CALLING CALLING CALLING ME by NATASHA WASHINGTON

“You know you that you don’t have to save me…..it’s not your job to save me.”
“I know.”

Patrick and Josh’s story in Calling Calling Calling Me, the new adult MM romance by Natasha Washington, was beautifully sweet and so incredibly engaging, we easily became swept up in their romance, with these two boys and their friends winning us over completely.

‘That’s what the rainbows mean. We’re all part of this rainbow and sometimes we’re different colors depending on the day.’

Patrick Mahoney is eighteen, in the process of moving from Fresno to San Francisco to attend college. Patrick leaves behind painful memories of a place that wouldn’t accept him for being gay, where his high school years were traumatic, to say the least. Bullied, taunted, ostracised and made to feel a freak, Patrick needs a new start, to leave the memories behind.

Patrick’s parents protected him, resorting to homeschooling Patrick to shield him from the bullies. It was so dreadfully sad to hear Patrick’s story and devastating to think of those who suffer this treatment in real life. Thank God he had his parents in his corner.

‘Patrick was out of this world, originating from some crazy fairy planet where all the boys were beautiful and had delicate wrists and smiled with their eyes.’

Patrick answers an ad to be a 4^th roommate and meets Josh, Kai, and Freddy, three boys who share his love of the arts, writing, theatre, and music. His mum has concerns, mostly of letting her boy go, but Patrick feels as though he’s met kindred spirits and desperately wants to move in, convincing his Mum it’s the right place for him. His mum relents after the boys meet her and win her over. In San Francisco, Patrick feels as though he can finally breathe and be who he really is.

Patrick is immediately enamoured by twenty one year old Josh Dirda, who is the world wise and popular to Patrick’s innocence and awkwardness. Josh is as equally drawn to the quiet vulnerable Patrick and they soon strike up a friendship, which beautifully develops into more.

‘Josh belonged to everybody, and people who belonged to everybody? They could never be yours.’

This is very much a story of self-discovery, growth, and acceptance, and it’s a joy to see the troubled and lonely Patrick find the acceptance he’s so desperately wanted all his life. The relationship between Josh and Patrick felt organic, natural and never forced, and was a delight to witness.

The relationships between both boys and their families were incredibly heart-warming, especially their mother’s. Patrick’s mum had the hard task of letting her vulnerable boy head out into the big wide world, yet Pat always knew her support was unwavering and her love absolute.

‘That was what Patrick’s mom was to him – his safe place when nothing else was.’

If you’re after a story that will captivate you and warm your heart, please meet Patrick, Josh and their artsy group of friends who’ll charm you with their wit, fun, sweetness, and love.