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Of Honor and Love
Dear Author,
I think this man is much more, or much less, than he seems. Who is he really, and who or what is he pretending to be? What sort of trouble will his secrets cause him? I'd be grateful if you could answer these questions for me.
Photo Description: With a black sky dotted in luminescent stars framing him, a beautiful young man stares into the darkness, his face concentrated, as though his thoughts are with someone else. His golden hair reveals him as a stranger in a land so very far from anything he’s known, and yet he’s comfortable in the silk kimonos draping his body. He gently holds one between his fingers, as if caressing the skin of his lover. Strings of gold and jade earrings adorn him, tokens of affection from the one he waits for now.
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 7.
I think this man is much more, or much less, than he seems. Who is he really, and who or what is he pretending to be? What sort of trouble will his secrets cause him? I'd be grateful if you could answer these questions for me.
Photo Description: With a black sky dotted in luminescent stars framing him, a beautiful young man stares into the darkness, his face concentrated, as though his thoughts are with someone else. His golden hair reveals him as a stranger in a land so very far from anything he’s known, and yet he’s comfortable in the silk kimonos draping his body. He gently holds one between his fingers, as if caressing the skin of his lover. Strings of gold and jade earrings adorn him, tokens of affection from the one he waits for now.
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 7.
81 pages, ebook
First published May 24, 2012
65 people are currently reading
1957 people want to read
About the author
S.J. Frost
44 books572 followersS.J. Frost resides in Ohio with her family, pets, and horses. Her short stories have been featured in several erotic and romance anthologies, and her novels are published through MLR Press. Rock stars, vampires, fantasy heroes, and more, she enjoys dabbling in many different sub-genres in gay romance, but no matter what she writes, love and passion are the driving forces in every story.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
January 18, 2014
Not what I was expecting, but in a good way. A really good way. I'm not the biggest fan of Historical stories, I'll freely admit that, but I do kind of like Samurai stories and I happen to love the author, so I said I would give this one a go.
The story was cool and I had a nice time reading it. Jonathan and Kazuhiro made a nice couple. There was some jealousy thrown in which did make me smile. And the story had a nice happy ending. Definitely a story I would read again.
The story was cool and I had a nice time reading it. Jonathan and Kazuhiro made a nice couple. There was some jealousy thrown in which did make me smile. And the story had a nice happy ending. Definitely a story I would read again.
June 28, 2016
1867, a young English man Jonathon Addison has been freed from prison where he awaited his death sentence in exchange he had agreed to gamble his life in order to get close and kill Lord Kazuhiro Takezaki...
I was totally immersed in this story. It was well written and you could notice that author has done some research before starting to type. It was important to me that when Jonathon and Kazuhiro-san saw each other for the first time and felt mutual attraction, I did't want to roll my eyes. It did work for this story.
Greedy me, would have wished for it to be longer story. But that to be expected when it comes to stories we like they all are not long enough. :)
That's the photo in description
That's how I imagine Jonathon
and Kazuhiro
I was totally immersed in this story. It was well written and you could notice that author has done some research before starting to type. It was important to me that when Jonathon and Kazuhiro-san saw each other for the first time and felt mutual attraction, I did't want to roll my eyes. It did work for this story.
Greedy me, would have wished for it to be longer story. But that to be expected when it comes to stories we like they all are not long enough. :)
That's the photo in description
That's how I imagine Jonathon
and Kazuhiro
April 5, 2015
i'm not a fan for love stories , but i said why not giving it a try ..
this love story is historical one in year 1867 , it's about 23 years old american man Jonnathon Addison who was offered his freedom from prison in return of killing Lord Kazuhiru Takazaki a japanese samurai . when kazuhiru met Jonnathon for arm business reasons he was startled by his beauty , for most samurais where known for sharing same sex love , and what made it worse is that also young jonnathon was gay , so he was even amazed by the character of lord kazuhiru , where he learned that he wasn't as he was told , on contrary he was a peaceful man full of passion and love and loyalty to his people and to his swordsman . So they fell in love and Jonnathon was drawn into confusion whether to tell the loyal samurai the whole truth about the secret reason for him being in japan ..
i really enjoyed the description of japan and their culture , their clothes , food , places ... and i really loved the loyalty of samurais , and how they act with eachother . so as an over all it was a good new experience reading such story.
this love story is historical one in year 1867 , it's about 23 years old american man Jonnathon Addison who was offered his freedom from prison in return of killing Lord Kazuhiru Takazaki a japanese samurai . when kazuhiru met Jonnathon for arm business reasons he was startled by his beauty , for most samurais where known for sharing same sex love , and what made it worse is that also young jonnathon was gay , so he was even amazed by the character of lord kazuhiru , where he learned that he wasn't as he was told , on contrary he was a peaceful man full of passion and love and loyalty to his people and to his swordsman . So they fell in love and Jonnathon was drawn into confusion whether to tell the loyal samurai the whole truth about the secret reason for him being in japan ..
i really enjoyed the description of japan and their culture , their clothes , food , places ... and i really loved the loyalty of samurais , and how they act with eachother . so as an over all it was a good new experience reading such story.
