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Summer's Pointe
Sink or Swim
Official Description: Beau has always been the center of attention, the first responder, dive master, and all around life-saver. When he gets a job overseas, Abram feels that he has to follow his lover, but he still harbors doubts of his own worthiness.
Those doubts come to a head during the long flight to begin their new lives. How far is Abram willing to go to keep Beau to himself? Sometimes in matters of the heart, you just have to dive in and sink or swim.
Original Prompt:
Dear Author,
I will leave the story up to you. What ever gets your creative juices going is fine with me. These men just need a story.
Photo Description: A close-up photo of the faces of two dark-haired, scruffy, shirtless young men in a field of red wildflowers. They are lying down in opposite directions. One's head rests on the other's chest, the other's head pillowed on a bent arm to look at the viewer.
This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Hot Summer Days" 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.
Download the story, read it here or find it in Don't Read in the Closet, Volume 3 or Don't Read in the Closet: GayRomLit Retreat 2011 Special Edition.
__________
Genre: contemporary
Tags: gay m/m, established couples, travel, new beginnings, mile-high, first-person, HEA
Word Count: 13,815
Those doubts come to a head during the long flight to begin their new lives. How far is Abram willing to go to keep Beau to himself? Sometimes in matters of the heart, you just have to dive in and sink or swim.
Original Prompt:
Dear Author,
I will leave the story up to you. What ever gets your creative juices going is fine with me. These men just need a story.
Photo Description: A close-up photo of the faces of two dark-haired, scruffy, shirtless young men in a field of red wildflowers. They are lying down in opposite directions. One's head rests on the other's chest, the other's head pillowed on a bent arm to look at the viewer.
This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Hot Summer Days" 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.
Download the story, read it here or find it in Don't Read in the Closet, Volume 3 or Don't Read in the Closet: GayRomLit Retreat 2011 Special Edition.
__________
Genre: contemporary
Tags: gay m/m, established couples, travel, new beginnings, mile-high, first-person, HEA
Word Count: 13,815
39 pages, ebook
First published July 20, 2011
5 people are currently reading
127 people want to read
About the author
Lissa Kasey
69 books656 followersLissa Kasey is Ace/Aro and ENBY. Lissa's storytelling specializes in in-depth characters, detailed world building, sweet and spicy romance, and twisting plots to keep you clinging to the page.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
August 15, 2024
2.5 stars
The Story
Abram and Beau are dating for a while now, but Abram is afraid that Beau would leave him someday for someone better and he has doubts in Beau’s feelings for him. Honestly, I have no idea why, as it is totally obvious that Beau is head over heels for Abram.
Beau is amazing, caring and attentive. I see no reason for Abram to be that insecure and jealous of him.
The episodes from their life told in retrospect were lovely, and overall the story was sweet, maybe too sweet.
The Romance
Pseudo-conflicted but sweet.
Characterization
Nice and enough for a novella.
Emotions
Solid.
Sugar content
High.
Recommended?
Appears in Don't Read in the Closet: Volume Three anthology.
The Story
Abram and Beau are dating for a while now, but Abram is afraid that Beau would leave him someday for someone better and he has doubts in Beau’s feelings for him. Honestly, I have no idea why, as it is totally obvious that Beau is head over heels for Abram.
Beau is amazing, caring and attentive. I see no reason for Abram to be that insecure and jealous of him.
The episodes from their life told in retrospect were lovely, and overall the story was sweet, maybe too sweet.
The Romance
Pseudo-conflicted but sweet.
Characterization
Nice and enough for a novella.
Emotions
Solid.
Sugar content
High.
Recommended?
Appears in Don't Read in the Closet: Volume Three anthology.
January 3, 2018
In the same breath I'm going to tell you that this story wasn't bad, exactly, but that I've never been so close to DNFing a short story in my life. It felt like it took me YEARS to read this story. In fact, it did take me TWO DAYS... To read 40 pages! That's insanity.
