Purly Gates

by Vastine Bondurant

A lonely stretch of beach becomes a hiding place for two men who, when their paths cross, are determined not to be ships just passing in the night.

Purlman “Purly” Gates—dark, brooding, mysterious, hiding from his past and the hefty price on his head—is hopelessly attracted to the young man who strolls the beach every morning. At the risk of his own exposure and its deadly consequences, Purly succumbs to his desire and sets out to lure the beautiful enigma into his lair.

Lucky Cleary wants the swarthy stranger who watches him from the shadows of the cottage deck, and his morning promenades finally pay off when the man steps out onto the beach and into Lucky’s life in a move to bring their paths together.

But Lucky has a secret as well—a past mistake following close behind him, promising certain death if it catches up with him.

When each man discovers the other’s identity, the truth forms a powerful bond between them and fans the flame of their passion.

But is the meeting of these two lonely souls a beautiful destiny or merely a cruel twist of fate in which their desire is nothing more than the kiss of death for them both?

Genres: M M Romance, Historical, Romance, Historical Romance, Short Stories, Emotional, Contemporary

52 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 24, 2012

About the author

I’m Texas born and raised, an old fashioned, bling-loving girly girl. I love to read and write stories of men and women and the sizzling chemistry that draws them together. Passion. My heart is helplessly bound to romance of a time long gone- gritty, sexy stories of men in fedoras and overcoats. Old Spice Aftershave, Lucky Strike cigarettes, fancy cuff links, hair pomade, mobsters. Clandestine whispers on Bakelite telephones from the shadows of cheesy restaurant phone booths. Stories of a time when sex was all the more sexy because it wasn’t plastered on every billboard—no naked Joes and dames in every ad in every magazine. Lovemaking—hot, sweet-and-naughty, a secret between lovers. My make believe world is sex and danger, hotter than Hades but wrapped up in a deceptive package—gals with soft skin, pretty lace slips, seamed stockings, satin peignoirs, powder puffs and Chanel No. 5. And the tough guys in dress shirts and suspenders who lust to get their hands on the garters they know tease just beneath those kick pleats. I’m a goner for the dynamics of testosterone meets sugar and spice.

Reviews

[Simsala · Rating 5 out of 5]

The ending....Goddammit! For a short moment I really thought...my poor heart!
That was - hands down - the best m/m romance novella that I`ve ever read! The dreamlike quality of the writing made goosebumps galore...two men and their dark past,the beach,the sea,two dogs and Beethoven...low on smut but what an intense,beautiful romance.
The blurb is vague and I will leave it at that.Better to dive into the story without knowing too much about it...just read it!

Highly recommended!

[Ami · Rating 3 out of 5]

Feels like a bit of 'a party pooper' here, among the other positive reviews *embarrassed*

Let's see ... title wise, intriguing. Story wise, intriguing as well -- especially since it is written in such way that readers are only given tidbits of clues about who the two men are. When it is finally unraveled, their stories are quite touching.

Chemistry with the writing style wise --- well, this is when I hit the bump. Although the words can be lyrical, but I'm constantly annoyed with the emphasis of the some words, especially the verb "did", that the author uses. Those italic "dids" are distracting to read after several times, like the author is telling me that yes, it IS important for you, as a reader, to notice that ...

Sometimes those italics are even found within one paragraph, on two consecutive sentences. For example:

...

But one thing he did know. The annoying preoccupation did not mean he was queer for he’d never considered acting on the draw of a masculine physique.

Instead of sleeping, he did helplessly drift to erotic imagery of the stranger every night. He did imagine touching him, holding him, burying himself deep inside that gently curved ass.

...

For me personally, it's irritating and reduce my reading enjoyment.

[Vio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sims lovely review sums it up perfectly. An amazing debut with so many beautiful poignant moments and a few gut wrenching ones as well. A story to treasure because it hits you like a ton of bricks in ways you don't expect. Lucky and Purly they are a wonderful messed up pair, perfect for each other loved them to bits even though I did have a brief "gasp" moment near the end. Awesome it hit all the right buttons for me!

