Miami Manhunt

Johnny Diaz is a great author. I have read all his books published to date, and am waiting for the next! Very realistic characters, settings, and plots. Definitely something to add to your collection.

Johnny Diaz's latest made me want to get on a plane and go to Miami right now! I truly enjoyed the characters, their relationships with their families and each other. The characters were relatable and well-drawn. You get more than a peak into each character's life and a deeper understanding of who they are and where they're coming from. Diaz also brought alive the city of Miami with all of its celebrity, personalities and cultures. This was a fun, fun read. I see huge, huge success in Johnny's future.

Ok, I finished Miami Manhunt. OH MY GOD!!!!! This was an amazing read. I did not know how Johnny Diaz was going to out do himself after Boston Boys Club, but he did. I really loved all the characters, but really loved Ted and Ray. Brian and Eros, I felt I was left hanging somewhat, but that is just my view point. I do not want to give too much away, but when Ray had the accident and does not fight for his boyfriend, I was at the point of tears, but was not happy either. If you are on the fence, jump over and buy the book...You will not be sad.

The author's second novel (after "Boston Boys Club") covers a subject that its target gay male readership can definitely identify with: the problem of looking for love, and knowing what it looks and feels like when you find it. Ray Martinez is one of three late-twentysomething gay friends in Miami, who meet up every Friday night to update each other on their week, as well as check out the new faces and bodies, at Score, a popular nightspot. Ray is the movie critic for the Miami News, lives with his lively mutt Gigli (named for the particularly memorable - and not in a good way - JoLo/Afleck film he reviewed), and is somewhat jealous of his straight twin brother, Rasco, whom he feels he is more respected by his Cuban-American family, as well as due to the fact that he is soon to be married. Ted is a reporter and "lifestyle" show host on a local television station, and, although he enjoys the recognition and adoration that status brings to him, feels a bit intimidated by the buff beauties who make up the Miami gay singles scene, and longs to meet someone who will be attracted to who he is, rather that he does for a living. Then there's Brian, the only one of the trio who is technically "coupled", though at this stage his relationship with longtime partner Daniel is devoid of all semblances of romance ... or sex ... and they have an "understanding" that they are both free to have outside sexual daliances, though no more than once with the same person. That rule is in serious danger of being broken, ever since Daniel met the sexy and romantic Eros, who makes him realize how much he is missing in the relationship. Alternating chapters between the three friends, the book takes you through both high and low points in their current lives, as well as exploring whether one has to compromise your true desires to find a workable relationship with another person. Extemely well written light novel, with likeable characters who grow emotionally throughout the book. I give it a Score of a full five stars out of five.

Diaz, Johnny. "Miami Manhunt", Kensington Books, 2008. Finding Love in Miami Amos Lassen I loved Johnny Diaz's first book, "Boston Boy's Club" and was very pleased when his new book, "Miami Manhunt" arrived in the mail the other day. I knew that I was in for a good read. Three friends--Ray Martinez, Ted Williams and Brian Anderson love the Latin men in Miami and every weekend they spend time cruising them at Miami's hottest gay bar, Score". Ray is the movie critic of the "Miami News" and he says that the dating scene in Miami is like a one star movie. He finds the guys to be vapid and shallow although beautiful to feast eyes upon. He finally meets the guy that he can take home to his parents. Ted is the Miami host of "Entertainment Tonight" and he has enjoyed life as a celebrity. He is looking for a meaningful relationship and in doing so he does something that could cost him his career among other things. Brian is lucky in that he has a boyfriend who is very wealthy albeit older. They have an open relationship with one rule--one cannot sleep with the same guy more than once. But Brian meets a gorgeous Puerto Rican and he keeps breaking the rule. We follow the lives and loves of the three during the course of one wild and crazy year. We read about hearts that are broken and hearts that are mended and we learn that everyday changes the way life. "Miami Manhunt" is fun and it is smart and exceptionally well-written. Like "Boston Boys Club" last summer, "Miami Manhunt" is the book to be read this summer.