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Paulie
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!
200 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 5, 2014
4 people are currently reading
251 people want to read
About the author
John Inman
42 books442 followersA Lambda Literary Award finalist and the author of over forty novels, John has been writing fiction for as long as he can remember. Born on a small farm in Indiana, he now resides in San Diego, California where he spends his time gardening, pampering his pets, hiking and biking the trails and canyons of San Diego, and of course, writing. He and his partner share a passion for theater, books, film, and the continuing fight for marriage equality. If you would like to know more about John, check out his website at----
http://www.johninmanauthor.com/John_I... or follow him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/john.inman.79
http://www.johninmanauthor.com/John_I... or follow him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/john.inman.79
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
January 25, 2014
Earlier this month, we were asked to choose some personal favourites for the blog and one of the categories was 'Which books in 2013 made you laugh?' I picked some great ones but why oh why did I not include any of John Inmans books? Arrrgh! I've been kicking myself so hard for forgetting to include him and its really bothered me because he's funny with a capitol Snort and he gave me some awesome laughs last year when I discovered his books and read them pretty much back to back! So now I have a chance to set the record straight and give the man the kudos he deserves.
Paulie is the fifth book of his that I've read and once again I've gone through the whole book with a goofy grin on my face, interspersed with giggles galore, laughs out loud and a whole dollop of snickering. Mr Inman makes me titter, its that simple, but what I also love about Johns style is that underneath all the slap stick, crazy, smut filled comedy there's always a really sweet, loving, sexy romance with touches of true tenderness and at times, poignancy. Sometimes he'll put in darker, black comedy undertones that added into the mix give a meatier plot. Does that include Paulie? Not really, but that doesn't mean this still hasn't got a very enjoyable storyline, full of unrequited love, past and present misunderstandings, gorgeous, horny man sluts who are ...*cough*... well endowed in the speedo department ( not that they're in them much) and last but not least, another one of Johns trademarks, a cute dog with questionable habits. For Hammer its humping anything he can hang on to!
The main romance is between sweet, rich but ultimately lonely Paulie and his beautiful Ben, the only straight guy amongst his three best friends from college and his long time crush-slash-love of his life. Having lost both his parents at a young age, he's inherited his beloved grandmothers immense fortune, and has just fulfilled his ambition to become a writer but he's never forgotten the feelings he had for Ben or the last memorable time they were together.
" Ben. Who was part and parcel of Paulie's all-time favourite memory ever, and who probably, even now, probably didn't know it."
On the last night of college they share one extremely drunken night of passion but the morning after Ben leaves abruptly and heads off for a teaching job in Omaha and poor lovesick Paulie never sees or speaks to him again for nearly two years, so hoping Ben will accept an invitation he decides to throw an extravagant two week long house party. To his delight Ben actually accepts so he also invites his other two BFF's who made up their inseparable college foursome, the ever horny Jamie and Trevor, ex lovers but still hot for each other. The aforementioned man sluts also bring their current 'not so exclusive' young lovers of the moment, Jack and Danny. Then to top of the fun and games Paulie hires Jeffrey, an extremely well hung, drop dead gorgeous, sex on legs gay houseboy who definitely puts the cat amongst the pigeons. When they where all finally together and the party started, I was soon in tucks at their VERY naughty, sexual antics. Perfect comedy fodder! Lots of naked poolside and bedroom frolics for these guys and boy oh boy do they frolic, with a lot of gay abandon ... excuse the pun!
But at the end of the day its the sexual tension and push and pull love story unfolding between the two MC's that balanced out the comedy and made this such a loveable romance, and I found myself rooting for the two of them to get their act together and stop beating around the bush. Typical non communication problems but strangely it never really irritated me that much. Most of the time when it's stubborn men not talking out their misunderstandings it can grate but in this case I'll put it down to the story being so funny that distracted me from getting too eye rolley.
To be honest it could quite easily have gone into the realms of being too over the top, pervy and wacky when it came to the secondary characters but for me it never did and I really did love them all. I suppose at the end of the day its all about what tickles your funny-bone and I've haven't read a John Inman book yet, that hasn't tickled mine. Mind you I do have a smutty sense of humour so my point of view might be a tad warped! .
So once again he gets five LMAO stars. OH...and one last thing:
But he has to look like Jeffrey.........
Sent from my iPad
Paulie is the fifth book of his that I've read and once again I've gone through the whole book with a goofy grin on my face, interspersed with giggles galore, laughs out loud and a whole dollop of snickering. Mr Inman makes me titter, its that simple, but what I also love about Johns style is that underneath all the slap stick, crazy, smut filled comedy there's always a really sweet, loving, sexy romance with touches of true tenderness and at times, poignancy. Sometimes he'll put in darker, black comedy undertones that added into the mix give a meatier plot. Does that include Paulie? Not really, but that doesn't mean this still hasn't got a very enjoyable storyline, full of unrequited love, past and present misunderstandings, gorgeous, horny man sluts who are ...*cough*... well endowed in the speedo department ( not that they're in them much) and last but not least, another one of Johns trademarks, a cute dog with questionable habits. For Hammer its humping anything he can hang on to!
The main romance is between sweet, rich but ultimately lonely Paulie and his beautiful Ben, the only straight guy amongst his three best friends from college and his long time crush-slash-love of his life. Having lost both his parents at a young age, he's inherited his beloved grandmothers immense fortune, and has just fulfilled his ambition to become a writer but he's never forgotten the feelings he had for Ben or the last memorable time they were together.
" Ben. Who was part and parcel of Paulie's all-time favourite memory ever, and who probably, even now, probably didn't know it."
On the last night of college they share one extremely drunken night of passion but the morning after Ben leaves abruptly and heads off for a teaching job in Omaha and poor lovesick Paulie never sees or speaks to him again for nearly two years, so hoping Ben will accept an invitation he decides to throw an extravagant two week long house party. To his delight Ben actually accepts so he also invites his other two BFF's who made up their inseparable college foursome, the ever horny Jamie and Trevor, ex lovers but still hot for each other. The aforementioned man sluts also bring their current 'not so exclusive' young lovers of the moment, Jack and Danny. Then to top of the fun and games Paulie hires Jeffrey, an extremely well hung, drop dead gorgeous, sex on legs gay houseboy who definitely puts the cat amongst the pigeons. When they where all finally together and the party started, I was soon in tucks at their VERY naughty, sexual antics. Perfect comedy fodder! Lots of naked poolside and bedroom frolics for these guys and boy oh boy do they frolic, with a lot of gay abandon ... excuse the pun!
But at the end of the day its the sexual tension and push and pull love story unfolding between the two MC's that balanced out the comedy and made this such a loveable romance, and I found myself rooting for the two of them to get their act together and stop beating around the bush. Typical non communication problems but strangely it never really irritated me that much. Most of the time when it's stubborn men not talking out their misunderstandings it can grate but in this case I'll put it down to the story being so funny that distracted me from getting too eye rolley.
To be honest it could quite easily have gone into the realms of being too over the top, pervy and wacky when it came to the secondary characters but for me it never did and I really did love them all. I suppose at the end of the day its all about what tickles your funny-bone and I've haven't read a John Inman book yet, that hasn't tickled mine. Mind you I do have a smutty sense of humour so my point of view might be a tad warped! .
So once again he gets five LMAO stars. OH...and one last thing:
But he has to look like Jeffrey.........
Sent from my iPad
June 11, 2014
If you pick four best friends, put them for two weeks together, in a fabulous house, with a pool... what do we have? A party! Now, if these friends are two couples in love, they are sexy and beautiful boys, what do we have? Great sex scenes, amazing bodies and a lot of fun reading their adventures!!!
