Beautiful Boy by Anne Cain is a combination of a series of intertwining short stories.

Dean awakens from a very erotic dream where his sexy ex-boyfriend, Steven, plays front and center. Unfortunately, Steven isn't the type to stay faithful, as Dean found out the day they broke up. Dean had known about Steven's playboy past, but that didn't make the unavoidable any easier. Dean goes to his brother Neil to commiserate about their latest fight over the vacation him and Steven were to take together. Dean finds Neil in the same rut as always, so he tells a co-worker of Neil's, Carol, about his upcoming birthday. Neil can't talk Dean out of going on vacation even though he knows that Steven will make his life miserable. Carol sets up a surprise birthday party with everything a guy could want, including a gay stripper! Dean finds himself stranded on an island courtesy of Steven, but not known to either, Dean isn't alone. This may just be the experience that Dean needs. Neil finds himself at the party that he never wanted, but his birthday isn't over. Come read this story about friends, love, and the ups and downs of life.

Ms. Cain has written a loving and fun filled story about the lives and loves of a few interesting and average men. It was interesting how Neil's life was set around his horoscope and he took to heart the belief in bad luck until he found someone to believe in. I loved how Dean and Neil interacted as typical brothers sniping at each other, but in the end trying to help each other find their way to happiness. Steven is one character that the reader will love to hate, his beauty is only overshadowed by his conceit. Thanks go to Ms. Cain for a fun read.

Reviewed by: Teresa