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Family Matters
written by Sean Michael
Studio : Torquere Press
by Torquere Press
Release Date : 2008-06-17
Publisher : Torquere Press
Released : 2008-06-17
Availability : Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Number of Items : 1
EAN : 9781603703710
Avg. Customer Rating: (based on 2 reviews)
List Price : $13.95
Our Price : $8.42
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Product Description |
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From single men to men in committed relationships, from Texas to New Zealand, family matters are matters of the heart and they mean more than anything else. There's not a thing these men won't do for their families, whether it's learning how to pitch in and help at a clan wedding or raise two wild runaways in Auckland. One way or another, families change a man's life, and a man in love finds he's all the better for it. In Alexa Snow's "Motion of the Planet", commitment-shy Tyler discovers his Irish lover has everything it takes to help him learn to be a parent to his niece and nephew. "Everybody Loves a Wedding" by Chris Owen leads us through Spencer's determination to pull off the biggest, best wedding party ever for his sister, with more than a little help from his new flame Dean. Kara Larson's "And a Chook Shall Lead Them" tells the story of Amiri and Graeme, New Zealand physicians torn between historical family ties and two children's needs in today's world. In Sean Michael's "Inheritance", a bullheaded cowboy and a stubborn games designer go head-to-head over what's to be done with their shared nieces and nephews and find they're falling fast for one another. Let this anthology teach you whole new definitions of family today! |
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Engaging anthology of 4 gay couples, each story distinct and enjoyable. |
This anthology of gay couples having to deal with family crisis/matters is well written, each story distinct and well told.
Alexa's story is emotional and poignant as Taylor is overcome with grief over his sister's untimely death, a sister he raised when their mother failed them. Now he has to repeat the whole process with his precocious 5-yr old niece and baby nephew. Fortunately he has Mason, his partner , who loves and supports him through the crisis. There is much pain and anguishment in this one and it is not an easy read. Taylor himself is a complex character. He has gone through much in life and one could feel his sorrows as he tries hard to cope. Mason is a lovable character and I wish Alexa has told the story from his view point too.
Chris' contribution is a comic relief after Alexa's one, when one gay man is nominated by his twin sister to be her "bridesmaid" with all the added responsibilities of helping her plan her wedding including tea party, invitations, the trying of her bridal gown. Certainly does not help that Spencer has to lived up to his mother's, all his other sisters' and brothers-in-laws' expectations. Admist his busy schedule, Spencer manages to fall in love with his soon-to-be brother-in-law's bestman, Graeme, and have the best hot sex in his life. A solid contribution from Chris.
The 3rd one, "And a chook shall lead them", is a gem of a story and my favorite, about one Maori doctor, Amiri, who is forced to confront his past. Amiri left NZ nearly 20 years ago after being discovered having sex with men, which his mother never forgive. He returns home with his Australian partner, Graeme, who is half Thai and also a physician, to settle matters over a house left to him by his dead aunt. He still harbors bitterness and grudge towards his parents. It does not help matter that he suddenly finds himself burdened with his sister's children. His sister who has bi-polar disorder wishes his brother to assumer the caretaking role.
As the story progresses, more and more is revealed about Amiri's complex family. The characters in this story are very well developed. Amiri's teenage nephew is especially endearing in his independent and resourceful ways and deep love and care for his autistic sister. Amiri's confrontation with his parents is well done. This one is a deeply stirring story with a deep plot and I just wish it could be longer. Love to read more from this writer.
Finally Sean's story where Cash, a Texan cowboy, and Brad, a computer games programmer but a real hunk, are landed with their siblings' 6 kids upon their siblings' tragic death. This one is emotional but also light hearted in the way that only Sean could write it. There is some similarity between this one and Alexa's one as both have to deal with close siblings' death and the parenting of their nephews/nieces but the style are so different. While Alexa's story has a heavy tone, Sean's one is of a lighter tone and actually even fun to read. Cash and Brad are one sexy couple as they find love in the midst of tragedy. You just know this couple will make it with their 6 adopted kids in the cowboy's Texan ranch.
An excellent read indeed. |
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Heartwarming, Sexy and Fun |
With family tragedies, joyous family events, and families who unexpectedly show up on your doorstep one day, we explore the themes of familial love. These stories all center around families as they love, cope, grieve and persevere. Every story includes a beautiful romance between two men, whether that love is just blooming or already established, and while the men may be the focus of these stories, the family is definitely the heart. This anthology indulges us with four stories that are guaranteed to bring a tear to your eye and several smiles to your face.
"Motion of the Planet" by Alexa Snow
Tyler Brown and Mason Fitzgerald haven't been together very long, Mason had only recently moved into Tyler's small apartment, while the two men are still adjusting to each other and working out those issues of a new relationship. Tyler had spent his entire life caring for his younger sister, missing out on a normal childhood, burdened way too young with adult responsibilities. He had always put his sister first in his life, working two jobs and whatever else it took, raising her and putting her through college. When she fell in love and married, Tyler was thankful that he no longer had to be responsible for her, and through her happiness he was able to find some of his own. Mason had come from a large family, comfortable around children and hoping one day to have children of his own. Mason's a gentle, patient man, very much in love with Tyler, a source of strength and a voice of reason in Tyler's life. Tyler keeps his heart well-guarded, his past breeding fears and insecurities that brings subtle conflict to their relationship. And with the death of his sister and her husband, Tyler finds himself the unwilling guardian of an infant boy and a five year old girl.
The author weaves in the past with the present giving us intuitive insights into Tyler's younger life, compassionately creating a vulnerable character who burrows deeply into our hearts. Tyler's overwhelming panic as he's again faced with the oppressive burden of responsibilities is heartrending to witness. Despite the strong themes of grief and loss, the story warms the heart and is a very beautiful read. The author's characterization of Jill, quite the little lady and very much the precocious five year old, was very well done, poignantly capturing a young child's confused response to losing one's parents. The story had many well-written scenes; especially the ones that dealt with the children, that I felt accurately portrayed the adjustments of a newly formed family dealing with the sudden death of loved ones. Jill's clinging to Mason as she was drawn to the more stable uncle was just one of those moments, which added a realistic, emotional depth to the story, that I very much appreciated. I was moved to tears many times, but in the end those tears were tears of joy.
"Everyone Loves a Wedding" by Chris Owen
When the story opens it's Spencer Cooper's thirtieth birthday, a birthday that is shared with his twin sister, Mary. The family's all gathered for the festive event, and it doesn't take long for the ever astute and suspicious Spencer to notice an extra setting at the table. Dean Harlow, the extra guest, and Spenser have met before. There's an intense awareness between Spencer and Dean that can be a little embarrassing especially when they're surrounded by family and inquisitive eyes. But all the attention soon shifts to Mary and her boyfriend, Brian, who have finally announced their plans to marry. Spencer has more sisters than he can shake a stick at, but Mary and Spencer have always shared a special bond, so naturally she asks her twin to be her Maid of Honor/Bride's Attendant. Not only is Spencer delighted to be asked, he's determined to give his sister the kind of wedding that dreams are made of. And with Dean as the Best Man, Spencer and Dean join forces to do just that.
The story is just overflowing with hilarious family-style humor, as we're treated to this heartwarming and entertaining read. Despite the numerous characters running around in this delightful tale, the author gives us solid, snapshot characterizations that distinctly bring the characters to life. Chris wonderfully weaves together the amusing details of planning for those important special events - like the bachelor and bachelorette parties - along with Spencer and Dean's sizzling romance that just burns up the pages. And Lord a'mercy, the way Dean liked to manhandle Spencer and the way Spencer got off on that manhandling... well, let's just say these guys were a perfect match. There was a fair amount of sexin' in the story, but the wedding events and family was kept front and center. The author was spot on with the boisterous, loving banter that you would expect from a family of this magnitude, and the scene at the birthday party with the menfolk all huddled together like there's safety in numbers was definitely a moment. And we're given so many of those exceptional moments in this story, but my favorite was the sweet and inspiring back story with one of Spenser's younger sisters, Ginny, and her husband Adam. (mild D/s elements)
"And a Chook Shall Lead Them" by Kara Larson
Amiri Campbell and his partner, Graeme Chao, are both doctors and have been living in Australia for the last ten years. When Amiri's aunt dies and leaves him her house, he returns home to New Zealand for the first time since he left ten years ago, Amiri only intending to stay long enough to fix up the house, and then sell it. The men take local temporary positions, and had only been there for six months when Amiri's niece and nephew unexpectedly show up one day. Amiri's not sure of their past circumstances and what to do with the children, but he doesn't plan on abandoning them, as he remembers his own unhappy childhood. His partner, who has devoted most of his life to helping children and works at a nearby children's hospital, is ever patient and loving, supportive of Amiri and quite fond of the children. The boy, Wiremu, is fifteen years of age and wise beyond his years, not to mention fiercely protective of his younger sister, Lani, who's exhibiting behavior problems. And as Amiri deals with the present, he is finally able to confront his past.
Of all the stories in this anthology, and while I enjoyed them all, I liked this one the best. The story's warmly written with a gentle humor, as the author compassionately deals with the issues of child neglect and Lani's condition. I found the ending extremely moving and satisfying, and since I don't want to spoil, I'll just say there were a few interesting revelations. The author enchantingly flavors the tale with the Maori culture and language, along with the native slang. At the end of the story is the "Dictionary of Te Reo Maori," which was greatly appreciated. I felt the use of the indigenous language, even though I needed to Google a few words, added to the immersion and in no way distracted from it. I was immediately drawn into the story, and fell in love with the characters, especially Wiremu. The young man's devotion to his younger sister and amusing resourcefulness was quite heartwarming, while his fear of abandonment tugs hard on the heartstrings. This one story alone is well worth the price of the book.
"Inheritance" by Sean Michael
Cash McCord and Brad Rafferty are two men who have suddenly been given the precious gift of raising six young children with the death of the children's parents, Cash's older brother and Brad's older sister. Quite stubborn and set in their ways, the men clash from the very beginning overwhelmed with grief and responsibility. Cash, a footloose and fancy-free Texan cowboy, owns a small ranch, which has been in the family for several generations, and one day will be passed down to the children. He naturally wants to take the children back home to Texas to raise. Brad, software developer and bonafide geek, just like a stubborn nor'easter is determined and uncompromising in his desire to keep the children in Maine, raising them in their familiar surroundings, and the only home they have ever known. The men can't seem to see eye to eye on anything, except for one important thing, their determination to keep the family together.
Sean has delivered a truly heartfelt story of two obstinate bachelors who have had their lives unexpectedly turned upside down. We witness the men as they struggle with their intense emotions of pain and anger over the loss of their beloved siblings. Then one night when their passions and tempers ignite in a heated confrontation, our fancies are deliciously tickled when they beautifully succumb to what has been quietly brewing between them. The author poignantly captured the incredible resilience of children, while conveying a true sense of family love and bonding. The bedroom scenes were well-balanced with the family scenes, the children very much the heart of the story. The oldest boy Ben, who's only twelve, will break your heart as he tries to be the man of the family. There were so many moments in this story, but there was one scene in particular that really stood out for me. When one of the older girls was leaving to go over to a friend's house to spend the night, Brad and Cash's uncertainty in letting her go was a really well done, insightful scene. Passionate and heartwarming this story was a delightful read, and I would so love to revisit this family again. |
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