You Can Call Me Cooper

Cali Kitsu has a delightful romp with her debut novel. Coop and Luke are two baseball players trapped in an unhappy and near toxic relationship. They’ve practically grown up together as a result of Coop’s late mother helping raise Luke at a young age. Their relationship is more out of obligation than true feelings. 

As rising star Coop is harassed by a baseball scout for his sexuality and Luke considers transitioning away from baseball to pursue a career in Law, the two end their relationship. But all is not lost, because they both find their true loves almost immediately.

After taking an internship at a law firm, Luke becomes entangled with another intern, Kory, who has been enamored with him for months.

When their Coach brings in his son, Ethan, to fill in the vacant spot on the team, He is instantly smitten with Coop. After a few stumbles, Coop and Ethan begin their own romance.

As Coop and Luke’s worlds change and evolve, it is revealed that their fathers were once secretly in a relationship before the two of them were born, but couldn’t be together due to the homophobia of the past. As secrets come to light, the door opens for these star crossed lovers to reunite in the background.

The conflicts presented are easily overcome and whirlwind love is quick to bloom, giving the narrative a cozy tone. With lots of steamy scenes that gloss over graphically detailed imagery, this is perfect for Young Adult readers who are just breaking into the Erotica genre. With all of the extravagant reverie of fanfiction, anime-inspired illustrations scattered throughout, and an overall sunny disposition, You Can Call Me Cooper is like no other.

TreVaughn Malik Roach-Carter

Fiction Editor