Location: United States
Member Since: Feb. 27, 2019

TanyaG123

Smashwords book reviews by TanyaG123

  • Acquaintance on Feb. 27, 2019

    to be honest, it took me some time to get into this book, after the very enticing beginning – which sets the atmosphere and tone for the time period perfectly— it seemed to sink into a period of ‘setup’ and even backstory as we get to understand the characters better and get to know their day-to-day lives – I do appreciate thorough world-building, especially in a historical fiction where the setting is just as important as the story is, but I still wish there would have been more of a dramatic ‘hook’ or inciting incident sooner to really grab our attention. But then the more I read the more I got into it, and then by halfway I was hooked. The author Jeff Stookey is really good at creating some complex, unforgettable characters and bringing the ‘past’ to life in a way where we feel like we really know Carl and Jimmy, we can feel the chemistry, the tension, the fear and uncertainty, and the emotional connection they share, like we are going through their relationship with them in real time. I was so curious to see how it would all work out, but it did…. in a way. I loved the ending, even if not the ‘ultimate happily ever after’ one would hope for at least we know it’s not the end of both Carl’s and Jimmy’s stories, as we will see both of them in the next books as well (yay!).
  • Chicago Blues on Feb. 27, 2019

    4.5 stars what?! I’m not crying. You’re crying. *sniff*. Okay that was amazing. “Chicago Blues” by Jeff Stookey was an excellent continuation of the “Medicine for the Blues” trilogy and captured my heart from the beginning, pulled me in, and never once let go. Jimmy’s story is one that takes some scandalous, and shocking twists like something out of a movie. So descriptive it’s like I was there in Pluto’s Lair transfixed by Jimmy’s piano playing and Erica DeChez’s erotic flamboyance. It is so interesting to see the different sides of people revealed, and different ways of exploring, expressing, and even exploiting their sexuality. Even when changing perspectives – normally it was in Jimmy’s, but occasionally switched to others as well – it all flowed smoothly from one scene/character to the next… and I also LOVED that it is set during the 20’s because we see just how different things are (and also how they are still the same)… Adult situations, drugs and violence so best suited 18+. A powerful story with an ending that will have your jaw on the floor.
  • Dangerous Medicine on Feb. 27, 2019

    this book… this entire trilogy by Jeff Stookey was incredible. I finished book 3, “Dangerous Medicine” a few weeks ago and am still digesting it. I can honestly say that I’ve never read something that so boldly explores not just one or two edgy themes/subjects, but several and done in a smooth, organic way that never felt contrived or convoluted. Reading book 1 “Acquaintance” I did like it, but I think it’s only after finishing this last one can I truly appreciate the scope of what Stookey accomplished here –not only is it entertaining, but also educational and so enlightening to see the many ways society was in the 20’s, from the lens of a gay man (whose sexuality is hidden mostly) -- one in a respected position to see firsthand the attitudes of the “Invisible Empire” (the KKK) to show us who they are and what they did in many insidious ways – abuse, intimidation, even rape and worse. It seems so odd to have to imagine two gay men married to two gay women so that they are safe from societies’ wrath…politically and religiously, and in that regard, it is nice to see how much better this has gotten in terms of acceptance and respect. Stookey was brilliant in his execution, starting with us seeing Carl’s life from when Jimmy left, and then smoothly transitioning to his return – like we didn’t miss a beat. Like the others, this does have some intense action along with the literary storyline – I was a little disappointed in reaching the end (I wanted more!), although the epilogue and the note were wonderful. I really hope this isn’t the last we’ve seen of Jeff Stookey and he writes many more novels to come! Highly recommend.