About Where You Least Expect It
by M. Durango
201 pages / 51600 words
ISBN: 978-1-61040-536-2
Ebook zipped file contains -
html, lit, Adobe and Sony optimized pdf, prc, epub
Still getting over a bad breakup, ex-Army computer expert Matt Halston
is a bit of a recluse with a strict routine that involves working too much,
playing basketball with his best friend, and letting himself be dragged to
parties when he’d rather be catching up on sleep. When he meets Christian
Flannery, an out-and-proud college student, he’s immediately intrigued and
finds himself going out of his way to spend time getting to know Christian.
When Christian makes it obvious that he sees Matt as more than just a
friend, Matt is forced to re-examine his sexuality and take an honest look
at his feelings. With unintended pressures from his friends and his own
confusion, Matt has a tough time working through the challenges. While Matt
faces his fears of intimacy, Christian’s facing his own issues paying for
school and rent on barista wages. Can these two stubborn men find a common
ground or will their obstacles prove insurmountable?
Review
J. Rocci, author of Taction and Army Green, writes: Whenever I pick up a
story that has characters that are former military in it, I usually have
high hopes but am braced for disappointment. M. Durango's "Where You Least
Expect It" definitely didn't disappoint, and I found myself tearing through
the book in one sitting, wanting to see how Matt and Christian's story
played out.
Former Army, Matt is an anti-social IT guy who works late hours and gets
dragged out into public so his well-intentioned best friend, Sam, can set
him up with totally unsuitable women. Matt tells himself that he's just
looking for a woman he can connect emotionally with, not a string of one
night stands like Sam, even though Matt doesn't have the best dating track
record. It's at one of Sam's social gatherings that Matt runs into Christian
after almost literally running the man over earlier in the night. After that
party, it seems like Christian is everywhere Matt looks, including his
morning coffee shop, and Matt finds himself focusing more and more on the
younger man.
An introspective character story rather than heavy on action, "Where You
Least Expect It" follows the evolution of Matt and Christian's friendship
into a deeper relationship and the issues they have to work out to get
there. What I liked most is that Matt wasn't instantly smitten by Christian
and he'd never thought of himself as attracted to men before, but Durango
takes the time to explore what it means to Matt to question his sexual and
social identity.
I also adored Durango's characterization of Christian, a senior in college
who's out and proud, but willing to give Matt a chance. Christian
understands that Matt has to work through the changes in his life, but
Christian is by no means a pushover and he holds his own in the
relationship. He makes concessions, but doesn't let Matt get away with
repressing his emotions or pushing people away as Matt has done in the past.
They have some rough spots, but between the two of them, they manage to talk
about what's bothering them rather than just giving up.
If you like character-driven stories that cover all the exhilaration and
anxiety of new relationships, or enjoy reading about tough guys who reach
out of their shells to connect emotionally with their partners, then "Where
You Least Expect It" is definitely for you!
Sample
Alison pointed behind Matt. "It looks like our barista
could use a ride."
Matt turned around to see Christian walking out of the alley with his bike.
"Man, I can't imagine having a bike as my only transportation." He waved
good-bye to Alison and walked over to Christian.
Apparently, Matt's Good Samaritan was back. "Are you okay to ride that
thing?"
Christian looked up from struggling with his helmet straps and frowned. "Are
you asking if I'm too drunk to ride my bike?"
"I'm offering to drive you home." Matt tried to sound friendly, but he
thought he might have sounded inexplicably annoyed.
"I'm fine." Christian's words were slightly slurred.
Matt knew Christian might think he was fine -- might even be fine for the
moment -- but Matt didn't think Christian could make it all the way back to
his apartment. "Let me drive you home. You can't ride your bike like this."
"Nah, I'm fine." Christian shook his head and staggered slightly.
Matt placed a hand on the bike's handlebars. "You can barely stand. Besides,
it's freezing and the ride will just make you colder." Matt cut off
Christian's protest. "Come on. My truck's warmer and safer. And I'm sober."
Christian finally nodded his assent and Matt grabbed the bike by the bar,
carrying it with one hand while keeping an eye on Christian. He was parked
close and Christian tagged along silently. Matt loaded the bike easily
before opening the passenger door.
Alison honked and waved as she drove past.
"Do you like her?" Christian asked suddenly, one foot on the running board
and half in the passenger seat.
"What?"
"That woman. Alison. Do you like her?"
Matt frowned, confused. Christian must have known he and Alison were
friends. "Sure. We've been friends for a long time."
"No, I mean, do you like her, like her? Are you sleeping with her?"
Matt's jaw clenched. "No. Not that it's any of your business. Get in the
truck, Christian."
Christian looked at him for another minute before settling in the passenger
seat and allowing Matt to close the door.
Christian was fumbling with the seatbelt when Matt got in but brushed off
Matt's attempt to help. "I can get it."
Matt sighed, frustration leaking out as he grabbed the strap. "Just let me
help." When he looked up from clicking the belt in place, Christian's face
was inches from his. Caught for a second, Matt stayed where he was,
returning Christian's gaze.
"I like you," Christian said suddenly, softly.
Matt blinked. "What?"
"I like you." Christian repeated. Matt felt Christian's hand on his thigh,
fingers just barely touching him. "A lot."
Matt was frozen, unable to pull back and unable to form the words to ask
Christian what the hell he was doing.
Christian leaned forward, eyes still locked with Matt's until he was a
breath away from Matt's lips. Matt saw Christian shut his eyes, watched him
close the scant inch still between them, watched as Christian touched his
surprisingly warm lips to Matt's.
The shock holding Matt still wore off almost instantly and he jerked back,
defenses kicking in. "What the fuck?"