Paulie

John Inman makes me laugh. I would read his books anyway, because they are always good stories, but the fact that some of them have made me laugh so hard I spit water doesn't hurt. When I read the description for 'Paulie' I thought it was going to be one of those kind of adventures, and to a degree it was. I was pleasantly surprised to discover there was a lot more depth and emotion in this book than I had been expecting and that simply ratcheted my enjoyment up a little higher.
It was gratifying to see that even though Paulie was raised very wealthy and inherited everything a year ago when his beloved grandmother died, he wasn't spoiled. His grandmother made him do yard work growing up for spending money and he drives a functional, not even new, vehicle. What a relief. If he'd been a snobby jerk I might not have lasted through it. I was in total agreement with Paulie being a little snooty in that he hired a houseboy for the two weeks that his five guests were staying. If I could, I'd totally hire one every time my mother comes to visit, so I thought Paulie had the right idea.
Paulie, Jamie, Trevor, and Ben were the best of friends all through college. Their final year, Paulie roomed with Ben in an off-campus apartment, while Jamie and Trevor shared a place in the same building. Jamie and Trevor did the on-again, off-again relationship which was decidedly on at graduation but ended three months after. Jamie and Trevor are the first to arrive with their respective partners. Unfortunately for those two young men, it would appear that Jamie and Trevor have re-discovered their friendship and maybe more as they're flirting outrageously with each other while ignoring their dates. Oh, this will be a fun two weeks, huh?
Ben is a whole different kettle of fish. The only straight guy in the group, son of a Methodist minister, and Paulie's secret crush through college which culminated in a drunken one-off the night before graduation. I had to kind of wonder though when Paulie mentioned how often Ben wandered around their apartment naked. I've had roommates of the male persuasion and I've never walked around naked. Hmm. They haven't spoken since that night, so Paulie was surprised when Ben accepted his invitation via mail, and a little shocked when Ben told him he was driving in from Omaha.
This was probably the most interesting two week vacation I've ever heard of. The obvious does happen where Ben admits his true feelings and the way the author handled it was well done. Paulie and Ben deserved to be together and get their happy ever after, although if I'd been Ben I might have slapped Paulie for constantly interrupting. Just sayin'. The other five members of the house party (yes, I'm including the houseboy) swapped partners around until they were satisfied, managed to drink an ungodly amount of alcohol every day, all day long, while hanging at the pool, clothing optional.
This was a fun and surprisingly gentle story and I enjoyed it. The writing was good, the characters were strong, the antics were funny, and the love story was sweet. Just what I needed to read. Thank you, John!
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.