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The Belladonna Arms #5
Ginger Snaps
Even with a string of earthquakes jarring the tenants of the Belladonna Arms, rattling nerves and smashing dishes, life still manages to plod along as usual. Love pollen continues to fall, romances continue to flourish, and Arthur, the grand Pooh-bah in residence, continues to plan his upcoming wedding extravaganza.
In the midst of all this drama fall Gideon Chase and Reed Kelly, two redheaded losers at love who find themselves regrouping under the auspices of the most incorrigible matchmaker in heels.
Arthur sees hope for the two right away. He leases them adjoining apartments, then continually tweaks their budding friendship in the hope it will slip into love. Just as Arthur’s plans are coming along nicely, Reed’s past shows up to toss a monkey wrench into his and Gideon’s blossoming romance.
With Arthur’s wedding ceremony nigh, and Reed and Gideon on the verge of heartache yet again, Arthur faces one inescapable conclusion.
It will take more than love pollen to sort this mess out.
In the midst of all this drama fall Gideon Chase and Reed Kelly, two redheaded losers at love who find themselves regrouping under the auspices of the most incorrigible matchmaker in heels.
Arthur sees hope for the two right away. He leases them adjoining apartments, then continually tweaks their budding friendship in the hope it will slip into love. Just as Arthur’s plans are coming along nicely, Reed’s past shows up to toss a monkey wrench into his and Gideon’s blossoming romance.
With Arthur’s wedding ceremony nigh, and Reed and Gideon on the verge of heartache yet again, Arthur faces one inescapable conclusion.
It will take more than love pollen to sort this mess out.
240 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 24, 2018
1 person is currently reading
106 people want to read
About the author
John Inman
42 books441 followersA Lambda Literary Award finalist and the author of over forty novels, John has been writing fiction for as long as he can remember. Born on a small farm in Indiana, he now resides in San Diego, California where he spends his time gardening, pampering his pets, hiking and biking the trails and canyons of San Diego, and of course, writing. He and his partner share a passion for theater, books, film, and the continuing fight for marriage equality. If you would like to know more about John, check out his website at----
http://www.johninmanauthor.com/John_I... or follow him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/john.inman.79
http://www.johninmanauthor.com/John_I... or follow him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/john.inman.79
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
April 26, 2018
What a funny and honest read this was. It was written in a natural way as if they were my own neighbors and I was living next door. It was delightful to read their story. Where it could be awkward for some, because of the sometimes exceptional and exuberant circumstances, I thought it was just so deliciously honest, I was in all the way.
Gideon, a redhead, hurt by his ex-boyfriend and left behind with nothing, is given the opportunity to live in an apartment on the sixth floor. The owner is Arthur, the most colorful person I've ever met, a real matchmaker.
This complex is filled with apartments and all the tenants are queer each one is sweet and kind. Next door lives another redhead... Reed, Reed is newly divorced from his wife and ready to live his life truly as an inexperienced gay man.
At first sight, they like each other even though neither likes other redheads at all.
There is something very appealing blooming and it’s halted when something ugly occurs.
The way all the surroundings were painted was as absorbing as the story itself. I could smell the fresh breeze at the open window, I even felt the earthquakes!
The hurt was real and honest. Gideon and Reed both had kind personalities. I will not open up about all the others characters because you need to experience it yourself.
The course pleasurable to consume and wonderful written.
It was a gentle, sweet, funny, and charming.
I looooved Arthur "under my roof, nobody is alone"
Read and reviewed for Diverse Reader
Gideon, a redhead, hurt by his ex-boyfriend and left behind with nothing, is given the opportunity to live in an apartment on the sixth floor. The owner is Arthur, the most colorful person I've ever met, a real matchmaker.
This complex is filled with apartments and all the tenants are queer each one is sweet and kind. Next door lives another redhead... Reed, Reed is newly divorced from his wife and ready to live his life truly as an inexperienced gay man.
At first sight, they like each other even though neither likes other redheads at all.
There is something very appealing blooming and it’s halted when something ugly occurs.
The way all the surroundings were painted was as absorbing as the story itself. I could smell the fresh breeze at the open window, I even felt the earthquakes!
The hurt was real and honest. Gideon and Reed both had kind personalities. I will not open up about all the others characters because you need to experience it yourself.
The course pleasurable to consume and wonderful written.
It was a gentle, sweet, funny, and charming.
I looooved Arthur "under my roof, nobody is alone"
Read and reviewed for Diverse Reader
June 3, 2018
I absolutely adore the Belladonna Arms series by John Inman, always anxiously waiting for the next installment. I do believe though that with this latest addition to the series, we may have seen the last of Arthur, the drag queen with a heart of gold, and the unique set of characters that all live in this somewhat dilapidated apartment building on a hill in San Diego.
I'm getting ahead of myself though. If you've followed the series, which should not be read out of order, you'll probably know that Arthur is preparing to finally get married. Though this doesn't stop him from opening his property and his huge heart to two more desperate souls who just need a bit of love pollen to find their way back from the abyss.
Gideon has just broken up with his boyfriend, now ex, whose last parting shot was donating all of Gideon's belongings to the Salvation Army, save his laptop, the clothes he was wearing at the time, and a couple of t-shirts he had in the trunk of his car. To say Gideon is hard up would be an understatement. But Arthur makes him a deal on the rent, and the generous spirit of the tenants at the Belladonna Arms is a indomitable force, and soon Gideon finds himself the recipient of all the things he needs. Slowly but surely, as he's embraced and welcomed by the tenants, the grief and anger over the ex lifts and Gideon begins to look forward.
Even if he's a ginger.
His apartment neighbor is Reed, who works on the Navy docks and has just come out of a four-year marriage where he hoped that he was bisexual instead of gay. Alas, he's really, really gay, and while his relationship with his now ex-wife ended mostly on good terms, he's lost his house in the divorce, hence his renting an apartment from Arthur. His guilt over leaving his wife due to that whole not-bisexual business still weighs heavily on him, and he's definitely not ready for anything new.
Oh, and Reed too is a ginger.
I will comment here on the ginger hate that seemed to permeate this book. I don't know if this was tongue in cheek or if the author truly believes that two gingers couldn't possibly fall for each other, and what the whole point was of hating on gingers the whole time, but it became bothersome a few chapters in and I had to force myself to just ignore it.
Moving on...
Reed and Gideon meet, and Reed offers to help Gideon with some repairs to the apartment, and the love pollen is strong and so their romance begins.
But gingers (according to the author) cannot be attracted to another ginger (what does that even mean?) and so they just skirt around that whole relationship issue because the sex is awesome, and the cuddles after are a balm for Reed's wounded soul. Gideon falls faster than he would think, and soon they spend a whole lot of time together.
But guilt is a funny thing, and... well... I guess it makes you stupid too, sometimes, and makes you do things you wouldn't otherwise do. I so badly wanted to reach into this book and slap one of these gingers over the head to make him see how he was being manipulated, but I couldn't and so... well, you read this for yourself.
Of course, all the tenants from previous books make an appearance here, multiple times. And we mustn't forget Arthur, larger than life, dressed in what can only be described as over-the-top costumes, huffing and puffing his way up and down the stairs, trembling in fear during the multiple earthquakes that rattle the windows, preparing for his wedding to Tom - Arthur alone is worth reading this series of books. The hijinks and hilarity and feel good moments are a bonus, really.
And of course, there is a HEA. Gideon and Reed have to take a couple of detours, but in the end they get their happy, as they should.
Like I said, not sure if there will be more, but either way, you should read this. All of the books in this series.
Though, OMG, what is it with the ginger hate???
** I received a free copy of this book from its publisher. A positive review was not promised in return. **
I'm getting ahead of myself though. If you've followed the series, which should not be read out of order, you'll probably know that Arthur is preparing to finally get married. Though this doesn't stop him from opening his property and his huge heart to two more desperate souls who just need a bit of love pollen to find their way back from the abyss.
Gideon has just broken up with his boyfriend, now ex, whose last parting shot was donating all of Gideon's belongings to the Salvation Army, save his laptop, the clothes he was wearing at the time, and a couple of t-shirts he had in the trunk of his car. To say Gideon is hard up would be an understatement. But Arthur makes him a deal on the rent, and the generous spirit of the tenants at the Belladonna Arms is a indomitable force, and soon Gideon finds himself the recipient of all the things he needs. Slowly but surely, as he's embraced and welcomed by the tenants, the grief and anger over the ex lifts and Gideon begins to look forward.
Even if he's a ginger.
His apartment neighbor is Reed, who works on the Navy docks and has just come out of a four-year marriage where he hoped that he was bisexual instead of gay. Alas, he's really, really gay, and while his relationship with his now ex-wife ended mostly on good terms, he's lost his house in the divorce, hence his renting an apartment from Arthur. His guilt over leaving his wife due to that whole not-bisexual business still weighs heavily on him, and he's definitely not ready for anything new.
Oh, and Reed too is a ginger.
I will comment here on the ginger hate that seemed to permeate this book. I don't know if this was tongue in cheek or if the author truly believes that two gingers couldn't possibly fall for each other, and what the whole point was of hating on gingers the whole time, but it became bothersome a few chapters in and I had to force myself to just ignore it.
Moving on...
Reed and Gideon meet, and Reed offers to help Gideon with some repairs to the apartment, and the love pollen is strong and so their romance begins.
But gingers (according to the author) cannot be attracted to another ginger (what does that even mean?) and so they just skirt around that whole relationship issue because the sex is awesome, and the cuddles after are a balm for Reed's wounded soul. Gideon falls faster than he would think, and soon they spend a whole lot of time together.
But guilt is a funny thing, and... well... I guess it makes you stupid too, sometimes, and makes you do things you wouldn't otherwise do. I so badly wanted to reach into this book and slap one of these gingers over the head to make him see how he was being manipulated, but I couldn't and so... well, you read this for yourself.
Of course, all the tenants from previous books make an appearance here, multiple times. And we mustn't forget Arthur, larger than life, dressed in what can only be described as over-the-top costumes, huffing and puffing his way up and down the stairs, trembling in fear during the multiple earthquakes that rattle the windows, preparing for his wedding to Tom - Arthur alone is worth reading this series of books. The hijinks and hilarity and feel good moments are a bonus, really.
And of course, there is a HEA. Gideon and Reed have to take a couple of detours, but in the end they get their happy, as they should.
Like I said, not sure if there will be more, but either way, you should read this. All of the books in this series.
Though, OMG, what is it with the ginger hate???
** I received a free copy of this book from its publisher. A positive review was not promised in return. **
April 25, 2018
“Be the person you will be happy to live with for the duration of your life. Don't rely on your significant other, or anyone else, for your happiness and self-worth. Know that our first and last love is always self-love, and that if you can't love and respect yourself, no one else will be able to either.” ~ Melchor Lim
Heartbroken and feeling betrayed after his former lover throws him out and sends all of his belongings to Goodwill, Gideon Chase, of 'Gingersnaps' by John Inman, is desperate to escape the pain and put his past behind him. Yet, as he gazes up at the Belladonna Arms apartments, he wonders if this is the place he will be able to do it. A friend has suggested that he come to Belladonna Arms, even though he has no belongings and little money, he will be able to get an apartment. Without any options, Gideon figures he's got nothing to lose.
