John Inman’s Greatest Hits

Title: John Inman: Greatest Hits

Series: Dreamspinner Press Bundles

Author: John Inman

Genre: Various – Contemporary, Murder Mystery, Paranormal

Length: Novella bundle (978 pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (25 Sept 2015)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖💖 5 Hearts

Blurb: Hit author John Inman presents five novels of romance, from tongue in cheek to seriously chic

—Shy: Funny what a couple of guys can accomplish when they’re crazy about each other. Not even nine hundred chickens can stand in the way of true love.

—Loving Hector: Hector’s evil ex is dead set on holding on—even if it means kidnapping Hector to keep him from Dill forever! Now Dill has to pull an army together to rescue Hector, and just where the hell is he supposed to find an army? Gads, if only Dill could write books this interesting!

—Hobbled: Danny had plans to come out this summer—maybe even get laid! He doesn’t have time for ankle monitors and serial killers! Then ginger-haired Luke Jamison moves in next door. Gee. If Danny can survive it, this summer might not be so bad after all.

—Serenading Stanley: Welcome to the Belladonna Arms, a rundown little apartment building perched atop a hill in downtown San Diego, home to the city’s lost and lovelorn. While Roger tries to batter down Stanley’s defenses, Stanley turns to his new neighbors to learn about love.

—Spirit: Toss a murder, a hot young stud, an unexpected love affair, and a spooky-ass ghost with a weird sense of humor into Jason’s summer plans, and you’ve got the makings for one hell of a ride.

ISBN: 978-1-63476-719-4

Product Link: Dreamspinner | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Prime

Review: This is the best hits collection bundle for John Inman and I have to say, this is truly a collection of brilliant book from an assortment of genres. I’ve read maybe one or two other John Inman books but to be quite honest, these ones have completely blown me away. I’ve rated this overall 5 out 5 – however, I am just going to make note that I also rate all of the featured novellas 5 as well.

All these stories are in the first person but brilliantly written – not once did I wonder what the other MC was thinking while reading all of these stories. The bonus is that they are all set in San Diego and I absolutely adore that city!

There are 5 stories featured, which are as follows:

Shy: 💖💖💖💖💖 5 Hearts

The story is told by Tom – he is a mild mannered banker with a debilitating case of shyness. At an ex’s part he meets Frank – who also shares the same social anxiety. What ensues is a comedy of errors as the two guys overcome their anxiety and get to know each other.

This is funny and irreverent. The guys share a wonderful attraction which is over and above their shared disorder. Throw in a hilarious Chihuahua with a mind of its own and you got the start of a great relationship. Both Tom and Frank some bad apples in their lives but they can overcome any obstacle. I had kind of guessed the ending – at least part of it – but it is a tad gruesome and had me thinking of the TV show Deadwood. (Any fan of Deadwood will know what I mean when I say pigs!).

Loving Hector: 💖💖💖💖💖 5 Hearts

The person telling this story is Dillard Brown – he has a nutty family including a mother who insists he’s straight and a grandfather whose sexuality seems to be fluid. He finds a stray dog – which he saves – and affectionately names it Chester while he half heartedly tries to track down the owner. Then enter, Hector, owner of said dog and actually made a brief (albeit nameless) appearance before the dog came onto the scene!

This book is nothing short of hilarious. Chester is on one escapade to another and quickly attaches himself to Dill after being returned to Hector. Dill and Hector’s relationship is nothing but bumpy but the attraction between the guys and their personalities – they are made for each other (quite literally). Then there are the minor characters, Dill’s boss’s and his grandfather take the prize for hilarity while his parents are simply nutty. His mother is completely adorable even if she is in her own little world.  Then there is Hector’s ex (Valdemaro, though I kept thinking Voldemorte), the only thing not funny about this book: it was a good storyline though and brought the characters together wonderfully.

Hobbled: 💖💖💖💖💖 5 Hearts

This is basically Rear Window re-told (which had been re-told as the movie Disturbia, too) with two young nineteen year old gay guys who happen to be developing a romantic relationship on the side. The narrator is Danny – he had something of a tantrum at work and now has not only a cast one leg from the incident but he also has a police ankle device from the judge after his ex-boss pressed charges.

So we have a bored teenager alone because his father has to go away for work and there are reports of a serial killer on the rampage after young guys. I don’t want to give away the back story because I think the whole “Rear Window” thing is a big give away. When a new neighbour moves in and Danny meets with some precocious young boys the drama and the mystery escalates rapidly. I will admit that it took me some time to figure things out but I will admit the side story with Danny’s father I had figured out as soon as the first clue was handed out.

Luke and Danny are really sweet together and their story is a great ride!

Serenading Stanley: 💖💖💖💖💖 5 Hearts

This is book 1 of John Inman’s series Belladonna Arms and after reading Serenading Stanley I definitely want to (need to) read the rest of the series. Shy archaeology student, Stanley, moves into the fairly cheap Belladonna Arms so that he could be closer to uni (against the wishes of his mother who lives in the city). There he meets the hot and newly graduated nurse, Roger. Stanley is very reticent when it comes to Roger’s advances and so Roger has no choice but to woo the man.

This is another funny story (though still did not laugh as much as I did in Shy and Loving Hector). Besides Stanley and Roger, there are a whole host of quirky characters including transgender, transvestite queens, and just a few oddball gay men that all call the Belladonna Arms home. This is a lot of fun and very sexy.

Spirit:💖💖💖💖💖 5 Hearts

Time for a bit of a spooky story! Again, this is another book where I had elements of the story figured out where it comes to the ghost. I don’t want to go into too much details because it is a really interesting story that you will enjoy – even if, like me, you have figured out some of the major parts of the big picture, the smaller details are really great.

The story is told from the POV of Jason, who has been left as the carer of his nephew, Timmy, for a month while his sister and her less than stellar boyfriend go off on a holiday. Immediately Timmy starts talking about the man in the walls of his uncle’s house. Then Jason runs into the brother of his sister’s ex-husband, Sam. Sam and his family have not seen Timmy since his brother disappeared. That is where the true mystery starts. It also helps that there was a definite spark of attraction the moment that the two guys met.

There is some drama, romance, mystery, some of the hysterical one liners that I now come to expect with John’s writing and add into that a dash of horror. This is one spectacularly spooky story! It is so damn creepy that I love it!

Words by John Inman

John Inman - Words 3d CoverTitle: Words

Author: John Inman

Genre: Contemporary, Mystery

Length: Novel (210 Pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (June 12, 2018)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖💖 5 Hearts

Blurb: The world of writers, readers, and reviewers is a close-knit family of friends, fans, and fiction fanatics. That’s the world Milo Cook and Logan Hunter reside in—thriving on the give and take of creativity, the sharing of stories and ideas, and forever glorying in their boundless love of books and the words that make them breathe.

But sometimes words can cut too deep. And when they do, there is inevitably a price to pay.

What begins for Milo and Logan as a time of new love and gentle romantic discoveries, becomes before it’s over a race for their lives and for the lives of everyone they know.

Who would ever suspect that an entity as beautiful as the written word could become a catalyst for revenge? And ultimately—murder?

ISBN: 978-1-64080-0156-1

Product Link: Dreamspinner | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Lisa

Review: Wow, I think this author is trying to say something. Logan is always making sure his reviews are honest and somewhat gentle, even with author’s that are not all that. After the death of the man he loves, he decides to head west to make a new life for himself. He had wanted to meet a certain author and maybe get his autograph. He just hadn’t expected Milo to be what he was.

