Just as much as the first book in this series of ‘Tales from Kansas’, the second book was a great delight for me to read. Jeremy tore at my heartstrings (which I am sure was totally intended) as he tries to keep himself and his three-year-old brother alive and out of trouble after their mother dies, leaving nothing. Nate is a wonderful guy, but he has issues he’s fighting as well when trying to deal with a particular bully from his past. Exactly like in the first book, this is a simple story about regular guys, and all the more powerful for it.

Jeremy has always been afraid nobody wants him around. No wonder, with a mother who didn’t really seem to care, a constant string of boyfriends who certainly weren’t interested in Jeremy, and nobody to tell him he was good enough just being him. On the contrary, his mother hates gays with a vengeance and Jeremy is determined she never finds out he is one of them. When he turns up in Wamego, Kansas, his little brother Petey in tow, Uncle Milt is the first family member to show him true kindness. Many others follow suit, Nate among them, but it takes Jeremy quite a while to rebuild his self-confidence. Once he does—watch out! In the best way, of course.

Nate likes Jeremy from the first time he sees him. Nate is out in a quiet sort of way, but he’s never really stood up for himself. Especially not when he was bullied in school, and that haunts him and makes him think he’s a coward. He needs Jeremy’s insight and support to figure out what to do about that. I loved how determined he was to make Jeremy see how important he is to everyone, and at the same time Nate doesn’t hesitate to accept Jeremy’s help when he needs it.

These two men are different when they’re on their own, changing into the men they would like to be when they are together. I loved how supportive they are, how open and unafraid to listen to what they have to say to each other. Three-year-old Petey is too cute for words, and Uncle Milt makes me wish he were a little less gruff so he could find a loving partner as well. This story is sweet, moved me, and is a wonderful comfort read.

If you like sweet stories about two normal guys who grow into better men together, if you enjoy the small town setting of Wamego, and if you're looking for an entertaining read about normal guys who are nevertheless extraordinary in the way they fall in love, then you will probably like this novel. ( )