The Night We Met

by Rob Byrnes

Book Overview

Bob Byrne's wickedly funny debut is a thoroughly contemporary and completely off-the-wall variation on classic screwball comedy: Boy gets gorgeous Mafia boyfriend, boy loses Mafia boyfriend and nearly gets whacked by most of New York, boy gets Mafia boyfriend back - and gets more than he bargained for.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0758201931
• ISBN13: 9780758201935
• Release Date: January 2002
• Publisher: Kensington Publishing Corporation
• Length: 320 Pages
• Weight: 1.30 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.4" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

Finally: Good Fun Gay Fiction

I've been waiting a long time for a book like this: well-written, fun, unapologetically gay fiction. I can't recommend it highly enough. Byrnes has created a batch of well-developed characters (even the stereotypical "Mafia Princess" leaps off the page) and set them loose in New York City with wonderfully manic results. Part of my wants a sequel; the other part of me wants to leave this romantic comedy just as it is. And all of me wants another novel from Rob Byrnes.

Hysterical, Witty, and.. hey!

First off, I never give "just for fun" books five stars. This one deserved it, so there's the beginning of just how wonderful this book was.Picture a book editor, Andrew, recently (and not willingly) single and gay, whose ex just picked up something younger and cuter. Andrew's first two books are on the bargain bin, he's feeling pretty down, and then at an opening party for a new gay bar, he meets the man of his dreams, the man who could just maybe be, Mr. Right.If Mr. Right was a quasi-heterosexual son of one of the worst Mafia Capo bosses in the city. Oops.I cried I laughed so hard. This book isn't just funny, it's witty, and that's a style in short demand. The bon-mots are fabulous, the plot is so completely outrageous that it has a Evanovich-esque slaptstick to it that just totally leaves you gasping for air between guffaws. And beyond it all, there's Andrew, hopeless (and hopeful) romantic, dodging thugs, police, FBI, his best friends, and once or twice having nookie that will curl your toes.Phenom. If Byrnes has more, I'm buying it today. If he doesn't, I hope he writes quickly - these are in no way heading the bargin bin, folks.'Nathan

The man mother warned you about

Andrew Westlake, middle management at a small publishing house, author of a book on coming out that did not sell, recently dumped by the boring yet handsome accountant he was dating does not feel life is going well. He sets out with his friends, in drag for the first time, to the opening of a hot new club. While there, he meets Frank, the owner of the club, handsome charming, attacted to Andrew. the problem seems to be that Hank is straight and think Andrew is a woman. While not a great start to any relationship things get cleared up and go downhill as Andrew finds out that Frank is also the son of the number two man in one of the top mob families in NYC. One that is currently engaged in a war with the other families. Now, aside from dealing with the ramifications of possibly getting Frank killed if the news of their relationship gets out Andrew is also being followed by the police, the FBI, and some shadowy figures that look like bad casting for the Sopranoes. This book was a step up from most of the light gay reading novels out there. It was enjoyable, had a bit of suspence and had you the reader both wishing Andrew would wise up and end the situation while at the same time secretly hoping things worked out with nobody getting "wacked"A worthwile book and one that you will probably recomend to friends.

What a wonderful Book!

I am a fast reader and I finished this book in about 7 hours.I just couldn't put this book down. I love how Rob Byrnes made me feel for both Andrew and Frank. They are a couple that had so many problems and It was heartbreaking to read about each road block in their relationship. The author tied every plot device together without forgetting about detail. This Is a great book and I can't wait to read more from Rob Byrnes.

I'm Glad We Met

Not since I read the Tales of the City series by Armistead Maupin has a work of gay fiction brought me the entertainment that The Night We Met by Rob Byrnes did. His vivid characters jumped out of the book and for a short time became part of the world around me. The storyline was outlandish, but not unbelievable. The setting of this book is in New York City and the main character, Andrew, is an author and works for a publishing company. His boss talks him into going to the grand opening of a new gay bar that is having an exclusive party on Halloween dressed in drag. While searching for the bathroom, Andrew stumbles upon the back office of the bar where he meets Frank, the son of the underboss of the New York Mafia. They share a dance in the hallway back to the bar and then we are off to the races. Although I have never dated or fallen in love with someone with any type of mob connection, that seems to be one of the few things I could not relate to. Frank, has never been in a relationship with a man. In fact, he believes that Andrew is a woman. Andrew is nursing hurt feelings of being left by his partner of seven years for a much younger man. There is that spark between Frank and Andrew that we all have felt, that instant attraction (not just the physical one). With the different events that happen within the book, the police, FBI, and the mob are all out to get Andrew. His friends are constantly giving him advice, most of which is something he should have listened to, but never does. He is a true romantic at heart and follows it where it takes him. The author has done such a good job capturing those feelings that I found myself caught up many times in them. Andrew is so similar to many of us, caught up in situations that we are unable to walk away from because it hurts us deep down to the core of our being, that true feeling you get from being in love. In his attempt to make it through all of this, he opens up and tells his story to total strangers, sometimes when he shouldn't. Digging his hole deeper and deeper. How many times have I found myself doing that same thing? For many years, I myself have wanted to live in New York, okay, all my life, and the thought of being the and having my books published is even more of a fantasy. The relationship that develops between Andrew and Frank is one that makes you yearn for those early days in a relationship where things are so fresh and new. The passion that they both have for each other is erotic, but pure in heart. It is that unbridled passion we dream of. This book keeps you constantly guessing at what is going to happen next. Will Andrew's life continue to get even worse than it already is or will things finally turn around? For Andrew and Frank, they face an uphill battle from the very beginning. Hilariously getting caught in the act several times, none which prove to be a good situation. I can honestly say that I believe that this is one of the best pieces of gay fiction