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Horizons #6
Being with Him
A Horizons Series Novella
Zeb Araneda leaves his privileged but closely supervised life in the Philippines to study architecture at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, where his new roommate is openly gay Luca Dilorio.
Alex Boulet is a successful print model who appears to have it all, but on closer inspection, the ready smile never reaches his mesmerizing green eyes. Tired of living alone, Alex moves in with fellow model Chyna Davidson, Luca’s boyfriend.
Away from his father’s watchful eye, and with Luca’s help, Zeb learns to navigate his new environment, and experiences freedom of choice for the first time. This fresh perspective allows him to step out of his comfort zone and act on his attraction to Alex.
The holiday season has always been difficult for Alex. Sappy commercials tug at his heart, and storefront windows depict idealized scenes that remind him of what he’ll never a loving partner willing to accept his truth. Will this Christmas be another disappointment, or will Santa finally make his wish come true?
Zeb Araneda leaves his privileged but closely supervised life in the Philippines to study architecture at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, where his new roommate is openly gay Luca Dilorio.
Alex Boulet is a successful print model who appears to have it all, but on closer inspection, the ready smile never reaches his mesmerizing green eyes. Tired of living alone, Alex moves in with fellow model Chyna Davidson, Luca’s boyfriend.
Away from his father’s watchful eye, and with Luca’s help, Zeb learns to navigate his new environment, and experiences freedom of choice for the first time. This fresh perspective allows him to step out of his comfort zone and act on his attraction to Alex.
The holiday season has always been difficult for Alex. Sappy commercials tug at his heart, and storefront windows depict idealized scenes that remind him of what he’ll never a loving partner willing to accept his truth. Will this Christmas be another disappointment, or will Santa finally make his wish come true?
- GenresM M Romance
137 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 27, 2017
3 people are currently reading
83 people want to read
About the author
Mickie B. Ashling
51 books346 followersMICKIE B. ASHLING is the pseudonym of a multi-published author who resides in a suburb outside Chicago. She is a product of her upbringing in various cultures, having lived in Japan, the Philippines, Spain, and the Middle East. Fluent in three languages, she’s a citizen of the world and an interesting mixture of East and West.
Since 2009, Mickie has written several dozen novels in the LGBTQ+ genre—which have been translated into French, Italian, Spanish, and German. A lot of her backlist is “Under Construction” as she slowly transitions from traditional publishing to representing herself. Her goal is to have most of her novels back in the universe by the end of 2023.
CONTACT INFO:
Email: mickie.ashling@gmail.com
Website: mickieashling.com
Blog: mickiebashling.blogspot.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/mickie.ashling
Twitter: @MickieAshling
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/micki...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mickieashling/
Since 2009, Mickie has written several dozen novels in the LGBTQ+ genre—which have been translated into French, Italian, Spanish, and German. A lot of her backlist is “Under Construction” as she slowly transitions from traditional publishing to representing herself. Her goal is to have most of her novels back in the universe by the end of 2023.
CONTACT INFO:
Email: mickie.ashling@gmail.com
Website: mickieashling.com
Blog: mickiebashling.blogspot.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/mickie.ashling
Twitter: @MickieAshling
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/micki...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mickieashling/
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
February 8, 2018
I can't believe I've had this book sitting on my holiday read shelf for this long. Another hit to the Horizon series. This is one of those book that once you start it's going to be hard for you to put it down. Mickie's books always have a way of depicting a world we're the reader feels like they are part of what's taking place. I'll have to admit after reading Alex story and the struggle he face everyday as a trans man... has given me a new found meaning and understanding on how these individuals live the their lives every day. This story really made me empathize with the trans community... although LGBTQ have made some great stride and progress over the years. I 'm dumbfounded by the struggle the trans community still have to face in today's society. This story was well written, it flowed very smoothly I just wanted it to go on and on. I was disappointed when the story ended. My only complaint I wish it could've been longer. This is a definite must read. I hope Mickie plans to write a side story of Alex and Zeb on their trip to San Fran...
February 20, 2018
Although Being With Him is the sixth in Mickie B. Ashling’s Horizons series, it could be read as a standalone, in my opinion. This is also listed as a holiday romance but again, it’s subject matter definitely extends beyond the regular Christmas-centric stories that we often read. This story centers on two men, both with rather unique circumstances. First we have Zeb—who comes from a rather rigid Catholic family—who comes from the Philippines to the States to pursue an architecture degree at Ithaca College in New York. For the first time, Zeb is out from under the very watchful eye of his wealthy parents and is exploring both his freedom and his sexuality. Although he has never been with a man before, the sex and relationships he has experienced with women have been lackluster and uninspiring.
His roommate, Luca, introduces him to his boyfriend’s roommate, a fellow model, Alex. Alex is transmale and decidedly gorgeous. The two have an instant chemistry between them, but Alex is wisely reluctant to be Zeb’s first foray into gay sex—particularly since Alex has chosen never to have bottom surgery and wears only a prosthesis, which means being intimate with a man is a very risky and potentially hurtful experience. Being truthful with his dates often opens Alex up for the worst transphobic reactions. However, Zeb wears Alex down with his honesty, and the two begin a long-distance relationship. Despite Zeb’s openness, Alex is wary of falling for the man, and with each intimate encounter, feels the pressure building toward more intimacy in and out of the bedroom.
This novella was an incredibly respectful window into what it means to be transgender and how that plays out in a real relationship. The frank discussions that this author allowed her characters to have about not only the physical changes that go on when a female is transitioning to a male but also about the intense body dysphoria issues many trans folk have to deal with was a real eye opener. I felt that the discussions between Zeb and Alex were not only enlightening but the best way to show how their relationship was progressing in the story. After all, this was a long-distance relationship, and a novella to boot, and therefore, the author really had to use her page time wisely if we were to get any sense of how Zeb and Alex were growing closer over such a short period of time.
The only problem I had with this story was the length. I felt like we just got started with these two guys, and the journey ended. I really wish the author had chosen to make this a longer book so we could get a less intense information dump and more time spent with just the two men navigating their new feelings for each other. Instead, we got the shorthand version of all that, and it left me feeling just a bit cheated, and some of the discussion seemed forced and premature for where the two were in terms of trusting and knowing each other well enough to divulge such intimate details.
I hope the author chooses to write more about Zeb and Alex. They are both incredibly sweet characters who have their fair share of challenges to overcome on their way to a happy-ever-after.
Reviewed by Sammy for The Novel Approach
His roommate, Luca, introduces him to his boyfriend’s roommate, a fellow model, Alex. Alex is transmale and decidedly gorgeous. The two have an instant chemistry between them, but Alex is wisely reluctant to be Zeb’s first foray into gay sex—particularly since Alex has chosen never to have bottom surgery and wears only a prosthesis, which means being intimate with a man is a very risky and potentially hurtful experience. Being truthful with his dates often opens Alex up for the worst transphobic reactions. However, Zeb wears Alex down with his honesty, and the two begin a long-distance relationship. Despite Zeb’s openness, Alex is wary of falling for the man, and with each intimate encounter, feels the pressure building toward more intimacy in and out of the bedroom.
This novella was an incredibly respectful window into what it means to be transgender and how that plays out in a real relationship. The frank discussions that this author allowed her characters to have about not only the physical changes that go on when a female is transitioning to a male but also about the intense body dysphoria issues many trans folk have to deal with was a real eye opener. I felt that the discussions between Zeb and Alex were not only enlightening but the best way to show how their relationship was progressing in the story. After all, this was a long-distance relationship, and a novella to boot, and therefore, the author really had to use her page time wisely if we were to get any sense of how Zeb and Alex were growing closer over such a short period of time.
The only problem I had with this story was the length. I felt like we just got started with these two guys, and the journey ended. I really wish the author had chosen to make this a longer book so we could get a less intense information dump and more time spent with just the two men navigating their new feelings for each other. Instead, we got the shorthand version of all that, and it left me feeling just a bit cheated, and some of the discussion seemed forced and premature for where the two were in terms of trusting and knowing each other well enough to divulge such intimate details.
I hope the author chooses to write more about Zeb and Alex. They are both incredibly sweet characters who have their fair share of challenges to overcome on their way to a happy-ever-after.
Reviewed by Sammy for The Novel Approach
January 4, 2018
I really liked this book from the Horizons series but which featured Alex and Zeb, two new characters.
As always, the book was well written and the storyline compelling.
Recommended
As always, the book was well written and the storyline compelling.
Recommended
January 4, 2018
Another addition to the Horizon Series and it was great. Alex and Zeb were a very fascinating couple and I enjoyed watching them connect. These two have so much more to tell in regards to their family and I can’t wait to see what happens next.
March 28, 2021
I was happy to get this story. As soon as we met this couple I wanted to read their book. It did not disappoint although it feels like it should have a follow up book.
October 31, 2018
Alex says that he isn’t the best person to help Zeb decide whether he’s gay or not because, and I quote, “You’ll be getting a hybrid” and “Trying to figure out your orientation with me is counterproductive.” WHAT? WHAT? NO. YOU DID NOT JUST. - Leigh
You may have written a trans character, but you won’t be thanked for having added to the trash and outright transphobic representation trans people have to wade through when they’re trying to find a story where they can see something of themselves. - Laura
Read our full reviews here
You may have written a trans character, but you won’t be thanked for having added to the trash and outright transphobic representation trans people have to wade through when they’re trying to find a story where they can see something of themselves. - Laura
Read our full reviews here
July 1, 2018
Main character is rude and obnoxious. He is supposed to be Filipino but acts 100% like an American. Entire story is focused around "can cis guy accept trans guy" and "can cis guy handle the stress and challenges of being with trans guy"? Not good.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews