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Bayou Boys #1
Meant To Be?
A Bayou Boys (Sean and Rusty) short story:
Rusty Duchene and Sean Delahunt are each other’s first loves. Emotionally rough high school years and financially draining college years have drawn them closer together and now, with Sean graduating, they are ready to enjoy all the good life their beloved city, New Orleans, has to offer. Laissez les bons temps rouler!
After a tough job search, Sean is offered his dream job—in Boston. But for Rusty, moving to Boston means leaving the career and the family he loves.
Stay or go? Either way, someone loses. Will their love survive the sacrifice?
This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Love Has No Boundaries" event. Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice. Authors of the group selected a photo and prompt that spoke to them and wrote a short story.
Meant To Be is the first story in the Bayou Boys series and is for free as a single download or in the Love Has No Boundaries anthology volume 3
Rusty Duchene and Sean Delahunt are each other’s first loves. Emotionally rough high school years and financially draining college years have drawn them closer together and now, with Sean graduating, they are ready to enjoy all the good life their beloved city, New Orleans, has to offer. Laissez les bons temps rouler!
After a tough job search, Sean is offered his dream job—in Boston. But for Rusty, moving to Boston means leaving the career and the family he loves.
Stay or go? Either way, someone loses. Will their love survive the sacrifice?
This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Love Has No Boundaries" event. Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice. Authors of the group selected a photo and prompt that spoke to them and wrote a short story.
Meant To Be is the first story in the Bayou Boys series and is for free as a single download or in the Love Has No Boundaries anthology volume 3
30 pages, ebook
First published July 30, 2013
15 people are currently reading
178 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
November 16, 2015
The blurb tells it all.
It was an okay story with an abrupt ending. Not bad, but nothing spectacular or memorable either.
It was an okay story with an abrupt ending. Not bad, but nothing spectacular or memorable either.
August 9, 2013
A very sweet picture prompt and an equally sweet story to go with it from the great LHNB event.
Sean and Rusty, best friends and the love of each others lives.
They have been a couple forever it seems, they have made it through Rusty being disowned and now after finishing college with a boatload of debt Sean can't seem to find a job.
Stress and decisions are weighing on them.
It's a short, sweet read, Sean is so shy and quiet and feels like he needs to finally contribute and support himself. I can very much understand his thoughts and wishes, although I get Rusty too.
These two are going to make it, I have no doubt.
Sean and Rusty, best friends and the love of each others lives.
They have been a couple forever it seems, they have made it through Rusty being disowned and now after finishing college with a boatload of debt Sean can't seem to find a job.
Stress and decisions are weighing on them.
It's a short, sweet read, Sean is so shy and quiet and feels like he needs to finally contribute and support himself. I can very much understand his thoughts and wishes, although I get Rusty too.
These two are going to make it, I have no doubt.
October 14, 2013
This was a short, sweet look into the lives of Sean and Rusty. They have been friends then lovers as Sean went through college and Rusty worked for his family's landscaping business in New Orleans. Now Sean has a job offer but it will mean Rusty moving away from the only place that has ever been home. I liked both of these well developed characters and their reactions to the stresses of tough decision making. That there is a sequel story is pure icing on the cake.
October 2, 2013
Haha, okay, I'm biased, I admit it. It was my pic and promt and I really was curious what would happen to it because to be honest - it wasn't the most original promt ;)
But that makes it even more sweet because Chris Cox managed to built a whole relationship, two elaborated MCs with enough background to make me feel like I knew them their whole life, and a storyline exactly to my liking.
So she did something really heartbreaking with my promt *sniff*.
I was feeling Sean's anguish and pain so much. Why, oh why did I ask for some angst again?
Thanks, this was really good. I loved how you built up the contrast between Rusty, so confident, secure and settled and Sean, insecure, rattled and searching.
I would have loved for the ending a bit more elaborate, Rusty's change of attitude came a bit too fast for me, but it's a short.
Thank you - you did more than I expected with less words than I assumed. Really clever :D
4,5 stars
But that makes it even more sweet because Chris Cox managed to built a whole relationship, two elaborated MCs with enough background to make me feel like I knew them their whole life, and a storyline exactly to my liking.
So she did something really heartbreaking with my promt *sniff*.
I was feeling Sean's anguish and pain so much. Why, oh why did I ask for some angst again?
Thanks, this was really good. I loved how you built up the contrast between Rusty, so confident, secure and settled and Sean, insecure, rattled and searching.
I would have loved for the ending a bit more elaborate, Rusty's change of attitude came a bit too fast for me, but it's a short.
Thank you - you did more than I expected with less words than I assumed. Really clever :D
4,5 stars
July 30, 2013
Tough decisions.
These are the ones in life that tear you apart. Rusty and Sean have a choice to make--it means a sacrifice for one of them--and their relationship is on the line. Love requires constant tending, it can't be ignored. With out right or wrong to make the easy call, which will they decide.
These are the ones in life that tear you apart. Rusty and Sean have a choice to make--it means a sacrifice for one of them--and their relationship is on the line. Love requires constant tending, it can't be ignored. With out right or wrong to make the easy call, which will they decide.
August 7, 2013
This story didn't appeal to me, mostly because it was to short and boring.
March 8, 2014
This wasn't bad at all. But the way this ended was kinda unrealistic in a bad way. I don't think you normally make up with someone like that after such a serious argument.
July 31, 2017
Good story but I hate how it ended. I felt nothing was truly resolved between them and Rusty was just giving in. Maybe not, but that's how it came across to me.
July 31, 2013
I really liked this story, but it was such an angsty deal for Rusty when he heard Sean wanted to take the job, and then he just decides its okay. I felt like the ending was seriously rushed and it ruined the story for me after that.
March 6, 2014
This is a good solid read and it seem to me who read book 4 first to be a returning to rusty and sean going to try to get in all four in this series in the middle of two now just need to get a hold of three and I will just have to love the entire series. I just love Sean and Rusty.
September 17, 2015
Good, very good. Adult responsibility and wanting to have independence from parents it's a tough one and it's portrayed in a realistic light in the story. I'm so glad for the , I loved these two.
August 1, 2013
3,7* downgrade because the ending was to rushed.
August 10, 2013
This was wonderful.
...emotionally evocative for me.
...emotionally evocative for me.
June 1, 2014
A very sweet story. I loved Sean and Rusty. Can't wait to read more!
[NOTE: I rate most writing event stories (free reads) 4 or 5 stars because of my appreciation of the author's participation.]
[NOTE: I rate most writing event stories (free reads) 4 or 5 stars because of my appreciation of the author's participation.]
December 15, 2015
1.5
Short and sweet also boring.
Short and sweet also boring.
January 19, 2026
Two close friends who become lovers may part ways due to career obligations.
Sean Delahunt must secure employment following his graduation. His high school sweetheart, Rusty Duchene, hails from a family that holds both young men in high regard. When Sean's employment prospects are unsuccessful, it is suggested that the two reside together in the Duchene household, as they did in high school, as Sean's parents abandoned him because he is gay. Rusty's parents have always assumed they would remain together indefinitely and have actively helped to provide for the two during high school and college.
Sean is unable to find a position utilizing his degree in mechanical engineering in the New Orleans area. Aware that Rusty's parents have cared for him during times when his own family did not, he is reluctant to return to living with the Duchene family after sharing four years of college with Rusty in their apartment. When a job opportunity for Sean arises far from their hometown of New Orleans, Rusty is hesitant to leave his family of brothers and supportive parents. Although not explicitly stated, it is implied that Sean needs to feel secure in working and earning a livelihood using his degree, especially since he has relied on the Duchene family for over six years.
There exists genuine love between the two young men, and the constraints of their geographical separation exacerbate Rusty's concerns while seemingly alleviating those of Sean, who protests the concepts of him leaving the New Orleans area and his family. Nonetheless, the strength of the love between the two young men, and destiny assures that these two individuals will remain together for many years.
This well-crafted short story serves as the introduction to the "Boyou Boys" series, which I intend to explore shortly.
Sean Delahunt must secure employment following his graduation. His high school sweetheart, Rusty Duchene, hails from a family that holds both young men in high regard. When Sean's employment prospects are unsuccessful, it is suggested that the two reside together in the Duchene household, as they did in high school, as Sean's parents abandoned him because he is gay. Rusty's parents have always assumed they would remain together indefinitely and have actively helped to provide for the two during high school and college.
Sean is unable to find a position utilizing his degree in mechanical engineering in the New Orleans area. Aware that Rusty's parents have cared for him during times when his own family did not, he is reluctant to return to living with the Duchene family after sharing four years of college with Rusty in their apartment. When a job opportunity for Sean arises far from their hometown of New Orleans, Rusty is hesitant to leave his family of brothers and supportive parents. Although not explicitly stated, it is implied that Sean needs to feel secure in working and earning a livelihood using his degree, especially since he has relied on the Duchene family for over six years.
There exists genuine love between the two young men, and the constraints of their geographical separation exacerbate Rusty's concerns while seemingly alleviating those of Sean, who protests the concepts of him leaving the New Orleans area and his family. Nonetheless, the strength of the love between the two young men, and destiny assures that these two individuals will remain together for many years.
This well-crafted short story serves as the introduction to the "Boyou Boys" series, which I intend to explore shortly.
January 29, 2018
Looking forward to another look into Sean and Rustys life.
August 10, 2018
That was too rushed. I mean I know it's a short story but everything is in the blurb.
