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Gay All Year: Twelve Stories
In Gay All Twelve Stories by Richard May, there’s a story for every month. Each story features a holiday or event that happens that month. In all of them, two men meet, connect, and begin sorting out a potential relationship.For instance, in January, a jogging priest and a dogwalker run into each other in San Francisco and have their own Epiphanies. For June, a soldier in Oklahoma looking for a daddy tries out several men on his way to find one for Fathers Day. At the end of the year, a young man in New York receives eight unusual—and kinky—Hanukkah gifts.Read a story a month or all twelve together. In Gay All Year, all kinds of men in wildly different situations connect over holidays you know and probably some you don’t. Celebrate along with all of them!With Gay All Year Richard May has proven himself to be a master of the MM romance short story. The book is a delicious box of twelve unique treats, each filled with characters that you can’t help but fall for, and stories that will remind you that love can find us when, and where, we least expect it.—Peter E. Fenton (The Declan Hunt Mysteries)Richard May’s stories in Gay All Year take you places—geographically, intellectually, and emotionally--and the characters speak to the reader the way one might to a close friend. Thestories resonate long after you turn the page.”—Anna Mantzaris, author of OccupationsRichard May’s Gay All Year exceeds what its title promises. The first story, “Epiphany,” in itself is worth the price of entry. The author’s ease in describing and navigating complicated situations is remarkable and would be the envy of any good raconteur!”—Andrew Chen, author of Along Aliens The I-Jing of a Life
283 pages, Paperback
Published March 30, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
March 28, 2024
Wow! I loved the concept of this short story collection so much. I've never read a book that has a new story for each month of the year. Having different stories, made it a quick and easy read. The stories cover varying topics and different kinds of queer relationships. I liked that I was introduced to so many different types of characters. I will say that my only hiccup with this book is the religion. I have a lot of religious trauma, so sometimes it's difficult to read some of the religious topics like in this short story collection. Other than that, I thought that this was a great read.
This book is being re-released on March 30, 2024, so make sure you pick up a copy!
Thank you to the author for sending me an ARC of their book!!
This book is being re-released on March 30, 2024, so make sure you pick up a copy!
Thank you to the author for sending me an ARC of their book!!
June 10, 2024
This is a five-star all-year-round review. I loved Richard May’s accomplished abilities to bring each story alive. I was feasted to a full sensory experience on every page. The author can transport his reader into his character's world story with his immersive literary skill. These beautifully engaging stories gave me everything I needed for every month of the year. I can't wait to see what this amazing author does next. I don’t have a favourite; it would be like being asked to pick a favourite child. These expertly crafted and beautifully written stories gave me everything I needed for every month of the year. Thank you so much. Reviewed by Max Austin, author of ‘How Can We Be Wrong?’
I have included my synopsis of each wonderful short story below. Love will always find its way….
January -Epiphany.
Stephen Kinney decides to come back home and care for his dying mother. He honours her last wish by reluctantly engaging with Catholicism all over again. He has understandably struggled with the church for many years. For no child should suffer hushed abuse at the hands of Father Michael.
But every cloud has a silver lining. And his rainbow comes in the form of a new handsome priest, Father Adrain Doyle. In true ‘Thorn bird’ fever, both men fight against their attraction for each other until they realise that love overcomes all.
February- Finding good in plenty.
Grief can gut you like a fish. All Paul Dantly wanted to do was to honour his partner's dying wishes. But the well-to-do Carlson family had other ideas. Their son would be buried in the family plot and that was that. It didn’t matter if Jack wanted to be cremated and scattered; tradition is tradition. Who did that Paul Dantly think he was anyway? Being together for fourteen years meant nothing to the Carlson family.
Paul is grieving, cast aside and forced to visit his partner's grave each month when the Carlson family aren’t around.
Wrapped with the heady mix of grief and guilt, he notices Jordan Powers, a good good-looking man who is visiting his grandfather's grave. Fate intervenes as they meet regularly at the cemetery. They strike up a conversation. The commonality of grief is as good as anything other foundation to form a friendship. But will this be something more in the future?
