The Business of Lovers

Brothers Dwayne, Brick, and Kendrick each face challenges in Los Angeles as they navigate relationships, family obligations, and economic hardship. Dwayne, a former construction worker turned male escort, supports his chemotherapy treatments by serving wealthy female clients. Brick returns from a military deployment overseas to find his marriage crumbling, while youngest brother Kendrick struggles to establish himself professionally. The brothers' paths converge as they attempt to help each other through their respective crises, rekindling their family bonds in the process. Set against the backdrop of contemporary L.A., this story explores masculinity, intimacy, and the complex dynamics between romance and commerce. The novel examines how family ties endure through personal transformations and asks questions about the true nature of love in modern relationships.

Readers found this to be a more serious departure from Dickey's typical romantic style, dealing with heavier themes around sex work, family relationships, and illness. Readers appreciated: - Complex character development and relationships between brothers - Raw, authentic dialogue - Exploration of male vulnerability and emotional bonds - Parallel storylines that come together Common criticisms: - Too many subplots making the story feel unfocused - Slower pacing than Dickey's other works - Some found the sex worker storyline uncomfortable - Abrupt ending left questions unresolved One reader noted: "The brothers' dynamic kept me reading even when the plot meandered." Another said: "Expected a romance but got a family drama instead." Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (1,100+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (900+ ratings) Barnes & Noble: 4.1/5 (200+ ratings) Most recommended for existing Dickey fans who want something different from his usual romance formula.

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🔖 The novel explores the complex dynamics of male escorts in Los Angeles, drawing on extensive research the author conducted with actual male companions in the industry. 💫 Eric Jerome Dickey wrote this book while battling cancer, publishing it in 2020 shortly before his death in January 2021 at age 59. 🌟 The story features three brothers dealing with different aspects of love and commerce, inspired by the growing trend of "companion services" marketed specifically to professional women. 📚 The book peaked at #3 on the Essence Bestseller List and received praise for its frank discussion of masculinity, vulnerability, and economic pressures in modern relationships. 💭 The character development was influenced by Dickey's background in software engineering, incorporating logical problem-solving approaches into how the protagonists navigate their moral dilemmas.