As soon as Arthur meets his new tenant to be he is already scheming to, once again, be a matchmaker. After convincing Gideon that Arthur will make it possible for him to live there, Arthur gives him the apartment right beside his newest, and single tenant, Reed Kelly. Once the word gets around that there's a new tenant in the building and that he has nothing, his fellow apartment dwellers come by to meet him to offer their welcome and their contribution of food, clothes, services, etc. Gideon is both overwhelmed and grateful for all the good wishes and gifts even though some of his tenants are eccentric to say the least, not to mention his landlady? The person he's most curious about is the man next door.
Reed Kelly, Gideon's next-door neighbor, is recently divorced from his wife of five years. Reed, who is gay, tried to pretend he was happily married; he tried to ignore his desire for other men but it became too much for him to bear. Understandably, his wife was upset, but he thought he was leaving her in a good place. Reed desperately wants to start over as an openly gay man but doesn't quite know how to do so. When he meets Gideon, both of them agree that being friends, perhaps with benefits, is the best way to go, but their desire for each other, both physically and emotionally, won't permit them to do that and they become a couple. Everyone in the apartment building is happy for them, especially Arthur, who insists that they, and all the other tenants affected by the renowned “love dust” in the building, be the best men in the lavish wedding he is planning. All is going well until Reed runs into his ex-wife; it's obvious that she's not doing so well. Reed loves Gideon but is consumed by guilt. Gideon is heartsick, fearing that Reed's misplaced sense of responsibility for his wife's happiness is going to end up with him being heartbroken once again.
This, the fifth book in the series, follows the theme of the rest of those that take place at Belladonna Arms with Arthur playing “fairy godmother”, doing whatever necessary to encourage love and protect his tenants, whom he loves like family. Each story has a unique life lesson. The lesson in Reed and Gideon's case is that the only person's happiness you are responsible for is your own. If you try to sacrifice your happiness for someone else, you are doomed to failure. If you like zany characters, hilarious situations, angst, hot sex, misplaced responsibility, loyalty, and friendship, you may enjoy this tale. Thanks, John, for another great opportunity to visit Belladonna Arms with all the eccentric but loving family encompassed within. I look forward to their next great adventure.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Heartbroken and feeling betrayed after his former lover throws him out and sends all of his belongings to Goodwill, Gideon Chase, of 'Gingersnaps' by John Inman, is desperate to escape the pain and put his past behind him. Yet, as he gazes up at the Belladonna Arms apartments, he wonders if this is the place he will be able to do it. A friend has suggested that he come to Belladonna Arms, even though he has no belongings and little money, he will be able to get an apartment. Without any options, Gideon figures he's got nothing to lose.
As soon as Arthur meets his new tenant to be he is already scheming to, once again, be a matchmaker. After convincing Gideon that Arthur will make it possible for him to live there, Arthur gives him the apartment right beside his newest, and single tenant, Reed Kelly. Once the word gets around that there's a new tenant in the building and that he has nothing, his fellow apartment dwellers come by to meet him to offer their welcome and their contribution of food, clothes, services, etc. Gideon is both overwhelmed and grateful for all the good wishes and gifts even though some of his tenants are eccentric to say the least, not to mention his landlady? The person he's most curious about is the man next door.
Reed Kelly, Gideon's next-door neighbor, is recently divorced from his wife of five years. Reed, who is gay, tried to pretend he was happily married; he tried to ignore his desire for other men but it became too much for him to bear. Understandably, his wife was upset, but he thought he was leaving her in a good place. Reed desperately wants to start over as an openly gay man but doesn't quite know how to do so. When he meets Gideon, both of them agree that being friends, perhaps with benefits, is the best way to go, but their desire for each other, both physically and emotionally, won't permit them to do that and they become a couple. Everyone in the apartment building is happy for them, especially Arthur, who insists that they, and all the other tenants affected by the renowned “love dust” in the building, be the best men in the lavish wedding he is planning. All is going well until Reed runs into his ex-wife; it's obvious that she's not doing so well. Reed loves Gideon but is consumed by guilt. Gideon is heartsick, fearing that Reed's misplaced sense of responsibility for his wife's happiness is going to end up with him being heartbroken once again.
This, the fifth book in the series, follows the theme of the rest of those that take place at Belladonna Arms with Arthur playing “fairy godmother”, doing whatever necessary to encourage love and protect his tenants, whom he loves like family. Each story has a unique life lesson. The lesson in Reed and Gideon's case is that the only person's happiness you are responsible for is your own. If you try to sacrifice your happiness for someone else, you are doomed to failure. If you like zany characters, hilarious situations, angst, hot sex, misplaced responsibility, loyalty, and friendship, you may enjoy this tale. Thanks, John, for another great opportunity to visit Belladonna Arms with all the eccentric but loving family encompassed within. I look forward to their next great adventure.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
April 26, 2018
I'm definitely in love with John Inam's Belladonna Arms !!! the characters in this series are one more beautiful than the others It.s impossible not to love Arthur, so funny and good-hearted. I laughed to tears, I got angry with Reed; how is it possible to be so stupid? the suicide trick is the oldest in the world (if you want to tie up someone to you against his/her will). ops ... I do not say anything else !! However I really hope that this is not the last book in the series even if there are no longer vacating apartments at Belladonna Arms ...
September 30, 2018
The best of the lot so far I think.
Joy and sorrow. Combine the two and you have a love story that sticks. The depth of feeling here was exceptional.
Throw in some laughs, earthquakes and a crazy wedding and you’re living large at the Belladonna Arms.
Joy and sorrow. Combine the two and you have a love story that sticks. The depth of feeling here was exceptional.
Throw in some laughs, earthquakes and a crazy wedding and you’re living large at the Belladonna Arms.
April 24, 2018
A Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words Review
Rating 5 stars out of 5
For the full review visit https://wp.me/p220KL-drN
From that review: " There's is absolutely nothing better than to be home again in that faded six-story apartment building called The Belladonna Arms high atop a hill overlooking the ocean, a fabulous view of the city, and new possibilities for love for all who arrive there. For you see, it's full love pollen as each book has proved time and again. Love pollen and cats. Both figure large in each story."
