cover image Larry Boots, Exterminator

Larry Boots, Exterminator

John Inman. Dreamspinner, $14.99 trade paper (200p) ISBN 978-1-64405-225-9

In this fun but disjointed romantic thriller, a hitman’s routine is disrupted by a new relationship, which inspires him to question his murderous motivations. Larry Boots specializes in dealing out justice as a last resort, only taking cases where he believes the target deserves to die. It’s an ugly business, but he considers it a public service: “No one else would do it, so it had to be me.” On a job-related stakeout, he meets Kenny, whose blindness proves no obstacle to mutual attraction followed by passionate sex and an intense emotional connection. When Larry’s next assignment threatens their chance at lasting love, he’ll have to make a difficult choice. Inman (A Party to Murder) imbues Larry with an engagingly wry, snarky voice, though the story’s shifts among tongue-in-cheek humor, syrup-sweet romance, sizzling sex, and gritty violence leads to tonal whiplash. Those looking for a satisfying love story with both an erotic component and an adrenaline rush won’t be disappointed. (June)