First published 2003
Chauncey Greer owns Cute Boy Card Company in Atlanta and approaches forty with his singing dreams on hold. Years ago he left a successful boy band when his relationship with bandmate D became public. Now he sleeps with men exclusively after finding women ask too many questions about his sexuality. A church service inspires Chauncey to pursue music again. His powerful performance earns him a standing ovation and an invitation to join an upcoming revival. But Chauncey discovers the fundamentalist preacher plans to use the event to condemn gays and gay marriage. He organizes a "Day of Absence" with other gay church members and their supporters. Just as the protest takes shape, D reappears in his life. Chauncey must face his past with his former lover while deciding whether to fight the church's homophobia or walk away from both his faith community and his musical comeback.
Genres: romance, african-american, contemporary, 21st-century, lgbt, gay-fiction
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, second-chance
Setting: Atlanta
Period: Years Ago
Audio CD · Random House Audio
Content warnings: homophobia