Watch Sweet Buffalo every Monday at 7 p.m. on News 4 Buffalo on the CW23!

Watch Sweet Buffalo & Buddy’s Second Chance Rescue every Tuesday at 3 p.m. on Daytime Buffalo!

Tonawanda author publishes novel about two proud gay men in Buffalo

"New Year, New You," a novel based in Buffalo and focused around two proud gay men, was published April 23.

Steve Pacer of Tonawanda has always enjoyed reading, but one summer he got bored with the dark dramas and wanted a feel good “beach read” that could relax his mind and take him on a journey inside someone else’s story.

“I wanted to read something that wasn’t too in depth or serious,” he said.

However, when he was looking for these beach reads, he noticed one common theme…all the books he found were focused around rich white women. Pacer wanted something more.

“I wanted something younger – something to do with a gay character – and I couldn’t find anything. So instead of waiting around for someone else to write it, I decided to write one myself,” he said.

“New Year, New You,” a novel based in Buffalo and focused around two proud gay men, was published April 23. The book tells the story of two exes whose lives cross paths again after they haven’t spoken to each other in years, and the story of a straight older woman. A certain circumstance forces the exes to reconcile the past while dealing with everything happening in the future.

“Very unfortunate circumstances bring them together and they have to formulate a plan moving forward in terms of their relationship,” said Pacer.

Each chapter is told from three powerful perspectives with the stories intertwining. And while the novel features gay characters, Pacer says the book isn’t solely meant for gay people. “Anyone who enjoys a good drama will enjoy this story,” he said.

The character’s journey follows them to various places in Buffalo and WNY like Canalside, Niawanda Park, University at  Buffalo, and City Hall to name a few.

“Most novels feature the same cities over and over again like New York City or destination cities that people can read about in any book and I wanted to write about Buffalo because I’ve grew up here and I know how much it has to offer,” said Pacer.

A review of the book by The Novel Approach agreed. “I also loved the setting and how he basically made Buffalo another star in the book.”

Pacer said ultimately his goal in writing “New Year, New You” was to write a story which is unrepresented.

“I think I succeeded in that with my characters (two out and proud gay men) and the setting (the beautiful city of Buffalo). I hope everyone enjoys reading it and it opens their eyes to a different set of people. That someone who didn’t think they would enjoy it, enjoys it.”

“New Year, New You” is available at Barnes and Noble in the McKinley Mall and on Amazon. 

Pacer will host his first meet and greet 1 to 3 p.m. this Saturday at Barnes and Noble, 3701 McKinley Pkwy, Blasdell.

Follow Us

More Posts

Sign Up

for our “Just Great Feels!” newsletter, presented by Basil Toyota & Basil VW.

Sweet Buffalo Newsletter Signup
Sending

Follow us

Don't miss out on all the goodness happening in your community! Enter your email to receive our "Just Great Feels!" Newsletters.

Sweet Buffalo Newsletter Signup
Sending