reviews_and_ramblings | Top 100 Gay Novel: The Tin Star by J.L. Langley

Handsome, wealthy Ethan is 35 years old; he is beloved by community and lives alone in his Texas ranch. He keeps on dragging his dull and boring life while women stare to him with dreamy eyes but no one seems to attract his interest. But one day suddenly John, his best friend and son of the neighbouring ranch's owner, arrives half drunk to his house and discloses that Jamie, his 21 years old little brother has told their father that he’s gay, and the only answer he got was being thrown out of his home, with no money, cloths or horse (and for a Texan cowboy this is the real problem). Jamie, the child who followed them in adoration during their young hood rides; blue-eyed, happy-go-lucky Jamie whom Ethan always has seen as his younger brother ... Jamie... that now appears to Ethan under a new light, because Ethan hides a secret: homosexuality.

But differently from the boy, he has never confided to anybody, besides John and Julia (older sister of John and Jamie) his sexual preferences, and he has experienced them freely only during the University years, very far away from home. When facing the harsh countryside life where gays are not accepted, he has chosen chastity as his way of life.. But when Ethan decides to give hospitality to Jamie and shelter him, Jamie start stirring him up sexually and emotionally surprisingly Ethan finds out that people close to him were already aware of his homosexuality, but trouble arrives by other people within the community. But with Jamie’s help, Ethan will face all difficulties and finally succeed in living his life in full.

Ethan is strong, generous, kind, handsome: the perfect man every woman is wishing for, but he feels no desire for women... Afraid of the reaction of his community he has decided to give up sex., because he feels that as long as withdrawing into himself remains his own problem, he sees no reason to put so many people's lives into a turmoil. But when Jamie too starts to be involved, as well he doesn't think twice upon it and exposes himself: to his qualities also selflessness -a real perfect man. But in spite of all his perfection, it’s impossible to dislike him, he is like a great teddy bear, soft outside and rock strong inside.

Jamie is young, impulsive and outgoing - youthness itself. Full of energy, he wants to change the world like all young people dream of. He always thinks to be on the right side, and is too frank and honest to hide himself. He is a sunny boy who brings laughter light - and love - back into Ethan's life. He reminds me of an impetuous puppy that turns Ethan's life upside down, but I cannot but smile with him and of him. He is like an electric shock able to awaken Ethan out of his torpor.

Sex scenes are sweet and funny; and written in a smooth and light hearted way: in spite of the "hot" subject, this novel is never, never, awkward.

http://www.loose-id.net/prod-The_Tin_Star-184.aspx

Amazon: The Tin Star

J.L. Langley's In the Spotlight post: http://elisa-rolle.livejournal.com/434766.html

Cover Art by April Martinez