Review: Braging In - by Josephine Myles

Barging In by Josephine Myles

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Jo is a good friend of mine, and I’ve had the fortune to follow the progress of this book from the beginning, so I have no claim to impartiality. Still, I have to say: Barging In is a damn good book.



The two most important things for me in any book are character and the writing. Jo created a couple of protagonist who are the ideal foils for each other. Dan and Robin are seemingly far apart, both in their backgrounds and current life styles, but they push each other’s buttons just right. There is a zing of electricity between them right from the start.



They are also complex, layered characters. Robin’s tattooed gruffness hides a vulnerable side, and his relationship with his family turns out to be far less simple than it seems at first. Dan, the shameless flirt and party boy is immediately charming despite his apparent shallowness. However, as we get to know him, we learn that there is more to him than meets the eye. Large part of the story is the two men confronting their own demons and weaknesses in order to connect beyond just the physical.



Jo Myles also gives us a gaggle of colorful supporting characters. They are blissfully free of genre clichés. Robin’s mom is often exasperating and overbearing, but her bewilderment and stubborn doting over Robin is very human. However, the most colorful characters are the boaters.



The whole boating life style comes through in vivid colors, through many small details. I can practically see myself standing on deck on a crisp winter morning, watching the mist rise from the water. Jo’s prose flows like the river, bringing the place and the cast of characters alive with smooth and lively efficiency.