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Filthy Acquisitions
Keldon Thurman hates his job, purchasing serial killer art for a private investor. He would quit if he weren’t completely impoverished, but with no life skills and no ways to generate income, Keldon has no options.
However, Acquisition Number Five proves to be more challenging than expected. Wheel-chair bound Irene Woullet and her handsome nurse caretaker, Joshua Greene, refuse to cooperate. Keldon’s only chance is to seduce the old-fashioned, simple-living Josh in the hopes that Joshua can persuade Irene. But Keldon has to work fast—he has only two dates to win Josh’s affection.
With love’s potential in bloom, how can Keldon live with his own worsening conscience as he gathers these filthy acquisitions?
However, Acquisition Number Five proves to be more challenging than expected. Wheel-chair bound Irene Woullet and her handsome nurse caretaker, Joshua Greene, refuse to cooperate. Keldon’s only chance is to seduce the old-fashioned, simple-living Josh in the hopes that Joshua can persuade Irene. But Keldon has to work fast—he has only two dates to win Josh’s affection.
With love’s potential in bloom, how can Keldon live with his own worsening conscience as he gathers these filthy acquisitions?
145 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 23, 2014
1 person is currently reading
113 people want to read
About the author
Edmond Manning
15 books166 followersEdmond Manning has always been fascinated by fiction: how ordinary words could be sculpted into heartfelt emotions, how heartfelt emotions could leave an imprint inside you stronger than the real world. Mr. Manning never felt worthy to seek publication until recently, when he accidentally stumbled into his own writer’s voice that fit perfectly, like his favorite skull-print, fuzzy jammies. He finally realized that he didn’t have to write like Charles Dickens or Armistead Maupin, two author heroes, and that perhaps his own fiction was juuuuuuust right, because it was his true voice, so he looked around the scrappy word kingdom that he created for himself and shouted, “I’M HOME!” He is now a writer.
In addition to fiction, Edmond enjoys writing non-fiction on his blog, www.edmondmanning.com. When not writing, he can be found either picking raspberries in the back yard or eating panang curry in an overstuffed chair upstairs, reading comic books.
In addition to fiction, Edmond enjoys writing non-fiction on his blog, www.edmondmanning.com. When not writing, he can be found either picking raspberries in the back yard or eating panang curry in an overstuffed chair upstairs, reading comic books.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
August 1, 2014
Edmond Manning is the author I turn to when I want something offbeat, something a little different than the average M/M romance fare. His stories are unique, quirky, and funny.
This is my forth book by him, and I'd say it's the most mainstream. While it still has that "Edmond touch," it is a book that will appeal to just about everyone. Everyone who is interested in a story about a guy collecting serial killer art for a wealthy patron, that is.
Keldon is just the kind of MC I like to read about. He is in a rut, having spend most of his 20s being a pretty boy hanger-on to older rich men, he is now desperate, poor, and confused. Used to using his good looks and powers of manipulation to get what he wants, Keldon has to fight to keep his own desires and morals from disappearing while doing a job that he secretly loathes.
Josh, the nurse of the wealthy, older woman, who possesses the art that Keldon must buy, was one of the most refreshing characters that I've read about in a long time. It isn't often that I read about MCs that are crunchy granola, Luddite-ish men. Sure, it's trendy now to buy organic and local, but Josh takes it to the extreme, living by the sun's cycle, using candles, not owning a car, and being devoted to gardening. Though he splurges with electricity and modernity from time to time, I really got the sense that it would be hard for him to find a guy that wants to live his kind of lifestyle.
These two guys were nice together. They had a tender, sweet chemistry and a lovely emotional connection. Though there was only one sex scene (this book is light on sex content), there was still a good amount of heat between them.
Now come my little niggles. Though the story had a really interesting, unique concept, I saw how the whole thing was going to play out, almost from the beginning. I think I've been spoiled by Edmond's King Perry and its sequel, because I was expecting something a little less predictable from this author. Something out of left field, something totally bizarre and wonderful and perfect. However, that might just be me and my tastes.
Also, though the writing was polished and thoughtful, as Edmond's writing always is, it had the tendency to veer towards the stiff or formal. This is something that I often contribute to a lack of contractions, which I noticed throughout the book. It made the story feel a little less personal and intimate for me.
Overall, this was a high quality, very enjoyable story from an author that I've come to depend on. If you've never read Edmond Manning or you are a die-hard fan, I think you'll be happy with this lovely story.
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
This is my forth book by him, and I'd say it's the most mainstream. While it still has that "Edmond touch," it is a book that will appeal to just about everyone. Everyone who is interested in a story about a guy collecting serial killer art for a wealthy patron, that is.
Keldon is just the kind of MC I like to read about. He is in a rut, having spend most of his 20s being a pretty boy hanger-on to older rich men, he is now desperate, poor, and confused. Used to using his good looks and powers of manipulation to get what he wants, Keldon has to fight to keep his own desires and morals from disappearing while doing a job that he secretly loathes.
Josh, the nurse of the wealthy, older woman, who possesses the art that Keldon must buy, was one of the most refreshing characters that I've read about in a long time. It isn't often that I read about MCs that are crunchy granola, Luddite-ish men. Sure, it's trendy now to buy organic and local, but Josh takes it to the extreme, living by the sun's cycle, using candles, not owning a car, and being devoted to gardening. Though he splurges with electricity and modernity from time to time, I really got the sense that it would be hard for him to find a guy that wants to live his kind of lifestyle.
These two guys were nice together. They had a tender, sweet chemistry and a lovely emotional connection. Though there was only one sex scene (this book is light on sex content), there was still a good amount of heat between them.
Now come my little niggles. Though the story had a really interesting, unique concept, I saw how the whole thing was going to play out, almost from the beginning. I think I've been spoiled by Edmond's King Perry and its sequel, because I was expecting something a little less predictable from this author. Something out of left field, something totally bizarre and wonderful and perfect. However, that might just be me and my tastes.
Also, though the writing was polished and thoughtful, as Edmond's writing always is, it had the tendency to veer towards the stiff or formal. This is something that I often contribute to a lack of contractions, which I noticed throughout the book. It made the story feel a little less personal and intimate for me.
Overall, this was a high quality, very enjoyable story from an author that I've come to depend on. If you've never read Edmond Manning or you are a die-hard fan, I think you'll be happy with this lovely story.
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
August 1, 2014
5 stars because:
You go through life, and disappointments come your way. Death. Dreams that never come true. You acquire a little filth. You lose a little of your dreams. You get obsessed with money or status, or a raise. Filthy acquisitions.
I finished this book this morning before leaving for work and today I floated in a Manning induced book high which is unique for me. Today, my world was better. I had a smile plastered on my face on the outside and another big smile happily floating inside.
Why all this when this is just an ordinary tale of a guy on a journey to find himself although he does not know that. Well because Manning’s voice is not ordinary, it’s extraordinary, his voice and me go together like bread and cheese. So I read and I felt and I cried and I am happy. Through Keldon’s finding himself, I found parts of me too.
August 12, 2014
This is a more approachable, mainstream M/M romance than Edmond Manning's other books to date. Which is both a bonus and not. There is some of Manning's gorgeous language, his sentences that ring in your head with their clarity. And the story has a simple, unusual, engaging, and ultimately satisfying arc. But there is less whimsy, less unexpectedness, and less humor that jolts you out of complacency and into space. So read this, but then if you haven't already done so and you have a sense of adventure at all, read King Perry too.
This book is the story of Keldon, a young man who let the easy life with an older man seduce him out of college and into a world where he was taken care of and pampered, as long as he pleased the guy who paid the bills. He tried to think of it as a relationship, but down deep knew it was something less. And after doing the same thing twice he finds himself too old to be a boy toy, too broke for college, too restless for boring office-drone jobs and at a loss for what to do. So when an opportunity comes his way, a position for which he was actively sought out and recruited, with the promise of good money, he can't resist. Even if acquiring art painted by a serial killer, for someone whose motives he can't read, makes him feel besmirched by the whole process of greed and exploitation.
