Open Roads by KC Kendricks is the first stand-alone novella in the new Working Stiffs series written by Amber Allure authors to the theme of a gay love affair involving a working class man. The novellas, which are contemporary romance with explicit sex scenes, can take any tone — comedy, erotica, suspense — and Open Roads achieves an unusual but flawless blend of flirtatious romance and emotional power as two lonely men have a chance encounter that could change the course of their lives.

Tyler is an attractive, well-liked 35 year-old mechanic in the tiny town of Easton. When he feels the need for sex, he goes to the gay clubs in the nearby big city, but otherwise he remains unattached and seemingly content with his life. Then he meets 41 year-old Noel, a stranded motorist with car trouble that interrupts a long journey along the interstate highway. Noel, who is taking the trip after losing his job, has to stay in town for one night and two days while Tyler orders a replacement part for his car.

The two like each other so much initially that Tyler invites Noel to stay with him since Easton is too small to have a motel. This isn’t an impulsive act for either man. Both are careful realists who don’t believe in instant love. However, Tyler increasingly realizes that Noel is exactly his type, perhaps even the man of his dreams for whom he never knew he was looking. Meanwhile, Noel needs a job and is unlikely to find one in Easton. What can Tyler do to persuade Noel to give their potential relationship a little more time to develop?

Val for AReCafe ( )