What do you think?
The Outdoorsman's Son #1
The Outdoorsman's Son
Derrick is used to small-town midwestern life. At seventeen, he's learned to adjust to about anything. But when his parents decide to move to the small town of Dale, Indiana after the death of his Grandpa, his whole world is turned upside down. Nothing can help him adjust when he meets Timothy, the sexy son of an outdoorsman shop owner. Everything in his black and white world suddenly has color and meaning far beyond what he ever could have imagined.
When Timothy invites him to a party at his dad's farm to kick off spring break, all of his fantasies about being Timothy's boyfriend seem to be coming true. But Timothy is in an arranged relationship with a popular girl named Mindy and when he realizes he's more than just smitten with Derrick it leads to a series of confrontations that change his life forever. Join best-selling author Daniel Elijah Sanderfer for this heartwarming coming of age story about hope, young love, and desire.
When Timothy invites him to a party at his dad's farm to kick off spring break, all of his fantasies about being Timothy's boyfriend seem to be coming true. But Timothy is in an arranged relationship with a popular girl named Mindy and when he realizes he's more than just smitten with Derrick it leads to a series of confrontations that change his life forever. Join best-selling author Daniel Elijah Sanderfer for this heartwarming coming of age story about hope, young love, and desire.
79 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2019
About the author
Daniel Elijah Sanderfer
209 books116 followersDaniel Elijah Sanderfer is an internationally best-selling author of more than one hundred fifty books. He was born in Stuart, Virginia, and raised in the Southside region. He's lived in numerous places across the eastern United States but now resides in rural Lee County, where he lives with his husband of twenty years, William.
His books feature LGBTQIA+ characters from all walks of life but primarily focus on rural living. He's received several award nominations, including Best Author on Goodreads and Best Y.A. Short Story. His works can be found primarily on Amazon, as well as other retailers nationwide. Several of his works are also available in audiobook format.
Before he became a writer, he worked in the hospitality industry for fifteen years, where he received the R.O.S.E. award nomination two consecutive years in the Louisville, Kentucky Metropolitan Area. His works showcase queer and other characters living their authentic truths. They always contain messages of hope, as well as life lessons. He's a proud, gay own voices author with a large fan following on social media.
You can find information about his life, as well as news on upcoming releases, in his Facebook fan group, Sanderfer's Socialites.
His books feature LGBTQIA+ characters from all walks of life but primarily focus on rural living. He's received several award nominations, including Best Author on Goodreads and Best Y.A. Short Story. His works can be found primarily on Amazon, as well as other retailers nationwide. Several of his works are also available in audiobook format.
Before he became a writer, he worked in the hospitality industry for fifteen years, where he received the R.O.S.E. award nomination two consecutive years in the Louisville, Kentucky Metropolitan Area. His works showcase queer and other characters living their authentic truths. They always contain messages of hope, as well as life lessons. He's a proud, gay own voices author with a large fan following on social media.
You can find information about his life, as well as news on upcoming releases, in his Facebook fan group, Sanderfer's Socialites.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
May 26, 2019
Wow. Simplistic writing was simplistic.
This short novella featured two 17 y.o. MC's, but their internal monologues and conversations felt more like 13 y.o. girls, so it was extreeeeeeeeemely YA-feeling.
While Derrick's parents were pretty awesome, the rest of the townsfolk came across as knuckle-dragging, MAGA hat-wearing, Mega-church-attending shitheads.
Insta-love was a thing here, too, especially for Derrick, but the story was overall pretty sweet and made you want to root for them as a couple.
There was an epilogue from several years down the road, so it did end with an HEA, and contained one glossed-over steamy scene.
2.75 stars.
-----------------------------------------------
This book is *FREE* with Kindle Unlimited membership.
