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272nd out of 399 books
—
868 voters
Blind Items
by
Kate McMurray (Goodreads Author)
Columnist Drew Walsh made his career by publicly criticizing conservative, anti-gay politician Richard Granger. So when a rumor surfaces that Granger's son Jonathan might be gay, Drew finds himself in the middle of a potential scandal. Under the guise of an interview about Jonathan's new job teaching in an inner-city school, Drew's job is to find out if the rumors are true...more
ebook, 200 pages
Published
July 29th 2011
by Dreamspinner Press
(first published July 28th 2011)
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I loved this book! Very fun opposites attract and family-centered story. Made me think and made me nervous and made me cheer at the end. You totally need to read it right now.
Once again, though, title and cover didn't grab me, just that I liked the author and wanted to read it. I wish the cover would have given me more. I still don't really know what a blind item is, but the cover made me think this book would be sleepy and emo. It was not. It was upbeat and fun and full of awesome conflict. And...more
Once again, though, title and cover didn't grab me, just that I liked the author and wanted to read it. I wish the cover would have given me more. I still don't really know what a blind item is, but the cover made me think this book would be sleepy and emo. It was not. It was upbeat and fun and full of awesome conflict. And...more
Really enjoyed this contemporary novel. Nicely written by Kate McMurray, and edited by Dreamspinner Press.
I liked both main characters, who struck me as particularly real.
The book is written in 1st person POV, which some don't like. I must admit I prefer the omniscient narrator type, but this is well done and didn't jar much.
The love affair is carefully managed, and there's not too much sex for the narrative to contain, which is a major problem with quite a lot of m/m books. It might have worke...more
I liked both main characters, who struck me as particularly real.
The book is written in 1st person POV, which some don't like. I must admit I prefer the omniscient narrator type, but this is well done and didn't jar much.
The love affair is carefully managed, and there's not too much sex for the narrative to contain, which is a major problem with quite a lot of m/m books. It might have worke...more
To be completely honest, I hated this book for about the first half of it. And more than anything I hated Drew, with a deadly passion. He seemed self-centered, egotistical, self- righteous, judgemental, insincere, arrogant, just all around asshole. But I think what I disliked about him most was how he treated Jonathan.
I get it, Jonathan is in the closet, scared to come out because of his bigoted politician father and was lying to himself and everyone else. He was at times whiney/childish and de...more
I get it, Jonathan is in the closet, scared to come out because of his bigoted politician father and was lying to himself and everyone else. He was at times whiney/childish and de...more
Questo libro è rimasto per un po’ nella cartella dei libri in sospeso perché sono sempre stata impegnata a leggere altro e distratta da altro. Ma sono felice di essere finalmente riuscita a leggerlo. Non è il libro del secolo, ma la storia è ben scritta e mi ha fatto trascorrere una piacevole serata.
“Blind Items” racconta in prima persona la storia di Andrew Walsh, aka Drew, un giornalista, scrittore e recensionista che scrive per varie riviste tra cui il New York Forum e abita a Brooklyn. Il s...more
“Blind Items” racconta in prima persona la storia di Andrew Walsh, aka Drew, un giornalista, scrittore e recensionista che scrive per varie riviste tra cui il New York Forum e abita a Brooklyn. Il s...more
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I wanted to like this novel. Here's the thing, I liked Drew. He was witty and smart and confident in who he was. I particularly like Rey, a very interesting, warm and witty character in his own right. It's Jonathan I had the major problem with.
I simply did not like the lad. I found him irritating and whiney, with few redeaming qualities and I didn't see what Drew saw in him, besides the physical. He didn't explain it well enough to Rey either when Rey asked him that question - at least the expla...more
I simply did not like the lad. I found him irritating and whiney, with few redeaming qualities and I didn't see what Drew saw in him, besides the physical. He didn't explain it well enough to Rey either when Rey asked him that question - at least the expla...more
I'm not sure what to say about this book. The writing is superb - Kate McMurray has never disappointed me before in this department - and I really enjoyed reading the main character Drew's opinions about everything. His voice sounds funny in my head and the way his brain works successfully convinces me that he's not a stereotypical gay man. It was funny how he went on and on about various subjects, especially about Reynolds and Jonathan and even the Senator. So actually I shouldn't have any comp...more
First I thought I had a faulty ebook file, because I was sure Blind Items was missing a good number of chapters. But I guess I didn't and it's a shame. The story is engaging, the characters are likable without being annoyingly perfect, their relationship develops believably, but the entire source of conflict lies in the fact that Jonathan's father is running for president with a right wing anti-gay message, so Jonathan needs to stay in a concrete closet without a door. Most of the angst in the b...more
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When I see the word "politician" in the blurb, I admit, I'm a bit worried. I am not a huge fan of reading that brings political views as a central theme, because it tends to make my blood boils :). So I prefer to stay away. However, I also like Kate McMurray's stories before. In the end, I decide to keep my worry in check and read.
