Title: Larger Than Love
Series: Big Boys of Gilroy, Book One
Author: Jole Cannon
Publisher: NineStar Press
Release Date: 07/30/2024
Heat Level: 2 – Fade to Black Sex
Pairing: Male/Male
Length: 81600
Genre: Contemporary, 1990s, bears, coming out, family drama, gay, in the closet, romance
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Description
Bernard feels like an outsider in the gay community. Thirty-five, chubby, and hairy, he doesn’t fit the image of the stereotypical gay man. Failed relationships in his past solidify the idea he is destined to be alone.
Rory is struggling with his identity. At thirty-five, he is still single. When he reunites with his childhood friend, his religious convictions and the desire to be with a man clash as he must choose between what the Church taught him is right and what his heart desires.
The two men are forced to face their fears and make a choice. Live alone and accept their fate or take a leap and challenge what they believe.
Larger Than Love
Jole Cannon © 2024
All Rights Reserved
“That place is no good for you, Bernard,” she said. “You like to sit and read. Play video games. You prefer a good sappy movie over a dance club. You don’t like those places.”
“But I can’t meet people at home. It’s the only gay club within twenty miles.”
“You need to take a break from the bar scene.”
“I can’t do this anymore,” he said, ignoring her comment.
“That place has changed you.” Her face screwed up in a grimace.
“What do you mean?”
“You used to be happy sitting at home, watching a movie with Ginger curled up at your feet. Now—” she looked at him. “Now you want to push your limits to see how much you can torment yourself before you collapse.”
“I…”
She cut him off. “You have to face the fact the club scene is not for you. You need another route.”
“Like what?”
“I don’t know. We’ll think of something.”
“Or I live alone.”
“Bernard, you’re a wonderful person who deserves to be happy. There has to be a bear out there for you.”
She reached over and hugged him. He smiled at her use of the term bear. He didn’t know what he’d do without her. Sarah was his rock, confidant, and biggest supporter. She even set him up on dates multiple times. When the dates ended with the guy never contacting him again, he couldn’t face her. He asked her to stop setting him up two years ago. She obliged and stopped. He’d told her he didn’t want to date, and he just needed time alone.
He’d had a single date in two years, but never told Sarah about it. His coworker, Mark, set him up with his brother-in-law, Sean. She’d be upset if she’d found he let someone else try to find him a boyfriend. That date didn’t end well, and he couldn’t admit to Sarah that he’d failed again.
“Maybe I should give in to what the gay community wants. I’ll lose weight, get in shape, and become the stereotypical gay muscle bear they all want. It would make everything easier, wouldn’t it?”
“Seriously?” She pulled away from the hug. “No, it wouldn’t be easier. You’re fine the way you are, and I know you better than anyone. You’re not one to give in to the pressures of beauty standards.” She punched him on the shoulder. “You’re a strong, intelligent, and independent person. You’re a great catch. Anyone who doesn’t see that is missing out.”
“Thank you.” He smiled.
“Now get driving, or we’ll be late for work.”
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Jole Cannon is a high school math and math programming teacher. When he’s not shaping the mathematical minds of tomorrow, he’s playing video games with his partner, watching television, doing math for fun, and working on his master’s in history.
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