart. Skip has to accept that happiness and commitment as a male couple can be achieved.They can only "play it by ear" in the manner of musicians who do not have the full score laid out for them.
No hesitation in giving five* and recommending this as a good read. I look forward to a sequel.
June 7, 2017
The summer after graduating from Law School, Russell travels across the country with his aunt and her Aqua performers as an assistant coach. On a stop in Seattle, he meets Skip, a horn player that he's attracted to. But Russell has his plan already set. Deeply closeted, he has a girlfriend, Susie, one of the Aqua performers, that he plans to ask to marry him. They'll settle down and live happily ever after. But the world just might have other plans for him.
This was a slow burn. Skip and Russell were very likable and my heart broke for them. Even still today there is so much homophobia in the world, but I can't imagine fearing arrest just for who you fall in love with. Russell and Skip are complete opposites. Skip is open and accepting of his sexuality, whereas Russell is deeply closeted and thinks what he feels is wrong and perverse.
I absolutely loved these young men and I couldn't help but root for them to find a way to be together. I loved watching them fall in love. Their characters show so much growth throughout the story, especially Russell. This was a well-written story, set in the 1950's the author made the story feel genuine to the time period it's set in, with the characters speech, style, dress and their surroundings. The story is filled with music, friendship and love. I'd have liked more, but I closed the book satisfied with what I'd been given. Very recommendable!
*copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
This was a slow burn. Skip and Russell were very likable and my heart broke for them. Even still today there is so much homophobia in the world, but I can't imagine fearing arrest just for who you fall in love with. Russell and Skip are complete opposites. Skip is open and accepting of his sexuality, whereas Russell is deeply closeted and thinks what he feels is wrong and perverse.
I absolutely loved these young men and I couldn't help but root for them to find a way to be together. I loved watching them fall in love. Their characters show so much growth throughout the story, especially Russell. This was a well-written story, set in the 1950's the author made the story feel genuine to the time period it's set in, with the characters speech, style, dress and their surroundings. The story is filled with music, friendship and love. I'd have liked more, but I closed the book satisfied with what I'd been given. Very recommendable!
*copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
December 25, 2022
The two stars are for Skip (who was great) and for the author’s dedication to the 1950s atmosphere. Unfortunately, the story was boring and I didn’t like Russell or Susie, whose relationship took up way too much focus.
One of things that disappointed me was that the Aqua Follies aren’t a big part of the story. I had no idea what the title Aqua Follies was referring to and it was really interesting learning about them. They were a female team consisting of synchro swimmers, dancers, Olympic divers and singers who put on a show every summer during Seattle’s Seafair in the 1950s and 1960s. A floating stage (including diving platforms) and floating orchestra pit was put into Green Lake and bleachers were set up and this was the setting where the show took place, mixing water-related performance with dancing/singing on the stage. I looked it up and the whole concept of using the natural setting of the lake was really cool and it’s kind of sad that the entire amphitheatre has slowly been dismantled over the years due to a lack of use (only a section of the seating area remains). The idea of a show like that is really cool and I think in today’s society where people are more focused on using the environment in its natural state, re-introducing something like that would be a big hit.
Anyway, Skip is just part of the orchestra and Russell is an assistant coach helping with the synchro team (which his girlfriend Susie is a part of) but the Aqua Follies’ performance run in Seattle only lasted a few days and that meant this entire aspect of the story wasn’t a big part of it. Since the title and summary heavily reference the Follies, I would have liked to have this be a bigger part of the entire story.
Unfortunately, once the Follies finish their run of shows on Green Lake, they move on to Detroit. This means Skip’s part is done (he was just hired as one of the random musicians who performed just in Seattle) and Russell and others were going to move on. The only reason Russell extends his stay in Seattle was because of Susie, and that’s where my enthusiasm for the story started to wane. There was zero chemistry between Russell and Skip and although Russell was sexually attracted to Skip, I never felt that he developed genuine feelings for him. He was mostly focused on Susie’s drama (more on that later) and he only liked being around Skip because opportunities for gay sex were rare in Russell’s world and he happily took advantage of what Skip offered. While this ‘ships-passing-in-the-night’ dynamic might have been realistic for the time (ie gay men grabbing opportunities for gay sex whenever they could find them and not investing emotions into the interaction), that’s not what I want in a romance.
