FanLit

@kbois, you’ll likely have your own critiques of the development of your story telling abilities from “A Tattoo for Lex” to now, I will leave you to that and simply thank you for ALWAYS introducing compelling characters grounded in storylines that intoxicate and captivate our imaginations. There are many people you’ve introduced me to that I like immensely, yet one that I dare say I love, who ultimately winds up my favorite of all your characters for me….Thank you for the perfectly imperfect Kage, a seductive, heroic, sentimental reminder that a book should never be judged by its cover and that there can be the brightest light within deep, dark depths. ❤️💔❤️‍🩹💝 Thank you so very, very much for sharing your ability to spin a yarn, I look forward to the next journey you take us on.

When I saw T.L.A.T.E.O.T.T. update in the story list, I saw an update I hadn’t seen before, “Complete”….it was with that sobering realization I went into Reilly’s story. Nat Chusi generously rewarded the pack with this well earned vacation via the beautiful home he lent them for use. “Sebastian stood in the kitchen leaning against the counter, wearing nothing but low-slung jeans….” This quote shows how comfortable Reilly is in his own skin, what a far cry he is from the timid, broken Reilly we first met, (who resorted to parading as a woman in order to hide his identity)….there is no need or desire for him to do that anymore. “When Kellan rescued me after my sperm donor and his spawn beat the shit out of me,…” That is exactly who those creatures related to him were, Kellan was always more brother to him and together, they found their forever family. A previous comment in the last epilogue touched upon the similarities of Reilly and Elijah’s journeys….their respective tragedies catapulted this series; these two quiet protagonists also had their one true loves with them throughout their sojourns- Kellan and Tyler respectively, as true love encompasses more than the romantic variety. This last epilogue seals the deal on the Happily Ever After this brave, daring and intrepid wolf pack deserve.

“It has been said, 'time heals all wounds.' I do not agree. The wounds remain. In time, the mind, protecting its sanity, covers them with scar tissue and the pain lessens. But it is never gone.” That quote has been attributed to Rose Kennedy, someone who knew a thing or two about loss, lol. Love open us up to hurt….

“hardened to loss” and “luxury to grieve”; Those phrases fit & exemplify the difference between times past and times present (even though there are many places in the world where life’s adversities still require an inurement to loss). 😔 I wonder if our modern day luxury to grieve is to our betterment. 🤔

I’m lookin’ one mo’ gin at the yarn that done brought Boone and Coy into my life and as per usual, a second look highlights things not noticed afore. 😊 My thoughts focused on Ms. Maysie in this chapter, a woman who lost her husband, brother and three of her five children by the time of her passing. Large families were common back then due to lack of birth control, yet the death of babies in infancy and childhood was high, due in no small part to the ravages of disease and the general dangers of life….in some ways it seemed that one had to give birth to their own workforce, as there was always much to do. Multiple pregnancies and miscarriages took a further toll on the female population, who in addition often worked as hard as men; did any or all of these factors contribute to Mrs. Diamond’s frailty? I wonder also about the emotional toll children’s deaths had on their parents: did they emotionally invest in them, knowing they were not likely to make it to adulthood? The role of physical provider often took precedence over the luxury of being a stay at home parent, so children likely didn’t see parents when they were awake….with all this being said, I know there were families full of happiness and love, as will endure in every time through history. Did Ms. Maysie have her own blinders on where her n’eer do well son was concerned, just being glad he was alive after losing so many? With the way she alienated Boone after his return home, I sadly think it so.

She doesn’t, actually. 😏

LOVE this.

Nope, lol. He cast a long shadow. 🙂

“Eventually, Mama wanted to replace their bedroom furniture, too. There was not one among them who dared to say anything about the usage that furniture had seen.” No matter how old we get, no one ever wants to imagine their parents bumping uglies….with the amount of siblings Tyler has, thoughts of the minimum amount of usage would have them bleaching their brains, lol.

“I’m not sure any of us will ever fully comprehend how much he loved you.” Oh Kage. ❤️💔❤️‍🩹 This was beautiful. Thank you and Happy New Year.

Sugar Honey….thanks for the reminder.

Thank you for your beautiful tribute. As usual, your heart beats in every line you write. Wishing you and your husband the very best in the new year, tim.

Lucas taught a masterclass in patience, trust and respect.

With reciprocal love and the piece of heaven he and Lucas hopefully will carve, he will allow himself to thrive instead of survive. I can see him building homes and buildings in Bearpaw, among many other potential occupations he could have.

One tough man who was still able to have love in his heart….given what he experienced, that makes him stronger than all who set hurt upon him. Thankful for Vincent and Boone in his life before Lucas. 🎁 Edit-thank you @drpaladin for the reminder that Boone was Lucas’ lover and not Jubal’s….it makes the gift of Vincent and his love all the more poignant for Jubal.

Happy New Year, Gary. Happy New Year to all….wishing great blessings & looking forward to sharing exciting literary journeys with you on this site this year.

What a sweet, fucking relief, lol. Though their timeline be different, Jubal and Lucas started our New Year with leaving the fear and confusion behind. Lucas’ talk opened Jubal’s floodgates as well….Of course between our two favorite Larkspur residents it was Boone Lucas fell in love with; Boone was the only one acknowledging he wanted men over women….with Coy’s mom and brother’s influence, he dared not. Reid may well have had genuine feelings for Lucas but wanted to be in a non monogamous relationship….he was definitely responding to the challenge of Lucas’ rejection in trying to stake his claim. Being a loner made you vulnerable, regardless of orientation….Add his near death experience to almost getting gang raped on top of his father’s religious convictions stating he was “made wrong”, it’s no wonder Jubal will run the other way before he trusts his instincts, something he doesn’t have to do around Lucas anymore. I have to admit, I wonder if Coy’s brother was the one what roughed up Jubal in the hotel that night, it sounds like Will Diamond to force rough, non consensual sex on someone, in spite of his homophobic tone & behavior…. I guess I should call it rape, huh? My feelings about the Preacher’s Kid who set Jubal up for a hate crime are mixed….while there is compassion for the self hate he clearly felt, there is absolutely none for bringing what he believed to be certain death to Jubal, it was as though he wanted to punish Jubal for the attraction he felt for him….thank goodness for the “reasonable minded” cowboy who spared Jubal from immediate death at that dragging, as well as shedding light on the PK’s part: “Then asked what his son was doing out here with me after dark anyway.” This was fanfuckingtastic Gary and well worth the wait. hearing the chorus for Carly Simon’s “Anticipation” in my head, lol. Will the wildings feel the love and Rush back? Will the troublemaking questioner in town trip headfirst into a pit toilet and break his neck? Will the next installment be the end of our time with Lucas and Jubal? Find out next week when we check out “Bearpaw: An Old West Tale” 🐾 🍻

These holidays are still transitional but both components you mentioned help make them easier. I wish you the same for yours.🎄🐎🎁💝

I heartily concur!! Lol!!

Can’t wait.

Christmas came a day early with this chapter 🎁….thanks for the extra serving Gary, I admit to greedily hoping for a kiss in this chapter but looks like it’ll be next year, lol. Lucas’ happy surprise at his completed home, Lucas realizing that Jubal’s search for the wildings was what kept him from visiting…..To see the biofeedback of pleasure between these two is satisfying. “Thought you might be sick of my company,” Lucas said, looking happier than he’d been the whole way from Bearpaw.” “Not, likely, but it did cross my mind you could have been sick of mine.” “Not likely,” he said with a big grin,” “Lucas’s steady stare” If Jubal only trusted what he saw, he’d believe that his scent was missed as much the scent he missed….every answer to every question is in that stare. “Jubal went slow, and Lucas was right behind him, one hand settled on his shoulder. He bumped against him with each step, before they took the next one.” Jubal’s feelings are transparent, as this story is told from his point of view….we are supposed to believe that Lucas’ feelings are ambiguous, that they could be “just friendship”….oooookayyyy. 👌 🙄 What will happen between Lucas and Jubal now that Lucas is back? Will the wildings ever come back? Will everyone have a Merry/Happy Christmas? 🎄 Find out next week when we check out “Bearpaw: An Old West Tale” 🐾 🍻

This was lovely. Some growing pains after Vann came to live with Caleb and Asa were expected….much as I love Vann’s empathy and maturity, I equally love that he is a normal boy sometimes unable to properly communicate his feelings; Caleb does have to show more than say that Vann is wanted, after all, Marcel, Dante and Duncan were chosen. “He threw in the towel, left the fuzzy hair alone, and named her Gnomie.” I adore the way you fit in her name, lol!! Vann has a definite way with animals, if he doesn’t become a veterinarian, I can see him and Asa in business together. With the close of the main story, Silas’ passing was mourned, it was nice to see the circle of life continue in this epilogue with birth and connection in all ways: familial, platonic, romantic and sexual, speaking of….Caleb and Asa are still in their honeymoon phase so hot sex is the expected norm, their mate connection ensures they will always be the flint to each other’s match. ❤️‍🔥🔥🧨 An enjoyable visit one year out. 🎁

The best of the holiday season and a blessed and happy new year to you, too.