Author, Author by Will Forrest

What happens when you meet the hero of your life story in person? Harlan's book changed Ben's life and when they meet Ben can't help but feel a little her worship and entirely out of his depth.  But Harlan pursues a work and personal relationship with Ben and he can't resist.


From the Author, Author blurb:

Harlan Evans saved Ben’s life, long before they met. Meeting him was more than Ben could hope for, and it might be about to ruin everything.

Ben Quirke became a writer after reading No Man’s Land, Harlan’s controversial novel, written when he was only twenty and Ben was little more than a boy. When Ben meets the now-famous writer, the last thing he expects is for Harlan to give him more than a minute of his time. Never mind ask him to dinner.
A chance encounter, and a chance of a lifetime, for Harlan holds the rights to a book too hot to publish. Too hot for anyone, that is, except Ben and his pulp shop Baron Press. But the burly heroes and green-skinned girls of the dime-store book rack are light years away from Harlan’s uptown life of martinis and bebop. And when Harlan’s interest in him crosses into dangerous territory, how long can Ben stay afloat on the churning seas of sleaze? Or will the business he built from nothing be the thing that breaks his heart?

A queer midcentury romance about loss, legacy, and the inalienable right to read dirty books.


SNik's review:

Standalone. Historical (1950’s). Single POV (primarily). 

A chance meeting with the author that changed his life, Ben realizes he’s out of his depth and already slightly enamored with Harlan, especially as he gets to know him better. When Harlan wants Ben’s help publishing a book that may get them both into hot water with the censors of the time, Ben feels himself swept along into Harlan’s goals and into their mutual attraction. 

This was an interesting story, and although single POV always leaves questions about the other character’s motivations, this narrating lends itself to Ben’s questioning of the relationship, his feelings of being unequal to Harlan and continued self doubts. I enjoyed the writing, the characters, the supportive secondary characters, and the constant effort Harlan made in trying to truly win Ben’s affections. An unusual time period to read about and a story that I really enjoyed.

Author, Author is currently available as an e-book and paperback