and sometimes he just can't hold himself back any longer. There's nothing like a man who can both give and take orders..... and all the rest is up to you.Photo Description: A dark-haired middle-aged man in a blue business shirt, tie, and suspenders kneels in front of the rampant erection of his younger lover, mouth open to receive him. The standing man is muscular, tattooed, dressed in a grey tank and khaki work pants, open to reveal striped boxers. One hand cups the dark head in front of him.This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Hot Summer Days" event. Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice. Authors of the group selected a photo and prompt that spoke to them and wrote a short story.Read the story here or find it in Don't Read in the Closet, Volume 1.__________Genre: contemporaryTags: gay m/m, dirty talk, spanking, office sex, men in suits, construction workerWord Count: 6,642

    UNAVAILABLERylan and Gage are best friends, lovers, and bandmates, but what happens if one of them wants something more? If one important aspect of their lives changes, can they still be all that they are to each other or is the risk far too great to even consider?Cover designed by Zathyn Priest.

    When Charlie is caught in an ill-timed bank robbery, that's exactly what he thinks it was - exception. Only this isn't a video game, this is real life, those are real guns, and Charlie is in very real danger.Original prompt:Dear Author,Oh, God! This is nothing like Halo! If I die, I don’t get an infinite amount of other lives! How’s a nerd who’s only experience and training with a gun is from Halo wind up here?! One minute I was shooting an exploding barrel and the next I was taking down a drug kingpin but there’s no A button on this gun and I can’t see through my helmet.This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Love is Always Write" event. Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice. Authors of the group selected a photo and prompt that spoke to them and wrote a short story.Download the story, read it online or find it in Love Is Always Write: Volume 3.

    Despite his mischief-making Gran’s insistence, he doesn’t have the time or the nerve to chase potential dates. Then one day on the beach, after a hard day’s ice cream sales, he meets the mysterious and gorgeous Admael. Now Jonathan doesn’t need to do the chasing—Admael’s ready and willing to make Jonathan as happy as he's ever wanted. And even if Jonathan’s too nervous to think of anything beyond how to smuggle Admael home on the No. 7 bus, Gran is always on hand to offer him some lewd suggestions. Now Jonathan just has to worry about hiding Admael's wings...

    The casual meetings that sustained him will be over soon—Raymond’s parents are moving from the old family home.The weeping willow tree in Raymond’s back yard is a place of transformations: from caterpillar to beautiful moth, from child to youth to adult. The old tree might retain enough of its childhood magic to open Raymond’s eyes and let him see the loving man where the adoring child once stood.Original Prompt:Dear Author,Everyone keeps telling me I'm too young to really know what I want or who I am yet. Give it time, don't be rash. But it's all just noise -- just blah blah blah -- when I see him.He's older, wiser, experienced and he makes me melt every time he looks at me. He's what I want and his boyfriend is who I am. Well, I'm hoping that's where tonight will lead, anyway. I'm going to do my damnedest to seduce him, to show him I can give him the sweet and tender I'm betting he needs.He spends his days being tough and confident, but I know there's a marshmallow angel inside him. I can take care of him. I can. Even if I've never done anything like this before. I have to try.Photo Description: An older, naked mystery man lies back, left leg bent so his foot is flat on a white bed, hands on his torso. His naked teenaged lover is on hands and knees between his legs, arms braced to either side of his hips. The blonde youth stares at him with intent.This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Hot Summer Days" event. Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice. Authors of the group selected a photo and prompt that spoke to them and wrote a short story.Download the story, read it here or find it in Don't Read in the Closet, Volume 3 or Don't Read in the Closet: GayRomLit Retreat 2011 Special Edition.__________Genre: contemporaryTags: gay m/m, friends to lovers, age-difference, college, vanilla, outdoorsWord Count: 4,382

    But they belong to other people and nothing more can ever be between them – he’s accepted that. So David doesn’t understand why suddenly Liam is acting so strange, talking about the sea, a love and a past David knows never happened and nonsense about myth and magic.His best friend has either lost his mind or there is something more going on…all David has to do is decide if he’s brave enough to find out which it is. But, if the answer is scarier than even the vast waters of the ocean, does he dare risk it all for what might be nothing more than a delusion on Liam’s part?David has only a few more hours to make his choice and either accept the unbelievable as truth or lose everything…including Liam and what might be his only chance at the life he was meant to have.Original Prompt:Dear Author,This is David, tied up at midnight on a sultry midsummer's eve.Is he magickally bound by his Fae lover; or is his vampire boyfriend playing a joke? Or is it his Master just having a normal evening indoors?Whichever; but I hope David enjoys the outcome.Photo Description: Almost-liquid blue light pools over the arched-back naked body of a bound and blindfolded man. Supported only by the back of the wooden chair under his shoulders, he waits in stillness. His head tilts back, neck stretched, roped hands hanging, body tense under a perfect web of white kinbaku bindings.This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Hot Summer Days" event. Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice. Authors of the group selected a photo and prompt that spoke to them and wrote a short story.Download the story, read it here or find it in Don't Read in the Closet, Volume 2 or Don't Read in the Closet: GayRomLit Retreat 2011 Special Edition.__________Genre: paranormal, fairytalesTags: gay m/m, Shibari bondage, unethical use of magic, clothes cutting, memory stealing,Themes: fairytales and mythsWord Count: 16,432

    When he finally gets his chance to talk to him, Mateo’s response, or lack thereof, is enough to have Elias vowing to never make such a fool of himself again, not for any guy, no matter how hot.But then the flowers start arriving. Every day, each with a special meaning, a story to tell him – a secret admirer who has a way with words even though Elias doesn’t even know who he is.When Elias finds himself in over his head late one night and Mateo comes to his rescue, can Elias learn to stop expecting pretty words and start listening to his heart instead? Original Prompt:Dear Author,This young guy is a shy florist. [picture 1]His dream is to build up a courage to ask out the sexy mechanic who works across the street. A mechanic who wears EYELINER that drives our florist crazy. He just doesn't know what to do! He doesn't even know if the sexy mechanic knows he's alive.Wearing this kind of t-shirt (below) is a bit too blatant, isn't it? *grin*. [picture 2]Well, if you can help him to get his HEA, you will make my florist's summer.Photo Description: [picture 1] A lithe, dark-haired man hugs a bouquet of white lilies to his bare chest, face tilted to the flowers until one silky petal lies against his chin. The curve of his muscled arm, and the wistful look on his face, suggest it is not flowers he imagines in his embrace. [picture 2] A young man wearing a white t-shirt with the phrase ‘I love boys in eyeliner'.This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Hot Summer Days" event. Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice. Authors of the group selected a photo and prompt that spoke to them and wrote a short story.Download the story at Author's website [pdf format], read it online or find it in Don't Read in the Closet, Volume 4.__________Genre: contemporaryTags: gay m/m, flowers, public sex, hot men in eyeliner, guy next door, blue-collarWarnings: mild assaultWord Count: 9,853

    But he is so young and so confused; he's never done anything like that before. It doesn't help that the guy he's after is a vampire... (who in turn is secretly in love with the beautiful young man) ;)Please, help the boy tell his story! Thanks :)Photo Description: The boy is beautiful, no other word for that smooth angled line of cheekbone, classic nose, dark sleek hair, fair translucent skin. He looks down, expression uncertain, yearning, sad. The black leather harness askew over thin naked shoulders speaks of desires at odds with that sweet face.This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Hot Summer Days" event. Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice. Authors of the group selected a photo and prompt that spoke to them and wrote a short story.Read the story here or find it in Don't Read in the Closet, Volume 2 or Don't Read in the Closet: GayRomLit Retreat 2011 Special Edition.__________Genre: paranormalTags: gay m/m, paranormal, BDSM, coming of age, vampire, romanceWarnings: mild BDSMWord Count: 6,481

    Who would've known that I would hit the jackpot with the hot, mature, new vet? Is he gay? God, I hope so. I wonder if he can give Burtie anything for doggie flatulence?This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Love is Always Write" event. Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice. Authors of the group selected a photo and prompt that spoke to them and wrote a short story.Read the story here or find it in Love Is Always Write: Volume 2.

    When I opened my eyes all I could see was the sexiest pair of feet I've ever seen. By the end of the week, those feet were leaving prints in the sand right next to mine as we walked hand in hand. For the past year, our feet have had to travel long distance to see each other, but now our feet are walking our new home. Today is our anniversary, and it's only appropriate we spend the day worshipping the feet that have brought us together. ***I would like to have a sweet, sexy love story with a HEA. Please no cheating or ménage!Photo Description: A black and white photo of two guys, nicely built, lying on their backs on a couch, each with his head on opposite armrests. Their eyes are cut out of the top and bottom of the photo frame, so you can't see their faces. Both cocks are in full view as one is fully naked and the other's underwear is only partially on. The naked partner looks as if he's in the midst of slowly pulling off his partner's underwear. Their bodies are slightly draped over each other and each has the other one's foot in his mouth. The whole scene is very seductive.This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Love is Always Write" event. Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice. Authors of the group selected a photo and prompt that spoke to them and wrote a short story.Download the story, read it online or find it in Love Is Always Write: Volume 9.__________Genre: contemporaryTags: hurt/comfort; foot fetish; long distance relationship; culinary: bakerWarnings: foot fetishWord count: 32,541

    I see a new story every time I look at him. I think he's waiting for someone, maybe someone he doesn't know; I love the way his posture echoes the woman in the mural - is this picture at the beach? What kind of van or truck is he leaning on? Maybe it's a delivery van, and he's trying to catch the eye of a hot surfer dude, or perhaps someone all the other men have overlooked, who works at the beach?Do you think he knows how beautiful he is, and he's posing? I think the way his hands are resting on his crotch and thigh is no accident... Thanks, Dear Author - I've wondered for two years what he's looking at... or looking for. What do you think? Photo Description: A young man leans back against a white striped van, in front of a mural of girl-with-surfboard. The man wears dark jeans and white Tshirt that nicely set off his lean muscled body. His eyes are hidden by large light sunglasses, his features are model classic. Shoulders on the truck, his hands cup his groin with studied casualness.This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Hot Summer Days" event. Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice. Authors of the group selected a photo and prompt that spoke to them and wrote a short story.Read the story here or find it in Don't Read in the Closet, Volume 2.__________Genre: contemporaryTags: gay m/m, role-playing, vacation, beach, surfingWord Count: 13,887

    A fellow ranch hand who nurses and cares for him after his body is ravaged by the shifts...He can never reveal his love, because he fears losing his only friend.Please tell us his story and help him find love...Photo Description: A naked, burly cowboy rides a saddle on a rail fence. His head is thrown back, eyes closed, feet in the big Western stirrups, hands bracing him on the rail. His face is bearded, and shadowed by his black Stetson. His body is muscular, lightly furred, armband-tattooed and fully erect.This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Hot Summer Days" event. Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice. Authors of the group selected a photo and prompt that spoke to them and wrote a short story.Read the story here or find it in Don't Read in the Closet, Volume 3 or Don't Read in the Closet: GayRomLit Retreat 2011 Special Edition.__________Genre: paranormalTags: gay m/m, shifter, cowboys, wolf, ranch, MontanaWord Count: 18,083

    He has a real mischievous streak when it comes to firing those arrows of his, but lately he’s been feeling lonely creating so much love but getting none in return. Give Dashiel a run for his money with a little tease all of his own and let him see how it feels to experience the shot of a cupid’s arrow for himself.Photo Description: A dark-haired, shirtless man with defined abs leans against a waist-high white wall. He wears black low-rise jeans and knee-high leather boots. A compound bow in his right hand rests on his hip. His left arm is bent over his head, hand grabbing the string.This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Hot Summer Days" event. Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice. Authors of the group selected a photo and prompt that spoke to them and wrote a short story.Read the story here or find it in Don't Read in the Closet, Volume 1.__________Genre: fantasyTags: gay m/m, long-lost-friends-to-lovers, sexy-immortals/gods, coming-out-in-love, f**k-me-bootsWord Count: 10,116

    Getting it done gives me more satisfaction than sex, or the stuff I have been getting lately anyway. I am not sure if it is the fact that I am a masochist, or the hunk of a tattoo artist I have been going to for the last year. Either way, I may be covered head to toe by the end. The tattoo Guy is an artist with a capital A. Dark, brooding, moody, and oh so hot. He is definitely an Alpha male too. But there is no way I am a submissive, or am I? Could I maybe find what I need another way?Photo Description: A shirtless man in jeans, his torso and arms covered in tattoos.This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Love is Always Write" event. Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice. Authors of the group selected a photo and prompt that spoke to them and wrote a short story.Read the story online or find it in Love Is Always Write: Volume 7.

    These two have been best friends since forever to hear them tell it. The blonde has been in love with the dark headed one since as long as he can remember. The dark headed one has only recently become open to the idea of a relationship with his bestfriend because he's tired of denying himself what he wants most in life. How did they meet, what's happened to them, what does everyone think? This is a story line that has been done many times over, so is there any way that you can put a twist on this or give it some new and fresh take so it's not the "same-ol-same-ol"? Anyone up for a challenge? ;o)Just so you know... I REALLY REALLY like angst.Photo Description: Two naked, muscular men stand front to back, mostly facing the viewer. The tattooed man in front has his eyes closed and his head tilted back onto his lover's left shoulder. From behind, the other leans his head around to nibble on an ear, hands splayed over his lover's stomach.This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Hot Summer Days" event. Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice. Authors of the group selected a photo and prompt that spoke to them and wrote a short story.Read the story here or find it in Don't Read in the Closet, Volume 1.__________Genre: contemporary Tags: gay m/m, friends to lovers, tattoosWord Count: 8,663