He is burly, with a smooth bald head, close-cropped beard and a wealth of tattoos across his naked back and down his arm. His bowed shoulders, his eyebrows drawn down, his hand slack on his knee, suggest sorrow.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 here or find it in Don't Read in the Closet, Volume 1 or Don't Read in the Closet: GayRomLit Retreat 2011 Special Edition.__________Genre: contemporaryTags: gay m/m, hurt/comfort, power exchange, age differenceWord Count: 6,530

    He's living on the streets (or beach) and looking for love (someone to give a damn) in all the wrong places including gay bars and dark alleys.The older man rescues him from someone taking advantage of him (hurting him) and takes him home for a few days till the boy gets on his feet. What the older man didn't count on was the kid getting to his protective and dominant instincts with the boy's submissive (calming) reaction to the slightest touch of skin on skin. What happens then is up to you. HFN or HEA with D/s works for me.Photo Description: A very young man with pale skin and dark hair is pinned up against a wall. The older man behind him has a hand on the boy's forehead, tipping his head back until his pale neck stretches. His cheek is against the boy's hair. Despite the controlled pose, or perhaps because of it, the young man shows closed-eyed calmness.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: hurt-comfort, age-gap, light-BDSM (rough/bossy), barely-legal (he’s 18), boy off the streetsWord Count: 7,039

    and I found this picture:How does one get tied up like this by a hunky cowboy?Photo Description: In sunlit black and white, two dark-haired men play out a scene of restraint. One, naked and lightly muscled, lies face-down on a wooden frame, hands roped high, ankles spread and bound. At his left ankle, the other man kneels, tightening ropes. He wears cuffed jeans, boots, holster and Stetson but his muscled upper body is bare.]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: western, BDSMTags: gay m/m, cowboys, BDSM, contemporary, fluffWord Count: 5,687

    or https://www.payhip.com/pennybrandonDear Author,I have tried every game and trick that I can think of. All I want is to have the big boss man take one look in my direction. I have been in love with him since the first day I stepped foot on this ranch two years ago.Can someone out there give this cocky cowboy the HEA and punishment that he is looking for.Photo Description: Standing in the stirrups of a western saddle on a bay horse, silhouetted against a blue sky, is a totally naked cowboy. He's young, slim, with curly brown hair and a tattoo on one bicep. The distinct tan lines around his white ass suggest he swims in a Speedo. He holds a white Stetson strategically over his groin.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. (Note: titled as Finding Jack.)__________Genre: contemporary, cowboysTags: gay m/m, cowboys, Australian, punishment, spanking, leatherWarnings: mild BDSMWord Count:

    I’ve never done anything like this before. Hell, I’m NAKED! I’ve never even kissed and I’m sitting here nekkid? That damn Phil! It’s his fault. He said that I would have the best time. Yeah, right. Phil and I had been best friends since kindergarten. We did everything together. He always had my back and looked out for me. Phil was a joker, the cool jock, and straight. I was (still am) the shy one. My head was always in a book. Yeah, that’s me in the glasses with a bowl of cereal for a loin cloth. Thank the gods for cool glasses these days, yeah? Even when I got up the courage to tell Phil that I was gay, he didn’t hate me for that. He wanted me to be happy. He told me that he always knew and said, “What took you so long to tell me?” He accepted me. All the fretting I’d done over telling him, geez. Phil got sick last January. I was with him till his last day at the hospice. Damn, I miss him so much. We (he) planned this trip two years ago on a whim…on a dare really. Phil had dared me to venture out in life. What? Like I didn’t already have one? He laughed at that and said that work and books were not the only things in life for a cool teddy bear. Coulda fooled me. Teddy bear? He wanted to help me come out of my shell. He got some travel brochures for Gay resorts. Yup, that’s how Phil rolled, coz he thought I’d never do it. We looked them over, and guess which one he picked? You got it…the nekkid, clothing NOT optional resort. Coming out of your shell, my ass! I was terrified! I didn’t show it then and laughed it off. But oh god, when I got home…. So here I sit. My first morning here… in my birthday suit for chrissake…along with every guy here. Shit, what am I doing? I met the guy sitting across from me this morning standing in the food line. Guess where my bowl was? He introduced himself and asked if we could sit together for breakfast. Courage, courage, I said yes. Ahhhhhh! What am I supposed to do now? Everything is all new! How am I going to get through the rest of this trip?! Help!!!Photo Description: Two burly, middle-aged, naked men sit in wooden chairs, eating at a tiny round table. The slightly younger, smoother man with a dark crew-cut holds his bowl up and gazes across at the other's bowed greying head. The second man stares down through wire-framed glasses at his bowl, held strategically over his groin, his feet awkwardly curled over each other.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, bears, nudists, first time, fluff, holiday romance, coming out, humorWord Count: 2,997

    He's loved his time in the military, but hated having to hide who he is. He's kept his secret long enough. Can you give him the happily ever after he deserves?Photo Description: His Chief Petty Officer's hat is so low over his eyes it completely shadows them. Only his strong jaw and surprisingly sensual mouth are visible. His dark jacket is pulled wide to display that there is nothing under it but a naked, perfectly hard-bodied torso, and a pair of dog-tags strung around his neck.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.__________Genre: contemporaryTags: gay m/m, militaryWord Count: 7,021

    Perhaps there's a hurt/comfort story in here that someone might like to write? It doesn't have to feature Batman, of course! But then again, maybe it does. I'll leave that up to you! As for the other man? If one is Batman, is he Robin? Or someone else? Maybe Batman is just a man in uniform, either military or police, you be the judge!Photo Description: Batman stands in front of the moon with a beautiful naked man in 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, Volume 2.__________Genre: contemporaryTags: gay m/m, fanfic, slash, Batman, super-heroWord Count: 11,624

    I have put everything else in my life on hold to make earning this championship. I thought everything was worth it until I recently injured myself. Now they say I will have to forfeit my title if I cannot defend it in my next match scheduled for later this year. I am beginning to wonder if i can even recover enough to compete ever again, let alone in such a short time. I have been depressed and dare I say brooding lately. Without my boxing I am not sure what to do with my life, I have no close friends or family. I haven't been going to my physical therapy sessions because the PT wasn't working for me...Now my manager says he has a new PT specializing in treatment for my injury. Author do you think it would be possible for this therapist to pull me out of my depression and get me ready to defend my title? Can our relationship develop beyond therapist and patient?Author please give this man his HEA in a sweet romantic story that is light on the sex.Photo Descriptions:These pictures show two very different men. The first is chocolate-skinned, tight-jawed, shaven-haired, with the back-light gleaming off his curved, toned muscles. His gaze is intent. The second smiles a little behind his hand, looking at the world through amazing blue eyes. Light stubble and tousled dark hair grace his model-perfect 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 1.__________Genre: contemporaryTags: gay m/m, athlete, celebrity, hurt-comfort, medical personnel, non-explicit, sport, sweet no sexWord Count: 13,219

    Now after a near life threatening experience one has just started to feel more than he was execting for the other and is unsure about himself and his feels for his blonde friend.I hope you can tell their story.Photo Description: Two naked men lie on a wrinkled, gray bed. The blonde is on his back, left leg slightly bent, cradling his brunette lover's head comfortingly to his torso with his right hand. He grasps his lover's right wrist where the hand rests upon his left thigh.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, actionWord Count: 5,282

    No matter what he needs some loving and a happily ever after, don't you think?Photo Description: The man is caught in mid-disaster. In an old-fashioned bathtub shower, a lean, naked, dark-haired guy is taking a spectacular fall, feet higher than his head, tangled with the clear shower curtain, arm, head and shoulder headed for impact with unforgiving porcelain. One hand has grabbed the flimsy curtain. It will not be enough to save 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: BDSM, contemporaryTags: gay m/m, BDSM, masochism, friends to lovers, kink, medical, nurse, reluctant dom, bratty subWord Count: 7,229

    A work of art. The beginning of something beautiful.When these three mix it up, it's hot and sweet and just what the doctor ordered.Original Prompt:Dear Author,Please tell me the story of this pic, who's watching, when does the threesome begin, where are they, are they strangers??Photo Description: A muscular man with cropped dark hair and razored beard lies back on a low fur-covered bed. Hands behind his head, he watches intently as another tattooed, naked man cups his flanks with gentle hands and kisses his scrotum. In the background, only the legs of a third man are visible, standing close, one foot up on the bed.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: contemporary; m/m/m ménageTags: gay m/m, cock-docking; mild kink; threesome; HEA; sweet & hotWord Count: 14,663

    One of these things is not like the other. Stealing every chance together they can. Staving off broken hearts as long as possible. One believes in love; one is afraid to.Photo Description: In nostalgic black-and-white, two men with eyes closed share a private moment against the side of an in-ground pool. One man, head on his arms, displays the classic features, dark hair, and muscles of a studio star. Behind him the second man presses close, cheek on his neck, holding tight.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, HollywoodWord Count: 4,432

    He's not afraid to make the merciless decisions, to put in the long hours, to lose himself in his work for the greater good of his company and his clients…even if it means losing a piece of himself in the process. But when does a man with a mind always turning at two hundred rotations per second get his personal needs met?Dalton is an uncompromising businessman, who could, no doubt, go toe-to-toe with Archer in the boardroom—but that's not the room Dalton wants to tackle Archer in.With a little help from his friends at the premier BDSM club, The Sanctuary, Dalton hopes to fulfill every one of Archer's hidden needs.**Previously released as part of the Don't Read in the Closet V.II M/M Romance Collection in 2011. Since then it has been reworked and edited for your reading enjoyment.8,100 words

    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

    They've just unexpectedly reunited in this small town diner somewhere in the Northeast. Based on this picture it looks like their accidental meeting is turning into something more than just childhood best friends running into each other later in life.Please give these cute boys a happy ever after ending.Photo Description: Two young men face each other and kiss gently in the booth of a teal-colored diner. In front of the sunlit, white venetian blinds, the dirty blonde's right hand and the raven-haired youth's left hand cross to hold each other at the neck, thumbs caressing cheeks. 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: science fictionTags: gay m/m, reunited, interspecies, in the closet, friends to loversWord Count: 9,446