The Backlot Gay Book Forum discussion

Well, it's that time of year again, to read some holiday-themed stories to put one in a festive mood. I started out with Unwrapping Hank , based on a recommendation by Kim Fielding.

Sloane loves a good mystery. He grew up as the son of two psychiatrists, so he finds most people tediously easy to figure out. He finds his way to Pennsylvania State University, longing for a rural experience, and ends up being lured into joining a frat by Micah Springfield, the hippest guy on campus.

Nothing in Sloane’s classes is as intriguing as Hank Springfield, Micah’s brother and fellow frat house member. Hank looks like a tough guy—big muscles, tatts, and a beard—but his eyes are soft and sweet. He acts dumb, but he’s a philosophy major. He’s presumably straight, but then why does Sloane feel such crazy chemistry whenever Hank is around? And why does Hank hate Sloane so much?

When Sloane ends up stuck on campus over Christmas, Micah invites him to spend the holidays at their family farm in Amish country. It’s a chance to experience a true Americana Christmas--and further investigate the mystery that is Hank Springfield. Can Sloane unlock the secrets of this family and unwrap the heart hidden inside the beefcake?

This is a shorter story, running about 138 pages, but worth the read in my opinion. It has just what I like in a holiday story---a healthy dose of sentimentality, without too much angst or too much graphic content. (Sex scenes are all well and good I suppose, but that's not what I'm in the mood for in a Christmas story.) Recommended.

One bonus for me in this particular instance is that I'm familiar with the setting of the tale. Several family members attended the university where the story begins, and two of my cousins live right next to the town in the second half of the book. So, while the area isn't described in great detail in the novel itself, I've actually been to these places and so can picture them perfectly, since I've seen them first-hand.

As for that cover, though---argh, so much of a romance novel stereotype! I did NOT picture the main character being nearly as bulked up as the model in the cover photo.

Octobercountry wrote: "Well, it's that time of year again, to read some holiday-themed stories to put one in a festive mood. I started out with
Unwrapping Hank
, based on a recommendation by Kim Fielding.

Sloane lov..."

I read Unwrapping Hank a few weeks ago and also recommend this story. Nice, sweet story, some really interesting characters and a happy ending. I also agree October about that cover. Yes, Hank does work out, but he's also a 20 year old college student. But the dog looks right to me.