I wonder what's next for me, though, and if I'll ever find true love?Photo Description: A close-up photo of a shirtless man bent over his 1-1/2 year old son. His "tough" looks directly contrast the tenderness he shows his son. He has a day's growth of dark beard, a negative gauge hoop stretching his left ear, a pierced lip, and black, shaded tattoos down his arms.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, Vol 1.__________Genre: contemporaryTags: gay m/m, divorce, custody battle, family drama, law enforcement, first time, abduction-kidnapping, men with childrenWord Count: 13,867

    That's what he calls me. I am a Dychiiop. We are a race of people who transmogrify into more than one form. I come from a place known as Auhin. We are a peaceful planet and people. An asteroid struck my ship, damage irreparable, mission aborted. Setting off alarms, shutting down sections of the ship along with the backups, I could do nothing but make it to safety and shift into another form and suspend while the ship spiralled out of control. My ship crash-landed on what I thought was a deserted place. I made it out with minor cuts as I made it to safety from the crash. I sat there in shock and watched my ship burn to nothing. All communications to my home planet, lost, gone. Gone was my link to everything I knew. This is the first time that I have ever felt so alone. What a strange place to be lost in. I found shelter from the elements and settled in to rest and recover. Shortly thereafter, I detected someone watching me. So close, so very close….…I was captured and imprisoned by this man [Photo 2]. They call him Von.[Photo 2] He is a sadistic human who continues to conduct cruel experiments on us. I am imprisoned in a place somewhere underground where the light is false. It is cold here, an unnatural cold. The experiments have left me unable to fully shift. It is too painful to be awake most of the time, too painful to sleep for the nightmares. I am in limbo. I am not alone here. I hear others. There are rooms which hold beings that are part human and something else. I do not know. I hear screams, weeping, so much pain.There are four other humans (?) in white coats who get their orders from this Von human. I hear their whispers when he is away. They speak often of TradeCap or Sector 5. A sector where those who have genetically "Completed" end up. When you are sent there, you do not return... I miss my home, my people. I hate it here. Am I to continue to suffer a fate worse than death at the hands of this insane human? I've been on this god-forsaken planet for a few months? Weeks, who knows? How do I get out?[Photo 3] My name is Rhys Denali Delacroix. I was born a lion shifter. I belong to an elite organization that rescues and protect shifters of all kinds. Our undercover missions infiltrate the worst offenders who otherwise have the money and means to slip under the radar and bureaucratic red tape to carry out their experiments. This is the worst I've seen yet. I wear one of the white coats. I oversee Sector 7 where Sin is housed.The first time I laid eyes on Sin a few months ago, there was no doubt in my mind that he is to be with me. Since then I've craved Sin like my next breath. Fuck! I've never met anyone like him before. I can only watch him from afar without blowing my cover. Why now? Shit! Couldn't this happen at any other time? I've kept him in a state of suspension. I cannot bear to hear his screams. But I have to be careful. I have to find a way to keep him safe and bide my time. Von has become suspicious of my movements in the lab. He may be on to me. He's had a possessive eye on Sin from the very first day and it has been full of lust ever since.Photo Description: [Photo 1] Half naked man, wearing only leather pants and matching wrist cuffs, with the top of his ass exposed. His hands are raised above his head, and tied. He can't escape. He has jet black hair with a stripe of white strands at his forehead, almond shaped eyes and a sweet smile. [Photo 2] A well-defined man standing in an expensive suit, with his shirt open, exposing his muscular torso. His stance is dominating, his look is threatening. His eyes are cold and his smile is sinister. He's clearly used to getting what he wants, when he wants it, whatever the cost. [Photo 3] A close-up face-only photo of a dark-skinned man, with full, beautiful lips and sky-blue eyes. His stare is captivating, crystal clear and a true window to his soul. His eyes alone tell us he is strong and honest. His eyes tell us he will defend what is right, what is his.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 9.__________Genre: Sci-Fi; paranormal; other-worldTags: Sci-Fi; scientist; shifters; under-cover agents; abduction; experiments; bondedWarnings: almost dub-con; torture; violenceWord count: 12,233

    The party is in full swing, the guests are all occupied, and a ten million dollar prize sits unguarded just over their heads. But bumping into sexy, mysterious Theo Edgeworth throws a wrench into Clayton’s plans for a clean getaway, and Theo has an agenda of his own.This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Love Has No Boundaries" 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.

    When we play together, I’m brave and strong and handsome and I slay the dragon. But when we stop playing, I’m back to being regular old me.Am I brave enough to tell him how I feel? When the game ends, can we still be comrades in arms, or is it all just empty fantasy?[This’d work for computer or video games, but I’m particularly fond of the intimacy of old-school tabletop role-playing ...]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.

    He was wearing that damn T-shirt and now I can't get it out of my head. I'm thirty-two years old and have never topped in my life. Guys seem to think I have a sign on my forehead that says “bottom only”. The one time I asked, it didn't go well. But now it seems I see this kid, he's twenty if he's a day, everywhere, and that T-shirt text is burned in my brain. I wonder...Can be any genre you like, and as explicit as you like. I'm not too fussy, but a first time top should be fun.Photo Description: The slim, taut torso of a young man from neck to hips wearing a T-shirt that says “I Would Bottom You So Hard”Genre:contemporaryTags:first time top, age gap, gaining self-worth, bottom you so hard, younger teacher/older student, beautiful boyWord count:20,237This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Love Has No Boundaries" 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.

    It's Christmas at Rob and Chris's house; the tinsel has been hung, the sugar cookies are baking, carols are blaring out of the stereo and, despite Rob's best efforts, there is a definite feel of Christmas cheer in the air.Rob doesn't know it yet, but Chris has one or two holiday surprises hidden up his heavily tattooed sleeves...

    He thinks he’s too awkward to live, maybe a little too shy and, very much to his frustration, simply ‘all knees and elbows’. A walking disaster zone. Tripping up stairs or running into glass doors, that kinda thing. And he’s got the biggest crush on his roommate’s older brother, Tabby, who seems to be completely out of his league. Not only is Tabby beautiful, he’s also elegant and confident, kindhearted and sort of just ‘perfect’.Tabby knows what he wants out of life, always had, and much to his parents disappointment, he continues pursuing the things that make him happy instead of pleasing them. He lives by mottos such as:‘Choose kindness and laugh often’, and ‘Do small things with great love’.When a tragedy strikes, Tabby realizes that life is more fragile than he ever wanted to admit. While he knows what he wants, Tabby isn’t fearless. The thought of losing his newfound friendship with Harlie terrifies him, but imagining all the wonderful things he’s missing out on, if he keeps chickening out, is even more painful.Perhaps he could talk Harlie into a spontaneous road trip… See if he can overcome his fears?And if fate is kind enough, he might get a chance at something very, very special.* * * Dear Author,My roommate’s brother is visiting again and sleeping on our couch. I tiptoe around and pray I don’t run into anything or cause a clatter that would wake him. All knees and elbows, that’s me— while he’s all strength and grace. Looking at him, I can’t help my wistful sigh. He’s beautiful, but that’s not it. It’s his gentle smiles and kindness. Unlike everyone else, he doesn’t treat me like I’m one stumble away from being declared a walking disaster zone.Unfortunately, he also treats me like a kid brother. He ruffles my hair and calls me ‘kiddo’. I wish I wasn’t so awkward. I wish I was sexy so he’d want me the way I want him. I wish I was the one he dreamed about as he slept on the couch.Photo Description: The photograph shows a black-and-white close-up of the face of a pretty, young man. His eyes are closed, and he appears to be sleeping, content.This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Love is an Open Road" 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. This story may contain sexually explicit content and is intended for adult readers. It may contain content that is disagreeable or distressing to some readers. The M/M Romance Group strongly recommends that each reader review the General Information section before each story for story tags as well as for content warnings.

    The guy in the other photo, with his perfect hard body and bubble butt? That's the fucker I'm about to shoot. And this is our story.Photo Descriptions: PHOTO 1: The inside of a man’s thighs bracket the view of a short-haired man with a perfectly sculpted body standing knee-deep in a tub. Strategically placed bubbles hide his groin and decorate his thighs. He holds a gun in a two-handed grip, pointing it straight at the viewer.PHOTO 2: A naked man faces away from the viewer, silhouetted against a black background, displaying a muscled back, perfect ass and powerful thighs. His right arm is encased in a reinforced, elbow-length leather glove, he wears a fingerless leather glove on his left. He holds a large assault rifle across his shoulders and wears goggles of some kind as well. A belt crosses his waist in the back, supporting a thigh holster with a handgun.This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Love Has No Boundaries" 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.

    He is beautiful, he is perfect, he is… me. The mirror image of myself in every way and I want him. I think he wants me. I pretended to be someone else online and planned a blind date/hook up for him, for us, telling him every detail of will happen. I told him when he got to the destination to take off his shirt and wait. Will he accept or reject me when he sees me, himself, reflected back when he opens his eyes?Photo Description: The picture is of the Brewer Twins. One is sneaking up behind the other, putting his hands over his brother’s eyes. They’re both shirtless, and it appears to be nighttime.This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Love’s Landscapes" 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. This story may contain sexually explicit content and is intended for adult readers. It may contain content that is disagreeable or distressing to some readers. The M/M Romance Group strongly recommends that each reader review the General Information section before each story for story tags as well as for content warnings.

    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.When Shane Greenly left his home in Casper Mountain, Wy, he was leaving more than just the closet. He needed a fresh start to pursue his dream of running a dog training ranch without having to deny who he really is. Meeting Alex was one of the best things that could have happened to Shane. They were at the beginning of a wonderful relationship when the unthinkable happened and Shane had to leave. The consequences of his past mistakes could not be hidden any longer.This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Love Has No Boundaries" 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.

    Sure, we used to get the occasional day or two of scorching heat, but lately it’s been unrelenting. For weeks now, I’ve been heading to the river every evening to find some relief, and yesterday I saw him. I know I should’ve walked away. I know I shouldn’t have watched… but I couldn’t help myself. He’s still as beautiful as he ever was. When did he get back?Why?I’m heading back to the river again today. Maybe I’ll have the courage to ask him why he left me without warning… why he broke my heart.Photo Description: He stands naked in hip-high water in a lake, gazing down as his hand dips beneath the surface in a ripple of muscle and grace. Damp, dark hair drips from his head, his dark-eyed gaze one of contemplation. He’s perfect in form, chiseled through the waist, his abs rippled, his chest broad and firm. However, as beautiful as he is there’s a vulnerable air about him that begs one to question how he got there.This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Love Has No Boundaries" 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.

    Watching his friend go off with women time and again is slowly killing Tucker, and he has to make the tough decision to move away after graduation from the man he loves to avoid further heartbreak. What Tucker doesn't know is that Cameron has other plans for the two of them...Dear Author,My name is Tucker. See these two, they are Kurt and Blaine from Glee and I am a total Gleek. Their love is so perfect except it isn’t real. It’s just a TV show.My best friend says I should stop obsessing over fictional characters. That maybe if I opened my eyes and looked around I would discover a love of my own. But what does he know? He’s hot and has tons of girls chasing him. He’s totally straight. Or is he?Photo Description: Blaine and Kurt, characters from the television show Glee, are kissing each other.This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Love Has No Boundaries" 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.

    He’s looking out from a window somewhere in heaven. He’s alone and miserable, because he did the unthinkable and gave in to the advances of another angel. The two angels fell in love with each other, and that was when things went wrong.His lover got punished; he was tossed out of heaven, because even though sometimes an angel can give their wings when they fall in love with a human, it can’t happen with other angels. Those are the rules in heaven.The angel in the picture wonders, if it would be worth to ask for a permission to go down to look for his love, because all his lover’s memories would have been wiped when he was de-winged.The worst part? Once an angel asks to go down to live as a human, there’s no way he can ever return to heaven, not until he dies. He may keep his memories, but what would he do if he couldn’t find his lover or if the lover wouldn’t want him in his new life.And my dear author, please don’t make this in any way about God, Christianity, or religion in general, because I’m agnostic and I can’t deal with that stuff. Sorry. :)Photo Description: Half in shadow, the dark-haired angel gazes intently up and away. Sunlight catches the fine cut of his naked muscled chest, the tattooed stars on his hip, the thorny design on his shoulder. Shadows lie on the soft white feathers of his wings, as he slides his white pants open.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 4 or Don't Read in the Closet: GayRomLit Retreat 2011 Special Edition.__________Genre: paranormal romanceTags: gay m/m, light D/S, angels, angst, love, drama, light BDSMWord Count: 19,345

    I know the background is dark. I imagine them in a bedroom at this point.Photo Description: In moody black and white, two bare-chested men embrace. The front man stands still, arms at his sides. He tilts his head, eyes closed, his handsome face pensive. From behind, his lover wraps both arms around his shoulders in a snug embrace, fingers curved over his perfect chest, face buried against his cheek.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, recovery, one night standWord Count: 7,308

    His only real contact with other people is with his (small?) family, and he uses his horse to fill in for the emotional contact that he misses. As a direct result, he is an extremely good dressage rider though most people at his barn think that his horse is wasted on him and he doesn’t ride at all. One day, someone (the love interest) else sees him riding and realizes that 1. He really is a good rider and 2. He should be competing. Conflict and romance ensue.Photo Description: A tall, thin man dressed in a navy blue and white hoodie, rides a black stallion in an outdoor arena lined with short hedges. The horse, accented with white polo wraps and black and white bridle, trots along the arena rail.This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Love is an Open Road" 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. This story may contain sexually explicit content and is intended for adult readers. It may contain content that is disagreeable or distressing to some readers. The M/M Romance Group strongly recommends that each reader review the General Information section before each story for story tags as well as for content warnings.