While this is a M/M novel it is not a romance in per se. It's about growing up, transitioning from a child to an adult in the eyes of your family and yourself. Michael comes across as immature to me much of the first two-thirds of the book. He's slipped into the role his family has created for him and he is once again a 10-year-old. With all the juvenile behavior that goes with being 10. Traveling to an unexpected family funeral he is faced with mortality, bigotry, his own selfishness and is trying to deal with all the emotions of losing someone he loved deeply. Someone who saw him, not who they wanted him to be. Facing his father's indifference and being able to speak of a need for recognition and acceptance was his first step. Watching him grow emotionally enough to face his mother with strength and grace while keeping his stance that he is not in a "phase" was amazing. He begins to see his siblings as more as well. They are people with needs and pain of their own. He also has to deal with the fact that a childhood friend has been waiting for a chance at a relationship that is more than friendship.
Dan is by far my favorite character. He loves Michael in the deepest sense of the word. He will do anything to protect him and see him happy. He's knocked off-kilter by the emotional wreck that Michael becomes. When Michael shuts him out emotionally their relationship becomes strained. Michael sees that it is his own doing that is causing the pain around him and he draws further into himself. Dan finally drags him away from the turmoil and demands that Michael open up to him. He promises to be with him every step, every moment, to be his strength and protection. This is Dan and it comes across again and again throughout the book.
While there are plenty of spicy moments, sex isn't the catalyst for the plot.