Milo has been making a name at writing some amazing stories. He was however a bit down that no one had come to see him and get his autograph on his latest novel, but that is the life of an author. That is until one hell of a sexy man comes in and not only gets his autograph but bought two of his stories. A drink does sound good, now doesn’t it.

With all of that going on, someone is killing those who write some pretty nasty reviews. He or she has a knack for doing it too. So much so that they have picked their next target.

I liked the hidden word in the story and I will admit that it was kind of creepy. However I had a blast reading this story and the characters just rocked. It does have a darker tone to it that I don’t care for but the author just turned it to right tone. Now I was at a stopping point in parts of the story and it didn’t keep my attention like it should have. There are just a few issues I had, but those were on me.

I could not guess who the killer was and that was a good sign of an amazing mystery author. It did catch my attention like it should have and it did give me some horrible murder scenes. The romance was worked in their just perfect. I had a blast reading this and can’t wait to start in on the next book. I would definitely recommend it.

Love Wanted by John Inman

Title: Love Wanted

Author: John Inman

Genre: Contemporary, Fantasy

Length: Novel (270 Pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (June 19, 2017)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖💖 5 Hearts

Blurb: When it rains, it pours. Not only has Larry Walls been evicted from his apartment, but his hours have also been cut at the department store where he works, leaving him facing homelessness.

Meanwhile, Bo Lansing, a total stranger to Larry, toils at a dead-end job as a fry cook while attending night classes to become a certified chef. When the school closes its doors without warning, leaving Bo in the lurch for thousands of dollars in tuition, his dream of becoming a chef is shattered and his financial troubles spiral.

Desperate for a new beginning, each man answers an ad for live-in help posted by a wealthy recluse, and wonder of wonders, they are both hired! Just as their lives begin to improve, a young Kumeyaay Indian named Jimmy Blackstone joins the workforce at the Stanhope mansion.

When Mr. Stanhope’s true reason for hiring the young men is discovered by one of the three, a fourth entity makes its presence known.

Greed.

With all these players vying for position in a game of intrigue orchestrated by one lonely old man and a mischievous ghost, can a simple thing like love ever hope to survive the fray?

ISBN: 978-1-63533-4722

Product Link: Dreamspinner | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Lisa

Review: Mr. Stanhope was a very wealthy man and I am not just speaking about money. He had a love that was so strong that it continued even after his one and only passed on. He wanted to give what he has to two that would find the love just as he had. He also had the help of his best friend and employee, not to mention a certain ghost. A ghost that sees all and you can bet your ass will tell his love what is going on.

Larry was about to lose it all, his apartment, his job and more. He was at his wits end, that is until he saw an add in the paper for a live in helper. Bo is a fry cook that wanted to become a chef, but the school where he was at closed and stole all their money. It would look like love might just come bite these two in the ass. Then another young man, Jimmy is hired to do the garden. Three sexy men but one has a twist.

This story when one first starts reading it might think that this story goes in a certain way, but this author throws in a monkey wrench that will leave you wanting to smack someone. It is a very slow paced story that seems to work for this one. It does have its twists and turns to it that kept my attention throughout the whole book. I think the pervy ghost was one hell of a hit with me. He has a twisted sense of humor in his own way, but he sure is protective of his love. There is a happily ever after for two of the young men.

Out of all the characters I think Larry is the one I truly liked best, his heart was so pure. Bo came off good at first but then you can see the disaster in the making. Jimmy was sweet and caring especially with Larry. Roger’s heart was so good that he wanted to be with his love, but wanted to pass that love on to others. His plan was wicked cool and I had a blast with it.

I truly loved this book and can’t wait to get my hands on the next story. I will definitely be on the lookout for more of his books. I can guarantee that you will love this story as much as I did.

Nightfall by John Inman

Title: Nightfall

Author: John Inman

Genre: Science Fiction

Length: Novel (234pgs)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (September 18, 2018)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖 3.75 Hearts

Blurb: Joe Chase and Ned Bowden are damaged men. They each bear scars from surviving the world they were born in. Deep scars, both physical and emotional.

When fate offers its first kind act by bringing the two together, suddenly their scars don’t seem so bad, and their lives don’t feel so empty.

Yet that kindness comes at a price.

Just as Joe and Ned begin to experience true happiness for the very first time, the world turns on them again.

But this time it turns on everyone.

ISBN-13: 978-1-64080-642-9

Product Link: Dreamspinner | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Shorty

Review: Joe and Ned are neighbors who harbor deep feelings for each other. When a solar flare endangers the world the two men find themselves in the fight of their lives to survive while the world crumbles around them.

I liked the idea of the story about two people trying to survive in a world of darkness where there is no technology to know what is happening outside. It was intense at times yet sweet at others. I did not feel it needed to be as long as it was and at times I felt myself zoning out of the story.

Other than that I liked it. Ned was sweet and at times seemed unsure. Joe on the other hand was Ned’s protector through and through. He would do anything to ensure nothing happened to Ned.

Good read.

Ginger Snaps by John Inman

Title: Ginger Snaps

Series: The Belladonna Arms 05

Author: John Inman

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novel (240 Pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (April 24, 2018)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Blurb: Even with a string of earthquakes jarring the tenants of the Belladonna Arms, rattling nerves and smashing dishes, life still manages to plod along as usual. Love pollen continues to fall, romances continue to flourish, and Arthur, the grand Pooh-bah in residence, continues to plan his upcoming wedding extravaganza.

In the midst of all this drama fall Gideon Chase and Reed Kelly, two redheaded losers at love who find themselves regrouping under the auspices of the most incorrigible matchmaker in heels.

Arthur sees hope for the two right away. He leases them adjoining apartments, then continually tweaks their budding friendship in the hope it will slip into love. Just as Arthur’s plans are coming along nicely, Reed’s past shows up to toss a monkey wrench into his and Gideon’s blossoming romance.

With Arthur’s wedding ceremony nigh, and Reed and Gideon on the verge of heartache yet again, Arthur faces one inescapable conclusion.

It will take more than love pollen to sort this mess out.

ISBN: 978-1-64080-587-3

Product Link: Dreamspinner Press | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Lisa

Review: Each book in The Belladonna Arm’s collection features a new romantic couple. To enjoy the overall story arc and crossover characters, I would recommend reading the series in sequential order.

Arthur is getting married and it had better be perfect. He has found to gorgeous ginger men who he knows are going to just hit it off or they are going to find the grand pooh-bah upset. Let me tell you know one wants to see him upset.

Gideon has had his heart broken one to many times, this time it was by a cheating snake. So he was starting over. The creep had also dumped all his stuff in goodwill, so starting over was all he had. Thank god for a good friend who had a place lined up just for him. However his new and crazy landlord saw love in the air for him. He had not believed it, that is till he met the guy who lived in the apartment next door.

Reed has finally been honest with himself and his wife, soon to be ex-wife. He had come to terms with him being gay, but he wasn’t really sure how to start over. He moved in a few hours before Gideon and things were going to get real interesting, that is as soon as they realize to red heads could hit it off. To top it off every time the earth shakes you could hear Arthur screaming bloody murder. How are to cats suppose to survive these crazy humans. Then there is an ex-wife who just can’t get her head straight on, and oh you have just got to see where this will go.

This series was what introduced me to this author and lets just say it has my attention all the way. There is adventure, excitement, some crazy characters and lots of love, not to mention the pollen of love just floating around. You also get one crazy group of characters that will charm you and keep you entertained through out. It is a very well developed story with so much to offer you. I always look forward to one of these books and hope that they will continue to lighten my day.