November 24, 2019
This was great! Beautifully written and very realistic. I am just sad it was so short.
October 22, 2013
This was just the sweetest series of Novella’s that occupied my morning and left a big smile on my face!
The story of Rusty and Sean started out when they were just children and as teenagers they realized they wanted something more from each other. Exploration and discovery led to love. With the complete support of one family, and ignorance and hatred from the other, one would think they could find a balance and tip the scales toward happiness. They manage to maintain a relationship through college, separation and a move to a new city.
In Meant To Be, Sean has just graduated and is having some trouble finding a job. Rusty and his family have always been there for him, loved and supported him even when his only family turned their back on him. But he wants to be a man and be able to provide for himself. When a job offer takes him away from Rusty, will the separation make them stronger? Or tear them apart.
In Moving On it’s been two long months that Sean has been in Boston training for his new job. Rusty has decided that wherever Sean is, that is where he should be. So he’s packed up their stuff and awaits Sean’s arrival so his parents can say their goodbyes to their boys as well, before taking a chance and leaving everything he’s ever known behind. Everything but the most important thing, Sean.
In Tricked Up for Treats, Sean and Rusty are settling into their new lives in their extremely small, yet extremely expensive apartment in Boston. Now the tables have turned and Sean is the bread winner with Rusty unable to secure a job. He finds the odd job here and there, determined to pull his own weight, when he comes across a flyer for a Halloween drag contest. Without talking to Sean first, he signs them up and prays his lover will play along.
This series was just such good fun! The constant throughout all three installments is the love that Rusty and Sean share, a love they’ve shared for over a decade. Cox managed to put a lot of content in the few pages of each story as well. Both young men struggle at different times but usually for the same core reason. Sean still has emotional baggage, even if he has buried it deep, from the abuse he suffered at the hands of his father when he told him he was gay. Rusty and his family have helped him to heal tremendously over the years by giving him noting but love and acceptance, but such things leave lifelong scars.
I loved how Cox would show the vulnerability of the characters and then allow their counterpart to reassure and coax them back with love and tenderness. There are no full sex scenes but there is a lot of passion, kissing and blow jobs to keep the reader satisfied. Innuendos of sexiness were dropped like bread crumbs in each book, and I think that only added to the joy of this series. Sometimes just a suggestion and your imagination are quite enough. If you are looking for a fun read to fill a couple of hours, or if you are having a blah day, grab these three stories, I guarantee they will leave a smile on your face!
The story of Rusty and Sean started out when they were just children and as teenagers they realized they wanted something more from each other. Exploration and discovery led to love. With the complete support of one family, and ignorance and hatred from the other, one would think they could find a balance and tip the scales toward happiness. They manage to maintain a relationship through college, separation and a move to a new city.
In Meant To Be, Sean has just graduated and is having some trouble finding a job. Rusty and his family have always been there for him, loved and supported him even when his only family turned their back on him. But he wants to be a man and be able to provide for himself. When a job offer takes him away from Rusty, will the separation make them stronger? Or tear them apart.
In Moving On it’s been two long months that Sean has been in Boston training for his new job. Rusty has decided that wherever Sean is, that is where he should be. So he’s packed up their stuff and awaits Sean’s arrival so his parents can say their goodbyes to their boys as well, before taking a chance and leaving everything he’s ever known behind. Everything but the most important thing, Sean.
In Tricked Up for Treats, Sean and Rusty are settling into their new lives in their extremely small, yet extremely expensive apartment in Boston. Now the tables have turned and Sean is the bread winner with Rusty unable to secure a job. He finds the odd job here and there, determined to pull his own weight, when he comes across a flyer for a Halloween drag contest. Without talking to Sean first, he signs them up and prays his lover will play along.
This series was just such good fun! The constant throughout all three installments is the love that Rusty and Sean share, a love they’ve shared for over a decade. Cox managed to put a lot of content in the few pages of each story as well. Both young men struggle at different times but usually for the same core reason. Sean still has emotional baggage, even if he has buried it deep, from the abuse he suffered at the hands of his father when he told him he was gay. Rusty and his family have helped him to heal tremendously over the years by giving him noting but love and acceptance, but such things leave lifelong scars.
I loved how Cox would show the vulnerability of the characters and then allow their counterpart to reassure and coax them back with love and tenderness. There are no full sex scenes but there is a lot of passion, kissing and blow jobs to keep the reader satisfied. Innuendos of sexiness were dropped like bread crumbs in each book, and I think that only added to the joy of this series. Sometimes just a suggestion and your imagination are quite enough. If you are looking for a fun read to fill a couple of hours, or if you are having a blah day, grab these three stories, I guarantee they will leave a smile on your face!
July 6, 2014
Meant To Be? was written by Chris Cox for the M/M Romance Group's Love Has No Boundaries picture prompt event.