It turns out that this story is really good. Both men, Drew, the out journalist and Jonathan, the closeted teacher and son of the anti-gay politician, are both endeari...more
It turns out that this story is really good. Both men, Drew, the out journalist and Jonathan, the closeted teacher and son of the anti-gay politician, are both endeari...more
What. A. Great. Book. Fabulous. Brilliant. Beautifully written. Wonderful characters. Gush. Gush. Gush.
I have resisted writing a review for a while as the last 10 books I read were abysmal & I didn't want ALL my reviews to be pissy & negative. What a joy this book was to read in contrast. The characters were 3 dimensional & beautifully crafted. They had human flaws but weren't so flawed that you couldn't connect with them. They were all people I would love to meet in real life &...more
I have resisted writing a review for a while as the last 10 books I read were abysmal & I didn't want ALL my reviews to be pissy & negative. What a joy this book was to read in contrast. The characters were 3 dimensional & beautifully crafted. They had human flaws but weren't so flawed that you couldn't connect with them. They were all people I would love to meet in real life &...more
Drew is a journalist and is assigned a job to find out information on the son of an anti-gay Senator who is in the running for President.
Johnathon is the son of Richard Granger, Senator and Presidential candidate, who is deeply in the closet and the fear of what would happen if his father or the press finds out his secret.
This story is well written; I really liked both characters and how they were portrayed as intelligent sexy men. As the story develops Drew knows he won’t go back in the closet...more
Johnathon is the son of Richard Granger, Senator and Presidential candidate, who is deeply in the closet and the fear of what would happen if his father or the press finds out his secret.
This story is well written; I really liked both characters and how they were portrayed as intelligent sexy men. As the story develops Drew knows he won’t go back in the closet...more
2.5 stars
If you read the blurb, that is what you are gonna get, period.
The Characters are pretty stereotypical cookie cutter classics, which is not always a bad thing if there is a solid plot to distract from that, but the plot in this story was about the characters themselves so cookie cutter characters were a major weakness in this story.
The best friend although a stereotypical character in himself (straight best friend of the MC whom the MC is in love with) was the most likeable of the chara...more
If you read the blurb, that is what you are gonna get, period.
The Characters are pretty stereotypical cookie cutter classics, which is not always a bad thing if there is a solid plot to distract from that, but the plot in this story was about the characters themselves so cookie cutter characters were a major weakness in this story.
The best friend although a stereotypical character in himself (straight best friend of the MC whom the MC is in love with) was the most likeable of the chara...more
A great read! 'Drew, out, proud and a journalist. His best friend Rey, straight, proud, soap star, soon-to-be major movie star. Jonathan, cousin to Rey, physics teacher and son of presidential anti-gay politician.
A really interesting plot, great character analysis, very funny, very sad, very happy.....just very emotional. Buy this book. It's not a long read but it's a great story and very well written.
I give this four stars because it was a pleasure to read. There are a few graphic passages, whi...more
A really interesting plot, great character analysis, very funny, very sad, very happy.....just very emotional. Buy this book. It's not a long read but it's a great story and very well written.
I give this four stars because it was a pleasure to read. There are a few graphic passages, whi...more
I think the writing is wonderful; I was totally pulled into the story. The story reads like it was written yesterday, (as of mid-October 2011) because of the similarities to the real world situation in the U.S. at this point. Almost spooky. But I didn't find Jonathan to be a sympathetic character enough to *really* root for his relationship with Drew, and I found the ending too abrupt - a bit too "Officer and a Gentleman" to be really satisfying even as a HFN. Drew and Rey were very well done ch...more
I really enjoyed this story, and I liked the political aspect. I think the only other m/m story I've read with a similar plot line was More, and I liked that the father in this one was a little bit more realistic instead of being cast as some sort of super villain.
For the most part, I enjoyed Drew as the narrator, but towards the second half of the story, I really wished that we could have heard from Jonathan as well. At times I wanted to see Jonny's feelings and struggles with deciding to come...more
For the most part, I enjoyed Drew as the narrator, but towards the second half of the story, I really wished that we could have heard from Jonathan as well. At times I wanted to see Jonny's feelings and struggles with deciding to come...more
Nicely written, funny and emotional. The plot was simple and predictable--closeted son of conservative politician has to choose between family expectations and his own desires. What kept this one engaging was the dialogue, pacing and characterization.
There was a peculiar triangle between the two MCs and the straight best friend/cousin, Rey. Rey appeared supportive and devoted on the surface, but he had his own issues with homophobia and women. It also felt like he was sending mixed signals to Dr...more
There was a peculiar triangle between the two MCs and the straight best friend/cousin, Rey. Rey appeared supportive and devoted on the surface, but he had his own issues with homophobia and women. It also felt like he was sending mixed signals to Dr...more
This is a smart funny, sexy novella charting the pivotal moments of Drew's life. It is beautifully written and emotionally charged. I have to admit I would have liked to see what happened after the party at the end but apart from that it was a real page turner. Don't let the mention of politics put you off, this is not a political story per say it just that 2 of the characters are related to a politician. If anything it is a story about family and expectation and how that can be destructive. If,...more
3.5 stars.
Blind Items is an interesting and different plot by Kate McMurray. The book starts with childhood pals Drew and Rey and their friendship. So, of course I thought the book would be about their romance. However, the author takes an atypical turn when she introduces Rey’s nephew Jonathan as the love interest – and it worked! The attraction of Drew and Jonathan is hot and potentially dangerous as Jonathan’s dad is running for President of the United States on a conservative “family values...more
Blind Items is an interesting and different plot by Kate McMurray. The book starts with childhood pals Drew and Rey and their friendship. So, of course I thought the book would be about their romance. However, the author takes an atypical turn when she introduces Rey’s nephew Jonathan as the love interest – and it worked! The attraction of Drew and Jonathan is hot and potentially dangerous as Jonathan’s dad is running for President of the United States on a conservative “family values...more
The cover model has the unfortunate dishonor of reminding me of Rob Pat.
*shudders
Rob Pat...
post-read eta
I don't quite understand the enmity against Aaron. It does seem a tad melodramatic.
I don't know exactly what it is, but something about all of the characters' reactions seem disingenuous. They're actors playing up the roles, but they occasionally forget their roles and fall out of character or don't fully understand the character so take certain interpretations too far into the extreme of reac...more
*shudders
Rob Pat...
post-read eta
I don't quite understand the enmity against Aaron. It does seem a tad melodramatic.
I don't know exactly what it is, but something about all of the characters' reactions seem disingenuous. They're actors playing up the roles, but they occasionally forget their roles and fall out of character or don't fully understand the character so take certain interpretations too far into the extreme of reac...more
I haven't read Kate McMurray before, but now I'll definitely be checking out her other books.
Election is in the air in Italy and I was in the mood for something light and relaxing, but ended up picking "Blind Items". I loved it and was unable to put it down. It's written in first POV and has a unique voice to it. It's much more than a simple love story, and I was surprised by how much I enjoyed reading about friendship between Drew and Rey and never felt like it overshadowed the main plotline.
D...more
Election is in the air in Italy and I was in the mood for something light and relaxing, but ended up picking "Blind Items". I loved it and was unable to put it down. It's written in first POV and has a unique voice to it. It's much more than a simple love story, and I was surprised by how much I enjoyed reading about friendship between Drew and Rey and never felt like it overshadowed the main plotline.
D...more
4,5 stars
I think this turned up the best book I've read by this author. The strange thing is - I didn't expect to like it at all and was lamenting my shoping spree at fictionwise.
A reporter was send to write a story about the son of a gouvernour running for the president office. Same journalist is gay and has written a lot of critical articles about the said politicians views of homosexual people. Therefore he is really surprised when he meets the son, Jonny.
First of all I expected a spoiled bra...more
I think this turned up the best book I've read by this author. The strange thing is - I didn't expect to like it at all and was lamenting my shoping spree at fictionwise.
A reporter was send to write a story about the son of a gouvernour running for the president office. Same journalist is gay and has written a lot of critical articles about the said politicians views of homosexual people. Therefore he is really surprised when he meets the son, Jonny.
First of all I expected a spoiled bra...more
Review posted at The Armchair Reader for Kate McMurray Week!
