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Clothing Optional
Jim convinces his partner Brad to spend a day at a newly “liberated” beach -- meaning nudity is permitted within designated bounds. Brad overcomes his shyness and agrees to go, on the lookout for “watchers” the whole time.
The couple meets others like themselves, some interesting folks, some interested in only one thing. Their little excursion turns out to be far from the quiet, restful vacation Jim originally planned. By the end of the day, the sun isn’t the only thing heating up the beach!
The couple meets others like themselves, some interesting folks, some interested in only one thing. Their little excursion turns out to be far from the quiet, restful vacation Jim originally planned. By the end of the day, the sun isn’t the only thing heating up the beach!
20 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2013
9 people want to read
About the author
Allen Mack
13 books3 followersOriginally from New York City.
Published - Award- Winning Writer: novel, stories, articles, essays, poetry (western and Japanese styles), produced playwrite.
Theatre: Actor, director, set signer, singer, dancer, choreographer.
The photo: as the MC in "Cabaret."
Travel: 70 countries so far.
Published - Award- Winning Writer: novel, stories, articles, essays, poetry (western and Japanese styles), produced playwrite.
Theatre: Actor, director, set signer, singer, dancer, choreographer.
The photo: as the MC in "Cabaret."
Travel: 70 countries so far.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
April 1, 2013
Stars: 2.5/5
Overall
A slice of life short that peeks into the life of Jim and Brad, long-time partners who are venturing into something new! This is definitely a nice, sweet story, and while there isn’t much to it, it’s still enjoyable for what it is.
Review
What I loved most about this story was that even though it took place on a nude beach, the story wasn’t sexual. Yes, there were sexual allusions and the two main characters are obviously together, but nudity didn’t equate to sex. It was refreshing to read something that wasn’t just a hot little number. (Not that those aren’t enjoyable too!)
We only really get a glimpse of these two men, which made me want to see more of them. Brad used to be in the clergy, which in itself brings up plenty of questions. While they may not have a novel-length book in their story, it definitely feels like they have a tale to be told. While I liked what we saw, I would like to see more.
There is a definite sense of fun and playfulness between the two men, which was a strength of the story. However, their interactions with other couples was hit or miss with me. The first couple felt good and fine, but the second two pairs felt like forced interactions to cause drama (the final couple most of all). It wasn’t a big deal, but it made me scrunch my nose a tad.
Received this book for review.
Be sure to check out my other reviews on my blog.
Overall
A slice of life short that peeks into the life of Jim and Brad, long-time partners who are venturing into something new! This is definitely a nice, sweet story, and while there isn’t much to it, it’s still enjoyable for what it is.
Review
What I loved most about this story was that even though it took place on a nude beach, the story wasn’t sexual. Yes, there were sexual allusions and the two main characters are obviously together, but nudity didn’t equate to sex. It was refreshing to read something that wasn’t just a hot little number. (Not that those aren’t enjoyable too!)
We only really get a glimpse of these two men, which made me want to see more of them. Brad used to be in the clergy, which in itself brings up plenty of questions. While they may not have a novel-length book in their story, it definitely feels like they have a tale to be told. While I liked what we saw, I would like to see more.
There is a definite sense of fun and playfulness between the two men, which was a strength of the story. However, their interactions with other couples was hit or miss with me. The first couple felt good and fine, but the second two pairs felt like forced interactions to cause drama (the final couple most of all). It wasn’t a big deal, but it made me scrunch my nose a tad.
Received this book for review.
Be sure to check out my other reviews on my blog.
March 22, 2013
This review can be found at Brief Encounters Reviews.
This was a cute little short about an established couple, buy my curiousity about them meant I felt a bit cheated out of their full story. Anyway, Brad and Jim are going to check out the new clothing optional beach. They even head down to the area where the gay crowd hang out so that Brad will feel more comfortable. It was kind of fun to watch Brad’s reticence and you find out he was a priest before they got together so you can definitely understand his reluctance to bare all on the beach.
However Jim’s (mostly) innocent enthusiasm for frolicking in the water starkers soon wins Brad over, along with some interactions with some other naturists. Soon however an older couple come trotting down the beach and proceed to sit on the shore and shout homophobic obscenities at the couple in the water. Jim wants to just ignore them, but Brad, usually a roll with it guy, finally snaps and confronts them about their behaviour which they try to deny. They eventually scurry off realizing they aren’t going to be allowed to play their nasty games.
I liked how Brad stood up to them, even if there is a bit of a morality lesson about bigots who generally when confronted won’t fight back. So maybe a bit of preaching to the converted, since most of us reading would be firmly on Jim and Brad’s side in this encounter, but I still enjoyed the interaction between the two men. You know they have been together for some time, but I was really curious if they met when Brad was still a priest or after he left the priesthood. I think Brad’s story had a lot of potential as he talks about the hypocritical behaviour of many of his parishioners was what caused him to leave the priesthood.
So I think the author could have fodder for a much longer book about Brad and Jim, but they definitely love each other, that came through clear. So if you are in the mood for something short and sweet, with a few naughty parts waving around in the sand, a good choice to pick up.
This was a cute little short about an established couple, buy my curiousity about them meant I felt a bit cheated out of their full story. Anyway, Brad and Jim are going to check out the new clothing optional beach. They even head down to the area where the gay crowd hang out so that Brad will feel more comfortable. It was kind of fun to watch Brad’s reticence and you find out he was a priest before they got together so you can definitely understand his reluctance to bare all on the beach.
However Jim’s (mostly) innocent enthusiasm for frolicking in the water starkers soon wins Brad over, along with some interactions with some other naturists. Soon however an older couple come trotting down the beach and proceed to sit on the shore and shout homophobic obscenities at the couple in the water. Jim wants to just ignore them, but Brad, usually a roll with it guy, finally snaps and confronts them about their behaviour which they try to deny. They eventually scurry off realizing they aren’t going to be allowed to play their nasty games.
I liked how Brad stood up to them, even if there is a bit of a morality lesson about bigots who generally when confronted won’t fight back. So maybe a bit of preaching to the converted, since most of us reading would be firmly on Jim and Brad’s side in this encounter, but I still enjoyed the interaction between the two men. You know they have been together for some time, but I was really curious if they met when Brad was still a priest or after he left the priesthood. I think Brad’s story had a lot of potential as he talks about the hypocritical behaviour of many of his parishioners was what caused him to leave the priesthood.
So I think the author could have fodder for a much longer book about Brad and Jim, but they definitely love each other, that came through clear. So if you are in the mood for something short and sweet, with a few naughty parts waving around in the sand, a good choice to pick up.
March 22, 2013
Reviewed for Hearts On Fire Reviews
How interesting the turn that this book took. I completely was expecting a sexy little romp on the nude beach. Since the story is very short, honestly I was thinking it was going to be, literally, sex on the beach. How I underestimated it. How much do I also wish it had been much longer, because Jim and Brad are a couple I would love to know more about. Jim is the more adventurous of the two and he wants to sunbath and swim at the newly designated “clothing optional” beach. His lover, Brad a former minister (oh, I want to know the whole back story!) works in a bank and is much more nervous about the whole thing. He did promise, however, so off they go.
The two are cute together, one shy, one cajoling. They meet some lovely lesbians (and I loved that Brad thought their bodies were beautiful, just not the right equipment for him), some raunchy horndogs looking for a strictly forbidden on the beach hook ups and then the elderly couple. And that is where the shy, quiet Brad proves what he’s about. It is unfortunate that what occurs happens all the time and I’m happy Brad didn’t sit still for it. Good for you, Brad.
How interesting the turn that this book took. I completely was expecting a sexy little romp on the nude beach. Since the story is very short, honestly I was thinking it was going to be, literally, sex on the beach. How I underestimated it. How much do I also wish it had been much longer, because Jim and Brad are a couple I would love to know more about. Jim is the more adventurous of the two and he wants to sunbath and swim at the newly designated “clothing optional” beach. His lover, Brad a former minister (oh, I want to know the whole back story!) works in a bank and is much more nervous about the whole thing. He did promise, however, so off they go.
The two are cute together, one shy, one cajoling. They meet some lovely lesbians (and I loved that Brad thought their bodies were beautiful, just not the right equipment for him), some raunchy horndogs looking for a strictly forbidden on the beach hook ups and then the elderly couple. And that is where the shy, quiet Brad proves what he’s about. It is unfortunate that what occurs happens all the time and I’m happy Brad didn’t sit still for it. Good for you, Brad.
March 30, 2013
As a gay man, one in a relationship for many years, I thought Mr. Mack hit all the right notes in depicting a couple who after many bumps in the road, including a stint for one of the characters in a seminary, made their way to each other. I won't spoil the plot by telling more here but I was rooting for Jim and Brad all the way. For a good read with very believable characters and some fun dialogue, you can't beat Clothing Optional. Download your copy now.
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June 14, 2013Full review will be available soon at The Armchair Reader
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews