CincyKris

I can't get Walter out of my head. Does he know grandma? Is grandma just a red herring? Where did Walter go to school?

Your devoted fans already knew about the twins, but it's fun to see the guys' responses. I'm guessing we're going to see that next chapter, maybe planting a seed? Peter's humble nature really came out here, he is so unfussy and real. Maybe he will get a new "Ferrari level" hearing aid out of this. But one that actually works. My mother and brother-in-law both have hearing aids. If any of you are not familiar with the current versions, they are rechargeable, like wireless earbuds, Bluetooth enabled, and work with an app on your phone.

WRH IV was the one aspect that pinged my radar the most. It is perplexing, and that matters.

I agree. I can't see how Adam becomes the shell of a person he turned into without Jamie's death. They seem too compatible and grounded to implode or explode as a couple. I still have trouble reconciling this Adam with the prologue: A life meticulously constructed, brick by invisible brick, over fifteen years of yearning, regret, and the fertile, aching ground of a single, unasked question: "What if?" In Adam’s mind, high school wasn’t just a starting point; it was the trembling foundation. He remembered the electric jolt when his hand touched his. He remembered the paralyzing weight in his chest, the words "I like you" dying on his tongue during that endless, humid summer before university was to start choked by fear – fear of rejection, fear of the unknown, fear of what it meant to feel that way. That silence became the architect of his phantom world. Because In My Mind, he did find the courage. He did speak the words, his voice cracking but clear. And Adam... Adam’s eyes had widened, then softened, and he’d said yes.

I wonder if Moggie is gay, too?

I love the juicy possibilities you left us with, for now. How will Hugo handle 2 Stokers, and Thomas? Brother husbands? Who will take over Dottie's job in the streams? Henry? Will Henry (the younger) and Kate finally have their HEA?

Jimmy is the younger self/avatar of the author (the reader gets to decide), who negotiates relationships throughout his 20's in Canada. We have humor, hijinks, desperate lows, and true love, just not in a traditional boy meets boy story. This is one of the most remarkably honest stories I have ever read. I'm completely hooked into Jimmy's/Topher's story.

Due to the nonsequential story telling, we know that Liam gets paroled, but that doesn't lessen my anxiety for him. The whole Ed and Liam situation has not been addressed in the current timeframe, and that has me eager for them. Great storytelling!

Hopefully for Slav, he doesn't have a mother and brother similar to Colin's! I would say that this story is more different from your other stories than any other. Also, please don't think some similarities are a criticism! I love your stories!

You made me cry! I was not expecting that Jimmy and Wil would be permanently separated physically. But, I guess that separation made the next part of your life possible. I look forward to your travels.

Slav kind of reminds me of Colin, another full-bodied builder lacking a bit in confidence. Although Slav is not shy regarding sex, as Colin was. But Slav is coming out of his social shell with help from his friends.

What a night! Both men experienced panic, but they supported each other and pushed through it, literally. Apart they are a little broken, and both felt that way. A lot before they met, but less and less together. They are fixing each other's brokenness.

True!

I don't think Kentonworth has ever met anyone quite like Tawni, and he has no idea how to "handle" her. The answer is that she will not be handled!

I'm all over the Addie providing ethical/moral/situationship advice! I can't wait! Max has lived in a "comfortable for him" living arrangement for too long! He needs a dose of boss girl (which I have no doubt that Addie will become) advice! Tara is maybe too close, as new best friend, to consider real, real advice!

I finished this chapter while waiting at the vet, now I’ve got a chance to comment. That was quite the bombshell about the lost twin! I wonder how the general treated Max when he was a little boy? Probably didn’t see him a lot. He strikes me as the type of man with no use for little ones, until they’re old enough to be trained. Harsh? Cold? I feel justified in my judgement of the general. I can’t help but feel sorry for Max’s mom. I think it is extraordinarily noble of Max to not make her choose! I like Roman’s chances at busting down Max’s walls. He chipped quite a hole in it less than hour after they were “official”!

Great battle scene! Tawni would have been great screenwriter, if there were still such things.

Chapter 10 has already been posted, so I get to read it next! Their negotiations felt sometimes like a business merger, other times like a living chess game, and like a sexy dance. Roman seems like he's in control of his emotions, but I bet he's just as unsettled by Max's effects on him as Max is of Roman. They are both trying something really big for the first times in their lives.

I also found this chapter very sweet and touching. I think Slav has been missing family and he's found it in this unusual home. Audra makes another appearance, she is the most wonderful female character you have written!

My anxiety is lessened because, even though our heroes are not back together yet, they are both out of Dottie's hands and with good people. On a side note, Billy's description sounds like one of Jimmy's many dates!

Oddly enough, I think that Tawni's viewpoint is more understandable than Bix's. I don't understand Bix's antiquated morality in this semi-dystopian world. Neither woman grew up with parents, how did Bix develop this modern view of morals? I completely understand Tawni's practical postmodern view, you protect yourself and those you love by any means necessary. Tawni's viewpoint was (and still is) the standard for nearly all antideluvian or underdeveloped societies. Bix's viewpoint is a product of a developed, "gentle" society, very unexpected from a child raised communally on ships and forced into subservience by despots.

When the Grondsen's find their dead "king" and missing jewelry, will they assume the Kentonworth's are to blame? Will her next target be old man Kentonworth?

Before Tawni was a killer, but now she'll be an assassin. I wonder who the target will be?

Pirates are super cool! Not modern pirates, old or fantasy pirates!

It’s interesting that Tawni, who was too shy to walk in her underwear that she swam in, has no issues killing 6 bad people. Tawni seems very pragmatic, logical and rational. She looks at things the way a soldier would. Bix is all about the connections between people, extroverted and emotional. The two together will make a formidable team.