FanLit

I thought Alexander made the deal with his family their senior year, as disciplined as he is, I doubt he would’ve risked Lyn’s future even for this fleeting moment of tenderness.

In a modern twist on the intricacies of class and internalized homophobia within various socioeconomic dynamics, you engage us in an intense drama with Lynton, Brad and Alexander. Lynton is the child of a high class prostitute, saddled with the shame incumbent of those circumstances and dealing with a mother who loves him but is incapable of providing financial and emotional stability, as she always “has to depend upon the kindness of strangers”. (A big smile came to my face when I saw Ms. Calloway’s first name was Blanche, as her house and persona gave me “A Streetcar Named Desire”vibes from Lyn’s first visit back home). Lyn is emotionally stronger than his mother, with the drive to better his future through education; however, much like his Blanche, Lyn also constructed an ideal fantasy world that coupled with low self esteem, ill equipped him to deal with emotional realities. Brad is Lynton’s dream man brought to life, it was love at first sight for Lyn, who dedicated himself to Brad fully when Brad declared him his best friend after that first college party. Middle class Brad was a party boy who was accustomed to coasting through life on his good looks and social acumen, aspirational in his own right, yet fearful he wasn’t good enough to do so on his own. Lyn might have initially been one of the social constructs Brad establishes to get by but then became so much more. Alexander Montgomery III was to the manor born…handsome and intelligent, his patina of wealth and privilege gave him an instinctive social exclusivity that wasn’t defined by the weight of one’s bank account, he had a fierce desire for independence within his rarefied world….his friendships with Lyn & Brad were in defiance of his heritage as well as essential to his well being, as “His Majesty” had his own love at first sight moment with Lynton. Lynton denied his same sex attraction, as do Brad and Alexander….while we know for Lynton his homosexuality is all encompassing, it is not as clear for Brad and Alexander-were they bisexual? Lynsexual? (Brad had Luke as an oral sex buddy but he never reciprocated, was Luke his first suck off buddy? If not, did he do more with others? What would he have done with Lyn if Alexander didn’t ward him off?) Alexander actually came off more asexual outside of his attraction to Lyn; was he closeted himself? He apparently dated but those interactions seemed anemic at best; while Lynton was the nucleus of his interest, Alexander did seem to develop a genuine friendship with Brad. This trio was fractured by rejection and betrayal….Brad’s rejection of Lyn’s feelings destroyed all collegial feelings Lyn had for both relationships, as Brad’s abusive tirade mistakenly led Lyn to think Alexander betrayed him. Given their last exchange, I’m very surprised Lyn accepted the wedding invitation….it seems Alexander wasn’t the only one who “wanted to see how it would end”. Things are poised now to provide closure (and continuity?) for these gentlemen now that Lyn’s emotional cataracts have been removed. What will happily ever after look like for these three?

Liam has amazing friends.

Mark’s (from the bike club) concern along with the joint and individual friendships Liam has with Rod and Sean speaks volumes: Kevin and Liam were deeply in love and deeply loved by their friends; they all mourned Kevin’s loss in their lives and have kept emotional sentry over Liam and his deep grief. It is very evident that everyone is incredibly happy over what is developing between Adrian and Liam while they gently bring Liam back out from the shadows of mourning into the light of intimacy. Liam is a good, decent man who deserves a second chance at a different but just as meaningful, loving relationship. 🎁💝

This chapter is one of the most poignantly, bittersweet, and beautiful I’ve ever read.

So Rod isn’t the matchmaker….perhaps Kevin is?

I finished this wonderful story, pleased with Dean’s growth and the life he and Kris have forged together. From the time they entered Toronto & while watching D & K’s progress, one other name kept flashing through my mind: Ethan. The heart wants what it wants & while I don’t blame Kris (because he never led Ethan on), I felt bad that the deep feelings Ethan had for him was going to lead to his heartbreak….the wall he put up via his formal distance from Kris (while understandable) made me sad for both of them. I’d like to see how Ethan’s life turned out in Toronto, as well as get his own HEA with someone else & hope that he and Kris can salvage a friendship, if possible.

Edward appears a man to the manor born, comfortable with his life and his place in it; his marriage to Nora seems to be one rooted in romantic love: "She'll write a letter," Edward countered, affectionate and resigned. "She can't help herself." "For your mother," Edward said, smiling into the word,”…. which speaks well for both he and she because while her husband may defend her cold precision as a tool that belies love, Margot comes off as a bitch, one whom I suspect (or hope) returns the romantic affection of her husband. “Appearances are not lies, Danny," he said, never harsh, just exact. "They are tools. Your mother knows that language. So do you. You use it at work." "I'm tired of it," Daniel said, and the honesty in the sentence surprised both of them. "I believe you," Edward said, not arguing. "But there isn't much room to be ourselves in this little world of ours, not if you want to change it and still be invited back. You can buy a fantasy for a few hours, everyone does, one way or another. But you don't get to live in it, Danny. Not if you intend to keep anything else." Though those words were likely a generality directed at their way of life, Edward spoke as though he knew exactly what went on with his son the night before….perhaps in his lifetime he’s borne witness to many a “night before” with the potential to scandalize; though I doubt personally, as he seems very taken with his wife. (unless his fantasy happened before his marriage). Phillip exudes the comfort that his place in life will cover a multitude of faults and peccadilloes, he reminds me of Daniel’s friend Alec….it may be a good thing he has people with flexible attitudes close to him, as he will need safe, nonjudgmental spaces to navigate this new path. As though Malik put a stamp on his forehead or a new wavelength in his aura, Daniel now pings on gaydar….will he engage in such reckless behavior with Max under his parent’s roof? Nora is a wonder (I love how she handles Margot) & while her wishes opened this Pandora’s box, I have enormous sympathy for her….there is some for Daniel as well on a lesser level, for now. When the original Pandora’s box opened, hope was left inside….hopefully Nora and Daniel can keep their humanity around each other, however their marriage lands.

This is a touching and engaging tale of love found, lost and potentially rediscovered again….while I rejoice in what Liam & Kevin had, I am intrigued with Adrian & his earnest intentions toward our lonely widower (I see you matchmaking, Rodney, lol). “Hey Everyone - Something I've been working on between calls/meetings/life. I'm not so sure about this, but wanted to share the first chapter with you.” Thank you for sharing this chapter, I hope you feel so inclined to share all the other chapters you have of this story. 🙂

Seeing your wonderful, insightful commentary is just as good as seeing a story from Gary. 🎁

Howdy, Gar. When I saw a story popped up by you, I had to double check it wasn’t Monday. 😉 A Headstall tale is welcome any day of the week, so YAY!! Link is aptly named, his comfort in his skin allows him to link (pun intended) Moss to acceptance of his own nature; he’s also a young man possessed of grace and charity: “Plenty of folk have the leanings your gran did, though I never heard of one like her. Hope she’s peaceful in her grave.” Moss’ description of his grandmother had me wishing for hellfire and damnation for her….bless Link for reminding me that bad people are more often made than born and to extend them the grace we’d want to be extended. (although I do believe an unfortunate few truly are bad from birth). What happened between Moss’ grandparents was tragic: his grandfather doing the best he can, yet being unable to avoid his true nature….Grandma was given a shock that she had the right to be hurt and angry about but she allowed it to make her bitter (if she wasn’t already on her way to that curing, lol). She was going to hate any inclination of sameness in anyone, to see it in her grandson gave her a convenient vessel to unload all her anger, hurt and hate. Moss inadvertently being part of his grandmother’s passing is fitting, she was not destined for a happy life-the only beast on that sweet boy’s back was his harridan of a grandmother; when I think of her stepping on Moss’ pecker with her hard shoe 😡🤬….(guess I’ll be leave the kind thoughts to Link, lol). “Told Uncle Roy I’d likely be back home ‘afore my twentieth birthday, and I reckon we can make it to Bearpaw with days to spare.” BEARPAW!! The name of that town had me cudgeling my brain to recall Link’s uncle or partner. No doubt his uncle Roy being “likeminded” and witnessing his relationship with Zeke made the path of affirmation easier for Link. I love that Moss and Link’s Journey to Salvation was a path to each other and not a town with the name….they are well and truly Caught. Thank you for gracing us with your narrative gift, it’s been missed. 🎁

I wholeheartedly concur. @CasualWanderer82 is a wordsmith of the first order; the grammar & punctuation in his stories are on point, too (or his editor’s) 😊

Truly one of the worst possible fates.

An enlightening view from Daniel’s side of the evening. Alec, for his apparent superficiality, is another intriguing character and seems to be a great friend to Daniel. The procurement process for Malik’s services was fascinating….seems there will also be familial consequences with a controlling mother who isn’t the biggest fan of her daughter in law. "You contracted Nox," he went on, softer and somehow barer for it. "Not a friend. Our engagements are finite by design. No repeats. No reach-outs. This is where our transaction ends." He paused, the smallest fracture in the smoothness. "You won't see me again." Daniel and Nora’s lives weren’t the only ones changed that night, will “Malik” make a life change as well, or is that “transaction” really over? Kudos to your attention to detail on the professional lives of Nora, Daniel and all your other characters, for that matter; you’ve either lived a varied life, do excellent research, have interesting people you glean facts from, or some combinations of all I mentioned, lol.

🫰 Should’ve taken that psychology elective in college, lol.

@HHP67‘s post you quoted reminds me: How does one go about finding someone with Malik’s, um “skill set”? If he is not a previous lover/reference, what search title would “Malik” (his name for the night) be looked up under: “Love Chef”? “Culinary Specialist of the Erotic Arts?” Initially, he seemed quite professional in both his culinary & copulatory abilities….then his one on one encounter with Daniel became very proprietary, which made me wonder if this wasn’t a first time for them; yes Daniel said the encounter was new but he easily could have been referring to the night in general, or sharing his lover with his wife. “I don't bring a script. I bring appetite and a talent for listening to what isn't said." “I'm not here to ruin your furniture. I'm here to bring back texture. Hunger needs edges." If “Malik”doesn’t bring a script, does he often get involved with his clients? If he hadn’t previously, is he willing to now? “You know, I've been doing this a long time,"…. "Met a lot of people. Helped more than a few." …. "But your husband," he went on, and something complicated moved across his face, respect, heat, a tenderness he didn't owe her. "he…struck a chord." "Daniel," he said, almost clinically, "is the most fascinating man I've ever fucked."… “What makes him…dangerous, intoxicating…is that he doesn't know it. He has no idea how much gravity he throws. The want in him. The hunger." None of that sounds as though he’s willing to stay detached (if he wasn’t already involved). Daniel’s been keeping secrets, either from Nora, himself or both, what does his life look like now? I can’t wait to see where you bring Mr. and Mrs. Beaumont on this journey of discovery; whether they stay Mr. and Mrs. at the end of it remains to be seen. Oh yeah-does Hal have a crush on Nora? For a brief moment, I thought he was going to be the cook/third party, lol.

Your reaction was spot on….I was shaking at the end of the chapter.

Thank you for saying this. As a heterosexual female who has enjoyed gay erotica for years, (mainly MM) I’ve often felt when a female is included in a storyline that isn’t lesbian geared, that the author didn’t like women.

WOW. Two thoughts came from this: Be careful what you wish for. Don’t asks a question that you really don’t want the answer to. You have created an incredible scenario for these two people (three? Was Malik an excuse or surprise?) A memorable birthday for Nora, indeed. I have no sides right now; This might be your most interesting journey yet. (and that’s saying something, lol)

“That boy has no idea who he’s dealing with.” No, Ms. Veronica, you have no idea who you’re dealing with. I'm Team River all the way, his circumstances may be strained but he is every bit an equal to the people he was dining with, maybe even more; Xavier did Zayn a favor setting these two up together. How does it appear Harry is acceptable but Zayn is not? Is Harry closeted? The other Monroes seem to accept Zayn as he is, why was that not enough to stand up to Leonardo, especially his sister? Whether River and Zayn fall in love or not, Zayn needs River there as his support on this trip, whether he realizes it or not. Hypocrisy is not exclusive to the rich, just more annoying among them, lol. “Truth?” Zayn’s voice was sharp now, incredulous. “You insulted my aunt in front of everyone. Do you even realize what you did down there?” Is it okay for your aunt and former lover to insult your “boyfriend of three years” in front of your whole family, Zayn? “She raised me when my mother couldn’t.” There is much to unpack on this trip. Looking forward to round, I mean chapter 3.

Thank you for taking us on another odyssey full of passion, love, pathos, strength and pursuit of the path to peace. You tell your stories in many different places with many different people…. amongst the amazing, intriguing and engaging characters of this story, the South is one of the most captivating. This story feels like it only could have been told below the Mason Dixon Line.

