Pictures of You

'90s Coming of Age, Book 1

By: Leta Blake

Narrated by: Michael Ferraiuolo

Peter Mandel is an 18-year-old private school senior who’s passionate about photography and bent on keeping his attractions secret. Enter Adam Algedi, a charming, worldly guy who doesn't do labels, but does want to do Peter.

Swept away on a journey of first love and intimate discovery, Peter hopes for a future where he won't have to hide his truth. But as the web of lies he and Adam weave grows relentlessly tangled, can Peter find the confidence to do the right thing? Or will his crush on Daniel, a college acquaintance, put him on a different path?

Join Peter in the first book of this critically acclaimed trilogy as he struggles to love and be loved and to grow into a man worthy of his own respect.

Leta Blake's ’90s Coming of Age series is a must-listen for fans of New Adult Romance and coming-of-age fiction.

This series by Leta Blake is an M/M New Adult Coming-of-Age Romance set in the early 1990s.

©2023 Leta Blake Books (P)2023 Leta Blake Books

Excellent coming of age story.

Heartwrenching coming of age story. This was a much darker read than I expected, but was beautifully written and narrated.

High school live.

Brought back so many memories. High school is hard for most people without being gay. Be true to yourself!

Leta is incredible. This series is beautiful.

This series is going to obliterate me. Send tissues and chocolate. Precious. Equal parts sweet and 🥵. Coming of age kills me every time and with this being set in the 90s, send prayers.

Near Perfection

There are a handful of extraordinary, beautifully told contemporary MM Romance stories and audiobooks. PICTURES OF YOU is one of them. Everything about this audiobook is near perfection. Leta Blake’s writing, and Michael’s performance are filled with emotion and nuance. I highly recommend this audiobook. After I finished listening, I was not ready to say goodbye to these characters, so I’m excited to continue the story in Book Two.

LISTEN TO THIS BOOK

This book is part of my favorite series ever. It’s so good. Listen to the entire series. It’s so emotional and well written. The characters are so perfectly flawed and written for the age they are. I can’t say enough good things. Just give it a try.

Loved Peter!

This was my first book by Leta Blake. It was on my TBR for a long time. I have no idea why I waited. I absolutely love Peter. I loved getting a glimpse into his life. This book had lots of angst & sad moments, hurting but it was so good! Loved that the book set in the 90s. As soon as I finished this one, I picked up the 2nd & 3rd book. Couldn't wait for more! Michael Ferraiuolo did an amazing job narrating!

This is the Benchmark for Every 90s Coming-of-Age Story!

5/2024 Original Review:
“I was so tired of hurting and not having what I wanted, of being punished for who I was even when I tried to do the right thing.”

This book puts you through the emotional ringer. Which, I thought I was prepared for, I mean I was TOLD that it would, I knew that it would, I just didn’t expect it to hit how it did.

The author does an amazing job on the writing style, pacing and tone that you are sucked in and just feel every moment of this story. It is told from a single POV and at times I really wanted more POV, but now that I have finished book one, I am glad that there wasn’t.

Oh, and I laughed, like belly laughed. Plus the sister, she is a B, but at this point, I kinda love her. (I am sure I will eat those words later, or maybe not, but going lay it out there now so I can revisit and smack myself later)

As of this moment, I know how I want the story to proceed but I don’t want what I think I want. Or do I? I need more info, and after letting it sit for a week I can’t wait anymore and will be starting book 2!

Oh, the narrator was so great on having the characters be so different, even in all the emotional scenes and fun scenes. There was never a question on who was saying what part. I forgot that it was a single narrator a few times. The audio is a clean production and it was easy to listen to at 2.7 speed. (Though with the emotions, I slowed this one to 1.7. Faster went through the scene too quickly and soften the emotional blow. And let’s be real, we are reading for the emotions)




4/2025: Thoughts after Re-Read

The first time I read this book last year, everything hit with fresh, raw emotion—no spoilers, just pure gut reactions as I went in completely blind. But now, picking it up a year later, everything feels the same… and somehow so much more complicated. Characters I couldn’t stand the first time? I’m seeing them differently now, and it completely shifts the tone of so many scenes.

Even knowing how this trilogy ends, this book still hits every emotion—the same ones, just deeper and more tangled. I thought I knew what to expect, but it still pulled at me in ways I didn’t see coming. The second read is a whole new beast. The feelings are all still there—stronger, even—but now they’re layered, complex, and just a little bit cruel. Like the book knows exactly where to hurt you… and still goes for it.

Wow!! emotional

This was an awesome story. the writing, the feelings. its heart wrenching and brutal but, its so good. young love isn't easy and you sure don't think you can live without your first. I never pushed pause throughout the entire story. I can't wait for books two and three. I am assured by the writer that we get a HEA in book three....

Sooo emotional!!

This book took me a bit to get through because I was sooo annoyed with a lot of the characters! It felt like watching a train wreck but I’ve been told this is the pain we have to go through and it’s worth it in the end so I’m going right into book 2 lol
The narration was amazing and you really feel ALL the emotions.

Frustrating and so emotional

I read this series 1st, and it’s a definite five star for me. But listening to the word spoken drives at home in a much more powerful way to me. Michael Ferraiuolo is just an incredible narrator. I don’t want to give things away, but this is a difficult story to listen to. I highly recommend it, but be sure that you pay attention to trigger warnings.