About A Dream Come True
by Addison Albright
123 pages
/ 45000 words
ISBN: 978-1-60370-638-4, 1-60370-638-0
Available file types - html. lit, pdf, prc
Mike is thrilled when his old university crush turns up at his door in answer to his roommate advertisement. Wes doesn't remember Mike at all, or even realize he's gay, but that doesn't stop Mike from pursuing a determined campaign of seduction. The trouble is, Mike isn't ready to give up his free and easy lifestyle and settle down with just one man.
Mike isn't comfortable with public displays of affection. Wes doesn't like anything resembling the proverbial closet, but Mike's still buried deep inside one where his family is concerned. Will Wes have the patience to deal with Mike's issues, or will their dream come true end up a nightmare?
Review
Alexa Snow, author of Sleeping Stone, writes: When Wes Shaw moves in with Mike Evans, he's careful not to let it slip that he's gay, convinced that doing so had lost him three previous housing opportunities. Wes doesn't remember that he and Mike went to the same college a few years before, and he's unaware that Mike not only already knows that Wes is gay, but has hopes that something might develop between them. It's not long before they end up on the same page. Their relationship blooms as Mike introduces Wes to his friends and Wes finds himself being enveloped in a social circle that seems more than willing to welcome him into its midst. It isn't until an interesting series of coincidences comes together that Wes discovers that Mike, while out at work and to his friends, is still in the closet as far as his family is concerned. Mike is sure that his father won't take the news well, basing his assumption on behavior that even his siblings are aware of. Will Mike gather the strength to come out to his parents? And if so, how will they react?
This charming contemporary novel is short and sweet. The characters seem to be genuinely good people who care for each other and don't treat each other badly, so this is a safe book for the reader who's going through an angst-free period or one who just prefers happy stories. Not that there isn't a bit of angst, because conflict or the potential for it makes a story more interesting, but it is limited and not too anxiety-inducing. Sometimes, you just want a happy story! This is definitely one of those. The storyline is smoothly handled; the point of view shifts back and forth between the two main characters, allowing the reader insights into each of their thoughts. The secondary characters, in particular Mike's brother, Greg, provide just enough interest without stealing too much of the limelight from the main characters. With its believable conflicts and satisfying resolutions, this is a book that will leave you with warm, fuzzy feelings and a sense of contentment. Read it today!
Sample
Wes was pissed off. That was the third one. He'd been rejected because he was gay, he just knew it. The man had seemed interested enough in him as roommate material until he'd disclosed that little tidbit. Then suddenly he remembered another guy he'd interviewed and said he'd let Wes know his decision in a few days. Jesus, did the asshole think Wes wouldn't be able to resist jumping his flabby ass?
If he could help it, Mike, the guy he was seeing next, would never know he was gay. No excuse not to let Wes room with him and no excuse to kick him out later. He hated closets with a passion, but, hell, he'd be too busy to play around much anyway, and he could just plan to go home with any hookups he did make.
The apartment was close to the hospital where he'd be working, and it looked like a nice building. There were nicely trimmed crape myrtle trees producing attractive pink blooms planted around the perimeter of the clean brick building, and well-maintained flower beds blooming with colorful annuals edging the parking lot and walkway. Hopefully things would work out with this guy, because the price was right for this place.
***
The first two roommate prospects Mike had interviewed weren't very promising. He was not going to live with a stoner, and just knew he'd be nuts within a week if he accepted the chatterbox.
He was listening to Paul Simon sing Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard when his third and last interview for the day knocked on the door. He plastered on a friendly smile and opened the door.
The smile froze on Mike's face. No way.
He collected himself, smiled up at the green-eyed, sandy-haired Adonis standing in his doorway and managed to speak. "Hi, I'm Mike Evans. You must be Wes."
"Yes. Hello, I'm Wes Shaw. I hope the room is still available?"
"Sure is. Come on in."
Wes smiled and stepped inside. "Thanks."
Did Wes remember him? God, hopefully not. He'd been so flustered and deeply closeted when they'd crossed paths back in college that Wes had probably thought he was a complete fool.
Mike took a deep breath and launched into his spiel. "Well, Wes, we already talked about price on the phone. The bedroom is furnished, but if you have your own furniture, I can put that stuff down in my storage unit. I'm not using that space for anything else anyway, so it doesn't matter to me either way. How about I just show you around, then you can tell me if you're still interested?"