Stuck on Christmas by iamsiriuslyriddikulus

Stuck on Christmas by iamsiriuslyriddikulus

Oliver and Connor are each on their way back to Philadelphia on Christmas, but a problem with their plane causes a delay and now they're stuck in the airport overnight. As they strike up a conversation in the airport coffee shop, sparks begin to fly. Will they take their newfound relationship to the next step once they're in Philly or will they remain the proverbial two ships in the night?

This is a really cute one-shot that brought a smile to my face.  iamsiriuslyriddikulus effectively mixed humor, steamy chemistry and romance, making this story an enjoyable read. If you're a Coliver fan, you'll definitely want to check out this adorable Christmas-themed one-shot.

~ M



Letters to Santa by Gaia_bing

Letters to Santa by Gaia_bing

Agron's letters to Santa throughout the years...

I thought this was just the sweetest little one-shot ever! It shows Agron throughout the years as he writes letters to Santa. Your heart will melt as you read his wishes and hopes each year, complete will spelling mistakes all children make from time to time. :)

Definitely give this heartwarming story a try! You won't be disappointed.

~ M

artwork credit: furi1

Happy Holidays from Slashessed!

I want to thank everyone for a great year here at Slashsessed! My little blog has grown quite a bit over the past year and I hope I can continue to provide readers with great fanfiction, m/m romance and yaoi recommendations! I've been truly blessed this year and I can't wait to see what 2015 has in store! 

Have a wonderful day with your loved ones! 

~ M

Nolo Contendere by wayfarer

Nolo Contendere by wayfarer

After a passionate moment leads to an accident, Oliver is wracked with guilt and Connor ends up with stitches and a concussion. However, one particular word spoken by Connor in the hospital completely throws Oliver for a loop.

I thought this story was really cute! It has a great mix of romance, humor, heat and scary tension. I thought the author stayed very true to the characters' canon personalities (even though I'm not opposed to OOC as well), which made the ending that much sweeter. Definitely check it out!

~ M

Wish You Were Here by winterwonderland

Wish You Were Here by winterwonderland

It's the holidays and Nasir is missing the person who means the most to him. Agron is thousands of miles away being the ever-vigilant soldier, but all Nasir wants is to hold him in his arms and never let him go.

This new fanfic chronicles Agron and Nasir's loves story. It's is told in present day as well as flashbacks that will give readers insight into how Nasir and Agron ended up where they are. There are plenty of sweet, fluffy moments, but there is raw, emotional angst mixed in as well. Highly recommended.

~ M

photo edit credit: 8thwonder2014

Book Review: Stardust by Andrew Grey

Duncan finds himself in Germany while overseeing an important project for work. As loneliness sets in, he befriends a kind co-worker, Georg, who not only becomes a tour guide to Duncan, but also captures his heart. As Duncan's time in Germany comes to a close, he tries to soak in as much of this wonderful man as possible before they go their separate ways.

Overall, I thought this was a pleasant and enjoyable read. The blossoming romance between Duncan and Georg was sweet and both MCs were very likable.

I wish a little more focus could have been given to Duncan's past relationship. Every once in a while bad thoughts and memories would pop up, but he never really addressed them. It would have been nice to see him discuss his feelings of inadequacy with Georg.

My only real complaint was the abrupt ending of the book. I was shocked to see that I was only 85% of the way through the book (according to my Kindle), when I turned the page and saw an ad for the publisher. Hopefully Andrew Grey is planning a sequel so that readers can see what happens with Duncan and Georg's relationship in the future.

Buy links
Dreamspinner Press | Amazon

~ M

He Sleeps (Love Theme) by howl-to-the-wind

He Sleeps (Love Theme) by howl-to-the-wind (greenleaf)

Connor is awakened hearing Oliver playing the piano in his apartment. Sparks fly has the men share a passionate and intense musical moment.

Wow! This one shot is awesome. It's short, but packs quite a punch. The electricity between Connor and Oliver is palpable and you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat waiting to see what happens next. I don't want to give too much away, but if you've seen the movie Pretty Woman, you'll notice that the author pays homage to one particularly steamy scene. Highly recommended.

~ M

I ❤ Yaoi: Harapeko Usagi to Koisuru Ookami by Kanda Neko

Hello everyone! Today's yaoi selection is  
Harapeko Usagi to Koisuru Ookami by Kanda Neko.

