What Can Be by Mary Calmes
Dreamspinner Press
Erotic M/M Contemporary
ISBN 978-1-61372-306-7
Reviewed by Nannette




Thirteen years after Eli Hartline left home with his mother, he’s come back, looking to find the family he left behind. Eli’s father and brothers are happy to see him, but Eli is doesn’t feel like he belongs anywhere, which is why he left his boyfriend, Craig Zhao, behind as well. Can Craig and Eli’s family convince him that he’s worth more than what he thinks of himself?

What Can Be is a beautiful and poignant story about loss, love, strength, and hope. Eli is an incredibly strong yet fragile man. So many people love him, and he’s touched their lives in ways he may never understand, but as a result of his mother’s choices and the dangerous situations she placed him in, he has little self worth. Eli’s family, friends, and his boyfriend, Craig, are intense and passionate, especially about him. While not without their flaws, they’re the kind of family that would make anyone envious to be a part of because along with the intensity, is honesty and acceptance. Craig’s possessiveness is charming and uber-sexy. He gets Eli and Eli gets him. They’re a great couple. I’d love to read more about Eli and Craig, but if their story ends here, it’s okay because What Can Be is perfect just the way it is.