Basketball Jones by E. Lynn Harris

From the Publisher

E. Lynn Harris has wowed and seduced more than three million readers with the wicked drama and undeniable heart in his novels. Now he’s back with another winner sure to top the bestseller lists—a rip-roaring tale of sex, secrets, betrayal . . . and blackmail.

Aldridge James “AJ” Richardson is living the good life. He has a gorgeous town house in always-flavorful New Orleans, plenty of frequent-flier miles from jet-setting around the country on a whim, and an MBA—but he’s never had to work a regular job. He owes it all to his longtime lover, Dray Jones. Dray Jones the rich and famous NBA star. They fell in love in college when AJ was hired to tutor Dray, a freshman on the basketball team. But Dray knew if he wanted to make it to the big time, he must juggle his public image and his private desires. Built on a deep, abiding love, their hidden relationship sustains them both, but when Dray’s teammates begin to ask insinuating questions about AJ, Dray puts their doubts to rest by marrying Judi, a beautiful and ambitious woman. Judi knows nothing about Dray’s “other life.” Or does she?
In Basketball Jones, E. Lynn Harris explores the consequences of loving someone who is forced to conform to the rules society demands its public heroes follow. Filled with nonstop twists and turns, it will keep readers riveted from the first page to the last.

Publishers Weekly

AJ Richardson, the hero of Harris's raucous latest, has been the secret boyfriend of NBA star Drayton Jones for seven years. AJ is only too happy to keep their relationship under wraps-after all, with European trips and spending sprees financed by Dray, what's there to complain about? But when gold-digger Judi Ledbetter nets Dray and his fat wallet, things get tricky. Soon, they're married, Judi gets pregnant, and she's gunning to drive AJ out of Dray's life permanently. Blackmail, intrigue and double-crosses round out this fun little romp. (Jan.)

Ann Burns - Library Journal

In this latest from Harris (Just Too Good To Be True), Aldridge James and longtime lover Dray are on the downlow and must keep their relationship hidden because of Dray's status as a famous NBA star. To quell rumors, Dray decides to get married, but someone finds out his secret and tries to blackmail him.

Product Details

• Reading Group Guide

Reading Group Guide

1. In the Prologue, AJ claims that even though he has to keep his relationship secret, he is happy with his choice to do so and he “wouldn’t have it any other way.” Did you believe AJ’s claim at first? Do you think he believed what he told himself? Did his attitude change through the book?

2. In Chapter Six, AJ laments, “Sometimes I don’t know if I chose the life I lead of if it chose me.” How would you answer that question for AJ?

3. Do you know anyone on the “down low?” Why have they not yet come out? How would you react if someone close to you surprised you by admitting he or she was gay?

4. Why do you think the world of athletics is unaccepting of homosexuality? Do think Dray was more concerned about being “outed” to his wife, to his father and family, or to his fans and teammates?

5. Do any of the main characters—AJ, Dray, Jade, Maurice—remind you of people you know in your own life?

6. For whom did you feel more empathy, AJ or Dray? Do you think one of the men had an easier time in his life than the other?

7. Consider the idea of “friendship” in terms of AJ’s friend Maurice. Why was AJ friends with Maurice? Why do some people choose to remain close to someone who isn’t a good friend, or worse, causes them upsetment or harm?

8. “I longed for the days when I had the upper hand and Dray needed me more than I needed him.” Discuss this statement of AJ’s in Chapter Six. Do you think it’s good for a relationship if one member has the “upper hand?”

9. When AJ gets the first of several menacing phone calls thatthreaten to reveal his secret relationship, he refuses to tell Dray what’s happening. Why do you think he didn’t want Dray to know?

10. Which character did you suspect might be responsible for blackmailing Dray and AJ? When the perpetrator’s identity was revealed, were you surprised?

11. Discuss the book’s ending. Were you wishing that AJ and Dray got back together?

12. “Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.” Think about AJ’s grandmother’s wise words from the end of Chapter Twenty-Three. Does AJ take them to heart?