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Inhaling Smoke
Dear Author,
They did not think I could do this, when a phone call woke me and my boyfriend, telling me my best friend who I had donated sperm to had died in a terrible accident, and it was me or foster care for the baby. They did not think I could raise this baby. Being a tattooed, pierced, young, gay tattoo artist. But I WILL prove them wrong. I will be amazing. \with the help of my super supportive boyfriend I will get through this.
Photo Description:
A shirtless young man with tattooed arms, stretched ears and a lip piercing holds a toddler. The baby is looking down at something; it almost looks like they're drawing together.
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.
They did not think I could do this, when a phone call woke me and my boyfriend, telling me my best friend who I had donated sperm to had died in a terrible accident, and it was me or foster care for the baby. They did not think I could raise this baby. Being a tattooed, pierced, young, gay tattoo artist. But I WILL prove them wrong. I will be amazing. \with the help of my super supportive boyfriend I will get through this.
Photo Description:
A shirtless young man with tattooed arms, stretched ears and a lip piercing holds a toddler. The baby is looking down at something; it almost looks like they're drawing together.
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.
41 pages, ebook
First published June 6, 2014
1 person is currently reading
99 people want to read
About the author
Tia Fielding
68 books228 followersTia Fielding is a Finnish author who loves witty people, words, peppermint, sarcasm, autumn, and the tiny beautiful things in life.
Tia identifies as genderqueer but isn’t strict about pronouns. Why? Because luckily, in her native language there aren’t gender-specific pronouns.
These days, preferring to live in the middle of nowhere with her fur babies is as big of a part of her psyche as writing. Tia likes to recharge in nature and tends to watch where she’s going through her cell phone’s camera.
In 2013 Tia’s novel Falling Into Place was recognized by the industry’s Rainbow Awards in the Best LGBT Erotic Romance (Bobby Michaels Award) category.
In 2019, her novel Four (Love by Numbers #2) won a Rainbow Award in the Best Transgender Contemporary category.
Facebook Reader Group: facebook.com/groups/spoondrawer/
Twitter: @tiafielding
Email: tiafielding@gmail.com
Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/tiafielding
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
April 17, 2015
After reading this story, I find the title creepy as hell, as it actually refers to a tragedy that occurs.
Even so, this is a tender story with a little bit of smexy at the end.
An established couple, tattoo artist Austin and student/artist Micah, unexpectedly and under sad circumstances become instant parents to a toddler.
Inhaling Smoke is bittersweet: bitter because there is a loss; sweet because Austin and Micah become stronger than ever.
The image prompt is SEXY as anything, and the story is a quick, enjoyable read.
Even so, this is a tender story with a little bit of smexy at the end.
An established couple, tattoo artist Austin and student/artist Micah, unexpectedly and under sad circumstances become instant parents to a toddler.
Inhaling Smoke is bittersweet: bitter because there is a loss; sweet because Austin and Micah become stronger than ever.
The image prompt is SEXY as anything, and the story is a quick, enjoyable read.
June 20, 2014
Affectionate men loving and tender, taking care of a toddler--there ain't nothing sexier than that.
Sweet story even though tragedy changes a couples' lives. I liked the positive viewpoint of the characters and I'd like to think most people don't jump to assumptions on appearances, age or gender. Yes, my world is very sunny.
Sweet story even though tragedy changes a couples' lives. I liked the positive viewpoint of the characters and I'd like to think most people don't jump to assumptions on appearances, age or gender. Yes, my world is very sunny.
dnf
June 26, 2015Not bad (I really didn't get far enough to judge), just not for me.
It starts by introducing each person then doing an info-dump on them, which could have something to do with it being part of a larger verse.
Not sure if 'Foxy' is better or worse than 'Baby' but a group of girls standing around cooing 'Awwww... they're so cute' at the two gay boys kissing convinced me this wasn't a fic I'd be able to connect to.
It starts by introducing each person then doing an info-dump on them, which could have something to do with it being part of a larger verse.
Not sure if 'Foxy' is better or worse than 'Baby' but a group of girls standing around cooing 'Awwww... they're so cute' at the two gay boys kissing convinced me this wasn't a fic I'd be able to connect to.
August 10, 2018
On a short story kick reading everything I can get my hands on. I'm reading enough of them to know that no matter how good a short story is, I am never satisfied. Maybe they are not my thing. Another good one. A little heavy to be a short one though.
July 26, 2016
Very sweet, very fluffy even with the tragedy.
June 25, 2014
Very nice story, I really enjoyed reading it. Can’t wait to see how this comes together with what Tia Fielding is currently working on.
Those two are just sweet together, a cute and adorable gay couple (a tattoo artist and a shy and introverted artist) who suddenly find themselves with a 16 month old son. The story itself is sweet and really well done. Recommended!
June 7, 2014
This was an ok story, a bit sappy in a Pollyanna-ish sort of way but the writing was competent. The thing that really bugged me was that the only two characters who were portrayed as openly homophobic were both nurses. Grrr!!! Three grudging stars.
March 10, 2019
Lovely! I wish the author would write the story (plus how they met, how they are later in River's life, etc.) from Micah's viewpoint, but I haven't been able to find anything in their GR book list. Despite losing Katie, that's one lucky little boy!
March 25, 2016
Inhaling Smoke is the story of Austin Moore and his boyfriend Micah as they adjust to the sudden addition of a toddler to their lives. This is told in third person through the eyes of Austin.
Austin is a tattoo artist working at ‘Fiery Squid Tattoo.’ Austin is covered in tattoos and is talkative. Micah is studying art and is shy and quiet.
The other significant people in the story were Katie, Austin’s best female friend, and their son River. They never had a romantic relationship, but Austin donated sperm so Katie could have a baby. Tragedy strikes and Katie dies, and Austin and Micah have to take on the job of raising River.
There are a few things that bothered me in this story. While I think the dialogue worked, when there wasn’t dialogue, the story went into ‘info-dump’ mode and that was boring, unfortunately.
Another thing had to do with inconsistency. These two lines contradict themselves:
”Austin had taught Micah how to touch another person and in return Micah had taught him how to love.”
“They (Micah’s people/family) were tactile, hardworking people with a fear of God instilled in them by the preacher.”
I used only those lines, the part in parenthesis are my words, but Austin is thinking that he taught Micah to be comfortable with touching, but then in the second sentence above, it says that Micah’s people/family, were tactile. If that’s the case Micah would have been very touchy-feely with Austin. He wouldn’t need to be taught to be tactile. So that’s something I had issues with.
I did however enjoy the author’s choice of names. “Fiery Squid Tattoo,” is awesome, also some of the names of the characters, “Soda,” one of the tattoo artists, “Hyacinth” or “Hy” for the boss, “River” for the son’s name.
This story has its sad parts, but also has a hopeful future for Austin, Micah and River. It’s easy and fast to read. I give this 3 Stars
Austin is a tattoo artist working at ‘Fiery Squid Tattoo.’ Austin is covered in tattoos and is talkative. Micah is studying art and is shy and quiet.
The other significant people in the story were Katie, Austin’s best female friend, and their son River. They never had a romantic relationship, but Austin donated sperm so Katie could have a baby. Tragedy strikes and Katie dies, and Austin and Micah have to take on the job of raising River.
There are a few things that bothered me in this story. While I think the dialogue worked, when there wasn’t dialogue, the story went into ‘info-dump’ mode and that was boring, unfortunately.
Another thing had to do with inconsistency. These two lines contradict themselves:
”Austin had taught Micah how to touch another person and in return Micah had taught him how to love.”
“They (Micah’s people/family) were tactile, hardworking people with a fear of God instilled in them by the preacher.”
I used only those lines, the part in parenthesis are my words, but Austin is thinking that he taught Micah to be comfortable with touching, but then in the second sentence above, it says that Micah’s people/family, were tactile. If that’s the case Micah would have been very touchy-feely with Austin. He wouldn’t need to be taught to be tactile. So that’s something I had issues with.
