BANTER BUDDIES: A Dual View of Heidi Cullinan & Marie Sexton's 'Family Man'
Wow!
These two fantastic authors originally teamed up in 2013 to write this amazing book, and KEBB is so glad to see Dreamspinner Press re-release Family Man!
Annie and I were completely charmed...This story is sweet, and funny, and thoughtful, and when these boys finally get together, it’s just perfect!
If you didn’t get a chance to read the first edition, grab it now…we know you’ll love it too.
Trio
Title: Family Man
Authors: Heidi Cullinan and Marie Sexton
Published: September 11, 2017 - 2nd Edition
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Cover Artist: Kanaxa
Genre: Contemporary Romance; Erotic Romance
Length: 206 Pages
Tags: Gay; M/M; Angst: Light; Comfort/Hurt; Coming Out; Family Drama; First Time; GFY; May/December; HEA; CW: Substance Abuse
About Family Man
Sometimes family chooses you.
At forty, Vincent “Vinnie” Fierro is still afraid to admit he might be gay—even to himself. It’ll be a problem for his big, fat Italian family. Still, after three failed marriages, it’s getting harder to ignore what he really wants.
Vinnie attempts some self-exploration in Chicago’s Boystown bars, far from anyone who knows him. Naturally, he runs smack into someone from the neighborhood.
Between working two jobs, going to school, taking care of his grandmother, and dealing with his mother’s ongoing substance abuse, Trey Giles has little time for fun, let alone dating someone who swears he’s straight. Yet after one night of dancing cheek-to-cheek, Trey agrees to let Vinnie court him and see if he truly belongs on this side of the fence—though Trey intends to keep his virginity intact.
It seems like a solid plan, but nothing is simple when family is involved. When Vinnie’s family finds out about their relationship, the situation is sticky enough, but when Trey’s mother goes critical, Vinnie and Trey must decide whose happiness is most important—their families’ or their own.
First Edition published by Samhain, 2013.
Favorite main character:
Trio: Trey just really hit me hard. My heart went out to him for working two jobs and cutting back at school to support his family. I love how he did what was expected of him, but that he honestly resented that he had to do it and constantly put his own needs last.
Annie: Oh, Vinnie. You are a man’s man, plumber, construction, accounting, taking care of your family. And yet you show your heart with utmost tenderness.
Favorite secondary character:
Trio: I loved Trey’s grandma - talk about a lady with chutzpah! Plus she gave everything to help Trey’s mom, her whole life savings and a second mortgage on her home. What a wonderful lady. No wonder Trey doesn’t give up.
Annie: For me it's Rachel, Vinnie’s sister. She knows how to encourage with the best of snarky attitudes. Gotta love her.
Favorite scene:
Trio: I love when Trey offers to take his mom and grandma to a restaurant because he had a good night in tips. He wants to go to Vince’s family’s restaurant (to see Vince, of course) but his mom kicks up a fuss…so he and his gran ditch her and go anyways!
Annie: I have to say I love Vinnie and Trey’s first dance, as they notice their reactions with both astonishment and yet a complete lack of surprise!
Favorite quote:
Trio: When Vince finally tells his mom he is gay and she says she still accepts him - he questions her about the rules of the church and if loving a man is a sin and she says, “'Please. They say the same thing about birth control, and do we pay attention to that?'” and Vince answers her, “'Oh, so it’s a buffet now, is it? Good to know.'”
Annie: “'When you’re done dealing with an Addict, hope is nothing but a trap.'”
Best flashback or revisit of a scene from another perspective:
Annie: Vinnie spends eons anticipating his family’s reaction if he comes out. The reality is priceless.
Best introduction of spin-off character(s):
Trio: Cousin Hank. Did he really get arrested for hiring male prostitutes? Wow.
Annie: I agree with Trio. Cousin Hank is a total mess, the black sheep of the family. What is his story?
This book made me:
Trio: I was really struck by the way both men consistently put their own needs last. Vince, just because it was in his nature to care for others and to do the right thing. Trey, who was hemmed in to his situation by his addicted mother and his love and sense of duty to his grandmother.
Annie: Dreamy, thinking of flirting and first kisses.
What type of reader would you recommend this book to?
Trio: This was a perfect slow-burn of a romance, very well written with beautifully crafted characters and a real message to deliver. Who wouldn’t like that?
Annie: This book touched the romantic in me, crusty old bird that I am. If you think you’ve misplaced your romantic, Family Man will help you find it.
For purchase links, excerpt, meet the authors, and more...visit our review recommendation links above.