Shirou wants nothing more than to pet a fluffy rabbit, but his cold and stern expression betrays him and he's never had the chance. When he finally gets his chance to hold one such fluffy rabbit, you think he'd finally be content, but now it seems his attention has been caught by the young struggling uni-student Kou. He's cute just like a rabbit, but he's not a rabbit, so then what is this feeling?

This is a really sweet and adorable manga. Even though they are opposites, Shirou and Kou work well together, and you can't go wrong with a cute little rabbit thrown into the mix! This is definitely a story filled with fluff that will make you smile.

~ M

How to Dress for a First Date by MissDorktastic

How to Dress for a First Date by MissDorktastic

Agron scored a date with his niece's incredibly hot doctor, Nasir. Now the nerves set in and Agron worries he'll make the biggest fool of himself in front of the man who could be his forever.

Fluff, fluff, and more fluff! This is the absolutely adorable sequel to Mira and the Doctor in which Agron first meets the hottest pediatrician in all the world in his opinion. You will chuckle as Agron fumbles through the preparations for his date, but your heart will also be warmed by how silly and cute the whole situation truly is. If you're in the mood for something warm and fluffy, this one shot is the right choice!

~ M

Book Review: Vixen's Valor (North Pole City Tales #3) by Charlie Cochet

As one of the famed Rein Dear who help Mayor Kringle deliver joy to children on Christmas Eve, Vixen has quite a reputation...but not the reputation one would expect. He's known to being quite the flirt and has broken more than a few hearts in his time. His best friend and fellow Rein Dear, Rudy, wishes Vixen would slow down and possibly find someone special. That's all fine and good for Rudy who is not only is Captain, but also won the heart of the Jack, the Prince of Frost.

Even though Vixen loves Rudy like a brother, he is also very jealous of his status and boyfriend. Vixen believes he deserves a prince as well. When Jack's cousin, Vale, shows interest in Vixen, he casually accepts his affections. However, he runs the risk of missing what may be the greatest thing in his life.

The third book in North Pole City Tales series certainly lives up to other two books! It is filled with excitement, humor, tension and plenty of swoon-worthy moments. Vixen is feisty, silly and covetous, and Vale is romantic, sweet and all around wonderful! As always, it was nice to see glimpses of other characters from the series, particularly Rudy and Jack.

All in all, this is a sweet Christmas story that will have you holding your breath half of the time and swooning the other. Highly recommended!

4.5 stars

Buy links
Dreamspinner Press | Amazon

~ M

Advice Connor Never Thought He'd Get by Jaydeemz

Advice Connor Never Thought He'd Get by Jaydeemz

When Connor accepts and seemingly brushes off Oliver canceling their date, Laurel, Wes and Michaela try to knock some sense into their classmate.

This is really an adorable one shot. You will roll your eyes at how absolutely clueless Connor is, but your heart will be warmed by the sweet gestures he bestows upon his boyfriend. If you're looking for a short, cute read, definitely give this one a try!

~ M

I ❤ Yaoi: Koi no Iro (The Color of Love) by Ueda Kiyo

Hello yaoi lovers! Today's manga recommendation is Koi no Iro (The Color of Love) by Ueda Kiyo.

Nao is a high-school student with a secret he carefully hides from everybody: He's fallen in love with his close friend, Hira. One day, Hira tells Nao that he looks different lately. Now Nao is terrified that Hira might have noticed his feelings! Or could it be that he's just over-reacting and his friend hasn't noticed anything at all?

After discovering an entire yaoi section in a local used book store, I was in heaven! There was a wealth of yaoi manga for me to choose from, but I settled on just a few (one of which was a pristine copy of Hybrid Child...YES!). One of my purchases was Koi no Iro (The Color of Love).

I really enjoyed this manga. It's filled with one-shot stories that show how romantic relationships develop, grow and flourish. I liked that not all of the stories were all roses and puppies and perfection. The characters had to work, and sometimes suffer a little, for love. Not only did I enjoy the stories, but I also liked the artwork; the ukes are adorable and the semes were handsome.

If you have the opportunity to read this collection of stories, definitely give them a try!

