84Mags

Kyle’s reaction was understandable given the enormity of the situation and was very well written. I can’t imagine having one of the most intimate things that I do secretly recorded and put online. His ex violated Kyle multiple, unforgivable ways. I’m glad Jett pushed past all that to figure out what was truly going on. Their relationship is new enough they are still establishing boundaries. Good for Jett for helping Kyle work his way through it.

#boah Yes, please.

All of the chapter made me smile… it was a feeling good all the way around kinda chapter. I love that Kim and Megan are slowly moving forward with the help of a good therapist. And Bo is back! Not sure what exactly that means… but I am down for it.

Dirty Deeds… Me, too! All. Danged. Day! I started this chapter early morning, had a work emergency, and just got back to it. I swear to everything coconut I must have been asked a dozen times what I was bopping my head to. Did get a few fist bumps for AC/DC…so I guess there is that! And the gun thing with Kyle is really worrisome. I’m nervous too.

I was one of the previous commenters who was holding judgement on the parents; their explanation left me unsettled. Yes, they desperately wanted children but their circumstances allowed them to skirt a legal system put in place for very good reasons. They willingly and knowingly adopted children from a doctor dealing with who they assumed was a shady politician having sexual relations with underaged girls. And then when the truth came out, they did not seek legal advice but again chose silence and lies to keep their children. Yep, I am unsettled. Speaking of the legal system and lies, I am very curious about Dr. Greene and his attorney visits while in prison.

Body swaps can be a very hard thing to write but this was all aces! I can’t decide who I liked better, Don or Stanley. Don certainly cracked me up more, but Stanley saved the day and provided the best awwwww moments. I’m jumping on the PROM short stories series plea. I’d love to see where you take it!

The imagery and dialogue are what first brought me to this story. The author is poetic in their writing and this adds an important dimension to the tale. It’s hard to write about the ravages of domestic violence and the echoes of abuse’s aftermath. Ethan and Jonathan, along with Michael, will remain with you long after you’ve finished this satisfying read.

These are characters you can wrap your heart around and fall in love right along with them. Adorable child, college student who has serious and unexpected life changes, successful businessman with an intriguing backstory, professional athletes, good coffee, great laughs, hot sex... what's not to check out? This story is well paced and the dialogue will have you hooked.

All of your stories provide an amazing depth, but I have to say this one really went the extra distance. I am not sure if it is because I am currently raising my own 21 year old business major, but it always felt like you had a perfect grasp of what it meant for Matt to be in that man-child phase of life and then suddenly have so much thrust upon him. Everything from how his relationship with his high school buddies panned out, to how he developed into a brother/parent/dad, what it took for him to succeed at a collegiate level, to his full circle relationship with Seamus. And, Seamus! You didn't miss a step in delving into his less than stellar upbringing, terrible relationship Kelly and how that impacted all parts of who he became, and then overcame with Matt. I just loved the story arc. I am sad to see it end, but leave with a smile. PS Especially thrilled Jay and Loe have their acts together and ARE TOGETHER! Still hoping for their full on story but have to say the epilogue with them was great! I love the name Loelife Cafe!!!!

I dunno, I think you are both pretty dang excellent at your craft! In fact… aren’t you in the running for an award on another site? 🤩🇺🇸#vote 😉

I think what I like the most about Kyle and Jett’s relationship is their instinctual understanding of each other. They don’t just balance each other, they are in step with one another. The morning after the horrific news, at breakfast Jett asked, “So where do you want to go from here?” And, earlier giving Kyle verbal permission to end their budding relationship was really perfect. Jett didn’t tell Kyle his opinion or what he thought Kyle should do, he left all choices up to Kyle for not just their relationship but for Kyle handling his conception, his sister and parents, as well as his psycho birth father. It struck me as amazingly supportive and selfless on Jett’s behalf. I truly ache for Kyle, Megan and Kim. Nikki and Heather, too. I find myself holding judgment on Kyle’s parents. Perhaps they had no idea of how Kyle and Megan were conceived.

I actually had to take a break reading, walk around and go back to it. My brain needed a moment to process that much trauma. Kim is a miracle to just be able to function, much less to be able to successfully survive. And what a horrific bombshell for Kyle. Kudos for writing this with candor and compassion.

