sojourn

I thought it was a major leap for Paul to view a potentially condemning situation and almost immediately take his lover's side. And yeah, I loved Loretta Lynn long before "Coal Miner's Daughter". Thanks for posting your comments. Jim

The night before had let Jeff know that the walls of his apartment were pretty much paper thin. The sounds of Sam and Dave conjugating numerous passionate verbs as well as the natural rhythm of flesh on flesh was kind of like listening to a porn version of PBS radio. The more he and Paul listened the more verbal their own broadcast became. Soon neither couple was really aware of or concerned with anyone other than their immediate intimate partner. Jeff insisted breakfast was to be at a Chic

A truly heartwarming tale of a budding romance. This has all the elements of a compelling first chapter in a very long series, that I would eagerly follow. Yet, it is a complete story involving two wounded souls willing to embrace a potential future together in spite of remembered pain.

You will not regret having read this story. You will only regret that it ends. This is a story, first and foremost, about love. Usually, I write more carefully in a review than in posted comments. I want to encourage new readers without giving too much away. But, it's five guys living, learning, laughing and loving each other in various ways. Each character is unique and brings his own needs and contributions to the family. The inevitable growing pains are addressed in a truly insightful way. I felt like I grew in understanding in just reading this story. Jim

I have often thought that men would function better in an accepting, loving, group environment. Having been raised in a family of ten children, lived alone, been married and lived in a barracks! I think I may be more receptive to the possibility presented by this tale. I think it is rare indeed when two people can satisfy each other's needs completely, sexually, emotionally and intellectually. We are a herd species, we are not meant to live alone. Our needs are complex, whose to say one mate is the answer for every individual? I am not sure five is the answer any more than I think a single spouse is the right answer.? Thanks for giving us an insight into another possibility. Jim

A Deelightful take on the legend of St. George. At first I was not sure if the dragon was real. Then all doubt was removed as were the Prince's clothes. Wouldst that I could find such a village where all the normal and not so normal are accepted. Jim

Not a lighthearted romp in the park. This tale involves the darker aspects of emotional entanglements. These are complex characters dealing with obstacles that conflict with their dreams and desires. How they individually deal with those obstacles, makes for a compelling tale and a great read. I have intentionally not read "non fiction" on Gay Authors, until this story. I tend to go for happily ever after. I have had enough reality in my life. This story wound up reading like a well crafted gay romance of which any author would be proud. Having said that, I don't intend to seek out any other "non fiction". I think I just got lucky with this one. Jim

Top notch character driven romance. The intro seemed to imply a story riddled with angst. Therefore, it was not a first choice read. I'm certainly glad I did read it. The main characters had some growing to do and that growth was deftly written. This story leaves you with a nice gushy feeling that love and reason can conquer. The final conflict was expected, but several opportunities were passed up. It allows the anticipation to build to a palpable level. I remember thinking 'Ah, a major bump in the road is in this next chapter'. I thoroughly enjoyed the ride. Jim

An excellent adventure / romance. I love Scy Fi, but don't like vampire stories. I actually passed this one over a couple of times because of the vampire theme. I am really glad I gave it a chance. The settings sparked the imagination enough without dragging on forever in detail as some Scy Fi does. It balanced new planets and species well with the political as well as individual intrigue and romantic tension. I will be reading more from this author. Jim

READ GIANTS FIRST! A wonderful tale of loving determination. If Giants was all about love and words of love, then this story is about prejudice and fear breeding prejudice. It is also about trust overcoming fear. What a magnificent morality play.

A must read for those everyone with even a touch of the romantic. It will tug at your heartstrings. This was a bittersweet love story that I found intriguing from the start. I tend to avoid tales of fairies, vampires, witches and giants. This isn't a story about Giants. It is a story about love and words of love and how our misunderstanding can blind us to the fact that love is what we do, not what we say.

An excellent, captivating tale of almost unrequited love. I felt this was a gay, submissive waiter in love, meets Walter Mitty. I felt the comedic timing was great and even in some of the more serious moments there were some amusing side shots. I chuckled several times at the pop culture references. I enjoyed those, but I think they might be missed by some younger readers. I will definitely be reading more by this author. Jim

Obviously, Ethan has reason to believe that Conrad would have been more receptive to gays. Me thinks that Ethan has had intimate contact with Conrad's intimate parts. (Redundancy... it's what brings planes, ships and spacecraft home.) Jim

