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The Boy Who Came in from the Cold #2
Anything Could Happen
Moving to Kansas City could be the best thing Austin Shelbourne has ever done. For a start, he can stop living a lie and finally come out of the closet. And there's a chance, though slim, that he might be able to locate the love of his life, Todd Burton. It had seemed like a good idea when he seduced his friend, but Todd freaked out and vanished. Austin hopes to find Todd, make things right between them, and win his love. But when he meets actor Guy Campbell, things get even more confusing. The moment Guy sets eyes on Austin, he knows Austin is The One. But Austin makes it clear he feels a responsibility to Todd, and Guy has some dark secrets of his own. He’s found redemption in acting and directing, but worries that if Austin learns the truth, he might not be able bear it. And what if Todd accepts Austin's apology and the love Austin offers? Guy wants Austin desperately, but he also wants him to be happy. In the play of life, with the happiness of good men in the balance, anything could happen.
244 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 8, 2013
About the author
B.G. Thomas
77 books239 followersB.G. Thomas lives in Kansas City with his husband for nearly fifteen years and was legally married in 2014. Ehey have a fabulous little dog, Sarah Jane. He sees his wonderful daughter just often enough to miss her when she isn't there! He has a romantic soul and is extraordinarily lucky to have many friends.
He loves science fiction & fantasy, horror, romance and more, has gone to SF&F conventions his entire adult life, and been lucky enough to meet many of his favorite writers. He is a “Star Trek” and Joss Whedon fan from way back!
He has written all his life, it is where he finds his joy. In the 90’s, he wrote for gay magazines, but stopped because they wanted him to cut out story and romance, and write only sex.
Then through a few friends, he discovered the growing market of M/M Romance and was thrilled beyond words. FINALLY, a way to write the stories he always wanted to write. Adventure, romantic comedy, science fiction, and more, but with gay characters. And he wouldn't have to fade to black! People wanted to read the erotic as well. Plot and sex! HURRAY!
B.G. Thomas very much believes in The Law of Attraction and that "thoughts become things." A lot of things all started happening at once. He heard the words, "Leap, and the net will appear," and something re-kindled inside. He sent out a story and was thrilled when it was almost immediately accepted.
He believes that we are divine expressions of the Universe, each and everyone. "It is never too late!,” he states. “Pursue your dreams! They will come true!"
He loves science fiction & fantasy, horror, romance and more, has gone to SF&F conventions his entire adult life, and been lucky enough to meet many of his favorite writers. He is a “Star Trek” and Joss Whedon fan from way back!
He has written all his life, it is where he finds his joy. In the 90’s, he wrote for gay magazines, but stopped because they wanted him to cut out story and romance, and write only sex.
Then through a few friends, he discovered the growing market of M/M Romance and was thrilled beyond words. FINALLY, a way to write the stories he always wanted to write. Adventure, romantic comedy, science fiction, and more, but with gay characters. And he wouldn't have to fade to black! People wanted to read the erotic as well. Plot and sex! HURRAY!
B.G. Thomas very much believes in The Law of Attraction and that "thoughts become things." A lot of things all started happening at once. He heard the words, "Leap, and the net will appear," and something re-kindled inside. He sent out a story and was thrilled when it was almost immediately accepted.
He believes that we are divine expressions of the Universe, each and everyone. "It is never too late!,” he states. “Pursue your dreams! They will come true!"
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
September 17, 2013
2.5 stars
Reading this book is like watching a play in the theater.
- The actors speak more loudly than their natural voice because they need to project their voice to the audience, enunciate words distinctively,
and they move/act more boldly than their natural gesture so people can see them.
- There is a distance barrier between the stage and where we seat. We may follow the plot, the blocking, etc., but we're still not part of the characters' life.
- It's a safe environment, and we are aware of it. No matter what happens on stage, we know it wouldn't affect us. Just move our eyes to the right, we can see a person sitting next to us, pretending not checking her cell for text messages. To the left, we can see the big glowing EXIT sign above the door even if the theater is dark.
- When it comes to the title, "Anything Could Happen",
It's okay for when we watch a live-play, but not for when we read a book. It means we are not immersed in the characters' world, nor do we experience the feeling the way they do. Of course, there is something called Participatory Theater, but it doesn't happen here.
Reading this book is like watching a play in the theater.
- The actors speak more loudly than their natural voice because they need to project their voice to the audience, enunciate words distinctively,
and they move/act more boldly than their natural gesture so people can see them.
- There is a distance barrier between the stage and where we seat. We may follow the plot, the blocking, etc., but we're still not part of the characters' life.
- It's a safe environment, and we are aware of it. No matter what happens on stage, we know it wouldn't affect us. Just move our eyes to the right, we can see a person sitting next to us, pretending not checking her cell for text messages. To the left, we can see the big glowing EXIT sign above the door even if the theater is dark.
- When it comes to the title, "Anything Could Happen",
It's okay for when we watch a live-play, but not for when we read a book. It means we are not immersed in the characters' world, nor do we experience the feeling the way they do. Of course, there is something called Participatory Theater, but it doesn't happen here.
September 23, 2013
This is now the third book I've read by B.G. Thomas and I have really become of a fan of his writing. Anything Could Happen is spun off from The Boy Who Came In From the Cold and while reading that first will give you a better understanding of some secondary characters, this book works just as well as a standalone. If you have read TBWCiFtC you will remember that Austin was the best friend of that book's main character Todd, before Todd left home for Kansas City. This book is Austin's story.
Austin has just come to Kansas City in search of his best friend Todd, who cut all ties and left home some months before. Austin is in love with Todd, but after one night where Austin acts on his feelings Todd runs out and refuses to return calls. The next time Austin sees Todd days later is when Todd walks in on his girlfriend Joan having sex with Austin. After that Todd completely disappears. Austin is now moving to Kansas City to live with his great uncle Bodie who, unknown to Todd, is gay and not afraid to show it. Bodie's openness helps Austin with his coming out. He also meets Uncle Bodie's neighbor Guy, who is instantly attracted to Austin. Austin is insistent on finding Todd to apologize and find out where he stands (he doesn't even know if Todd is gay) and Guy agrees to help him.
Guy works for the local theater and Austin has a love of acting and is soon auditioning for a part in the next production. As the two spend more time together, Guy's feelings for Austin grow and become more difficult to put aside, but Guy fears getting involved only to lose Austin to Todd in the future. Austin is so confused, he really doesn't see what is right in front of him.
This book revolves around Austin, Guy and Bodie all facing past decisions and coming to terms with their consequences. The secondary characters and the backdrop of the plays Guy is directing and writing all add to the storytelling. Anything Could Happen is filled with humor (including the musical return of Dixie Wrecked), love and sadness, and Austin's discovery of life as a gay man is a fun journey.
Austin has just come to Kansas City in search of his best friend Todd, who cut all ties and left home some months before. Austin is in love with Todd, but after one night where Austin acts on his feelings Todd runs out and refuses to return calls. The next time Austin sees Todd days later is when Todd walks in on his girlfriend Joan having sex with Austin. After that Todd completely disappears. Austin is now moving to Kansas City to live with his great uncle Bodie who, unknown to Todd, is gay and not afraid to show it. Bodie's openness helps Austin with his coming out. He also meets Uncle Bodie's neighbor Guy, who is instantly attracted to Austin. Austin is insistent on finding Todd to apologize and find out where he stands (he doesn't even know if Todd is gay) and Guy agrees to help him.
Guy works for the local theater and Austin has a love of acting and is soon auditioning for a part in the next production. As the two spend more time together, Guy's feelings for Austin grow and become more difficult to put aside, but Guy fears getting involved only to lose Austin to Todd in the future. Austin is so confused, he really doesn't see what is right in front of him.
This book revolves around Austin, Guy and Bodie all facing past decisions and coming to terms with their consequences. The secondary characters and the backdrop of the plays Guy is directing and writing all add to the storytelling. Anything Could Happen is filled with humor (including the musical return of Dixie Wrecked), love and sadness, and Austin's discovery of life as a gay man is a fun journey.
January 2, 2016
Fans of The Boy Who Came In From the Cold will not be disappointed with this second story in Thomas's romantic universe. For those who read TBWCIFtC you will remember that Austin was Todd's best friend and first male romantic hook-up. Anything Could Happen is Austin's story.
Once again I am entranced by Charlie David's wonderful narration. I simply love listening to his character voices and performance.
Austin leaves his small town for Kansas City and moves in with his great uncle Bodie, an out and proud gay man, who shows Austin that it's okay to be gay. Bodie's openness and support is instrumental to Austin finding his way in his new world. Through Uncle Bodie he meets a hot neighbor, Guy, who is a writer and director at the local theater. Guy instantly knows Austin is "The One" but has some pretty big fears of his own before he can act on his desires.
Also putting a damper on possible romance is the fact that Austin is determined to find his best friend, Todd who also moved to Kansas City, because Austin has convinced himself he in love with Todd. He feels he needs to make amends to Todd because the last time Austin saw him was when Todd walked in on Austin having sex with Todd's girlfriend, Joan.
Guy agrees to help Austin find Todd, and the more time they spend together the more his feelings begin for Austin grow. Which was pretty hard to listen to. Hard because Austin is so determined to find Todd, he's missing the love that's waiting for him right in front of him. Frankly, Guy deserves a medal for his patience and willingness to help Austin.
B.G. Thomas believes in character substance over heat and like TBWCIFtC, this is a character-driven story. It's a coming of age story focusing on Guy, Bodie, and Austin growing up and accepting himself and all of them coming to terms with their pasts. The romance between Austin and Guy is a sweet very slow burn, but worth it in the end.
Bottom Line: Entertaining thanks to Charlie David's narration!
Copy generously provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
October 23, 2013
'Anything Could Happen' really is the perfect title for this story. Austin leaves the small town he's grown up in with a very clear goal in mind: find Todd, the man who was his best friend until Austin seduced him and the guy ran – not for the hills, but for Kansas City. Finding him is the only thing on Austin's mind, until he meets Guy, and then… anything could truly happen.
Austin is one confused young man who has lived his life in the closet so far. Moving to the "big city" and living with his uncle, who is also gay, opens Austin's eyes to the fact he is not alone. It also gives him options, and a set of wonderful new friends. But Austin has no idea how to deal with all of it and I enjoyed watching him figure it all out step by sometimes painful step. Todd is an obsession he has to learn how to deal with, and even though it was clear to me that Guy is the much better match for him, Austin takes his sweet time to find out.
Guy deserves several medals for his patience, kindness, and selfless willingness to help Austin find Todd. Guy is a lot more mature than Austin in many ways, and he understands that the younger man has to figure out who is right for him all by himself. All Guy can do is stand by him and hope for the best. God, that must be hard to do! He knows it is the right thing to do in theory – but it doesn't make letting it happen any easier!
This is a deeply character-driven story. It focuses on Austin growing up, Guy learning a few things himself, and Uncle Brodie coming to terms with his past. All three of these men have their deeply buried secrets, and as different as they may be, they are uniquely able to help each other deal with life. The romance between Austin and Guy is sweet, and bubbles under the surface a long time before Austin can free himself of the "idea of Todd" – which is all it has become while he immerses himself in his new life.
If you like coming of age stories and men finding themselves and their destinies, if you enjoy theater and the kind of people that make it happen, and if you're looking for a slow romance that looks as if it would never take off for the longest time, then you will probably enjoy this novel.
Austin is one confused young man who has lived his life in the closet so far. Moving to the "big city" and living with his uncle, who is also gay, opens Austin's eyes to the fact he is not alone. It also gives him options, and a set of wonderful new friends. But Austin has no idea how to deal with all of it and I enjoyed watching him figure it all out step by sometimes painful step. Todd is an obsession he has to learn how to deal with, and even though it was clear to me that Guy is the much better match for him, Austin takes his sweet time to find out.
Guy deserves several medals for his patience, kindness, and selfless willingness to help Austin find Todd. Guy is a lot more mature than Austin in many ways, and he understands that the younger man has to figure out who is right for him all by himself. All Guy can do is stand by him and hope for the best. God, that must be hard to do! He knows it is the right thing to do in theory – but it doesn't make letting it happen any easier!
This is a deeply character-driven story. It focuses on Austin growing up, Guy learning a few things himself, and Uncle Brodie coming to terms with his past. All three of these men have their deeply buried secrets, and as different as they may be, they are uniquely able to help each other deal with life. The romance between Austin and Guy is sweet, and bubbles under the surface a long time before Austin can free himself of the "idea of Todd" – which is all it has become while he immerses himself in his new life.
If you like coming of age stories and men finding themselves and their destinies, if you enjoy theater and the kind of people that make it happen, and if you're looking for a slow romance that looks as if it would never take off for the longest time, then you will probably enjoy this novel.
September 13, 2013
4.5 Stars
A "Live Your Life, Buy The Book" Review
Austin Shelbourne has been in love with his best friend, Todd Burton, for years. One night he decides to act on those feelings and seduces Todd. Things do not turn out like Austin hopes and Todd literally runs out and refuses to speak to Austin. Things go from bad to worse when Todd’s girlfriend turns to Austin for comfort and Todd finds them together. This drives Todd away completely and he leaves their small town of Buckman for Kansas City, prompting Austin to move to Kansas City after him. At a suggestion from his Grandmother, Austin moves in with his elderly Uncle Boden. Twenty year old Austin has been living in the closet his whole life. When he walks into Uncle Boden’s apartment, what he sees surprised him. He is sure Uncle Bodie is gay but no one had ever mentioned it. While talking to his uncle, Austin blurts out that he is gay. Uncle Bodie is the first person he ever told this to out loud. It is a freeing experience and the conversation between them is funny and sweet.
Uncle Bodie is delightful. He lives alone with his little Pomeranian, Lucille, and is prone to speaking his mind, even when it embarrasses Austin. Uncle Bodie asks his neighbor, Guy, to help Austin move his belongings into the apartment. Upon seeing Austin, Guy feels an instant attraction to the younger man. Guy is in his late twenties and an actor, director and jack of all trades with the Pegasus Theater. He is currently working on a production of Steel Magnolias where half of the cast is played by men in drag. Guy invites Austin to come to their last showing. Austin is excited at the prospect of seeing a production in a real theater. He has been in plays during high school and loves acting. Guy is also working on another play, called Tearoom Tango that affects him personally, speaking to a dark time in his life. On the surface it is about sex in public restrooms, but it is a complex play and delves much deeper than that. Guy is also writing a play. He is reluctant to share details, afraid he will jinx it. I loved how this play is so integral to the story.
Guy flirts with Austin at first, until he learns that Austin has moved here in search of his true love, Todd. As Guy and Austin get to know one another better, he puts his attraction aside and offers to help Austin search for Todd. His reason for helping becomes more personal as Guy’s feelings for Austin deepen. He wants Austin to be sure about how he really feels about Todd. As Uncle Bodie says, no one wants to be someone’s second choice.
Anything Could Happen almost feels like a coming of age story for the three main characters. We are living Austin’s experience as it happens, but also getting glimpses of Uncle Bodie’s and Guy’s experiences from their youth. It is beautiful to watch Austin discover a life he has only imagined. Coming from a small town, he felt like he was the only gay man in the world. Austin is amazed and comments several times in the book saying this is real, I am gay and I am not alone. I adored Uncle Bodie. I was as shocked as Austin when I first met him in the book. He was so outspoken and Austin so unsure of himself. I think I grew to love him right along with Austin. Then there is Guy. He is one of those characters I wanted to hug and say, it’s ok. He comes across as confident but has this vulnerability about him. His life experiences have not been as positive as Austin or Bodie’s. He uses his love for theater to express himself and to work through those things that haunt him from his past.
I really enjoyed Anything Could Happen. It is sweet, funny and, at times, frustrating (this is due to my impatience with Austin to open his eyes and see what’s in front of him). There are also times when it is heart breaking (yes, tissues required), but it was always engaging. I loved the way the author wove together the lives of these three men and used the theater as a vehicle for telling the story. The secondary characters brought a lightness to it and I thought Austin’s grandparents were delightful.
I had some questions about a couple of the characters and I was told that there is more to their story in the book “The Boy Who Came In From the Cold“, of which this is a spin-off. Naturally, that one is now on my tbr list.
A "Live Your Life, Buy The Book" Review
Austin Shelbourne has been in love with his best friend, Todd Burton, for years. One night he decides to act on those feelings and seduces Todd. Things do not turn out like Austin hopes and Todd literally runs out and refuses to speak to Austin. Things go from bad to worse when Todd’s girlfriend turns to Austin for comfort and Todd finds them together. This drives Todd away completely and he leaves their small town of Buckman for Kansas City, prompting Austin to move to Kansas City after him. At a suggestion from his Grandmother, Austin moves in with his elderly Uncle Boden. Twenty year old Austin has been living in the closet his whole life. When he walks into Uncle Boden’s apartment, what he sees surprised him. He is sure Uncle Bodie is gay but no one had ever mentioned it. While talking to his uncle, Austin blurts out that he is gay. Uncle Bodie is the first person he ever told this to out loud. It is a freeing experience and the conversation between them is funny and sweet.
