WOW!!, where to begin. An honest review. (some spoilers)
Straight!? has several descriptions but I think the most accurate one is "emotional rollercoaster" and even that one is an understatement!
The story pulls you into a world that anyone of any age can relate to. It allows you to play on the naughty side but gives you the option to rewind and make different choices. Either way, by the end of the story you'll find the choices you make will affect the main characters in a profound way just as they would in real life.
It is so well written and intricately detailed that you find yourself connecting and feeling all the emotions as if they were your own. You make choices that guide Zach while completely understanding his thought process and struggles. You'll see him and Braden slowly realize their fears, insecurities and the inner torture it causes them and how it affects them to their very core. They explore unknown feelings and question themselves along the way as they begin to fall in love without knowing or realizing it and it slowly tears them apart. Much like real life it is a messy cluster of happiness, sorrow, self hatred, self understanding, self realization and finally self acceptance.
This story goes far beyond the standard "Gay guy falls for questioning straight guy" storyline. You'll get to see what its like from both Zach and Braden's story and how they internally navigate and rationalize this messy thing called life.
The story also involves abuse and forgiveness on a level that will shock you with disbelief. I won't describe it because its a major spoiler but it will have you understanding what you think is a small harmless action can drive someone to make cold and calculated decisions. It shows you that the most innocent person only allows you to see what they want you to see. The hidden manipulation for a "controlled experiment" is truly impressive. The hidden guilt and betrayal they both feel afterward show how they cope with their feelings and how it prevented self healing and growing stronger together. They ultimately understand and forgive each other.
Along the way you'll meet other characters that you can't help but truly appreciate and come to love. Especially Max (aka Ash), he starts off very annoying but his character gives you a very deceiving impression of who he is. The old phrase "never judge a book by its cover" can strongly be applied here. He will keep you laughing and is probably the weirdest and funniest person in the story. He's great at masterminding situations, finding loop holes and truly cares about the people he loves. He's far from the impulsive idiot he projects himself to be. Nothing can stop him when he has a plan in motion. Everyone should have a friend like him.
In addition to learning about the 2 main characters in great detail you also delve into the supporting characters and learn all about them and their troubles. You'll learn how they feel and cope and ultimately deal with life.
Over the course of the story there's plenty of hot explicit scenes to help guide and entertaining situations to have fun with. Not only do you feel all the feels but you also learn a lot about how peoples minds work, what leads people into making decisions and also how those decisions can shape and mold them into the person they are. It also shows what happens to someone without any support or someone to confide in. You can't help but to fall in love with the characters and be completely invested in their well being and seeing what's in store for them.
Some scenes are heart wrenching to watch and will have you crying. There's so much drama with twist and turns and revelations that I couldn't keep up with it. I found myself enthralled and on the edge of my seat that everything around me disappears and my only focus is hoping Zach and Braden can find a happy ending. Just when you think it's over for them and you're left crying, you get a glimpse of hope.
I'll stop here to avoid a spoiler
I highly recommend this story but be warned you will hurt, cry, be shocked and be overwhelmed with a wide range of emotions. It's a complex yet relatable story and superbly written. It might seem to drag on at some points but you must keep reading, everything you read will teach you so much about yourself and other people you might not understand and how offering a little support can change someone's life.
Thank you to the creator/s and all involved for this story. You've essentially created a blue print to teach people how to understand a variety of things and provide support for others while allowing people who identify with Zach and Braden to understand and themselves and lessen the guilt and torment they feel.
This is truly an impressive and entertaining story!!