$20 means you like it a lot. A Tip, huh? Ott, you do realize Tip is short for "To Insure Prompt service", don't you? A tip would mean you want me to write faster and post sooner. Not "the proper way of getting it to you" engaging the business end of your... (Insert evil grin here.) Really sir, I am not that kind of guy. Besides, it's illegal to do it for money without a marriage license. Thanks Ott for posting your comments. Jim

LOL! That's only one of the three biggest lies ever told. The other two get rather personal. I hope your litigation efforts are not delayed, soon, I fear, it will be illegal to sue dah fuhrer. The Chicago party will soon be in full swing. Fasten your seat belts it's going to be a bumpy ride. Thanks for posting your comments. Jim

Hey big spender, thanks for spending your time with me. I have followed your likes across the chapters. I don't get email notifications regarding comments posted on my stories, so I scrolled down a few chapters to see if you had left comments. I didn't find any until now. If I missed one, I apologize. Until GA addresses the issue, it will be hit and mostly miss with comments posted on all but the latest chapter. The latest chapter I check on pretty regularly, so I don't miss any posted comments. If a reader takes the time to post comments, I feel obligated to respond. Thanks for the bucks and the comments. Jim

A thoroughly good read. I didn't want to leave it, even when it ended. Ryan is "handicapable" and if you have any hesitation in reading a story involving a character with physical limitations, you should definitely read this story. His limitations are never a source of pity, self or otherwise. It is simply a part of his life, like a long commute. Something he deals with on a daily basis. Ryan, goes looking for a gay friendly bar and finds so much more. Each character is vividly brought to life in the dialogue and descriptions. Like any good gay romance there is love, drama, humor and intrigue. In fact the only fault I found was that the four door Thunderbird is not a "classic" automobile. I almost rated this story four stars for poor taste in cars. But, it was such an interesting and enjoyable read that I eventually, almost forgot about the car.

Well, I bitched about the four door Thunderbird so I think it only fitting that I say something after the last chapter. I thoroughly enjoyed this tale. It was interesting all the way with the building of the extended family. That is what, to me, this story really was about. Ryan went looking for a friendly bar and found a spouse and a family. I look forward to reading more of your stories. Thanks so much for sharing your talent. Jim

I like it that Clayton is letting Ryan know their are issues from his past. Neither man is really comfortable in opening up, this is a great start to building a strong relationship.

I read "Joe the Welder" years ago and thoroughly enjoyed it. I read all the comments posted about this chapter and can support all the positive remarks except those regarding your stories I have yet to read. I will get to those, I am sure. I enjoy stories, like yours, with ordinary men living ordinary lives, who happen to be gay. I liked this first chapter very much. Barry, Ryan and Clayton all seem like guys I would like to count as friends. As to Clayton's massive secret... I am confused. I thought his biggest shame had already been revealed. How could anything be more embarrassing than restoring a four door Thunderbird? Clayton could be a serial killer and people would say, "there goes Clayton, the serial killer. He owned a four door Thunderbird, ya know. People should have known he was a sicko. I mean who in their right mind would be caught dead in a car like that"? I mean JFC! That's not a Thunderbird, that's a four wheeled barge. The only proper thing to do with a four door Thunderbird is to find a vacant lot, a heavy duty backhoe and work at night so no one will realize your shame at having once owned such an automotive monstrosity. As an engineer, surely Clayton can appreciate the lack of power, piss poor design and just out and the out ugliness of that car. It had suicide doors because it so inspired the original designer. (There's a snide but profound observation if not a joke, in that sentence, somewhere, I am certain.) Aside from your poor taste in automobiles this is a story I look forward to reading. Now on to the next chapter. Thanks for sharing your talent here. Jim

It was a delightful read that presented real, well fleshed out characters in realistic scenarios. As good a short story as I have ever read. It satisfied, but left me wanting more. As in all really good stories I became enamored of the main characters and wanted everything tied up in a neat little package with all issues resolved. The ending left a very pleasant taste on my tongue with the promise of total fulfillment just beyond the last paragraph. Jim

Don't worry you long ago established an excellent line of credit with my fictional financial endeavor. Although one reader did send me a picture of a one thousand dollar bill. I replied approvingly with the old adage, "a picture is worth a thousand word$". Thanks for posting your comments. Jim

Thanks. Has anyone else noticed your new avatar or picture thingy? Thanks for posting your comments. Jim

Drama? Drama? I thought Bradley coming out was dramatic. Are you thinking there is more to come in Chicago? Bwah, ha, ha. Thanks for posting your comments. Jim

LOL! I wrote the pizza part late at night. Too late to order, thankfully. I tend to go for everything with extra cheese and jalapenos. Thanks for posting your comments... now I am hungry. Jim