centexhairysub

Oh hell no, I was so afraid this was going to happen. JJ may not like it when Will and Zach slept with Carullo but I can promise you he is going to be pissed that Brad did. I don't think that JJ even understands how he feels about Carullo or what he wants to feel about him but he isn't even getting a chance to figure it out and that is going to cause problems for him and Carullo and since they are the two actually living at the condo; that isn't good for either of them. Glad to see that the issue with Zach is sort of resolved; although Zach may not have looked at all the sides and how it will affect him and others. I can't tell if Will even really wants to get back with Zach or not; there are still more than a few logistical issues to deal with there. I still think that Zach at college that a friends with benefits might be the smart way to go but Will might not handle that well, and not sure that Zach would either... So excited that Austin is getting into the story; I live just outside of it... There really is a different approach to how some things are done via the tech industry here versus Silicon Valley but probably more similarities than actual differences. Maybe the new guy will be the one to really challenge Brad but keep him interested and involved as well; who knows but I can't see anything with Marc being more than FWB at this point or ever really. The scene with Stef and Brad was really informative and thoroughly enjoyable. Brad is never going to do it for me but he is a good supporting player. Worries me a little that JP was still in bed, he has always been such an early riser... Understand about how busy the new semester can be, but don't forget about us all together... Keep up the great work, Mark...

This was a good chapter that really in the end moved the story along. We sort of needed this chapter to recover from the last few... Will is usually more perceptive with JJ; I am at least partially surprised that he really doesn't seem to have a clue why JJ was more bitchy then normal. He also seemed a little of his game with Zach as well. I do wonder what he had planned for Trevor, maybe when he and Wade talk we will find out... Brad was a little annoying with all the crying and I am sorry but at least he seems to have realized that what he was doing wasn't good for him or his family. I sort of want to see what Stef requires to get over Brad's recent behavior. Glad to see that Brad has realized that while he does care about Marc, and doesn't want to see him hurt; he is not in love with him. I think that Marc is already in better shape financially since he has been with Brad; he has had greater exposure for his art and would seem to be doing better in that respect, plus I am sure that Brad will make sure he is okay on his own. I don't think Marc was ever really with Brad for his money, but I do think he will come out of the relationship better off then what he went into it; both financially and emotionally. I think that Brad helped Marc overcome some of the wounds that had been inflicted on him in the past... JJ needs to stop being so passive aggressive about his feelings for Carullo; but first he needs to figure out what those feeling are really. I think in a lot of ways, Carullo would be the one that got hurt if they got involved and it did not end well... JJ is much stronger than most people seem to realize. Something about JP's comments make me think that neither Elizabeth or Alex's father are as nearly in the clear as everyone seems to assume. JP has rarely ever let attacks against his family go unanswered. He may not want a full scale war but a pin point nuclear strike might be in order... The scene at the end with JP, Brad, and Will being drunk and JJ, Carullo, and Zach coming to get them was so well done. I wonder where Brad will sleep??? Somehow I am not sure that either JP or Brad is going to be let off the hook back and the condo; I could see both Stef and Claire having a few choice words for each of them... Great job, Mark, thanks for every delicious morsel of this story...

Thoroughly enjoyed this chapter of Valiant; but then I enjoy anything that George Granger is in; if only his descendants had the level of honor and civility that he possessed... Really enjoyed the conversation with Daventry, starting to like him more and more. Annoying that he was so right about most of the officers following in Granger's change of hairstyle but... I do think he was right about keeping Nelson out of the loop, the less people that know the better. Great battle scene and so well written and laid out. Glad to see that Granger is staying aboard as much as he can to ensure that his word is kept to the French Admiral. Not sure that Berry's protégé would have been as diligent. Can't wait to see where you take us next with this saga, Mark... Keep up the great work...

Well, this chapter did not have quite the bang of the last one but still had plenty to dive into. I really enjoyed Brad's sequence with Robbie. As a counselor, I have actually had a couple of patients experience something like this; and each time it has lead to a breakthrough of sorts. I can see something like this moving Brad in a direction that he needs; don't get me wrong, still not happy with him at all but... I thought he handled the situation with Marc as well as can be expected. Marc has already had one show in Hong Kong so he should be in a position to deal with most of this on his own... I could actually see them coming out of this together; if they can each get to the right place in their own lives to merge them with each other in a way that works in the larger picture. Loved JJ's attitude that he struck back and now is just done with all of this... He wanted to hurt Mary Ellen, and I am not sure that he won't push it for a while longer; but I think he has moved past Alex already and just wants to get on with the next phase of his life. I do with he would be a little more open with Carullo though, because I am not sure that he does subtlety. The Wade and Mary Ellen scene was okay but you sort of knew how that was going to work out; Mary Ellen did not do much of the dirty work herself, but she is going to have to pay for getting her mother involved to some extent; how much has yet to be determined. JP is so funny when he deals with Will; it is almost like a JP/Brad battle part II is some instances. I do think JP will do whatever he can to make sure that Zach gets his reputation back, but JP knows how bloody something like this can get and I think realizes that Will/JJ/Zach may not... He understands Will's and to a lesser extent JJ's need for revenge but isn't eager to go with an all out war if something else can be worked out. Will is going to be the wild card with this going forward I would think. You just don't really know how far he going to be willing to go to get justice for Zach and punish those that hurt him as well as JJ and Zach. Maybe he needs to do some reading on the idea of nuclear deterrence, just to get an idea of how this could go... Is going to be interesting to see how Brad showing up influences Will and his move forward on all of this; if Brad and Will get on the same page, there could be real hell to pay... Great work, Mark, hope the start of the new semester has not been to rough... Can't wait to see where you take us all...

OMG, I just don't even know where to start with this one; well start by saying that I loved it.... Alex really wasn't very observant, you could tell from the moment that Wade arrived he was not very happy. I do love how Wade laid everything out for the group that was there. A major plus that he did not allow the Duke or Alex to bully him. I was sure that Alex's father was involved, Elizabeth spent to much time with him at the wedding... Nana took this better than I expected and she grasped the possible ramifications faster than either the Duke or Alex did or has.. Loved how Will laid into Brad. I have never been a huge fan of Brad but have begun to grow increasing disenchanted with him ever since 9/11. Was willing to give him some leeway in dealing with his grief over Robbie, but he has just turned into such a nitwit that I can't hardly even stand to see his name mentioned. I think he will find that repairing his relationship with Stef, Will, JJ, and the others will be harder than he currently understands. JJ could not have picked a better way to strike back than he did with this charge. It may very well make it look like the issue between him and Alex was made up. I don't really see JJ going back to skating and am glad to see that he at least has his educational needs set for the next year. I thought it was cute how jealous JJ was about what Will said in dealing with the room situation. Great chapter from start to finish, Mark... Keep up the magnificent work...

I just love this fucking story....

Well, have to say that I saw the issue with the drinks coming back to haunt Zach, but Will is right, getting a lawyer and making sure your side gets out is maybe the most important thing to do. So sad to see Kevin like this, makes me think of Mouse and Roger both, although I guess almost reminds me more of Armand, both he had Kevin were so young... JP, Stef, and Wade would make a very formidable trio. I am glad they had time together before getting to London. Getting the hear Will and Zach having great sex was really hot, in a weird way, made me think of Matt... I hope that Wade takes JP's insight to heart and really thinks about what this could mean for him. I do have trouble seeing Nana or his brother being involved but fully expect Wade to have to face off with Elizabeth and Mary Ellen both... Great chapter, hope each of the coming ones are this good... Great job, Mark...

