impunity

Commenting on something you said in response to an earlier review, "It's not every day you meet someone who just bowls you over": I agree in general, but it does seem to happen pretty regularly to Brad.

I agree, and I also think that Alex's response to JJ's revelation was pretty crappy. I know JJ really wants Alex. I just hope he eventually comes to the realization that Alex is not great boyfriend material and that he can do a lot better.

Thanks for another entertaining chapter. I'm starting to think that Neil might have a chance of becoming a normal (nonstalker) person through Todd's and Ty's interventions. As exciting as Ty's new potential opportunity with the AFL is, it'd be sad to see him leave the team.

You have nothing to feel guilty for. Hopefully we're all adult enough to realize how much time and effort go into producing work as well researched and polished as your two series, and that competing priorities sometimes get in the way. I am constantly astonished that you manage to do it at all. I can barely keep my home functioning when work gets especially demanding (as it has been lately, although this year is a bit of an aberration).

What a delightful surprise! Another marvelous chapter and another spectacular thwarting by Granger of Lady Elgin's machinations. Thank you again for continuing to write despite your busy schedule.

I loved JJ's comparison between himself and Will, especially "No way I was sleeping with the help." Thank you for another excellent chapter!

Thank you for the update! I can definitely commiserate with busy-ness, so I appreciate your taking the time to keep us entertained. Your chapters have been bright spots during some pretty insane periods that, thankfully, have abated somewhat. I think most of what I would have said has been mentioned by other reviewers, but I'll echo Timothy's hope that Alex uses protection. I can't see Mary Ellen having qualms about trapping herself an Earl.

That was beautiful and poignant but almost unbearably sad. Thank you.

I am always happy to be corrected as needed.

Purity is a physical concept while innocence is a state of knowledge. Between his early upbringing by a drug-addicted mother and being raised in the hotbed of sexuality that is the Schluter/Crampton household, JJ has probably never been truly innocent. However, he definitely aspires to purity. In this context, "cleaner" -- in reference to the lack of adult body hair -- is just another form of purity. Somehow the idea of sex with Alex doesn't make him feel impure; however, he is also "saving" himself for the perfect partner. Alex, with his nobility, poise, elegance and sophistication, is precisely that partner. Given the opportunity, JJ would probably be content to remain monogamous with his one true love forever, not something we'd expect of any other CAP character. And that's what makes him the perfect fairy-tale princess.

No one other than JJ. I don't think the rapist coach counts.

The virgin statement was a commentary on JJ and Alex's courtship, rather than a general prediction for JJ. At the rate they're going, it looks like poor JJ will be stuck at first base for a very long time. Also, I can see Alex's really liking the idea of marrying a virgin (Madonna). Given the option, I think he'd actively preserve his intended's "purity" until the wedding night.

JJ's character just keeps getting better and better...maybe all that sexual frustration?

Well, that was unexpected. I think the ending works ok, but I would definitely like to hear more about the collective healing of the clan as well as Peten and Carlit. Given the choice, I'd vote for a sequel over an epilogue...with longer chapters, of course. Minor suggested correction: I think you meant "dominance gene", which refers to the personality trait, rather than "dominant gene", which refers to genetic expression (over a recessive gene at the same location on the chromosome).

Thanks, hon. I knew he was one of the guys the family had had removed, so to speak, but I couldn't remember which one. Exactly! If JJ were a girl, he'd be a blushing virgin in white on his wedding day.

I'm going to admit it: I need a refresher on Brian Parnell. Anyone care to help me out?

Great chapter! Alex and JJ's courtship is delightful, although JJ has clearly gotten the hint that he's expected to be the more passive partner. I am also really liking Zach, but that bit of outright manipulativeness was a tad disturbing. I am going to agree with Dave and Gary: David Parnell is definitely in for a rude awakening. I hope things calm down for you soon. And not just because we want George back.

When this story started, it seems as if Oli had a really good life (nice home, successful career, friends and family), whereas Boris was the tragic orphan who'd grown up scavenging on the streets. However, the more you reveal about Oli's home life and upbringing, the more tragic his character becomes. The scene with the spaniel was both funny and sad: Oli's first sense of his own sexuality coupled (sorry ) with the realization that his potential "partner" s a dog. This also throws new light on his feelings about his father's "affair" and his relationship with Boris while he is human and Boris a wolf. The last paragraph was just overwhelmingly sad (although I loved the Magritte reference). Still hoping for a lunar reset for Boris.

You were right! Alex and JJ did have something in common. It's amazing how you just know these things. I'll admit they were sweet together. Their romance seems to be playing out as an old-fashioned courtship, minus the chaperones. JJ would be the perfect virgin bride, if only he were bride material. The handcuff scene was brilliant! Everything else has already been said. I am not a fan of football and pretty much had to force myself to read that scene to get to the inevitable bad news about Zach's ankle. Zach doesn't seem to get that he risks sacrificing his career for a few moments of high school glory. I can't see a good outcome in this. Looking forward to the inevitable drama!

Great ending to a really sweet story. Thank you! Looking forward to whatever you decide to do next.

These 1000-word chapters are killing me. This story is the highlight of my Wednesdays, and the first thing I read, but I need more! Thanks for a great read.

I loved this chapter despite the racing. Sorry, Sasha, you're not going to make a convert of me. I hate the sport for its potential to leave riders irreparably damaged, or worse. I also find it incredibly boring to watch ... all that going round and round and round ... and the noise makes me want to claw out my eardrums. On the other hand, Kieran and Robin continue to be awesome; Rebecca has gotten more despicable (who knew that was even possible?), and Shastan needs some new priorities.

This is pretty much what I'm thinking. It completely highlights the difference between Frank, who has warned Zach about playing too early and aggravating the injury, and Wally who seems to be most concerned with making a good impression in the short-term. Still laughing at this!

Another great chapter...definitely the calm before the storm. Or, as I like to think of it, the long, slow climb up the roller coaster. Everyone else has pointed out the highlights, but I'm going to give a quick shout out to Will's conversation with the cook. I love that he takes the time to chat with the staff and make them feel appreciated.

It amused me that, despite his crush, JJ was completely bored by anything Alex had to say...unless he was talking about JJ. I actually think this is the biggest problem with a potential relationship between these two: they have absolutely nothing in common. I wondered what had happened to Sean. He and Brad are adorable together. I hope we get to see more of them.