RolandQ

"There are no straight men in Paradise" - a profound truth.

The sweet nature of the story continues. I am disturbed by the use of the term "rape". While non-consentual sex of any kind is legally rape, I don't think that is intended here. Certainly, taking advantage of someone under the influence of alcohol or other drugs is rape, and I'd be happier if consent were granted in the story. I counsel the author to focus on attraction and romance - not the violence that "rape" connotes.

In many ways, this story recalls Swiss Family Robinson - but in a more sexually spicy way. The ingenuity of a small group coming to grips with the need to survive in an unexpected environment, drawing on skills and aptitudes unknown until being tested. This chapter anticipates deepening relationships and enlightening sexual exploration. The characters grow to meet the circumstances and also grow in self-awareness in unexpected ways. Keep going.

I am charmed by the rhythm of this vernacular telling. It speaks of innocence and a caution reflecting the author's cultural norms - some of which run the risk of offending, yet I don't think any offence is intended. At times I'm put off by word choice or grammar, but then I remember my first comment. I wonder if careful editing would diminish the story - I begin to think so. I also hear the author's bravery in telling a story that reveals personal fantasy and fears. Bravo.

"Pleasure and pain, come and go, arrive and depart, put and take. All of these feelings alternating like a pulse, again and again. Invade and retreat, insert and extract, occupy and vacate, please don’t let this end, but climax was near for both. Then explosion, fireworks, bells toll, canons fire, followed by peace, stillness, satisfaction and contentment." This captures the essence that is sex - like the tides of the ocean, sex has a rhythm, an inevitability, an expression of life force. Love it.

The political climate in the US would suggest many uses for this word...

In the first chapters of the original Granger tales, I was struck by the profound knowledge and scholarship of seamanship. With each subsequent chapter, my respect for the author's vast knowledge of history, geography, politics, cuisine and on and on - not to mention intimate interludes that liven these endlessly fascinating tales. Bravo and many thanks.

Too short a telling of self lost, love lost, self found, love regained. Some real passion and good old sex, too. Thank you.

Kissing is the most intimate of exchanges...

Love the trajectory of the story - my one issue is the speed - not much time for reflection and coming to a life changing realization - but the premise of the story - the focused therapy - addresses that. I guess my own need to ruminate and struggle is boring for others...;)

I have had a similar experience in the New Warrior Training Weekend - speaking of a profound grief and hidden self to a group of strangers. There I found support and learned processes, much as described in this story, that have helped me cope. The story has brought back much of the learning and wisdom. Thank god for therapy.

First times - whatever the event - were revelatory for me. Those hungers I could never define suddenly, compellingly clear.

Finding ways to be open with oneself is what I take away from this chapter. I too have deeply suppressed desires and opportunities not taken. My opening came from a random hookup with man who treated much as Lucas treats Grey. He remains my confidant though circumstances have each of us in lives apart. Thank you for the reminders of important things in my life.

My one regret with this story is that there is not another phenomenal sex scene to lust through. A deft telling of becoming and realization of what love might be. Many points of identification with characters and envy of their encounters. Bravo