tesao

I’ll give this to Don: he is nothing if not consistent in his homophobic douchebaggery, and Sue is a spineless, thoughtless enabler. Nicola continues to impress amd surprise me with her emotional loyalty and sound advice to Robbie. He does desperately need help, and not the kind to which Don would refer him. Robbie’s reaction to losing Nathan is exactly what I feared; it’s now occurring to him that Nathan represented for more than a boyfriend. Having said that, though, that doesn’t necessarily mean they should have stayed together. I agree with Nicola that Nathan has likely been cheating. The signs are certainly there. Hanging out with Rory and Jamie is exactly what Robbie should be doing. I just keep wishing he would run into that social worker he met during his great escape, as he desperately needs wise, empathetic support.

I’m so glad you’re back and doing better! Protracted medical issues are a bitch and a half. Maybe two. I’ve really missed these characters. How cool is it that Noah now has a chance to find his own happiness with a nice guy. I’m confused about something, though: in his portion of this chapter, Noah explains that “by the end of the school year, [he and Hannah] were fucking on a pretty regular basis.” Previously, however, I recall that Noah told Nick they never got to second base. Considering what a degenerate bitch she was, I would like to believe the latter. Please clarify. I love the trust and intimacy that are developing between sweet, hot Nick and the lovable Billy, but I am haunted by a cryptic comment you made at the end of a prior chapter about a big shoe dropping - apparently on their relationship. Now that we are in love with both of them, I don’t know if we could take another stage 4 pancreatic cancer, fatal auto accident, homicidal attack by a homophobic family member, military death, or heartbreaking move to Russia to study music! Seriously though...off all of the villains you like (there are still remaining candidates in Hannah’s family), but leave the sweet boys to their happiness. 😉😉

Well, what a fine mess! Such a shame. This relationship seems to be coming apart as most do: in stages. However, with Robbie‘s poor judgment/volatile temper and Nathan’s narcissism and vindictive self-absorption, I fear things are going to get ugly and painful for both of them. Moreover, I also sense that Nathan is hiding something that is going to accutely sting Robbie. Then there is Nathan’s hungry fascination with the next new shiny boy he hasn’t even met, which speaks volumes about where his head is. Personally, narcissists scare me to death - especially when they have power. 😱 My biggest worry for Robbie: Nathan has been kind of a safe harbor for him in the storm that is his adoptive family, and losing Nathan as a boyfriend will only be part of his unhappiness - maybe not even the worst part. I can see him quickly feeling isolated and lost, which might easily lead to desperate bad choices (like Alex). When all of this blows up, I could see Robbie longing to escape back to the UK. I agree with the others; we need the next chapter STAT! 😉

What a shame that Robbie can’t control his mouth or his temper, though if he did there would be no story. 😉 It does seem strange that he’s never had counseling to deal with the protracted loss of his mum at such a tender age. Independent of Robbie’s anger management issues, though, Nathan seems to be slowly shutting him out of his life. I agree with my fellow Bay Area reader, SeismicSeco: lying to Nathan was a terrible idea. Nixon’s example should always remind us that the cover-up often exceeds the original crime! In the end, though, It may not matter. Nathan appears to be an increasingly unsuitable and unlikely match, and Alex is just plain toxic (whether or not it’s entirely his fault, he still doesn’t inspire trust). Tom embodies so many gay boys‘ ultimate dilemma: the loyal, loving, completely compatible best friend who would make the perfect match - except that he’s straight. In Tom’s case, he may be more straight-ish. Wouldn’t it be a lovely conclusion and bring the story full circle if Robbie and Tom ended up together? I have the sense, though, that Dodger still has a few twists and surprises ready to spring.

I will truly miss this kind, fierce legend.

I highly recommend this sequel/conclusion to the wonderful Fearless. While not tagged as such, this is really a sweet, compelling love story that explores the tragedy of mental illness and underscores the healing power of love from one’s “logical” rather than biological family. Though the story includes plenty of drama and heartbreak, it also offers a deeply moving, happy ending that left this reader very satisfied.

Excellent story! It will surprise and delight you, make you laugh and perhaps shed a tear, and then leave you smiling.

Of course he was, but from our current dystopian nightmare, we need to be able to see Canada through rose-colored glasses. Please don’t destroy our illusion! 😉

This web just keeps getting more tangled! Tom is a sweet loyal friend to warn Robbie and thereby try to provide a softer landing when he and Nathan crash. So next chapter, Robbie confronts Nathan over Alex, huh? If that is what it sounds like, not only would Robbie not be able to trust Nathan (yeah, he’s 15 - but still...) but he would be faced with betrayal from Alex, as well. Sounds like it’s a good thing Robbie kept the number from the nice gay boy at school who actually asked him out. I admit that I would love to see Robbie and Tom end up together, but I don’t see Robbie returning to the UK - even if Tom were bi. Not only does it hold painful memories, but Robbie now has a lovely adopted country. As Robin Williams once pithily observed about Canada, “you are a big country. You are the kindest country in the world [Don and Miss Pringle notwithstanding]. You are like a really nice apartment over a meth lab.”

AMEN

I read on Nifty, too...but the writing quality there is (how can I put this nicely?) ...variable.

Oh gawd. Manilow?! 😱😉 whoops...I think I just dated myself.

I’m proud of Robbie for resisting the strong impulse to get too close and personal with Alex. His growing understanding of consequences, and his realization that Alex’s life is much tougher than his, are further evidence of his increasing maturity (in spite of being an excitable DQ). Having said that, however, Don and Sue are incredibly unfit parents for a gay boy (which makes them unfit parents, period). Sue’s is merely a somewhat diluted version of Don’s poison. They’re both toxic and, given sufficient exposure, both destructive. Some might give Sue a pass for her “you don’t have to flaunt it” remark by attributing her motives to a concern for Robbie’s safety. Her comment, however, betrays a deep antipathy to his sexuality and a desire to scare him into acting straight. Otherwise, her focus would have heen on the school’s responsibility of protecting him and, perhaps, devising a plan so that he was never left alone at school. Instead, she placed the entire onus on his “gay behavior”. <Grrrrrrrrr> Great chapter. I could feel Robbie’s frustration and sexual tension.

Beautiful chapter, and a perfect ending to this book. How cool that they came here for their honeymoon! Either you know the region well, or you really did your homework. Parabens! I had to smile when Ozzie determined that he was going to arrange shipments of our local sourdough once they returned home. I actually did that a few times when I lived a very long ways from California. Did another reader allege that you claim not to do romances? Um...this was a palpably romantic chapter, Carlos...almost poetically evocative in parts. Sure, the locations feed that, but they still need a fine writer with a romantic heart <cough, cough> to make them come alive for your readers. I’ll miss my Friday dose of these guys.

I’ve waited so long for this dream to come true for C.J. And Ozzie. It’s very late/super early here in CA, but I couldn’t wait to read this. Loved it! Of course they’d have a cooler than cool ceremony that more closely resembled a Tommy Bahama-clad rugby match than a staid, ordinary wedding. LOL ...And they served tostones and ceviche, two of my favorite food groups. ¡Que chévere! I hope Christina wakes up before she finds herself legally bound to a tool.

Beautiful and happily tearful. I could feel the painful but joyous emotion behind the tribute to Liz. So fitting and touching. The music was perfect (Casablanca is one of my favorite films), and the physical setting flawless and stunning. I loved the breezy, casual sophistication of the wedding party’s attire, and I don’t blame them for mellowing out in advance! Excellent idea. This was a wonderful chapter, Carlos, for its heart and because of all the important, meaningful details you always get just right.

So Nathan’s flaws are becoming more apparent - and irritating. Then there was the whole threesome suggestion that left Robbie cold, and a bit worried. It’s hard to tell if you’re setting the scene for the end of that relationship (and a closer bond with Alex), or simply doing your best to keep us guessing. 😉 At any rate, this was an excellent chapter in a great story. I’m touched by Robbie’s developing maturity and empathy, as illustrated in his feelings and actions toward Rory and that sweet Jamie. In some ways, it seems like Robbie is finally growing up, whereas Nathan is developmentally stuck. Either that, or they’re just growing apart. I really wanted them to end up together, but I’m beginning to share Robbie’s concerns. Nathan’s insensitivity toward Rory is particularly hard to reconcile. Even after 99 chapters - and endless speculation on our part - you’ve kept this story vibrant and engrossing. Bravo! PS. Don is still a tosser.

Ditto.

This is my 3rd or 4th reading of this marvelous story, both on Nifty and GA. What can I say? I, too, fell for these guys and love where this went. This version is the best yet. Thanks!!!

I read and thoroughly enjoyed Confounded I and II a long time ago, as far as the second book went. So happy to notice that you’re back on this story again. True to my bad habit, I had to binge read both books again to refresh my memory. I think we’re all so looking forward to more. I loved the Butler and only later realized you wrote Confounded, as well! It gives me such pleasure to witness the deepening of Kit’s and Tom’s relationship. Can hardly wait for a happy ending for those two. i’d also like to see that little shit, Jay, dealt with. I could see Military School or jail, but the former might just encourage his homophobia, and the latter could harden his criminal path. Still, those FB messages were scary and threatening. You keep your readers so invested in your characters. Great job.

Thoroughly enjoyed this chapter, Carlos. I love seeing everyone come together for such a great event, but Brad’s haunted, hard countenance makes me sad. Can’t imagine what he must have experienced. The Model X is an appropriate choice for an Escalade hater (mea culpa), even though that’s been a problematic vehicle for Tesla. They make those just up the freeway. So looking forward to the wedding!

Very entertaining story with real heart, and a unique twist that is so foreign to me. This just proves the hopeful old adage that there is someone out there for everyone, and I mean that without judgment. The plot twists were clever, and the sex was HOT. I also wonder how the D/s dynamic will impact and shape the kids. Fascinating. I didn’t discover this story until it was already complete and, once I began reading...I couldn’t put it down! It’s now 3:30 AM Saturday; I’m just glad it’s the weekend. Nicely done.

Totally agree...on both topics.

Totally unexpected chapter, but very enjoyable! It was highly erotic (and very artfully written, BTW) to see how the vitamin E dissolved CJ’s and Owen’s inhibitions, yet I found it incredibly sweet that they decided to stay within the important boundaries of their relationship - even while feeling the temptation of Tarik’s immense talent. 😉 Given how important this has been to them up to now, I think they’ll be glad of it in the morning. Loved the Amsterdam trip, as it brought back happy memories. I was touched by CJ’s tattoo of the Southern Cross and Ozzie’s name on his chest. “My body isn’t a temple, it’s an amusement park!“ You paraphrased one of Tony Bourdain’s favorite quotes on the very day we lost him. You couldn’t have intended it, but it was a nice tribute just the same.

Loved the chapter, Carlos. Within a few paragraphs, you’ve managed to both crack me up (CJ threatening to describe the taste of Owen’s cum to Carsonlingus) and make my blood boil in disgust (the shirtless dorm mini-Trump). I really appreciated your mention of Dr. King’s quote through Colonel Edwards. These days, I find that I have to keep reminding myself of those uplifting words Also, thanks for the eye candy. Damn, Francisco is adorably hot! Meu deus, que moço bonito!