Running Up That Hill, Barry Brennessel
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Publisher: MLR Press
Genre: Gay Romance
Tags: Retro Read – The 80’s, Humour
Length: 45 Pages
Reviewer: Kazza K
Purchase At: MLR Press, amazon.com
It’s October 31st, 1986, and Jeremy has not long started working at a law book publishing company. He has a BA English, but he sorts through boxes of slips, the paper trail of the company. Everyone has to start somewhere, and he is grateful for his job. But paper trails and slips will soon be a thing of the past as the new Wang WP computers have arrived at the company, much to the workers chagrin. For me, the description of the Wang computers throughout is priceless –
Bright and early Monday morning, Yvette and Ellen were huddled together in a battle of wits against the Wang. There were whispers, mumbles, a couple pounded fists, and some expletives.
Yvette said something in Spanish. Not a good sign. The Wang was winning.
Jeremy is needed to do a job for an editor and has to pick up the work and find out what is required. The editor turns out to be different to what/who Jeremy expects. Adam is pretty hot – late twenties, early thirties – and he hopes that he is gay. Pretty soon he gets a cue? a sign? –
It was without a doubt …the infamous gay eye-lock. He could tell. His heart raced and he tingled. That was always a sure sign.
Jeremy is hopeful that the cute, eye-locking-Adam is gay. He finds out soon enough one night when he is at his regular hang out with his BFF, Scott. Lo and behold Adam turns up with friends, looking mighty sexy. Things take a positive turn from here as Adam approaches Jeremy, they talk, go and grab something to eat, and end up at Adam’s place after.
“I swear,” Adam said. “I never invite guys to my place after just meeting them.”
Jeremy sat down on the sofa. “And I never go home with guys I’ve just met. But the thing is, Adam, we already know each other so…it’s …acceptable.”
Pretty soon both guys give into their attraction at Adam’s house –
“So, I’m not great at this. As in, I never know whether it’s supposed to just happen, or if someone is supposed to come right out and suggest…kissing.”
…Jeremy scooted closer to Adam. “I don’t care how it happens,” he said,” but if I have to stare at you much longer without touching, I’m going to go crazy.”
“Wow,” Adam said, “and you’re so reserved and shy at the office.”
Adam led Jeremy to the bed, and nudged him to lie down. Adam climbed on top of Jeremy. They thrust against one another as they caressed each other’s bodies from shoulder to thigh. “This feels so good,” Adam said. Jeremy slipped his hand inside Adam’s briefs. He grazed the tip of Adam’s cock with his finger. “Take them off now,” Adam said. “I want us to be totally naked.”
And the relationship goes from there. There are some ups and downs. Not too much, it’s a short read, but it is well done. It’s the 80’s, neither man is out to their family and some people are downright homophobic. Workplace included.
Things that I liked about his book, apart from Jeremy and Adam’s burgeoning relationship, include Jeremy and Scott’s friendship – they are close but they snark at each other in a good hearted, humorous manner –
“I know you probably never ever hear these words, but you’re making me horny, Scott. Gotta go.” And without waiting for Scott’s comeback, Jeremy hung up the phone.
And the insecurities of being gay – HIV/AIDS still very fresh and particularly scary around that time. And the love Jeremy had of 45’s and his particular love of Running Up That Hill, by Kate Bush – the voice of a mouse-angel. That technology was changing – vinyl to CD’s, paper to computers.
If you are looking for a quality short read that delivers humour, a bit of sexy, thoughtful moments, and a positive outlook, then I suggest you go no further than Barry Brennessel’s Running Up That Hill.
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Ah, the eighties. I loved ’em. 🙂
This looks like a hot little story and one that I have to add to my TBR. Short, sexy and exactly what I’m looking for right now. The GIF, as always, is perfect. 😀
This is a really well written short. Great characters, one sex scene, perfect for the story. Another thing that is so good for me – Wang computers were the matchmaker for my husband and I. Yep, we fell in love over a Wang, LOL.
I did not know that about you and the hubby. You must tell me that story someday. I will definitely be reading this short.
I will tell you that story, If we mention Wang in this household there are snickers from the kids – buggers 😀