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Hobbled
Thanks to fate and his own lack of good sense, eighteen-year-old Danny Shay is headed into what looks to be the worst summer of his life. It starts with a minor meltdown at work that leaves Danny under house arrest with a cast on one leg and an ankle monitor on the other, courtesy of the San Diego Police Department. On top of that, he’s battling a chronic case of virginity, with no relief in sight.
Oh, and there’s one more little glitch. A serial killer is stalking the city, murdering young men. And when strange sounds are heard in the house behind Danny’s, the neighborhood kids think they’ve found the killer. But not until Danny learns he's next on the madman's list do things really begin to get desperate.
Damn! And Danny had plans to come out this summer—maybe even get laid! He doesn't have time for ankle monitors and serial killers!
Then ginger-haired Luke Jamison moves in next door. Not only does Luke solve a few of Danny's more urgent problems, he also manages to create a couple more that Danny never saw coming. Gee. If he can survive it, this summer might not be so bad after all.
Oh, and there’s one more little glitch. A serial killer is stalking the city, murdering young men. And when strange sounds are heard in the house behind Danny’s, the neighborhood kids think they’ve found the killer. But not until Danny learns he's next on the madman's list do things really begin to get desperate.
Damn! And Danny had plans to come out this summer—maybe even get laid! He doesn't have time for ankle monitors and serial killers!
Then ginger-haired Luke Jamison moves in next door. Not only does Luke solve a few of Danny's more urgent problems, he also manages to create a couple more that Danny never saw coming. Gee. If he can survive it, this summer might not be so bad after all.
246 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 9, 2013
10 people are currently reading
373 people want to read
About the author
John Inman
42 books442 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 - 30 of 81 reviews
August 3, 2015
My socks have been rocked. This is a great little take off of on the film "Disturbia", which was a not-so-great take off on another film, "Rear Window". Sexy, funny, scary, and all around entertaining. This book is a great example of why I love Inman so much, the pace is quick, the dialogue clever, and the secondary characters all deserved their own books.
I had to deduct one star because the mystery / suspense aspects are given too little attention too late in the book, but this is still a very fun read.
I had to deduct one star because the mystery / suspense aspects are given too little attention too late in the book, but this is still a very fun read.
August 6, 2013
Well I got rudely interrupted yesterday when I was reading this awesome book by a visit to the dentist and then family coming to visit so I didn't get chance to settle down to finishing till it was time for bed and I could shut away real life again!
I loved this book so much! It reminded me of a funnier version of the film Disturbia, which is also based on Hitchcocks Rear Window, the one starring Shia LeBeof except in Hobbled, 18 year old Danny Shay one of our hero's, is also sporting a cast on the opposite leg to the one wearing the ankle monitor, but thats not all, as well as the leg decorations Danny is sporting more wood than Sherwood Forest. Boy is this guy horny! He's a walking sex machine so when the gorgeous hot bodied, red haired young god Luke Jamison moves in next door whilst both their dads are away and it turns out he's also gay and gagging for it, like Danny then you can guess how these guys spend a lot of their time....but before long it isn't just the horizontal mambo they're doing every five minutes, these two guys fall hook line and sinker for each other and it was absolutely adorable! They are so in love its palpable. Its insta-love but in this case it really works.
Then there's the more serious matter of a serial killer who it would appear is killing young boys in the surrounding area only its a lot closer to home than the boys realise. I have to congratulate John Inman on putting together a story that was not only laugh out loud, endearing and fun but was also suspenseful, creepy and edge of your seat once the boys start to get pulled into the murder mystery by two of the best bratty 11 year olds ever written into a book... DeVon and Bradley, who sort of stole the show and had me in tucks. I loved them too...What a pair!!
The whole cast of characters including feuding cats and dogs, hot neighbours and absent dads ( who add their own unique twist to the story ) were absolutely perfect and just made this book even more of a joy to read.. I honestly didn't want it to end it was so enjoyable. I'm off now to search out more from Mr Inman who definitely tickles my funny bone! Brilliant.
I loved this book so much! It reminded me of a funnier version of the film Disturbia, which is also based on Hitchcocks Rear Window, the one starring Shia LeBeof except in Hobbled, 18 year old Danny Shay one of our hero's, is also sporting a cast on the opposite leg to the one wearing the ankle monitor, but thats not all, as well as the leg decorations Danny is sporting more wood than Sherwood Forest. Boy is this guy horny! He's a walking sex machine so when the gorgeous hot bodied, red haired young god Luke Jamison moves in next door whilst both their dads are away and it turns out he's also gay and gagging for it, like Danny then you can guess how these guys spend a lot of their time....but before long it isn't just the horizontal mambo they're doing every five minutes, these two guys fall hook line and sinker for each other and it was absolutely adorable! They are so in love its palpable. Its insta-love but in this case it really works.
Then there's the more serious matter of a serial killer who it would appear is killing young boys in the surrounding area only its a lot closer to home than the boys realise. I have to congratulate John Inman on putting together a story that was not only laugh out loud, endearing and fun but was also suspenseful, creepy and edge of your seat once the boys start to get pulled into the murder mystery by two of the best bratty 11 year olds ever written into a book... DeVon and Bradley, who sort of stole the show and had me in tucks. I loved them too...What a pair!!
The whole cast of characters including feuding cats and dogs, hot neighbours and absent dads ( who add their own unique twist to the story ) were absolutely perfect and just made this book even more of a joy to read.. I honestly didn't want it to end it was so enjoyable. I'm off now to search out more from Mr Inman who definitely tickles my funny bone! Brilliant.
October 18, 2015
3.5 stars. I might round up. Review to come!
July 24, 2013
Oh, this book was SO MUCH FUN!!! It cheered me up from a crappy mood, and gave me lots of smiles and laughs along the way. The plot is totally unrealistic, the love is insta-love to the extreme, the whole story is ridiculous, but do I care? Nope, because it's awesome.
Well, when I saw that this story involved housebound and horny eighteen year old boys I knew I JUST HAD TO read it, and I'm so glad I did. I loved Danny and his horny teenageness, and I loved Luke and his horny teenageness, but most of all I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED DeVon and Bradley, the local tearaways/makeshift ninjas, who were hilarious and cute as buttons.
It's like a cross between Rear Window, The Hardy Boys, and a cute, sappy romance, with lots of adorable and hot man-on-man action thrown in.
My only complaint is that I didn't write this story myself, which tbh I'm pretty peed off about.
Before I read it:
OMG, housebound and horny 18 year old boys??? Crazed serial killer on the loose??? Why has no-one recommended this story to me yet? Why?????????
Well, when I saw that this story involved housebound and horny eighteen year old boys I knew I JUST HAD TO read it, and I'm so glad I did. I loved Danny and his horny teenageness, and I loved Luke and his horny teenageness, but most of all I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED DeVon and Bradley, the local tearaways/makeshift ninjas, who were hilarious and cute as buttons.
It's like a cross between Rear Window, The Hardy Boys, and a cute, sappy romance, with lots of adorable and hot man-on-man action thrown in.
My only complaint is that I didn't write this story myself, which tbh I'm pretty peed off about.
Before I read it:
OMG, housebound and horny 18 year old boys??? Crazed serial killer on the loose??? Why has no-one recommended this story to me yet? Why?????????
June 17, 2013
Okay, so this is one of those books you'll either love or hate. I loved it. There are things that I like to read that were here, even if they are not popular themes, I do enjoy a good insta-love story. Admittedly, not all of them are done well or believable. But John Inman did a great job with this story.
After getting arrested at work Danny is left with an ankle monitor. Meaning he is not allowed to leave his house for a few weeks. His dad has to go away on a "business trip" and he's left alone. Danny is a virgin and makes is quite clear he wants to rectify that ASAP. But while he has the monitor on he has to settle for jacking himself off. Right?
Wrong. All that changes when Luke, his new neighbour, moves in. The two boys meet and... Well, you can guess that they don't sit around playing scrabble. The boys were both funny and hot. I thought they were a very cute couple and they made me giggle and smile through the book. It was also nice to see how clumsy yet comfortable they were with each other. My inner sap was enjoying this book with me.
But the story isn't quite that simple. There's a murderer, some really cool kids and a creepy neighbour. Both Danny and Luke were tied into everything which made things extra special. Of course there was one character that didn't get much reading timethank the lord! Danny's mother was annoying and made my blood boil, she was like a 3 year old. Then we get to Danny and Luke's dad's.
So if you want a story that is so out there and funny this would be for you. If you want a realistic book,run away screaming, best avoid this one. I highly recommend it for fans of the author and people who enjoy a good giggle
After getting arrested at work Danny is left with an ankle monitor. Meaning he is not allowed to leave his house for a few weeks. His dad has to go away on a "business trip" and he's left alone. Danny is a virgin and makes is quite clear he wants to rectify that ASAP. But while he has the monitor on he has to settle for jacking himself off. Right?
Wrong. All that changes when Luke, his new neighbour, moves in. The two boys meet and... Well, you can guess that they don't sit around playing scrabble. The boys were both funny and hot. I thought they were a very cute couple and they made me giggle and smile through the book. It was also nice to see how clumsy yet comfortable they were with each other. My inner sap was enjoying this book with me.
But the story isn't quite that simple. There's a murderer, some really cool kids and a creepy neighbour. Both Danny and Luke were tied into everything which made things extra special. Of course there was one character that didn't get much reading time
So if you want a story that is so out there and funny this would be for you. If you want a realistic book,
August 12, 2015
This was absolutely delightful. Every single emotion I know I felt. OMG the scary was scary and the romance was romantic and hot as fucking Hell. I loved every single page and appreciated every emotion I felt. For real, John Inman is becoming one of my most favorite authors. So good.
Read.
Read.
June 11, 2013
Another amazing book from this must read author!
I adored this book. I was completely engrossed from the first sentence and couldn’t put the book down until I finished.
Eighteen-year-old Danny is home alone for a few weeks with a cast on one leg and a house restraint bracelet on the other. He got pissed off at work and destroyed some property and now his whole plan for coming out and devirginizing himself is ruined as he can’t pass the perimeter of his yard. But, as he is spying on his neighbors to alleviate the monotony of his imprisonment (after one day), a new boy, Luke, just his age, moves in next door. They meet, fall instantly in lust and pretty much overnight all of Danny’s problems are solved. Except for his itchy cast, and the fact that young men are being murdered in the neighborhood, and there is a serial killer living nearby, what could possibly go wrong?
