R.W. Clinger

Adorable, blond, and bearish Matthew Blake claims he studies “Bearology,” the communication between sexy, hot, and hairy men. His lover, Officer Nick Rook, is a pretty easy-going bear who adores Matthew. They have an open relationship, which prompts Matthew to seek out a few bears for further study.<br><br>He brings home Andy DeBane, who owns and operates a bar called The Bear Den. Matthew and Andy seem to hit it off with much zeal and create some bearology of their own. Add in Nick, and the sparks fly. Two lovers, Parker and James, also have their sights (and claws) set on Matthew.<br><br>To promote his studies, Matthew hosts a party for all the bears he and Nick have met. Through drinking, talking, flirting, and sexual companionship, they will discover romance and more among the sexiest of men.

Bearology 101

The Rook Farm covers over nine hundred acres, most of which is corn. Rolling hills of the plants surround the six-bedroom farmhouse with its expansive porches. A red and white barn sits approximately five hundred yards away from the farmhouse. The barn is accessorized with International Harvester tractors, a heaven-bound silo, and various animals that are considered pets.


Rook’s tour takes over an hour, which I enjoy. He tells me stories regarding his childhood—fishing in the nearby pond, two hunting lessons in the surrounding woods, and his first kiss behind the barn at age seventeen with David Biggs. He tells me how Biggs was the first guy he fell in love with, and adds, “I really didn’t know what love was, of course. What boy does at age seventeen, right?”


“I think it’s possible. Love is mysterious that way.”


He shakes his head while we step around the barn, holding hands. “Love doesn’t exist.”


“I do. Love is only a figment of one’s imagination.”


Chapter 4