1.5 stars ( )

2.5 Stars ( )

I love stories about cowboys! Macon and Wade in this story hit all my buttons: they're best friends since they were kids, have been lovers for five years, and all they want is to live their lives and love each other. Not possible in the Kansas small town they were born in, and the only way for them to be happy, and not be sneered at constantly by the bigots surrounding them, is for them to leave. This, however, is easier said than done, and the conflict and internal turmoil of trying to do the right thing is tearing them apart. Not until they hear about the Gay Rodeo do they even have any specific ideas of what to do.

Wade is in a tough spot. He loves Macon, and wants to be with him. But he also wants his father to accept him, even though, deep down, he knows that will never happen. Well, not in the next ten or fifteen years, from the sound of it. Then there is his mother, who is a little more accepting, and I guess the hope his father could get there too clouds Wade's judgment. He needs to make a decision. And as easy as it is for me or anyone who has never been in that situation to say "Just leave", it isn’t easy for Wade. He is loyal, feels responsible for his father's ranch, and is part-owner of the cattle. He has some growing up to do, and seeing Zander's ranch and all the gay cowboys is an eye-opener for him.

Macon has made his peace with the situation. He knows his parents will never accept him, he wants something more for Wade and him, and he's ready to move away. But he also knows Wade isn’t there yet. As hard as it is for him to stay around, he loves Wade too much to consider leaving on his own. Not without knowing what’s out there, at least. But once he knows about Zander's farm, that may change.

This story does a great job at portraying the conflict Wade faces: stay in the closet and be relatively safe by not ruffling feathers any more than they already are, or come out fully, face the music, and live his lives the way they has a right to. It also shows how tough it can be to make that choice since, despite everything, he loves his parents and is looking for their approval. If you like stories with realistic internal conflicts, if you enjoy reading about men who carve out their own destiny with like-minded men, and if you're looking for a sweet read about hot cowboys and the Gay Rodeo, then you will probably like this free short story.
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Love Cowboys

This was pretty good. The story was very real and full of emotion. I can only imagine that it really is like that among cowboys and the rodeo scene. Wade and Macon were great characters and I was pulling for them. The only complaint I have is that, at times, the dialogue between them sounded awkward, especially the dirty talk. For them to have known one another for so long and to be so close and have such a strong connection, I feel like it should have flowed better between them. The sexy times were hot, but the talking took away from it a bit. Other than that this was really enjoyable. ( )

it was OK ( )