Felicity Snow’s Until You is an age gap MM romance that dives deep into themes of redemption, found family, and healing. The story centers on Paul, a grieving father haunted by the loss of his son and his perceived role in it, and Charlie, a spirited but vulnerable young man who has spent his life surviving abuse and rejection. Their connection forms an unconventional love story that is as tender as it is intense.

Snow skillfully balances a variety of romance tropes—hurt/comfort, age gap, and sexual awakening—creating a narrative that’s heartfelt and sweet. The relationship between Paul and Charlie is the story’s anchor, with Paul’s protective instincts and Charlie’s yearning for safety and acceptance forging a believable bond. Snow’s writing excels in capturing the quiet moments of care and kindness that help these two damaged souls begin to heal.

Charlie’s sass and resilience bring a much needed lightness to the story, while Paul’s internal struggles with his grief, guilt, and unexpected attraction to Charlie add emotional complexity. Their evolving dynamic feels genuine, despite their vast differences in age and experience.

However, the reasoning behind Paul’s son’s death and his role in it casts a shadow over the story. While it’s clear this backstory is meant to underscore Paul’s anguish and need for redemption, the way it’s presented doesn’t fully sit right. The circumstances feel unnecessarily sensationalized, which risks undermining the authenticity of Paul’s character. For me, it left a lingering discomfort that detracted from my overall enjoyment of the story.

That said, the novel does excel in exploring heavier themes with care, including parental homophobia, religious trauma, and abuse, while still providing a hopeful and healing conclusion. Snow handles Charlie’s backstory with sensitivity, showing the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of love and acceptance.

Ultimately, Until You is a sweet and emotional read with compelling moments of connection and healing. Despite some missteps in the execution of Paul’s backstory, the romance between Paul and Charlie will appeal to fans of hurt/comfort and age gap romances looking for a steamy, heartfelt journey.