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Larry Boots, Exterminator
Kenny Long is living a new life. Blinded in an accident, he has taken control of his unexpected reality the best way he can, and it’s working out better than he hoped.
Of course Larry Boots doesn’t know any of that. All he sees is a beautiful man sitting on a park bench.
Larry has a few problems of his his mother. His job. The lack of romance in his life.
His job. In the course of that job, Larry strikes up a friendship with Kenny. The next thing he knows, he’s so head-over-heels in love, even his mother doesn’t seem so bad. Of course his career is still a problem, but he’s working on that. Hopefully he’ll have the problem resolved before the man he’s being paid to murder succeeds in murdering him first.
And before the man he loves finds out he’s a cold-blooded killer.
Of course Larry Boots doesn’t know any of that. All he sees is a beautiful man sitting on a park bench.
Larry has a few problems of his his mother. His job. The lack of romance in his life.
His job. In the course of that job, Larry strikes up a friendship with Kenny. The next thing he knows, he’s so head-over-heels in love, even his mother doesn’t seem so bad. Of course his career is still a problem, but he’s working on that. Hopefully he’ll have the problem resolved before the man he’s being paid to murder succeeds in murdering him first.
And before the man he loves finds out he’s a cold-blooded killer.
191 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 4, 2019
14 people are currently reading
169 people want to read
About the author
John Inman
42 books440 followersA Lambda Literary Award finalist and the author of over forty novels, John has been writing fiction for as long as he can remember. Born on a small farm in Indiana, he now resides in San Diego, California where he spends his time gardening, pampering his pets, hiking and biking the trails and canyons of San Diego, and of course, writing. He and his partner share a passion for theater, books, film, and the continuing fight for marriage equality. If you would like to know more about John, check out his website at----
http://www.johninmanauthor.com/John_I... or follow him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/john.inman.79
http://www.johninmanauthor.com/John_I... or follow him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/john.inman.79
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
April 10, 2023
I love this author’s brand of humor and this book had it in spades. I enjoyed this book so much despite the fact that it was insta love and quite cheesy. Sap and murders , quite a strange combination, isn’t it?
PD. Loved the meet-cute and the cover!!!
3,5 rounded up.
PD. Loved the meet-cute and the cover!!!
3,5 rounded up.
June 30, 2019
This John Inman mashup was such a treat. Any Inman-phile knows he writes 5 heart books in a multitude of genres and Larry Boots, Exterminator brings together two of my favorites, sweet, sweet romance and horror. It really doesn’t get much better than that for me.
I wasn’t sure how this was all going to come together, the dichotomous paths the author wanted to bring together (based on the blurb), merging them sounded like an awkward impossibility. But of course, it wasn’t and the two pieces melded together perfectly.
Larry is an assassin (don’t call him that, he hates it), but he’s dedicated his life to delivering justice to those who were let down by the system. He’s living to avenge others in his twin brothers name. His brother was the victim of a violent crime and in his “honor” he’s turned into a vigilante. He’s a good bad guy though, he’s likable and sympathetic. He loves his crazy mama and his two dogs, he falls in love with Kenny.
Kenny is a teacher at the blind center in San Diego. He lost his sight in an accident a few years prior and has since relearned how to live his life and support himself. He’s such a sweet man wearing his little sweater vests and bowties, I couldn’t help but fall for him myself as Larry described him and got to know him.
They have a very interesting meet-cute in the park one day. Kenny is there to sit in the sunshine on a park bench and enjoy his lunch. Larry is up in a tree scouting out his next mark. Larry climbs down from said tree and the two strike up a slightly flirtatious exchange. If you didn’t know what Larry did for a living, it would just seem like a set up to a love story that I wanted to read. But, and this is a big but, Larry kills people for a living and there’s really no way to just kind of forget that’s a thing.
Told from Larry’s point of view, he was either practicing his chosen profession or falling in love with Kenny.When Larry was with Kenny I was completely wrapped up in that part of the story. Then the page would flip and Larry would be back to work. Larry’s clients and their stories were truly heartbreaking, so there was a gamut of emotions to run throughout the book. The warm fuzzies with Kenny and the frustrating hopelessness of the families put the reader through the wringer. The author brought the two pieces of the story so well, he really made them mesh in a way that made me buy into every nuance of it.
And then 80% happened. Up until this point Larry’s work and his personal life were pretty well separated, never the twain shall meet. Larry’s lastest mark makes him uncomfortable, he seems to have put his eye on Larry, but Larry can’t be sure. Does he think that because he’s falling in love and finally has someone else to worry about or is this guy really wise to him? Insert tension here.
At 80% Larry is off to do his job, leaving Kenny home alone. That’s all I’m going to say because I want you to ride the tension wave like I did. I loved and hated every bit of the last 20%. The author is a master of the last 20%. He gets me every time and this time it was a little different. I was in romance mode, I was in love with Larry and Kenny’s love, but Larry’s pesky job was hanging over their heads and the resolution was coming. In romance mode, and in the author’s purely romantic books I would just be wallowing in the love pollen. However, Larry Boots, Exterminator has a horror element that won’t be denied so I honestly wasn’t sure how this would play out. I mean, I know what I wanted, but that doesn’t mean I was going to get it.
