Ben and Shiloh

5 Hearts Reviewed by Lisa

Each book in The Belladonna Arms collection features a different romantic couple. To enjoy the overall story arc and crossover characters, I would recommend reading the series in sequential order.

I wished that there was an apartment complex like this one with people just like the ones that live at the Belladonna Arms. I love the world that this author created almost as much as I love the characters that are in it. I laughed so hard through some parts that I thought I would need mouth to mouth.

John became a favorite author of mine when the first book in this series came out. I never even really thought that I would find a male author could do that. I have always focus on the quirky funny books that many authors write, but when I came across John’s stories I knew he was going to be one of my favorites with the way he spins a tale. My attention was caught from the moment I started reading and kept it all the way to the end.

Shiloh had thought his boyfriend loved him, till his boyfriend’s new boyfriend kicked him out. Thank god Arthur let him rent an apartment in the building he owned. Everyone there was quirky as hell. The rumor was that those who moved in found true love soon after. Too bad Shiloh never wanted to find love again, but damn was he in for a good surprise.

Ben moved to his uncle’s apartment complex for two reasons. One was he was gay and his family other than his uncle Arthur hated anything gay. The second was he had heard that fifty years ago several thousand dollars had been stolen, and the guy who did it died two days afterwards. The money had never been found, yet for some reason he knew it was there. Then he met Shiloh and it would seem that the number one reason for staying was he was falling in love.

I loved this book and the quirky, funny characters in it. I sure hope that the author has plans for many more in this series, because they are a big hit for me. They gave me everything I could ask for in a story. I had so much fun reading it and would definitely recommend it.

Reviewed by Meredith for Diverse Reader

I fell in love with John Inman's Belladonna Arms Series the second I read the first book. With each passing book I simply fall deeper and deeper.


When we are first introduced to Shiloh he's absolutely the perfect fit for the Belladonna Arms. I knew he'd find what he was so desperately searching for. Why? Because anyone who lives there not only finds their lost something but they also find so much more... Even if they didn't think they needed it to begin with.


Now, if you've followed this series you are well aware of Arthur. He's the landlord and he's also a drag queen with a heart of gold. Well, here we have Ben Moss who happens to be Arthur's nephew. Ben is on a treasure hunt and I'll say that I so much loved this!


I was chuckling when Ben found a huge treasure in the form of a ginger headed, kilt wearing Shiloh! A KILT! A GINGER! I know, I died a little. I'd have chased him down like a dog in heat. *whispers* that's Shiloh on the cover.


Of course Shiloh is guarded but when they work together to find the treasure it heats up. Naturally, all the tenants get in on it because that's really what this series is about. Not just whoever the MC's are but the ensemble and the most important character of them all... The Belladonna Arms herself.


This book, like all the others, is a beautiful, complex, wildly entertaining story. You'll laugh, cry, and cheer everyone on.

I loved this book. It read so fast and easy, it was a joy to read. His descriptions are so visual, I really do see what he is writing. Also, I love that Shiloh’s (esp him, but not exclusive) dialogue contains the made up words we use nowadays when we talk. I love all the words ending in ass.
Best description is the gold lame, but Arthur’s reception outfit and dance were a close second. The secondary characters were interesting and likable. I appreciate that with the number of them, it is sometimes difficult to remember but the author included tidbits about them whenever they were in the scene.
Oh, and kilts and Shiloh and Ben – just all of it was so great!!
I would rate this 4 out of 4 stars easily! Totally would recommend this book.