Dead Inside by Gaia_bing

Dead Inside by Gaia_bing

Nasir has just received news that his partner and love of his life may have been lost in a tragic accident. He doesn't know how he'll move forward without his heart.

I really liked this modern version of the episode "The Dead and the Dying". Nasir's pain is no less heartbreaking, but I like the way Gaia_bing used the occurrences in the episode and gave them a modern, yet beautiful, twist.

~ M

Book Review: That Day in Spring by B.J. Sheppard

Ryan and Lennox have known each other since they were teenagers and became fast friends. Their feelings soon blossomed into love and they built a life together, free from disapproving stares and Lennox's abusive father. On the most important day of the lives, tragedy strikes, and life as they know it is severely altered. Ryan tries to remain strong for the love of his life, who suffers from amnesia and can remember nothing prior to the accident. Will the couple be able to move forward and build a new life together or will the unfortunate accident tear them apart forever?

Since I provided the story prompt and picture for this story, I am very satisfied with what B.J. created. The story is beautifully written and pulled me into the characters' lives and feelings. My heart broke over and over again as Ryan reminisced about the life he shared with Lennox before the accident, and the hell he endures, but can't seem to let go of, after the accident.

Thank you, B.J., for bringing my story prompt to life! You did a wonderful job!

Here is the picture and prompt I submitted.

Dear Author,

These two men have known each other since they were teenagers, and have been in love almost as long. They’ve laughed, fought and cried together. Through it all, their love never wavered. However, something recently occurred that has shaken them to the core. What happened and how do they pull through it?

Please give this couple the happy ending they deserve. :)

Please no death (of the MCs), threesomes, or BDSM. This couple has been through a lot and needs some fluff. Even though this picture was taken from the TV show Spartacus: War of the Damned, it is not necessary for the story to be historical. I actually prefer a modern love story.

Thank you!

Of course I had  to use Agron and Nasir! ;) This free read is now available to download here.

~ M

Sweetness of a Kiss: Blown Kiss by Brinchen86

Sweetness of a Kiss: Blown Kiss by Brinchen86

Agron's life is constant loop of work, sleeping pills and avoiding thinking as much as possible. He's still trying to come to grips with the death of his beloved brother, but nothing will erase the guilt and responsibility he feels for losing Duro. When he happens upon a little boy and his uncle in the park after a jog, he slowly starts to feel the fog lifting. Things aren't necessary great, but Nasir and Kalib provide a welcome distraction from all the darkness.

Brinchen86 never fails to write interesting, flawed, but inherently good characters in her fanfiction. Blown Kiss, which is part of the "20-day OTP Kiss Challenge", is a lovely story that takes readers into the mind of Agron as he quietly suffers and blames himself for Duro's death. I loved how supportive Nasir is, but he doesn't coddle Agron. Any advice given is straight and to the point, which seems to be exactly what Agron needs. Seeing Nasir raise his nephew is a delightful treat that is portrayed realistically and brought a smile to my face. Even though this is a one-shot in a collection of stories, I would love to read more about the characters in this universe and how their lives unfold. Highly recommended!

~ M

I ❤️ Yaoi: Super Lovers by Miyuki Abe

Greetings fellow yaoi lovers!

Today's selection is a manga I just recently started reading, Super Lovers by Miyuki Abe.

Haru visits Canada to spend the summer holidays in the woodland house of his strict, strong-willed mother, Haruko. There, she burdens him with the responsibility of caring for his younger adoptive brother - a wild and unruly little boy named Ren who trusts no-one and prefers to wander in the woods with Haruko's dogs rather than associate other people. Haruko orders Haru to "civilize" Ren.

As the young man strives to teach Ren how to live in human society, their relationship gradually improves - so much so that Haru plans on taking his 'little brother' to Japan with him once he finds a job.

Unfortunately, fate has a cruel habit of interfering with one's plans... 

Once again I've happily stumbled upon a delightful manga! Ren is so unbelievably cute it's ridiculous, and Haru's kindness and willingness to try to break through Ren is commendable is quite sweet. I'm enjoying how their tentative relationship is strengthening and deepening, and I can't wait to see how it unfolds. I have a feeling I'm in for quite a treat!

