Cole Matthews

Kian is an absolute stitch. I can't help laughing at his teasing poor Daven. This story is getting better and better and it started off awesome. I can't wait for more!!!

I want to comment more on this post. It's late and so I can't, but I have had similar situations and epiphanies. Really touching comments that deserve more attention.

I really like how you're slowly revealing more and more of Ryder and he has so many layers. His character is endearing, not because he's such a great guy, but because he's interesting and quite real. I found your hints about his nightmares leading up to this chapter so intriguing. I also like how you're slowly revealing Ryder's relationship with his parents. His primary focus was his best friend and we got to meet and know about him early. His father and mother's relationship is opening like a flower showing us a bit at a time. Your portrayal of Ryder's isolation and loneliness is also well done. You are showing us how he feels. Many of us have been there, alone, friendless, and sorta scared. Callen was like a beam of hope to him, just like a new friend is when you're feeling the solitude. Really good story so far also. I'm not sure what's going to happen but I'm now along for the ride. thanks!!!

AJ, We appreciate all your hard work and dedication. Hopefully you'll be around to simply enjoy interacting and reading. You are awesome!!!

This is a interesting folk tale for a few reasons. One, the choices we make binding ourselves to another can be fatal in the end. Second, even early in life, these choices may become burdens or trials to what you become. Third, I think Tristan's Pledge was something he regretted, not just in the end, but during other times as well. William was a very selfish man and an egoist who used Tristan and finally I think he realized it. William couldn't accept the idea of Tristan going on without him so the murder/suicide pact was his final solution. You've packed a lot of ideas into this. Great job!!!! BTW, it's very complete as is.

Happy Birthday Krista! Hope we you have a great new year. Love, Cole (Subliminal messaging) Hint, hint, looking forward the next installment of The Best Year?

Abuse happens in all kinds of relationships including those of two men or two women. This story reminds us there are problems like this. Not every relationship is a happy one especially when one has a history of acting out.

This is a wonderful western. It has three characters who are so realistic I felt at the end I knew them. I was putting the words into their mouths before I read them. Cletus was perfectly portrayed even though he wasn't 'in' the story at all. Cooper and Wiley managed to fully convey how he was imperfect and yet they both loved him in different ways. While one man's scars were on his back, the other's were in his soul. I believe Cletus had hurt him over and over and even in his grief, he felt relief. Hopefully they can look past their scars and find real happiness. Lovely tale!!! Thanks,

I really liked the use of flashbacks in this story. First of all, you did a great job prompting the reader to know when it occurred. I didn't feel as though I was ever lost. Second, I think Jamie's looking back at the major transitions in his life before his biggest transition was effective. It showed his character's development and made him whole and entirely believable. I felt as though I knew Blaine through Jamie as well, which was also very endearing. As always, you charm the pants off the reader! Thanks!

We are always drawn to the idea of being different and hidden so this story really explores some of our emotional dilemmas. It reminds me of gay bars and groups in the 1980s and 1990s when it wasn't quite as cool to be gay. Certainly, there was a good reason gays and lesbians started Pride festivities back in the day. It's building a sense of community and belonging some of us don't sometimes have. This story speaks volumes about these ideas and while things have dramatically changed, there is still room for our sense of community. Great job!!!

This is a fascinating retelling of the actions of a rebellious teenaged boy through the lens of Egyptian gods, which may have more truth in it than we know. I've always thought the personae and myths of gods seem strikingly like those of ahistoric leaders. Through the storytelling process, we find out more about ourselves and you do that with these characters. The human elements are so vibrant against the backdrop of all-powerful, if petulant, gods. Wonderful job!!

Your description of the cold, blizzardy conditions was quite good. I felt a chill as they fumbled in the freezing cold. I felt Clint was a very likable character I warmed up to. He had lots of pieces to him. In the end you are pulling for them both. Overall a warming tale in the frigid, dark night. Great job.

What a sweet and lovely story. I think having the intersection of older and younger gay men is good for the community. Some of us longer in tooth and shorter of nail have some experiences that are important to share. Younger gay men have a vitality and perspective which invigorates. Thank you for showing us that in such a subtle and profound way. Great job!!!

It's an awesome story which you shouldn't miss!!!

This story is very interesting because it is about taking care of the boys, but it's more about how Alan and Peter are coping. This chapter is really fantastic because you did the challenging and truthful thing and made Peter begin to doubt what they're doing. I think all parents, especially accidental ones, have those times. Instead of working as a seamless team, you have Peter feeling out of sorts and Alan stressed. It really works and drives the storyline and rounds the characters. I'm kinda surprised the boys are handling as well as they are. I would think bed wetting would be the least of the worries because they've been ripped from both parents, one dead, the other missing, and seem fine. But, they are young and we will see what you have up your sleeve. Anyway, it's a wonderful story with really strong characters. Thanks!!!

I've really enjoyed this story because it's not about gays or closets or desire. It's a story about a young man discovering what he needed and wanted in his life. He had choices and at first he wanted things to go only his own way. When fate or the universe or just free will went in the opposite direction, he struggled with what it meant. I'm speaking of Kenny, not Zac. While Zac was consciously trying to find his door three, his best bet for a partner, his friend struggled as well. In the end, Kenny chose Zac over his notions or how things 'should' be. It was when Kenny realized he needed Zac that Zac finally understood why Adrian wasn't right for him. It was then he saw clearly Austin was his Door Three. That scene was pivotal and Zac opening the door for Kenny and letting him in was important because forgiveness among friends and family is the key to happiness. Austin letting Zac kiss him even though he worried, meant letting him into his heart and forgiving him. Wonderful job of balancing situations and using these trials to forge and mold characters we can all identify with. Zac and Kenny's characters were created from their choices as we all are. Austin's bitterness while mowing the lawn gave him definition and roundness. Thanks for sharing this with us!!!

Thank you so much!!! What a lovely compliment. I don't think I've ever heard of it, but you've sparked interest in me. I'll have to check it out. I'm glad the story was a treat for you. I appreciate the kind words.

My Jackson and Luke addiction is only piqued not sated. I'm so excited for the next section. Krista, thanks for sharing this story with us.

Happy Birthday Andy! Hope things are going well!

Happy Birthday Lisa! We love you darling!

Happy Birthday Gary! I hope you had a special day.

What a lovely story! I too remember it from before but now it feels complete and we know what a Thanksgiving Knight is! Great job!

What a lovely tale of two men in love in the past. I loved the growing realization Little John and Mike's grandpa weren't just friends. It may have surprised Mike, but I could tell the eagerness you imbibed the letters with. It came through beautifully. Really great job and this is a special kind of story. Thank you for sharing and great job!!!

Very clearly told and well-described. I liked Perry and Ruben's attempt to communicate and Perry's foibles. In the end, he has a new 'pen pal' in space. Funny, tender, and very touching. Thanks!

The story reads like an epic with the haunting tones and cadence. Your salvation scene at the end had the perfect blend of knowingness and still questions linger in the night. Awesome job!!!