June 2, 2012
I’ve always been very intrigued with the Japanese culture and this story brought some key elements of it to light for me. I loved the blend of west meets east and the trust that was almost instantaneous between these guys despite the circumstances that brought them together. If the Samurai warriors stand for honor, then this story did an excellent job of representing that feeling. Loved it!
not-for-me
June 15, 2012I just don't like historicals
August 11, 2012
I love reading historical romance and I was thrilled to discover that this one was set in 19th century Japan. Historical romances set in Asia are less common than Europe or America and I love it when I find one. The story blurb also sounded really intriguing too.
The American hero, Jonathon, is caught between a rock and a hard place when he makes a deal with the devil for his life and freedom. He must go to a samurai warlord in Japan, gain his trust and then assassinate him and the shady arms dealer will give him his freedom from the death sentence he was under. But when he reaches Japan and meets Kazuhiro, he discovers that things are a bit different than portrayed and that is particularly true of Kazuhiro. The two men discover they have something special and that includes respect and growing feelings for each other. Jonathon is no longer agreeable to his assignment, but is afraid. Can Jonathon come clean and still keep his life and Kazuhiro's trust?
The plot's tension is built around the deepening relationship between the two men even as Jonathon wonders how and when his secret will be revealed and how it will affect things. I found the main characters likeable and the byplay between Jonathon and one of the younger samurai was amusing at times.
The world building around the Japanese culture and the time period was well done. It added a richer depth to the story without being ponderous.
The only issue I have is that I enjoyed the story so much that I wish it could have been a full novel instead of a short story.
Recommend!!!
The American hero, Jonathon, is caught between a rock and a hard place when he makes a deal with the devil for his life and freedom. He must go to a samurai warlord in Japan, gain his trust and then assassinate him and the shady arms dealer will give him his freedom from the death sentence he was under. But when he reaches Japan and meets Kazuhiro, he discovers that things are a bit different than portrayed and that is particularly true of Kazuhiro. The two men discover they have something special and that includes respect and growing feelings for each other. Jonathon is no longer agreeable to his assignment, but is afraid. Can Jonathon come clean and still keep his life and Kazuhiro's trust?
The plot's tension is built around the deepening relationship between the two men even as Jonathon wonders how and when his secret will be revealed and how it will affect things. I found the main characters likeable and the byplay between Jonathon and one of the younger samurai was amusing at times.
The world building around the Japanese culture and the time period was well done. It added a richer depth to the story without being ponderous.
The only issue I have is that I enjoyed the story so much that I wish it could have been a full novel instead of a short story.
Recommend!!!
December 1, 2012
I liked this story. It takes place after the Civil War in America, but what makes it stand out is that the location is somewhere far more exotic. It takes place in Japan, in 1867. The story follows a man named Jonathon Addison on a journey to Japan to meet with Takezaki Kazuhiro (written last name first as done in Japan), a "lord and samurai set to buy arms" from a Mr. Barrett. Barrett is a profiteer that hired Jonathon to be his go between and wants Addison to complete a "special mission" in order to obtain his freedom from jail. Jonathon had been in jail for attacking Barrett's nephew in a house of ill repute, doing "perverse things". Jonathon had been studying Japanese Culture, the language, and the stories of samurais in an effort to better understand the people he would be meeting. When he reached Japan, he was met with silence; he was escorted to Lord Takezaki under samurai guard and managed to earn a modicum of respect from the soldiers due to a skirmish they were involved in. He saved one of his guards. Suffice it to say, Lord Takezaki was nothing that he had come to expect and Jonathon was eager to learn more about the man and his position; the "arms deal" was bogus under the guise of "getting to know the enemy". He was, for lack of better terminology, having a difficult time deciding if he should complete the "special mission". I'm not quite sure what kind of time frame was involved for the book, but the story has a happy ending. I thought it was a good book; it was worth my time.
August 19, 2013
If all one is looking for is a sweet period romance one will like this little one and will only complain about its being too short.
I will also begin by complaining about its being too short, but problems go a little further than that.
The clash between Japanese and Western culture has been done before but it remains a fascinating topic. Ms Frost has clearly done some research and even catches a couple of enchanting snapshots (Jonathon in the garden, the bathing) but her story is simply too hurried to convey the subtle fascination of two men belonging to two different worlds slowly coming to understand and love each other.
Next it is very fine to imagine and portray an immediate attraction between the leads and make them burn with passion but this same attraction should have been nourished with more details and lead to a much more nuanced and slow romance. As any good author of romance knows, the tension leading to the characters' coming together is usually more satisfying than the final romantic outbreak.
The second half of the story is so hurried and clunky as to make little sense and reads like a summary.
Sex scenes are not entirely bad but the author not only indulges in the irritating -for me- habit of attributing rigidly codified roles to her lovers but also makes a sex starved madman out of Jonathon, hardly an endearing trait.
As far as editing is concerned, one could surely do without the typos but it is the grammar, especially the tense harmony, that leaves much to be desired.
I will also begin by complaining about its being too short, but problems go a little further than that.
The clash between Japanese and Western culture has been done before but it remains a fascinating topic. Ms Frost has clearly done some research and even catches a couple of enchanting snapshots (Jonathon in the garden, the bathing) but her story is simply too hurried to convey the subtle fascination of two men belonging to two different worlds slowly coming to understand and love each other.
Next it is very fine to imagine and portray an immediate attraction between the leads and make them burn with passion but this same attraction should have been nourished with more details and lead to a much more nuanced and slow romance. As any good author of romance knows, the tension leading to the characters' coming together is usually more satisfying than the final romantic outbreak.
The second half of the story is so hurried and clunky as to make little sense and reads like a summary.
Sex scenes are not entirely bad but the author not only indulges in the irritating -for me- habit of attributing rigidly codified roles to her lovers but also makes a sex starved madman out of Jonathon, hardly an endearing trait.
As far as editing is concerned, one could surely do without the typos but it is the grammar, especially the tense harmony, that leaves much to be desired.
November 6, 2015
Surprise, surprise. The Japanese guy is "manly looking" and the Western blondie looks "pretty as a girl" (it is usually the other way around, so that is a plus).
I liked the story cuz I am a huge Japanophile, and I love to read descriptions of clothes, customs, places, etc. The author writes well and I am willing to read her books. Because it is short, I feel like things were missing, and that Jonathon and Kazuhiro's relationship was more like a crush. Also, Jonathon was too soft for my taste; he could have been replaced easily with a female character and there would have been not many differences.
To end, I have to say that I have only one samurai in mind, who would be a great Kazuhiro:
I liked the story cuz I am a huge Japanophile, and I love to read descriptions of clothes, customs, places, etc. The author writes well and I am willing to read her books. Because it is short, I feel like things were missing, and that Jonathon and Kazuhiro's relationship was more like a crush. Also, Jonathon was too soft for my taste; he could have been replaced easily with a female character and there would have been not many differences.
To end, I have to say that I have only one samurai in mind, who would be a great Kazuhiro:
December 11, 2012
Set in Japan of 1867, I really enjoyed this potent "blindsided by love" tale of a would-be-assassin and a feudal samurai lord. Although the book is not very long, I found it perfectly balanced, granting me enough descriptive prose of the exotic countryside setting to feel as through I was indeed in ancient Japan. The chemistry between the two leads is swift and unapologetic and the sex is sensual, tender and hot.
Beautifully scripted, S.J. Frost gives us a villain reminiscent of carpetbaggers of old and although she dispensed justice, I couldn't help but wonder and hope that perhaps she might one day provide a sequel to this charming tale.
Thank you, S.J. Frost, for this lovely romantic adventure.
Beautifully scripted, S.J. Frost gives us a villain reminiscent of carpetbaggers of old and although she dispensed justice, I couldn't help but wonder and hope that perhaps she might one day provide a sequel to this charming tale.
Thank you, S.J. Frost, for this lovely romantic adventure.
December 31, 2013
Historical....*UGH* but I knew that going in and I tried really hard to look past that. I needed this book for a couple challenges..selling point 1. Great Author 2. Short 3. Free!
I wish I can say that I liked it but I really didn't. I had rating books that I know before hand aren't my cuppa because I feel awful throwing off the overall numbers. I did give this one a right down the middle 3 stars because even tho I didn't like the book per se....the concept was good & the writing was great.
