Work in Progress

The Belladonna Arms #2

by John Inman

Dumped by his lover, Harlie Rose ducks for cover in the Belladonna Arms, a seedy apartment building perched high on a hill in downtown San Diego. What he doesn't know is that the Belladonna Arms has a reputation for romance—and Harlie is about to become its next victim.

Finding a job at a deli up the street, Harlie meets Milan, a gorgeous but cranky baker. Unaware that Milan is suffering the effects of a broken heart just as Harlie is, the two men circle around each other, manning the barricades, both unwilling to open themselves up to love yet again.

But even the most stubborn heart can be conquered.

With his new friends to back him up—Sylvia, on the verge of her final surgery to become a woman, Arthur, the aging drag queen who is about to discover a romance of his own, and Stanley and Roger, the handsome young couple in 5C who lead by example, Harlie soon learns that at the Belladonna Arms, love is always just around the corner waiting to pounce. Whether you want it to or not.

But tragedy also drops in now and then.

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Contemporary, Audiobook, LGBT, Humor, Gay

226 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 6, 2014

About the author

A 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

Reviews

[Rosa, really · Rating 2 out of 5]

You know what's annoying?

When one part of a book so bothers you, you have no idea whether the rest of the book is enjoyable or not.

Work in Progress be could be great--I wouldn't know, I was too busy calling the main character an asshole.

Meet Arthur. (Not the main character.)



He’s the landlord/owner of Belladonna Arms (the apartment building this series is named after)--he's generous, loving and accepting of everyone around him. He may be a hairy, bald, 300lb man on the outside, but on the inside he's Marilyn Monroe or Rita Hayworth. He likes to wear chiffon, heels, feathers and rhinestones. He’s aware he may look ridiculous to some, but he dresses and acts in a way that makes him comfortable and I FUCKING LOVE HIM, ALRIGHT?



What pissed me off right away about main character Harlie Rose is that about 3 minutes after meeting Arthur he’s giving him fashion advice. Harlie thinks to himself that Arthur looks “a little like an obese and aging version of Heath Ledger’s Joker in The Dark Knight, only not as cute.” If Arthur wants to attract a man he needs to “[t]ry to be a bit—well—butcher.” He should forget the makeup and start wearing jeans, flannel and cowboy boots. Also, if he really want to butch it up he should "stop calling everybody 'honey' and saying words like 'sillies.'"



It would've been less annoying except for the fact that Harlie trying to change Arthur's entire personality so he can get himself a man is a major subplot. Every time it came up I had to stop myself from pulling out my eyebrow hair.

In an attempt to be fair, it does end well. Arthur is happy and Harlie realizes he was in the wrong. Also, Arthur does open himself up to such advice by stating that he believed he'd never find a man because he looks ridiculous to other people. You know what I think about those people? FUCK 'EM.

So I'm not entirely sure if I would've enjoyed Work in Progress if it weren't for the Arthur subplot. However, it does have all the markers of what I enjoy most in a John Inman book:

1. The course of true love does, indeed, run smooth. Harlie and his true love (Milan) meet-cute, there are some misunderstandings, a few obstacles that get in the way of their relationship, but that only lasts about 50% (or even less) of the book. Soon our boys are together forever. They face other challenges in the last part of the book, but they never doubt their love for each other. I never have to worry about an impending Big Misunderstanding. That and some hot smex make for a nice, relaxing read.

2. Inman's visual writing style. I can see his characters, the setting and events so clearly in my mind they're like Rom Com movies.

3. Supporting characters. Some are sweet (like Sylvia and Pete--she's trans and he loves her no matter what body parts she may or may not have), some are quirky (like Charlie and Pete, 2 kleptomaniacs in love) and some I like better than the main character (see above).

4. Humor. Uh, yeah, I'm having problems finding any funny parts (except where many of the characters are giggling over the ridiculous Arthur, har har), but Inman is a very funny writer so I'm sure they're there.

If it sounds like the Arthur subplot won't bother you as it does me, if you like John Inman's other romantic comedies or you're looking for a new fluffy author--Work in Progress should be a great read. Unfortunately, it's most definitely not for me.

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG OMG OMG!!


I love John Inman's writing and I absolutely loved this book!! Harlie and Milan are wonderful together! This story had me laughing out loud many times and shedding a tear once. I encourage everyone to read this book. Please tell me there will be more of this series!!!


Must read!

[♥️Victoria ♥️ ♥️love books♥️ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall book rating: 3 Stars
Audio book: Narrator - Caleb Dickinson 4 Stars
Book cover: 3 Stars

This one went down the hill!!!!!!!!! I did not like where the story went with Chi Chi. The first book gave me a high with all the laughter but this one lost the funny good feeling of the book.

I just wanted everyone to be happy and fall in love but with the turn of events with Chi Chi I lost faith in the "love pollen" theory.

[Valerie ❈M/M Romance Junkie❈]

This pissed me off before I could ever get into the story. The way that the first MC described Arthur in his head was beyond awful. He came across as a complete and utter asshole! I couldn't care less about him falling in love. His inner dialogue makes him come across as an undeserving asshat.

[AliciaJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet, gentle romance that just made me feel warm and happy all over. I adore this series and all the characters living at Belladonna Arms. I hope there's another story coming soon.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have completely fallen in love with the world of the Belladonna Arms.

Harlie and Milan are ideal, but in the best imperfect way. I finished listening to the audiobook of Serenading Stanley right before I started this one and was reminded of the absolute perfection of Roger and Stanley, which I loved and I was so glad I revisited all these characters before I started Work in Progress. The series is so much more than the MC's and it has probably the best supporting cast of characters ever!

Back to Harlie and Milan . . . I liked that they were a little more flawed, Harlie especially. He was completely misguided when it came to Arthur and while it drove me nuts, it was pretty real of him. I love how it was resolved and Arthur's happiness made me swoon. I was never happier to see a character be mistaken before like I was when Harlie was proven wrong. These two are a little snarkier together and I liked that.

Harlie and Milan get off to a bit of a rocky start but it was short lived and I love that about John's stories. I get to spend more time wallowing in the love and less on the angsty road to get there. HEA's were had, but some harsh realities visited the Belladonna Arms as well and gave the whole story a realistic quality that tempered the perfection of the "love pollen" that floats around that place so copiously.

I hope there is more to come for this series, the characters are too good to be done.

[Mathilda Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Und wieder einmal schafft es John Inman mich von der ersten Seite an zu begeistern. Das »Belladonna Arms« ist ein so verrücktes Haus, mit noch verrückteren Bewohnern – ich würde sofort einziehen. Allein schon um Harlie und Milan kennenzulernen, und natürlich auch den Rest der Bewohner, allen voran Arthur, Sylvia, Stanley, Roger und wie sie alle heißen.

Dieses Haus ist voller Liebespollen, wie Arthur gerne zu sagen pflegt, und auch Harlie kann sich dem Zauber in Form eines großen, anfangs mürrischen Bäckermeisters nicht entziehen, der ihn schon auf den ersten Blick für sich einnimmt und dabei gleich eine weitere Liebe mit ins Rollen bringt.

Ich habe gelacht, ich habe den Kopf geschüttelt (ich sag nur ChiChi) und ich habe mich wunderbar unterhalten, während Milan und Harlie umeinander herumschleichen und letzterer mit der Zeit lernen muss, dass man sich für die Liebe nicht verbiegen darf. Wer sich nicht so gibt, wie er ist, verliert vielleicht das Beste in seinem Leben, und das muss auch Harlie schmerzlich erkennen, denn die zweite junge Liebe im »Belladonna Arms« zerbricht beinahe an seinen Vorstellungen.

Aber Gott sei Dank bekommen alle rechtzeitig die Kurve, nun ja, fast alle. Denn es gibt auch Dramatisches im Buch, das ich jedem nur ans Herz legen kann, der auf schräge Charaktere und viel Liebe steht.

[Chris, the Dalek King · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had a feeling I was going to like the Belladonna Arms. I wasn’t sure why. The place was actually kind of a dump. But hey, I thought, popping open the umbrella and ducking underneath it as I strolled out the door and into the rain, it’s kind of a happy dump. And happy is exactly what I need right now. Christ knows I’ve been morose long enough.

There is love pollen in the air at Belladonna Arms! Though, to be fair, that might just be the ash from Arthur’s cigars. But you can’t deny that people seem to be falling in love with each other all over the apartment complex.

Not that Harlie knows this when he walks into the Belladonna in the middle of a torrential rain storm. He is just looking for a place to live. Where he can write his next book and try not to think about his loser ex. He never expected that the world’s worst-dressed drag queen, or any of the other love-mad residents, would lead to his life changing forever.

Like how Sylvia–-months away from he operation-–would offer to get Harlie a job at the deli she works in. Which leads him to Milan, the world’s grumpiest baker–-and probably the hottest one as well. But while the Belladonna is flowing with HEAs the bakery is suffering a bout of broken hearts. Not that that is going to stop Harlie from looking…but maybe he can hope that a little borrowed luck and love from the Belladonna might just bring him and Milana HEA of their own.

This book is pretty much fluff. Fluff that I enjoyed, but fluff nonetheless. There is some tension in the book (Sylvia, Arthur, ChiChi) but it comes from outside out MCs relationship, so this book have a very light feel to it.

I was really glad to see that this book was being written. I really liked the first book in the series, Serenading Stanley, and was looking forward to seeing all these characters again. Especially Sylvia. I really liked Sylvia (and her cookies. I really wish I could reach into the kindle and take one) and was thrilled we would get to see how she and Pete turned out. And they turned out damn adorable. Plue Arthur–poor fashion disaster, Arthur. He is a real character (hehe) and it was nice to see him get a happy ending as well. Even if I did get my hackles up when Harlie tried to change him. Not that Arthur couldn’t use a makeover (or you know, less than a gallon of makeup on his face), but Arthur is happiest when dressed ‘fabulously,’ so fab he must stay!

I kinda wish that there had been a bit more drama in this book. Outside of ChiChi and Ramon, that is (this still makes me sad. Not that ChiChi wasn’t a prick, but neither of them deserved this ending). Because it just seemed to float along, and there really was nothing there to build momentum on. I enjoyed seeing everyone again, and the sex was hot–-as always-–but this book definitely lacked some sort of kick.

But, hey, if you are looking for a book with little to no angst, I’ve got the book for you!

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.

[Cindi · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars


Full review can be found at-














This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Tina · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5 stars.

I loved the first book ‘Serenading Stanley’ where I got to know and love most of the quirky, eccentric characters living in Belladonna Arms.

Cute Harlie and Milan, the MCs of this book, are interesting characters as well… but maybe Work In Progress was too sugar-sweet for my liking, I was tempted to skip pages… and I enjoyed it not as much as Serenading Stanley.

I loved that Arthur, my top favorite Belladonna character, found his soulmate. Plus, what happens a few pages before the end saved the book for me. I got a glimpse on the John Inman I love and adore. Damn you, Chichi… I liked you in the first book.

Anyway, I’m still looking forward to the 3rd book of Belladonna Arms. :)

[Don Bradshaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want to live in Belladonna Arms. The tenants may he a little off center but they have one hell of a good time. We meet Harlie in this visit. I enjoyed his sense of humor and the way that he just blurts things out. Milan was perfect for Harlie. I have to admit that I disliked Harlie for trying to change the lovable Arthur. I felt sad for Ramon but love isn't always forever. On the other hand, it was wonderful to see Sylvia and Pete seal the deal. Sylvia and Arthur owned this story. A must read that will give you some good laughs.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars!

Work In Progress is the 2nd installment of the Belladonna Arms series, where love pollen hits even the ones who don't want to fall in love again, the ones who've been hurt and left.

Harlie Rose stumbles into the apartment building, drenched by what's apparently unusual rain in San Diego, and meets Arthur, who owns the building and dresses in drag. Arthur is a force of nature, and Harlie internal commentary had me howling in laughter before I was even two chapters in.

