Spring introduces us to Jason, a sixteen year old orphan as he goes to live with yet another foster family. He’s been through many families because he usually finds a reason to force the family to send him back to the group home. There’s a lot to like living with the Hubbards. Not to mention their very hot, biological son, Caesar. The relationship the boys form is adorable as they figure each other out.

The first glimpse of characters we know comes from Jason’s case worker. She’s Jace’s sister, who we met in Something Like Fall. And–spoilers follow from here–as Jason edges into adulthood and runs into some financial issues, he makes a call to Austin and ends up moving in with Ben and Tim.

The book keeps its primary focus on Jason as he figures out his life–what he wants to do and who he wants to spend it with. It’s also a wonderful look at Ben and Tim at a point in their lives that comes after the events in Something Like Winter. Jay Bell, as always, does a tremendous job with Jason’s story where as he balances so many threads–being an orphan, the guys who come in and out of his life, his struggle to figure out what to do when he grows up and lots more. On the other side, I loved getting the continuing story of Ben and Tim and how it fits with Jason.

Like the rest of the books in the series, I did this on audio and Kevin Free, once again, delivers a perfect performance.

If you haven’t taken the leap on these books yet–you should! I’ll be moving on to the fifth book soon because I can’t get enough.

I had the pleasure of interviewing Jay Bell for an episode of Jeff & Will’s Big Gay Fiction Podcast and we talked about all things Something Like… Give that a listen on the BGFP website.

In this one, assistant principal Blake Barnes is dealing with the bullying of two new students. He wants to put a stop to it and protect them, but nothing’s been witnessed and that’s a problem. Blake has to get in touch with their guardian, who turns out to be his high school crush, Thane Dalton.

Thane doesn’t recognize Blake at first when he comes in blazing mad that his nephews are being targeted. Thane is just like Blake remembers him–sexy and a hothead. The solution to the problem is to put the nephews on the stage crew for the upcoming school play, which is supervised by Blake. Thane, being the owner of a construction business, ends up helping and that puts Thane and Blake in close proximity for several weeks.

Ariel does a tremendous job of setting of Thane’s bristly attitude and Blake’s caring for his students mixed with us desire for Thane. She also throws in some terrific curve balls for the two. These characters are wonderful, both with the need to make life good for Thane’s nephews, both in and out of school.

I read Stage Two as an audio book, and I loved John Solo’s narration yet again (he also did Matchless Man). He nails the characters perfectly, both adult and kids.

You can check out Will’s review of this book in episode 91 of Jeff & Will’s Big Gay Fiction Podcast or you can listen to Ariel’s recent interview in episode 81 where she talked about Stage Two along with some other recent releases.

The other book I’ve read involves hockey, which I haven’t read in a while. I picked up V.L. Locey’s Point Shot Trilogy, which is made up of Two Man Advantage, Game Misconduct and Full Strength. I absolutely loved the romance between Victor Kalinski and Dan Arou.

Kalinski is sent down to the Cayuga, New York Cougars after disciplinary issues in Boston. No sooner is he in Cayuga and meeting his new team that he finds an attraction to Arou. The two are absolutely nothing alike. Kalinski is a hulking player, with a temper while Arou is much shorter (a point Kalinski refers to often) and kinder. Arou’s attracted to Kalinski too and the two take off on a wild ride of a romance.

Over the course of the three books, these two go through so much, not the least of which is overcoming what a colossal pain in the ass Kalinski can be because he can have the urge to fight over practically anything. Whereas, Arou rarely gets mad–but boy when he does look out. Locey does a terrific job of turning these guys from bristling against each other to finding the love. Plus she throws some amazing obstacles in their path–as if their very different personalities weren’t enough. I’m not going into the obstacles because the reader deserves the wonder of discovering them. I will say one of the last ones scared me bad because I didn’t see how they were going to come back from it…but, of course, since this is romance they do.

There’s definitely more V.L. Locey in my future!

Fixing Frank opens on the day production starts on the web reality show Fixing Our Future, which offers the chance for regular people to earn big money for their charity passion projects. First grade teacher Terry is excited to be on the show to promote a literacy charity. Meanwhile, landscaper Frank is playing for an organization that provides clean water for developing nations. Neither knows the other is among the cast–and seeing each other on set for the first time is where the sparks fly.

In this enemies-to-lovers tale, Terry and Frank hate each other because their boyfriends left them to be with each other. Not only do they not want to be around each other, Terry is concerned about what the producers will do if it’s discovered they have a past with each other. Being brash, Frank meets this head on by announcing that Terry and Frank are actually a couple.

All kinds of hilarity ensues as Terry and Frank end up being a team on the show and have to do all kinds of crazy challenges–like nearly naked car washing and painting each other. They also end up at a reception for their exes, who are actually sponsors of the reality show. Of course, like as in any good rom-com, Terry and Frank really do end up falling for each other but there are more than a few obstacles they have to overcome, including each other.

I loved this third installment of the California Comedy series and will be going back to the first two soon. Jason and Ed, who are also screenwriters, hit all the right romantic and funny moments. There’s also a healthy dose of angst as I really wondered if Terry and Frank would make it work even though I know very well a romance has to have an HEA. But the Gaffneys did a great job of keeping the tension in play.

NOTE: I received a free ebook for an honest review for Jeff & Will’s Big Gay Fiction Podcast. Make sure to check our the interview with Jason, Ed and Suzanne on the podcast.

The Senator’s Secret by K.C. Wells was a wonderfully sweet, easy-going read that I absolutely loved. Senator Sam Dalton is running for re-election North Carolina. The campaign is running well until pictures of Sam and one of his volunteers hugging are plastered on the internet by Sam’s Republican opponent. The hug is innocent and meant nothing–but once it’s out there, it’s a campaign issue to be dealt with.

The plan: announce that Sam and staffer Gary are actually engaged and wanting to keep that quiet until after the election so it’s not a distraction. For his time and trouble, Gary will get cash to cover his student loans so he can finish vet school debt free.

What happens, as you’d expect for a romance novel, Sam and Gary fall for each other as they spend more time together. They’re a great couple from the get-go as they do things to be seen around town and telling their manufactured story. They make a great team, which easily evolves into a solid couple. They’re able to smack down the media that tries to proof they’re not really a couple. More importantly, they win over Sam’s parents.

Sam and his parents are fun to watch, even as it starts bumpy because they learn about Gary–and that Sam is gay–through a press conference. Sam mom, in particular is a Southern spitfire and has some terrific scenes.

This book was a perfect Dreamspun Desire with it’s low angst romance, a very timely topic and an awesome couple at it’s center and it’s highly recommended.

Like everyone else, I loved this book.

I don’t think I’ve ever read a historical romance in the true sense of the word. However, this read more like a mystery romance that just happens to be set in a long ago time.

Oliver is the solider who initially meets Jack, the scoundrel, to find out why his sister has paid Jack a large sum of money. Jack was hired to help Oliver’s sister get rid of her husband who was abusive. Olivier ends up finding out about a new case Jack is taking on and, because he’s smitten with the man, he goes along with Jack on the investigation.

It’s not easy for the two to fall in love. Certainly in the time they live, homosexuality is frowned upon by society. There’s also a class difference, which is what seems to be the most difficult for Jack to over come. The back and forth between the men on how to behave with each other, how to accept a kindness (and love) and if they can form a live was equal parts irritating and swoony. The sex they had was at first delightfully tentative and later scorching. Sebastain writes some of the best sex scenes I’ve read.

Meanwhile, since this was an audiobook, kudos to Gary Furlong for the narration. He distinguished all the voices wonderfully and played the romance to perfection.

I’m looking forward to listening to the The Lawrence Browne Affair once it’s on audio as well as this summer’s yet to be released The Ruin of a Rake.

That drew me right into At the Edge of the Universe by Shaun David Hutchinson and I had to buy it.

The book is a page turner. What’s happened to Tommy? Why is the entire universe shrinking? Entire galaxies and planets are slipping away. What’s Tommy got to do with that? More importantly, why is Ozzie the only one that knows it’s happening?

Ozzie’s an amazing character as he tries to figure out what’s happening, but he also does normal teenager stuff. He’s got a physics project due. He’s got a best friend whose on the cusp of a music career. There are bullies to deal with. Ozzie’s family is falling apart too as his parents are divorcing.

All these things make you root for Ozzie.

Where it comes to the end, however, and by the end I mean the final three chapters, I’m not actually sure what happened or how I’m supposed to take it. I’ve re-read those chapters to see if I missed something and as far as I can tell I didn’t so it might be that I either don’t understand it or I don’t get it.

Strangely, this doesn’t dampen how much I enjoyed the book. The mystery of what was happening to the universe was intriguing and Ozzie’s every day life also had me engaged. As such, I’d recommend this book. If you read it, and can explain the ending, please let me know.

As an aside, I’ll throw out there that this reminded of a Star Trek: The Next Generation episode where Dr. Crusher ended up trapped in one of Wesley’s science experiments. For her, people were disappearing off the Enterprise and eventually the universe was disappearing too. What I am sure about the ending of this book is that Ozzie wasn’t stuck in a science experiment.

The two books are the story of a decades spanning relationship between Ben and Tim. They meet as juniors in high school and while Ben falls head over heels for Tim, Tim can’t allow himself to come out to return Ben’s love. The two continue to run into each other over the years, with Tim always looking for a second chance.

As much as I loved Summer, I think I liked Winter even more. Ben’s life was good. He was mostly confident in his life and he had good relationships. Yes, there were bumps, but they were over come and life was good. Tim, however, has a more complex and difficult go of it in many ways–partially because it takes him a long time to live as his true self and partially because he can’t let Ben go.

As I was in Summer, there are times that I was angry with Tim for what he was doing in his quest to get Ben. However, seeing things from his side, I at least understand it better. It’s also abundantly clear that, in his heart, Tim’s a good person. Of particular joy, and sorrow, was Tim’s time with Eric. Getting the full story on that relationship was in many ways more important to me than what happened with Ben.

The other wonderful thing about Winter is that it goes further into the future than where Summer ends. These additional chapters were delightful.

I have no doubt that I’ll be picking up Something Like Autumn before too long. That book has Jace’s story (the guy who wins Ben’s heart in his college and post-college years).

Honestly Ben picks up just a few weeks after Openly Straight ends. Ben’s back at school after holiday break. In short order he finds out he’s getting a prestigious scholarship award, he meets a girl he really likes and that he misses Rafe. We also find out so much more about the pressure Ben puts on himself. In Openly Straight, which was from Rafe’s point of view, we only got what Ben said. Now it’s clear how much Ben’s family, especially his Dad, puts on him and how that translates into his behavior.

I love what Bill did with this book. At it’s core, this is a book about labels–the ones we put on ourselves and ones we get from others. Ben just wants to be Ben though and as the book progresses he works hard to bring his true self to light. The journey isn’t an easy one and I suspect Ben’s dialogue with himself is one a lot of teens have today.

Part of this book could be quite controversial for some, and yet I think it depicts real life. Ben acknowledges his attraction to girls but, at least so far in his life, his only male attraction is to Rafe. He doesn’t think he’s gay, not even bi. He can’t explain why Rafe is the only guy he’s attracted to, but that’s what it is. Rafe tries to push him to label himself, but Ben bristles at that. Of course, bi-erasure is a big topic in m/m romance these days, but the book addresses that as well because Ben’s uncle was bi and one of the characters points out that Ben needs to choose. As Konigsberg said in a recent blog post, “Ben, not me, is dealing with a world in which everyone wants to put him in a box, and he’s saying, “Wait. Those boxes don’t feel right to me.”

Kudos to Konigsberg for taking this stand on labels. We can’t tell people what label they should use, as much as we’d like to, and we certainly can’t force people to pick a label before they’re ready.

Ben’s relationship with Hannah (the girl he likes) and Rafe are just a part of this story. The scholarship award puts him in a tough spot too. He does more research for his speech than ever before and learns things he doesn’t quite know what to do with. Then there’s the expectations from his dad. As Ben learns more about himself across the weeks, the more he knows he can’t be–and doesn’t want to be–the man his dad is. On the side of all this is his interactions with the baseball team and what that does to him.

Konigsberg blends all of Ben’s storylines together so well. It’s amazing how it’s all balanced so well and how there’s still room for other side stories, like what Toby does (which I won’t spoil here). This is a masterful piece of YA literature that teens and adult alike can get so much out of. I’m glad he decided to give us this sequel and take the deep dive on Ben. While there are many teens who come out and define themselves publicly, which is great. With this book though, there’s something out there for the teens how don’t know how they define themselves and the struggles that can come along with that.

I’d love to see more of Ben and Rafe, and yet not. This book ends in a good place, but if there can be more I know I’d pounce on the pre-order  button as soon as there was one.

I totally get why this is on so many people’s favorites list. Bell’s characters leap off the page and the three part story is an emotional roller coaster.

Out high schooler Ben has a thing for new classmate Tim. Over some weeks of Ben taking care of Tim after an accident, the two end up messing around. Ben wants a boyfriend. Tim’s afraid to admit he wants that and the whole thing is a mess. In the second part, Ben’s in college but still carries a flame for Tim even as he begin a new relationship with Jase. So much happens in the second part that is completely, wonderful sweet as well as utterly horrible. Then there’s the third part and a very difficult conclusion (I know the book’s been out for a few years but I’m not going to spoil for others).

I have to admit this was difficult to read at times. The choices some of the characters made totally pissed me off. It’s realistic though and Bell crafts the ups and downs perfectly. I’m going to pick up Something Like Winter soon because it’s the story from Tim’s point of view and it’ll be interesting to get the story from his POV.

I’m happy to add my voice to the many who recommend Something Like Summer.

This is the third stage production of Into the Woods I’ve seen, which includes an early 90s touring company as well as the 2002 Broadway revival. Of course, I’ve also seen the classic TV version of the original Broadway cast featuring Bernadette Peters as well as the more recent film. Among all these versions, Fiasco’s is among the best and comes so close to the magic of the televised Broadway performance. Fiasco has transformed Into the Woods–much the way Les Miserables was in 2014 or Spring Awakening was in 2015. It was like seeing it for the first time.

The nearly bare stage represents an attic-type space where the actors tell the story with whatever they can find. That’s an interesting and satisfying change from the stage spectacle of other versions. Plus the actors play the instruments and the acoustic, barebones presentation of the score is beautiful and really lets voices shine.

There are so many standouts in this cast. Darick Pead as Milky White/Florinda/Rapunzel’s Prince was a stand out as Milky White. His very animated portrayal was hysterical and he momentarily stopped the show with the cow’s death scene. Pead’s “Agnoy” duets with Anthony Chatmon II were vocally rich and wonderfully funny.

Evan Harrington’s Baker played a perfect emotional arc and his voice on songs like “No More” and “It Takes Two” were excellent. Patrick Mulryan as Jack was heartbreaking with “Giants in the Sky” and  in the moments leading up to the Giant’s slaying in act two. Lisa Helming Johanson in the dual roles of Little Red Riding Hood and Rapunzel was so funny and yet touching in both roles. Eleasha Gamble was delightful as the Baker’s Wife. Stephanie Umoh as the Witch filled some huge shoes since it’s so easy to think about Bernadette Peters in the role. Umoh was excellent, especially in the whirlwind as she leaves everyone behind after “Last Midnight.”

Woods always packs an emotional punch as it nears the end. Usually I’m reaching for tissues from “No One Is Alone” on to the end of the show. Here I needed the Kleenex much earlier in act two. There’s a darkness, stress and foreboding that’s played up unlike any version I’ve seen before. It’s effective and extremely powerful.

I’m so glad I caught this production on tour in L.A. I wish a cast recording was forthcoming, but I’m told that’s not happening. The show continues in L.A. through May 14 and then it plays Dallas, in the last tour stop, May 16-28. If you can, don’t miss this journey Into the Woods.

Jack and Louisa are two middle school aged musical theater nerds who meet in Act 1 when Jack moves to Shaker Heights, Ohio after his Broadway career is derailed by his voice changing.

Act 2 picks up the story shortly after Act 1 ends. Jack and Louisa spend New Year’s in New York with Jack’s parents. They take in some shows, meet some of Jack’s friends and even go to the show Jack was fired from, which is a huge growing moment for Jack. Once they’re home and ready for the second half of seventh grade, it’s time for the spring musical (Guys & Dolls). Their new director, a former Broadway performer, puts Jack, Louisa and the G&D cast through a lot of drama.

In Act 3, it’s initially off to musical theater summer camp where Jack and Louisa make some new friends. For Jack, his friendship with Teddy is one he can’t quite figure out because it feels like it might be more than friendship. Once Jack & Louisa are back home, it’s the start of eighth grade and a decision about whether they should try out for the local production of The Sound of Music or enter into the Ghostlight Competition where they’d put together their own show. For Jack, it’s a hard choice. He knows Louisa wants to do Sound of Music, but he wants to go to Ghostlight because Teddy’s going to be there.

These books were wonderful. As a musical theater nerd myself, I love how packed these books are with references. Within a page, Act 3 referenced Michael John LaChiusa’s Giant (which I think is one of the most under-rated musicals I’ve ever seen) and Jonathan Larson’s pre-Rent musical Tick, Tick… BOOM! Beyond the references, Jack and Louisa continue to be such relatable characters, even for me some four decades older than they are.

Jack’s growth in Act 2 was amazing, especially for someone his age. He came face to face with the worst thing that had ever happened to him when he ended up going to see the musical he’d been fired from. He had the expected meltdown at having to do it, and even in the aftermath he wasn’t pleased with himself. Later, as he goes through the Guys & Dolls rehearsal he learns a lot of stuff about not underestimating people and about dealing with people who are intimidated by you. Yes, even a seventh grader can intimidate people. Louisa goes to great lengths too as she tries to defend and support her friend.

For Act 3, Jack and Louisa both get their first brush with love and it’s so sweet for both of them. I love how it’s handled with just the right touch. Especially perfect is how Louisa approaches Jack as she figures out what’s going on with him. The scene where they first really talk about who each might be attracted to is one of the most poignant of the series.

Jack’s shift from actor to director was also handled brilliantly. He learned so much in that experience, sometimes by doing things horribly wrong, that it makes me wish this book had been around when I was actually in middle school. It might’ve helped me navigate things better.

As with Act 1, the authors do a great job of hitting all the right beats with their young characters. The books are page turners and should be a must for anyone (kid or adult) who is into musical theater or wants to read some sweet, but very realistic, stories about growing up.

Arik, the real estate developer, is also a bit of a playboy. He has guys around the globe, but he’s not looking to be tied down. That changes though when he meets Kellus, an artist whose work he’s admired for some time. For Arik, he’s not used to having his advances turned away. Kellus, however, doesn’t want a relationship because of the disaster his first love was–and continues to be.

Arik simply doesn’t take no for an answer, though, no matter how much Kellus pushes back. Kellus pushes back because, among other things, his life is dominated by his art and his drug addict ex who keeps turning up to cause trouble.

I love these characters. While Arik comes off as a controlling dick early in the book, his deepening desire for Kellus morphs him into solid boyfriend material. It’s pretty incredible the lengths that Arik will go to prove to Kellus that he’s worth of the millionaire (even when most guys would probably walk away because it’s too much trouble). And Kellus, the man needs all the love and hugs he can get. He’s got more baggage than anyone should have to hold. Sometimes I wanted to slap him for not allowing Arik to help him more, but it’s also what makes Kellus such a strong character because he wants to make everything right on his own.

There’s also a rich batch of supporting characters with Arik’s family, who are simply a hoot. I expected them to be more as if they came from Dynasty or Dallas, but in fact they’re more like a rich Modern Family.

Watching Arik and Kellus take one step forward and two steps (and sometimes more) back brought on all the feels. Kindle Alexander knows how to weave a romance with a ton of obstacles for the lovers to overcome. While this was my first Kindle book, it definitely won’t be the last because I want to see more characters fall in love through their words.

I don’t usual pick up paranormal books either, but two lines in the blurb caught me. First, “Ox was 16 when he met the boy on the road, the boy who talked and talked and talked. Ox found out later the boy hadn’t spoken in almost two years before that day, and that the boy belonged to a family who had moved into the house at the end of the lane.” And then, “Ox was 23 when murder came to town and tore a hole in his head and heart. The boy chased after the monster with revenge in his blood red eyes, leaving Ox behind to pick up the pieces.” (Actually, the shocking thing about the blurb is that it gives away large chunks of what happens in the first half of the book.)

As you can probably guess by the title, Wolfsong deals in werewolves. Ox isn’t one. He’s just a guy who was told by his dad that he wouldn’t amount to much. One day, Ox meets Joe, the boy–a little tornado, who would change everything. Joe’s family are werewolves and Joe was abducted by an evil wolf, looking for power. Joe has to talk to Ox. Has to find out who Ox is.

That begins a journey that runs a decade (maybe a bit more) that runs the gambit from coming of age and first love to making hard choices about the survival of family and pack. Like some other books by TJ, it’s hard to discuss the book without giving things away that are best experienced by the reader for the first time. Not only is the story of Joe and Ox powerful as a romance (albeit a far form normal one) and as an intense journey of self discovery, but the intertwining stories of their friends and family and the importance of Joe and Ox to them is as beautiful as it can be devastating.

Kirt Graves, in his audiobook debut, does an extraordinary job. I have to call out his performance of Joe. Joe ages from nine into his early twenties and his transformation over the years from little tornado to a battle worn twenty-something is beyond perfect. Graves also does a perfect job as Ox, who narrates the story. Ox is complex and goes through so many ups and downs over the course of the eighteen hour plus book, Graves captures the joy, fear, unsureness, heartbreak and everything else so incredibly. (Just recently released is Graves’ performance of Klune’s Murmuration and I think I’m going to have to pick that up and see what he’s done with that incredible book.)

Even if paranormal isn’t your thing, I’d recommend giving this a try because there’s so much great here that goes far beyond werewolves.

NOTE: I received a free audiobook for an honest review for Jeff & Will’s Big Gay Fiction Podcast.

Like other characters form the YA series, Otto made the jump into Russel Middlebrook: The Futon Years, where we get to see everyone as college graduates in their mid-20s. Otto has now struck out with his own series of books with The Otto Digmore Difference being the first (coming out on February 21).

As with The Futon Years, I loved this book and it’s wonderful that Otto finally has the spotlight. This book picks up right after the events in The Road to Amazing. Otto returns to L.A., discovers his apartment door has been vandalized and that his CW sitcom has been cancelled. His agent isn’t being much help either, her assistant however thinks there’s a movie he needs to audition for.

The trick is that Otto needs to read for the director, who had to miss is audition in L.A. So, Otto, along with Russel, are on an adventure to get Otto to a meeting with the director before the movie is cast. This leads to a cross country road trip which is so fun. It’s just like a movie–which is perfect since Otto and Russel both love movies. Hartinger uses the typical movie plots to frame Otto’s story so well.

This book really digs deep on Otto–from his relationship with his scars and what they mean for his life to his feels on Russel, showbiz, his childhood and where he is in his life at age 26. Reading what motivates him was fascinating because he is the very different character in the Russel universe–which of course make the title of this book very appropriate. As you can expect with two characters thrown together for so many days, a lot of things come to light. Russel’s reactions to learning so much about his long time friend are, at times, intense. He learns things he likely never would’ve otherwise.

I’m eagerly looking forward to seeing where Otto goes from here. This book is an excellent introduction to Otto if you’ve never read any of the Russel books…and it’s even more perfect for those of us who’ve watched Otto in the background for so many years.

NOTE: I received a free, advanced, copy of this book in exchange for beta reading (as well as prep for an interview with Brent Hartinger for Jeff & Will’s Big Gay Fiction Podcast, episode 70).

In August 1996, the original Broadway cast recording was released and I ate that up. I remember going on my lunch hour from where I worked in Fortuna to the mall in Eureka  to get the CD and it was an incredible listening experience. Finally seeing the original cast at the Nederlander Theatre in September 1996 was one of the most epic nights in the theatre I’ve had to this day.

Over the years I’ve seen the show a number of times–on Broadway, off-Broadway (in a 2012 re-staging by original director Michael Grief), on tour and done by a Brooklyn-based theatre group. I always love it and it’s still something that, 20 years on, still feels fresh and vital.

I was psyched when Humboldt State’s Center Arts series announced the Rent 20th Anniversary Tour was coming to play at the University’s theatre. I was lucky enough that our friend Clint put in our order for tickets with his season ticket order so we got to purchase before single tickets went on sale. I may have gone a little crazy and picked up tickets for both nights of the run.

The tour uses the original set design and costumes (with maybe some small differences). The cast is all in top form, which made me so happy. Over the years there’ve been times where some of the cast isn’t up to my expectations. Across the board this cast completely inhabited the show and brought their own takes to the characters. Some particular call outs in the cast include Kaleb Wells as Roger, Danny Harris Kornfeld as Mark and David Merino as Angel. Well’s Roger seemed angry, a lot, at his situation. I’ve never seen a Roger like that and it was an interesting take on the character. Kornfeld’s Mark had an interesting playfulness at times that was enjoyable. Merino’s Angel was solid, but what drew me to his performance was some of the business he had going on in the background–a touch, a look at another character as if trying to comfort. He wanted to be everyone’s angel.

It struck me, as I sat in the theatre waiting for the performance, that it was interesting I was back in Humboldt. Will and I first saw Rent on Broadway in ’96, as I mentioned, while we still lived here. It was just two years later we moved to New York. We stayed in the big city for fifteen. Now as Rent turns 20, we’ve been back here for over two years.

Meanwhile, even though the musical is rooted in the mid-90s, so much of it resonates today. AIDS is still an issue. Gay, bi and trans people still fight to feel safe and to hang on to the equality we’ve got. Many of the lyrics hit home in these Trump times, especially the ones about measuring your life in love.

Yes, I had an amazing time last night. I’m looking forward to going back tonight and sharing with Will and other friends.

The blurb drew me in–a story about two men from vastly different backgrounds finding love. James Callahan and Cai Rees have known each other forever. When he was young, James came to Willow Hollow with his father, the owner of the town’s coal mine (and for that matter of the entire town). James befriended Owain Rees, Cai’s younger brother, at a young age and the two remained best friends and hang out together when James is in town on mine business. Cai, however, has never felt comfortable being friends–or more–with the boss’ son.

What I loved about this book is that Cai and James weren’t brought together in any of the ways I thought they would be. I don’t make it a point to try and guess things about plots, but for this one I had some ideas on how I figured it would go down–and it didn’t happen that way at all. The way the men came together was perfect and the lead up to the moment their connection was made had a nice buildup.

I enjoyed the setting of the book–out in rural coal country. The peek into that life, as well as James’ desire to live there because he’d always felt more connected to Willow Hollow rather than the fancy, rich surroundings he grew up in, gave the book a lot of depth. This is not the normal setting for contemporary gay romance (at least not that I’ve read) and that was one of the things that drew me to this book… and made me love it so much.

Gale has written some amazing characters in this series who have trouble navigating social situations–Courtnall in Breakaway, Drake in Power Play and now there’s Laurent St. Savoy in Empty Net.

St. Savoy was briefly introduced in Power Play as the evil goalie for the evil Ravens. As Empty Net begins we find that St. Savoy has been traded to the Spitfires. No one is happy about this–except the team’s owner, who we know from Power Play love to stir up drama.

Issac Drake might be the least pleased of everyone. As the Spitfires goalie, he’s not thrilled at suddenly having competition for his starting spot. Plus, St. Savoy and Drake have bad history (which I won’t spoil if you haven’t read Power Play). However, Drake has to step up since he’s the Spitfires captain and get St. Savoy integrated into the team.

It’s not easy because St. Savoy has had a horrible time at the hands of his father. It’s been a life of hearing that he wasn’t good enough, that no one could possibly like him  as well as some violence when he didn’t do as he was told. Of course, Drake’s life growing up wasn’t great either and it actually gives the two some common ground.

Each of them also feels an attraction to the other. St. Savoy doesn’t know what to do with that since he’s been told so often that no one will like him. Drake, on the other hand, isn’t sure he could, or should, pursue a relationship with someone as damaged as St. Savoy is.

Of course, since this is a romance novel, they do make a go for it. Drake is such a hero as he does everything he can to help St. Savoy–first by simply feeling a part of the team to helping him see that he can be loved. St. Savoy, meanwhile, has an amazing internal dialogue as he fights against what he’s been told forever. The ultimate choices he makes are inspiring.

I devoured this book, as I have the others in the series, and it’s all because of how Gale spins the story. I mentioned in the review of Power Play that I felt her storytelling skills were evolving fast as she wrote these books. Empty Net was another terrific leap from Power Play. I know book five is coming soon and she’s writing book six. I’m eagerly looking forward to these future installments.

What Misha and Max don’t expect is to fall for each other. Gale does a tremendous job with the couple’s courtship. Even though Max is quick to forgive Misha for the accident, Misha carries a lot of guilt that Max initially thinks is just because of Misha’s Russian upbringing. He soon learns there’s much more to it than that. As the two navigate their way towards being an open couple they go through a lot–because they both have some baggage they don’t necessarily want to talk about to anyone much less each other. In this book, even more than the previous two, then men come from difficult backgrounds and that makes it all the more compelling as they find their way to each other.

There’s also the matter of goalie Issac Drake, openly gay and headstrong. He’s got some baggage as well that he doesn’t want interfering with the Spitfires. His struggles create a strong supporting storyline that is excellent–and one I’m not going to give away in any fashion.

I feel like I’ve watched an already strong writer grow in her storytelling techniques through these three books so far. Well done, Avon Gale!

Between a superb romance and the mystery surrounding Issac, and a great dose of hockey action. Power Play was a great read to close out 2016. Issac takes center stage in Empty Net, so that’s going to be one of my first books of 2017 to read for sure.

I loved every moment of this book–from Russel and Kevin’s arrival on Vashon Island, which is in the middle of Puget Sound, right on through their reception and going to bed for the first time as a married couple. Hope you don’t consider that a spoiler. I don’t because, of course, Russel and Kevin had to get married in this book since that was the whole point of it.

The path to them getting married, however, over a weekend has many twists and turns. There’s a beached whale that stinks up the wedding venue. There’s a storm that knocks out the power and causes a challenge for catering. There’s another storm that makes it a challenge for the guests to get to the island. It’s all a lot for Kevin, who wonders if the wedding should actually happen. For once, it’s not Russel who is neurotic, which is refreshing and just shows more of Russel’s growing up.

All the friends get some beautiful moments too–Gunnar has the role of the fixer, Min has some beautiful words (and more than once) and Otto offers up a song and an interesting look at his life that resonates so well in this story. Here, I’m being more careful about spoiling. I was delighted at every turn how Russel and Kevin’s friends worked over time to get them married. Also in the core group for this book are Vernie, who we met back in the first book of The Futon Years, as well as Ruby (Min’s girlfriend) and Nate (Kevin’s best friend from college).

Through the last five chapters I cried on and off as Hartinger rolled out the story of the wedding day. There were beautiful moments between Kevin and Russel (yup, there were more than one) and how much their friends helped them create the perfect day–a day that was what everything it was supposed to be.

There is a secondary plot that runs through the book as well, the mystery of the town Amazing. It’s just a few steps away from where the guys are having their wedding and they mystery of where all the townspeople went decades before enthralls Russel, Min and a few others. It makes for an interesting, and surprisingly relevant, part of the overall story.

These adventures are due to continue early this year when The Otto Digmore Difference comes out. I can’t wait to see what happens there given what we find out about Otto in Amazing.

NOTE: I received a free ebook for an honest review for Jeff & Will’s Big Gay Fiction Podcast.

In this Kentucky-set story, Ryder Waites is trying to save his family’s whiskey distillery by selling it to a large conglomerate. Hanged Man bourbon is popular, but more work is needed to make it turn a profit, and by extension keep the town of Gallows Grove afloat.

Ryder sold the business, but what he didn’t expect was someone from corporate headquarters to come out and inspect everything to make the decision on if Hanged Man would continue to be produced in Gallows Grove or if production would move to HQ.

From the beginning he doesn’t like the stuffed shirt who arrives. Adam Keller didn’t necessarily want to make the trip either, but it was a chance to get away from his ultra conservative family and  business life for a bit.

It was a delight to watch the sparks fly between Ryder and Adam–initially they were sparks of dislike but soon enough it turned to passion. Adam leads a closeted live in Lexington so that just adds to the tension. Can the business stay put? Can Adam and Ryder form a long distance relationship? Can Adam get out of the closet?

Gale has done an amazing job of creating Gallows Grove, a fictional town in a real Kentucky county. The towns folk are wonderful and look out for Ryder because they know he’s trying to do right by the town. The town itself, however, is almost a character itself as it’s filled with business with pun names (I’m not spoiling any of those here–you can either read the book or listen to Avon’s podcast interview where she gives up some of them). The town is quirky–like Twin Peaks (without the murder) or Rome, Wisconsin, or Cicely, Alaska–and that adds perfectly to the charm of the book.

This was a total comfort read that I completely enjoyed.  Maybe someday Gale will take us back to Gallows Grove so we can check in with these Ryder and Adam.

NOTE: I received a free ebook for an honest review for Jeff & Will’s Big Gay Fiction Podcast.

In 2014, Russel made the jump into new adult books with The Thing I Didn’t Know I Didn’t Know and I’ve had that book on my Kindle for a while and I was finally spurred to read it, along with it’s sequel Barefoot in the City of Broken Dreams.

Russel’s now a college graduate and trying to figure out what he’s supposed to do. In Thing I Didn’t Know he’s living on a houseboat in Seattle with his friends Min and Gunnar. Russel’s drifting with his two jobs–lifeguard and being a baker at a custom bread place, but he feels aimless. He also feels like his friends have their act together as Min’s in grad school and Gunnar has made a small fortune by selling an app, which lets him pursue whatever obsession he wants.

Granted, I’m 20+ years older than Russel, but I liked the book because of how it captured how anyone, regardless of age, can feel adrift in life, whether it’s career, relationships or anything else. Hartinger infuses Russel with such a strong voice. Some may call it whiny, but I found him realistic. One of the centerpieces to the story is Russel befriending an older woman he saves as part of his life guard job. She’s a former screenwriter, so he finds someone who loves movies like he does and she’s a great influence on him. Reuniting with his high school boyfriend, Kevin, also throws some interesting turmoil into his life, which he also learns a great deal from.

This was a delightful book to bring us up to date with Russel and where he is in life.

Broken Dreams moves Russel and Kevin to L.A. so Russel can go after his dream to be a screenwriter. Min and Gunnar stayed in Seattle, but in this book we get to catch up with Otto, another one of Russel’s high school friends. Otto’s in L.A., pursuing an acting career. Otto’s storyline has always been a highlight of the Russel books and I loved seeing how he’s doing in adulthood. Russel’s journey in this book resonated for me because it was one of the creative and that always works for me these days. I’m not a screenwriter, but as an author I related to his struggles and insecurities.

More than anything, watching Kevin and Russel navigate Russel going for success was a great element in the book. Kevin tries to be supportive even while he sees what’s happening. The ease in which they both say completely the wrong thing makes for good tension. With the book in Russel’s point of view, you get his thoughts as he’s saying the wrong things but he’s not able to stop himself.

I’m moving directly into book three of this series, The Road to Amazing, so I’ll be ready for book four when its released in early 2017.

NOTE: I received a free ebook of Barefoot in the City of Broken Dreams for an honest review for Jeff & Will’s Big Gay Fiction Podcast. The Thing I Didn’t Know I Didn’t Know was purchased.

The story stretches across decades, following Zach Nance from 1959 and on into the late 70s (or perhaps early 80s). Zach spills out the story of his life from the time his family arrived in Durango, Colorado until he’s told all he has to tell.

The title tells you exactly what you need to know. Zach spends his life trying to be the good son–doing what he thinks he needs to do in his parents eyes, and, to a degree, his sisters. It makes for a difficult, hard-to-fulfill life for Zach as he struggles to know himself while trying to be the son he thinks he has to be. Among the things Zach tries to keep to himself is that he’s gay.

His family certainly tries to keep him inline, such as this from his sister Laura when she senses he’s about to come out: “We all keep things buried in place no one sees. Honesty is a selfish thing Zach. Nothing good ever comes from it.” Of course it’s sentiments like this that likely keep gay people in the closet even in 2016.

The beauty in this book is in the narrator. The way Garvin wrote Zach, the book reads as if you’ve sat down with Zach so he can tell you his story–the good, the tragic, the difficult and the loving of it all. From the prologue we know Zach has become “an old man” and it’s from the point of view the rest of the book rolls out. It’s a very effective storytelling technique and Garvin executes it perfectly. I hope this book finds its way to audio because I suspect, in the hands of the right narrator, this tale could find even more power than it has on the written word.

I look forward to seeing what story Garvin will tell next because his debut was such a treat.

NOTE: I received a free ebook for an honest review for Jeff & Will’s Big Gay Fiction Podcast.

I absolutely loved these stories that cover Thanksgiving through New Year’s as Skyler deals with his commitment issues as he and his boyfriend Keith look at taking their relationship to the next level. Keith is ready to dive in, including moving in, and Skyler just isn’t sure. He loves Keith, but isn’t sure he’s the one.

Over four holidays: Thanksgiving, TE Day (Skyler’s Thanksgiving for his friends), Christmas and New Years, Skyler and Keith go through all the motions around saying “I love you,” deciding to move in, how to manage when one’s a slob and one’s not, how to accept help and support from someone else even if your used to managing on your own.

I loved Skyler and I’m looking forward to going back to book one and seeing him from the beginning of the series (Foxe Den is #3.5). In this book there’s only a glimpse of Skyler as school teacher and not amateur sleuth, and it’ll be interesting to see him in that light since I don’t usually read mystery. Keith was an incredible boyfriend–totally patient, aware of his flaws that might be causing trouble and committed to Skyler to the point he’s willing to walk away if necessary.

Following these guys across the holidays was fun. In particular I liked that they both had to meet the other’s parents. That’s always stressful and these two handled it well with just a touch of freak out and a good bit of good humor.

From an audiobook standpoint, Joel Leslie’s narration was spot on. Skyler’s youthful exuberance was great and Keith’s more guarded optimism also shined through. He captured everything from the sexy bedroom times to serious boyfriend discussions perfectly.

This book works just fine as a standalone for readers who may want to jump in like I did. In the new year, I’ll definitely be back to this series for more of Skyler’s adventures.

NOTE: I received a free ebook for an honest review for Jeff & Will’s Big Gay Fiction Podcast.

Technical writer Laurence (never Larry!) is a Scrooge, completely hating the holidays. He’s got one friend, a co-worker, and over lunch one day he gets a fortune cookie that promises true love.  After getting a wink from a mall Santa (very Hallmark movie!), he ends up on an office committee to put together the annual holiday charity event. The guy running the committee is Nick, a very jolly ginger, who is quickly in over his head with how he wants to expand the event, much to the dismay of people who’ve done the event for years.

Somehow Laurence finds himself attracted to Nick while he also works to save the event. This is a fairly typical transformation of a Scrooge character done really well and with two characters you really root for. Burlingame does a great job with Laurence’s transition and Nick is simply adorable.

I loved this morsel of holiday goodness. Thanks, Matt Burlingame!

NOTE: I received a free ebook for an honest review for Jeff & Will’s Big Gay Fiction Podcast.

The story centers on Air Force officers Lt. Harris Mitchell and General Seamus O’Neill. Early on in the story, General O’Neill brings Lt. Mitchell onto his staff as his aide. It’s a grueling job, one that many before Mitchell have left because the general wants things done his way and if you don’t do them that way he gets very angry. Mitchell makes peace with that and, over a few months, becomes a good aide. What also grows is a crush on the general, who has many traits that Mitchell falls for.

For Mitchell, it’s a surprise to find the general is attracted to him too. Even though this book takes place after the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, there are still a few barriers in place for Mitchell and O’Neill. First there’s the rather larger issue that the general is very closeted. The even bigger problem (because, yes, there is one) is that Air Force regulations don’t allow officers of such disparate rank to fraternize.

This doesn’t stop the two from having one of the most romantic courtships I’ve ever read. O’Neill is so adorable as he attempts to woo Mitchell and Mitchell is often charmingly bold as he makes his moves on the general. Sometimes it’s uncomfortable for one or both of them. Sometimes it can be funny. Sometimes it’s also heartbreaking. In particular I loved the many (and I do mean many) nicknames O’Neill created for Mitchell–both inside and outside the office. Mitchell’s singular nickname for O’Neill was very heartfelt too.

One of the things that made Rank work so well for me is because it took a deep dive into a realm I know little about with the military. The May/December and Boss/Secretary tropes are well used here, but the extra layer of working with military boundaries (and in particular with the General having lived for so long in a DADT world) created many opportunities for great story telling. Sater also managed to turn a mustache into a secondary character of sorts and as a lover of facial hair I thought that was very cool.

I hope you’ll pick up this book to experience this wonderful, complex romance.

NOTE: I received a free ebook for an honest review for Jeff & Will’s Big Gay Fiction Podcast.

Riley and Ethan are roommates and one day Ethan stumbles on the porn bookmarks Riley has on his laptop. The gay porn turns Ethan on in a way he hadn’t expected. It also makes him consider Riley in a way he hadn’t expected. The build up between these two is perfect as they try to read each other’s signals. Should they make out? Should they get naked? Ethan’s confused because he thought he was straight, but the more he’s with Riley the more he can see he’s bi.

Beyond the relationship Riley and Ethan form, there’s a great story of family here as well. Ethan comes from a very supportive family while Riley’s from a wealthy but distant family. It’s a study of contrasts as Ethan can’t understand Riley’s family situation while at the same time Riley is practically adopted by Ethan’s family with hardly any questions at all.

Of course there’s hockey in the book too and it’s woven into the story beautifully. I especially liked Ethan having to make decisions about where his career should go once the season is over.

As with Breakaway, I loved everything about this book–the romance, the hockey, the stories that were tangent to the romance. Avon Gale has a great thing going with this series and I look forward to facing off with book three soon.

I read Man & Beast by Michael Jensen some fifteen years ago when it was released as Frontiers (it’s a book that is still on my shelf in hardback). I loved in then and I loved revisiting this riveting piece of gay historical fiction as it’s being re-released.

The book takes place in 1797 as 24-year-old John Chapman is on the run as he’s been found out to be gay. He tries to escape with his lover, a general, but he loses him and heads off into the frontier on his own. Just as he’s about to give up in a harsh winter storm, he comes upon a blockhouse with a lone settler in it. As the two become reluctant roommates, it seems John has stumbled onto the place he was looking to settle. Unfortunately, the man John’s falling for–and who he thinks is falling for him–isn’t exactly who he seems by the time spring comes around.

John takes off again and this time does land in a new settlement, with just a few hearty souls so far looking to create a town. While John just wants to be left alone, he ends up involved in town activities and is being pushed to marry–the last thing he wants. Even out here though, John finds someone he’s attracted too–the brother of the local preacher. As John and Palmer try to hide their relationship, a lot of action goes down in the little town of Franklin including a man from John’s past whose come with vengeance in mind.

This book is packed with a lot of action and suspense. John is always trying to outrun some aspect of his past, while at the same time trying to find a mate. He wants a partner, but he’s scared to hope that such a thing is even possible given the major and the man from the blockhouse. Franklin is a bit of mystery too with a lot of subterfuge going on. Man & Beast was a thrill to read and I’m glad I had this re-read because I thorughly enjoyed it. Jensen packs so much detail into his stories, about John and the struggles of the frontier along with the suspense of what John gets himself into that you can’t help but turn the pages.

Coming up in January, Jensen releases Man & Monster, the second book in what’s now known as The Savage Land series. I originally read this as Firelands and I’m looking forward to picking this one up for a re-read as well.

NOTE: I received a free ebook for an honest review for Jeff & Will’s Big Gay Fiction Podcast.

This is a book that I can’t talk too much about, however, because I don’t want to run the risk of giving any spoilers. Anyone who reads this should go into it knowing as little as possible.

For those who don’t know, here’s the books’ blurb:

In the small mountain town of Amorea, it’s stretching toward autumn of 1954. The memories of a world at war are fading in the face of a prosperous future. Doors are left unlocked at night, and neighbors are always there to give each other a helping hand.

The people here know certain things as fact:

Amorea is the best little town there is.

The only good Commie is a dead Commie.

The Women’s Club of Amorea runs the town with an immaculately gloved fist.

And bookstore owner Mike Frazier loves that boy down at the diner, Sean Mellgard. Why they haven’t gotten their acts together is anybody’s guess. It may be the world’s longest courtship, but no one can deny the way they look at each other.

Slow and steady wins the race, or so they say.

But something’s wrong with Mike. He hears voices in his house late at night. There are shadows crawling along the walls and great clouds of birds overhead that only he can see.

Something’s happening in Amorea. And Mike will do whatever he can to keep the man he loves.

Here’s what I can say:

• TJ has written a masterful story, which is rolls out at a perfect pace and is very much a page turner.
• Mike and Sean are so romantic. I loved how they were around each other. Their love for each other is beautiful.
• “Something’s happening in Amorea.” That’s true and it’s an amazing, compelling story to read.
• The town around Mike and Sean is full of delightful characters.

That’s really all I’m comfortable saying in terms of specifics. If  you read Murmuration, I encourage you to be measured about what you say when you’re done. Like Harry Potter books or movies like Sixth Sense or The Crying Game, people deserve to read this without spoilers. As difficult as that may be, don’t ruin it for your fellow readers.

Lastly, thanks TJ for releasing such an amazing, wonderfully romantic read.

NOTE: I received a free ebook for an honest review for Jeff & Will’s Big Gay Fiction Podcast.

The story centers on 20-year-old Canadian hockey player Lane Courtnall who is drafted to play in the ECHL’s Jacksonville Sea Storm. He’s a good hockey player, but lacks social skills and starts the season alienating his teammates. That all changes we has an on-ice smackdown with Jared Shores, an enforcer with the Sea Storm’s arch rivals, the Savannah Renegades. Not only does Lane make amends with his team, he later runs into Jared and a local bar and the two strike up an unlikely conversation over drinks and chicken nuggets.

That meeting at the bar, leads to a one night stand and then a romance that stretches through their season. Lane helps Jared re-discover his love of hockey and to help him was away the memories of the man who’d betrayed him years ago. For Lane, Jared is able to help him discover that it’s okay to be gay and play hockey. He’d like to find a way for Lane to curb some of his awkwardness and find a filter so he thinks before he speaks, but that just doesn’t happen.

Lane was a delight. His lack of social skills is both funny and, at times, painful to read. He reminded me a lot of Sheldon from Big Bang Theory in his complete lack of self-censorship. Watching Jared’s evolution from grizzled veteran player to someone playing with the enthusiasm of someone just starting out was wonderful. Even better are the scenes of Jared and Lane figuring out their relationship as their love grows through the season. Their back and forth with each other was funny, sweet, touching and moving, especially when each told their stories on why going for love was difficult for them.

Lane’s best friend Zoe was a standout among the supporting cast. She was so awesome dealing with Lane’s sometimes outlandish statements. I wouldn’t mind seeing her get her own book in the series at some point. Lane’s teammates Riley and Ryan were great too. Ryan’s evolution from party boy to something else (trying not to give spoilers here) and Riley as solid friend were fun too.

Gale created characters I couldn’t help but love, so I went from Breakaway right into Save the Game. Already a couple chapters in and I can already tell I’m going to love Ryan’s story.

Back in July, the Intrepid Sea Air & Space Museum in NYC became home to the Starfleet Academy Experience. Since I knew I was going to be in the city after the Cycle for the Cause ride, I got a ticket to attend.

It was very cool!

The exhibit was packed with interactivity. As you come in, you receive a wristband that tracks what you do. There are several quizzes designed to see what you should specialize in—command, engineer, medical, communications, etc.—as an Academy cadet. Some specialities also have exercises you can do, such as diagnosing a Klingon in sick bay or selecting a suitable planet to land on.

Throughout the exhibit there are dozens of costumes, spanning the various TV series, as well as props. It was great to see, for example, how phasers, communicators and tricorders changed over the years. Missing was representation from the movies, with the exception of some props. For example, no costumes were present from any of the films–from The Motion Picture through this year’s Beyond. Also no sneak peeks of anything from the new Trek series coming in 2017.

The two centerpieces of the exhibit were a model of the original Enterprise, which was used as a display for projections from the series. There was also a replica of the Next Generation Enterprise bridge, which featured station where you could take the Kobashi Maru test (sadly there seemed to be no way to cheat in this version.

Touring the experience was a great way to spend a rainy Monday morning in Manhattan. It continues at the Intrepid through October 31, 2016.

You can see all my images from the exhibit on Flickr.

For me, it was the last of many visits to the show, the first of which happened in Birmingham, Alabama, during its first national tour. While A Chorus Line was my first Broadway touring company to see, Cats was the first of the “mega musicals” I saw. I was enthralled with the huge junk yard strewn across the stage and all the effects, like the giant tire taking flight at the end of the show.

I have to admit I was disappointed when I heard the show was coming back to Broadway without any updates. Yes, Andy Blankenbuehler, Tony winning choreographer of Hamilton, was freshening the choreography and the “Growltiger’s Last Stand” number was removed for cultural sensitivity, but nothing else was slated to change. I’d hoped the show would get a makeover like the recent revival of Les Miserables, which took a great show and made it seem as though I was seeing it for the first time rather than the fifteenth.

However, it seems that Cats is theatrical comfort food for me. Walking in and seeing the familiar junk yard along with the familiar orchestrations gave me goosebumps and I throughly enjoyed the show.

Blankenbuehler didn’t do too much to the choreography as far as I could tell. . There were some spots in uptempo songs, like “Rum Rum Tugger,” “The Jellicle Ball” and “Mr. Mistoffelees” that some of his signature moves were on display. But, again, it was mostly like revisiting an old friend.

A couple of stand out performances too mention. Tyler Hanes was stunning as Rum Rum Tugger, bringing a sly sexuality to the role that was, frankly, hot. Even beyond his number, the way he moved around the stage periodically causing trouble and the way he interacted with Mistofflees were a lot of fun.

Meanwhile, Ricky Ubeda, season 11 So You Think You Can Dance winner, owned the stage during “Mr. Mistoffelees.” I think Blankenbuehler, created some moves knowing Ubeda was in the role as there were quite a few moves that highlighted is agility. He was wonderful to watch during the entire show. I also took a moment post show to get an autograph and selfie with him since he’s one of my major SYTYCD crushes.

A disappointment was that Leona Lewis, best known for her song “Bleeding Love” was out of the show the Sunday evening I saw it. She’d recently announced her departure from the show was coming on October 9, so I was excited to be seeing her before she exited. I was curious to know what she’d be like as Grizabella and how she’d sound singing “Memory.”

Regardless of Lewis absence, I loved the show and am glad I relived the magic. Even more so, it’s great to see the show in such great shape after sixteen years away.

I can’t believe I waited as long as I did to read How To Be A Normal Person by TJ Klune. It’s one of the sweetest romances ever and with the voice performance of Derrick McClain the book is pretty much perfect.

Gustavo Tiberius thinks he’s not normal. “Normal,” of course, is relative. From the get-go I found him quirky. He lives a fairly closed-off existence in a small town Oregon. To hear him tell it, he’s also been different but since his father died a few years ago, Gus tends to keep the world at bay.

When Casey Richards shows up in town and starts working at Gus’ coffee shop, Lottie’s Lattes, everything turns upside down. Casey is an asexual stoner hipster and he thinks Gus is the best thing ever–worthy of taking selfies with and worthy of bestowing hugs on.

I love how Klune unravels Gus’ world and puts it back together again. The frantic calls to the cable company to get the internet hooked up so he can research how to be a normal person since that’s not covered in the encyclopedias he owns. The conversations with himself as he tries to implement what he’s learning from the internet. And then there’s Casey, who is one sweet guy. He’s upfront with Casey that he’s asexual and what that means and, while he doesn’t try to outright change Gus, he does help Gus open up to things like epic hugs. It’s great how these two come together and become the things each other needs.

There are some great supporting characters in here too–Lottie and the elderly, Vespa riding We Three Queens are awesome. Even before Casey shows up they are trying to get Gus out of his shell. The cable company operators are a hoot, and the other glimpses we get of the citizens of Abby, Oregon are awesome (and sometimes disturbing) too.

I’m so glad I went with audio to “read” this book. McClain nails the performance. I don’t think the voices in my head would’ve been anywhere near as perfect as what McClain did with Gus and Casey. I don’t think I’ll ever hear “Oh my God!” or “What the hell?” the same way again. McClain is also pitch perfect with Gus’ anxiety, always finding exactly the right vocals for the moment.

Pick up this book (and preferably audiobook) if you want a super sweet romance peppered with some good laughs and goosebumps.

Whatever is the story of Quinn, a sixteen year old who hasn’t been able to get over the death of his sister, Annabeth. He’s been a shell of himself ever since and at the start of the book, Geoff, his best friend decides it’s time Quinn gets back out into the world. In a whirlwind week, Quinn gets out of the house, meets and sorta dates a hot guy, and starts to rediscover the future he thought he’d given up when Annabeth died. You see, Quinn wrote movies and Annabeth directing with Geoff as the star. With no Annabeth, Quinn lost his drive and passion for screenwriting.

Federle layers this story so perfectly as we meet Quinn and go on the week’s adventures. It’s amazing how much can change in so few days, and Federle picks just the right moments to focus on in Quinn’s awakening. Best of all, it’s not all-at-once. For every step Quinn takes for a while, he can end up going backwards too. It’s not all easy and Quinn’s internal dialogue rings true as he debates with himself about what to do. Plus he’s got to deal with some revelations about childhood memories as well as some secrets that were kept from him.

I laughed and cried several times over the course of reading. Federle hit all the right emotional notes, both ones I expected and ones I didn’t. This is a great YA book about re-finding yourself that teens and adults should love.

The show was once again stunning and these two actress gave sublime performances.

This musical expands on the 1970s Grey Gardens documentary that shed light on the eccentric, difficult, and often sad life of the Beale women who lived in squalor in the dilapidated Hamptons mansion known as Grey Gardens. Thirty years previously, the Beales were part of high society and act one of the musical shows the family preparing for a party. Act One shows Edith (at right is Rachel York, standing, as Edith) arranging the engagement party to celebrate “Little” Edie and Joseph Patrick Kennedy Jr. However, it’s thanks to Edith that the engagement is called off and Little Edie runs away. Act Two, shows the women together, trapped in a co-dependent  relationship and living in the rundown house that the local health department has declared unfit for occupancy.

York had the challenging dual role of Edith Bouvier Beale in the first act and switching to play “Little” Edie Beale in the second act. The transformation was just as amazing for York as it was for Ebersole. To go from domineering mother to slightly manic, depressed, angry, vulnerable daughter is quite the switch up and York does it flawlessly, right down to differences in her voice (especially her singing voice). It’s an impressive star turn.

It was a treat to see Betty Buckley on stage again. The last time I saw her was in the mid-90s when she played Norma Desmond on Broadway in Sunset Blvd. She was excellent as the older Edith who still knew exactly how to manipulate her daughter. She was in fine voice and humor too.

York and Buckley even managed to get through a prop failure. At the start of the second act, as Edith is calling out a window to her daughter, a curtain rod came loose and dropped on to Buckley’s head. The actresses shared a brief look and then played as if that were supposed to happen by blaming the racoon that was loose in the house. It was a well played, unplanned moment.

The production overall was quite good. Two things, however were a distraction. The second act takes place as the documentary crew is filming and those filmmakers are on stage occasionally. When they are, very often, the scene is projected somewhere on stage  as it plays out (as shown in the picture below). The was unnecessary and caused my eyes to wander between the live action and the projections. There three holes in the stage for the orchestra pit. The audience never sees the orchestra, even the conductor is not visible. The actors must spend the play going around, behind and in front of the holes which caused unnatural movements–again another distraction for the audience. Luckily the fine performances more than made up for it.

A few other notables in the case. Bryan Batt, who played Edith’s pianist in the first act was great. It was wonderful to see him on stage again as well. I also enjoyed seeing Josh Young on stage for the first time. He’d been in a couple shows that I didn’t catch on Broadway even though I was tempted because of his strong voice. Here he played both Joe Kennedy in the first act and then Jerry (a young man who did odd jobs at Grey Gardens) in the second.

It was a lovely, and, as usual, a little sad, to spend the evening at Grey Gardens and I’m very glad I did.

Small town New Hampshire native Theo is a landscaper who earns extra cash during the winter tending bar. When Heath Blackwood arrives in the bar, the two spar. Heath doesn’t want to be there and Theo is no mood for an uppity Brit no mater how cute he is. What Theo doesn’t know is that Heath has been forced to hide in the States because of death threats.

Slowly but surely the two men soften towards each other and there’s less sarcasm so a friendship can grow followed by an attraction. O’Shea builds all of this perfectly as no part of the relationship builds too fast. Of course, things take a turn when Theo find out Heath is a duke and he gets pulled into the world Heath deals with. It’s more than small town Theo can deal with, even though he loves the man who is the duke.

What makes O’Shea books so great as she takes such care in growing the relationship so it doesn’t feel fake in any way. I loved how Theo battled with himself over falling for someone who he knew was leaving (and that’s before Heath was revealed as a duke). Heath felt the same way–the risk of finding that perfect someone in the place he didn’t live. Their careful steps towards each other were delightful.

O’Shea just released a new novel, and has another Dreamspun Desire coming in August. I’m looking forward to seeing who she’s setting up this time.

Reylan is a Blood Shade–that’s the term the vampires prefer to use in this world–ends up investigating a case involving disappearances of Blood Shade servants as well as other humans and supernaturals. It’s not something he wants to do because enough problems happened when he last worked for the Arcadia Trust. Except he has to because his friends, and his werewolf lover, are in danger.

This reminded me of True Blood the TV series at its best in its first couple seasons on HBO as well as the Blood Ties books from Tanya Huff. In particular Reylan is a great character and it was impossible not to root for him. The man just wants to live his life, but he gets pulled into some really crazy stuff. Happily, the world Baines created isn’t hard to follow and even the tweaks he’s made so the paranormal creatures are his own don’t stray them too far from what I consider to be their typical origins. For example, no one sparkles but for these beings they’ve inherited their supernaturalness rather than been turned.

The specific plot of Orchard of Flesh is something I don’t want to go into. The twists and turns and Reylan slowly discovers what happening, including how he gets together with werewolf Jorgas, are far too fun too spoil. Baines cleverly peels back the layers of the baddie that’s lurking and he brings the reader to the end in an extremely satisfying way. Not only am I going to go back and read book one, but I’m eagerly awaiting book three.

NOTE: I received a free ebook for an honest review for “Jeff & Will’s Big Gay Fiction Podcast.”

In the aftermath of reading this book I’m completely in a squishy, romantic mood (and that’s a good thing in case you were not sure). Out on a Limb, the second book in A.J. Truman’s Browerton University Series, grabbed me early and wouldn’t let me go until the beyond satisfying ending.

This is one of the best May/December romances I’ve read. Cameron is a 22-year-old who is just months away from graduating from Browerton and then he’s off to Hollywood to live his dream as a screenwriter. When he meets Walker, 15 years his senior, Cameron is thrown off his game as someone who isn’t looking to make any lasting attachments since L.A. is where he sees his life. Walker’s a divorced father whose wedding to his college sweetheart ended when he found out Doug was cheating on him. His life is consumed by work, even as he dreams of spending more time with his six year old son and pursuing his own dreams.

Cameron and Walker have such a pull on each other, and yet they feel they shouldn’t be together for any number of reasons. Yet, as they keep seeing each other and Hobie, Walker’s son, starts to like Cameron (Hobie and Cameron have some epic times with Legos), it gets harder for the two to pull themselves a part. Truman builds this back and forth perfectly throughout the book giving us great character growth as both men examine what they want out of life–and if that life includes the other.

My only annoyance is that I couldn’t read this faster–it was difficult to put down every time I had to stop. I’m definitely going back to read book one of Browerton because I want to read more of Truman’s stories (just to note, this book does stand alone just fine). I look forward to seeing what comes next from him, too.

NOTE: I received a free ebook for an honest review for “Jeff & Will’s Big Gay Fiction Podcast.”

This first fully staged version of the show I’ve seen. Back in 2009, we saw a City Center concert presentation of the show. Of course, we saw NBC’s spectacular live broadcast in December 2015, and the movie version is in our Blu-Ray collection. OSF’s staging was outstanding in every way and made even more magical by its use of the outdoor Elizabethan theatre. Director Robert O’Hara embraced the setting and made Oz Elizabethan, which connects back to Dorothy living in modern day Kansas studying Shakespeare in her high school English class.

Ashley D. Kelley was terrific as Dorothy, with just the right amount of wonder, sass and fearlessness. Her voice was just right on the classic song “Home,” as well as in the first act’s somber “Soon as I Get Home.” All of Dorothy’s friends were spot-on. J. Cameron Barnett’s Scarecrow channeled just a touch of Michael Jackson (including a sequined glove on one hand) and it was perfect. Christiana Clark was a treat as the queen of the jungle. I very much enjoyed her take on the lion. Rodney Gardiner, however, was my favorite of the trio, his steampunk-like Tinman was incredible, especially his “Slide Some Oil to Me.”

Byron Easley’s choreography was great. The Tornado Ballet is always a favorite and the storm clouds moving Dorothy around the stage was a clever way to show the transition to Oz. The moving yellow brick road during “Ease on Down the Road” was fun. In particular I loved the citizens of Oz in the Emerald City Ballet, which was reminiscent (at least to me) of Madonna’s “Vogue” performance from the MTV Video Music Awards.

I loved this show, and my first time at OSF. I suspect we’ll be headed back for future shows. Below is a look at The Wiz which runs select nights through October 15

Beyond the show, I enjoyed Ashland. The downtown areas was full of cute shops, including several bookstores, and galleries. The food was excellent–among the best meals were breakfast at Morning Glory cafe and a scrumptious Italian pre-show dinner at Pie + Vine. I look forward to a return trip to Ashland in the future to explore some more.

Jonah Hollis has it bad for his boss, a millionaire cattle rancher. What he doesn’t know is that Lincoln Courtwright might have a thing for his administrative assistant too. When Linc breaks up with his girlfriend just before the big Cattle Baron’s Ball, he asks Jonah to be his date. However, a scheming family member has other ideas and drives a huge wedge between Jonah and Linc.

I love Jonah and the band of friends he lives with (Wes, Sammy and Aidan). Jonah’s back and forth about what to do about the crush he carries was cute to read, especially as it heated up. I don’t usually like it when conflict happens because characters don’t talk to each other, but in this case Bennett makes it work so it’s believable. And, frankly, it leads to a great resolution in this case because it also includes Jonah’s parents, who I both liked for vastly different reasons.

Linc is great too. Once his bisexuality is revealed it’s just what is. I appreciated there was no back and forth about his attraction of girls versus guys. He’s bi and that’s that–and it’s Jonah he’s got his sights on. The slow build between these two as they went from boss/assistant to something closer to friends and on to lovers played out just like I like it–slow and steady which just makes the pay off all the more sweet.

I hope there can be a return trip to the Broken Spoke ranch, not only to catch up with Jonah and Linc, but to get the scoop on Wes and Ford. There’s a story waiting to be told there!

College football coach Peyton Stone has a crush on his starting QB Brady Winter. Peyton’s also in the closet because his head coach is a homophobe. Brady sees through the screen though and after many attempts he finally gets Peyton to acknowledge there might be something between them. The courtship between these two is fantastic–Peyton is constantly worried something’s going to get them in trouble and Brady keeps pushing his boundaries.

This isn’t a May/December romance either. Brady is older than the usual college kid because he deferred college to fight in Iraq for a couple years. Peyton, meanwhile, is among the youngest coaches in the Midwestern conference.

Of course, their budding romance does get found out and all hell breaks loose for them both. This is where the book really gets good as Peyton and Brady work to get back to each other as well as fix the damage that’s been done. They are helped, and in some cases hindered, by an excellent supporting cast that includes Peyton’s mom, Brady’s dad, a trainer at the college and some of Brady’s teammates.

The core of the book though is Peyton and Brady and the push/pull they have with each other. Peyton also has a lot of baggage to work through, mostly because of his mother. As great as the romance is between Peyton and Brady, watching Peyton go around-and-around with his mother was fascinating especially as she tries, often futilely, to get her son to do what she wants.

This satisfied my love of athlete romance completely. I know Pomfret has a couple other new books out this year as well so I’m going to pick those up as well because I enjoyed getting back into his storytelling.

NOTE: I received a free ebook for an honest review for “Jeff & Will’s Big Gay Fiction Podcast.”

The story focuses on 18-year-old Brett Bennet who is drafted by the upstart Chicago Blackhawks. Brett travels from rural Wisconsin to the big city, alongside his best friend Mickey, for a season no one could’ve predicted. You might have seen that word “upstart” in relation to the Blackhawks and that’s because the novel is set in 1926/27 as the team was formed. Of course, that’s also in the middle of the roaring twenties, prohibition and when being gay had you deep in the closet.

Brett’s gay and it doesn’t take him long to develop a crush on 25-year-old Blackhawks goalie Jean-Paul Moreau. What he soon finds out is that Jean-Paul is also gay and just might have feelings for Brett too. Unfortunately, it’s not an easy love to admit or hold on to because of all the anti-gay sentiment of the era. That’s all too obvious in a couple things the characters say and think.

Jean-Paul to Brett: “That glimers of normalcy are not the same as normalcy. If you can’t accept this, it’s because… you are so young. Give it a few more years. You’ll see. Take a shower. I have to go.”

Brett’s thoughts as he tries to explain to an ally how he feels: “She could not fathom the breath catching and bloodcurdling fear of being found out. I was a walking, ticking time bomb trying to live my life.”

Gurley’s done an incredible job mixing the romance of Brett and Jean-Paul trying to make something work against all odds — and part of the odds is Jean-Paul who at 25 has already accepted that he’s not supposed to have love — with old-time hockey and the roaring twenties. It was a treat reading what the gay scene in Chicago (and there was a scene) was like back then. Plus a huge dose of hockey–from the extremely rough ways the sport was played to how difficult it could be to travel from place to place. There are so many wonderful nuances to this story, going far beyond the Brett/Jean-Paul romance.

It gives me pause to think too about other fictional hockey players. Simon in my Hat Trick series starts out at 18 just like Brett does and even though they’re separated by some 90 years, they share some of the same concerns. The same can be said about the Graham and Rikker in Sarina Bowen’s Understatement of the Year and Wes and Jamie in Bowen and Elle Kennedy’s Him and Us. So much has changed, and yet so much stays the same. Of course, it’s a truth lived in reality too by hockey players (and any pro sport athlete really) who think about coming out. There are too few roles models in 2017 that it’s can still be a scary thing.

If you like my Hat Trick series, Sarina’s hockey books or any romance involving athletes, pick up The Long Season and check out the journey Brett and Jean-Paul travel. Gurley’s crafted a thoughtful, profound look at young love during the jazz era and the birth of modern hockey.

NOTE: I received a free ebook for an honest review for “Jeff & Will’s Big Gay Fiction Podcast.”

Jazz Moon is the story of poet Ben Charles, a young man who stole away to New York City at the age of fourteen with a young bride–although theirs is a marriage of convince as they are both running away from their pasts. As the book opens in 1925 Ben and Angeline have been in the city for several years and are getting by. Their world is rocked one night when they’re in a club and meet trumpeter Baby Back Johnston. Baby Back flirts with Ben and it brings up feelings Ben’s been trying to keep suppressed for years.

Baby Back works his charms on Ben and eventually they make the move from Harlem to Paris where Baby Back plans to take the world by storm. As Baby Back works towards stardom, his relationship with Ben starts to buckle under the stress. The result is Ben discovering Paris on his own and truly being able to build is own life for the first time.

Okonkwo created such a complex, compelling character with Ben. This young man had a difficult childhood, a decent life he gives up to take a chance on a life where he can be more himself and ultimately ends up in a place he hadn’t planned on (at least that’s my interpretation). At the same time, all the settings become characters of their own. Ben’s childhood (which we get through stories he tells) is very different from Harlem which is different than the sailing to Paris which is different from Paris. Each place adds to the story, and makes Ben evolve his personality.

Okonkwo’s writing has a rhythm that serves this piece well. I have to reflect back on another stage show. Michael John LaChisua’s The Wild Party (based on 1928 poem of the same name by  Joseph Moncure March) featured a jazzy underscore that helped invoke the mood of the musical’s book scenes. As I was reading, I heard an underscore in my head as the words went by. It was perfect and it may not happen for everyone, but I enjoyed the music the words set off in my head.

This was a challenging read, too. Reading how race relations were in the 1920s wasn’t easy (and was in some cases to reminiscent about how it still is sometimes). I can’t imagine the amount of research Okonkwo had to do to create the world of nearly 100 years ago, but from my point of view he’s done a great job of giving a history lesson alongside a compelling fictional tale.

I’m so glad Jazz Moon was put on my radar because it’s something I don’t think I would’ve discovered on my own. Truly a great read and I can’t wait to see what Okonkwo does next.

NOTE: I received a free ebook for an honest review for “Jeff & Will’s Big Gay Fiction Podcast.”

The story centers on Mason, an actor on the verge of giving up his dream of being a professional actor because he keeps hoping from role to role without any big time success. But his life changes when he bumps into Kevin Caldwell, an old crush from acting school, at an audtion. Kevin helps Mason land a role that could make him the next Broadway star. However, as rehearsals begin, Mason learns that there’s a lot more drama than just what’s on stage. There’s a personal trainer look to reshape his body, an underhanded understudy waiting in the wings to replace him, a persistent (and maybe slightly over the top) director, and Kevin hellbent on breaking up Mason and his boyfriend. Mason has to make a lot of touch choices on his way to Broadway stardom.

I loved getting in to the audition and rehearsal process with Mason, which is what the majority of this novel covers. It’s clear that Pearson’s either been through it or has connections that helped him with the research to make this feel right. I love that we get inside Mason’s head as he struggles with his own self doubt, even as he’s growing as an actor. Pearson also takes the time to fully flesh out Kevin, the director Merchant and Mason’s boyfriend Eric, along with some of the other supporting characters. In particular the push and pull of power between Merchant, Kevin and Mason was fascinating (and sometimes difficult) to read. I’ll admit I was furious with some of the characters more than once, but everything that happened made sense in the context of the story–and didn’t seem out of place either.

Fans of romance should be aware that this is not a romance. Mason and Eric are together as the book opens. The fact that it’s in the gay romance category on Amazon confused me because I wouldn’t place it there. It doesn’t follow the formula of a romance and readers should know that going in. I wasn’t looking for romance, based on the blurb, so I was more than satisfied. It wasn’t until after I read it that I saw that categorization.

I look forward to seeing what comes next from Pearson because I love his writing style and way with characters.

NOTE: I received a free ebook for an honest review for “Jeff & Will’s Big Gay Fiction Podcast.”

I know I saw the film version of Tuck Everlasting when it came out back in 2002, but I didn’t remember much about it. What sold me on seeing the new musical is that it stars Carolee Carmello and Andrew Keenan-Bolger. The show is delightful and reminds me of The Secret Garden musical from 1991.

The story follows young Winnie when she runs away from home and meets up with the immortal Tuck family. She’s afraid of death since her father passed away nearly a year ago, and she’s tempted by their “17′ year old son, Jesse, (who’s actually around 102) to join him in a few years by drinking from the fountain of youth. The rest of the family, meanwhile, works to convince Winnie that allowing the circle of life is more important. Meanwhile, there’s an evil guy running around who wants the fountain for himself.

The musical is sweet and perfectly family friendly. I love the folksy sound of the music by Chris Miller, and the book by Claudia Shear and Tim Federle balances between warm, funny, sad and tragic nicely. I loved the choreography from  Casey Nicholaw (who also directs), andin particular what he did showing how time passes was great. The Tuck family, with Carmello as mom, Keenan-Bolger as Jesse, Robert Lenzi as Miles and Michael Park as Dad are all perfect. You get their weariness and being over 100 years old (it’s not something they were looking for) as well as their desire to still find wonder in the world. Sarah Charles Lewis in her Broadway debut as Winnie definitely reminds of young Daisy Eagen in The Secret Garden.

The show is absolutely sweet and magical but I wonder how the NYC audiences will take to it since its not edgy and has no big special effects. Hopefully it does finds it’s audience because those who take the chance on it will be happy they did.

This show is in previews through April 25 and then going into an open-ended run.

It was a lovely trip back to 1963 with the classic Bock & Harnick musical She Loves Me. A stellar cast featuring Jane Krakowski, Zachary Levi and Gavin Creel (Laura Benanti  was unfortunately out sick, but her understudy was solid) were wonderful in this romantic comedy that follows a similar plot to the films The Shop Around the Corner and You’ve Got Mail.

Here, Georg (Levi) and Amalia (played at our performance by Laura Shoop) are writing love letters to each other, but don’t realize it because it’s through a lonely hearts/dating service in 1934 Budapest. As they start working together in a Parfumerie, the end up disliking while as the same time circumstances keep them from meeting.

The music here was classic 1960s musical theater and it was lushly romantic. The entire cast is top notch, playing their roles perfectly. This was a perfect escape, and a great example of a classic musical done in a classic fashion.

She Loves Me is playing is a limited engagement through June 12 and if your into romance it is a must see.

We wrapped up the trip with the ridiculously hysterical Disaster. Combining favorite things: 70s disaster films and disco music this show takes place on a huge floating casino that ends up in an earthquake, tidal wave disaster and it’s all set to classic disco music. It’s just as kooky as it sounds and it works so well because the cast takes everything seriously (think musical version of Poseidon Adventure with a disco score).

It’s a top notch cast too: Adam Pascal, Roger Bart, Faith Prince, Rachel York, Kevin Chamberlin, Kerry Butler, Seth Rudetsky, Max Crumm, Paul Castree and amazing newcomer Baylee Littrell (who plays twin 11-year-olds Ben and Lisa).

We spend the first act getting to know the characters, in typical disaster film style, and the second act is everyone trying to get rescued. The music selections are an awesome cross section of 70s hits: “Theme from Mahogany,” “Hot Stuff,” “Without You” (earnestly sung by Adam Pascal when he finds his ex on the boat–it was one of my favorite moments), “You’re My Best Friend” (which was sung for someone’s death scene), “25 or 6 to 4” and the list goes on.

I laughed from start to finish in this show that’s pure, fun entertainment. It’s a limited engagement through July 3 and if you want to sit back and have a good laugh, check out this show.

It’s been about six months since I first saw the show, but of the changes I noticed there’s a bit more time in Jenna’s head now as she gets her frustrations out by creating pies. There’s also a bit more time spent in how awful her husband is to her. There’s more choreography/movement now too, and I love what that brought to the show.

Particularly outstanding is how much Jessie Muller’s grown in the role of Jenna. She was incredible in Boston, but now there’s even more depth in the character. “She Used to Be Mine” has always been the emotional height of the show, but last night Muller delivered even more punch (and made me wish I’d remember tissues because I knew what to expect with that song).

A couple other tweaks I noticed: “Door Number Three” is gone and while I liked the song I can’t say that it’s all that missed either. Also, at the end, there was a scene with Jenna and her daughter LuLu making pies. That quiet moment is gone and that I do miss. I can’t recall if that moment was the show’s exact ending point in Boston because I know the diner was rebranded as LuLu’s too, but that last pie making moment was poignant. I know the show is still in previews for another few weeks, so they’re likely trying things out still.

Regardless of what becomes of that mother/daughter moment, the show continues to be outstanding (and as I mentioned, even subtly better than when I saw it last). Everything in the show works great from Jenna’s relationship with her friends Dawn and Becky to the quirky, funny times she spends with her doctor. I suspect the show is about to settle in for a long, successful run because audiences should eat up the story of the waitress who doesn’t want to just be “happy enough.”

I’m glad we made it to The King and I before Kelli O’Hara and Ken Wantanbe depart the production later this month. I have to admit that I’ve never seen King on stage or screen, so I didn’t know the complete story. In fact, there are favorite songs that I didn’t realize came from this show (such as “Hello Young Lovers” and “We Kiss in a Shadow”). Given this, I was unprepared for the emotional roller coaster to come.

The plot I knew the most about was, of course, Anna coming to Siam to teach the King’s children and his wives, and, in the process, transforming the King and kingdom. I loved Kelli’s Anna from the moment she arrive by boat. Her interaction with Ken’s King, trying to get him to understand how to treat his people and women was forceful, and yet touching. Ken’s King was fierce and funny and so touching as he evolved through the show. Potential spoiler here, I was unprepared for the King to die at the end and that ripped my heart out since he was just learning how he should be. Luckily his son learned, and that was beautiful.

The plot I didn’t know was between young lovers Lun Tha and Tuptim. Such a heartbreaker, and yet ultimately the turning point for the King and Anna too. Conrad Ricamora and Ashely Park were stunning as the doomed lovers. Their voices soared in their songs, especially “I Have Dreamed.” I hope to see and hear more from these actors because they were amazing. Also to note is Ruthie Ann Miles as Lady Thiang, or as she was introduced at one point–the Head Wife, she’s so protective of the King, even while she could be jealous over the relationship forming between him and Anna. Her “Something Wonderful” at the end of Act I was sublime.

In the many shows I’ve seen at the Beaumont, with the exception of War Horse, I’ve never seen the space used as well as King and I did. From the moment the ship brining Anna sails on to the stage and on through the pageantry of the play in act two and ultimately the King’s chambers at the end of the show, it was all stunning.

Shuffle Along or the Making of the Musical Sensation of 1921 and All That Followed (or just Shuffle Along as it’s mostly known) is an new musical with a stunning cast that exceeded all of my very high expectations for it.

Shuffle Along is, in fact, a musical sensation of 1921, and is considered to be the first Broadway musical (which included love songs) written, directed, produced and starring African Americans. It featured a book by F.E. Miller and Aubrey Lyles with music and lyrics by Noble Sissle and Eubie Blake.

This new musical, is exactly what the title says. Act one tells the story Shuffle Along’s creation and arrival on Broadway in May 1921. The second act follows the creators and stars in the years that followed, which were tumultuous as partnerships and loves dissolved and Shuffle Along was eclipsed, and eventually disparaged despite what it accomplished.

There’s a top notch production team here. George C. Wolfe wrote the book and directs using the elements of the original Miller/Lyles book as well as the original Sissle/Blake music. Savion Glover (who we saw in the audience — which wasn’t surprising since the show is still in previews and being tweaked) choreographs. Audra McDonald, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Billy Porter, Brandon Victor Dixon and Joshua Henry lead the incredible cast.

The show is an electric shot that’s unlike anything I’ve ever seen. Glover’s tap dancing, which permeates the show, is nothing short of stupendous–the movement and the percussion was phenomenal. (Side note: the Tony for choreography this year is going to be a tough one between Glover’s sensational work here and Spencer Liff’s haunting work in the Spring Awakening revival.) Mitchell and Porter as Miller and Lyles along with Henry and Dixon as Sissle and Blake were perfect. Each partnership has it’s own dynamic and chemistry while the four together also had their own style of interaction. Each of the actors had a moment to shine. McDonald as star Lottie Gee was simply heartbreaking as she gave up so much for success and love.

Everything about this show is amazing, but there are some callouts to be made. First, the dancing. I love good dancing and this show has it from start to finish. There are also three song moments to mention. Unfortunately the Playbill didn’t list out the songs (I think that’s because the show is in previews and the lineup is being adjusted) so I can’t name them but I’ll give credit as best I can. In act one, when the company is trying to get to Trenton, Mitchell has a song that starts as a capella, builds to add some percussion with tapping and suitcases and eventually adds the rest of the company. This was breathtaking.

In act two, when Miller and Lyles are breaking up their partnership, Porter belts a blusy song that puts all of his anguish over the past few years out. It lays him bare. For me, this rivals any moment Porter had as Lola in Kinky Boots, and he had quite a few turns of emotional impact there. Also, in act two, McDonald lays her pain out over never winning Blake away from his wife and having the life she wanted. I hope these songs all survive the final cut as the creative team works towards finalizing the show for its opening on April 28.

I’m glad we caught this show because it’s completely different and completely incredible. I suspect as word gets out of how amazing it is, tickets will get harder and harder to get (it looked at, or very near, sold out last night).

With the show still early in previews, there are no videos or stills from the show. Keep an eye out though as this gets closer to opening because, trust me, you need to see what happens on stage at Shuffle Along.  The picture below is the intermission curtain, which I shot. Notice those top dollar tickets are just $2.50!

Luke is a young stable hand working at Bywater Farm. He’s one of the only people King of Hearts trusts in the aftermath of a fall that killed his rider 18 months earlier. King’s owner, Clay Hunter lost is lover that day too. Neither the horse or the man has been the same since. Luke, however, is a ray of sunshine for both of them.

King immediately takes to Luke  and Luke goes from mucking King’s stall to training with the horse. Meanwhile, Clay sees not only the building relationship between King and Luke, but wonders if he can love again, too. But when Luke falls during a training session, Clay isn’t sure he can let himself love someone who might succumb to the same fate he’d witnessed before.

The slow build between Luke and Clay was so perfect. Each of these men has different baggage and they’re respectful of that while still going for what they want. I enjoyed Luke building his relationship with both horse and man and appreciate the care that Ariel took to make sure both parts of the story were fully told.

This is the first book in the Lexington Lovers series within Dreamspun Desires. I’m already looking forward to what Ariel’s going to do in this world next.

Aussie Lachlan rushes to Texas when he gets word that his sister, Addie, who he hasn’t seen in years, was killed in an accident. He finds out he’s also an uncle because Addie and her husband left behind a baby girl, Chloe. In Texas, Lachlan finds out the baby is under the care of Holden, Addie’s brother-in-law. Holden’s twin brother died with Addie.

The two men initially scuffle. Holden knows Addie ran away from her family and she spoke little of them. The Sheffield’s are none to thrilled when Lachlan shows up, especially with designs on taking Chloe back to Australia. However, as they get to know Lachlan the family, and Holden in particular, warm up to him.

The slow progression of Lachlan and Holden from hate to lust to love was everything I love about romance. It was paced beautifully and BA wrote these guys so perfectly that I felt like I was invested in trying to help two friends work out their issues. I also liked that the major conflict in the story essentially helped draw the guys together more instead of serving to temporarily break them apart. And, adding in their mutual love for their niece just made it all the more heartwarming. Finally, the addition of the prologue was the perfect bow on the story.

Another well done Dreamspun Desire!

With the brand new Born for This: How to Find the Work You Were Meant to Do, it’s like he’s moved Art of Non-Conformity to a new level. Some of the base information is re-infroced–like the all important guidance to not let others, whether it’s friends, family, colleagues, tell you that you’re crazy/wrong/misguided in what you want to do. It’s your journey to take and the naysayers shouldn’t have a say in it, especially since they’re usually naysayers because they’re not gutsy enough to try it themselves.

Born for This lays tools along with stories of people who’ve made the leap to doing what their passion is as a guideline to follow. Chris is upfront that everyone’s journey is different, but what he presents is food for thought that I think everyone can use. I particularly liked the “Always Bet On Yourself” chapter, which talked about evaluating risks so you can make better choices and have backup plans so you can take chance, and preferably the right kind of chances.

A quote that I liked, because it validated some of the choices I was making: “I’ve learned to be bold asking for information from people who I think are doing it right. And I’ve become really good at saying no to the opportunities that don’t bring me joy, or don’t align with my values.” That’s from Sam, a 53-year-old quilt pattern designer. I’ve got much better at both of these in the past few years. I find that you should always ask questions because most people are more than willing to talk. Saying no is important to so you’re not spending time in something you don’t want to do/something that doesn’t fit what you’re doing.

Lastly, I loved reading about the Side Hustle. That’s essentially what my writing career is right now. While it’s a business, it’s not what pays the bills (at least not yet). So, for now, it makes money and lets me do what I’m really passionate about. Combined with the information about setting up and growing “You, Inc.,” which is what the Side Hustle. I got some new things to think about as I keep working towards the goal of full-time writer.

The final chapter I’ll call out is “DIY Rock Star.” This was a chapter I’d definitely recommend to all my author friends. We all hear about the importance of not only promotion, but making the connection to form a relationship with our readers. There were great tips in this chapter–some of which I was already doing and some that I’ll look to implement in the future. One thing I did recently that was on point was creating the podcast with Will. Not only do we have a blast doing the show, it makes a connection with people and helps build our tribe as we talk about pop culture we love, present interviews with authors and others in the gay fiction world we find interesting, and, of course, talk about what projects we’re working on.

Whether your a long time Chris Guillebeau fan, or new to his work, this is a great book if you want some guidance on striking out on your own path, or looking for some potentially new concepts if you’re already on that path.

NOTE: I received a free copy of the book in exchange for a fair review.