See All My Latest Reads (Review Quick-Links)
-----------------------------------------------
March 14, 2019
4.5 stars
Derrick, almost eighteen is the new boy in town, Dale a small place with 1500 residents (says internet :). Derrick a kind hearted easygoing boy, standing in a shop, to get a ‘truck thing’ for his father, he meets Timothy and when their eyes meet there is something happening with both boys.
Being out isn’t regular in conservative Dale and carefully they try to spend time together.
It’s inevitably that they are meant to be together. And both know it’s not just a fling.
Where one is treated with love and understanding, the other has to face something totally different.
A YA story, written with a wonderful loosen up and fresh swing. It was such an enjoyable read.
Overall with kind people but oh goshh there are some nasty and ugly ones.
The story told from the boys pov. And they talk to the reader, that was nice.
The characters were well put down, the typical language was adorable, the land and everything around was vividly described, I could smell the hay and feel the sun burning.
Yah I loved this sweet read.
Kindly received an arc from the author
Derrick, almost eighteen is the new boy in town, Dale a small place with 1500 residents (says internet :). Derrick a kind hearted easygoing boy, standing in a shop, to get a ‘truck thing’ for his father, he meets Timothy and when their eyes meet there is something happening with both boys.
Being out isn’t regular in conservative Dale and carefully they try to spend time together.
It’s inevitably that they are meant to be together. And both know it’s not just a fling.
Where one is treated with love and understanding, the other has to face something totally different.
A YA story, written with a wonderful loosen up and fresh swing. It was such an enjoyable read.
Overall with kind people but oh goshh there are some nasty and ugly ones.
The story told from the boys pov. And they talk to the reader, that was nice.
The characters were well put down, the typical language was adorable, the land and everything around was vividly described, I could smell the hay and feel the sun burning.
Yah I loved this sweet read.
Kindly received an arc from the author
Read
March 15, 2019So this short introduced me to the music of Steve Grand, a gay song-writer/singer, and for that I am grateful.
Take a listen to his American Boy . . .
my link text
Take a listen to his American Boy . . .
my link text
November 23, 2019
Horrible
Thank God it was free. Nothing redeemable about this one at all. Definitely pass on this one. It's not even worth a KU borrow.
Thank God it was free. Nothing redeemable about this one at all. Definitely pass on this one. It's not even worth a KU borrow.
April 11, 2019
This is a very simple story about a boy who moves to a small Midwest town with his parent's and falls in love with another boy in town. It's a very short story. Sweet but could have benefitted from being a bit more lengthy. The story moves along very quickly. It's a bit too instalove and emotional. As a reader I felt like I didn't really know the characters for me to feel an emotional connection to their story. It did not feel like I was taken on a journey. Basically it's boy meets boy. Boys fall in love. Homophobia. Boys live happily ever after. The end. I needed more. It didn't really work for me. But if you're looking for a short sweet story without too much heartache it's for you.
April 16, 2019
A Sweet, Feel Good Story
I enjoyed this story of first love. I would have given four stars if the author had proofread his work.
I enjoyed this story of first love. I would have given four stars if the author had proofread his work.
August 2, 2019
Either this is a first draft attempt that the author didn't take the time to proofread, or he doesn't understand the fundamentals of sentence structure and proper punctuation. Honestly, learning how to properly use semicolons and commas would solve a lot of the book's grammatical issues.
I read about halfway through before I decided to cut my losses and skip to the end. I decided it was short enough to try again, and managed to finish the book on the commute home from work the following day. — The characters and general premise are okay, but the pacing is way too rushed. There were many plot holes and the book didn’t particularly seemed based in reality. One of the more questionable things about the book was how Derrick’s parents (spoiler) called Tim’s father to let him know where his son was instead of reporting him to the police for beating his child.
... So yeah, it’s a very short book but I wouldn’t recommend anyone waste their time reading it.
