“To be fully seen by somebody, then, and be loved anyhow – this is a human offering that can border on miraculous.” ― Elizabeth Gilbert
BLURB: Ben Rivers always was a showman. He won awards in 4-H and rodeo competitions from the time he could walk, and he’s happiest in the spotlight. So when he got the chance to be a star—in porn—he took it. He still loves Montana and everything about being a cowboy, but when news of his alternate identity leaks out, he figures he’s lost the town’s goodwill forever. Clyde’s Corner would never accept an openly gay cowboy, even a hometown boy born and bred.
Joshua Braintree always had the notion that he and his best friend’s kid brother, Ben, would end up together. Ben’s always been a diehard cowboy, just like him: they need the land and its freedom as much as they need air. So when Joshua learns Ben moved away from their small Montana town to be a porn star in Vegas, he can hardly believe it. He’s determined to finally declare himself and bring Ben home.
Despite his longtime crush on Joshua, Ben won’t be as easy to tame as Joshua’s “lost cause” horses. It will take a lot of heart and holiday spirit for Joshua to convince Ben that even old prairie dogs can learn new tricks in the name of love.
REVIEW: The story of Joshua and Ben started a long time ago. Joshua has known Ben since they were both young. You see, Ben is Joshua’s best friend’s little brother. Ben has been hot for Joshua since he was fourteen, but he believed he didn’t have a chance with the straight as a ruler cowboy. What Ben doesn’t know is that Joshua has wanted Ben for almost just as long.
Since Ben thought he had no chance with the object of his affection, he headed out to Vegas to “model”. He figures he can learn all there is about loving on a man out there in the desert since he won’t be doing it at home. When his life in Vegas collides head on with his life in Clyde’s Corner, Ben decides to stay in Vegas. There isn’t anything for him back home anymore anyway, or so he believes.
When Joshua hears about Ben’s new career in the movies, he can’t believe his luck. He never knew that Ben was gay, and he never really believed he would have a chance with him. As soon as he can, he heads out to Vegas to bring Ben back with him. He wants Ben with him right where he belongs. Things don’t go quite the way he expects. I mean, who wouldn’t want to come back to the town where they are the hot topic of gossip and be someone’s dirty little secret? ::note sarcasm:: Ben tells Joshua that he will have to live out loud with him or live without him. Joshua never thought of himself as a coward before, but when he walked away from Ben, that is exactly what he felt like.
It will take a little bit of time, a little bit of honesty, and a whole lot of finger crossing to get Ben back, but that is just what Joshua plans to do. It may even take a Christmas miracle.
This was a very sweet story of friends to lovers, and the younger man teaching an older dog a few new tricks. Sometimes acceptance can come when you least expect it and right when you need it most. This is a very lovely short story that you won’t want to miss.
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