Horn

Well, I can't tell this wasn't to be expected, though I didn't expect Dylan to be there, but I guess it was good thing at the end as he needed this conclusion. It may actually be more interesting if Tanner was here as well, though. But now, TJ obviously achieved new respect from others. But he still has a lot to face, especially with his parents. I have bad feeling things may not go well and CJ and Danny may have new foster child, but Andrew did a big surprise with CJ and Mattie's parents, so who knows what he has in store for TJ. Another thing is Erik. Question is, how this will influence his mental state. He also had trouble with his parents and even though things seemed to calm down with them, this may actually start some new fight. I hope not, but every parent is cautious when his or her child was almost raped. I wouldn't be surprised if Erik's parents banned him to go to the ranch.

I knew it! What else I can write. Though I am still surprised that with the security level instilled on the ranch, someone like Cody could get in with false identity. Something's terribly wrong with the security, But right now, Erik is alone with Cody and that's not good. Hopefully Jesse and Dylan will get in contact with someone before it would be late. And yes, like others, I too think TJ may somehow be important in saving Erik. Jesse and Dylan sure are cute couple and they are wise enough to know sex is not love. After my own experience when one night almost ruined my long-time friendship, it's nice to see those guys are wiser than I was. It is also nice to see Ace and Devon's friendship did not suffer because of TJ.

Devon and TJ is an interesting plot twist and I look forward to see where this will go. I honestly did not expect Ace to react this harsh. This is not good and it could ruin all Ace, Devon and TJ. On a positive note, however, I am surprised how well Spin accepted this. Maybe, in the end, it will not be Ace, but Spin who will push others to accept TJ. I am glad to hear Dylan is OK. He came through a lot already and so did Jesse. They deserve to be happy now. I am curious if he will be well enough to go with others to Spain, but somehow I doubt it and in that case I am sure Jesse will want to stay with Dylan, which may cause another tense in the story. I have bad feeling about Jamie. Correct me if I am wrong, but none of the boys on ranch know how Cody looks and Dylan, thanks to his illness. did not meet Jamie yet. And Jamie is about the age Cody is supposed to be and he has a lot of reasons to cover his real identity. I hope it's just my suspicious nature, but after reading there were no background check for Jamie, my suspicion started to rise. Hopefully Sarge already did or will soon do the background check on Jamie and I will be proven wrong. I definitely don't want for Erik to face the same fate Dylan and Tanner did.

Wow, this was something. I feel so sorry for Jesse, losing everything he loved, his mother and his new boyfriend, during one miserable summer and on top of that being really abused for the first time in his life. And if that is not enough, he may even face the feelings he killed someone, even though that was just self-defence. How will someone so young cope with all of that when all he was left is his deceased boyfriend's Rottweiler. He has no money and in the age of 15 with no parent or legal guardian there's probably no legal way of making some. Now, I also wonder what Jesse's place in the main story will be. If this is the summer before the current story-time of Lessons Learned, Jesse may still be in Florida, so that may be where CJ and/or Danny will find him. If there is longer time between the end of this Interlude and the current story, he may actually made it to the Triple J himself, looking for job. I also wonder if there is any possibility of Jesse and Dylan, but if the first is the case, I somehow doubt it, because that will still be too early for Jesse to start new relationship. Oh, well, I guess I have to wait and see.

OK, this is definitely not what I expected. However, I am glad things went like this for Mattie and CJ. I just wonder why CJ did not mention his suspicions about uncle Juan's mishandling of their trusts to his father and maybe even mother? It's very serious thing and even though CJ's father has a lot on his plate with cancer and all, I am sure if someone may help CJ to deal with Juan's scams, Mr. Alvarez may be the right person. He may even be able to take Juan down as Mattie's trustee. Anyway, uncle Juan is now a new threat to the boys and especially to poor Mattie. Let's hope they will be able to reveal Juan's true intentions before it'll be too late.

I know I wrote previously you are predictable, but I must admit I did not expect this. Now, what will Mr. Alvarez do? I expect he'll do something to force his power to his son and force Danny out of his lide. I wonder if he knows about Mattie and Spin too. But one thing is clear, if he does not know about Mattie yet, he will once this evening is over. I am also little worried about Dodger. The fact he is not recognazing Dylan from time to time is not good sign. I hope things will go well on this front. Anyway, I guess we just have to wait and see.

I am sorry to tell you this, but you are starting to be too predictable. The moment I read the interlude, I had a feeling we'll see Dodger on Nick's farm but that did not happend. However, when that phone call came and Zak and Dylan were the only ones to answer it, I knew for sure the rescued horse will be Dodger. Now I expect things to be harder on Dylan, because I am sure he will sunk to self-accusation and angry, but hopefully that will not last long with Zak and others there for him and they'll heal Dodger to become the same great horse he was before Dylan's rape.

I've just finished the story. I must admit I like it a lot. And yes, I came to similar conclusion as Terry P about Zak and Dylan being brothers. However, I am not so sure the one in that truck was Danny. I don't know why, but somehow, I think it may be someone who had something with Zak's (and possibly Danny's) father. Maybe someone he owed something or maybe some long lost relative? I don't know. I guess we have to wait and see- And one more thing, I am against corporal punishment, but in case of Danny, I would have done exception and slapped him hard for what he did to CJ, leave without telling him anything. No matter what his reasons were, that was wrong and I don't like him for that. I also hope CJ and Danny will not end together at the end of the story and instead CJ will find someone he really deserves, someone who will be honest with him. That he deserves and that's also what Danny deserves for leaving, to find his boyfriend with someone else. I know I am terrible, but that's how I feel about Danny and CJ.

My review will be quite different than the previous ones. First, let me tell you I started to read this story on Nifty and I just found out you are here as well. I like the story so far, but there are some things I want to address. The last three chapters were too short for my liking. It wouldn't be such a problem, if there weren't such long gaps between them. Yes, chapter 1 was short too, but then you wrote decent length chapters, though sometimes the gaps were too long either, but at least it was worth the wait for such a long chapters. But now? I am waiting so long for a few paragraphs of text? Sorry, but that seems like disrespect for your readers, who waited so long. Now, my opinion for Jacob's outburst will be different too. He has full right to say "no, I want to be faithful to Kyle", but what the hell gave him right to decide for Mathew and Nicholas? Man, that was wrong. Mathew and Nicholas, in 12 years of age, are old enough to decide for themselves if they want to fool around with the other boys. Many boys their age are doing so nowdays, so why just those two shouldn't, only because Jacob-the-Moral-One said they can't? How that make him different from his mother?

I know I was not around for quite some time. The adjustment to new job along with Christmas preparation obviously kept me as busy as Josh was in the last two chapters Where to begin, so many things happened in those chapters I didn't review. Frankie's award and the impact on family was great. But I wonder why neither Frankie nor anyone else from family did not mention that someone close to family also live in New York City and therfore there's another reason to be thankful to Frankie, since in some way, he saved their lives as well. I am glad Elliot finally found his soulmate. He deserves that. And Ian seems like great boy. But he seems to forget to Hayden now, when he has Ian. The fact he did not invite Hayden to his concert seemed little too cruel to me. I know, sometimes, when we are in love, we tend to forget everything else, including our friends, but it still is too harsh to change your best friend with your new love. The benefit concert Dion is planning seems like great idea and I am glad to see he involved Elliot in it as well. They sure will be great together. Of course I can not ommit Wyatt. The way Joshie build relationship with him is great. I know there's many older siblings who are envious or even jealous of their younger siblings and the attention they got from their parents and I am glad to see Joshie is not that case. Though I guess the fact Joshie is, sort of, from big family plays some role here. All in all, great story so far and I am looking forward to the inevitable finish of this book and, selfishly, hope we'll see more of Curries in future.

Yea, I too wondered how Elliot is dealing with his acrophobia when diving. I know I would not be able to do that. But then again, I am even unable to step stairs that have hole so you can see down. That's always challenge for me. So Elliot has my respect, that's for sure. I think it was little too harsh to Elliot that he was not allowed to participate in that game on Joshie's birthday. I know punishment is supposed to be strict, but exclude Elliot from family event? That's way too strict for my taste. But I guess I am too soft and probably will not be the strict parent, should I ever have chance to be parent.

Hi, Bill. First, let me explain that Christmas confusion you seem to have. I live in one of those post communist countries, where communist party ruled since 1948 to 1998 and in between these 41 years period, communists tend to repel any catholic and Christian upbringing my country had before. And seeing my country is still one of most atheistic countries in Europe, they were obviously successful. They didn't repeal big Christian holidays, but they tried to put their Christian background away. That was true to both Christmas and Easter holidays. Christmas became simply family oriented holidays where you give presents to those you love and spend time with them. This is actually what Christmas are for me and my family. But for me, things are a little more complicated, because my boyfriend is Christian, even though he is not visiting church, seeing he disagree with their look on homosexuality and therefore on him as well. Therefore, we apply some of Christianity to our Christmas for his sake. Now to the story. Glad to see Noah and Elliot to bond so well. And I am glad Elliot can attend Noah's future away game. Otherwise it would be too harsh to both Noah and Elliot. I am pleased with Noah's football (sorry, can't force myself to call the game soccer) skills. Maybe he is another Ronaldo I am sad to see this story to come to end, but as they say, every good thing must end one day. But even if we will not get another book of Castaway Hotel (which I still hope we will), I am still looking forward to read your future stories, whatever they will be.

Hi, Bill, I know I was not around, because currently my life is full of changes, mostly regarding my job, but with that came some personal changes for me and my boyfriend. Not to mention changing job right before Christmas is, quite literally, pain in the ass. Hopefully though, once things will stabilize, this job will offer me some more time for myself and especially my boyfriend's sister's newborn son. But enough about me, back to the story. I am not that sure about Elliot's punishment. Seeing this is second time he had similar outburst, I think some professional therapy should be in place for Elliot. It's not always good to deal with such things on your own. I also must tell I am not very pleased with the way that bully's parents feel appropriate to punish their son. Such thing can only make him more bitter towards both his parents and Elliot. I know there's little Josh can do. But still, I can't help to wonder, why in 21st century, corporal punishments on children are not already banned. But that's for another debate, beyond this short review, so I better not go there. I am really glad to see Noah and Elliot bond so well in those last chapters. That's good thing. Hopefully it will help both of them.

OK, I am here again. I want to react to what you wrote in answer to Flashpoint2008's review. I don’t know who criticized you for your story to be “travlogue”, as you put it, but it’s actually one of my most favourite parts of your story. I dunno why, maybe because I love traveling myself, maybe because I will, most likely, never have chance to visit North America and therefore all the places you wrote. You see, my money income is enough for trips throughout my country along with few neighbouring countries, but unless I’ll win in lottery or something, I will never have enough money to travel any farther place. That’s why I love reading about such places. Just my opinion here, but I feel to lose important part of your story by not reading about this vacation in more details. It always was part of your story and I feel it should have stayed.

Good to hear Frankie is OK and not only that, but even averted real catastrophe. Too bad though, we did not have chance to hear what the others did on the vacations. I'll take this opportunity to tell that I feel this story may work better as third-person instead of first-person. The first-person storytelling may work for book one, when it was Josh and few boys, but since then, I feel third-person storytelling would have give this story more opportunities to show readers what's going on. Even more now, when Danny, Brandon and even Trey and Dion seem to be as important characters as Josh. Noah is finally going to be introduced to the family and no rage happend. OK, as I told, it's tour story, but I still feel that to be slightly unbelievable. Sorry, I just can't help myself. All in all though, good chapter to great story. Can't wait for more, especially for how Noah will fit to the family and how he will cope with his loss and also how Elliot will handle this reminder to his own tragedy.

Well, I still feel it is somewhat out of character for Josh, but OK, I’ll drop it here. After all, it’s your story. But since I am here, let me point something else. I noticed that this story, as well as others of your stories I read in past, feels excessively patriarchy for my liking. I mean, practically all doctors, school principals and even their assistants, lawyers, judges, all other important professions like this in your stories are men and women are destined to be nurses, receptionists, secretaries, cooks, just anything that’s not that important. Yes, it’s your story and you have right to write it to your liking, but I feel it to be less realistic the way it is. You see, my paediatrician in childhood was woman, my current dentist is woman and so was the surgeon who took care of my mother’s recent health issues. Yes, I am not from USA, but I don’t think the situation there is so much different. I am just saying that slightly better gender diversion may help your stories. Don’t be afraid to put women to these important professions and don’t also be afraid to give men professions considered for woman, like male receptionist, for example. Just my two cents.

Hi, Bill. I think this is the right place to discuss what was started in the reviews for your last chapter. Actually, Flashpoint2008 pointed it right, Josh asked Ricky about Danny and later Ricky and Danny about Dustin. After that (or was it before?) the boys gave him green light to take new boys without discuss with them before, yet Josh remained reluctant to do so. Now, Elliot gave his fathers no such permission and I was really waiting Josh will remind them to ask his input, because that’s how Josh always was. He never before did anything important without made it clear with others who may be affected by it, which Elliot and Jesse are in this case. So it really feels like you were writing about different Josh here. Sorry to be so adamant here, but I feel this to be big inconsistency in your story.

Oh no, Frankie was shot and on top of that, right before family vacations. I am sure the vacations will be ruined now, because of all the worry about Frankie. This is real mess. But it couldn't be helped. On the other hand, new customer to the Castaway Hotel looks promising. But I am afraid how Elliot will react when he'll learn he was left out of the decision making part and was, pretty much, given no other choice. I am sure I would be mad. It may even ruin some of the trust he built with his fathers and grandfathers. Even more if he'll learn Josh never kept others out of the decision about new family members. This is not good decision on Josh's, Danny's and Brandon's side. And I am sure Jesse will not be happy either. It's one thing if Josh keeps vacations' plans from boys, but keeping something this important from them, is totally different thing.

I am sure starting to like Elliot more and more. Acrophobia, my own nemesis and Elliot has it? What else he has in common with me? And he also shares it with Brandon. I think some talk berween the two about this topic may be in place. The crush ended in broken hearth as predicted. At least it did not end the friendship between Elliot and Nicky. I also hope Jessie will not reconsider his future job choice. Even though as radiologist he may not see as much blood as he saw in that haunted house, he sure will see his own share of it. Especially on child health center, since kids can hurt themselves in most unusual ways. OK stop of these morbid thoughts. You wrote in this chapter Josh is not really a golfer, but right before Josh had his hearth attack, during the time he and Jake still were in process of making relationship, they often went to golf and Josh was actually quite skilled player. Now, correct me if I am wrong. And thank you for those metric system conversions. It sure made my reading easier, without the need of constant conversions. I sure enjoyed the story more this way and I hope you'll kepp to it.

I am starting to like Elliot more and more. What he told about Rap is, sort of, exactly what I think about... well, I don't want to be rude, so I am just going to write... about that thing. I hope you will not mind, Bill, if I will quote that statement next time I'll have disagreement with my boyfriend about stupidity of Rap I am sad Hayden was not included on this trip, though I understand why the boys decided so. Still, I think it would be much fun if they gave up their sex sessions on this trip and instead included Hayden. Not to mention how sad Hayden will be. Oh, well, teen hormones couldn't be helped, I guess. I'm also glad to hear Mark is so thoughtful and Josh's funds are in good care for the upcoming crisis. I only hope he did the same for Elliot's funds. All in all, great chapter and I can't wait what Josh has in store for tomorrow.

Maybe Nicky's bi, but I am more afraid Elliot will end with broken hearth here. Let's just hope he'll find cure soon. Well, maybe it's time for Elliot to follow family tradition and join Gay-Straight Alliance once the school will start again. Who knows, maybe he'll find his cure there. I am glad to see Hayden joined the fun with Nicky and Jordan. Non-sexual fun, of course. Hayden made it clear he is not interested in sex. But maybe, he may accept skinny dipping . I must admit I was half expecting Nicky or Jordan to suggest skinny dipping to Hayden and Elliot or at least ask if it is OK if they will go skinny dipping even though the other pair will stay clothed, like on those clothing optional resorts. Oh well, maybe next time.

Elliot Kennedy O'Hara Currie. I like that one. I had feeling Elliot will somehow find a way to include Brandon in his future name and this is the best way. I also like Jeff is going back and also love to hear it was actually Vinnie's idea, since if I remember correctly, he was, sort of, jealous on Jeff. But then again, Vinnie was jealous on almost any boy that came close to Kevin . I also hope Hayden will have some time with Jordan and Nicky, since he had not chance to meet them before, didn't he? Oh, and by the way, seeing you did this mistake twice already, Bill, my name is spelled H-O-R-N, thank you.

Hi Bill, I like this chapter. I also like you brought Ted back. But let me remind, you wrote in the story, that Ted and Gavin went to Green Lantern, not Transformers, as you wrote in answer to Flashpoint 2008's review. I also wonder if we'll hear about other characters that played significant role in previous story, especially Peter, Barry, Nick's Brazilian friends (sorry, forgot their names) and the Barrstow family? I would definitely love to at least hear how their lives went after they left the story previously. I am also sad to hear neither Hayden nor his parents will be on Currie's July 4th celebration. I thought they are close enough to Curries now, to be included to be part of extended family, but obviously this is not the case, at least not yet. And now, if you allow me some wild speculation or story suggestion (depends how you'll take it ), it's summer already and unless you'll decide to end the story before that, we'll most likely experience another Currie summer vacations. I think it would be nice if Elliot's uncle Soren and his family would be somehow included. Maybe even visit to Denmark if possible. It would have definitely give Elliot chance to learn more about his mother, which, as we learned in this chapter, he needs. Of course I can't tell you I expect Hayden to be included on this vacation as well .

Hello, Bill. First, let me tell even though I am newly registered here, I read Castaway Hotel Grand Reopening about a year ago and I am reading this one since I learned you continue with it. I love this story, but I decided to address few things about it now. First about the last two chapters. In previous chapter, you wrote the school year ended, yet almost at the end of that story, Elliot calls Mark from school. What the hack? But that was not end of the confusion and here we read that Hayden was told about Elliot's birthday surprise after he returned from school. That doesn't really make sense. Either the school ended or it still continue, but hardly both can be the case here. My other nitpick will be not about this chapter, but more about one thing that bothers me about this story as a whole. I can understand Josh is highly religious and sort of pushes his sons to that. But I wonder why every other character in the story seems as religious as Josh and not only that, but also are Christians? For someone who is Atheist, this is hard to believe. Yes, I am aware that in US Christianity have big influence, much bigger than in my country, which is actually quite Atheistic. But even in US, I would have expected some of the boys or their friends to be either Atheists or other religion and oppose Josh. The way this story, so far, avoided this conflict, made it less believable for me.