Review: Good writing style
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 03 25, 2014
Jules Review at Mrs Condit & Friends:  I had the opportunity to read Jingle My Bells, which is the 4th book in the Bayou Boys series by Chris Cox, a few months ago, and it made me want to get to know Sean and Rusty better. So, when I found out she was putting together this collection, including the newest story, For Better Or Worse, I jumped at the chance to read and review it.Sean and Rusty are boyhood friends from New Orleans, who fall in love, and realize early on that they are meant for each other. When Sean Loves Rusty tells the story of that love, and allows the reader to really get to know both boys/men, and fall in love with them as well.Sean is from an abusive family, who throw him out when he comes out to them in high school. Rusty’s family on the other hand is wonderful and accepting, and they take Sean in. They clearly love Sean as if he is their blood family, but one of the main story arcs is Sean allowing himself to truly believe in and trust that love. Some of my favorite moments in the books involve talks or poignant moments between the boys and Mom Duchene, or Dad Duchene, as they are called in the books.I loved watching both Sean and Rusty grow through these stories. The way they navigate the curves life throws at them is incredibly admirable and honest for the most part. They each go through rough patches – where it seems that they might let their insecurities get the better of them – but, through open communication, and the strength of their love, they are able to work their way through the hiccups, and come out even stronger on the other side. Rusty especially figures a lot of things out in the final two books. Even though he is fiercely protective of Sean, and clearly loves him with his whole heart, he has some extremely selfish moments. So, it was wonderful to see him really ‘get it’ by the end, which is why I chose the quote I did as my favorite.The author’s writing style is very laid back, which I liked. It lends well to the characters, and gives it a very real and honest feel. Sean and Rusty’s love truly is the stuff fairy tales are made of, with Rusty’s family even literally saving Sean, yet it never comes across as over the top, or corny. I adored them both, and For Better Or Worse was such a lovely ending to this part of their story.I look forward to more from Chris Cox!! I understand that she is going to write Levi’s story (one of the secondary characters from the Bayou Boys series), which I’m excited about. And, given the way When Sean Loves Rusty ended, I HAVE to believe that we will get more of them! ;)