Set in the small English town of Northbridge Arthur has finally come out as gay at age 79. Slowly inspired by his grandfathers bravery in the face of stigma in a small town 22 year old Teddy faces coming out publicly himself.

This is a sweet book about coming out at different ages and the impact of being inspired to feel safe by those closest to us at times. Both main characters face lots of stigma and prejudice and unfortunately due to the stigmas and homophobia faced by another character who gets threatened with being outed suicides. So beware trigger warnings for this one.

Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin Australia Publishing for this ARC.

So incredibly honest and heartfelt and refreshing. We need more books like this. I laughed so much I had tears streaming down my face. A light hearted book.

I really enjoyed Arthur's storyline in this novel. The bravery of an older man coming out as gay after hiding who he was for 8 decades. Then we have his grandson Teddy who is also gay but trying to come out after the family was shocked by his grandfather's news. To me Teddy's storyline dragged out a little but all in all a good read.

Arthur And Teddy Are Coming Out is the first novel by British author, Ryan Love. Twenty-one-year-old Teddy’s first day as a trainee journalist at The Post isn’t ideal. His mother, outspoken journalist Elizabeth Marsh called in a favour to secure him the spot, and everyone seems to be aware of that, including his competition, a dishy fellow trainee called Ben. Teddy genuinely just wants to work and learn, but Ben King seems resentful.

Consoling himself after work at the pub with his best friends, Shakeel is sympathetic, but Lexie tells him not to be so sensitive. Her oft-repeated suggestion that he come out to his family dies a quick death when his mum comes home angry and upset: after fifty years married to Madeleine, his seventy-nine-year-old grandfather has revealed that he is gay.

It’s gone as badly as Arthur Edwards expected: his son Patrick is confused, but his daughter Elizabeth is livid. On behalf of her mother, she claims, even though Madeleine is wholly supportive of his decision. Lizzie cuts off contact, and forbids her children to see their grandfather. Arthur spends the following days and weeks hoping she’ll come around, as Patrick quickly has done.

In their small town of Northbridge, there are mixed reactions, and Arthur isn’t at all sure about the dating site his daughter-in-law-to-be signs him up to: surely he’s too old for all this? Arthur is glad that his only grandson won’t be deterred from visiting, despite Lizzie’s edict, and when Teddy reveals his own preferences, their bond is strengthened.

After hearing Arthur’s account of being a closet gay in the sixties, being subjected to conversion therapy at his father’s request, Teddy is grateful that attitudes have changed, but still wary of coming out, given his mother’s reaction. Then, having worked with Ben for some time, he realises he’s attracted, but Shakeel makes it plain he doesn’t trust the ambitious trainee’s motives.

Over the months that follow life for Arthur and Teddy includes: some nasty gossips, a secret crush, a dare-devil stunt for charity, a television appearance, a long-lost love, a teen suicide, long-held secrets, loyal friends, a gay bar, an engagement, a betrayal of trust, a surprise reunion, a vivacious eighty-two-year-old friend, and a double wedding. Teddy eventually matures enough to deal with an amazing job opportunity,

Love gives his protagonists insightful observations and wise words: Arthur tells Teddy “Life is full of sacrifices, Teddy. We’ll make good and bad choices, but we shouldn’t let regrets define us. I’m not perfect, but I hope when I’m not here that the people I love will remember me for the good things and know I did my best for them.” A heart-warming and thought-provoking read.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Harlequin Australia.

Arthur and Teddy are a grandfather / grandson pair who are both gay. The story starts with Arthur coming out to his family at 79 years old. As expected, there are mixed reactions. Teddy has been keeping his sexual identity secret, as he didn't feel he was ready to come out, and Arthur's reveal has stirred up some further mixed feelings.

Throughout this book, we see both Arthur and Teddy struggle with their identities. The issues they face and their thoughts / feelings felt realistic, it's not coming out and then hitting up the Pride parades with gusto. We see some great character development from the MC's and even some of the side characters.

There isn't too much more to say without spoilers but do yourself a favour and add this one to your TBR. It's a heart warming story, about exploring and accepting your identity and that it is not too old to live the life you truly should be.

I loved this book! Befroe I started it I thought there would be more funny moments and a little bit of emotion. However I was pleasently surprised with a lot of emotion. This would be a great book to read for people in this situation. It shows that life is too short to pretend to be someone you're not.

'Arthur and Teddy Are Coming Out' is a beautiful read that shares the love, support, heartbreak and difficulties that both Arthur, a 79 year old grandfather and Teddy, his 20 something year old grandson share as they come out, both at seperate family gatherings, to claim their authentic selves. This book had me smiling, laughing, almost crying and wanting to reach out and hug Arthur.

I will be watching the author Ryan Love to see if he writes another, with a further story about Ben. I feel there is a gritty and honest story to be told there as well.

I rate this book four and a half stars.