Major Book Themes are:
Identity & Self-Acceptance
Internal Conflict
Breaking Social Norms
Parenting & Acceptance
Wisdom through Meditation
Advance Reader Copy available November 1, 2025
Douglas Bell’s debut novel, Cakewalk – 2nd Edition is a powerful exploration of identity, love, and the courage to live truthfully.
Set in 2015 Houston during the controversy surrounding the HERO Bill—the city’s failed attempt to protect LGBTQ+ rights—Bryan Hicks appears to have everything: a prestigious VP role, a luxury lifestyle, and the respect of his family. But behind the success lies a secret. Bryan is in a relationship with Nadia, a transgender woman. Though he loves her, fear and shame keep him silent. He fought the larger question of being a part of the LGBTQ+ community because he saw no one like him.
As his secrecy eats away at him, Bryan’s professional life begins to unravel. Meditation becomes his refuge, guiding him toward uncomfortable but necessary truths. He begins to question who he is, what he stands for, and the cost of living a divided life.
Through loss, confession, and self-discovery, Bryan’s journey to self-acceptance opens the door to a deeper truth: community begins with courage.
Because in the end, Bryan learns that loving and living authentically is no Cakewalk—but it’s the only way to be free.
“Bell describes a very nuanced struggle that as a cis man WE don't understand. The growth of a queer relationship, between two people and also their friends and family. Bell shows empathy in both the highs and lows as Bryan and Nadia navigate life together. I could tell that Bell did his research in the community and I learned helpful things that also make me more aware and can be a better ally in the community.” – Goodreads Reviewer
Advance Reader Copy available November 1, 2025
Douglas Bell’s debut novel, Cakewalk – 2nd Edition is a powerful exploration of identity, love, and the courage to live truthfully.
Set in 2015 Houston during the controversy surrounding the HERO Bill—the city’s failed attempt to protect LGBTQ+ rights—Bryan Hicks appears to have everything: a prestigious VP role, a luxury lifestyle, and the respect of his family. But behind the success lies a secret. Bryan is in a relationship with Nadia, a transgender woman. Though he loves her, fear and shame keep him silent. He fought the larger question of being a part of the LGBTQ+ community because he saw no one like him.
As his secrecy eats away at him, Bryan’s professional life begins to unravel. Meditation becomes his refuge, guiding him toward uncomfortable but necessary truths. He begins to question who he is, what he stands for, and the cost of living a divided life.
Through loss, confession, and self-discovery, Bryan’s journey to self-acceptance opens the door to a deeper truth: community begins with courage.
Because in the end, Bryan learns that loving and living authentically is no Cakewalk—but it’s the only way to be free.
“Bell describes a very nuanced struggle that as a cis man WE don't understand. The growth of a queer relationship, between two people and also their friends and family. Bell shows empathy in both the highs and lows as Bryan and Nadia navigate life together. I could tell that Bell did his research in the community and I learned helpful things that also make me more aware and can be a better ally in the community.” – Goodreads Reviewer
Identity & Self-Acceptance
Internal Conflict
Breaking Social Norms
Parenting & Acceptance
Wisdom through Meditation
