Country - by Jeff Mann (Paperback)

About the Book

Brice Brown sings about broken hearts, the earnestness of being a proud Southerner, yet his country music lyrics are misdirection because Brice is gay. But when a former lover talks to the press, Brice finds himself sick of all the lies and returning to the sanctuary of his West Virginian roots. And finds love and self-esteem back home.

Book Synopsis

Brice Brown sings about loyalty, broken hearts, and the earnestness of being a proud Southerner. Yet, his popular country music lyrics are misdirected because Brice has kept his attraction to men hidden all his life. But when a former lover--and band member--goes to the press with the truth, Brice finds himself sick of all the lies and returns to the sanctuary of his West Virginian hometown. The neighbors who used to be proud of the "local boy made good" turn on him. His record label cancels contracts, his wife files for divorce, and he finds himself disgraced and despondent.

But then Brice learns from a fan that there is a compound in central West Virginia run by a man who has helped troubled gay youth overcome their self-loathing. Brice takes a chance at redemption and finds the retreat in the woods. Only a few years older than Brice, the owner is a kind-hearted soul who does not turn him away. He offers a friendly ear and comforting words. Conway Twitty once said, "Listen to advice, but follow your heart." The man's nephew, Lucas, who serves as the handyman at the compound, is a tempting young man, simmering with resentment at his past, angry at how he sees his future will be. Brice thinks Lucas is attracted to him, but both men are hurting. Can they rise above the condemnations the world has given them and find something meaningful...together?

Review Quotes

"As warm as fresh skillet cornbread and as bracing as a shot of Kentucky bourbon, Jeff Mann's book is like a great country song: It's got heartbreak and betrayal, drunken fights and raging lusts, and a down-and-out anti-hero desperately searching for one last shot at redemption. And like any great country song, it's got a memorable story that keeps replaying in your head long after it's over." - Wayne Hoffman, author of An Older Man and Hard