I read about halfway through before I decided to cut my losses and skip to the end. I decided it was short enough to try again, and managed to finish the book on the commute home from work the following day. — The characters and general premise are okay, but the pacing is way too rushed. There were many plot holes and the book didn’t particularly seemed based in reality. One of the more questionable things about the book was how Derrick’s parents (spoiler) called Tim’s father to let him know where his son was instead of reporting him to the police for beating his child.
... So yeah, it’s a very short book but I wouldn’t recommend anyone waste their time reading it.
April 9, 2019
I wanted to like this one more than I did
This is a work of short fiction. The author needed to either tighten up his goals and his writing or tell this story in a longer form.
As it is, this story moves like a boulder chasing Wile E. Coyote crushing everything in its way. The emotional moments move by so quickly none of them are earned.
I wished that the author would have limited the story to their initial courtship thereby taking the time to build up to important moments.
This is a work of short fiction. The author needed to either tighten up his goals and his writing or tell this story in a longer form.
As it is, this story moves like a boulder chasing Wile E. Coyote crushing everything in its way. The emotional moments move by so quickly none of them are earned.
I wished that the author would have limited the story to their initial courtship thereby taking the time to build up to important moments.
March 2, 2019
The Outdoorsman's Son by Daniel Elijah Sanderfer is an YA novella involving adorable instalove and navigating the journey of coming out. Derrick is the new boy in town who falls for the closeted Timothy. Timothy who has an arranged relationship with a b*tch of a girl and an @$$ of a father. I loved the cute and sweet interactions of Timothy and Derrick. I hated the girl and Timothy's father, mostly because stuff like that can happen in real life. The story is short but enjoyable. Definitely a satisfying read I can honestly recommend.
I received an advanced reader's copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation.
I received an advanced reader's copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation.
March 12, 2019
Sweet and appealing. Hearing this story from a first person, young man’s voice is endearing and funny. Daniel wonderfully captures the torture and sweetness of finding your first crush. Love and hate are portrayed with equal intensity and authenticity making this coming out story authentic. The local colloquialisms fit into the rhythm and provide a sense of place. I laughed and enjoyed Derrick and Timothy’s falling in love and recommend this novella.
I received an advanced reader's copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation.
I received an advanced reader's copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation.
March 26, 2019
Love at first sight is not easo, just quicker.
Derrick is a beautiful boy who is gay. Tim is beautiful, but doesn't know what he is until he meets Derrick.
So Derrick's patents know and support him. And Tim. But Tim's father loves his imagined image more than Tim.
But time will solve most problems in the end. The hatred that cannot find love will die in the end, lonely and lost image anyway.
Derrick is a beautiful boy who is gay. Tim is beautiful, but doesn't know what he is until he meets Derrick.
So Derrick's patents know and support him. And Tim. But Tim's father loves his imagined image more than Tim.
But time will solve most problems in the end. The hatred that cannot find love will die in the end, lonely and lost image anyway.
March 2, 2020
Cute but error-filled
This is a cute novella that would truly benefit from another run through by a proofreader or experienced beta readers.
This is a cute novella that would truly benefit from another run through by a proofreader or experienced beta readers.
July 16, 2022
I'm sorry, but Mr. Sanderfer's books are formulaic and kind of boring. Same thing, different characters.
November 13, 2019
Parents, there is nothing graphic in this book, as any sexual activity that may or may not occur is only hinted at or happens "off-screen", so it's suitable for all teenagers. There was no excess profanity, but there were a few swear words when the situation or scene called for it, which would probably give this a PG-13 rating if it were a movie, and also fistfight-level violence.
I know that in this genre (YA LGBT romance), it's hard to get just the right amount of conflict, but this novel comes pretty close. Unlike some other books in the YA LGBT romance genre, this one has enough conflict between the two protagonists and the secondary characters to make it believable. That's a good thing. Books without any conflict can be either boring or unrealistic, but this one isn't!
It also avoided having too much conflict, which would have turned it from a romance into a tragedy. Readers like happy endings, and this one delivers.
However, although there was the right amount of conflict involving the secondary characters, the two protagonists seemed a little too much "made for each other" (MFEO), but perhaps that was necessary due to the short length of the book. If the book were longer, then there would have been more space to develop the protagonists in more depth, and then they would have found some areas where they would disagree, rather than being completely MFEO.
My main complaint is that the book is far too short. Not only would I like more events involving the main two characters (the two protagonists), but I'd also like to see more scenes with Timothy's other romantic interest, his former romantic interest (in other words, his ex). Readers will be expecting another scene with Timothy's ex, but then it seems to have gotten cut from the book after a plot twist made that scene harder to squeeze into the (short) book.
On the whole, a good book, but it's too short!
I know that in this genre (YA LGBT romance), it's hard to get just the right amount of conflict, but this novel comes pretty close. Unlike some other books in the YA LGBT romance genre, this one has enough conflict between the two protagonists and the secondary characters to make it believable. That's a good thing. Books without any conflict can be either boring or unrealistic, but this one isn't!
It also avoided having too much conflict, which would have turned it from a romance into a tragedy. Readers like happy endings, and this one delivers.
However, although there was the right amount of conflict involving the secondary characters, the two protagonists seemed a little too much "made for each other" (MFEO), but perhaps that was necessary due to the short length of the book. If the book were longer, then there would have been more space to develop the protagonists in more depth, and then they would have found some areas where they would disagree, rather than being completely MFEO.
My main complaint is that the book is far too short. Not only would I like more events involving the main two characters (the two protagonists), but I'd also like to see more scenes with Timothy's other romantic interest, his former romantic interest (in other words, his ex). Readers will be expecting another scene with Timothy's ex, but then it seems to have gotten cut from the book after a plot twist made that scene harder to squeeze into the (short) book.
On the whole, a good book, but it's too short!
April 6, 2020
The reason why I called this short story "a silly fantasy" is not because it should be in the fantasy section or that anything magical happened; it just seemed like the wish of every gay man before they realize that the world is cruel. There are horrible things that happen to a character in this story, but it wasn't enough to take away from some major issues here.
Just because a short story is short in length does not mean that the "what's happening" of the prose needs to take place in a short amount of time. The majority of this story happens in the span of two-three days and it is SO unrealistic that I just can't look past it. I also think that, in more skilled hands, this could've been a decent story. Maybe Mr. Sanderfer needs to work out some kinks with his writing for it to approach actual reality. If you are going to write literary fiction (or fiction that takes place in the real world), you can't just ignore what really happens in life.
I would LOVE if the author took another attempt with this one and got rid of this version completely. There is A LOT OF POTENTIAL HERE!! Plus, I'm so glad to see an actual gay man writing gay fiction. Straight women (at times) just don't get it. I've read WONDERFUL books and stories by straight women with gay characters, but these are few and far between.
Unfortunately, I have to give the story a C-.
Just because a short story is short in length does not mean that the "what's happening" of the prose needs to take place in a short amount of time. The majority of this story happens in the span of two-three days and it is SO unrealistic that I just can't look past it. I also think that, in more skilled hands, this could've been a decent story. Maybe Mr. Sanderfer needs to work out some kinks with his writing for it to approach actual reality. If you are going to write literary fiction (or fiction that takes place in the real world), you can't just ignore what really happens in life.
I would LOVE if the author took another attempt with this one and got rid of this version completely. There is A LOT OF POTENTIAL HERE!! Plus, I'm so glad to see an actual gay man writing gay fiction. Straight women (at times) just don't get it. I've read WONDERFUL books and stories by straight women with gay characters, but these are few and far between.
Unfortunately, I have to give the story a C-.
June 6, 2024
BOOK NEEDS A GOOD EDITOR AND PROOFREADER
"The Outdoorsman’s Son" features a solid story with an engaging plot and well-developed characters. The antagonists add a compelling layer to the narrative.