March - One plus one
It’s not AJ’s fault that he has no attraction to the boring man sitting opposite him. That’s just how the cookie crumbles sometimes on these dates. It is no wonder that his eyes wander over to Ganak, a handsome young man, sitting at the next table. Before they know what they’re doing, they arrange to meet outside for a drink. Ganak explains he has been obligated into an arranged marriage in a few months.
But sometimes life happens when we are planning The two men get on so well and form a close relationship. With the arranged marriage looming, Ganak is torn between his love for AJ and the responsibility to honour his family’s wishes. Reluctantly, family tradition wins and Ganak leaves his lover.
And in steps Padiril; the flirty friend of Ganak who offers AJ more than just a shoulder to cry upon. But the next day, Ganak returns to announce that he has come to his senses and chosen AJ. And more to boot, he's also told his family and the woman he was supposed to marry.
married! Will AJ come clean?
April - Ripe fruit
Age is just a number, right? Doug went to the garden centre looking for plants and trees and certainly not a younger hunk of a man. But Alejandro was very helpful and even offered to come over and help Doug plant his purchased trees. During the day, chemistry develops between them. Doug can’t help himself. He throws caution to the wind and kisses his helpful gardener. Well, the man is twenty after all, or so he says. So why does Alejandro leave so suddenly after this?
The next day father to Alejandro's father phoned to warn Doug away from his eighteen-year-old son. And of course, Doug agrees to this.
However, a few days later Alejandro’s father phones again. This time, he invites Doug for tea, explaining that his son is unhappy. Sensing this this is a bad move, Doug reluctantly declines the invitation.
It is no wonder he finds it difficult to stay strong when his handsome gardener turns up at this house, out of the blue. But will Doug be able to stay strong and resist Alejandro this time?
May - Someone I didn’t know
It’s amazing what you find when you’re not looking for it; especially at the museum. The last time Dave saw Bruce was during high school. Bruce was bullied by the other boys just because he was gay. But Dave wouldn’t get involved in all of that. God knows what the bullies would do if they found out that he was gay too.
During this chance meeting at the museum. the men agreed to catch up over a meal. Over the table, Dave felt compelled to apologise for turning a blind eye to the high school bullying.
They soon realised that they were meant for each other. Bruce was a gym bunny and could get into the most expensive venues. Money was no object. But Dave wondered how he afforded such luxury.
It wasn’t until the couple were in Paris that Bruce revealed that he was making his living as a prostitute. How was Dave to judge anyway? He admitted people didn’t exactly like him working as an attorney either. This was far less of an honourable profession!
June - The Man in the photo.
It’s amazing what a military uniform can hide. After his promotion to captain, Jim got stationed at a new post. And nobody needed to know that he was having an on/ off relationship with Pete. He’d secretly meet up with this older man whenever he could.
But what was it about Colonel Markham? Was the colonel giving him mixed signals or was it that he reminded Jim of his father? It was too late, it wasn’t until the colonel had hooked up with him then and left him cold that Jim realised he’d been used.
And now Jim was left realising that he wanted Pete even more than before…
July - That July I learnt to surf.
Why would Jonas, the most popular surfer at college, want to hang around with Jared? Jonas’s parents were loaded but Jared could barely afford to save up for a car. But never the less. the two young men spent every moment they could with each other. When Jonas broke up with his girlfriend, Jared still hid his man crush. Well, that was of course, until they went on a camping trip together. It’s amazing what can happen under canvas when no one is watching.
August-Kachina Dancer
Davey and Joao are rough and ready rodeo riders. Whilst Davey is content with small circuit town circuits. Joao works the big rodeos.
The men agree to meet two weeks later. In the meantime, Davey decides to go to a small-town festival. A motel receptionist intrigues him with the story of the magical ‘kachina dancer’. The kachina dancer mesmerises Davey and puts him into a trance while conjuring rain.
Davey is seduced by this dancer and the rain falls. The next day, Davey is unsure if it was a dream or seduced.
Joao's voice breaks the spell when he calls Davey. His friend offers to take Davey to Brazil to release the mythical grip that the dancer has over him. Davey speeds out of this small town at a rate of knots, vowing never to return.
September- garden party
Henry Williams has had a crush on his work friend Bill Barnes for more years than he could remember. Henry couldn't believe his luck when Bill invited him to a Labour Day Celebration at a Mississippi Plantation house. Henry assumed that the home belonged to Bil. But this stately presence was owned by Jamie Battle. Jamie Batton is Bill's cousin. The party was such a wonderful celebration, set against the backdrop of beautiful rose gardens.
During the day, Henry lusts after Bill. But Bill is adamant that he’s not gay, so that is that. This rejection led Henry to develop a love interest in Jamie.
On one particular night, Bill got drunk and tried to sleep with Henry. Jamie walked in on the scene, putting two and two together and making five. But Henry assured him nothing had happened between him and Bill.
Henry and Jamie form a relationship and grow extremely close. When Bill sees their closeness he becomes jealous and confesses that he remembers the evening he tried to get into Henry’s bed. However, it is too little and too late; Henry has eyes only for his beautiful Jamie.
October- Disaster Day
Frank is a Native American. He meets Randy; a white man works in town as a highway patrol man.
Frank wants nothing more than one-night stands, especially with white men. That is all these white men are fit; especially after what they have done to the Native American community.
However Randy has other ideas. He doesn’t give up trying to form a relationship with Frank even when he is being brushed off.
But sometimes in life, you get what you need and not what you think you need, Love can overcome cultural differences. The beauty is found in the connection and acceptance of each other.
November- Home on leave
Gay serviceman, Nicky is home on leave for Thanksgiving. He’s happy watching the game with his Dad content whilst his mum and sister prepare tea.
His younger brother Vince turns up from the Police academy with his friend Chris. Chris has also graduated from the academy.
Whilst Nicky guesses that Chris is gay, he’s not sure if his younger brother is too. Chris shares an apartment with his younger brother and he also seems to spend many evenings with their parents. Later we learn that Vince is not gay; the men are purely great friends. Only his sister knows that Nicky is gay.
An attraction between Nicky and Chris simmers away until it reaches boiling point. The two men secretly sleep together. In the cold light of day, Nicky is worried. Was their heated encounter heard by his brother?
No one in the house is saying anything, even if they have guessed. On their last day, Chris volunteers to drive Nicky to the airport. Before leaving, Chris asks Nicky to call him when he arrives safely at his destination.
But as Nicky walks through the terminal door his phone rings unexpectedly. Who is this and what can this mean now..?
December - Eight nights
Steven arrives at work to find an unexpected present and a card on his desk. The handwritten card says ’Happy Hanukkah’. Each day a different gift mysteriously appears on his desk.
Meanwhile each day he meets and confides in his friend Scott. On the last day, Steven receives a card with an address written on it. Curiosity kills the cat and he goes to the address to find his mystery man holding another gift…
xxx
Go on and order now, you won't be disappointed
I have included my synopsis of each wonderful short story below. Love will always find its way….
January -Epiphany.
Stephen Kinney decides to come back home and care for his dying mother. He honours her last wish by reluctantly engaging with Catholicism all over again. He has understandably struggled with the church for many years. For no child should suffer hushed abuse at the hands of Father Michael.
But every cloud has a silver lining. And his rainbow comes in the form of a new handsome priest, Father Adrain Doyle. In true ‘Thorn bird’ fever, both men fight against their attraction for each other until they realise that love overcomes all.
February- Finding good in plenty.
Grief can gut you like a fish. All Paul Dantly wanted to do was to honour his partner's dying wishes. But the well-to-do Carlson family had other ideas. Their son would be buried in the family plot and that was that. It didn’t matter if Jack wanted to be cremated and scattered; tradition is tradition. Who did that Paul Dantly think he was anyway? Being together for fourteen years meant nothing to the Carlson family.
Paul is grieving, cast aside and forced to visit his partner's grave each month when the Carlson family aren’t around.
Wrapped with the heady mix of grief and guilt, he notices Jordan Powers, a good good-looking man who is visiting his grandfather's grave. Fate intervenes as they meet regularly at the cemetery. They strike up a conversation. The commonality of grief is as good as anything other foundation to form a friendship. But will this be something more in the future?
March - One plus one
It’s not AJ’s fault that he has no attraction to the boring man sitting opposite him. That’s just how the cookie crumbles sometimes on these dates. It is no wonder that his eyes wander over to Ganak, a handsome young man, sitting at the next table. Before they know what they’re doing, they arrange to meet outside for a drink. Ganak explains he has been obligated into an arranged marriage in a few months.
But sometimes life happens when we are planning The two men get on so well and form a close relationship. With the arranged marriage looming, Ganak is torn between his love for AJ and the responsibility to honour his family’s wishes. Reluctantly, family tradition wins and Ganak leaves his lover.
And in steps Padiril; the flirty friend of Ganak who offers AJ more than just a shoulder to cry upon. But the next day, Ganak returns to announce that he has come to his senses and chosen AJ. And more to boot, he's also told his family and the woman he was supposed to marry.
married! Will AJ come clean?
April - Ripe fruit
Age is just a number, right? Doug went to the garden centre looking for plants and trees and certainly not a younger hunk of a man. But Alejandro was very helpful and even offered to come over and help Doug plant his purchased trees. During the day, chemistry develops between them. Doug can’t help himself. He throws caution to the wind and kisses his helpful gardener. Well, the man is twenty after all, or so he says. So why does Alejandro leave so suddenly after this?
The next day father to Alejandro's father phoned to warn Doug away from his eighteen-year-old son. And of course, Doug agrees to this.
However, a few days later Alejandro’s father phones again. This time, he invites Doug for tea, explaining that his son is unhappy. Sensing this this is a bad move, Doug reluctantly declines the invitation.
It is no wonder he finds it difficult to stay strong when his handsome gardener turns up at this house, out of the blue. But will Doug be able to stay strong and resist Alejandro this time?
May - Someone I didn’t know
It’s amazing what you find when you’re not looking for it; especially at the museum. The last time Dave saw Bruce was during high school. Bruce was bullied by the other boys just because he was gay. But Dave wouldn’t get involved in all of that. God knows what the bullies would do if they found out that he was gay too.
During this chance meeting at the museum. the men agreed to catch up over a meal. Over the table, Dave felt compelled to apologise for turning a blind eye to the high school bullying.
They soon realised that they were meant for each other. Bruce was a gym bunny and could get into the most expensive venues. Money was no object. But Dave wondered how he afforded such luxury.
It wasn’t until the couple were in Paris that Bruce revealed that he was making his living as a prostitute. How was Dave to judge anyway? He admitted people didn’t exactly like him working as an attorney either. This was far less of an honourable profession!
June - The Man in the photo.
It’s amazing what a military uniform can hide. After his promotion to captain, Jim got stationed at a new post. And nobody needed to know that he was having an on/ off relationship with Pete. He’d secretly meet up with this older man whenever he could.
But what was it about Colonel Markham? Was the colonel giving him mixed signals or was it that he reminded Jim of his father? It was too late, it wasn’t until the colonel had hooked up with him then and left him cold that Jim realised he’d been used.
And now Jim was left realising that he wanted Pete even more than before…
July - That July I learnt to surf.
Why would Jonas, the most popular surfer at college, want to hang around with Jared? Jonas’s parents were loaded but Jared could barely afford to save up for a car. But never the less. the two young men spent every moment they could with each other. When Jonas broke up with his girlfriend, Jared still hid his man crush. Well, that was of course, until they went on a camping trip together. It’s amazing what can happen under canvas when no one is watching.
August-Kachina Dancer
Davey and Joao are rough and ready rodeo riders. Whilst Davey is content with small circuit town circuits. Joao works the big rodeos.
The men agree to meet two weeks later. In the meantime, Davey decides to go to a small-town festival. A motel receptionist intrigues him with the story of the magical ‘kachina dancer’. The kachina dancer mesmerises Davey and puts him into a trance while conjuring rain.
Davey is seduced by this dancer and the rain falls. The next day, Davey is unsure if it was a dream or seduced.
Joao's voice breaks the spell when he calls Davey. His friend offers to take Davey to Brazil to release the mythical grip that the dancer has over him. Davey speeds out of this small town at a rate of knots, vowing never to return.
September- garden party
Henry Williams has had a crush on his work friend Bill Barnes for more years than he could remember. Henry couldn't believe his luck when Bill invited him to a Labour Day Celebration at a Mississippi Plantation house. Henry assumed that the home belonged to Bil. But this stately presence was owned by Jamie Battle. Jamie Batton is Bill's cousin. The party was such a wonderful celebration, set against the backdrop of beautiful rose gardens.
During the day, Henry lusts after Bill. But Bill is adamant that he’s not gay, so that is that. This rejection led Henry to develop a love interest in Jamie.
On one particular night, Bill got drunk and tried to sleep with Henry. Jamie walked in on the scene, putting two and two together and making five. But Henry assured him nothing had happened between him and Bill.
Henry and Jamie form a relationship and grow extremely close. When Bill sees their closeness he becomes jealous and confesses that he remembers the evening he tried to get into Henry’s bed. However, it is too little and too late; Henry has eyes only for his beautiful Jamie.
October- Disaster Day
Frank is a Native American. He meets Randy; a white man works in town as a highway patrol man.
Frank wants nothing more than one-night stands, especially with white men. That is all these white men are fit; especially after what they have done to the Native American community.
However Randy has other ideas. He doesn’t give up trying to form a relationship with Frank even when he is being brushed off.
But sometimes in life, you get what you need and not what you think you need, Love can overcome cultural differences. The beauty is found in the connection and acceptance of each other.
November- Home on leave
Gay serviceman, Nicky is home on leave for Thanksgiving. He’s happy watching the game with his Dad content whilst his mum and sister prepare tea.
His younger brother Vince turns up from the Police academy with his friend Chris. Chris has also graduated from the academy.
Whilst Nicky guesses that Chris is gay, he’s not sure if his younger brother is too. Chris shares an apartment with his younger brother and he also seems to spend many evenings with their parents. Later we learn that Vince is not gay; the men are purely great friends. Only his sister knows that Nicky is gay.
An attraction between Nicky and Chris simmers away until it reaches boiling point. The two men secretly sleep together. In the cold light of day, Nicky is worried. Was their heated encounter heard by his brother?
No one in the house is saying anything, even if they have guessed. On their last day, Chris volunteers to drive Nicky to the airport. Before leaving, Chris asks Nicky to call him when he arrives safely at his destination.
But as Nicky walks through the terminal door his phone rings unexpectedly. Who is this and what can this mean now..?
December - Eight nights
Steven arrives at work to find an unexpected present and a card on his desk. The handwritten card says ’Happy Hanukkah’. Each day a different gift mysteriously appears on his desk.
Meanwhile each day he meets and confides in his friend Scott. On the last day, Steven receives a card with an address written on it. Curiosity kills the cat and he goes to the address to find his mystery man holding another gift…
xxx
Go on and order now, you won't be disappointed
April 3, 2024
With Gay All Year, Richard May has proven himself to be a master of the MM romance short story, in this case, twelve of them -- one for each month of the year. It is a delicious box of tasty treats, each filled with characters that you can’t help but fall in love (or at least in lust) with, and stories that will remind you that love can find us when we need it.
Each month’s story is unique, often set around an iconic celebration. They are filled with richly described characters, settings, and issues that unfold in a way that compels you to read on.
Each month’s story is unique, often set around an iconic celebration. They are filled with richly described characters, settings, and issues that unfold in a way that compels you to read on.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews