As many of you know, THP’s book journey is all about highlighting diverse authors and characters. With Pride Month in full swing, we’re sharing our latest queer romance novel: Solo Stan by Talia Tucker!
Solo Stan tells of a chance meeting between two solo concertgoers, Kai and Elias. Their night goes awry when a power outage ends the show early. But they manage to salvage it with a scavenger hunt and a chaotic night out on the town before they go home.
We flew through this YA romance as quickly as we could, with no clue how the boys would get themselves out of crazy situations. Here are three of our favorite things about Talia Tucker’s sophomore novel, Solo Stan!
Book Overview: Solo Stan
Content warning: divorce
Summary: Dakarai (Kai) Barbier was supposed to be at CYPHR’s sold-out show with his best friends. Instead, he finds himself going solo, reeling from the news that they’ve decided to accelerate the next chapter of their lives, leaving him alone the summer after high school graduation.
Meanwhile, Elias Davis has just been sent from New York City to North Carolina to live with his uncle after a last-straw fistfight. Stuck in a town he doesn’t want to be in, and without knowing a soul his own age, he buys a single ticket to CYPHR’s Raleigh show.
When a sudden blackout ends the show early, forcing these unwitting seatmates back onto the streets of Raleigh, they are faced with a choice: get on the bus and head home or take a chance on each other.
They might have arrived alone, but will they be leaving together?
Elias And Kai’s Flirting
When Kai and Elias first meet working at the bookstore, we can see the sparks flying from a mile away. Like the way Elias quietly shows concern for Kai when he cries. Or when Kai studies Elias’ face to sketch him from afar. We love the chemistry between the two main characters, especially when they playfully tease each other by way of flirting. Elias and Kai bring something new and exciting out of one another, which becomes more evident as the night draws on.
A Romantic Scavenger Hunt
We are suckers for a cute scavenger hunt, and Solo Stan has it! When CYPHR’s concert ends abruptly, he sends an announcement to his fans. The first 100 people who can figure out the secret location will be able to attend his impromptu show. Each clue also leads to exclusive access to CYPHR’s unreleased song. Kai and Elias must step out of their comfort zones, making friends and opening up in ways neither of them ever have before. They get to know each other while also working together to see their favorite artist.
The Timeline
Another thing we love about Solo Stan is how most of the events take place within a single day. We find it super exciting when books follow the one-day timeline. Elias and Kai get caught in a rainstorm. They race across town to find an unreleased record. So much can be packed into just 24 hours with the right pacing. And we were happy to read about all the misadventures in Raleigh while they wait for the bus lockers to reopen the next morning.
Bonus: Cameos!
As an extra tidbit, we were surprised to see a reappearance of the main characters in Talia Tucker’s debut novel, Rules for Rule Breaking! Bobby Bae and Winter Park are Kai’s best friends, both trying to get a head start on their college experience during the summer. While they are only present through texts and phone calls, we loved how the author incorporated them into the story.
Talia Tucker’s Solo Stan stole our hearts with an adorable scavenger hunt paired with a queer, tension-filled, and unapologetic romance!
Solo Stan by Talia Tucker comes out June 10th, and you can preorder a copy of it here!
Did you enjoy our take on Talia Tucker’s Solo Stan? Let us know on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram!
Want to hear some of our audiobook recommendations? Here’s the latest!
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT TALIA TUCKER:
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