Where You Lead

Well, I am a Mary Calmes sucker, so I am a bit biased when it comes to my reviews. This is a sweet novella about Carver and Pete (an artist and an ATF agent). The story quickly goes from how they met, fell in love, then have to make the important decision of family and love for each other. Pete has to break through his lack of family support bias and accept Carver's need to move to Colt, KY and support his family due to illness. Pete struggles with being selfish, to being scared, to finally being in love and doing whatever is needed to keep love in his life and a partner at his side.
This is a story of give and take, and it is a story of acceptance, family and love. It is well written as always with wonderful character descriptions. It does not seem to matter how long or short her stories are, I never feel like am jilted. It is a feel good story and a quick read. The only thing that I hate is when they are over and I have to wait for a new Mary Calmes book. She truly is one of my favorite M/M authors or just favorite authors..

Hands down one of the best holiday stories I've ever had the pleasure of reading. My only complaint was it was way too short. I could have kept going and going and going with Pete and Carver. Throw in some more of Pete with his ATF partner, Elliott, and their incredibly funny and oh so accurate male juvenile humor and I would have read these characters for hours and hours. Maybe even days.
Six months of being incredibly in love with Carver and on the way to his parents' home for Christmas, Carver lets Pete know that he's moving home to Kentucky to help his dad care for his mom and he'd like Pete to transfer to the office in Louisville. Carver is going to continue his art and open another gallery. Pete isn't real thrilled that Carver just dumps this on him and he's reeling in shock and anger. Plus, Pete has never been in such a small town in his life, population three thousand. *gulp* Carver just wants Pete to enjoy the days they are there and to keep an open mind. Huh.
I loved everything about this short story, Mary, but I want more. I loved the differences between Pete and Carver. You've got the tough ATF Special Agent who hunts, he drinks beer, and as Carver says wears \"breeder clothes\", and there's the artist with the art gallery who might not swish but it's not too difficult to figure out he's gay. Carver's dad was so relieved because Pete was more like him and since he's the only guy Carver has ever brought home, let's just say Dad was a tad nervous. *grins* The small town life was wonderful and familiar in some ways as I grew up in the South. Carver's mom with her fears of being a burden with her stroke and beginning dementia just about broke my heart and reminded me how very important family is.
This is a guaranteed re-read and will remain a favorite for many, many years to come. Thank you, Mary!
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.