This is my initial rating of Super Lovers. I will update it once I finish the manga (or what is currently available). :)

~ M

We Struggle Together by SubtextEquals

We Struggle Together by SubtextEquals

Nasir and Agron are together and working on rebuilding their relationship, trust and insecurity issues. Agron still struggles with the pain of losing his brother, while Nasir tries his best to support him. However, old habits die hard and Nasir is faced with the notion that maybe being with Agron isn't the best for either of them.

In this sequel to I Do It for Your Love, readers' hearts will go out to Agron and Nasir as they try their best to just be together. Sometimes their relationship is great, and sometimes their relationship can be downright scary. Family and friends fear for Nasir and try to convince him to break up with Agron, but he won't give up on him. I absolutely love the universe that SubtextEquals has created with this series. Readers are definitely in for an emotional roller coaster, but it's so worth it! Check it out!

~ M

I ❤ Yaoi: Koi Nante Shinai! by Shiina Akino

Hello fellow yaoi lovers!

Today's selection is Koi Nante Shinai! by Shiina Akino.

While he cannot explain it, Udou Ryuuji is absolutely certain of one thing: he loathes Kujou Ritsuki from the very core of his being. There's just something about his good looks and the way he flirts and has all the girls eating out of his hand that pisses Ryuuji off royally—so when he accidentally discovers the deep dark secret behind Ritsuki's part-time job, he's of course going to milk it for all it's worth...right?

I was pleasantly surprised by this cute story. It starts off with your typical high school drama: one guy loathes another for seemingly no reason, but we all come to know that it's because he's secretly attracted to the guy and is fighting his feelings. However, the story starts to take a humorous, but at the same time sinister, turn. Kujou and his past is a mystery with so many layers that are slowly revealed. Relatives, best friends and even a connection to the Yakuza makes this manga even more intriguing. This is a cute slow burn story I know yaoi/shōnen-ai fans with enjoy!

~ M

Book Review: Expect the Unexpected by Lou Sylvre

Sweet GFY story about longtime friends, Sam and Josh. Sam has harbored feelings for his best friend for a quite a while, but when Josh catches him in a compromising position, he's mortified and fears he's ruined the friendship. Little does Sam know that Josh's feelings for him aren't quite as platonic as he originally thought.

This story had a pretty good mix of angst and fluff, but I felt as though the overall resolution was a bit rushed and forced. I liked both of the MCs and rooted for their sweet and steamy happy ending.

To see the picture (NSFW) and prompt that inspired this story, click here.

~ M

Take My Hand by Gaia_bing

Take My Hand by Gaia_bing

Duro is frantic. His older brother has been missing for days and  he was somehow able to read Duro's mind right before he left. What is going on? Hopefully police officer, and empath, Nasir can help Agron before it's too late.

I like the mystery surrounding this story. Even though we learn early on that Agron can read minds and this power is overwhelming him, we don't know much else. Each chapter reveals a little more and I can't wait to see how it plays out!

~ M

Memories of Home by Brinchen86

Memories of Home by Brinchen86

After a freak accident wipes out his memory, Agron struggles reclaim the precious moments with people he knows are important to him, but seem like strangers. He hates seeing the pain in Nasir's eyes whenever he doesn't remember a part of their lives together, but he also cannot deny the inexplicable connection he has to the man.

This story just gets better and better with each passing chapter. Your heart will break for Agron and Nasir as they deal with Agron's amnesia and what it could mean if he never regains his memories. Nasir puts on a brave face and supports the man he loves even though his heart is being ripped apart. I can't wait to see what happens next in this fascinating and engaging story.

~ M

Not Just a Slave by Adsagsona

Not Just a Slave by Adsagsona

As the son of a very powerful man, Nasir is forced into taking on a slave of his own at a very young age. He doesn't like the idea of slavery in theory, but must overcome his apprehension due to his father's tyrannical and abusive attitude. When he spots a wild young man, not that much older than himself, at the slave market, he's immediately intrigued. Agron is still reeling from being sold into slavery and losing his family and now he must live under the thumb of a Dominus. However, as Nasir and Agron forge a secret friendship, feelings deepen, which could spell disaster for both of them, but particularly Agron. Will they be able to keep their hesitant friendship a secret or will it no longer matter with Agron's plans for escape?

This story drew me in right from the start. Your heart will go out to Nasir as he tries to become his own man, with his own ideas and convictions, but being unable to think freely out of fear of his father's horrible temper and disposition. Agron does his best to remain the docile slave, but you can definitely see the fire simmering just below the surface. He cares for his young Dominus and determines he will be one of the few he does not kill when he escapes. I look forward to seeing how Nasir and Agron's relationship continues to grow as Agron opens up a little more each day to the sweet and kindhearted young man he serves.

~ M

Book Review: Inhaling Smoke by Tia Fielding

Tattoo artist, Austin, has a great life. He has a job he loves, a best friend who always supports him and, best of all, an incredible man, Micah, whom he loves with all his heart. Tragedy strikes and Austin is faced with raising his best friend's son (well, the little boy is technically his son since he donated the sperm). Will he be able to navigate fatherhood and not completely screw up the little boy entrusted in his care?

Incredibly sweet, this story warmed my heart from start to finish. All of the characters were very likable and there was relatively no conflict. I could feel the connection between Austin and his adorably awkward and shy boyfriend. In my opinion, Micah stole the show with his kind demeanor and cute mannerisms. Tia Fielding mentions that a story from Micah's POV is in the works, and I definitely look forward to reading more about him and the beautiful family featured in this short story.

Once Upon a Dream by Gaia_bing

Once Upon a Dream by Gaia_bing

Agron and Nasir have been best friends since childhood when the two of them and Duro would play games together and act out fairytales. As adults they always look out for one another, but stronger feelings may be simmering under the surface. Will they act on those feelings or remain platonic out of fear of ruining their awesome friendship?

This short story is absolutely adorable. Readers get the opportunity to see Agron and Nasir as both children and adults as they navigate their lifelong friendship. I know your heart will melt at the cuteness overload displayed by these two. Definitely check it out! You won't be disappointed! :)

~ M

Picture credit: pain-art

I ❤ Yaoi: Hybrid Child by Shungiku Nakamura

Konnichiwa!

Today's wonderful yaoi manga recommendation is 
Hybrid Child by Shungiku Nakamura!

It's rare that something I read (manga, novels, nonfiction, etc.) makes me cry. I may get a lump in my throat or feel the pain the characters are experiencing, but to shed actual tears? Hybrid Child  is an exquisite collection of three interwoven stories that feature a hybrid child, a sort of android that can grow and flourish depending on the amount of love his or her master/owner bestows. Each of the stories is filled to the brim with emotion that will either make you smile with joy or cry in bittersweet sorrow. It's hard to choose a favorite out of the three because they were all so beautifully written; each conveying a strong and thought-provoking message. I HIGHLY recommend this manga to all BL/yaoi fans. It is truly a beautiful piece of work that has easily one of my new favorites.

~ M

One Word by Brinchen86

One Word by Brinchen86

Nasir has just received an incredible job opportunity on the other side of the country. Even though he and Agron have been seeing each other for a while and are very happy together, this new development could potentially ruin their comfortable relationship. Will Agron be able to handle the separation or will he fight to keep the love of his life close?

If you looking for a short and sweet story that will tug at the heartstrings, this is the one for you. Agron's struggle as he tries to come to grips with his boyfriend moving hundreds of miles away will make your heart ache for him and  Nasir as he repeatedly asks his love if this is really a good idea. Definitely check out this one-shot to see what happens.

~ M

Life's Broken Path by kateyes085

Life's Broken Path by kateyes085

Nasir, a Berkeley college student studying ancient history and Mediterranean archeology, has his entire life in front of him. Unfortunately life has thrown a curve ball when he discovers he has the same cancer that took his father's life years before. Nasir heart yearns for companionship, and his older brother never seems to have time for him. Even though he fears his life will be cut short, he wants to feel a connection before it's too late. One day he (literally) bumps into a tall, green-eyed man and the two embark on a night filled with passion. Agron obviously wants to extend their budding relationship, but Nasir feels it's better to be grateful for the wonderful experience, disappear from the wonderful man's life and cut his losses. Will Agron be able to find the man who captured his heart and will Nasir accept him if he does?

