Dilly and Boz

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. (Nov.)