Sidewinder

Sidewinder is a tale of unrequited love, exploration and discovery, in which two young cowboys make some bold moves in a time and context that would not be on their side. 

This is a beautiful love story that will have you reading late into the night. You will cry and shout and laugh and keep on "turning the page".

One of the best stories on GA by one of its finest authors. 

The author tells us this story is "…a simple human drama about wanting what we all want... to stay alive, have a place to call our own, and someone to share it all with." But don't think the story is simplistic. It's simple only in the sense that the themes are elemental and essential. The setting is the Old West, but I really encourage you not to allow pre-conceived notions of the setting let that keep you away. Just accept the earth and sky into the story. The wide-open spaces allow you to feel all the more clearly and deeply with the characters. 

I want to make a special note about the powerful descriptive skills employed here. After one exhilarating passage that intertwined description of scenery with description of action with description of emotion, all so incredibly well laced together--I felt nearly exhausted because it had elicited such visceral reading. Again, forget the setting. Just let the author guide an experience for you.

This is a thoroughly enjoyable and rewarding read. I will be looking for another story from Headstall.

I can't believe that I haven't read this story until now, well I do know why. I always said westerns were not my kind of story, but then I read one written by Headstall and loved it now he has me converted. Then I read this one, it's brilliantly written and fits its timeline well. If you don't believe me then read it and find out for yourself, trust me you won't regret it. I'm not going to give the story line away, I want everyone to read and enjoy it as I did. Headstall is a skilled writer who knows how to write and satisfy his readers, I strongly recommend this as a must read.

Having grown up watching rerun western TV shows, I was skeptical about reading such a story. 

Well, I reckon I should've read this story sooner. What a beautifully paced story, filled with turns, storms, and a hopeful love that nearly forced me to pull my hair out at times. Boone and Coy are brilliantly crafted characters, and as several have already said, I could read 83 more chapters about them. 

Wonderful work as always, Gary. 

A wonderfully written story of the Old West that goes in unexpected directions.  Very easy to get caught up in the characters and get fully engaged in the action.  Add to this some hot romance, and you have a very engrossing read indeed.

I never knew I would enjoy a Western Adventure so much until I read Sidewinder!

This story about two young men dealing with the harsh reality of life, trying to make the best out of it, it touched my heart. I've read it a second time now because of the sequel, and again it was one of the best experiences here on GA. 

The characters are very well written, the scenery is descibred beautifully and the pace of the story is absolute perfection. At times it's heartwarming, at times it heartbreaking, at time it's frustrating and at times it's tear-jerking. This story has it all, and all in perfect quantities and perfectly aligned with character development that never feels forced but always feels natural.

You managed to perfectly capture the internal and external struggles for many people that aren't straight, no matter when or where they live. In the end, this is a story about two people that just happens to be set in the historical Wild West. You fit it into this environment perfectly, but the emotions, the conversations, the development, these are all universal and timeless and you manage to capture exactly that.

Thank you Headstall!

Sidewinder is a beautiful love story that takes place in the Old Wild West. I love the story and want to read the sequel. Usually I am a Sci-Fi or Fantasy reader, but this story is sooo good!

Sidewinders is a story that engages the reader from the very start.  It is so well told that it was difficult to stop reading.  The author demonstrates his achievement as a popular signature author in all aspects of the story.  It is evident from the first chapter that his writing evokes the reader's emotions, but paces the story so you can comfortably assimilate these emotions and understand how they affect the characters lives.  The various paces, fitted to changes in mood and action, make this story an easy read. Headstall's skill in research has given the Old Wild West setting authenticity, and his command of words and flowing descriptions make the setting come alive.  This authenticity is also found in the dialogue between characters and the wonderful characters he has created. You will find yourself wanting to meet several of these wonderful people, and afraid to even be close to others.  The plot can be slow or rapid, but always interesting.  I highly recommend reading this beautiful story.  You will be glad you did.  

I started off reading the sequel to this story, and found myself drawn to the characters and wanted to get to know them better. This is a great story about 2 men falling in love and dealing with emotions and expectations of family, that we have still in the present, it is set in the old west and that adds to the flavor of the writing, which is beautifully set.  Highly recommend reading this.

Westerns are a very particular genre, and to really enjoy one it needs to be written by someone that knows the scenery well. All the little facts are right in this tale, which makes the romance that is at the heart of it all stand out that much more clearly. As a look at what could have been, it's memorable.

Gary's characters are always special people, and Boone and Coy and the other humans in this one are no exceptions. Look for some people you wish you could know, and a few you wouldn't want to! The animals in this story are also very well presented, people in their own rights, as our animal companions often can be. It was a real pleasure to go along with all of them on their journey, to participate in their adventures, and to ultimately reach the very satisfying conclusion.

A wonderful tale of the trail, all the way!   🤠

Having been raised in a small settlement neighboring a Fort known as Lauderdale (a trading post known primarily for its liquid refreshments)  we had horses growing up.  Therefore I am attracted to horse stories (sorry Blue).   I'm not big on romantic stories.  This story was well written  and held my attention  to the end.  I didn't even notice any of the occasional spell check errors most stories have.

Interesting story - strong writing and excellent editing.  I don't expect every story on gayauthors to be this well-crafted, but it's nice when one is.

Definitely recommended.

This story is very well written and includes nuances of the old west way of life. It is a serious tale with sorrow, loss, hope and love. As said above, it is very much worth a read. The author, Gary, has a wonderful way with his words that draw you into the story and make you want to reach out and help.  Give this one a read. You will not be disappointed!!!!

I loved this story! You have a knack for westerns! I want more of these kinds of tales. Very inspiring and action filled! 

Having read all the fantastic reviews for this story, I had to give it a read and find out what I'd missed.

I wholeheartedly agree with each and every one of the reviews.

This is a terrific story about two people in the Wild West who are in love with each other, who learn to overcome there individuall inhibitions.

This is a fantastic story from one of the best authors on GA and I highly recommend Sidewinder to everyone.

A great story about love of two people in the Wild West and how they overcome their own inhibitions. I like stories about cowboys and this story is a must read

One of my favorite westerns ever!  Move over Larry McMurtry.

From one of the best GA authors an intelligent, well written story of self-acceptance and a growing love. Set in the old West, the author brings the story alive with colour, dialog and a cleverly crafted plot that engages the reader from beginning to end. Worth a read?  NO! This is a must read.

Another great story, as Gary can do. It has a bit of drama and doubts, but doesn't drag the plot, while still allowing us to peel several layers of the characters. A good day themed western.

I was going to write a review, but after reading the others mine would be redundant. I don't think you have to be a fan of westerns to enjoy this story. Boone and Coy are interesting, well written characters. If you're not certain try reading a couple of chapters. Remember Headstall is the author, and he has written several good stories!

I loved this story!  One of Headstall's best.  If you like action, love, nature, and complex social relationships, this story is for you.  I envy future readers ability to binge read this pageturner!

A wonderful story full of Gary magic. Western love at its best! Well written and thought out! Two young men find there love for each other so wonderful! Them get to have there dream together which I just loved

This story with it's wonderful characters...Coy, Boone and others (Blue and Daisy, especially), ticked all the boxes for me, written so well, there was laughter, tears, adventure, cliffhangers, LOVE, a uniqueness, etc, etc, etc!!! Loved it, the ending was perfect!!

This is the dime store western of my boyhood with a twist. In those stories the cowboy won the shootout and the gal. Here there ain't no gal and the only shootout occurred just before the story begins. That shootout has ramifications though for two young men. It is the impetus for one of them, Boone, to seek out the life he dreams of and for his best friend, Coy, to decide what it is he wants from life. Like most westerns there's also a cantankerous mule ...

Well worth the time to read and enjoy, a story that's well crafted that you will truly like!

Very well written and developed story, the descriptive nature of some of the chapters were truly wonderful.

Westerns are a genre that does not often find itself being plumbed by gay authors or have content that is gay centric in nature.  I have never understood this but Headstall has provided a prime example of what a talented writer can do with the setting and genre.  

Story was well developed but moved along at a good pace.  There was just enough background information provided in a timely and encapsulated manner so the reader fully understood what the backstory was and how it related to what was being played out.  It was easy to care about the characters and there were several that I could see deserving of stories of their own.  The authors prose in describing the natural setting of the story truly draws one into the time and place of the story.  I could easily have read a story twice this length with these characters.

Bravo...