Then Harlie meets the other tenants, including Pete and Sylvia, Roger and Stanley (from book 1), Bruce and Charlie, the kleptos, and Ramon and ChiChi. The author cleverly introduces all the characters again, without making it feel like infodump, so this book can be read as a standalone just fine.

Harlie needs a job, and Sylvia knows just the place. Harlie takes one look at the baker in the restaurant where he's applying, and falls hard and fast. Except the baker, Milan, is grumpy and seemingly not interested.

Until he is. Hot romance ensues.

This is John Inman at his very best. It's humorous, it's romantic, and it's emotional. The sexy times are hot and sweet, and not one of them is superfluous. They all need to be there, to move the plot forward, to show how the romance is blooming and growing.

And there is heartache too. Not only are Harlie and Milan both still hurt by their former BFs, but things aren't well between Ramon and ChiChi. I sure hope that the next book gives Ramon a chance to find true love, and not the kind ChiChi gave him.

There are some subplots with Sylvia finally getting the plumbing she wants, and make her and Pete even happier.

Throughout it all there is also growth, especially for Harlie. I loved how the author made him a writer too, and how he took the "Work In Progress" concept and applied it not only to Harlie's novels, but also to Harlie's life, and that of others in the building. It drives home the point that we're ALL a work in progress, striving to be the best we can, but that we all move at our own pace, and that someone's changes may not apply to someone else.

This was wonderful. I giggled a lot, I howled with laughter at some of the zingers the author put all over this book, and I sniffled when the romantic scenes just took my breath away.

A wonderful addition. Highly recommended.

[Joyfully Jay · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Joyfully Jay review.

5 stars

It was such a pleasure to revisit the Belladonna Arms and all of its quirky residents, while being introduced to some new characters. Inman has a style that I just love, blending serious topics with snark, sarcasm, and a healthy dose of humor. I have not read a John Inman book that I did not love.

As new additions to the Belladonna Arms, Harlie and Milan were fun, well formed characters that had depth and distinctly individual styles, history, and hopes for the future. In fact all of Inman’s characters were unique and gave us a snapshot of a variety of people without it seeming contrived, making the Arms an ideal setting for the stories.

To be honest, I not sure how I felt about Harlie’s push to “normalize” his new landlord and friend Arthur, although his heart is in the right place, it just did not feel right. Fortunately Inman makes a point of showing us that everything we wear is a form of drag, whether it be a dress on a 300 lb drag queen, to the jeans and t-shirt we feel most comfortable in, drag is drag, and is our way to show the world who we are, and who we want to be.

Read Jason’s review in its entirety here.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harlie Rose ist zurück in San Diego und braucht eine Bleibe, denn nachdem sein Freund ihn abserviert hatte, ist Harlie erst eine Weile ziellos durch die USA gefahren. Die Belladonna Arms wirken zwar jetzt nicht besonders einladend und der Besitzer/Vermieter Arthur löst bei Harlie etwas Befremden aus. Doch die alternde Dragqueen nimmt Harlie mit offenen Armen auf und endlich hat Harlie wieder ein Zuhause, auch wenn es ein wenig schäbig und die Nachbarn auf den ersten Blick etwas seltsam wirken. Schnell freundet Harlie sich mit ein paar Nachbarn an, wird für Arthur ein Modeberater und Nachbarin Silvia verschafft ihm auch noch einen Job in einem Deli. Denn nur vom Schreiben seiner Bücher kann er nicht leben.

Anstatt jedoch zu kellnern, wird Harlie in die Bäckerei des Delis gesteckt und soll dort dem Bäcker Milan zur Hand gehen. Der ist unfassbar attraktiv. Aber offenbar auch ein Arsch. Zumindest ist er nicht sehr freundlich zu Harlie und dem fällt die Zusammenarbeit etwas schwer. Doch dann entspannt sich die Situation zwischen ihnen und sie werden so etwas wie Freunde. Auch Milan hat eine Trennung hinter sich und kann sich nur schwer auf jemand einlassen. Doch Harlie fasziniert ihn und auch Milans Vater, der Besitzer des Delis, mag den Neuzugang.

