Unicorn Favourites: Love is an Open Road: Weeks 13 & 14

The M/M Romance Group on Goodreads hosts a Don't Read in the Closet event each year where they invite members to submit a photo with a story prompt. Interested authors then volunteer to write the requested stories, which are published for free for everyone to read. It's a fun/exciting/stressful process, and a great opportunity to read stories from favourite authors. And chances are, you'll also discover some new authors, who hopefully have a back-list of goodies to check out :)

This year's event was named Love is an Open Road and they started releasing the completed stories on June first. Here at BMBR, we've been following along on comment threads, anticipating the stories from our favourite prompts, and now greedily reading the stories as they become available.  The stories are being released slightly slower now - and many are novel length - so we won't be reading them as quickly, but we promise, we're still reading them!. 

Sunny: Reclamation by Cari Z, Sado by Steelewhisper, Dark Soul by Lexi Ander & The Biggest Scoop by Gillian St. Kevern

Awesome world building with a strong sense of place and appealing characters. The suspense had me a little stressed out and anxious, though. I don't like when that happens, but this was so good, I kept reading. It helped that the pacing was just right, carrying me through the tense parts. The writing style in general, the voices, descriptions, dialogue, really worked for me

Elegant, intense, quiet, and erotic. Beautiful.

I was incredibly impressed at what the author did with just over 5000 words, and little of it dialogue. The precise descriptions conveyed so much, not only about the setting, but about the characters. Yearning, respect, comfort, security...it was all there. The submission, the control, all shown in small details. 

And the ending...beautiful in its simplicity.

Omg...why didn't I wait?! I need part 2 right now!

So many of my favorite things in this story, I loved the world building, characters, and plot.

Sweet, tender, lusty, with a bit of the Mine!
...and there was a tail :P

YA isn't my favorite genre, so while I enjoyed the story, it wouldn't have made my favorites list if it hadn't been for Milo, who gets all the stars. Quirky, adorable Milo who made me laugh, and got me a little choked up. He is one of my all time favorite characters.

Lorix: Reclamation by Cari Z & The Biggest Scoop by Gillian St. Kevern 

I didn't think this prompt would be my thing. I'm so glad I gave it a go though because I loved this story. I loved the world that has been created by Cari Z. Matt and Grayson were great characters and I loved the journey we took with them in this dystopian future world. The attention to detail was amazing, the bosy modifications for example. I'm not the hugest futuristic fan - but when it's written well, I love it. This was written well.

The biggest scoop - firstly can I say how much I LOVE the cover. It really, really appeals to me and I would absolutely have chosen this book for the cover design alone, so kudos. As it was, cute cover or not, I am so glad I read this story. It was hilarious. I adored Milo, every over the top, foot in mouth bit of him. I loved him because he wasn't afraid to be himself. I loved him because he made mistakes. I loved him because he admitted when he was in the wrong. I loved his humour, his style, his kindness, his honesty, his....his everything. He was the story. Everything else slotted into place around him and it worked really well. Growing up is hard, but Milo does it in style. He is a force to be reckoned with and I am super glad I got to meet him. I also loved Taylor - and really the whole cast of characters. This book was a pleasure to read and I'll be watching for this author in the future. 

Unicorn Favourites: Love is an Open Road Stories: Weeks 11 & 12

The M/M Romance Group on Goodreads hosts a Don't Read in the Closet event each year where they invite members to submit a photo with a story prompt. Interested authors then volunteer to write the requested stories, which are published for free for everyone to read. It's a fun/exciting/stressful process, and a great opportunity to read stories from favourite authors. And chances are, you'll also discover some new authors, who hopefully have a back-list of goodies to check out :)

This year's event was named Love is an Open Road and they started releasing the completed stories on June first. Here at BMBR, we've been following along on comment threads, anticipating the stories from our favourite prompts, and now greedily reading the stories as they become available.  The stories are being released slightly slower now - and many are novel length - so we won't be reading them as quickly, but we promise, we're still reading them!. 

As an aside, there are SO many amazing stories being released and while we haven't read all of them yet, we will get there. There will be a few however, that won’t be reviewed here. You see, unicorns are not only badass, they are also mysterious and magically rare. We can't expect their presence to show up in our reviews, the interwebz couldn't handle it. But, just know this, this week, we LOVED The Best Man by Olley White and An Unexpected Acquisition by L. L. Bucknor . That is all.

Sunny: The Last Yeti by Tully Vincent. 

4 stars

Maybe 4.5?

The loneliness, sadness, and pain were almost too much in this bittersweet story. So glad these two found each other, and made room for some happiness.

Will watch for more from this author :)

Optimist King's Wench: Angles by Tripoli

Tripoli did a fantastic job with an ambiguous prompt.

Mikhail and Dima are displaced Russians in Brussels. They meet at a sex club. Initially I was thinking this story would be some mediocre glitterkink filled with BDSM pomp and circumstance that would undoubtedly bore me to tears.

But it took a welcome and surprising turn down Suspense Lane ending up in Espionage Court.

 I love that destination!

Intriguing storyline with well fleshed out characters made for an entertaining read.

It's clear early on that Dima has suffered. His loneliness is palpable, and his self-image is so distorted that he's accepted his solitary existence. Were it not for his pushy and delightful best friend, Izzy, he'd be sitting at home eating TV dinners watching Eurovision. Perish the thought.

Mikhail is very dogged in his pursuit of the dysphoric Dima, arranging picnics, showing interest in many of the things Dima's passionate about and whispering filthy nothings in his ear while molesting him IN PUBLIC!!!!

“One day soon, I’m going to turn you over and fuck you over the table of our cottage. Fill you up with my cum; watch it drip out of you.”

Evocative and fluid writing style that drew me in and the imagery of Brussels and the surrounding area was very vivid. Makes me want to see it for myself.

Thanks to the author and their team for participating in the LOR event.

Lori: A Case of Time by Al Stewart and Noah Homes.

I loved this short story. So full of wit, and a wonderful understanding of relationships. I thought the fact that the MC's were older and the relationship established was a refreshing change (kudos to the prompter), and I adored how the authors made the story fun. It is something I'm appreciating more and more in my reading, the love and excitement in established relationships. 

Thanks for this story.

Unicorn Favourites: Love in an Open Road Stories: Week Ten

The M/M Romance Group on Goodreads hosts a Don't Read in the Closet event each year where they invite members to submit a photo with a story prompt. Interested authors then volunteer to write the requested stories, which are published for free for everyone to read. It's a fun/exciting/stressful process, and a great opportunity to read stories from favourite authors. And chances are, you'll also discover some new authors, who hopefully have a back-list of goodies to check out :)

This year's event was named Love is an Open Road and they started releasing the completed stories on June first. Here at BMBR, we've been following along on comment threads, anticipating the stories from our favourite prompts, and now greedily reading the stories as they become available.

Sunny: Deep Magic by Gillian St Kevern

Awesome read...

Loved the characters, their story, and the world they lived in.  With an otherworldly feel, with touches of sweetness and humor, and with brilliant little details (Sir Spikesalot :D), this fascinating story captured and kept my interest through every layer, through every reveal.

A few small niggles, mostly how young the adult MCs seemed at times...and I would have liked more world building details like how the morgen age in the water, if they age differently out of the water. Overall, though, this was a delightful, engaging tale and I would love to see it continued, maybe with Duhywynt and Myfanwy? *crosses fingers*

Optimist King's Wench: Still Waters by Alex Gabriel

Be prepared to be blown away.

The world building, story and characters are so rich and nuanced that I sort of went into a trance while reading. Fair warning, it's slightly dark and not at all saccharine for those who tend to shy away from that sort of read.

Drakjan is a ginger nix, not a merman. The lake and river in which he resides are part of world vibrant with mythical creatures from werewolves to match girls, some fundamentally malevolent. The circumstances under which the rip/portal was opened to allow Drakjan through are murky, though I believe that's intentional. Drakjan coexists with his fellow creatures, but doesn't interact with them and hasn't for quite some time. He's forced from his watery home by a couple of murders that have the townsfolk on edge. 

Hraban attempts to hunt him in his own waters. Nixs are not known for their benevolence and their first couple of meetings are hostile and rife with murderous intent. However, Hraban being a professional hunter has a vast knowledge of mythical beings and together they form an uneasy alliance to solve the mystery.

The words are evocative and mesmerizing. Nix mythology was expertly woven into this story. The enemies to lovers trope is deftly composed. Neither of these characters are in the least bit squishy and when they come together it is savage and fierce. 

There's not one fault I can find. The ending is perfect. I couldn't ask for anything more.

It boggles my mind that it's free. I love this country!

Highly recommended.

My thanks to the author and their team for this contribution to the LOR event.

Lorix: Inkling by Alice Archer

This story...it's one of those I don't know how to rate. On one hand I love the writing style, on the other the storyline drove me a bit mad. I loved the premise of the story (great prompt and pic, the author does very well at providing what the prompter asked for), but it felt a little bit like a soap opera. In fact, it was very much like a soap. While I enjoyed reading the story, and the style kept me turning the pages, the over-the-top events and reactions made me raise an eyebrow at times. Mary Calmes makes me feel the same way. I decided on 4 stars, because I did enjoy the story and, at the end of the day, that is what reading is all about. Thank you. 

Unicorn Favourites: Love in an Open Road Stories: Week Four.

The M/M Romance Group on Goodreads hosts a Don't Read in the Closet event each year where they invite members to submit a photo with a story prompt. Interested authors then volunteer to write the requested stories, which are published for free for everyone to read. It's a fun/exciting/stressful process, and a great opportunity to read stories from favourite authors. And chances are, you'll also discover some new authors, who hopefully have a back-list of goodies to check out :)

This year's event was named Love is an Open Road and they started releasing the completed stories on June first. Here at BMBR, we've been following along on comment threads, anticipating the stories from our favourite prompts, and now greedily reading the stories as they become available.

OptimistKingsWench: Moondrop by Katey Hawthorne

4.5 SQUISHY DRAGON!!!!!!!!!! EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! STARS!

This hurt/comfort little gumdrop of squishy goodness is... just so damn feel good!

Dylan thought he'd be with his HS sweetheart forever. They had the American dream-house with a white picket fence, cute dog, good jobs. They were happy. Weren't they? Dylan thought so until Eamon came home one day and said it wasn't working then moved to Ohio with a guy he met at work, leaving Dylan with a mortgage he couldn't afford on a HS teacher's salary and a broken heart.

At least the SOB left the dog. 

Dylan and Bender, the golden retriever, down size and Dylan exists over the next 3 yrs. He's got great friends who also make humorous secondary characters, Jack and Maggie. 

Jack and Maggie talk Dylan into seeing some indie bands and Metropol where he meets Eli, the "roadie" for Mei Long; his brother's band.

Eli is easy going, laid back, but he see Dylan and he has a purpose. He's not pushy or overbearing. He just knows. He doesn't go declaring his LUB, but they make plans and keep making plans and spending increasing amounts of time together, getting to know each other, talking about everything and, yes, having some sexy times. All of it felt so organic. 

No stilted dialogue. No awkwardness. Just good relationship development that I settled into with a glass of iced tea and just enjoyed the ride. I particularly enjoyed the addition of Chinese folklore. That was a nice touch.

There are a few tell tale signs that Eli may not be your average human, but the truth doesn't come out until circumstances force it to the fore. I also am truly grateful that there was no melodramatic antics. Dylan doesn't freak out or make a big production. He just needs to think on it because dragons bond forever.

"“What do you want?” Dylan asked.

“You,” Eli said. “It’s always been you.”"

I do wish there was more dragon-ness, but SO MANY SQUISHY FEELS!!!!!!

AND A DRAGON!!!!!!!!

Thanks to the author and her team for participating in the LOR event. 

*****

SheReadsALot: Atle's Saga by Kit Edwards and Lifeboat by Rob Colton 

Just drop everything and read this, okay?

Need convincing?

Olof is the young prince and sole heir of Funir. His father Christian King Sigurd is a lazy tyrannical bastard who wants the neighboring land, Granbyr. The land is ruled by Jarl Atle, viking warrior and considered a heathen to the Christian king. But the people of Funir love Atle and for good reason.