For all our reviews, check out http://scatteredthoughtsandroguewords...
Rating 5 stars out of 5
For the full review visit https://wp.me/p220KL-drN
From that review: " There's is absolutely nothing better than to be home again in that faded six-story apartment building called The Belladonna Arms high atop a hill overlooking the ocean, a fabulous view of the city, and new possibilities for love for all who arrive there. For you see, it's full love pollen as each book has proved time and again. Love pollen and cats. Both figure large in each story."
For all our reviews, check out http://scatteredthoughtsandroguewords...
January 22, 2019
This is probably the conclusion to the Belladonna Arms series and I'll be sad to see it go.
First off, the cover is hot...although we don't get to see any gingery goodness.
I loved Gideon and felt bad for the desperate situation his ex left him in. Thankfully, Arthur was able to save the day. Reed is a different story. I liked him don't get me wrong (especially his sexy butchness), but I didn't really agree with his decision .
First off, the cover is hot...although we don't get to see any gingery goodness.
I loved Gideon and felt bad for the desperate situation his ex left him in. Thankfully, Arthur was able to save the day. Reed is a different story. I liked him don't get me wrong (especially his sexy butchness), but I didn't really agree with his decision .
January 1, 2019
I love Arthur! This was yet another perfect story from the Belladonna Arms.
April 1, 2018
This story, like the others in the series, follows a well-worn but familiar pattern. There is a credibility to what happens that sits alongside the exceptional characters in this growing ‘family’ of friends and lovers. Humour and the aww factor are present throughout and in a balance that makes the plot just an additional bonus. Characterisation remains strong with many familiar characters supporting the new faces and establishing them within the group. What, I believe, is new in this story is that the author mentions the presence of other residents, unnamed and undeveloped, who also live in the building. This seems peculiar and doesn’t quite fit with the cohesive little group of residents that have evolved through the series. These are quite formulaic stories and the reader is very familiar with how the relationships are set up and how the story will end. What was quite pleasant in this tale is the introduction of tension and the very real chance that here they will not be a happily ever after. Of course, it is sorted out and everyone is happy, but perhaps the legerdemain for solving the problem was a little too simple and off-page.
All of the couples, including the current heroes, are sweet and deserve each other. Their love and passion are idealistic and comfortable. It is the characters around the two that provide the necessary humour and variation to take the edge off the saccharine.
The pace of the story is easy going, even though the tense moments. Nevertheless, the plot is driven towards a clear resolution point and each element is presented with care, making the read light and very easy.
At its conclusion, all of the loose ends are neatly tied up and we have our happy ending. There is a clear opening for another book in the series. For those who need a dose of sweet humour that is effortlessly timed then this is the book for you. Of course, given its place in the series, that goes without saying.
This review is also posted at Gay Book Reviews
All of the couples, including the current heroes, are sweet and deserve each other. Their love and passion are idealistic and comfortable. It is the characters around the two that provide the necessary humour and variation to take the edge off the saccharine.
The pace of the story is easy going, even though the tense moments. Nevertheless, the plot is driven towards a clear resolution point and each element is presented with care, making the read light and very easy.
At its conclusion, all of the loose ends are neatly tied up and we have our happy ending. There is a clear opening for another book in the series. For those who need a dose of sweet humour that is effortlessly timed then this is the book for you. Of course, given its place in the series, that goes without saying.
This review is also posted at Gay Book Reviews
May 25, 2018
There is something magical about John Inman’s Belladonna Arms series that keeps me coming back, novel after novel, and dying just a little inside at the thought that there may be an actual ending to the stories. With Ginger Snaps, the fifth installment, I think Mr. Inman has outdone himself. Between the idea of two gingers being attracted to each other (unheard of, for sure) and Arthur’s pending nuptials, we are privy to even more than the normal share of hilarity and insanity fans of this series have come to expect and love.
As usual the apartment complex has welcomed two wounded warriors into her bosom, or Arthur’s bosom, as the case may be. Gideon has just left a lying, cheating ex whose parting gift was to donate everything but the clothes on Gideon’s back to the Salvation Army. Gideon arrives at the Arms with limited cash, his computer and two raggedy t-shirts he had in the back of his car. But as he was soon to find out, Arthur is nothing short of a miracle worker, and the inhabitants of the Belladonna are generous beyond belief. Little by little, Gideon is welcomed into the fold and the sadness that haunted him from a broken heart begins to dissipate.
Next door to our possession-less ginger is another redhead with his own troubling problems. Reed is fresh off a divorce from his wife of four years. While he hoped he was bisexual, it soon became painfully clear to him and his ex that he was gay, and completely miserable. But Reed must have stood in line twice for the guilt he carried about leaving his wife; it weighed him down tremendously. When he meets Gideon via their adjoining windows and offers to help him do some DIY fixes around his apartment, little does either man realize just how potent the love pollen Arthur and the other tenants like to speak about truly is. Before either man realizes it, their swearing off dating (especially a fellow ginger) is thrown to the wind. But guilt is a funny thing—it makes us do things we know we wouldn’t, and endure circumstances that we know to be unhealthy, especially when it comes to affairs of the heart. Trouble is brewing for one of our gentle redheads, and it will change the course of everything—including a love that was never meant to be.
I could tell you that you should read this book just to see if Arthur and Tom actually get married. I could remind you of the hideous, over the top outfits Arthur is wont to wear, and let your imagination fill in the blanks as to just what type of wedding ensemble he might actually choose. I could tell you that every character (read couple) from the previous four books show up in this one, and they are just as insane as they always have been, including our resident kleptos and Little Artie of the dirty diaper (read: cesspool) fame. I should definitely remind you that if you have’nt read this series, please start with the gem Serenading Stanley, and I guarantee you will be hooked from then on. But, what I really want to focus on is this author’s ability to combine pathos, hurt/comfort, and second chances at love with humor, outlandish and quirky characters, and a sweetness that is never cloying but always touching.
