Reviewed by Lesley
TITLE: The Only Farang In Town
AUTHOR: Greg Lindeblom
PUBLISHER: Self Published
LENGTH: 290 Pages
RELEASE DATE: May 28, 2025
BLURB:
Love is the role of a lifetime
This captivating romance, perfect for viewers of the latest season of The White Lotus, drops a handsome fish out of water into the vibrant backdrop of Thailand’s entertainment industry.
When American software engineer Chris Eriksen trades corporate politics for a Thai adventure, he never expects to fall for First Amonsak, one of Thailand’s most beloved TV stars. Their whirlwind romance faces not just the usual challenges of cross-cultural relationships, but the unique pressures of First’s career in Thailand’s booming “Boys’ Love” drama industry, where his on-screen romance with his straight co-star has captivated a rabid and insatiable fanbase.
For First, choosing to love openly means risking his career and disappointing thousands of devoted fans who believe in his scripted romance. For Chris, it means opening his commitment-phobic heart not just to love, but to uprooting his entire life. When their relationship sparks a social media firestorm that leads to a shocking act of violence, both men must decide what they’re willing to sacrifice for love. Can Chris overcome his fears of commitment and build a life split between two cultures? Can First break free from the artificial world of staged romance to embrace real love?
From the bustling streets of Bangkok to the ancient temples of Lopburi, where mischievous monkeys and destiny intervene, The Only Farang in Town is a heartwarming tale about finding love in unexpected places and having the courage to fight for it. Perfect for fans of Crazy Rich Asians and anyone who believes that true love is worth risking everything for, this novel offers a unique glimpse into Thailand’s contemporary entertainment scene while delivering a universal message about choosing authentic love in a world obsessed with created fantasies.
REVIEW:
This is a really good debut novel from Greg Lindeblom and definitely one of my top ten books of the year.
It’s set against the backdrop of Bangkok and its Boy Love (BL) drama scene. In Asia the BL scene is not seedy as you would think of in Europe in America. They are teenage TV/ film dramas aimed at teenage girls. This book is a really interesting look at how the TV industry can exploit it’s artists.
Chris is a disillusioned software engineer from the USA who gives up his job to take a 3 month trip around Thailand to try and decide what he wants to do next. On his first day a handsome chap wakes him up as he has fallen asleep at the table when he sits down to eat his dinner. This handsome chap is First a very famous BL star. The problem with being a BL star in Thailand is that, encouraged by the TV companies, the teenage girls really believe you are in love with and in a relationship with your on screen boyfriend, in real life.
First has wanted to be an actor his whole life. Whilst being a BL star forever is not how he sees his future career what will happen to his career if First wants a real relationship now? How will the talent agency and his fans react? How will his co-star react?
You would not know it’s the authors first book. It is written in a really fluid, not overly flowery, confident manner. He brought the scenes alive in my mind as if I was watching a movie, which I love and I personally think is the sign of a good writer.
This book will appeal to all lovers of romance novels because it’s a gentle, sweet love story where the characters just happen to both be male. It relies on good writing to hold the reader’s attention, rather than raunchy scenes or major dramas. It tells a story from start to finish with no unnecessary dramas and twists but enough events to keep you entranced.
I look forward to reading what Mr Lindeblom comes up with next.
RATING: 
BUY LINKS:
