Dilly and Boz

September 23, 2019
The sweet potential of this dorky, gay meet-cute romance from Inman (Larry Boots, Exterminator) is dampened by a violent, one-note antagonist. Socially anxious Bosley “Boz” Maurice Jenkins has a massive crush on the clumsy man who lives across the grimy San Diego street from him: Dilbert “Dilly” Allan Jones. Finally working up the courage to approach Dilly, Boz visits the record store where Dilly works, and the elderly pothead owner gives the two the push they need to start a relationship. But Boz’s unhinged, meth-addicted ex, Bobby Mayfield, isn’t happy about this development and refuses to leave the new couple alone. The disturbing chapters from Bobby’s perspective, which focus on his stalking of Boz and his racist abuse, rape, and eventual murder of his new partner, are tonally jarring and largely disconnected from the love story. Though the awkward relationship between Dilly and Boz is genuine, Inman leaves little room to explore their growth amid the melodrama. Readers expecting a romance will be put-off by the graphic violence.

November 1, 2019

Dilly (Dilbert Allan Jones) and Boz (Bosley Maurice Jenkins) are both broke, clumsy, and pet owners. When they meet there's an instant connection. However, Dilly is used to being alone and finds it hard to trust in others. Boz has a dangerous ex-boyfriend who isn't over him. As they spend more time together, the ex is watching, and soon they may need to worry more about their lives than their relationship. On occasion the descriptions verge on purple prose, and passages on love come across as didactic. Additionally, this may not be a good fit for readers who are sensitive to scenes of domestic violence, murder, rape, drug abuse, stalking, or racial and homophobic slurs. VERDICT This latest from Inman ("Belladonna Arms" series) could fit the bill for readers looking for contemporary romance that edges into thriller territory, though some may sense a touch of too much instalove.--Sydney Ashby, Metropolitan Lib. Syst., Oklahoma City

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