Cane23

Final chapter?! Yes, the tension has been building over the past few chapters, and it was clear that you were leading us toward the finale... Still, I feel like I’m going to miss these guys. I’m eagerly waiting to see what decision Taggert makes. Bill’s message to his grandson was clear - Taggert doesn’t owe the Yoder Ranch or his father Zene his loyalty especially if staying connected to that legacy puts him in danger. Yet, no matter how happy Taggert is living a simple, ordinary life at the Nasser Ranch with Ash, it’s hard to ignore the trust fund, the knowledge he has inherited, and the responsibilities that come with them. He may have found peace away from the weight of his family name, but walking away from everything he has inherited is not an easy choice. If I could choose the happy ending, I’d love to see Taggert buy the Flemming Ranch himself and move there with Ash... Ugh, Friday can’t come soon enough!

What is interesting is that both Martin and Nathan are therapists, and if someone came to them with the same or a similar dilemma about their own sexuality, they would be perfectly capable of helping that person find their way. Yet here, they are the ones receiving advice from gay couples, proving that no matter how skilled a therapist or physician you are, in many cases you are unable to help yourself when you are personally involved. The objectivity and lived experiences of those around them seem to be extremely valuable for both of them.

Reading this story reminded me of The Brave Little Tailor. Just like the tailor, Alex finds himself caught in one misunderstanding after another. He accidentally comes out as gay at work, and then every attempt to support the LGBTQ+ community somehow becomes more "proof" that he's gay and already has a boyfriend. Before he knows it, he's even been named 'Employee of the Month' for his commitment to diversity and inclusion! The misunderstandings just keep piling up, making for a hilarious comedy of errors. But just like in the fairy tale, all those misunderstandings end up leading somewhere unexpected. By the time the dust settles, Alex discovers that the biggest misunderstanding of all might have been the one about himself. This is a story full of humor, warmth, and heart. It made me laugh more than once, but it also has a beautiful message about identity, acceptance, and finding the courage to be yourself.

Richard's speech about the meaning of Pride transcends the novel itself. Its message reaches far beyond the pages of this book, and it could easily stand on its own as a manifesto. It's amazing how subtly, beneath the witty humour and delightful comedy of errors, you weave such a powerful and meaningful message into the story. I love how Alex comes out of the closet several times throughout the novel - first as gay, then as straight, and finally as gay again...only to discover who he truly is and where his heart belongs. Alex and Ryan's love story is incredibly powerful. It feels as though they had always been meant for each other; they simply hadn't found the words to name what they already were. Richard and Davis remain fascinating supporting characters, but they definitely leave me with the feeling that, in a spin-off story, they might become much more than just business partners. 😉

Once the authorities established that the crew had left the ship voluntarily, any search mission - hundreds of years later - seemed pointless from their perspective. Still, James and Mateo, with nothing left to keep them on Earth, decide to search for answers. Mateo seeks the legacy of his ancestors, while James hopes to find his crew and discover why he was left alone on the ship. What I like most is the message they receive from Earth. They are not treated as fugitives or felons; instead, their motives are understood. The message is clear - whatever happens on their journey, Earth will always be their home, a safe haven they can return to.

What a delicious mess! By the end of the story, Alex might discover a lot more about himself...and Ryan. Alex starts out pretending to be gay to help his company manipulate a client, but once it stops being a game, will he be ready to keep up the charade? His dishonesty is closely tied to his own obliviousness, but is the company actually prepared to offer genuine support to the LGBTQ+ community, or is it simply trying to "seduce" Richard? (Though I have to admit, Davis gives me much less of a "straight" vibe than the blissfully oblivious Alex)

So glad you wrote another sci-fi story, @Mikiesboy! I love the genre. And what a start... It just so happens that right before you published the first chapter, I watched Passengers with Jennifer Lawrence and Chris Pratt. Waking from stasis, the two of them navigate a spaceship through all sorts of adventures. You're taking a different approach by introducing Silas - a humanoid android who can be a computer, a friend, a companion, a lover... and can even have hurt feelings. Somehow, this machine has already earned more of my sympathy than many human characters. I'm eagerly waiting to see James interact with humans on Earth after so many years of space travel.

Complicated...as euphemism...or - how to avoid selling your boyfriend's phallus to his uncle! 😁

This is...um ......well, ok...let's just say vampires are not my thing...but this doesn't sound as a usual vampire story...and hot sex top-to-bottom scene in first chapter...ok

I imagine Zane as Daniel Plainview from There Will Be Blood (played by Daniel Day-Lewis) - the same menacing face, the same brutal, ruthless personality, driven by greed and bordering on sociopathy.

Ali is becoming Dr Watson...well, it's elementary!

Oh, Bill was very smart. He couldn't leave everything to Taggart because that would have been a death sentence. Paradoxically, he trusted Bert more with his grandson's life than he trusted his own son. Because, in this brilliant plan, Taggart's death would ultimately benefit the Nasser Ranch. In a way, long before Taggart ever arrived, Bill had already placed his grandson's life in their hands.

Aww thanx

It wasn't about being gay... it never was. It was about finding an excuse to get rid of the competition. A medieval method, I'd even say worse than Machiavellian, of cruel punishment and exile. Grandfather knew exactly what kind of "man" his son was. His gift to Taggert wasn't land or wealth... it was the security of his life. I really liked the way you described Ash's and Brandford's reaction to Taggert's branding. They didn't let the horror of the violence push them into a sentimental or melodramatic response. Their sympathy isn't for a victim, but for a survivor. Instead of being a brand of shame, the mark on Taggert's body becomes a medal of honor. Beautiful chapter, @Wayne Gray!

A charming, lighthearted, and funny rom-com set in the Merrickville universe, this story delivers the classic best-friends-to-lovers trope with warmth and wit. The humor is delightful, and the characters are wonderfully endearing - even if you'll occasionally want to punch them because of their obliviousness. Told through a series of snapshots from their lives, the story offers a beautiful glimpse into the protagonists' relationship. In just a few scenes, it creates a stronger sense of their connection and the bright future ahead of them than many much longer novels manage to achieve. This is exactly the kind of book you'll want to read on the beach during a holiday. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys witty, intelligent, and feel-good romance.

You are a master of transforming villains into quite likable guys... First Tomy in previous story...now Chet..oh, let's not forget Ben!

Though vampires aren't one of my favorite genres, I couldn't not give your story a chance when I saw the first chapter, dear friend. And you haven't disappointed @BendtedWreath! I love the "ugly duckling" vibe of Nos at the beginning. I'm so eager to see his "swan dance" on the first day of his new life!

Yea, what would be @Robert Hugill's story without naked bums?!

Like many others, I really hope August and Fletcher will be able to offer Willy and Runyan a safe haven on their new homestead. August and Fletcher are playing it smart, and I hope Willy and Runyan can do the same. Still, one question remains - how long can this charade last before it falls apart? It's hard to imagine they'll be able to live peacefully and normally forever while constantly looking over their shoulders.

That's the kind of news nobody wants to hear. My thoughts are with @Cia and her family.

The asphalt outside my apartment window had been slowly baking for three straight weeks, radiating a wavy, shimmering heat that smelled faintly of tar and exhaust. I just love your metaphors!

Oh...right. No homo!