Review: Engaging plot and characters
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 06 6, 2014
Please read my full review on the Smoocher's Voice blog.Sir Walter Scott wrote, “Oh what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive!” That phrase seems an appropriate comment for the characters in EM Lynley’s novel Out of the Gate. In this novel, the characters intentionally and unintentionally practice deception.Lynley has taken a relatively straightforward plot and melded it with interesting characters and a few simple plot twists to keep readers engaged and wanting more. Lynley does a great job of developing the characters through description and dialogue, both internal and external.Wesley, Julia, Lance, Vanessa and Brent are actors on a hit television series. When readers first meet them, the group is at a horse track. Brent, who is friends with horse trainer Evan Taylor, is the only one familiar with horse racing. Despite being novices, the group has fun betting on the horses and decides to purchase a race horse.Out of the gate, these characters seem a bit superficial and spoiled. They seem to like to have a good time, drink too much and attract attention. Upon first glance, they are not very responsible. But there is something different about Wes that makes him stand out from the group.Wes seems a bit more down to earth, and readers find out quickly that he is hiding a secret. His romantic relationship with Julia is a carefully orchestrated faade that they both entered into to help their careers. They are not just putting on an act for the public, but also for their fellow actors. Although both Wes and Julia appear to be carefree, happy and in like with each other, appearances can be deceiving.Going along with the theme of appearances being deceiving, the readers are introduced to horse trainer Evan Taylor and his jet setting boyfriend Gary. Without giving away too much of the plot, let’s just say, they have some serious problems. One issue that is apparent from the beginning is that Gary seems to have no respect for Evan. There is more to it than that though. Gary is abusive and a user who does not seem to be concerned about Evan’s wellbeing. Gary’s betrayal is dramatic and violent.Lynley does a great job developing this story and characters.  Aside from Wes and Evan though, the rest of the characters are not very developed or likeable. It is interesting how Lynley uses the superficiality of the other characters to enhance the personalities of Wes and Evan. Of course, that aspect does make the reader more engaged in wanting the two men to find peace of mind together, especially when readers find out what is behind Evan’s behaviors. Overall this was a well written and engaging story.