Review: Review: Book Fair by Michael Murphy
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 04 24, 2013
Title: Book FairAuthor: Michael MurphyCover Artist: Adrian NicholasPublisher: DreamspinnerReviewer: LynnGenre: ContemporaryType: RomancePairing: GayLength: NovelHeat Rating: ♨♨♨Rating:★★★★☆Blurb:Jacob's time working a booth for a gay lit publisher at a huge New York City book convention isn't turning out like he hoped. One of the publisher's boxes goes missing, and when he finds it, the box is wrapped up in union red tape. Then he gets into a nasty debate with Toni, a hunk Jacob would rather stare at than argue with.Maybe his first day at the book fair couldn't get worse, but it certainly gets weirder when, after an hour-long snarling match, Toni offers Jacob a ride to his hotel. Jacob accepts, but his day does not improve--the ride is nothing but awkward silence.Over the rest of the week, Jacob's life disintegrates, and Toni's repeated offers to drive him to his hotel become bright spots. Silence turns to civility turns to friendship, and though Jacob hopes for more, work keeps the two of them from spending much time together. Finally Jacob is free of obligations--but suddenly he can't find Toni anywhere, and Jacob's time in New York is coming to a close.Review:Attending a gay lit publishing event in New York, Jacob finds himself short of a much needed box and patience. After a rude venue employee makes him wait for his box, Jacob walks the dark streets on New York back to his hotel alone. A truck pulls over to offer a lift, only to reveal the rude employee. Hesitant upon accepting the ride, Jacob can't help but find Toni trust worthy and attractive. The Italian, set out to erase a bad first impression not only offers a ride the second day as well, but a free meal cooked by his mother.Toni's mother stole the show for me. Her sharp tongue and large heart made me want to hug her. Pushing the couple to get to know one another, Ma sets the scene for romance and acceptance.I loved that Jacob and Toni started a friendship that didn't lead to an instant bed hop. We got to know a lot about who Toni was as a person. He's there every step to aide Jacob in his job woes. Because we got to know Toni so well, I was completely thrown when a certain issue appeared. It was hard to believe he was a doctor let alone abused by a former partner. For me, this kinda too away from the storyline. The story was a solid 5 stars before those issues arose. My only other complaint was the over usage of exclamation marks. Michael Murphy is a talented writer; he could have easily deleted the exclamation marks and pulled that emotion from the reader.Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I think Michael Murphy is an author to watch. His story telling skills are excellent. I can't wait to see more from him. I would recommend this book to anyone who is in mood to laugh, love, or is missing their mama.