He thinks with his head and doesn't lash out for greed. He gives tot the people, a Robin Hood of sorts. An approaching Danish army makes the king call a truce since he doesn't have the manpower to fight...and neither does Atle's people. The king sends his son to fight and hides in his cushy kingdom. Olof knew who he was...or so he thought until he met Atle face to face.

"And shall I tell you something else? Girls and boys are not so different from each other. You know the way a girl looks away and pretends she doesn't know you're watching her? When you can tell that although her eyes are on something, anything else, her mind is only on you?"

"Yeah?"

"Boy's do the exact same thing. As do men," Atle added. "And it's beautiful."

Atle picks up on the need inside of Olof. The prince wants to be taken and wants Atle inside him. But the young prince, he struggles with his desires internally. Should he follow what he's been taught? That is wrong to lay with another man?

Atle's seduction of this kid? 

Delicious.

I love when the main character takes their time and nudges the other character to realize where their desires lie.

Every sex scene was awesome but the butt virgin deflowering? I'm still grinning. Nothing better than two warriors fucking like warriors. Hard, rough, thrusting....desperate needing. And someone's a bit of a power bottom. *growls*

And you know what was equally as good as the sex?

Each time a sword sliced or axe beheaded. These aren't soft men and the author went full throttle without going overboard. Did my blood-lusty reader's heart good to read every one. The twists and turns! And the final twist? Totally didn't see it coming. So happy with the outcome. 

A joy to experience the full potential of this prompt and then some!

*****

Rob Colton is a god of delivering delicious bear romances. (Okay there wasn't a bear tag for "Lifeboat" but I pictured both main characters to be bears. ;P)

Sci-fi reunited lovers with a light touch of inner turmoil for not saying the big 'ILY' in time because you still have your head stuck in your ass? Who knew he could get that from this prompt and pic?

Loved it! 

In less than 7K, Colton packs a punch. Charles aka "Chuck" is a space engineer who is in a relationship with his boss, Sergeant Jack. Chuck likes to keep their relationship a secret. Who knew that a matter of life and death help him realize what he always knew? It touch a smack (a serious one) on his noggin to make it all clear. 

I loved the hallucinations. I loved the reunion. *growls*

Wish there was more (of course). But for what was given, the story does its job and more! Even if it's science fiction. 

*****

Lorix: Agenda by Alp Mortal and Tonight by Karen Stivali 

I'll review properly when it's not 3.47am...but this made me laugh hard. Given that one mc is a complete bastard, and one is a wet noodle, the fact that I really enjoyed this tells me the author has skills!

Thirty-two hours later...
Still chuckling!

This story shouldn't have worked. As I said the MC, Maris, whose POV this story is written from, is a complete doormat. I wouldn't have been surprised to look at him and see WELCOME written on his forehead. The other MC, Jonathan, is a complete and utter arse-hole. Like, seriously, the man is mean.

As the readers, we are able to see just how much Jonathan is stringing Maris along. We know from page one that the outcome is not going to be pretty, at least for a start. It is blatantly obvious. All of this should have turned me off, made me put down the book - yet I continued to read at stupid o'clock in the morning.

Why?

Because this story was hilarious. I swear I thought I was going to wake the rest of the household up as I read.

I can't help comparing Maris and Jonathan to Baldrick and Blackadder.

The relationship for most of the story was pretty much the same. Let's face it, Blackadder is a pompous arse, and Baldrick is as thick as shit. Yet I still love them. There is no way I'm turning over the channel once Blackadder starts showing.

It may not be quite what the prompter was after, I'd never have seen the prompt going in this direction. I thought I'd be disappointed with not getting a hot 'n' steamy office encounter. However, I can't deny I loved Alp Mortal's interpretation of this prompt...even if it did interrupt my sleep!

*****

I loved, loved, loved this story. It was pretty much all of my favourite things in one short, sweet package.

Though technically Wiley is David's brother, Derek's, best friend, he has been a family friend for so long that he's good friends with David too. So, basically, I'm counting this as friends-to-lovers - which floats my boat.

It had it all, yearning, feelings, hot 'n' sexy times and oh-so-yummy romantic moments. The whole kit 'n' caboodle of what I want to read in a short story was found in these pages. Perfect!

*** All stories are available for download at  http://www.mmromancegroup.com/***