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Dilly and Boz
It’s funny how love nails you when you least expect it. Dilly Jones has pretty much given up on romance ever finding him. Boz Jenkins, his neighbor, is recently out of a bad relationship but has definitely noticed the cutie across the street. When Dilly drops a bag of donuts on the sidewalk, it sets a chain of events into motion. And suddenly both men’s hearts are lost. But Boz’s ex is still hanging around, and he’ll do whatever it takes to get Boz back.With a brand-new romance gearing up to knock their socks off, the last thing Dilly and Boz expect is to get tangled up in a stranger’s murder. Or to find themselves fighting for their lives. Just as they finally find happiness, their love for each other becomes the thing that threatens them the most.
214 pages, Paperback
First published November 19, 2019
About the author
John Inman
40 books441 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 - 26 of 26 reviews
November 20, 2019
A Joyfully Jay review.
5 stars
Once again, author John Inman has created two incredibly sweet and uniquely quirky characters in his latest release, Dilly and Boz. What begins as a funny and heart-warming romance soon turns into a disturbing and violent stalking when the author introduces Boz’s ex who is clearly fixated on Boz and getting him back. Unfortunately, the guy is also a serial abuser and that is what drove Boz away and something he refuses to ever be part of again. The scenes that feature the tweaking and psychotic Bobby Mayfield are very intense and descriptive—some may find them difficult to read, particularly if they themselves have ever lived at the hands of an abuser. However, since this novel is told from three differing points of view—Dilly, Boz, and Bobby’s, those same gritty chapters are important to the story.
Read Sammy’s review in its entirety here.
5 stars
Once again, author John Inman has created two incredibly sweet and uniquely quirky characters in his latest release, Dilly and Boz. What begins as a funny and heart-warming romance soon turns into a disturbing and violent stalking when the author introduces Boz’s ex who is clearly fixated on Boz and getting him back. Unfortunately, the guy is also a serial abuser and that is what drove Boz away and something he refuses to ever be part of again. The scenes that feature the tweaking and psychotic Bobby Mayfield are very intense and descriptive—some may find them difficult to read, particularly if they themselves have ever lived at the hands of an abuser. However, since this novel is told from three differing points of view—Dilly, Boz, and Bobby’s, those same gritty chapters are important to the story.
Read Sammy’s review in its entirety here.
November 21, 2019
John Inman wrote a little jewel ...again.
Dilly and Boz are adorable, sweet, kind with big hearts. They're also broken in their own way and suffer of social anxiety among other things...both of them. How they can be together, when they almost have the inability to talk to stranger.... read the book and you'll find out how Dilly and Boz seduced each other, how they became one.
I adored this book, It was so sweet and tender but also dark and heartbreaking.
John Inman gives us, not only Dilly and Boz point of view, but also the ones from the secondary characters. It was interesting, funny and heartbreaking. It did it brillantly with talent. The plot is about Dilly and Boz's journey, how they became friends and lovers, but with Boz's crazy ex-boyfriend in the background trying to have Boz back. It was a funny read sometimes, most of the times it was sweet with a little touch of poetry, but it was also an emotional read and I cried, I admit!
Like I said earlier, John Inman gave us a little jewel..again
Dilly and Boz are adorable, sweet, kind with big hearts. They're also broken in their own way and suffer of social anxiety among other things...both of them. How they can be together, when they almost have the inability to talk to stranger.... read the book and you'll find out how Dilly and Boz seduced each other, how they became one.
I adored this book, It was so sweet and tender but also dark and heartbreaking.
John Inman gives us, not only Dilly and Boz point of view, but also the ones from the secondary characters. It was interesting, funny and heartbreaking. It did it brillantly with talent. The plot is about Dilly and Boz's journey, how they became friends and lovers, but with Boz's crazy ex-boyfriend in the background trying to have Boz back. It was a funny read sometimes, most of the times it was sweet with a little touch of poetry, but it was also an emotional read and I cried, I admit!
