by
In the arid expanse of Blackfield, Texas, retired marine turned rancher Wyl and retired college professor Rod find solace in their peaceful ranch life. Wyl and Rod Sterling, a devoted married couple, led a peaceful ranch life after settling with Mitzi Sterling, Wyl’s sister-in-law, for half a million dollars.
Tranquility takes an unexpected turn when gold-digging Mitzi, in a bid to extort yet more of the Sterling riches, reappears wielding threats to out them in a way detrimental to their reputation, relationship, and sense of security.
Now, Rod and Wyl must grapple with Mitzi's relentless pursuit and schemes that challenge their hard-earned reputation and relationship. Will they survive the unfolding prejudice, harassment, and eventual confrontation at the City Council meeting? Will they be able to preserve their relationship, ranch, and personal dignity amidst an unforgiving spotlight?
Cover Artists:
Genres:
Pairings: M-M
Heat Level: 4
Romantic Content: 4
Ending: Click here to reveal
Character Identities: Gay
Protagonist 1 Age: 36-45
Protagonist 2 Age: 36-45
Tropes: Blackmail
Word Count: 52000
Setting: Mostly in San Francisco
Languages Available: English
Series Type: Continuous / Same Characters
“We’ve already been outed by Mitzi,” Rod said. “Let’s take our outing to the next level.”
“Are you crazy?” Wyl latched onto Rod’s arm. “Yeah, I said all the stuff about being myself. But isn’t doing an exposé like mounting targets on our backs?”
“A minute ago, you said you wanted to give her a dose of her own medicine.” Rod took Wyl’s hand. “Who are we hiding from? The ranch hands? The college? The town? Our friends and neighbors in Kerrville? Anyone who matters supports our choice. Now, thanks to Mitzi, the world is aware of a gay couple in a small Texas town nobody ever heard of. Do you expect a mass upheaval or something?”
Wyl blew out a sigh. “My Marine frame of mind is shouting Danger, Wyl Sterling!”
Rod chuckled. “Seriously? And you gave me a hard time about a television inference? If you want to cower in fear for the rest of your life, afraid to be open about who you are and who you love, we can do nothing. That
s not what you said after the Dusty debacle, remember?” He squeezed Wyl’s thigh. “Silence only fuels speculation and stokes the fires of idle gossip. I don’t think cowering in silence is what you want, is it? Are you trying to crawl back in the closet?”
Wyl sipped his drink and pondered Rod’s words. His husband made a point. He did promise to be himself. Mitzi’s shenanigans pissed him off, and her continued badgering irritated him. Fuck. Mitzi would not conquer the Sterlings. He tugged at Rod’s hand and threaded their fingers as he gazed into his eyes. “No, I’m not fucking climbing back in the closet.” He leaned over for a quick kiss. “So, what do we do?”
“Let's postpone the trip to Kerrville for a few days. We’ll show everyone what we're made of. We’ll create a YouTube video with us and the horses, filmed somewhere on the ranch. Short, but focused on our life as married gay cowboys who love each other. At the end, we kiss. Our video will dwarf Mitzi’s amateurish and desperate attempt at what amounts to extortion. We will star in the most spectacular outing ever imagined.” Rod chuckled. “She thought she'd make us regret turning her plea for hush money down, but we’ll extend a thank you for her little Facebook shenanigan.” Rod’s smile split his face. “And she'll be more pissed off. What she did borders on libelous. While libel is not criminal, it's tort. In a lawsuit, she'd lose most of the money she already wrangled from Sterling coffers. We don’t want to use legal options, though. Lawsuits are costly, and public opinion based on legal proceedings isn't positive. Taking the wind out of Mitzi’s sails on social media is beating her at her own game.”
Wyl chuckled. “I like it when you’re a genius, Rod Sterling. Throw in a few cuss words, and I’ll pant at your feet like a puppy!” Wyl leaned in to kiss his husband. A deep kiss leaving them both swooned.
“Okay…so where were we?” Rod gazed starry-eyed at Wyl. “Oh…yes…a YouTube video. Let’s do it tomorrow, and post it.”
“Sounds like a plan.” Wyl pulled Rod into another kiss.
CB on Amazon wrote:A wonderful continuation to book one in this series. Be sure you read the first book because this one picks up after the first one ends. It continues the wonderful love, story of Rod and Wyl ranchers living the married life in Texas who suddenly have their world disrupted again by wild evil sister in law. Seems after getting rid of her she is back in their lives, trying to extort them for more money but at the end of the day despite the twist and turns they find a way to win and prove that Love does win. I am so ready for book 3 in this series that is quickly becoming one of my favorite I love that it centers on too older men who found love when they didn’t expect it, and i love that the couple is presented like any other couple would be regardless of identity.
Ida Umphers on Goodreads wrote:Rod and Wyl are carefully comfortably living on their ranch. Mitzi, Wyl's ex sister in law, just can't be happy. The author shares a tale of the struggle of trying to live one's life under circumstances that are challenging, debiliting, toxic due to ignorance and short sighted, greedy inconsiderate jealousies that surrounds the town. Rod and Wyl proactively handling their business, opens eyes and lead in an unexpected direction. Absolutely keeps you on the edge of the lounger, hoping our men are victorious. Great cover art! Good flow, great action, well done!
Samantha Cato on Goodreads wrote:I love finding great series with continuing characters and established couples so was delighted to get to see more of Wyl and Rod's life together. It's lovely seeing the relationship they've built, but unfortunately parts of the past refuse to stay in the past and go away. The author does a great job of showing how disruptive people try to destroy the life they've built and how they have to fight for respect, recognition and just the chance to live a life like every other married couple.
Really enjoyed this one from a fairly new to me author. This book felt really authentic and real which romances seldom do. I am really looking forward to reading more from this author!
