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Blind Items
Columnist Drew Walsh made his career by publicly criticizing conservative, anti-gay politician Richard Granger. So when a rumor surfaces that Granger's son Jonathan might be gay, Drew finds himself in the middle of a potential scandal. Under the guise of an interview about Jonathan's new job teaching in an inner-city school, Drew's job is to find out if the rumors are true. Drew's best friend Rey is also Jonathan's cousin, and he arranges the meeting between Jonathan and Drew that changes everything.
After just one interview, it's obvious to Drew that the rumors are true, but he carefully neglects to mention that in his article. It's also obvious that he's falling for Jonathan, and he can't stay away after the article is published. Still, Jonathan is too afraid to step out of the closet, and Drew thinks the smartest thing might be to let him go—until Jonathan shows up drunk one night at his apartment. The slow burn of their attraction doesn't fade with Jonathan's buzz, but navigating a relationship is never easy—especially in the shadow of right-wing politics.
After just one interview, it's obvious to Drew that the rumors are true, but he carefully neglects to mention that in his article. It's also obvious that he's falling for Jonathan, and he can't stay away after the article is published. Still, Jonathan is too afraid to step out of the closet, and Drew thinks the smartest thing might be to let him go—until Jonathan shows up drunk one night at his apartment. The slow burn of their attraction doesn't fade with Jonathan's buzz, but navigating a relationship is never easy—especially in the shadow of right-wing politics.
202 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 28, 2011
6 people are currently reading
363 people want to read
About the author
Kate McMurray
52 books348 followersKate McMurray writes smart romantic fiction. She likes creating stories that are brainy, funny, and of course sexy, with regular guy characters and urban sensibilities. She advocates for romance stories by and for everyone. When she’s not writing, she edits textbooks, watches baseball, plays violin, crafts things out of yarn, and wears a lot of cute dresses. She lives in Brooklyn, NY, with a bossy cat and too many books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
August 1, 2011
When I see the word "politician" in the blurb, I admit, I'm a bit worried. I am not a huge fan of reading that brings political views as a central theme, because it tends to make my blood boils :). So I prefer to stay away. However, I also like Kate McMurray's stories before. In the end, I decide to keep my worry in check and read.
It turns out that this story is really good. Both men, Drew, the out journalist and Jonathan, the closeted teacher and son of the anti-gay politician, are both endearing. The story is written from Drew's point-of-view (using 1st person) but I get enough inside to who Jonathan is, and what he is struggling for in his young life. Like MandyM says in her review, this story is intelligent. The two men "presents" the case strongly, that at one point, I wonder how this story will end ... what kind of path that they will take for their own of happiness.
So, my complaint will be that the ending feels too abrupt, it's close to HFN than HEA. Also, Drew's best friend, Reynolds, also comes a bit "too strong" as a secondary character, that sometimes I feel like Drew spend a bit more time with Rey rather than working out on the problem with Jonathan (Rey is straight though, so no worries there :p). However, the story does charm me, and it's a thoughtful story, that it deserves the 4-star rating.
It turns out that this story is really good. Both men, Drew, the out journalist and Jonathan, the closeted teacher and son of the anti-gay politician, are both endearing. The story is written from Drew's point-of-view (using 1st person) but I get enough inside to who Jonathan is, and what he is struggling for in his young life. Like MandyM says in her review, this story is intelligent. The two men "presents" the case strongly, that at one point, I wonder how this story will end ... what kind of path that they will take for their own of happiness.
So, my complaint will be that the ending feels too abrupt, it's close to HFN than HEA. Also, Drew's best friend, Reynolds, also comes a bit "too strong" as a secondary character, that sometimes I feel like Drew spend a bit more time with Rey rather than working out on the problem with Jonathan (Rey is straight though, so no worries there :p). However, the story does charm me, and it's a thoughtful story, that it deserves the 4-star rating.
January 5, 2012
I loved this book! Very fun opposites attract and family-centered story. Made me think and made me nervous and made me cheer at the end. You totally need to read it right now.
Once again, though, title and cover didn't grab me, just that I liked the author and wanted to read it. I wish the cover would have given me more. I still don't really know what a blind item is, but the cover made me think this book would be sleepy and emo. It was not. It was upbeat and fun and full of awesome conflict. And it was funny! Very much so.
Try it. Call it KATE'S FUNNY BOOK and imagine a reporter wooing the shy, closeted son of a domineering bigot of a Presidential candidate.
Once again, though, title and cover didn't grab me, just that I liked the author and wanted to read it. I wish the cover would have given me more. I still don't really know what a blind item is, but the cover made me think this book would be sleepy and emo. It was not. It was upbeat and fun and full of awesome conflict. And it was funny! Very much so.
Try it. Call it KATE'S FUNNY BOOK and imagine a reporter wooing the shy, closeted son of a domineering bigot of a Presidential candidate.
September 13, 2018
3 stars! Nice enjoyable book with a great plot premise which is why I picked it up after recently having become a fan of Ms. McMurray's writing. Drew is an out and proud gay activist/columnist who has been lambasting the homophobic Republican Senator Granger for several years when he meets the Senator's son Jonathan by chance. Jonathan is a teacher in New York and due to his father's political ambitions and pressure has always been in the closet. After Drew's editor receives a tip about Jonathan's status, he assigns Drew to write an article about him and "out" him if there is incriminating evidence. Nevertheless, despite some strong feelings, Drew decides not to publicly out Jonathan. What starts after, is a secret relationship which grows more than just sex very soon. Drew and Jonathan start falling in love but are unable to come out in public due to Jonathan's father's pressure. How things resolve between then despite all the secrecy is the crux of the story.
Both the MCs are likable and realistic, but there were a few things that I had an issue with. Firstly, Drew's friend Rey felt more like an MC sometimes and Jonathan a supporting character. Much of the time was devoted on Drew and Rey's relationship. Secondly, Jonathan's spineless response to his father was a little underwhelming. A professionally independent adult cowering under his father's threats of being cut-off financially was disappointing. Lastly, the ending was at best an HFN and too hurried for my liking. An epilogue would have made it better.
Both the MCs are likable and realistic, but there were a few things that I had an issue with. Firstly, Drew's friend Rey felt more like an MC sometimes and Jonathan a supporting character. Much of the time was devoted on Drew and Rey's relationship. Secondly, Jonathan's spineless response to his father was a little underwhelming. A professionally independent adult cowering under his father's threats of being cut-off financially was disappointing. Lastly, the ending was at best an HFN and too hurried for my liking. An epilogue would have made it better.
August 7, 2011
First I thought I had a faulty ebook file, because I was sure Blind Items was missing a good number of chapters. But I guess I didn't and it's a shame. The story is engaging, the characters are likable without being annoyingly perfect, their relationship develops believably, but the entire source of conflict lies in the fact that Jonathan's father is running for president with a right wing anti-gay message, so Jonathan needs to stay in a concrete closet without a door. Most of the angst in the book is caused by the fear of 'what's gonna happen when daddy (and the press) find out Jonathan is gay, and loves an outspoken left wing media person'?
So what is going to happen when Jonathan finally comes out? Fuck if I know, because that isn't actually in the book. It stops at the moment Jonathan comes out (with full media coverage). Instead of our heroes happily riding off into the sunset, they ride off into the most difficult part of their relationship with cameras flashing and irate presidential candidates on the phone. It is irritating to say the least that as a reader I get to wring my hands for pages on end in anticipation of all the shit that is going to hit the fan, but then am required to exit stage left before the shithitting commences. A situation similar to this in Tigers and Devils was one of the best parts of that book: It can be done. So I sincerely hope the author is working on an amazing sequel as we speak.