November 5, 2013
This book completely shocked me on a couple different levels, and in a completely good way!
When I started the book, I thought it would be all about sex, and it wasn’t at all. This was an honest to goodness book about a relationship that is going through a tough decision and how they deal with it. One thing that I loved about this book was the problem they were facing wasn’t solved with sex. Because let’s be honest here, sex doesn’t solve any problems.
The characters in this book were extremely likeable and I would love to read more about them in the future.
My only complaint about this book is how short it is. I think that it would have been better as a longer story instead of broken up into pieces.
Overall, I did enjoy the book!
When I started the book, I thought it would be all about sex, and it wasn’t at all. This was an honest to goodness book about a relationship that is going through a tough decision and how they deal with it. One thing that I loved about this book was the problem they were facing wasn’t solved with sex. Because let’s be honest here, sex doesn’t solve any problems.
The characters in this book were extremely likeable and I would love to read more about them in the future.
My only complaint about this book is how short it is. I think that it would have been better as a longer story instead of broken up into pieces.
Overall, I did enjoy the book!
November 25, 2014
Tough Call
I don't know if this is a first book in a series or not. I walked into established relationship between Rusty and Sean. They share a love of a lifetime and I really was able to feel the intensity of the emotions they feel for each other. They are at a crossroads of growing into men and making life altering choices, in which one needs to sacrifice their own comfort for the other. It's a really tough call! Obviously the decision is made at the end and we see where this journey takes them in the next part in the series. I gave only three stars because I hate reading a serial type of series. Too soap opera feel to me. I enjoy a full novel with an end and continuing a series the same way.
I don't know if this is a first book in a series or not. I walked into established relationship between Rusty and Sean. They share a love of a lifetime and I really was able to feel the intensity of the emotions they feel for each other. They are at a crossroads of growing into men and making life altering choices, in which one needs to sacrifice their own comfort for the other. It's a really tough call! Obviously the decision is made at the end and we see where this journey takes them in the next part in the series. I gave only three stars because I hate reading a serial type of series. Too soap opera feel to me. I enjoy a full novel with an end and continuing a series the same way.
December 3, 2013
Sweet story about two young men who have been together for a time and now they have a difficult decision to make. I wish that the author would make this one into a longer story, even with this brief story I found myself caring about what happens next and what their future will be like. Kudos to the author for managing to write interesting characters in so few pages.
Note: I automatically add an extra star to M/M Romance Group Free Read stories, since I'm greatful to the authors who share their work with us this way.
Note: I automatically add an extra star to M/M Romance Group Free Read stories, since I'm greatful to the authors who share their work with us this way.
September 29, 2014
I liked this story alot until the end. It has a perfectly nice HEA I like but
February 12, 2015
Set aside after 25%. I was willing to overlook finding true love with a best friend since elementary school, and the big, cliched heartstrings tug of rejection by their families, but when an MC is seriously considering guyliner for an interview to be a mechanical engineer in the Deep South as part of 'being himself,' while wondering why he didn't get the job offer after a dozen other meetings, it just got too aggravating to continue. 1 of 3 disastifying reads last night. A big strike out for me.
September 11, 2016
I've promised myself that I will review everything I read as long as it's not under three stars. If it's under that, why read it in the first place? The characters seem sweet and in love, a very simple short story. Good characterization is key to me as a reader. And having said that, since I haven't read the whole series, I felt like I could see the players quite clearly, so that's a promising start.
January 28, 2014
Beautiful short story about Rusty and Sean. Sean just graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and has been unable to find a job. Rusty works for his family's landscaping business. When Sean is offered a job in Boston it creates turmoil for the two young men. Fortunately, Rusty realizes where his heart belongs and the two have their HEA.
Many thanks to the author for participating in LHNB and giving us such a wonderful story for free.
Many thanks to the author for participating in LHNB and giving us such a wonderful story for free.
July 30, 2013
LHNB story released 30.7.13
Heading to 3.5 stars
Very sweet story of a young couple who have been together since their teenage years as they face the difficulties associated with finally finishing with school and moving into employment and careers. The story is well written but the characters felt a little flat to me.
Heading to 3.5 stars
Very sweet story of a young couple who have been together since their teenage years as they face the difficulties associated with finally finishing with school and moving into employment and careers. The story is well written but the characters felt a little flat to me.
February 7, 2016
A very sweet short romance story
A very real romance with all the problems that come with it. The characters are well drawn and believable as is the situation. I wound up falling in love with both of them and it renewed my hopes for good gay romantic fiction. Looking forward to the next book!
A very real romance with all the problems that come with it. The characters are well drawn and believable as is the situation. I wound up falling in love with both of them and it renewed my hopes for good gay romantic fiction. Looking forward to the next book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews