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The World in His Eyes
Dear Author,
Larry is a flirt and a sweet guy under a bit of swagger. He is tired of one night stands and wants to find a real relationship but he has a hard time staying away from the hook-up sites. Because… sex. Larry feels the sting of being rejected automatically because of his race. But he still has a positive attitude and rolls with the punches. He won’t ignore elephants in the room, however; which sometimes leaves people uncomfortable.
“Beautiful eyes” is a snarky, young, driven professional who won’t be guilted into making a connection. He isn’t even looking for Mr. Right… but he likes Larry’s open face and broad shoulders and is charmed despite himself. Will “Eyes” give Larry a chance when his friends (or colleagues, family) seem less than enthusiastic? Can he grow up enough to accept a relationship that requires some work and commitment?
Can Larry set aside his patter and flirtatiousness enough to let “Eyes” see the sensitive guy hiding?
Photo Description:
A screenshot of a chat session from an online dating app. The conversation is one-sided, opening with a compliment, then a selfie of a grinning young man with dark skin and a charming smile. His last message begins by announcing his race like a disclaimer: “It’s okay if you’re not into black guys… a lot of people on here aren’t.”
This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Love is an Open Road" event. Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice. Authors of the group selected a photo and prompt that spoke to them and wrote a short story.
This story may contain sexually explicit content and is intended for adult readers. It may contain content that is disagreeable or distressing to some readers. The M/M Romance Group strongly recommends that each reader review the General Information section before each story for story tags as well as for content warnings.
Larry is a flirt and a sweet guy under a bit of swagger. He is tired of one night stands and wants to find a real relationship but he has a hard time staying away from the hook-up sites. Because… sex. Larry feels the sting of being rejected automatically because of his race. But he still has a positive attitude and rolls with the punches. He won’t ignore elephants in the room, however; which sometimes leaves people uncomfortable.
“Beautiful eyes” is a snarky, young, driven professional who won’t be guilted into making a connection. He isn’t even looking for Mr. Right… but he likes Larry’s open face and broad shoulders and is charmed despite himself. Will “Eyes” give Larry a chance when his friends (or colleagues, family) seem less than enthusiastic? Can he grow up enough to accept a relationship that requires some work and commitment?
Can Larry set aside his patter and flirtatiousness enough to let “Eyes” see the sensitive guy hiding?
Photo Description:
A screenshot of a chat session from an online dating app. The conversation is one-sided, opening with a compliment, then a selfie of a grinning young man with dark skin and a charming smile. His last message begins by announcing his race like a disclaimer: “It’s okay if you’re not into black guys… a lot of people on here aren’t.”
This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Love is an Open Road" event. Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice. Authors of the group selected a photo and prompt that spoke to them and wrote a short story.
This story may contain sexually explicit content and is intended for adult readers. It may contain content that is disagreeable or distressing to some readers. The M/M Romance Group strongly recommends that each reader review the General Information section before each story for story tags as well as for content warnings.
128 pages, ebook
First published August 5, 2015
8 people are currently reading
353 people want to read
About the author
A.J. Thomas
8 books354 followersA.J. Thomas writes romantic suspense. She’s earned a Bachelor’s degree in Literature from the University of Montana and worked in a half-dozen different jobs from law enforcement officer to librarian before settling down. Life as a military spouse has tossed her around the country so many times she doesn’t know how to answer when people ask her where she’s from, but she delights in living as a perpetual tourist, visiting new places and discovering amazing things.
Her time is divided between taking care of her three young children, experimenting with cooking and baking projects that rarely explode these days, and embarrassing her husband with dirty jokes. When she’s not writing, she hikes, gardens, researches every random idea that comes into her head, and develops complicated philosophical arguments about why a clean house is highly overrated. Her work has won multiple awards, including the 2013 AMB Ovation Award for Best LGBT Inter-racial Romance, and the 2014 Rainbow Award for Best Gay Contemporary Fiction.
Blog: http://ajthomasromance.blogspot.com/
Website: http://ajthomasromance.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AJ.Thomas.Ro...
E-mail: ajthomasromance@gmail.com
Her time is divided between taking care of her three young children, experimenting with cooking and baking projects that rarely explode these days, and embarrassing her husband with dirty jokes. When she’s not writing, she hikes, gardens, researches every random idea that comes into her head, and develops complicated philosophical arguments about why a clean house is highly overrated. Her work has won multiple awards, including the 2013 AMB Ovation Award for Best LGBT Inter-racial Romance, and the 2014 Rainbow Award for Best Gay Contemporary Fiction.
Blog: http://ajthomasromance.blogspot.com/
Website: http://ajthomasromance.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AJ.Thomas.Ro...
E-mail: ajthomasromance@gmail.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
August 7, 2015
This is probably the most realistic interracial M/M romance I've ever read. While race issues don't overwhelm the story, they're not brushed aside either.
Larry, who's African-American and an ER doctor (resident), is often accused of being a drug dealer. He doesn't expect Brandon to respond to his Grindr message, because white guys don't date guys like him.
There is a lot packed into this story. It almost veers into melodrama territory, but the relationship between Larry and Brandon is endearing and strong enough that the plot doesn't sink.
There are many secondary characters, but they are not a throwaway cast. Larry's mom, especially, was all kinds of wonderful, and I wish Larry had trusted her enough to come out to her.
I liked the MCs and thought both Larry and Brandon were realistically portrayed. Brandon becomes Larry's rock.
The epilogue is a light touch with a sweet HEA that caps a rather heavy story.
My only complaint is that Larry mentions never bottoming, even though he wants to try. Brandon is eager to be Larry's first. But the entire scenario is dropped, and we never see it on page or even in mention.
Larry, who's African-American and an ER doctor (resident), is often accused of being a drug dealer. He doesn't expect Brandon to respond to his Grindr message, because white guys don't date guys like him.
There is a lot packed into this story. It almost veers into melodrama territory, but the relationship between Larry and Brandon is endearing and strong enough that the plot doesn't sink.
There are many secondary characters, but they are not a throwaway cast. Larry's mom, especially, was all kinds of wonderful, and I wish Larry had trusted her enough to come out to her.
I liked the MCs and thought both Larry and Brandon were realistically portrayed. Brandon becomes Larry's rock.
The epilogue is a light touch with a sweet HEA that caps a rather heavy story.
My only complaint is that Larry mentions never bottoming, even though he wants to try. Brandon is eager to be Larry's first. But the entire scenario is dropped, and we never see it on page or even in mention.
March 21, 2018
I hadn't read any of the reviews for this book, so I was surprised by how emotional it was.
Even though race issues are addressed in the story, they didn’t take away from the relationship development between Brandon and Larry because they weren’t done is a soapbox manner.
This was definitely an enlightening read for me.
Even though race issues are addressed in the story, they didn’t take away from the relationship development between Brandon and Larry because they weren’t done is a soapbox manner.
This was definitely an enlightening read for me.
September 21, 2019
3 Stars
Told in dual POV, 3rd person, it’s a standalone novella. As much as I loved the cover I didn’t like the contents much. I couldn’t feel the connection between the MCs and the story fell flat for me and somehow I got bored. It’s a quick read and yet again I skipped and skimmed after 70% reading. Overall, it was an okay read and hope you enjoy it more than me!
Told in dual POV, 3rd person, it’s a standalone novella. As much as I loved the cover I didn’t like the contents much. I couldn’t feel the connection between the MCs and the story fell flat for me and somehow I got bored. It’s a quick read and yet again I skipped and skimmed after 70% reading. Overall, it was an okay read and hope you enjoy it more than me!
June 25, 2016
Dear Author,
This story was incredible. I felt like I was reading about real people you had followed so you could document their daily life instead of some characters in a story that you made up. I also have to say that this was the most believeable interracial m/m story featuring a Black guy and a White guy that I've ever read. It was absolutely on point. I thoroughly love how you portrayed Larry as an intelligent and mild mannered guy who happens to be Black, who experiences racism almost daily (because we do) but rolls with the punches with grace and decorum (like we often do). I loved that Brandon was willing to fight for his man like he did, even if it wasn't quite necessary for him to fist fight. That was really funny though.
I loved learning about the ER and about Larry's very cool mom. Actually, I'm pretty sure I loved everything about this story. It even brought a few tears to my eyes. Thank you SO MUCH for taking the time to write this free story. It was well worth my time.
This story was incredible. I felt like I was reading about real people you had followed so you could document their daily life instead of some characters in a story that you made up. I also have to say that this was the most believeable interracial m/m story featuring a Black guy and a White guy that I've ever read. It was absolutely on point. I thoroughly love how you portrayed Larry as an intelligent and mild mannered guy who happens to be Black, who experiences racism almost daily (because we do) but rolls with the punches with grace and decorum (like we often do). I loved that Brandon was willing to fight for his man like he did, even if it wasn't quite necessary for him to fist fight. That was really funny though.
I loved learning about the ER and about Larry's very cool mom. Actually, I'm pretty sure I loved everything about this story. It even brought a few tears to my eyes. Thank you SO MUCH for taking the time to write this free story. It was well worth my time.
November 18, 2016
Una historia corta interracial, dulce y sexy. Muchas veces pienso cómo siendo la sociedad estadounidense tan ecléctica en lo relativo a la etnicidad, razas o como queramos llamarlo, casi todos los protagonistas son blancos de herencia europea. Una pareja interracial no debería ser algo novedoso o reseñable, pero falta mucho para eso.
Muy recomendable.
Muy recomendable.
March 25, 2018
4.5 “eye-opening” stars.
You may think that you understand how the world - with its ugliness, its prejudices, its intolerance - works. But unless you experience it yourself, it is difficult to understand. You may sympathize, and you may feel outrage and sadness and frustration. But it something else to fully grasp – to fully see – the world through another’s eyes.
The World In His Eyes doesn’t shy away from detailing the racism that Larry experiences or depicting, candidly and realistically, an interracial romance. At times it is a painful read, but never overwhelmingly so. For the pain, there is more hope, kindness, and understanding. And, most of all, a sweet and passionate love story.
The relationship between Larry, a workaholic emergency medicine resident, and Brandon, a workaholic programmer, unfolds amid professional and personal challenges. As they face them together, they also evolve together, helping and supporting and just being with each other. Their interactions are sprinkled with humor and playfulness and hot sex.
I wish that A.J. Thomas has written more books. Even if I find a particular detail lacking or frustrating (*cough*sleeping through a wedding*cough* #yesI’mstillbitter) I always find her stories unique and engaging. The World In His Eyes is no different.
✨Unapologetic Romance Readers' New Year 2018 Reading Challenge: Interracial Romance✨
You may think that you understand how the world - with its ugliness, its prejudices, its intolerance - works. But unless you experience it yourself, it is difficult to understand. You may sympathize, and you may feel outrage and sadness and frustration. But it something else to fully grasp – to fully see – the world through another’s eyes.
The World In His Eyes doesn’t shy away from detailing the racism that Larry experiences or depicting, candidly and realistically, an interracial romance. At times it is a painful read, but never overwhelmingly so. For the pain, there is more hope, kindness, and understanding. And, most of all, a sweet and passionate love story.
The relationship between Larry, a workaholic emergency medicine resident, and Brandon, a workaholic programmer, unfolds amid professional and personal challenges. As they face them together, they also evolve together, helping and supporting and just being with each other. Their interactions are sprinkled with humor and playfulness and hot sex.
I wish that A.J. Thomas has written more books. Even if I find a particular detail lacking or frustrating (*cough*sleeping through a wedding*cough* #yesI’mstillbitter) I always find her stories unique and engaging. The World In His Eyes is no different.
