Randomness

This particular moment seems a strong mix of the remembered pleasure from the past and the stabbing pain of the present. The darkness of Jim’s current feelings shade the bright memory, clouding it with foreboding.

Why do I feel as if I am the one who just got kicked in the...? Shock and pain. The feeling/realization that you are once again, alone: even knowing that you can do it "by yourself" is not always comforting. Once again, very complicated emotion described to the point of feeling it.

Be careful, you are hurt and vulnerable right now. Caution, caution.

That sinking feeling is back. Ugh.. why do people and things have to change...

A lot of emotion built within your story, causing a lot of emotion within me. Passion and emotion woven together. You gave me quite a ride, both lows and highs. Ah... if only it could always end so happily...then there is Book 2...we will see what the boys get up to next! :-)

Wow... First, I did not see that coming. Second, lots of memories. Falling for a not so straight man is hard enough, much less one who may not be completely unattached. I feel for Jim. The inner turmoil. I feel for you dude. Well told.

The mixed emotions of a “straight” man redefining himself on the full spectrum of sexuality. Not all one or the other, inner pain mixed with outer pleasure. A mixture of memories come back… well related. :-)

Ok, again, over-share, but thank you for keeping it "clean." I like Jim's sanitary nature, not a fan of sticky and gross after. J Explicit but not graphic: a fine line. Well done.

Ah... the cautious dance of the straight man... thank you for actually taking the time to show that this takes time... a lot of it! Not to overshare, but, been there. Very charmingly easy to read. Looking forward to seeing how this unfolds!

Yay! They're back! It was wonderfully easy to "fall-in" with Marcus and Koen again. You know how to keep my interest from beginning to end. I am definitely sensing a turn in Marcus' feelings as he thinks about his reputation/status within his world/time period. I like how that is not forgotten. I apologize for even mentioning, but (and it has been a problem for me too), be careful of the formatting when you cut and paste. It kind of through me. I am truly enjoying reading Marcus and the Slave. Now don't leave us hanging. I can't wait for the next chapter! More, more, more! :-)

You bring me right to edge: making me nervous and then letting me relax and get comfortable again. Looking forward to getting to know Zach and Ryan more. With Zach being self conscious, it will be fun to meet Ryan's friends. Sweet.

:-) Thank you. Knowing that you enjoyed TMF really does mean a lot to me. I was extremely fortunate to have the talented LJH on my team. Thank you again and again for both reading and writing. Your kind words feel like a big warm hug. Right back at you!

To me, historical fiction becomes fun to read when I want to know more about the characters. This is the case for me with Marcus and Koen. As I see more of each, I get the sense that they have more to share. Enjoying the pacing and plot, having a great time, and looking forward to more!

I am sure Patrick and Ben would like to get to know you better too. Thank you for your review. Let me know what you think as you get deeper. I truly would love to know what you think. and... remember... you are not "late" you are being "fashionable"... ;-) ...enjoy the party in chapter three. Thank You! :-)

It is cliché but, I see people as a sum of their experiences: good, bad, full or empty. That may be the crux of the story and indeed life: the past plus the present equals the future. Thank you, thank you for reading and writing!

“…I love how irrevocably real they are.” I teared a little reading that. I wanted Patrick and Ben to be relatable. They could be your friends. Sometimes they listen to you and sometimes they don’t. That what makes characters real to me. Thank you for feeling the humanness in them. About the wedding: you got it! It was supposed to be funny and you thought exactly what Patrick did! Big Hug to you for that! (Also, thanks for bringing up the font size. I just made it larger.) I cannot say it enough: Thank you!

LJ, I told you once that I lived in the present and only in the present, maybe that is not really true after all. The past and future are what I am living for now. My past and future with Patrick. It is funny to hear you say that at last my search for happiness is over. I think I have always known where it was. (And, as a good friend of yours, I will never let you forget that I was right: once you got to know me, you would like me!) BFF, Ben LJH, When I finally told Ben that I loved him, it was the brightest day of my life in the shadows. Finding out that Ben was working towards me the entire time gave me the security that I needed to make that final step. He was always the one and he always will be. I promise to trust more and never let go of him again. The next twenty years will be the best, heck, the next sixty will be! Your Friend, Patrick Thank you for getting to know us. Even if we didn’t always do exactly what you thought would be for the best, knowing you would stand by us through thick and thin really made a difference. Your heart-felt concern and gentle prodding helped us to move forward. Sharing our joy with you, has been a privilege. Hugs Always, Patrick and Ben

... and they did not even need a "Fairy-Godfather"! Truly, I am pleased to hear the ending worked and was satisfying for you. Endings (for me) are the worst to write. I think it is because it is so hard to let the characters go. Thank you for reading and writing Mann! :-)

It seemed right time (to me) for Patrick and Ben to move forward on their own. Thank you JoAnn! I have really appreciated your feedback and encouragement with this story. My Best to You!

“Come on, come on!” Ben called out of his car window. I was uncomfortable enough wearing a suit without being rushed. I parked, ran over and tossed my bag in the back seat. He shifted into reverse; I stopped. “Get in, get in!” The panic in his voice was immediately negated by the wide grin. I jumped inside and Ben pulled away out swiftly. “Are you going to tell me where we are going yet?” “Nope.” He grabbed my hand and pulled it to his lips. “Trust me.” Same story all week; he wasn’t tell

Greg (I shake my head.) I think he is just one of those guys that you get used to year after year not realizing he is getting worse. (Sounds like my weight!) Then someone sees him for what he has become: a blustering jerk! The problem at the heart of Ben and Patrick's relationship is communication, true communication. They are getting better, but still have a few more things to discuss. Patrick can't wait to know what the suit is for either and Ben is not telling! I look forward to what you think of chapter 10!

I think you "get" Jake much better than some. Good friends bring so much to life. For me, quality is definately better than quanity. (Maybe that is why I have not given in to Facebook. This is pretty outgoing for me!) That being said, I do sincerely enjoy hearing from you, each and every time! :-)

Lisa, My Friend, I believe that hiding under a rock occasionally, can actually be quite refreshing! Poor Jeff! Yes, sad, but it had to be done. I few people have mentioned his likeability. I like him too. Maybe he will get a story of his own. (No promises. ;-P) Drew has a balance that I like. I am glad you like him as well. Thanks!

Someone somewhere said (or I am paraphrasing) the only thing predictable about life is that it is unpredictable. I tried to keep it special and romantic-ish. Keeping a life pace is what I struggle with. I keep thinking "Can it happen like this?" So far, I hope it is real-ish. :-) I cannot begin to thank you enough for staying involved in Patrick's life. I can only say it again and again: Thank You.

I am working on begging a certain Editor to work with me on Alec and Grant's backstory. It is already written, but I want another crack at them. Jake is in that one too. I need to put the touches on bringing Rob to heel. Plus, Ben has to show he is trustworthy around him. I thinkI got it... now to write it! Thanks!!!!