I had a blast reading this and can’t wait to get my hands on some more of John’s work. A gifted author is all I have to say about him. His worlds will always keep you smiling. This is one story that I would definitely be reading more than once. I would also recommend it and the previous books in the series.

My Dragon, My Knight by John Inman

Title: My Dragon, My Knight

Author: John Inman

Genre: Contemporary

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (March 31, 2017)

Length: Novel (200 Pages)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Blurb: Danny Sims is in over his head, torn between his abusive lover, Joshua, and Jay Holtsclaw, the bartender up the street, who offers Danny the one thing he never gets at home: understanding.

When Joshua threatens to get rid of Danny’s terrier, Danny knows he has to act fast. Afraid of what Joshua will do to the dog, and afraid of what Joshua will do to him if he tries to leave, Danny does the only thing he can do.

He runs.

But Danny isn’t a complete fool. He has enough sense to run into the arms of the man who actually cares for him—the man he’s beginning to trust.

Just as their lives together are starting to fall into place, Danny and Jay learn how vengeful Joshua can be.

And how dangerous.

ISBN: 978-1-63533-285-8

Product Link: Dreamspinner Press ebook | Dreamspinner Press paperback

Reviewer: Lisa

Review: I came across this author just a few months ago, but from the way his stories unfold, I knew that I would forever read them. They are not just finding love type of stories but always have a tale inside of it. Such as this story does.

Danny was a twenty-one year old young man who was living in hell. His older boyfriend was basically a piece of crap. He dictates what Danny is to wear, what he is to eat, and beats the shit out of him for whatever reason he can come up with. Danny just doesn’t know how to get away. He was barely making money, his car was crap and he had nowhere to go. That is until after one beating, Danny goes to the Club House.

Jay owns the Club House, the only gay bar around. He is a sweet and peaceful man with a big heart. He has noticed Danny and Danny’s boyfriend from time to time. He lost his own love over a year ago and was slowly healing. Now he realizes Danny is in trouble.

The only thing I did not like in this story was Ernie’s death. He was one of my favorites. Beautiful and loving characters, along with total asshats, frisky pets and one damn hero rattlesnake is just a bit of what you get with this book. There is also excitement, adventure, danger, an insane asshat, and some hot sex is just a bit more. Things really heat up when they find out just how dangerous Josh really is.

This story has quite a bit of different emotion’s flowing through it, but John has balanced them perfectly. I also love the way Josh got his. Perfection in the whole thing. This was a hell of a story and a blast to read. I can’t wait to get the Josh Inman’s next book.

I had a lot of fun with it and will guarantee you will too.

The Hike by John Inman

Title: The Hike

Author: John Inman

Genre: Contemporary, Horror

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (September 4, 2017)

Length: Novel (206 Pages)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Blurb: Ashley James and Tucker Lee have been friends for years. They are city boys but long for life on the open trail. During a three-hundred-mile hike from the Southern California desert to the mountains around Big Bear Lake, they make some pretty amazing discoveries.

One of those discoveries is love. A love that has been bubbling below the surface for a very long time.

But love isn’t all they find. They also stumble upon a war—a war being waged by Mother Nature and fought tooth and claw around an epidemic of microbes and fury.

With every creature in sight turning against them, can they survive this battle and still hold on to each other? Or will the most horrifying virus known to man lay waste to more than just wildlife this time?

Will it destroy Ash and Tucker too?

ISBN: 978-1-63533-536-1

Product Link: Dreamspinner Press ebookDreamspinner Press paperback

Reviewer: Lisa

Review: I came across this author about three books ago and was quite fascinated by the worlds he creates. In fact he was the one that turned my heart onto mysteries and horror stories. I must admit that I have never read a story that involved what this one involves, so that made it quite unique.

Ash and Tucker have been best friends for many years. One night in Mexico, made it even better. Now they have decided to go out and enjoy nature. Boy were they in for one long hike. They were taking their two cute dogs on a three week hike across the San Bernardino Mountains to Big Bear Lake. Now that is a lot of walking to do.

Coming across a old gentle man and his dog made their trip a little easier. Well that is until they were warned that something wasn’t up with the animals. On top of that they were coming to grips with their feelings for each other and damn does it heat up.

Now this author did a great job with the mixture of feelings between these two. As well as writing about their walk. He gives you sightings of wild and weird animals, dead animal bodies, and then he gives you one slamming and sitting on the edge of your seat ending. It is one of those stories that catches your attention from the start and you just can’t put it down till you finish it.

I truly love this author’s writings and this was a damn good one. I had a blast with it and probably won’t be going hiking anytime soon. I can honestly say this is probably my favorite one so far. I can guarantee that you will love this book. Way to go John Inman!!!

Scrudge and Barley, Inc. by John Inman

John Inman - Scudge & Barley INC. CoverTitle: Scrudge and Barley, Inc.

Author: John Inman

Genre: Holiday, Ghosts/Spirits, Paranormal

Length: Novel (200 pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (December 7, 2015)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 4.75 Hearts

Blurb: A classic tale takes off in sexy new directions! Poor Mr. Dickens must be twirling in his grave.

When E.B. Scrudge, putz extraordinaire and all-around numbnuts, is visited by his dead ex on Christmas Eve, he can’t imagine how his life could sink any lower. But the three ghostly spirits that come along after are even worse! Good lord, a dyke, a drag queen, and rounding out the trio, a big, hunky bear with nipple rings and a butt plug! What’s next?

What’s next is a good deal of soul-searching and some hard lessons learned with a dash of redemption thrown in for good measure.

And love too, believe it or not. Love that had been simmering all along at the heart of Scrudge’s miserable existence, although he was too selfish to see it—until a trio of holiday beasties pointed his sorry ass in the right direction.

ISBN: 978-1-63476-514-5

Reviewer: Shorty

Product Link: Dreamspinner Press | Amazon UK | Amazon US

Review: A wonderful take on a classic tale. I found E.B. Scrudge to be the perfect scrooge. Overbearing, mean and callous. At times this man gets put in his place when he visited by several spirits. The ghosts in this story are characters themselves with a humorous yet serious side to them all.

Willie, E.B.’s secretary was sweet and kind. I felt sorry for him as he harboured feelings for Scrudge. I was very glad when Scrudge started realizing how he treated others especially Willie. 

I really enjoyed the entire story. Seeing the way you’ve treated people in the past and present is no picnic. But seeing what could be in the future is downright terrifying at ties. Especially if you don’t heed the warnings you are given.

Great read on a fantastic classic.

Sunset Lake by John Inman ~ Audiobook

John Inman - Sunset Lake Cover AudioTitle: Sunset Lake

Author: John Inman

Genre:  Murder, Mystery, Suspense

Length: 11 Hours and 51 Minutes

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press LLC (February 23, 2016)

Narrator: Randal Schaffer

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Reviewer: Lisa

Blurb: Reverend Brian Lucas has a secret his congregation in the Nine Mile Methodist Church knows nothing about, and he’d really like to keep it that way. But even his Earth-shattering secret takes a backseat to what else is happening in his tiny hometown.

Murders usually do that.

Brian’s “close friend”, Sam, is urging a resolution to their little problem, but Brian’s brother, Boyd, the County Sheriff, is more caught up in chasing down a homicidal maniac who is slaughtering little old ladies.

When Brian’s secret and Boyd’s mystery run into each other head on, and Boyd’s 15-year-old son, Jesse, gets involved, all hell breaks loose. Then a fourth death comes to terrify the town, and it is Brian who begins to see what is taking place in their little corner of the Corn Belt. But even for a Methodist minister, it will take more than prayer to set it right.

Product Link: Audible US | Audible UK

Review: I had taken one look at the authors name and then the title and knew I wanted to listen to it. What really clicked with me was the length, for I really wanted something to listen to at work. I hadn’t had a chance to look at what the story was about so imagine my surprise to find out that the main character was a reverend for the Methodist Church. So the whole time I was like great there will not be any romance or sex. So I decided to look at it and found out that it was a murder mystery which is not one of my favorite types at all. I like those romances that have lots of humor in them. So I was thinking to just ditch the story and forget about it. I am so glad that I did not do that because this story had so many twists and turns, not to mention some hot sex between the reverend and his boyfriend. Now that was a hoot.

Brian has been keeping a secret from everyone but the man he loves and the man’s aunt. That is what he thought anyhow but it would be on hold when the first little old lady was murdered. The sheriff who just happens to be Brian’s brother lets Brian in on some secrets about the murder. By the next time there were two and he knew something was dangerously stalking the members of his own church.

All the while trying to come to terms that he loves Sam with his whole heart. He has to help solve the murders, keep some one else’s secrets and figure out his own life. The killer is close but you will never guess who it is.

John’s lighter romance has taken a backseat to his ability to give you a darker story that has some amazing twists to it. I can say that when I found out who the killer was, I about fell out of my chair. I never saw it coming. What’s more I kept thinking about the damn story for nearly two days trying to figure out how he did it. I love how it is more than just a mystery, but the romance is an added benefit and it shows the strength that families have together.

Randal is a new narrator to me so I wasn’t sure what to expect, but he rocked it. The voices were perfect for each character and gave me an insight into each voice. Although I thought through most of it that he needed to go faster, I realized that the pace for this story was just perfect.

I enjoyed it and would definitely recommend this book. I can’t wait for another story by this author and narrator.

My Busboy by John Inman

John Inman - My Busboy CoverTitle: My Busboy

Author: John Inman

Genre: Contemporary, Mystery, Suspense

Length: Novel (210 Pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (July 4, 2016)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Blurb: Robert Johnny just turned thirty, and his life is pretty much in the toilet. His writing career is on the skids. His love life is nonexistent. A stalker is driving him crazy. And his cat is a pain in the ass.

Then Robert orders a chimichanga platter at a neighborhood restaurant, and his life changes—just like that.

Dario Martinez isn’t having such a great existence either. He needs money for college. His shoes are falling apart. His boyfriend’s a dick. And he has a crap job as a busboy.

Then a stranger orders a chimichanga platter, and suddenly life isn’t quite as depressing. 

But it’s the book in the busboy’s back pocket that really gets the ball rolling. For both our heroes. That and the black eye and the forgotten bowl of guacamole. Who knew true love could be so easily ignited or that the flames would spread so quickly?

But when Robert’s stalker gets dangerous, our two heroes find a lot more to occupy their time than falling in love. Staying alive might become the new game plan.

ISBN: 978-1-63477-084-2

Product Link: https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/my-busboy-by-john-inman-7233-b

Reviewer: Lisa

Review: I have read a few books by this author and have always been amazed with the humor, the twists and the mysteries that are given to a reader.  What’s more I love the romance that you find in them as well, which is a plus for me.  I have always found that I would rather read a romance novel then a mystery type story, but John has always given me a world to loose myself into.

Robert is one of those types you can’t help but love.  He has a funny side to him that cracks me up. He has published a few books and is now dealing with a case of writer’s block.  To top it off it his birthday and the one he spends it with is a guy he has known since college.  A guy who has been in love with him for a very long time, but he only thinks of as a friend.  Then he notices how sexy their busboy is and how he has one of Roberts books in his pocket.  Things might be looking up for him, that is as soon as he can figure out who is stalking him and why.

Dario is not only a busboy at a great Mexican restaurant, but a starving pre-veterinary medicine student.  He has always loved reading Roberts books, but never expected the man to want him.  Dario has an ass for a boyfriend who has turned out to be very violent and Robert comes to his aid.  Things would be looking up if the stalker hadn’t turned dangerous.  

I love how John starts the story in a very gorgeous city but has them finding out more about each other in a cabin surrounded by hills.  I could say that I would rather have the cabin though.  I can say that I thought I knew who the stalker was, but damn I was way off base.  There were so many different twists to this story that I was on the edge of my seat the whole time.  I just couldn’t put the book down.  I feel bad about Clutch, but damn I could see why that cat was grouchy.  

This story gave me everything I could ask for in a story and I can’t wait for John’s next book.  This was an amazing story with the perfect characters lining it.  I loved it and would definitely recommend it.

Acting Up by John Inman

John Inman - Acting Up CoverTitle:  Acting Up

Author: John Inman

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novel (200 Pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (December 23, 2016)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Blurb: It’s not easy breaking into show biz. Especially when you aren’t exactly loaded with talent. But Malcolm Fox won’t let a little thing like that hold him back.

Actually, it isn’t the show-business part of his life that bothers him as much as the romantic part—or the lack thereof. At twenty-six, Malcolm has never been in love. He lives in San Diego with his roommate, Beth, another struggling actor, and each of them is just as unsuccessful as the other. While Malcolm toddles off to this audition and that, he ponders the lack of excitement in his life. The lack of purpose. The lack of a man.

Then Beth’s brother moves in.

Freshly imported from Missouri of all places, Cory Williams is a towering hunk of muscles and innocence, and Malcolm is gobsmacked by the sexiness of his new roomie from the start. When infatuation enters the picture, Malcolm knows he’s really in trouble. After all, Cory is straight!

ISBN: 978-1-63477-355-3

Product Link: https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/acting-up-by-john-inman-7918-b

Reviewer: Lisa

Review: Malcolm has always wanted to work in show biz, so in between auditions he also works at the zoo.  He cracks me up.  His best friend and roommate, Beth is also a struggling actress.  Somehow they just make it all work.  That is until Beth lets him no her one and only darling brother is moving in.  Along with a big pit bull and a four foot snake.  Not Malcolm’s idea of fun, until he sees Beth’s brother.  Then he might just faint.  The poor boy has never been in love before and well let’s just wait and see what is to become of him.

Cory broke up with his girlfriend, well you will find out the true reason when you read the book.  He is a sexy young man from Missouri and wants to get into show biz like his sister.  These two are like smoking hot and are perfect for each other.  Now you add in Malcolm’s mom and this is one rocking book.  However you just have to read the book for more juicy information.  

I came across John Inman a few months back with one of his series, and from that moment on he has been one of my favorite contemporary writers.  His stories are just down right juicy and so damn funny.  This particular book had me laughing my ass off for hours afterwards.  Just thinking about Malcolm’s reaction to the snake was a blast.  They are so entertaining that your attention is caught from the moment you start reading this book and well I didn’t, no, I couldn’t take a break until I got to the end.  

I had quite a bit of fun with this book and would definitely love to hear more about this sexy couple.  Hell his mom was funny as hell, and damn I wish more mothers were like her.  The rats were a great touch to the story also.  Who would know Malcolm had such a big heart for the creatures, well at least for the rats.  The romance itself is super easy and just seemed to flow off the pages.  This is one book that I can guarantee will be read more than once.  Trust me; you have to read this book.

Ben and Shiloh by John Inman

john-inman-ben-and-shiloh-coverTitle: Ben and Shiloh

Series: The Belladonna Arms #4

Author: John Inman

Genre: Contemporary, Humor

Length: Novel (204 Pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (October 10, 2016)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts 

Blurb: Shiloh Smart is alone and looking for a fresh start. Convinced he’s finished with love forever, he signs a lease at the Belladonna Arms, a tacky, run-down apartment building situated high on a hill in downtown San Diego.

Determined to turn his back on romance, Shiloh works hard at carving out a life for himself where love doesn’t stand a chance and staying single is all that matters.

Then his drag queen landlord’s nephew, Ben Moss, moves in. Thanks to a rumor Ben has heard since childhood of a fifty-year-old crime and a fortune in stolen money, he sets out to find the loot supposedly hidden decades ago in his uncle’s apartment building.

The minute Ben spots a kilted Shiloh toddling off to work at the Scottish restaurant up the street where he waits tables, he falls hard and fast for the aloof young redhead. Even a hidden treasure can’t compete in Ben’s eyes with the beautiful waiter with the fiery copper hair.

But even while he diligently works to break down Shiloh’s defenses, Ben doesn’t give up his quest for buried treasure. Soon, as their friendship deepens, the two young men join forces in a search for the stolen cash.

ISBN: 978-1-63477-146-7

Product Link: https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/ben-and-shiloh-by-john-inman-7622-b

Reviewer: Lisa

Review: Each book in The Belladonna Arms collection features a different romantic couple. To enjoy the overall story arc and crossover characters, I would recommend reading the series in sequential order. 

I wished that there was an apartment complex like this one with people just like the ones that live at the Belladonna Arms. I love the world that this author created almost as much as I love the characters that are in it. I laughed so hard through some parts that I thought I would need mouth to mouth. 

John became a favorite author of mine when the first book in this series came out. I never even really thought that I would find a male author could do that. I have always focus on the quirky funny books that many authors write, but when I came across John’s stories I knew he was going to be one of my favorites with the way he spins a tale. My attention was caught from the moment I started reading and kept it all the way to the end. 

Shiloh had thought his boyfriend loved him, till his boyfriend’s new boyfriend kicked him out. Thank god Arthur let him rent an apartment in the building he owned. Everyone there was quirky as hell. The rumor was that those who moved in found true love soon after. Too bad Shiloh never wanted to find love again, but damn was he in for a good surprise.

Ben moved to his uncle’s apartment complex for two reasons. One was he was gay and his family other than his uncle Arthur hated anything gay. The second was he had heard that fifty years ago several thousand dollars had been stolen, and the guy who did it died two days afterwards. The money had never been found, yet for some reason he knew it was there. Then he met Shiloh and it would seem that the number one reason for staying was he was falling in love.

I loved this book and the quirky, funny characters in it. I sure hope that the author has plans for many more in this series, because they are a big hit for me. They gave me everything I could ask for in a story. I had so much fun reading it and would definitely recommend it. 

Coming Back by John Inman

john-inman-coming-back-coverTitle: Coming Back

Series: The Belladonna Arms #3

Author: John Inman

Genre: Gay Romance, Contemporary, Humor

Length: Novel (200 Pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (August 17, 2015)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts 

Blurb: Barney Teegarden knows what it’s like to be alone. He knows what it’s like to have a romantic heart, yet no love in his life to unleash the romance on. With the help of a friend, he acquires a lease in a seedy apartment building perched high on a hill in downtown San Diego. The Belladonna Arms is not only filled with the quirkiest cast of characters imaginable, it is also famous for sprinkling love dust on even the loneliest of the lovelorn.

At the Arms, Barney finds friendship, acceptance, and an adopted family that lightens his lonely life. Hell, he even finds a cat. But still true love eludes him.

When his drag queen landlord, Arthur, takes it into his head to rescue a homeless former tenant, he enlists Barney’s help. It is Barney who shows this lost soul how to trust again—and in return Barney discovers love for the first time in his life.

It’s funny how even the hardest battles can be fought and won with laughter, hugs, friends, plus a little faith in the goodness of others. All it takes to begin the healing is the simple act of coming back.

ISBN: 978-1-63476-232-8

Product Link: https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/coming-back-by-john-inman-2398-b

Reviewer: Lisa

Review: Each book in The Belladonna Arms collection features a different romantic couple. To enjoy the overall story arc and crossover characters, I would recommend reading the series in sequential order. 

I wished that there was an apartment complex like this one with people just like the ones that live at the Belladonna Arms. I love the world that this author created almost as much as I love the characters that are in it. I love how even the story has some sadness and a touch of pain; it also has a lot of humor stashed in it. I laughed so hard through some parts that I was waving my arms around and bouncing. It is a good thing no one was looking in the mirror. 

John became a favorite author of mine when the first book in this series came out. I never even really thought that I would find a male author could do that. I have always focus on the quirky funny books that many authors write, but when I came across John’s stories I knew he was going to be one of my favorites with the way he spins a tale. My attention was caught from the moment I started reading and kept it all the way to the end, so much that as soon as I finish writing this I am going to go start on the next book in this series. 

Barney’s apartment was going condo, and he was strapped for money as it was. So when a friend told him that he could get him an apartment he jumped at it. There is something very magical about the Belladonna Arms and the people that live there. When Arthur, his landlord, wants him to help him find a friend that was in need, Barney agreed to help; he had not expected that friend to be a very sexy young man whose heart had been badly broken.

Ramon and Chichi had been known at the Belladonna Arms as a young couple deeply in love. However there was a darkness instead. When Chichi died, so did Ramon in away. He ran and lived on the streets thinking it was what he deserved, thank god Arthur had it in his head he was going to bring the young man home. Arthur is the fairy godmother in this tale that is for sure. 

I loved the subplot with Sylvia and Pete as well. They can definitely hold onto a secret. I felt so bad for what Ramon had gone through before. Then I felt like laughing my ass off at how everyone else felt when Ramon cut their hair. Let’s just say you need to read it to find out. This is probably my favorite out of the whole series and I absolutely loved it. I can’t wait to get to reading the next book. John made another winning story for his readers.

The Second Son by John Inman

John Inman - The Second Son CoverTitle: Second Son

Series: N/A

Author: John Inman

Genre: Gay Erotic Romance, Spiritual 

Length: Novel (276 Pages)

Publisher: DSP Publications (May 10, 2016)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Blurb: It’s an old, old story: a tale of the consequences of good and evil. Plus the limitless power of faith and love, and how they can forever change an empty life.

When Charlie Strickland, a reclusive artist living in the backwoods of Indiana, opens his door to find a handsome young stranger standing naked on his front porch, an astounding odyssey begins.

It doesn’t take Charlie long to fall head over heels in love with his oddly innocent visitor. The young man calls himself Joe. Just Joe. But when amazing things begin to happen, Charlie soon comes to realize who Joe really is.

What follows will turn Charlie’s world, and everyone else’s, upside down.

ISBN: 978-1-63476-573-2

Product Link: https://www.dsppublications.com/books/the-second-son-by-john-inman-258-b

Reviewer: Lisa

Review: I have read a few books by this author and must say that every time I do I am left speechless. There is just something about the way the words just flow off the pages. This one is no different but I could not really get into it like I should have. I was not a fan of Christian themes and their thoughts and beliefs. It is not my thing and the fact that I don’t believe just made it harder to get into it.

There is very little romance to this story which is common with this particular publisher. It is also a very dark themed story which actually does not work in its favor with me. I am usually left with a bitter taste in my mouth. I also never could understand why a grown man would call another grown man boy.

Charlie finds Joe naked on his doorstep. He fights his attraction for the sexy young man and knows it is wrong to touch. He goes out of his way to not let Joe know what he is feeling. Joe was not born like a normal human, but made into a man from the start. He has no idea of what life is about, just that his godly father dropped him off on Charlie’s doorstep.

Charlie is a bit of a recluse and an artist. He lives on an isolated lake just painting, with a past that has made him this way, he had no desires to get romantically involved. That is until Joe is dropped on his doorstep. Yet there is not the sexual heat one would find or even the entanglements one would expect. It is more about the ethical and religious beliefs than anything. Now this book is well written with a lot of depth to it and fully developed. I am afraid that this book was not expected.

This novel is one of those types that if you go into detail to much you will give away the plot so I will leave it at this. I am afraid that this was one book that was not for me. I love John’s work but this one just didn’t work for me. I could not connect with the characters nor the story itself. It is well written and will bring those to tears who are into this kind of story though.

I would definitely recommend it.

Two Pet Dicks by John Inman

TwoPetDicksLGTitle: Two Pet Dicks
Series: N/A
Author: John Inman
Genre: Romantic Comedy/ Mystery
Length: 200 pages
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (March 18, 2016)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5 Hearts
Blurb: Old friends and business partners, Maitland Carter and Lenny Fritz, may not be the two sharpest pickle forks in the picnic basket, but they have big hearts. And they are just now coming around to the fact that maybe their hearts are caught in a bit of turmoil.

Diving headfirst into a whirlwind of animal mayhem, these two self-proclaimed pet detectives strive to earn a living, reunite a few poor lost creatures with their lonely owners, and hopefully not make complete twits of themselves in the process.

When they stumble onto a confusing crime involving venomous reptiles, which is rather unnerving since they’re more accustomed to dealing with misplaced puppy dogs and puddy tats, they take the plunge into becoming real-life crime stoppers.

While they’re plunging into that, they’re also plunging into love.

They just haven’t admitted it to each other yet.

ISBN: 978-1-63476-791-0

Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=7542

Reviewer: Lisa

Review: The first thing I must say or I should warn you about, is to have tissues around you at all times with this book. Because you will be laughing your ass off with it. And I do not mean just a little, I couldn’t stop laughing at all.

This damn book was about the funniest book I have ever read. From sexy men, quirky customers, goofy dog who pooped on everything, to a monkey jacking off every few minutes and let’s not forget the gerbil.

Mait and Lenny have not only been best friends forever but even friends with benefits. However it looks to me like love is going on. They have decided to open a pet detective agency and they are ready for customers.

Although they have a missing gerbil, an escaped bird, a missing dog, let’s just say that they are also looking for a very big lizard. The thing is the owner is up to something and the guys are bound to find out what it is.

I laughed so hard that I fell over backwards from my chair. This book is so much fun to read. I can tell you that if this author continues to write these types of stories I will definitely be picking them up. The story was an absolute blast and the characters were so damn hot.

I had so much fun with this book. I can tell you that I will be reading it more than once. It gave me everything I could want in a story and so much more.

This is one book I would definitely recommend.

* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *

Payback by John Inman

PaybackInmanLGTitle: Payback
Series: N/A
Author: John Inman
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Length: Novel (200 pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (February 2nd 2015)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts
Blurb: When Tyler Powell’s life is torn apart by an unspeakable crime, the need for vengeance takes over. Every moment of every day, as he tries to pull his shattered existence together again, it’s all he can think about—revenge.

Will he give in to his rage and become the very thing he hates most? A killer?

Only with the help of Homicide Detective Christian Martin, the cop in charge of his case, does Tyler see the possibility of another life beginning—the astounding revelation of another love reaching out to him. A love he thought he would never know again.

Will he let that love into his life, or is he lost already? Is payback more important to Tyler than his own happiness? And the happiness of the man who loves him? Tyler is determined to find a way to exact his revenge without sacrificing all hope for a future with Christian, but it will be difficult—if not impossible—and in the end he might be forced to make an unbearable choice.

Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=6004
Reviewer: Tams

Review: Tyler Powell’s life was irrevocably changed in a matter of minutes with one random act of violence. Just a few short hours ago, he was lying in bed with his husband, exchanging the rings painstakingly sought out for their perfection after being married for a year. Now Tyler and Spence lie broken, beaten, and dying on the floor of a public restroom. The victims of a homophobic beating.

Three weeks later Tyler wakes in the hospital, his memories are shaded, and his husband is dead. His assailants even took their beloved dog when they retreated, leaving Tyler and Spence for dead.

Officer Christian has been enamored with Tyler since the first time he saw him on the gurney in the ER, so fragile and broken, and the infatuation only grows as he spends more time with Tyler trying to solve Spence’s murder investigation. Chris wants to get to know the man who had the strength to survive, wants to keep him safe, but Tyler makes that hard by being secretive and hell-bent on getting revenge. The three assailants are still at large, but protecting Tyler from himself may be a harder job for Chris than solving the case.

This is a very dark and disturbing story. I will warn you that if you have certain triggers then this may not be the book for you. Please read the synopsis and now that Inman describes the attack in detail. That being said, it is an integral part of the story.

I really enjoyed how Inman showed Tyler as he muddled his way through life in the early days following Spence’s death. Denial, grief, anger, revenge, these are all human emotions that must be felt and dealt with in the wake of such a life-altering event. But there is also trust in another person to help you get through the ordeal, and eventually, hopefully, you learn how to love again.

I really enjoyed this story, as dark as the content was and as hard as Tyler struggled in the aftermath of loosing Spence, there was a beauty to him finding happiness again. The story is well written and gripping from the start, and kept my attention throughout its sadly poetic storyline.

I’d recommend this read for anyone that likes stories based in harsh reality with flawed characters that manage to find their way back from the edge with a little love and trust.

Head On by John Inman

HeadOnLGTitle: Head On
Author: John Inman
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Length: Novel (220 pages)
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (July 9th 2014)
Heat Level: Mild to Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts
Reviewer: Tams
Blurb: At twenty-six, Gordon Stafford figures his days are numbered. At least he hopes they are. Wearied by guilt and regret stemming from a horrific automobile accident two years earlier in which a man was killed, Gordon wakes up every morning with thoughts of suicide. While the law puts Gordon to work atoning for his sins, personal redemption is far harder to come by.

Then Squirt—a simple homeless man with his own crosses to bear—saves Gordon from a terrible fate. Overnight, Gordon finds not only a new light to follow, and maybe even a purpose to his life, but also the possibility of love waiting at the end of the tunnel.

Gordon never imagined he’d discover a way to forgive himself, and in doing so, open his heart enough to gain acceptance and love—from the very person he hurt the most.

Purchase Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=5188

Review: Gordon Stafford was young and successful, had his whole life to live, until one stupid mistake change not only his life, but also the lives of everyone involved in the accident. Two years later he is broken, depressed and working off his community service hours at a local soup kitchen. He visits the grave of the man’s life he took daily, some sort of penance, but he’s still plagued by nightmares and suicidal thoughts. Until he meets the Squirt.

Being jumped at the soup kitchen by three immoral teenagers wanna be thugs, Gordon steps in and saves Squirt, then feeds him. In a manner of minutes, everything in Gordon’s life shifts. His focus, his want to live, and a need to protect Squirt from whatever haunts him. But Squirt is gone by the time Gordon finishes his shift, days later though, Squirt saves Gordon from a terrible fate and unlikely love story takes root.