I wish I can say that I liked it but I really didn't. I had rating books that I know before hand aren't my cuppa because I feel awful throwing off the overall numbers. I did give this one a right down the middle 3 stars because even tho I didn't like the book per se....the concept was good & the writing was great.
May 25, 2012
This was really beautiful. Thanks so much for writing it. I'm not that familiar with Japanese history and culture and this was very informative as well as romantic and engaging! All the best elements of a story with two interesting and intense main characters. I do hope that you revisit them sometime in the future as I'm sure the rest of their story will be just as fascinating.
October 28, 2013
This is absolutely one of the best books I've read. I really enjoyed every page of it. Is a PASSIONATE story of love between a young american and a leader of a samurai clan. The story takes place on Japan, during the 1800's. Their unique story proves that no words in any language are needed when two people love each other. When love is real, differences in culture and status do not exist.
September 9, 2016
I thoroughly enjoyed this story.
There's just something so satisfying about reading a cold and stoic character gradually show their sensitive side as the story progresses.
The tender moments between Jonathon and Kazuhiro were, IMO, more erotic than the actual deed.
Quite an enjoyable story.
Read
April 1, 2016I was expecting at least tension of culture clash/differences but it turned into pretty much instant attraction and lovey-dovey fest as means to have multiple sex scenes *sigh*. I also got distracted with sudden POV change that happened without some sort of 'sign'.
Less than three stars
Less than three stars
April 26, 2015
4.5 - I really liked this a lot. Loved the setting and the MC's. Thank you S.J. Frost, for donating your time and talent.
June 16, 2012
Wow SJ, amazing story!! Ooo, and the cover, gorgeous!!!
February 19, 2018
I was most fascinated by the setting of this one. The author did a spectacular job there.
There were some things that I didn't enjoy quite as much. The graphicness of the sex didn't seem to fit the tone set by Jonathan's almost reverential view of Japan and the people he was meeting.
And
Overall, a pleasant romance with almost a fairy-tale feeling to it.
Favorite Quote:
"but you're like a sword in a gilded scabbard. The real strength is inside."
There were some things that I didn't enjoy quite as much. The graphicness of the sex didn't seem to fit the tone set by Jonathan's almost reverential view of Japan and the people he was meeting.
And
Overall, a pleasant romance with almost a fairy-tale feeling to it.
Favorite Quote:
"but you're like a sword in a gilded scabbard. The real strength is inside."
May 10, 2018
This has been in collection for quite some time and I’m glad I finally got around to reading it. Historical fiction and M/M romance, my two favorite themes together; it did not disappoint. Overall I think this was well written and balanced; however, there were some noticeable editing including missing words. While the romance seemed a bit rushed, it is easy to understand since this story was being written as part of a short story anthology. I could also see this expanded into a full length book which would allow the romance and cast of characters to be more fully developed. I would especially like to see Kita’s story develop further.
January 18, 2023
The author stayed true to the picture prompt with the sensuous kimono and jewelry draped happy ending. The good writing of the characters gave this historical romance depth. I was surprised as to how much I was drawn in to this samurai world. All the characters were good and a big thumbs up to samurai Lord Kazuhiro-how do you say ‘hot af’ in Japanese?
June 13, 2017
3.7 Stars
Ohhhh, I so wanted this one to be longer...to develop the attraction and affection between these two interesting characters a little more deeply. The rest of the story was so well-researched and written that it deserved to have more than insta-love.
Ohhhh, I so wanted this one to be longer...to develop the attraction and affection between these two interesting characters a little more deeply. The rest of the story was so well-researched and written that it deserved to have more than insta-love.
October 13, 2021
This would have been a 4 or 5 star read had it just been longer. I loved the history and the characters and the way the mood was set. But it felt rushed and the love was too instant. Given more time to slowly build the relationship and I would have loved this one.
September 18, 2017
Not able to read this book .. how do I read this book
December 26, 2018
A nice Story, but there were a lot of typos. Because this felt so badly edited only two stars this time.
January 3, 2015
An interesting read set in Japan in the time of the Shogun and the Samurai.
Jonathon is an outsider from America, recruited to assassinate a Samurai Lord. To save his own life from the noose in San Francisco, he accepts the task. On the voyage to Japan he finds his employer to be a most vile man willing to support both sided the conflict to further his own gain. The Samurai, Lord Takezaki, is nothing like the man that Jonathon has been lead to believe him to be. He turns out to be the exact opposite in all respects and Jonathon is smitten. Takezaki is not sure what to think of this outsider at first but his blond hair and blue eyes attract him like never before.