Like I said earlier, John Inman gave us a little jewel..again
November 2, 2023
I love Mr Inman's books...Everyone I've read has been amazing..This one is right up there...Dilly and Boz are beautiful together.....The only problem is that Boz has a crazy ex after him and they both go through some tough times with him...I loved Dilly's boss who was totally cool and loved Dilly....It really is a pleasure to read Mr Inman's books whether they are the funny easy read books or the scarier harder reads..A brilliant author who gives us amazing books x
November 20, 2019
3.5 stars- Quirky characters and an intriguing storyline
This author writes unique, quirky characters so well, managing to provide depth and perspective that allows readers to connect with these unconventional personalities in a way I don’t often see elsewhere in this genre. Typically, the humor he writes into these books has me laughing out loud and smiling enough to make my cheeks hurt, so that’s precisely what I expected when I picked up Dilly and Boz. While I did get awkward but likable characters, the humor and characters’ eccentricities didn’t quite resonate with me this time.
I loved the idea of two fumbling men finding love and happiness together. I also really liked the plot setup of Dilly and Boz. The writing was smooth and the story intriguing and different, but I couldn’t help but feel something was missing. The heroes get together rather early on and their relationship is very low angst and full of sweetness. That in and of itself isn’t bad considering there was plenty of suspense and conflict thanks to the jealous ex-boyfriend. Unfortunately, despite that element holding my attention, I never really fell for this couple, felt their chemistry, or found the humor in Dilly and Boz, so this ended up being a bit of a one note book for me. That said, I think those looking for an original storyline and characters that don’t fit the typical contemporary romance mold may very well enjoy Dilly and Boz.
*Trigger warning: This book does include depictions of violence, physical abuse to partners, rough and nonconsensual sex*
Reviewed by Annie from Alpha Book Club
This author writes unique, quirky characters so well, managing to provide depth and perspective that allows readers to connect with these unconventional personalities in a way I don’t often see elsewhere in this genre. Typically, the humor he writes into these books has me laughing out loud and smiling enough to make my cheeks hurt, so that’s precisely what I expected when I picked up Dilly and Boz. While I did get awkward but likable characters, the humor and characters’ eccentricities didn’t quite resonate with me this time.
I loved the idea of two fumbling men finding love and happiness together. I also really liked the plot setup of Dilly and Boz. The writing was smooth and the story intriguing and different, but I couldn’t help but feel something was missing. The heroes get together rather early on and their relationship is very low angst and full of sweetness. That in and of itself isn’t bad considering there was plenty of suspense and conflict thanks to the jealous ex-boyfriend. Unfortunately, despite that element holding my attention, I never really fell for this couple, felt their chemistry, or found the humor in Dilly and Boz, so this ended up being a bit of a one note book for me. That said, I think those looking for an original storyline and characters that don’t fit the typical contemporary romance mold may very well enjoy Dilly and Boz.
*Trigger warning: This book does include depictions of violence, physical abuse to partners, rough and nonconsensual sex*
Reviewed by Annie from Alpha Book Club
November 26, 2019
Possible triggers – physical and mental abuse, substance abuse, and rape are dominant themes.
Boz and Dilly are two men in their late 20’s, both socially awkward in their own ways, each wanting someone to share their lives with – to have a meaningful relationship, to wake up next to someone, someone to love and who loves them back. Dilly and Boz are so sweet, then add in Grace and Leon (a cat and Yorkie), its sweetness squared.
But there is rot in the center of that sweetness, a darkness that I admit took me a bit by surprise because I wasn’t expecting it. Bobby, Boz’s ex, has an alcohol and meth addiction and with some significant control and anger issues. Bobby is fixated on Boz. If Dilly and Boz together are a perfect peach, Boz is the wasp that’s crawled inside.
Boz made me uncomfortable. Kudo’s for the author for eliciting such a strong emotional response. He is a dark, scary, and deeply disturbed character.
This is my quirk - I’m sensitive to soldiers being cast as bad guys, especially when there are anger issues involved. As the wife of a soldier (National Guard) I/we have coped with enough subtle and covert fear from prospective employers to give falsehood to the “Vet’s are awesome! Wave the yellow flag in support!” but man, don’t hire one ‘cause they could go off the dep end at any minute. So, this portrayal made me a uncomfortable and admittedly, somewhat disappointed.
