I came into this novel when chapter 9 was being worked on.
I will gladly admit that when I came across this novel, I was looking for something raunchy.
I even skipped through so much dialogue thinking that there would be sex scenes involved eventually. However, after chapter 9 came out, the ending for Chapter 9's (pervy) really surprised me. It made something click that this was actually a serious and GOOD novel.
So I went back and went with the (Respect) route, boy am I glad.
Once the prologue was done, the story really started to hit me.
This story has me so hooked I keep wanting more.
I am checking everyday for updates on how the chapter(s) are going.
It is a book I want to keep turning the pages of, that never ends.
I want to follow these two until their entire lives are at an end of old age. To see their character development.
With that said, creativity takes time. (but not too much time! lol)
Novels like these that explore the depths of sexuality and character development are what I thrive on.
There is so much to learn and explain through experiences.
I know this novel must end at some point, but writing like this, with such character growth, is an art to be encouraged.
If this is a career you wish to endeavor, I say keep encouraging yourself to explore it.
This novel alone, shows the ability to express emotion, experiences, and individuality.
-My take away from the story-
The fact that these two became comfortable with each other's sexuality really spoke to me.
I'm a gay man most people think is straight, have sexual anxiety, and I'm also a very openly sexual person; I mean in the way that I am very comfortable with conversations about sex .
Not many people are, and the growth between these two really showed that it is okay to talk about your feelings regarding sexuality and relationships.
Braden in particular, I think, is a wonderful character development.
It really shows how much sexuality is not black and white.
You do not need to be gay in order to love someone of the same sex, even if it is one or two person(s).
It is the same for a vice versa situation. e.g. woman loving a man while typically loving women.
The labels of sexuality are too much confined into a box, labeled as such, and too many people are discouraged from exploring their love and desires because they have been taught there are only a few ways your sexuality can go.
If you love one thing, one or several times, it does not define you indefinitely.
It also discourages people talking about such things and then eventually have that eat away at them.
It may sound hippie, but you literally can love ANYONE.
Even discussing same sex with a person who typically loves the opposite sex is okay, but too often those person(s) feel out of place because they feel if they go down that route it will define them and immediately put a generic label on them.
Relationships are not only about wanting sex, it is about choosing a life partner. Even if you love a man or a woman, that does not mean you can only love "that side".
-What I personally wish for the two characters (though clearly the author is doing a good job as it is)-
I think there should be a scene(s) showing that Braden DOES indeed like women still. I don't wish for "cheating", but even a comment or glance at a beautiful woman would solidify the fact that he is not "turning gay"
I also hope these two do not end this relationship forever.
There is too much invested between the two of them to simply throw away and claim it as a "friendship"
Though i believe friends of any gender can be close as these two have expressed outside of the "sex" scenes.
I believe it would be sad for these two to grow so entwined together that they do not commit to each other as life partners.
Though this is not intended as a "porn" novel it would be fantastic to see a few sex scenes between these two, only to show how much they love and care about having the other "feel good".
I say a few only in the fact to show it is not a "one time thing" and that they are actually expressing their love to each other this way.
Either way, keep up the fantastic job, keep growing this art; if you wish.
You've got one of several fans in your court!