Em Woods

Reviewed on Hearts On Fire... http://heartsonfirereviews.com/

Kaden and Brandt have been in love with each other for a long time but they made the choice to follow their career dreams and see if their love was strong enough to pull them back together. Kaden headed off to college to get his veterinary degree and open his own clinic. Brandt chose another direction completely and joined the rodeo circuit to became a rodeo clown. The men would get together in the winter but once Spring came Brandt would join the circuit. This last trip home, Brandt was surprised to find Mike working at Brandt's clinic. Angry words flew between Brandt and Kaden but like it or not Kaden was now in love with both men. A menage is difficult to maintain under the best of conditions so can Kaden be the glue that binds? Ms Woods did an excellent job of developing the three men within the confines of the short story. I got to know and understand both Brandt and Kaden and their dynamic first. I liked both men and respected their decision to follow their dreams instead of losing their love to resentment over lost career opportunities. Mike was the newbie and so there was not as much to learn about him other than the fact that he's the youngest of the three. I think that Mike really is the one who drew the menage together and will eventually become the peacekeeper. I found it very refreshing to read a menage story that went light on the sex and relied upon each man's individual strengths and weaknesses to carry the story. The story line was a little choppy in places. I honestly don't know if the whole part of the book with Amos in it was necessary to the plot. I liked the way that Ms Woods used the different conversations at the pot luck dinner to expand on the characters personalities. I highly recommend this well written short story to anyone looking for a menage with a twist.… (mere)

Reviewed on Hearts On Fire... http://heartsonfirereviews.com/

Every once in a while you come across a short story that just wows you. This beautifully written story deals with HIV, love and understanding. Reese and Doug have been the best of friends for years and relied on each other for everything. Reese makes a mistake and becomes infected with HIV and who is thereto love him through everything but Doug. Ms Woods handles this tough topic gently yet fully. I was amazed by the depth of the love that Doug and Reese found. The grace and understanding shown by Maria, Doug's mother, was awesome. The simple story line flowed like honey, all golden and warm yet with the sharp edge that Reese and Doug only had so much time together there yet unspoken. This bittersweet story isn't for everyone but I guarantee that it will touch everyone who reads it.… (mere)