After reading one of John Inman’s Belladonna Arms books, the desire to actually meet these characters, the sudden and consuming need to have them actually be real and not just a gorgeous creation from the fertile mind of a comedic genius, is so huge that you are desperate for another installment just to get your fix. These novels are just the right balance of romance and humor, with fascinating men who somehow are able to reach beyond their pain to start fresh and, really, for the first time live a life they never imagined they could. The Belladonna Arms series redefines the happy ever after by making it something we all can believe will happen if we just have a little faith—and, a fairy godmother who sports fake breasts and smokes cigars doesn’t hurt either.
If you are already a fan of this series, run, do not walk to get your copy of Ginger Snaps. It is just a beautiful story. If you have never had the joy of reading Mr. Inman’s work, I recommend you start with this series. I can assure you that you will be buying this author’s entire backlist right after you finish these. Ginger Snaps is a delightfully romantic tale of love lost and love found, all tied up in laughter and friendship. I highly recommend it to you.
Reviewed by Sammy for The Novel Approach
As usual the apartment complex has welcomed two wounded warriors into her bosom, or Arthur’s bosom, as the case may be. Gideon has just left a lying, cheating ex whose parting gift was to donate everything but the clothes on Gideon’s back to the Salvation Army. Gideon arrives at the Arms with limited cash, his computer and two raggedy t-shirts he had in the back of his car. But as he was soon to find out, Arthur is nothing short of a miracle worker, and the inhabitants of the Belladonna are generous beyond belief. Little by little, Gideon is welcomed into the fold and the sadness that haunted him from a broken heart begins to dissipate.
Next door to our possession-less ginger is another redhead with his own troubling problems. Reed is fresh off a divorce from his wife of four years. While he hoped he was bisexual, it soon became painfully clear to him and his ex that he was gay, and completely miserable. But Reed must have stood in line twice for the guilt he carried about leaving his wife; it weighed him down tremendously. When he meets Gideon via their adjoining windows and offers to help him do some DIY fixes around his apartment, little does either man realize just how potent the love pollen Arthur and the other tenants like to speak about truly is. Before either man realizes it, their swearing off dating (especially a fellow ginger) is thrown to the wind. But guilt is a funny thing—it makes us do things we know we wouldn’t, and endure circumstances that we know to be unhealthy, especially when it comes to affairs of the heart. Trouble is brewing for one of our gentle redheads, and it will change the course of everything—including a love that was never meant to be.
I could tell you that you should read this book just to see if Arthur and Tom actually get married. I could remind you of the hideous, over the top outfits Arthur is wont to wear, and let your imagination fill in the blanks as to just what type of wedding ensemble he might actually choose. I could tell you that every character (read couple) from the previous four books show up in this one, and they are just as insane as they always have been, including our resident kleptos and Little Artie of the dirty diaper (read: cesspool) fame. I should definitely remind you that if you have’nt read this series, please start with the gem Serenading Stanley, and I guarantee you will be hooked from then on. But, what I really want to focus on is this author’s ability to combine pathos, hurt/comfort, and second chances at love with humor, outlandish and quirky characters, and a sweetness that is never cloying but always touching.
After reading one of John Inman’s Belladonna Arms books, the desire to actually meet these characters, the sudden and consuming need to have them actually be real and not just a gorgeous creation from the fertile mind of a comedic genius, is so huge that you are desperate for another installment just to get your fix. These novels are just the right balance of romance and humor, with fascinating men who somehow are able to reach beyond their pain to start fresh and, really, for the first time live a life they never imagined they could. The Belladonna Arms series redefines the happy ever after by making it something we all can believe will happen if we just have a little faith—and, a fairy godmother who sports fake breasts and smokes cigars doesn’t hurt either.
If you are already a fan of this series, run, do not walk to get your copy of Ginger Snaps. It is just a beautiful story. If you have never had the joy of reading Mr. Inman’s work, I recommend you start with this series. I can assure you that you will be buying this author’s entire backlist right after you finish these. Ginger Snaps is a delightfully romantic tale of love lost and love found, all tied up in laughter and friendship. I highly recommend it to you.
Reviewed by Sammy for The Novel Approach
May 17, 2018
Though I normally love John Inman’s stories and I’ve salivated over the Belladonna Arms books, alternating between laughing and smiling over the sweet, sappy MM romances, this one just didn’t reach the bar set by the other four.
Usually, the stories are about a very nice young man who’s down on his luck and finds his way to the Belladonna Arms where the world’s biggest (and largest) drag queen, Arthur, takes him under his (considerable) wing and then the love pollen that seems to saturate the former hotel works its magic. And lo and behold, after some starts and stops, he falls in love with another very nice young man.
And that’s the case here at the beginning of the book: Reed has left his wife, having realized that he can’t push his homosexuality any further inside than he’s been doing for years. Gideon has broken up with his boyfriend, who very cruelly took all of Gideon’s possessions and donated them to Salvation Army. He only saved his laptop because it happened to be in the trunk of his car. Arthur has put both young men in apartments next to one another and is simply waiting for the love pollen to sprinkle their way. The Belladonna Arms seems to be infested with love pollen that has worked to bring other couples together in the past. The only issue with these two is that both young men are redheads and neither wants to fall in love with a redhead.
Soooo, of course, that’s what happens. They bond over the sorry state of their apartments, so Reed pulls out hammer and tools and sets about repairing both his and Gideon’s apartments, both having been sorely neglected in the past. For several weeks, all is well and then Reed’s ex-wife throws a wrench in the works just before Arthur’s wedding. Coinciding with all the usual craziness associated with wedding preparations, the San Diego area is experiencing tremors and small earthquakes—all of which send Arthur into screaming and hiding mode. The stress takes its toll on him and he ends up in the hospital—but not without visits from all the residents of the Arms. The big guy is a sweetheart and everyone secretly loves him.