There was an annoying as heck MC, harebrained plot points, and logic holes so large you could drive an 18 wheeler through 'em. Just not my cuppa.
There was an annoying as heck MC, harebrained plot points, and logic holes so large you could drive an 18 wheeler through 'em. Just not my cuppa.
January 31, 2017
** 2,5 lovey-dovey stars **
Jeez! Abram, Mr. Pessimist, wake up and smell your gorgeous, adoring boyfriend already! What the heck are you doing entertaining such thoughts?!
And you're such a romantic too...
----------------------
"I just think that since we're doing this whole move thing, maybe we should make it official. You know, like make it forever. Get married or something." The words spilled from my mouth before I even knew what I was saying.
Beau's smile widened. "Why Abram, did you just propose to me?"
"I meant-ah-you know--"
He leaned over and kissed me soundly before dropping to his knees at my feet. (..) This couldn't be happening could it? Did he really want to marry me? Forever bound with laws and papers and vows?(..)
"Yes, I will marry you, Abram McGregor."
-----------------------
And that's exactly what happens. Lovey-dovey, woohoo.... It was sweet, but unfortunately I'd lost interest due to your doubting thoughts.
----------------------------------------------------
A short story in the collection "Don't Read in the Closet, Volume Three" from the MM Romance Group Hot Summer Event 2011.
Click HERE for the story online or HERE to download the whole collection for your reading device.
Picture and prompt:
Jeez! Abram, Mr. Pessimist, wake up and smell your gorgeous, adoring boyfriend already! What the heck are you doing entertaining such thoughts?!
And you're such a romantic too...
----------------------
"I just think that since we're doing this whole move thing, maybe we should make it official. You know, like make it forever. Get married or something." The words spilled from my mouth before I even knew what I was saying.
Beau's smile widened. "Why Abram, did you just propose to me?"
"I meant-ah-you know--"
He leaned over and kissed me soundly before dropping to his knees at my feet. (..) This couldn't be happening could it? Did he really want to marry me? Forever bound with laws and papers and vows?(..)
"Yes, I will marry you, Abram McGregor."
-----------------------
And that's exactly what happens. Lovey-dovey, woohoo.... It was sweet, but unfortunately I'd lost interest due to your doubting thoughts.
----------------------------------------------------
A short story in the collection "Don't Read in the Closet, Volume Three" from the MM Romance Group Hot Summer Event 2011.
Click HERE for the story online or HERE to download the whole collection for your reading device.
Picture and prompt:
July 23, 2011
I think it's already been said but I really enjoyed how BIG this story feels. We get the opportunity to see special moments from Abram and Beau's time together as Abram trips down memory lane. :) I loved the way they met and that Beau reflected back on that in his vows. The day the "picture" was taken was an especially sweet and sentimental moment for the two. Beautifully written!
I love it when an author or rather authors in your case *grin* follow through with a tease..
At the beginning of the story Abram made a wish:
I knew what he saw in the water, why he loved it so much. I knew he loved me, but sometimes I just wished he would look at me with that same glint of joy in his gaze.
This is the moment "I" lost it as his wish IS fufilled:
“Breathe, baby,” Beau whispered.
I did, but all I could see was him. The suit a perfect fit, making him stand out as the amazing catch he truly was. Dark eyes glistening even in the low light, reading of warmth and joy.
I love moments like that..that's awesome writing!
Thank you Lissa and Xara.
I love it when an author or rather authors in your case *grin* follow through with a tease..
At the beginning of the story Abram made a wish:
I knew what he saw in the water, why he loved it so much. I knew he loved me, but sometimes I just wished he would look at me with that same glint of joy in his gaze.
This is the moment "I" lost it as his wish IS fufilled:
“Breathe, baby,” Beau whispered.
I did, but all I could see was him. The suit a perfect fit, making him stand out as the amazing catch he truly was. Dark eyes glistening even in the low light, reading of warmth and joy.
I love moments like that..that's awesome writing!
