Reviewed by Louisa
TITLE: New Lease 
AUTHOR: B.G. Thomas
PUBLISHER: Dreamspinner Press
LENGTH: 46 Pages
RELEASE DATE: April 12, 2017
BLURB:
Wade Porter spent his whole life in the shadow of a lover who doled out snippets of love and time as he saw fit—and who insisted that love stay deep in the closet. But now that man is gone, and Wade finds the oceanside cottage where they spent so many weekends together in the Florida Keys cold and empty. He has come one last time, not even sure he wants to keep living.
To his surprise, the house next door is occupied by another bereaved and lonely man. Kent Walker is an artist of romantic gay paintings who is open to the future—and determinedly interested in Wade. Kent wants to show Wade the beauty in being an openly gay man and the possibilities for a real relationship.
Maybe Kent can help Wade let go of the past and discover a better way to live—and love.
First Edition published in Two Tickets to Paradise by Dreamspinner Press, 2012.
REVIEW:
I am a big fan of B.G. Thomas’ books. I have been for years now and New Lease is a really sweet reminder of why I gravitate to B.G.’s books. This was first published in Dreamspinners anthology Two Tickets to Paradise in 2012 and now the second edition is a standalone story with 3000 additional words. Even if you read the first addition (like I had), the second edition is well worth reading.
Wade Porter, lost the man who is believed was the love of his life and throughout the story you learn more and more of their relationship. It was closeted and very controlled. It left Wade alone and Gene with his family. Now, still heartbroken several years later, Wade goes to the cottage in Florida that the pair shared for a small amount of time each year.
The story takes you back in time several times. Which isn’t always my favourite story telling style, but it really does work here. It works with Wade’s realisations about his life over the past 25 years. B.G. Thomas paints this picture very well for you. It is honestly a little heartbreaking.
Kent Walker helps Wade throughout the story. He provides support, comfort, laughter. He also points out things to Wade about his relationship with Gene. Kent’s hope and light are beautiful. He was a highlight of the book for me. And while Kent is an emotional support for Wade, I feel like Wade provides something for Kent as well.
Wade meets Gene (the lover who is gone) when they had two cottages next to each other. Wade meets Kent when he is renting the cottage next door to Wade. This detail is cute and sweet, but because the cottage that is now Kent’s was Gene’s it causes some confusion for me in the last 20% of the book. It isn’t really an issue, there just isn’t really a clear idea of which bed is considered to be Gene’s. Is it the bed that he was sleeping in when he met Wade? Or is it the bed he and Wade shared for their vacations for the past 20+ years? Or is it both? I personally would have liked more clarity on this point. But at the end of the day it doesn’t change the story. I still immensely enjoyed the book.
If you are looking for a life affirming, sweet story with an ending full of hope, this is a wonderful read.
RATING: 
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46 pages? That’s all I’m saying.