I think the reason that this story works so well is the chemistry between Danny and Luke. It is carefree, young, and it is sizzling hot. Put two young men who have found each other, have plenty of time on their hands and what do they do? Pretty much what you would expect 18-year-old boys to do in this situation -- they have sex and eat and have more sex and pretty much everything else can wait. Who doesn’t fondly remember those carefree days?
And the secondary characters! This is another thing this author consistently delivers on – and in my opinion separates him from the rest. The secondary characters have such depth, it really is quite incredible. Danny’s dad is amazing and funny, the two 10-year old “detectives” Devon and Bradley are hilarious, and Ms. Trumball, the gin drinking, pancake-makeup-wearing neighbor all combine to make one hilarious, sweet and exciting read.
Again and again this author delivers a fun, fast-paced story. Don’t miss this one, and go read the rest of his books, you will be glad you did!
I adored this book. I was completely engrossed from the first sentence and couldn’t put the book down until I finished.
Eighteen-year-old Danny is home alone for a few weeks with a cast on one leg and a house restraint bracelet on the other. He got pissed off at work and destroyed some property and now his whole plan for coming out and devirginizing himself is ruined as he can’t pass the perimeter of his yard. But, as he is spying on his neighbors to alleviate the monotony of his imprisonment (after one day), a new boy, Luke, just his age, moves in next door. They meet, fall instantly in lust and pretty much overnight all of Danny’s problems are solved. Except for his itchy cast, and the fact that young men are being murdered in the neighborhood, and there is a serial killer living nearby, what could possibly go wrong?
I think the reason that this story works so well is the chemistry between Danny and Luke. It is carefree, young, and it is sizzling hot. Put two young men who have found each other, have plenty of time on their hands and what do they do? Pretty much what you would expect 18-year-old boys to do in this situation -- they have sex and eat and have more sex and pretty much everything else can wait. Who doesn’t fondly remember those carefree days?
And the secondary characters! This is another thing this author consistently delivers on – and in my opinion separates him from the rest. The secondary characters have such depth, it really is quite incredible. Danny’s dad is amazing and funny, the two 10-year old “detectives” Devon and Bradley are hilarious, and Ms. Trumball, the gin drinking, pancake-makeup-wearing neighbor all combine to make one hilarious, sweet and exciting read.
Again and again this author delivers a fun, fast-paced story. Don’t miss this one, and go read the rest of his books, you will be glad you did!
July 1, 2013
Charming. If I was only allowed to use one word to describe this story, I would use charming.
Eighteen-year old Danny Shay is trapped; confined by house arrest and a bulky leg cast for six weeks after he went into a rage at work when he figured out his boss had been ripping off his paycheck. This has severely put a kink in his summer plans of losing his virginity! When his single father has to go away for three weeks, horny and bored, Danny fills his time with eating, masturbating, and hobbling around the house. Oh, and spying on the neighborhood, of course. That is until a hot, little ginger moves into the vacant house right next door! Danny will do anything to get Luke's attention, and it doesn't take long. Luke and Granger, the dog, have arrived with all their belongings; with Luke's dad planning to arrive in a few weeks. Soon the boys are inseparable and spending every waking...and sleeping...moment attached to each other. Literally. But what the boys don't know is that there's something dangerous lurking in the neighborhood, snatching up cute, young men, torturing and killing them.
First, let me tell y'all some more about Danny and Luke. There's instant attraction between them...I would even go so far as to call it insta-love. Ick! Y'all know how much insta-love annoys me! But I was ok with it here because it was young-teenage-insta-love which is 100% realistic. And sweet. And innocent. And pure. Yeah, Danny and Luke were totally likable and adorable. And HORNY!! OMG were they horny! To be honest, the sex was a bit repetitive with 69 and rimming and 69 and rimming and 69... See where I'm going? But they were still very smexy.
Second, I loved all the secondary characters. Frederick (Danny's slutty, literature eating cat), Granger (Luke's goofy dog who loved to torture Fred and was a totally worthless attack dog), and even DeVon and Bradley (the two foul-mouthed, vigilante pre-teens who were out to catch the bad guy). There were a few others, but those were my faves.
Third, I found this to be very humorous and lots of fun. Even though the plot was a little silly, over the top and totally predictable, I had a lot of fun reading this. Don't come into it expecting something serious and realistic, because it’s not. The characters were a little too-stupid-to-live at times, but, hey, I just rolled my eyes a little, smiled to myself and kept on reading.
Last, I will say that my biggest annoyance with this book was the head-hopping. It was told in third person mostly from Danny's POV. But occasionally, the narrator would slip in a few lines or a scene from Luke's. Towards the end, it got even more messier with views from secondary characters, like Bradley, and even a brief bit from Granger the dog. I felt that part of the writing could have been a lot cleaner, but it honestly didn't take away much from my overall enjoyment of the story.
Keep this story in mind when you're looking for a fun, easy read with two horny teenagers!
3.5 Stars
Review can be read at The Blog of Sid Love
Eighteen-year old Danny Shay is trapped; confined by house arrest and a bulky leg cast for six weeks after he went into a rage at work when he figured out his boss had been ripping off his paycheck. This has severely put a kink in his summer plans of losing his virginity! When his single father has to go away for three weeks, horny and bored, Danny fills his time with eating, masturbating, and hobbling around the house. Oh, and spying on the neighborhood, of course. That is until a hot, little ginger moves into the vacant house right next door! Danny will do anything to get Luke's attention, and it doesn't take long. Luke and Granger, the dog, have arrived with all their belongings; with Luke's dad planning to arrive in a few weeks. Soon the boys are inseparable and spending every waking...and sleeping...moment attached to each other. Literally. But what the boys don't know is that there's something dangerous lurking in the neighborhood, snatching up cute, young men, torturing and killing them.
First, let me tell y'all some more about Danny and Luke. There's instant attraction between them...I would even go so far as to call it insta-love. Ick! Y'all know how much insta-love annoys me! But I was ok with it here because it was young-teenage-insta-love which is 100% realistic. And sweet. And innocent. And pure. Yeah, Danny and Luke were totally likable and adorable. And HORNY!! OMG were they horny! To be honest, the sex was a bit repetitive with 69 and rimming and 69 and rimming and 69... See where I'm going? But they were still very smexy.
Second, I loved all the secondary characters. Frederick (Danny's slutty, literature eating cat), Granger (Luke's goofy dog who loved to torture Fred and was a totally worthless attack dog), and even DeVon and Bradley (the two foul-mouthed, vigilante pre-teens who were out to catch the bad guy). There were a few others, but those were my faves.
Third, I found this to be very humorous and lots of fun. Even though the plot was a little silly, over the top and totally predictable, I had a lot of fun reading this. Don't come into it expecting something serious and realistic, because it’s not. The characters were a little too-stupid-to-live at times, but, hey, I just rolled my eyes a little, smiled to myself and kept on reading.
Last, I will say that my biggest annoyance with this book was the head-hopping. It was told in third person mostly from Danny's POV. But occasionally, the narrator would slip in a few lines or a scene from Luke's. Towards the end, it got even more messier with views from secondary characters, like Bradley, and even a brief bit from Granger the dog. I felt that part of the writing could have been a lot cleaner, but it honestly didn't take away much from my overall enjoyment of the story.
Keep this story in mind when you're looking for a fun, easy read with two horny teenagers!
3.5 Stars
Review can be read at The Blog of Sid Love
June 15, 2013
4.5 Stars
Another great story by one of my new favorite authors.
Full review can be found at On Top Down Under Book Reviews.
This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Another great story by one of my new favorite authors.
Full review can be found at On Top Down Under Book Reviews.
This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange for a fair and honest review.
June 14, 2013
Another great book by John Inman. A sweet coming of age/coming out book that had me chuckling quite a few times. There was just enough action to keep it exciting without taking away from the love story between Danny and Luke.
I usually have trouble buying into the insta-love attraction that happens in so many romances, but I think it can be forgiven here because who hasn't had those feelings when they were 18 and believed in them whole heartedly? Plus, they has their fears about admitting love to one another so quickly and acknowledging that fact gave it additional realism.
As usual, the secondary characters were just as appealing. I loved Mrs. Trumball, DeVon, Bradley and especially Danny's dad. The end was a little syrupy sweet, but everyone is love, so what the heck, why not?
A great story and you will be totally entertained.
I usually have trouble buying into the insta-love attraction that happens in so many romances, but I think it can be forgiven here because who hasn't had those feelings when they were 18 and believed in them whole heartedly? Plus, they has their fears about admitting love to one another so quickly and acknowledging that fact gave it additional realism.
As usual, the secondary characters were just as appealing. I loved Mrs. Trumball, DeVon, Bradley and especially Danny's dad. The end was a little syrupy sweet, but everyone is love, so what the heck, why not?
A great story and you will be totally entertained.
May 4, 2016
"All he wanted to do was hop into bed with the man he loved and fool around and then get some sleep and get up and fool around some more. Chasing serial killers wasn't part of his game plan. Not now. Not ever."
Nothing's been going right in the world of Danny Shay. A cheating boss, and one itty-bitty moment of insanity, lands him with a criminal record, a broken leg, and shiny new ankle-bracelet that is only one false step away from bringing the hoards of the San Diego PD to his front door. And he is still a virgin.
When his dad has to take a three week trip for work and Danny is left all on his lonesome, there is every chance that Danny might die of boredom...or virginity. The late-night arrival of Luke with his moving truck changes everything. Luke and Danny don't know what will come from that first meeting over pruning sheers and a cold-nosed golden retriever, but they are more than eager to find out. Yet while love is growing in the Shay household, something evil is creeping into the city--someone is kidnapping young men, raping them, and dumping their dead bodies. Love can do an awful lot, but can it protect two boys from the dark figure that might just be living next door?
I am a long-time fan of Inman's books. I love the happy smiles, the serious thoughts, and the all-around great characters that he gives us to read. With Hobbled we definitely hit more on the happy smiles than seriousness, but I still think there is a dark undercurrent in this book. Serial killers have a tendency to do that. For the majority of the book though, we live in the world of young lovers who have just discovered what the first taste of love and sex-filled nights can feel like. And they are young. Eighteen and barely out of school, these boys, despite where they might be heading, are not quite adults. The events of this book will probably change that. Be it having to deal with the what now? of post-graduation, the responsibility of self-dependence for food and entertainment, or having to make grown-up decisions about love and sex, these boys have a lot of growing up to do. They just choose to do it while covered in heated kisses and the lingering brushes of their lover's hands. They are eighteen, after all. Not everything is sex, but almost everything can be.
"With his hand in Luke's hair, and Luke's hand on his bare leg, Danny thought he had died and gone to heaven. When Luke looked up at him with his face no more than a foot away from Danny's crotch Danny figured this was a major improvement on heaven. Heck, heaven was probably nothing compared to this. Heaven was probably Newark compared to this."
For a pair that I most commonly describe as adorable, cute, or even charming, these two have more than their share of heat burning between them. I am a little amazed that the couple were able to seem both innocent and hedonistic at the same time. They take such pleasure, such joy in each other that I couldn't help but feel the heat all the way through my Kindle. Danny seemed like the quintessential teenage boy, obsessed with sex, but just accepting that that was how life was. You eat, you drink, and then you hope that your shorts are loose enough to hide the fact that your neighbor bending over to pick something up does a whole lot more to you than raise the temperature. Somehow the repeated instances of erections, and their solutions, didn't bother me as much as I thought it would. It just seemed like it was too Danny to be bugged by it. And when you throw in another erection and the man it is attached to--well let's just say that Danny and Luke have many long and fun nights ahead of them. Pity we won't be joining them.
"God lord, Danny thought. DeVon and Bradley were already assholes and they were barely eleven years old. What would they be like when they were adults?"
No review of this book would be complete without at least mentioning the crazy cast of secondary characters that litter this book. First up are probably the most influential: DeVon and Bradley. Eleven year old brats with no fear of adults and little time for social niceties, these two are a matched pair of destruction and detection. These boys--who, refreshingly, read like kids and not just grownups hiding in tiny bodies--are probably more observant and aware of the world around them than almost the whole neighborhood combined. And they are not afraid to tell the adults around them just that. The way they are so nonplussed by the gayness of Danny and Luke is also nice touch. They will make fun of it--but then, they'll make fun of just about anything about the world at large.
The others in the book don't play as big a role, but the fathers' of the Luke and Danny are easy-going and non-reactionary while still being parents that will set rules and strive to protect their children. The neighbors all play different roles, from suspects of nefarious deeds to the drunk and helpful. While I have never lived in a neighborhood so active, I think this might just be an interesting place to hang around for a bit.
"Small imaginings began to creep into their minds as they lay naked, sated, cuddling. Imaginings concerning that it might be like to really live together. To really commit to each other."
If I had one bone to pick with this book it would be the fact that everything seemed to be wrapped up too nicely. I will admit to romantic tendencies, but even I have serious doubt that a love only three weeks old, bloomed only eighteen years into life, has a real chance of lasting well into happily-ever-after without a lot of work and pitfalls along the way. Love at first sight is all well and good, but I think you need to make sure that love at first sight doesn't end at first fight. Moving in with each other three weeks after meeting is putting a lot of stress on Danny's first relationship, and Luke's first serious one. I wish the fathers would have realized this and given them both a chance to grow a bit before throwing headfirst into the deep end.
This was a really good story, and I highly recommend it. Even with the dark and creepy lurking in the background of the love-fest, it is a light and very enjoyable read. Not the most realistic love-story ever told, but it is a seriously heat laden one, and one that tugs on more than the heartstrings. After long and serious deliberation (there were charts and graphs and everything) I have decided to give this 4.25 stars. The ending was just too pat, and the jumping from head to head got a little dizzying at times. Read when you need to sigh over young love, when you need to heat your old blood, or when you are sure your neighbors are up to no good--but you just can't prove it.
I'm back off to the book mines.
"But first--breakfast."
June 17, 2013
Okay, okay, 1 star is for the fact that I really, really love John Inman's writing style. Clear words that makes every experience more "real". Add to this a nice touch of humorous expressions and I'm sold.
Now to the story. You can say this book has two parts:
Part 1 is about "bored and bound to the house" Danny meeting his new neighbour Luke. Both are gay...and horny...and they realize very fast that they are very attracted to each other. So the first part of the book is mostly Danny and Luke having a lot of fun with each other....damn...that made me want to be that young again with free time, a house of my own and a new love at my hands. You can count on it, it is a lot of sex. But, funny as it is because too much sex bothers me most of the time, I enjoyed it very much. It doesn't feel like sex alone, it's also a getting to know each other and getting more and more comfortable with each other. It really felt good :D
Part 2 is the mystery. Young men are getting killed. Now all side characters finally come to play, two smartmouthed kids and a strange drinking old lady. Especially the kids are fun. There are a few moments when I thought "Uh, now he is streching the credibility a bit much"...actually, yes, not everything in the book is plausible - but on the other hand, who knows how young guys really think. They still believe they own the world anyway.
Well, back to the story. There are disturbing events - cries in the night, Luke's room "ehrm" violated, etc. They start to believe the boys that the killer lives in their neighbourhood. I'm not going to spill who it is, read the book.
The end is...absolutely the fairy tale HEA - some people have complained it's too good. An while I somehow even agree with that, I still found it most endearing, enjoyed it very much and think it really fits the whole story because, seriously, John Inman, don't take it the wrong way, please, I checked out my sense for reality at the beginning of the book.
I'm sometimes a real picky reader concerning realism in books. But it depends on the book. If a book wants to be realistic, I can be a real b**** when I find something that stretches the credibilty.
But if a book is written like this one, with an underlying humor and a wink and a smile and the invitation to join for a funny ride, then I don't mind the fairy tale.
You want first love, a little mystery, a lot of happy smiles?
Read it, I loved it.
Now to the story. You can say this book has two parts:
Part 1 is about "bored and bound to the house" Danny meeting his new neighbour Luke. Both are gay...and horny...and they realize very fast that they are very attracted to each other. So the first part of the book is mostly Danny and Luke having a lot of fun with each other....damn...that made me want to be that young again with free time, a house of my own and a new love at my hands. You can count on it, it is a lot of sex. But, funny as it is because too much sex bothers me most of the time, I enjoyed it very much. It doesn't feel like sex alone, it's also a getting to know each other and getting more and more comfortable with each other. It really felt good :D
Part 2 is the mystery. Young men are getting killed. Now all side characters finally come to play, two smartmouthed kids and a strange drinking old lady. Especially the kids are fun. There are a few moments when I thought "Uh, now he is streching the credibility a bit much"...actually, yes, not everything in the book is plausible - but on the other hand, who knows how young guys really think. They still believe they own the world anyway.
Well, back to the story. There are disturbing events - cries in the night, Luke's room "ehrm" violated, etc. They start to believe the boys that the killer lives in their neighbourhood. I'm not going to spill who it is, read the book.
The end is...absolutely the fairy tale HEA - some people have complained it's too good. An while I somehow even agree with that, I still found it most endearing, enjoyed it very much and think it really fits the whole story because, seriously, John Inman, don't take it the wrong way, please, I checked out my sense for reality at the beginning of the book.
I'm sometimes a real picky reader concerning realism in books. But it depends on the book. If a book wants to be realistic, I can be a real b**** when I find something that stretches the credibilty.
But if a book is written like this one, with an underlying humor and a wink and a smile and the invitation to join for a funny ride, then I don't mind the fairy tale.
You want first love, a little mystery, a lot of happy smiles?
Read it, I loved it.
July 24, 2013
Without a doubt, John Inman can add the label of "humorist" along side writer. Consistently, this author has produced novels that delight and amuse. Hobbled is no exception!
The blurb above tells you nearly all except it does not take into account the near insatiable desire our poor hero, Danny, has to finally lose his virginity and come out to his Dad. Having left behind a hated Mother and stepfather, Danny falls into huge trouble within a short time of moving in with his Dad. The result of his tantrum at work? A cast on one foot and an ankle monitor with the penalty of six weeks of house arrest on the other. Does he let any of that deter him? Not one bit, particularly not when Luke moves in next door.
It is insta-lust and is quickly followed up by the development of something just a wee bit deeper. They are two teenage boys and I love how the author takes care to keep them real. Little things, like going through the dirty laundry for clothes and pizza five nights in a row along with libidos that are in overdrive, pepper the pages of this novel keeping it grounded in reality.
However, like all John Inman novels, the supporting cast is really the icing on the cake. From the slightly demented, drunk neighbor, Mrs. Trumball to the two twelve year old con artists/detectives, Devon and Bradley, with their trashy mouths and disgusting licorice habit, the story careens madly on, fast paced, wickedly smart and hilariously funny.
A humorist is adept at making us laugh...a good author is adept at writing us characters that stick with us long after the last word is read on the page...a truly good novelist combines those two elements with pathos and real emotion and creates a story that warms our hearts and ignites our imaginations. Hobbled, by John Inman, is a fine example of all that and more.
Yes, one could argue, that the striking coincidence revealed at the end of the story seemed just too good to be real--but I found it to be part of the whimsey of the plot line. Rather than making me groan over the neatly tied up ending, I looked upon it as one last attempt by the author to make me smile--and he succeeded. Yes, there is mystery and suspense, humor abounds and teenage hormones get their time on page as well but it was the overall package, the carefully detailed story, the zany and remarkably well drawn characters that made this novel shine for me.
The blurb above tells you nearly all except it does not take into account the near insatiable desire our poor hero, Danny, has to finally lose his virginity and come out to his Dad. Having left behind a hated Mother and stepfather, Danny falls into huge trouble within a short time of moving in with his Dad. The result of his tantrum at work? A cast on one foot and an ankle monitor with the penalty of six weeks of house arrest on the other. Does he let any of that deter him? Not one bit, particularly not when Luke moves in next door.
It is insta-lust and is quickly followed up by the development of something just a wee bit deeper. They are two teenage boys and I love how the author takes care to keep them real. Little things, like going through the dirty laundry for clothes and pizza five nights in a row along with libidos that are in overdrive, pepper the pages of this novel keeping it grounded in reality.
However, like all John Inman novels, the supporting cast is really the icing on the cake. From the slightly demented, drunk neighbor, Mrs. Trumball to the two twelve year old con artists/detectives, Devon and Bradley, with their trashy mouths and disgusting licorice habit, the story careens madly on, fast paced, wickedly smart and hilariously funny.
A humorist is adept at making us laugh...a good author is adept at writing us characters that stick with us long after the last word is read on the page...a truly good novelist combines those two elements with pathos and real emotion and creates a story that warms our hearts and ignites our imaginations. Hobbled, by John Inman, is a fine example of all that and more.
Yes, one could argue, that the striking coincidence revealed at the end of the story seemed just too good to be real--but I found it to be part of the whimsey of the plot line. Rather than making me groan over the neatly tied up ending, I looked upon it as one last attempt by the author to make me smile--and he succeeded. Yes, there is mystery and suspense, humor abounds and teenage hormones get their time on page as well but it was the overall package, the carefully detailed story, the zany and remarkably well drawn characters that made this novel shine for me.
August 17, 2013
Why I haven't I known about this book until now?! I think I have added another author to the favourite list. This book was so funny, I loved the way the PoV skittered around all over in such a clever way, I mean we even get to hear what the DOG thinks at times!
Apart from a part near the beginning where the story literately stays in the bedroom for what seems like weeks, and the slightly OTT flufforama towards the end this book was amazing. I laughed a LOT throughout the book, the characters were funny I adored DeVon and Bradley even thought I don't usually like kids in books. These two were just too funny, they were on par with Ty from BOATK I'd say in the way of comedy relief.
I'd recommend this book to anyone who likes humour, smartass kids, vigilante old ladies and cute boys falling in love quickly and spending a lot of time in number formations..
Apart from a part near the beginning where the story literately stays in the bedroom for what seems like weeks, and the slightly OTT flufforama towards the end this book was amazing. I laughed a LOT throughout the book, the characters were funny I adored DeVon and Bradley even thought I don't usually like kids in books. These two were just too funny, they were on par with Ty from BOATK I'd say in the way of comedy relief.
I'd recommend this book to anyone who likes humour, smartass kids, vigilante old ladies and cute boys falling in love quickly and spending a lot of time in number formations..
July 18, 2017
I'm so, so in love with this book.
It has a bit of everything: two super sweet 18 yr-old boys, hilarious moments, super steamy sex, true love and a crazy serial killer.
What starts out as a pretty crappy set of events for Danny turn into the most wonderful time of his life. He's under house-arrest and he has a broken leg but a cast and an ankle monitor won't stop him from checking out the new neighbour...
It has a bit of everything: two super sweet 18 yr-old boys, hilarious moments, super steamy sex, true love and a crazy serial killer.
What starts out as a pretty crappy set of events for Danny turn into the most wonderful time of his life. He's under house-arrest and he has a broken leg but a cast and an ankle monitor won't stop him from checking out the new neighbour...
May 31, 2013
I laughed out loud several times and yet there was actually a very serious back story going on. I would like a follow up on several of the characters. recommend
January 31, 2014
Let me preface this review by saying you have to suspend reality a bit a the end in order to enjoy it. What can I say, I'm a cynic!
Those things aside, and I can easily overlook them because I loved these boys, this was such a fun story. Ok, the serial killer part isn't fun but the author writes it in a way that makes the story enjoyable, and not just frightening. Danny and all of his "issues" were cute and comical and when Luke popped into the storyline it was just a perfect blend of youth and craziness.
I find I always enjoy John Inman books so this one was no surprise - can't wait to read more by this author as he's quickly becoming a must read.
Those things aside, and I can easily overlook them because I loved these boys, this was such a fun story. Ok, the serial killer part isn't fun but the author writes it in a way that makes the story enjoyable, and not just frightening. Danny and all of his "issues" were cute and comical and when Luke popped into the storyline it was just a perfect blend of youth and craziness.
I find I always enjoy John Inman books so this one was no surprise - can't wait to read more by this author as he's quickly becoming a must read.
June 12, 2013
4 Stars
In John Inman’s Hobbled, we meet Danny Shay, eighteen years old with a broken leg and a run in with the law. He had issues with his employer and ended up with an ankle bracelet and under house arrest for six weeks, but for Danny this isn’t the worst part. Danny had planned on coming out to his Dad that he is gay and had big plans to lose his virginity. It looks like this will just have to wait. Danny’s father has to leave on a business trip for three weeks so Danny must figure out how to spend his time and not get into any more trouble. One of the ways Danny occupies his time is to watch the neighbors from his upstairs bedroom window with binoculars. Although there isn’t much going on in the neighborhood, Danny’s sexy neighbor, Mr. Childers gives him something to think about while he, well he is a horny eighteen year old, I will let you fill in the rest. In the mean time, there are reports of young men found murdered in the San Diego area. Danny doesn’t really pay much attention to this, how could it pertain to him, he can’t even leave the house.
Things are pretty uneventful until one night when he is awakened by sounds next door....
Read Deb's full review at Live Your Life, Buy The Book
In John Inman’s Hobbled, we meet Danny Shay, eighteen years old with a broken leg and a run in with the law. He had issues with his employer and ended up with an ankle bracelet and under house arrest for six weeks, but for Danny this isn’t the worst part. Danny had planned on coming out to his Dad that he is gay and had big plans to lose his virginity. It looks like this will just have to wait. Danny’s father has to leave on a business trip for three weeks so Danny must figure out how to spend his time and not get into any more trouble. One of the ways Danny occupies his time is to watch the neighbors from his upstairs bedroom window with binoculars. Although there isn’t much going on in the neighborhood, Danny’s sexy neighbor, Mr. Childers gives him something to think about while he, well he is a horny eighteen year old, I will let you fill in the rest. In the mean time, there are reports of young men found murdered in the San Diego area. Danny doesn’t really pay much attention to this, how could it pertain to him, he can’t even leave the house.
Things are pretty uneventful until one night when he is awakened by sounds next door....
Read Deb's full review at Live Your Life, Buy The Book
August 31, 2015
Excuse this review - it has been quite a while since I have written one.
This review is more from memory and less from note-taking because I was unable to do so with this book.
While I really enjoyed the plot and characters, I felt a lot was predictable, which made me enjoy the book less than I would have if there would have been bigger plot twists introduced.
One of my biggest annoyances with this book was the fact that Danny and Luke fell "in love" within a matter of days.
This review is more from memory and less from note-taking because I was unable to do so with this book.
While I really enjoyed the plot and characters, I felt a lot was predictable, which made me enjoy the book less than I would have if there would have been bigger plot twists introduced.
One of my biggest annoyances with this book was the fact that Danny and Luke fell "in love" within a matter of days.
July 26, 2013
Surprisingly that story plot is very good. I was really happy to find a story with
- mystery till the end,
- romance,
- passion,
- humor,
- both MC are just great together.
John Inman done really perfect job with that book.
- mystery till the end,
- romance,
- passion,
- humor,
- both MC are just great together.
John Inman done really perfect job with that book.
June 30, 2013
as awesome as the love story between Luke & Danny is, John Inman's bad guys continue to scare the crap out of me!
June 11, 2013
This was like my very own gay version of Disturbia, it was awesome!!
August 5, 2013
This book definitely had some good LOL moments. It was fun & quirky...enjoyable. I loved the neighbor boys, I would read a story about them once they were older.
July 17, 2015
Great action and mystery. Great cast of characters. I loved it from the first word to the last one.
6 star from me.
6 star from me.
November 15, 2015
This is overall a very funny story, and I really enjoyed Shay's "misadventures" as he goes from a self-absorbed, irresponsible young man to a slightly more grown-up version of himself. On house arrest due to highly destructive behavior at work, Shay sees all his plans of coming out and getting laid go down the drain - until his new neighbor, Luke, begins to solve some of those issues.
But as funny as the tone is in most of the book, there is the matter of the serial killer. And make no mistake, the consequences of what he has done are pretty gruesome and Shay and Luke are confronted with some horrific reminders of what murder looks like. People who are less averse to blood/gore/horror than I am will probably be fie; everyone else - be warned. It's only a fairly small part f the novel though, so it was bearable.
If you're looking for an entertaining summer romance with a touch of murder mystery, if you like watching self-absorbed young men grow up a little, and if you enjoy a humorous take on life, then you will probably like this novel.
But as funny as the tone is in most of the book, there is the matter of the serial killer. And make no mistake, the consequences of what he has done are pretty gruesome and Shay and Luke are confronted with some horrific reminders of what murder looks like. People who are less averse to blood/gore/horror than I am will probably be fie; everyone else - be warned. It's only a fairly small part f the novel though, so it was bearable.
If you're looking for an entertaining summer romance with a touch of murder mystery, if you like watching self-absorbed young men grow up a little, and if you enjoy a humorous take on life, then you will probably like this novel.
September 4, 2023
I absolutely loved this book as I seem to be doing with everyone of John Inman's books.......It was a slow steady read and yes I guessed wrongly who the serial killer was....But Luke and Danny together were beautiful......I loved Danny's father and all the secondary characters esp DeVon and Bradley who were just annoyingly sweet......The crazy cat Frederick and Granger the dog added to it......If you want an easy read with some very horny teenagers then you can't do much better than this one....highly recommended x
June 12, 2013
Fun read! Thought it was going to be a "Rear Window" homage, but turned out to have more twists & turns than that! Great characters.
April 17, 2017
I love a good mystery, but this one was just a bit predictable. But that's ok, as it was entertaining along the way to finding who done it. While the premise for the storyline was a bit thin IMO...I still enjoyed it. Can a book contain too many sex scenes? Maybe. Not prudish here, but this book did contain a lot of sex. But then...the MC's were only 18 and at that age, boys think only of one thing. LOL.
March 27, 2017
Quite an enjoyable read. Warm, romantic, and funny.
Four Stars.
Four Stars.
August 26, 2022
What did I like about this book? The cover mostly and the general description of the plot.
What did I not like? Oh boy…
So, I’m never a big fan of an insta-love storyline, but I’ll let it go because the characters are 18. Still, it was a little much.
The first half of the book was dedicated to romance and the second was focused on the mystery. For me, that’s too long to get the action started.
Conversely, it is easy to deduce the ending at about 10% completion. It’s just too obvious.
Beyond the initial introduction, I cringed every time the author differentiated the two youngest characters by descriptions of their racial appearance.
And while I did not expect a lot of female characters in this gay-centric storyline, I found it off-putting that EVERY female character was cast in a negative role (i.e., “b*tch,” “bimbo,” lush, or nosy neighbor).
What did I not like? Oh boy…
So, I’m never a big fan of an insta-love storyline, but I’ll let it go because the characters are 18. Still, it was a little much.
The first half of the book was dedicated to romance and the second was focused on the mystery. For me, that’s too long to get the action started.
Conversely, it is easy to deduce the ending at about 10% completion. It’s just too obvious.
Beyond the initial introduction, I cringed every time the author differentiated the two youngest characters by descriptions of their racial appearance.
And while I did not expect a lot of female characters in this gay-centric storyline, I found it off-putting that EVERY female character was cast in a negative role (i.e., “b*tch,” “bimbo,” lush, or nosy neighbor).
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