This story, while heavy on the angst, is beautiful. katyeyes085 manages to capture the emotions of all the characters so well that they're palpable. Your heart will ache as Nasir struggles with his illness and treatment; and Agron regrets not obtaining contact information from the man he spent an incredible evening with. Just so you all know, there is no character death in the story. You'll be taken on a roller coaster ride of emotions, but it's so worth it!

~ M

Book Review: Better Than New by Charley Descoteaux‏

I enjoyed this short story about a college student who harbors a crush on the incredibly handsome owner of his favorite coffee shop. Theo already feels as though he's not quite good enough to gain the attention of enigmatic Ben, but also having a prosthetic leg makes him feel even more unworthy.

The slow burn of the main characters' relationship kept me glued to the story, and the mystery surrounding exactly how Theo lost his leg had me on the edge of my seat. Overall, this is a sweet and virtually uncomplicated love story.

Better Than New  is a free read from Goodreads' M/M Romance group's annual "Don't Read in the Closet" event "Love's Landscapes". You can read the story here.

This the picture and prompt that inspired the story...

O’ God it’s wonderful
to get out of bed
and drink too much coffee
and smoke too many cigarettes
and love you so much

― from Steps by Frank O’Hara

~ M

The Runaways by DarkAliceLilith

The Runaways Series by DarkAliceLilith

When Agron is 16 his father takes him to the local brothel so he can officially become a man. While there, he encounters a quiet raven-haired boy who piques his interest. Over the course of a year, Agron and Nasir form a strong bond, both emotionally and sexually. Agron is determined to get Nasir out of his bleak situation so that he can live a life of freedom and peace, but he is also determined to get himself and his brother away from their tyrannical father. Will Agron be able to save the two people who mean the most to him?

This story definitely draws you in right from the start. You will feel the pain and despair Nasir experiences as an employee in a brothel, and his elation and warmth when Agron visits. Duro, as always, is an adorably rambunctious character who made me want to hug him one moment and roll my eyes at him the next. Agron takes his paternal/mentor role very seriously, but I could still see that he is but a mere teenager himself and makes silly mistakes...but always with good intentions.

This series consists of two stories, Brothel  and The Runaways , and each are wonderfully addictive. Unfortunately, DarkAliceLilith has not updated The Runaways  in quite some time. The story could end where it is and be okay, but there are still a lot of unanswered questions. If you enjoy the story, please leave a comment for DarkAliceLilith and encourage her to give this story and series a proper ending.

~ M

I ❤️ Yaoi: Puchi Puri (Petite Prince) by Mishima Kazuhiko

Hello!!! Today's adorable yaoi selection is
Puchi Puri (Petite Prince) by Mishima Kazuhiko!

When I first read this manga, I was enchanted by the adorable characters and the wonderfully sweet storyline. Puchi Puri  tells the story of Yuuji and Atsushi. Even though many years separate them in age, Yuuji finds Atsushi to be an enchanting little boy who is too cute for words. Over time, Atsushi develops a crush on his older family friend and confesses his love for him. Slightly horrified, Yuuji rejects him, but Atsushi is not deterred. He promises that when he grows up he will return for Yuuji's affections and win them!

Ten years later, Yuuji gets the surprise of his life when little Atsushi reappears in his life. He's no longer the little boy who looked up to him with wonder and awe. He's now a man who is determined to win the heart of the man he's loved since childhood.

I have to admit that I was a little apprehensive going into this because the whole adult/child storyline struck me as sketchy. However, as the story played out, I was convinced that this is nothing but a sweet story about how two people fall in love over time. Atsushi was beyond adorable as a child and a heartbreaker once he grows up. Once you get past the initial "squick" factor (note: nothing lewd or illegal transpires between adult Yuuji and elementary student Atsushi), I'm sure you will thoroughly enjoy this delightful story!

~ M

Out of Your Mind by alphadick

Out of Your Mind by alphadick

It's Nasir's first year in college and he's excited to not only to start his life, but also because he has an awesome roommate, Duro. Even better is the fact that he gets to flirt with Duro's hot older brother, Agron.

As I always say, you cannot  go wrong with Sparty college fics. You just can't! The story, so far, has everything you could ask for: funny banter, flirting, outrageous frat parties, a strong sense of brotherhood and family
and crackling sexual tension between Agron and Nasir. It's still in the early stages right now, but I have a feeling things will only get better and better. Check it out!

~ M