Reader1810

I like the writing style you have chosen. It leaves me interested in reading more about your protagonist and his thoughts regarding the new people and situations he encounters. Good start. More please

I can only guess as to the nature of Charlie's problem with his parents. The conviction of his lover's pledge as to how much he is loved (albeit with a ring of obsession as Carlos mentioned), makes it clear he is where he should be. Nicely done for your first prompt. You should definitely not sto at one.

While I enjoyed reading the entire story and can relate to the theory of random thoughts what struck a chord with me is the line ' That wasn’t the lady who helped raise me in that bed.' It brought back a very vivid memory from when I was 16. My grandma was in hospital after having a stroke. After suffering a series of strokes she passed away 2 years later never having left the hospital. I have a clear recollection of thinking that I was not seeing my grandmother lying there as I had only ever known the lady who was a doer and would take the time and effort to do things like making a huge pot of homemade perogies because she knew how much her grandkids liked them. As I sit here, responding to the prompt I'm experiencing my own random thoughts about the good times with my grandma, so thanks for triggering my journey down memory lane.

Excellent prompt with the cleverly inserted plug for 'Summer'. I usually check out all of the Prompts that are posted on GA because they are nice quick reads. The plug was a gentle push to check out your story. As you know from my reviews, I am glad that I did!

Is it wrong to cackle with glee about someone else's misfortune? If it is too bad. I just couldn't help myself as those phone calls to the Chief came rolling in one after the other. I'm guessing the smile will be wiped off a certain cop's face in the not to distant future. And then - in the middle of all that there was the unanswered call to Tommy. That stopped the cackling real quick. I'm pretty sure Tommy is going to be okay though. Right? What an an amazing difference from the start of Summer when CJ was basically banished from his home by homophobic you know whats. Now he has the love and support of of his two fathers and connections to immensely powerful people who will always have his back. I look forward to the fallout of CJ's "arrest" that will no doubt be forthcoming. This was definitely worth the wait from Summer's end!!

It's good to see Avery doing so well as he gets on with his life. Poor Matt though having to relive that terrible memory of Avery's beating. I have to give him props for shielding Avery from possibly reliving that memory as well. With that one small action it's easy to imagine that Avery's recovery has in no small part been due to the love and devotion Matt has no doubt enveloped him in.

Another well done tale. I love that you can weave a story with a moral (this one being akin to never judge a book by its cover) that inspires reflection of the entirety of what is written. It should be a given that we should be accepting of people and situations not part of our normal everyday world. But, of course, we don't live in a perfect world. I liked that Eddie didn't even blink when it came to helping someone in need even though it turned out to be someone who shunned him for foolish reasons. Glad to see they became friends in the end.

A lot of stock is put in the theory of first impressions. Thanks for blowing that theory out of the water! Kevin and Callum are perfects examples as to why we should not bestow such importance on first impressions as we might miss out on something (doesn't even need to be about a person either) really good. I see good things ahead Matt and Callum.

Carlos Of the four authors you've paid homage to as being a great influence, I have only read Jack Scribes Las Vegas Trilogy. It was one of the first stories I read upon finding GA. I loved Drew and Bob as a couple and as 'parents' to teenage throwaway Cray. They were young but stand up guys who knew right from wrong and instilled those values in Cray as they guided him and provided him with love and acceptance of who he is and was meant to be. I do see a parallel between your characters in Summer to the ones in LVT albeit individuals wth their own personas and not remotely carbon copies. Like the protagonists in LVT, your characters are people I would be happy to meet any time and become friends with. Lastly, I'm going to have to chastise you a bit. When I got the notification that Autumn was released, I got very excited thinking you were giving your faithful fans a break and starting Book 2 a week early. While I am still disappointed we have to wait (and I have to get up early on a holiday), I really liked that you paid tribute to the authors who have inspired you.

Wonderful story! I enjoyed every bit of it and will miss reading about Casey and Shawn - is it too soon to ask for C & S Shorts?

Couldn't let go of the drama could you? First the strange car then Casey's anguished dash into the ocean. It was great to see that despite all of the horrible things Martin did to him it could not override Shawn's all encompassing love for Casey. That love became Casey's anchor and brought him back to his senses. Shawn's demonstrative declaration of love has healed Casey's heart and surrounded him with a level of caring (albeit of a different nature) Casey has not experienced since Thomas' death. Looking forward to the next chapter - the "honeymoon" phase.

Didn't think there would be a chapter today so this is a most excellent and unexpected treat! I know I'm being cold hearted when I say this, but I hope for Casey and Shwn's future happiness that the clinic is more than a 15 minute drive away! CM as we have come to expect, you have presented us with another exceptional bit of writing. I don't know how you keep coming up with these wonderful stories. All I can ask is that you never stop entertaining the masses with your wonderful tales. Thank you.

I just love these guys. I don't think I would want to be the proverbial fly on the wall though. I'd fall off and splat myself from laughing so hard at their witty repartee. I will settle for reading their story instead.

Well CRAP! Shawn get it in gear and save Casey and if Martin ends up as collateral damage during the rescue, oh well........

Well that was guite the story. Woke up early this morning due to singing birds and a hungry cat. Birds are now quiet and the cat is back to sleep (damned fauna!) I, of course am still awake so I thought I'd find something to read. This story conjured up a whole lot of thoughts and emotions. Starting with anger and fear for what the zealot unleashed upon the world to incredulousness of the complete lunacy of his actions. The protagonists Aitor and Lars were are excellent examples of the "never give up" ideal. The fact that they could do it without losing their sense of humour only improved their ability to survive and thrive in this new world. By allowing Jesse to join them and teaching others (the 10 families making their own community) skills that will help them it would appear there is hope that the human race will be able to rebuild itself. The lyrics to an old Chumbawamba song (from the 80's if I remember correctly) popped into my head as I was reading the story. The song is Tubthumping and the line in the song goes like this "I get knocked down but I get back up again. You're never going to keep me down". That line is quite apropos as to how Aitor, Lars, Jesse and others have survived and are rebuilding their world despite the actions of a madman. A depressing tale what with the mass genocide and all - but also what a testament to the power of the human spirit!

Headstall, your talent with words more than makes up for a lack of musical talent. Bravo!

Wow!!!! A "little more drama" eh? Mission accomplished Craftingmom! I guess it was too much to hope that Martin's plan was not going to be so easily thwarted. Drugging Casey? He really is beyond despicable and unredeemable. I don't know how this will get resolved for Casey and Shawn to be reunited permanently, but I am looking forward to the resolution of Martin' machinations.

I'm so happy that Casey and Shawn have finally reconnected and that Casey finally realizes how much Shawn loves him. Now that Shawn knows the true purpose of the collar, I think he is beginning to realize what a truely awful person Martin is - not that I think he had any good feelings for him before this revelation. Shawn comes across as being nothing less than an exceptionally good man. I think Martin's going to be in for a big surprise when he finds himself up against this formidable adversary as they both battle for what they want regarding Casey's future.

I'm so glad that Shawn is 1. okay and 2. able to get past Casey's defences and kiss him. don't think Casey will be able to misinterpret that action as being anything less than proof of Shawn's love. If he does, I'll be first in line to kick his butt and shake some sense into his mixed up head. I see a HEA looming on the horizon.

I recently read a story (not on GA) that frustrated me to no end because what was happening in the story was so unbelievable both in words and actions. I decided to give your story a try and was glad I did. The story itself is very well written and has an interesting plot line. But, what has me wanting the story to continue is how you've portrayed your characters (all of them, not just the MCs). Their words and actions ring true and make me want to find out what happens next.

Exciting chapter! Both heart wrenching and heart stopping and a cliffie to boot. The anguish Casey and Shawn are both experiencing because of miscommunication is really sad. I am looking forward to the next chapter when, hopefully, they will talk (after Casey saves Shawn, of course). Shawn will convince Casey that he loves him and in no way does he think he is a freak or a monster.

Thomas would be horrified by Martin's behaviour. His actions and future plans make me think that he only went along with freeing Casey to please lover. If he had cared about Casey, he wouldn't be so heartless towards Casey despite losing Thomas. Shawn loves Casey so it was a given that he'd be okay with his being a Merman. His delight at that revelation is palpable. Noe he he just needs to go find Casey and share his revelation. looking forward to chapter 27

Still a satisfying read despite knowing the plot this time.

Wonderful chapter. Everyone should have an "Ian and Amy" in his or her life.

Excellent chapter!! I had to stop reading it every few lines to absorb everything that was going on from both Casey's and Shawn's point of view. Poor Casey has no idea that Shawn isn't horrified ( he loves Casey after all) just shocked at seeing something that is the stuff of fairy tales. Craftingmom, I'm not too worried about Casey because I trust that you wouldn't let anything happen to him (at least nothing to serious anyway). Not to rush you, but I am anxiously awaiting the next chapter. As reeves99 commented yesterday, your stories (in whole and in part) are imaginative and riveting. Keep up the good work