Arsenic and Rio
DJ ManlyContemporary erotic romance
Available from Extasy Books
ISBN: 978-1-55487-089-9
August 2008
| Marshall doesn't believe in love. As if growing up in a dysfunctional family wasn't bad enough, he's become quite skilled at working the streets. Any hopes for a normal life looked bleak after placement in a detention center and meeting Hal. Marshall may be mixed-up, but Hal's a sociopath with an agenda, and this time around, Hal's using Marshall to further it. Hal assures Marshall the plan's simple, seduce your way into the coffee plantation owner's bed, his heart, and his will. The plan's thrown awry though, when Marshall has reservations about completing it. Marshall doesn't want to kill the man he loves, but Hal's manipulation and abuse are ready to convince him otherwise.
Arsenic and Rio was an astonishing read. With a plot so intriguing, that although the book's nearly 400 pages long, once I started it, I couldn't put it down. Angelo and Marshall cornered my attention and held me captive. While I felt for Marshall on a more personal level, Angelo stole my heart. His rationale despite his want, hit too close to home, as I found myself continually comparing him to my spouse. A man, who despite desires or pain endured, will always make the most logical decisions. The supporting characters were well written and realistic, with every emotion perfectly displayed. I felt as if I could see them beside me, as if I could reach out and touch them, as if I knew them. I don't think I've read a truer story of the heart in years. D.J. Manly captures people at their best and their worst, yet chooses to explore the motives, bringing them to life. Yes, there's plenty of man love in Arsenic and Rio, yet tastefully portrayed in love, which made it all the more beautiful. After reading this, I've come to one conclusion...I believe Manly is one of the few authors I've read that is truly gifted in writing the human heart.
Overall rating:
Reviewer: Bryl Tyne |