Because Matt and Seamus will be the children’s parents / guardians then Aiden will be the legal sibling.

I’ve always taken it as a given that the better the family dynamics the more teasing and reverting to overgrown children! As the smallest of my four siblings (and I’m 5’8”) I’m usually tossed over a shoulder or tickled mercilessly. I’m totally stealing your love handle twist maneuver when we see each other over July 4th! And I think I can speak for the masses… we are ready for the next chapter! 😎😎😎

Wow, this chapter had a bit of everything and the intrigue was amped up full throttle! You have definitely set expeditions high for the epilogue. I want baby Seamus, jail time and financial ruin for Mike, public flogging and federal prison for Kelly’s parents, a commitment for a story on Loren and Jay to already be in the works, another cocktail recipe or two, and Aiden to be the best big brother ever… well, next to Matt, anyway.

You have a poet’s voice and your writing is expressively beautiful. I truly can’t think of a better comment than the words of @Philippe; I agree with absolutely everything. You did your characters justice with this realistic tale. I am glad their path lead to happiness and peace.

A powerful story vibrantly narrated by Michael as he navigates what must be the toughest battle of his life. Read it for PRIDE month, and again for every month of the year. With Kleenex.

That Michael faced death with spirit, tenacity, a sense of humble belonging and love for those who had gone before him brought me to my knees. Big, fat, raindrop tears, knees. I’m eternally grateful for the advances in treatments and the joy awaking feeling better brought to Michael. The world needs more Michael’s, not less.

I’ll stay out of the ‘who are the birth moms’ guessing, because not only do I always guess mysteries wrong (!) but it really isn’t the part that struck me the most in this chapter. Your passages with Kyle discussing learning of his adoption were intense, vivid and spot on. It was heart-rending and distressing to read. I think because of the realism. When state laws require adoption records and original birth certificates to be sealed, then adoptees are left out of the decision to know about their origins. Unfortunately Kyle’s parents chose silence. I feel for him and his sister.

I agree with @spyke! Well done intrigue; Kim’s past has come back and Kyle is(currently)unknowingly a part of it. Just enough hints to leave us guessing. The sex was sweet and hot; exactly like Jett and Kyle. The internal monologue Kyle had afterwards was a bit heartbreaking. I hope he trusts Jett enough to open up soon. Wonder if whatever is going on in Kim’s past has a direct link to Kyle’s insecurities.

The cold and distant ways Ethan uses to stop a panic attack or his melancholy thoughts, whether a face in the cold rain, ice bath or keeping an emotional distance in his head, is in such sharp contrast to the warmth that others surround him in. Each time he tried to create a distance, something warm like the squeeze of a hand, a towel, breakfast burrito or Elsie’s yellow tee where there to help pull him back. Brilliantly done chapter to make visual his internal struggles.

Kyle and Jett really do seem perfect for each other! Getting to know the pups was really sweet. I gotta say, all the names in this story are killing me! 😂😂😂

Ok, I confess I started re-reading your previous works about a week ago out of sheer tired of waiting! …Yea!! New story! You are exceptional at the fine details that make a story pop from the very start. I’m already invested in Jett’s life and the budding romance with Kyle. Looking forward to where this goes. Hey, @headtransplant, yes…that is EXACTLY what expired means! 💀I had the same wide eyed moment for that passage.

I’ve mentioned in previous comments that you have a poet’s voice to your writing, and this whole chapter vividly and movingly conveyed exactly how the dysfunctional cycle of domestic violence works… and can finally be broken. Ethan and Micheal are now involved in healthy relationships. At this very special evening meal they are surrounded by those who not only love them, but just as importantly, they respect, trust and support both Ethan and Michael. Boundaries are acknowledged and enforced. The Jameson’s can’t break past this safety net with their unhealthy tactics of surprise, intimidation and manipulation. Little Leah breaks my heart. Rayna makes me want to grow up and be her. Jonathan reminds me just how perfect love can be. I’m thankful Ethan emotionally weathered this and hopeful he continues in therapy. Trust is a hard bond to form. Words can be frustratingly elusive. A good therapist will wait him out and help ease a way forward.

“Love is about grace and forgiveness.” Truth. Best line in the chapter.