Larry Boots, Exterminator has so many great pieces that come together beautifully. While I loved the tension and Larry’s work life. His personality, his relationship with his mom, his reasonings, they all made for a fascinating character. But his relationship with Kenny was pure gold. The two of them together were simply lovely in their intimate moments, and not just the tingly, sticky bits, I mean the conversations and declarations between the two. Yes, Kenny was blind and vulnerable to an extent because of his circumstances, but he was also strong and fiercely independent. I loved how fully fleshed out his character was and how well he and Larry complemented one another.
Larry Boots has a permanent spot on my reread shelf. I know I’ll want to visit Larry and Kenny again.
I wasn’t sure how this was all going to come together, the dichotomous paths the author wanted to bring together (based on the blurb), merging them sounded like an awkward impossibility. But of course, it wasn’t and the two pieces melded together perfectly.
Larry is an assassin (don’t call him that, he hates it), but he’s dedicated his life to delivering justice to those who were let down by the system. He’s living to avenge others in his twin brothers name. His brother was the victim of a violent crime and in his “honor” he’s turned into a vigilante. He’s a good bad guy though, he’s likable and sympathetic. He loves his crazy mama and his two dogs, he falls in love with Kenny.
Kenny is a teacher at the blind center in San Diego. He lost his sight in an accident a few years prior and has since relearned how to live his life and support himself. He’s such a sweet man wearing his little sweater vests and bowties, I couldn’t help but fall for him myself as Larry described him and got to know him.
They have a very interesting meet-cute in the park one day. Kenny is there to sit in the sunshine on a park bench and enjoy his lunch. Larry is up in a tree scouting out his next mark. Larry climbs down from said tree and the two strike up a slightly flirtatious exchange. If you didn’t know what Larry did for a living, it would just seem like a set up to a love story that I wanted to read. But, and this is a big but, Larry kills people for a living and there’s really no way to just kind of forget that’s a thing.
Told from Larry’s point of view, he was either practicing his chosen profession or falling in love with Kenny.When Larry was with Kenny I was completely wrapped up in that part of the story. Then the page would flip and Larry would be back to work. Larry’s clients and their stories were truly heartbreaking, so there was a gamut of emotions to run throughout the book. The warm fuzzies with Kenny and the frustrating hopelessness of the families put the reader through the wringer. The author brought the two pieces of the story so well, he really made them mesh in a way that made me buy into every nuance of it.
And then 80% happened. Up until this point Larry’s work and his personal life were pretty well separated, never the twain shall meet. Larry’s lastest mark makes him uncomfortable, he seems to have put his eye on Larry, but Larry can’t be sure. Does he think that because he’s falling in love and finally has someone else to worry about or is this guy really wise to him? Insert tension here.
At 80% Larry is off to do his job, leaving Kenny home alone. That’s all I’m going to say because I want you to ride the tension wave like I did. I loved and hated every bit of the last 20%. The author is a master of the last 20%. He gets me every time and this time it was a little different. I was in romance mode, I was in love with Larry and Kenny’s love, but Larry’s pesky job was hanging over their heads and the resolution was coming. In romance mode, and in the author’s purely romantic books I would just be wallowing in the love pollen. However, Larry Boots, Exterminator has a horror element that won’t be denied so I honestly wasn’t sure how this would play out. I mean, I know what I wanted, but that doesn’t mean I was going to get it.
Larry Boots, Exterminator has so many great pieces that come together beautifully. While I loved the tension and Larry’s work life. His personality, his relationship with his mom, his reasonings, they all made for a fascinating character. But his relationship with Kenny was pure gold. The two of them together were simply lovely in their intimate moments, and not just the tingly, sticky bits, I mean the conversations and declarations between the two. Yes, Kenny was blind and vulnerable to an extent because of his circumstances, but he was also strong and fiercely independent. I loved how fully fleshed out his character was and how well he and Larry complemented one another.
Larry Boots has a permanent spot on my reread shelf. I know I’ll want to visit Larry and Kenny again.
June 21, 2019
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
I really liked the flow of this story. Larry is an honest narrator who confesses rather quickly his “avenging angel” persona to the reader. Despite being clearly a murderous vigilante, I think he came off as both sympathetic and likable. The grief he still carries for his dead twin brother is palpable. Larry’s nagging, quirky mother, who’s both a pothead and an alcoholic, clearly loves Larry dearly. She makes for some excellent comic relief. The budding romance between Larry and Kenny is both sweet and sensual. Larry hasn’t had a serious lover in a long time and Kenny is alternately brave and brittle—believing that any “whole” man wouldn’t want to be burdened with a blind partner. Their dynamic is one of mutual support and giddy exploration.
Read Veronica’s review in its entirety here.
4.5 stars
I really liked the flow of this story. Larry is an honest narrator who confesses rather quickly his “avenging angel” persona to the reader. Despite being clearly a murderous vigilante, I think he came off as both sympathetic and likable. The grief he still carries for his dead twin brother is palpable. Larry’s nagging, quirky mother, who’s both a pothead and an alcoholic, clearly loves Larry dearly. She makes for some excellent comic relief. The budding romance between Larry and Kenny is both sweet and sensual. Larry hasn’t had a serious lover in a long time and Kenny is alternately brave and brittle—believing that any “whole” man wouldn’t want to be burdened with a blind partner. Their dynamic is one of mutual support and giddy exploration.
Read Veronica’s review in its entirety here.
