Cubs & Campfires: a review

I have a confession: I've never been much of a fiction reader. Romance novels? Even less so. But Cubs & Campfires by Dylan Drakes changed all that with one cheeky scene involving a jockstrap and an old wooden desk.

Here's the thing about being a gay Bear - we rarely see ourselves represented in literature. Most romance novels feature perfectly sculpted bodies and conventional beauty standards. But Dylan Drakes gives us something different: a story where thick, hairy men take centre stage.

Cubs & Campfires, copyright © 2024 Dylan Drakes

The novel follows Luca Torres, a loveable furry cub who takes a job as a fire lookout to honour an awkward vow of celibacy (don't ask). His plans for a quiet summer go wonderfully wrong when he meets Artair Osmond, a husky, bearded bear with a guitar and a tendency to camp nearby. What unfolds is a tender romance that had me grinning into my morning coffee.

What makes this book special isn't just the representation—though seeing characters who look like us is refreshing. Dylan creates a world where being gay isn't a source of conflict. There's no drama surrounding coming out, no family rejection, and no workplace discrimination. Instead, we experience pure escapism - a gentle romance in which the biggest concern is whether Luca will choose his career or follow his heart.

The writing is vivid and immersive. Every scene feels alive, from the scent of pine needles to the crackle of campfires. And when things heat up between Luca and Artair? Let's just say you might want to avoid wearing sweatpants.

Cubs & Campfires is the first book in Dylan's Sweet and Stocky series, and I'm already looking forward to more. If you're looking for a summer romance that celebrates Bears and Cubs in all their furry glory, this one's for you. And who knows? Maybe, like me, you'll discover that romance novels aren't so bad after all - especially when they feature characters who look like us.

Cubs & Campfires is available in paperback (£11.70) and eBook (£3.99).