In the course of buying up the paintings, he meets Joshua, a young man with a firm core of values, and a lot of appeal. Keldon is increasingly torn between his regard for Joshua, his obligation to his employer, the vital money he may lose if he fails to complete the job, and the distaste he is coming to feel for the whole process of filthy acquisitions.
M/M has developed some standard story lines and tropes, and this book felt refreshing, in its twists on the commonplace. Joshua was great, and I'd have enjoyed even a little more attention to the limits created by his chosen way of life. Keldon's erratic attitudes toward money were the plausible effect of having had both too much and too little in quick succession. Occasionally he needed a quick kick, but it made him human. This is a fun read and an easy place to begin your acquaintance with an author who is a master wordsmith.
This book is the story of Keldon, a young man who let the easy life with an older man seduce him out of college and into a world where he was taken care of and pampered, as long as he pleased the guy who paid the bills. He tried to think of it as a relationship, but down deep knew it was something less. And after doing the same thing twice he finds himself too old to be a boy toy, too broke for college, too restless for boring office-drone jobs and at a loss for what to do. So when an opportunity comes his way, a position for which he was actively sought out and recruited, with the promise of good money, he can't resist. Even if acquiring art painted by a serial killer, for someone whose motives he can't read, makes him feel besmirched by the whole process of greed and exploitation.
In the course of buying up the paintings, he meets Joshua, a young man with a firm core of values, and a lot of appeal. Keldon is increasingly torn between his regard for Joshua, his obligation to his employer, the vital money he may lose if he fails to complete the job, and the distaste he is coming to feel for the whole process of filthy acquisitions.
M/M has developed some standard story lines and tropes, and this book felt refreshing, in its twists on the commonplace. Joshua was great, and I'd have enjoyed even a little more attention to the limits created by his chosen way of life. Keldon's erratic attitudes toward money were the plausible effect of having had both too much and too little in quick succession. Occasionally he needed a quick kick, but it made him human. This is a fun read and an easy place to begin your acquaintance with an author who is a master wordsmith.
August 18, 2014
It is a hard book for me to rate.
On the one hand I like the beginning of the story and the idea about the buying up the paintings of the serial killer, on the other hand...I was disappointed at the end.
Don't get me wrong- it was not bad, it was not MANNINGLY good.
It was just an average MM-romance. And it could be written by everybody, almost by everybody. With a solid writing, with a nice choice of words. Nothing special.
Because I personally would have never recognized the unique voice of Edmond Manning behind the story and the wrting if I didn't know that HE wrote this book. It was not funny and crazy and weird in a MANNING's way. It was NORMAL. Normally average good.
I was waiting almost up to the end for some SURPRISE, for some unexpected twist, for something MANNING that would happen!..
Something that I would have never guessed and supposed!..
I didn't get it. The story ended exactly HOW I thought it would end.
I know I was spoiled by Edmond Manning himself. I ALWAYS want DIFFERENT stories from him. I ALWAYS want his unmistakable HUMOUR.
I ALWAYS want him to bring me over the moon, over EVERYTHING, over over over! I don't want a NORMAL and a stereotype romance from him.
I WANT a MANNING romance.
If you have not read his The Lost and Founds series, do it.
It was written by the most ingenious
It was written by Edmond Manning. HOW I prefer him.
October 30, 2014
As an emotional person, I like it when my books make me feel. And that's how I finished this book
As someone who constantly tries to improve one's personality, I loved this story for making me want to be a better human being. Books like that give me an opportunity to reflect on my own virtues and faults, the decisions I've made in the past. And I'd like to think that they help me learn how to make positive changes in my life. "Don't wait until you're dying to recognize what's important."And, being a devoted collector of wisdom, I couldn't leave this out:
"You go through life, and disappointments come your way. Death. Dreams that never come true. You acquire a little filth. You lose a little of your dreams. You get obsessed with money or status, or a raise. Filthy acquisitions."
As a hopeless romantic, I need to see my MCs happy, forgiven and redeemed, so that I could bask in their joy myself, even for a brief moment.
Add to that my appreciation for a flawless writing that makes me pause and think, and touches something deep inside me, and I'm a very satisfied reader.
***4.8 stars***
P.S.: I should probably warn all erotica lovers not to expect too much steam from this read. However, I would strongly advice to overlook the lack of sex (or rather, the small amount of it) and give this book a chance anyway. It's definitely worth it.
June 7, 2015
I have not read Edmond Manning before but I shall be reading him again after the beautifully named and written Filthy Acquisitions.
Keldon has a contract to collect serial killer art of one specific serial killer, James Wayne Merrick (the author got the three names in) for his employer, Catherine Maggiarra. She uses the name Mr. Mercer for all the acquisitions and part of Keldon's contract is that has be discreet and not ask her about the reasons behind the collection, amongst other things. The people selling can't discuss it for twelve months after selling. Keldon hates his job but after having been kept by two older, wealthy men, and with no worthwhile resume, he sees this well-paying contract as a way out of his current debt.
Keldon is always briefed before he goes to a new acquisition and number five is no different - Irene Woullet; older, wheelchair bound terminally ill, has debt from ongoing medical care and a male nurse her daughter hired. For the first time he is also to offer money for Irene Woullet's whole house of art, not just the serial killer art.
The logic made no sense to Keldon. She refused to give the Turners additional money, but was willing to pay exponentially more for a household of art she did not want so she could acquire the one piece she secretly craved. Instead of revealing her true desire and negotiating for that piece, she would overpay immensely. It made his head spin.
Where Keldon is so sure of the other sellers, and acquisitions, this time things get turned on their ear. Irene and Josh play Keldon and this throws him off-balance. But, hey, Josh is gay, Keldon is gay, Keldon may not know relationships but he knows dating, so two dates come out of his meeting with Irene and Josh. One in Josh's town of Chicago, one in Wisconsin - Josh's home turf. He can get to Irene through Josh and he can surely make Josh desire him and get another filthy acquisition. Or can he?
Full review at http://ontopdownunderbookreviews.com/...
Keldon has a contract to collect serial killer art of one specific serial killer, James Wayne Merrick (the author got the three names in) for his employer, Catherine Maggiarra. She uses the name Mr. Mercer for all the acquisitions and part of Keldon's contract is that has be discreet and not ask her about the reasons behind the collection, amongst other things. The people selling can't discuss it for twelve months after selling. Keldon hates his job but after having been kept by two older, wealthy men, and with no worthwhile resume, he sees this well-paying contract as a way out of his current debt.
Keldon is always briefed before he goes to a new acquisition and number five is no different - Irene Woullet; older, wheelchair bound terminally ill, has debt from ongoing medical care and a male nurse her daughter hired. For the first time he is also to offer money for Irene Woullet's whole house of art, not just the serial killer art.
The logic made no sense to Keldon. She refused to give the Turners additional money, but was willing to pay exponentially more for a household of art she did not want so she could acquire the one piece she secretly craved. Instead of revealing her true desire and negotiating for that piece, she would overpay immensely. It made his head spin.
Where Keldon is so sure of the other sellers, and acquisitions, this time things get turned on their ear. Irene and Josh play Keldon and this throws him off-balance. But, hey, Josh is gay, Keldon is gay, Keldon may not know relationships but he knows dating, so two dates come out of his meeting with Irene and Josh. One in Josh's town of Chicago, one in Wisconsin - Josh's home turf. He can get to Irene through Josh and he can surely make Josh desire him and get another filthy acquisition. Or can he?
Full review at http://ontopdownunderbookreviews.com/...
December 5, 2014
Who wants to own a convicted serial killer’s art? Who wants that?
Keldon spent his early twenties being a kept boy. His previous two boyfriends had been older and rich. Once Keldon got older, he was no longer what those men wanted. Now at almost thirty he’s spent the last two years struggling to make ends meet. He doesn’t have any discernible skills since he dropped out of college to become a full time boyfriend. The only thing he feels he’s good at is manipulating people to get what he wants.
So when Catherine Maggiarra, a woman he’s never met before, offers him a job he takes it even if it is a bit odd. He needs to acquire 15 paintings that were done by James Wayne Merrick, a convicted serial killer that was put to death. He will be paid six figures if he gets all 15 but he can’t ask Catherine any questions as to why she wants the paintings or how she found the people that own them.
It’s a just a job but it starts to get to him and he’s not sure if he’s disgusted with the people he’s dealing with or with himself. Then he meets Irene, the owner of his fifth acquisition, and her nurse Josh. Irene doesn’t know she’s the owner of a serial killer’s art work but that’s not the only way this latest acquisition will be different from the rest.
I loved the characters in this book. Not just Keldon and Josh but Catherine and Irene as well. Both women were an integral part of the plot. This is definitely a character driven book. As Keldon and Josh get to know each other, we get to know them and how they became the people they are now. I loved seeing Keldon's introspection as he took a good look at what his life had become.
The slow building relationship between Keldon and Josh was sweet and worked well. My pervy side didn’t even mind that there’s only one sex scene. It’s a short book so it didn’t need more. The ending was a bit abrupt but I thought it fit the story well.
This is my first book by this author and I really enjoyed his style. I think it’s time I read King Perry. (I know it’s completely different from this but still).
**Copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**
Keldon spent his early twenties being a kept boy. His previous two boyfriends had been older and rich. Once Keldon got older, he was no longer what those men wanted. Now at almost thirty he’s spent the last two years struggling to make ends meet. He doesn’t have any discernible skills since he dropped out of college to become a full time boyfriend. The only thing he feels he’s good at is manipulating people to get what he wants.
So when Catherine Maggiarra, a woman he’s never met before, offers him a job he takes it even if it is a bit odd. He needs to acquire 15 paintings that were done by James Wayne Merrick, a convicted serial killer that was put to death. He will be paid six figures if he gets all 15 but he can’t ask Catherine any questions as to why she wants the paintings or how she found the people that own them.
It’s a just a job but it starts to get to him and he’s not sure if he’s disgusted with the people he’s dealing with or with himself. Then he meets Irene, the owner of his fifth acquisition, and her nurse Josh. Irene doesn’t know she’s the owner of a serial killer’s art work but that’s not the only way this latest acquisition will be different from the rest.
I loved the characters in this book. Not just Keldon and Josh but Catherine and Irene as well. Both women were an integral part of the plot. This is definitely a character driven book. As Keldon and Josh get to know each other, we get to know them and how they became the people they are now. I loved seeing Keldon's introspection as he took a good look at what his life had become.
The slow building relationship between Keldon and Josh was sweet and worked well. My pervy side didn’t even mind that there’s only one sex scene. It’s a short book so it didn’t need more. The ending was a bit abrupt but I thought it fit the story well.
This is my first book by this author and I really enjoyed his style. I think it’s time I read King Perry. (I know it’s completely different from this but still).
**Copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**
September 16, 2014
But at what price?
Keldon. Not exactly endearing at first glance. His negligence and superficial pursuits have left him in a bind. As such, when offered a lucrative job--he pounces. A job that is beyond distasteful to physically sickening--to him, negotiating to buy works of art completed by a serial killer.
The mystery is why? Who wants hackneyed works from a depraved mind? Keldon takes dossiers on the owners, convinces them to sell, and delivers them to his boss. He's good. Until he hits a snag. One owner is not motivated by the offer and Keldon attempts to come at the deal sideways.
And sideways it all goes. Suddenly there's a lot more on the table, a lot more to lose.
Balanced characters, both charming and flawed give depth. Keldon is a trove of highs and lows and his interactions through this job reveal more. What was at first a mystery becomes emotional and sweet, questioning and sad. There are epiphanies and acceptance. While I solved the mystery early on, the unraveling was lovely and the story was more than I expected when I first opened it. Quite a pleasant surprise as it unfurled.
Favorite quote:
~~A copy was provided to me for a No Glitter Blown review~~
~~~Reviewed for Hearts On Fire Reviews~~~
Keldon. Not exactly endearing at first glance. His negligence and superficial pursuits have left him in a bind. As such, when offered a lucrative job--he pounces. A job that is beyond distasteful to physically sickening--to him, negotiating to buy works of art completed by a serial killer.
The mystery is why? Who wants hackneyed works from a depraved mind? Keldon takes dossiers on the owners, convinces them to sell, and delivers them to his boss. He's good. Until he hits a snag. One owner is not motivated by the offer and Keldon attempts to come at the deal sideways.
And sideways it all goes. Suddenly there's a lot more on the table, a lot more to lose.
Balanced characters, both charming and flawed give depth. Keldon is a trove of highs and lows and his interactions through this job reveal more. What was at first a mystery becomes emotional and sweet, questioning and sad. There are epiphanies and acceptance. While I solved the mystery early on, the unraveling was lovely and the story was more than I expected when I first opened it. Quite a pleasant surprise as it unfurled.
Favorite quote:
Some of that confusion lingered, that inability to separate we from me.
~~A copy was provided to me for a No Glitter Blown review~~
~~~Reviewed for Hearts On Fire Reviews~~~
July 29, 2014
Well this story was not at all what I expected, though if you ask me, I couldn't tell you what I was expecting.. so don't ask. I think Author Edmond Manning likes his readers to be all over the place when beginning one of his stories, and this one was no exception. He likes to "level the playing field" so to speak. At first I loved Keldon and I couldn't stand Josh.... then I couldn't stand Keldon and I fell for Josh. Then I hated Keldon's employer, Catherine, and loved Josh's employer, Mrs. Woullet. See, I told you, I was all over the place. Then I finally got my head and my heart synch'd up and loved Keldon WITH Josh.
This really is an amazing story and I really enjoyed it. I'm a huge fan of Edmond Manning's and this book is another great item in his quirky repertoire. Check it out - I recommend it!
This really is an amazing story and I really enjoyed it. I'm a huge fan of Edmond Manning's and this book is another great item in his quirky repertoire. Check it out - I recommend it!
December 5, 2014
I have a soft spot for flawed characters that for whatever reasons and/or wrong choices have hit bottom. Probably because there’s no other way but up from there. And I love it even more when the author takes such characters on a journey of self-acceptance and forgiveness.
Filthy Acquisitions is exactly this kind of journey for Keldon . Accepting a job to purchase fifteen paintings by a convicted serial killer for a private collector finally pushes him to his limits. He needs to change his life.
I knew from the moment Keldon experienced a breakdown after one of these purchases in the beginning of the book that I’d be on his side no matter what.
Despite the moral conflict his job presented, I couldn’t dislike Keldon even for a minute. I didn’t feel sorry for him too, I was just hoping he would manage to come out of the mess he had created himself and start a new life.
I loved the internal struggles Keldon had trying to suppress habits he had relied on for years because that showed me who he really was as a person.
He didn’t like being this calculated, but he didn’t know how not to be.
Also, fantastic contrast between Keldon’s material world and Joshua’s close-to-nature way of life. How Edmond Manning brought these opposites together with tenderness, unexpected openness, and finally understanding, was the gem in the story for me.
What bothered me:
I suspected early on what Keldon’s employer motives were for acquiring these paintings so the mystery element wasn’t very strong. Also, I didn’t really buy that Keldon seducing Joshua would help with the acquisition (that’s in the blurb so not a spoiler). It was obvious that despite her illness, Irene was a woman capable of making her own decisions and I didn’t think her close friendship with Joshua would influence that.
July 25, 2014
A beautiful, painful, uplifting story written with gorgeous language as only Edmond Manning seems able to do.
More to come but in the end what you need to know is that you need to read this book.
More to come but in the end what you need to know is that you need to read this book.
August 1, 2014
As reviewed in USA Today http://usat.ly/XmOIJh: This is a book that touched me deeply. Edmond Manning has a way of doing that in his writing, and this isn't the first time (King Perry gave me a nickname that I treasure, Queen Becky the Birthday Giver. You'll have to read that one to find out what kind of king or queen you are.)
Keldon doesn't hate his job at first. It's only after Josh makes him really examine why he's doing it that he realizes how much he hates himself, not just the job. But he needs the money and the huge bonus that will come when he completes the task of curating the collection.
Josh and Keldon are falling in love, but when the truth of what is behind Keldon's job comes to light their budding relationship is threatened. Can they both overcome what Keldon is doing? This is definitely a character-driven book and you will find yourself examining character motives like you've never done before. The secondary characters are just as important as the main characters and play critical roles in the story. In fact, it's hard to think of anyone as "secondary" in this book.
Be prepared to love, hate, be touched, and cry, but by the end you will find great satisfaction in this book. And be prepared to ask yourself, what is the greatest evil and what is the greatest good?
Keldon doesn't hate his job at first. It's only after Josh makes him really examine why he's doing it that he realizes how much he hates himself, not just the job. But he needs the money and the huge bonus that will come when he completes the task of curating the collection.
Josh and Keldon are falling in love, but when the truth of what is behind Keldon's job comes to light their budding relationship is threatened. Can they both overcome what Keldon is doing? This is definitely a character-driven book and you will find yourself examining character motives like you've never done before. The secondary characters are just as important as the main characters and play critical roles in the story. In fact, it's hard to think of anyone as "secondary" in this book.
Be prepared to love, hate, be touched, and cry, but by the end you will find great satisfaction in this book. And be prepared to ask yourself, what is the greatest evil and what is the greatest good?
September 10, 2014
I'm already a huge fan of Edmond Manning and this book has only reinforced it. He has an amazing ability to bring his characters to life and they're never stereotypes, they're unique individuals who you feel you really know by the end of the book. I'm always sad to finish one of Edmond's books as I feel like I've invested so much in these people (hoping, fearing, laughing crying) and although the end is satisfying I never feel like saying goodbye.
I was with Keldon on every step of his journey and was willing him to find his way through his struggles. I found Josh a little judgemental and quite unbending at times. Some of the things he was judging Keldon for were not unsimilar to decisions he had made in his own life. Together they made a balanced couple and athough there's still work for them to do the future does look promising.
I was with Keldon on every step of his journey and was willing him to find his way through his struggles. I found Josh a little judgemental and quite unbending at times. Some of the things he was judging Keldon for were not unsimilar to decisions he had made in his own life. Together they made a balanced couple and athough there's still work for them to do the future does look promising.
February 15, 2015
Review can be read at It's About The Book
Keldon Thurman’s self esteem is in the basement. He’s made a lot of mistakes in life, including prostitution, and he’s reached a point where his levels of disgust with himself are peaking. It doesn’t help that his current job is to collect 15 pieces of “art” painted by a convicted serial-killer for his mysterious benefactress. It only adds to his disgust that Keldon knows he’s incredibly good at emotionally manipulating the people from whom he’s tasked to acquire the paintings. Understanding people’s motivations and desires then using those things to get his way were skills Keldon developed as a kept man. To make matters more stressful, Keldon cannot ask his employer, Mrs. Maggiara, why she is collecting the art. When he finally acquires the last painting he’ll receive a very large sum of money. Enough money that he can go back to college. He’ll be able to get a respectable set of life skills. This ghoulish job is his second chance at life.
The fifth painting is owned by Irene Woullet. She’s a wonderful older woman with serious health problems and significant medical bills. She is unaware she has anything painted by a serial-killer. Mrs. Woullet also has a gorgeous nurse, Joshua. Mrs. Woullet and Joshua want to know which painting is of interest to Mrs. Maggiara, as she has offered to buy every piece of art Mrs. Woullet owns for a very generous price. In an attempt to ferret out more information for Mrs. Woullet, Joshua agrees to go on two dates with Keldon. It’s a good situation for Keldon, as he has more opportunity to sway Joshua and get help influencing Mrs. Woullet.
One date is planned by Keldon and one by Joshua. Keldon treats Joshua to an extravagant night in Chicago. It’s the kind of dazzling, sweep a guy off his feet date that Keldon used to have with his wealthy, older boyfriends. Keldon knows what he’s doing is manipulation. He can’t stop himself. He’s begun to wonder if he even knows how to simply enjoy himself for the sake of enjoyment. Does he even have his own wishes and desires when it comes to dating? The date was enjoyed by both men even if neither side really gained any information about the painting. Both men gained a lot of information about each other. Joshua and Keldon continue to talk to each other as they await their next date. Keldon continues to acquire more paintings for Mrs. Maggiara.
The second date takes place in Madison. Keldon again finds himself being swept off his feet by a man showing him what the world has to offer. This time it’s an experience of Farmer’s Markets in the morning, shared community, the beauty of the earth itself, and a companion who is showing interest in the real Keldon and his opinions. Joshua doesn’t value Keldon for his ability to be a mirror of Joshua. Unfortunately, Keldon learns that sets him up for rejection. Real rejection. Keldon also learns some people view integrity as more important than creature comforts and judging a person solely by the actions you are able to see can be misleading.
Keldon was heartbreaking. He was desperate for a second chance and an opportunity to have integrity. That he found himself forced to use his most hated talents to obtain that second chance further compromised his integrity. Or at least he thought it did. Personally, I thought the twist was rather obvious. I think Keldon should have found it obvious, also. Leaving internet research aside, I feel someone with the skills to intuit the motivations and desires of others would have realized Mrs. Maggiara’s intentions or at least her feelings toward the “art.” However, even knowing that particular twist was coming I was stunned at the depth of emotion I felt during the scene where Keldon reached the end of his rope and attempted to quit his job. I was very impressed by how much I felt the impact of something I was expecting.
I don’t want to give the impression I disliked this book. I’ve already recommended it to friends, but I certainly had a couple of issues. In a book about people getting second chances for all manner of things in life, I feel Keldon should have realized he deserves a second chance. Keldon wanted forgiveness from Joshua, yet I don’t feel he forgave himself. But I loved that Keldon’s second chance at college and developing respectable skills were borne of Mrs. Maggiara’s second chance. I loved the bonds between employers and employees, even if they were nascent, as well as the slow building of the bond between Joshua and Keldon. Yes, there was attraction when they met, but Joshua and Keldon had time to get to know each other and see the potential to fall in love with the real man. Not only was that deeply important for Keldon and his quest to be honest with himself, but it was refreshing amongst a sea of books with characters who fall instantly in lust and in love not long after that.
Keldon Thurman’s self esteem is in the basement. He’s made a lot of mistakes in life, including prostitution, and he’s reached a point where his levels of disgust with himself are peaking. It doesn’t help that his current job is to collect 15 pieces of “art” painted by a convicted serial-killer for his mysterious benefactress. It only adds to his disgust that Keldon knows he’s incredibly good at emotionally manipulating the people from whom he’s tasked to acquire the paintings. Understanding people’s motivations and desires then using those things to get his way were skills Keldon developed as a kept man. To make matters more stressful, Keldon cannot ask his employer, Mrs. Maggiara, why she is collecting the art. When he finally acquires the last painting he’ll receive a very large sum of money. Enough money that he can go back to college. He’ll be able to get a respectable set of life skills. This ghoulish job is his second chance at life.
The fifth painting is owned by Irene Woullet. She’s a wonderful older woman with serious health problems and significant medical bills. She is unaware she has anything painted by a serial-killer. Mrs. Woullet also has a gorgeous nurse, Joshua. Mrs. Woullet and Joshua want to know which painting is of interest to Mrs. Maggiara, as she has offered to buy every piece of art Mrs. Woullet owns for a very generous price. In an attempt to ferret out more information for Mrs. Woullet, Joshua agrees to go on two dates with Keldon. It’s a good situation for Keldon, as he has more opportunity to sway Joshua and get help influencing Mrs. Woullet.
One date is planned by Keldon and one by Joshua. Keldon treats Joshua to an extravagant night in Chicago. It’s the kind of dazzling, sweep a guy off his feet date that Keldon used to have with his wealthy, older boyfriends. Keldon knows what he’s doing is manipulation. He can’t stop himself. He’s begun to wonder if he even knows how to simply enjoy himself for the sake of enjoyment. Does he even have his own wishes and desires when it comes to dating? The date was enjoyed by both men even if neither side really gained any information about the painting. Both men gained a lot of information about each other. Joshua and Keldon continue to talk to each other as they await their next date. Keldon continues to acquire more paintings for Mrs. Maggiara.
The second date takes place in Madison. Keldon again finds himself being swept off his feet by a man showing him what the world has to offer. This time it’s an experience of Farmer’s Markets in the morning, shared community, the beauty of the earth itself, and a companion who is showing interest in the real Keldon and his opinions. Joshua doesn’t value Keldon for his ability to be a mirror of Joshua. Unfortunately, Keldon learns that sets him up for rejection. Real rejection. Keldon also learns some people view integrity as more important than creature comforts and judging a person solely by the actions you are able to see can be misleading.
Keldon was heartbreaking. He was desperate for a second chance and an opportunity to have integrity. That he found himself forced to use his most hated talents to obtain that second chance further compromised his integrity. Or at least he thought it did. Personally, I thought the twist was rather obvious. I think Keldon should have found it obvious, also. Leaving internet research aside, I feel someone with the skills to intuit the motivations and desires of others would have realized Mrs. Maggiara’s intentions or at least her feelings toward the “art.” However, even knowing that particular twist was coming I was stunned at the depth of emotion I felt during the scene where Keldon reached the end of his rope and attempted to quit his job. I was very impressed by how much I felt the impact of something I was expecting.
I don’t want to give the impression I disliked this book. I’ve already recommended it to friends, but I certainly had a couple of issues. In a book about people getting second chances for all manner of things in life, I feel Keldon should have realized he deserves a second chance. Keldon wanted forgiveness from Joshua, yet I don’t feel he forgave himself. But I loved that Keldon’s second chance at college and developing respectable skills were borne of Mrs. Maggiara’s second chance. I loved the bonds between employers and employees, even if they were nascent, as well as the slow building of the bond between Joshua and Keldon. Yes, there was attraction when they met, but Joshua and Keldon had time to get to know each other and see the potential to fall in love with the real man. Not only was that deeply important for Keldon and his quest to be honest with himself, but it was refreshing amongst a sea of books with characters who fall instantly in lust and in love not long after that.
July 31, 2014
4.5 STARS
Reviewed by Vicki
I have read a LOT of books, and I love it when an author comes up with a truly unique plot. Especially with a contemporary story, there are so many out there that it’s hard to be different. This one was wonderfully unique! I can honestly say I have never read a book about a man hired to acquire art painted by a serial killer. I was a little squeamish when I read the description, but I wanted to try a book written by Edmond Manning, and this one was just coming out so…..
I loved it!
Both Keldon and Joshua were interesting characters on their own, and made for an interesting couple. Keldon has been spoiled by two rich men, and is now on his own with no means to support himself. He’s pretty, not unintelligent, but has been pampered and has no education or work experience. He’s at the point of selling off his jewelry and clothing to feed himself. He’s worked through a few jobs, but has no experience and doesn’t seem to do well. He is contacted and hired by a mysterious woman who is collecting crappy art painted by a serial killer on death row. Keldon is not particularly enjoying his job, but he gets a weekly paycheck with expenses covered, and if he acquires all 15 paintings he’ll get a bonus. Enough to possible go back to school and actually do something with his life. He’s bothered by what he is doing, certainly, but he’s got to eat and it’s a job. So he does it. We see him collect a couple of pieces, he walks a fine line between professional and manipulative, but it works. Until he shows up at the house of Irene Woullet. There he meets Joshua.
Josh was a trip! He’s a nurse working with patients who need in home care. He has been a graphic designer living the big life in NYC, but he hated it and is now living in Madison Wisconsin. He lives as much off the grid as possible, not owning a car, using as little electricity as possible, eating organically, locally grown food. But likes KFC, and his smartphone! He is intrigued by Keldon, who shows up to convince Irene to sell a painting. I loved his uniqueness. I won’t say more, it’s worth reading to discover his quirks for yourself!
Reviews are hard to write without giving away too much of the plot. There are things that happened in the book that I want to share but I won’t! It was odd though, what Keldon is doing, and how it affected him and eventually Josh. Both in good ways and bad. It affected me emotionally as well. I actually had a good cry at 1:30 this morning after finishing it, it apparently brought something up with me. It was good, but it surprised me! I was impressed by the way Edmond wrote this story, it was not as disturbing as I thought it would be. It was definitely Keldon’s story, and how this weird job affects his life, more than it was about a serial killer. There is a bit about the killer and what he did that was hard to read, but it had to be told and I appreciate that.
So let’s talk about the writing. Wow. I was familiar with Edmonds name on FB and such, but hadn’t really paid much attention to him, I am ashamed to say. He’s a fantastic author! This book was great. As I said before, the plot was unique, as were the characters. Not just Keldon and Josh, but Madison was a character as well, I feel I know a bit about a town I was totally unfamiliar with. Irene and Catherine played a big part in this story, adding good drama. The slow relationship that develops between Keldon and Josh was perfect, not too fast, not too slow. I liked that neither of them was perfect, either physically or emotionally. There was a good connection between them, although there was not much sex. I just commented in the last review I wrote that I wish there had been more sex in that book, but now this book had only one sex scene and I didn’t notice until way after I’d finished the book! Apparently I didn’t miss it. This was more about Keldon and Josh connecting on an emotional level, and about the transformation that Keldon goes through. I’ve complained before about not having the words to adequately describe the writing style of an author, I just have to go by what I like and what I don’t like. And I liked this one a lot! Enough description, not too much, good dialogue, great characters, interesting plot, and a great ending. I expected to be uncomfortable with the subject matter, and I was, but that was ok. I didn’t expect to be emotionally affected, and I was. It’s not a long book, but it was just right. I do wish we got to see what comes next for these two though! I will assume they lived happily ever after….
Please visit www.lovebytesreviews.com to see this and many more reviews, interviews guest posts and giveaways!
Reviewed by Vicki
I have read a LOT of books, and I love it when an author comes up with a truly unique plot. Especially with a contemporary story, there are so many out there that it’s hard to be different. This one was wonderfully unique! I can honestly say I have never read a book about a man hired to acquire art painted by a serial killer. I was a little squeamish when I read the description, but I wanted to try a book written by Edmond Manning, and this one was just coming out so…..
I loved it!
