Official Review: Front Runner by Geoffrey Moehl II

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JR Mercier
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Official Review: Front Runner by Geoffrey Moehl II

Post by JR Mercier »

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Front Runner" by Geoffrey Moehl II.]
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2 out of 4 stars
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Front Runner recounts the story of Larry Bianchi, a poor boy from the wrong side of the tracks, that is desperate for greener pastures and a champion racehorse. With a knack for choosing winning racehorses, Larry captures the attention of some shady characters. When Mr. Bugiardini offers him a once in a lifetime opportunity, he jumps into the mafia underbelly with no question about what it might entail. Follow Larry as he learns the grass isn’t always greener on the other side. Sometimes, it’s just a crook waving a green flag.

Front Runner started off great. A young, underprivileged kid with ambitious dreams getting caught up with the mafia - It sounds great. I enjoyed the story introducing the reader to a young Larry. We see him bright-eyed and innocent, as he dreams big with his friends about horses and enough money to help out his widowed mother. It makes his motivations real, and as the reader, I understood why Larry did the things he did. It also created a depth of character that I liked.

I genuinely liked Moehl’s portrayal of Larry’s love interest, Marissa. She’s not the type of romantic interest you would expect for a book set in the 1950s. She’s aggressive, takes control and loves winning. Front Runner runs a fine line between gore, organized crime, and utter ridiculousness. It led to incredible bouts of comic-relief, but, unfortunately, it also created a disconnect. It’s difficult to empathize with a character that you never really see as human. I want to connect with the character's story, not just read about it.

Now, although the book’s cover should have warned me, I was expecting something a bit more serious. The blurb was suitably ominous, and I was looking for a riveting read about a man struggling with temptation. Instead, I read about young boys becoming men by surviving their hormones, love and a crazy guy named Chef Jack. I was amped for battles, but none ever came. More time focused on describing horseracing statistics and Larry’s feelings for Marissa.

Larry had great drive, and his motives were always clear. I just wish that same detail had been used with the other characters, especially Marissa. I could have loved them all, but something was sorely lacking. The timeline also became confusing with huge time-skips and no indication of how long had passed.

I am happy to admit the typos were few, with only a missing quotation mark or two. While Front Runner is predominantly full of silly fun, it receives its fair share of gore, sex, and profanity, so be warned.

I rate Front Runner 2 out of 4 stars. I loved Larry’s mission and how his character grows throughout his journey, but I would have enjoyed Front Runner a lot more if there had been more detail to the supporting characters, and a sombre tone here or there, just to create a connection between the reader and the story. I would recommend this book to those seeking a story of a young boy as he grows into a man while battling his hormones and a guy with a meat cleaver.

******
Front Runner
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Post by gen_g »

It's a pity that the story was not as well-developed, which is a turn-off for some. However, the premise looks interesting. Thanks for the detailed review as always!
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Post by JR Mercier »

gen_g wrote: 28 Jun 2018, 02:37 It's a pity that the story was not as well-developed, which is a turn-off for some. However, the premise looks interesting. Thanks for the detailed review as always!
It really could have been something great! Thank you for the kind comment :tiphat:
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Post by Samantha Simoneau »

JR Mercier wrote: 26 Jun 2018, 12:17 I would recommend this book to those seeking a story of a young boy as he grows into a man while battling his hormones and a guy with a meat cleaver.
That is a hilariously described group of very limited size that, unfortunately(?), wouldn't include me. I'll pass. Very entertaining review!
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Post by JR Mercier »

SamSim wrote: 28 Jun 2018, 04:59
JR Mercier wrote: 26 Jun 2018, 12:17 I would recommend this book to those seeking a story of a young boy as he grows into a man while battling his hormones and a guy with a meat cleaver.
That is a hilariously described group of very limited size that, unfortunately(?), wouldn't include me. I'll pass. Very entertaining review!
Thank you :lol2: :lol2: And no worries. I don't mind the battle with the meat cleaver. The hormones on the other hand... :lol2:
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Post by kandscreeley »

This definitely sounds like you were expecting one thing and got something else. It always sucks when that happens. It doesn't really sound like a book I would enjoy anyway, and with the rating, I'll pass. Thanks for the information, though.
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JR Mercier
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Post by JR Mercier »

kandscreeley wrote: 28 Jun 2018, 07:38 This definitely sounds like you were expecting one thing and got something else. It always sucks when that happens. It doesn't really sound like a book I would enjoy anyway, and with the rating, I'll pass. Thanks for the information, though.
It definitely is. And thank you for commenting.
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Post by Mindy Conahye »

I loved reading your review of this book. The description of the main character makes the book sound like it could be a good read; however, after reading the rest of the review it might be one I'll be skipping. It is always a downfall when you think you'll be reading one thing and it turns out to be another, but that's just how some books go. Thank you for such an in depth review!
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Post by Marissa Michael »

Oh no that innocence robbed away from Larry by the mafia. I would like to read more. There's ringing of truth behind this phrase, "Grass is not always greener on the other side" which can also serve as moral lesson to readers. It's okay to be ambitious but don't be quick to believe with things too good to be true. Thank you for your review in this.
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Post by daniya__shah3 »

I think I wouldn't enjoy reading this. Thanks for the review though.
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Post by JR Mercier »

mac83 wrote: 28 Jun 2018, 11:01 I loved reading your review of this book. The description of the main character makes the book sound like it could be a good read; however, after reading the rest of the review it might be one I'll be skipping. It is always a downfall when you think you'll be reading one thing and it turns out to be another, but that's just how some books go. Thank you for such an in depth review!
Thank you for the wonderful comment! :tiphat:
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Post by Cecilia_L »

Your review made me smile, but I don't think this book is for me.
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Post by JR Mercier »

Cecilia_L wrote: 28 Jun 2018, 14:44 Your review made me smile, but I don't think this book is for me.
I'm glad I could make you smile! Thank you for the comment. :D
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Post by JR Mercier »

ParadoxicalWoman wrote: 28 Jun 2018, 11:02 Oh no that innocence robbed away from Larry by the mafia. I would like to read more. There's ringing of truth behind this phrase, "Grass is not always greener on the other side" which can also serve as moral lesson to readers. It's okay to be ambitious but don't be quick to believe with things too good to be true. Thank you for your review in this.
Exactly! There are consequences to all out actions. It wasn't a terrible read but it could definitely been more. Thank you for the comment!
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Post by bclayton13 »

This sounds more like a comedy, and the cover definitely made me laugh. I could enjoy this one now that I know what I’m getting into. Thanks!
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