I did however enjoy the author’s choice of names. “Fiery Squid Tattoo,” is awesome, also some of the names of the characters, “Soda,” one of the tattoo artists, “Hyacinth” or “Hy” for the boss, “River” for the son’s name.
This story has its sad parts, but also has a hopeful future for Austin, Micah and River. It’s easy and fast to read. I give this 3 Stars
June 8, 2014
Tattoo artist, Austin, has a great life. He has a job he loves, a best friend who always supports him and, best of all, an incredible man, Micah, whom he loves with all his heart. Tragedy strikes and Austin is faced with raising his best friend's son (well, the little boy is technically his son since he donated the sperm). Will he be able to navigate fatherhood and not completely screw up the little boy entrusted in his care?
Incredibly sweet, this story warmed my heart from start to finish. All of the characters were very likable and there was relatively no conflict. I could feel the connection between Austin and his adorably awkward and shy boyfriend. In my opinion, Micah stole the show with his kind demeanor and cute mannerisms. Tia Fielding mentions that a story from Micah's POV is in the works, and I definitely look forward to reading more about him and the beautiful family featured in this short story.
Incredibly sweet, this story warmed my heart from start to finish. All of the characters were very likable and there was relatively no conflict. I could feel the connection between Austin and his adorably awkward and shy boyfriend. In my opinion, Micah stole the show with his kind demeanor and cute mannerisms. Tia Fielding mentions that a story from Micah's POV is in the works, and I definitely look forward to reading more about him and the beautiful family featured in this short story.
June 27, 2015
4.5 stars
This was such a sweet and loving read. I loved the asexual representation! This is an orientation that almost never gets talked about, outside of an educational context. I loved that this had an established relationship. Those are always fun to read because we get to see the familiarity and comfort. I loved that there was no jealous or breaking up drama. This story was all about love, support, and strength.
But I do have to agree with Dani and say that the title is creepy as fuck considering the situation.
This was such a sweet and loving read. I loved the asexual representation! This is an orientation that almost never gets talked about, outside of an educational context. I loved that this had an established relationship. Those are always fun to read because we get to see the familiarity and comfort. I loved that there was no jealous or breaking up drama. This story was all about love, support, and strength.
But I do have to agree with Dani and say that the title is creepy as fuck considering the situation.
June 9, 2014
somewhere approaching 4 stars
Very sweet story of a young couple who suddenly find themselves with a 16 month old son, after the tragic death of his mother (who is one of the MC's oldest friends and who is himself the natural father of the child). The author asserts from the start that this is part of a potentially a longer story told from another character's point of view, but never the less it felt like a complete story.
Very sweet story of a young couple who suddenly find themselves with a 16 month old son, after the tragic death of his mother (who is one of the MC's oldest friends and who is himself the natural father of the child). The author asserts from the start that this is part of a potentially a longer story told from another character's point of view, but never the less it felt like a complete story.
August 30, 2018
2.5 stars
I saw in the foreword that this is part of the author's verse, so that could explain the info dumps on side characters who only get a line or two. We didn't even get to the parenting part until the 60% mark, there's a couple of very brief scenes of them dealing with an earache which were sweet, then the last 15% is the couple having some bedroom time. It didn't really address the prompt and too much page space was spent on inconsequential stuff.
I saw in the foreword that this is part of the author's verse, so that could explain the info dumps on side characters who only get a line or two. We didn't even get to the parenting part until the 60% mark, there's a couple of very brief scenes of them dealing with an earache which were sweet, then the last 15% is the couple having some bedroom time. It didn't really address the prompt and too much page space was spent on inconsequential stuff.
July 14, 2017
This was a short quick read that I liked. Tattoo artist Austin and his partner Micah who is also artist become parents when his best friend Katie dies in a house fire her 16-month-old son survives the smoke inhalation. This was a sad good little story that I did find the name of it morbid considering someone died in a fire. This was my first time reading this author. The book was well written with no errors in grammar or spelling. I am looking forward to reading more of her work.
June 9, 2014
Thank you Tia Fielding for this free story and thanks to all the other authors who participated in this event.
So very many feelings! Very nice story. Can't wait to see how this comes together with what the author is currently working on.
So very many feelings! Very nice story. Can't wait to see how this comes together with what the author is currently working on.
June 21, 2014
I think I miss a gene somewhere that's supposed to make me goo over fluffy stories with cute babies. The story in itself is well done and pretty engaging, and I want to find out about Micah and how he and Austin ended up together. So I'm hoping the author gets to writing their story.
December 30, 2014
Tia Fielding did something that is very rare for me. She gave me a beautiful sort story that left me wanting more, but not disappointed with what I actually got.
This is very sweet, with an adorable couple of men, and I would love to spend more time with them.
This is very sweet, with an adorable couple of men, and I would love to spend more time with them.
June 19, 2014
Lovely short story that shows how life can change in an instant. And how much better it is to negotiate all that change if you have someone to love and support you by your side.
September 30, 2014
I felt like I was supposed to know these two from somewhere else but I can't figure out where. I'd love to read about their beginning if I could figure out where to look!
June 28, 2016
DNF
I couldn't care less for the characters and it would've been pointless to continue.
I couldn't care less for the characters and it would've been pointless to continue.
April 9, 2015
DNF at 80%. I love a good men with kids story but this one just bored me. Lots of telling, until 80% no conflict or problems at all. And to top it of, a magical toddler - please tell me where to order a 16 month old toddler who quietly plays on his own while I have a coffee and a nice chat?,and one who won't scream murder at least during waking in the night for his mom and takes to two adults he met once per month like nothing. Also, who does not see a doctor if their kids screams without end for a half a day, or after finding out he has an ear infection. While I don't know how the US medical landscape really looks like I know pediatricians exist and they exist for a reason, I wouldn't take s toddler to a family doctor. If nothing else, you need special (tiny) instruments to check them out, also and especially to look into their ears. It was never mentioned till 80% how a toddler changed both their lives, it's mentioned they both still work, who takes care of the toddler. This was just way too unreal for me (as you might have figured out, I currently have two toddler at home and this kind of false description of having a little kid doesn't sit right with me).
January 3, 2016
Wow.... this one was incredibly sad but heartwarming and hopeful.
Austin and his boyfriend Micah were together and happy and I would have loved to read more about them two, how they met, how they came together and how their relationship progressed because it seemed like they were just perfect for each other. Micah was sheltered and incredibly shy, almost dibilitatingly so. But with Austin he was a rock..... Austin was big and tattoo'd and pierced and didn't look like the big softy he was. He was so sweet and caring and gentle with Micah and later with River.
Austin was best friends with Katie, she was asexual and he liked men so they had the perfect relationship in which Austin donated sperm for her to have a baby and he was content with being Uncle Austin... Unfortuately, the unthinkable happens and takes her away from River, Austin and Micah and they have to step up....which they would have anyway and they got used to being two daddies to a toddler full time. It was work but they all got there in the end. Like I said, I would really like to read more about this couple so I'm gonna have to research and hope there is more out there to read. Loved it, and loved the HEA or HFN <3
Austin and his boyfriend Micah were together and happy and I would have loved to read more about them two, how they met, how they came together and how their relationship progressed because it seemed like they were just perfect for each other. Micah was sheltered and incredibly shy, almost dibilitatingly so. But with Austin he was a rock..... Austin was big and tattoo'd and pierced and didn't look like the big softy he was. He was so sweet and caring and gentle with Micah and later with River.
