Serenading Stanley

By: John Inman

Narrated by: Tyler Stevens

Welcome to the Belladonna Arms, a rundown little apartment building perched atop a hill in downtown San Diego, home to the city's lost and lovelorn. Shy archaeology student Stanley Sternbaum has just moved in and fills his time quietly observing his eccentric neighbors, avoiding his hellion mother, and trying his best to go unnoticed... which proves to be a problem when it comes to fellow tenant Roger Jane. Smitten, the hunky nurse with beautiful green eyes does everything in his power to woo Stanley, but Stanley has always lived a quiet life, too withdrawn from the world to take a chance on love. Especially with someone as beautiful as Roger Jane.

While Roger tries to batter down Stanley's defenses, Stanley turns to his new neighbors to learn about love: Ramon, who's not afraid to give his heart to the wrong man; Sylvia, the trans who just wants to be a woman, and the secret admirer who loves her just the way she is; Arthur, the aging drag queen who loves them all, expecting nothing in return - and Roger, who has been hurt once before but is still willing to risk his heart on Stanley, if Stanley will only look past his own insecurities and let him in.

©2013 John Inman (P)2014 Dreamspinner Press

What Sweet Music They Make...

Where does Serenading Stanley rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Way up there...

What was one of the most memorable moments of Serenading Stanley?

When they saved Sylvia.

What does Tyler Stevens bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I didn't hear Arthur's voice in my head, but Tyler's rendition is perfect. He does a wonderful job telling this story.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Many of Stanley's experiences mirrored my own. Not all of them good. They took me back to some very vulnerable times that I would not want to repeat. I certainly laughed out loud but teared up some, too.

Any additional comments?

John Inman has quickly become one of my favorite authors and I hope that his entire catalog of stories become available through Audible. With good narrators of course.

Surprisingly Charming

What did you love best about Serenading Stanley?

For a gay romance novel, this little tale is not devoid of charm. The oddball setting and the likability of the characters, combined with decent writing peppered with erotica plus an occasional sprinkling of true wit render it disarmingly appealing. I found myself rather touched.

good start

Would you consider the audio edition of Serenading Stanley to be better than the print version?

have not read it so can't answer

What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?

Roger and stanly is very interesting and the story of sylvia I wanted to know more and the relationship between her and pete needed more focus. I did find stanly's complaining a little to much after awhile and the fact that he just kept thinking roger was not serious, even naked he still had issue's

Have you listened to any of Tyler Stevens’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I I have heard other stories he's performed he's one of the best reasons to listen to this.

Who was the most memorable character of Serenading Stanley and why?

Arthur :) however sylvia is a close 2nd

Absolutely lovely!

I was driving down the road, listening to the audio book, with happy tears streaming down my face. Darn you, John Inman! This was a musical comedy, just without the music. Quirky characters, wonderfully brought to life by Tyler Stevens. His voices were wonderful, and I loved each and every character, from Stanley to Sylvia. Whenever I read a John Inman, I always think "this one is my favorite". Well, this one definitely was! I think The Boys on the Mountain was his best book, but Serenading Stanley was my favorite, which I know makes no sense...

Fun, but ultimately as mentally nutritious as cotton candy

I enjoyed the book mostly. The characters were a bit stock. The protagonist (Stanley) is painfully shy and falls in love with a seemingly unapproachable hunk. The difficulties ensue, and the psychological dynamics are handled fairly well except the resolution is fairly saccharine and pat. The reader is very effective.