Book Reviews

Book Blurb

Jimmy Fassett’s band just broke up, but then he meets Landry Flannery, a truly gifted fiddle player. It doesn't hurt that Landry's a looker and has a bold pink stripe in his hair that drives Jimmy crazy. The two men jam together in the evenings -- banjo and fiddle -- and they hit it off.

Soon, Jimmy wants to turn their budding friendship into something more, but Landry keeps putting obstacles in the way and inviting more and more people over to play. That’s not what Jimmy wants, so he walks away.

Fate, however, isn't done with the two men. At the end of a festival where Landry's band was the headliner, Jimmy is forced to take Landry home because he's sloppy drunk. The two men argue the next morning, and Jimmy refuses anymore contact, until Landry forces the issue.

Could things work out between the two men, after all?

 

Book Review

“I have one message for young musicians around the world: Stay true to your heart, believe in  yourself, and work hard.” ~ Joe Cocker

Jimmy Fassett, of 'Drowning In Neptune's Pool' by J.D. Walker, isn't happy with the way his life is going. He's tired of people jerking him around, tired of egos and attitudes. The fact that his boss has found his man doesn't make it easier. Jimmy wants what they have. Jimmy is also missing his music; he might be lonely, but he's not desperate. When he meets Landry Flannery, he admires his musical abilities and his looks, but Jimmy wants something Landry may not be able to give.

One night, Jimmy wanders up to the roof of his building, searching for some peace. He meets Landry who brought his instrument, intending to play. Landry asks if it will bother him and Jimmy tells him he plays too. He enters into a polite conversation with Landry about music, but when Landry starts playing Jimmy is blown away by his talent. They make a “date” to come up and play together the next night and are a wonderful duo, drawing a huge crowd. Jimmy is in “hog heaven”. He's found a handsome man with phenomenal music-making ability and can't help but think maybe they could be more than friends. When Landry invites Jimmy to his apartment to make music together, Jimmy is definitely thinking of making more than one kind of music. His plans are shattered when Jimmy learns Landry has invited another music student to play with them. At first Jimmy thinks it's a fluke, maybe Landry is shy or just too friendly, but after he's blown off, invited over again only to find the house full of musicians, he's had it .Jimmy makes a decision to put any thoughts of being with Landry out of his mind.  

Even though he's upset, when time comes for the festival, he goes anyway. Jimmy wants to hear the band Landry has formed. As he's leaving, a very drunk Landry runs into Jimmy's back. Jimmy is furious, but knows he can't leave Landry alone; he especially can't let him drive. Against his better judgement, Jimmy takes Landry to his apartment to sleep it off. The next morning, Jimmy and Landry argue about what happened at the festival, Landry being so drunk and irresponsible, which lead into an even bigger argument about what is or isn't going on between them. Instead of straightening things out, Landry makes things worse. He realizes he's said too much and tries to apologize, but Jimmy won't let him. He throws Landry out and refuses to talk to him again. Landry doesn't give up asking to apologize and finally, Jimmy relents and goes to Landry's apartment, not imagining anything Landry could say will make things better.

This is a short, but well written story about learning how to overcome your weaknesses and find happiness in life. Jimmy's disappointment with Landry over how things turned out was almost tangible. I could feel his despair all the way down to my toes. Until Landry explained himself, I liked him, but thought he was just being an airhead and I also thought Jimmy overreacted sometimes, until all was revealed later. If you like pool guys, music, festivals, and hard earned love, then you may enjoy this story. Thanks, J.D., for the good read.

 

 

 

 

DISCLAIMER: Books reviewed on this site were usually provided at no cost by the publisher or author. This book has been provided by JMS Books for the purpose of a review.

Additional Information

Format	ebook
Length	Short Story, 33 pages/10089 words
Heat Level
Publication Date	28-June-2015
Price	$3.99 ebook
Buy Link	http://www.jms-books.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=29_94&products_id=1450