Desperate times call for desperate measures in Byrnes's dialogue-driven, tepidly humorous sophomore novel about a broke, destitute young man insinuating himself into gay Manhattan's version of high society. Resilient, late-30-something Queens actor Brett Revere finds himself in conundrums. The only audition he can get is for a campy gay theatrical version of Annie
(called Andy
); he needs to evict creepy roommate Quentin; and his temp agency drops him. Desperate, Brett hatches "Operation Hamptons," a plan to bilk older gay men out of their money by pretending to be a "trust fund baby," just like new friend Jamie Brock, a manipulative hustler and former L.A. decorator who hangs out at the Penthouse, a bar catering to the upper-crust gay set. Money isn't a problem after Quentin's new credit card arrives in the mail, but Jamie turns off the charm when he learns Brett's true social status. Brett tags along with Michael DeVries, a gentleman from the club, but still harbors blind love for Jamie, who continues to deceive him. Though Byrnes relates some hard truths about the often unsavory lives of the well-moneyed, none of his characters are particularly likable. Readers wanting more than long chapters of dialogue and a few cheap laughs might want to search out Byrnes's first novel, The Night We Met
, instead of this facile, featherweight beach read. Agent, Katherine Faussett.
(June)
