★★★★★
KT Salvo’s Idol Minds rises above the steamy gay romance genre with its complex characters, open communication, and healing narrative.
This debut novel from the talented queer romance author caught me by surprise. I expected nothing more than a collection of sizzling intimate encounters between a group of attractive gay men. But Salvo exceeded my expectations with a story that focuses just as much, if not more, on the relationship between the two main characters, Jason and Tae Hyun. Both men are damaged, but both are also redeemable. They stand at a crossroads in their lives and careers, and neither seems ready for a serious commitment.
Salvo has written each character with care and attention, imbuing them with depth and nuance. Jason is a swoon-worthy bad boy, while Tae Hyun is straightforward to a fault. Watching their layers unfold is a true joy. Salvo’s love also extends to the secondary characters, with no one-dimensional personas among the major players, including the several well-written women in the main characters’ lives.
Set against the high-fantasy worlds of Hollywood and K-pop, Idol Minds follows the traditional romance formula. They meet, fight, fuck, fall for each other, and so on. But Salvo deviates from the norm by leaving out some of the more frequently-used gay romance tropes in favor of communication and healing. This is most evident in how Jason and Tae Hyun pause to talk during their steamy encounters, checking in with each other, offering support, and ensuring enthusiastic consent is given. Salvo even includes a few meta-moments, openly poking fun at BL and K-drama tropes with a winking nod.
Be warned, things move swiftly between Jason and Tae Hyun, so if you’re looking for a slow burn, you’ll have to look elsewhere. But if you’re looking for a sizzling gay romance with heart and depth, look no further than KT Salvo’s Idol Minds.
This book contains brief descriptions of mild physical violence and mentions of homophobia, racism, emotional abuse, abusive parents, and teen suicide.