Both Keldon and Joshua were interesting characters on their own, and made for an interesting couple. Keldon has been spoiled by two rich men, and is now on his own with no means to support himself. He’s pretty, not unintelligent, but has been pampered and has no education or work experience. He’s at the point of selling off his jewelry and clothing to feed himself. He’s worked through a few jobs, but has no experience and doesn’t seem to do well. He is contacted and hired by a mysterious woman who is collecting crappy art painted by a serial killer on death row. Keldon is not particularly enjoying his job, but he gets a weekly paycheck with expenses covered, and if he acquires all 15 paintings he’ll get a bonus. Enough to possible go back to school and actually do something with his life. He’s bothered by what he is doing, certainly, but he’s got to eat and it’s a job. So he does it. We see him collect a couple of pieces, he walks a fine line between professional and manipulative, but it works. Until he shows up at the house of Irene Woullet. There he meets Joshua.
Josh was a trip! He’s a nurse working with patients who need in home care. He has been a graphic designer living the big life in NYC, but he hated it and is now living in Madison Wisconsin. He lives as much off the grid as possible, not owning a car, using as little electricity as possible, eating organically, locally grown food. But likes KFC, and his smartphone! He is intrigued by Keldon, who shows up to convince Irene to sell a painting. I loved his uniqueness. I won’t say more, it’s worth reading to discover his quirks for yourself!
Reviews are hard to write without giving away too much of the plot. There are things that happened in the book that I want to share but I won’t! It was odd though, what Keldon is doing, and how it affected him and eventually Josh. Both in good ways and bad. It affected me emotionally as well. I actually had a good cry at 1:30 this morning after finishing it, it apparently brought something up with me. It was good, but it surprised me! I was impressed by the way Edmond wrote this story, it was not as disturbing as I thought it would be. It was definitely Keldon’s story, and how this weird job affects his life, more than it was about a serial killer. There is a bit about the killer and what he did that was hard to read, but it had to be told and I appreciate that.
So let’s talk about the writing. Wow. I was familiar with Edmonds name on FB and such, but hadn’t really paid much attention to him, I am ashamed to say. He’s a fantastic author! This book was great. As I said before, the plot was unique, as were the characters. Not just Keldon and Josh, but Madison was a character as well, I feel I know a bit about a town I was totally unfamiliar with. Irene and Catherine played a big part in this story, adding good drama. The slow relationship that develops between Keldon and Josh was perfect, not too fast, not too slow. I liked that neither of them was perfect, either physically or emotionally. There was a good connection between them, although there was not much sex. I just commented in the last review I wrote that I wish there had been more sex in that book, but now this book had only one sex scene and I didn’t notice until way after I’d finished the book! Apparently I didn’t miss it. This was more about Keldon and Josh connecting on an emotional level, and about the transformation that Keldon goes through. I’ve complained before about not having the words to adequately describe the writing style of an author, I just have to go by what I like and what I don’t like. And I liked this one a lot! Enough description, not too much, good dialogue, great characters, interesting plot, and a great ending. I expected to be uncomfortable with the subject matter, and I was, but that was ok. I didn’t expect to be emotionally affected, and I was. It’s not a long book, but it was just right. I do wish we got to see what comes next for these two though! I will assume they lived happily ever after….
Please visit www.lovebytesreviews.com to see this and many more reviews, interviews guest posts and giveaways!
August 11, 2014
“You go through life, and disappointments come your way. Death. Dreams that never come true. You acquire a little filth. You lose a little of your dreams. You get obsessed with money or status, or a raise. Filthy acquisitions.”
Keldon Thurman has acquired quite a heaping of filth over the years. Young yet beaten down and wounded in many ways, he now pursues the artistic remnants of a horrific murderer who continues to prey upon the innocent even beyond the grave. Serial murderer James Merrick produced some fifteen pieces of “art” that Keldon now retrieves for the elusive Mrs. Maggiarra. For Keldon it is another “performance”. A way to make money so that perhaps one day he can pursue college again, build something of his life that up until this point has been one form of whoring or another. At least this is how he feels, for you see, poor Keldon Thurman has acquired so much filth in his life that it has mired him to the point where he can no longer see his own self-worth. Until the fifth acquisition…then things change, and Keldon is forced to meet some of his past demons head on and by doing so, shake off some of the guilt he has mistakenly held on to for so many years.
Edmond Manning’s story, Filthy Acquisitions, is an act of forgiveness written in the guise of a sweet, innocuous story. When Keldon comes face to face with someone he really wants to be worthy of, his past roils up within him, forcing him to look closely at not only how he normally becomes a chameleon, taking on any and all characteristics to please his lover, but that he has stooped to doing a job so heinous he can barely stomach it.
Joshua Greene embodies everything that Keldon feels he is not, someone who has abandoned the rat race of corporate life to pursue his own desires; simple, back to earth, and fulfilling. As part of the attempt to acquire the fifth piece of art, Keldon agrees to two dates with Josh and is stunned to realize that he does not have to be fake or clever, but rather he can simply be himself, flaws and all. So when Joshua and Irene, the elderly woman Joshua cares for as her daytime nurse, discover exactly what the picture Keldon is after stands for, they are quick to dismiss him from their lives. Keldon feels that rejection like a physical blow and his immediate response is to use it as an affirmation of all that he believes about himself, including his unworthiness to have nice things, a stable life, a loving partner.
Filthy Acquisitions takes aim at the feelings of longing and self-doubt within us all and exposes them to the light. But this is not a harsh, condemning illumination; rather, it is the softer glow of forgiveness and its residual warmth. Through a clever little story, Edmond Manning speaks to that place inside us that has acquired that little bit of filth, and assures us that those who love us can look beneath it and see who we really are and, in doing so, help us free ourselves from being shackled to guilt over past mistakes. It is a story that says we must learn to love ourselves for there is so much within each of us that is worthy to be loved. I highly recommend it to you.
Keldon Thurman has acquired quite a heaping of filth over the years. Young yet beaten down and wounded in many ways, he now pursues the artistic remnants of a horrific murderer who continues to prey upon the innocent even beyond the grave. Serial murderer James Merrick produced some fifteen pieces of “art” that Keldon now retrieves for the elusive Mrs. Maggiarra. For Keldon it is another “performance”. A way to make money so that perhaps one day he can pursue college again, build something of his life that up until this point has been one form of whoring or another. At least this is how he feels, for you see, poor Keldon Thurman has acquired so much filth in his life that it has mired him to the point where he can no longer see his own self-worth. Until the fifth acquisition…then things change, and Keldon is forced to meet some of his past demons head on and by doing so, shake off some of the guilt he has mistakenly held on to for so many years.
Edmond Manning’s story, Filthy Acquisitions, is an act of forgiveness written in the guise of a sweet, innocuous story. When Keldon comes face to face with someone he really wants to be worthy of, his past roils up within him, forcing him to look closely at not only how he normally becomes a chameleon, taking on any and all characteristics to please his lover, but that he has stooped to doing a job so heinous he can barely stomach it.
Joshua Greene embodies everything that Keldon feels he is not, someone who has abandoned the rat race of corporate life to pursue his own desires; simple, back to earth, and fulfilling. As part of the attempt to acquire the fifth piece of art, Keldon agrees to two dates with Josh and is stunned to realize that he does not have to be fake or clever, but rather he can simply be himself, flaws and all. So when Joshua and Irene, the elderly woman Joshua cares for as her daytime nurse, discover exactly what the picture Keldon is after stands for, they are quick to dismiss him from their lives. Keldon feels that rejection like a physical blow and his immediate response is to use it as an affirmation of all that he believes about himself, including his unworthiness to have nice things, a stable life, a loving partner.
Filthy Acquisitions takes aim at the feelings of longing and self-doubt within us all and exposes them to the light. But this is not a harsh, condemning illumination; rather, it is the softer glow of forgiveness and its residual warmth. Through a clever little story, Edmond Manning speaks to that place inside us that has acquired that little bit of filth, and assures us that those who love us can look beneath it and see who we really are and, in doing so, help us free ourselves from being shackled to guilt over past mistakes. It is a story that says we must learn to love ourselves for there is so much within each of us that is worthy to be loved. I highly recommend it to you.
August 11, 2014
After falling head-over-heels in love with King Perry and King Mai (the two books that will probably keep me from ever giving any other book five stars) and… okay… everything else Edmond Manning has ever written or posted online anywhere, it was a no-brainer for me to pick-up Filthy Acquisitions. This book is a little more along the lines of a typical M/M romance than Edmond’s other works, but it still has his trademark…um… whatever-it-is that makes his writing so special. I don’t really know what to call it. Whimsy? Bizarre ‘take’ on life and people? That’s not right, either. It’s his almost clairvoyant insight into the human psyche that grabs me by the gut every time I read his words.
For instance, most authors “show” a kiss by describing the heat, the passion, the “feels”. Edmond goes deeper. He “shows” a kiss by conveying all the things a kiss can communicate between two people:
“Keldon loved the act of kissing, the sheer innocence of the act. Kissing expressed ‘I find you attractive’ in a way words would always fail. Kissing could express dominance, submission, equality. It was a form of listening, intuiting, a way of sharing an experience, reliving a moment or an evening together, its passions and softness, and the soft parting from a bottom lip gently chewed thrilled Keldon in a way sex could never touch. A kiss was pure. A kiss was about mutuality. ‘Do you like me the way that I like you? You do? Good. Let’s kiss again.’”
Gah! That right there is why I’m in love with Edmond Manning.
That said, Filthy Acquisitions, as you can tell from the title and the blurb, is not a hearts-and-flowers kind of romance. Keldon struggles with the morality of what he does for a living, basically becoming more and more disgusted with himself for what he has to do to put food on the table. (I understand that. I worked for 15 years at a job that never once made me feel good about doing it.) Keldon gets a glimpse into Josh’s life, which is pure and organic and green. Watching Josh plant a garden and shop at the local farmer’s market and ride a bike instead of taking a car makes Keldon want a piece of that life – that wholesomeness – and only makes him feel worse about himself.
Josh totally stole my heart. I totally teared up on their first date as he danced in a trendy nightclub and having gotten overheated, opened his shirt only to have several people make snide remarks about his paunch. This is also the scene where Keldon won me over. No spoilers – you gotta’ read it for yourself.
Josh did it to me again on their second date when, out of the blue, he just laid his soul open for Keldon to see. His vulnerability in that scene plucked my heartstrings bigtime.
Now, normally, I’d have been upset by the abrupt ending of this story. It’s not exactly what I would call a ‘cliffhanger’, but it does leave us hanging a bit. The HEA is dangled like a carrot, but for now I’ll be satisfied with the HFN, knowing that this just assures I will get more of Edmond Manning’s words later.
For instance, most authors “show” a kiss by describing the heat, the passion, the “feels”. Edmond goes deeper. He “shows” a kiss by conveying all the things a kiss can communicate between two people:
“Keldon loved the act of kissing, the sheer innocence of the act. Kissing expressed ‘I find you attractive’ in a way words would always fail. Kissing could express dominance, submission, equality. It was a form of listening, intuiting, a way of sharing an experience, reliving a moment or an evening together, its passions and softness, and the soft parting from a bottom lip gently chewed thrilled Keldon in a way sex could never touch. A kiss was pure. A kiss was about mutuality. ‘Do you like me the way that I like you? You do? Good. Let’s kiss again.’”
Gah! That right there is why I’m in love with Edmond Manning.
That said, Filthy Acquisitions, as you can tell from the title and the blurb, is not a hearts-and-flowers kind of romance. Keldon struggles with the morality of what he does for a living, basically becoming more and more disgusted with himself for what he has to do to put food on the table. (I understand that. I worked for 15 years at a job that never once made me feel good about doing it.) Keldon gets a glimpse into Josh’s life, which is pure and organic and green. Watching Josh plant a garden and shop at the local farmer’s market and ride a bike instead of taking a car makes Keldon want a piece of that life – that wholesomeness – and only makes him feel worse about himself.
Josh totally stole my heart. I totally teared up on their first date as he danced in a trendy nightclub and having gotten overheated, opened his shirt only to have several people make snide remarks about his paunch. This is also the scene where Keldon won me over. No spoilers – you gotta’ read it for yourself.
Josh did it to me again on their second date when, out of the blue, he just laid his soul open for Keldon to see. His vulnerability in that scene plucked my heartstrings bigtime.
Now, normally, I’d have been upset by the abrupt ending of this story. It’s not exactly what I would call a ‘cliffhanger’, but it does leave us hanging a bit. The HEA is dangled like a carrot, but for now I’ll be satisfied with the HFN, knowing that this just assures I will get more of Edmond Manning’s words later.
September 6, 2014
Filthy Acquisitions
By Edmond Manning
Four stars
In “Filthy Acquisitions” Edmond Manning steps away from the majestic existentialism of his Lost King series and a bit closer to the earth-bound precincts of gay romance.
But not really. When I started reading, I kept forgetting who I was reading, and then would suddenly be brought back to awareness by some phrase or expression that echoed the visuals and linguistic turns of the Lost Kings. “Ah, that’s Edmond.”
And, while it is almost a conventional gay romance, it isn’t fully. The emphasis is not on a happy ever after, but on a journey of solace. Little bits of the key characters are revealed at crucial moments, understanding dawns on the reader and the characters at the same time. We see people seeking solutions to their sadness. Love is not the solution, but the hope that keeps them moving forward.
We learn quite a lot about Keldon Thurman right away. (Keldon? Is there a pool from which romance authors pick names?) If Keldon looks like a standard romance figure—sleek, handsome, beautifully dressed—it is to contrast his outward aspect with a deeply stunted inner life. Having fallen early into the pattern of being a kept boy-toy, he has learned nothing really useful in living a productive existence. He now finds himself caught in a surreal web, acquiring bad art by a dead serial killer for a mysterious suburban woman whose money holds out the potential to give him a real life.
Joshua Greene, on the other hand, is revealed to us more slowly. He is not sleek and perfect. His story, less peculiar but all the more poignant for its familiar realism, has left him the temporary guardian of a terminally ill widow. Who just happens to own one of the paintings Keldon needs to acquire.
While the central plot thread of “Filthy Acquisitions” is, as expected, the emerging connection between Keldon and Josh, the larger theme in this book is about the relationships these two young men have with the women who employ them.
This simple fact makes Catherine Maggiarra, the art collector, a lynchpin in the story. She is incongruous, both to Keldon and to the reader, by virtue of her bizarre acquisitions and her bland, middle-class lifestyle. On the other side is Irene Woullet, once-wealthy widow, now depleted financially and physically by muscular dystrophy. At first she seems to be exactly what she appears; but she emerges as a complex, sympathetic character who takes on a catalytic role in the story’s arc.
Manning loves visual metaphors, and every detail is weighted with some meaning, some bit of data that helps the reader understand one of the four players in this piece.
As with all gay romances, “Filthy Acquisitions” is about people finding love. But, as with all Edmond Manning books (I think I can say that safely now), it is also about people who, whether they know it or not at first, are trying to repair their souls and find relief for their pain. In the end, their solace is ours, and we share in their healing.
By Edmond Manning
Four stars
In “Filthy Acquisitions” Edmond Manning steps away from the majestic existentialism of his Lost King series and a bit closer to the earth-bound precincts of gay romance.
But not really. When I started reading, I kept forgetting who I was reading, and then would suddenly be brought back to awareness by some phrase or expression that echoed the visuals and linguistic turns of the Lost Kings. “Ah, that’s Edmond.”
