About This Novella
Curious Sustenance was published by Dreamspinner Press and stands as Charley Descoteaux's longest published piece of fiction at 150 pages. The story features Ross Jenson and carries forward the author's signature focus on regular guys navigating desire and connection. Cover art was created by Paul Richmond.
Praise for Curious Sustenance
"Ever since reading 'Directing Traffic', I have been on the lookout for anything new coming out from Descoteaux. I have to admit, I dived into this story just for the sake of getting another taste of the author's fabulous writing style. This story, though, exceeded all my initial expectations."
— Sid Love, 4-Star Review
Read the full review at Sid Love's blog. You can also explore the Pinterest board for this title here.
In Curious Sustenance, Charley Descoteaux delivers a story centered on Ross Jenson, a character who embodies the author's gift for crafting relatable, everyday men grappling with matters of the heart. The novella explores the quiet tension between routine and the risk of reaching for something more, weaving a narrative that feels both grounded and deeply romantic. Readers familiar with Descoteaux's work will recognize the signature warmth and emotional honesty that define his storytelling. At 150 pages, this longest published piece offers ample room to develop a connection that feels earned, built through small gestures and honest conversations rather than grand dramatic gestures.
The romance in Curious Sustenance unfolds with the patient, unhurried pace that fans of Descoteaux have come to appreciate. There is no rush to the finish line; instead, the story allows its characters to breathe, to stumble, and to find their way toward each other organically. This approach reflects the author's broader commitment to writing about regular guys discovering love on their own terms. The emotional stakes feel genuine because the characters themselves are so thoroughly human, carrying insecurities and hopes that mirror real life. It is this authenticity that makes the eventual connection between the characters feel so satisfying and true.
Charley Descoteaux has built a body of work that consistently celebrates the beauty of ordinary men finding extraordinary love, and Curious Sustenance stands as a fine example of that vision. The novella carries forward themes of desire, vulnerability, and the courage it takes to open oneself to another person. Readers who enjoy romance with emotional depth and characters who feel like people they might actually know will find much to appreciate here. The story lingers after the final page, a testament to the skill with which Descoteaux renders the quiet, powerful moments that define a lasting connection between two people.