Austin was best friends with Katie, she was asexual and he liked men so they had the perfect relationship in which Austin donated sperm for her to have a baby and he was content with being Uncle Austin... Unfortuately, the unthinkable happens and takes her away from River, Austin and Micah and they have to step up....which they would have anyway and they got used to being two daddies to a toddler full time. It was work but they all got there in the end. Like I said, I would really like to read more about this couple so I'm gonna have to research and hope there is more out there to read. Loved it, and loved the HEA or HFN <3
August 11, 2014
I loved this story, and though it has the death of character which leads to the adoption of River by Austin and Micah it is not grief heavy but more a story of the love between them.
At times the story did fell into heavy info dumping, but I felt it didn’t get too much in the way of the plot. I am really happy that Tia is going to write a longer version of this wonderful couple’s story. Must also give some love to the name of the tattoo parlour “The Fiery Squid Tattoo”.
I did notice a few inconsistencies,
At times the story did fell into heavy info dumping, but I felt it didn’t get too much in the way of the plot. I am really happy that Tia is going to write a longer version of this wonderful couple’s story. Must also give some love to the name of the tattoo parlour “The Fiery Squid Tattoo”.
I did notice a few inconsistencies,
July 14, 2014
Nice story about the issues and joys when adding a baby to an established relationship. Austin (the tattoo artist) and Micah (a college student getting his arts degree) are very cute together and I'd love to find out more about them. Neither of them expected to have to take care of River, Austin's son through sperm donation to his best friend, but when she dies in a fire, there is no question in their minds about accepting the responsibility. While the reason for having him with them is very sad, the way they work together to give the sixteen-month-old a new home is amazing.
If you like loving couples who find a way to deal with a new baby in their relationship, and if you want to see how they make time for some "grown-up activities", then you will probably like this free short story.
If you like loving couples who find a way to deal with a new baby in their relationship, and if you want to see how they make time for some "grown-up activities", then you will probably like this free short story.
July 23, 2014
Sweet story of two young men who suddenly find themselves with a toddler when the toddler's mother dies in a house fire. Austin, the baby's sperm donor and best friend of his mother, and Micah, Austin's boyfriend, take on the role of parents. The story depicts their early struggles in adjusting to parenting and in making their own relationship work, despite their lack of time.
Very nice story and, to top it all off, it's free. Thank you for participating in the Love's Landscapes event, Ms. Fielding. I appreciate the gift of your story.
Very nice story and, to top it all off, it's free. Thank you for participating in the Love's Landscapes event, Ms. Fielding. I appreciate the gift of your story.
January 26, 2015
synopsis:
austin is a tattoo artist who is in love with micah. they are getting along well, when austin's best friend dies. he had provided sperm in order for his best friend to have a child, and now the couple has inherited that child.
what i liked: i liked the couple together. they respected and loved each other, and the child just added to that. i liked that they had a learning curve with the child, and realistically went through the same things that every new parent does.
what i didn't like: not a lot. it was a nice, sweet story.
austin is a tattoo artist who is in love with micah. they are getting along well, when austin's best friend dies. he had provided sperm in order for his best friend to have a child, and now the couple has inherited that child.
what i liked: i liked the couple together. they respected and loved each other, and the child just added to that. i liked that they had a learning curve with the child, and realistically went through the same things that every new parent does.
what i didn't like: not a lot. it was a nice, sweet story.
December 6, 2014
This was a sweet story about defying perceptions and family coming together in unexpected ways. Despite the underlying tragedy that could have made this a much heavier story, it didn’t go that direction. Instead, it focused more on the positive and possibilities. Micah and Austin were perfect together and their love came through loud and clear. I loved this addition to the Love’s Landscapes stories. Thank you!!!
Want to read
June 12, 2014
Offered for FREE from the M/M Romance Group's Love's Landscapes event. Thank you too all the amazing authors who participated!
June 27, 2014
The author mentioned that this was part of a wider series and whilst it does more-or-less stand alone I think it would probably be more satisfying if you knew the character(s) from the other books.
I enjoyed it though and it was well written with characters I cared about, I think I just felt that maybe this wasn't the most interesting point in the two men's lives.
I enjoyed it though and it was well written with characters I cared about, I think I just felt that maybe this wasn't the most interesting point in the two men's lives.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews