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Woodshed #1
An Old-Fashioned Love Song
Dear Author,
I am so in love with this man, but I’m afraid to say anything because I’m pretty sure he only wants to play and I don’t want to scare him off. He thinks I’m too young to commit to someone, but I’m not. He takes such good care of me, but he doesn’t realize I can take care of him, too. He needs to take control during sex, and I love it when he does. He knows exactly how to get me going, and I don’t want to lose that.
Photo Description:
In an austere white bedroom, two men are locked in a passionate embrace. The dark haired man, on the bottom, has one arm draped over the hips of the blond man, on top. His other hand tightly grasps his lover’s neck. At the same time, he places a tender kiss on his lover’s neck. His lover, instead of fighting to free himself, grips his shoulder, encouraging him to tighten his grip.
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.
I am so in love with this man, but I’m afraid to say anything because I’m pretty sure he only wants to play and I don’t want to scare him off. He thinks I’m too young to commit to someone, but I’m not. He takes such good care of me, but he doesn’t realize I can take care of him, too. He needs to take control during sex, and I love it when he does. He knows exactly how to get me going, and I don’t want to lose that.
Photo Description:
In an austere white bedroom, two men are locked in a passionate embrace. The dark haired man, on the bottom, has one arm draped over the hips of the blond man, on top. His other hand tightly grasps his lover’s neck. At the same time, he places a tender kiss on his lover’s neck. His lover, instead of fighting to free himself, grips his shoulder, encouraging him to tighten his grip.
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.
93 pages, ebook
First published June 17, 2014
3 people are currently reading
269 people want to read
About the author
Michelle K. Grant
4 books23 followersAUTHOR BIO:
Michelle K Grant is a knitting, hiking, kayaking, guitar-playing, song-writing, singing, tarot-card-reading, video-game-playing, book-reading, coffee-drinking, movie-watching, fire-dancing, drum-playing, nature-worshiping, firefighting, dungeons-and-dragons playing, paramedic medicine giving, incest-surviving, pet-hoarding, yarn-shopping, squirrel-raising, Bob-Ross-painting, grandkid-spoiling, snake-keeping, bad-spelling, constantly-forgetting, sexually-deviant, fiber freak. In between all of these hobbies, Michelle is working on her first novel which she hopes to complete this year.
Michelle K Grant is a knitting, hiking, kayaking, guitar-playing, song-writing, singing, tarot-card-reading, video-game-playing, book-reading, coffee-drinking, movie-watching, fire-dancing, drum-playing, nature-worshiping, firefighting, dungeons-and-dragons playing, paramedic medicine giving, incest-surviving, pet-hoarding, yarn-shopping, squirrel-raising, Bob-Ross-painting, grandkid-spoiling, snake-keeping, bad-spelling, constantly-forgetting, sexually-deviant, fiber freak. In between all of these hobbies, Michelle is working on her first novel which she hopes to complete this year.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
June 20, 2014
Holy--fucking--moly! This is a straight 5* even though I deducted a bit here and there, because this actually was off the scale excellent!
First off: it is SUCH A BLOODY RELIEF to read a BDSM romance which gets the BDSM right in every single aspect, from A through to Z, from being very erotic, over fully SSC to also being absolutely and completely and above all competently realistic! And I mean off the scale well-written BDSM, including the mind-set and emotions of the bottom, those of the top, and the dynamics of realistic playing. This wasn't "minor" or "mild", by which I mean: as it takes place in real life among real BDSMers.*
The story was also a delight to read else, funny without being campy (numerous times I laughed out loud, giggled or just read with a delighted grin on my face), emotional (and I was biting my nails along with Seth), warm and very human (I recognised so many of these people, I have or had them in my own family) and downright romantic, especially towards the end.
There was a real plot, and the plot was closely meshed with the character study and slowly developing connection between the two lovers. I adored every secondary character as well, right down to the trades and the skunk.
If there was one, very minor niggle, then the use of m/m-speak like "threading fingers through hair" or "fisting cocks", but that was truly negligible and probably would have been caught in another edit.
Apart from that I have absolutely no criticism, this story left a banana-sized smile on my face. Kudos!
*small side note to those claiming this is "mild BDSM": fooling around with scarves and a bit of spanky-spanky in bed is mild. 24/7 D/s, breathplay (to the point of fainting) and singletail whipping is nowhere close to being mild. That's already quite a ways into serious BDSM play. Somehow I now have repeatedly got the notion that some readers have completely skewed opinions of BDSM.
ETA: And what I forgot to mention, for once you have actual pansexual BDSM, a realistic pansexual BDSM club, a man who isn't "superdom" or "the master from alpha-hole hell", but instead a bisexual/pansexual everyday guy with his own (extremely realistic btw and typical of a lot of tops!) shortcomings, in fact sub and dom here are far more realistic and like actual BDSMers than how they usually get described by non-BDSMer authors. That all was so refreshing!
First off: it is SUCH A BLOODY RELIEF to read a BDSM romance which gets the BDSM right in every single aspect, from A through to Z, from being very erotic, over fully SSC to also being absolutely and completely and above all competently realistic! And I mean off the scale well-written BDSM, including the mind-set and emotions of the bottom, those of the top, and the dynamics of realistic playing. This wasn't "minor" or "mild", by which I mean: as it takes place in real life among real BDSMers.*
The story was also a delight to read else, funny without being campy (numerous times I laughed out loud, giggled or just read with a delighted grin on my face), emotional (and I was biting my nails along with Seth), warm and very human (I recognised so many of these people, I have or had them in my own family) and downright romantic, especially towards the end.
There was a real plot, and the plot was closely meshed with the character study and slowly developing connection between the two lovers. I adored every secondary character as well, right down to the trades and the skunk.
If there was one, very minor niggle, then the use of m/m-speak like "threading fingers through hair" or "fisting cocks", but that was truly negligible and probably would have been caught in another edit.
Apart from that I have absolutely no criticism, this story left a banana-sized smile on my face. Kudos!
*small side note to those claiming this is "mild BDSM": fooling around with scarves and a bit of spanky-spanky in bed is mild. 24/7 D/s, breathplay (to the point of fainting) and singletail whipping is nowhere close to being mild. That's already quite a ways into serious BDSM play. Somehow I now have repeatedly got the notion that some readers have completely skewed opinions of BDSM.
ETA: And what I forgot to mention, for once you have actual pansexual BDSM, a realistic pansexual BDSM club, a man who isn't "superdom" or "the master from alpha-hole hell", but instead a bisexual/pansexual everyday guy with his own (extremely realistic btw and typical of a lot of tops!) shortcomings, in fact sub and dom here are far more realistic and like actual BDSMers than how they usually get described by non-BDSMer authors. That all was so refreshing!
August 27, 2016
4.25 smutastic stars
Good old-fashioned fun, you all: whips, gags, ropes, and breath play
Also included: two fantastically real and endearing MCs, a supportive (but not annoying or meddlesome!) family, and a desire to swoon every 25 pages.
Extra credit for:
hawtest damn prompt image this side of the Atlantic (INCLUDED in the plot!)
a Dom who's not some filthy rich tycoon but a regular guy who works landscaping and has a disaster of a house
a smart twink who wants to be a sub but goes about it in all the wrong ways
a neighbor with a pet skunk
a claw-foot bathtub
smexy, filthy, delicious fun
sweetness and humour galore (you wouldn't think it, but 'tis true)
This is BDSM for the everyday guy: no fancy scenes or dungeons, no 24/7 Master/slave, BUT hellaciously hot, kinky-as-fuck sex.
Dominant Malachi doesn't want a long-term commitment. Seth DOES, but he doesn't tell Malachi that. So who's playing whom? Or are they playing each other?
Doesn't matter.
Everyone wins.
Good old-fashioned fun, you all: whips, gags, ropes, and breath play
Also included: two fantastically real and endearing MCs, a supportive (but not annoying or meddlesome!) family, and a desire to swoon every 25 pages.
Extra credit for:
hawtest damn prompt image this side of the Atlantic (INCLUDED in the plot!)
a Dom who's not some filthy rich tycoon but a regular guy who works landscaping and has a disaster of a house
a smart twink who wants to be a sub but goes about it in all the wrong ways
a neighbor with a pet skunk
a claw-foot bathtub
smexy, filthy, delicious fun
sweetness and humour galore (you wouldn't think it, but 'tis true)
This is BDSM for the everyday guy: no fancy scenes or dungeons, no 24/7 Master/slave, BUT hellaciously hot, kinky-as-fuck sex.
Dominant Malachi doesn't want a long-term commitment. Seth DOES, but he doesn't tell Malachi that. So who's playing whom? Or are they playing each other?
Doesn't matter.
Everyone wins.
June 18, 2014
Sometimes earnest isn't enough.
Two men: one ingenue and one who keeps an arm's distance. Seth, naiveté put him at a disadvantage when he finally made a move. Luckily, the dissonance between his intentions and his attitude were enough to convince Malachi to approach. The communication between the characters rocked.
I really liked that this wasn't some fantasy club setting, glitterkink story. Malachi's a real man, with a lot of responsibilities and not some white knight charging in to haul Seth off to his castle. Thank you, thank you.
I have zero clue as to the title's significance O_o Feel like I'm missing something. Anyway, sweet and invested with some humor and lots of good will make this a pleasurable read. Oh, the BDSM is light to medium with some edge play.
Favorite quote:
Two men: one ingenue and one who keeps an arm's distance. Seth, naiveté put him at a disadvantage when he finally made a move. Luckily, the dissonance between his intentions and his attitude were enough to convince Malachi to approach. The communication between the characters rocked.
I really liked that this wasn't some fantasy club setting, glitterkink story. Malachi's a real man, with a lot of responsibilities and not some white knight charging in to haul Seth off to his castle. Thank you, thank you.
I have zero clue as to the title's significance O_o Feel like I'm missing something. Anyway, sweet and invested with some humor and lots of good will make this a pleasurable read. Oh, the BDSM is light to medium with some edge play.
Favorite quote:
“I don’t think pain makes you cry,” Malachi said, kissing his head. “I think emotion does."
September 15, 2014
Sweet, funny and fucking hot.
Which is great.
But the absolute best part of this novella is that there is no ridiculous back story or angst-filled explanation as to why Seth enjoys getting his ass beat.
Or choked. Or nipples twisted. Or whipped. Etc.
HE JUST DOES.
And there's no equally ridiculous angty explanation as to why Malachi feels the need to beat an ass to a nice crimson glow.
Or choke a sub. Or twist some nips. Or wield a whip. Etc.
HE JUST DOES.
P.S. The ending is so sweet without making you want to follow it up with a salad or some kind of vegetable because you fear the amount of sugar in your blood stream. Excellent.
November 12, 2014
Is it my birthday? I think it must be, because that is one of the best gifts I've ever gotten. Michelle, you took my prompt and turned it into an awesome story. I feel like Amy Farrah Fowler when she got her princess tiara.
OF COURSE IT'S GREAT! IT'S MY STORY AND IT'S HOT!!!
...and funny and adorable and and...I loved it :D
What an awesome beginning! I was hooked right away with those first few paragraphs. Right from the start I knew Seth, his wants, his insecurities, his determination. And I loved him.
There were a couple details that tripped me up in the flashback; Malachi went from wearing jeans to corduroys, and a woman who had just been whipped "hopped" up after sagging to her knees. And then, back in present day, Seth got on Malachi's motorcycle wearing leather shorts and a harness. Worrying about a helmet and not long pants and a jacket confused me. But then I got some humor, and sexy times, and I forgot about the clothes. Clothes? What clothes?!
Poor Seth, the miscommunication over the collar...and the sister who teased. I loved all the awkwardness and humor. Speaking of his sister, Tasha provided some great scenes/dialogue. And lucky me, there were several more awkward Seth moments that made me laugh. He was adorable.
I loved the times Seth was thinking about Malachi, or when they were talking about what was going to happen. The sexual tension was so well written, I was squirming. But the actual sex scenes? Whoa... I can't comment on the BDSM in terms of authenticity, practice, etc, but I can tell you Seth and Malachi were so hot together. The scene with the prompt picture? And the one with the rope? *fans self* There were so many good ones, I couldn't pick a favorite.
It wasn't perfect...like the change from jeans to corduroys mentioned earlier, other continuity issues popped up, including a change in position that wasn't clearly shown or mentioned and caused a bit of confusion, and, like the hopping mentioned earlier, there were some word choices that caught me up in the situation they were used...but all the good parts far outweighed any issues.
I was thinking 4 stars for most of the story, but it made me so happy, I'm giving it all the stars. Thank you, Michelle!!!
Side note:
The part where Geordi moved his grandfather's head back to look at him? I died. My middle son did that all the time when he was younger. Those little hands on each side of your face, the serious look as he made sure you were paying attention. I loved it.
ETA: prompt pic
ETA: It's been brought to my attention that I inaccurately referred to Michelle's story as a "gift" and "my story" when I obviously have no ownership of it. Michelle, I apologize for implying such a thing. Although I'm not changing my review, I would like to clarify my meaning. I do consider it a gift that Michelle took my prompt and invested the time and effort in creating a story based on my request. And I'd like to hope that people understand when, in my excitement, I wrote "my story" I didn't literally mean I owned any part of it.
OF COURSE IT'S GREAT! IT'S MY STORY AND IT'S HOT!!!
...and funny and adorable and and...I loved it :D
What an awesome beginning! I was hooked right away with those first few paragraphs. Right from the start I knew Seth, his wants, his insecurities, his determination. And I loved him.
There were a couple details that tripped me up in the flashback; Malachi went from wearing jeans to corduroys, and a woman who had just been whipped "hopped" up after sagging to her knees. And then, back in present day, Seth got on Malachi's motorcycle wearing leather shorts and a harness. Worrying about a helmet and not long pants and a jacket confused me. But then I got some humor, and sexy times, and I forgot about the clothes. Clothes? What clothes?!
Poor Seth, the miscommunication over the collar...and the sister who teased. I loved all the awkwardness and humor. Speaking of his sister, Tasha provided some great scenes/dialogue. And lucky me, there were several more awkward Seth moments that made me laugh. He was adorable.
I loved the times Seth was thinking about Malachi, or when they were talking about what was going to happen. The sexual tension was so well written, I was squirming. But the actual sex scenes? Whoa... I can't comment on the BDSM in terms of authenticity, practice, etc, but I can tell you Seth and Malachi were so hot together. The scene with the prompt picture? And the one with the rope? *fans self* There were so many good ones, I couldn't pick a favorite.
It wasn't perfect...like the change from jeans to corduroys mentioned earlier, other continuity issues popped up, including a change in position that wasn't clearly shown or mentioned and caused a bit of confusion, and, like the hopping mentioned earlier, there were some word choices that caught me up in the situation they were used...but all the good parts far outweighed any issues.
I was thinking 4 stars for most of the story, but it made me so happy, I'm giving it all the stars. Thank you, Michelle!!!
Side note:
The part where Geordi moved his grandfather's head back to look at him? I died. My middle son did that all the time when he was younger. Those little hands on each side of your face, the serious look as he made sure you were paying attention. I loved it.
ETA: prompt pic
ETA: It's been brought to my attention that I inaccurately referred to Michelle's story as a "gift" and "my story" when I obviously have no ownership of it. Michelle, I apologize for implying such a thing. Although I'm not changing my review, I would like to clarify my meaning. I do consider it a gift that Michelle took my prompt and invested the time and effort in creating a story based on my request. And I'd like to hope that people understand when, in my excitement, I wrote "my story" I didn't literally mean I owned any part of it.
June 22, 2014
3.5
My first close encounter with Bdsm* and I have to admit it was a very good one. Seth is a newbie in the D/s world and very determined to follow his path toward submission. Thanks to the meeting with Malachi, a hot and very believable Dom, he’ll find a satisfying sexual relationship and much more. A supportive family acts as a well sketched side character.
Favorite quote:
In college, I figured out I was definitely bi. But recently a friend pointed out I am more pansexual than anything else.” “What does that even mean?” “It means among the people I have played with, you will find people of both gender identities, that don’t always match their gender of birth. I’m attracted to people of different races, body types, heights, hair coloring and personality.
*Side note: other reviewers pointed out that this is a light BDSM read; I found it quite heavy and realistic (breath play, ropes, whipping, gags..). Now I wonder what heavy BDSM is.. but I don’t want to find out. Please.
My first close encounter with Bdsm* and I have to admit it was a very good one. Seth is a newbie in the D/s world and very determined to follow his path toward submission. Thanks to the meeting with Malachi, a hot and very believable Dom, he’ll find a satisfying sexual relationship and much more. A supportive family acts as a well sketched side character.
Favorite quote:
In college, I figured out I was definitely bi. But recently a friend pointed out I am more pansexual than anything else.” “What does that even mean?” “It means among the people I have played with, you will find people of both gender identities, that don’t always match their gender of birth. I’m attracted to people of different races, body types, heights, hair coloring and personality.
*Side note: other reviewers pointed out that this is a light BDSM read; I found it quite heavy and realistic (breath play, ropes, whipping, gags..). Now I wonder what heavy BDSM is.. but I don’t want to find out. Please.
June 26, 2015
Not my usual read but I love the characters.
Unlike other BDSM stories I've looked at I never got the urge to analyse and wonder what's wrong that a person could need that - instead Seth is a bright, cheeky, socially competent character who happens to be a submissive. Also Malachi is an everyday hard working man, who happens to like causing a little pain. It's a healthy attraction and meeting of needs, so while the masterful kinky sex isn't my thing, I liked reading them work things out and it never made me feel uncomfortable. (Not saying BDSM is unhealthy, only that it's often portrayed in a way that is).
There are lots of great things about the story - Seth is funny, I love his enthusiasm the way he gossips with his twin sister and is so eager for experience. He's nervous in the way of anyone starting a new relationship and it's endearing.
His father Patrick is great his acceptance 'No, TMI' and concern felt real.
Malachi wasn't one-dimensional, he liked control, but away from his Saturday's at the club he worked hard and looked out for his neighbour. He's just as tentative with his feelings and at ease with Seth taking over his house re-model.
The visit to the gym made me giggle.
I did think towards the end the pacing slipped, some things got summarised into tell not show which gave me the impression the story was shaping up longer than intended and trimmed down.
The ending is suitably romantic sap.
Thanks to Steelwhisper's her review of this being realistic convinced me to give it a try when I was geared to skip it. I liked it. Not my kink, but well written to be mutual and right for the characters. An author I'll look out for in the future.
Unlike other BDSM stories I've looked at I never got the urge to analyse and wonder what's wrong that a person could need that - instead Seth is a bright, cheeky, socially competent character who happens to be a submissive. Also Malachi is an everyday hard working man, who happens to like causing a little pain. It's a healthy attraction and meeting of needs, so while the masterful kinky sex isn't my thing, I liked reading them work things out and it never made me feel uncomfortable. (Not saying BDSM is unhealthy, only that it's often portrayed in a way that is).
There are lots of great things about the story - Seth is funny, I love his enthusiasm the way he gossips with his twin sister and is so eager for experience. He's nervous in the way of anyone starting a new relationship and it's endearing.
His father Patrick is great his acceptance 'No, TMI' and concern felt real.
Malachi wasn't one-dimensional, he liked control, but away from his Saturday's at the club he worked hard and looked out for his neighbour. He's just as tentative with his feelings and at ease with Seth taking over his house re-model.
The visit to the gym made me giggle.
I did think towards the end the pacing slipped, some things got summarised into tell not show which gave me the impression the story was shaping up longer than intended and trimmed down.
The ending is suitably romantic sap.
Thanks to Steelwhisper's her review of this being realistic convinced me to give it a try when I was geared to skip it. I liked it. Not my kink, but well written to be mutual and right for the characters. An author I'll look out for in the future.
August 27, 2016
You should definitely read Steelwhisper's review. I loved that the MCs were fun, had fun, with each other.
I give the BDSM five stars. The rest of the story wasn't such a hit for me. I'm usually allergic to those perfect happy family tales, and add in the house renovation plot and it was all a bit too . . . . um, Stepford, for me. And who knew a landscape gardener could have such bottomless pockets, even at cost.
But awesome wonderful fabulous sex. Yay.
I give the BDSM five stars. The rest of the story wasn't such a hit for me. I'm usually allergic to those perfect happy family tales, and add in the house renovation plot and it was all a bit too . . . . um, Stepford, for me. And who knew a landscape gardener could have such bottomless pockets, even at cost.
But awesome wonderful fabulous sex. Yay.
December 2, 2014
4.5 stars
Ok so I really, really, REALLY liked this one a whole lot. It had some of my favorite things from this genre:
1. Realistic BDSM (it received the Steelwhisper BDSM Seal of Approval™ here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...)
2. Humor
3. Awesome female figure that isn't fake seeming or over the top
4. Family members that accept that the mc is gay in a realistic manner
5. Kooky next door neighbors
6. MCs that I wouldn't mind knowing in real life
7. It's well written with dialogue that (mostly) flows and seems like something someone would actually say.
8. Sexy sex scenes. Rawr!
9. If there has to be a kid, the kid is not the main focus of the story
So much good stuff in one short story! How did that happen? I don't know, but I'm glad it did.
The few niggles I had with it, like:
1. The slight overuse of contractions making dialogue a bit stilted at first (this was fixed as the story progressed)
2. The clichéd M/M terms that Steelwhisper mentioned in her review
3. Lots of crying
4. The main MCs over the top shenanigans in the beginning
...did not take away from my enjoyment of the story at all. Do read this if you enjoy BDSM; I don't think you'll regret it.
I will now head on over to the author's page to peruse her other novels.
Ok so I really, really, REALLY liked this one a whole lot. It had some of my favorite things from this genre:
1. Realistic BDSM (it received the Steelwhisper BDSM Seal of Approval™ here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...)
2. Humor
3. Awesome female figure that isn't fake seeming or over the top
4. Family members that accept that the mc is gay in a realistic manner
5. Kooky next door neighbors
6. MCs that I wouldn't mind knowing in real life
7. It's well written with dialogue that (mostly) flows and seems like something someone would actually say.
8. Sexy sex scenes. Rawr!
9. If there has to be a kid, the kid is not the main focus of the story
So much good stuff in one short story! How did that happen? I don't know, but I'm glad it did.
The few niggles I had with it, like:
1. The slight overuse of contractions making dialogue a bit stilted at first (this was fixed as the story progressed)
2. The clichéd M/M terms that Steelwhisper mentioned in her review
3. Lots of crying
4. The main MCs over the top shenanigans in the beginning
...did not take away from my enjoyment of the story at all. Do read this if you enjoy BDSM; I don't think you'll regret it.
I will now head on over to the author's page to peruse her other novels.
October 6, 2014
3.5 A-dorbs Stars
Witty banter, cheeky fun, kinky goodness and…
Seriously. The outfits, the shooting, the bossiness, the breath play… I'm not saying it's him, but I can see how the comparison could be made.
Everything about Malachi was rough: his voice, his beard, the abrasive feel of his hands, the way he handled Seth, everything.
I do ❤ me some shibari and I liked the whole idea of Malachi practicing on Seth with the visual of all the books open around them.
Makes me feel like…
Ms. Grant did a great job of sticking to the prompt. It was feel good, fun and light. There was a little too much home repair, Seth family time, hysterical giggling and crying for me, but I sure did find myself smiling quite a bit while reading it.
I see this author has decided to turn this into a series. I'll be on the lookout for #2. Thanks to her for contributing to the LL event.
Witty banter, cheeky fun, kinky goodness and…
Seriously. The outfits, the shooting, the bossiness, the breath play… I'm not saying it's him, but I can see how the comparison could be made.
Everything about Malachi was rough: his voice, his beard, the abrasive feel of his hands, the way he handled Seth, everything.
I do ❤ me some shibari and I liked the whole idea of Malachi practicing on Seth with the visual of all the books open around them.
Makes me feel like…
Ms. Grant did a great job of sticking to the prompt. It was feel good, fun and light. There was a little too much home repair, Seth family time, hysterical giggling and crying for me, but I sure did find myself smiling quite a bit while reading it.
I see this author has decided to turn this into a series. I'll be on the lookout for #2. Thanks to her for contributing to the LL event.
June 29, 2014
I need a moment to compose myself...
Offered for FREE from the M/M Romance Group's Love's Landscapes event. Thank you too all the amazing authors who participated!
Really nicely done. I liked the relationship progression and low angst, no major miscommunications. I liked the way in which Seth's family got involved, I loved how open they were. The BDSM bits were sexy and introduced me to some types of play I thought I wouldn't be comfortable with in a safe and actually really sweet manor. This exemplified what I like about BDSM, the emotional connection and surrender of trust, but without the cheesyness you see in a lot of BDSM. Just two normal guys who happen to like to give/receive pain and give/maintain control.
"Does it bother you I cry so much?" he asked Malachi.
"Not in the least," Malachi smiled. "When you do it during sex it turns me on."
"Really," Seth pulled to the side to better see Malachi's face. "Why is that?"
"Because I'm a sick fuck?" Malachi replied.
"I'm serious!" Seth slapped him playfully on the arm.
"Yeah, me too," Malachi replied
"Well, you're my sick fuck, so that's okay."
I found this exchange ridiculously sweet.
Offered for FREE from the M/M Romance Group's Love's Landscapes event. Thank you too all the amazing authors who participated!
Really nicely done. I liked the relationship progression and low angst, no major miscommunications. I liked the way in which Seth's family got involved, I loved how open they were. The BDSM bits were sexy and introduced me to some types of play I thought I wouldn't be comfortable with in a safe and actually really sweet manor. This exemplified what I like about BDSM, the emotional connection and surrender of trust, but without the cheesyness you see in a lot of BDSM. Just two normal guys who happen to like to give/receive pain and give/maintain control.
"Does it bother you I cry so much?" he asked Malachi.
"Not in the least," Malachi smiled. "When you do it during sex it turns me on."
"Really," Seth pulled to the side to better see Malachi's face. "Why is that?"
"Because I'm a sick fuck?" Malachi replied.
"I'm serious!" Seth slapped him playfully on the arm.
"Yeah, me too," Malachi replied
"Well, you're my sick fuck, so that's okay."
I found this exchange ridiculously sweet.
January 8, 2016
When I started this book I wasn’t too happy with the first couple of pages. I immediately judged how Seth and Malachi were going to be.
But I was wrong!
This book was sexy, kinky and sweet. No asshole-ish behavior here (I really thought there was going to be based on that first part).
Seth is looking for a Dom, someone to show him how much he really is into BDSM. He has been coming to a leather club for a year now, but no one seems to notice him. He does notice Malachi. Malachi who is clearly a Dom. But Malachi never seems to notice him. Until one day he does.
There are some hot scenes involving BDSM, but it’s not all like this. I wouldn’t even say the relationship between Seth and Malachi was your typical D/s one. They were just guys, wanting to get to know each other, but who also liked to play kinky games.
I especially liked the sweet and tender moments. I was expecting some angst when Malachi clearly stated he didn’t want a relationship, but nope… no angst.
Loved it.
But I was wrong!
This book was sexy, kinky and sweet. No asshole-ish behavior here (I really thought there was going to be based on that first part).
Seth is looking for a Dom, someone to show him how much he really is into BDSM. He has been coming to a leather club for a year now, but no one seems to notice him. He does notice Malachi. Malachi who is clearly a Dom. But Malachi never seems to notice him. Until one day he does.
