The Trilogy Prequel to The Last Good Republican
Sunday's Child (A Novella), by Buck Jones
FOR FANS OF GORE VIDAL OR ANDRE ACIMAN, A CHARMING NOVELLA THAT EXPLORES A TEEN’S FIRST LOVE IN THE AMERICAN SOUTH OF THE 1940s.
How does one's first love forever impact a young man? This intimate look at the adolescent love Carter Ridge has for a fellow prep school student is a prequel to "The Last Good Republican."
Born into privilege at the beginning of the Great Depression, Carter Ridge is adored by his parents, growing up in the heart of the Deep South, yet insulated from the poverty and racism around him. Carter spends most of his early childhood behind the walls of his parents’ estate, where life revolves around swimming in their private pool, exploring the nearby woods, and listening to his favorite evening radio shows.
Until one day his life is forever changed.
At the age of thirteen Carter begins attending the town’s prep school where he meets an older boy on the water polo team. After inviting Carter to join him one afternoon at the local soda fountain, Carter finds himself falling in love with the enigmatic Lane.
Unsure if his admiration for Lane is one-sided, Carter and Lane sneak off to the gardens of a neighbor’s manor, where they embrace under a magnificent ancient oak tree, confirming their mutual attraction. Their affection grows for one another, and following Lane’s graduation in 1944, he is called into military service and leaves for the war. “I love you,” he calls out to Carter, just as his train pulls away, with promises that they will write constantly.
But in December when the flow of letters dries up and the holidays come and go, Carter becomes anxious. Has Carter lost the love of his life? Will he ever be able to disclose his relationship with Lane to his family?
For readers of gay literary fiction, gay romance, and gay historical fiction and fans of André Aciman (Call Me By Your Name), Madeline Miller (The Song of Achilles), or Gore Vidal.
The Seduction of Carter Ridge (A Novella), by Buck Jones
FOR FANS OF GORE VIDAL OR ANDRE ACIMAN, A CHARMING NOVELLA THAT EXPLORES A YOUNG MAN’S FIRST EXPERIENCE AWAY FROM HOME.
What happens when a young gay man is alone in Chicago for the 1952 presidential nominating conventions?
This intimate look at Carter Ridge’s first tentative experiences is the second novella in the trilogy prequel to the novel "The Last Good Republican."
It’s 1952 and Carter is fresh out of college. Having grown up in the Deep South where even a city like Columbia or Atlanta can feel like a small town, he’s never been too far away from the adoring eye of his doting mother or his extended family. But with the sudden passing of his father, Carter is now not only the head of the family but has also inherited a fortune. Thrust into this unfamiliar role he must quickly set himself on the path of the man he wishes to become.
But who is he?
Sensitive. Intelligent. Idealistic. And a closeted gay young man. The passions of youth still burn for Carter, and he is drawn to politics to make a difference, to help bring about an end to Jim Crow and segregation in his home state of South Carolina.
Unsure of which political party he will hitch his future to, he decides to go to Chicago where both national party conventions are held that year. It is his first extended period of time alone, away from the familiar and particularly from his family, and one evening he meets Alex.
For readers of gay literary fiction, gay romance, and gay historical fiction and fans of André Aciman (Call Me By Your Name), Madeline Miller (The Song of Achilles), or Gore Vidal.
A prequel to "The Last Good Republican," this novella is the story of Carter Ridge exploring both his sexuality and his politics, in a journey that sets him on the course for his future.
Apollo & Dionysus (A Novella), by Buck Jones
AN EROTIC NOVELLA PREQUEL FOR FANS OF GORE VIDAL OR ANDRE ACIMAN, A SENSUAL ESCAPE TO THE MANHATTAN AND BRAZIL OF THE EARLY 1950s.
How does one find a balance between logic and passion? It is a perennial question, and for Carter Ridge he must find his own path as a closeted gay man in mid-century America. An erotic prequel to "The Last Good Republican," this novella is the story of Carter Ridge losing his virginity, and finding meaning for his life.
For readers of gay literary fiction, erotica, historical fiction, and fans of André Aciman (Call Me By Your Name), Madeline Miller (The Song of Achilles), or Gore Vidal.