I will also admit, I have not experienced a book with such bipolar emotions – from the light, heady sweetness of Boz and Dilly as their love for each other grows to the dark, heavy rankness that was Boz. It was a little bit of emotional whiplash, and again, kudo’s to the author for being able to execute such emotional responses in mere pages.
Will this be for everyone? Probably not, and unfortunately, there is only one way to find out if this book is for you and that’s to read it. I can say, rest assured, there is a bittersweet HEA.
Review is cross posted at Gay Book Reviews
A copy of the book was provided by the author and publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
Boz and Dilly are two men in their late 20’s, both socially awkward in their own ways, each wanting someone to share their lives with – to have a meaningful relationship, to wake up next to someone, someone to love and who loves them back. Dilly and Boz are so sweet, then add in Grace and Leon (a cat and Yorkie), its sweetness squared.
But there is rot in the center of that sweetness, a darkness that I admit took me a bit by surprise because I wasn’t expecting it. Bobby, Boz’s ex, has an alcohol and meth addiction and with some significant control and anger issues. Bobby is fixated on Boz. If Dilly and Boz together are a perfect peach, Boz is the wasp that’s crawled inside.
Boz made me uncomfortable. Kudo’s for the author for eliciting such a strong emotional response. He is a dark, scary, and deeply disturbed character.
This is my quirk - I’m sensitive to soldiers being cast as bad guys, especially when there are anger issues involved. As the wife of a soldier (National Guard) I/we have coped with enough subtle and covert fear from prospective employers to give falsehood to the “Vet’s are awesome! Wave the yellow flag in support!” but man, don’t hire one ‘cause they could go off the dep end at any minute. So, this portrayal made me a uncomfortable and admittedly, somewhat disappointed.
I will also admit, I have not experienced a book with such bipolar emotions – from the light, heady sweetness of Boz and Dilly as their love for each other grows to the dark, heavy rankness that was Boz. It was a little bit of emotional whiplash, and again, kudo’s to the author for being able to execute such emotional responses in mere pages.
Will this be for everyone? Probably not, and unfortunately, there is only one way to find out if this book is for you and that’s to read it. I can say, rest assured, there is a bittersweet HEA.
Review is cross posted at Gay Book Reviews
A copy of the book was provided by the author and publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
November 4, 2019
More accurately, it's 4.7 stars.
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
This review has been originally posted at Gay Book Reviews - check it out!
The main characters of this romantic suspense novel are Dilbert Allan Jones, called Dilly, and Bosley Maurice Jenkins or Boz. Both are in their twenties, both are clumsy and nigh friendless, both are living in small dwellings in a poor neighbourhood in San Diego, one across the street from the other. Dilly, a nerdy and shy young man, is working in a record shop specializing in selling vintage rock ‘n’ roll vinyls; Boz is a waiter in an upscale Italian restaurant. And Boz has a secret: he’s been pining for Dilly ever since he’s laid eyes on him. One day, he gathers his courage and visits the shop Dilly’s working in, but their first encounter, although fraught with sexual and romantic tension, doesn’t lead to much. Helped by Dilly’s constantly stoned seventy-something-year-old boss, Puffer Moran, Boz manages to pay Dilly a visit in his flat, however. That’s when their romantic relationship kicks off and soon blooms into a full-scale, cute and endearing love story.
But there’s Bobby Mayfield, ex-US soldier and now janitor in a hospital in nearby La Jolla. He’s Boz’s ex-lover, and more importantly: he’s a dazzingly handsome and hunky guy with serious drug and anger management issues. In one word, he’s a bad guy, he’s an arsehole, pardon my French. Far from being over Boz, who’s left him after the one beating-up that proved too much, he still thinks Boz is his, as in: his property. He deems Boz is not only bound but obliged to come back to him. We meet him waylaying his ex, we see him snorting crystal meth, we follow him to his new fuck-buddy Angel’s home, where he behaves as one could expect, treating the poor Guatemalan boy like shit, pardon my French again. He stalks Boz and Dilly, shows up at Dilly’s workplace to threaten him, and… And we know danger is looming over our two love-birds’ heads.
Well, well, well. I hate bullying of any sort whatsoever. I hate bullies, whether in my private life, in the lives of others, in politics (I guess I don’t have to spell out who I mean; we’re unfortunate enough to have several of them polluting the public sphere as we speak), or in fiction. And God, did I hate Bobby Mayfield! He’s a helluva vilain—I really have to say kudos to John Inman for creating such a powerful and powerfully hateable character. Yet, the author also lets us look behind the curtains, he invites us into Mayfield’s mind, he makes us vibrate with his anger and helplessness, even if we’re disgustedly trying to shake off his emotions. In comparison, Dilly and Boz become, alas, a little bit pale. Almost no background information about the two of them. Fortunately, they remain sufficiently three-dimensional to be engaging. And endearing. You can’t help liking them on the spot, and you can’t help wishing them well, wishing them the HEA they deserve. I also loved Puffer, who’s almost charicaturally nice and odd.
All in all, I enjoyed the read, even if the beginning seemed a bit laborous and longish. But the wait was worth it, because when the spark of love hit them both, and subsequently when Bobby’s shit hit the fan (pardon my French yet again), I was already so engrossed in the story that I couldn’t have closed the book even if I had wanted to. Perfect build-up of tension in that second half of the book, with cringe-worthy scenes that are necessary to deepen the reader’s emotional involvement, and a finale where you turn the pages with bated breath. Sweet love, a well-paced suspense sub-plot, with even a bit of social critique subtly woven in—oh what a perfect world where a shop assistant has to count his savings before he’s able to afford new glasses when his old ones are broken (in a country as rich as America)! The writing style could have been a tad less ornate in places, but the plot was straightforward and the book well proofread and edited (typos being kept to the acceptable minimum of the odd word having been overlooked). A very good book!
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
This review has been originally posted at Gay Book Reviews - check it out!
The main characters of this romantic suspense novel are Dilbert Allan Jones, called Dilly, and Bosley Maurice Jenkins or Boz. Both are in their twenties, both are clumsy and nigh friendless, both are living in small dwellings in a poor neighbourhood in San Diego, one across the street from the other. Dilly, a nerdy and shy young man, is working in a record shop specializing in selling vintage rock ‘n’ roll vinyls; Boz is a waiter in an upscale Italian restaurant. And Boz has a secret: he’s been pining for Dilly ever since he’s laid eyes on him. One day, he gathers his courage and visits the shop Dilly’s working in, but their first encounter, although fraught with sexual and romantic tension, doesn’t lead to much. Helped by Dilly’s constantly stoned seventy-something-year-old boss, Puffer Moran, Boz manages to pay Dilly a visit in his flat, however. That’s when their romantic relationship kicks off and soon blooms into a full-scale, cute and endearing love story.
But there’s Bobby Mayfield, ex-US soldier and now janitor in a hospital in nearby La Jolla. He’s Boz’s ex-lover, and more importantly: he’s a dazzingly handsome and hunky guy with serious drug and anger management issues. In one word, he’s a bad guy, he’s an arsehole, pardon my French. Far from being over Boz, who’s left him after the one beating-up that proved too much, he still thinks Boz is his, as in: his property. He deems Boz is not only bound but obliged to come back to him. We meet him waylaying his ex, we see him snorting crystal meth, we follow him to his new fuck-buddy Angel’s home, where he behaves as one could expect, treating the poor Guatemalan boy like shit, pardon my French again. He stalks Boz and Dilly, shows up at Dilly’s workplace to threaten him, and… And we know danger is looming over our two love-birds’ heads.
Well, well, well. I hate bullying of any sort whatsoever. I hate bullies, whether in my private life, in the lives of others, in politics (I guess I don’t have to spell out who I mean; we’re unfortunate enough to have several of them polluting the public sphere as we speak), or in fiction. And God, did I hate Bobby Mayfield! He’s a helluva vilain—I really have to say kudos to John Inman for creating such a powerful and powerfully hateable character. Yet, the author also lets us look behind the curtains, he invites us into Mayfield’s mind, he makes us vibrate with his anger and helplessness, even if we’re disgustedly trying to shake off his emotions. In comparison, Dilly and Boz become, alas, a little bit pale. Almost no background information about the two of them. Fortunately, they remain sufficiently three-dimensional to be engaging. And endearing. You can’t help liking them on the spot, and you can’t help wishing them well, wishing them the HEA they deserve. I also loved Puffer, who’s almost charicaturally nice and odd.
All in all, I enjoyed the read, even if the beginning seemed a bit laborous and longish. But the wait was worth it, because when the spark of love hit them both, and subsequently when Bobby’s shit hit the fan (pardon my French yet again), I was already so engrossed in the story that I couldn’t have closed the book even if I had wanted to. Perfect build-up of tension in that second half of the book, with cringe-worthy scenes that are necessary to deepen the reader’s emotional involvement, and a finale where you turn the pages with bated breath. Sweet love, a well-paced suspense sub-plot, with even a bit of social critique subtly woven in—oh what a perfect world where a shop assistant has to count his savings before he’s able to afford new glasses when his old ones are broken (in a country as rich as America)! The writing style could have been a tad less ornate in places, but the plot was straightforward and the book well proofread and edited (typos being kept to the acceptable minimum of the odd word having been overlooked). A very good book!
December 1, 2019
Another amazing story by an amazing author!
Read
November 25, 2019So sweet and dark and brilliant.
John Inman has the ability to create this wonderful balance of characters. Dark, light, twisted and broken. Each person seems to exist just to pull you in a different direction so by the end of the book you feel stretched thin and fragile but hopeful. So very hopeful.
John Inman has the ability to create this wonderful balance of characters. Dark, light, twisted and broken. Each person seems to exist just to pull you in a different direction so by the end of the book you feel stretched thin and fragile but hopeful. So very hopeful.
March 25, 2020
As usual, the funny side characters (oldies and animals) steal the show. I loved Boz but I found Dilly a little harder to connect to, probably because of his social anxiety,
Bobby really creeped me out.
Bobby really creeped me out.
February 9, 2020
Two S’s
Well, this is sweet and a bit scary. John Inman definitely has scary villains in his books, and this is no exception. Excellent read.
Well, this is sweet and a bit scary. John Inman definitely has scary villains in his books, and this is no exception. Excellent read.
August 27, 2020
3.5*
Almost a tale of two halves.
Dilly and Boz are two introverted, geeky guys. Dilly works at a basic wage job, Biz slightly better as a waiter. But the two are endearingly sweet, and along with Dilly’s boss Puffer provide some light entertainment.
However, Boz’s ex Bobby gives us an evil anti hero to focus our horror on.
He gradually gets more deranged, through drugs, and escalates with poor Angel, and ultimately to Puffer, Dilly and Boz. Parts of this are quite disturbing to read.
So, from thinking at the start I was getting a light and fluffy read and we actually get is quite a horror story.
Almost a tale of two halves.
Dilly and Boz are two introverted, geeky guys. Dilly works at a basic wage job, Biz slightly better as a waiter. But the two are endearingly sweet, and along with Dilly’s boss Puffer provide some light entertainment.
However, Boz’s ex Bobby gives us an evil anti hero to focus our horror on.
He gradually gets more deranged, through drugs, and escalates with poor Angel, and ultimately to Puffer, Dilly and Boz. Parts of this are quite disturbing to read.
So, from thinking at the start I was getting a light and fluffy read and we actually get is quite a horror story.
August 30, 2021
Dilly and Boz are adorable. I love the way they are both klutzy, literately can probably trip over a crack in the sidewalk. First meeting was an awkward moment, but I laughed. Maybe because I am in love with Puffer, Dilly’s boss. I would have loved to work with him in an old record store.
The story line did go into some darker moments with Boz ex boyfriend. It shows the sadness and horror of drug addiction. Overall, a good read.
The story line did go into some darker moments with Boz ex boyfriend. It shows the sadness and horror of drug addiction. Overall, a good read.
August 7, 2021
I like John Inman's books. They are definitely romance books, but always have a bigger plot in them. This one involved a psychopath ex and the trail of disasters he leaves throughout SAn Diego. Well written, interesting and a good story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 18, 2020
3.5 stars
October 15, 2021
It was a great book and I really liked the writing style.
November 25, 2019
4.5 stars - Overall, this is a tension-filled story, with moments of intense sweetness as well as intense violence. I believe I described a similar type of story by this author as "gritty". If I remember correctly, in that story the characters were closer in their description, in their origin. In this story, both Dilly and Boz are miles away from the type of character that Bobby Mayfield is, which for me, created a different type of tension. There's more concern that Dilly and Boz won't be able to hold their own or come out safely. Bobby is so unhinged and his actions become scarier and more out of control as the story progresses, and this story begins with him already out of control. The glimpses into his mind as a meth crazed individual were harrowing. Dilly, Boz, and even Puffer are portrayed as physically weaker or more vulnerable, and yet they take on Bobby even after displays of physical violence that they can't even dream of matching. This imbalance made me question some of their decisions, most especially why Boz didn't go to the authorities. I get why Puffer didn't and Angel couldn't involve them, but I didn't get a sense of why Dilly wasn't encouraging Boz to do so. I guess it could be excused or explained away as denial or a sense of standing up for oneself, which would be an important step in the progression of each character's strength, of their commitment to protecting their partner. But that seems either a step too far or too fast. Either way, it appears just one more bad decision among many in a story that showcases that we humans are a strangely flawed lot.
November 11, 2019
This is a story seen from multiple perspectives, including those of the baddie. As such, it is not surprising that it is told in the third person. Characterisation is, as ever, very strong and it is easy to like and empathise with the major characters, although I had difficulty visualising Dilly’s boss as he just didn’t seem to be a scarecrow-type character. That had no effect on the effectiveness of the story and even in a story of this type, it is good to see the author’s sense of humour coming through. Secondary characters are interesting and provide a balance to the central storyline.
The plot is one of a budding sweet love affair marred by a character who just can’t let go. As his behaviour becomes more violent, the reader is left in no doubt as to where this is going, due to the baddie perspective. As such, the story is in a semi-constant state of tension.
Locations are lightly drawn to provide context, the story does not rely heavily on these and this does not weaken the story.
The relationship between the two main characters is at first sweet, due to their personalities, as this provides scenes of shy acts of selfless affection. Once they get together, this is sadly reduced and they are then described more in terms of a traditional loving couple. It would have been interesting to see the dorkiness shine throughout. The sex does not dominate but is well-described.
The secondary budding romance is kept on the sidelines but does provide an alternative perspective and an opportunity for some badinage. Here also there was a missed opportunity to play one type of relationship off the other.
With the relatively high level of tension throughout, the pace is quite brisk. With this being a largely linear plot it is possible to put the book down and get back into it quite readily. In fact, doing so can provide respite from the impending resolution. The ‘where, when and how’ remain a constant presence. By having a physical reminder of how much is left in the book, the reader does have a good idea of when this is likely to happen and as such there can be a tendency to rush in reading to get there.
The story presents violent acts and does so both from the point of view of the actor and the victim. By the denouement, it is clear that only an act of violence will resolve the tension. The description of this feels a little rushed and certainly is resolved quite quickly. The various threads of the story are tied up quite neatly, but the focus relating to the baddie is dropped as soon as the situation is resolved. Consequently, there are loose ends and the book feels quite hurried at the end, even with its parting quips.
This review is also posted at Gay Book Reviews
The plot is one of a budding sweet love affair marred by a character who just can’t let go. As his behaviour becomes more violent, the reader is left in no doubt as to where this is going, due to the baddie perspective. As such, the story is in a semi-constant state of tension.
Locations are lightly drawn to provide context, the story does not rely heavily on these and this does not weaken the story.
The relationship between the two main characters is at first sweet, due to their personalities, as this provides scenes of shy acts of selfless affection. Once they get together, this is sadly reduced and they are then described more in terms of a traditional loving couple. It would have been interesting to see the dorkiness shine throughout. The sex does not dominate but is well-described.
The secondary budding romance is kept on the sidelines but does provide an alternative perspective and an opportunity for some badinage. Here also there was a missed opportunity to play one type of relationship off the other.
With the relatively high level of tension throughout, the pace is quite brisk. With this being a largely linear plot it is possible to put the book down and get back into it quite readily. In fact, doing so can provide respite from the impending resolution. The ‘where, when and how’ remain a constant presence. By having a physical reminder of how much is left in the book, the reader does have a good idea of when this is likely to happen and as such there can be a tendency to rush in reading to get there.
The story presents violent acts and does so both from the point of view of the actor and the victim. By the denouement, it is clear that only an act of violence will resolve the tension. The description of this feels a little rushed and certainly is resolved quite quickly. The various threads of the story are tied up quite neatly, but the focus relating to the baddie is dropped as soon as the situation is resolved. Consequently, there are loose ends and the book feels quite hurried at the end, even with its parting quips.
This review is also posted at Gay Book Reviews
November 20, 2019
Dilly and Boz are both a cute and yet dark at times story. The romance part between Dilly and Boz is sugary sweet. The part with Bobby Boz’s ex is dark. Where Dilly and Boz are meeting and falling in love, both are cute and clutzy and pet lovers, Bobby is a dope addict and getting meaner and more violent by the second which leads to Angel, the man Bobby is using to take out his frustrations on. Angel loves Bobby and takes what is given especially since he is an illegal. So we have one sweet romance going on and one dark one.
If you don’t like violence this story is not for you.
Puffer, Dilly’s boss is an old man that runs a 50’s record shop and smokes lots of weed. He is absolutely hilarious.
There are lots of fun characters here. The story has cute animals, sweet romance and angst. My only issue and the reason it didn’t get 5 stars is that Dilly and Boz were a bit too sweet and immature for there ages. To me, they came across as teenagers and not adults in their mid-twenties. Having said that I loved them.
If you don’t like violence this story is not for you.
Puffer, Dilly’s boss is an old man that runs a 50’s record shop and smokes lots of weed. He is absolutely hilarious.
There are lots of fun characters here. The story has cute animals, sweet romance and angst. My only issue and the reason it didn’t get 5 stars is that Dilly and Boz were a bit too sweet and immature for there ages. To me, they came across as teenagers and not adults in their mid-twenties. Having said that I loved them.
November 21, 2019
This book did not go how I thought it would in a lot of ways but that was not necessarily a bad thing. I will say this, if you love an awkward hero (or two) and don’t get the urge to climb into the story and move things along when it seems a couple is just too awkward to get together then this book is perfect for you. The author did really well setting up all the characters - especially that of Bobby. It’s very rare to get to see a story told from the perspective of the antagonist in any real capacity and I found that the author’s choice to give the antagonist their own voice in the narrative actually made the book so much more thrilling. I enjoyed the story and give it a solid 3 stars.
November 21, 2019
3.5 stars
I really like the love story of Dilly and Boz but there are parts that were uncomfortable to read that I had to skip them.
I really like the love story of Dilly and Boz but there are parts that were uncomfortable to read that I had to skip them.
December 31, 2019
This book makes me very uncomfortable.
October 9, 2020
I'm in two minds about this Inman offering. I like the dorky meet-cute romance story-line between Dilly and Boz (and their pets). I'm not all that keen when the POV/focus shifts to the malevolent antagonist character who seems hell-bent on a drug-infused path of self-destruction and taking one and all along with him. The blending of romance with pseudo-horror violence didn't quite for me here. A generous 3 stars overall.
July 17, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed this book through I am a big Inman fan. The only problem that I had was with Boz and Dilly's age. They read more like high school guys or two men in their sixties rather than twenty somethings. Great characters that made me smile. Puffer was a prize.
December 29, 2019
DNF! Made it to CH 11 and couldn't take any more. Author doesn't seem to like or respect ANY of these characters.
March 25, 2020
Perfection...as usual
Of course this is another 5 star read from Mr. Inman. This author never misses. What a fantastic and exciting story!
Of course this is another 5 star read from Mr. Inman. This author never misses. What a fantastic and exciting story!
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