Review: No superlatives to describe this two-part love story-- the novel is that GOOD!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 07 11, 2014
Naked Hero is a novel in two books: The Journey Away and The Journey Home. The author considers each a stand-alone book, but the author suggests you read them in sequence. I searched for superlatives to described Brighton’s two-part story but came up short— the novel is that good! Here, I reviewed the two books as one. (See the review for Book 1.)Louis Macleod is a handsome, sexy, strapping Scottish athlete, his right shoulder and arm inked with a tattoo. A rising star on the professional tennis circuit, he is openly gay, preferring tall, muscular men.THE BACKSTORY:  Louis Macleod’s father introduces his young son to tennis to escape an unhappy home and to spend quality time with the boy. At the age of twelve, Louis’ father dies in an automobile accident, leaving Louis devastated and angry. Lacking emotional support from his mother, Louis turns to tennis; he wants to be a Wimbledon Champion to make his father proud and to prove his worth to the man Louis comes to view as the “perfect man.”THE PRESENT:  Now eighteen, Louis wins the Wimbledon title. A TV interviewer asks if the win makes the day perfect for the new champion. Louis shocks the interviewer and the TV audience saying the perfect day happens when his perfect man sits in the supporter’s box when he wins. (Louis’ concept of his perfect man, ill-defined in the beginning, is a man who motivates him to excel on the tennis court and who loves him in private.) Louis loses the first round defending his title the following year. Eighteen months later in a tournament in Sydney Australia, Louis falls to the player he should have beaten, caused by a change in playing time and a night of alcohol and anonymous sex. Tabloid headlines the next day screams: “MY NIGHT OF STEAMY SEX WITH WIMBLEDON CHAMP!”THE PLOT:  The novel centers on three men who might be candidates as Louis’ perfect man. The first candidate is the American Scott Taylor, a retired Wimbledon champion and #1 in men’s tennis. Second is the Englishman Lee Porter, a financial wizard and owner of a website offering men4hire, including him. Third is Gavin Stang, a dour Scotsman and minor actor. Each meet Louis’ preferences in men, but which one qualifies as motivator and lover? Brighton explores the question following Louis’ struggles on the tennis circuit and his conundrums in his personal life. (Scott and Lee appear in Book 1, Gavin and Lee in Book 2.)To enhance the compelling narrative, Brighton offers a cast of engaging, supportive characters.1) Jim and Fiona Murdock, Louis’ surrogate parents. Jim is Louis’ coach.2) Chantal Duboir, women’s tennis champion, and her lover, Marie Clement, a successful author; both close friends of Louis.3) Davy Wallace, Gavin’s foster brother, and Ewan Ferrell, an artist and Davy’s lover.4) Margaret Wallace, Davy’s ailing mother, Gavin’s foster mother, and an ardent fan of Scotland’s hero, Louis Macleod.5) Jilly McPhee, Gavin’s deceitful, avaricious agent.My favorites are Marie Clement, Jilly McPhee, and Margaret Wallace. Marie is beautiful, witty and wants Louis to have his perfect man, analyzing which man is best for her friend. Jilly has no redeeming qualities and is willing to sacrifice everything or anyone for money. Even as she faces death, Margaret loves her “wee boys” and wants to leave this life knowing they are happy. My favorite scene is Margaret meeting Scotland’s hero, Louis, and them talking about Gavin. (Sorry, I cannot divulge the conversation.)The novel is fine-tuned and expertly plotted. Brighton’s skill as a writer comes through the prose and dialogue, sentence syntax, and vocabulary—well done. You will smile, frown, and sometimes, want to swear. You may even wipe a tear.Although a male/male romance, graphic gay sex scenes are absent, making the story more engaging.The lengthy review tells you I found the books exceptional, and I am sure you will too. Be sure to read Book 1 first, it’ll make the whole a better experience. The two-part novel rates a five-star recommendation!