Terry’s had a crush on his second cousin Justin for what seems like forever. He’s hidden it as well as possible, knowing that the other man is out of bounds, forbidden fruit. Second cousins getting together isn’t actually illegal, but for Justin the relationship is too close—he just can’t contemplate them being together.But when some new information comes to light about Terry’s birth and his … and his place in the family, the whole game changes. Suddenly the relationship isn’t so impossible, and things soon begin to get hot and heavy.
more
I was given a copy of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review. This is a sweet story about Terry, and his 2nd cousin Justin. The two come from a large close-knot family, where gatherings to celebrate birthdays and holidays are common and attendance is mandatory. But Terry and Justin have a major secret, namely, they are gay and even worse, are attracted to each other. Although there is nothing illegal about 2nd cousins having a relationship, that familial connection keeps them at the “cousins” in a precarious situation. They are destined to fantasize about each other in order to avoid any major fallout if the relationship goes south. While this is a pragmatic approach, it is hardly romantic. Although both men believe themselves to be very clever at hiding their feelings, Terry’s ever watchful mom notices the sparks flying between the two, and a few very pointed questions and statements later, she is demanding that Terry attend a family gathering where everything will be resolved. Because of their love for their son, and their belief in the relationship, Terry’s parents risk revealing a long held secret, one with the power to either heal or destroy, to both Justin and Terry. I enjoyed this thoughtful exploration of the impact of coming out on individuals and their family and the ‘taboo’ of cousins in love. The narrator was awesome and made the listening experience wonderful.
I was given a copy of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
This is a sweet story about Terry, and his 2nd cousin Justin. The two come from a large close-knot family, where gatherings to celebrate birthdays and holidays are common and attendance is mandatory. But Terry and Justin have a major secret, namely, they are gay and even worse, are attracted to each other. Although there is nothing illegal about 2nd cousins having a relationship, that familial connection keeps them at the “cousins” in a precarious situation. They are destined to fantasize about each other in order to avoid any major fallout if the relationship goes south. While this is a pragmatic approach, it is hardly romantic.
Although both men believe themselves to be very clever at hiding their feelings, Terry’s ever watchful mom notices the sparks flying between the two, and a few very pointed questions and statements later, she is demanding that Terry attend a family gathering where everything will be resolved.
Because of their love for their son, and their belief in the relationship, Terry’s parents risk revealing a long held secret, one with the power to either heal or destroy, to both Justin and Terry.
I enjoyed this thoughtful exploration of the impact of coming out on individuals and their family and the ‘taboo’ of cousins in love. The narrator was awesome and made the listening experience wonderful.
This review is for the audiobook. I received a complimentary copy via StoryOrigin and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
I really enjoyed this short, hot story. Even though sexual relations between second cousins are not illegal, Justin cannot stomach the thought, so he ignores his attraction to Terry. Terry knows he needs to move on and forget Justin if he (Justin) can’t get over his aversion. Is there any hope for these two? What will the rest of the family think? I liked the supportiveness of both sets of parents. The solution to the problem was not too much of a surprise, but it paved the way for some really hot expression of Justin and Terry’s pent-up demand.