This book is the story of Paulie and his three best friends from college. Paulie loves Ben since the first day, and when he finds that his love is reciprocated, the two weeks vacation with his friends became the rest of his life with Ben!
This book is the story of Paulie and his three best friends from college. Paulie loves Ben since the first day, and when he finds that his love is reciprocated, the two weeks vacation with his friends became the rest of his life with Ben!
February 20, 2014
One of the many things I love about John Inman is the fact he can make me laugh. He has a talent for writing humor and books that are just easy to read and make me want to find more of his books. Don't get me wrong, in A Hard Winter Rain he proved he can do dark and spooky. But I do have a soft spot for funny books, and I knew from a couple of friends that this was going to be one of them.
I was kind of expecting a GFY book, which it wasn't. I wouldn't even call it an OFY book. It's just a book where Paulie managed to find a guy who didn't know he was gay his whole life. And, for me, that was a nicer change. I love GFY when it's done right, but I also like guys figuring out who they are.
So this is a friends to lovers story (I love that!) and it's done really well. I liked the fact Ben didn't have an issue with his friends being gay, even when he thought he was straight. And the fact the four of them lived together for four years... It was just something that made me think: Even if you weren't gay, I would like you. So the fact he was the love interest made me incredibly happy.
I loved Paulie too. He was a really lovable character and I loved him. He was all worried and nervous about seeing Ben after two years (tiny thing that bothered me) and he was so in love with him it made me smile. And the way he tried to support his friends was great.
Secondary character were really fun too. I was warned about something beforehand, but it didn't bother me. Actually, if I am totally honest, it was really funny. I did like the secondary characters and even if they were a bit... odd. I think Paulie was right in saying they were perfect for each other.
Definitely a book I would highly recommend to those who want a fun read!
I was kind of expecting a GFY book, which it wasn't. I wouldn't even call it an OFY book. It's just a book where Paulie managed to find a guy who didn't know he was gay his whole life. And, for me, that was a nicer change. I love GFY when it's done right, but I also like guys figuring out who they are.
So this is a friends to lovers story (I love that!) and it's done really well. I liked the fact Ben didn't have an issue with his friends being gay, even when he thought he was straight. And the fact the four of them lived together for four years... It was just something that made me think: Even if you weren't gay, I would like you. So the fact he was the love interest made me incredibly happy.
I loved Paulie too. He was a really lovable character and I loved him. He was all worried and nervous about seeing Ben after two years (tiny thing that bothered me) and he was so in love with him it made me smile. And the way he tried to support his friends was great.
Secondary character were really fun too. I was warned about something beforehand, but it didn't bother me. Actually, if I am totally honest, it was really funny. I did like the secondary characters and even if they were a bit... odd. I think Paulie was right in saying they were perfect for each other.
Definitely a book I would highly recommend to those who want a fun read!
May 4, 2016
Sometimes I feel like I should properly stalk John Inman and just get it over with. And I would…except I don’t have a car to park outside his house, I can’t take pictures (creepy or otherwise) for shit, and there isn’t space in my room for a proper stalker-alter, because what isn’t a bookcase, is covered in Doctor Who paraphernalia or cat toys. So I would make a piss-poor stalker, and I hate doing anything by halves…so I’ll just have to settle for reading everything he writes and begging him nicely for more. That this also happens to be the cheaper option is just a total coincidence.
Ok, with that out of the way…Paulie.
Paulie has had a good life. Not perfect, but pretty damn good. He has money, he has his looks, and he has just finished and sent off his first novel to be fawned over/ignored by the publishers. And for the next two weeks he’s opening his house (*cough* mansion *cough*) to his three best friends from college-–Trevor, Jamie, and Ben–-and their various lovers/boyfriends/who knows. It has been nearly two years since they graduated and life has taken them all in different directions, so Paulie is looking forward to finally having the gang all back together. Paulie is also equal parts terrified and elated that Ben is coming back home. Mostly because they have not seen, spoken, or corresponded in any way–-except for a short condolence from Ben at the occasion of Paulie’s grandmother’s passing–-since Paulie made a move on his straight best friend, the night before graduation. Turns out blowing his straight best friend while they were both falling-down piss-assed drunk, was a great way to ruin a four year friendship.
With a houseboy to attend to their every need, enough alcohol to fill his clothing-optional pool, and enough sexual tension to snap even the best intentions, this is going to be an interesting two weeks. Paulie just has to find a way to keep from ripping the clothes off Ben the moment they see each other again, and hope that drunken antics two years ago hadn’t permanently ruined the best, most important thing in his life. He also has to restrain himself from licking the houseboy from top to very luscious tail…but with a house full of young, horny gay men, he is not exactly alone in his predicament.
Paulie seemed quieter than some of John Inman’s other books. Which is an odd thing to say since this book is chocked full of man-on-man(-on man) action. You have the cast mostly (if not fully) naked for a good portion of the book, and public displays of down-right smuttiness happening all over the place. In the pool. On the billiard table. Also, the kitchen, the bedrooms….Ok, if it’s a flat surface I’m pretty sure it saw extracurricular activity of some type during these crazy two weeks, whether they happened on page or not. But still there was a stillness to Paulie that seemed to separate him from the antics for a good portion of the book. This book wasn’t about the joke, it was about the story, and I found myself both entranced and longing for something just out of reach.
It isn’t till almost a third of the way through the book that we finally meet Ben in the flesh, but he is all over the place even when he is not there. Mostly because while these two weeks are a way to reconnect with Jamie and Trevor, Paulie is desperate that it will fix what he broke with Ben. He has been in love with Ben-–straight as an arrow, son of a hell-fire minister, Ben-–forever, it seems like. And Paulie is pretty sure his one moment of drunken, foolishly hopeful weakness ruined any chance of Ben even wanting to see him again, let alone resume their friendship. While I had a pretty good idea how things were going to go down (it is a romance after all) I enjoyed the ride from uncertainty to hope to anger and then finally to blissed-out sex-filled love. I also love that Ben took his time in Nebraska to learn about himself…and not just try and suppress everything he was feeling. And it wasn’t just a case of gay-for-you, but a case of I’m gay, I love you, let us have wild monkey sex on the billiards table now, please.
Now, as to the other men in the house…
I didn’t think I would like these men as much as I did. When we first meet Jamie and Trevor, they are being pretty much dicks. Once a couple, now not, they arrive on the same plane, and apparently decide that the thing to do is flirt their way back into each other’s pants. All under the eyes of their boyfriends, Danny (w/ Trevor) and Jack (w/ Jamie). It would be pretty over the top to say I hated them, but yeah, basically cheating on your boyfriends, right under their noses, not very admirable traits. But everything straightens outs…or gets more complicated and bendy…by the end and I find that I am happy that everyone ended up with who they ended up with. And Jeffery. Wonderful, houseboy extraordinaire, Jeffery. My god, what to say about Tall, Dark, and Scrumptious…I think I’ll go with yum. Everything about him is just so big and handy. And that he has a mind that would blow mine away in a second…yeah, that is very sexy as well. For all their naked frolicking, and boy was there a lot of that (thank god), they all served as a nice counterpoint to the angst and tension that was Paulie and Ben. They help the story slip along, and not get bogged down in the morose. And they do it all while giving pool-side bjs. Yum.
There are some points where Paulie's narration gets a little flowery, mostly at the beginning of the story, and it was a little distracting, but once the story got going it usually didn’t bother me so much. And while I am not a big fan of cheating, it did work its way around nicely. And don’t worry, Paulie is all Ben’s, and vice-versa, there was no snacking on the houseboy or guests for either of them, so if you dislike your MCs playing the field, you are safe. As always, I truly enjoyed this book by Inman, and was very pleased to find once again that his characters all had their unique voice to add to the craziness. It was a fun and romantic ride. 4.5 stars.
Now…I need to go find me a houseboy, so you go read a book or something. This one will do quite nicely.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
Ok, with that out of the way…Paulie.
Paulie has had a good life. Not perfect, but pretty damn good. He has money, he has his looks, and he has just finished and sent off his first novel to be fawned over/ignored by the publishers. And for the next two weeks he’s opening his house (*cough* mansion *cough*) to his three best friends from college-–Trevor, Jamie, and Ben–-and their various lovers/boyfriends/who knows. It has been nearly two years since they graduated and life has taken them all in different directions, so Paulie is looking forward to finally having the gang all back together. Paulie is also equal parts terrified and elated that Ben is coming back home. Mostly because they have not seen, spoken, or corresponded in any way–-except for a short condolence from Ben at the occasion of Paulie’s grandmother’s passing–-since Paulie made a move on his straight best friend, the night before graduation. Turns out blowing his straight best friend while they were both falling-down piss-assed drunk, was a great way to ruin a four year friendship.
With a houseboy to attend to their every need, enough alcohol to fill his clothing-optional pool, and enough sexual tension to snap even the best intentions, this is going to be an interesting two weeks. Paulie just has to find a way to keep from ripping the clothes off Ben the moment they see each other again, and hope that drunken antics two years ago hadn’t permanently ruined the best, most important thing in his life. He also has to restrain himself from licking the houseboy from top to very luscious tail…but with a house full of young, horny gay men, he is not exactly alone in his predicament.
Paulie seemed quieter than some of John Inman’s other books. Which is an odd thing to say since this book is chocked full of man-on-man(-on man) action. You have the cast mostly (if not fully) naked for a good portion of the book, and public displays of down-right smuttiness happening all over the place. In the pool. On the billiard table. Also, the kitchen, the bedrooms….Ok, if it’s a flat surface I’m pretty sure it saw extracurricular activity of some type during these crazy two weeks, whether they happened on page or not. But still there was a stillness to Paulie that seemed to separate him from the antics for a good portion of the book. This book wasn’t about the joke, it was about the story, and I found myself both entranced and longing for something just out of reach.
It isn’t till almost a third of the way through the book that we finally meet Ben in the flesh, but he is all over the place even when he is not there. Mostly because while these two weeks are a way to reconnect with Jamie and Trevor, Paulie is desperate that it will fix what he broke with Ben. He has been in love with Ben-–straight as an arrow, son of a hell-fire minister, Ben-–forever, it seems like. And Paulie is pretty sure his one moment of drunken, foolishly hopeful weakness ruined any chance of Ben even wanting to see him again, let alone resume their friendship. While I had a pretty good idea how things were going to go down (it is a romance after all) I enjoyed the ride from uncertainty to hope to anger and then finally to blissed-out sex-filled love. I also love that Ben took his time in Nebraska to learn about himself…and not just try and suppress everything he was feeling. And it wasn’t just a case of gay-for-you, but a case of I’m gay, I love you, let us have wild monkey sex on the billiards table now, please.
“I’ve loved you for years. This isn’t a spur of the moment epiphany, you know. I don’t do spur of the moment epiphanies. This isn’t one of those instant love plots you read in romance novels either. This is a love that’s been around for a long time. Simmering on the back burner, as it were, waiting to explode into flame.”
Now, as to the other men in the house…
I didn’t think I would like these men as much as I did. When we first meet Jamie and Trevor, they are being pretty much dicks. Once a couple, now not, they arrive on the same plane, and apparently decide that the thing to do is flirt their way back into each other’s pants. All under the eyes of their boyfriends, Danny (w/ Trevor) and Jack (w/ Jamie). It would be pretty over the top to say I hated them, but yeah, basically cheating on your boyfriends, right under their noses, not very admirable traits. But everything straightens outs…or gets more complicated and bendy…by the end and I find that I am happy that everyone ended up with who they ended up with. And Jeffery. Wonderful, houseboy extraordinaire, Jeffery. My god, what to say about Tall, Dark, and Scrumptious…I think I’ll go with yum. Everything about him is just so big and handy. And that he has a mind that would blow mine away in a second…yeah, that is very sexy as well. For all their naked frolicking, and boy was there a lot of that (thank god), they all served as a nice counterpoint to the angst and tension that was Paulie and Ben. They help the story slip along, and not get bogged down in the morose. And they do it all while giving pool-side bjs. Yum.
There are some points where Paulie's narration gets a little flowery, mostly at the beginning of the story, and it was a little distracting, but once the story got going it usually didn’t bother me so much. And while I am not a big fan of cheating, it did work its way around nicely. And don’t worry, Paulie is all Ben’s, and vice-versa, there was no snacking on the houseboy or guests for either of them, so if you dislike your MCs playing the field, you are safe. As always, I truly enjoyed this book by Inman, and was very pleased to find once again that his characters all had their unique voice to add to the craziness. It was a fun and romantic ride. 4.5 stars.
Now…I need to go find me a houseboy, so you go read a book or something. This one will do quite nicely.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
January 20, 2014
Paulie - the book & the guy - is simply fun.
It's my first by John Inman but most certainly won't be my last. Overall this story is funny, sexy and really sweet at the same time. It's written in that wonderful easy and engaging writing style I don't often come across. Page one takes you by the hand and won't let you go until the very end. And I promise, you'll be smiling the whole time (except for those few moments when you want to smack Paulie on the head, lightly). Honestly it had me cracking up a few times and yes, it is a little over the top - in a very good and dirty way - so be prepared.
Paulie really is an interesting and well told tale of friendship and love and how intertwined and yet unrecognized that special connection can be.
We pretty much start the journey with Paulie explaining how he survived his childhood in the loving hands of his grandmother after his parents passed away very early in his life. After his grandma's death he inherited millions of money, an incredible mansion with a beautiful rose bed and Hammer - oh no wait, the dog was his before. He's a writer and has just sent off his first novel to the wizard. Or the publisher.
He lives by the ocean in San Diego and enjoys running with Hammer, usually along the beach in the sand and the occasional surf. I love his relationship with his dog, such a naughty cutie that thing. No I don't mean Paulie :)
Being a mutt with the bloodlines of a hundred different breeds cursing through his veins, and all the morals of a serial rapist, Hammer had very eclectic tastes as far as sex went. He would hump anything.
Paulie is seriously living the live; of the rich and yet to be famous. He is just a little lonely.
So, in the hopes of some good company and a long overdue reunion with his three best friends from college, Paulie plans a two week vacation-party of sorts at his mansion, with caterers and alcohol worth enough to buy a new car.
To his very surprise even Ben, his former roommate and secret crush, has agreed to visit.
Paulie hadn't seen Ben since graduation ceremonies at San Diego state, after he left without a single word.
Aside from a note of condolence Ben had sent on the death of Paulie's grandmother, Ben had not communicated with Paulie again until he responded to Paulie's invitation to visit almost two years later. Both those communications were by email. They had not spoken since that night.
I enjoyed it greatly when Paulie tells us how he remembers their last night when everything fell apart between Paulie and Ben. YUMMY STUFF. yum yum.
His other two friends, Trevor and Jamie had been roommates and lovers back in college but apparently broken up after 3 months post-graduation. Both went their separate ways since then and arrive back in San Diego with their new boy toy's. Sort of.
Trevor and Jamie don't hold back nothing and instantly reconnect, ignoring their "tag-along" boy toy's completely. But hey, they're both incredibly fun, gods I love them. Jamie and Trevor seriously belong together; Nobody else would be able to put up with them - Paulie's words. They're pretty tactless and naughty, mildly said. What fun those boys are! =)
Oh and there is Jeffrey the hunky hung-like-a-horse *cough*, hired for two weeks, houseboy. Not wanting to give away too much, let's just say he will be indeed very useful in many ways. *cough**cough*. There will be thank you roses for the agency lady.
So, with a mansion full of sexy, horny boys the party can begin!
And no doubt about did that party begin. Oh my....cocktails please! :)
Wait, we are still missing someone. Ben.
I might want to stop here because I wouldn't want to give away too much :)
Let me just say, with Ben finally showing up all those pieces slowly fell into place. When I say slowly, I really do mean slowly. S-L-O-W-L-Y. It took Paulie just about forever to figure it out. sigh.
While the revelation as to why Ben actually left the way he did came anything but unexpected to us readers, it surely did not seem to make any sense for Paulie.
Spoilering a bit:
But it was done so lovely. Very lovely. Ben. Beautiful Ben. He was so sweet about everything. I've fallen for his shy charm. I did have butterflies in my tummy. When Paulie didn't really let Ben explain though, gods I wanted to smack that pretty boy over the head a few times. Then...then Ben didn't continue and just let Paulie assume the wort - *sniff* *sob*.
But it worked out so well and the butterflies were all back and happy :)
----
I heard it before and I can only agree, John Inman is an interesting storyteller. His characters here were all just so loveable and fun. Oh those horny side-kicks :)
I enjoyed it greatly, especially the excellent dialogue and the simplicity of it all.
Thank you for a wonderful afternoon read!
It's my first by John Inman but most certainly won't be my last. Overall this story is funny, sexy and really sweet at the same time. It's written in that wonderful easy and engaging writing style I don't often come across. Page one takes you by the hand and won't let you go until the very end. And I promise, you'll be smiling the whole time (except for those few moments when you want to smack Paulie on the head, lightly). Honestly it had me cracking up a few times and yes, it is a little over the top - in a very good and dirty way - so be prepared.
Paulie really is an interesting and well told tale of friendship and love and how intertwined and yet unrecognized that special connection can be.
We pretty much start the journey with Paulie explaining how he survived his childhood in the loving hands of his grandmother after his parents passed away very early in his life. After his grandma's death he inherited millions of money, an incredible mansion with a beautiful rose bed and Hammer - oh no wait, the dog was his before. He's a writer and has just sent off his first novel to the wizard. Or the publisher.
He lives by the ocean in San Diego and enjoys running with Hammer, usually along the beach in the sand and the occasional surf. I love his relationship with his dog, such a naughty cutie that thing. No I don't mean Paulie :)
Being a mutt with the bloodlines of a hundred different breeds cursing through his veins, and all the morals of a serial rapist, Hammer had very eclectic tastes as far as sex went. He would hump anything.
Paulie is seriously living the live; of the rich and yet to be famous. He is just a little lonely.
So, in the hopes of some good company and a long overdue reunion with his three best friends from college, Paulie plans a two week vacation-party of sorts at his mansion, with caterers and alcohol worth enough to buy a new car.
To his very surprise even Ben, his former roommate and secret crush, has agreed to visit.
"Ben. Who was part and parcel of Paulie's all-time favoite memory ever, and who probably, even now, didn't know it."
Paulie hadn't seen Ben since graduation ceremonies at San Diego state, after he left without a single word.
Aside from a note of condolence Ben had sent on the death of Paulie's grandmother, Ben had not communicated with Paulie again until he responded to Paulie's invitation to visit almost two years later. Both those communications were by email. They had not spoken since that night.
I enjoyed it greatly when Paulie tells us how he remembers their last night when everything fell apart between Paulie and Ben. YUMMY STUFF. yum yum.
"Ben. Beautiful Ben. what was now a wonderful memory had once almost killed their friendship completely."
His other two friends, Trevor and Jamie had been roommates and lovers back in college but apparently broken up after 3 months post-graduation. Both went their separate ways since then and arrive back in San Diego with their new boy toy's. Sort of.
Trevor and Jamie don't hold back nothing and instantly reconnect, ignoring their "tag-along" boy toy's completely. But hey, they're both incredibly fun, gods I love them. Jamie and Trevor seriously belong together; Nobody else would be able to put up with them - Paulie's words. They're pretty tactless and naughty, mildly said. What fun those boys are! =)
Apparently, Trevor was still in the mood for twisting knickers. He vaguely motioned to the two approaching young men and said to Paulie, "The one on the left is what's-his-name, and the one on the right is whoozit. Say hello to Paulie."
Jamie slapped Trevor's arm. "Oh don't be such a bitch. Paulie, this is my lover, um, wait, it'll come to me in a minute. And that's Trevor's lover. I have no idea what his fucking name is. "
Oh and there is Jeffrey the hunky hung-like-a-horse *cough*, hired for two weeks, houseboy. Not wanting to give away too much, let's just say he will be indeed very useful in many ways. *cough**cough*. There will be thank you roses for the agency lady.
So, with a mansion full of sexy, horny boys the party can begin!
And no doubt about did that party begin. Oh my....cocktails please! :)
Wait, we are still missing someone. Ben.
I might want to stop here because I wouldn't want to give away too much :)
Let me just say, with Ben finally showing up all those pieces slowly fell into place. When I say slowly, I really do mean slowly. S-L-O-W-L-Y. It took Paulie just about forever to figure it out. sigh.
While the revelation as to why Ben actually left the way he did came anything but unexpected to us readers, it surely did not seem to make any sense for Paulie.
Spoilering a bit:
But it was done so lovely. Very lovely. Ben. Beautiful Ben. He was so sweet about everything. I've fallen for his shy charm. I did have butterflies in my tummy. When Paulie didn't really let Ben explain though, gods I wanted to smack that pretty boy over the head a few times. Then...then Ben didn't continue and just let Paulie assume the wort - *sniff* *sob*.
But it worked out so well and the butterflies were all back and happy :)
----
I heard it before and I can only agree, John Inman is an interesting storyteller. His characters here were all just so loveable and fun. Oh those horny side-kicks :)
I enjoyed it greatly, especially the excellent dialogue and the simplicity of it all.
Thank you for a wonderful afternoon read!
May 17, 2015
Paulie was my first book by John Inman and I just loved it. The story is funny, sexy, entertaining and sweet at the same time and the guys are just adorable.
I love it when an author can make me laugh and giggle throughout a whole book and it never gets boring or too ridiculous. It's not often that I read funny books but this one was just great! I can wholeheartedly recommend to everyone who wants to read a well thought out and funny story. Thank you, John! :)
January 19, 2014
Paulie remembered everything from that night two years earlier when Ben had given himself to Paulie. Paulie remembered every taste, every gasp, every utterance.
This was an interesting book by John Inman. Paulie lives a rather lovely life in La Jolla in the beautiful house he was raised in with much love. He has sent off invitations to his three best friends from college who he hasn't see for two years. He has also just sent off a manuscript to a publisher in the hopes of a writing contract, this part of the book isn't played up much. However, Paulie reads like a book within a book. At times, often times, it was like someone was narrating a fictional story unfolding in their head -
The sun had set hours ago, and the night was as still as death. No, not death. It was more like the stillness of a...of a...fog bank. Yeah, that was it.
...And like the gang who would arrive shortly. The people he loved more than any others on the planet. They would soon be wending their way into San Diego, like his novel was wending its way out.
Paulie's mother and father were also gone, dead in a car crash when Paulie was four. His grandmother had scooped him into her trembling arms that day, the day her daughter and her daughter's husband had died. She had wept as she pressed her lips to Paulie's hair and told him not to worry, she would care for him. He would always have a home with her.
Basically, Paulie is about the four friends who meet up once again after their hiatus from one anther's lives (and their partners, and Jeffrey the houseboy). It is going to be a two week get together / reunion. Piss up. One friend, Ben, the character that Paulie is in love with, is the only straight guy of the friends. Paulie had one night of drunken passion with Ben at the end of college and Ben took off pretty soon after to Omaha with no words shared again. Paulie feels immense guilt over the event, believing he pushed Ben into something that he didn't want and in the process lost his best friend and someone he loved dearly. Now he is hoping this reunion will change things. Ben wrote him when Paulie's grandmother died a year prior, so there is hope.
The other friends, Trevor and Jamie, were lovers on and off throughout college but they broke up three months after they finished and moved to San Fran. They come along to the reunion of Paulie's with their new boyfriends in tow. As they step off the plane it is obvious they have hooked up again on the flight, and their new boyfriends aren't too thrilled initially. Trust me, that soon changes, and it isn't a problem as all is sorted out in a mutually satisfying way. No one's feelings are hurt, and there is a place for everyone. Trevor and Jamie certainly do take their...place which must gusto -
Paulie again looked toward Trevor's bedroom door, behind which the headboard banging was reaching a crescendo. If it was Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture, they would be firing the cannons about now.
John Inman is an interesting storyteller, and this is a good story he tells. There is some excellent dialogue, nice main characters, and the secondary characters are all fun and interesting...and like a drink or twenty. The hung-like-a-horse househunk, Jeffrey, is a nice touch as well.
I have always loved the cover, but now I know it fits the book well. The first time Ben comes out to the (very clothing optional) pool he has his lime green budgie smugglers on.
At the core of the story is friends, and all their interesting ways. But most of all, it is a love story, a friends to lovers story, and I liked Paulie and Ben very, very much. You always know where the book is going, but the telling of the story was what made it worthwhile.
I enjoyed the style of writing of Paulie. As I stated at the beginning, for me it was like a book within a book, and I loved the whimsy and the feeling of it all. Perhaps others won't see it quite the way I did. No matter. It is a good read and I highly recommend it for people who like a sexy, light hearted, fun, MM romance that is well written and just plain interesting.
This was an interesting book by John Inman. Paulie lives a rather lovely life in La Jolla in the beautiful house he was raised in with much love. He has sent off invitations to his three best friends from college who he hasn't see for two years. He has also just sent off a manuscript to a publisher in the hopes of a writing contract, this part of the book isn't played up much. However, Paulie reads like a book within a book. At times, often times, it was like someone was narrating a fictional story unfolding in their head -
The sun had set hours ago, and the night was as still as death. No, not death. It was more like the stillness of a...of a...fog bank. Yeah, that was it.
...And like the gang who would arrive shortly. The people he loved more than any others on the planet. They would soon be wending their way into San Diego, like his novel was wending its way out.
Paulie's mother and father were also gone, dead in a car crash when Paulie was four. His grandmother had scooped him into her trembling arms that day, the day her daughter and her daughter's husband had died. She had wept as she pressed her lips to Paulie's hair and told him not to worry, she would care for him. He would always have a home with her.
Basically, Paulie is about the four friends who meet up once again after their hiatus from one anther's lives (and their partners, and Jeffrey the houseboy). It is going to be a two week get together / reunion. Piss up. One friend, Ben, the character that Paulie is in love with, is the only straight guy of the friends. Paulie had one night of drunken passion with Ben at the end of college and Ben took off pretty soon after to Omaha with no words shared again. Paulie feels immense guilt over the event, believing he pushed Ben into something that he didn't want and in the process lost his best friend and someone he loved dearly. Now he is hoping this reunion will change things. Ben wrote him when Paulie's grandmother died a year prior, so there is hope.
The other friends, Trevor and Jamie, were lovers on and off throughout college but they broke up three months after they finished and moved to San Fran. They come along to the reunion of Paulie's with their new boyfriends in tow. As they step off the plane it is obvious they have hooked up again on the flight, and their new boyfriends aren't too thrilled initially. Trust me, that soon changes, and it isn't a problem as all is sorted out in a mutually satisfying way. No one's feelings are hurt, and there is a place for everyone. Trevor and Jamie certainly do take their...place which must gusto -
Paulie again looked toward Trevor's bedroom door, behind which the headboard banging was reaching a crescendo. If it was Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture, they would be firing the cannons about now.
John Inman is an interesting storyteller, and this is a good story he tells. There is some excellent dialogue, nice main characters, and the secondary characters are all fun and interesting...and like a drink or twenty. The hung-like-a-horse househunk, Jeffrey, is a nice touch as well.
I have always loved the cover, but now I know it fits the book well. The first time Ben comes out to the (very clothing optional) pool he has his lime green budgie smugglers on.
At the core of the story is friends, and all their interesting ways. But most of all, it is a love story, a friends to lovers story, and I liked Paulie and Ben very, very much. You always know where the book is going, but the telling of the story was what made it worthwhile.
I enjoyed the style of writing of Paulie. As I stated at the beginning, for me it was like a book within a book, and I loved the whimsy and the feeling of it all. Perhaps others won't see it quite the way I did. No matter. It is a good read and I highly recommend it for people who like a sexy, light hearted, fun, MM romance that is well written and just plain interesting.
January 10, 2014
Full review can be found at On Top Down Under Book Reviews.
This is John Inman at his best. From Paulie's oversexed college buddies (and their men) to his hot houseboy to his hilarious (and constantly humping) dog, Hammer. Throw in Ben, the man who Paulie has secretly loved for years, and you have one hell of a great story.
Highly recommended.
The cover is HOT!
This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange for a fair and honest review.
January 27, 2014
This book is Fun with a capital F. Two weeks of exhibitionism, oral sex, a crazy dog sowing silly things and a straight roommate deciding to come out and you have exactly how I'd like to spend a vacation. Enjoy.
March 18, 2014
I could have enjoyed this a lot more if it had been cut short in half, Paulie's internal ramblings and thoughts at times just bored me to death, so I ended up skimming a LOT.
I did enjoy Paulie's personality and how sweet and caring he was, I found the sexcapades of the house guests completely amusing and at points hot too.
“I think you ruined me for other men, Paulie. It’s the only way I can explain it. Does that put you on an ego trip?”
“No.” Paulie grinned. “But it pleases the shit out of me.”
“Lovely expression.”
“Thank you.”
Paulie invites his three best friends to his mansion for a two week vacation, Trevor and Jamie -who were lovers at a point- with their respective boyfriends and Ben, the only straight guy of the bunch.
Ben makes Paulie swoon, sweat, be nervous and happy and everything at the same time, he's surprised Ben accepted the invitation after ignoring him for two years after a drunken night of lust.
The dog! Oh my god how I loved Hammer! Most amusing part of the story.
Being a mutt with the bloodlines of a hundred different breeds coursing through his veins, and all the morals of a serial rapist, Hammer had very eclectic tastes as far as sex went. He would hump anything. It didn’t even have to be a dog.
Paulie felt a tug on the leash one day and looked back to find Hammer humping a fence post. He even seemed to be enjoying it. There was a crazed look in Hammer’s eyes that said, “Damn the splinters! Who cares!”
Meh it was normal, nothing remarkable and too too long for my liking.
I did enjoy Paulie's personality and how sweet and caring he was, I found the sexcapades of the house guests completely amusing and at points hot too.
“I think you ruined me for other men, Paulie. It’s the only way I can explain it. Does that put you on an ego trip?”
“No.” Paulie grinned. “But it pleases the shit out of me.”
“Lovely expression.”
“Thank you.”
Paulie invites his three best friends to his mansion for a two week vacation, Trevor and Jamie -who were lovers at a point- with their respective boyfriends and Ben, the only straight guy of the bunch.
Ben makes Paulie swoon, sweat, be nervous and happy and everything at the same time, he's surprised Ben accepted the invitation after ignoring him for two years after a drunken night of lust.
The dog! Oh my god how I loved Hammer! Most amusing part of the story.
Being a mutt with the bloodlines of a hundred different breeds coursing through his veins, and all the morals of a serial rapist, Hammer had very eclectic tastes as far as sex went. He would hump anything. It didn’t even have to be a dog.
Paulie felt a tug on the leash one day and looked back to find Hammer humping a fence post. He even seemed to be enjoying it. There was a crazed look in Hammer’s eyes that said, “Damn the splinters! Who cares!”
Meh it was normal, nothing remarkable and too too long for my liking.
May 15, 2014
Actual 4.5 Star Rating!
PAULIE by John Inman!
Everyone thinks Paulie Banks lives a perfect life but not everything is as it seems. He has been in love with Ben who was his old college roommate but the only problem is that Ben is straight or that is what Paulie believes. Paulie has now setup a reunion with his college buddies in order to re-connect and talk about the old college days. He is shocked that Ben has accepted his invitation and his friends Jamie and Trevor are bringing their lovers. Ben the beautiful and hot guy and the only straight guy amongst the group is coming and now Paulie is completely excited but a bit nervous too. Now Paulie has to find out if Ben has forgiven him for the drunken incident that happened the last night they spent together years earlier.
Paulie has always lived a luxury life due to his late grandmother who he loved more than anything and he has the fondest memories of her. He is tired of being alone in the La Jolla Mansion so he invites his friends for the visit. Now as he awaits his friends arrival and also the beautiful Ben, he must get his hot and sexy house-boy, Jeffrey ready for the arrival of his friends and let the festivities begin. Paulie wants to make sure that Ben will be very comfortable as being he will be the only supposed straight guy at the mansion for the two-weeks. He wants his old friendship back with Ben but when he arrives old secrets and hurt feelings threaten Paulie's hopes of the friendship they once shared.
I really enjoyed this book as it had such great humour and so wonderfully well written. The main characters of Paulie and Ben was so much fun to read about and how they entertained the reader. The rest of the characters were so fun and and well written in such great detail that I found myself wishing I was attending this reunion. I absolutely loved Jamie, Trevor and David and I can't stop thinking about Jeffrey, the hot black house-boy. I liked that it wasn't just about the main characters but also had great secondary storylines of friendships and new love. I highly recommend this beautiful story....PAULIE to anyone who likes to read about hot men, sexy men, nearly naked men, love, forgiveness, acceptance, humour and beautiful MM writing!!!!
"Complimentary copy provided by author/publisher for an honest review."
Reviewed by Paul at Gay Media Reviews!
PAULIE by John Inman!
Everyone thinks Paulie Banks lives a perfect life but not everything is as it seems. He has been in love with Ben who was his old college roommate but the only problem is that Ben is straight or that is what Paulie believes. Paulie has now setup a reunion with his college buddies in order to re-connect and talk about the old college days. He is shocked that Ben has accepted his invitation and his friends Jamie and Trevor are bringing their lovers. Ben the beautiful and hot guy and the only straight guy amongst the group is coming and now Paulie is completely excited but a bit nervous too. Now Paulie has to find out if Ben has forgiven him for the drunken incident that happened the last night they spent together years earlier.
Paulie has always lived a luxury life due to his late grandmother who he loved more than anything and he has the fondest memories of her. He is tired of being alone in the La Jolla Mansion so he invites his friends for the visit. Now as he awaits his friends arrival and also the beautiful Ben, he must get his hot and sexy house-boy, Jeffrey ready for the arrival of his friends and let the festivities begin. Paulie wants to make sure that Ben will be very comfortable as being he will be the only supposed straight guy at the mansion for the two-weeks. He wants his old friendship back with Ben but when he arrives old secrets and hurt feelings threaten Paulie's hopes of the friendship they once shared.
I really enjoyed this book as it had such great humour and so wonderfully well written. The main characters of Paulie and Ben was so much fun to read about and how they entertained the reader. The rest of the characters were so fun and and well written in such great detail that I found myself wishing I was attending this reunion. I absolutely loved Jamie, Trevor and David and I can't stop thinking about Jeffrey, the hot black house-boy. I liked that it wasn't just about the main characters but also had great secondary storylines of friendships and new love. I highly recommend this beautiful story....PAULIE to anyone who likes to read about hot men, sexy men, nearly naked men, love, forgiveness, acceptance, humour and beautiful MM writing!!!!
"Complimentary copy provided by author/publisher for an honest review."
Reviewed by Paul at Gay Media Reviews!
January 25, 2014
Now...when I start reading a John Inman book, I know I'm in for a funride. And I also know that I shouldn't take everything to serious.
This time he takes us away in a great mansion with a pool, a hot (sexy, well endowed, only little to nothing clothed) houseboy, and of course Paulie, who is just really nice. Add to the mixture two friends who never got over each other with their supposed boyfriends (or whatever) and Ben, the love interest, and we have a lot of men screwing around here ;)
The whole book is a strange and funny mixture between savoir vivre, indulgence and a lot of screwing....unfortunately in the beginning not so much for Paulie, who felt tempted by the houseboy, but there is still the fact to consider, that Ben is expected to come, too. Ben, his straight, best friend, the guy he once gave a blowjob and who then dissapeared. Paulie wants him back in his life, even it that means he is still his straight, best friend. I'm not telling a secret when I'm saying lucky for Paulie Ben isn't so straight anymore.
So to this unusual mixture of fun, sex and a good time, we can also add true love...sigh...and in the sweetest way.
I'm not quite sure how to describe the book, seriously. It's like the mixture between a 80th porn set and a Harlequin romance with a hint of slapstick. And while I'm writing this I'm absolutely aware that all these ingredients do not sound so good but actually, this is working!! It's bold and funny, sweet and tender.
Oh well, it's a John Inman book :)
This time he takes us away in a great mansion with a pool, a hot (sexy, well endowed, only little to nothing clothed) houseboy, and of course Paulie, who is just really nice. Add to the mixture two friends who never got over each other with their supposed boyfriends (or whatever) and Ben, the love interest, and we have a lot of men screwing around here ;)
The whole book is a strange and funny mixture between savoir vivre, indulgence and a lot of screwing....unfortunately in the beginning not so much for Paulie, who felt tempted by the houseboy, but there is still the fact to consider, that Ben is expected to come, too. Ben, his straight, best friend, the guy he once gave a blowjob and who then dissapeared. Paulie wants him back in his life, even it that means he is still his straight, best friend. I'm not telling a secret when I'm saying lucky for Paulie Ben isn't so straight anymore.
So to this unusual mixture of fun, sex and a good time, we can also add true love...sigh...and in the sweetest way.
I'm not quite sure how to describe the book, seriously. It's like the mixture between a 80th porn set and a Harlequin romance with a hint of slapstick. And while I'm writing this I'm absolutely aware that all these ingredients do not sound so good but actually, this is working!! It's bold and funny, sweet and tender.
Oh well, it's a John Inman book :)
August 19, 2015
2.5 reunion stars
This was recommended to me by Tina and I honestly say "Thank you" for it. You promised funny fluff and it's funny fluff indeed!
Now you might ask, why only 2.5 stars?
For me...
...it dragged a bit too much in the first 40%. Yes, it was nice and funny how Paulie prepaired for the reunion with his friends and to get to know his story but I was too eager for Ben to appear.
...his friends and the house
...the sex felt retold even if it wasn't. And there were LOTS of sex.
But all this are my personal preferences (that were not hit). Yet, I can see why so many people liked it.
January 30, 2014
John Inman makes me laugh. I would read his books anyway, because they are always good stories, but the fact that some of them have made me laugh so hard I spit water doesn't hurt. When I read the description for 'Paulie' I thought it was going to be one of those kind of adventures, and to a degree it was. I was pleasantly surprised to discover there was a lot more depth and emotion in this book than I had been expecting and that simply ratcheted my enjoyment up a little higher.
It was gratifying to see that even though Paulie was raised very wealthy and inherited everything a year ago when his beloved grandmother died, he wasn't spoiled. His grandmother made him do yard work growing up for spending money and he drives a functional, not even new, vehicle. What a relief. If he'd been a snobby jerk I might not have lasted through it. I was in total agreement with Paulie being a little snooty in that he hired a houseboy for the two weeks that his five guests were staying. If I could, I'd totally hire one every time my mother comes to visit, so I thought Paulie had the right idea.
Paulie, Jamie, Trevor, and Ben were the best of friends all through college. Their final year, Paulie roomed with Ben in an off-campus apartment, while Jamie and Trevor shared a place in the same building. Jamie and Trevor did the on-again, off-again relationship which was decidedly on at graduation but ended three months after. Jamie and Trevor are the first to arrive with their respective partners. Unfortunately for those two young men, it would appear that Jamie and Trevor have re-discovered their friendship and maybe more as they're flirting outrageously with each other while ignoring their dates. Oh, this will be a fun two weeks, huh?
Ben is a whole different kettle of fish. The only straight guy in the group, son of a Methodist minister, and Paulie's secret crush through college which culminated in a drunken one-off the night before graduation. I had to kind of wonder though when Paulie mentioned how often Ben wandered around their apartment naked. I've had roommates of the male persuasion and I've never walked around naked. Hmm. They haven't spoken since that night, so Paulie was surprised when Ben accepted his invitation via mail, and a little shocked when Ben told him he was driving in from Omaha.
This was probably the most interesting two week vacation I've ever heard of. The obvious does happen where Ben admits his true feelings and the way the author handled it was well done. Paulie and Ben deserved to be together and get their happy ever after, although if I'd been Ben I might have slapped Paulie for constantly interrupting. Just sayin'. The other five members of the house party (yes, I'm including the houseboy) swapped partners around until they were satisfied, managed to drink an ungodly amount of alcohol every day, all day long, while hanging at the pool, clothing optional.
This was a fun and surprisingly gentle story and I enjoyed it. The writing was good, the characters were strong, the antics were funny, and the love story was sweet. Just what I needed to read. Thank you, John!
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
It was gratifying to see that even though Paulie was raised very wealthy and inherited everything a year ago when his beloved grandmother died, he wasn't spoiled. His grandmother made him do yard work growing up for spending money and he drives a functional, not even new, vehicle. What a relief. If he'd been a snobby jerk I might not have lasted through it. I was in total agreement with Paulie being a little snooty in that he hired a houseboy for the two weeks that his five guests were staying. If I could, I'd totally hire one every time my mother comes to visit, so I thought Paulie had the right idea.
Paulie, Jamie, Trevor, and Ben were the best of friends all through college. Their final year, Paulie roomed with Ben in an off-campus apartment, while Jamie and Trevor shared a place in the same building. Jamie and Trevor did the on-again, off-again relationship which was decidedly on at graduation but ended three months after. Jamie and Trevor are the first to arrive with their respective partners. Unfortunately for those two young men, it would appear that Jamie and Trevor have re-discovered their friendship and maybe more as they're flirting outrageously with each other while ignoring their dates. Oh, this will be a fun two weeks, huh?
Ben is a whole different kettle of fish. The only straight guy in the group, son of a Methodist minister, and Paulie's secret crush through college which culminated in a drunken one-off the night before graduation. I had to kind of wonder though when Paulie mentioned how often Ben wandered around their apartment naked. I've had roommates of the male persuasion and I've never walked around naked. Hmm. They haven't spoken since that night, so Paulie was surprised when Ben accepted his invitation via mail, and a little shocked when Ben told him he was driving in from Omaha.
This was probably the most interesting two week vacation I've ever heard of. The obvious does happen where Ben admits his true feelings and the way the author handled it was well done. Paulie and Ben deserved to be together and get their happy ever after, although if I'd been Ben I might have slapped Paulie for constantly interrupting. Just sayin'. The other five members of the house party (yes, I'm including the houseboy) swapped partners around until they were satisfied, managed to drink an ungodly amount of alcohol every day, all day long, while hanging at the pool, clothing optional.
This was a fun and surprisingly gentle story and I enjoyed it. The writing was good, the characters were strong, the antics were funny, and the love story was sweet. Just what I needed to read. Thank you, John!
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
May 26, 2015
What a perfect read for Memorial day weekend! Paulie decides to invite his old friends from college to stay at his place...a mansion..for 2 weeks to catch up with everyone. He invites his best friend Ben, who he's always had a crush on, that he thinks is straight, and who he had a "thing" with the last time they were together. He hires a guy to be his "house boy" for the two weeks, who fits in perfectly with the rest of them. This book is so fun, it has some really funny moments, and some emotional ones too. I loved it, and I wouldnt mind seeing another reunion maybe 5 years later.hint hint LOL. Loved it.
February 16, 2015
I cannot express enough how much I love John Inman's works. I am actually getting depressed because I only have a couple more to go until I've read them all!
March 28, 2014
Paulie, Paulie, Paulie. You're such a sweetheart. Of COURSE the object of your affection was in love with you. Who wouldn't be? If only I were a gay man, I'd be on top of you like white on rice. You are too loveable puttering around your garden having cocktails and sending off manuscripts, pining for your lost love. I'm so glad your man found his way back to you and did the appropriate amount of groveling/sweet-talking to be worthy of your love for him. I too wish I had a houseboy to haul my grandmother's china to the beach for a picnic with all of my crazy friends. Above all, thanks for introducing me to John Inman.
By the way, did I tell you I think your friends are crazy? And I hope you're putting extra chlorine in your pool. There were a lot of bodily fluids being flung willy nilly in that vicinity.
By the way, did I tell you I think your friends are crazy? And I hope you're putting extra chlorine in your pool. There were a lot of bodily fluids being flung willy nilly in that vicinity.
July 23, 2016
4-4.5
This book was just plain fun. It was like watching a funny, sexy comedy--one where the characters are adorable, horny and sweet. The secondary characters are engaging and amusing. Jamie and Trevor in particular cracked me up.
Side comment for those of you squeamish about descriptive sexual content: while this book is rather sex-centric, most of the sex is not graphic.
I really liked John Inman's style, humor and turn of phrase. I'll be reading more by this author--so far he fits me to a T.
This book was just plain fun. It was like watching a funny, sexy comedy--one where the characters are adorable, horny and sweet. The secondary characters are engaging and amusing. Jamie and Trevor in particular cracked me up.
Side comment for those of you squeamish about descriptive sexual content: while this book is rather sex-centric, most of the sex is not graphic.
I really liked John Inman's style, humor and turn of phrase. I'll be reading more by this author--so far he fits me to a T.
February 17, 2014
While I enjoyed the blooming romance between Paulie and a certain someone, it was the secondary characters that stole the show. Dang, at one point I actually snorted coffee through my nose with their antics! (BTW, very painful, wouldn’t recommend it.) I never thought snorkeling could be so interesting.
See the entire 4.5 star review at The Novel Approach: http://thenovelapproachreviews.com/20...
See the entire 4.5 star review at The Novel Approach: http://thenovelapproachreviews.com/20...
January 9, 2014
This was such an adorable story! I want mooooore. Paulie is such a cutie (and living my dream, ngl. Especially since we haven't had temps over 16 degrees F in over a week) but I loved all the side characters too. If Mr. Inman might feel inclined to expand on, let's say Jeffrey and Jack, I wouldn't object...
April 4, 2014
Loved this. I picked this book up on a whim, based on the fun cover. I had no idea of the delights in store for me inside this book. It was fun, funny, sexy and thoroughly enjoyable. I'm so glad I have discovered this new-to-me author - I was delighted to see that he has written a ton of books and I am diving in for more! Read this one - its highly entertaining!!