Gordon can’t forgot that horrible night, the night that he killed a man by texting and driving while he was also slightly intoxicated. The smell of blood on the warm asphalt, the shrill screeching of metal, breaking glass and that ear piercing scream that he still hears ringing in his ears every damn day. Squirt isn’t without his secrets either, the problem is, and Squirt himself doesn’t know what they are. He has scars, but he doesn’t remember how they got there. People call him Jerry, but he doesn’t remember that name, he only knows Squirt, and how much he wants to be with Gordon.

Gordon takes his time, afraid to move too fast and scare Squirt away. But soon enough they are loving each other and living together. But Gordon never tells Squirt about his past, so when he finds out on his own, it triggers something that has devastating consequences for both men.

This was a tragically beautiful love story with a fantastic ending. I laughed, I cried, I shouted at my kindle several times. In the end, it was all worth it. Inman has written a story with one of the most flawed and imperfect characters I’ve ever read in Gordon who did something reckless and life altering, not even realizing at the time that the stretch of the pain would reach as far as it did. And everything and everyone was connected in some way, some of the lines I saw intersecting, but some of the connections were surprising. I do love a great storyline that keeps me guessing!

Well written story with three-dimensional characters that conveyed their part in the story flawlessly. The passion was on point, but not over the top as Squirt was so young, innocent, naive and fragile that Gordon had to handle him with kid gloves. This only made their characters more endearing not only to the reader, but also to each other. The moral story hidden in the words of this book speak volumes as well. Life is short, make the right choices because they can and will come back to you, and they have consequences that will bleed into your future.
Yes, this is a must read.

Paulie by John Inman

20440302Title: Paulie

Author: John Inman

Genre: Erotic Romance / Humor

ISBN: 978-1-62798-481-2

Length: Novel (200 pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (January 6th, 2014)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3.5~4 Hearts

Reviewer: Thommie

Blurb: To the casual observer, Paulie Banks lives the perfect life. After all, he’s young, handsome, and rich. But Paulie has a secret. He’s madly in love with Ben, his old college roommate—and Ben is straight! Now Paulie has arranged a two-week reunion with his three closest friends to rehash their college years and get to know each other again. Jamie and Trevor are coming, along with their new lovers. And to Paulie’s amazement, even Ben has accepted his invitation.

Beautiful Ben. The one non-gay apple in the old college barrel. Paulie will soon find out if Ben has forgiven him for overstepping the bounds of friendship on the last drunken night they spent together.

With his La Jolla mansion spotless, a stunning new houseboy hired for the duration, and his heart pounding in both fear and anticipation, Paulie welcomes his old friends back into his life. Thanks to a whole lot of liquor and a clothing-optional dress code, boy, do the festivities begin!

Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=4546

Review: And it starts with a humor punch. Did I mention this is a John Inman novel? No? Well, this is a John Inman novel people. It’s hilarious! Period!

The main idea behind the story is one that has been told a lot. Four college friends inseparable, two already in a relationship, the other two can’t ever be because one of them is straight. Yes, this is a pinning for my straight friend story and while I dislike the drama sometimes this concept brings this is not the case.

Paulie has had a crush on his best friend/roommate for years. On the night before graduation, he and his friends get nearly shitfaced, making him lose all inhibitions. The result, an amazing intimate moment between he and Ben, a moment Paulie will never forget because it’s his dream come true, yet a moment that will turn this night of wonder into a night of misery in his memory from that point on. Because that was the last time his spoke with his best friend, the last time he saw him too for the rest of two years.

So Paulie isn’t sure Ben will accept his invitation for two weeks on his mansion two years later. A reunion with his best college friends, and a chance to clear things between him and Ben. A second chance to regaining their lost friendship.

What seems like a heavy idea, an emotional read that might drag you into tears even, is masterfully turned into one hilarious read that will make you laugh hard, gasp for breath, hurt your face with the permanent grin and shake your head to the surreal and overwhelming sexual antics of seven gay men in a wealthy mansion with free pass to booze. The emotional parts are balanced excellently with laughs and giggles, the sexual heat is turned on high, and the satirical vibes spice things up making you have one hell of a ride and thinking hell yeah, I needed this book by the time it’s over.

So here, you have it in a nutshell; you want a book to make you smile and laugh your head off while also being damned hot and sporting some stunningly gorgeous men? This is that book. My only hang up is the fact that the author has a special love about oral, and while that is described adequately, there is not much other action going on, and if there is it’s skipped with light descriptions. Yeah, it’d be nice to see something more on that area in future books.

Overall, this was yet another freaking hilarious book, one I strongly recommend and ensure it will put a smile on your face.

Serenading Stanley by John Inman

SerenadingStanleyLGTitle: Serenading Stanley

Author: John Inman

Genre: Contemporary / Humor

Length: Novel (234 pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (October 14th, 2013)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3 Hearts

Reviewer: Thommie

Blurb: Welcome to the Belladonna Arms, a rundown little apartment building perched atop a hill in downtown San Diego, home to the city’s lost and lovelorn. Shy archaeology student Stanley Sternbaum has just moved in and fills his time quietly observing his eccentric neighbors, avoiding his hellion mother, and trying his best to go unnoticed… which proves to be a problem when it comes to fellow tenant Roger Jane. Smitten, the hunky nurse with beautiful green eyes does everything in his power to woo Stanley, but Stanley has always lived a quiet life, too withdrawn from the world to take a chance on love. Especially with someone as beautiful as Roger Jane. 

While Roger tries to batter down Stanley’s defenses, Stanley turns to his new neighbors to learn about love: Ramon, who’s not afraid to give his heart to the wrong man; Sylvia, the trans who just wants to be a woman, and the secret admirer who loves her just the way she is; Arthur, the aging drag queen who loves them all, expecting nothing in return—and Roger, who has been hurt once before but is still willing to risk his heart on Stanley, if Stanley will only look past his own insecurities and let him in.

Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=4258

Review: So, this is the second work of Inman that I’ve picked up – first being Shy – and the main character here is also shy, imagine that! So I think I have to pick up more of this author’s work to determine if he has a thing for shy guys.

 As it is, I loved this story. It had all the humor and hilarity I expected. The story was a mix of events waiting to happen and the main idea here is either that love is catching, or that Belladonna Arms had something about it (it must have been the heat) that made people coupling like crazy.

But let me start with a way that will make sense (if that is even possible). This is the story of how Stanley, a shy guy that has been suffering for twenty-two years in his mother’s loving arms (she is a bit suffocating) has finally made up his mind to go and live on his own. The apartment he finds is on the sixth floor of a lovely building that has no elevator and is hot as hell. The landlord is an enormous mount of a man who could very well be a truck driver (he had the bear look down to a T) if not for the equally enormous taffeta dress. By the time they make it to the sixth floor for Stanley to see the apartment, a rather alarming event occurs causing Stanley to scream for help and the fifth floor tenant who happens to be a nurse come up the stairs running.

There, I said it. That’s how this incredibly hilarious story begins. At this point I want to add that this story is told by an omniscient voice, a storyteller if you will, giving it more the feeling of a tale being told by a very hilarious guy. It also gave you the power of knowing everything that went around as well as people’s emotions and thought. That in itself was not bad for the hilarity of the plot however; I didn’t quite like it when it came down to the romance of the story.