Then Reed breaks Gideon’s heart…and leaves pieces all over the floor. He totally goes against all the promises he’s made to Gideon and leaves him in tatters. To be honest, this reader would not have taken him back. He pulled a really stupid, IMHO, stunt and should have been cut from the book, never mind from Gideon’s life. But love is blind, and this is fiction, so the two end up back together in time for the grand wedding event.
As I said earlier, this story just didn’t cut it for me. I don’t think my sense of humor has changed drastically over the years, but the Arthur earthquake and wedding scenes were too OTT for me. And Reed’s wife? Not even worth the pages she occupied in the book. Then there’s the chapter devoted to Reed and Gideon babysitting little Artie—the baby Sylvia and Raymond adopted—which I suppose to many may have been funny, but not to me. I had no interest in it or patience for it at all, and in fact, I’d have preferred the chapter be cut from the story.
I had to go with 2 stars even though it breaks my heart to rate a book in this series so low but it's mostly due to Reed’s ex-wife who is still irritating me, days after I finished reading the book. For those who have read other books in the series, I’d recommend reading this one and would be interested in other reviewers’ opinions. For those who haven’t read the series, this can’t stand alone and needs to be read after the others. Start with Serenading Stanley, which to me was the best, and work your way through. It’s a nice series of MM romances and worth taking the time to read.
ARC provided by the publisher through Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words in exchange for an impartial review.
Usually, the stories are about a very nice young man who’s down on his luck and finds his way to the Belladonna Arms where the world’s biggest (and largest) drag queen, Arthur, takes him under his (considerable) wing and then the love pollen that seems to saturate the former hotel works its magic. And lo and behold, after some starts and stops, he falls in love with another very nice young man.
And that’s the case here at the beginning of the book: Reed has left his wife, having realized that he can’t push his homosexuality any further inside than he’s been doing for years. Gideon has broken up with his boyfriend, who very cruelly took all of Gideon’s possessions and donated them to Salvation Army. He only saved his laptop because it happened to be in the trunk of his car. Arthur has put both young men in apartments next to one another and is simply waiting for the love pollen to sprinkle their way. The Belladonna Arms seems to be infested with love pollen that has worked to bring other couples together in the past. The only issue with these two is that both young men are redheads and neither wants to fall in love with a redhead.
Soooo, of course, that’s what happens. They bond over the sorry state of their apartments, so Reed pulls out hammer and tools and sets about repairing both his and Gideon’s apartments, both having been sorely neglected in the past. For several weeks, all is well and then Reed’s ex-wife throws a wrench in the works just before Arthur’s wedding. Coinciding with all the usual craziness associated with wedding preparations, the San Diego area is experiencing tremors and small earthquakes—all of which send Arthur into screaming and hiding mode. The stress takes its toll on him and he ends up in the hospital—but not without visits from all the residents of the Arms. The big guy is a sweetheart and everyone secretly loves him.
Then Reed breaks Gideon’s heart…and leaves pieces all over the floor. He totally goes against all the promises he’s made to Gideon and leaves him in tatters. To be honest, this reader would not have taken him back. He pulled a really stupid, IMHO, stunt and should have been cut from the book, never mind from Gideon’s life. But love is blind, and this is fiction, so the two end up back together in time for the grand wedding event.
As I said earlier, this story just didn’t cut it for me. I don’t think my sense of humor has changed drastically over the years, but the Arthur earthquake and wedding scenes were too OTT for me. And Reed’s wife? Not even worth the pages she occupied in the book. Then there’s the chapter devoted to Reed and Gideon babysitting little Artie—the baby Sylvia and Raymond adopted—which I suppose to many may have been funny, but not to me. I had no interest in it or patience for it at all, and in fact, I’d have preferred the chapter be cut from the story.
I had to go with 2 stars even though it breaks my heart to rate a book in this series so low but it's mostly due to Reed’s ex-wife who is still irritating me, days after I finished reading the book. For those who have read other books in the series, I’d recommend reading this one and would be interested in other reviewers’ opinions. For those who haven’t read the series, this can’t stand alone and needs to be read after the others. Start with Serenading Stanley, which to me was the best, and work your way through. It’s a nice series of MM romances and worth taking the time to read.
ARC provided by the publisher through Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words in exchange for an impartial review.
May 7, 2018
I'm so sad that Belladonna Arms series is at the end. I truly loved the problematic,colourful, gainly and funny...and sexy crew tenants of Belladonna Arms...and auntie Arthur : I love her very much. So this last story is sweet/ bitter but I liked it and I had so much fun reading. Like sweet are Gideon and Reed together , like exstravagant and hilarious is been Arthr and Tom wedding. I'll miss this series, and will miss S.Diego as the author have descrived it...but, I'll remember with deep affetion all the characters so magically brought in life from wonderful writing by Jonh Inman .
June 27, 2018
What an endearing series this is! It's fun, funny, sweet, sexy, a little dirty, silly, and sometimes downright ridiculous. Arthur is such a great character you sometimes want to strangle him but also hug him? Inman really knows how to write a rollicking fun story. The two redheaded heroes in this were delightful, although of course one had one's moments of frustration with them as they figured things out! Overall, a great addition to a fun series.
May 1, 2018
Loved this series; the epilogue gave me the impression that it is over and if so, it was a great ride.
May 3, 2018
A seamless edition to the series, beautifully written, and romantic as hell. May the Arms never fall!
June 5, 2018
This was a pretty solid 4.5 star read for a while and then the moment came that changed it all. I wish I could say that it didn't make a difference and that the HFN ending helped. But I can't. I really wish that Reed hadn't done what he did, and I don't think that anything he said later really made up for much.
I haven't read the rest in the series, but after seeing some of the other couples mentioned in this book, I am definitely curious.
