Book Reviews

Book Blurb

The bigger they come, the harder they fall ... in love.

Cambridge academic Larry Morton takes one, alcohol-glazed look at the huge, tattooed man looming in a dark alley, and assumes he’s done for. Moments later he finds himself disarmed -- literally and figuratively. Next morning, he can’t rest until he’s apologised to the man who turned out to be more gentle than giant.

Larry’s intrigued to find there’s more to Al Fletcher than meets the eye; he possesses a natural artistic talent that shines through untutored technique. Unfortunately, no one else seems to see the sensitive soul beneath Al’s imposing, scarred, undeniably sexy exterior. Least of all Larry’s class-conscious family, who would like nothing better than to split up this mismatched pair.

It’s deliciously physical, but also much more -- which makes Larry’s next task so daunting. Not just convincing his colleagues, friends, and family that their relationship is more than skin deep. It’s convincing Al.

First Edition published by Samhain Publishing, 2011.

Book Review

This is such an amazing book. I have just finished reading the second edition and all I want to do is go back and read it all over again. It is touching, sweet, thoughtfully written, and made me cry and smile at the same time. Al and Larry are two very special men, and as unusual and unexpected (for both of them) their relationship may be, it is exactly what they both need. I’m not sure where to begin trying to describe my enthusiasm and how this book made me feel, but I’ll give it a try..

The story is told from Al’s point of view, and has one of the most unique voices I’ve ever seen in fiction. There is one that comes close, Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes, but this story is totally different. Much more focused on the relationship and Al’s attempts at understanding the world. One of the things I found so touching is that he sees everything perfectly, tells it as it is, and yet feels shy about being himself. He’s been told he is stupid, so he believes that, but he has an understanding of people and reality that is way better than any professor’s or psychologist’s. Al may not express his thoughts in clever sentences, or even grammatically correct ones, but the core of what he says is truer than many of us would like to believe. He is also one of the most honest men imaginable, totally without guile and utterly charming.

I loved Larry as well. He grows from being terrified of Al (simply because of the way he looks) to loving him. The way he overcomes his initial prejudice is amazing and encouraging. Larry may be a clever art history professor, but he doesn’t have a snobbish bone in his body. If only more so-called intellectuals were like him! His ability to see Al’s soul and accept him just the way he is marks him as someone as special as Al. Not even his super-snobbish family can stop him from doing what is right, and I loved him for that.

Some of this story may make you laugh at times, but it has a very serious and very positive underlying message. If you like stories with an unusual voice, a unique outlook on life, and a message about acceptance and love that comes packaged in a touching love story, you will love this book as much as I do. Al and Larry’s escapades will probably make you laugh and cry and shake your head at some people’s idiocy. But above all, it will leave you with a feeling of hope. I cannot recommend it enough!

 

 

 

 

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	Novella, 30001 words
Heat Level
Publication Date	01-April-2017
Price	$3.99 ebook
Buy Link	http://www.jms-books.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=29_94&products_id=2046