Daddydavek

While I am not enamored with Coop's sorry-assed behavior, disposition and self-centeredness, the writing in this chapter was delicious. Just bitchy, quirky, and surprising enough to keep the reader wondering; "what next?"

Ramsey's suicide was inconveniently, convenient. Granger still has no real idea of Ramsey's motivation nor of that of his sister-in-law, but is rid of the immediate problem without a public spectacle. The politico-socio machinations going on in London are too far removed for Granger to have a clear picture. Meanwhile the death of Ramsey also allowed them to not pursue the culpable cohorts from Spain. Of course the chapter was well constructed and ended orgasmically! Well-done as usual.

Interesting perspectives on stars, pluses, chapter reviews, and forum comments. I try to be generous in my praise when I like a chapter or story utilizing the chapter/story reviews. I hit the plus buttons and give 5 stars also for those cases. If I am less than enamored with a chapter or the direction of a story, I try to be gentle or maybe private message the author with my concerns. I post mostly in Mark's forums because he has indicated he likes the feedback there. But sometimes the topics in the forums get a little off into "what if" land or get pretty technical which I find less than interesting. For an established author like Mark, he has a cadre of devotees who care deeply about his characters and get quite involved in their motivations and actions. It seems he has come to realize that and has developed a thick skin and doesn't take the somewhat adverse comments too seriously. I hope that any good author learns to trust their own moral compass in matters and doesn't pay too much attention to the various "polls" whether they be stars, pluses or comments, otherwise their writing will turn out like politics which is completely poll driven and obviously screwed up!

Kids actually read Steinbeck without having to for class? Or, Oscar Wilde for that matter? I would of thought something by Stephenie Meyer (Twilight) or J.K. Rowling, or even Dan Brown! Interesting beginning about 2 young men who seem destined to influence the other. Hopefully in a positive manner. And what's up with that young "faux" English teacher?

Just more highschool social power moves.

Well $250K is a lot more than the 70-80 thousand I thought Gathan spent, but like I thought, he has a large support network with many people to yank his chain back onto the straight and narrow. J.P. and Steff are class acts and know what is important and that a lesson needed to be learned. Gathan was smart enough to figure out just how bad he screwed up and that he needed to come clean and did. The bit with Lark was somewhat pitiful. Here is a guy, with a new identity because of a death sentence, who is in his early 40's getting his jollies over a 14 year old kid watching him jack-off. I am not saying Will isn't hot and that it wasn't an ego stroke to be watched by a hot young guy, but where is Lark's love interest? He has been in Hawaii for a while and is still mostly just beating off. Dude, he's in 40's not 60's!

Nice chapter. I was somewhat disappointed in Sartorian. I thought he would hjave it together better than he has. He hurt Glory, despite caring for him and really has no clue about how Glory feels or where he is coming from. The cat is a slut and a vengeful little beast with sharp claws. Hopefully, Glory can groom his cat side a little and make it a little less beastly. Our multi-specie hero has much yet to figure out and it appears his bonded also has much to figure out.

Something is very wrong and our tortured young manchild has more than back pains. I'm hooked. How soon can we expect updates?

So now we know the contract killer's name and that he is in the air....Hopefully, Trevor and Shane can stay hidden with their planned destination. Meanwhile back in Florida, nothing from his dad, the wicked witch or her dirty cop boyfriend and their plans for Joel and his fiancee. Slowly, slowly, the plot progresses. Ugh!

The use of cliff-hangars on this site is becoming obscenely redundant. A literary device becomes less powerful when over-used and I would say most readers are beyond satiated with cliff-hangars.

Of course it's a bit of a soap. And like most good ones, the writer keeps you guessing as to what will happen next. In this case we have only the broad outline of history as a backdrop for Mark's prosaic canvas!

Trapped in the light and whisked away...just out of reach. Still, I am a bit confused, Shade was the hunter and his prey was left behind when he was captured. Not a very efficient "scrub job". Now whether Slade's erstwhile "friends/mates" can do anything to rescue him, will be the $64 question.

Colmar's threats were totally out of line and the sheriff's response regarding courtroom seating was great. Peter did outstanding. I did read the prior series and your response to my prior comment, so I remember the basics. I guess I was just expecting more drama in the first chapter. This chapter went much better in my estimation.

The sudden shift forward in the sequence of events in court was not the smoothest. The officer's testimony was only obliquely described as was the chief's. I guess I am waiting for the guys to testify and perhaps get some feedback on jury reaction which has been sparse so far. Frankly, I was expecting the prosecution's case to be so devastating that the defendent's attorneys were advising for a plea bargain.

Granger's sister-in-law is something else and hopefully he is now fully aware of that. Ramsey is a pawn and his leaving a letter for Winkler to find is carelessness or was it planned? I wonder how closely Mark will follow the historical timeline for all that is to follow? Repatriating the Dons could be interesting as well as how soon he rejoins with Nelson.

Gathan is 19? He grew up with almost next to nothing. He had $180,000 in his checking account. They are in Vegas for a few days and he blows what, 70-80 thousand impressing his friends and having a ball. I don't think its the end of the world or that he will suddenly forget how to stretch a dollar. While it may not have been the most mature behavior, it isn't deplorable. His trust will put more money into his account on a quarterly basis and he should do fine. He has a new truck, school is covered, and he still can nominally work for Brad & Stef as an administrative assistant. What is the point of having some money if you can't enjoy it a bit? He is not your average student on scholarship, trying to make $12,000 last a whole school year. He doesn't have the worry of student loans, and he can score grass at Escorial. He has J.P., Stef, Brad, Matt, Wade and a host of others to watch out for him and set him right if he veers off too far. In short, I am more worried that he will screw up things based on his non-gender specific capacity for attachments. In other words, I can see Kristin really busting his balls if he screws up.

Mont Blanc pens are awesome, but buying them at the Mall at Ceasar's is way overpaying. Amazon or E-bay have much better prices. Gathan is really spending a lot, which is not to surprising from someone who never had much to spend. Hopefully, he will come to realize it is just stuff and put it into perspective. I was surprised that Brad was unable to keep quiet about his friend's past. He could have told Will that his surfer buddy, was just that but that they had a somewhat complicated history in that the buddy was bi and they made it before he knew Robbie and also after......All of which is true, just not the whole truth. While Brad is manipulated by Will's insistence to trust him, Will is still a young teenager. Albeit one that Brad loves very much.

Funny thing about being a grown-up, you have to become responsible. Kyle is a grown-up. Coop is a work in progress, making almost no progress.

I always sort of like chapters that end just after a round of loving.

Maybe I am old fashioned, but don't you think after almost losing your life, you could trust your dad just a little? I mean come on, the old man is already dealing with you being gay, injured and recovering in a hospital. Give him a little credit. Somehow, this chapter just confirms my sorry opinion of our "hero". After the 'scary dream' (or was it?) about Tori visiting him, he still goes to the homecoming to gloat? I also agree with the other reviewers, Jon, you do write some scary stuff!

Neat ending! A cat fight with a vampire. Nephy, the characters you've created have so much chemistry, yet are so hard-headed that its almost laughable. Hopefully, Sar overpowers our little multi-specie hero and f**cks him into tomorrow. It seems they both need to get laid to figure this out.

RE: Ch. 35, I commented and Mark replied: Daddydavek Aug 15 2011 12:21 PM (Chapter 35 Review) Not too many details on J.P.'s surgery which he seems to have survived. Will is wilfull. Gathan's role has become less interesting somehow. The road trip west has taken an unexpected turn. And yes driving through Nebraska is as bad as driving through Kansas. Boring, boring, boring. Reply from Mark Arbour (author) You just don't like Gathan since he stopped f**king guys. ;-) My response, is that Mark may have figured me out. I'd also like to say that those boring road trips, even boring ones do give you a better sense of the immense size of our country. Having done one, makes you appreciate the real determination it took people in the 19th century to walk from Missouri to Oregon with their goods loaded on those Conestoga wagons!

Good news from most fronts, leaves me wondering what evil is lurking in the shadows waiting to strike at the most inopportune time?

Not too many details on J.P.'s surgery which he seems to have survived. Will is wilfull. Gathan's role has become less interesting somehow. The road trip west has taken an unexpected turn. And yes driving through Nebraska is as bad as driving through Kansas. Boring, boring, boring.

Wayne You have spent some time in the kitchen and you appreciate how much time, effort, planning and toil it takes to put together a big holiday dinner for a large group because your writing shows it. Charlie is his mom's right hand man and his boyfriend is left to guard dad! How real is that. The family dynamic is believable. Rick Sr.'s reaction and confrontation with Charlie is well done. From his point of view, Charlie who dated Tina for a long time has turned and it shook his fundamental assumptions about his baby brother. HIs anger from his point of view was understandable and I am glad that Scott did not over-react and cause a worse scene. Charlie's reaction of fright is also in character, as this was from the big brother who protected him. All in all, interesting depiction and a good job. Dave