A review by momadvice
Yes, Daddy by Jonathan Parks-Ramage

challenging dark mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

Two bookstagrammers (@theopinionatedreade & booksovrbros) bought this thriller to our Real Bookworm Challenge bonus show, noting that this book had the most surprising ending. Categorized as a Modern Gay Gothic, I was intrigued by the literary category alone. 

Before I begin this review, I want to illustrate that this contains every trigger warning.

Jonah has dreams of writing his own play but is waiting tables at restaurants instead. So when he stumbles upon the profile of Richard Shriver, a wealthy, successful playwright, he arranges his own meet-cute story to catch Richard's eye. 

The two begin a love affair that Jonah fears is threatened by a planned trip to the Hamptons that doesn't include him. He's thrilled when Richard decides to invite him, but he could never know what Richard has planned, who is involved, and what is at stake.

I can't go into details on this one, but it is shocking and disturbing. I had to share the developments with my husband as I read it, to which he replied, "The book is called Yes, Daddy...what did you expect?" 

Touché.

I will say that the thriller isn't shallow and is less one-dimensional than expected. I don’t know if I would call it Gothic I really can't tell you if I loved it or hated it, but it was unique. I certainly had plot twist whiplash when I finished the last page.

Was the ending as shocking as our bookstagrammers shared? It surprised me! 

I would recommend this for fans of Bath Haus, False Witness, or Pretty Girls. If you could handle the themes in those books, this one should sit right in that dark thriller sweet spot. 
Expand filter menu Content Warnings