Review: Funny, sweet, smart, with crisp writing...
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 05 18, 2014
The subtitle of this book could be called “Cardigan Guy and The Running Man”, but that would be selling things short. Mason is a librarian and Shane is a marathoner. Already intrigued? So was I.This is an excellently written example of first person point of view, that being Mason’s. From the start, I liked his voice, very confident ,and yet he had his shy moments. Humor is a well-used implement in his repertoire , but so are caring, understanding and taking responsibility for all choices, including those we all make that aren’t exactly the best. ;)The dialogue is quick and real, honest. I believed the words he and Shane spoke, as well as those of Mason’s best friend Twyla and his Granny  - wait’ll you get a load of her!“The Running Man is a movie? I thought I was being original.”“I’ve been calling you The Cardigan Guy. I like Mason better.”“Me too.”The descriptions are smart, fresh and fun. I chuckled aloud more than once. I could picture Gran’s apartment, the boxing gym, Laurelhurst Park, and that reference desk at the library. Also, book kink. ;)The writing is crisp, smooth, no awkward breaks in or at ends of scenes. Everything flowed and felt right, no herky jerky transitions.I like Mason, I like Shane, and I really like Mason and Shane together. There’s no grand story here, nor is there a lot of angst between them, just the usual small stumbles as they each get to know each other, which they do rather well. They both take a hold of how happy they make each other feel and don’t let go, making each other a priority.Have I mentioned the heat yet? No? Because this is hot. And sweet. And fun. We’re talking about two regular guys who each feel that the other is exactly what they want. It feels right.This writer knows Oregon, knows these characters, knows their tendencies and allows them to get to know each other by sharing all of that. Really, on the Oregon front, he’s spot on. I chuckled at that, too.Have I mentioned the humor? Yeah? Well, I’m mentioning it again. It’s there in spades, from all of the characters, both in their descriptions and by their own words. They are all undoubtedly unique in this family they’ve created and I enjoyed them all. Well, except Ten Inch Guy, he can take a hike.A warning about language: there are some terms used by the main characters that could offend a few, some or all people. It's unapologetic and mostly used in conversations between friends or family members. There's really no holding back in that department a few times in this story.The ending is a little rushed and we don't get a lot of Mason and Shane once they're further into their relationship. But it's ok, this story is about letting us get to know them as they first get to know each other.It’s encouraging, rewarding and exciting to experience very obvious talent from a relatively new author. I am going to be reading more of his work. Nick Pageant is a writer to watch, everyone, and I am wholeheartedly recommending this book. :DThis review originally appeared on Prism Book Alliance