Modified Cub

This was a revealing chapter in many ways. More of Ryder's family backstory, the controlling father, the shriveling mother, a useless sister, and an innocent baby brother who probably worshipped him, the studio apartment that was unlike anything Owen's ever experienced yet he didn't seem to look down on it. Is Owen actually capable of putting an end to the charade and the lies? I do think Ryder shows up and actually I hope he and Owen get caught kissing - maybe that will give him the opportunity to just be honest with everyone. The intimate kissing and finish seemed to serve as an awakening of sorts for both guys. Suzanne is only worried about her family's perception and is suspicious of Owen's whereabouts and why he took off on Ryder's motorcycle and smelled like smoke. I can't wait to see what happens at the party. The town of Zanesville may remember it for years!

Wonderful chapter! I can't decide which of the Seahorses is my favorite. Nora will be POTUS one day though. Poignant of Ellie to draw Owen & Ryder together. I was pleasantly surprised but then not about Ryder's actions around the kids. Beth knows or suspects what's up with the guys or at least she did after seeing them ride off together. Ryder will make an appearance at the party - but what kind of attention or commotion will he cause?

Small towns love when teenagers just out of high school get married. I've always found it odd, but it really is a thing. Why wouldn't parents want their kids to go to college and meet other people and not just settle for their high school sweetheart? Granted, sometimes the young ones are in love, and the relationship lasts, but oftentimes, it doesn't. I'd love to see Ryder show up to see the Seahorses and meet Beth, prompting her to have an honest open conversation with Owen. I also think it would be hilarious for Ryder to show up at the party just so he can see just how controlling and diabolical Owen's parents and Margot can be. I do believe Owen knows he's not going to Ohio State already. Will he summon up the courage though to come out and to tell his family he's not going to be part of the business?

WOW!!! I had a feeling Sophia was the one who did it and framed Julian but what a bombshell Robert delivered! Awesome chapter @vanalas

Ryder is coming off too strong but I do think his intentions towards Owen are pure. He did read Owen correctly in that he is great with kids and would do well in education. Blowing up the engagement party isn't good for anyone, but Owen should at least get it postponed. It does seem like he's potentially trading one set of controlling people for another though. The next week could play out in a variety of ways for all involved and I'm eager to see which way @mastershakeme goes!

WTF Brian?! Ghosted Tommy again!

Ryder never gave me the vibe that he was actually someone with a long rap sheet or had committed a series of serious crimes. Not that dealing drugs isn't serious. He definitely should have turned his parents in or the prosecutor should've gone after them on their own. Owen, naive Owen, obviously confirmed his sexuality with those kisses, but can't possibly know right now that he loves Ryder. I do think Ryder will push Owen to stand up to his parents and Margot. Beth and Jules will likely be allies. I love this story and can't wait to see where it goes.

Tender, loving, beautiful story!

Owen just got Ryder back in his somewhat good graces and didn't mention Margot's not-so-subtle engagement bomb and his pending double-date with his death-obsessed cousin and his fiancé and the latest fiasco Margot has him tangled in. And as many others mentioned, you just know someone has or will post about said engagement and all Ryder has to do is check Owen's FB page again and then they'll be right back where they were, only this time Ryder may be done for good. Come on Owen! Stand up for yourself. Message Ryder right now and reveal what else you've been roped in to. Regarding college, major in Elementary Education and don't tell anyone until graduation day!

When will Owen grow a backbone? Until he does, his parents and extended family sans Beth, and Margot will continue to make decisions for him and continue to cast unwanted and unfair expectations upon him. Julia is the one who sees the flaws in Margot's intentions. How are the Donnelley's Catholic and only have one kid? I'm not trying to stereotype Catholics, but don't they have bigger families usually? The ones I know do.

I don't think any of us thought this is how the diner meet-up would go down. I sympathize with Owen's reasons for the fakeness - he feels trapped in a town, in a family full of expectations, and has relied on Margot's plan to get him to college. Yet, Ryder overreacted in an immature way and hasn't shared what happened to him to cause him to be the way he is. Hopefully, Ryder will reach back out to Owen once he's calmed down. Owen, though, needs to do some serious soul-searching and decide if he's willing to continue living all the lies he's relied on.

You're killing me smalls @mastershakeme !!! UGH, now all I'm going to think about all night is if these two divergent souls fall in love at first sight?!

With each new chapter, I'm loving this story more and more. I love the way Margot & Owen are each other's beards, yet Owen has been manipulated by his family his whole life and shouldn't let Margot continue to make all the rules. I understand why she's cautious but damn, she's the one who insisted he put himself out there. This story somewhat resonates with my early adult life so I really am connected with Owen. I really hope the ride of his life is Ryder, and he helps Owen in a major way.

Perfect ending for a brilliantly composed story. You've outdone yourself with this one @Nuno R.F.C.R and I am fortunate to have read and enjoyed your talents in every story you've selflessly shared with us. Glad to see Julian put his father in his place with the right responses and not allow him to know how or where Mark was. I love that Julian and Mark are husbands. It was a nice touch for him to invite the journalist and his therapist. Bravo!

What a reunion! Bravo @Nuno R.F.C.R

An absolutely beautifully written chapter describing the angst Julian felt after his 3-day sabbatical and the 10 years since and what the discovery about his father did to him. That he gave away his fortune for a philanthropic music program to flourish says he loves music for everything it gave him - an escape and a way to cope. The scene in which he destroyed the gilded piano was captivating. I am thrilled he and Mark are together.

Yet another masterfully written chapter. Julian is apparently a world-renowned composer who teaches with passion and lives in ways that his younger self could never have imagined. He obviously has a lover but dare we hope it's Mark?! Catherine is living alone we surmise and the only contact she has with her only son is a scheduled weekly phone call where she prattles on about her garden. Julian seems happy though. As unique a story, I've ever read. Fascinating in all aspects.

Victor is a monster and Catherine an enabler and I'm disgusted by both of them and their actions. I understand Mark's actions but at the same time am livid with him because he knew he loved Julian and still debased himself by whoring himself out to Victor. I feel for Julian. His world just shattered. Brilliantly written as always @Nuno R.F.C.R

Wow, I'm struggling to express how I feel about the revelations revealed in this chapter. Mark felt like he had no choice but knew what he was getting himself into. Julian's idyllic world will be shattered. He's going to be absolutely gutted, not only by the actions and indiscretions of his father, but also his best friend and lover Mark. No wonder Catherine isolates herself in her reading room. Just how much does she know?

What a beautiful chapter to end a beautiful story! I enjoyed the uniqueness of the story, the supporting characters were interesting without taking away from the plot, and the sex was magnificent and hot as hell! Thanks for sharing this with us @KKirk and I look forward to the 2nd book in the fall.

How romantic! And Sky seemed genuinely happy and surprised! Another wonderful chapter @KKirk!

Nice fun chapter with the whole team celebrating the movie's final production and getting to see everyone come together to see the fruits of their labor. I don't blame Sky's mom for not wanting to see her baby more-or-less having sex on the big screen. I don't think I'd want my mom to see that either lol. I'm definitely looking forward to the film's release and how it's received and awards season. Our guys sure were turned on when they got home. A book two would be amazing @KKirk 🔥😍

Great chapter once again! I liked the explanations of all the filming and behind the scenes stuff. Good for Sky for handling the creepy director with maturity and professionalism. Our guys are still going strong!

Great sex between our guys and the press definitely is stoking the flames of Sky's popularity. I'm glad to see Sky getting some great options.

I'm definitely confused now. Mark, please don't break Julian's heart. Great chapter as always!