April 4, 2021
Just enough laughs to temper the sweetness. A little over the top sexcapades and enough booze to float a ship help to make this book well worth reading.
January 21, 2014
2.45 stars
Paulie and Ben were roommates in college. They were close friends with two other students, Trevor and Jaime. They all graduated 2 years ago and. Paulie, a rich out gay, had crush on Ben, known to be straight, since they were both freshmen. In their final year, they had sex, followed by Ben disappearing from Paulie's life. That is, until Paulie sent out an invitation to Ben and their two other friends to spend two weeks in his house, eh, manor. To Paulie's surprise, they all agreed, including Ben.
I may be against the stream here. I feel the story is too thin (the above blurb is all there is), so this is not a story that relies on plots. However, neither do I feel any emotion when I was reading this book. When you read a 'journey' or 'process' book, at least you'd like to 'feel' for the characters' experience or life so that the absence of heavy plot wouldn't be missed. Not here.
As a main character in a supposedly 'journey' book, I feel Paulie is too one dimensional. As is Ben. The presences of other characters, not only Trevor and Jaime, but other characters too, don't add much to the already thin plot.
Paulie and Ben were roommates in college. They were close friends with two other students, Trevor and Jaime. They all graduated 2 years ago and. Paulie, a rich out gay, had crush on Ben, known to be straight, since they were both freshmen. In their final year, they had sex, followed by Ben disappearing from Paulie's life. That is, until Paulie sent out an invitation to Ben and their two other friends to spend two weeks in his house, eh, manor. To Paulie's surprise, they all agreed, including Ben.
I may be against the stream here. I feel the story is too thin (the above blurb is all there is), so this is not a story that relies on plots. However, neither do I feel any emotion when I was reading this book. When you read a 'journey' or 'process' book, at least you'd like to 'feel' for the characters' experience or life so that the absence of heavy plot wouldn't be missed. Not here.
As a main character in a supposedly 'journey' book, I feel Paulie is too one dimensional. As is Ben. The presences of other characters, not only Trevor and Jaime, but other characters too, don't add much to the already thin plot.
January 21, 2014
So freakin cute!!!! Paulie is one of those books that you end up smiling all the way through. The characters are so adorable an so damn funny. I found myself laughing so loud it's a good thing I was the only one home or someone would have been asking what's so funny. Just a sample...
"And speaking of positions, I fear your little friend is going to drown soon if he doesn't come up for air."
I couldn't stop laughing at that whole scene. Paulie reminded me a lot of Jory from A Matter Of Time but without all the trouble he was prone to get into. Ben and all the secondary characters, Trevor, Jamie, Jack, Jeffrey and Danny were a hoot. Definitely one of the cutest and funniest books I've read in a long time. John Inman has a way with words and I can't wait to check out his other books.
"And speaking of positions, I fear your little friend is going to drown soon if he doesn't come up for air."
I couldn't stop laughing at that whole scene. Paulie reminded me a lot of Jory from A Matter Of Time but without all the trouble he was prone to get into. Ben and all the secondary characters, Trevor, Jamie, Jack, Jeffrey and Danny were a hoot. Definitely one of the cutest and funniest books I've read in a long time. John Inman has a way with words and I can't wait to check out his other books.
February 1, 2014
Yet another wonderfully funny, sexy and amazing book from John Inman.
Paulie invites his old collage room mates, with boyfriends, to spend two weeks at his mansion. - Paulie is filthy rich ;)
With his guests and a stunning houseboy there are two weeks of nude drinking and sex... Just not for Paulie.
He is in love with the only Straight Boy in the party, Ben.
But as the days goes by, great food and alcohol is consumed and sex is preformed, Ben starts to see Paulie with different eyes.
Not forgetting Hammer, the most randy dog since the Chihuahua Pedro from Shy, this is a laugh all the way.
This can be a Gay-For-You book, but with Jamie, Trevor, Danny, Jack and Jeffrey in the mix, there is never a dull moment ;)
Paulie invites his old collage room mates, with boyfriends, to spend two weeks at his mansion. - Paulie is filthy rich ;)
With his guests and a stunning houseboy there are two weeks of nude drinking and sex... Just not for Paulie.
He is in love with the only Straight Boy in the party, Ben.
But as the days goes by, great food and alcohol is consumed and sex is preformed, Ben starts to see Paulie with different eyes.
Not forgetting Hammer, the most randy dog since the Chihuahua Pedro from Shy, this is a laugh all the way.
This can be a Gay-For-You book, but with Jamie, Trevor, Danny, Jack and Jeffrey in the mix, there is never a dull moment ;)
February 1, 2014
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
I loved this book. I’m not surprised. I knew I would because I tend to love everything I’ve read by John Inman so far. Why do I love Inman’s books so much? Well, Paulie is the perfect example of why. This book is so lighthearted and fun. Not only do I adore the main characters, Paulie and Ben, but I’m head over heels for the entire cast. And the words flow so smoothly, making the story easy and enjoyable to read.
Read Crissy's review in its entirety here.
4.5 stars
I loved this book. I’m not surprised. I knew I would because I tend to love everything I’ve read by John Inman so far. Why do I love Inman’s books so much? Well, Paulie is the perfect example of why. This book is so lighthearted and fun. Not only do I adore the main characters, Paulie and Ben, but I’m head over heels for the entire cast. And the words flow so smoothly, making the story easy and enjoyable to read.
Read Crissy's review in its entirety here.
February 13, 2014
It's my first time reading this author, and in glad I took a chance on him. The story was interesting and very fun to read. It wasn't overly complicated, but it's enough that it kept my attention. I love Paulie, he was just so open and humble even with him being so rich. He never acted stuck up or like he was better than others. I didn't like Ben too much, but he was ok, and he cared about Paulie so he was good. The whole Trevor, Jamie, and Danny threw me off, but if it works for them, then so be it. Overall I liked the story very much.
October 2, 2014
While not all of John Inman's storylines are what I'd really call 'reality-based', they're always good for a few laughs and this one was no exception. And John's imagination is definitely one for the books.
Favorite line from this book: "He even sleeps nelly." I nearly shat myself when I read that. As much as I dearly love authors like Amy Lane and TJ Klune, neither of them are quite twisted enough to make something like that up.
Keep it up, John, and I'll keep reading your far-fetched pages. : )
(Although I am still annoyed with how 'Poodle Apocalypse' ended, just sayin'.)
Favorite line from this book: "He even sleeps nelly." I nearly shat myself when I read that. As much as I dearly love authors like Amy Lane and TJ Klune, neither of them are quite twisted enough to make something like that up.
Keep it up, John, and I'll keep reading your far-fetched pages. : )
(Although I am still annoyed with how 'Poodle Apocalypse' ended, just sayin'.)
January 28, 2014
This book just doesnt do it for me. Once again it is all too easy, too cliche and to simple, ofcourse the houseboy is gay with a huge cock, ofcourse the host is rich, handsome and alone and ofcourse the crush for his straight friend is returned. And two weeks later they move in together and live happily ever after.
I am sorry, but that just isnt real life. I dont expect much from a romance story, but come on......
If all Inman stories are like this, I wont be reading any more of them.
I am sorry, but that just isnt real life. I dont expect much from a romance story, but come on......
If all Inman stories are like this, I wont be reading any more of them.
March 17, 2014
4.5 stars. I've read many John Inman books. There's a darkness to his writing that I really am drawn to. In Paulie there is no darkness. This is truly a happy and wonderful story. Refreshing and I had a smile throughout... There was a moment of suspense and I may have said "SAY IT BEN!" Really loudly LOL!!! Great book!
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