I haven't read the rest in the series, but after seeing some of the other couples mentioned in this book, I am definitely curious.
April 29, 2018
No place I would rather be
Being back at the Belladonna Arms is like coming home. A reunion with Arthur conducting the event. This is a series I come back to time and again. From Stanley and Roger, now to Gideon and Reed, I always look forward to whoever we meet next. (And, I certainly hope to meet many more new tenants!)
Being back at the Belladonna Arms is like coming home. A reunion with Arthur conducting the event. This is a series I come back to time and again. From Stanley and Roger, now to Gideon and Reed, I always look forward to whoever we meet next. (And, I certainly hope to meet many more new tenants!)
April 27, 2018
4.5 stars
May 7, 2018
Another great addition the the Belladonna Arms story. This series has heart, humor, and a great cast of characters that liven up each story.
May 17, 2018
3.75 stars
January 19, 2019
so many funny moments. I really love Arthur!
Read
December 16, 2019review to follow
August 20, 2018
(Originally reviewed for Love Bytes Reviews. Rated 4.5 out of 5.0 Love Bytes)
As soon as I saw a new John Inman book on the available list, I instantly clicked and added it to my requests. We’ve gained a lot more reviewers, and I wasn’t taking any chance of one of them swooping in and getting it before me! I love John Inman’s books. I particularly love the Belladonna Arms books. I love the Belladonna Arms and all its residents. Every tale brings back memories of the previous ones.
So, let’s talk about this newest installment. Once again, we have the old cast of characters, headed by the six-foot tall drag queen owner and manager of the Belladonna Arms. Arthur is still as over the top as always, and dare I mention that he is now planning his own wedding? But he still has time for his boys. Gideon shows up at the door of the Belladonna Arms at the urging of his friends Shiloh and Ben, who of course we know from a previous installment in the series. Gideon’s ex was a total bitch, with a capital B I T C H. Gideon came home one day and found that his ex had given all of Gideon’s stuff…right down to his underwear…to the Salvation Army in all its homophobic glory. He was left with his Office Depot uniform and a couple old shirts that were in the trunk of his car. Now he is on the doorstep of this crumbling building, facing the largest drag queen he thinks he has ever seen.
One thing leads to another and soon he is a resident of the Belladonna Arms. But Arthur has more in mind…maybe related to the handsome ginger living right next door to Gideon’s new apartment? Reed is another broken man. A man who finally admitted to his wife that he preferred his sex partners a little bit more burly…oh…and with a penis. As you can guess, that didn’t go well. Now he is also moving into the Belladonna Arms.
I thoroughly enjoyed this installment. I really liked these two. I loved how most of the old characters made appearances as well. If you like light and fluffy with an HEA, you’ll love the books in this series. I highly recommend you pick up this series if you haven’t already. If you’ve been reading along as I have, hit one click now. You’ll thank me.
As soon as I saw a new John Inman book on the available list, I instantly clicked and added it to my requests. We’ve gained a lot more reviewers, and I wasn’t taking any chance of one of them swooping in and getting it before me! I love John Inman’s books. I particularly love the Belladonna Arms books. I love the Belladonna Arms and all its residents. Every tale brings back memories of the previous ones.
So, let’s talk about this newest installment. Once again, we have the old cast of characters, headed by the six-foot tall drag queen owner and manager of the Belladonna Arms. Arthur is still as over the top as always, and dare I mention that he is now planning his own wedding? But he still has time for his boys. Gideon shows up at the door of the Belladonna Arms at the urging of his friends Shiloh and Ben, who of course we know from a previous installment in the series. Gideon’s ex was a total bitch, with a capital B I T C H. Gideon came home one day and found that his ex had given all of Gideon’s stuff…right down to his underwear…to the Salvation Army in all its homophobic glory. He was left with his Office Depot uniform and a couple old shirts that were in the trunk of his car. Now he is on the doorstep of this crumbling building, facing the largest drag queen he thinks he has ever seen.
One thing leads to another and soon he is a resident of the Belladonna Arms. But Arthur has more in mind…maybe related to the handsome ginger living right next door to Gideon’s new apartment? Reed is another broken man. A man who finally admitted to his wife that he preferred his sex partners a little bit more burly…oh…and with a penis. As you can guess, that didn’t go well. Now he is also moving into the Belladonna Arms.
I thoroughly enjoyed this installment. I really liked these two. I loved how most of the old characters made appearances as well. If you like light and fluffy with an HEA, you’ll love the books in this series. I highly recommend you pick up this series if you haven’t already. If you’ve been reading along as I have, hit one click now. You’ll thank me.
July 23, 2018
4.5 Stars
I don’t know anyone who has visited the Belladonna Arms series and not wanted to stay forever. The Love Pollen gets to everyone whether they want it to or not, and it especially seems to stick most firmly to those who don’t want it, which is always more fun for me as a reader. There’s nothing like reading about a character unlucky in love, down on romance and anti-Cupid to then have them meet Auntie Arthur who love pollens the hell out of them until they became a sappy puddle of goo. I love the goo, it’s my favorite part of the Belladonna Arms.
The couple in the fifth installment of the series are both “failures” at love when they move into the Arms. Gideon has been spectacularly dumped by his douchebag of an ex and is left with nothing but his car, laptop and a small sampling of questionable clothing. Our other MC, Reed has recently come to the revelation that he needs to live as his authentic self, a gay man, and he can no longer keep up the charade of a happy hetero marriage. The two have little in common besides the unlucky in love part and the fact that they are both a couple of ginger peaches. They both proclaim to not be attracted to gingers but we the readers know from the get-go that these two are lying liars who lie about that subject.