~ M

Dancing Lessons by Adsagsona

Dancing Lessons by Adsagsona

Duro sends Agron to dancing lessons with Nasir in preparation for his upcoming wedding. Things initially go well for Agron until past demons creep to the surface.

I am thoroughly enjoying this story so far. Imagining Nasir and Agron doing such sensual dances definitely gets the blood pumping, and I'm intrigued by Agron's seemingly turbulent past. As always, Nasir is a doll who not only does his job extremely well, but also knows how to handle Agron's skittishness.

~ M

Book Review: The Heart of Frost (North Pole City Tales #2) by Charlie Cochet

In this sequel to Mending Noel, The Prince of Frost, Jack, and the love of his life, Rudy, are trying to live their lives in peace. Even though many in the kingdom, including the King of Frost himself, have been skeptical about their relationship, Jack and Rudy don't care. They're in love and nothing can change that. When an accident occurs during Rudy's test run for The Big Flight on Christmas Eve, Jack is beside himself with worry and anger. Known for being a formidable force on a good day, Rudy and his friends worry that the stress and rage coursing through Jack may change him forever.

I loved Mending Noel, so I was extremely anxious to read this sequel that delves into the lives of Rudy the Rein Dear and Jack Frost. The world that Charlie Cochet has created in this series never fails to bring a smile to my face because all of the characters of Christmas and winter lore are represented in new and creative ways. Even though Rudy, with his fiery red hair, Jack are the main focus of the story, I enjoyed seeing the MCs from the last book, Tim and Noel, make an appearance. (Tiny) Tim continues to steal the show in my opinion with his unwavering kindness and positivity.

The book started out a little slow for me, but definitely picked up speed about a quarter of the way through. I only wish that Jack could have had some inkling of the terror he caused during his blackout. I understand such information could have sent him into a tailspin again, but he was so hateful towards his friends and the elf he loves. An apology would have been nice, but I understand why the author went this route.

The third book in the series, Vixen's Valor, was just released and I cannot wait to read it and continue my stay in this lovely world where everything is Christmasy and fun.

Buy links
Dreamspinner Press | Amazon

~ M

Pay Back by Ggeri_Sminth

Pay Back Series by Ggeri_Sminth

After discovering that Connor cheated on him, Oliver tried to kick the man out of his life. Much to his surprise, Connor kept coming back, kept apologizing. Oliver gives in, his heart won't allow him to say no, but now that he has Connor back where he wants him, the thought of giving him a taste of his own medicine is all too tempting. Little does Oliver know that Connor is much more fragile than he ever anticipated.

This series of one shots is great! I love How to Get Away with Murder and the Connor/Oliver storyline ended up becoming much more engrossing than I ever thought it would.

In this series, Oliver is adorkable (as always) as he tries to have a real relationship with a commitment-phobe, and Connor demonstrates just how fearful and insecure he is. He may project the confident law student who doesn't let anything get to him, but deep down he has issues that need to be addressed. Fortunately Oliver is there to help him through it.

~ M

p.s. The gif above is my favorite moment between Connor and Oliver in the tv show so far because it shows that Connor really does care about Oliver, despite all his postulating about how he doesn't do relationships. :)

I ❤️ Yaoi: Benkyou Shinasai by Takanaga Hinako

Hello yaoi lovers! Today's review is Benkyou Shinasai by Takanaga Hinako.

Kouta wanted to attend the same university as his childhood friend, Akira, but he was the only who passed. Will he be able to make Akira pass the exam?

When I first read the synopsis for this manga, I thought it was going to be a cute story about lifelong friends who help each other through their struggles and, in the process, fall in love. The reality was much different.

Neither of the main characters is all that likeable. Akira is disrespectful, a liar and uses charm, guilt and sex to manipulate people. Throughout the manga I wondered why Kouta felt so strongly towards Akira, and my heart broke for him on more than one occasion. Kouta was a doormat who allowed his so-called friend walk all over him for just a small scrap of affection.

It really saddens me that I didn't like this manga at all because I've enjoyed others from Takanaga Hinako, but this one just misses the mark for me. There is no romance, no love and no real friendship.

~ M

The Unfortunate Courier by piratevirgin

The Unfortunate Courier by piratevirgin

When he's almost run off the road while making a delivery, Nasir (Nathan) makes it a point to confront the driver. There have been way too many accidents involving couriers and this rich jerk needs to understand that everyone's life matters on the road. Agron (Adam) has been trying to heal from the recent death of his brother. He's a banker and in such a cutthroat business, he has to stand his ground. When a gorgeous courier barrels into his life, he never wants to let him go. If only he could keep his foot out of his mouth long enough to win the young man's heart.

This is a sweet story that will take readers through a roller coaster of emotions. The slow burn of the relationship between Agron and Nasir doesn't seem long and drawn out and I really enjoyed how the overall story developed. Definitely check out this great AU!

~ M

Book Review: The Working Elf Blues by Piper Vaughn

Garnet Evergreen, an elf who works at the North Pole, has been watching Wes since he was a little boy. Wes had a difficult life growing up, his parents died and he was forced to move from foster home to foster home, so Garnet always had a deep desire to bring joy into his life. Now that Wes is an adult, Garnet is dismayed to see that Wes is still spending much of his life alone.

Determined to make Wes' Christmas, and overall outlook on life, a little brighter, Garnet breaks the rules and travels to earth so he can stay with Wes for good.

This is another sweet, heartwarming Christmas story from Less Than Three Press. I enjoyed the magical feel of the story as well as the theme of hope, love and starting anew. Garnet is 100% adorable as the big-hearted elf who fell in love with a human. Wes' story is heartbreaking, but I was happy to see at least one being, other than his dogs, who truly looked out for him and ensured he was loved, whether he wanted to admit it or not.

The Working Elf Blues is a quick read that will certainly make your day a little brighter with Christmas cheer.

3.5 stars

Release Date: December 17, 2014

Buy links
Less Than Three Press | Amazon

~ M

*The publisher provided an ARC of this book, via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review. 

Love, Again by LosT-in-Twific

Love, Again by LosT-in-Twific

Jasper and Edward have always been flirtatious with each other, but Edward isn't into relationships and Jasper has had a steady boyfriend, Riley, for five years. They can't, however, deny their incredible chemistry. When an opportunity finally arises for them to give in to their desires, they unlock feelings that not only shock, but excite them.

This short story is quite cute. The banter between Edward and Jasper is fun to watch and I found myself on pins and needles wondering if they were going to admit how good they are together. Definitely give this sweet story a shot!

~ M

I ❤ Yaoi: Hana to Usagi by Kashima Chiaki

Good morning yaoi lovers! Today's recommendation is Hana to Usagi by Kashima Chiaki.

When a new delivery worker, Kajiyama Ryouta, encounters an odd customer, he doesn't quite know what to make of the man. Aizawa is a recluse who always answers the door wearing a huge rabbit head and barely speaks. Kajiyama soon finds out that Aizawa is extremely shy and can't stand for people to look at him. How will their tentative and slightly strained friendship develop?

I must admit that I found this manga to be very different, but also kind of refreshing. The fact that Aizawa likes to wear a giant rabbit head was humorous and just plain weird at first, but soon readers see that there are much deeper issues at play. I look forward to reading more about these characters and how their relationship grows amid all of the phobias and frustrations.

3.5 stars

 ~ M

Bloodletter by littleblackcat

Bloodletter by littleblackcat

Rin is a vampire hunter tasked with ridding the world of the dangerous creatures. His latest assignment is proving to be more complicated than most. Nitori seems to be the exact opposite of everything he's known about vampires. He blends in well at school, he doesn't cause any problems and he doesn't even drink human blood. Rin actually likes the vampire. Will he be able to carry out his assignment or will he help his little kouhai avoid certain death?

Even though it's still in its early stages, I'm really fascinated with this story. Seeing Rin struggle to reconcile is feelings for his friend and his duty as a vampire hunter is quite interesting. Nitori, as always, is a little ball of sunshine that makes you want to hug him. Definitely give this story a try!

~ M

Book Review: The Wish Augur by Cecil Wilde

Gabriel Juarez lives a very mundane, unfulfilled life. He hates his job, his boss harasses and insults him on a daily basis and he only has one friend. Christmas is quickly approaching and the holiday just doesn't have the same luster or meaning now that his mother has passed away.

After another stressful day at work, Gabe wishes he could just have a hug. When he wakes up Christmas morning, there's a man his bed holding him tightly. Gabe doesn't know what is going on, but an elf named Felix is determined to make this the best Christmas Gabe has had in a long time.

