Give and Take by Anne Brooke

Title: Give and Take
Author: Anne Brooke
Publisher: Amber Quill Press
Length: Short / 7k words
Buy the book: Publisher

Blurb:

David has spent two years grieving for the loss of his partner to cancer. When he decides to move on, he visits a gay bar for the sole purpose of hooking up with someone—in spite of his concerns that as he’s in his mid-forties, he might be too old. There he meets Jeff, a young barman, and after dancing and making out with other men, he realizes that Jeff is in fact the one he wants to take home most of all.

During his explosive evening with Jeff, David discovers a side of himself that he never knew existed. But, when the morning comes, can he persuade Jeff that their relationship may develop into more than a simple one-night stand?

Review:

I never know what to expect from an Anne Brooke story. I think I’ve read everything from mystery and dark, anonymous themes to comedy and screwball wit. In Give and Take, Brooke introduces us to David, the heart broken widower that is looking to step back into life with a one night stand. At forty-five, David isn’t exactly a regular club patron but he perseveres and ends up going home with the sexy, handsome bartender. Their encounter is erotic, yet when the night is over David is left wondering if he can persuade the young man to repeat the great experience.

The story is sweet, tender, erotic and ends on a surprising note. David is a delightful character, instantly sympathetic as he decides to go out on his partner’s would be birthday because he can’t stand spending another night alone. The courage David displays in following his desires, taking a chance and following through is lovely to watch. He flirts, dances, and kisses several men in the bar but he can’t forget the kind, sexy bartender and takes a big chance in propositioning the man. Although Jeff accepts, this is clearly a one night stand for mutual pleasure but the age difference is just one example of how this isn’t a story of true love the second time around.

What separates this touching and sexy story from the predictable is the slight BDSM twist and the ending.  David took care of his now dead partner during the lengthy illness and describes how tired he is of making all the decisions and always doing so alone. His sweet recitation of just wanting to be free of that responsibility and heart ache of his life touch a cord in Jeff, who reciprocates by taking charge in a sexy, very light BDSM scene. The next morning is more interesting and here the writing shows a deft touch and clever twist as David negotiates to see the young man again.

The writing is very clean and paints a vivid picture of the characters, the club, and even the spark of new hope that emerges at the end. One of the best moments is when David lets go of all his worry and pain for just a second and can really feel.

He hardly knew the man, but, more than anything, he wanted to give him pleasure with his body; he wanted to be responsible for Jeff’s orgasm. He wanted to give him an evening he’d remember. He wanted to give and not to take, and that fact liberated him. Being bound and so utterly at Jeff’s mercy was making him feel freer than he had ever been.

As a quick, delicious short story, Give and Take is very nice. The ending feels fitting and still not expected. Perhaps this isn’t a ride off into the sunset happy ending, but the glimmer of possibility is a nice change. There’s nothing really negative I can say about the quick bite which makes the rating somewhat arbitrary. The short story is nice, sweet, with a bit of a forced happy ending but without the possibility of hope some may find this too dark whereas I think the first venture out after such a tragedy is likely to be just a one-off to get back to living. Either way this is a quick, enjoyable read but not one I’d pick up again so that accounts for the rating. No matter though, get this short. I think you’ll like it and for a few bucks, that’s a deal.