Bewohner von Belladonna Arms sind wirklich ziemlich schräge, aber auch zutiefst sympathische Menschen. Stan und Roger aus dem ersten Teil sind noch immer glücklich zusammen und Silvia steht kurz vor ihrer Operation, die sie endgültig zur Frau machen wird. An ihrer Seite ist noch immer der treue Pete, der deutlich an Profil gewonnen hat. Arthur ist natürlich auch wieder dabei und auch er wird endlich sein Glück finden, auch wenn es den Leser viel Stirnrunzeln kostet, aber auch für viel Belustigung sorgt.

Harlie und Milan sind ein tolles Paar. Zwischen ihnen funkt es sehr schnell, aber es gibt natürlich die obligatorischen Mißverständnisse und Probleme der Vergangenheit, die erst bewältigt werden müssen. Doch man findet sich und harmoniert auch ziemlich gut. Sie passen sehr gut zusammen und finden echt das Glück, das sie sich verdient haben. Allerdings gibt es auch dunkle Wolken über der großen Wohngemeinschaft. Bei einem anderen Paar kriselt es und das daraus resultierende Unglück erschüttert alle Bewohner von Belldonna Arms.

Eine wirklich gut gelungene, höchst witzige und sehr erotische Fortsetzung, die ich gerne weiter empfehle!

[Gabis Laberladen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Darum geht's:

Harlie hatte seine Zelte abgebrochen und ist 4 Monate durch's Land gezogen, um seinen Lover zu vergessen. Zurück in San Diego fällt sein Blick auf das etwas heruntergekommene Mietshaus Belladonna Arms und den Besitzer Arthur in seiner herrlichen Drag-Pracht und sofort weiß Harlie, dass er dort wohnen will. Zu seinem Glück ist auch etwas frei, denn die "Liebespollen", die das Haus umgeben, haben dazu geführt, dass einige Mieter zusammengezogen sind. Nachbarin Sylvia vermittelt ihm einen Nebenjob im Restaurant um die Ecke - und als Harlie den Juniorchef und Bäcker Milan erblickt, ist es um ihn geschehen.

Meine Meinung dazu gibt’s hier

[Lena Grey · Rating 5 out of 5]

"There is someone for everyone, just because you haven't met that special someone, does not mean you never will, take this time in your single life to focus on you and love yourself, so when the right one for you comes along, you can wholeheartedly share that love with them too.” ~ Radisha Rowe

'Work in Progress' by John Inman is the second book in the ‘Belladonna Arms’ series. It picks up the story where the first book ends, by introducing a new character, Harlie Rose. In an effort to hide away and lick his wounds from a broken heart, Harlie moves into Belladonna Arms Apartments. Almost immediately he becomes involved in the emotional events of the building's residents. Unlike Stanley, from the first book, Harlie isn't shy and retiring. In fact, he can be downright blunt and straightforward when necessary. When he takes the job Sylvia is vacating, he finds the man of his dreams, Milan, who turns out to be more of a nightmare, at least at first. Harlie wonders what Milan's problem is, but hangs in there; he's not a man who is easily dismissed.

Harlie pulled on my heartstrings the moment he was introduced. His pain over the breakup of him and his ex-lover is palpable. Listening to his explanation about how and why he ends up at Belladonna Arms is poignant and sad. His first meeting with Arthur amuses him, but right away, Harlie sees him not as a freak, but for the good-hearted person he is and tries to think of ways to help Arthur find someone to love. Harlie is surprised at how quickly he becomes attached to the apartment building: “I had a feeling I was going to like the Belladonna Arms. I wasn’t sure why. The place was actually kind of a dump...But hey,...it's kind of a happy dump. And happy is exactly what I need now.”

As a writer, Harlie's power of observation is stronger than most people's. Although Arthur has given him a quick low-down on everyone, Harlie cautiously assesses each of them and decides who he will let close and who he needs to keep at arms length. As with everyone, he loves Sylvia the moment they meet, especially since she's got cookies! She and Harlie have a conversation about love and life and she even gives him a lead on a job. Some of the other tenants are a puzzlement, like Charlie and PJ, the two kleptomaniacs, or inspirational like Stanley and Roger, who cause him to be envious, but also give him hope.

