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@lomax61 Agreed, I don't like discouraging writers, who put in the work and actually craft good stories. I also don't have a problem with Fan-Fiction writers as some people might, it's nice to see new ideas and concept created from preexisting concepts. We all have bad days and make mistakes when we write, there's no fault for being creative and things falling through. L.A Witt is a great author, but I had to give her Husband Gambit a 2.75 out of 5 review, because the story just didn't work for me, there's better stuff out there and she's written better books, which you can compare things to. Still, a 2.75 rating isn't unreadable, it's just a book that didn't work for me as a reader. However, I do have a line in the sand, when an author misrepresents their stories and create character that are counterintuitive to a story arc and plot. For me, a 1-star review is reserved for those authors who craft a bad story with deceptive themes, a 0-star review is a special, kind of the like the last circle of hell in Dante's inferno for histories greatest betrayers. In terms of superb gay fiction, I think there are standout gay male writers. Tal Bauer is really good male gay writer, his Executive Office series is like the gay version of a Tom Clancy's Ryanverse. He also has a really good Duology: Hush/Whisper, thrilling international thriller, courtroom trials with high stakes, and intricate terrorist plots. He's basically GA's CJames, if CJames went into mainstream publishing. I might love romance, but I also appreciate strong gay/bi male characters written with a complex plot and high stakes. Bill Konigsberg and Jay Bell are just as good if not better gay romance writers than many of their female counterparts, they actually have won acclaim for their complex gay romance novel series. You might want to give them a read at some point. Jordan L. Hawk is one of my favorite southern Trans authors of gay fantasy that most people don't even hear about, but I follow his work, too. You don't need to be a cisgender gay male or heterosexual female to write superb stories, a small sub-segment of trans/non-binary authors do exist in gay fiction. If you want a fresh take, give them a try. I'm fine with stories written by heterosexual female writers too, I read KM Neuhold and Ana Byrd for the escapist fantasies, Leta Blake and Keira Andrews for exotic concepts/stories with deep psychological characters, Nora Phoenix for my more extreme interests (I'm debating on whether or not I should post the review for No Shame Series, an in-depth BDSM book series might be too much for most readers), and countless others. -----------

@Mrsgnomieand @lomax61, by the way, I try not to give writers extremely negative reviews on gay fiction books, unless the books clearly deserves it or the author Queerbait the reader, like Emily Skrutskie's Bond of Brass, which earned my only 1 star review so far and I ask for a refund from Amazon. That book left me unsatisfied, angry I wasted my time, and not happy with the author, who shows she can write heterosexual characters but is so confused and restrained with writing her main gay/bi protagonists.

Looks promising, I'll have to read Understatement of the Year, it looks like a prototype for HIM/US. Have you read EPIC in the series, it sort of completes the story-line. I enjoyed the first half of Roommate a lot, the slow-burn romance was fun. I think some of the story-line might be a little too perfect, but it does fit the Vino et Veritas universe and if you enjoy hetero-romance True North general romance universe. https://www.goodreads.com/series/308145-vino-and-veritas ------------- I am planning to review Sarina Bowen's alternate pen-named story Goodbye Paradise, she wrote it under her Nealy Wagner pen-name. It is an interesting plot and has some fun concepts that I've rarely read about in one package.

It's enjoyable, but I wish some of those plot elements paid off more. I think their first joint venture with HIM spoiled me, it worked far more. I'll be reviewing Sarina Bowen Roommate next month, which I think worked much better than Top Secret, if you haven't read it yet, I suggest you give that book a shot. I also am partial to New England settings, bakers, and repressed artistic gay farm boy. I know it's a standalone set in the Vino et Veritas Universe of gay romance stories by various authors, so I'll use that to give people a glimpse at that collective universe.

https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/45280797 For the End of September, I want to return to the beginning and review a book by the authors the Him Series, Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy. They had another joint venture in the same sex male romance fiction area around two fraternity brothers, who fall in love with each other, neither of whom identifies as gay. Technically, you can argue with me that this book technically falls under bisexual fiction with references to heterosexual sex and is

I wish Beau could break his balls, but Gary has a foot of height and a lot of muscle on him Thanks for reading

Thanks Chris, I think you are becoming the biggest fan of this story 👍 I am glad for your comments and encouragement to keep on going

Gary is also not someone who will take "No" as an answer to what he wants. It's scary to know men like him actually do exist 😿 Everyone has a story to tell, some more explicitly than others.

Thanks Onim for reading, I do like the idea of self-defense classes and other measures. Where's Mr. Miyagi? Gary Gaston is danger to society, but sadly society allows him to skirt by on technicalities and his influence.

Chapter 7 is now live, here's some thoughts and commentary: -A nice Brunch of Beignets doughnuts and Chicken Fried Steak, what can I say, I am sucker for southern comfort food. -The package reveal is a neat little twist to explore character backgrounds and open up things. -Chip's excitement over the new Pokemon games isn't completely fictional, they really are coming out on November 19th and pre-orders are already in. There's usually some Nintendo event that goes with these launches for special in-game content. -In Chapter 6, I mentioned Francis' mom is a music teacher and his dad is furniture store owner in Colorado. Also, a little note, most people know what a violin looks like, but the size of violin will determine if it's actually the larger variant Viola or the small french Pochette. -Warren's reveal is not meant to be shocking, nor should it be a big deal. Note: Warren is the first time I've written a prominent Trans-gay male in my stories. I am using some of my experiences with friends, it's a non-issue for me, but I know how hard it can be for others. -Min's backstory is slowly coming to light. Also, I've used some Japanese expressions that I should explain. As a fan of Anime and Manga, one thing I've learned about the Japanese language is that there are different ways to say something for different reasons. Subtlety is important here, Min is a character based on a lot of subtext. Many of my characters in this story are forward and vibrant with issues, Min is understated and subtle. Arigato gozaimasu- It's a proper form of thank you for someone older or strangers, who provide service to you. Mrs. Potter would receive this form of thank you instead of Arigato (for friends/family) or Domo (casual thanks) Owabi- It's again a proper way of "apology", conveying a deep remorse for what has happened or done. This rarely used word was used by the Japanese Prime Minister in 1995 to apologize for what Japan had done during World War II. It's a very strong way of say "I'm sorry", which can be translated as "Deep Remorse" -The toy cat Min sends to Ito is the well known Japanese Science Fiction character, Doraemon, in case anyone knows the reference. For those who don't know, the character is a 22nd century robotic cat from the future sent back in time to help his owner's grandfather and friends achieve all their dreams with his inter-dimensional pouch filled with future technologies. The Manga/Anime series has been ongoing since the 1970's. -The trip through Copley Square, Newbury Street, and Prudential Mall along with anecdotes about stores and shopping are based on real experiences I do highly recommend going to the Thinking Cup if you visit Boston, they have very unique coffees. -As for the cliffhanger ending, everyone knew Gary Gaston was coming back sooner rather than later. I hinted in prior chapters how he operates, he manipulates people around like a chess player, then strikes when he creates an opening. Gary Gaston may be inspired by his Disney counterpart, but he's not a stupid villain by any means. He's narcissistic, arrogant, and cowardly if confronted with an actual threat, but he's also a highly intelligent man, who can use his physical strength and mental acuity to his advantage.

Brunch is far less formal than the dinner from the prior night, the food was easier to identify. The chicken fried steak is good, but I don't understand why it's called "Chicken", when the only thing in the fried patty is ground beef. I do have to admit though, the beignet doughnuts were a slightly different texture than I’m used to eating from Dunkin Donuts or Krispy Kreme, it’s airier. Before enjoying brunch, I had to confront something I faced before. Brad continued to wail and groan fro

Thank you Gary, I've known many people with Macular Degeneration and sadly, it can't be reversed I suffer from Congenital Glaucoma, so my vision loss is manageable and somewhat more controllable to the point of holding the line, but it's a war of inches with eye diseases.

Thank You Gary for reading the review, I agree Donna Leon is a superb mystery novelist and I enjoy her series immensely

https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/41733251 I was very negative on Monday, but if there’s one thing, I cannot stand is bad science fiction, fantasy, or science fantasy stories. So, I am reviewing an author, who is known by me with the vast amount of her books I’ve reviewed so far, but she rarely ever writes in the science fiction or science fantasy genre. This book is very unique to me, I have not read any other book that has reincarnation in the cosmic/divine sense and futuristic nanot

Thanks to all the wonderful readers for recommendations and getting the story more readers views than I imagined, I am deeply gratified that readers enjoyed this story so much in recent weeks. For newcomers, you can catch up on the 6 chapters posted located here. For Fans, I want to run a poll with you all this month to see who is your favorite characters in this story. --------------- I also want to give an individual shout-out to all those who have given me reactions or recommendations so far as of September 22nd 2021 on this experimental story. I know most authors don't show this level of appreciations like this or write a thank you in the middle of a story, but I've never hit the top 2 spots on GA for my stories, so this blog post is for readers who supported me on this story. For positive reactions to my story and the recommendations, thank you: @chris191070 @Onim @Scotrik1 @clairvin @scrubber6620 @PaulPobeP @Jjeffalch @Supernatural_71 @BigBob47 @JeffreyL @Gary L @Badforlad @Ozymandias @The Ships Boy @Jaybee0323 @quietguy49 @Wyndham @CaJu @JimP @frosenblum @drsawzall @njfjm1 @re2 @anthyrium51 @Blueboyindy @Robertmarcus @starboardtack @donsmith @Okiegrad I know there are other authors and other stories on GA or around the web, I appreciate each of you for giving me your time as I create this story. ----------------- I don't know if you will all like how I develop my plot-lines or characters as this story progresses, but I want you all to know your care and interest in this story and its characters is reciprocated by its author.

Glad you notice the little hints about Gary's actions in respect to Brad. It's true, Gary isolated and sweet talked Brad into ignoring Francis. Brad out of guilt didn't know what to say or do for his friend/sometimes lover. It's a complicated relationship. Gary is selfish to the extreme, while Brad's selfishness can probably be attributed to desire, an unrequited love that he thought was being returned through the sweet talk and sex. Francis was a toy for Gary's amusement, while Brad saw him as a sexual outlet and brother in some respects.

Thanks Chris, I am glad someone is enjoying these blog entries. It's almost like the old Blu-Ray/DVD commentaries on TV shows

Thanks Chris, Brad actually isn't sleep talking, it's full on hallucination. One of the side effects of Methadone withdrawal is hallucinations. Brad has a lot of demons, stuff he regrets, and stuff he still wants. Beau knows there's something between them, I wanted to show folks with the opening paragraphs he's not a blushing virgin either. His only interactions with gay sex has been one sided. Francis and Paki are good for each other, I like the idea of a late night drinking and conversation session. I've had that with friends in college and I know it's been one of the lesser portrayed aspects of College life. It's one of the reasons to live in dorms, you grab your drink of choice (Rum, Whiskey, Tequila, Vodka, or beer and just talk. As an adult, I drink wine and coffee liquers, but as a college guy, it wasn't my preferred drink of choice. Chip is awesome, he needs to be protected like a delicate teacup (Even if that's the character I based him off ) Warren's story is interesting and so is Min's for that matter.

Well, Chapter 6 is now live. Here's some thoughts: -One thing I've considered about Beau, if he's a modern gay character, he's most likely has had experiences with other guys. Our urges drives us into things that we may very well regret, especially in an environment where we can't really be free to find good relationships or sexual outlets. Fantasy heroines and heroic lover archetypes are usually virgins, who save themselves for the "right guy", but reality is, most of us don't wait. -Paki and Francis are an interesting couple, they're still learning about each other, still developing their relationship. One of the unrealistic things about Disney's love stories is that insta-love takes no effort with side characters, but the main characters have to work twice as hard on a slow-burn romance. I think developing a romance should not be narrowly focus on two people in a vacuum, there are prior relationships and external connections at play. -It's college guys, unless you attended a strict Christian University or a military school that does random checks for contraband, I have not met one person who has not gotten hammered and had a heart to heart with someone while intoxicated in college. I wish I had Chip around back then to hand out the water and Tylenol extra strength tablets. -We learn Warren has a boyfriend named Noah and he's from Florida. Min has a someone, it's complicated. I know what I want to do with Warren, but Min's story is quite different. -The last scene with Warren, you guys can probably guess the direction of that character. The Wardrobe in Disney's Beauty and the Beast was a female character with a deep voice with a certain flair, but I didn't want to just write a standard gay or trans stereotype. He's a type of character I've never written before, so new territory for me. Paki and him are close friends, but they're mirror images of each other.

Waking up in a dark room with the sounds of a crying man near me isn’t exactly how I imagined things would be like in college. As I sit watching him convulse and sob, Brad’s pride and his arrogance is nowhere to be seen. It feels wrong somehow to see this lion of a man so vulnerable. I want to hold him, want to hug him, and hell, I would give him an inexperienced blowjob if it stops those sobs. He admitted to me last night he wants me and I know I want him. Yet, I know neither of us would be hap

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42302727-bonds-of-brass Science Fiction is my favorite genre for a reason. It opens up a lot of worlds and possibilities for writers to explore and create amazing concepts without regards or limitations, except what you believe scientific knowledge can produce in the future, or in the past. The key is that science fiction does not rely on traditional methods to solve problems usually emphasizing the technical. Unlike Fantasy, where magical knowledge can g

Oh maybe a little from column B and C The first book is a good way to lull you into sleep Chip is that little kid brother that everyone knows talks too much, but does not want to give up for anything, because he's too precious. I am really grateful for your feedback and praise, it's worth a lot to me as a writer.

Thank you for reading, Gary has done more than you may think by indirect actions, too.

Thanks Chris, yes beau is building up the friendship points It's a nice thing to do sometimes to read to people and get their minds off their personal pains, I remember there used to be programs of volunteers reading to people in the hospital or in elderly homes for the same reason. Audible might have replaced that service somewhat by commercializing audiobooks, but the premise of wanting to help by offering an outlet is quite good. Gary's presence hovers over Brad and Francis, which sort of infects other relationships in the house with degrees of separation. Brad never saw the betrayal or violation coming from someone he thought he loved.

Chip takes me to the dining area. The smell of food fills the air, but my thoughts are still stuck on the revelations I learned. Francis lost his sight due to Brad. Gary knew Francis, because Francis used to be part of his football team, until he became critically injured during a game that cost him his eyesight. I’ve heard the stories of traumatic injuries in high school sports, especially football since you are supposed to leave nothing on the field. If I take Francis and Gary’s words together