✨Unapologetic Romance Readers' New Year 2018 Reading Challenge: Interracial Romance✨
August 28, 2015
Review now available @ Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words
Check it out =D
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Will write an actual review shortly, but I really enjoyed this. And I got an actual African American character, not one who said it once and then completely disregarded it.
Check it out =D
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Will write an actual review shortly, but I really enjoyed this. And I got an actual African American character, not one who said it once and then completely disregarded it.
August 25, 2015
Another favourite story of this event. I loved Larry and his commitment to his job, I loved his developing relationship with Brandon, and I...just loved him really.
I think the author did a fantastic job of tackling the subtle racism that underlies many people's everyday lives. Larry is a dedicated ER doctor; respectable, hardworking, caring. Yet in the club because people came to him assuming he would have drugs to deal, despite the fact he turned them all away, he was still taken outside to be questioned by the police. The police were respectful to him, they were doing their job, Larry was polite back - yet there is no denying the only reason he was questioned at all was due to the colour of his skin. Because the clubbers believed the stereotype. Because the bouncers saw what they wanted to see. Because the police had a job to do.
I hated Daniel.
Hated him. Arsehole. Those constant, subtle digs about Larry, I'm glad Brandon figured him out.
A really great love story that I recommend to all.
I think the author did a fantastic job of tackling the subtle racism that underlies many people's everyday lives. Larry is a dedicated ER doctor; respectable, hardworking, caring. Yet in the club because people came to him assuming he would have drugs to deal, despite the fact he turned them all away, he was still taken outside to be questioned by the police. The police were respectful to him, they were doing their job, Larry was polite back - yet there is no denying the only reason he was questioned at all was due to the colour of his skin. Because the clubbers believed the stereotype. Because the bouncers saw what they wanted to see. Because the police had a job to do.
I hated Daniel.
Hated him. Arsehole. Those constant, subtle digs about Larry, I'm glad Brandon figured him out.
A really great love story that I recommend to all.
August 6, 2015
5 Perfect stars!
Larry desperately wants a partner; someone to come home to and share a life with, but he has to overcome a few hurdles when it comes to dating. The fact that he's an Emergency Room doctor working crazy hours is one thing, but having to sort through the men who only want to find out if being black really does mean he's gifted in a certain *ahem* area, is another. When he sees Brandon's photo, he really hopes that everything works out this time, because there's something about those eyes that takes his breath away.
Brandon has his own issues to deal with as well. Mainly, working twice as hard as anyone else just to prove his worth. He's so wrapped up with work that he doesn't have time to date, but Larry's smile and a night of amazing sex with an effortless connection, will change all that.
This story is a breath of fresh air. In a subgenre where stories that begin with a hookup can burn fast and bright, this one managed to build a believable and lasting relationship, where the characters genuinely wanted more than sex and were willing to put the work in for it. There wasn't a single misunderstanding or an ounce of brattiness to be seen.
Not only does it have real characters, but mature ones, that know what they want, what they can handle, and what needs to change. Two characters who have to deal with the issues that arise in an interracial relationship and the prejudices and stereotypes that come with being black.
There's nothing about this that wasn't perfection. The secondary characters were great, even when they weren't being all that nice, but it's Larry's mother who steals the show. A beautiful, strong woman, with a sense of humor, who reads voraciously and plays World of Warcraft. To quote Brandon: She was delightful.
I loved every moment of this.
Read this. You won't be sorry.
My thanks to the author for their time and participation in the Love is an Open Road event.
Larry desperately wants a partner; someone to come home to and share a life with, but he has to overcome a few hurdles when it comes to dating. The fact that he's an Emergency Room doctor working crazy hours is one thing, but having to sort through the men who only want to find out if being black really does mean he's gifted in a certain *ahem* area, is another. When he sees Brandon's photo, he really hopes that everything works out this time, because there's something about those eyes that takes his breath away.
Brandon has his own issues to deal with as well. Mainly, working twice as hard as anyone else just to prove his worth. He's so wrapped up with work that he doesn't have time to date, but Larry's smile and a night of amazing sex with an effortless connection, will change all that.
This story is a breath of fresh air. In a subgenre where stories that begin with a hookup can burn fast and bright, this one managed to build a believable and lasting relationship, where the characters genuinely wanted more than sex and were willing to put the work in for it. There wasn't a single misunderstanding or an ounce of brattiness to be seen.
Not only does it have real characters, but mature ones, that know what they want, what they can handle, and what needs to change. Two characters who have to deal with the issues that arise in an interracial relationship and the prejudices and stereotypes that come with being black.
There's nothing about this that wasn't perfection. The secondary characters were great, even when they weren't being all that nice, but it's Larry's mother who steals the show. A beautiful, strong woman, with a sense of humor, who reads voraciously and plays World of Warcraft. To quote Brandon: She was delightful.
I loved every moment of this.
Read this. You won't be sorry.
My thanks to the author for their time and participation in the Love is an Open Road event.
August 8, 2015
Loved ever minute of this. Would appreciate a follow-up of any kind.
I want more Larry and Brandon.
I want more Larry and Brandon.
February 25, 2023
I'm kind of torn, again. I really, really loved the way race was handled here because when you have an interracial couple (which is already rare) it's usually glossed over but not here. It's mostly in Larry's thought thay we learn about how he deals with racism which makes sense because he is black but I really appreciated how that aspect of Larry's life was shown to brandon instead of told. Now, the niggles. At first there was a lack of communication that annoyed me because it prevented them from properly start to date for no valid reasons. After one hook up they are afraid to have the relationship talk and keep making assumptions about what the other want and that wasn't the best. But once they get over it and start dating it became the best *chef's kiss*. My second niggle would be that Brandon is less well fleshed out. It's a really small niggle and I like him as well but it's worth mentioning since Larry has so much more depth. I really liked him. I would really recommend this one, which is free so added incentive. This author has yet to disappoint me so it's a shame they seem to have stopped writing :/
September 16, 2015
I loved this story and am happy it was a part of LOR. Larry and Brandon were sweet and hot and I freakin' adored them. Could have done without Daniel's presence in the story, though. He was just an ass and, though, I agree there needed to be some conflict, I felt that there was enough conflict in the story without his assholerry. He was a whiney, inflamatory, jerk. Asside from him, I quite enjoyed this LOR story.
August 15, 2015
*4.5 stars*
dnf
August 10, 2015Looks like I'm again the odd one out. But at 50% I couldn't do it anymore. Can two grown-up men really be this stupid? Talking about their relationship and both saying A and understanding B???
Read
August 7, 2015Thanks to the author for participating and offering this freebie
Not sure how to rate this, so not. I did like it so around a three, but I wouldn't read it again.
I liked the characters and the many ups and downs of them getting together. But I felt this was a good story that got stretched out until the elastic almost snapped! There were too many story-ines converging - I could skip whole pages without missing anything; not needing to know that much about being a medic, ER procedures, computers, trojans, world of warcraft...
Then there's all the issues practically everyone's racism towards Larry (I'd like to think it overstated but unfortunately I suspect it's often accurate and well portrayed) Brandon's issues with perceived nepotism, Brandon's friend who'd met Larry, Brandon's other friend, Larry not being out to his mother,
A worthy effort, it tried too hard, with less going on things would have had more impact, instead it veered towards melodrama.
Not sure how to rate this, so not. I did like it so around a three, but I wouldn't read it again.
I liked the characters and the many ups and downs of them getting together. But I felt this was a good story that got stretched out until the elastic almost snapped! There were too many story-ines converging - I could skip whole pages without missing anything; not needing to know that much about being a medic, ER procedures, computers, trojans, world of warcraft...
Then there's all the issues practically everyone's racism towards Larry (I'd like to think it overstated but unfortunately I suspect it's often accurate and well portrayed) Brandon's issues with perceived nepotism, Brandon's friend who'd met Larry, Brandon's other friend, Larry not being out to his mother,
A worthy effort, it tried too hard, with less going on things would have had more impact, instead it veered towards melodrama.
April 16, 2018
2.5 stars
This was not what I expected.
The characters were fine. I just didn't buy their romance. Too superficial for my liking.
Some parts of the story were dragging and some were rushed.
And too much unnecessary drama for a story this short.
This was not what I expected.
The characters were fine. I just didn't buy their romance. Too superficial for my liking.
Some parts of the story were dragging and some were rushed.
And too much unnecessary drama for a story this short.
December 13, 2020
4 Stars
Astounding that such a beautiful, meaningful story is packed into this short book. It doesn't shy away from discussing the reality of racism, classism, vulnerability, and how you shouldn't condense yourself to appease others. Truly amazing - so glad I read this!
Astounding that such a beautiful, meaningful story is packed into this short book. It doesn't shy away from discussing the reality of racism, classism, vulnerability, and how you shouldn't condense yourself to appease others. Truly amazing - so glad I read this!
September 8, 2018
3.5 stars, rounded up
I've liked everything I've read by this author so far and was eagerly looking forward to this one. It did not disappoint, though there were a couple of head scratching moments, which I suspect has to do with the shorter length of the story.
First, I really liked that this had an interracial couple. The racism that Larry encounters is realistic, from the way guys fetishize him or assume he's a drug dealer to having to wait longer for drinks when he goes to a bar, and that annoying blind date he goes on where the guy kept patting himself on the back for how color blind he is. OMG, shut up.
He's surprised when Brandon responds to his Grindr message, and even more surprised when Brandon treats him like a human being. Brandon finds a lot to be surprised about also, since initially he's given a not-so-glowing account of Larry by one of his friends who had hooked up with him once before.
They meet for what's supposed to be a random hookup - and they talk. And they click. Their relationship isn't easy. Larry's a doctor (a resident) and Brandon's overworked at a job where he's under appreciated and judged because of who his father is. They have little time to get together and most of their talking is done by text (and we unfortunately don't get to see much of these exchanges). Larry also has a sick mom who he goes to visit as often as possible.
I liked the secondary characters. They all had fully-shaped personalities, especially Larry's mom, who is a hoot and a very perceptive woman. Larry's ex-girlfriend is supportive of him and just wants him to be happy. We meet Brandon's and Larry's dads briefly, and despite them only having a few lines, they feel like real people too.
There were a couple of things that kind of got dropped. Larry mentions he's never bottomed but wants to, and Brandon's eager to top him, but this never happens on page and is never mentioned again. There's also an altercation later between Brandon and his friend Danny which lands Brandon in jail facing disturbance of the peace charges. This is also never mentioned again, so we don't know the outcome of that. As for typos, there was the occasional misplaced or missing word as well.
I'm hoping the author someday fleshes this out and releases a longer version of this story, because I think it would benefit from more pages to address some of the issues and help me connect a little more with Larry and Brandon as a couple.
I've liked everything I've read by this author so far and was eagerly looking forward to this one. It did not disappoint, though there were a couple of head scratching moments, which I suspect has to do with the shorter length of the story.
First, I really liked that this had an interracial couple. The racism that Larry encounters is realistic, from the way guys fetishize him or assume he's a drug dealer to having to wait longer for drinks when he goes to a bar, and that annoying blind date he goes on where the guy kept patting himself on the back for how color blind he is. OMG, shut up.
He's surprised when Brandon responds to his Grindr message, and even more surprised when Brandon treats him like a human being. Brandon finds a lot to be surprised about also, since initially he's given a not-so-glowing account of Larry by one of his friends who had hooked up with him once before.
They meet for what's supposed to be a random hookup - and they talk. And they click. Their relationship isn't easy. Larry's a doctor (a resident) and Brandon's overworked at a job where he's under appreciated and judged because of who his father is. They have little time to get together and most of their talking is done by text (and we unfortunately don't get to see much of these exchanges). Larry also has a sick mom who he goes to visit as often as possible.
I liked the secondary characters. They all had fully-shaped personalities, especially Larry's mom, who is a hoot and a very perceptive woman. Larry's ex-girlfriend is supportive of him and just wants him to be happy. We meet Brandon's and Larry's dads briefly, and despite them only having a few lines, they feel like real people too.
There were a couple of things that kind of got dropped. Larry mentions he's never bottomed but wants to, and Brandon's eager to top him, but this never happens on page and is never mentioned again. There's also an altercation later between Brandon and his friend Danny which lands Brandon in jail facing disturbance of the peace charges. This is also never mentioned again, so we don't know the outcome of that. As for typos, there was the occasional misplaced or missing word as well.
I'm hoping the author someday fleshes this out and releases a longer version of this story, because I think it would benefit from more pages to address some of the issues and help me connect a little more with Larry and Brandon as a couple.
June 1, 2017
4.5 Stars
I don't have the words to describe how good this book is, but what I can say is that all the time I've spent checking my own privilege hasn't added up to the same level of awareness I think I gleaned from the 2 hours I spent with this book. Damn.
I don't have the words to describe how good this book is, but what I can say is that all the time I've spent checking my own privilege hasn't added up to the same level of awareness I think I gleaned from the 2 hours I spent with this book. Damn.
Want to read
October 6, 2015
Offered for FREE from the M/M Romance Group's Love Is An Open Road event. Thank you too all the amazing authors who participated!
October 31, 2015
Honest, poignant, sweet... and realistic.
April 15, 2018
I didn't one-star it, because it's free and because it didn't piss me off so much as just bore me. I didn't finish because nothing was happening, beyond the obvious, the dialogue was dreary, the descriptions of actions too detailed, progress in 'plot' too slow, and I wasn't really sure what there was to the story beyond the racial issues. Quality of writing was mediocre fan-fic style, which is to say I've read way worse.
There were some issues I had:
1. Larry has no time for anything, but also he is super ripped, because he goes to the gym a lot. When? I mean seriously, when? I'm too busy to go to the gym enough times to be ripped and I'm not a doctor who works crazy hours.
2. As I am white, I can't say whether Larry's situation is depicted believably, but I can say that if anybody spoke to me about my black (or any other race or sexual orientation) friends the way Brandon's friends speak to him, I'd be really bloody pissed. I don't know why he takes their racist comments so meekly. This seems unrealistic to me. He doesn't even reflect in his own head that they're being racist twatholes. I mean, what gives?
In the end, self-published stories usually have the advantage of being able to try out crazy scenarios and set ups, since no publisher is going to keep you from writing whatever the hell you like, so it's disappointing to read such a tame thing. If you like slow romances without plot, but plenty of relationship building and development, you might quite enjoy this, though. It just wasn't my cup of tea.
There were some issues I had:
1. Larry has no time for anything, but also he is super ripped, because he goes to the gym a lot. When? I mean seriously, when? I'm too busy to go to the gym enough times to be ripped and I'm not a doctor who works crazy hours.
2. As I am white, I can't say whether Larry's situation is depicted believably, but I can say that if anybody spoke to me about my black (or any other race or sexual orientation) friends the way Brandon's friends speak to him, I'd be really bloody pissed. I don't know why he takes their racist comments so meekly. This seems unrealistic to me. He doesn't even reflect in his own head that they're being racist twatholes. I mean, what gives?
In the end, self-published stories usually have the advantage of being able to try out crazy scenarios and set ups, since no publisher is going to keep you from writing whatever the hell you like, so it's disappointing to read such a tame thing. If you like slow romances without plot, but plenty of relationship building and development, you might quite enjoy this, though. It just wasn't my cup of tea.
August 5, 2015
A nice story about Larry, an emergency room resident, who uses Grindr to find a hookup because his crazy schedule doesn't give him the time to find relationships with men, even though he really is tired of the hookup scene. He notices Brandon's profile, his eyes in particular, and they get together. A casual hookup eventually becomes something more because each one of them can feel the connection between them. Both of these men were such decent, honest, hard-working men that clearly deserved having someone to care for them. Through fear of coming out to family. to their crazy schedules that don't allow regular time to be together, to the hard realities Larry had to deal with due to his color, they worked to make their relationship work.
I love gentle, realistic stories about good men, and this really did it for me.
I love gentle, realistic stories about good men, and this really did it for me.
August 6, 2015
This was simply a wonderful read, inter-racial slow burn romance with feels overload with a little drama. Larry and Brandon, both lost in their jobs - ER Doctor and computer programmer, "hook" up and find that maybe this could be more. After some trial and error with work schedules, a relationship of sorts starts and it soon becomes what they both thought they would never have. After a couple of blips (one was heartbreaking) the story ended overall on sweet smile. The epilogue rounded the story off so well, it gave me their HEA and a contented *sigh*.
September 1, 2015
One of my favorites of this event! And the bonus is that it turned me on to this author's writing.
I loved the development of the romance between the guys, and I especially loved Larry's mom, who was a lovely person I would have enjoyed meeting.
Thank you for writing such a great story for our members!
I loved the development of the romance between the guys, and I especially loved Larry's mom, who was a lovely person I would have enjoyed meeting.
Thank you for writing such a great story for our members!
August 8, 2015
4.5 stars
October 25, 2015
предсказуемо, картонно, вода в сюжете, дальше лень писать. Не понравилось.
February 6, 2022
OK but didn't blow me away.
Larry says that he wants a "real" relationship but doesn't want to put to much effort into it. His work as a medical resident takes president over everything. He's also got a weird relationship with his ex-girlfriend...and his mom.
Brandon seems really closed off. These guys were great but too methodical in their partnership. I wanted more feels and more steam.
Larry says that he wants a "real" relationship but doesn't want to put to much effort into it. His work as a medical resident takes president over everything. He's also got a weird relationship with his ex-girlfriend...and his mom.
Brandon seems really closed off. These guys were great but too methodical in their partnership. I wanted more feels and more steam.
May 19, 2017
WOW! Outstanding story full of feels, humor, and two guys who find each other. Beyond any other category this is a love story about how to go with what you feel. Will be looking for more from this author!
November 5, 2015
I adored this story! I've been hittin the motherload of awesome m/m reads this week!
Larry and Brandon are two workaholics who don't have much time for dating so they've both taken up meeting for hookups on Grindr.... This book was so realistic, not only facing bigots and small minded people who treat homosexuality as something to be ashamed of, I never would have looked at the double whammy it might be for am African American to go through more struggles just because of the color of their skin.
People are ridiculous on the things that they think matter... But I loved the realness of this story and how they both handled everything... especially Brandon, I have to say if I had to be around someone like Daniel, I'd have kicked his ass too.... worth a night in jail over it lol
They go through tough times trying to figure out if with their busy schedules and lives if it was worth it to try for a relationship or stick with a friends with benifits kind of arrangement. I hoped they'd come out together in the end though because they both seemed to be crazy about each other and they both wanted the same thing.. even if it was gonna be a little more work to get it.... Everything worth it takes a little work though and I was so glad they got their together in the end.
Overall, it was such a great story and I really enjoyed it.
Larry and Brandon are two workaholics who don't have much time for dating so they've both taken up meeting for hookups on Grindr.... This book was so realistic, not only facing bigots and small minded people who treat homosexuality as something to be ashamed of, I never would have looked at the double whammy it might be for am African American to go through more struggles just because of the color of their skin.
People are ridiculous on the things that they think matter... But I loved the realness of this story and how they both handled everything... especially Brandon, I have to say if I had to be around someone like Daniel, I'd have kicked his ass too.... worth a night in jail over it lol
They go through tough times trying to figure out if with their busy schedules and lives if it was worth it to try for a relationship or stick with a friends with benifits kind of arrangement. I hoped they'd come out together in the end though because they both seemed to be crazy about each other and they both wanted the same thing.. even if it was gonna be a little more work to get it.... Everything worth it takes a little work though and I was so glad they got their together in the end.
Overall, it was such a great story and I really enjoyed it.
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