Becoming Us by Anah Crow and Dianne Fox is a homoerotic contemporary romance.

Zac and Bryce have been team mates and best friends since they started college, but last year things became strained. When Zac and Perry, their friend, came out and admitted they were gay in the back-to-school issue of Game On, it left Bryce feeling unsettled and sad about being left out on such an important part of Zac's life. Finally at a party Zac and Bryce begin to talk about what happened last year, and Zac begins to realize that Bryce has deep feelings of anxiety about how Zac's being gay will affect their relationship. It doesn't help when Bryce's father calls reminding him about what his priorities are and that he should move away from his friends who are gay. Bryce is torn between his love for his friends and what may happen if he doesn't do what his father recommended. Zac and Bryce's relationship has always been very physical in a friendship kind of way, and Zac doesn't want to loose that. To his delight, Bryce kisses Zac leaving him hope until Bryce freaks out. Will Zac's dream of a relationship with Bryce ever happen? Can Bryce overcome the years of gay bashing he grew up with? Can Zac and Bryce overcome the obstacles to their budding feelings?

Ms. Crow and Ms. Fox have created a wonderful story about the difficulties one man had to overcome to realize his dream, a love for all time. Bryce's father unfortunately described how homophobia can damage how their children are affected by their parents attitudes. Bryce's conflicted feelings were terrible to watch, but Zac's acceptance and love may just be what he needs to accept his hidden feelings. I loved how Zac was willing to allow Bryce the time and understanding to find his way into a new world. Zac and Bryce have to learn to trust in their love and friendship as the world threatens to separate them forever. Thanks go to Ms. Crow and Ms. Fox for an inspiring story.

Reviewed by: Teresa