Family Matters

by Sean Michael, Alexa Snow, Chris Owen, et al.

From single men to men in committed relationships, from Texas to New Zealand, family matters are matters of the heart, and they mean more than anything else. There's not a thing these men won't do for... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1603703713
• ISBN13: 9781603703710
• Release Date: June 2008
• Publisher: Torquere Press
• Length: 336 Pages
• Weight: 0.81 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.0" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

Family Matters

"Motion of the Planet" by Alexa Snow Tyler had to grow up fast to take care of his sister when their father walked out and their mother gave up on living. His past has made him leery of love and commitment, he knew his partner, Mason loved him but he couldn't bring himself to trust that it would last forever. When tragedy strikes, Mason becomes his rock as Tyler tries to hold together the family he has left. "Motion of the Planet" is a very moving and beautifully written story. Tyler and Mason learn that family is what you make it and it takes work, love and dedication. It took a lot from Tyler to trust in himself and believe he could give the children and Mason what they needed to make their family work. "Everybody Loves a Wedding" by Chris Owen Determined not to let his twin sister down, Spencer takes the honor of being her man of honor to heart. He is determined to make her wedding the most beautiful experience of her life, after all he owes her big for bringing Dean into his life. "Everybody Loves a Wedding" is a cute, quirky story about a family that's full of love and flaws and a whole lot of understanding. Spencer is sweet. The only boy out of five kids he has such a realistic relationship with his sisters and their husbands. Family is the main focus of this story and the relationship between Dean and Spencer evolves quietly into something special. "And a Chook Shall Lead Them" by Kara Larson Amiri finds he is now in possession of more then an old house when his aunt passes away. He and his partner Graeme are instant parents of Amiri's niece and nephew. This is a hard adjustment for Amiri who had nothing much to do with his family since he leaving home after they found out he was gay. "And a Chook Shall Lead Them" is an emotional story. It has a similar theme of the other stories in this anthology but it's a much different read being that Amiri held no prior relationship with his niece and nephew. The children need a lot of extra care, especially his niece Lani. Wiremu, Amiri's nephew really touched me with his patience and the way he cared for his little sister. "Inheritance" by Sean Michael Cash and Brad, related by the marriage of their now deceased brother and sister, must put aside their difference and find a way to make a home for their six nieces and nephews. "Inheritance" is another great story produced from this anthology. Cash a roughneck cowboy and Brad a privileged northerner, give into their attraction to each other and have to fight Brad's pretentious mother in their pursuit to make a home for their now orphaned nieces and nephews. While making a home for the children they found home with each other. Family Matters is a fantastic anthology that shows family as it really is, flawed irritating people that we love and care for and will give our life's blood for. Family isn't just blood relatives, but also people we open our hearts to. Family Matters is an enjoyable read that touched my heart in ma

Engaging anthology of 4 gay couples, each story distinct and enjoyable.

This anthology of gay couples having to deal with family crisis/matters is well written, each story distinct and well told. Alexa's story is emotional and poignant as Taylor is overcome with grief over his sister's untimely death, a sister he raised when their mother failed them. Now he has to repeat the whole process with his precocious 5-yr old niece and baby nephew. Fortunately he has Mason, his partner , who loves and supports him through the crisis. There is much pain and anguishment in this one and it is not an easy read. Taylor himself is a complex character. He has gone through much in life and one could feel his sorrows as he tries hard to cope. Mason is a lovable character and I wish Alexa has told the story from his view point too. Chris' contribution is a comic relief after Alexa's one, when one gay man is nominated by his twin sister to be her "bridesmaid" with all the added responsibilities of helping her plan her wedding including tea party, invitations, the trying of her bridal gown. Certainly does not help that Spencer has to lived up to his mother's, all his other sisters' and brothers-in-laws' expectations. Admist his busy schedule, Spencer manages to fall in love with his soon-to-be brother-in-law's bestman, Graeme, and have the best hot sex in his life. A solid contribution from Chris. The 3rd one, "And a chook shall lead them", is a gem of a story and my favorite, about one Maori doctor, Amiri, who is forced to confront his past. Amiri left NZ nearly 20 years ago after being discovered having sex with men, which his mother never forgive. He returns home with his Australian partner, Graeme, who is half Thai and also a physician, to settle matters over a house left to him by his dead aunt. He still harbors bitterness and grudge towards his parents. It does not help matter that he suddenly finds himself burdened with his sister's children. His sister who has bi-polar disorder wishes his brother to assumer the caretaking role. As the story progresses, more and more is revealed about Amiri's complex family. The characters in this story are very well developed. Amiri's teenage nephew is especially endearing in his independent and resourceful ways and deep love and care for his autistic sister. Amiri's confrontation with his parents is well done. This one is a deeply stirring story with a deep plot and I just wish it could be longer. Love to read more from this writer. Finally Sean's story where Cash, a Texan cowboy, and Brad, a computer games programmer but a real hunk, are landed with their siblings' 6 kids upon their siblings' tragic death. This one is emotional but also light hearted in the way that only Sean could write it. There is some similarity between this one and Alexa's one as both have to deal with close siblings' death and the parenting of their nephews/nieces but the style are so different. While Alexa's story has a heavy tone, Sean's one is of a lighter tone and actually even fun to read. Cash and Brad are one