Book picks similar to
Heartstrings by Jessa Ryan


m-m
free
love-is-always-write
contemporary

Time Enough


Kiernan Kelly - 2012
    Or is there?Photo Description: A motorcycle is lying crashed in pieces on the street.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 10.

No Distractions


Em Woods - 2012
    With me working on developing the latest game prototype for the company and my lover's days teaching and grading and our proclivities towards collecting skulls and strange paintings, we've not had as much alone time as we have wanted in a long time, and our sex life has become almost nonexistent. But, I have a plan. There will be no distractions from the real world or from skulls and paintings, and we will spend the weekend alone in our home. Hopefully, the weekend will help to revitalize our relationship. Photo Description: Two men sitting together on a bean bag chair kissing, surrounded by skull knickknacks, paintings and abstract art.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 6.

Alex & Drew


Justin South - 2012
    19yo city boy and law student, Drew, happens upon Alex in a distressed state after one such abusive encounter. For Alex, their meeting starts a journey from despair and loneliness through the emotions of his first ever friendship. Two weeks later Alex calls Drew seeking help from a life-threatening situation. From that moment, Alex and Drew’s lives are forever changed. This story was originally published under the same title as part of a 2012 Goodreads writing project. The near-1700 direct downloads recorded as at early April, 2014, signify to its popularity. This version contains a variety of content changes and over 10% additional text. Some original readers’ comments give opinions and insights into the story: > Alex & Drew is a tale of a boy’s journey from utter despair to finding his sanctuary in the arms of an equally wonderful supportive partner. It delves into the mind of Alex trying to cope with his abuse and finding his way in the world of recovery and love. > Very deep and moving story. So much suffering that it makes you hurt for all those who suffer abuse and have no one to help them. > If I could give this this book more stars I would .Simply it was an amazing rollercoaster of emotions for me. It had me in tears numerous times, for the good and for the bad times suffered by these two wonderful souls. > A story of two young men in need of the love and support the other offers to heal and recover. > This is a touching story that transcends the tragedy and darkness at its core. The author did a beautiful job of focusing on the more positive notes of hope, love and healing while still acknowledging the pain, betrayal, fear, hate and anger that you know are present under these circumstances. > Touching - if sometimes difficult - and beautifully written. I just loved Drew and his family, who could so clearly see the diamond in the rough that was Alex.

With This Ring


Jeff Erno - 2012
    He'd grown up immersed in the vitriol his father spat over his ex-business partner, that Jason believed everything his father had said. Until Jason met the man himself, and found out that events weren't quite as his father had made them appear, and his soon to be husband, was nothing like his father had portrayed him to be.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 10.STORY INFO:genre: contemporarytags: intergenerational; May/September romance; coming out; familial issuescontent warnings: nonewords: 24,214

Full Exposure


Amy Jo Cousins - 2015
    But the reckless bad boy is nothing like he expected, and Evan is mesmerized by the mix of cocky and sweet he sees in Riley. When a spontaneous idea ends with Evan stripping down under the hot lights for an intimate portrait for Riley’s next album cover, Evan is absolutely sure their connection won’t end when the lights are turned off. Especially since Riley can’t seem to keep his hands off the tattoos Evan hides under his clothes. Even a spoiled rock star wants to give up control sometimes, if only for a weekend. The world is full of people who want things from Riley and the demands on him never stop. Evan knows exactly how to turn off the noise in Riley’s head and it starts by putting him on his knees. Together, they will push each other higher and farther than either one of them have ever gone before. It’s easy to take risks when there’s a time limit on the game. But when their time is up, what comes next if they don’t want the game to end?

Goodbye Phillip


Summer Devon - 2012
    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 4.__________Genre: contemporaryTags: baby; hot business; adoption; family; a bit of m/m steamWarnings: noneWord Count: 15,528

His Last Resort


Devon Rhodes - 2011
    When Trask Maitland comes out to Lee, are they doomed from the start or is it possible that "three strikes and you're out" could turn into "third time's the charm?"Original Prompt:Dear Author,The first look between them had been innocent, or so he'd thought. I'd love to see exactly how things changed and where they'll end up.Photo Description: A black/white photo of two naked teens on a sofa. The tanned blonde on the bottom has his legs bent, splayed open, his right hand on his lover's butt. The pale brunette is on his knees, straddled over the blonde's right leg, hands on his lover's neck as he leans down for a kiss.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: contemporaryTags: gay m/m, college, coming out, first time, roommatesWord Count: 4,647

Macon's Story


Hennessee Andrews - 2013
    One is taboo, his best friend Wade Sutherland. His second love is the rodeo, where their problems begin. When a nosy reporter clicks a picture at the rodeo, capturing Wade and Macon kissing, life is never the same and neither are their relationships with their family and peers. As outcasts in their small, narrow-minded town, Wade and Macon feel the effects daily. Wade becomes secretive with their relationship, foolishly believing that hiding is the answer. What he doesn't realize is how much harm he is inflicting on Macon by doing so. Sneaking away for intimate moments with Wade are as hurtful as the glares Macon receives from people who are supposed to be neighbors, friends. Even roping buddies have stopped inviting them to functions. He can't stand how he feels or how Wade is treating him. When he receives a call from Zander Wesley, he sees a new life and opportunity for him and Wade. Note: This book is written in one point of view.Note: This book was previously available as a free read on Goodreads under the title Rough in the Saddle. ** A Siren Erotic Romance

Firsts and Forever


Elizah J. Davis - 2012
    Every breath, every action, it's all fresh and new and charged with emotion...like lust.PHOTO DESCRIPTION: Two men are sharing a moment of domesticity, standing side by side, brushing their teeth together. 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 3.

Lima Oscar Victor Echo and The Truth About Everything


Suki Fleet - 2015
    He's hidden his heart from everyone, but most of all from his best friend, Jamie--who also happens to be the boy he's in love with. But when a film Oscar makes about love and acceptance is chosen to be in the finals of a national competition, everything he's hidden about himself threatens to be revealed. Now Oscar thinks he must make the choice between the life he knows and the people he loves, and the life he wishes he had. But life holds far more secrets and promises than Oscar expects. Dear Author,I saw this picture and would love to know their story.These two are either long-term friends or lovers, not sure which. They should be happy but for some reason they feel sad to me, maybe they have lost someone close or even a beloved pet. I don’t really know. One of them could be ill or going away. Could you please write their story?Photo Description: Two young men sit on a wooden bench overlooking the countryside. The men sit with their backs to us. They have their arms around one another, and their bowed heads are touching. They look to be lovers.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.

Beyond Duty


S.J.D. Peterson - 2012
    Don't Ask Don't Tell ended too late for us as we were months from retirement. We spent so much of our lives in the closet, hiding our love that I worry if we can hold it together when we're out. I'm scared of losing him. For me, he's the hottest thing I've ever seen still and I know he could get guys half my age without trying hard. Why would he stick with me now? But he always knows...he knows when I need him to center me—to remind me of what we have. We're in it together to the end.If an author selects this...I LOVE BDSM. Please, please...Edited to clarify: I see the man facing forward as a sub and the other man as his dom. They've had stolen moments over the years but never the time and privacy to truly explore their D/s needs at the level they have desired. Now they do since they have retired. I enjoy a little angst (no cheating) but definitely want a HEA. Moderate BDSM would work great. Author, up to you if you take this mind. Ultimately, author, if you pick this one I'll be pleased no matter what you do to give my guys a story!Photo Description: Sexy Marine sitting on the floor, shirtless with just fatigue pants, another sexy Marine leaning down with his hand resting on the other Marine's lower stomach. Matching tattoos on their shoulders and upper arms.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 1.

Game On


Olley White - 2014
    You can imagine how surprised we were when we first met in person. How confused I was about my feeling for him. I was already in love with the person behind the character, but I had never been attracted to a man before.Can you tell the story of how we became that happy couple in the picture?Photo Description: Two men, in their early twenties, lean towards each other for a kiss. Both smiling, they have their eyes shut. One boy has tousled hair, an earring and an upper ear piercing. He’s wearing a bright turquoise T-shirt while the other has neater hair and is wearing a checked shirt. Their hands are held, and a gaming controller nestles between them. A computer screen with a game playing on it is visible in the background.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.

For Those Who Wait


Azalea Moone - 2012
    My friends know I’ve been crushing on Ben for months. They make a bet for one kiss. This week, Ben is operating the balloon ride on our town annual carnival. Can I just ask him to accompany me (I can tell him that I’m afraid of heights but curious to try) and maybe I can steal that kiss when I’m up there. Do I dare?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.__________Genre: contemporaryTags: college; sweet (no-sex); first person; carnivalWarnings: noneWord Count: 4,690For Those Who Wait - Episode 2: Dig is now available at my blog.

The Three of Us


Stephen del Mar - 2013
    It’s the first week of college and he’s following his jock of a roommate around like a puppy dog. It’s pretty pathetic and he knows it. Then he sits down next to this little nerd in his English class and things change. “The Three of Us” is a story of first loves, coming of age and friendship.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.

The Ivory Prison


Myka Ramos - 2012
    Born in a mysterious facility, he knows he's not human, but an experiment with a purpose that no one is willing to reveal. His life is a routine and an hourglass of when he will disappear. He has no hopes, no dreams, until one day someone new interrupts that routine. Someone like him, someone free, and it changes everything.