I think these two MC’s, well mostly Reed, had more emotional baggage moving into the arms than previous characters. And I’m not talking Ramon level external-forces issues, I mean internal baggage where he needs to figure out who he is in his own skin so that he can learn how to love himself and love a man how they both deserve to be loved. It’s a tough road for Reed because he’s a really good guy, so he feels a tremendous amount of guilt for the hurt he put his wife through and it weighs on him understandably. Gideon has been his authentic self forever and he’s a good fit for Reed. He asks Reed the hard questions and with a gentle, but firm touch, pushes Reed out of his shell. Reed feels happier than he ever had in his adult life and he credits Gideon for getting him there.
They agree to a friends with benefits thing, which technically is a good idea considering their not so distant past romantic entanglements, but it’s obvious the two of them are growing closer. This is where John Inman’s words shine. He is so damn good at showing the reader how two characters come together. I don’t have to be told that they are falling in love, I read it in every interaction and inner musing both in and out of the bedroom.
Throughout the time of the budding romance of Gideon and Reed the other tenants make welcome appearances and Arthur is planning his dream wedding to Tom. I honestly could read that whole story as a book by itself because Arthur is Arthur but with all his settings cranked up to 11. He always had one eye on Gideon and Reed though, he can never get completely sidetracked by anything that will take him away from his self imposed match making duties.
The extra baggage I mentioned previously is heavier and makes a pretty profound return to Reed’s life. This part was heartbreaking and not something I have become accustomed to in my Belladonna books. It made sense for Reed’s character though and while I wanted to punch him in the throat, I also wasn’t at all surprised at his actions. It turns out he’s not just unlucky at love, he’s also none too smart about it either. Sometimes people can take the high road too high out of misguided loyalty and that is Reed in a nutshell. Thankfully he does have his Auntie Arthur to help him get his shit together and it wouldn’t have resolved without Arthur’s interference. Now granted, the dramatics and the resolution were pretty sugarcoated considering, they weren’t made disposable and the author dealt with them at a level that made the whole plot point consistent with the tone of the book.
The ending was perfect and I hope it doesn’t mean the end of the Belladonna Arms series. There was nothing alluding to that but seriously, what does one do after an Arthur wedding? I have faith though because as long as Arthur has couples moving in together he’ll have a vacancy or two for new residents available. I do love these character driven romances and the strength in the MC’s is the bond the author builds between them while we watch. Not every writer can pull that off well, but John Inman is a true craftsman when it comes to connecting two people in the most authentic of ways.
**a copy of this story was provided for an honest review**
I don’t know anyone who has visited the Belladonna Arms series and not wanted to stay forever. The Love Pollen gets to everyone whether they want it to or not, and it especially seems to stick most firmly to those who don’t want it, which is always more fun for me as a reader. There’s nothing like reading about a character unlucky in love, down on romance and anti-Cupid to then have them meet Auntie Arthur who love pollens the hell out of them until they became a sappy puddle of goo. I love the goo, it’s my favorite part of the Belladonna Arms.
The couple in the fifth installment of the series are both “failures” at love when they move into the Arms. Gideon has been spectacularly dumped by his douchebag of an ex and is left with nothing but his car, laptop and a small sampling of questionable clothing. Our other MC, Reed has recently come to the revelation that he needs to live as his authentic self, a gay man, and he can no longer keep up the charade of a happy hetero marriage. The two have little in common besides the unlucky in love part and the fact that they are both a couple of ginger peaches. They both proclaim to not be attracted to gingers but we the readers know from the get-go that these two are lying liars who lie about that subject.
I think these two MC’s, well mostly Reed, had more emotional baggage moving into the arms than previous characters. And I’m not talking Ramon level external-forces issues, I mean internal baggage where he needs to figure out who he is in his own skin so that he can learn how to love himself and love a man how they both deserve to be loved. It’s a tough road for Reed because he’s a really good guy, so he feels a tremendous amount of guilt for the hurt he put his wife through and it weighs on him understandably. Gideon has been his authentic self forever and he’s a good fit for Reed. He asks Reed the hard questions and with a gentle, but firm touch, pushes Reed out of his shell. Reed feels happier than he ever had in his adult life and he credits Gideon for getting him there.
They agree to a friends with benefits thing, which technically is a good idea considering their not so distant past romantic entanglements, but it’s obvious the two of them are growing closer. This is where John Inman’s words shine. He is so damn good at showing the reader how two characters come together. I don’t have to be told that they are falling in love, I read it in every interaction and inner musing both in and out of the bedroom.
Throughout the time of the budding romance of Gideon and Reed the other tenants make welcome appearances and Arthur is planning his dream wedding to Tom. I honestly could read that whole story as a book by itself because Arthur is Arthur but with all his settings cranked up to 11. He always had one eye on Gideon and Reed though, he can never get completely sidetracked by anything that will take him away from his self imposed match making duties.
The extra baggage I mentioned previously is heavier and makes a pretty profound return to Reed’s life. This part was heartbreaking and not something I have become accustomed to in my Belladonna books. It made sense for Reed’s character though and while I wanted to punch him in the throat, I also wasn’t at all surprised at his actions. It turns out he’s not just unlucky at love, he’s also none too smart about it either. Sometimes people can take the high road too high out of misguided loyalty and that is Reed in a nutshell. Thankfully he does have his Auntie Arthur to help him get his shit together and it wouldn’t have resolved without Arthur’s interference. Now granted, the dramatics and the resolution were pretty sugarcoated considering, they weren’t made disposable and the author dealt with them at a level that made the whole plot point consistent with the tone of the book.
The ending was perfect and I hope it doesn’t mean the end of the Belladonna Arms series. There was nothing alluding to that but seriously, what does one do after an Arthur wedding? I have faith though because as long as Arthur has couples moving in together he’ll have a vacancy or two for new residents available. I do love these character driven romances and the strength in the MC’s is the bond the author builds between them while we watch. Not every writer can pull that off well, but John Inman is a true craftsman when it comes to connecting two people in the most authentic of ways.
**a copy of this story was provided for an honest review**
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