So, if you like your romances without any actual ugliness happening, this one is for you!
So what is going to happen when Jonathan finally comes out? Fuck if I know, because that isn't actually in the book. It stops at the moment Jonathan comes out (with full media coverage). Instead of our heroes happily riding off into the sunset, they ride off into the most difficult part of their relationship with cameras flashing and irate presidential candidates on the phone. It is irritating to say the least that as a reader I get to wring my hands for pages on end in anticipation of all the shit that is going to hit the fan, but then am required to exit stage left before the shithitting commences. A situation similar to this in Tigers and Devils was one of the best parts of that book: It can be done. So I sincerely hope the author is working on an amazing sequel as we speak.
So, if you like your romances without any actual ugliness happening, this one is for you!
August 12, 2011
I'm not sure what to say about this book. The writing is superb - Kate McMurray has never disappointed me before in this department - and I really enjoyed reading the main character Drew's opinions about everything. His voice sounds funny in my head and the way his brain works successfully convinces me that he's not a stereotypical gay man. It was funny how he went on and on about various subjects, especially about Reynolds and Jonathan and even the Senator. So actually I shouldn't have any complaints about the book. Right?
Well. I don't know. Halfway through the story, I suddenly got very confused about what the point of the story was. Was this a friendship story about Drew and his straight best friend, or a love story between him and his in-the-closet love interest? Because, let me tell you, the line was really blurred there. Even though it was spelled out very clearly that Jonathan - the closet guy - was who Drew wanted, no one would be able to miss that he talks more about his best friend, Rey, than he does about Jonathan. I simply do not get what the deal is with Drew... or what he wants. Maybe this is intentional but I'm severely annoyed not being able to figure out the character until the end.
I also don't really enjoy the heavy handed semi-direct social commentary about how right wing politicians infringe on the rights of the LGBT community in the US. I'm an LGBT rights supporter myself even though I don't live in the US, but I just don't think laying it on the thick in this story particularly helps the plot move more smoothly. If any, it made the whole thing about 90 pages too long.
Furthermore, the last part didn't feel conclusive at all. I've often said this in reviews about other books and movies and I will say it again here: I don't mind unhappy endings... as long as that ending is a real conclusive ending. In Blind Items in particular, the ending didn't only feel inconclusive, it also felt abrupt and underdeveloped. The situation was somewhat completely unreal with Jonathan's character leaping from being uber-cautious to ultra-reckless. And the setting was just kind of unbelievable. Then there was Rey again, not even lurking in the background but throwing himself right in the middle of Drew and Jonny. My confusion at this point intensified by about tenfold.
The book left me with a vaguely unsatisfied feeling and made me wish - a little bit - that I hadn't read it. But you know how sometimes you just can't help reading things that are well written because the writing is so good that you get sucked in? That's how it is with this book. I hate myself sometimes for not being able to resist good writing and yet end up depressing myself by reading stories with annoying plots.
But don't worry, Kate McMurray, I'd still read your books even if this one made me want to bang my head on the wall, curl up in a fetal position and sob into my blanket for a little while. (And in case she really is reading this review - I'm sorry if this offends you. You're not alone, though. Heidi Cullinan and Josh Lanyon make me feel this way all the time as well and I still adore their writing prowess.)
Well. I don't know. Halfway through the story, I suddenly got very confused about what the point of the story was. Was this a friendship story about Drew and his straight best friend, or a love story between him and his in-the-closet love interest? Because, let me tell you, the line was really blurred there. Even though it was spelled out very clearly that Jonathan - the closet guy - was who Drew wanted, no one would be able to miss that he talks more about his best friend, Rey, than he does about Jonathan. I simply do not get what the deal is with Drew... or what he wants. Maybe this is intentional but I'm severely annoyed not being able to figure out the character until the end.
I also don't really enjoy the heavy handed semi-direct social commentary about how right wing politicians infringe on the rights of the LGBT community in the US. I'm an LGBT rights supporter myself even though I don't live in the US, but I just don't think laying it on the thick in this story particularly helps the plot move more smoothly. If any, it made the whole thing about 90 pages too long.
Furthermore, the last part didn't feel conclusive at all. I've often said this in reviews about other books and movies and I will say it again here: I don't mind unhappy endings... as long as that ending is a real conclusive ending. In Blind Items in particular, the ending didn't only feel inconclusive, it also felt abrupt and underdeveloped. The situation was somewhat completely unreal with Jonathan's character leaping from being uber-cautious to ultra-reckless. And the setting was just kind of unbelievable. Then there was Rey again, not even lurking in the background but throwing himself right in the middle of Drew and Jonny. My confusion at this point intensified by about tenfold.
The book left me with a vaguely unsatisfied feeling and made me wish - a little bit - that I hadn't read it. But you know how sometimes you just can't help reading things that are well written because the writing is so good that you get sucked in? That's how it is with this book. I hate myself sometimes for not being able to resist good writing and yet end up depressing myself by reading stories with annoying plots.
But don't worry, Kate McMurray, I'd still read your books even if this one made me want to bang my head on the wall, curl up in a fetal position and sob into my blanket for a little while. (And in case she really is reading this review - I'm sorry if this offends you. You're not alone, though. Heidi Cullinan and Josh Lanyon make me feel this way all the time as well and I still adore their writing prowess.)
August 31, 2011
I wanted to like this novel. Here's the thing, I liked Drew. He was witty and smart and confident in who he was. I particularly like Rey, a very interesting, warm and witty character in his own right. It's Jonathan I had the major problem with.
I simply did not like the lad. I found him irritating and whiney, with few redeaming qualities and I didn't see what Drew saw in him, besides the physical. He didn't explain it well enough to Rey either when Rey asked him that question - at least the explanation didn't work for me. When I got to the part where Jonny put his father on speaker for Drew to hear what he had to deal with every day, I found that to be something a 12 year old would do. But when he got to the part in the conversation where the dad threatened not to continue to pay for his apartment, and Jonny's begging his father not to (a 25 year old man with a job), I rolled my eyes, thinking this man needs to grow up. Oh I know, his lack of confidence and insecurity in his sexuality had me sympathizing but... he was just too too.. annoying.
I skimmed through the rest of it, actually hoping that Rey and Drew would get together as more than friends.
I simply did not like the lad. I found him irritating and whiney, with few redeaming qualities and I didn't see what Drew saw in him, besides the physical. He didn't explain it well enough to Rey either when Rey asked him that question - at least the explanation didn't work for me. When I got to the part where Jonny put his father on speaker for Drew to hear what he had to deal with every day, I found that to be something a 12 year old would do. But when he got to the part in the conversation where the dad threatened not to continue to pay for his apartment, and Jonny's begging his father not to (a 25 year old man with a job), I rolled my eyes, thinking this man needs to grow up. Oh I know, his lack of confidence and insecurity in his sexuality had me sympathizing but... he was just too too.. annoying.
I skimmed through the rest of it, actually hoping that Rey and Drew would get together as more than friends.
June 6, 2013
Review posted at The Armchair Reader for Kate McMurray Week!
4.5 stars
I'll be completely honest with you. This is one of Kate's earlier books, but I really didn't know what to expect from it. Part of it is that the secret relationship scenario is very hard to pull of, and then combined with the politics -- I wasn't sure how I'd feel about it. To my surprise, I actually found that I enjoyed the story (mostly because the character of Drew was so fabulous he pulled it all off!), but I also found this book to have some of the best writing I've seen from Kate. The prose is often times lyrical, which all really comes from Drew's voice. He's fabulous and campy at times, yet at times heartbreakingly vulnerable with a solid core of admirable strength, and in that combination when the story really needs it, his voice rang completely clear for me. It was almost harmonious in it's poignancy.
Drew tells this story as a man out and proud and quite perceptive of the world around him. He's a fierce friend and honest man, at times too honest and righteously indignant on behalf of himself and those he loves that he can hurt other people. He's well meaning and finds fault with himself before others. And self-sacrificing.
A columnist for a leftist rag, in which he mostly expounds gay gossip and rails on prominent conservative Kansas Senator Richard Granger for his anti-gay speeches, Drew finds himself in a coincidental bind. Richard Granger is his best friend's uncle. Rey, his straight best friend from childhood is now a major movie star, is willing to introduce him to his cousin Jonathan, even though Drew's boss wants him to do a feature on the young man, now teaching at a NYC magnet school. An anonymous source has come forward to say that the senator's son is gay and Drew is suppose to get the scoop.
It's a nightmare of epic proportions when Drew meets Jonathan and realizes how attracted to him he is. He already feels uncomfortable with the idea of outing anyone, and meeting Jonathan and becoming involved with him could mess up his best friendship, as well as make him start to see the senior Granger as a real person. Soon, Drew is being pulled every which way, and when reporters start looking for their own scoops, it puts their relationship to a real test. Have they just been playing at a real relationship? Or, is Jonathan too messed up by his father's expectations and guilt to ever be out and free to have something real? Should Drew just abandon the whole thing before it blows up in his face?
As you may have gathered, I really connected with Drew. Not only did I find him engaging, but I really admired him, and I don't think the story could have played out in any different way. Drew is at the same time pragmatic and a dreamer, two parts of him which battle in his attraction and love for Jonathan. Is it better for him to sacrifice his happiness now for a better possible future? Drew is really tormented in this story, not only with Jonathan, who at time he loves and hates for his weaknesses, but with himself.
The real relationship of value in this story is actually with Drew and his best friend Rey. The story starts with them, and in a way, they're the central relationship in this story. I can't help but fall in love when an author gives me this -- a real, solid, brotherly friendship between a gay man and a straight man. Maybe it's because I never thought it was possible when I was growing up. I had a hard time with my own straight guy friends in high school. No matter how much they accepted me, in ways they didn't, and probably couldn't at that age. None of us were mature enough. But college turned everything around with me, and I made one particular friendship with another guy that was indeed brotherly and somewhat like Drew and Rey. Madison Parker wrote a similar friendship into her YA book Play Me, I'm Yours. Honestly, that's the way to my heart authors, and I adored Rey for that very reason.
The only disappointment I had with this story was the ending, which felt a little rushed to me and seemed to cut off just a tad too early. But it was a small disappointment and didn't spoil my enjoyment of the rest of the book at all. So even though I officially rate this book Really Liked It, I loved this book and I loved reading it :)
4.5 stars
I'll be completely honest with you. This is one of Kate's earlier books, but I really didn't know what to expect from it. Part of it is that the secret relationship scenario is very hard to pull of, and then combined with the politics -- I wasn't sure how I'd feel about it. To my surprise, I actually found that I enjoyed the story (mostly because the character of Drew was so fabulous he pulled it all off!), but I also found this book to have some of the best writing I've seen from Kate. The prose is often times lyrical, which all really comes from Drew's voice. He's fabulous and campy at times, yet at times heartbreakingly vulnerable with a solid core of admirable strength, and in that combination when the story really needs it, his voice rang completely clear for me. It was almost harmonious in it's poignancy.
Drew tells this story as a man out and proud and quite perceptive of the world around him. He's a fierce friend and honest man, at times too honest and righteously indignant on behalf of himself and those he loves that he can hurt other people. He's well meaning and finds fault with himself before others. And self-sacrificing.
A columnist for a leftist rag, in which he mostly expounds gay gossip and rails on prominent conservative Kansas Senator Richard Granger for his anti-gay speeches, Drew finds himself in a coincidental bind. Richard Granger is his best friend's uncle. Rey, his straight best friend from childhood is now a major movie star, is willing to introduce him to his cousin Jonathan, even though Drew's boss wants him to do a feature on the young man, now teaching at a NYC magnet school. An anonymous source has come forward to say that the senator's son is gay and Drew is suppose to get the scoop.
It's a nightmare of epic proportions when Drew meets Jonathan and realizes how attracted to him he is. He already feels uncomfortable with the idea of outing anyone, and meeting Jonathan and becoming involved with him could mess up his best friendship, as well as make him start to see the senior Granger as a real person. Soon, Drew is being pulled every which way, and when reporters start looking for their own scoops, it puts their relationship to a real test. Have they just been playing at a real relationship? Or, is Jonathan too messed up by his father's expectations and guilt to ever be out and free to have something real? Should Drew just abandon the whole thing before it blows up in his face?
As you may have gathered, I really connected with Drew. Not only did I find him engaging, but I really admired him, and I don't think the story could have played out in any different way. Drew is at the same time pragmatic and a dreamer, two parts of him which battle in his attraction and love for Jonathan. Is it better for him to sacrifice his happiness now for a better possible future? Drew is really tormented in this story, not only with Jonathan, who at time he loves and hates for his weaknesses, but with himself.
The real relationship of value in this story is actually with Drew and his best friend Rey. The story starts with them, and in a way, they're the central relationship in this story. I can't help but fall in love when an author gives me this -- a real, solid, brotherly friendship between a gay man and a straight man. Maybe it's because I never thought it was possible when I was growing up. I had a hard time with my own straight guy friends in high school. No matter how much they accepted me, in ways they didn't, and probably couldn't at that age. None of us were mature enough. But college turned everything around with me, and I made one particular friendship with another guy that was indeed brotherly and somewhat like Drew and Rey. Madison Parker wrote a similar friendship into her YA book Play Me, I'm Yours. Honestly, that's the way to my heart authors, and I adored Rey for that very reason.
The only disappointment I had with this story was the ending, which felt a little rushed to me and seemed to cut off just a tad too early. But it was a small disappointment and didn't spoil my enjoyment of the rest of the book at all. So even though I officially rate this book Really Liked It, I loved this book and I loved reading it :)
May 13, 2016
Blind Items is a fairly quick read about two nice guys - one out and proud and the other barricaded behind a steel closet door. Columnist Drew Walsh is tasked with interviewing Jonathan, son of right-wing uber-conservative presidential candidate Richard Granger, to discover if he is gay (and write an article outing him, per his editor's orders). But when they meet, Drew realizes that Jonathan is agonizing over his father's wishes demands and his own desire to live authentically. Drew's BF Rey is Jonathan's cousin and I admire how McMurray has him offer a balanced view of Granger Senior, sharing that while he spouts the typical right-wing garbage, he has an honorable compassionate side. The plot was intelligent and kept my interest (although there was a bit too much about Rey), the chemistry between Jon and Drew was good, and the ending, while technically a HFN, felt like a hopeful start. An enjoyable read.
I received a copy of this book from Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.
Review also posted at GayBook Reviews. Check it out!
I received a copy of this book from Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.
Review also posted at GayBook Reviews. Check it out!
March 22, 2012
4,5 stars
I think this turned up the best book I've read by this author. The strange thing is - I didn't expect to like it at all and was lamenting my shoping spree at fictionwise.