There are some hot scenes involving BDSM, but it’s not all like this. I wouldn’t even say the relationship between Seth and Malachi was your typical D/s one. They were just guys, wanting to get to know each other, but who also liked to play kinky games.
I especially liked the sweet and tender moments. I was expecting some angst when Malachi clearly stated he didn’t want a relationship, but nope… no angst.
Loved it.
June 21, 2014
Started with a 4* rating, but really it deserves 5. Love the characters, particularly Malachi who is so ... ordinary! I get so tired of the cliched 'Master Dom' in his black leather trousers, cracking his whip against his thigh, and whose house is straight from the Perfect Dom's Book Of Homes and Gardens. ;)
This was the perfect antidote.
This was the perfect antidote.
June 25, 2014
A nice read, so why didn't I like it more? I am not a fan of BDSM so it is not the first thing I look for in a story. I can usually read it and enjoy it, if it is part of a whole not the whole itself. Unfortunately for me this story is made up of BDSM, pretty hardcore BDSM, well written and realistic according to BDSM affacionados, as I'm certainly no expert. This was basically one huge sex scene and some sweetness to glue everything together. So I had BDSM and sweetness, none of which I look for on their own. This was not a good reading choice from my end. But a girl's got to try.
July 4, 2014
That was, in a word, YUMMY!
Based on my Sunshine's prompt/pic, the author got this one right on!!! I loved that this was fully fleshed out from start to finish with amazing and realistic reading MC's and a wonderful supporting cast.
Loved it!
Based on my Sunshine's prompt/pic, the author got this one right on!!! I loved that this was fully fleshed out from start to finish with amazing and realistic reading MC's and a wonderful supporting cast.
Loved it!
Want to read
September 3, 2016First off, the prompt? Dope.
The prompt picture? Doper. [COLBY FTW!]
And there's BREATH PLAY?!
NOM NOM NOM!
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
The prompt picture? Doper. [COLBY FTW!]
And there's BREATH PLAY?!
NOM NOM NOM!
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
August 13, 2016
Loved this sweet and sexy story. Great addition to the LL event.
January 6, 2019
3.0 Stars
Weirdly fluffy, romantic BDSMish. I don't know why this one didn't work for me other than how there didn't seem to be an exploration of the WHY. Yes, Mal is a Sadist and gets off on seeing Seth cry...and Seth likes to please Mal, likes being controlled and if the sex comes with a bit of pain, the better for both. But...meh. Where was the introspection, the subspace or Dom drop or anything really that examines the motivation behind the MCs' actions?
I like that it's not High Protocol or scene-based, and I LOVED that Mal proved he could suck cock and "bottom" but still be dominant (there's simply not enough of that in my past BDSM themed reads). It's just the whole "we're just playing" declarations at the beginning made everything that followed seem staged. We know that Seth is ALL IN from the get-go, which makes his acceptance of being only a toy feel disingenuous. Like, he was settling for whatever Mal would give him and considering how he was kinda bossy and independent...well, it felt out of character? IDK how to explain it. I think had we known Mal's thought processes, seen inside his head as we (maybe) watch his feelings toward commitment and Seth change? We only get to experience it as Seth does, though. Which meant that for most of the book as Seth fell deeper in love and did all these amazing things for Mal that seemed realllllllllly intrusive TBH & I was waiting for the break-up or distancing or whatever...which also never happened. So, yay for that bit of OTT angst not happening, but was also oddly anti-climatic? F*ck, IDK, really.
Also, OMG I am not a prude and have been known to overshare but HOLY SHIT...Seth & his sister, Seth and his Dad, Mal & the neighbor, the neighbor & Seth's Dad and Dad's girlfriend...Seth & his Sister and all those people at the gym. All talking about sex (or eavesdropping) like they were discussing the weather. That was just way too much personal information to just be casually letting the details fly. I was embarrassed reading those bits where everyone was discussing the particulars of BDSM sex - even though I felt NO SHAME reading the sex scenes - because, no - just no. Sure, there's absolutely no need to be ashamed of your wants and inclinations...but damn. TMI.
So, yeah.
Anywho, I'm a bit confused about the title. I don't remember that song or lyrics or references to it in the story. Did I miss it? Was it a metaphor that went over my head?
Gah. Oh, but #Points for the Firefly and ST: TNG shout outs. Gotta love a scifi nerd (last name Riker) that marries a Tasha and names his kids Deanna and Geordi. *snort* Wish we could have met him. (Although that random bit where Seth questions Alex's blackness - for being a non-Caucasian scifi nerd - seemed slightly offensive? & totally unnecessary.)
Weirdly fluffy, romantic BDSMish. I don't know why this one didn't work for me other than how there didn't seem to be an exploration of the WHY. Yes, Mal is a Sadist and gets off on seeing Seth cry...and Seth likes to please Mal, likes being controlled and if the sex comes with a bit of pain, the better for both. But...meh. Where was the introspection, the subspace or Dom drop or anything really that examines the motivation behind the MCs' actions?
I like that it's not High Protocol or scene-based, and I LOVED that Mal proved he could suck cock and "bottom" but still be dominant (there's simply not enough of that in my past BDSM themed reads). It's just the whole "we're just playing" declarations at the beginning made everything that followed seem staged. We know that Seth is ALL IN from the get-go, which makes his acceptance of being only a toy feel disingenuous. Like, he was settling for whatever Mal would give him and considering how he was kinda bossy and independent...well, it felt out of character? IDK how to explain it. I think had we known Mal's thought processes, seen inside his head as we (maybe) watch his feelings toward commitment and Seth change? We only get to experience it as Seth does, though. Which meant that for most of the book as Seth fell deeper in love and did all these amazing things for Mal that seemed realllllllllly intrusive TBH & I was waiting for the break-up or distancing or whatever...which also never happened. So, yay for that bit of OTT angst not happening, but was also oddly anti-climatic? F*ck, IDK, really.
