CincyKris

That was quite the escalation! Very unexpected, but this opens up the story to a lot of drama and tension. I'm looking forward to the battle ahead.

Vince may have hated his father's methods, but some of the attitude stuck, like an insect caught in sap. Will Vince be able to wiggle out of his prison? Freddie's head for numbers may be a salvation to both brothers. I'm glad that Graham is trying his best to make money and follow his passion.

Raffa freaked out, understandably. Gray freaked out by completely withdrawing. Fortunately both young men had meddling relatives that put things into perspective. These two will be stronger together.

Sometimes I feel like both Roman and Max are as feral cat skittish as Enrique! I eagerly await Max coming home to a pissed off Roman. Especially with Tara in tow. Happy to hear that Sofia and AJ are working it out. Also happy that Tara has literally gone back to her roots.

Poor Raffa woke up to a horrible situation, he's completely overwhelmed and shocked. I have faith that Gray will be strong enough to withstand this hurt. His parents, or more likely his brother, will convince him to reconsider. I also think he shouldn't be too hasty on his self diagnosis, the swelling will probably continue to decrease.

I loved the interactions between the boys and with Toby and his dads. I can’t help but be glad that Toby and Deirdre are still civil but not warm. I don’t trust her. What will she do when Jasper’s transporting of either stolen or counterfeit merchandise lands him in jail (or will he disappear to avoid jail)?

The absence of Raffa’s parents in the ICU waiting room lead me to think that Raffa is being moved to a regular room rather than back into surgery. I think that Raffa and Gray are lucky to work at such a supportive company. Although I think it has less to do with location than the difference amongst companies. I work at a business here in the US that has been very accommodating to medical issues. I suspect there are plenty of workplaces in Australia that are unfortunately less supportive than Gray’s store.

This sex-centric chapter was soooo Max! Lots of sex and snark! I can't wait for their bumpy future.

I think Mike feels quite a bit of guilt over the encounter with Animal, Gray, and himself. And presumably other encounters before that, I doubt that Raffa and Gray were the only ones. Mowing down Animal was a visceral response to that guilt, will Mike turn his life around now?

This is a wonderful story of the first 20 years of life for a young man now called Craig, but he will always be Button to his dads. Early on, his fathers are the main characters, and they are well written, fully fleshed-out people. We get to see Button go from adorable toddler with special needs, to a thoughtful kid, to a typical teenager (meaning mostly good but sometimes selfish and hormonal), to a very decent and responsible young man. The brief once a year glimpse into the lives of Button, his dads, and his friends gives us a surprisingly full picture of their lives. I highly suggest you read 1550 Loring Lane first. Not just because it will give you background for Button, it will give you background for many of @Cole Matthews's stories. And it's a great read!

I wonder if their father was using the same methods of parenting as his own father, or was he using his management style for parenting? He certainly seemed to treat his children as employees. Fortunately dear old dad's cutthroat child rearing is not being passed on further.

Oh, poor Raffa! This does indeed sound like a long road to recovery. I think Gray will be a big help. It's a good thing he lives on one floor in the converted garage.

That was an epic round two! I'm going to call it a draw, for now. They both scored some hits, but both lost their shit a little bit. It is fun watching these two warriors trying to one up each other. It will be even more fun watching them work together. It was funny that two of Max's conquests were witness to the telenovella.

We are closer to finding out who is behind the black poison. Why have they murdered Dante's line? Did they kidnap his son? This chapter had a little bit of everything.

Great chapter, it was entertaining and also gave us a hint at the timeline. I laughed at this quote, Garth Brooks would approve! “As my grandmother would say, the sun’s over the yardarm somewhere.”

I don't know many details about Russell, but the fact that he nearly starved himself to keep the kids alive is enough to like him. Treating Russell will help Jake's confidence as their doctor. And damned if you didn't make tear up at Becky's crying over a birthday cake. They're building a community, not just some structures.

I wish I could see Roman's face when Max walks in the room! I love Janet, and Max sure does need a Janet in his life. I look forward to these two stubbornly independent and just plain stubborn men interact.

I am hopeful that the brothers, who are more like acquaintances or coworkers that chat but don't share, will become family. I think that Freddie could be their bridge.

I loved this intricate mystery! I enjoy the guessing along the way. You wrote very good, quirky characters that all had their own voices.

Yes! I knew she did it, now I know why. I hope our guys will be ok.

Nats is looking more and more suspicious, I still can't figure out her accomplices.

I think Steve was absolutely straight and all the gay stuff was planted. I don't know why. It was only after Jake was killed that the body was found and the gay evidence was found. Was the fireman Ella's source? Or a cop?

I don't think it's Eddie. I still think it's Nats, maybe with Nigella's help?

The reporter's name is Nigella. When Ben and Rush share info, will they make the connection?

I've always assumed Nats was secretly in love with Jake. But was the bartender talking about Jake or Eddie?