This is an incredibly sweet holiday story that is heartwarming and fun. Gabe was a little cold towards Felix when he first arrived, but I enjoyed watching their friendship grow and Gabe's spirits lift. Felix is an adorable character who found joy in the smallest things. His attitude towards life, and Gabe, made me really like him as a character.

If you're in the mood for a feel-good story this Christmas season, definitely give The Wish Augur a try. It's a very quick read that will bring a smile to your face.

3.5 stars

                                                        Release date: December 17, 2014

Buy links
Less Than Three Press | Amazon

~ M

*The publisher provided an ARC of this book, via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.

Freak by addicted-to-romione-bedward

Freak by addicted-to-romione-bedward

Jasper's life hasn't been easy. In high school he was bullied just for being different and, unfortunately, the bullying has continued in college. He just wants to get through a day without being insulted or assaulted. The one shining beacon in his life is his history professor, Peter Carter. He's one of the few people who treats Jasper like an actual human being, but after a failed attempt at standing up to his bullies once and for all, Jasper feels he may have ruined that perfect friendship.

I am so glad I decided to read this one-shot! My blood boiled seeing the bullies harass Jasper for absolutely no reason. However, watching the interaction between Jasper and Peter really warmed my heart. If you're in the mood for something a little angsty that will leave you smiling at the end, Freak is the story for you.

Also, I love that Timothy Olyphant was used the the physical respresentation of Peter in the banner (created by Mina Rivera). *swoon* He is so handsome!

~ M

I ❤️ Yaoi: Ten Count by Takarai Rihito

Hello everyone! Today's yaoi selection is Ten Count by Takarai Rihito.

When Shirotani Tadaom's boss is injured in an accident, he meets Kurose. Much to his surprise, Kurose could immediately see that Shirotani is mysophobic (the abnormal fear of or distaste for uncleanliness or contamination*) and suggests consulting a doctor about it. However, Kurose's observation rattles Shirotani to the core. Who is this guy and how was he able to tell Shirotani’s condition so quickly?

This is one of the most interesting and different mangas I've read in a while. Watching Shirotani try to traverse life with his phobia was not only sad, but also scary. He is completely unable to have a connection with people...until Kurose comes into his life. Kurose pushes him just enough to help alleviate some of the Shirotani's OCD behaviors, while at the same time doing something that no one else has been able to do, build a connection. If you're looking for a yaoi manga that's outside of the norm, definitely give Ten Count a try!

4.5 stars

~ M

* Merriam-Webster.com

Ours by VintageJacqui

Ours by VintageJacqui

Nasir and Agron must deal with a very scary situation in their new relationship together. Will they be able to pull through?

Even though it's not the longest of stories, Ours is beautiful! It has serious themes, but also tells a tale of hope, support, encouragement and perseverance. Highly recommended!

~ M

Book Review: Macarons at Midnight by M.J. O'Shea and Anna Martin

Tristan Green, an expatriate from England, is trying to advance his career in advertising at a big agency in New York City. He's not entirely happy with how things are going in his life, but he's stubborn and doesn't want to be viewed as a failure. One evening, while walking around his neighborhood, Tristan stumbles upon a quaint bakery and its handsome owner, Henry Livingston.

Henry worked hard to build his business from the ground up even though he came from a family of wealth and connections. He doesn't feel comfortable in that life, which is evidenced by his strained relationship with his WASP parents. When the bumbling and painfully adorable Tristan comes into his life, Henry feels things he's never felt before. Could it be too good to be true?

This is an extremely sweet story. The slow build of Tristan and Henry's relationship was really cute to watch. Their playful banter back and forth brought a smile to my face and made me chuckle more than once. The authors did a great job of creating characters that made me care about their well-being and root for their success.

I couldn't stop my mouth from watering while reading about all of the incredible baked goods Henry created. I love the fact that the book includes recipes for many of the confections described by the characters, and I can't wait to try some of them out.

Unfortunately, I did have a few issues with the book.

Morning by DarkAliceLilith

Morning by DarkAliceLilith

Agron and Nasir have a little fun in their kitchen.

This story is pure smut and I love it! There's not much to explain, you should definitely read it for yourself, but DarkAliceLilith paints a lovely picture of Agron and Nasir as they enjoy one another after a little morning coffee. Check it out!

~ M

picture credits: crazzzedope 1 | 2

I ❤ Yaoi: Darenimo Iwanaide by Fukiyama Rico

Good morning fellow yaoi lovers! Today's manga review is Darenimo Iwanaide by Fukiyama Rico.

While taking a shortcut across campus to get to work, Shirahama Miharu interrupts a rendezvous between playboy Sumikawa Kaichi and his girlfriend and accidentally witnesses their breakup. Kaichi is not only unconcerned, but actually helps Miharu jump the locked gate so he can make it to work on time. As Miharu thanks Kaichi, offering to repay him with lunch, he blurts out that Kaichi is too fickle when it comes to women. No one's ever been so candid with Kaichi before and he finds the novelty and Miharu fascinating. Is this the beginning of friendship or something more?

So far the story is pretty cute and I'm enjoying the slow growth of Miharu and Kaichi's friendship and feelings towards one another. If you're looking for something cute, sweet and relatively uncomplicated, this is a great manga to try. My only complaint is with some of the translations. While I greatly appreciate how much time and effort went into translating this manga, the constant use of the word "therefore" and the incomplete sentences make it difficult to read at times.

Four stars for the overall story and two and a half stars for the translation.

3.25 stars

~ M

Suo Jure by figbash

Suo Jure by figbash

Under the tutelage of the great Spartacus, Nasir's confidence grows. No longer is he the helpless body slave, but a warrior. Armed with his new found courage and poise, Nasir challenges Agron to friendly fighting match.

This is a lovely story which shows Nasir's growth as a man and warrior. The playful banter between Agron and Nasir brought a smile to my face and made me wish I could be one of the spectators during their match. If you're in the mood for a short, but sweet and heartwarming story, this is the one for you!

Also be sure to check out figbash's latest Nagron fan comic, Itty Bitty Nagron: The Tale of Endymion. Her drawings are fantastic!!!!

~ M

Book Review: A Closed Door By Andrew Q. Gordon

A horrible tragedy brings Orin Merritt back to his hometown in order to settle the affairs of his parents. Not only must Orin deal with his grief, but he also had to face the town that brings back bad memories of bullying and abuse by his fellow classmates. When his former best friend, Thomas Kennett, reappears and tries to atone for his mistakes of the past, Orin is suspicious. He just wants to get things in order and move on his life, but Thomas and memories better times, make it harder and harder.

I really enjoyed the emotion Andrew Q. Gordon poured into his characters. The pain and loss Orin experienced and the suffocating guilt from Thomas were palpable. So often I wondered if there could be any sort of resolution between the MCs because there was just so much pain, shame and regret in their pasts.

A couple of times throughout the novella I thought I'd missed some important information. One minute Orin and Thomas are talking about meeting up for a friendly meal and then a couple pages later, discussions about being more than friends arise. I had to go back to make sure I hadn't accidentally skipped a few pages. Because of that, I felt that the progression of the relationship seemed unfinished because readers missed out on integral moments.

Overall, I thought this was an interesting, emotionally-charged novella.

~ M

Fifty Shades of Rei by whendidthisshowbecomemylife

Fifty Shades of Rei by whendidthisshowbecomemylife

Rei and Nagisa's relationship is great. They are best friends and would do anything for one another. The only problem is their feelings have surpassed the friendly level and neither of them are quite sure how to handle it.

Now before you roll your eyes or write this off, this fanfic is nothing like that other Fifty Shades story. This is an adorable look at the development of Rei and Nagisa's relationship and how they handle the ups and downs of falling in love. It's very fluffy and very sweet, and I know Reigisa fans will love it!

~ M

I ❤ Yaoi: I'm a College Student by Akuta (Free! Doujinshi)

Hello yaoi lovers! Today's manga is I'm a College Student by Akuta!

I've been noticing doujinshis popping up here and there for a while now, so I decided to give it a try. I absolutely fell in love with this adorable story featuring Rei and Nagisa. Rei has been away at college in Tokyo and is eagerly anticipating the arrival of his adorable boyfriend, Nagisa, for a summer visit.

My heart melted as I watched the couple explore the city and their strong feelings for one another. This is definitely a manga that will make you go "aww" while reading it! Highly recommended!

4.5 stars

~ M