I had a great time reading “Acquaintance” by Jeff Stookey. Riveting historical drama and an engaging romance kept me involved in the lives of the doctor Carl Holman, and jazz Pianist Jimmy Harper--and the others-- from start to finish. The writing was excellent, although I would have preferred more dialogue tags throughout as sometimes I’d lose track of who was speaking. There are also a few minor proofing things on occasion, but nothing too terrible. I was impressed with the accuracy of how society was back then that helped to shed some light on the lives of people during this time, especially gays and homosexuals… or anyone ‘different’. It is a romantic story with two men, yes but so, so much more. While many of these books simply focus on relationships or sex, and that certainly is here too, it just has much more of an emotional journey with the backdrop of exploring one (homo)sexuality in a time where it was not accepted or approved, and could even be deadly. In a way it is nice to see just how far things have come from those days, but it is also a sad reminder that some of those horrible attitudes still exist today. Powerful and eye-opening, “Acquaintance” crosses genres and can appeal to a wide audience of open-minded readers. 1 Shelley PearsonAuthor 1 book33

This is a really interesting story! It takes place in Portland in 1923, and is narrated by Carl, a doctor who can’t be open about loving men. He meets Jimmy, a jazz pianist, and starts falling for him. I learned a lot about Portland in the 20s while reading, and the book is full of speakeasies and less appealing things, the KKK's presence in town. I didn't realize how many different people the Klan targeted, and the author did a great job of conveying the tension and fear that they created. He also really illustrated the secrecy around being gay before Stonewall.

This book is full of thoughtful writing about love and being true to yourself. I particularly loved this line: " water, love and desire go where they will." I also loved Jimmy and Carl's getting-to-know each other scenes. The dialog is very natural and full of fun 1920s language. And of course, I adored Carl’s friends Gwen and Charlie (two single ladies who live together, if you know what I mean), who help him get closer to Jimmy.

I'm looking forward to reading the next book and seeing where the characters go!
2019 fiction history ...more1 Cara14

I’m a huge fan of historical romance and literary dramas and read them all the time. Unfortunately, after a while many of them start to feel the same, many authors, especially new ones, are using the same recycled plot over and over again. But I trying out new authors and thought the premise of “Acquaintance” by Jeff Stookey sounded interesting. I d that it focused on gay characters (male and female) and had the relevant elements of Post war era – the 1920’s in Oregon, but was so astutely based on lives of characters who feel so real and with real events/situations-- a mix of fact and fiction. But while I fully admit I didn’t have the highest expectations going in…well, consider me blown away! I read “Acquaintance” in a few short nights, quite a feat considering how long it is and that I have no free time. Jeff Stookey is a natural writer, and I marveled at the way he weaved dynamic, sympathetic characters of Carl and Jimmy (and the supporting cast is wonderful as well) and twisted storylines/backgrounds together to create an addicting story that I couldn’t put down until the final, bittersweet (sad) conclusion. Highly recommend for fans of literary LGBT fiction and I can’t wait to read “Chicago Blues” next. 1 Sammi Ryan6

4.5 stars

Amazing! This novel by Jeff Stookey is poignant, provocative, entertaining, and even heartbreaking. And the way that Mr. Stookey infused this well-researched story with authentic, flawed, relatable characters and a compelling storyline – makes it feel that much more memorable. I d his writing style-- the conversations with the characters really show us the story, but mostly we are in Carl’s perspective as this is told in his first-person POV. It works well here, and it seems Mr. Stookey has really done his homework, as the level of cultural and historical detailing is certainly impressive. It was fairly evenly paced, but it does start off a little slow, and sometimes there are episodes of small-talk/chit-chat that didn’t add much and could be trimmed some. Each of the different characters really bring something special to the table (Gwen and Charlie) and I even feel d I learned some things about this era – Stookey delves into an array of themes and topics here, from sexual identity and discoveries, oppression, KKK, Medicine, Music (the jazz scene), friendships, bigotry and persecution and discrimination… all wrapped around an emotionally engaging love story that is beautifully written and solidly-executed. Recommend for adult fans of gay romance. 1 Ryan O'Hare14


Acquaintance is a breathtaking novel, the first in a series of three, that I could not put down, and had no intention to. I was blown away by this perfect start to this LGBT historical fiction series.


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