Uncle Bodie is delightful. He lives alone with his little Pomeranian, Lucille, and is prone to speaking his mind, even when it embarrasses Austin. Uncle Bodie asks his neighbor, Guy, to help Austin move his belongings into the apartment. Upon seeing Austin, Guy feels an instant attraction to the younger man. Guy is in his late twenties and an actor, director and jack of all trades with the Pegasus Theater. He is currently working on a production of Steel Magnolias where half of the cast is played by men in drag. Guy invites Austin to come to their last showing. Austin is excited at the prospect of seeing a production in a real theater. He has been in plays during high school and loves acting. Guy is also working on another play, called Tearoom Tango that affects him personally, speaking to a dark time in his life. On the surface it is about sex in public restrooms, but it is a complex play and delves much deeper than that. Guy is also writing a play. He is reluctant to share details, afraid he will jinx it. I loved how this play is so integral to the story.
Guy flirts with Austin at first, until he learns that Austin has moved here in search of his true love, Todd. As Guy and Austin get to know one another better, he puts his attraction aside and offers to help Austin search for Todd. His reason for helping becomes more personal as Guy’s feelings for Austin deepen. He wants Austin to be sure about how he really feels about Todd. As Uncle Bodie says, no one wants to be someone’s second choice.
Anything Could Happen almost feels like a coming of age story for the three main characters. We are living Austin’s experience as it happens, but also getting glimpses of Uncle Bodie’s and Guy’s experiences from their youth. It is beautiful to watch Austin discover a life he has only imagined. Coming from a small town, he felt like he was the only gay man in the world. Austin is amazed and comments several times in the book saying this is real, I am gay and I am not alone. I adored Uncle Bodie. I was as shocked as Austin when I first met him in the book. He was so outspoken and Austin so unsure of himself. I think I grew to love him right along with Austin. Then there is Guy. He is one of those characters I wanted to hug and say, it’s ok. He comes across as confident but has this vulnerability about him. His life experiences have not been as positive as Austin or Bodie’s. He uses his love for theater to express himself and to work through those things that haunt him from his past.
I really enjoyed Anything Could Happen. It is sweet, funny and, at times, frustrating (this is due to my impatience with Austin to open his eyes and see what’s in front of him). There are also times when it is heart breaking (yes, tissues required), but it was always engaging. I loved the way the author wove together the lives of these three men and used the theater as a vehicle for telling the story. The secondary characters brought a lightness to it and I thought Austin’s grandparents were delightful.
I had some questions about a couple of the characters and I was told that there is more to their story in the book “The Boy Who Came In From the Cold“, of which this is a spin-off. Naturally, that one is now on my tbr list.
September 12, 2013
Oh my goodness!
The steamy build up with the smoldering sexual fires
The 'eccentric' uncle
The cool guy
The SONG!
The grandmother
Finally the sex
The relationship
Poor dog
Poor uncle
Secrets revealed
The final meeting
The end
Absolute treasure of a novel! Much better than TBWCIFTC
Loved it
The steamy build up with the smoldering sexual fires
The 'eccentric' uncle
The cool guy
The SONG!
The grandmother
Finally the sex
The relationship
Poor dog
Poor uncle
Secrets revealed
The final meeting
The end
Absolute treasure of a novel! Much better than TBWCIFTC
Loved it
November 14, 2013
A cute story. Good, but not great.
September 23, 2013
JOINT REVIEW:( with sid)
Sid: Anything could Happen, isn’t that right, Dani?
Dani: Absolutely Sid , anything can and will happen indeed…
Sid: Wow! That was a good one, and left a nice impression on me. I absolutely loved the character of Austin!
Dani: I have to say after a slow start for me I got really into the story and I feel a great respect for Guy. What a great guy!
Sid: I totally second that. Austin was a little lost at first, but it was Guy who brought him to see what really is right for him. I like at least one of the characters to remain sane lol And Guy was the sane one ;)
Dani: You think so? In my opinion, Guy was just as lost as Austin in a way. Just because he was better in covering his tracks and progressing nicely in life, doesn’t mean he wasn’t just as lost as Austin and looking desperately for something too.
Sid: Yes, that I wouldn’t deny about Guy. He had his own inner demons to face and Austin helps him with those. In that sense, they both corrected each other, don’t you think?
Dani: Instead of corrected I would say they completed each other. They both found something significant with each other and used that to push their relationship beyond friendship to lovers.
Sid: Damn, I wanted to shake some sense into Austin when he couldn’t see how head over heels Guy was over him! But gladly, yes, they did push their relationship into something better!
Dani: I think Guy was to be complemented on how patiently he waited for Austin to see something besides Todd. I think that is why I loved Guy - I don’t think I could have been so patient and calm and supportive :)
Sid: Guy sure was great when it came to that. I could almost see the Prince Charming in him.. but well, Prince Charming even is not perfect himself, is he?
Dani: Thank god he isn’t :D
Sid: I think I really was pissed at him when he did (spoiler alert!!) what he did to Austin in the later part!
Dani: Ooh Man ! i was like “WTH! Guy, what are you doing? Austin is going to be devastated by this … I even seriously doubted if they could get over this … but they got a little help from above … Gosh that broke my heart…
Sid: Yes what happens after that is heart wrenching, so sad. But to be honest, I think Guy got off way too easy on that. I can’t seem to shake off the feeling that he could do this. But well, all is well that ends well, huh.
Dani: I don’t agree to be honest, I think Austin needed to confront this to let go completely and i don’t agree with the way Guy did it and especially the keeping it a secret part. But I do think that because of the way Austin got confrontated, it made him see that it was a way of letting go.
Sid: No I mean.. it is different Daan. Guy writes Austin’s life story in a play! It is personal. I know if someone wrote about something I did, I would hate it..
Dani: I think in a way it was also a way so Austin could let go. Yes it was personal but besides Guy and Austin does anybody know? I mean, in the audience?
Sid: But I think Austin had already let go of everything when he had spent that beautiful Christmas night with Guy. Todd had totally faded away. And regarding anyone else not knowing, doesn’t really matter.. it is something like you know you did wrong and seeing it publicized makes it even more mortifying.
Dani: I totally don’t think so LOL . It was always there in a way for me as a reader he was. But I can see where you are coming from and perhaps that is the charm of the story too. I mean anything could happen didn’t we agree on that in the beginning :)
Sid: That is true. Speaking of which, a lot also happened with other secondary characters around and even with their brief scenes, each of them sort of won my heart! Especially, Uncle Boden – I like to think of him as a cupid in this fairytale!
Dani: Awww Boden! You have to love him,what a guy ! I think there isn’t a reader of this story who wouldn’t love Uncle Boden.
Sid: He will stay in my heart forever! :)
Dani: Amen to that. But you are talking about secondary characters that is where one of my biggest issues with this story lays, to be honest. From the very start I was waiting and waiting for Todd to appear but he doesn’t! Also, other than a few references to Peter, there isn’t any relation and you get warmed up because they visit places that are familiar but there is nothing right up to the very end, and then when it is there, it is … so little :(
What you say Sid?
Sid: I don’t feel any different. For some reason, I was always looking forward to Todd coming into picture. It was like at every moment I hoped he would come face to face and put their relationship to test. After all, Austin always thought he LOVED Todd and that he could never think of anyone else other than him. But all we get is a brief scene with them meeting and everything feels so rushed there. Also, I agree that thing about Peter – I don’t understand why there was so much mystery created around that man.
Dani: I don’t mind the mystery around Peter as it is part of the book and I wasn’t even looking for a confrontation between Austin and Todd but I really would have loved some interaction - a talk, a meeting up, something! For me, that was the big miss in this very lovely, very well written story.
Sid: Oh man! The writing – yes, I need to compliment the author on that especially. It all reads so smooth – simply flawless. By the way, I know you thought this books gets a slow start but for me, it was good enough. Why did you think it was slow?
Dani: I think particularly because I was expecting a different story. It took me a while to get into what the story was going to be like. As I explained, I was really waiting for Austin to meet Todd.
Sid: I can understand that but as per me, the beginning was perfect. What didn’t exactly go right with me was a few parts in between that were almost wordy and had me skipping to the next exciting moment that came up in the story
Dani: I didn’t have that experience, so i guess that makes a good book - with different views and interpretations :) We both could see different angles and aspects in different parts of this story and I kind of like that idea.
Sid: Yes that is true! :) So, how would you rate this book then?
