Willow Bend is a homoerotic contemporary romance by Ally Blue. The story begins when Paul Gordon arrives at his new home in Willow Bend. He has traveled a long way from home to begin a new life in order to escape from a tragic accident. The first time he sees his new home, he thinks that this may have been a very good move on his part. The next day when he goes out to eat, he meets Cory Saunders, his waiter, and there is an immediate connection between the two. When Cory learns that he has moved into town and is not a visitor, he begins to look at him as more than just a passing infatuation.

We quickly learn that Cory has more on his plate than just a fancy-free bachelor. Cory’s mother is very sick and needs twenty-four-hour-a-day care. Cory is not only caring for her, but he is also holding down two jobs just to keep things together. The next time Cory and Paul meet, Cory is pushing his bike in the pouring rain to work. As Cory and Paul get to know each other, they learn that they each have problems that they need to overcome. The readers get the feeling that these two have been alone for a very long time and they each need someone special to fill an empty spot in their lives. Cory needs someone that he can love, but he needs to learn that loving someone means that you can also lean on them in times of need. Paul’s recent tragedy caused him to pull away from the people he loves. He needs someone that will be the love of his life, but he also needs someone that can lean on him in times of need.

The interaction between Cory and Paul is so touching that the reader can’t help but to fall in love with them. From their first meeting the chemistry between them is awesome. The feelings that Paul has about his past most definitely affect his reactions to Cory. Cory notices him from the beginning, but is afraid that even if his feelings are returned his, life situation will put a stop to any type of relationship. As Cory and Paul learn more about each other, the reader watches their characters develop and grow into stronger people and hopefully into a more lasting relationship between each other.

Ally Blue has taken very difficult situations and taken not only the characters, but also the readers through an important learning experience. Few people have any idea what it must be like to have a very sick family member and the toll that it takes out on their family. Ms. Blue has taken this very sensitive issue and done a phenomenal and accurate job portraying it. As a nurse, this reviewer has some understanding of these issues and I applaud the job Ms. Blue did in writing this book. This reader hopes that Ms. Blue continues to write more books in the genre.




Reviewed by: Teresa