sojourn

Thank you. i know from previous comments, you are honest in your comments. I like that. I am a pizza with everything kind of guy. I appreciate deep dish, but it is more like a casserole than a pizza Pizza is. Bradley's situation is not, unfortunately, rare. I suspect men still get married hoping marriage will make them straight or just hoping to hide. Thanks for posting your comments. Jim Jim

This is a story of discovery. Not just of sexual awareness and interaction but of discovering that first glimpse into the greater world, beyond family and beyond the very typical adolescent self. Discovering that we are not so different and not so alone as we might fear. I assure you, your time taken to read this tale will be amply rewarded with a very worthwhile tale. Jim

Jeff was reading emails on his iPad when he sensed someone watching him. He looked up to find Paul intently staring at him from the other end of the sofa. “What is it? Do I have food on my face?”. He chuckled nervously. When Paul maintained a steady gaze he softly demanded, “Why are you staring at me”? “Actually, I like staring at you. It’s become one of my favorite pastimes. I never get tired of looking at you, even with all your clothes on. You’re like one of those heroes in gay fiction I

This story is one of the most realistic stories I have read that had a happy ending. On the surface, it reminded me of some of my craigslist encounters. It seemed to be a mix up of "Sweet Charity", "The Frog and the Princess" and "Broke back Mountain". Which is what every good gay romance should be, IMHO. It tugged at my heartstrings and made me chuckle. It was easy to empathize with Harry. The supporting characters varied in depth and each was unique and very believable. Each chapter was an interesting standalone vignette. Each new chapter had me eager for possibilities and a little sad that "Mr. Right Now" couldn't be molded into "Mr. Right". To say the ending surprised me is a definite understatement. That last chapter held more twists than a tilt-a-whirl, and I loved everyone of them. Believe me, this story is much better written than this review. Jim

I will leave a review. Not sure what the difference is except here I don't worry about "spoilers". I knew how Harry felt from some of my personal experiences. From the beginning, I expected Kurt to show up again. I was surprised when it turned out Mike was the reason for the move. I thought it was the house he had finally built and maybe Kurt was free to share it. I understood perfectly when Harry told Kurt he might not be the last one. I have great hopes for Harry and Mike. Thanks for an unusually realistic read. Thanks for sharing your talent. Jim

Before I selected the five stars, I asked myself, "what was wrong with this story"? I thought, maybe the homophobes and the ex wife could be punished somehow. But, I figured it was actually more realistic, ending as it did. I thought about the flow. It was smooth. The dialogue was somewhat foreign, but still easily understood. The characters were realistic and relatable. There were several surprises along the way. This was definitely... I can't remember the word for when a play features several actors without having a single lead actor. I am sure I will the word will come to me and I will mentally kick myself, but I will not come back to edit this just to add that word. I think "ensemble cast" is the phrase I seek. I also felt such a kinship with Peter. Married with children and all those complications. My own experiences left me with the solid hope that he will find his way. I am not sure this review is what GA really expected. But, yours was a great story and I am eager to read more of your work. Thanks for sharing, Jim

I don't speak fluent emoji, but I think it means you liked it. Thanks, Jim

You don't know how tempted I was to have his wife named "Wilmaaaaa!" Aren't we both glad I fought off the temptation. It's usually the one thing I can't resist. Thanks for posting your comments. Jim

Why thank you. The chapters like this one, with no hot sex and no action or stimulating dialogue worry me the most. So having you say you like it means a lot. Thanks for posting your comments. Jim

No double wedding. Jeff and Paul will tie the knot at the town's first annual Gay Pride festival. Rest assured all Adams and Lovan family members will attend Raymond and Daniel's wedding. Besides, who among us would not rather be in Hawaii in February rather than Texas? Thanks for posting your comments. Jim

LOL! I should have said, "No written explicit descriptions of same sex interactions." I do love a good BLT. Never tried it with sausage. Thanks for posting your comments. Jim

I like the idea that the problem of "closeted" service is an issue that is being dealt with in a mature manner. Once elected, Daniel seems confident he can do a job that can get him reelected on his ability to simple do a good job. Thanks for posting your comments. Jim

There is an email icon in the upper right hand corner that allows you to send private messages. They generate an email to me saying I 'have a private message'. I frequently check for posted comments on this story, so I more or less keep up to date on this one. It is the previously posted stories such as "Gordy..." upon which posted comments go unanswered. I just want GA to fix a years long problem. I can't go back and scan through each chapter looking for posted comments. Thanks for your efforts. Jim

Ouch! The next chapter will be about Jeff and Paul. I do love me some Monty Python references. I keep trying to speed it up. Maybe once Chicago is past I will feel more comfortable doing that. thanks for posting your comments. Jim By the way, Thanks for the heads up via message. That comes as an email notification. But, comments don't generate an email notification as requested..... for years now.

I really wanted Daniel's Dad to be cleaning his shotgun. Oh well. Thanks for posting your comments. Jim

Daniel had 'snuck' out of bed and was preparing ‘breakfast in bed’ for his lover when Raymond quietly slipped his arms around his man and whispered in his ear, “I'm glad you're protecting my favorite toy from any frying bacon blister hazard? I wouldn’t want to have to avoid playtime because it got splattered with hot grease.” To emphasize his point he reached inside the boxers, and began to stroke it lovingly as he nibbled on Daniel’s earlobe. Daniel turned his back to the stove and gave Raymond

This was my second time reading this story. I can't believe I enjoyed it anymore the first time. It was great! Thanks for sharing your talent. Jim

I read this story to find out where the "find a coupe de ville in the bottom of a cracker jack box". I knew it was a lyric stuck in my head. As Brandon toyed with his locket in the mirror, I thought, "Jeez, could this be any more blatant". Was this writer in the band "Looking Glass"? Then I couldn't believe no one posting comments got it... then only after reading your comment did I remember Meat Loaf and the crackerjack coupe de ville. So, I guess it evened out. Nice story. Not what I was expecting. Love hurts, love scars. Love wounds and mars.... Jim

I thoroughly enjoyed this story. The setting was exotic, but never challenged the real story of two men sharing a deep and abiding love. Thanks so much for sharing your talent. Jim

I worry about the "side stories". In other stories of mine they have taken on a life of their own. Even Raymond was never intended to be such a major character. When he showed up, as I began to describe him, Paul recognized him as being physically related to Jeff and so it began. I suspect Jeremy will get his moment in the sun. Thanks for posting your comments. Jim

I should have started my reply with, "Don't make me stop this car! I will come back there! 😜 Jim

Yes, not very exciting, but necessary. Thanks for commenting. Jim

I think most readers prefer Jeff and Paul as lead characters. After all, it was originally Jeff's story. I am leaning toward letting this story meld into an "Adams' Family Saga". It would visit each generation back to the mid 19th century, circa the cowboys in the portraits. As such Raymond and Jeff would share the story line as equal representatives of latest generation off Adams'. Considering that this tale started as a one chapter short story I can't say for sure how it will end. (In any case I am seeking guidance on how to indicate the possessive and plural spelling of the Adams family.) Thanks for posting you comments. Jim

Thank you, I have always prided myself on my "foreplay" skills. "Pride Pack" is a apropos descriptor. I wish I had thought of using that in the text. Thanks for posting your comments. Jim

Artful! WOW! I never thought of my efforts as "artful". I had some trepidation regarding Chicago, but just like "Doc" stepped out of the shadows as I was typing this chapter, the storyline for "Chicago" began to take shape. I hope everyone likes the results. Thanks for posting your comments. Jim