However, a strong story does not equate to strong writing. The writing itself is mediocre, marred by grammatical errors and improper verb tense usage. Some sentences lack clarity, making it evident that while the author understood his intent, the reader may not. Additionally, the word "whine" or "whining" is overused—appearing eight times in contexts where it feels inappropriate, particularly when describing a 17-year-old boy rather than a puppy.
There are also technical issues with the text. In the Kindle edition I purchased, the font inexplicably becomes faint starting with the fifth paragraph, making it difficult to read without increasing the brightness on my iPad. Given that this is the book's third edition, it’s surprising that this error has not been corrected.
The author has a promising story idea but needs the support of a skilled editor and proofreaders to refine the text.
"The Outdoorsman’s Son" features a solid story with an engaging plot and well-developed characters. The antagonists add a compelling layer to the narrative.
However, a strong story does not equate to strong writing. The writing itself is mediocre, marred by grammatical errors and improper verb tense usage. Some sentences lack clarity, making it evident that while the author understood his intent, the reader may not. Additionally, the word "whine" or "whining" is overused—appearing eight times in contexts where it feels inappropriate, particularly when describing a 17-year-old boy rather than a puppy.
There are also technical issues with the text. In the Kindle edition I purchased, the font inexplicably becomes faint starting with the fifth paragraph, making it difficult to read without increasing the brightness on my iPad. Given that this is the book's third edition, it’s surprising that this error has not been corrected.
The author has a promising story idea but needs the support of a skilled editor and proofreaders to refine the text.
December 9, 2019
I ended up walking into an insta-love book, knowing that insta-love isn't my cup of tea, so I'm not going to comment (much) on the fact that two people looking at each other at the store and intantly knowing they're meant to be together forever isn't very believable to me. I thought the book was sweet, at times embarrassingly so, yet a bit hurried as fas as time passing between plot points. It almost feels like everything before the epilogue happened between like three or four days.
At close to the halfway mark it changed point of view from Derrick to Tim, and at like 80% it goes back to Derrick. It took me off guard the first time, as it seemed incredibly random, but knowing it could happen I was more mentally prepared.
This is, for me, the book equivalent of watching a cartoon meant for little children after a horror movie. Comfortable, not very deep, simple. Not bad, but also not good or amazing. Simply ok
At close to the halfway mark it changed point of view from Derrick to Tim, and at like 80% it goes back to Derrick. It took me off guard the first time, as it seemed incredibly random, but knowing it could happen I was more mentally prepared.
This is, for me, the book equivalent of watching a cartoon meant for little children after a horror movie. Comfortable, not very deep, simple. Not bad, but also not good or amazing. Simply ok
March 31, 2020
Love at first sight and last
Such a feel good boy meets boy, true to life tale. Reminds me of my youth. I thought I’d never have the courage to ever act on my urges or come out, but then I met someone who took that choice away from me. I no longer had the luxury of staying in that closet because it stood between me and true love. This story is a bit like that; one chance meeting sets in motion a series of events that flow like a raging river toward the inevitable, fateful conclusion. True love found in the blink of an eye.
Such a feel good boy meets boy, true to life tale. Reminds me of my youth. I thought I’d never have the courage to ever act on my urges or come out, but then I met someone who took that choice away from me. I no longer had the luxury of staying in that closet because it stood between me and true love. This story is a bit like that; one chance meeting sets in motion a series of events that flow like a raging river toward the inevitable, fateful conclusion. True love found in the blink of an eye.
June 15, 2020
OH MY GOD THIS IS THE BEST BOOK I HAVE EVER READ
This book has the happiness rating of a cosine graph. It starts of good, then something bad happens. but the cosine graph ends at the same level it started on. AND SO DOES THIS BOOK.
I was so worried something would happen at the end that would ruin the ending, but this short romance novel might take the cake for the best book I have ever read.
Seriously. Its $4.50 AUD on Kindle. It will take 2 hours to read but seriously it will be 2 hours well spent.
This book has the happiness rating of a cosine graph. It starts of good, then something bad happens. but the cosine graph ends at the same level it started on. AND SO DOES THIS BOOK.
I was so worried something would happen at the end that would ruin the ending, but this short romance novel might take the cake for the best book I have ever read.
Seriously. Its $4.50 AUD on Kindle. It will take 2 hours to read but seriously it will be 2 hours well spent.
June 6, 2020
First of two
This is book one in a two book series. I have read several of Daniels books and one thing I have found I really like about his books is how he depicts, meeting the person you fall in love with. It is obvious to me that he has experienced it. There is always the possibility that you are experiencing a crush or infatuation, but you have to play on it to see where it goes. This story has love and hate, fortunately love wins out.
This is book one in a two book series. I have read several of Daniels books and one thing I have found I really like about his books is how he depicts, meeting the person you fall in love with. It is obvious to me that he has experienced it. There is always the possibility that you are experiencing a crush or infatuation, but you have to play on it to see where it goes. This story has love and hate, fortunately love wins out.
July 12, 2019
Too short
I think this was too short to really develop Into anything. It was okay but nothing I would tell people they have to read. Everyone accepted everything too easily for me and I didn't like the main characters too much, maybe if they had more time to develop. 2.5 stars for me
I think this was too short to really develop Into anything. It was okay but nothing I would tell people they have to read. Everyone accepted everything too easily for me and I didn't like the main characters too much, maybe if they had more time to develop. 2.5 stars for me
March 30, 2022
M+M Two eighteen-year-olds experience their first crushes. Most precious is the fathers’ declaration that they may not understand it but nothing could make them stop loving. Unfortunately one of the fathers did not retain that understanding.
This boy meets boy novella needs a good editor and the second half of the story a rewrite.
This boy meets boy novella needs a good editor and the second half of the story a rewrite.
August 10, 2019
Great LGBQ without all the angst
Easy. It was too short. Just kidding. Loved both of the main characters. Takes me back to my school years when I didn't even know what gay meant. I was the only guy in the world who liked boys.
Easy. It was too short. Just kidding. Loved both of the main characters. Takes me back to my school years when I didn't even know what gay meant. I was the only guy in the world who liked boys.
September 26, 2019
Good pg rated story of young love
Just the of story I was looking for, most coming out stories are sexually graphic. This is a well written story of two gay boys finding each other.
Just the of story I was looking for, most coming out stories are sexually graphic. This is a well written story of two gay boys finding each other.
December 8, 2019
Enlightening
This is an awesome story and you should not only read it bu choice the audio addition and have it read as you read. The voice sets the stage and makes you love the story even more
This is an awesome story and you should not only read it bu choice the audio addition and have it read as you read. The voice sets the stage and makes you love the story even more
August 16, 2023
A sad story but it has its HEA.
Two men who happen to be gay meet and their dreams come together. Tim has a bully of a father and is disowned by him. Every bully will have their day.
Two men who happen to be gay meet and their dreams come together. Tim has a bully of a father and is disowned by him. Every bully will have their day.
December 17, 2024
Very cute heartwarming story
For a short story it was a very heartwarming book with tons of drama and some fun romance. Young love is amazing and full of sparks. Definitely a great book to read.
For a short story it was a very heartwarming book with tons of drama and some fun romance. Young love is amazing and full of sparks. Definitely a great book to read.
September 4, 2019
Too short and ordinary
November 14, 2019
The story itself is good. It would have been better to develop the story more. It nearly reads like a top-level outline of a longer book. Some editing would improve it. I am glad I read it.
September 20, 2021
Bulkies never win
Sweet story with a happy ending. Great story for teens and young adults. A sweet escape for anyone else. Love in all its forms is what matters most in this world.
Sweet story with a happy ending. Great story for teens and young adults. A sweet escape for anyone else. Love in all its forms is what matters most in this world.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews