When The Road Narrows
By
This book is for pre-order, launching 30th August 2025

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In the tumultuous backdrop of 1980s conservatism and the emerging AIDS crisis, When The Road Narrows follows Nick, a young man grappling with the tension between his Catholic upbringing and his burgeoning understanding of his sexuality. Growing up in a small, tradition-bound town in New York, Nick finds himself caught in a web of expectation, guilt, and the unyielding desire to live authentically.
When Nick meets Philippe, a closeted hockey player from Montreal, their bond deepens into a connection that challenges them both to confront the risks and sacrifices of love. Philippe’s aspirations for a professional hockey career and fear of rejection mirror Nick’s own struggles with family, faith, and societal judgment. Together, they navigate a fragile path of passion and secrecy, forced to make decisions that could irrevocably change their lives.
This coming-of-age story is a poignant exploration of identity, resilience, and redemption. As Nick faces heartbreak and loss, he begins to uncover the courage to chart his own course, even as the world around him seems determined to narrow his options. When The Road Narrows is a moving tale of love and self-discovery in a time of fear and hope.
This book is for pre-order, launching 30th August 2025

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Genre
Orientation
Publication date
30 August 2025
Paperback ISBN
Sexual Content
N/A
Length
Gender Identity
Dimensions (in)
Trigger Warnings
• Homophobia: Depictions of societal and internalized homophobia, including derogatory language and social isolation due to sexuality.
• Physical and Emotional Abuse: Instances of physical punishment and emotional abuse within a strict, authoritarian family setting.
• Mental Health Struggles: Depictions of depression, self-doubt, and suicidal thoughts.
• Grief and Loss: The sudden death of a close friend and the protagonist’s emotional response.
• Non-consensual Contact: An incident of Nick being fondled by a stranger in a drug store.
• Sexual Content: Intimate scenes that include themes of sexuality, self-discovery, and confusion.
• Substance Use: References to alcohol and recreational drug use in social settings.
• AIDS Crisis References: Mentions of the emerging AIDS crisis and its impact on the LGBTQ+ community.