Memories Seep from My Veins by FuryReina

Memories Seep from My Veins by FuryReina

As one of heaven's guardian angels, Agronael's life work is to protect humans. Throughout time, he has watched his fellow guardian angels and brothers find love with their charges, something he cannot fathom. It's better for him to keep his distance and just do his work. When he stumbles upon a young shepherd tending to his flock, he is immediately enchanted by the man's kind smile, deep eyes and raven hair. Agronael decides to show himself to the young man and they soon develop a friendship that develops into more. However, danger lies on the horizon as Agronael soon discovers that The Heavenly Father is displeased with his angels falling in love with humans. Nasir and Angronael must now defend their love, face the wrath of the Father and potentially be destroyed.

I don't know what it is about stories about angels, but I love them! It doesn't matter if it's fanfiction or OF, angels who fall in love with humans melt my heart. Not only is this story lovely in that it shows the slow development of a wonderful love story, but it also mixes in quite a bit of tension, suspense and angst. I was on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen to Agronael and Nasir as they dealt with adversity, death, paralyzing fear and sadness. Memories Seep from My Veins has easily become one of my favorite stories and I know that you will enjoy it as well!

~ M

Hostage: Chicago Take-down by maryhell

Hostage: Chicago Take-down by maryhell

Edward and Jasper have just returned from their honeymoon and find themselves in yet another scary situation. Edward's biological father, Marcus, wants him to work in the (criminal) family business because it's his birthright. Edward, obviously, wants nothing to do with him, but the Charlie and The Pack feel this is a great opportunity take down Marcus' crime organization once and for all. Jasper doesn't want to see his husband, who has already been kidnapped, tortured and put through enough hell for one lifetime, to go undercover and be placed in potentially even more danger. Edward must make a decision that could alter his life forever.

I was so excited when I saw this update in my inbox! I'm a fan of the Hostage series, so I'm looking forward to this final part of the trilogy. maryhell brings these characters to life so vividly that you can't help but get sucked in to all of the twists and turns and drama. I'm sure there is a lot of angst, tension and suspense on the horizon for our boys, and I can't wait to see what happens. If you haven't already read the first two stories in the series, Hostage and Hostage: The Honeymoon,  be sure to read them first.

~ M

New York, I Love You by PJ XD

New York, I Love You by PJ XD

Edward thinks life as he knows it is over when his family moves from the hustle and bustle of New York City to a small town in Texas. He stands out due to his accent alone, but throw in his tattoos, tongue piercing and the fact that he gay, and he's virtually an alien from another world. However, meeting the star high school quarterback may change his mind about living in a no-name town. Jasper is immediately fascinated by Edward. He's crazy intelligent and witty, well-traveled and lived in the best city in the world. The two opposites become fast friends, but underlying romantic feelings could threaten to tear them apart.

New York, I Love You is one of those stories that you can't help but love. PJ XD fleshes out the characters so well that I felt like they were my friends and I couldn't wait to learn more about them and their lives. Readers are given the opportunity to see the relationship between Jasper and Edward really blossom. There is no insta-love, but a true bond that I found lovely.

This is a story that you don't want to miss out on! Also be sure to check out NYILY's companion story, Deep in the Heart of Texas, which is the story told from Edward's point of view. It's just as well-written and wonderful.

~ M

I'll Splash Colour on This Grey by peloquine

I'll Splash Colour on This Grey by peloquine

Despondent, depressed and hopeless, Agron carries the burden of guilt after the tragic death of his brother, Duro. No one can get through to him and he seems hellbent on destroying himself as penance. While getting a tattoo in honor of Duro, Agron meets Nasir, a kindhearted tattoo artist who would give the shirt off his back for a friend. The two begin a tumultuous relationship, fighting and succumbing to their feelings in hope that the cloud of darkness will not forever hang overhead.

Wow! This story is riveting! It's full of angst and drama, but also has very tender and emotional moments. Agron's descent into depression is painful to watch, but with the help of Nasir, he slowly realizes that life can go on. Powerful and addictive, I'll Splash Colour on This Grey is definitely a story worth reading!