June 4, 2019
Larry is an exterminator. He’s paid to kill people. He’s paid to do right for all their wrong. He doesn’t like his job; he doesn’t like his lonely life either. When he meets Ken at a bench park, Larry doesn’t see a blind man, just a beautiful man that he wants to win over. Larry is ready to leave his career behind, but first, he has to survive his last job.
I adored this book, it was funny, sweet and beautiful. I had a great time reading this story.
Larry is an exterminator, he hates to be called a hitman, even if technically it’s his job. He’s at a crossroads in his life, between his job, his crazy mother and his new lover, Ken. Larry needs to move on from his old life, and Ken is the perfect motivation to help him. I adored Larry, he’s so funny, kind and smart. He’s not a cold, heartless killer, on the contrary, he’s a compassionate man and very empathic to his clients' pain. I loved him more with Ken, how he was romantic, caring, and madly in love with him.
Ken is a blind man. He lost his sight after a car accident, and even if it was hard and painful for him, he tries his best to adapt to his new situation, and he succeeded. Meeting Larry wasn’t in his agenda, or falling madly in love with him either, but Ken makes the best of this despite his own fears. I loved him too, he touched me a lot. He was a victim of a tragic accident, but he wasn’t a victim of his condition. It shows how strong he really is. I completely melted for him.
The book was written in the first person. Larry is our narrator. I loved it, it was well done, funny and dynamics. The writing was very good, I was captivated from the beginning and hooked in the story throughout my read. The story has a rainbow of feelings. Like I said, Larry isn’t a cold killer, he isn’t incapable of love and compassion, and the author highlights it in his character. I appreciated it as it changes from the stereotype killer incapable of love until he meets the right person blah blah blah.
I had a pleasurable time with them, and I gladly recommend it.
5 Stars for them.
I adored this book, it was funny, sweet and beautiful. I had a great time reading this story.
Larry is an exterminator, he hates to be called a hitman, even if technically it’s his job. He’s at a crossroads in his life, between his job, his crazy mother and his new lover, Ken. Larry needs to move on from his old life, and Ken is the perfect motivation to help him. I adored Larry, he’s so funny, kind and smart. He’s not a cold, heartless killer, on the contrary, he’s a compassionate man and very empathic to his clients' pain. I loved him more with Ken, how he was romantic, caring, and madly in love with him.
Ken is a blind man. He lost his sight after a car accident, and even if it was hard and painful for him, he tries his best to adapt to his new situation, and he succeeded. Meeting Larry wasn’t in his agenda, or falling madly in love with him either, but Ken makes the best of this despite his own fears. I loved him too, he touched me a lot. He was a victim of a tragic accident, but he wasn’t a victim of his condition. It shows how strong he really is. I completely melted for him.
The book was written in the first person. Larry is our narrator. I loved it, it was well done, funny and dynamics. The writing was very good, I was captivated from the beginning and hooked in the story throughout my read. The story has a rainbow of feelings. Like I said, Larry isn’t a cold killer, he isn’t incapable of love and compassion, and the author highlights it in his character. I appreciated it as it changes from the stereotype killer incapable of love until he meets the right person blah blah blah.
I had a pleasurable time with them, and I gladly recommend it.
5 Stars for them.
September 27, 2020
While the love story in this one is quite light hearted, and a lot of fun, there were times where the tension and suspense had me furiously turning pages seriously worried about a HEA (it’s there by the way, and it’s lovely). I think it was the perfect balance though and made for a very enjoyable story.
March 7, 2020
It was alright. I liked the hitman thing and how sweet Larry and Kenny’s relationship was. The first death was simple and straightforward, the second and end of the story was a mess. Favourite character was the mother.
August 3, 2024
I love John Inman's books and this is another firm favourite..Larry and Kenny are amazing together with Mr Inmans usual witty banter and a bit of tension near the end....a batty pot smoking mother and a couple of dogs....This is the reason I read his books....Calm and easy to read even if you do get mad men in them x
August 26, 2019
Larry Boots a un boulot assez particulier. Même s'il n'aime pas ce terme, c'est un tueur à gages.
Un jour, lors d'une mission d'observation, il va faire la connaissance de Kenny.
Je suis tombée sur ce livre tout à fait par hasard et je me suis laissée tenter tout simplement par la couverture. J'avais déjà découvert l'auteur dans « Collision » que j'avais adoré.
C'est une histoire simple mais que j'ai trouvé originale à la fois. J'ai particulièrement aimé le style de l'auteur, que j'ai pu découvrir en anglais cette fois.
J'ai aimé faire la connaissance de Larry, mais aussi de sa maman. Kenny est un homme exceptionnel aussi, tellement gentil et prévenant.
Larry va se prendre d'affection pour Kenny. Je pense que dès le départ, son handicap n'a jamais été un frein. Il le perçoit tel qu'il est, et le fera toujours. C'était tellement doux et beau entre eux. Chacune de leurs rencontres est belle, simple, naturelle et m'a mis plein de papillons dans le ventre.
Le récit est narré selon le point de vue de Larry et j'ai aimé rentré dans sa tête, suivre ses raisonnements sur plein de choses...
A côté de ça, j'ai eu quelques coups de stress aussi, car oui, il ne faut pas oublier le travail de Larry qui a une grande importance dans cette histoire aussi.
J'ai été ravie de faire la connaissance de Kenny et Larry, ce fut une si belle lecture ! J'aurais voulu en avoir plus, c'est évident, mais ce court roman fait son petit effet ^^
Un jour, lors d'une mission d'observation, il va faire la connaissance de Kenny.
Je suis tombée sur ce livre tout à fait par hasard et je me suis laissée tenter tout simplement par la couverture. J'avais déjà découvert l'auteur dans « Collision » que j'avais adoré.
C'est une histoire simple mais que j'ai trouvé originale à la fois. J'ai particulièrement aimé le style de l'auteur, que j'ai pu découvrir en anglais cette fois.
J'ai aimé faire la connaissance de Larry, mais aussi de sa maman. Kenny est un homme exceptionnel aussi, tellement gentil et prévenant.
Larry va se prendre d'affection pour Kenny. Je pense que dès le départ, son handicap n'a jamais été un frein. Il le perçoit tel qu'il est, et le fera toujours. C'était tellement doux et beau entre eux. Chacune de leurs rencontres est belle, simple, naturelle et m'a mis plein de papillons dans le ventre.
Le récit est narré selon le point de vue de Larry et j'ai aimé rentré dans sa tête, suivre ses raisonnements sur plein de choses...
A côté de ça, j'ai eu quelques coups de stress aussi, car oui, il ne faut pas oublier le travail de Larry qui a une grande importance dans cette histoire aussi.
J'ai été ravie de faire la connaissance de Kenny et Larry, ce fut une si belle lecture ! J'aurais voulu en avoir plus, c'est évident, mais ce court roman fait son petit effet ^^
May 14, 2019
This wacky romance between a bow-tie wearing nerd and a hitman just really did it for me. The characters together just swept me up in their story and I had a great time enjoying their banter and wit.
Larry Boots is no stranger to tragedy. With his twin brother murdered, he vowed revenge and has taken to a life of payback for sins committed by the worst of society that have skirted the law.
During an afternoon of surveillance he meets Ken, a very sweet, docile, dorky blind man with a heart of gold and hair to match. It doesn't take long for them to become close, but at some point Larry will have to tell him how he makes a living. And hope it doesn't scare him off.
Honestly, this was so easy to read and easy to love. It was fun and fresh and the MC's had charisma and heat in spades. Larry was a lovable crusader of evil and Kenny was impossible to not fall for. His sweet vulnerability was touching and made the story soft around the edges.
I absolutely recommend this read and give it a solid 4.5 stars.
*Galley copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Cross posted to http://gaybook.reviews/ *
Larry Boots is no stranger to tragedy. With his twin brother murdered, he vowed revenge and has taken to a life of payback for sins committed by the worst of society that have skirted the law.
During an afternoon of surveillance he meets Ken, a very sweet, docile, dorky blind man with a heart of gold and hair to match. It doesn't take long for them to become close, but at some point Larry will have to tell him how he makes a living. And hope it doesn't scare him off.
Honestly, this was so easy to read and easy to love. It was fun and fresh and the MC's had charisma and heat in spades. Larry was a lovable crusader of evil and Kenny was impossible to not fall for. His sweet vulnerability was touching and made the story soft around the edges.
I absolutely recommend this read and give it a solid 4.5 stars.
*Galley copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Cross posted to http://gaybook.reviews/ *
June 4, 2019
Larry Boots is an exterminator, but bugs aren’t he forte. No, he rights wrongs and exterminates creatures lower than the vilest bugs. Humans that get away with murder. Especially child-killers. He knows what he does is wrong, and he cries after it which shows his humanity and kind nature. On a stakeout watching a man make sure he thinks he is still a threat, he meets Ken, a blind teacher. They become fast friends and soon develop a relationship.
John Inman developed some awesome characters in this book. I mean how can a cold-blooded killer be so likable. But John made it happen. Kenny is adorable and snarky and OMG Larry’s mom is a hoot.
The storyline is good, the action is good, and the wit helps lighten the darkness of murder.
If you like a good M/M romance with a touch of suspense, action, and unusual characters with a great happy ending this is for you.
John Inman developed some awesome characters in this book. I mean how can a cold-blooded killer be so likable. But John made it happen. Kenny is adorable and snarky and OMG Larry’s mom is a hoot.
The storyline is good, the action is good, and the wit helps lighten the darkness of murder.
If you like a good M/M romance with a touch of suspense, action, and unusual characters with a great happy ending this is for you.
July 20, 2019
A vigilante hitman, a blind man, and a romantic suspense with comedy
Sometimes books surprise me and Larry Boots, Exterminator did just that in so many great ways. The more I read from this author, the more I’m enchanted by the things that set his books apart. Larry Boots, Exterminator has those quirky, likable characters who I simply need to know more about combined with a sweet, vulnerable romance, some fun humor, and a very unique plotline.
I smiled a ton while reading this book because Larry and Ken were adorable and oh so fun. I loved the way they cared for each other and how that came across in a myriad of ways throughout the book. Though the timeline for their romance was brief, it never felt rushed or lacking in depth. Instead, their building connection and emotions were palpable and kept me engaged in their relationship as well as the suspense portion of the story cover to cover.
Larry Boots, Exterminator boasted one of the more unique plotlines I’ve read in a long while. The way the author was able to balance a good suspense that had my heart in my throat a few times with a heaping dose of humor and banter made this a pleasurable read that I’d easily recommend. If you like books that are different than the norm, this one is definitely worth checking out.
