A rat-bastard of an ex triggers Always, Ben by Tinnean… and the guy absolutely deserves the title. Thankfully, his actions create a sweet and romantic greeting card exchange for two men who have a lot to offer each other. Their story is a light and easy read that transcends the Christmas holiday to a forever they deserve.

After eight years the Rat Bastard, Rick Preston, up and leaves his boyfriend Ben Haggerty with the allusion that it is temporary, he will be in touch. After time passes Ben enlists his friend Fred Lancaster’s help in finding an address for Rick. Somehow (wink, wink) the card is misdirected winding up in the hands of Jason Prescott. Thus, begins a flirty exchange of greeting cards for obscure holidays that Ben exclusively signs “Always, Ben”.

Ben’s insecurities might very well sabotage the budding relationship, thanks to the Rat Bastard once again, but Jason’s patience and determination slowly breaks through them. The easy camaraderie their anonymous exchanges creates spurs desire and longing for each man. Taking a chance is never easy, but these guys reap the rewards for the risk.

For those who need some on-page action this won’t be for you. What there is is all fades to black, for the men’s eyes only. Instead you feel their connection with the way they talk to, treat and look at each other. It’s really sweet and romantic how they cherish one another, taking nothing for granted.

Overall Always, Ben is an enjoyable story full of feelings and humor. There are a couple tense moments, thanks again to the Rat Bastard, but they are overshadowed by the rest. In summary, this is sort of a modern-day fairy tale where the Prince winds up with the blue-collar worker and they live happily ever after. The End!