When COVID hits, Peter Hughes finds himself unemployed, out of shape, and living in his mother’s basement. Not where he thought he’d be in his mid-thirties.
Then he discovers Ryan’s Fabulous Fitness, a gay-forward online workout program. Peter can’t look away, and before long, he’s not only transforming his body: he’s reckoning with his sexuality, too.
Peter emerges from the pandemic newly out and totally unprepared. Nevertheless, he dives headfirst into gay life, stumbling through app-fueled hookups, steamy underwear parties, and New York’s chaotic dating scene. His renewed rite of passage gets even more complicated when romantic tensions pit Peter’s loyal college roommate against the charming fitness coach who changed everything. If he can’t choose between them, he might lose them both.
This is the debut novel from Andrew Barrow, and if you enjoy stories about self-acceptance and self-discovery, you need to immediately put this book on your list. I’ve read a lot of queer awakening books over the years, including many of the books that have made bestseller lists, but this is the kind of story that stays with me because of how relatable the main character is and how real the story feels. I loved that the protagonist is an older man coming out (he’s 31 which is very young, but it’s considered “up there” for a queer awakening), and you get to see his life realistically unfold over the course of just over a year—he experiences growth, dating disasters, self-doubt, and learns so many things about himself that help guide him toward self-acceptance. I also loved how the story authentically captures gay life (especially in NYC), the isolation and altered reality of life during the pandemic, and how people tried to connect at that time. As reading, I found it hard to believe this is a debut because the emotional depth is so strong, and you can sense the author drew from his own experiences, as parts of the story feel almost too realistic and personal. This book will appeal to a wide range of readers because of its universal themes and tropes—late-bloomer identity, found family, friends-to-lovers vibes, self-acceptance, self-discovery, emotional healing, and more!
Told in Peter’s third-person POV, you get a really interesting perspective on his emotional journey and a bird’s-eye view of the many characters who cross his path. Despite being a late bloomer, he’s very expressive and becomes increasingly self-aware. I could really feel his insecurities and anxiety—especially regarding his fitness, sexual inexperience, and initially feeling like an outsider to the gay community—but his hope and bravery really shine through.
As the story begins at the onset of the pandemic, it made me recall what the isolation of that time felt like and how we all had to find new ways to keep ourselves engaged with the outside world. For Peter, his time spent in the basement of his childhood home leads him to online workouts, and his undeniable attraction to the instructor—who later makes an appearance in the story—propels his queer awakening and the entire plot forward. Was I reading this and thinking, “How on earth does someone suddenly realize they’re gay at 31?” YES!!—but as you get to know Peter, understand his past, and see how he kept parts of himself buried for years, it really makes a lot of sense. Everyone’s journey of self-discovery and acceptance is unique. As Peter moves from reconnecting in his small hometown to his NYC reinvention, there’s a lot of authentic gay dating culture on display—real-life dating apps (and his experiences on them feel so realistic!), new friendships, and NYC events (Pride, Fire Island) and social spaces. Interspersed throughout are flashbacks to his college days involving his best friend Adam, who he has unresolved feelings for—and thinking about Adam adds emotional weight to his choices, which is authentic but sometimes frustrating to read.
The book is cleverly structured into three parts. The first two detail many months of Peter’s life as he experiences significant growth and new adventures. I took my time with the book because it was so enjoyable, and it felt like binge-watching a TV series that I didn’t want to end. There are some heated scenes that will delight spicy romance fans, but they’re written as part of Peter’s growth and self-discovery rather than for pure heat. Peter’s main romantic relationship in the book is relatable across genders, sexualities, and age groups—it starts off as a dream relationship that slowly begins to show its cracks, and eventually Peter must make some big decisions about whether he’s okay with the terms of it and what he truly wants.
In the end, he makes choices that you may not fully agree with, but you’ll appreciate that he’s honest and making sure he has no regrets—and I had to applaud him for that! The ending reminded me that this story isn’t, by any means, a romance or just a queer coming-out story. As the author puts it perfectly, “it’s a story that will resonate with people who are learning big, profound things about themselves and a celebration of being in progress—just like Peter.” You’ll root for Peter, question him, and ultimately respect how far he’s come—and you may see a lot of your own life journey reflected in what he goes through. The last chapter is especially compelling because, on a surface level, Peter comes full circle, but in reality he has evolved into a much more authentic version of himself who is finally ready to tackle the future. This book left me inspired, motivated, and totally impressed that this is a debut novel—and I think it will be the same for many!
Narrator Performance
Peter in Progress is read by award-winning narrator Michael Crouch, who’s renowned for his work in queer awakening and self-discovery stories just like this one.
At the start of the story, Crouch gives Peter a voice that sounds weighed down and uncertain. Peter has just finished his dissertation and is unemployed and isolated during the early pandemic, and Crouch’s delivery emphasizes how stuck and unhappy he feels. As Peter starts getting into fitness and questions his sexuality, Crouch subtly shifts his performance. Peter’s tone suddenly sounds more curious, and when he meets Nick in town and begins having new experiences, you can hear more excitement in his voice—especially when he relays everything to his best friend Kelly. It’s believable, and you’ll find yourself increasingly invested in Peter’s journey.
Peter’s newfound family is a major part of his growth, and Crouch’s narration does a fantastic job of bringing these characters to life distinctly and conveying how emotionally supportive they are. Notably, Nick, Danny, and Ryan are given completely different voices and energies, and Crouch makes it evident how each one affects Peter’s emotional state after each interaction—it’s very relatable, and you may find yourself reflecting on your own relationships while listening. Ryan in particular is portrayed with a confident, infectious voice that sometimes makes Peter’s insecurity surface—especially during their early interactions at Pride, where Peter’s disbelief that someone like Ryan would want to get to know him is very clear in the delivery. I found myself even more invested in Peter in these moments and completely gripped by the narration.
The dialogue between Peter and his best friend Kelly is another highlight. Their back-and-forth is narrated with such warmth, honesty, and authenticity that it really feels like listening to two people who have been in each other’s lives for years. You can hear how much Kelly wants the best for him, especially when he confides in her toward the end about making life-altering decisions.
In the final chapter, after Peter has made some tough choices but has no regrets, Crouch gives him a calmer, more self-assured voice. The delivery really conveys Peter’s growth—his life is far from sorted, but he‘s okay with his choices and is at peace with his complex relationships. You’ll be left thinking about Peter’s future afterwards and likely your own growth—the true sign of a powerful performance!
If you enjoy stories about queer awakening, self-discovery, late bloomers that are relatable across age groups, genders, and sexual orientations, and audiobooks where the narrator’s performance makes you live through the story with the protagonist, you’ll absolutely love this one!
Narrator Performance
Peter in Progress is read by award-winning narrator Michael Crouch, who’s renowned for his work in queer awakening and self-discovery stories just like this one.
At the start of the story, Crouch gives Peter a voice that sounds weighed down and uncertain. Peter has just finished his dissertation and is unemployed and isolated during the early pandemic, and Crouch’s delivery emphasizes how stuck and unhappy he feels. As Peter starts getting into fitness and questions his sexuality, Crouch subtly shifts his performance. Peter’s tone suddenly sounds more curious, and when he meets Nick in town and begins having new experiences, you can hear more excitement in his voice—especially when he relays everything to his best friend Kelly. It’s believable, and you’ll find yourself increasingly invested in Peter’s journey.
Peter’s newfound family is a major part of his growth, and Crouch’s narration does a fantastic job of bringing these characters to life distinctly and conveying how emotionally supportive they are. Notably, Nick, Danny, and Ryan are given completely different voices and energies, and Crouch makes it evident how each one affects Peter’s emotional state after each interaction—it’s very relatable, and you may find yourself reflecting on your own relationships while listening. Ryan in particular is portrayed with a confident, infectious voice that sometimes makes Peter’s insecurity surface—especially during their early interactions at Pride, where Peter’s disbelief that someone like Ryan would want to get to know him is very clear in the delivery. I found myself even more invested in Peter in these moments and completely gripped by the narration.
The dialogue between Peter and his best friend Kelly is another highlight. Their back-and-forth is narrated with such warmth, honesty, and authenticity that it really feels like listening to two people who have been in each other’s lives for years. You can hear how much Kelly wants the best for him, especially when he confides in her toward the end about making life-altering decisions.
In the final chapter, after Peter has made some tough choices but has no regrets, Crouch gives him a calmer, more self-assured voice. The delivery really conveys Peter’s growth—his life is far from sorted, but he‘s okay with his choices and is at peace with his complex relationships. You’ll be left thinking about Peter’s future afterwards and likely your own growth—the true sign of a powerful performance!
If you enjoy stories about queer awakening, self-discovery, late bloomers that are relatable across age groups, genders, and sexual orientations, and audiobooks where the narrator’s performance makes you live through the story with the protagonist, you’ll absolutely love this one!
Peter in Progress is read by award-winning narrator Michael Crouch, who’s renowned for his work in queer awakening and self-discovery stories just like this one.
At the start of the story, Crouch gives Peter a voice that sounds weighed down and uncertain. Peter has just finished his dissertation and is unemployed and isolated during the early pandemic, and Crouch’s delivery emphasizes how stuck and unhappy he feels. As Peter starts getting into fitness and questions his sexuality, Crouch subtly shifts his performance. Peter’s tone suddenly sounds more curious, and when he meets Nick in town and begins having new experiences, you can hear more excitement in his voice—especially when he relays everything to his best friend Kelly. It’s believable, and you’ll find yourself increasingly invested in Peter’s journey.
Peter’s newfound family is a major part of his growth, and Crouch’s narration does a fantastic job of bringing these characters to life distinctly and conveying how emotionally supportive they are. Notably, Nick, Danny, and Ryan are given completely different voices and energies, and Crouch makes it evident how each one affects Peter’s emotional state after each interaction—it’s very relatable, and you may find yourself reflecting on your own relationships while listening. Ryan in particular is portrayed with a confident, infectious voice that sometimes makes Peter’s insecurity surface—especially during their early interactions at Pride, where Peter’s disbelief that someone like Ryan would want to get to know him is very clear in the delivery. I found myself even more invested in Peter in these moments and completely gripped by the narration.
The dialogue between Peter and his best friend Kelly is another highlight. Their back-and-forth is narrated with such warmth, honesty, and authenticity that it really feels like listening to two people who have been in each other’s lives for years. You can hear how much Kelly wants the best for him, especially when he confides in her toward the end about making life-altering decisions.
In the final chapter, after Peter has made some tough choices but has no regrets, Crouch gives him a calmer, more self-assured voice. The delivery really conveys Peter’s growth—his life is far from sorted, but he‘s okay with his choices and is at peace with his complex relationships. You’ll be left thinking about Peter’s future afterwards and likely your own growth—the true sign of a powerful performance!
If you enjoy stories about queer awakening, self-discovery, late bloomers that are relatable across age groups, genders, and sexual orientations, and audiobooks where the narrator’s performance makes you live through the story with the protagonist, you’ll absolutely love this one!
