Reviewed by Taylin
TITLE: Calling Calling Calling Me 
AUTHOR: Natasha Washington
PUBLISHER: Self Published
LENGTH: 307 pages
RELEASE DATE: September 4, 2018
BLURB:
Patrick Mahoney has one goal in mind: get out of his native Fresno and find freedom in the rainbow and glitter-painted streets of San Francisco. As a college freshman, he’s sure he’ll finally have the chance to be himself, away from the judgmental eyes of his conservative hometown.
Josh Dirda’s never wanted to be tied down before, preferring the emotional ease of the one night stand. But when Patrick moves into the apartment that Josh shares with three friends, Josh is pulled in by Patrick’s sly wit and quietly creative spirit. As Patrick’s self-appointed tour guide, Josh can be Patrick’s introduction to the city he loves. But after a drunken Halloween hook-up crosses lines, Patrick and Josh must reckon with their true feelings—and decide whether they can let go of the ghosts from their pasts that haunt them
REVIEW:
Josh is a player – albeit a reluctant one. His concept is simple. He doesn’t want to get hurt… again. But, when Patrick honestly answers his on-line filtering questionnaire for anyone wanting to rent his spare room, he knows they will get along. What he didn’t understand was how the young man would call to him.
Patrick wants to get away from the oppressive bible community of Fresno. He wants to escape its restrictive nature, and finally be himself. San Francisco calls to him. So does everything about Josh.
Told in the third person. For the most part, the pov’s focus on Josh and Patrick, but a line or two from other characters sneak in.
Generally, the manuscript read nice, calm and logical – other times it read like the student house Josh and Patrick lived in, youthfully random. Although, there was also the odd WTF moment when an acronym was used that I didn’t recognise.
There is much to like about this book as well as some things that are on my list for room 101. I loved the friendly banter of morning insults thrown between the housemates. Many of the cast are budding actors or people interested in the arts. Suffice as to say; given the talent available, it gave me a smidgeon of a Fame for writers’ vibe – without the legwarmers.
The things that belonged on my ‘not a fan of’ list include; lip biting. I read it sooooo many times in soooooo many books that I cringe and pray for something more original from the long list of nervous reactions available. There is an abundance of X said, Y said. A little bird has hinted that this may be the latest way to do things. If it is, I’m not a fan. I’d prefer to be old-fashioned and go back to more descriptive methods. Patrick lets his eyes do a lot of things, too. Understandable as the phrase may be, autonomous body parts, even the eyes, can be frowned upon by readers and editors alike. Lastly, smirking. There is a fair amount of smirking. It is one of those words that, over the years, has expanded its meanings, and ideally, needs qualifying words around it to enhance its gist. The original translation of smirk was – evil grin.
Anyhow, back to the story.
As already said Josh is a player, but he’s a player with a heart, and I couldn’t help liking him. Patrick is drawn to the sense of adventure San Francisco has to offer. Josh seems to embody that quest. He takes Patrick on tours of the city, during which time they get to know each other. As the boys grow closer, they share confessions and experiences. Notably, the differences between growing up with freedom of identity and being raised in predominantly white Christian thou shalt not fuck another of the same sex area. Though, Patrick’s tender times between him and his mother are particularly endearing. Josh’s parents are joint smoking and totally accepting.
On the whole, the story of Josh and Patrick is a sweet one, where, that special person will help a person be their best. Yes, there is a bit of drama and shit hitting the fan moments, but the backlash doesn’t last long. This will suit those readers who don’t like long drawn out angsty chapters. I would say it has a simmering heat rating, as it includes foreplay, but actual sex is fade to the imagination. So, I guess with a heartwarming story, a reader’s enjoyment could depend on one’s rigidness to technical aspects.
RATING: 
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