Also, OMG I am not a prude and have been known to overshare but HOLY SHIT...Seth & his sister, Seth and his Dad, Mal & the neighbor, the neighbor & Seth's Dad and Dad's girlfriend...Seth & his Sister and all those people at the gym. All talking about sex (or eavesdropping) like they were discussing the weather. That was just way too much personal information to just be casually letting the details fly. I was embarrassed reading those bits where everyone was discussing the particulars of BDSM sex - even though I felt NO SHAME reading the sex scenes - because, no - just no. Sure, there's absolutely no need to be ashamed of your wants and inclinations...but damn. TMI.
So, yeah.
Anywho, I'm a bit confused about the title. I don't remember that song or lyrics or references to it in the story. Did I miss it? Was it a metaphor that went over my head?
Gah. Oh, but #Points for the Firefly and ST: TNG shout outs. Gotta love a scifi nerd (last name Riker) that marries a Tasha and names his kids Deanna and Geordi. *snort* Wish we could have met him. (Although that random bit where Seth questions Alex's blackness - for being a non-Caucasian scifi nerd - seemed slightly offensive? & totally unnecessary.)
June 25, 2014
Wow… this one is definitely one of the best contributions to this year’s M/M Romance Group's "Love’s Landscapes" event.
For a long time Seth is a wannabe sub in the D/s world. Determined to follow his path toward submission he finally gets a chance for a play scene with Malachi, a hot and experienced Dom.
Seth and Malachi are scorching hot together. Malachi's a real man, ordinary, far from perfect (a Dom who makes mistakes, wow!) with a lot of responsibilities. Seth, he’s so cute… with his wants, his insecurities, and his determination to get the Dom of his dreams. I fell for both of them instantly.
Their first real scene together… Oh.My. Fucking. God… This was kinky-as-fuck hot! The BDSM lovers amongst the readers will get the full package... singletail-whipping, quite rough deep throatings, shibari, gags, edge-play (breathplay to the point of fainting).
This story is definitely a winner and please… can we have some more? *nudge, nudge*
June 26, 2014
Sexy and sweet BDSM story. I loved the growing chemistry between Malachi and Seth. The hidden agendas, both manipulating each other only to end up in the same place together. I liked that Malachi is both firm and tender with Seth, and loved that he read to Seth after they played.
My only complaint is a personal one, I did not enjoy the DIY home improvement story arc. I realize that it was integral to the story and it did fit. I have a bit redecorating PTSD that causes cold sweats and prevents me from watching certain cable channels.
Dear author, may we read more of Malachi and Seth in the future?
PS - is that Colby Keller playing the role of Malachi in the prompt photo?
My only complaint is a personal one, I did not enjoy the DIY home improvement story arc. I realize that it was integral to the story and it did fit. I have a bit redecorating PTSD that causes cold sweats and prevents me from watching certain cable channels.
Dear author, may we read more of Malachi and Seth in the future?
PS - is that Colby Keller playing the role of Malachi in the prompt photo?
June 23, 2017
ugh, another book I hate to rate... I guess I'll say 2.5 stars and round up to three, but that's a painful call.
Formulaic, predictable, kinda dull - but harmless, and there were some moments which worked. I actually liked Malachi's character (that name always reminds me of the trainer from Sean Michael's Velvet Glove novels, so this poor guy is never going to live up to that). Unfortunately the whole thing is told from Seth's pov and he's boring as fat free milk.
Formulaic, predictable, kinda dull - but harmless, and there were some moments which worked. I actually liked Malachi's character (that name always reminds me of the trainer from Sean Michael's Velvet Glove novels, so this poor guy is never going to live up to that). Unfortunately the whole thing is told from Seth's pov and he's boring as fat free milk.
August 4, 2016
This book just didn't do it for me. It had a lot going for it, but there were times when it was just über-cute--too much giggling and squealing, too much sibling gossiping and sharing, etc. In addition, the BDSM part just didn't feel right--it didn't seem authentic--from Seth not knowing what his collar stood for, to no mention of safe words--it seemed very amateurish.
February 18, 2018
If I'd been able to shake off the feeling that this is what my grandma would've come up with if she were to try her hand at M/M, maybe I'd have enjoyed this more.
As it is, I regarded An Old-Fashioned Love Song as pure kitsch due to its unbelievable characters and implausible scenes (reading/being read a bedtime story to/by your hot one-night stand, are ya pulling my leg?). The often 'blushing' MCs 'chuckled' (28 times!) their way through the story, interspersed with them bursting out into fits of 'giggles', 'crazy bursts of laughter', and attempts to 'fight back hysterical laughter'. There were also plenty of 'oh my's!' and - during sex scenes- 'beautiful' and 'gorgeous' dicks, resulting in mid-bj lines like "I have your beautiful intoxicating dick buried in my mouth".
Each family member, stranger at the gym, and neighbor was so invested in and excited about the budding relationship that I almost expected them to burst out into a spontaneous lip dub, but as a reader I still have no idea who Malachi was and if there was more to Seth than a 25 year old channeling his infatuated inner 14 year old.
Friends who reviewed this story mostly praised the inclusion of both SSC BDSM and the mention of Malachi being pan-sexual. It probably says a lot about the general state of the genre that these superficially treated elements have to be applauded at all here.
As it is, I regarded An Old-Fashioned Love Song as pure kitsch due to its unbelievable characters and implausible scenes (reading/being read a bedtime story to/by your hot one-night stand, are ya pulling my leg?). The often 'blushing' MCs 'chuckled' (28 times!) their way through the story, interspersed with them bursting out into fits of 'giggles', 'crazy bursts of laughter', and attempts to 'fight back hysterical laughter'. There were also plenty of 'oh my's!' and - during sex scenes- 'beautiful' and 'gorgeous' dicks, resulting in mid-bj lines like "I have your beautiful intoxicating dick buried in my mouth".
Each family member, stranger at the gym, and neighbor was so invested in and excited about the budding relationship that I almost expected them to burst out into a spontaneous lip dub, but as a reader I still have no idea who Malachi was and if there was more to Seth than a 25 year old channeling his infatuated inner 14 year old.
Friends who reviewed this story mostly praised the inclusion of both SSC BDSM and the mention of Malachi being pan-sexual. It probably says a lot about the general state of the genre that these superficially treated elements have to be applauded at all here.
dnf
December 26, 2019Dnf at 19%
October 3, 2014
4.5 stars
Who knew that in this dirty little gem was the heart of a romance?
I honestly didn't think I would like this. As I was reading the beginning, I thought I would get all sex with no plot, but then it crept up on me, just like the relationship between Malachi and Seth, and all of a sudden I was smiling. I was enamored. I was blown away.
Rough and tough Dom, Malachi, and shy and gentle Seth, aren't looking for love, they're not even looking for a relationship. Seth just wants to feel the sting of a certain Doms whip, and Malachi just wants to have a night of fun with the boy who begs so prettily. What neither expect is to have such an intense night together. Seth may want Malachi, may already be half in love with him, but our Dom doesn't have the time for a full time sub. So they "keep it casual".
Fast forward to six months later, and it's never once been casual for Seth, and somewhere along the way, it stopped being casual for Malachi. Now their play is serious (and sexy!) That gag scene during rope play? Hottest thing hands down that I've read in a long time. And that moment, when the both realize that this is more? Heart melting.
Blown away? I really was. And I can't wait to see what the author churns out next.
Highly recommended and an excellent addition to the Loves Landscapes event. My thanks to the author for their time and participation.
Who knew that in this dirty little gem was the heart of a romance?
I honestly didn't think I would like this. As I was reading the beginning, I thought I would get all sex with no plot, but then it crept up on me, just like the relationship between Malachi and Seth, and all of a sudden I was smiling. I was enamored. I was blown away.
Rough and tough Dom, Malachi, and shy and gentle Seth, aren't looking for love, they're not even looking for a relationship. Seth just wants to feel the sting of a certain Doms whip, and Malachi just wants to have a night of fun with the boy who begs so prettily. What neither expect is to have such an intense night together. Seth may want Malachi, may already be half in love with him, but our Dom doesn't have the time for a full time sub. So they "keep it casual".
Fast forward to six months later, and it's never once been casual for Seth, and somewhere along the way, it stopped being casual for Malachi. Now their play is serious (and sexy!) That gag scene during rope play? Hottest thing hands down that I've read in a long time. And that moment, when the both realize that this is more? Heart melting.
Blown away? I really was. And I can't wait to see what the author churns out next.
Highly recommended and an excellent addition to the Loves Landscapes event. My thanks to the author for their time and participation.
June 18, 2014
Seriously need more of this, and just ranted to the author about it, then I noticed that it is entitled "#1 in the Woodshed Series" does this mean more to come? Because: Yes please! Just Yes please.
I can't pick out just one thing I loved about this story because I loved it all. I lived Seth's bumbling attempts to fit in in a BDSM club and failing miserably. I loved Malachi's "handling" of him. I would love to see this story from Malachi's point of view but because of clever writing we almost see his thought processes through Seth's eyes.
So, yeah, this story is well worth a read, and yeah, please, sir, can we have some more?
I can't pick out just one thing I loved about this story because I loved it all. I lived Seth's bumbling attempts to fit in in a BDSM club and failing miserably. I loved Malachi's "handling" of him. I would love to see this story from Malachi's point of view but because of clever writing we almost see his thought processes through Seth's eyes.
So, yeah, this story is well worth a read, and yeah, please, sir, can we have some more?
June 28, 2014
3.5.
I'm coming to realize that I have a certain "type" of book that I really dig, while I do love elements of D/s in my books, I'm not really into scene after scene of it. I'm slow-burn romance girl all the way. I dig the wait and the anticipation. I really love if a story could hold without the romance, but wouldn't.
Even if not my thing, I liked this story, because the emotional slow-burn was still there and the writing itself was solid!
I'm coming to realize that I have a certain "type" of book that I really dig, while I do love elements of D/s in my books, I'm not really into scene after scene of it. I'm slow-burn romance girl all the way. I dig the wait and the anticipation. I really love if a story could hold without the romance, but wouldn't.
Even if not my thing, I liked this story, because the emotional slow-burn was still there and the writing itself was solid!
June 19, 2014
Real characters who don't know everything, who aren't sure of themselves 100% of the time, who don't fall right into love... along with fun family scenes, a crazy neighbor with an interesting pet, and HOOOOOT, sexy bdsm scenes? Yep, recipe for a wonderful story! I cannot wait for more of this series from the author. Definitely going on my buy list.
April 27, 2016
This was an amazing story! The characters were perfect. I like that the Dom wasn't a hard-ass. I loved how Seth's family was so supportive and they shared with each other. I would love to read more about these characters.
June 18, 2014
I absolutely want more of this couple. The BDSM is light and not dominating of the story, I really like that.
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