~ M

The Story of Us by DelphiusFanfic

The Story of Us by DelphiusFanfic

Agron typically doesn't do releationships; however, a certain clerk at the college bookstore may make him change his mind. Usually outgoing and more than willing to flirt, whether intentionally or unintentionally, Agron can't seem to muster up the courage to ask the "little man" out. He makes regular trips to the bookstore, buying things he doesn't need, in order to catch a few glimpses and share a few words with the adorable guy. Will Agron finally ask out Nasir or will he be doomed to admire the sweet clerk from afar?

This story is so cute! Seeing Agron unsure and nervous is refreshing and, as always, Nasir is a total sweetheart. The pairing of Crixus and Spartacus will definitely bring a smile to your face as well! Their (playful) arguments are hilarious!

Now that I've spent quite a bit of time reading up on various characters on the Spartacus wiki page and watching countless youtube videos, I have a better grasp on their personalities and feel better prepared to read Spartacus fanfic. I can't wait to discover more stories, especially those featuring this wonderful couple, Nasir and Agron.

Definitely give this story a try! :)

~ M

Author Spotlight: Lily G. Blunt, Author of New Release, Boys on Film

Lily G. Blunt was kind enough to sit down for a quick interview to talk about her experiences as a m/m romance author and her latest release, Boys on Film.

~*~*~*~*~*~

In what ways does the m/m romance genre appeal to you?

You mean apart from the gorgeous guys and the red-hot sex scenes? Seriously, I only read m/m fiction now and have done for the past two or three years. I love the idea of two guys being in love and demonstrating their feelings and emotions for each other.

Out of all of the short stories and books you've written/published, what is your favorite and why?

It has to be A Darker Shade of Oxford Blue. It was my first attempt at writing a novel, which I did over the course of six months, and then edited it repeatedly over the following fifteen months before it was finally published. I fell in love with my boys and gained so many friends because of this story.

One of my all-time favorite stories of yours is Happy Anniversary, Jasper, followed very closely by your free read Nothing Compares. What was the inspiration behind Happy Anniversary, Jasper?

Thank you. Like most authors I’m sure, the main idea of the story just came into my mind all of a sudden. I can’t remember where or what I was doing at the time. Usually it’s a phrase in a song that sparks off a story for me, but not this time. I wrote the outline of the story very quickly before stepping back and then adding the details. I love reading and writing angst, and this one had me in tears on several occasions as I wrote it.

Torn by Hank's Lady

Torn by Hank's Lady

Jacob has a great life. He's married to a great woman and they have a sweet little girl named Sarah. However, over the years, Jacob has sought out men to fulfill certain needs that cannot be met by Leah. He feels horrible about cheating on his wife, but cannot seem to let go of his attraction to men. When he meets Paul through work, Jacob desperately tries to resist the attractive and desirable man in front of him; the ultimate exercise in futility. Will Jacob be able to satisfy his needs and walk away or will he continue to play with fire knowing that he's breaking his marriage vows?

Wow! What an interesting story! It's not often that I read stories involving Paul, but this one really caught my attention. Jacob's inner turmoil in trying to do what's right in terms of his marriage and family, but also making himself happy is sad to read. I understand that the cheating aspect may turn some people off (I'm not a big fan of cheating stories either), but I hope you'll give this story a chance. It's still in its early stages (at the time of this post), but I'm sure there are many twists and turns to come. I can't wait to see how this turns out!

~ M

Every Day, Forever by Whitlock-Masen

Every Day, Forever by Whitlock-Masen

Edward and Emmett have been together since their senior year in college and things couldn't be better. They have a great life together and are happy and in love. On this particular day they're on their way to a family reunion, and while Edward likes Emmett's family, he finds it all very overwhelming. However, Edward tries to put some of his discomfort aside because he knows how much family means to Emmett. Edward believes this trip is to spend time with family, but Emmett has a special surprise in store for the man he loves.

I have no idea how I missed this story! I've been a fan of Whitlock-Masen since I read their incredible story, Marked, but somehow overlooked this gem. I like that Edward and Emmett are an established couple who know each other inside and out. The interactions between Edward, Emmett and the many McCarty family members is touching and made me feel like I was right there in story enjoying the family BBQ and catching up with friends. There were a few moments that absolutely warmed my heart and even made me a little misty-eyed. lol

I can't say enough about Every Day, Forever and would highly recommend reading this lovely story. It's definitely one of my favorites!

~ M

Pain Management by Discordia81

UPDATE (2015): This fanfiction story was pulled from fanfiction.net and published under the same name in Dreamspinner Press' Dr. Feelgood anthology. The author's name is Brigham Vaughn.

Pain Management by Discordia81

Edward suffers from chronic migraines and has exhauasted almost every kind of treatment. Desperate for relief, he turns to massage therapy. Jasper is one of the best in his field. Through his strong hands, he is able to relax and invigorate his clients. When Edward comes to him for help, he is challenged not only professionally, but also physically and emotionally for the suffering man. Will he be able to keep his attraction to Edward in check?

This is a great story filled to the brim with UST. I loved reading the various interactions between Jasper and Edward and how they soon begin to rely on each other for comfort and companionship. Very enjoyable and recommended!

~ M

Guest Post: Lily Velden's Romanticism, Reality & Hope

In anticipation of the release of Lily Velden's latest book, The Race is On: Book 2 How the Light Gets In on August 9, 2013, Lily was kind enough to share her thoughts in a guest post.

*~*~*

My eldest son always sends me the most interesting quotes.

They are often challenging, divisive, and thought provoking. They make me really stop and think about what it is I truly believe and think.

Sometimes they make me uncomfortable. 

Sometimes they shock me. 

And sometimes, I downright rebel at their sagacity. 

Like the quote below.

Like any creative soul, I’d like to believe the ideas, images, artworks etc., I create are truly unique and new. I don’t want to think I got the idea from somewhere, or someone else. 

But the truth is we do. 

Whether it was a glorious sunset over an exotic beach, a visit to a historic site, or a line we heard in a movie or read in a book, usually there was a “something” that sparked the flame in us that took “it” from a flicker to a flame to a raging inferno.

Eternal Beloved by soulmateficwriter

Eternal Beloved by soulmateficwriter

After Jasper passes away, Edward is, obviously, extremely distraught. He's lost his soulmate and his other half. Although he's enjoying his time in heaven and has accepted the fact that it was his time, Jasper can't help but feel helpless when Edward's pain and grief heightens. So Jasper watches over his husband and encourages him to move on and live. He'll be waiting for Edward when the time comes, but in the meantime, it's imperative that Edward not dwell on his pain and feelings of loss. Will Edward be able to move forward or will he remain locked in his grief and sadness?

This story is lovely. Although the overall subject matter is sad, there is the sweet twinge of hope that soulmateficwriter (formerly marriedmyedward) successfully conveyed. I knew that one day Edward and Jasper would be reunited, but until that point, Edward had to move forward, live and love once again.

One aspect of the story that really struck a chord with me was the use of Edward and Jasper's dog, Truce, as a liaison of sorts between the living (Edward) and the spirit world (Jasper). I can think of many instances in which my own dogs have looked off into space as if having a conversation with someone who obviously isn't there. I always figured it was a loved one or guardian angel watching over me, so seeing that in this story brought a smile to my face.

Definitely check out this one shot! It's so worth it! :D

~ M

I See You by CrystalMichelle

I See You by CrystalMichelle

No one ever notices Edward. He finds it easier to keep to himself and focus on his school work because he's extremely around people and has difficulty with social norms. However, when he discovers a lone guitar player performing on campus in between classes, he's enchanted. Every day he watches the enigmatic musician until the man notices him.

This is such a sweet story! It warms my heart just thinking about it! Edward, in all his nerdy glory, is adorable as he over-analyzes every glance, smile and interaction with his crush. Jasper, on the other hand, is just as shy and lonely, but finds a kindred spirit in Edward. I highly recommend this story for those enjoy something light, fluffy and fun!

~ M

Of Jealousy and Everlasting Love by Mrs. Agget

Of Jealousy and Everlasting Love by Mrs. Agget

As Nasir and Agron are enjoying a night out with friends, things take a scary turn. A man, who refuses to listen to the fact that the kindhearted Nasir is already taken, brings out the dark and ugly side of Agron's personality: jealousy and hotheadedness. In order to protect what's his, Agron must defend his love and their relationship.

I'm new to the Spartacus fandom, but I've watched numerous youtube videos featuring characters Agron and Nasir. I must say they are absolutely adorable! I really enjoyed this AU look at their relationship. As always, the MCs love is so strong that you can't help but smile and say "aww". I would definitely recommend giving this story a try. Mrs. Agget always produces great work and this is definitely no exception!

~ M