Cirrus@Austlit

'Apart from his drug addiction, his homophobic father, and his denial of his sexuality, Ben O'Connor lives a charmed life. He has a wonderful son, a lucrative job as a Realtor, and a supportive mother and siblings. Then his boss promotes someone else over him and his life disintegrates. In his anger, he breaks the eleventh commandment—thou shalt not get caught.

'Kicking his ice habit while incarcerated, Ben realizes he has lost his ability to enjoy life. But he gets another chance at Thailand's Resort Jomtien, where he takes part in an experimental program aimed at preventing relapses among recovering addicts. There he meets Matt Wilson, a gay man from Sydney who's facing the same struggle. Ben and Matt form a strong bond as they rediscover joy and learn strategies to cope with the lure of their addictions.

'Ben invites the adrift Matt home with him after treatment and finds he fits perfectly into Ben's family. But will Ben recognize that his feelings for Matt go beyond the platonic before Matt's doubts—and a worldwide pandemic—separate them forever?' (Publication summary)

'Jackson “Jacko” Smith is dyslexic, but like many people affected by the learning disability, he is highly intelligent. His best friend Sammy Collins helps him get through school and unlocks his potential. Jacko progresses through the ranks of local government until Mother Nature intervenes and the straight boy and the gay boy become a couple.

'As Jacko and Sammy start a family and challenge social mores, Jacko enters politics, horrified at the direction the Australian government is taking. With Sammy by his side, he can achieve anything and rises through the ranks to the highest office in the land, driving Australia away from its British colonial roots and engaging with its neighbors in Asia like never before. Economic growth results, and while most Australians are supportive, a small group of extremists might endanger everything Jacko has built—including his life.

'Through the love and the strength of their partnership, Jacko and Sammy rise above their ordinary lives. Because love is never ordinary.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'Australia is a nation in transition. Marriage equality looms but homophobia still rules. Depression and suicide are commonplace as Dean Prentice and his lover, Danny, grow up together in country Victoria. When Dean moves to a nearby regional center to study veterinary science, he finds acceptance and love when reunited with Danny. Profound tragedy visits Dean’s life and he grieves, moving on through a series of lovers both male and female and struggling to focus on his studies and his dream of becoming a veterinarian. He graduates and specializes in equine work.

'With long hours and unrelenting pressure, he misses the support of a full time partner. The only constant in his life is his loyal Kelpie, Bruce. Then he meets Neil Andrews and falls in love. Neil is a stunning widower in his forties with children and grandchildren, and Dean realizes he wants kids of his own.

'But Neil is still deep in the closet and while their relationship is passionate, it’s going nowhere permanent. They separate, and Dean contemplates marrying a woman for company and friendship. For the second time in Dean’s young life, depression reveals its ugly presence; this time there are medical professionals at hand and he might have a chance for love at last.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.