[Mandy*reads obsessively* · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25*
Two damaged guys, a lot of their issues and damage is of their own making and life choices.
They find each other at a time in life where they need someone and are ready to change, literally have to change the course of their life if they are going to continue living.
It is poignant and touching, but I missed just a bit more time between the MCs. I guess because of what's happened and where he is going he is ready to accept this part of himself and Lucky appeals to his need to protect and care. Lucky in turn seems to need someone to do that for him,and they are both very vulnerable, so it's actually a good match and I can believe their love, I just felt like I missed it, I mean they spent a few hours awake talking. I needed a little more, maybe a few conversations on the beach, not a week of silence and then 'Yep, I'm yours forever'.
I think with just a few more pages I could have really loved this one.

[Feliz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was very interesting, from its original, wickedly ingenious title over the lyrical writing and beautiful prose to the well-drawn characters. Considering how short it is, the story created an impressive amount of atmosphere. However, the plot in itself was just the same old insta-love and the ending....sorry Sims...that was just over the top. Sweet, admittedly, and the good kind, not the toothache kind, but still.

[Leaundra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this short story. Reading it I kept wondering what they both were running from, which made me keep reading to find out of course:-). Purly and Lucky both had danger in the air around them but I still thought they were very sweet together and that fate put them both there to meet.... ps...The cover is beautiful!!

[Blacky *Romance Addict* · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a nice little read :) Although, I was very dissapointed, the first 40% of the book was excellent (5 stars for sure!), but then came the part where they talked about their pasts, and it all became so incredibly mushy and sweet and gooey and a million similar expressions for those who like mushy, you'll absolutely LOVE this book. Me? I don't. So the ending didn't work for me. Too bad, because it was beautifully written, love the style of the author :)

Best scene: Well all of them up till the 40-50 % of the book XDXD But still, the one when Purly says to Lucky he's not interested and Lucky stops comming to the beach. That was so sad :(

[S.A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is just glorious.

The author has captured the 'feel' of the era so beautifully. Reading this novella was like settling down on the settee on a rainy Sunday afternoon to watch an old black and white film. I could see the light and shadow, hear the soundtrack and the characters' voices.

Atmospheric, lyrical, beautiful.

I can't wait to read more from Ms. Bondurant.

And, yes, the cover art is perfect.

[Candice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story.

[Irina Elena · Rating 3 out of 5]

guess i'm the odd one out here, huh?
well, it was good. the plot was interesting, the characters intriguing, the setting fascinating. but, but, but.
i think this could have easily been a full-length novel. this way i could have gotten to know more about the mcs' background and their personality. (how did lucky get to be so naive? well, naive. say more like stupid. he doesn't have the basics of logical reasonings. you think you deserved being carved out like a christmas turkey? dude, lionel was a mean bastard and a drug addict. wake up! and you just now realized lionel had never kissed you? i'm baffled.)
i can definitely appreciate a sensual story - not in the meaning of erotic, more like a strong suggestion of sex all throughout the story - but there were things that bugged me about this. how can you create this wonderful, sexy atmosphere and then ruin it by making one of the characters say "fuck me, fuck me" every two minutes? it didn't come across as hot, much less endearing.
the ending... well, i for one was in no way tense or scared or whatever during what was supposed to be the climax of the story. i got what, two lines about the bad guys shooting purly and then a complete blackout? i can see what v.b. wanted to do here, but it didn't work.
oh, one last thing: insta-love. be warned. you could say that it was pretty clear that it was more like a physical attraction and protectiveness on purly's side, but he explicitly said he loved lucky. after two weeks of knowing him. and 24 hours since he first talked to him. wtf?
what i loved were the historical details. who knew that full-body suimsuits could be sexy? ;)

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 of 5
Purly Gates hearkens back to an era before my time, but even so the story, the characters, are timeless. And for me that is what sets apart a terrific storyteller from a good storyteller; Vastine Bondurant, in my estimation, is the former.

There's a poignancy to Purly and Lucky's story but there's also an extremely satisfying romance that reverberates with passion and emotion.
Vastine Bondurant has nailed the atmosphere of the time in which the story is set; in many ways it's a simpler time, definitely there's a different feel.

Bondurant's scene setting is stellar; I can see the lonely stretch of beach in front of Purly's house; the attractive stranger and his dogs add life to a blank canvas. The spark was struck and the story took me away; lovely!

[Sadonna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really liked this historical novella. I enjoyed the way the story captured the two men and the era. Lucky and Purly spend a bit of time dancing around each other and it turns out they are each more than meets the eye. As we read on, the layers of their lives are revealed. I really liked the unexpected twists and turns the story took. And the ending - well - just read it.

[C.L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent story. The characters were engaging, kept this reader turning the page, figuratively speaking of course. Set in the 1930s, I believe, so it has a noir feel to it. A time when men kept their inner feelings of desire that wasn't considered the "norm." Very well handled. We get to know them...we connect...enough said, no spoilers. Read the book.

[Gypsum · Rating 1 out of 5]

Although I don't like to leave negative reviews in this instance I felt I had to provide a little bit of balance to all the positive reviews.

*Spoilers follow*

This book is not at all well written. The author is clearly operating under the assumption that if you write with a thesaurus at your side and every now and again throw in a 'posh' word, your writing will look clever and literary. It doesn't, it just looks like you write with a thesaurus at your side. And it really doesn’t help when you don’t understand the ‘posh’ words you're using. Take this phrase;

“He’d been around long enough to perceive when someone, woman or man, put the make on him”.

Well good for him. However, using “perceive” in that sentence is wrong. You’d never say “I perceived he was putting the make on me”. The word “know” was the right one to use, ie “He’d been around long enough to know when someone…”. It’s unfortunate that the author thought the word “know” was plain and boring and so figured it would be nice to ‘jazz-up’ the writing a bit. Mind you that’s not my favourite one, this is best:

“’I’ve missed you,’ The sentiment spewing from him was so foreign to his ears…”

Spewing sentiment….? Spewing…sentiment?! Bloody hell. I mean volcanoes can spew lava and at a push you could ‘spew forth hatred’ but sentiment?! Spew means to vomit, to expel violently. To attach this description to sentiment…well words fail me.

Then there’s the incredibly turgid writing style and the overdone descriptions:

...“So he knew his unexplainable infatuation with this person wasn’t some sort of instantaneous amour.”

...“a powerful wave surged into Lucky, sweeping him into its aquamarine belly”

...“that nod and the whisper of a word on the traveler’s (sic) lips-only God read what he’d said, for Purly couldn’t-triggered Purly’s pulse into a riotous but luscious sprint.

I’m personally not sure what a luscious sprint is. Perhaps its running through really tall, wet grass. And the last example highlights yet another problem - the author has an apparent need to arrange the clauses of a sentence yoda-style so that it’s a real struggle to read the book.

And that’s before we get onto the characterisation and plotting, such that there is any. The characters are all exaggerated clichés. We have the beefcake ex-racketeer fresh from the joint and just trying to go straight, the poor, abused boy-next-door who just loved the wrong guy, and the knife wielding evil ex with money, power and more addictions than Charlie Sheen. The plot is predictable and full of far too many clumsy devices. For instance lets say you find you’ve written in a problem ex-boyfriend that could cause trouble for our ‘heroes’, only you suddenly realise he’s not needed any more…solution? Have him commit suicide. Much easier than actually having to write a sensible resolution.

To further illustrate just how badly written this is let me give you a quote from one of the 5 star reviews “Because this book is setting in 1930 (NO ONE TOLD ME) I was going to stop reading it” I’m sorry no one explained it was set in 1930? Why would you need someone to explain that it was set…oh yeah, sorry. That would be because the author totally fails to cerate any sense of place or time or atmosphere.

The book actually works better if you read it as a pastiche. So unless your only other option is imminent death from boredom I really wouldn't bother with this book.

[Pixie Mmgoodbookreviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Hearts

First published at MM Good Book Reviews

http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.co...

Purly is a man in hiding. He has done things, in his past, that people want him to pay for and if they catch up with him…well, then he is a dead man. But, while staying at the beach, he sees a man every morning, but fights his attraction for him. Lucky is also in hiding and every morning he passes a man standing on his deck smoking a cigarette, he finds the man attractive and is trying to find a way to speak to him.

This is a lovely gentle novella of a time when you used subtle words and actions to find out if a man was gay. Purly is lying low until he can move on. When he becomes enamored of a young man who walks along the beach every morning. Lucky is that young man, but Lucky is also lying low, but the man on the deck draws him to him daily. When the two first speak there is an attraction between them and although it is what they both want, Purly finds that he can’t go through with it and backs off.

This is a nicely written story, although I wasn’t too keen on the writing style (too much italic for me), but it could be beautiful and lyrical. I did enjoy the storyline, Lucky was genuinely attracted to Purly right from the start and it had taken him a lot to build up courage to speak to Purly. And for Lucky it was an added bonus that Purly could take him away from his exile and also keeps him hidden, because that is exactly what Purly has to do as well… stay hidden. Lucky seems to be a fragile young man, he has been abused in the past and we get a flashback to that time. Purly comes across as a cultured gentleman, but his past is shady and his life is in danger.

The ending had me on tender hooks, but I was able to breathe a sigh of relief. So, I will recommend this to those who want a more gentle, tender romance, low on sex, but high on feelings, with an interesting past for both main characters and a happy ever after.

[Lou Sylvre · Rating 5 out of 5]

What Vastine Bondurant gives readers in is the story of two men, Purly and Lucky, so removed from the world at large that they and the remote beach they roam seem insubstantial, ghostly. At first only Lucky's two beautiful dogs semed to me to anchor them to the mundane world. But with bits and pieces of back story, and stirrings of desire, and physicalities--even a near-drowning, Bondurant builds her men into flesh and bone. Lets them touch. Lets them fall in love when hardly any words have been spoken between them. By that point in the story, I was really scared for them--bad-feeling-in-the-pit-of-my-stomach scared. I knew the separate fates Purly and Lucky were trying to hide from on that remote beach were about to find them and get them all tangled up in hurt. No spoilers, as is my motto, but I will tell you, this is a romance; happy ever after might yet be in the cards.

Still, this little book had to work for its five stars. The first thing that took me as I began to read was the language. It's beautifully crafted, words carefully chosen. I'm not used to reading that kind of writing any more, and the poesy almost obscured the story. At first. I kept reading because, the characters called to me, and the beach itself became a character, one that I knew intimately, one that had a part to play in the story. I kept reading because the prose had a quality of washing in and out like waves, a rhythm. And I loved this novella! The ending, perhaps, came a little too expected, almost a trick, but it was satisfying nonetheless. I think I have actually come to believe that Purly and Lucky live there, just where Vastine Bondurant left them, in the real world.

This is a book for people who love sensual experience, people who enjoy the art of language, people who appreciate beautiful men and achingly sweet love.

[Elisa Rolle]

Nice, short novella almost lost in time. The time is actually the ’30, and I think the author picked this time to give both an allure than a feeling of being outlaws to the characters.

Purly and Lucky meet in an isolated beach in California. After days spent looking at each other without interacting, a chance event allow them to officially meet. The target of both men is clear, they are men loving men, and they want to share an intimate moment and nothing else. But nothing is simple, and both Purly than Lucky got secrets.

I love the out of time feeling of the novels, and the uncertainty approach of Purly, maybe one of the few hints this is not today time; sure, lately I started to discover real life stories of men loving men in the ’20, ’30 and ’40, strangely it seems they were even more “free” than in later years, but still, it was done beyond closed door, nothing was in plain sight. So Purly approaches Lucky with a little fear, a feeling that seems strange to the man, quite strange as we will discover later in the story. And Lucky? Lucky is maybe more eager, but also with a layer of innocence that both appeals than scares Purly.

I think this is a first attempt from this author, but it’s a nice one. I’m intrigued enough to want to reading more.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007XEOQX8/?...

[Meggie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hm at the start, I was asking myself, how could Purly know the specific colour from Lucky green eyes, if they never actually talked with each-other, except for a short time each day, glanced at each other from afar. It was a bit, yeah... sure... But otherwise I liked it.

[Dolors · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just wonderful....

[Saylor Dupin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the way Vastine Bondurant writes retro m/m romance. Strong characters and an interesting story! I wanted more!

[Page Crusherz · Rating 4 out of 5]

very short but fun to read.

[Kelley Vandiver · Rating 3 out of 5]

No spoilers here. This is shorter than a novella. I didn't feel the chemistry between the two main characters, which is often the problem with a short story. I also found the ending a bit rushed and confusing.

[Julie Hayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Some people come into our lives, leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never the same." Unknown

It isn’t love at first sight, so what the hell is it?

Purlman ‘Purly’ Gates desires what he cannot have and shouldn’t want. So he does nothing about it, other than watch from a distance as the object of his desire passes by on his daily perambulation along the beach, with his two canine companions. But Purly watches him with a white hot intensity that threatens to engulf him, waiting for a sign from the other man, something that says he’s aware of Purly too. And then it comes…


Lucky has noticed Purly; in fact, he’s very much aware of him and very much in lust.

Heat flushed to Lucky’s cheeks at the image playing in his mind. The stubborn
fantasy that couldn’t be expelled in which the mysterious man—in the confines of the
nondescript little cottage, moonlight fingering through the slats in the blinds—stripped
him and bound him hand and foot to a bed. Fondled his naked body, teased every inch of flesh with his dark hands until Lucky climaxed beneath the unrelenting, piercing stare of the obsidian eyes.


But when the other man boldly makes the first move, Lucky runs, and it’s only because Fate refuses to be foiled that they end up striking up an acquaintanceship.

Purly can’t help but think this won’t end well, but he’s drawn to Lucky, like a moth to a flame. He’s never wanted to be with a man like this; although he’s felt such attractions before, he’s never been moved to act on them.

He’d always kept company with dames—wining, dining and fucking them—and
therefore had no explanation for the lure of men’s bodies or the very private quickening
in his gut at how beautiful some of them were. But one thing he did know. The annoying
preoccupation did not mean he was queer, for he’d never considered acting on the draw
of a masculine physique.

Until now…


The year is 1930, and in the eyes of the society in which these men live, such relationships are not allowed, they’re unthinkable, unconscionable—taboo. Besides, Purly has secrets that he can’t explain, secrets that prevent him doing that which he longs to do. All he knows is that he needs to drive this young man away, for his own sake. For both their sakes.

How long will his resolution last when something insists on drawing them together?

Reading Purly Gates is like watching a vintage film with most excellent cinematography. Each scene is perfectly framed, the words flowing across the page like exquisite brush strokes. Told from the perspective of each of the protagonists, it is a story of deep desires kindled in a chance meeting, an exchange of glances. The improbable meets the impossible and becomes the must happen.

Ms. Bondurant’s story overflows with sexual tension as these two men go through the steps in their elaborate courtship dance. You will find yourself holding your breath, waiting for them to finally combust, nursing a sweet ache as you anticipate and hope for the consummation of their desires.

It’s heartbreaking to realize that two people who simply wish for the freedom to love are denied that opportunity because of the times in which they live. Even more so to realize that even now, society hasn’t reached the point of enlightenment regarding love, although it’s come a long way since the more puritanical 1930’s.

Purly Gates is an erotic story without being erotica. To me, erotica is when the sex overrides the plot, when the plot is but an afterthought, and there’s the thinnest of lines between erotica and unabashed porn. Erotic romance, on the other hand, is romance that is spiced with sexiness, enough to titillate and whet the appetite.

The electricity between Purly and Lucky crackles from the pages. She conveys their longing, their feelings in a way that I can only define as classy. She doesn’t resort to overt sex, when subtle sexuality says so much more. Which isn’t to say that the story isn’t sexy, far from it. It’s quite sexy.

Her characters are well-drawn and very memorable, and the ending will take your breath away and leave you speechless.

At only 52 pages, it’s a short story. But as the adage says, it’s not the size that counts, it’s what you do with it. Vastine Bondurant does it well. A must read for lovers of romance who like t sexy heroes living in bygone days. Add this one to your Kindle for sure.

[Heather C · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recently discovered Vastine Bondurant’s writing a few months ago when I read and LOVED Glory Lands; and ever since then, Purly Gates has been high up on my TBR list.

I not going to go into much detail on the plot here, its already beautifully expressed in the blurb. (This review will be short as I can not say much about it without spoiling everything.)

What you NEED to know:

This is a historical set in the summer of 1930 America.

This does not feel like a historical since it takes place entirely on a secluded beach (so don’t that let stop you if you are hesitant when it comes to historicals)

The imagery is gorgeous and I totally got lost in the writing.

Both men have a secret past…and its not pretty.

There are cute doggies!

This was waaaay more intense than I expected.

Its a bit too insta-love for me, but still works somehow.

The ending is a SHOCKER. (No, I will not tell you how)

Recommended.

Reviewed for The Blogger Girls

[Jas Phoenix · Rating 5 out of 5]

Purly Gates by Vastine Bondurant is simply exquisite – a truly beautiful and unforgettable read. It tells the story of two men with troubled pasts, each scarred in different ways, navigating danger and desire in equal measure. They fear what might happen if they give in to their attraction, yet the pull between them is undeniable, powerful, and impossible to resist. You can really feel the connection between them, their hesitation, their longing, and the intensity of what builds between them. The characters are beautifully created – flawed, vulnerable, and utterly compelling. Their chemistry leaps off the page, and the emotional depth keeps you hooked right to the end. I found myself completely absorbed.

What makes this book stand out isn’t just the passion or the tension – though both are written brilliantly – but the way Vastine Bondurant brings it all to life through her prose. The writing is vivid and deeply evocative without ever feeling overdone. A story full of desire, danger, and love that defies all odds. I truly couldn’t put it down. Highly recommended!

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I do see that many of you out there loved this story, why I wonder? It’s not bad, but to me it feels forgettable. I’ve had it on my to-read shelf for a long time because I wanted to read about the traumatized MC, seems all he needed was someone to hold him in the night and then everything was splendid. I don’t know, I wanted more dept. How many hours were the characters given to develop their relationship? Felt like they just met, decided that they were in love, and one sob story later it was happily ever after… Yes, harsh, I know. I’m a bitch that’s my only explanation.

[Intricacy Alterite · Rating 3 out of 5]

The beginning of the story is very intrguing and the settings are quite well described. However, the second half of the story feels rushed and goes into way less depth into the characters, and that's a pity as it is when their relationship develop, and we almost never see it. The flashbacks are nice in that they give a lot of information, but they hinder the story in that they cut the reader off the other character's reactions.
I feel like this story had a lot of potential and didn't necessarily lived up to it, but I still liked it.

[Antonella · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

Above average. I did enjoy it, but the second part of it was decidedly too sweet. And insta-love is a pet peeve of mine.