When Harlie goes to work he meets Milan, the boss's son, who, although gorgeous, has a terrible disposition. Harlie can't do anything to please him no matter how hard he tries. Milan is determined to make Harlie quit; but Harlie stands his ground. It takes some intervention, or should I say meddling, to get Harlie and Milan together. Neither one are willing to open their hearts to a relationship after being hurt so badly. With time and patience, and a lot of encouragement from family and friends, they begin to grow closer.

This book, while retaining the witty dialogues, unusual characters, and sense of family, there are also adds more serious themes. Although Belladonna Arms appears to have love dust, along with regular dust, which enhances the possibility of forming relationships, it also has its dark side; some people are simply not meant to be together. Without including both sides, the story would not have been as realistic as it was. If you have read 'Serenading Stanley', the first book in the series, then you will enjoy revisiting the whacky but wonderful characters; and meeting some new ones as well. For readers new to the series, I'd advise reading them in sequential order to get the full impact of this book. I recommend this witty book with its charmingly eccentric characters, hot sex, and the themes of never giving up on life or love. Thanks, John! I really enjoyed it.

NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.

[Aerin · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Work in Progress is the second book in the Belladonna Arms series but can be read as a standalone. I read this without reading Serenading Stanley and I enjoyed it immensely and more importantly, I didn’t feel like I was missing any vital information.

This is the story of Harlie Rose and Milan Burger. Harlie Rose has been trying to get over his recent break up from his boyfriend by traveling through 32 states in hopes of finding the place where he belongs and begin the process of mending his broken heart. He arrives at Belladonna Arms, where love pollen is told to rain down on you like pixie dust on Peter Pan, and the rest is history. Milan is a baker at the deli where Harlie becomes employed. Milan is also recovering from a broken heart and together they find out that opening themselves to love again is totally worth it.

The owner of Belladonna Arms is none other than darling Arthur, a 300 lbs drag queen whom I love to death. He was real and unapologetic for whom he/she was. Arthur was never ashamed or uncomfortable with being his true self and I admire him for that “I know how I look, young man. I know I’m ridiculous. But hell, why should I try to be someone I’m not?” Arthur and Harlie become friends and I absolutely laughed my butt off at Harlie’s description and opinion of him. Harlie’s voice is simply hilarious and I enjoyed him a lot. But I did want to smack him upside the head when he tried so hard to change Arthur, to turn him more butch *snort*. I did like the lesson learned from all that, accept your friends as they are and don’t try to change them to benefit your personal preferences. Harlie eventually realized that being someone you’re not meant to be, brings only unhappiness. I feel like Arthur was such a big character (no pun intended) he took away the focus from Harlie and Milan. When I think about this book, the first character that pops in my head is definitely Arthur.

Ohh and let’s not skip another unforgettable character in this book, the cat with more identities than an undercover agent. Ralph/Studley/Gizmo is the apartment complex’s cat who doesn’t belong to anyone but goes to everyone for dinner. His favorite things to do are lay around and do nothing but lick his ass, and eat; this cat looooves to eat. It’s been a long time since I’ve read a book where a cat (or any other pet, really) had so much personality.
This is a 2-for-1 deal as we get two HEA in this story, and again, I think Milan and Harlie’s love story pales in comparison to Arthur and Tom’s (aka Mr. Burger and Milan’s father). Not that I didn’t like Milan, because he’s such a hottie, but he wasn’t exactly what I pictured. He came across as dark and broody and sexy as hell at the beginning, and he’s kept the sexy part, but there’s nothing broody about him; he’s just a big teddy bear. And Harlie is cute I guess and he is funny but there’s nothing special about him. Arthur on the other hand is such a character, complex and funny and outrageous. He’s someone you won’t forget for a long time. And Tom is pretty great as well, first for being such a great match for Arthur, and second for being such a firecracker. And their sexual antics had me in tears of laughter.

I liked pretty much all the characters in this book, with the exception of ChiChi, but the author took care of him, the poor bastard. They’re all friends and get together well and I absolutely love how acceptant they are of one another. One thing I could have done without was….. the cheesy love talk between Harlie and Milan. Good lord, I feel like sucking on a lemon to get rid of all that sweetness. I really wish they confessed their love in a sarcastic way; it would have been more in tone with the rest of the story.
I recommend this to anyone who loves to get a good laugh because this book is guaranteed to tickle your funny bone from the beginning to the end. I can’t wait for the next in this series.

[Line · Rating 1 out of 5]

First things first: read this book before you read the third in the series, if you want the complete story of 'Belladonna Arms'

However I DNF'ed the shit out of this, since Harlie is a judgmental prick. The thoughts and comments he had about Arthur pissed me off.
Arthur is one of the most openminded, loving, welcoming characters EVER, and I hate the idea that people have to fit into a box to be accepted and loved.
Because Arthur is a BIG guy, he should dress more butch to find love, according to Harlie.

What the freaking fuck? I would think that the 'hunt' on the LGBTQIA+++ community made for more accepting people, but that was not the case with Harlie.
And I cannot be bothered with an MC I really REALLY wanted to hit with a frozen fish.

[Sucajo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is shaping up to be a really excellent series. In this book we get to see more of Roger and Stanley and Pete and Sylvia from the first book but we also get introduced to some new love affairs. Harlie and Milan are an amazing couple - so sweet and sexy. There is not a lot of angst in their story despite the fact that they don't get off to a flying start! The angst in the story comes from Ramon and ChiChi. It was definitely heartbreaking and I really wasn't expecting it to end the way it did. To counter this was Arthur's very own sweet-as-pie love story which was the surprise icing on the cake for this book. I can't wait to read more about the inhabitants of the Belladonna Arms.

[Lidia · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first thinking to beginning is been to read Serenading Stanley again because I loved it very much as Work in Progress now. I have had much fun reading of Harlie, of Arthur and I was happy to revisiting Sylvia and Stanley and Roger and other inhabitant of building . But the story was also very intense, so strong emotions described so beautifully as the fall in love , so vivid and intense. Still I liked the environment as the weather, downpour this time, but I was there with the protagonists again...

[Sue bowdley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm loving this series....This is Harlie's story....plus Arthur's aswell......Harlie meets Milan and Arthur meets Milan's father Tom.....This was just as good a read as the first book.....I'm still not used to first person but I soon got going with it....I was quite surprised how quick i got through this book.....We meet up with Stanley and Roger again...Sylvia is waiting for her op.....but poor Ramon is not having a good time and I find I was right about ChiChi....that was a hard bit to read.....I'm missing Ramon and hoping that maybe we will get him back...who knows......a great read x

[Chappy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm in love with Belladonna Arms...the cast of characters is amazing and it's great to catch up with them and follow-up on their stories. Feels like coming home, so comforting.

What a wonderful love story...Harlie and Milan just belong together.

So happy for Arthur, yippee!!!

Can't wait to read more :D

[Barb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like all books by John, cute, quirky and so funny. John has a way of creating the most wonderful characters you can't help but love and he's a master at telling a really entertaining story. Now I'm off to read the first book in this series which I seemed to have skipped over.

[Lin Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know who I loved most, Harlie & Milan or Arthur, the owner/manager of The Belladonna Arms apartments! Oh I wish he was a real person! Another wonderful love match due to "pollination" ;) at the Arms!

[Dee Wy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just love all these characters, new and old. Again the romance was very satisfying and I laughed so often with Arthur's trying to be "himself" and find a boyfriend too. So happy for everyone who has been dusted with the love pollen. :)

Sure hope there is more to come in this series.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 -m3.5 Stars

Cute story with no angst.

[OkayKim · Rating 3 out of 5]

What can I say, I love Arthur! Just sucks what happened to ChiChi and it sucked any happy feeling I was experiencing after that.

[Margaret Foxe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Made me laugh on a very, very bad day. I wanna live in the Belladonna Arms! Inman's snark and camp (snamp? Cark?) just really float my boat. On to #3.

[Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a great series! I love all the residents of the belladonna arms
So sad about chi chi and Ramon
Can't wait to get into the next one

[James Cox · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable read. I've liked the series a lot so far.