Book Review – The Lodger, That Summer by Levi Huxton

I don’t generally read erotic novellas.

The few I have read I put down after a few chapters because the scenes were similar. But I caught up for coffee with author, Levi Huxton, to share marketing tips, and as a gift he gave me a copy of his popular debut.

His success is something many of us indie authors can learn from as he’s had a steep learning curb. Levi kept developing his self-published work even when it was already on sale, and paid for several promotional packages of which, some paid off.

But also choosing this genre was a clever move.

Another friend of mine who is published with the majors began her early career with a series of Romance novels. Both Romance and Erotica sell well, and to Levi’s credit, The Lodger, That Summer, is not a story with continuous scenes of smut.

James and his twin sister lost their mother to cancer, and both they and their father understand it’s time to stop grieving and reconnect with life. Cary is the young man who has moved into their family home, and over time, his sexual exploits with the four other males in this story, changes the way they see themselves.

No, they don’t all turn gay.

This is a tale which blurs static sexuality. I liked how the focus on specific characters early in this story led to a more general narrative toward the end. The lens pulled back on the collective once epiphanies were made.

I also congratulate Levi on publishing a novella as his debut. There is enough in this text to warrant a longer story as there’s plenty of room for development. But if you’re courting an audience, a shorter work in a popular genre is a great way to introduce yourself to readers. It’s a preview of your style which potential customers are more willing to sample.

Plus, MM is already popular with a wide female audience as well as a dedicated gay readership, and this is one of the better works in the erotic end of the market.

Now we need a follow up.

Levi told me his workload is stopping him from writing. But he has readers waiting, and the talent to create a more ambitious novel. It’s important to strike before people lose interest.

Four and a half stars.