Matt Cain Books in Order
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Here are all of Matt Cain’s books in publication order.
Photo by Nicolas Hoizey on Unsplash
Originating from Bury and growing up in Bolton, Matt Cain is a fantastic writer and commentator on LGBTQ+ issues.
He has worked for ITV, Channel 4, and was previously Editor-in-Chief of Attitude magazine between 2016 and 2018. Queer stories have long been the subject of his work, having produced programmes about Freddie Mercury and Ian McKellen during his time at Channel 4.
Despite this, Matt’s third book The Madonna of Bolton struggled to find a publisher, receiving more than 30 rejections due to its LGBTQ+ themes. Instead the book was crowdfunded using Unbound, and became the company’s quickest ever funded title, having reached its target in just 7 days.
Since then Matt has written a number of romance books, with his latest, The Castle of Stories, published by his brand new company: Pansy.
Here are all of Matt Cain’s books in order.
Shot Through the Heart
Synopsis:
“The Silver Screen had never shone as bright… Mia Sinclair is the First Lady of Love, a beautiful film goddess known across the globe for her romantic roles. But in reality life does not imitate art and love is not as easily found in the real world as it is in the movies.
Leo Henderson is the Brit living in L.A, loving the lifestyle and photographing the stars - mostly when they least want to be photographed.
When Mia meets Leo, the sparks fly. But is dating a paparazzi the biggest mistake of her life? And how will she cope when Leo becomes jealous of her friendship with co-star Billy Spencer, the hottest actor in town but a man hiding a secret he's worried could destroy his career?
Shot through the Heart is Matt Cain's debut novel, a Hollywood tale of romance, heartbreak and the lengths some will go to maintain that unblemished movie star image.”
Nothing But Trouble
Synopsis:
“Lola Grant is the hottest pop star in Britain and she’s about to go global. But behind the music, her addiction to bad boys is taking her personal life in a dangerous direction. When it comes to men, Lola just can’t stay away from trouble – and her self-control is pushed to the limit when she meets her handsome new drummer Jake Hunter.
Looking out for Lola is her best friend and manager Harvey Sparks. But Harvey’s fighting his own demons and can only watch from the sidelines as the star he helped create begins to fall. When Lola seeks comfort in a life of wild partying, she meets good-hearted showbiz reporter Freddy Jones, a man who may just be able to offer her a way out.
But as she starts rehearsals for her Trouble tour, Lola finds herself faced with a new threat, one much bigger than anything she’s ever experienced. And unless someone can get through to her before opening night, she’s in danger of losing everything she fought so hard for – in full view of the whole world.”
The Madonna of Bolton
Synopsis:
“Charlie Matthews’ love story begins in a pebble-dashed house in suburban Bolton, at a time when most little boys want to grow up to be Michael Jackson, and girls want to be Princess Di. Remembering the Green Cross Code and getting out of football are the most important things in his life, until Auntie Jan gives him a gift that will last a lifetime: a seven-inch single called ‘Lucky Star’...
On his ninth birthday, Charlie discovers Madonna, and falls in love. His obsession sees him through some tough times in life: being persecuted at school, fitting in at a posh university, a glamorous career in London, finding boyfriends, getting rid of boyfriends, and family heartbreak. Madonna’s music and videos inspire him, and her fierce determination to succeed gives him the confidence to do the same. Ultimately, though, he must learn to let go of his idol and find his own voice.
Charlie’s story is Billy Elliot meets Beautiful Thing wearing a conical bra – a story for anyone who ever sang their heart out, looked for love and dreamed of more…”
The Secret Life of Albert Entwistle
Synopsis:
“Albert Entwistle was a postman. It was one of the few things everyone knew about him. And it was one of the few things he was comfortable with people knowing.
64-year-old Albert Entwistle has been a postie in a quiet town in Northern England for all his life, living alone since the death of his mam 18 years ago. He keeps himself to himself. He always has. But he's just learned he'll be forced to retire at his next birthday.
With no friends and nothing to look forward to, the lonely future he faces terrifies him. He realises it's finally time to be honest about who he is. He must learn to ask for what he wants. And he must find the courage to look for George, the man that, many years ago, he lost - but has never forgotten…
Join Albert as he sets out to find the long-lost love of his life, and has an unforgettable and completely life-affirming adventure on the way ... This is a love story the like of which you have never read before!”
Synopsis:
“Ted Ainsworth has always worked at his family's ice-cream business in the quiet Lancashire town of St Luke's-on-Sea.
But the truth is, he's never wanted to work for the family firm - he doesn't even like ice-cream, though he's never told his parents that. When Ted's husband suddenly leaves him, the bottom falls out of his world.
But what if this could be an opportunity to put what he wants first? This could be the chance to finally follow his secret dream: something Ted has never told anyone...”
Synopsis:
“Toddington FC defender Tom Horrocks is never happier than when he's on the football pitch, but when it comes to love, he's hiding a big secret. Worried about his young daughter and sick father - and with his team finally in the Premier League - he avoids all media.
Journalist Cosmo Roberts wants to change the world, so is angry when he's sent to a quiet northern town to cover a sport he sees as anti-gay. Then something about Tom catches his eye.
Cosmo hates football. Tom hates journalists.
Perhaps this time they've both met their match.”
One Love
Synopsis:
“2002
Danny arrives at Manchester University determined not to hide from the world any longer. This is the year his life will begin.
He locks eyes with a handsome stranger across the hall at the Freshers' Fair. It starts with a wink and soon Danny and Guy are best friends.
2022
Now, both single for the first time in years, Danny and Guy return to the confetti-covered streets of the Gay Village for Manchester Pride.
After years of shared adventures and lost dreams, Danny finally plans to share the secret he has been keeping for two decades. He has always been in love with Guy.
Could this weekend be the end of a twenty-year friendship… or the start of something new and even more beautiful?”
The Castle of Stories
I read an early copy of this book and absolutely loved it! The prose will whisk you away to rural Tuscany, and I really enjoyed the mystery surrounding the fictional farmhouse and castle.
Synopsis:
“Stories don't always unfold the way you expect them to...
When 45-year-old Adam inherits a rundown farmhouse and castle in Tuscany from a great uncle he didn't know existed, he quits his job in Manchester to renovate the property. He's thrilled his boyfriend of two years, newly divorced and out-of-the-closet Theo, is joining him. But at the last minute, Theo's children have to come too. And they're hostile to Adam, immune to the beauty of the rural location - and scared of the resident lizards.
As Adam explores the crumbling walls of the castle and sorts through his uncle's possessions, he discovers some dark family secrets. But could they finally allow him to break free from the pain of the past, start building a new family and open up a life of queer joy?”