In the academic world it's publish or die, or in David's case publish and find yourself the center of a sex scandal. After his first book of poetry is a hit David finds himself out of a job when a jealous coworker sets him up, rather than become embroiled in a scandal he takes a sabbatical and heads to his grandfathers cabin. A place of fond childhood memories, lazy days spent with his childhood friend Quanah Parker Running Bear playing the captured and bound cowboy to Quanah Parker's Indian Chief.

But, as is the case with romanticized memories, things aren't the same as when David was young. The cabin is beyond primitive and the young Quanah Parker is bigger, stronger, and so much sexier than he remembers, and it appears that Quanah Parker finds David attractive as well, or at least he seems to if the way he plays with David's feet are any indication.

Tootsies is a sweet little story about finding yourself, finding love, and accepting the person you love for who they are...quirks and all. There were a few times that I felt like the story jumped around, almost like I was missing a page or two, but I liked the story enough to just accept that as one of the, ah, quirks of the story. I thought it was sweetly funny how David thought he could just come to a cabin in the middle of nowhere, with not modern amenities, and make it through a winter. We are talking about a city boy whose only experiences at the cabin were as a child with his grandfather in the fall. Not in the harsh winter with only a kerosene-powered refrigerator and a hand pump for water. Just the thought of all the supplies he bought had me giggling. Quanah Parker was a fun character, seemingly placid on the surface but really deep and wise. He was a perfect complement to the flighty David. Although I'm not sure flighty is the right word. While they are both artisans David is easily distracted by his creative muse and often forgets what he is supposed to be doing when inspiration hits him. Quanah Parker's foot fetish is a bit funny considering that he makes socks and moccasins and gets to touch feet whenever the urge strikes him. Although someone who likes to rub your feet sounds like a wonderful thing to have around. Other than the aforementioned problems I enjoyed this little love story and hope to see more from Ms. Black again.

Reviewed by: Hayley