Dripping Sweet is the debut book from Kon Blacke, it offers three short stories that revolve around discovering and accepting love.
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| Jacob with Levi |
The first story is titled "Dripping Sweet" involving young Levi and older Jacob. While at the beach one day Jacob encounters cute Levi and after a conversation over watermelon an attraction is instantly felt between the two. Its a great read as the romance develops between the two. Both Levi and Jacob have voids in their lives, but both serve to complete each other despite their age difference between the 18 year old and the 20 something. The more intimate moments are handled well as Blacke never rushes into it, he rather builds and builds until it is ready to showcase it...almost literally to a certain degree. The only downside to this story is moments when the flow is stopped momentarily (when the author gets his flow going it's smooth) to explain the process of how certain things function for better intimacy. I did enjoy the suggestive pushback from a supporting character against the same sex relationship in the story, it showed depth and awareness from the author, something still very real in this world.
In "Saucy Sweet" Koby catches his step brother Aiden sending a proactive photo to crush and fellow co worker Skyler. After using the information to blackmail Aiden, the step brother begins to make him do whatever he wants...well you see where this is going.... It's the story that indulges more in the carnal delights than the other stories, but it touches on homophobia and accepting oneself. It ends in a good spot and leaves one feeling hopeful for the future of these characters. Sometimes people need a "push" in the right direction.
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| Aiden kissing his step brother Koby |
The last story "Secret Sweet," introduces us to the friendship of a young 21 year old Finn and Robert who is older than Finn. Robert took Finn under his wing and home after his dear friend Margo (mother of Finn) passed away. Robert took on the role of guardian for Finn when the youngster was in his late teens. Robert helped raise Finn for four years and have a somewhat uncle mentor relationship. Both know that each is gay, however Robert enjoys the friendship they share, however things begin to be stressful for Robert once Finn expresses his feelings towards his friend.
Secret Sweet is a shift away from the more playful and mischievous of Saucy Sweet, here we read about the stress of potentially losing a companion is heavy with the self restrictions Robert places on himself in rejecting cute Finn's affections. It's a great story to close the book and highly demonstrates Blacke's respect and admiration for gay relationship stories though the use of dialogue that demonstrates thoughtful consideration on the part of Robert. Probably the most well fleshed out of the three, but slightly suffers from glossed over scenes of intimacy. The ending makes up for it though! Great Read.
Link to book;
Dripping Sweet
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| Finn from Secret Sweet |
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