Dani: I come to a 4 star rating summing it all up but I really need to add that I sincerely hope that B.G. Thomas will write more in this universe. I have a feeling there is so much more to tell and I, for one, am looking very much forward to that!
Sid: A sequel would definitely be a cool idea. I absolutely loved this story – the whole set was so exciting! And the character of Austin just won my heart – So I would rate this story of his at 4 stars as well :)
Review posted at : http://sidlove.wordpress.com/2013/09/...
Sid: Anything could Happen, isn’t that right, Dani?
Dani: Absolutely Sid , anything can and will happen indeed…
Sid: Wow! That was a good one, and left a nice impression on me. I absolutely loved the character of Austin!
Dani: I have to say after a slow start for me I got really into the story and I feel a great respect for Guy. What a great guy!
Sid: I totally second that. Austin was a little lost at first, but it was Guy who brought him to see what really is right for him. I like at least one of the characters to remain sane lol And Guy was the sane one ;)
Dani: You think so? In my opinion, Guy was just as lost as Austin in a way. Just because he was better in covering his tracks and progressing nicely in life, doesn’t mean he wasn’t just as lost as Austin and looking desperately for something too.
Sid: Yes, that I wouldn’t deny about Guy. He had his own inner demons to face and Austin helps him with those. In that sense, they both corrected each other, don’t you think?
Dani: Instead of corrected I would say they completed each other. They both found something significant with each other and used that to push their relationship beyond friendship to lovers.
Sid: Damn, I wanted to shake some sense into Austin when he couldn’t see how head over heels Guy was over him! But gladly, yes, they did push their relationship into something better!
Dani: I think Guy was to be complemented on how patiently he waited for Austin to see something besides Todd. I think that is why I loved Guy - I don’t think I could have been so patient and calm and supportive :)
Sid: Guy sure was great when it came to that. I could almost see the Prince Charming in him.. but well, Prince Charming even is not perfect himself, is he?
Dani: Thank god he isn’t :D
Sid: I think I really was pissed at him when he did (spoiler alert!!) what he did to Austin in the later part!
Dani: Ooh Man ! i was like “WTH! Guy, what are you doing? Austin is going to be devastated by this … I even seriously doubted if they could get over this … but they got a little help from above … Gosh that broke my heart…
Sid: Yes what happens after that is heart wrenching, so sad. But to be honest, I think Guy got off way too easy on that. I can’t seem to shake off the feeling that he could do this. But well, all is well that ends well, huh.
Dani: I don’t agree to be honest, I think Austin needed to confront this to let go completely and i don’t agree with the way Guy did it and especially the keeping it a secret part. But I do think that because of the way Austin got confrontated, it made him see that it was a way of letting go.
Sid: No I mean.. it is different Daan. Guy writes Austin’s life story in a play! It is personal. I know if someone wrote about something I did, I would hate it..
Dani: I think in a way it was also a way so Austin could let go. Yes it was personal but besides Guy and Austin does anybody know? I mean, in the audience?
Sid: But I think Austin had already let go of everything when he had spent that beautiful Christmas night with Guy. Todd had totally faded away. And regarding anyone else not knowing, doesn’t really matter.. it is something like you know you did wrong and seeing it publicized makes it even more mortifying.
Dani: I totally don’t think so LOL . It was always there in a way for me as a reader he was. But I can see where you are coming from and perhaps that is the charm of the story too. I mean anything could happen didn’t we agree on that in the beginning :)
Sid: That is true. Speaking of which, a lot also happened with other secondary characters around and even with their brief scenes, each of them sort of won my heart! Especially, Uncle Boden – I like to think of him as a cupid in this fairytale!
Dani: Awww Boden! You have to love him,what a guy ! I think there isn’t a reader of this story who wouldn’t love Uncle Boden.
Sid: He will stay in my heart forever! :)
Dani: Amen to that. But you are talking about secondary characters that is where one of my biggest issues with this story lays, to be honest. From the very start I was waiting and waiting for Todd to appear but he doesn’t! Also, other than a few references to Peter, there isn’t any relation and you get warmed up because they visit places that are familiar but there is nothing right up to the very end, and then when it is there, it is … so little :(
What you say Sid?
Sid: I don’t feel any different. For some reason, I was always looking forward to Todd coming into picture. It was like at every moment I hoped he would come face to face and put their relationship to test. After all, Austin always thought he LOVED Todd and that he could never think of anyone else other than him. But all we get is a brief scene with them meeting and everything feels so rushed there. Also, I agree that thing about Peter – I don’t understand why there was so much mystery created around that man.
Dani: I don’t mind the mystery around Peter as it is part of the book and I wasn’t even looking for a confrontation between Austin and Todd but I really would have loved some interaction - a talk, a meeting up, something! For me, that was the big miss in this very lovely, very well written story.
Sid: Oh man! The writing – yes, I need to compliment the author on that especially. It all reads so smooth – simply flawless. By the way, I know you thought this books gets a slow start but for me, it was good enough. Why did you think it was slow?
Dani: I think particularly because I was expecting a different story. It took me a while to get into what the story was going to be like. As I explained, I was really waiting for Austin to meet Todd.
Sid: I can understand that but as per me, the beginning was perfect. What didn’t exactly go right with me was a few parts in between that were almost wordy and had me skipping to the next exciting moment that came up in the story
Dani: I didn’t have that experience, so i guess that makes a good book - with different views and interpretations :) We both could see different angles and aspects in different parts of this story and I kind of like that idea.
Sid: Yes that is true! :) So, how would you rate this book then?
Dani: I come to a 4 star rating summing it all up but I really need to add that I sincerely hope that B.G. Thomas will write more in this universe. I have a feeling there is so much more to tell and I, for one, am looking very much forward to that!
Sid: A sequel would definitely be a cool idea. I absolutely loved this story – the whole set was so exciting! And the character of Austin just won my heart – So I would rate this story of his at 4 stars as well :)
Review posted at : http://sidlove.wordpress.com/2013/09/...
November 25, 2016
Eine schöne und eher ruhige Geschichte, die ohne großes Drama auskommt, sondern sich stattdessen mehr auf Freundschaften, Familienbande und zarte Gefühle konzentriert.
Austin hat eine Mission. Er möchte unbedingt seinen besten Freund Todd wiederfinden, in den er verliebt ist, sich das aber zu spät eingestanden hat. Also zieht er vorübergehend zu Onkel Bodie, ebenfalls schwul, und lernt gleich am ersten Tag Guy kennen, einen Nachbarn, der vom ersten Moment völlig fasziniert von Austin ist. Nur ist der so versessen wegen Todd, dass er das überhaupt nicht mitbekommt.
Und dieses berühmte Brett vor dem Kopf zieht sich eine ganze Weile durch die Geschichte, bis Austin schließlich - mithilfe von Weihnachten und seiner Familie - endlich begreift, dass Todd in weiter Ferne, Guy hingegen zum Greifen nahe ist.
Viel Hintergrund hat die Geschichte nicht, brauchte sie für mich auch nicht, weil ich mir, wie schon im 2. Band, eine schlichte Romanze erhofft und genau das bekommen habe. Guy und Austin sind ein schönes Paar und die Nebencharaktere und -schauplätze sind durchweg liebevoll gestaltet. Und für mich als Weihnachtsfan, war das Familienfest natürlich das Highlight, weil es auch endlich die Beziehung der beiden voran bringt.
Daher vergebe ich zufriedene 4* und eine Leseempfehlung obendrauf.
Austin hat eine Mission. Er möchte unbedingt seinen besten Freund Todd wiederfinden, in den er verliebt ist, sich das aber zu spät eingestanden hat. Also zieht er vorübergehend zu Onkel Bodie, ebenfalls schwul, und lernt gleich am ersten Tag Guy kennen, einen Nachbarn, der vom ersten Moment völlig fasziniert von Austin ist. Nur ist der so versessen wegen Todd, dass er das überhaupt nicht mitbekommt.
Und dieses berühmte Brett vor dem Kopf zieht sich eine ganze Weile durch die Geschichte, bis Austin schließlich - mithilfe von Weihnachten und seiner Familie - endlich begreift, dass Todd in weiter Ferne, Guy hingegen zum Greifen nahe ist.
Viel Hintergrund hat die Geschichte nicht, brauchte sie für mich auch nicht, weil ich mir, wie schon im 2. Band, eine schlichte Romanze erhofft und genau das bekommen habe. Guy und Austin sind ein schönes Paar und die Nebencharaktere und -schauplätze sind durchweg liebevoll gestaltet. Und für mich als Weihnachtsfan, war das Familienfest natürlich das Highlight, weil es auch endlich die Beziehung der beiden voran bringt.
Daher vergebe ich zufriedene 4* und eine Leseempfehlung obendrauf.
January 8, 2019
EVERYONE JUST TOO CRAPPING NICE!
This is one of those unbelievably "feel good" M/M romance novels. Just a bit too "feel goody" for my taste.
Despite it all being about Austin and being a young man in today's liberated gay world, I found the character a bit unreal, maybe even in a time warp, and all that shock, horror, and crap: is all this really happening?, and no I can't because I crapping love Todd, all a bit tedious. And everyone is just so treacly nice, so nice that I think Kansas City has got to be on every gay boy's travel itinerary after reading this.
Naturally the first KC gay man Austin meets just so happens to live upstairs and be a hunky dreamboat who wants to bed him at first sight! But unlike most of us who would have jumped straight in, Austin has to keep his virginity for the mysterious Todd, if he ever turns up!
Must admit I liked Uncle Bodie and Lucille but couldn't really believe Austin was so naïve and "in the closet" in small town Buckman when he had been brought up by such sweet and so ... so ... liberal grandparents.
This is one of those unbelievably "feel good" M/M romance novels. Just a bit too "feel goody" for my taste.
Despite it all being about Austin and being a young man in today's liberated gay world, I found the character a bit unreal, maybe even in a time warp, and all that shock, horror, and crap: is all this really happening?, and no I can't because I crapping love Todd, all a bit tedious. And everyone is just so treacly nice, so nice that I think Kansas City has got to be on every gay boy's travel itinerary after reading this.
Naturally the first KC gay man Austin meets just so happens to live upstairs and be a hunky dreamboat who wants to bed him at first sight! But unlike most of us who would have jumped straight in, Austin has to keep his virginity for the mysterious Todd, if he ever turns up!
Must admit I liked Uncle Bodie and Lucille but couldn't really believe Austin was so naïve and "in the closet" in small town Buckman when he had been brought up by such sweet and so ... so ... liberal grandparents.
October 20, 2013
What would it be like to grow up in a small town where neighbors turned a blind eye to the abuse that went on behind closed doors and you, yourself, had fallen in love with someone whom you might never openly be able to love? To make matters worse, what if the one you love was male, just like you and after one night of reckless abandon where you showed him just how much you wanted him. Then he ran, fled, not only your house but the town itself, and no one knew where he was other than the name of the city to which he had flown. How could you let him go? What if he was just escaping the years of abuse in his own home, and was afraid to let his family know he too liked boys? What if he loved you too?
All these questions and so many more plagued poor Austin Shelbourne the day he took off to Kansas City to find Todd, the boy he was so sure he was in love with and who quite possibly loved him in return.
After a car accident left Austin parent-less, he came to live with his grandparents. Caring and accepting, his family showered him with love even after he told them he liked boys, specifically Todd. With their blessing, Austin moves in with his Uncle Boden and quickly finds out that he is also gay, giving Austin the strength to openly admit he was, as well. After meeting Guy, another tenant, playwright and director, Austin settles in to spending time being the handyman for the building that his Uncle is manager over. The three men spend lots of time together, Guy introducing Austin not only to the theatre in which he works, but encouraging him to audition for the next play, Tearoom Tango.
When Austin agrees, he finds himself truly in the big leagues for the first time. Trying desperately to adjust to the idea that he can finally openly admit his sexuality, the role Guy has him audition for is just too much, too real and much too promiscuous a part for Austin. The play itself which graphically details men who harbor sexual addictions and follow through with anonymous sex in public restrooms hits way too close for Guy, and in a stunning moment in the novel, we read with shock what Guy must admit to Austin about his dark past.
Fearing Austin's rejection, Guy turns away from him, leaving a confused and questioning young man who no longer is sure that he wants or needs to find Todd. In fact, as time moves on, Austin finds himself drawn more and more to the enigmatic Guy, whose gentle spirit leaves Austin both breathless and wanting. But as Uncle Boden reminds Austen, "No one wants to be second choice." and Austin finds himself having to make a choice. He could either hold onto the idea that he would find Todd and that they could love each other or take that which was right in front of him, Guy, a broken man who had a past he was still tortured by but who loved Austin with everything he had inside him. Now the choice was up to him...
I have to tell you there were so many layers to this amazing novel. Each character carried with them a background that could have filled an entire novel all on its own. From the flamboyant and delightful Uncle Boden who fell in love with a boy in a time when the word gay didn’t even exist from the incredibly wounded yet beautiful Guy who hid a past addiction that still threatened to tear his world apart. I found myself laughing, crying and just totally entrenched in the unfolding story author B.G. Thomas so carefully and sweetly crafted.
I wish I could tell you each little vignette, each precious moment of revelation that Austin was party to, that gave him such a feeling of belonging and of freedom, but I think the very talented Mr. Thomas allows his character to say it best:
"And suddenly everything seemed better. For the first time in his life, he felt as if there might be a place for him. And maybe, just maybe, everything would turn out right."
For the first time in his life, Austin belonged, was part of something larger than himself and yet so very personal and intimate. He discovered that other men felt just like him, fumbled their way through life and learning about their sexuality just like him, and were there to welcome him into the fold, teach him, guide him and love him. In the novel, Anything Could Happen, we are privy to one young man's awakening sexual awareness, another man's redemption and yet another man's love that lasted a lifetime. Each story line was interwoven together in a beautiful tapestry that unfolded before Austin, allowing him to see how very right it was to be gay, how real love lasts, and how first love is sweet and forgiving.
B.G. Thomas gives us a novel of hope, of forgiveness and of stunning beauty. The naïveté of Austin juxtaposed against Guy and Boden's worldliness offers us a glimpse into the mind and heart of a young man on the cusp of starting to live freely for the first time. We experience the wonderment of each new event as they impact Austin and see him grapple and grow with disappointment and, at times, real heartache. We watch as he lets go of a dream that had sustained him for so long only to embrace a love that we hope will last him a lifetime. His first crush, his first kiss, his first time of making love...all these are so carefully presented in the richest of detail. I highly recommend Anything Could Happen by B.G. Thomas to you. Allow yourself to get caught up in the wonder of the story you will not regret it.
All these questions and so many more plagued poor Austin Shelbourne the day he took off to Kansas City to find Todd, the boy he was so sure he was in love with and who quite possibly loved him in return.
After a car accident left Austin parent-less, he came to live with his grandparents. Caring and accepting, his family showered him with love even after he told them he liked boys, specifically Todd. With their blessing, Austin moves in with his Uncle Boden and quickly finds out that he is also gay, giving Austin the strength to openly admit he was, as well. After meeting Guy, another tenant, playwright and director, Austin settles in to spending time being the handyman for the building that his Uncle is manager over. The three men spend lots of time together, Guy introducing Austin not only to the theatre in which he works, but encouraging him to audition for the next play, Tearoom Tango.
When Austin agrees, he finds himself truly in the big leagues for the first time. Trying desperately to adjust to the idea that he can finally openly admit his sexuality, the role Guy has him audition for is just too much, too real and much too promiscuous a part for Austin. The play itself which graphically details men who harbor sexual addictions and follow through with anonymous sex in public restrooms hits way too close for Guy, and in a stunning moment in the novel, we read with shock what Guy must admit to Austin about his dark past.
Fearing Austin's rejection, Guy turns away from him, leaving a confused and questioning young man who no longer is sure that he wants or needs to find Todd. In fact, as time moves on, Austin finds himself drawn more and more to the enigmatic Guy, whose gentle spirit leaves Austin both breathless and wanting. But as Uncle Boden reminds Austen, "No one wants to be second choice." and Austin finds himself having to make a choice. He could either hold onto the idea that he would find Todd and that they could love each other or take that which was right in front of him, Guy, a broken man who had a past he was still tortured by but who loved Austin with everything he had inside him. Now the choice was up to him...
I have to tell you there were so many layers to this amazing novel. Each character carried with them a background that could have filled an entire novel all on its own. From the flamboyant and delightful Uncle Boden who fell in love with a boy in a time when the word gay didn’t even exist from the incredibly wounded yet beautiful Guy who hid a past addiction that still threatened to tear his world apart. I found myself laughing, crying and just totally entrenched in the unfolding story author B.G. Thomas so carefully and sweetly crafted.
I wish I could tell you each little vignette, each precious moment of revelation that Austin was party to, that gave him such a feeling of belonging and of freedom, but I think the very talented Mr. Thomas allows his character to say it best:
"And suddenly everything seemed better. For the first time in his life, he felt as if there might be a place for him. And maybe, just maybe, everything would turn out right."
For the first time in his life, Austin belonged, was part of something larger than himself and yet so very personal and intimate. He discovered that other men felt just like him, fumbled their way through life and learning about their sexuality just like him, and were there to welcome him into the fold, teach him, guide him and love him. In the novel, Anything Could Happen, we are privy to one young man's awakening sexual awareness, another man's redemption and yet another man's love that lasted a lifetime. Each story line was interwoven together in a beautiful tapestry that unfolded before Austin, allowing him to see how very right it was to be gay, how real love lasts, and how first love is sweet and forgiving.
B.G. Thomas gives us a novel of hope, of forgiveness and of stunning beauty. The naïveté of Austin juxtaposed against Guy and Boden's worldliness offers us a glimpse into the mind and heart of a young man on the cusp of starting to live freely for the first time. We experience the wonderment of each new event as they impact Austin and see him grapple and grow with disappointment and, at times, real heartache. We watch as he lets go of a dream that had sustained him for so long only to embrace a love that we hope will last him a lifetime. His first crush, his first kiss, his first time of making love...all these are so carefully presented in the richest of detail. I highly recommend Anything Could Happen by B.G. Thomas to you. Allow yourself to get caught up in the wonder of the story you will not regret it.
January 28, 2017
I didn't enjoy this, I couldn't connect with the characters.
September 14, 2016
Anything Could Happen
By B.G. Thomas
Dreamspinner Press, 2013
Cover by Aaron Anderson
ISBN: 9781627980272
244 pages
Four stars
I find myself increasingly fond of B.G. Thomas’s writing. His work resonates with me, and while everything sparkles a bit with romantic fantasy, his books are grounded in his own reality and thus manage to come across as authentic.
The upbeat pairing with B.G. Thomas’ angsty “The Boy Who Came in From the Cold,” “Anything Could Happen” is warm and fuzzy, firmly rooted the happier fallout of small-town life and its effect on young gay men. The book tells the other half of Todd Burton’s story, but it is Austin Shelbourne’s tale. He has come to Kansas City to find Todd, having been part of the reason Todd left their small town in rural Missouri. Unlike Todd, Austin was raised by supportive grandparents, who send him to live with his great-uncle Boden when he decides to seek his fortune as an actor. In surprise after surprise, Austin discovers the good things about being gay. One of those things is the twenty-something Guy Campbell, a young would-be playwright who lives in the building that Boden manages.
What I particularly like about this book is the way it reflects an increasing truth today: young gay men, just coming out, faced with all the good possibilities of gay life. It is not impossibly sweet, although the narrative is largely positive. Even forty years ago, when I came out at 20—the same age Austin is—I was one of the lucky ones. On his twenty-first birthday, Austin is taken to a gay bar. As he dances, buzzed and surrounded by the love of his new community, “It was like Rihanna and Cary Rae Jepsen and Swedish House Mafia were serenading him and him alone. He felt infinite.” I have no idea who Swedish House Mafia is, but I remember that feeling. It is nice to read a story about one of the lucky ones.
Everything is not all sweetness and light, however. The plot centers around the production of a dark play that Guy is directing called “Tearoom Tango.” The play is a catalyst in Guy and Austin’s growing friendship, and serves as a window into Guy’s unhappy past. Guy’s story stands in vivid contrast to Austin’s, whose romantic quest to find the boy he loved back home is marred only by the reason Todd ran away. Raised in love, Austin is looking to recapture it. He just needs a little dose of reality.
Once again, the mysterious Peter Wagner, peripatetic billionaire who seems to make the gay community of Kansas City his special project, pops in and out of the story as he did in “The Boy Who Came in From the Cold.” He appears to be the fairy godfather of gay Kansas City, and I wish I’d had a friend like him when I was Austin’s age.
By B.G. Thomas
Dreamspinner Press, 2013
Cover by Aaron Anderson
ISBN: 9781627980272
244 pages
Four stars
I find myself increasingly fond of B.G. Thomas’s writing. His work resonates with me, and while everything sparkles a bit with romantic fantasy, his books are grounded in his own reality and thus manage to come across as authentic.
The upbeat pairing with B.G. Thomas’ angsty “The Boy Who Came in From the Cold,” “Anything Could Happen” is warm and fuzzy, firmly rooted the happier fallout of small-town life and its effect on young gay men. The book tells the other half of Todd Burton’s story, but it is Austin Shelbourne’s tale. He has come to Kansas City to find Todd, having been part of the reason Todd left their small town in rural Missouri. Unlike Todd, Austin was raised by supportive grandparents, who send him to live with his great-uncle Boden when he decides to seek his fortune as an actor. In surprise after surprise, Austin discovers the good things about being gay. One of those things is the twenty-something Guy Campbell, a young would-be playwright who lives in the building that Boden manages.
What I particularly like about this book is the way it reflects an increasing truth today: young gay men, just coming out, faced with all the good possibilities of gay life. It is not impossibly sweet, although the narrative is largely positive. Even forty years ago, when I came out at 20—the same age Austin is—I was one of the lucky ones. On his twenty-first birthday, Austin is taken to a gay bar. As he dances, buzzed and surrounded by the love of his new community, “It was like Rihanna and Cary Rae Jepsen and Swedish House Mafia were serenading him and him alone. He felt infinite.” I have no idea who Swedish House Mafia is, but I remember that feeling. It is nice to read a story about one of the lucky ones.
Everything is not all sweetness and light, however. The plot centers around the production of a dark play that Guy is directing called “Tearoom Tango.” The play is a catalyst in Guy and Austin’s growing friendship, and serves as a window into Guy’s unhappy past. Guy’s story stands in vivid contrast to Austin’s, whose romantic quest to find the boy he loved back home is marred only by the reason Todd ran away. Raised in love, Austin is looking to recapture it. He just needs a little dose of reality.
Once again, the mysterious Peter Wagner, peripatetic billionaire who seems to make the gay community of Kansas City his special project, pops in and out of the story as he did in “The Boy Who Came in From the Cold.” He appears to be the fairy godfather of gay Kansas City, and I wish I’d had a friend like him when I was Austin’s age.
December 14, 2015
Austin kommt nach Kansas City um seinen Freund Todd zu suchen, der ihre Heimatstadt Hals über Kopf verlassen hat. Doch Todd ist einfach spurlos verschwunden und Austin kommt bei dem Bruder seiner Großmutter unter. Der alte Herr erweist sich als wunderbar verständig, tolerant und freundlich. Austin hat großes Glück mit Bodie und kommt sehr gut mit dem alten Mann zurecht, der der miefigen Kleinstadt schon vor Jahrzehnten den Rücken gekehrt hat.
Durch Bodie lernt Austin aber auch Guy kennen, der im gleichen Wohnkomplex lebt. Guy ist gutaussehend, charmant und Theaterregisseur an einem kleinen, aber feinen Theater. Er bringt Austin mit seinen Freunden, Schauspielern und Leuten vom Theater zusammen. Für das Landei tut sich eine völlig neue und exotische Welt auf, deren Spielregeln er erst begreifen muss. Doch neben all den neuen Eindrücken muss er sich auch Guy und den ambivalenten Gefühlen ihm gegenüber stellen. Guy scheint interessiert, doch Austin liebt noch immer Todd. Oder doch nicht? Und wo ist Todd?
Die Suche nach Todd und Austins Gefühle für seinen Jugendfreund sind zu Beginn das zentrale Thema der Geschichte. Doch im Laufe der Zeit lernt Austin Guy immer besser kennen und beginnt seine eigenen Gefühle immer mehr zu hinterfragen. Er versucht zu ergründen was ihn zu Guy hinzieht und was ihn eigentlich mit Todd verbindet. Obwohl Kansas City bestimmt nicht die weltoffenste Stadt ist, so ist Austin von all den Möglichkeiten und Chancen überwältigt. An die Offenheit, die sein Onkel, Guy und dessen Freunde an den Tag legen, muss Austin erst klar kommen.
Und hier liegt für mich auch eine gewisse Schwäche der Geschichte. Austin ist nicht unsympathisch, aber furchtbar naiv und grauenvoll hinterwäldlerisch. Es mag schon sein, dass er aus der Provinz kommt, wo man noch nach anderen Regeln lebt. Aber in Zeiten des Internets erwarte ich mir von einem halbwegs intelligenten Menschen, dass er seine Neugierde in den neuen Medien befriedigt. Austin ist jedoch wirklich ziemlich unbedarft und so kommt es immer wieder zu seltsamen, manchmal auch aberwitzigen Situationen.
Sein Onkel Bodie hingegen ist Zucker und er toppt alles. Obwohl er nur ein Nebenakteur ist, gefiel mir seine Figur und vor allem seine Geschichte wahnsinnig gut. Es wäre großartig, wenn B.G. Thomas auch Bodies Geschichte erzählen würde. Ebenso sympathisch und liebenswürdig empfand ich Guy, der sich vom ersten Augenblick an in Austin verliebt hat. Und Guys Verhalten war für mich auch nachvollziehbar und verständlich. Wer will schon die zweite Wahl sein? Seine Reaktionen waren für Austin vielleicht schmerzlich, doch Guy hat auch für sich einen Sicherheitsgrenze gezogen.
Durch Bodie lernt Austin aber auch Guy kennen, der im gleichen Wohnkomplex lebt. Guy ist gutaussehend, charmant und Theaterregisseur an einem kleinen, aber feinen Theater. Er bringt Austin mit seinen Freunden, Schauspielern und Leuten vom Theater zusammen. Für das Landei tut sich eine völlig neue und exotische Welt auf, deren Spielregeln er erst begreifen muss. Doch neben all den neuen Eindrücken muss er sich auch Guy und den ambivalenten Gefühlen ihm gegenüber stellen. Guy scheint interessiert, doch Austin liebt noch immer Todd. Oder doch nicht? Und wo ist Todd?
Die Suche nach Todd und Austins Gefühle für seinen Jugendfreund sind zu Beginn das zentrale Thema der Geschichte. Doch im Laufe der Zeit lernt Austin Guy immer besser kennen und beginnt seine eigenen Gefühle immer mehr zu hinterfragen. Er versucht zu ergründen was ihn zu Guy hinzieht und was ihn eigentlich mit Todd verbindet. Obwohl Kansas City bestimmt nicht die weltoffenste Stadt ist, so ist Austin von all den Möglichkeiten und Chancen überwältigt. An die Offenheit, die sein Onkel, Guy und dessen Freunde an den Tag legen, muss Austin erst klar kommen.
Und hier liegt für mich auch eine gewisse Schwäche der Geschichte. Austin ist nicht unsympathisch, aber furchtbar naiv und grauenvoll hinterwäldlerisch. Es mag schon sein, dass er aus der Provinz kommt, wo man noch nach anderen Regeln lebt. Aber in Zeiten des Internets erwarte ich mir von einem halbwegs intelligenten Menschen, dass er seine Neugierde in den neuen Medien befriedigt. Austin ist jedoch wirklich ziemlich unbedarft und so kommt es immer wieder zu seltsamen, manchmal auch aberwitzigen Situationen.
Sein Onkel Bodie hingegen ist Zucker und er toppt alles. Obwohl er nur ein Nebenakteur ist, gefiel mir seine Figur und vor allem seine Geschichte wahnsinnig gut. Es wäre großartig, wenn B.G. Thomas auch Bodies Geschichte erzählen würde. Ebenso sympathisch und liebenswürdig empfand ich Guy, der sich vom ersten Augenblick an in Austin verliebt hat. Und Guys Verhalten war für mich auch nachvollziehbar und verständlich. Wer will schon die zweite Wahl sein? Seine Reaktionen waren für Austin vielleicht schmerzlich, doch Guy hat auch für sich einen Sicherheitsgrenze gezogen.
July 2, 2015
Austin and Todd were friends, Austin fell in love and hit on Todd, Todd freaked and ran. Now Austin is tracking Todd down and hoping that they both can live the life they should, out and proud.
What Austin finds is his Uncle Bodie and Guy. Together, all three men explore what it is to be true to yourself and your passion.
There is a lot of subtext and learning through the work Guy does in the theatre and this takes up a lot of page time.
The romance between Guy and Austin is filled with growth and learning the difference between true love and fantasy.
**
I did not read the first book in this series, though I’m told it works as a stand-alone and I think that’s accurate. I also LISTENED to this so that shaped my feelings as well.
On the one hand I ADORE Charlie David and when he gets to use his southern twang it is always a good narration! On the other hand, this is a very slow burn, character based, more coming of age book than a fast moving contemporary romance.
For me, it’s just not my favorite thing. I appreciated the growth of all the characters and the way the author used the theatre to demonstrate this growth, but I like my romances to be the central theme and at times the other characters and their stories took center stage.
I’d give the narration a 5 of 5 and the story a 2 of 5, so overall a 3 of 5 because it is an entertaining, nicely written story about men finding themselves and Charlie David does an excellent job brining life to the story with his narration.
What Austin finds is his Uncle Bodie and Guy. Together, all three men explore what it is to be true to yourself and your passion.
There is a lot of subtext and learning through the work Guy does in the theatre and this takes up a lot of page time.
The romance between Guy and Austin is filled with growth and learning the difference between true love and fantasy.
**
I did not read the first book in this series, though I’m told it works as a stand-alone and I think that’s accurate. I also LISTENED to this so that shaped my feelings as well.
On the one hand I ADORE Charlie David and when he gets to use his southern twang it is always a good narration! On the other hand, this is a very slow burn, character based, more coming of age book than a fast moving contemporary romance.
For me, it’s just not my favorite thing. I appreciated the growth of all the characters and the way the author used the theatre to demonstrate this growth, but I like my romances to be the central theme and at times the other characters and their stories took center stage.
I’d give the narration a 5 of 5 and the story a 2 of 5, so overall a 3 of 5 because it is an entertaining, nicely written story about men finding themselves and Charlie David does an excellent job brining life to the story with his narration.
September 12, 2013
4.5/5.0
When I asked to read and review Anything Could Happen, I did not realize it was a spin off of "The Boy Who Came In From the Cold“. Although I had questions about a couple of the characters, it was nothing that took away from the enjoyment of this book.
Anything Could Happen almost feels like a coming of age story for the three main characters. We are living Austin’s experience as it happens, but also getting glimpses of Uncle Bodie’s and Guy’s experiences from their youth. It is beautiful to watch Austin discover a life he has only imagined. Coming from a small town, he felt like he was the only gay man in the world. Austin is amazed and comments several times in the book saying this is real, I am gay and I am not alone. I adored Uncle Bodie. I was as shocked as Austin when I first met him in the book. He was so outspoken and Austin so unsure of himself. I think I grew to love him right along with Austin. Then there is Guy. He is one of those characters I wanted to hug and say, it’s ok. He comes across as confident but has this vulnerability about him. His life experiences have not been as positive as Austin or Bodie’s. He uses his love for theater to express himself and to work through those things that haunt him from his past.
To read the full review, please go to:
http://liveyourlifebuythebook.wordpre...
When I asked to read and review Anything Could Happen, I did not realize it was a spin off of "The Boy Who Came In From the Cold“. Although I had questions about a couple of the characters, it was nothing that took away from the enjoyment of this book.
Anything Could Happen almost feels like a coming of age story for the three main characters. We are living Austin’s experience as it happens, but also getting glimpses of Uncle Bodie’s and Guy’s experiences from their youth. It is beautiful to watch Austin discover a life he has only imagined. Coming from a small town, he felt like he was the only gay man in the world. Austin is amazed and comments several times in the book saying this is real, I am gay and I am not alone. I adored Uncle Bodie. I was as shocked as Austin when I first met him in the book. He was so outspoken and Austin so unsure of himself. I think I grew to love him right along with Austin. Then there is Guy. He is one of those characters I wanted to hug and say, it’s ok. He comes across as confident but has this vulnerability about him. His life experiences have not been as positive as Austin or Bodie’s. He uses his love for theater to express himself and to work through those things that haunt him from his past.
To read the full review, please go to:
http://liveyourlifebuythebook.wordpre...
April 25, 2016
2.5 stars.
I didn’t know this book was a book 2. This is precisely why I avoid reading out of order because I felt like I was missing a lot of information.
In this book, Austin moved to Kansas City to reconnect with his best friend and adolescent Crush Todd. He moves in with his flamboyantly gay uncle Bodie (my favorite character in this book). The relationship between Austin and his uncle paved the way for Austin to have a sense of peace as a gay young man.
Austin enlists the aid of his Uncle Brodie’s neighbor Guy, to help him find Todd so Austin can win Todd’s love. The only problem is that Guy has a crush on Austin, so it’s not just an acting job for Guy. So we have a strange little love triangle with everyone wanting the one out of reach.
My main issue with this audiobook was the narrator didn't engage me and the story was slow. I never connected with the characters and I just couldn't figure out how Austin blew up his non-relationship with Todd so much that he almost missed out on love with Guy. Either way, it was too slow for my enjoyment.
*Special Thanks to Dreamspinner Press for the audiobook given in exchange for an honest review.
I didn’t know this book was a book 2. This is precisely why I avoid reading out of order because I felt like I was missing a lot of information.
In this book, Austin moved to Kansas City to reconnect with his best friend and adolescent Crush Todd. He moves in with his flamboyantly gay uncle Bodie (my favorite character in this book). The relationship between Austin and his uncle paved the way for Austin to have a sense of peace as a gay young man.
Austin enlists the aid of his Uncle Brodie’s neighbor Guy, to help him find Todd so Austin can win Todd’s love. The only problem is that Guy has a crush on Austin, so it’s not just an acting job for Guy. So we have a strange little love triangle with everyone wanting the one out of reach.
My main issue with this audiobook was the narrator didn't engage me and the story was slow. I never connected with the characters and I just couldn't figure out how Austin blew up his non-relationship with Todd so much that he almost missed out on love with Guy. Either way, it was too slow for my enjoyment.
*Special Thanks to Dreamspinner Press for the audiobook given in exchange for an honest review.
January 1, 2017
This is a novel of the journey of Austin Shelbourrne as a young gay man. He comes to Kansas City on the mission of finding his childhood friend and first love Todd and reside with his uncle Brodie and discovers much more. Uncle Brodie and 80 year old gay man gives him sage advice and becomes a friend and confidant. He also meets young playwright Guy, who becomes a friend and teaches him to open his heart and eyes to love. A nice read.***just a wonderful story to read again on a rainy and cold winter's day.12/31/16.
November 26, 2013
Pleasant enough book about the friend of the MC of The Boy Who Came In From the Cold coming to the big city to find that friend and make up for the events of the past. He meets an actor/director/playwright and they find love.
I have to admit I liked the companion book better but this was good on it's own. And the last chapter ties everything up nicely.
I have to admit I liked the companion book better but this was good on it's own. And the last chapter ties everything up nicely.
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July 9, 2016 Overall book rating: NO rating
Audio book: Narrator - Charlie David 4 Stars
Book Cover: 2 Stars
MC1: Austin Shelbourne
MC2: Guy Compbell
DNF 50%
I just couldn't go on.... Austin's so blind and it irritated the hell out of me. Poor Guy is so in love with him and he chooses to look over it because he thinks he's in love with a guy he fooled around with....
This just didn't work for me.
Audio book: Narrator - Charlie David 4 Stars
Book Cover: 2 Stars
MC1: Austin Shelbourne
MC2: Guy Compbell
DNF 50%
I just couldn't go on.... Austin's so blind and it irritated the hell out of me. Poor Guy is so in love with him and he chooses to look over it because he thinks he's in love with a guy he fooled around with....
This just didn't work for me.
September 19, 2013
Such a beautiful story! I fell in love with Guy from the beginning - he's just perfect! *swoon* I enjoyed the secondary characters as well- they added so much depth to the story. A sweet, romantic read. <3
September 10, 2013
Beautiful
I thought I would like the first book in the series better since I really really liked it but the extras in this book made it so much better, it left me crying and smiling all at once.
I thought I would like the first book in the series better since I really really liked it but the extras in this book made it so much better, it left me crying and smiling all at once.
September 28, 2013
Brilliant book. 4.5 stars
... more
... more
February 21, 2016
Perfection.
January 2, 2015
This was a very, very good book. I love it...
May 2, 2018
As it happens for the most part of book series, I loved this second one much more than the first one. So good.
Same thought as the previous reading: wonderful book
Same thought as the previous reading: wonderful book
September 13, 2021
As I suggested for Boy, read All Alone in a Sea of Romance first. Trust me, when you get to the Male Box episode, you've got a whack load of background that makes the whole so much more enjoyable. And, Peter—he may own the Oscar Wilde but he's sooooo Noel Coward—returns in this story. Hooray!
So, we have Austin (whom Todd from the previous book lusted over, but then felt so betrayed by Austin, he fled to Kansas City) who has accepted his homosexuality and is now in KC looking for Todd so that he can apologise and declare his love, hoping that Todd will reciprocate. Throw in an openly gay uncle (and his beloved wee dog) that he gets to live with—and for Austin, being "small town" and completely new to the gay scene, it's like being handed the book "Swishing: Nothing to Be Frightened by"—plus Guy, a fairly manly gay man who lives in the same building, and who as director at a local community theatre introduces him to a range of gay men, and Austin gains a positive perspective on what "being gay" means. Right in time for him to come of legal age, of all things!
Basically, Austin struggles as he and Guy grow closer because he feels he owes Todd his love and he and Todd would be lovers "if only..." Guy is supportive of Austin's quest and tries repeatedly to find Todd. Frustratingly, Peter is in and out of the story yet Todd never comes up in a conversation (Wait! You have read the previous book, right?) AND Guy does repair work for Peter's properties, including things at the Oscar Wilde, yet Todd never pings on the radar.
Unlike Todd, Austin only has positive gay experiences, with the exception of reading Guy's new play. Yet even that and Guy's opening up to him about his own life do not destroy his "being gay is ok" education. So, be ready for a lot of his wide-eyed wondering of what he sees "is OK."
And, yes, tears flowed near the end. Kinda-sorta expected the development but despite this, when it happened, I bawled. Can't help it when characters are so attaching.
So, we have Austin (whom Todd from the previous book lusted over, but then felt so betrayed by Austin, he fled to Kansas City) who has accepted his homosexuality and is now in KC looking for Todd so that he can apologise and declare his love, hoping that Todd will reciprocate. Throw in an openly gay uncle (and his beloved wee dog) that he gets to live with—and for Austin, being "small town" and completely new to the gay scene, it's like being handed the book "Swishing: Nothing to Be Frightened by"—plus Guy, a fairly manly gay man who lives in the same building, and who as director at a local community theatre introduces him to a range of gay men, and Austin gains a positive perspective on what "being gay" means. Right in time for him to come of legal age, of all things!
Basically, Austin struggles as he and Guy grow closer because he feels he owes Todd his love and he and Todd would be lovers "if only..." Guy is supportive of Austin's quest and tries repeatedly to find Todd. Frustratingly, Peter is in and out of the story yet Todd never comes up in a conversation (Wait! You have read the previous book, right?) AND Guy does repair work for Peter's properties, including things at the Oscar Wilde, yet Todd never pings on the radar.
Unlike Todd, Austin only has positive gay experiences, with the exception of reading Guy's new play. Yet even that and Guy's opening up to him about his own life do not destroy his "being gay is ok" education. So, be ready for a lot of his wide-eyed wondering of what he sees "is OK."
And, yes, tears flowed near the end. Kinda-sorta expected the development but despite this, when it happened, I bawled. Can't help it when characters are so attaching.
September 12, 2017
Discovering yourself and the wonders of a new life in a new city can be daunting, but with the right people it can be amassing. Austin has been raised by his grandparents in a small town outside of Kansas City. A brief sexual encounter with his best friend leaves him convinced that he's in love, but Todd runs out of the house and soon out of town. Austin is determined to find Todd. He moves in with his great uncle in Kansas City and is introduced to a whole new world. Uncle Bodie is gay, he has neighbours who are gay, neighbours who are attracted to Austin. As Austin settles into this new world he soon finds there are so many possibilities for love, for work, for being true to himself. Will he find Todd? Will he find his voice in acting at the Pegasus Theatre with playwright, Guy? Will he admit that he's fallen for Guy, no matter what happens with his search for Todd? A very engaging read that will keep you turning the pages from beginning to end.
April 4, 2018
2nd book in the The Boy Who Cane in From the Cold series. This is a sweet love story - feel good all the way through.
You don't have to read the first one but Todd, the MC from the first book, is Austin's best friend and plays a big part in his life so he is mentioned alot (although Todd doesn't show up in the book until a brief appearance at the end).
You don't have to read the first one but Todd, the MC from the first book, is Austin's best friend and plays a big part in his life so he is mentioned alot (although Todd doesn't show up in the book until a brief appearance at the end).
September 4, 2020
auch dieser Abschluss der Trilogie ist eine wunderschoene, gefuehlvolle und romantische Geschichte,
der Schreibstil ist super, sie ist locker und auch humorvoll geschrieben,
alle Charaktere sind hervorragend beschrieben,
es hat Spass gemacht, diese Geschichte zu lesen
der Schreibstil ist super, sie ist locker und auch humorvoll geschrieben,
alle Charaktere sind hervorragend beschrieben,
es hat Spass gemacht, diese Geschichte zu lesen
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