I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story: Un/Common Ground! Arielle, I absolutely enjoyed the story line, the characters, and the real names of actual places. Many times throughout the story, I found myself wondering what bad could come from the family in Kazakhstan. I kept thinking "is Jamal's family going to somehow find out that Jamal is gay and have him killed?" Of course, I hoped I was only reading too much into the story. I hope the other stories from Arielle Pierce are as grabbing of my interest in gay, m/m romance and m/m beginnings. I also hope that A. Pierce later decides to continue with this story line so that I can learn whether or not Matt meets Jamal's sisters. I'm curious to see what would happen if Jamal tells his mother, father and other seemingly homophobic family members that he is gay. I hope his father doesn't wish death or instigate death for Jamal as he wished for Jamal's childhood friend whom was attacked on his walk home in Kazakhstan.
Ms. Feinstein's character was a doll. She was feisty and spoke the truth with Matt. I have had friends and family members that have treated me with such respect and I must say I truly appreciate the complete honesty. I loved the relationship and openness Jamal had with his sisters and the cousin with whom he shared his gravely dangerous secret (if he still lived in Kazakhstan). From personal experience, I know the guilt and shame I felt as a gay young man. I was uncertain of my significance and felt like no one would ever love me. Though reassurances from friends and family (and some strangers), I learned that any man would be honored to love me. I was glad that Jamal allowed himself to be loved.
I was not upset by the shock and fear associated with the topic of AIDS and testing for the disease. I began to panic when the topic came up in the story. I was glad that after Jamal was confronted with the question about whether he had ever been tested or how often, he was honest with Matt. I was proud that Matt was respectful of himself and of Jamal in that Matt refused to have anal intercourse with Jamal without using a condom. I have read too many stories about bareback sex or sex without condoms and was pleased that even in the heat of the moment, Matt was mindful enough to slow down and think with his brain and not with his penis. The STD conversation was introduced after the oral sex but in enough time to stop the mood.
I'm not going to kill the ending. So, please enjoy the story.
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Top reviews from other countries
ElleLainey
Will break your heart.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 14, 2014