Once again I'm glad I didn't look too closely at the average rating on Goodreads because I probably wouldn't have purchased this and I REALLY enjoyed this book! I love first-person and this one had pretty much everything - some mystery and suspense, romance and a lot of humor. I snickered to myself the whole way through because Mark was so hilarious! He had the best intentions but unfortunately didn't execute them very well. Plus he was a little bit of a goofball. Lots of fun!!! Serious but humorousI can't remember having read many stories that feature bad break ups in all their glory. This one does and it does it very well and in a way that is authentic. It isn't angsty either but has a humorous tone although the issues dealt with are serious.Mark discovers his boyfriend is a louse. The louse lies, cheats and steals. Mark confronts him in a way that is public, but illegal, but also comical and so the story begins. What follows is a journey through a bad break up to a new authentic relationship, a relationship with someone who has been waiting on the sidelines for Mark for some time. Tony the town cop has loved Mark for ages but done nothing about it (buffoon). Mark has never known about Tony's love for him and although he really liked Tony he always felt Tony didn't want him so Mark ends up with the lying, cheating, thieving Jamie (the louse). Of course Jamie wasn't always a louse but as Mark discovers people are like onions with many layers and sometimes these layers conceal deeply hidden lousiness and a myriad of other creepy crawlies. It also appears that Mark is the last to recognise that Jamie is a louse and that Tony has feelings for Mark. Everyone else seems to know but no one cared to inform Mark. Ignorance is only bliss to a certain extent. Ah well you live and you learn.I liked this story because it has a cast of unlikely characters and it has a witty dialogue. Mark is deeply trusting, very hurt, but totally clueless and unthinking when it comes to the break up. He takes matters into his own hands and let's his emotions take charge and he gets into and out of all kinds of scapes and skirmishes. Mark kind of unravels but Tony is there solid and steady with good advice and practical help. Alas it is the kind of droning sensible help that Mark needs but at the same time embarrasses him because it shows Mark that his actions are not really wise actions. Also everything is played out on the stage of small home town life where life's dramas become entertainment for everyone else (cringe).So there is this big break up, anger, violence, and pain but in the midst of this is realisation, family support and new love and kindness all delivered in a snarky, comical tone. It is a quirky story with some serious issues that are dealt with in a lively and sometimes humorous way. As Mark weaves his unsteady way through the mess, confusion and loss he eventually manages to recognise the way home and find the way home. Home is Tony.I am so pleased this is part of a series. It was quite lively and an enjoyable despite the fact it dealt with a crooked boyfriend. I liked the way Tony became a hero even though he appeared to be a bit droning and stiff. At the very end true love wins and that is what it is all about!! I am now looking forward to meeting the other men of Smithfield. I hope they will be just as entertaining.
What do You think about Mark And Tony (2012)?
Mark and Tony (suprise!)I like this author and I like this theme. Can't go wrong!
—Crow
This was a solid, funny read. I would definitely recommend it!
—Embrew
Good read, held my interest. Will read more of this series
—shauni
That's some crazy breakup and make up story.
—Marianne
