Country [Paperback]

Brice Brown sings about loyalty and broken hearts, the earnestness of being a proud Southerner, yet his popular country music lyrics are misdirection because Brice has kept hidden his attraction to men for 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 returning to the sanctuary of his West Virginian hometown. The neighbors who used to be proud of the local boy made good now 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 at the forest retreat. There he meets Lucas, the handyman at the compound, who simmers with resentment at his past, angry at how he sees his future will be. While Brice thinks that Lucas is attracted to him both men are suffering. Can they rise above the condemnations the world has given them and find something meaningful...together?