And that bring me to this couple and to the fact that I disliked the hell out of them by the end of the book. It actually started fine, more than that really. Stanley was this funny guy (without him meaning to of course) and the shy persona appealed to. But oddly enough, I didn’t get to see that persona, except when it came to Roger, the astonishingly handsome, gorgeous nurse. Now, I just felt that Stanley had this huge case of tongue-tied when it came to Roger, because with everybody else he displayed no such thing as shyness. It was explained of course the how’s and the why’s, but he just lost that appeal for me there. The second reason I disliked him by the end was the dragging of the story caused by his antics. A gorgeous guy hits on you and you reject him for fear you might fall in love? No, just no. As for Roger, this character was awfully charming till the moment he said I love you and they weren’t even dating yet. Yes! We have a serious case of instant love here, and that was the only reason this book didn’t work so well for me, or should I say the romantic part. I just couldn’t get with this couple at all. Some might say, but you had no problem with instant-love when reading Shy. And yes, I didn’t mind it there because that couple was way above the real of real and the story simply took you in a hilarious ride where you were too busy gasping for oxygen between laughs. As it is the case, while the rest of this story is awfully good – I loved the characters and the Belladonna’s tenants – but it wasn’t enough to take me with it and keep me spellbound.

If however you don’t mind the love at first sight thing, that this book is a lovely romance with a great hilarious backstory to keep you on the balance between love and laughs.

 

Shy by John Inman

16128083Title: Shy

Author: John Inman

Genre: Contemporary/Romantic Comedy

Length: Novel (256 pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (November 30th 2012)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥4.5 Hearts

Reviewer: Thommie

Blurb: Dating is hard enough. Throw in an incontinent Chihuahua, an unrequited love affair, a severe case of social anxiety disorder, a dying father, and a man-eating hog and it becomes darned near impossible. Still, it takes two to tango—and when Tom Morgan, a mild-mannered assistant bank manager with a debilitating case of shyness, meets Frank Wells, who is straight off the farm and even shyer than he is, sparks start flying.

Just when Tom and Frank’s burgeoning love affair is rolling along nicely, Frank must return to Indiana to oversee the farm while his father battles cancer. Tom tags along to help Frank out and finds himself slopping hogs and milking cows and wondering what the hell happened to his orderly citified existence. And what’s with all the chickens? Tom hates chickens!

With Frank’s help, Tom grits his teeth and muddles through. Funny what a couple of guys can accomplish when they’re crazy about each other. Not even nine hundred chickens can stand in the way of true love.

Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3424

Review: I remember this book when it was published; I remember thinking “what a nice bum” in reference to the cover – which by the way is a very nice cover – and I remember having too many books to review to pick this one up too.

So months pass and Shy makes its way onto my hands and I start reading it. From the first line till the end, too many feelings and emotions pass through me. Only now that I’m a bit calmer, I am thinking that when a book winks its eye to me I should pick it up ASAP no matter how long my TBR pile is. At this point though there are so many reviews out there for this book that one more won’t make the difference, so instead of a classic review I’m going to go and dissect this book, while I’ll try and hold off the spoilers.

So I’m going to start with the characters of this book.

Tom, our main character and the person whose point of view this story is narrated from, is of course my favorite. He suffers from SAD (social anxiety disorder) and he has a very wandering mind. Why is that important? Well because all those wandering thoughts make it to narration, and while at one moment we’re reading about this very serious event happening, those wayward thoughts make an appearance and ridicule all seriousness. The effect; laughter till you feel the need to change your panties… literally. So back to Tom, who is obsessed with his cheating ex, Jerry, while hates the guts of his ex’s current boyfriend Stanley (the home wrecker/dick), while knowing all the time that he doesn’t stand a chance getting Jerry back, what with his extreme bouts of debilitating shyness. The fact that his “pecker” is huge makes no difference.

Frank: now Frank is Stanley’s brother (can you see the irony and hilarious possibilities?) and he suffers from a more severe SAD situation than Tom. Frank is also gorgeous and really, really nice guy. In short, he and his brother have NOTHING in common.

Jerry; the cheating ex who as the story goes on turns out to be quite stupid as well – that is completely my opinion, others might find him a jerk and so on.

Stanley. The dick! Not my words, I’m simply quoting Tom here for he repeats that quite a lot. Stanley is also known as asshole, but his most outraging characteristic is “mean.”

Now there are other characters in this story, but the one’s that make a strong impact are mostly non-humans.

Pedro, the Chihuahua, whom I would not mind to see strung up from a tree or stomped down by some cow hoofs. I totally hated that Rat-Hellhound so much so that while I don’t want a sequel on this book I wouldn’t mind a short story when Pedro finds a gritty death and not out of old age. The little bugger! Now you might think I’m a bit overacting or mean, you might find redeeming treat for Pedro once you read the story – and grudgingly I admit there are – you might think I don’t love dog (you’d be dead wrong), I don’t really care. This one character came straight from Hell as far as I’m concerned.

Moving on, there was Samson, the hog. I will not comment this character except to say that damn that HOG! He gave me the shock of my life. Or the author did masterfully using Samson for his deviant plans. It worked!

There were also blood-drinking chickens, nasty bumblebees, Grace, the momma-pig and her little piggies (a case that had me thinking “hmmm bestiality? Nahhhh! He wouldn’t…”) and many, many more.

Next stop chemistry and relationship mechanics.

Both main characters here had SAD, so the immediate question that arises is, how realistic is this?

For me this story was so NOT about being realistic that I didn’t even go there. It was pure comedy, sarcasm, and escapism. So if there were exaggerate elements involved (there were) it suited me just fine. It’s what comedy is made of and they made me piss my pants laughing on more occasions than I care to remember.

And that leads to the other issue I usually feel so uncomfortable with, instant love. Tom has this epiphany the very first time he lays eyes on Frank. All his previous obsession with Jerry instantly gone, his panic attacks, while still happening, have become less important because Frank is worse than Tom, and he feels the need to take care of him, ground him/each other facing their common enemy. So while it was quite ludicrous the fact that they saw each other and everything moved in lighting speed, I honestly didn’t notice it. The plot was so full with things happening right and left, the hilarity dripping from every single word I read was so overwhelming, I suppose the tears made it quite hard for me to “see” and get annoyed with the instant little thingy.

At that point, in the book, the plot takes so many turns it would have had my head spinning if it wasn’t so wonderfully written. The ex turns jealous, the brother turns devil incarnate, the setting turns rural from urban, and a whole new range of characters are introduced. The story makes high and lows in the blink of an eye. One moment you’re crying and your face feels like it’s going to have the Joker’s smile for the rest of your life, and the next you get emotional and even a bit sad, because life is just like that, only to get elated once again with the most ludicrous twists you could ever think of.

Now I’m not forgetting the romantic part here. No sir, not at all. It is here where that half heart/star was kind of lost. As I mention at the very start, Tom is quite gorgeous, so is Frank. And while Frank is by no means lacking in the “pecker” department, Tom is constantly pointed out as very, very well endowed. Now, pay attention. The chemistry between these two is brilliant. I loved it. For me it was beyond perfect. But why? Why dear author would you have such a well-endowed character and have him limited to fellatio and hand-jobs? What was with that? The only sex scene that involved penetration in this book was the one between Stanley the dick and Jeff (Frank’s once upon a time hook up). Really? Really? Didn’t that slut have enough he had to get the fun as well? And while we’re reading and reading and patiently waiting for the BIG BANG between Frank and Tom, and personally speaking, I was dying to see them in (anal) action, you go ahead and give us Stanley? What was up with THAT? Ok, so it obviously annoyed me, but rant over.

And all this brings us to the end of this lovely, hilarious story.

Oh My God! No freaking way! That gritty end! I just can’t believe I read that. Oh, God! I freaking LOVED it!