Salt & Vinegar

Brighton in the summer is a great place to be for a young, gay man looking for a good time with no strings. Art student Joe is spending his vacation working in a fish-and-chip shop with a succession of cringey punning names, and enjoying casual, fun hook-ups. But something makes him want to take it slow with one regular customer, the quiet, gorgeous Steven.

It's an exciting and emotional time when Steven returns Joe’s interest, and they begin to see each other more often. Steven is still reserved, and Joe isn’t practised in being boyfriend of the year—but there’s no mistaking the mutual attraction. Joe finds himself, for the first time in his life, wanting more from a relationship, and prepared to be what Steven needs.

The trouble is, Joe may not have all the facts to hand. Despite their growing love, Steven’s shy smile hides a dark secret, and his past is about to overshadow their sweet times together. Maybe they’ll both need to find the strength and care to have a future beyond this summer.

Author Note: this story has fun and a romantic happy ending, but there is also angst and struggle along the way, and it covers the themes of (off-page) abuse. Readers should bear this in mind if they may be triggered or distressed by these topics.