And, while it is almost a conventional gay romance, it isn’t fully. The emphasis is not on a happy ever after, but on a journey of solace. Little bits of the key characters are revealed at crucial moments, understanding dawns on the reader and the characters at the same time. We see people seeking solutions to their sadness. Love is not the solution, but the hope that keeps them moving forward.
We learn quite a lot about Keldon Thurman right away. (Keldon? Is there a pool from which romance authors pick names?) If Keldon looks like a standard romance figure—sleek, handsome, beautifully dressed—it is to contrast his outward aspect with a deeply stunted inner life. Having fallen early into the pattern of being a kept boy-toy, he has learned nothing really useful in living a productive existence. He now finds himself caught in a surreal web, acquiring bad art by a dead serial killer for a mysterious suburban woman whose money holds out the potential to give him a real life.
Joshua Greene, on the other hand, is revealed to us more slowly. He is not sleek and perfect. His story, less peculiar but all the more poignant for its familiar realism, has left him the temporary guardian of a terminally ill widow. Who just happens to own one of the paintings Keldon needs to acquire.
While the central plot thread of “Filthy Acquisitions” is, as expected, the emerging connection between Keldon and Josh, the larger theme in this book is about the relationships these two young men have with the women who employ them.
This simple fact makes Catherine Maggiarra, the art collector, a lynchpin in the story. She is incongruous, both to Keldon and to the reader, by virtue of her bizarre acquisitions and her bland, middle-class lifestyle. On the other side is Irene Woullet, once-wealthy widow, now depleted financially and physically by muscular dystrophy. At first she seems to be exactly what she appears; but she emerges as a complex, sympathetic character who takes on a catalytic role in the story’s arc.
Manning loves visual metaphors, and every detail is weighted with some meaning, some bit of data that helps the reader understand one of the four players in this piece.
As with all gay romances, “Filthy Acquisitions” is about people finding love. But, as with all Edmond Manning books (I think I can say that safely now), it is also about people who, whether they know it or not at first, are trying to repair their souls and find relief for their pain. In the end, their solace is ours, and we share in their healing.
August 21, 2014
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
So right from the start, one of the things I really enjoyed about Filthy Acquisitions is the really unique storyline. To start with we have this guy whose job it is to buy up art painted by a serial killer. We know why Keldon takes the job — he is desperate for money — but we don’t know why his boss Catherine Maggiarra wants the art. In fact, Keldon doesn’t know either. One of the criteria of his job is to ask no questions. So here he is, buying these paintings, and none of us have any idea why or what the ultimate purpose might be. I love the way things are explained in pieces along the way, and the ultimate reveal is quite moving. Add in the romance element and this story really was refreshing and kept me eager to learn exactly what was going on.
Keldon is kind of a fascinating character and Manning does a great job building his backstory and personality. As a young man, Keldon had two relationships with older men who essentially kept him and cared for him. He never sought out a sugar daddy relationship, but somehow he found himself with men looking for a young, attractive guy to please them and Keldon realized he was quite good at it. But when those relationships ended, Keldon found himself with no degree, no job skills, and no real prospects. He was at loose ends, desperate for money, when Catherine approached him about this strange position.
Read Jay's review in its entirety here.
4.5 stars
So right from the start, one of the things I really enjoyed about Filthy Acquisitions is the really unique storyline. To start with we have this guy whose job it is to buy up art painted by a serial killer. We know why Keldon takes the job — he is desperate for money — but we don’t know why his boss Catherine Maggiarra wants the art. In fact, Keldon doesn’t know either. One of the criteria of his job is to ask no questions. So here he is, buying these paintings, and none of us have any idea why or what the ultimate purpose might be. I love the way things are explained in pieces along the way, and the ultimate reveal is quite moving. Add in the romance element and this story really was refreshing and kept me eager to learn exactly what was going on.
Keldon is kind of a fascinating character and Manning does a great job building his backstory and personality. As a young man, Keldon had two relationships with older men who essentially kept him and cared for him. He never sought out a sugar daddy relationship, but somehow he found himself with men looking for a young, attractive guy to please them and Keldon realized he was quite good at it. But when those relationships ended, Keldon found himself with no degree, no job skills, and no real prospects. He was at loose ends, desperate for money, when Catherine approached him about this strange position.
Read Jay's review in its entirety here.
July 12, 2015
This was a bit different from the Manning I learned of and adore in The Lost and Founds series (hereafter TLAF because I'm typing on my Kindle screen and it's slow going). This was, and wasn't what I expected.
It was because it was a unique story (serial-killer art! Holy wow!). It was a morality tale of self-actualization and self-efficacy. Manning excels at that shiz like nobody's business.
It wasn't because I missed the humor and the unexpected twists and turns that Manning delivers so effortlessly in his TLAF series. It was a wee bit predictable, and the feels weren't as profound.
I wanted more of the romance/relationship-building between Keldon and Josh. But that's me being greedy for man-on-man action.
Manning can tell a captivating story, no doubt about it. Read this. It's good. Then, if you haven't read the TLAF series get on that...stat. Seriously. It's superb.
It was because it was a unique story (serial-killer art! Holy wow!). It was a morality tale of self-actualization and self-efficacy. Manning excels at that shiz like nobody's business.
It wasn't because I missed the humor and the unexpected twists and turns that Manning delivers so effortlessly in his TLAF series. It was a wee bit predictable, and the feels weren't as profound.
I wanted more of the romance/relationship-building between Keldon and Josh. But that's me being greedy for man-on-man action.
Manning can tell a captivating story, no doubt about it. Read this. It's good. Then, if you haven't read the TLAF series get on that...stat. Seriously. It's superb.
December 7, 2014
Keldon finds himself doing a job he hates, acting for his employer as a buyer of paintings by a deceased serial killer. That's part of the mystery and suspense--what is up with the job and his employer, and will Keldon be able to finish it and successfully gain enough money so he isn't starving and can figure out how to better his life and prospects, so he doesn't have to resort to jobs he hates.
He's also trying to find himself, after a past of trying to please others and again, following the lure of money.
Joshua is the love interest. He's a nurse/care-taker who finds he loves his small city and wants to try to live with as small a carbon foot-print as possible.
Their relationship is quirky, sweet, and you really want to root for it.
He's also trying to find himself, after a past of trying to please others and again, following the lure of money.
Joshua is the love interest. He's a nurse/care-taker who finds he loves his small city and wants to try to live with as small a carbon foot-print as possible.
Their relationship is quirky, sweet, and you really want to root for it.
December 5, 2014
4.5 Stars rounded up.
This story was really interesting and I just had to know why Keldon was collecting the serial killer art. That story line was fascinating and Keldon was fascinating. I highly recommend the story. I deducted half a star because I wasn't crazy about Josh and I'm not convinced their relationship was going to last but I did really enjoy the book.
This story was really interesting and I just had to know why Keldon was collecting the serial killer art. That story line was fascinating and Keldon was fascinating. I highly recommend the story. I deducted half a star because I wasn't crazy about Josh and I'm not convinced their relationship was going to last but I did really enjoy the book.
March 23, 2015
2.5 stars
This is the first book by this author for me, and I didn't like it. It seems like it's one of those cases where everyone liked it but me. It was so freaking formal and impersonal, I didn't even get any chemistry between Keldon and Josh. And the plot started off as intriguing but ended up becoming boring and I lost focus.
This is the first book by this author for me, and I didn't like it. It seems like it's one of those cases where everyone liked it but me. It was so freaking formal and impersonal, I didn't even get any chemistry between Keldon and Josh. And the plot started off as intriguing but ended up becoming boring and I lost focus.
June 25, 2015
4.5 stars
October 14, 2014
4.5 Stars
December 6, 2015
2014 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention (5* from at least 1 judge)
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