"After the Funeral" by losgud (lushgod@hotnomail.com). Guest review by BillyG.

When I first contemplated doing guest reviews for Celeste, I rubbed my hands, already framing the complimentary phrases I'd employ in describing the writing of many of the a.s.s.m. contributors. Then once again, reality struck! I found myself reaching for expressions other than insipid or crappy and mumbling, "How come M1ke Hunt gets all the good stuff?"

It suddenly got better when Celeste sent "After the Funeral." I said aloud, "Oh boy!" I've read a few of losgud's stories, liked 'em all and looked forward to this one. I wasn't disappointed.

I like his style. It's unhurried, almost languorous. No nameless, faceless fucking in his stories. The characters emerge as very real people, often with a sense of humor and tender foibles known to all of us. The plots are often everyday situations characterized by plausible events that usually lead to an anticipated erotic connection, usually well into the story. It's much like listening to a familiar tale whose plot is known and the joy of it comes in the telling. I KNOW what's going to happen when Tommy and Ashley get together; the delight is watching it happen.

Tommy's mom and dad and his sister have returned to Grandmother's place to bury her. She's had a good life and there are no false tears. There's no breast beating in this story. To the contrary, the family has a refreshing, near-irreverent humor. After the funeral, the adult siblings, Tommy and Ashley end up taking a nap together and well . . . it's far better read than recounted.

The story's warm and funny and sensuous BEFORE it becomes much warmer and very erotic. Add it to your "must read" list.