A reporter was send to write a story about the son of a gouvernour running for the president office. Same journalist is gay and has written a lot of critical articles about the said politicians views of homosexual people. Therefore he is really surprised when he meets the son, Jonny.
First of all I expected a spoiled brat as the political's son, who was still using daddy to get by. This was not the case. While Jonny is dependet on his father and has a lot of issues with his sexuality, he actually does try to stand for himself.
What I didn't understand is why he did not come out. Being cut off is an issue but he was working at the time and isn't that the time to actually do what you want. I can see not coming out while living at home or studiing but he was grown up and I'm sure his cousin would have supported him.
It's not getting 5 stars because it wrapped up a bit abruptly, the pages did go by and really for such a big issue the change of heart come at the end and that was that. We don't get to experience what happened afterwards and that would be really interesting.
I think this turned up the best book I've read by this author. The strange thing is - I didn't expect to like it at all and was lamenting my shoping spree at fictionwise.
A reporter was send to write a story about the son of a gouvernour running for the president office. Same journalist is gay and has written a lot of critical articles about the said politicians views of homosexual people. Therefore he is really surprised when he meets the son, Jonny.
First of all I expected a spoiled brat as the political's son, who was still using daddy to get by. This was not the case. While Jonny is dependet on his father and has a lot of issues with his sexuality, he actually does try to stand for himself.
What I didn't understand is why he did not come out. Being cut off is an issue but he was working at the time and isn't that the time to actually do what you want. I can see not coming out while living at home or studiing but he was grown up and I'm sure his cousin would have supported him.
It's not getting 5 stars because it wrapped up a bit abruptly, the pages did go by and really for such a big issue the change of heart come at the end and that was that. We don't get to experience what happened afterwards and that would be really interesting.
August 5, 2011
4.5 stars. Very good m/m romance about a liberal gay journalist who finds himself attracted to and then involved with the deeply closeted son of an ultra-conservative, anti-gay Senator running for President. Since he's not willing to go back into the closet and the Senator's son is too terrified to come out... The only thing I didn't like about this one was the somewhat abrupt ending, although I appreciated that there wasn't an epilogue. Perhaps a sequel? :)
July 31, 2011
Lately it seems that every book I purchase that looks interesting has an overly purple and sugary writing that makes it hard to read. It's not the case with Blind Items. The author knows what she wants to say and says it. I really liked the story, although it would have been good to see them deal with Jonathan's family and some kind of epilogue in wich they are happy ever after.
November 22, 2013
3/5
I wanted to love this book, but only ended up liking it. Amid fine characterisation, well developed prose and poignant sex scenes the plot somewhere along the way leave much to be desired.
Characterisation: 'Fine', verging on 'good'. Our principle characters are difficult beasts to really get a feel of. On the one hand Drew comes across as a heavily self-righteous interferer, but equally this is explained because he cares deeply for Jonathan. 'True love', 'the one' being closeted, naturally Drew makes it one of his primary goals to help Jonny-boy internalise and reconcile who he actually is with who his father wants him to be.
Warning straight on the up, this book orientates heavily on the angst of closeted life, and the ramifications it has on yourself and others. Naturally then, the overwhelming bulk of character backstory focuses on this dynamic. My reason for saying 'fine' rather than 'good' is primarily this imbalance. We learn enough of these two main protagonists pasts to have them be seen as real, rounded and flawed individuals. But, this comes at the expense of some of the secondary characters. For example Rey. What we learn about him comes from Drew, and it exclusively is only really explored in an attempt to further develop Drew; not Rey persay.
Furthermore, a huge hole in the characterisation is the Senator, Richard Granger (Jonny boys father). We learn precious little about him and his 'real life past' to enable us as the reader to follow Drews changing attitude of the man. Drew starts to see the senator as "a real person" and not just a cartoon villain; but since we don't even meet the senator, nor learn much about him, I feel we the reader are unable to make a similar leap alongside our narrator Drew.
Plot: Erm where to start? First, I did like this novel. And I certainly don't regret reading it, but it was extremely frustrating. Much of this is due to a frankly poorly conceived plot. Warning: spoilers coming up!
First up: so much of this book focuses on, and gravitates around the central axis of Jonny boys relationship with his senator, deeply ultra-conservative homophobe, father. Yet at no point in this entire novel do we meet the senator in a one-on-one scene. Sure we get the phone-call scene, but this isn't actually having 'us' the reader 'meet him'. Remember, we are trapped in Drews head, so since Drew never meets him, nor do we. This has ramifications on the wider plot. This brings me on to the second issue...
Secondly, there is no resolution of the central backdrop question/theme of 'what will Jonathan's father say?' when he finally comes out during his dads election year. This is never addressed. It is almost like the writer got lazy, or nervous or just plainly confused about how to address this whole dynamic of the book. So what did she do? She opts for the abrupt ending which is neither a proper HEA (happily ever after), nor a properly delivered HFN (happy for now). I have a huge problem with a novel which is so heavily focused on Johnny-boys 'coming out' and its consequences on his family life and fathers political life, and never provides resolution. And be under no illusions, this isn't the first of a two parter novel series... but it sure a fuck reads like one. Therein lies the big problem.
To put this simply: the plot ending is abrupt and doesn't address the underlying themes, issues & secondary plots raised by the author. A big fail.
Prose: Extremely well developed. This author has managed to grasp the language and generate a page turner. No mean feat when as I say I had such problems putting up with her poor plotting and lack of ending resolution. But page turner this is, you will not start this and put it down.
This is a talented author, she is capable of describing a scene, emotions, passions, hurts and pains without needing to spend endless page space prattling on about it. No emo crap here, this author can make us palpably feel the protagonist depressions, pains, hopes without needing to delve too deeply into the language descriptives to get it across.
Sex Scenes/romance: Hmm. This was a very good aspect of the novel. The sex scenes all serve a point other than baseless smuttery. The sexual encounters tries to trace the changing and developing relationship between Drew and Jonathan. But it also functions as a metaphor for Jonny-boys growing acceptance of who he really is. So, the sex scenes add to character development and shift the plot romance forward nicely. This is refreshing, because I for one am sick of m/m romance novelists using gay sex as some kind of kinky thriller. It isn't daring or risqué, its just sex, like heterosexual sex. There is nothing inherently 'quaint' or 'subculture' about two men making out.
Thankfully this author has a grown up approach to m/m sex, deals with the realities of sexual roles/positions and does reference the need for prep! (If you don't know what I mean by this, I am not explaining beyond saying: the sphincter is a muscle, it hurts without forethought being applied...)
All in all, a must read if you are a fan of m/m romance, or like me an obsessive devourer of the genre. Yet be warned, this novel ending lacks resolution. Lacks that warm feeling of completeness, and reading this page turner will frustrate you. Is the frustration good? Yes, it demonstrates the author is able to impart the protagonist central feelings onto us the reader, but unfortunately the plot heavily pissed me off.
A must read all the same. I liked it, but was disappointed I was unable to love it.
I wanted to love this book, but only ended up liking it. Amid fine characterisation, well developed prose and poignant sex scenes the plot somewhere along the way leave much to be desired.
Characterisation: 'Fine', verging on 'good'. Our principle characters are difficult beasts to really get a feel of. On the one hand Drew comes across as a heavily self-righteous interferer, but equally this is explained because he cares deeply for Jonathan. 'True love', 'the one' being closeted, naturally Drew makes it one of his primary goals to help Jonny-boy internalise and reconcile who he actually is with who his father wants him to be.
Warning straight on the up, this book orientates heavily on the angst of closeted life, and the ramifications it has on yourself and others. Naturally then, the overwhelming bulk of character backstory focuses on this dynamic. My reason for saying 'fine' rather than 'good' is primarily this imbalance. We learn enough of these two main protagonists pasts to have them be seen as real, rounded and flawed individuals. But, this comes at the expense of some of the secondary characters. For example Rey. What we learn about him comes from Drew, and it exclusively is only really explored in an attempt to further develop Drew; not Rey persay.
Furthermore, a huge hole in the characterisation is the Senator, Richard Granger (Jonny boys father). We learn precious little about him and his 'real life past' to enable us as the reader to follow Drews changing attitude of the man. Drew starts to see the senator as "a real person" and not just a cartoon villain; but since we don't even meet the senator, nor learn much about him, I feel we the reader are unable to make a similar leap alongside our narrator Drew.
Plot: Erm where to start? First, I did like this novel. And I certainly don't regret reading it, but it was extremely frustrating. Much of this is due to a frankly poorly conceived plot. Warning: spoilers coming up!
First up: so much of this book focuses on, and gravitates around the central axis of Jonny boys relationship with his senator, deeply ultra-conservative homophobe, father. Yet at no point in this entire novel do we meet the senator in a one-on-one scene. Sure we get the phone-call scene, but this isn't actually having 'us' the reader 'meet him'. Remember, we are trapped in Drews head, so since Drew never meets him, nor do we. This has ramifications on the wider plot. This brings me on to the second issue...
Secondly, there is no resolution of the central backdrop question/theme of 'what will Jonathan's father say?' when he finally comes out during his dads election year. This is never addressed. It is almost like the writer got lazy, or nervous or just plainly confused about how to address this whole dynamic of the book. So what did she do? She opts for the abrupt ending which is neither a proper HEA (happily ever after), nor a properly delivered HFN (happy for now). I have a huge problem with a novel which is so heavily focused on Johnny-boys 'coming out' and its consequences on his family life and fathers political life, and never provides resolution. And be under no illusions, this isn't the first of a two parter novel series... but it sure a fuck reads like one. Therein lies the big problem.
To put this simply: the plot ending is abrupt and doesn't address the underlying themes, issues & secondary plots raised by the author. A big fail.
Prose: Extremely well developed. This author has managed to grasp the language and generate a page turner. No mean feat when as I say I had such problems putting up with her poor plotting and lack of ending resolution. But page turner this is, you will not start this and put it down.
This is a talented author, she is capable of describing a scene, emotions, passions, hurts and pains without needing to spend endless page space prattling on about it. No emo crap here, this author can make us palpably feel the protagonist depressions, pains, hopes without needing to delve too deeply into the language descriptives to get it across.
Sex Scenes/romance: Hmm. This was a very good aspect of the novel. The sex scenes all serve a point other than baseless smuttery. The sexual encounters tries to trace the changing and developing relationship between Drew and Jonathan. But it also functions as a metaphor for Jonny-boys growing acceptance of who he really is. So, the sex scenes add to character development and shift the plot romance forward nicely. This is refreshing, because I for one am sick of m/m romance novelists using gay sex as some kind of kinky thriller. It isn't daring or risqué, its just sex, like heterosexual sex. There is nothing inherently 'quaint' or 'subculture' about two men making out.
Thankfully this author has a grown up approach to m/m sex, deals with the realities of sexual roles/positions and does reference the need for prep! (If you don't know what I mean by this, I am not explaining beyond saying: the sphincter is a muscle, it hurts without forethought being applied...)
All in all, a must read if you are a fan of m/m romance, or like me an obsessive devourer of the genre. Yet be warned, this novel ending lacks resolution. Lacks that warm feeling of completeness, and reading this page turner will frustrate you. Is the frustration good? Yes, it demonstrates the author is able to impart the protagonist central feelings onto us the reader, but unfortunately the plot heavily pissed me off.
A must read all the same. I liked it, but was disappointed I was unable to love it.
July 11, 2012
What. A. Great. Book. Fabulous. Brilliant. Beautifully written. Wonderful characters. Gush. Gush. Gush.
I have resisted writing a review for a while as the last 10 books I read were abysmal & I didn't want ALL my reviews to be pissy & negative. What a joy this book was to read in contrast. The characters were 3 dimensional & beautifully crafted. They had human flaws but weren't so flawed that you couldn't connect with them. They were all people I would love to meet in real life & befriend. This is a romance where the angst didn't seem contrived or over-dramatic...it just added to the development of the story. Although I have no personal experience of Hollywood (unless you count a slight obsession with Robert Pattinson) or journalism, I found the storyline to be believable. There was no soap opera-like drama. It was just a wonderful story about regular people living regular lives whilst trying to find love in a world where being gay or famous means you can't always be yourself. I'm rambling but I so want others to read this story & I don't want to spoil the book by revealing too much.
Another reviewer said they didn't like the ending but for me it was perfect. I would enjoy a sequel because I fell in love with the characters & I would love to spend a couple more hours in their world but a sequel isn't necessary.
If you love realistic characters; wonderful dialogue; angst that isn't contrived; & love conquering all, then read this book.
Originally posted on Amazon.com
I have resisted writing a review for a while as the last 10 books I read were abysmal & I didn't want ALL my reviews to be pissy & negative. What a joy this book was to read in contrast. The characters were 3 dimensional & beautifully crafted. They had human flaws but weren't so flawed that you couldn't connect with them. They were all people I would love to meet in real life & befriend. This is a romance where the angst didn't seem contrived or over-dramatic...it just added to the development of the story. Although I have no personal experience of Hollywood (unless you count a slight obsession with Robert Pattinson) or journalism, I found the storyline to be believable. There was no soap opera-like drama. It was just a wonderful story about regular people living regular lives whilst trying to find love in a world where being gay or famous means you can't always be yourself. I'm rambling but I so want others to read this story & I don't want to spoil the book by revealing too much.
Another reviewer said they didn't like the ending but for me it was perfect. I would enjoy a sequel because I fell in love with the characters & I would love to spend a couple more hours in their world but a sequel isn't necessary.
If you love realistic characters; wonderful dialogue; angst that isn't contrived; & love conquering all, then read this book.
Originally posted on Amazon.com
August 24, 2011
I really enjoyed this story, and I liked the political aspect. I think the only other m/m story I've read with a similar plot line was More, and I liked that the father in this one was a little bit more realistic instead of being cast as some sort of super villain.
For the most part, I enjoyed Drew as the narrator, but towards the second half of the story, I really wished that we could have heard from Jonathan as well. At times I wanted to see Jonny's feelings and struggles with deciding to come out, especially since with his father, he had valid reasons for wanting to keep it hidden. My other complaint was the pretty abrupt ending which others have mentioned. It seems to me that the couple has a lot more to go through with Jonny's father and the rest of the public, and I wanted to see how that was handled.
For the most part, I enjoyed Drew as the narrator, but towards the second half of the story, I really wished that we could have heard from Jonathan as well. At times I wanted to see Jonny's feelings and struggles with deciding to come out, especially since with his father, he had valid reasons for wanting to keep it hidden. My other complaint was the pretty abrupt ending which others have mentioned. It seems to me that the couple has a lot more to go through with Jonny's father and the rest of the public, and I wanted to see how that was handled.
May 14, 2014
What a great read this turned out to be! I got it because I like the author, and it was on sale, but also because the whole politician thing always interests me a teeny tiny bit (I'm not sure why). The whole angle of an out and proud guy falling for the son of an anti-gay politician totally pulled me in and I was intrigued. Something I really have to praise is Kate McMurray's writing style. I don't know what it is exactly, but I just LOVE it. It's different, somehow, from a lot of the m/m I read. I feel like her writing style is pretty distinctive, and I really enjoy the way she pulls a story together.
I loved Jonathan and Drew so much! I felt for Jonathan, I really did. And Drew was lovely. Both characters were very well developed and loveable. The only thing I would have liked to see here, which we didn't, was an epilogue or another chapter. Something to wrap the story up. Okay, okay. It wasn't a cliffhanger, it had a nice HEA ending, but I do like my stories to be mostly wrapped up in pretty ribbons and glitter and sparkles at the end. I like to really feel the happily ever after at the end of a story, and I only partly got that here. Still, really lovely. I can't find anything else to fault, and I enjoyed this one a lot.
I loved Jonathan and Drew so much! I felt for Jonathan, I really did. And Drew was lovely. Both characters were very well developed and loveable. The only thing I would have liked to see here, which we didn't, was an epilogue or another chapter. Something to wrap the story up. Okay, okay. It wasn't a cliffhanger, it had a nice HEA ending, but I do like my stories to be mostly wrapped up in pretty ribbons and glitter and sparkles at the end. I like to really feel the happily ever after at the end of a story, and I only partly got that here. Still, really lovely. I can't find anything else to fault, and I enjoyed this one a lot.
August 13, 2011
Drew is a journalist and is assigned a job to find out information on the son of an anti-gay Senator who is in the running for President.
Johnathon is the son of Richard Granger, Senator and Presidential candidate, who is deeply in the closet and the fear of what would happen if his father or the press finds out his secret.
This story is well written; I really liked both characters and how they were portrayed as intelligent sexy men. As the story develops Drew knows he won’t go back in the closet and Johnathon is still terrified to come out of his. I kept turning the pages to see what was going to happen, if you enjoy m/m romance novels this one is for you.
So the downfall to the story is the ending, there was no epilogue and it left me wanting to know how the father reacted how Drew and Johnathon are? I am seriously hoping for a sequel. And I definitely will buy it when it hits the shelves.
Johnathon is the son of Richard Granger, Senator and Presidential candidate, who is deeply in the closet and the fear of what would happen if his father or the press finds out his secret.
This story is well written; I really liked both characters and how they were portrayed as intelligent sexy men. As the story develops Drew knows he won’t go back in the closet and Johnathon is still terrified to come out of his. I kept turning the pages to see what was going to happen, if you enjoy m/m romance novels this one is for you.
So the downfall to the story is the ending, there was no epilogue and it left me wanting to know how the father reacted how Drew and Johnathon are? I am seriously hoping for a sequel. And I definitely will buy it when it hits the shelves.
January 30, 2012
It turns out I'd read this earlier & had stopped because the story didn't seem to have a focus. The first couple of chapters are about the childhood friendship of Drew & Rey. Then we switch to grown up Drew & it's mainly about his romance with Johnny. I couldn't see why the friendship with Rey was bought up only to put it on the back burner so this part just didn't work for me.
I finished the book this time & did like the romance of Drew, an out gay columnist & Johnny, the closeted son of a homophobic politician. However the ending was disappointing. It was this very public romantic display but it didn't show how anything was resolved & handled. This book needed a couple more chapters or an epilogue to make it more satisfying.
I finished the book this time & did like the romance of Drew, an out gay columnist & Johnny, the closeted son of a homophobic politician. However the ending was disappointing. It was this very public romantic display but it didn't show how anything was resolved & handled. This book needed a couple more chapters or an epilogue to make it more satisfying.
February 7, 2013
I haven't read Kate McMurray before, but now I'll definitely be checking out her other books.
Election is in the air in Italy and I was in the mood for something light and relaxing, but ended up picking "Blind Items". I loved it and was unable to put it down. It's written in first POV and has a unique voice to it. It's much more than a simple love story, and I was surprised by how much I enjoyed reading about friendship between Drew and Rey and never felt like it overshadowed the main plotline.
Definitely recommend this book!
Election is in the air in Italy and I was in the mood for something light and relaxing, but ended up picking "Blind Items". I loved it and was unable to put it down. It's written in first POV and has a unique voice to it. It's much more than a simple love story, and I was surprised by how much I enjoyed reading about friendship between Drew and Rey and never felt like it overshadowed the main plotline.
Definitely recommend this book!
August 30, 2011
Great story about a guy who falls for a guy who's in the closet for various reasons. I thought this was an awesome story but found the ending lacking. I would've preferred reading more about how they dealt with the aftermath of Jonathan's final decision. I find it frustrating how sometimes you have the best story but are left hungry for more because the ending isn't done as thoroughly as you'd have liked it to be.
August 30, 2011
Good, but it ended too abruptly with barely a HFN. I'd need to see the relationship over time after the fallout with the Senator before I could begin to believe in a possible HEA.
March 22, 2015
3.5 stars
June 23, 2024
This story is a slow burn with some angsty moments. It also made me think about how hard it must be to be the family of a politician with views that don’t match your own. I really loved the dramatic flair that happens at the end of the book which like it should have the beginning instead of the end. #CMCon25
August 20, 2018
This one really needed an epilogue, and I really didn’t like friend/cousin Rey’s meddling.
October 22, 2011
Questo libro è rimasto per un po’ nella cartella dei libri in sospeso perché sono sempre stata impegnata a leggere altro e distratta da altro. Ma sono felice di essere finalmente riuscita a leggerlo. Non è il libro del secolo, ma la storia è ben scritta e mi ha fatto trascorrere una piacevole serata.
“Blind Items” racconta in prima persona la storia di Andrew Walsh, aka Drew, un giornalista, scrittore e recensionista che scrive per varie riviste tra cui il New York Forum e abita a Brooklyn. Il suo migliore amico per cui aveva una cotta da ragazzino è Reynolds Blethwyn un attore emergente. La sua vita cambia drasticamente quando incontra il cugino di Rey Jonathan Granger. C’è subito attrazione tra i due, ma Jonathan è il figlio di un senatore del Kansas in lizza per diventare il nuovo presidente degli Stati Uniti. Essere felici insieme sarà una sfida per vari motivi.
Blind items sono quelle notizie, specialmente riguardanti il gossip che non hanno una fonte precisa, che insinuano informazioni, a volte vere a volte false, che si trovano nei giornali. E queste notizie riguardano principalmente proprio le apparizioni pubbliche di Jonathan controllato dalla stampa che cerca di scoprire fatti loschi sul conto del padre che in definitiva è un conservatore, chiaramente contro i diritti degli omosessuali. Il ragazzo, insegnante di fisica in un esclusiva scuola per ricconi, deve nascondere la sua vera inclinazione sessuale, e si è talmente convinto che non è gay da negare l’attrazione che lo spinge verso Drew.
Andrew il protagonista è un personaggio interessante. Pienamente consapevole della propria persona e della propria identità si muove agevolmente in una città e in un contesto che gli appartengono. Il suo coming out è andato abbastanza liscio senza troppe pene anche grazie alla madre che lo ha sempre sostenuto e a Rey che è sempre stato lì a difenderlo dai bulli. Nonostante le incomprensioni e i problemi che ci possono essere in un normale rapporto di amicizia e a quelli che comporta essere amico di un ragazzo gay la loro amicizia è solida e sicura e dura da una vita.
A volte la mente femminile non è capace di ricostruire appieno quella di un ragazzo ma devo dire che Kate McMurray svolge un buon lavoro. Drew è un ragazzo, anche se a volte i suoi comportamenti non sono quelli che ci si aspetterebbe da un uomo e ci si salva solo perché stiamo parlando di un omosessuale. I suoi comportamenti sono verosimili e adorabili e ci si ritrova spesso a pensare di dargli un grosso abbraccio. Nonostante la facciata di uomo inserito nel suo ambiente Drew è fragile, ha paura di non riuscire a vivere davvero la storia d’amore che sogna.
Jonathan dall’altro lato è un ragazzo che in qualche modo risulta vittima del padre, che lo vorrebbe diverso da quello che è e cerca di incanalarlo nella strada che ha scelto per sé. Ha un solo obiettivo, essere eletto e lo perseguita con tutte le sue forze. Ma J. ,come lo chiama Drew, è anche un ragazzo che una volta scoperto quello che vuole cerca di mantenerlo. Si forza in ogni modo pur di riuscire ad essere accanto all’uomo che ama. Le parti di intimità sono davvero struggenti perché in quei momenti in cui sono soli nella camera da letto di Drew riesce ad essere davvero se stesso e a dimostrare di essere una persona sensibile che tiene davvero a Drew e che riesce a mettersi davvero in gioco. Che sbaglia, ma che comunque lotta per arrivare dove vuole.
Kate McMurray non è particolarmente originale, mentre si legge si ha sempre la sensazione di aver visto i fatti da qualche altra parte, ma devo dire che è comunque piacevole. E per gli amanti del genere davvero da leggere. La scrittrice infatti riesce ad integrare la storia con sentimenti autentici cha la rendono godibile a diversi livelli. “Blind items” è un libro che parla di una storia d’amore come ce ne possono essere tante, contrastata da un destino avverso, ma che riesce a vincere. È una di quelle storie che mi piace leggere quando sono triste, perché confido nel lieto fine e nella possibilità che l’amore trionfi in una vita in cui non sempre si riesce ad ottenere ciò che si vuole.
Ringrazio Netgalley e Dreamspinner Press per avermi dato la possibilità di leggerlo in cambio di una mia recensione.
“Blind Items” racconta in prima persona la storia di Andrew Walsh, aka Drew, un giornalista, scrittore e recensionista che scrive per varie riviste tra cui il New York Forum e abita a Brooklyn. Il suo migliore amico per cui aveva una cotta da ragazzino è Reynolds Blethwyn un attore emergente. La sua vita cambia drasticamente quando incontra il cugino di Rey Jonathan Granger. C’è subito attrazione tra i due, ma Jonathan è il figlio di un senatore del Kansas in lizza per diventare il nuovo presidente degli Stati Uniti. Essere felici insieme sarà una sfida per vari motivi.
Blind items sono quelle notizie, specialmente riguardanti il gossip che non hanno una fonte precisa, che insinuano informazioni, a volte vere a volte false, che si trovano nei giornali. E queste notizie riguardano principalmente proprio le apparizioni pubbliche di Jonathan controllato dalla stampa che cerca di scoprire fatti loschi sul conto del padre che in definitiva è un conservatore, chiaramente contro i diritti degli omosessuali. Il ragazzo, insegnante di fisica in un esclusiva scuola per ricconi, deve nascondere la sua vera inclinazione sessuale, e si è talmente convinto che non è gay da negare l’attrazione che lo spinge verso Drew.
Andrew il protagonista è un personaggio interessante. Pienamente consapevole della propria persona e della propria identità si muove agevolmente in una città e in un contesto che gli appartengono. Il suo coming out è andato abbastanza liscio senza troppe pene anche grazie alla madre che lo ha sempre sostenuto e a Rey che è sempre stato lì a difenderlo dai bulli. Nonostante le incomprensioni e i problemi che ci possono essere in un normale rapporto di amicizia e a quelli che comporta essere amico di un ragazzo gay la loro amicizia è solida e sicura e dura da una vita.
A volte la mente femminile non è capace di ricostruire appieno quella di un ragazzo ma devo dire che Kate McMurray svolge un buon lavoro. Drew è un ragazzo, anche se a volte i suoi comportamenti non sono quelli che ci si aspetterebbe da un uomo e ci si salva solo perché stiamo parlando di un omosessuale. I suoi comportamenti sono verosimili e adorabili e ci si ritrova spesso a pensare di dargli un grosso abbraccio. Nonostante la facciata di uomo inserito nel suo ambiente Drew è fragile, ha paura di non riuscire a vivere davvero la storia d’amore che sogna.
Jonathan dall’altro lato è un ragazzo che in qualche modo risulta vittima del padre, che lo vorrebbe diverso da quello che è e cerca di incanalarlo nella strada che ha scelto per sé. Ha un solo obiettivo, essere eletto e lo perseguita con tutte le sue forze. Ma J. ,come lo chiama Drew, è anche un ragazzo che una volta scoperto quello che vuole cerca di mantenerlo. Si forza in ogni modo pur di riuscire ad essere accanto all’uomo che ama. Le parti di intimità sono davvero struggenti perché in quei momenti in cui sono soli nella camera da letto di Drew riesce ad essere davvero se stesso e a dimostrare di essere una persona sensibile che tiene davvero a Drew e che riesce a mettersi davvero in gioco. Che sbaglia, ma che comunque lotta per arrivare dove vuole.
Kate McMurray non è particolarmente originale, mentre si legge si ha sempre la sensazione di aver visto i fatti da qualche altra parte, ma devo dire che è comunque piacevole. E per gli amanti del genere davvero da leggere. La scrittrice infatti riesce ad integrare la storia con sentimenti autentici cha la rendono godibile a diversi livelli. “Blind items” è un libro che parla di una storia d’amore come ce ne possono essere tante, contrastata da un destino avverso, ma che riesce a vincere. È una di quelle storie che mi piace leggere quando sono triste, perché confido nel lieto fine e nella possibilità che l’amore trionfi in una vita in cui non sempre si riesce ad ottenere ciò che si vuole.
Ringrazio Netgalley e Dreamspinner Press per avermi dato la possibilità di leggerlo in cambio di una mia recensione.
October 23, 2012
To be completely honest, I hated this book for about the first half of it. And more than anything I hated Drew, with a deadly passion. He seemed self-centered, egotistical, self- righteous, judgemental, insincere, arrogant, just all around asshole. But I think what I disliked about him most was how he treated Jonathan.
I get it, Jonathan is in the closet, scared to come out because of his bigoted politician father and was lying to himself and everyone else. He was at times whiney/childish and deeply in denial. That's frustrating, sure, especially for the man he is in love with it. Tough to deal with for sure. But from the very beginning I felt like Drew was completely unsympathetic and didn't even try to understand what it was like. I mean first week of the relationship he was passing judgement, harshly so, without even knowing everything. It had me asking Drew "Who the FUCK do you think you are?"
To put it mildly, I really didn't enjoy being in his head.
I think his best friend Rey hit it right on the nose when he said "Don't turn him into a project." .. and this one really rang true: "Jonny's a real person, he's not a science experiment. You've made it your mission to get him to come out but it's complicated."
The fact that this book, including even Drew acknowledged that how he was behaving wasn't right is what turned this book around for me. It made the characters seem real, the conflict seem less contrived and the relationship between Andrew and Jonathan more authentic.
I ended up really enjoying this, just like the rest of Kate McMurray books, this one just took some time finding it's stride.
I definitely wouldn't mind more of these two men .
I get it, Jonathan is in the closet, scared to come out because of his bigoted politician father and was lying to himself and everyone else. He was at times whiney/childish and deeply in denial. That's frustrating, sure, especially for the man he is in love with it. Tough to deal with for sure. But from the very beginning I felt like Drew was completely unsympathetic and didn't even try to understand what it was like. I mean first week of the relationship he was passing judgement, harshly so, without even knowing everything. It had me asking Drew "Who the FUCK do you think you are?"
To put it mildly, I really didn't enjoy being in his head.
I think his best friend Rey hit it right on the nose when he said "Don't turn him into a project." .. and this one really rang true: "Jonny's a real person, he's not a science experiment. You've made it your mission to get him to come out but it's complicated."
The fact that this book, including even Drew acknowledged that how he was behaving wasn't right is what turned this book around for me. It made the characters seem real, the conflict seem less contrived and the relationship between Andrew and Jonathan more authentic.
I ended up really enjoying this, just like the rest of Kate McMurray books, this one just took some time finding it's stride.
I definitely wouldn't mind more of these two men .
September 28, 2011
3.5 stars.
Blind Items is an interesting and different plot by Kate McMurray. The book starts with childhood pals Drew and Rey and their friendship. So, of course I thought the book would be about their romance. However, the author takes an atypical turn when she introduces Rey’s nephew Jonathan as the love interest – and it worked! The attraction of Drew and Jonathan is hot and potentially dangerous as Jonathan’s dad is running for President of the United States on a conservative “family values” ticket and he doesn’t want to the country to know he has a gay son. This is the main conflict in the story between the protagonists and while I normally don’t like one character being in the closet, for this plot it makes sense.
With great secondary characters — I especially loved Rey, Drew’s best friend, who is straight (darn) – the book goes back and forth between a romance and political plot. Drew and Jonathan are realistically drawn and despite their issues truly care about one another. The real question in this book is Jonathan ready to possibly give up everything, his family and friends, for Drew and love? The answer to that will surprise you.
Though this is the first novel by this author I have read, I know it will not be the last. Blind Items was an angsty and truthful portrayal of one man’s journey into discovering himself. Recommended.
Dark Divas Reviews
Blind Items is an interesting and different plot by Kate McMurray. The book starts with childhood pals Drew and Rey and their friendship. So, of course I thought the book would be about their romance. However, the author takes an atypical turn when she introduces Rey’s nephew Jonathan as the love interest – and it worked! The attraction of Drew and Jonathan is hot and potentially dangerous as Jonathan’s dad is running for President of the United States on a conservative “family values” ticket and he doesn’t want to the country to know he has a gay son. This is the main conflict in the story between the protagonists and while I normally don’t like one character being in the closet, for this plot it makes sense.
With great secondary characters — I especially loved Rey, Drew’s best friend, who is straight (darn) – the book goes back and forth between a romance and political plot. Drew and Jonathan are realistically drawn and despite their issues truly care about one another. The real question in this book is Jonathan ready to possibly give up everything, his family and friends, for Drew and love? The answer to that will surprise you.
Though this is the first novel by this author I have read, I know it will not be the last. Blind Items was an angsty and truthful portrayal of one man’s journey into discovering himself. Recommended.
Dark Divas Reviews
August 11, 2016
I came across this book when I was scouring through books with characters that are journalists and writers, and revolve around that industry. It interested me even more when I found out politics get thrown in that mix, upon reading the blurb. But I was disappointed that very little insights of that were discussed. I was expecting a bit more bouts on politics, or the main character facing journalistic ethical dilemmas after ethical dilemmas.
But hey, it was my bad. The genre is primarily that of romance, so it was a little moot to find that here. Still...
I still think things would've gotten interesting if they were outed in the middle of the book. And I did not particularly like that the with the title 'Blind Items' you'd think it would've focused and explored and revolved around that. Add to that the political drama of a presidentiable and disapproving father, and outpour of public criticism, and it would all have been engaging. But there really was none of that. We didn't even get to meet Jonathan's father, and no confrontation and fallout happened because of it had to end on the part where they tell the world they're in love.
It was a book that held promise in the beginning but I think did not deliver to its fullest potential.
But that's just me. Read it and tell me if you think so too. :)
But hey, it was my bad. The genre is primarily that of romance, so it was a little moot to find that here. Still...
I still think things would've gotten interesting if they were outed in the middle of the book. And I did not particularly like that the with the title 'Blind Items' you'd think it would've focused and explored and revolved around that. Add to that the political drama of a presidentiable and disapproving father, and outpour of public criticism, and it would all have been engaging. But there really was none of that. We didn't even get to meet Jonathan's father, and no confrontation and fallout happened because of it had to end on the part where they tell the world they're in love.
It was a book that held promise in the beginning but I think did not deliver to its fullest potential.
But that's just me. Read it and tell me if you think so too. :)
October 21, 2015
I've read a few books lately that all had the same issue for me...one closeted MC and the other MC is pushing them out of said closet so hard with no regard to the others feelings...it makes me sad. I really liked Drew except for the pushing, I mean a making out at a bar after Jonathan told you he wanted to keep things private for now ): Jonathan was ok except he needed to man up and stop letting his parents run his life.
My favourite person in the book was Rey...I was kinda hoping that it would end up being about Drew and Rey (:
This book also hit another issue for me, not so much a fan of the "massive conflict" happening in the last few chapters/pages
Anyway, I think maybe the books I'd read the previous days tainted this one for me so probably go by the other reviews!!!
My favourite person in the book was Rey...I was kinda hoping that it would end up being about Drew and Rey (:
This book also hit another issue for me, not so much a fan of the "massive conflict" happening in the last few chapters/pages
Anyway, I think maybe the books I'd read the previous days tainted this one for me so probably go by the other reviews!!!
November 15, 2012
Really enjoyed this contemporary novel. Nicely written by Kate McMurray, and edited by Dreamspinner Press.
I liked both main characters, who struck me as particularly real.
The book is written in 1st person POV, which some don't like. I must admit I prefer the omniscient narrator type, but this is well done and didn't jar much.
The love affair is carefully managed, and there's not too much sex for the narrative to contain, which is a major problem with quite a lot of m/m books. It might have worked when the genre was new and people would be glad to accept any m/m romance, and filling a thin plot with multiple sex scenes is easy. Nowadays, with the excellent authors available in the genre, I'm hoping those kind of books will die a death.
So to sum up, read it. Although the blurb sounds a bit pedestrian (at least I thought so), the book is good and plenty seems to happen to keep you reading, while retaining a very strong sense of reality.
Final word about the cover - very nice, pensive mood. Another by Reese Dante that works well.
I liked both main characters, who struck me as particularly real.
The book is written in 1st person POV, which some don't like. I must admit I prefer the omniscient narrator type, but this is well done and didn't jar much.
The love affair is carefully managed, and there's not too much sex for the narrative to contain, which is a major problem with quite a lot of m/m books. It might have worked when the genre was new and people would be glad to accept any m/m romance, and filling a thin plot with multiple sex scenes is easy. Nowadays, with the excellent authors available in the genre, I'm hoping those kind of books will die a death.
So to sum up, read it. Although the blurb sounds a bit pedestrian (at least I thought so), the book is good and plenty seems to happen to keep you reading, while retaining a very strong sense of reality.
Final word about the cover - very nice, pensive mood. Another by Reese Dante that works well.
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