 | I bought Pretty Pretty Boys for my 82-year-old mother who reads mysteries→and she bounced it back to me (the language was too vulgar for her tastes). Another motivation for the purchase was that I've taken writing classes from the author, Gregory Ashe. (He's a phenomenal teacher.) Confession: I don’t generally read mysteries, but I read this novel in one sitting. I experienced this book as a hot gay romance with a side of mystery, though the romance doesn't turn out the way you might expect. |
The characters are the heart of this novel and I found them three-dimensional and compelling. The main character, Emery, returns to his hometown in the Missouri Ozarks after losing his job with the St. Louis Police. He was brutalized by a group of bullies as a teen, so his decision to join the hometown police force is fraught with conflicting emotions. Especially when he discovers he'll be partnered with one of his former bullies, the golden-boy Somers (who is hoping to make amends for his part in torturing Emery).
Both men are described in evocative terms: Emery is muscular (stacked) and brooding, with dark hair and amber eyes. Somers is a handsome, charming, blue-eyed blond with a drinking problem. Both men are harboring secrets that complicate their lives and their relationship with each other. The two main characters are white, however the police captain is a black woman, and a gorgeous hispanic man plays a critical role in the story.
Both men are described in evocative terms: Emery is muscular (stacked) and brooding, with dark hair and amber eyes. Somers is a handsome, charming, blue-eyed blond with a drinking problem. Both men are harboring secrets that complicate their lives and their relationship with each other. The two main characters are white, however the police captain is a black woman, and a gorgeous hispanic man plays a critical role in the story.
 | Some of the imagery didn’t work for me: for example, Emery is described as having “scarecrow eyes” and I kept imagining black buttons. The backstory bullying seemed extreme (and no parent or teacher involvement?) The language was also awkward in spots. Aside from these minor speedbumps, it was a smooth read. |
I enjoyed the author’s craftsmanship--the way he linked the chapters so I couldn’t stop reading. The characters are flawed, yet compliment each other. And there are a number of steamy sex scenes--not graphic, but gripping. I also appreciated the LGBT themes throughout.
The identity of the villain didn’t surprise me, but the last four chapters had some twists I didn't see coming--yet they were an absolutely perfect resolution to the book.
This is a fun novel , especially for anyone looking for a M/M romance-mystery.
The identity of the villain didn’t surprise me, but the last four chapters had some twists I didn't see coming--yet they were an absolutely perfect resolution to the book.
This is a fun novel , especially for anyone looking for a M/M romance-mystery.
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