Standup comedian and television writer Smith, who published the Lambda Award–winning memoir Openly Bob
in 1997, throws his hat into the gay fiction ring with this absorbing, funny and smoldering romantic comedy. Nelson Kunker, a miserably single, mid-30s unproductive novelist and Hollywood script coordinator for late night TV's Aftertaste
, is burning out: endless cat-fighting at work, a boss from hell and the nagging notion that he's either “really talented or just gay.” Safeguarded by best friend Wendy (a “gigantic” lesbian), Nelson's love life finally gets a boost after a chance meeting with burly Alaskan salmon fisherman–cum–student archeologist Roy Briggs, cousin to Aftertaste
's star performer Joe Benedetti. The two are immediately smitten, but Nelson gets fired for smoking marijuana with sexually ambiguous guest star Dylan Fabizak, on parole and postrehab after a drug arrest. Cut to Nelson, Roy and Dylan at Roy's home in Coffee Point, Alaska, with all the sex, danger, salmon fishing lore and sarcastic dialogue one reader could want, and an appearance from mother-hen Wendy to sort it all out. Pithy zingers (and a fair share of apparently intentional groaners), a chatty gang of likable characters, a simple yet sexy plot line and camera-ready prose combine with panache in this immensely entertaining story. (Sept.)
