Exes and Ohs

This is a remarkably satisfying story.  Headstall exercises all the virtues evident in Cards on the Table, this time in a more concentrated narrative and cast of characters.  The two main characters, Drake and Jimmy, complement each other fully in Headstall's characterizations of them, making a couple whose regard, concern, care, and love for each other is thoroughly developed.  Each is tested by his personality, past history, and the present narrative to which their differences contribute.  Though there is much affecting and tender affection between them, Headstall does not allow easy sentimentality.   Drake and Jimmy earn their mutual trust and faith in each other, which brings them through the stretches of desolation and frustrations that each must suffer.  And much of the narrative's unfurling occurs in the exquisitely composed conversations between them and with other characters.  Headstall's dialogue is pitch perfect.  The reader hears the protagonists realizing, working out their thoughts and feelings as they discover themselves and each other.

The other characters play important roles as well.  There are some very pleasing scenes of the bigoted and weak being told off.  This reader cheered.  And often during the story laughed out loud.  Oh, and there's a dog.  Every story is improved by the presence of a dog (or a horse, or even both).  I honestly cannot imagine any reader who would would not admire this story. 

 Drake has plans to go to a family wedding. When his ex-boyfriend  backs out at the last minute, a frIend from work agrees to pretend to be the ex. Headstall has created two great characters and an interesting supporting cast. His writing makes the dialogue and plot most enjoyable. Will Drake and Jimmy survive pretending to be a couple? I recommend you read this story and find out.

I loved the story. It's a gorgeous slice of romance that's very well written and beautifully thought out, with characters that are easy to identify with.

I definitively recommend you read this story if you're looking for some modern and heartwarming romance to read.

What can I say about XX and OO?(sigh).

Sometimes a story can be entertaining and tender and moving...and it can strike near home as well; drama in our lives can simply stemme from lack of communication, fear, walls we build around us and it doesn’t take evil third parties or intriguing and convoluted plot twist to prevent us from achieving happiness...sometimes our inner demons are the scariest and hardest to slay. 

I loved this touching story because we all have a little bit of Drake in ourselves (and what a lovable broody lithe sh*t he is!) but with some luck and a whole lot of backbone we can also get to share our lives with our very own Jimmy.

Cheers Gary! You rule, my friend!💗

I know I'm late here but - I just finished binge reading this marvelous story.

Your ability to project human feelings and introspections are truly amazing.

Certainly one of my MOST favorite stories I have ever read. Thank you Gary!!!!

What more can I add, given the outstanding nature of the existing reviews?

All I have to offer, is that Exes and Ohs was among the most powerfully challenging adult drama that I have read in recent years. At one point, I found myself in stasis for several days, while I mulled over the seriousness of the issues being adressed. I just couldnt read on until I had found my answers. That is how much it affected me.

It's deeply satisfying, lovable and challenging characters are caught in a intricate web of a story that covers both past and present.

If you are interested in romantic adult drama that will make you think, as much as feel, then look no further. 

Gary has delivered something of a Mona Lisa here and in more ways than one.

Exes and Ohs is an appropriate title on many levels for this story.  Whether interpreted as ex-boyfriends and new discoveries, or simply hugs and kisses. Drake dreads facing the weekend, but a good friend and ex gives him courage by going with him. How Drake overcomes his own biases in order to discover real love is an enthralling journey.  You will find yourself on an emotional rollercoaster, but left with a beautiful feeling at the end.  Do yourself a favor and read this story.  

Gary has a talent with making words mean so much more. This story takes you on a coaster ride like no other. The torment and agony are described so realistically that they make the reader suffer the feelings of the characters. The real life actions and reactions make this story real!  Read this and you will understand what a great author can create with words. Great work Gary!

I am once again amazed by Headstall's realistic writing. This was a scenario that could have actually happened and Gary kept it real and very personal as though we were eavesdropping on Drake and Jimmy.  Now to dig out that laurel, I know it's somewhere, and place it on my favorite author in GA."

I highly recommend searching by author and delving into his other stories.

I needed a feel good story today and I'm happy to say this one absolutely fit the bill. The characters are endearing and the situations real and the story is engaging.  It will be one of my 'go to' rereads.

Wow! Now that was a fantastic story! You are a great writer who puts details in stories like we all are looking at the real lives of people. That is rare to see in some authors. You deserve more than 5 stars but that is all they will allow for me to give to you! Keep writing!

In hindsight, the title was spot on. Drake has to find closure with not just one ex, but two! Who will you root for?

This is the first @Headstall story I have red. It made such a huge impression on me, and introduced me with the works of an exceptional and one of my favorite authors here at GA.

When I started reading this story, my expectations were completely different. I thought it is another sappy story in romantic comedy movie style (you know the plot – tom boy sister has to bring some boyfriend at her sister’s wedding to show him to the family, after many comical events and some drama they have HEA) because that was just what I needed after some heavy topics of bulling and abuse.  Well, that’s not what I got, I got something much better.

First of all, Drake is not bringing his ex to the wedding, he is bringing the replacement of the ex. And this man (Jimmy) is such a wonderful guy, not that he is just playing a role, he is actually helping Drake confront his family, confront his past and grow in to stronger and self-confident person. After some drama, Drake and Jimmy get their HEA but that’s all I will say. Read the story and enjoy