Conner

Clearly, James doesn't look favourably upon his father's dalliance on Jenny. It's an unnecessary distraction for her. James only has her career path in mind. I'm pleased that he has partnered with Beth to ensure that Jenny receives the training she so sorely needs. That's perfect actually. As for Adam, I have to agree with James. He definitely lacks maturity. If that means James must use a firm hand, then so be it. It will be hard on Adam, no doubt. Oops, my rose-coloured glasses slipped a bit. There, everything's fine again.

Seeing that Jenny's father is a clergyman, she has undoubtedly given serious thought to a life of service. As I see it, James is simly providing some career enhancement here - almost like an affirmation action program to get more women into the labour force. What a kind man he is. And how George dotes on her! That's so sweet! What an endearing story!

What's all this talk about evil? As I see it, this is a story about a fine young man who is committed to making the family business even more successful. In doing this, his only goal is to make his dear ailing father proud of him. Yes, slavery is a little tacky, but rubber is good, is it not? The world needs rubbers! Now he has taken in an orphaned young lad into his care and will mentor him as he moves into adulthood. A very pleasant story, indeed! Nothing evil here.

The one thing I would beg for more of in this story would be dialogue. But I have to remind myself that we're dealing with Eli here. Not Mr. Talkative! Ok, so I would sooooo much like to see Eli and Chance together. I realize that you aren't about to reveal anything on that subject just yet - just thought I'd get my vote in early. Eli thinks too much. Great chapter! They're long too.

Joined July 8? You are brand new, aren't you? What took you so long to post your story? I'm joking of course. Welcome! This was a very impressive start, I must say. So you have me loving Eli and Chance and hating Tiff. I'm guessing that's what you were shooting for. Tiff is a total shrew. I really felt like shaking Chance by the shoulders and saying something, shall we say, unkind about Tiffany. Your characters are very strong - really good work there.

I liked this one. The first one reminded me of a few bad jokes I've heard...one was about a cowboy who wished to be hung like his horse, but forgot he was riding the mare.

You continue to make good use of your Quebecois! Great chapter! The good news, for me at least, is I just re-read chapter 22 and the whole story came flooding back - characters and all. Mrs. Lamoureau is a saint for putting up with what she does from Ben and Matt....must be that unconditional love thing. "Boy screwdriver" I love that phrase!

What a fascinating writing style! The words "to the beat of a different drummer" come to mind. Poetry within prose - I liked it, very much. The imagery was superb. I'd love to read more.

I keep seeing a picture of this succulent whole pig slowing rotating on a spit, apple in the mouth and everything. The pig's name is (was) Logan. In many respects, that's exactly what Logan deserves. I think his game plan has gone all to crap. I'd really like to know how Eric ever got the impression that Tori is kind to her friends. Surely he's seen her in action....especially the carnage that lays in her wake. Super chapter, Jwolf!!

Had me completely fooled around Jenkins! Definitely an excellent read. I really enjoyed it. Although, I have to say I didn't understand a great deal of it. Not exactly a Jack and Jill went up the hill sort of story. Great job - whoever you are!! One more thing - I hope the sequel has some sex in it.

OMG! Very creative stuff you got going here.

Mathew, the crusader. :2hands: His business card must say "Have wand; will travel" Old tv show - you probably wouldn't know it - Paladin. But I digress. Another excellent chapter!! I'm all out of points for today though. I like the parallels you draw with bigotry/prejudice - with the religious element compounding the issue. Well done.

Excellent chapter!! Really great dialogue!

Excellent chapter!! Just love the way you hand out clues and then drag them back...leaving the reader with nothing....but one of Mathew's headaches. :wacko:

So that quote was from Sherlock Holmes, right? Don't bother answering...cause you can't! I might as well have fun with this, ok? I need to know, NOW, that there will be no sex between Mathew and Jenkins! I must say it's very refreshing to have a "lead" in a story who is close to my age. That doesn't happen very often, which, of course, is not at all surprising. You continue to impress, whoever you are.

Hopefully the story will address some of Johnathan's questions....because the author is "in hiding". Well, at least until the contest is done. Yeah, great start, uhmm sir, or mam, dude? Ms? :wacko:

My whole hearted thanks to and, yes, a round of applause for Mr. Irvin. Bravo!! As an aside, I wonder how long it took the magazine people to convince Mr. Irvin to wear those shoulder pads. They look more like something a Roman centurian would wear in some Ben Hur movie. I guess they didn't want to cover up those fine pecs!

I so love the chapters where Belvidera goes into battle. They're always so intense. Now where is Mr. Preston and the Blanche? Other than somewhere to the south that is. Excellent chapter, Mark!!

Super chapter, Jwolf!! You know, it's one thing to be able to write well, but it's quite another to be able to capture relationships the way you do - all those emotions - hurt, anger, regret, disappointment, remorse, jealousy - as well as love, joy, caring, pride and compassion. I better stop...i don't want this going to your head. Super long chapter, too. I loved it! The dialogue was just excellent.

Has anyone ever run into 2 bottoms or 2 tops trying to make a go of it - as in a relationship? Obviously, this is one reason why some couples are versatile. So I guess I'm talking about men who have a definite preference. Might make for an interesting story...then again, maybe not.

So much for sober second thoughts being the reason for the turn. How mundane of me! When Tyler told his story, yes, I was blown over by the proverbial feather. No more predictions from me! I don't know what to think right now. Superb chapter!

I, too, was struck by the closing words...on his Sunday shoulder. Sweet, sweet, sweet!! So you wax poetic now and then. I like that. Smelling like bacon - cheesy? A definitive no to that question. The dancing was sweet. I sense it was something he did with his wife as well in much the same spot. So the story is about to take a turn...I'm guessing that sober second thoughts are likely on Tyler's part. Oh well.

Excellent chapter! I was pleased with how the chapter ended - Travis (finally) standing his ground with Tyler. I think the most revealing circumstance in this chapter was Tyler bringing Travis to a place where he used to bring his wife. I'm thinking it was "their" place. But he doesn't know why he did that - implying something instinctual. I don't doubt for a moment that Tyler is still grieving his wife's passing. The timing can't be that coincidental.

Well, I have to admit that finding a handgun in the glove compartment would give Travis pause...and, of course, credit you with a cliffhanger. So I'm thinking that Tyler either forgot it was there in the first place or really didn't care one way or another. Afterall, Travis is the one holding the gun right now. Certainly Tyler, if he had ill intent, would not have allowed that to happen. The problem is we don't really know sh*t about Tyler. I blame the author for that! I don't doubt that this was by design. The scene is quite revealing about Travis' state of mind - or least one of his states of mind and that is the fear of being exposed and dealt with in good old redneck fashion. What a horrible scary feeling that must be. Tyler showing up the way he did at Travis' door reminded me of a line from a another story here at GA (Dark's The Matchmaker is Grounded") One of the characters is accused of stalking. He responds, "I'm not stalking you. It's just premeditated plans for running into you."

Ok, I'm back. Somehow this story fell between the cracks. That has nothing to do with your story and everything to do with my memory. So I re-read chaps 1 and 2 and enjoyd them all over again. I remembered wanting to comment on one of the lines in chap 1, but didn't last time through, - "I'm a dead dog away from a sad country song." I laughed all over again. I thought Bugeye's review was dead on. So Wade's just a small oasis for Travis - hope he makes the most of it.