Under The Big Sky: What Heaven Hath Joined Together . . . Let No Man Cut Asunder.

Under the Big Sky #1

by S. Bryan Gonzales

Somewhere on the edge of a long-forgotten land called the Great Open, two fiercely strong-willed, all-American high school boys come together—forging a relationship hotter than the blazing Eastern Montana summer sun. Cash McCollum, a short-tempered, fifth generation rodeo cowboy, finds his simple, black-n’-white world bulldozed over by rich, handsome Travis Hunter, star jock of the football team. And what begins as a secret liaison between them, eventually stirs up into an impish, and sometimes humorous, whirlwind of gossip—awakening the small, sleepy town of Miles City. “…you ‘n Travis seem to be slidin’ into a real comfy corner.” A corner that Cash’s older brother, Clayton is not okay with. As time passes, and the friendship deepens, it’s their extreme popularity that continues to attract a whole lot of unwanted attention—thrusting them from the closet into the middle of local limelight. From the beginning, the stakes are high with each risking a lot. Cash cannot lose sight of the rodeo crown title, All-Around Cowboy, at his fingertips; and Travis is dead-set on taking the football team to state championship—gaining the trophy of Most Valuable Player for himself as well. Compounding this star-studded drama, these two boys also discover their worlds are COMPLETELY different—with nothing to bind them together but an unbridled attraction and a fierce determination to make the relationship work. “We’re comin’ from two different cultures—can’t you see that? Cash forces Travis to smell the roses. “You obviously come from money… I don’t. I never will.” It’s Travis’ persistence, however, that keeps them glued together. “…I can’t live without you, Cash, because it’s you… who makes me a better guy …” Under the Big Sky unveils a world that many overlook, or refuse to acknowledge. It is where the human heart beats as strong as ancient echoes of Indian drums along a mighty and untamed Yellowstone River. Within its pages, you’ll be taken to places never seen before

Genres: M M Romance, Gay

544 pages, Paperback

First published November 15, 2006

About the author

My name is S. Bryan Gonzales, and I am a distance/alternative education administrator in a small, rural Indiana community of 2,500. I have just completed the novel, Under the Big Sky, where two All-American boys come together in a steamy, tempestuous relationship—shaking the dusty rafters of a small Eastern Montana community.

First off, I would like to mention that in spite of the current high profile of Brokeback Mountain and Flight 93, my book was created prior to their popularity. Under the Big Sky stands alone with its own reflection and message.

In 2006, Steven completed the first novel of the Cash and Travis series named Under the Big Sky. Steven Bryan Gonzales assisted Diane in writing Where Free Men Pray.
Born and raised in Montana, he grew up with a strong sense of commitment. Just as he's determined to do his best in working and studying, he strives to give 100% toward the relationships in his life. He believes we should be open to all possibilites within the realm of human experience. Steven's mission, with this series, is to tell the reader the worth of people. Bar-none, we need each other-through thick and thin. In a day and age where people are treated as a cheap commodity, it's his desire to challenge that attitude and encourage us to respect each other and never take them for granted.

Reviews

[Sidney · Rating 1 out of 5]

Have to admit I'm totally puzzled and disturbed by this one. The author describes the novel in terms of warm fuzzy sentiments such as the importance of family and friendship. What we get here is a one of the most unlikeable MC's I've come across in this genre - cheating teen cowboy Cash. Very disturbing that one minute he's declaring undying love for his bf Travis, all the while sexually and emotionally obsessed with rival rodeo cowboy Lee. These characters certainly have a weird take on what love means: at one point Cash sees Travis deeply depressed (mainly because he's cheating on him), and what goes through his head at seeing the love of his life do down in the dumps? How far the mighty have fallen. With a lover like that who needs homophobic bullies?

If anyone knows how to contact this author, I'd really know what exactly was going through his head when writing his characters, and did he have any idea how despicable they turn out to be.

[Stephen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gotta admit that this story was better than the writing. That said, it was easy to read and engaging and covered topics that I've not seen handled as well in fiction. Cash and Travis and even Lee were engaging characters and I was soon hooked by the story.

The story unfolds well and is consistently intresting but there were some minor edit & grammatical errors and some awkward contructions that seem to suggest that another edit might have been in order.

These are not run of the mill characters and while I liked them, I ocassionally couldn't understand their actions and/or their motivations. The previously mentioned edit issues sometimes made this more difficult.

Overall, a great first effort and well worth the read. I understand that there is a sequal. I'll be looking for it.

[Josh Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just wanted to say that I am reading the
second book, Where Free Men Pray, in the four book series (can't
wait for the rest) and I am loving it just
as much as the first. Not really a
criticism, but I'm getting very frustrated
with Cash and his attitude. I think if I
were Travis I'd punch him! Just kidding. I love these books. I am a huge fan
of M/M fiction and after reading this one (the first)
I couldn't wait for the second one and to
my surprise I see that there are 2 more coming down the trail…

[George · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Re-read of a two book series, first read was 2006, 12 years ago? Not a feel good book by any means but a lot of emotions. I’m feeling bad because I can’t find many new books with this amount of angst.