Tara is lucky Max loves her because her lack of food boundaries on a regular basis would be an issue for me, lol. “I had a fleeting thought that life might be complicated until I figured out how to keep the peace between two people who were mine to protect. And whoa! Back it up there, Max. Tara’s yours because you love her. Roman is just a necessary add-on to Sam and Ben …” Max’s conscious self may keep resisting but he’s already fallen for Roman….his thoughts and physical reactions tell everything. “I considered it fitting that the only printed photo in my apartment concealed the weapon that I’d be willing to draw without hesitation for the people in that picture.” Now he’s going to need two new pics, a group one that includes Roman, as well as one (or several) with just he and Roman together. 👨‍❤️‍👨 Harry Malcom Melone-Max’s father is PTSD for him….war isn’t only fought with body armor & bullets shot from the chamber of a gun, there’s no real protection or “thick skin” from the verbal and emotional bullets shot from the chamber of parental disapproval. “From people who cared about me, compassion and empathy were unacceptable. Anyone who felt an ounce of pity for me, was someone I’d let down. And that wasn’t happening today.” 😔 The additional legacy of General Melone. 🤬 He’s under the doghouse as far as being a parent is concerned, I’m very surprised Ms. Vera doesn’t have major beef with how he treats their son. “He didn’t say anything, but the slight quirk to the corners of his sensual-lipped mouth was becoming familiar to me as a marker for the real Roman Cruz-the man behind the cool and collected composition he usually showed to the world.” “Who’s Carter?” Roman asked the question with calm in his tone, but it was a measured composure. Deliberate. Not entirely casual.” Now as a trained professional, it’s part of Max’s job to be able to pick up on verbal cues but his ability to do this with Roman comes from a decidedly personal perspective, one usually accompanied with intimate familiarity (and they are just starting out!!!!) LOL. . “Roman Cruz was an unrepentant, stupidly hot hedonist. A pot to my fucking kettle.“ “Catching feelings”aside, it is a bee-yoo-ti-ful thing when your emotional mate is also a perfect sexual match to you, too. 🔥🔥 Enjoyment of the snarky game of dozens aside, I’m with Max in feeling the verbal “kick to the teeth” Tara gave….that should’ve been an A & B conversation, not an A/B/C convo, although the nakedness of it allowed Tara and Roman to assess each other, as well as send their own codes to each other regarding Max. Tara’s “soldier” to Max was her stamp of approval. “You didn’t give me a chance to set my own rules. But that shit ends now.” The shit is about to hit the commitment avoidance fan in a BIG way when Roman lays out his rules, LOL!! Thing is, I think he’ll like it.

“Just food for thought”….and a delectable morsel it is, indeed. This makes perfect sense; Sam and his life was such a glorified unholy mess when he came back to Miami, I didn’t think to decipher Sam’s part in his relationship with Max, except that he loved him. It does “take two to tango” Poor Max, he did fuck up but he wasn’t the only one, hence why Roman is stronger than Sam in this sense & is the right partner for Maximilian. (I love both names together-Roman and Maximilian sounds so regal, that is what should go on their wedding invitations, lol) For all the guilt Max carries around about Sam, I hope that he gets to hear this perspective from someone, he deserves the validation.

For some reason, I feel the incident involved a miscarriage with Ms. Vera that also indirectly involved Max. Is there a sliver of subconscious resentment in Max’s treatment of Sam over the years because of what happened? The misfits already have an idea about Max’s importance to Roman, given that he broke his rule about dancing with anyone at his club when he danced with Max opening night at Deseos; (only Ben and his staff would understand the significance of that). Since Max has been at both clubs since the opening & the wedding, I suspect Roman’s staff has been discreetly checking him out, taking his measure to see if he’s a worthy consort for the “King”…. I think they approve and are keeping their own counsel until they need to.

I think it also bears remembering how this all started: Ben asked Roman to look after Max the night of his wedding to Sam; while he didn’t exactly instruct Roman to distract Max with sex, Ben (as Roman’s best friend) already knew that Roman was genuinely attracted to Max. While there may be lingering insecurity of Sam and Max’s connection on Ben’s part, he would never have pushed Roman in Max’s orbit solely as a diversion. Ben also has a way of looking after his personal flock, he has no problem shepherding R & M together because in his world, all his loved ones are happily paired up. (ask Tara, lol)