Reviewed by Annie from Alpha Book Club
Sometimes books surprise me and Larry Boots, Exterminator did just that in so many great ways. The more I read from this author, the more I’m enchanted by the things that set his books apart. Larry Boots, Exterminator has those quirky, likable characters who I simply need to know more about combined with a sweet, vulnerable romance, some fun humor, and a very unique plotline.
I smiled a ton while reading this book because Larry and Ken were adorable and oh so fun. I loved the way they cared for each other and how that came across in a myriad of ways throughout the book. Though the timeline for their romance was brief, it never felt rushed or lacking in depth. Instead, their building connection and emotions were palpable and kept me engaged in their relationship as well as the suspense portion of the story cover to cover.
Larry Boots, Exterminator boasted one of the more unique plotlines I’ve read in a long while. The way the author was able to balance a good suspense that had my heart in my throat a few times with a heaping dose of humor and banter made this a pleasurable read that I’d easily recommend. If you like books that are different than the norm, this one is definitely worth checking out.
Reviewed by Annie from Alpha Book Club
June 3, 2019
A Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words Review An Alisa Review:
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
This was an entertaining story. I believe the last book I read by this author was more serious but this one has a playful tone throughout the whole thing, even when Larry is on the job which I appreciated and I think worked perfect for this book.
These two meet by chance but don’t let that stand in their way, especially Larry. I loved their connection from the beginning and even when Kenny finds out the truth about Larry it doesn’t really deter him.
We saw this story through Larry’s eyes which is where the playful tone comes from but he is observant which allows us to read the other characters a bit better. I hated how hesitant Kenny was and how sure that no one would want him long term but I felt Larry did an amazing job of showing him and standing by him even when Kenny tried to push him away.
The cover art by Kanaxa is great, I love the visual of where Larry and Kenny met.
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
This was an entertaining story. I believe the last book I read by this author was more serious but this one has a playful tone throughout the whole thing, even when Larry is on the job which I appreciated and I think worked perfect for this book.
These two meet by chance but don’t let that stand in their way, especially Larry. I loved their connection from the beginning and even when Kenny finds out the truth about Larry it doesn’t really deter him.
We saw this story through Larry’s eyes which is where the playful tone comes from but he is observant which allows us to read the other characters a bit better. I hated how hesitant Kenny was and how sure that no one would want him long term but I felt Larry did an amazing job of showing him and standing by him even when Kenny tried to push him away.
The cover art by Kanaxa is great, I love the visual of where Larry and Kenny met.
Read
November 22, 2020Saccharine, but with sex and murder. Too much page time is spent on Larry's "work", which I think was an effort to justify it and maintain his status as a nice guy. But I just wasn’t interested in that stuff at all. DNF @52%.
March 29, 2021
Well it is mainly my fault because I just read the book description and not under which genre people have classified it. So I was expecting a crime novel about a hitman and a romance with his boyfriend on the side. But it was more romance with some suspense in it. And the romance is mainly sex. There is more of it than in most romance novels I read except for 50 shades of grey. Which is not a bad thing at all but I was just not in the mood for it. So just telling in my review what to expect.
That said, the crime part of the story is pretty mediocre. I guess not so much effort was put into it since it wasn't the main part of the book and so it wasn't really exciting. The relationship part was pretty good. Larry's boyfriend Kenny is a very well created character with all his issues and personality. And it is nice to see how it was developing between them. I am not the target of the sex scenes so I won't comment much on it although I think they were pretty well done. The finale where all the crime and relationship issues come together was a well done chapter.
And in addition I just loved Larry's mother. One of those side characters one really enjoys. I would read a book about her. The book isn't meant to make you cry but I did a little when it came to her gnomes!
That said, the crime part of the story is pretty mediocre. I guess not so much effort was put into it since it wasn't the main part of the book and so it wasn't really exciting. The relationship part was pretty good. Larry's boyfriend Kenny is a very well created character with all his issues and personality. And it is nice to see how it was developing between them. I am not the target of the sex scenes so I won't comment much on it although I think they were pretty well done. The finale where all the crime and relationship issues come together was a well done chapter.
And in addition I just loved Larry's mother. One of those side characters one really enjoys. I would read a book about her. The book isn't meant to make you cry but I did a little when it came to her gnomes!
June 26, 2019
It is no secret that I love stories about fictional assassins – as long as they have a “code” and only kill the bad guys, so Larry Boots and his adventures are right up my alley. He tells the story in first person, and to have him talk about his somewhat sordid life with such irreverence is a true treat. The slow reveal of how Larry sees the world and why he does what he does is really well done, his relationship with Kenny is very touching, and the suspense at the end almost killed me. Fair warning – the mix of humor and contract killing may not be to everyone's taste, but much like most of John Inman's work, I believe it is best taken with a proverbial grain of salt.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
September 19, 2019
A great, quirky read told with a deft touch!
A few niggles that on a sliding scale might bring it to 4.5, but I did enjoy Larry!
Larry, urban vigilante. We find out why and I was expecting resolution but actually the solution he and his mum finally come to is much more realistic.
Kenny, perfect foil for Larry. We find out why Kenny is blind and whilst I was expecting resolution there , again we got the realistic - it happened, I have to live with it now.
The hunted turned hunter at the end was always going to end badly and I did wonder how it would be resolved to keep everyone happy and Larry out of prison! What we got was great!
Entertaining and highly enjoyable
A few niggles that on a sliding scale might bring it to 4.5, but I did enjoy Larry!
Larry, urban vigilante. We find out why and I was expecting resolution but actually the solution he and his mum finally come to is much more realistic.
Kenny, perfect foil for Larry. We find out why Kenny is blind and whilst I was expecting resolution there , again we got the realistic - it happened, I have to live with it now.
The hunted turned hunter at the end was always going to end badly and I did wonder how it would be resolved to keep everyone happy and Larry out of prison! What we got was great!
Entertaining and highly enjoyable
August 24, 2019
The book starts with "Call me Ishamael. nah just kidding ..." and that sets the wryly humorous tone of this romance/thriller offering from Inman. I was a little worried that this would get too "Dexter-ish" for my liking and was greatly relieved the 'nastier' aspect of Larry Boot's 'profession' was not drawn out. Thank goodness the malevolence was confined to the final two chapters, with lots of romantic gesturing between the two MCs beforehand. My favourite character is Larry's mother - who is a total hoot!
August 18, 2019
In this story, the author takes a set of mismatched concepts and characters and layers them over a simple sweet romance. It is this disjoint that provides an opportunity to insert humour and lightness into what would otherwise be quite a heavy and judgemental theme. This is carried out effectively and the reader has little struggle balancing the two sides to the book. To do this of course, it is necessary to suspend judgement on the morality of the acts and to condone them based on righteousness, hence become party to vigilantism. There is a choice here, either empathise with the acts performed or accept that this is fiction and treat it as such.
Characterisation is good and though not the most memorable of the author’s characters, they are well structured and believable. The lead character has the most layers and yet he is the most basically drawn. Secondary characters provide the backdrop to the story and reflect a far wider spectrum of emotions and reactions. Humour and tension are balanced through the interactions within scenes.
There is a natural tension not only between the two aspects of the lead character’s life but also in the acts that he performs. The antagonists are bleakly painted; there is no flexibility here in terms of rationality for their acts. The plot is written such that this has to be made clear before the situation is resolved. Even when there is a subtle hint that there is a motive or justification, the wrongdoer undermines their words and actions.
Descriptions of context matches the mood and as such provides a support to whatever is happening at the time, as such there is nothing that seems out of place. Clearly, the story is constructed around a specific premise and all is handled delicately to allow this to happen.
The relationship between the two leads is unlikely and yet works well. The disability is described well but is as irrelevant to the plot as it is to characters. This provides a secondary theme of the book and is as unusual in its lack of exploration as the morality of the central theme. It seems clear that the author presents disability and extreme vigilantism as points of view. The pivotal point of the story is where these themes collide.
The interactions between the central characters are sweet without being cloying and the relationship is formed without development, as there is a natural affinity between the two. The moments of passion are described well but do not dominate the plot
Given that there are scenes of different natures, the pace of the story follows the needs of the plot. There is a general inertia and the quality of the writing is such that it keeps the reader’s interest and draws them along. The points of highest tension are not drawn out excessively although there are a few twists to stop the reader from second-guessing. Nevertheless, the denouement is quite predictable.
The story is resolved through an epilogue that ties up loose ends quite neatly. That this is done without a backward glance reinforces that this is fiction. The reader is not left to form judgment on what has happened as a line is drawn under what has gone before.
This was a good read which has interesting themes. It is not the strongest of the author’s works but is one of the best offering a darker theme.
This review is also posted at Gay Book Reviews
Characterisation is good and though not the most memorable of the author’s characters, they are well structured and believable. The lead character has the most layers and yet he is the most basically drawn. Secondary characters provide the backdrop to the story and reflect a far wider spectrum of emotions and reactions. Humour and tension are balanced through the interactions within scenes.
There is a natural tension not only between the two aspects of the lead character’s life but also in the acts that he performs. The antagonists are bleakly painted; there is no flexibility here in terms of rationality for their acts. The plot is written such that this has to be made clear before the situation is resolved. Even when there is a subtle hint that there is a motive or justification, the wrongdoer undermines their words and actions.
Descriptions of context matches the mood and as such provides a support to whatever is happening at the time, as such there is nothing that seems out of place. Clearly, the story is constructed around a specific premise and all is handled delicately to allow this to happen.
The relationship between the two leads is unlikely and yet works well. The disability is described well but is as irrelevant to the plot as it is to characters. This provides a secondary theme of the book and is as unusual in its lack of exploration as the morality of the central theme. It seems clear that the author presents disability and extreme vigilantism as points of view. The pivotal point of the story is where these themes collide.
The interactions between the central characters are sweet without being cloying and the relationship is formed without development, as there is a natural affinity between the two. The moments of passion are described well but do not dominate the plot
Given that there are scenes of different natures, the pace of the story follows the needs of the plot. There is a general inertia and the quality of the writing is such that it keeps the reader’s interest and draws them along. The points of highest tension are not drawn out excessively although there are a few twists to stop the reader from second-guessing. Nevertheless, the denouement is quite predictable.
The story is resolved through an epilogue that ties up loose ends quite neatly. That this is done without a backward glance reinforces that this is fiction. The reader is not left to form judgment on what has happened as a line is drawn under what has gone before.
This was a good read which has interesting themes. It is not the strongest of the author’s works but is one of the best offering a darker theme.
This review is also posted at Gay Book Reviews
June 5, 2019
A sweet humorous love story to die for.
Larry Boots, Exterminator is a stand-alone novel with all the humour, plot twists and unique MC’s I’ve come to love in John Inman’s writing. Combining the life of a hit-man with that of a sweet young man who does volunteer work with the newly blind, makes for an unexpectedly delightful read. Throw in a pot smoking, slightly crazy, mother and you have a story that will keep you entertained from the first page.
Larry Boots has been a hired hit-man since an unexpected tragedy turned his life upside down. He is relatively happy with the direction his life has taken, given that he provides closure for victims of heinous crimes. His career is not something he chose but Larry finds it impossible to say no to righting wrongs when the objects of his attention are clearly guilty and utterly lacking in remorse. With weekend visits to his delightfully wacky mother, and a nice nest egg building, the only thing lacking in his life is love. But who on earth would fall in love with a hit-man?
Kenny Long is adapting to his new life after being blinded in a car accident. He lives near the Blind Community Centre where he works helping the newly blind adapt, and his life is on track and satisfying, if somewhat lonely. Eating lunch on a park bench across from the centre Kenny certainly isn’t expecting to find love with the well built stranger who drops out of a tree nearby, smelling of Sea Breeze and onions. Taking a chance will take all Kenny’s courage, and some persistence from the instantly enamoured Larry. How can he resist a gorgeous man in a sweater vest and bow tie with intelligence and a great sense of humour to boot? Hiding his vocation seems Kerry’s only choice, but when love unexpectedly blossoms the truth may be the only way forward.
Despite his occupation Larry was an easy character to like. His career motivation was understandable and I certainly felt no sympathy for his ‘victims’. His relationship with Kenny developed at just the right pace and it was easy to accept that these two men belonged together. Honesty, understanding and trust were vital but it was hard to imagine such a sweet soul as Kenny accepting a hit-man for a long term partner. Kenny needed to accept that Larry didn’t see his disability as a hindrance to living a full and happy life. The journey they took was both funny and frightening. When the hunter became the hunted anything could happen and in order to work towards a HEA they first needed to survive.
Larry Boots, Exterminator was a thoroughly enjoyable read that I’d have no hesitation in recommending.
An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review for Divine Magazine.
Larry Boots, Exterminator is a stand-alone novel with all the humour, plot twists and unique MC’s I’ve come to love in John Inman’s writing. Combining the life of a hit-man with that of a sweet young man who does volunteer work with the newly blind, makes for an unexpectedly delightful read. Throw in a pot smoking, slightly crazy, mother and you have a story that will keep you entertained from the first page.
Larry Boots has been a hired hit-man since an unexpected tragedy turned his life upside down. He is relatively happy with the direction his life has taken, given that he provides closure for victims of heinous crimes. His career is not something he chose but Larry finds it impossible to say no to righting wrongs when the objects of his attention are clearly guilty and utterly lacking in remorse. With weekend visits to his delightfully wacky mother, and a nice nest egg building, the only thing lacking in his life is love. But who on earth would fall in love with a hit-man?
Kenny Long is adapting to his new life after being blinded in a car accident. He lives near the Blind Community Centre where he works helping the newly blind adapt, and his life is on track and satisfying, if somewhat lonely. Eating lunch on a park bench across from the centre Kenny certainly isn’t expecting to find love with the well built stranger who drops out of a tree nearby, smelling of Sea Breeze and onions. Taking a chance will take all Kenny’s courage, and some persistence from the instantly enamoured Larry. How can he resist a gorgeous man in a sweater vest and bow tie with intelligence and a great sense of humour to boot? Hiding his vocation seems Kerry’s only choice, but when love unexpectedly blossoms the truth may be the only way forward.
Despite his occupation Larry was an easy character to like. His career motivation was understandable and I certainly felt no sympathy for his ‘victims’. His relationship with Kenny developed at just the right pace and it was easy to accept that these two men belonged together. Honesty, understanding and trust were vital but it was hard to imagine such a sweet soul as Kenny accepting a hit-man for a long term partner. Kenny needed to accept that Larry didn’t see his disability as a hindrance to living a full and happy life. The journey they took was both funny and frightening. When the hunter became the hunted anything could happen and in order to work towards a HEA they first needed to survive.
Larry Boots, Exterminator was a thoroughly enjoyable read that I’d have no hesitation in recommending.
An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review for Divine Magazine.
June 19, 2019
4.5 STARS
I’m no stranger to a John Inman story, but when I pick up one of his books I expect one of two things. Either something dark and maybe a bit scary like Willow Man or The Hike, or something hilarious and cute like the Belladonna Arms series. Larry Boots, Exterminator gives us a little bit of column A and a little bit of column B.
Larry is a hitman, but not like some type of militarized assassin, it’s just something he kinda fell into organically. After losing his brother to murder, Larry has taken it upon himself to help those who need revenge against killers who have taken their loved ones. He’s been doing this work for six years now, ridding the world of pedophiles, rapists and murderers who have evaded jail time. But even after six years of helping grieving parents get justice, he still cries after taking a life. In fact, Larry is probably the sweetest, most honest hitman I’ve ever come across, and it doesn’t hurt that he has two elderly poodles named Chuck and François.
While Kenny is very much present, and their romance is the focus of this story, for me, it was all about Larry. His internal musings kept me endlessly entertained, and like the rest of this book, his inner chatter was very much a mix of sweet and… well, hitman. The characters, the scenes, they all swung from murder, to adorable, to making me laugh out loud. It really could have ended up a disjointed mess, but Mr. Inman made it all work brilliantly. You never realy knew what the start of a new chapter would bring.
I especially loved the scene at the zoo, Kenny’s almost childlike wonder at getting to hear all of the animals. It was one of those scenes that makes you feel like you’re experiencing something along with the characters. And speaking of characters, Larry’s mother surely needs her own special mention. Gladys Bootchinski, the cocktail slurping, potsmoking, ex-hippie with a penchant for garden gnomes. I love it when authors create a character that you desperately wish was real so you could claim them for your own family.
I’m really glad that I read this book, it was a treat, for sure.
Reviewed for Love Bytes Reviews
http://lovebytesreviews.com/2019/06/0...
I’m no stranger to a John Inman story, but when I pick up one of his books I expect one of two things. Either something dark and maybe a bit scary like Willow Man or The Hike, or something hilarious and cute like the Belladonna Arms series. Larry Boots, Exterminator gives us a little bit of column A and a little bit of column B.
Larry is a hitman, but not like some type of militarized assassin, it’s just something he kinda fell into organically. After losing his brother to murder, Larry has taken it upon himself to help those who need revenge against killers who have taken their loved ones. He’s been doing this work for six years now, ridding the world of pedophiles, rapists and murderers who have evaded jail time. But even after six years of helping grieving parents get justice, he still cries after taking a life. In fact, Larry is probably the sweetest, most honest hitman I’ve ever come across, and it doesn’t hurt that he has two elderly poodles named Chuck and François.
While Kenny is very much present, and their romance is the focus of this story, for me, it was all about Larry. His internal musings kept me endlessly entertained, and like the rest of this book, his inner chatter was very much a mix of sweet and… well, hitman. The characters, the scenes, they all swung from murder, to adorable, to making me laugh out loud. It really could have ended up a disjointed mess, but Mr. Inman made it all work brilliantly. You never realy knew what the start of a new chapter would bring.
I especially loved the scene at the zoo, Kenny’s almost childlike wonder at getting to hear all of the animals. It was one of those scenes that makes you feel like you’re experiencing something along with the characters. And speaking of characters, Larry’s mother surely needs her own special mention. Gladys Bootchinski, the cocktail slurping, potsmoking, ex-hippie with a penchant for garden gnomes. I love it when authors create a character that you desperately wish was real so you could claim them for your own family.
I’m really glad that I read this book, it was a treat, for sure.
Reviewed for Love Bytes Reviews
http://lovebytesreviews.com/2019/06/0...
March 9, 2024
This is actually a well-written, intense, thriller, with a large serving of romance between a hit man and a blind man he meets one day while he's scoping out a hit. I may even have given this five stars except for one thing: there's a graphic description of a little boy hit by a car and how he looked before he died. I can't shake the image or the thought and I'm totally heartbroken for his parents who hired the hit man to do the right thing once he determined he agreed with them. But really, it would have been so much easier to read without the in-depth description. So just be forewarned.
The last one-fourth of the story was a total thriller as the hunter becomes the hunted and all he holds dear, including his mother (who was a hoot!) and his blind lover are in dire jeopardy.
If you love something unique, this is a good book to pick up. Just be aware of the child death scene I mentioned above.
The last one-fourth of the story was a total thriller as the hunter becomes the hunted and all he holds dear, including his mother (who was a hoot!) and his blind lover are in dire jeopardy.
If you love something unique, this is a good book to pick up. Just be aware of the child death scene I mentioned above.
July 4, 2019
Wow! This book worked so beautifully for me. Larry was such a real person, I was mesmerized with his musings, his reluctant falling in love and his dealings with his mother.
Kenny was a wonderful counterpart that quietly stole my heart and forced Larry to reevaluate his career choices and to start living again.
I loved both MCs but the last 30% made me worried when hunter turned into hunted. None the less the ending was done with a bang and left me happy with the way things got resolved.
Highly recommended.
Kenny was a wonderful counterpart that quietly stole my heart and forced Larry to reevaluate his career choices and to start living again.
I loved both MCs but the last 30% made me worried when hunter turned into hunted. None the less the ending was done with a bang and left me happy with the way things got resolved.
Highly recommended.
July 2, 2019
Excellent
I haven’t read all of this author’s books, but every time I finish one, I’m surprised at how well-written each is. I’m wondering when I’ll stop being surprised. This was other excellent piece of work.
I haven’t read all of this author’s books, but every time I finish one, I’m surprised at how well-written each is. I’m wondering when I’ll stop being surprised. This was other excellent piece of work.
September 8, 2019
Brilliant story. Like all of John Inman’s books!
March 3, 2020
okey
June 21, 2020
started strong. the main conflict and situation definitely had me hooked. it was a sweet book
July 11, 2020
Loved it.
I guess I didnt read the blurb properly as I didnt realize Larry was an assassain.
Larry and Kenney were good together and Larry's doper 70 year old mother was a hoot.
I guess I didnt read the blurb properly as I didnt realize Larry was an assassain.
Larry and Kenney were good together and Larry's doper 70 year old mother was a hoot.
Read
June 23, 2023Eh. I didn't like the protagonist. DNF.
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