91:120 The Pumpkin Pact by Faye Larson

It's been 8mos of wedded bliss for Keith and Preston. Or, well, mostly. Preston is still haunted by his previous relationship and there are days when he can barely stand to be touch but Keith is supportive and tender during these times, never pushing him. Now it's October, the month of pumpkin everything, and Keith is shocked to learn that Preston has never been to a pumpkin patch. This is a treasured memory for Keith, going every year to the patch with his parents and sister, and he is determined to bring Preston into this tradition. For a work-aholic like Keith to volunteer to take a day off tells Preston just how special this is to him. Now if only work would be so accommodating to Keith's plans.

It was nice revisiting these two and seeing how their relationship has been progressing. Being married to someone who isn't a work-aholic but whose job can never seem to manage without him, I completely felt for Preston (and for Keith as well who kept trying to get away). Unfortunately this situation was all too common in Silicon Valley. I hope Ms. Larson continues to do stories about this couples and we get to see Preston through his healing process.  Usual disclaimer, I know the author and was given a free copy with no expectations.


Page count: 47p/17,662p ytd/288,791p lifetime

87:120 The Wedding Pact by Faye Larson

Keith and Preston had made the pact back in high school as one of those stupid things kids do but neither of them really thought it would come to pass that they would both still be single at 40. The fact that Keith is straight and Preston gay is not an issue. The whole point is tax write-offs and platonic companionship. Someone to make dinner if Keith is running late (or at least order the delivery if Preston is super involved in his writing that day). Someone to ask how the other's day was. Stuff like that.  Keith's last break-up confirmed that his work is just too demanding and Preston's last break-up left him feeling shy and vulnerable about getting close to anyone ever again so it seems like a perfect situation...until that first kiss.

A fairly typical romance with Preston's ex being an interesting twist thrown in. On the whole, sweetly romantic with plenty of humor and with more depth to Preston than I anticipated (although Keith is pretty much just perfect boyfriend and nothing else). Usual disclaimer, I know the author and was given a copy of the story with no expectations.

Page count: 84p/17,555p ytd/288,687p lifetime