In addition, I hated how the author used Susie in the story because it made her unlikeable, just like Russell. So Russell has known he’s gay for ages but he’s resigned himself to getting married and having children etc. For years, he’s strung Susie along, avoiding any physical intimacy (like kissing) as much as possible and giving her just enough affection and attention that she believes he’s serious about their romance. He has no romantic feelings towards her and it feels as if he doesn’t even like her in general. She’s just a convenient way for Russell to meet society’s heteronormative demands. Again – this might be realistic and many gay men did the same thing but that’s not the type of romance hero I wanted. Then .
As I said, I did enjoy the author’s dedication to making 1950s Seattle come to life. She did a great job with the characters’ dialog and actions (Russell is very misogynistic but it perfectly fit with the time period) and there were lots of descriptions of various people/places/things that immersed me in the 1950s. Unfortunately, when Russell and Skip spend page after page just driving around and the author continues to describe the buildings and things they’re seeing, I started to get bored. Dedication to historical authenticity is very important in historical romances but it’s not a replacement for plot. It sets the stage but it’s not the actual play.
I also rolled my eyes at how the author introduced a series of plot conveniences in the last 20% that solved every single issue that’s been introduced. . There were more details but I was so bored by then that I was skimming.
Overall, I think the pacing for this story was way off. The author spent too much time focusing on historical descriptions instead of giving the characters enough attention, which would have made their arcs more interesting and believable. I also wish the author hadn’t focused so heavily on the Aqua Follies at the beginning (never mind making the title/cover/blurb heavily reference them) if she never planned on having them play an important role throughout. If Skip and Russell both had permanent positions with the Follies and the story focused on them travelling through the US over that summer, that would have made more sense. So in general, I think this is a great in terms of being 1950s historical fiction but it fell flat as a historical romance.
One of things that disappointed me was that the Aqua Follies aren’t a big part of the story. I had no idea what the title Aqua Follies was referring to and it was really interesting learning about them. They were a female team consisting of synchro swimmers, dancers, Olympic divers and singers who put on a show every summer during Seattle’s Seafair in the 1950s and 1960s. A floating stage (including diving platforms) and floating orchestra pit was put into Green Lake and bleachers were set up and this was the setting where the show took place, mixing water-related performance with dancing/singing on the stage. I looked it up and the whole concept of using the natural setting of the lake was really cool and it’s kind of sad that the entire amphitheatre has slowly been dismantled over the years due to a lack of use (only a section of the seating area remains). The idea of a show like that is really cool and I think in today’s society where people are more focused on using the environment in its natural state, re-introducing something like that would be a big hit.
Anyway, Skip is just part of the orchestra and Russell is an assistant coach helping with the synchro team (which his girlfriend Susie is a part of) but the Aqua Follies’ performance run in Seattle only lasted a few days and that meant this entire aspect of the story wasn’t a big part of it. Since the title and summary heavily reference the Follies, I would have liked to have this be a bigger part of the entire story.
Unfortunately, once the Follies finish their run of shows on Green Lake, they move on to Detroit. This means Skip’s part is done (he was just hired as one of the random musicians who performed just in Seattle) and Russell and others were going to move on. The only reason Russell extends his stay in Seattle was because of Susie, and that’s where my enthusiasm for the story started to wane. There was zero chemistry between Russell and Skip and although Russell was sexually attracted to Skip, I never felt that he developed genuine feelings for him. He was mostly focused on Susie’s drama (more on that later) and he only liked being around Skip because opportunities for gay sex were rare in Russell’s world and he happily took advantage of what Skip offered. While this ‘ships-passing-in-the-night’ dynamic might have been realistic for the time (ie gay men grabbing opportunities for gay sex whenever they could find them and not investing emotions into the interaction), that’s not what I want in a romance.
In addition, I hated how the author used Susie in the story because it made her unlikeable, just like Russell. So Russell has known he’s gay for ages but he’s resigned himself to getting married and having children etc. For years, he’s strung Susie along, avoiding any physical intimacy (like kissing) as much as possible and giving her just enough affection and attention that she believes he’s serious about their romance. He has no romantic feelings towards her and it feels as if he doesn’t even like her in general. She’s just a convenient way for Russell to meet society’s heteronormative demands. Again – this might be realistic and many gay men did the same thing but that’s not the type of romance hero I wanted. Then .
As I said, I did enjoy the author’s dedication to making 1950s Seattle come to life. She did a great job with the characters’ dialog and actions (Russell is very misogynistic but it perfectly fit with the time period) and there were lots of descriptions of various people/places/things that immersed me in the 1950s. Unfortunately, when Russell and Skip spend page after page just driving around and the author continues to describe the buildings and things they’re seeing, I started to get bored. Dedication to historical authenticity is very important in historical romances but it’s not a replacement for plot. It sets the stage but it’s not the actual play.
I also rolled my eyes at how the author introduced a series of plot conveniences in the last 20% that solved every single issue that’s been introduced. . There were more details but I was so bored by then that I was skimming.
Overall, I think the pacing for this story was way off. The author spent too much time focusing on historical descriptions instead of giving the characters enough attention, which would have made their arcs more interesting and believable. I also wish the author hadn’t focused so heavily on the Aqua Follies at the beginning (never mind making the title/cover/blurb heavily reference them) if she never planned on having them play an important role throughout. If Skip and Russell both had permanent positions with the Follies and the story focused on them travelling through the US over that summer, that would have made more sense. So in general, I think this is a great in terms of being 1950s historical fiction but it fell flat as a historical romance.
December 11, 2017
4 stars
I heard good things about this book so I thought I would give it a shot. I'm glad I did. The author gives us an authentic but loving homage to the 50's while still being true to some the difficulties queer people faced in that era. The characters felt honest and real for the time, and even though Russell didn't deserve the many chances that Skip gave him to own up to his sexuality, I can't imagine how difficult it would have been to do that in a time when being gay made you an outcast. So for that, I can understand Skip's acceptance.
While at times this book is a little hard to read, I still felt hopeful for Russell and Skip when all was said and done. Sometimes you can't ask for more than that.
I heard good things about this book so I thought I would give it a shot. I'm glad I did. The author gives us an authentic but loving homage to the 50's while still being true to some the difficulties queer people faced in that era. The characters felt honest and real for the time, and even though Russell didn't deserve the many chances that Skip gave him to own up to his sexuality, I can't imagine how difficult it would have been to do that in a time when being gay made you an outcast. So for that, I can understand Skip's acceptance.
While at times this book is a little hard to read, I still felt hopeful for Russell and Skip when all was said and done. Sometimes you can't ask for more than that.
June 19, 2017
A very touching 1950's gay love story.
I'm not sure how to describe how I felt about Aqua Follies except to say that I loved it. It's the first book I've read by Liv Rancourt but it won't be the last. Aqua Follies is set in 1955. As the book blurb says it was a time of postwar exuberance, conformity, rock and roll, and - homophobia.
Russell is in Seattle as an assistant coach with his aunt's group, the Aqua Dears, a synchronized swim team performing in the Aqua Follies at the 1955 Seattle Seafair. Russell knows what he is, that he prefers men over women, but that's against the law so he's determined to settle down and make a life with his girl, Susie.
Skip is a horn player, whose music is hauntingly beautiful, and he plays in the Aqua Follies band. When they look at each other across the audience, a silent, yet powerful, link is formed. Despite the law, and all of the things that are against them, these two men form a deep connection in the space of a few days.
This story touched me on so many levels. As a child, I remember watching synchronized swimmers on TV and I also performed a very small routine one summer during a show at my local swimming pool. So, reading about the Aqua Follies and the Seattle Seafair (an actual event that still takes place) brought back a lot of memories for me.
To read about Russell trying to suppress who he really is and the things that he and Skip have to do just so they can be together was at times heart wrenching. I wanted to hate Russell's "girlfriend," Susie but she had her own things to deal with.
Aqua Follies gave me a bit of a book hangover; it's a story that I will be thinking about for a while and considering how many books I read, that's saying something.
A review copy was provided by the publisher via NetGalley but this did not influence my opinion or rating of the book.
***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com***
I'm not sure how to describe how I felt about Aqua Follies except to say that I loved it. It's the first book I've read by Liv Rancourt but it won't be the last. Aqua Follies is set in 1955. As the book blurb says it was a time of postwar exuberance, conformity, rock and roll, and - homophobia.
Russell is in Seattle as an assistant coach with his aunt's group, the Aqua Dears, a synchronized swim team performing in the Aqua Follies at the 1955 Seattle Seafair. Russell knows what he is, that he prefers men over women, but that's against the law so he's determined to settle down and make a life with his girl, Susie.
Skip is a horn player, whose music is hauntingly beautiful, and he plays in the Aqua Follies band. When they look at each other across the audience, a silent, yet powerful, link is formed. Despite the law, and all of the things that are against them, these two men form a deep connection in the space of a few days.
This story touched me on so many levels. As a child, I remember watching synchronized swimmers on TV and I also performed a very small routine one summer during a show at my local swimming pool. So, reading about the Aqua Follies and the Seattle Seafair (an actual event that still takes place) brought back a lot of memories for me.
To read about Russell trying to suppress who he really is and the things that he and Skip have to do just so they can be together was at times heart wrenching. I wanted to hate Russell's "girlfriend," Susie but she had her own things to deal with.
Aqua Follies gave me a bit of a book hangover; it's a story that I will be thinking about for a while and considering how many books I read, that's saying something.
A review copy was provided by the publisher via NetGalley but this did not influence my opinion or rating of the book.
***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com***
June 15, 2017
Russell is sure about how his life is gonna turn out. Or, at least how it should. He should find a law firm to work for. He should ask his girlfriend to marry him. He should get a house, raise a family, and live a life about as normal as Leave it to Beaver. Only problem is that he is not so sure that he wants all or any of that. And the one thing he is sure about–his desire to kiss the mesmerizing trumpet player–is the one thing that would make that fairy-tale life go up in smoke. Skip is too much to resist, though, and as Russell gets to know that man, he can’t help but falling further and further from the “dream” he had for so long. But knowing that he is only in town for a little over week, and that the world would happily condemn (and jail) him for loving the free-spirited man, Russell is determined to not get so tangled up in Skip that he sinks under weight of expectation from all sides.
I was intrigued going into this book. I found the idea of a story involving water ballet to be rather unique, and I love a good historical–even if the 50’s is pushing my usual boundaries there a bit. And for the most part I enjoyed it. The story has a definite since of place, and while I was pretty sure the plot wasn’t going to be revolutionary, there were a few times where it didn’t go quite the way I expected and I like that.
The fact that this book is set in Seattle, I found really cool. I love that city, and I don’t think it gets nearly enough stage time in fiction. And I can tell the author did their research into the gay scene back then, because it didn’t come off as just generic-historic-city, but felt like Seattle in that time (I assume). But the author also never lets the setting take precedence over the story and I appreciate that. I love learning about new places, but when things start to feel like tourist advert, I tend to check out. Here I got just enough to make the setting of this book unique, but also let is support the story instead of taking over it.
I will say though that there were times I would have liked if the author had found a bit more subtle way to remind us about the time period. I found the constant use of 50’s slang to be a bit jarring at times. It made the dialogue feel a bit wonky in places. If that had been cut down a little–not completely by any means, since I do think it worked a good bit of the time–I think I would have had an easier time sinking further into the story instead of feeling like I was having someone tapping on my shoulder and whispering, “It’s a 50’s book. Remember, it is in the 50’s!”
The water ballet parts were cool, though I wish they had played a bigger role in this story. Mostly since that is what originally drew me to reviewing this book. I think maybe if Russell had a more active part in the performance (maybe not performing, but helping craft it) it would have helped the book stand out a bit more. As it was there were times when this story started to feel a bit too generic-gay-romance. One that took place 65 years ago, but that also hit a lot of what contemporary romance stories have as well. They are not things I particularity dislike, and most of the times I really enjoy those simple romances the most, but I was hoping for something that stood out just a bit more than what I got.
This story does have a good heart, though. And I found the main characters well written. Skip probably got a bit more exploration than Russell did (even though Russell plays main pov for a majority of the story), but they were never uninteresting. The women in this book came off a bit one-toned at times, but I’m not sure that wasn’t just a product of the era and the somewhat unreliable narrator in Russell in regards to how he viewed the woman around him. There were moments where the story questioned that slightly patriarchal view, and I appreciated that, but wish it could have done just a little more.
Overall, I think this is a good story and well worth the read. Especially if you like reading historicals set in this time period. I had fun reading it, and think other will as well.
3.5 stars
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
I was intrigued going into this book. I found the idea of a story involving water ballet to be rather unique, and I love a good historical–even if the 50’s is pushing my usual boundaries there a bit. And for the most part I enjoyed it. The story has a definite since of place, and while I was pretty sure the plot wasn’t going to be revolutionary, there were a few times where it didn’t go quite the way I expected and I like that.
The fact that this book is set in Seattle, I found really cool. I love that city, and I don’t think it gets nearly enough stage time in fiction. And I can tell the author did their research into the gay scene back then, because it didn’t come off as just generic-historic-city, but felt like Seattle in that time (I assume). But the author also never lets the setting take precedence over the story and I appreciate that. I love learning about new places, but when things start to feel like tourist advert, I tend to check out. Here I got just enough to make the setting of this book unique, but also let is support the story instead of taking over it.
I will say though that there were times I would have liked if the author had found a bit more subtle way to remind us about the time period. I found the constant use of 50’s slang to be a bit jarring at times. It made the dialogue feel a bit wonky in places. If that had been cut down a little–not completely by any means, since I do think it worked a good bit of the time–I think I would have had an easier time sinking further into the story instead of feeling like I was having someone tapping on my shoulder and whispering, “It’s a 50’s book. Remember, it is in the 50’s!”
The water ballet parts were cool, though I wish they had played a bigger role in this story. Mostly since that is what originally drew me to reviewing this book. I think maybe if Russell had a more active part in the performance (maybe not performing, but helping craft it) it would have helped the book stand out a bit more. As it was there were times when this story started to feel a bit too generic-gay-romance. One that took place 65 years ago, but that also hit a lot of what contemporary romance stories have as well. They are not things I particularity dislike, and most of the times I really enjoy those simple romances the most, but I was hoping for something that stood out just a bit more than what I got.
This story does have a good heart, though. And I found the main characters well written. Skip probably got a bit more exploration than Russell did (even though Russell plays main pov for a majority of the story), but they were never uninteresting. The women in this book came off a bit one-toned at times, but I’m not sure that wasn’t just a product of the era and the somewhat unreliable narrator in Russell in regards to how he viewed the woman around him. There were moments where the story questioned that slightly patriarchal view, and I appreciated that, but wish it could have done just a little more.
Overall, I think this is a good story and well worth the read. Especially if you like reading historicals set in this time period. I had fun reading it, and think other will as well.
3.5 stars
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
August 6, 2017
This is a hard on for me to rate. The book is really well written, easily readable and well edited. It has two likable characters and a realistic plot and setting. However, I didn't enjoy it personally, and that's not the fault of the book. It's just that, while I understand that 1950s America was a horrible time and place to be gay and there were very real reasons to be afraid of being outed, I got really tired of Russell's back and forwards. I understood it, but I had a hard time liking him each time he treated Skip poorly because of his own insecurities. And I never could forgive Ryker (and to a lesser degree Susie), so Rancourt's attempt to redeem them in the end totally flopped for me.
So, how do you rate a book that you can objectively say is a good book, but not a book for you? I don't know either, so I'm gonna go 3.5 and round up.
So, how do you rate a book that you can objectively say is a good book, but not a book for you? I don't know either, so I'm gonna go 3.5 and round up.
November 19, 2017
Loved the setting of 1950s Seattle. The historical setting was different and while homophobia was real for the time, I'm sure there were many happy long-term relationships.
When Russel's girlfriend dumps him while they are on tour with the Aqua Follies, he indulges in his secret desire for men. His struggle felt real without being too angsty or drawn out. His love interest, Skip, a musician, was a great guy, who feels something real with Russell but worries his love isn't returned.
My only small criticism I have is I wanted a longer ending. It seemed rather abrupt and questions such as where they would live was cut short.
When Russel's girlfriend dumps him while they are on tour with the Aqua Follies, he indulges in his secret desire for men. His struggle felt real without being too angsty or drawn out. His love interest, Skip, a musician, was a great guy, who feels something real with Russell but worries his love isn't returned.
My only small criticism I have is I wanted a longer ending. It seemed rather abrupt and questions such as where they would live was cut short.
August 12, 2021
Lovely, but left me sad. Sad because history was intolerant to gay people. Historical story, based in USA 1950's. Great writing, just sad.
June 23, 2017
There’s so much to love about Aqua Follies. The mid-1950s is not your usual setting for a male/male romance novel, but Liv Rancourt brings that era to life brilliantly well. There are party phone lines, jazz lounges, and pomaded pompadours. There are blazers and ties for the men, curled hair and red lipstick for the women. There’s the behaviour ‘accepted for a young lady’ and the girls struggling to break free of the shackles. And of course there’s the awful social and legal persecution of men suspected of being gay.
Aqua Follies is not a ‘sweetness and light’ read. It’s gritty and uncomfortable much of the time, because the society these young gay men are forced to live in is just so horrible. They’re forced to hide everything they feel, hide everything they do, hide in fact their true selves from the world. For Russell, this results in denial and suppression, deep shame at being ‘perverted’, guilt when he succumbs. For Skip, on the other hand, raised among musicians and theatre types, it leads him to boldness and sometimes rash actions.
Skip is a loveable character. He’s open-hearted and he follows his heart. He’s part of an accepting community, and although he has his own struggles, he’s fully accepting of himself and goes after love with everything he has.
It’s really Russell’s story though, and he is a lot more complicated, constantly battling himself, denying himself, despising himself. He comes across as an asshole a lot of the time as he tramples Skip’s poor heart again and again, but his fears are very understandable and real. I adored him in the first third of the book, really felt for him as he found his object of desire and battled certain dark thoughts while trying to conform to the hetero ‘norm’. Then I got mad with him during the middle — and felt every bit of Skip’s frustration as Russell blew hot and cold cold cold. By the end, though, he melted my heart with his eventual self-acceptance and earnest love for Skip, especially as he takes decisive action and changes things in his life to be with him. Even though his self-realisation takes a while to arrive, he gets there in the end.
Overall, it’s a fabulous book that brings the 1950s to life and tells a fairly difficult love story that continues to resonate in my mind. The writing is slick and accomplished, the supporting characters vivid and present, the sex scenes judiciously placed and by no means gratuitous. This is a novel with depth and complexity at both the emotional and historical level — as much a novel of Russell’s coming of age and a portrayal of life in the 1950s, as a romance. I now want a sequel to see how Russell and Skip get on with their lives, because the ending seems quite open-ended, particularly given the precarious nature of such relationships at that time.
Aqua Follies is not a ‘sweetness and light’ read. It’s gritty and uncomfortable much of the time, because the society these young gay men are forced to live in is just so horrible. They’re forced to hide everything they feel, hide everything they do, hide in fact their true selves from the world. For Russell, this results in denial and suppression, deep shame at being ‘perverted’, guilt when he succumbs. For Skip, on the other hand, raised among musicians and theatre types, it leads him to boldness and sometimes rash actions.
Skip is a loveable character. He’s open-hearted and he follows his heart. He’s part of an accepting community, and although he has his own struggles, he’s fully accepting of himself and goes after love with everything he has.
It’s really Russell’s story though, and he is a lot more complicated, constantly battling himself, denying himself, despising himself. He comes across as an asshole a lot of the time as he tramples Skip’s poor heart again and again, but his fears are very understandable and real. I adored him in the first third of the book, really felt for him as he found his object of desire and battled certain dark thoughts while trying to conform to the hetero ‘norm’. Then I got mad with him during the middle — and felt every bit of Skip’s frustration as Russell blew hot and cold cold cold. By the end, though, he melted my heart with his eventual self-acceptance and earnest love for Skip, especially as he takes decisive action and changes things in his life to be with him. Even though his self-realisation takes a while to arrive, he gets there in the end.
Overall, it’s a fabulous book that brings the 1950s to life and tells a fairly difficult love story that continues to resonate in my mind. The writing is slick and accomplished, the supporting characters vivid and present, the sex scenes judiciously placed and by no means gratuitous. This is a novel with depth and complexity at both the emotional and historical level — as much a novel of Russell’s coming of age and a portrayal of life in the 1950s, as a romance. I now want a sequel to see how Russell and Skip get on with their lives, because the ending seems quite open-ended, particularly given the precarious nature of such relationships at that time.
August 23, 2017
Aqua Follies is a historical male/male romance set against an uniquely fun and interesting backdrop -The 1950's Seattle Seafair, a celebration that included the Aqua Follies and their swimusicals.
First, I have to say that Ms. Rancourt went above and beyond in her research, from the Seafair itself, to the musicians, swimmers, the secretive and dangerous life of those who love someone of the same sex, down to what a stay in a sanitorium was like back then. This may not seem important to some, but to me, the story is so much better when the author puts you in a different time and you truly feel like you're there.
It's hard to get lost in a story if you can't relate to the characters. Once again Ms. Rancourt has written the main characters and secondary characters to almost perfection. Russell, an Aqua Follies coach, is confused and naive about his sexuality. He knows deep down he's gay, but has trouble reconciling that in his life. His plans include marrying his long time girlfriend, Susie, because that's what men do. Then he meets Skip, a musician for the Aqua Follies. He's the opposite of Russell. He's not confused at all about who he is. Although he knows there are risks of getting thrown in jail and losing his job, he's much more brazen about living his life as who he is - albeit with a watchful eye over his shoulder.
I don't write spoilers and try not to rehash the blurb in my reviews. But tagging along with Russell and Skip and seeing how they interact with friends and family (not ever showing their true selves even to those closest to them) to each other, both discovering and learning how to overcome their different outlooks on how they should live their lives, was a pleasure. Aqua Follies is a strongly written story, sprinkled with humor and some heartbreakingly sad moments.
Well done Ms. Rancourt!
First, I have to say that Ms. Rancourt went above and beyond in her research, from the Seafair itself, to the musicians, swimmers, the secretive and dangerous life of those who love someone of the same sex, down to what a stay in a sanitorium was like back then. This may not seem important to some, but to me, the story is so much better when the author puts you in a different time and you truly feel like you're there.
It's hard to get lost in a story if you can't relate to the characters. Once again Ms. Rancourt has written the main characters and secondary characters to almost perfection. Russell, an Aqua Follies coach, is confused and naive about his sexuality. He knows deep down he's gay, but has trouble reconciling that in his life. His plans include marrying his long time girlfriend, Susie, because that's what men do. Then he meets Skip, a musician for the Aqua Follies. He's the opposite of Russell. He's not confused at all about who he is. Although he knows there are risks of getting thrown in jail and losing his job, he's much more brazen about living his life as who he is - albeit with a watchful eye over his shoulder.
I don't write spoilers and try not to rehash the blurb in my reviews. But tagging along with Russell and Skip and seeing how they interact with friends and family (not ever showing their true selves even to those closest to them) to each other, both discovering and learning how to overcome their different outlooks on how they should live their lives, was a pleasure. Aqua Follies is a strongly written story, sprinkled with humor and some heartbreakingly sad moments.
Well done Ms. Rancourt!
December 3, 2017
2017 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention: Aqua Follies Liv Rancourt
1) Liv Rancourt's dedication to a true historical narrative is so evident here. Her characters are so authentic. The 1950s must have been a difficult time to be gay, yet she doesn't go for the easy angst. These guys want something more. They know there is an easy way out, but they're willing to risk the fallacy of a normal life to reach for something better. That positive note was sorely needed against what could have been, and I was glad the author focused on that.
2) This 1950's historical had a great atmosphere of the era, and the main characters felt realistic for the time and place in which they lived. The romance started fast, but faced some plausible obstacles. I loved Skip from the start, and came to appreciate Russell over the span of the story.
3) Unique setting, sympathetic characters, and difficult situations make for a page-turning male-male romance set in the 1950’s. Very enjoyable!
4) I think this is the best book I’ve read this year. It had the right mixture of tenderness and angst, rawness and loving.
1) Liv Rancourt's dedication to a true historical narrative is so evident here. Her characters are so authentic. The 1950s must have been a difficult time to be gay, yet she doesn't go for the easy angst. These guys want something more. They know there is an easy way out, but they're willing to risk the fallacy of a normal life to reach for something better. That positive note was sorely needed against what could have been, and I was glad the author focused on that.
2) This 1950's historical had a great atmosphere of the era, and the main characters felt realistic for the time and place in which they lived. The romance started fast, but faced some plausible obstacles. I loved Skip from the start, and came to appreciate Russell over the span of the story.
3) Unique setting, sympathetic characters, and difficult situations make for a page-turning male-male romance set in the 1950’s. Very enjoyable!
4) I think this is the best book I’ve read this year. It had the right mixture of tenderness and angst, rawness and loving.
September 6, 2021
Sorry to the people in the reviews dismayed that 1950s is a historical setting… at this point for queer lit I feel like anything before Obergefell is historical. (As well it should be.) But man, how good is it to get out of the Regency period?? Friendship with cravats ended, now best friends with calling jeans “dungarees.” Interesting to read in the postscript how the author couldn’t place this book with a publisher because no one thought the time period was marketable. I can see how this would fall in a cursed zone of not fitting into any subgenres tight enough to sell well in genre fiction. Indeed I mostly bought it because I knew I liked the author and it was on sale for $1.
Definitely worth your time if the blurb appeals to you! My only problem was the final 10%, after spending ages building so much tension over homophobia and family duties, to have it all unraveled into a HEA that quickly felt unsatisfactory. I like a long wallow in my HEA though.
Definitely worth your time if the blurb appeals to you! My only problem was the final 10%, after spending ages building so much tension over homophobia and family duties, to have it all unraveled into a HEA that quickly felt unsatisfactory. I like a long wallow in my HEA though.
December 22, 2019
Aqua Follies was everything I love about historical m/m romance. It had a really strong sense of time and place with interesting side characters to fill it. Lou and Murphy were both great examples of this (not that Murphy was remotely likeable but he was v realistic.)
Russell was a strong and believable protagonist. His development made for some really compelling reading which led to me binge reading this and not doing much else! I also think the female characters are worth a mention - particularly Susie. I enjoyed the amount of agency she had and how her narrative ran parallel to Russell even though she wasn’t a PoV character.
And if that wasn’t praise enough, I’ve already started Liv Rancourt’s next m/m historical romance offering. I’m not so secretly hoping she writes many more.
Russell was a strong and believable protagonist. His development made for some really compelling reading which led to me binge reading this and not doing much else! I also think the female characters are worth a mention - particularly Susie. I enjoyed the amount of agency she had and how her narrative ran parallel to Russell even though she wasn’t a PoV character.
And if that wasn’t praise enough, I’ve already started Liv Rancourt’s next m/m historical romance offering. I’m not so secretly hoping she writes many more.
October 6, 2017
The author's note at the conclusion of this book laments that books set in the 1950s are hard to place, so, publishers, I hereby lodge my vote for more books set in the 1950s! The setting and atmosphere were charming and thoroughly realized. I loved the elaborate details of the Aqua Follies routine and the liberal use of 50s slang - "what's the word from the bird"? Russell's closeted shame and Skip's frank acceptance is the midcentury collision of tradition and social progressiveness in miniature. Russell's confusion, denial, and self-hatred were painful to witness and very convincing.
January 10, 2018
3.5
I loved this historical about the US of the '50es. It has a realistic feeling*: even though I don't know much about that time, I do know about the police harassment of homosexuals back then. The author does a good job in depicting Russell's denial of his homosexuality, and then his worries that everybody would notice it, and Skip's confidence twinned with the persuasion that because of his sexual orientation and of that given society he will never find love.
* Except .
I loved this historical about the US of the '50es. It has a realistic feeling*: even though I don't know much about that time, I do know about the police harassment of homosexuals back then. The author does a good job in depicting Russell's denial of his homosexuality, and then his worries that everybody would notice it, and Skip's confidence twinned with the persuasion that because of his sexual orientation and of that given society he will never find love.
* Except .
January 25, 2018
I really enjoyed this! I admit I was a little leery about this because I don't care for the 50s much, too much judgement and conformity for me, but I love other books by Liv so I figured it was worth trying. I'm very happy I did! She managed to balance the reality of the time while still making their story believable. Skip's love of life and belief that he not only can have, but deserves, happiness and love drew me in as much as it did Russell. I admit I wanted to shake Russell more than once, but his character was very realistic for the time, and his frequent bouncing back and forth made his HEA sweeter in the end. Great historical!
Would re-read.
Would re-read.
July 21, 2017
I owe this book a longer review, but it is so good. From the mid century setting to the characters, this was a joy from start to finish.
August 16, 2017
Review to come
May 30, 2018
I don’t usually enjoy historical gay romance because of the need for secrecy, the legal peril, the lack of recognition, and the disapproval. This book, however, is a beautiful love story with a positive ending.
Typos: Kindle page 45 is attention should be his, p. 71 enough reach should probably be enough to reach.
Typos: Kindle page 45 is attention should be his, p. 71 enough reach should probably be enough to reach.
June 16, 2020
I don't believe I've read many M-M romances set in the 1950s, nor in the Seattle region, and certainly have never heard of the Aqua Follies (before now that is); I was sufficiently interested in the Follies to have Googled the event and Youtubed some B&W clips.
I appreciated the drawn out and tangled romance between straight-laced (but closeted) Russell and musically talented Skip (who is at least comfortable with his orientation (if not loud and proud because of the times/era). At times I wanted to smack Russell for eschewing personal happiness for familial duty and loyalty. I also liked that these two guys have financial constraints and to juggle difficult work schedules with familial responsibilities in order to find time for each other. These struggles make the plot so much more real (but not dreary).
I was half expecting this to have a tragic unrequited love type end, 3.5 stars.
I appreciated the drawn out and tangled romance between straight-laced (but closeted) Russell and musically talented Skip (who is at least comfortable with his orientation (if not loud and proud because of the times/era). At times I wanted to smack Russell for eschewing personal happiness for familial duty and loyalty. I also liked that these two guys have financial constraints and to juggle difficult work schedules with familial responsibilities in order to find time for each other. These struggles make the plot so much more real (but not dreary).
I was half expecting this to have a tragic unrequited love type end, 3.5 stars.
July 10, 2018
I bought this book because it was on sale. I started reading because it was the first thing to pop up on my reading queue. I wasn't really interested in reading it last night because I wasn't in the mood for silly. My instant thought toward a synchronized swimming tour group was that it was going to be fluff. There was nothing silly about this book. It captured the time period beautifully. Granted, I wasn't alive in the 50's but my uncle always tells stories about his "wild and woolly days," so the slang and "feel" rang true for me. Russ was kind of an ass but that seemed realistic as well. Too easy would have made the book feel off. The ending did wrap up a little too easily in some ways but not so much that I have an actual complaint. So glad the author ran a sale!
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