I just truly loved this chapter... Granger has proven more than once that he is a truly a King's officer and a gentleman. The give and take between him and Daventry is revealing in so many ways. It is nice to just have that type of conversation to get Granger's views on a variety of matters out in the open, even if it was more for reader clarification than anything else... It was so amazing to see how Granger interacted with his midshipmen in dealing with the navigation issues and then again how well he explained the situation and lead Genarro after the incident in the berthing area. Always glad to see how protective Winkler is of Granger, even just taking care of him in small ways. Bravo, Mark, Bravo...

I maybe wrong but I don't think those drinks that Zach has been drinking are just protein shakes... Zach maybe in more trouble than he or Will realizes at the moment. I do think that Julius is probably going to end up toast but he sort of deserves it... I honestly can't imagine any reason in Elizabeth's fevered brain that she would have to truly go to war with all of this family. I really am not sure that Wade would even side with his mother or sister over Matt and his family. I think as long as Wade has Matt and his brother, he could really give a rat's ass for Mary Ellen or Elizabeth either one. I do wonder who Nana will side with since she has become so involved with the Duke but not sure I could see her taking any side that Elizabeth is on because of their past... Wade, JP, and Stef in London maybe more firepower than Mary Ellen is capable of handling and if she does know anything; I could see her giving her mother up without a second thought... Great chapter, and can't wait to see where you take us next, Mark...

Another great chapter, this story just keeps giving in so many unexpected ways. Great writing and plotting with this one, Mark... I really thought the way Jeff dropped the bomb on Ryan was the best way to handle it at that moment, They will need to talk and figure out how to relate to each other in this new way. I think Jeff may need a little brother as much or more than Ryan needs a big brother. Have to wonder where Kevin was, don't think he was there. Was sort of hoping that Cody and Kevin had worked out their issues and were going to be good together but that may not be what happens with this. I have a feeling that JJ can be as ruthless as Brad or even JP if the situation calls for it; not sure he can be as meticulous as either of them at this point however and that could be a problem. I truly do believe that Mary Ellen could easily lie her way past a lie detector test, any good sociopath can. I believe how far JJ will go in getting revenge will be determined by his decision to either try a comeback in the skating world or to leave it behind. If he decides to leave it and doesn't have the constraint that life ties him down with; then I think JJ's revenge plan could be nuclear level in it's intensity. Still have no idea what is going on with Zach, is there something concrete behind his actions or is it more in his head; only time will tell but don't keep up waiting long... If the situation with Zach is somehow tied into what is going on with JJ; then watch the fireworks start, but I have to say I don't see the connection yet... Still wonder if ABC could be involved some how but... Keep up the great work, Mark...

What a great chapter and just love all the blast from the past in this one, although hope the latest one doesn't crash and burn. Will is the kind of person that even if he isn't around someone all the time, if he cares for you he cares for you until you do something so heinous that he can't get past it... Ryan is someone that he truly cares for and would hate that anything happened to him. Will would be taking a major hit if Ryan does something truly stupid while he is still reeling from the situation with Zach. Hopefully Jeff will get to Ryan before anything really bad happens. I am sort of surprised that Jeff has not told Ryan they were half brothers. Jeff really seemed to be searching for a family connection there for a while. Not surprised at how Will decided to handle the situation with the bar, he doesn't really have to have the money and as long as the place isn't losing money I don't think he really cares. Maybe his conversation will jolt the idiot giving all the drinks away out of his attitude but not sure. Glad to see Cam and Devin are getting along so well, they both deserve someone to make them happy. Loved how Carullo deals with JJ; he has the attitude that might just work when dealing with him. Glad to see that JJ is looking at a school, you know JP at least was going to insist on that when he got back. Not sure that I can really see anything ever happening between JJ and Carullo but I could see them ending up actually good friends... Great chapter Mark, can't wait till we get a little more into finding out who the Black Widow actually is... Could it be as simple as ABC???

Damn, issues popping up everywhere; makes you wonder what could possibly happen next... I have to say this might be the perfect way to ease JJ out of skating. He can transition more into a society or fashion figure and New York City is just the place for him to accomplish either one of those... I have to wonder what kind of action Will is going to have to take in Chicago and will he get to see Cam? We seem to be getting some blast from the past in this story... I have full confidence in Will being able to find out what is going on and handle the situation with the bar. JJ can take Carullo out shopping and outfit him to the point that he will just fall into a job by default. I have seen that happen, especially in the financial or insurance fields. A great body, good looks, sharp wardrobe can go a long way in either field... Plus, I bet JJ might even have a contact or two in New York. Great chapter, Mark, can't wait to see where you take us in this story.

Completely enjoyed this chapter from start to finish; this book is another great addition to the Bridgemont saga. I was glad to see Granger stay aboard, I doubt anyone else would have considered the idea of sending additional troops ashore to be ready to assist those returning to the ship. Waltham is going to be a very lucky man; maybe he will get attached to Arthur Wellesley; that should do much for his career should he survive... Can't wait to see what adventure you have cooked up for us next Mark, this is just the best story...

I am so excited that John Carullo is back again. Loved that he and Will hooked up again, they are hot together. I have to admit his initial reaction is about what I expected. I always thought he would be really pissed when he found out that Will was only fifteen, even if he looked much older. I am glad that Will has decided to help him out and maybe he will be around for a while in the story again. I think the main reason JJ reacted to the news of Carullo moving into the condo is that although he has not shared the news with anyone, he was probably planning on moving to New York from Boston or at least spending a lot more time there. I think that JJ will want to be out of Wade and Matt's because it will remind him way to much of Alex and he will want to be somewhere he feels more in control If they are both going to be there not sure anything will happen but could see them really playing off each other well. I do think that Carullo is right and if Will wants to find out what happened with Zach; he is going to have to do it face to face or not at all... I would actually be okay with them breaking up, not sure they both don't need a little space; but Will for one is going to need to know what happened before he can start to move forward... Not much outside drama going on, but this was still a rocking chapter and can't wait to see what happens next; great job Mark...

Damn, wonder if the General knows that her wife cannot be trusted? Hope that Alex did not give away to much. The last section was very dark, but war is hell and nothing proves that like what really happens when no one is looking...

Okay, totally lost about a lot of things with this chapter; brilliantly written but I am confused. What in the world would Zach be thinking sending that type of email to Will; unless he wanted Will to blow up and go psycho and give him an excuse to say see, you can't handle things. I do think that Zach cares for Will, I am not sure he loves him; because I am not sure that as long as football is as important to him as it is that Zach can really love anyone. So proud of Will for not sending his first email to Zach; plus the simple reply of " Ok " was a touch of genius. It puts Will up and should push Zach back on his heels. Will has really started to show a lot of maturity since 9/11. Has Brad just completely lost his mind??? Why does he think that anyone in his family would need to get his permission to schedule a charter? It may have just been aimed at Darius, Will, JJ, and maybe Matt but the guy made it sound as if the extended family was included as well. Brad obviously is suffering from early onset Alzheimer's if any thinks that anyone in his family other than maybe JJ would abide by that edict. Plus, you know that that FBO is about to lose the business for the rest of the family if they try to follow Brad's lead on this so he is screwing with their business as well. I understand Brad making a decision to perhaps charter his plane since he was going to be gone so long, giving him the benefit that Will did not that it was just to keep Will, JJ, Darius from using it. But even so, what if there was an emergency and Brad could not be reached while in China? Brad is just turning into a complete idiot... JJ was smart enough to turn to the right person to help him; even if Will trying to be cheerful did aggravate JJ beyond belief. Not sure that JJ even knows what he wants to do much less what he needs to do; but Will is going to be there beside him backing him up. Can't wait to see what happens next, great chapter Mark...

Just loved the new chapter, Granger has a new friend that may actually be just a friend and a way of making what could be a great deal of money if their prize is classified a prize. I hope that this leads to a new series of adventures. Why do I not think that it will be as easy to get the money as it seems; after all how deadly could a one eyed priest be??? LOL... I think the letter from Caroline and George's response to it was very significant. While they will continue to be partners, I have to wonder if they will not both find others to occupy certain places in their hearts. Can't wait to see where you take us, Mark. Great job with this story, the writing is excellent as always but the plotting has been particularly good with this story...

Well, wish I had been a fly on the wall in that room with just the three of them. Whatever was said must have been good, I wonder if Alex said he was going to marry Carlin??? Keep up the great work...

Well, Mary Ellen struck first but I have a feeling that Will in JJ's defense may have the last blow in this war and that is what this just became. Alex's reaction really did not surprise me, he has never been anything but a façade in his dealing with others and in reality. I am not sure there is anything to him other than how he thinks others should view him and is family. In a way, he did the same thing with Wade that he did with JJ, but Wade was in a better position to handle it. I do think that JJ will fight back, when he can figure out what to do, but Will is going to be the one that really will run this to protect JJ. Will was so happy and then Zach had to pull something. Wonder what the real reason that Zach is cancelling? At least Will is smart enough to realize that there is something else going on, but does that make it hurt any less? Have to wonder what Brad will do when he finds out about Will's actions? I think that Will described and explained Brad's issues perfectly. Great chapter and can't wait to see what happens next.

So sad that Granger did not get to spend more time in Constantinople, a city like that could have been a treasure trove of adventure; Granger has found that anyway on the high seas... A new player on the field and one on the same level of Granger; that is a little interesting. Granger, George Granger; love the idea of Granger being at 18th century equivalent of James Bond. Can't wait to see what the cipher reveled about the Guilds plans. Granger will be in the thick of it and maybe this time come out of it with more power and influence than before... Just love this story, it just keeps getting better and better...

Great chapter, JP has shown so much confidence in Will; and I hope that Will gets to prove him right, Stef as well. Elizabeth coming to England may cause Alex and JJ more problems than either of them can even imagine. I don't see what they can really do that would be horrible that would not come back on them. Plus, Nana and Wade would get dragged in and I am not sure that Elizabeth or Mary Ellen can afford to take them on plus the Crampton/Schulter clans. I can't wait to see the opening of this gambit... Brad is such an ass... I can't wait to see what Will pulls off this time...

Another moment to show what kind of exceptional person Granger is and continues to be. He does what it takes to make his host happy and then spends some quality time with Jardines; then finds out that Jardines has been ensnared by the ploy of the Guild. What does he do then; but takes time to explain to Jardines how he has chosen the wrong side and give him an opportunity to do the right thing, with a lot of financial encouragement. I had to admit, Jardines seemed likely to be the contact but had hoped it would not be so; but with his circumstances sort of understand how he could be swayed to the Guilds side. Glad to see that he listened to Granger and realized that he was in a better position to know what support the Guild had in the Royal Court than most. Hope the next chapter and the rest of the story are as excellent as the last few have been, great job, Mark.

Really enjoyed this chapter, it started with a bang and ended with a whimper. Have to wonder if part of the issue with JP is how upset he is over the war and other external issues. Not saying that part of it could not be his age, but sort of doubt that is all of it. Glad to see Cody step up to the plate so to speak. I do hate to hear about Kevin, AIDS has taken so much from us not only in this story but in life. I would think the separation would be harder on Zach and it appears that it is. Will just has more options and can do more to distract himself than Zach can at least right now. I thought Will handled everything in this chapter just right. He will never be my favorite person but I he truly is a good person. I don't see anything ever really developing with him and Tony but it would be good if they could get back to at least being friendly acquaintances. I am so happy for Isidore and Frank both... I am starting to really just hate Brad.

This maybe the greatest dinner ever at Escorial; and that is saying a hell of a lot with that statement......

Hmmm, do I smell drama??? I have never been fully happy with any of these pairings but can see how each of them would give something to everyone involved in each individual relationship. Can't wait to see how each of them progress and see which survives, which blows up, and which just fades away...