The two men find themselves in a quandary as to what to do. Jonathon is reluctant to carry out his task and Takezaki must overcome his reluctance to accept Jonathon's western ways. Can they cross a cultural barrier as great as this in this troubled time?
A fun read that would be even better in a longer version following these two through the trials that still await them.
Jonathon is an outsider from America, recruited to assassinate a Samurai Lord. To save his own life from the noose in San Francisco, he accepts the task. On the voyage to Japan he finds his employer to be a most vile man willing to support both sided the conflict to further his own gain. The Samurai, Lord Takezaki, is nothing like the man that Jonathon has been lead to believe him to be. He turns out to be the exact opposite in all respects and Jonathon is smitten. Takezaki is not sure what to think of this outsider at first but his blond hair and blue eyes attract him like never before.
The two men find themselves in a quandary as to what to do. Jonathon is reluctant to carry out his task and Takezaki must overcome his reluctance to accept Jonathon's western ways. Can they cross a cultural barrier as great as this in this troubled time?
A fun read that would be even better in a longer version following these two through the trials that still await them.
August 7, 2015
Why the hell did I wait so long before I read this book?
As always, S.J. Frost's writing doesn't disappoint. She has the rare talent to make the characters come alive. They seem so real that you don't want to stop reading for just one minute because you fear you might miss something important.
Besides her knack of creating amazing characters it's the hopeful, upbeat, almost magical atmosphere - I don't know how to describe it any better - her books convey that make me fall in love with every new character and story.
It's no wonder I fell in love with Kazuhiro and Jonathon, too.
So, why only 4 stars?
As much as I liked the ending, it wasn't the strong HEA these two deserve. For me it's more a HFN and I hope that one day S.J. Frost goes back and either makes this into a full length novel with a HEA or writes a sequel.
As always, S.J. Frost's writing doesn't disappoint. She has the rare talent to make the characters come alive. They seem so real that you don't want to stop reading for just one minute because you fear you might miss something important.
Besides her knack of creating amazing characters it's the hopeful, upbeat, almost magical atmosphere - I don't know how to describe it any better - her books convey that make me fall in love with every new character and story.
It's no wonder I fell in love with Kazuhiro and Jonathon, too.
So, why only 4 stars?
As much as I liked the ending, it wasn't the strong HEA these two deserve. For me it's more a HFN and I hope that one day S.J. Frost goes back and either makes this into a full length novel with a HEA or writes a sequel.
August 6, 2016
I enjoyed this story. And I think the fact that Jonathon is shown with all his inner struggle makes him a very real and approachable personality. Fighting with himself for right or wrong, battling his inner demons of fear, desperation and resignation and arguing with his instinct of self preservation and conscience. But the moment personal feeling come into play, he shows his very human nature. Up until then, I think he was really unsure about his future and his intentions - even though I think he wouldn't have gone through with the plan, being a good and honest person at heart - but after... it was his turning point, setting things in the right path for him. His developing feelings were the final push needed to realise that he knew what was right from the beginning.
A very good book that makes you think...
A very good book that makes you think...
March 23, 2014
woww. i will give rating 3.5 of 5 stars for this m/m story! in 1836, a young man named Jonathon Addison being delievered to have negotiation with lord Kazuhiro Takezaki about buying gun to Mr. Barrett. If Jonathon fails, he should murder Lord Takezaki with death poison in exhange to his freedom to go to the port.
I'm really amused with the japanese historical, background and also the author is describes very well about samurai and what happen in that era. i'm also fond of the relationships between Lord Takezaki and Jonathon. i hope i can read another S.J Frost Novels! this one is great! >//< >//<
I'm really amused with the japanese historical, background and also the author is describes very well about samurai and what happen in that era. i'm also fond of the relationships between Lord Takezaki and Jonathon. i hope i can read another S.J Frost Novels! this one is great! >//< >//<
April 15, 2014
Not your typical gay novel, being set in Japan in the 1800's. Jonathon Addison is sent to kill Lord Kazuhiro Takezaki. The young men are fascinated by each other and their cultures, and Jonathon shows a lot of respect and interest in Kazuhiro and being polite in this foreign country.
Their attraction towards each other is quickly recognizes, and make love - each showing the other something new that they both loved. As the story progresses, they also develop feelings for each other, and Jonathon ends up staying with Kazuhiro.
Their attraction towards each other is quickly recognizes, and make love - each showing the other something new that they both loved. As the story progresses, they also develop feelings for each other, and Jonathon ends up staying with Kazuhiro.
Want to read
June 11, 2012Offered for FREE from the M/M Romance Group, Love Is Always Write: Volume Seven.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews