Carlos Hazday

George Bernard Shaw would have enjoyed Collateral. Laura Fox's tale of a man falling in love with his creation is a 21st-century version of the classic Greek story and Mr. Shaw's Pygmalion. Klaus, a wealthy German industrialist, coerces an American gang leader into leaving his younger brother Jake in the older man's care. It's collateral for a proposed business transaction. Afraid of what his brother would think, Jake takes his time before succumbing to Klaus' advances. As the young man changes, so does his mentor. A relationship of unequals evolves until a new balance is achieved. I dislike most gay romance stories. They tend to be overly-dramatic, full of silly endearments, and extremely predictable. Most readers will figure out how the story ends early enough but it won't distract from their enjoyment. This is one case where the journey is much more interesting than the destination. Well written and fast-paced, Collateral should be atop your reading list.

Most enjoyable. I'll give you a proper review later, when I'm on the laptop not subject to the iPad's autocorrect.

One thing I'll say about Dodger is he's willing to learn and try new things. The Cockney Canuck isn't my type of tale, too much teen angst and too much time spent inside the MC's head. But I'm halfway through and plan on finishing it. Yeah, I can't figure out the attraction either. I do think if Robbie were to slap Nicola around a bit I would like it a lot more. The soldier's story I may be biased since I'm reading ahead and offering a little help. I despise what Jeff is but can't help understanding who he is, how he thinks, and in the end, feel sorry for him. I really like how Dodger throws a phrase here and there that humanizes the man. I keep hoping this will be a @Parker Owens style redemption tale. The damn author feeds me each chapter slowly so I haven't figured out the ending yet!

The practice you describe is often common with slumlords. Too many are more interested in the current revenue stream and tax benefits and ignore the future. Sort of like many large corporations and politicians. I've been rehabbing their home in my mind for a while. I considered doing an entire chapter revolving about the work but have decided instead to sprinkle bits and pieces here and there. Consider the home improvements as one story arc which will be around for a while.

This is a coming of age story even if CJ and Ozzie are doing things a few years earlier than most people their age would. As usual, I'm jealous of them. I didn't buy my first house until my mid-late twenties. Ritchie's just a horny teen. Sort of like his brother was. 😜

The complications brought on by serial posting. LOL I do try to use full names and give micro descriptions, but sometimes I kinda forget not everyone lives with these guys 24/7 as I do. I'll try harder! (Harder's always a good thing 😀)

As usual, the book was better. 2010 seems a bit dated at times because of the US-USSR conflict, but it's still a solid movie.

It's good to see underneath his mess Jeff does care for his kids. The scene with Bobby was excellent.

@Timothy M. For the record: Graeme and I did start working on a joint story. It was a collaboration with several other authors but when the driving force behind it left GA the project fell through. You never know what may happen in the future.

They did in book 5 when CJ visited on his own for a couple of weeks during his summer vacation. But it was a different type of footie. Instead of aerial ping-pong, they went to a rugby match. 😁

Don't worry too much about it. Even when I post chapters with 6k words, readers want more. I take it as a compliment and so should you. It means we've engaged themenough they want more.

Over the 149 chapters of CJ published, I've learned you are very perceptive. The first Georgetown book focused on CJ's political involvement, the second one on the marriage proposal and then Liz dying. This one, it's all building up to the wedding. I want to spend time with all the Squad members but it can't be as a group most of the time since they're all over the place. Carson and Tank will get some ink since they're the group's newest members and we don't know them that well. Ritchie will get lots of it because he's getting a little older and it's more realistic for him to interact even more with the older guys. He's now in tenth grade, same CJ was when he moved to DC. The next chapter will feature him, CJ, and Owen. The final book will see him graduating from high school at the same time CJ finishes at GU and heading off to college. You can expect him to be very visible during that book. He'll also

LMAO - How about we wait until after the wedding at least? Those unwed pregnancies can be trouble.

As usual, too damn short. But also as usual, incredibly satisfying.

Like I said before, this book's more about CJ and Owen than anyone else. Harley's enjoying living in the Sunshine State. The chapter Mann's currently editing has Owen getting all legal in another circumstance I think you'll like.

Harley made an appearance in this chapter but I've been trying to keep the focus of this book on CJ and Owen in anticipation of the wedding. However, you'll be treated to an entire chapter with only CJ, Owen, and Harley in the very near future. As for the house, CJ and Owen are buying it with their own money. Brett and Cesar are simply loaning them the money instead of them going through a bank. Because of tax laws, if the dads were to buy the house and sign it over to CJ, there would be a huge gift tax owed. By structuring it this way, CJ will be able to make monthly payments out of what his investments generate. he trust fund originally established by Brett's grandfather for any potential heirs (combined with whatever money Cesar set aside before Brett came into the picture) has already paid those taxes and the dads can add almost 25,000 a year without paying any taxes on that amount. I tried to balance the amount of financial detail I provide. Being an accountant, I can talk money and taxes but most people would get bored.

Bingo! I've taken my time getting to this point but Ozzie had to be comfortable with the money or their relationship couldn't have worked out. He may not spend it as fast or easily as CJ but half of it is his. That's what all the prenup hoopla was about. I'm sure seeing how CJ stood by him against the dads had to give him a warm feeling and the realization they would be real partners.

Paddy and the rest of the Squad will get lots of ink the closer we get to the wedding. He may not have had a big role due to being younger, but he's an integral part of the group. He'll graduate from high school about the same time CJ and Owen get married and then head off to college. But we'll have him around for the next two years.

Thanks, buddy.

Owen has gone from being a pretty face to someone CJ relies upon and trusts. We'll see more of that in the future. Their relationship keeps evolving and hopefully becoming stronger.

LMAO I started plotting the house purchase about a year ago. At the time I went on Zillow searching for prospects and settled on this one. Coincidentally, the house's actual sale took place the same day as in the story and the price reduction is also real. When I was in DC last month, I visited the place. It's going through extensive renovations and I tried to talk my way inside but the workers told me the owner was inside so they couldn't let me in. As with most property owned by the family, I'll be taking liberties with the descriptions. Started off by me giving it an extra floor! I did walk around the neighborhood to get a feel for it and ended up at Lincoln Park two blocks away. Chatted with a young woman while her young daughter ran around and after explaining about me writing a novel, she gave me lots of info on the neighborhood. Internet research supported by reality is always a thrill. They get the house back at the end of 2019 and CJ graduates from GU in 2020. The next book ends with his graduation so we'll get to see the work on the house begin.

That was fun. Pulling out the old knob and tube wiring when I had my place rewired.

Stay tuned, I plan on describing some of the issues they encounter once they have the house back. Not only do they have the resources but the family being in the construction business has to help.

Thanks, Tony. Hope you liked this one better.

The last home I owned was built in 1926. Not as old as the one the guys bought but I was only the second occupant and the elderly lady who had it built and lived in it until she moved to a nursing home didn't do much to it. Talk about a money pit!