4.5 stars
I'll be completely honest with you. This is one of Kate's earlier books, but I really didn't know what to expect from it. Part of it is that the secret relationship scenario is very hard to pull of, and then combined with the politics -- I wasn't sure how I'd feel about it. To my surprise, I actually found that I enjoyed the story (mostly because the character of Drew was so fabulous he pulled it all off!), but I also found thi...more
4.5 stars
I'll be completely honest with you. This is one of Kate's earlier books, but I really didn't know what to expect from it. Part of it is that the secret relationship scenario is very hard to pull of, and then combined with the politics -- I wasn't sure how I'd feel about it. To my surprise, I actually found that I enjoyed the story (mostly because the character of Drew was so fabulous he pulled it all off!), but I also found thi...more
This was a great read by a new-to-me author. Really great.
Excellent writing--witty and sharp--and characters I could visualise clearly. I'm intrigued (because I'm nosy this way) about whether the author naturally writes 'clean' or whether she has to edit out a whole lot. The end result, in terms of narrative flow, lends immediacy. I was truly with the characters from the get-go, and that takes some skill.
Recommend.
Delighted to see that the author has a backlist too.
Excellent writing--witty and sharp--and characters I could visualise clearly. I'm intrigued (because I'm nosy this way) about whether the author naturally writes 'clean' or whether she has to edit out a whole lot. The end result, in terms of narrative flow, lends immediacy. I was truly with the characters from the get-go, and that takes some skill.
Recommend.
Delighted to see that the author has a backlist too.
1 like · like · see review
Lately it seems that every book I purchase that looks interesting has an overly purple and sugary writing that makes it hard to read. It's not the case with Blind Items. The author knows what she wants to say and says it. I really liked the story, although it would have been good to see them deal with Jonathan's family and some kind of epilogue in wich they are happy ever after.
Nice love story between Drew, an openly gay journalist and Jonathan, the closeted son of an openly homophobic politician.
I liked this story, but I wondered why the book gave so much importance to the friendship between Drew and his straight best friend Rey. Nice friendship though.
I also liked Jonathan's coming out. It was spectacular and terribly romantic. Then end of the book is my fav part.
I liked this story, but I wondered why the book gave so much importance to the friendship between Drew and his straight best friend Rey. Nice friendship though.
I also liked Jonathan's coming out. It was spectacular and terribly romantic. Then end of the book is my fav part.
Adorable. So adorable. I don't really have much to say, except the writing is witty and the plot is basically exactly what you would expect from the description, except with 20% more bromance between Rey and Drew thrown in for good measure. (It does overwhelm the actual romance by a lot, but no complaints here. I always did like bromances better.)
Great story about a guy who falls for a guy who's in the closet for various reasons. I thought this was an awesome story but found the ending lacking. I would've preferred reading more about how they dealt with the aftermath of Jonathan's final decision. I find it frustrating how sometimes you have the best story but are left hungry for more because the ending isn't done as thoroughly as you'd have liked it to be.
1 like · like · see review
I really enjoyed this story. The writing style was clean and pulling. I was hooked from the start till the end. All characters were interesting and funny. I liked how this story developed and how it ended, but I really missed the epilogue. Hey I wouldn't mind reading a sequel...
It turns out I'd read this earlier & had stopped because the story didn't seem to have a focus. The first couple of chapters are about the childhood friendship of Drew & Rey. Then we switch to grown up Drew & it's mainly about his romance with Johnny. I couldn't see why the friendship with Rey was bought up only to put it on the back burner so this part just didn't work for me.
I finished the book this time & did like the romance of Drew, an out gay columnist & Johnny, the clo...more
I finished the book this time & did like the romance of Drew, an out gay columnist & Johnny, the clo...more
I really liked this book, the writing just drew me in, forcing me to read all in one sitting pretty much! I did have a few areas where I was being a picky reader and wanted to know more (mainly, i wanted to know more about Jonathon, also wanted to hear the Senators reaction but I guess thats book 2!).
I loved Drew, I could see him shoppng, dancing, sitting with Allie people watching, being himself. I liked his support net work or Rey and Allie - maybe thats what I felt missing with Jonathn, he wa...more
I loved Drew, I could see him shoppng, dancing, sitting with Allie people watching, being himself. I liked his support net work or Rey and Allie - maybe thats what I felt missing with Jonathn, he wa...more
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Kate McMurray is a nonfiction editor. Also, she is crafty (mostly knitting and sewing, but she also wields power tools), she plays the violin, and she dabbles in various other pursuits. She’s maybe a tiny bit obsessed with baseball. She lives in Brooklyn, NY, with a presumptuous cat.
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