Thank you Lissa and Xara.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 27, 2011
I was surprised about 2/3rds of the way through this free download when the owner of the resort introduced himself as Havi. I had just read another free download novella about Adam and JT who moved to a gay-friendly resort as the chef and manager. I didn't realize that it was the same island which was kind of cool. In this short, Beau and Abram are also moving to the island to be the dive master and a masseuse. It was just kind of neat to recognize it was the same world without expecting it. Especially since it's different authors. I think that if I read the entire Days of Summer anthology, it would become more clear.
Don't Read in the Closet is a collection of short stories published for free for members of the M/M Romance Group. The best part of this series of shorts is that they were based on a photo and a reader request for a story. Here is the photo and reader request that inspired this story (warning contains tasteful M/M situation):
http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/5...
Don't Read in the Closet is a collection of short stories published for free for members of the M/M Romance Group. The best part of this series of shorts is that they were based on a photo and a reader request for a story. Here is the photo and reader request that inspired this story (warning contains tasteful M/M situation):
http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/5...
March 15, 2015
Gosh, this was sweet!!! My teeth hurt.. But I loved it!!
The stars winked in the sky, and not even the swaying of the boat could bother me now.
“I want you to stay up all night with me. Tomorrow will be the first sunrise of the rest of our lives. I want to watch it with you.”
“Now and forever, babe.”
This story is a free story from Goodreads M/M Romance Group
(MM Romance Group Hot Summer Event 2011 - volume 3)
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
August 5, 2011
Loved the fact that this story gave us a view of when Beau and Abram met and took us right up to their little surprise! I felt bad that Abram had so many doubts about himself and how much he meant to Beau. Personally, I think Abram's the really hot one in the picture;) Beau said it best in this passage: Standing behind me, he turned my face to the mirror. “Look at you, baby. You,” he leaned forward to kiss my neck again, “are fucking gorgeous. Those huge blue eyes. You level me every time you look at me.” And that induction into the mile high club? Holy hotness - that was awesome!!! Fantastic story, thank you:)
September 8, 2012
One of the reasons I read m/m instead of m/f is the rarity of encountering TSTL main characters. And I'm not saying Abram is exactly TSTL, but man... some of the inner dialog had me wanting to smack him upside the head.
Still, a nice, sweet romance with an inspiring HEA. What's not to like?
Still, a nice, sweet romance with an inspiring HEA. What's not to like?
August 3, 2011
This story was so full of incredible depth and descriptions, it felt like a full-length novel. Riding the waves of Abram's insecurity and following him into his surety of his place in Beau's life was amazing! What we all want, in the end, is to know for sure the love we give is returned. Abram and Beau have that connection that all couples dream of and I am glad I got to follow their journey. Great read!
October 15, 2011
omfg one of the cutest things i have ever read.
February 17, 2014
One of the cutest stories ever.
June 28, 2017
You guys did good...real good! *grin*
I wonder sometimes why it easier to expect the worst, rather than accept the good in life? Abe has trust issues, but Beau has a plan... maybe more than one! *wink*
Really cute, sweet story... just my kind of read! (for today, anyways!)
I wonder sometimes why it easier to expect the worst, rather than accept the good in life? Abe has trust issues, but Beau has a plan... maybe more than one! *wink*
Really cute, sweet story... just my kind of read! (for today, anyways!)
January 27, 2018
3.5 stars
April 10, 2022
This was very sweet but it felt really rushed, it needed a few more pages.
Part of Don't Read in the Closet Vol 3
Part of Don't Read in the Closet Vol 3
December 22, 2022
Very nicely done. It’s always great to read a romance where one part of the couple is super attractive and charismatic, yet they only have eyes for their partner.
These were two nice MCs.
These were two nice MCs.
February 25, 2017
I loved this!
November 21, 2012
This story is about a "dive master" and a masseuse. It was almost too sweet for me... and I'm a diabetic! Beau was flipped over his guy (the dive master) but Abram was just as gone (the masseuse). And they met on the beach where Beau was the lifeguard hottie of the day! Abram gets hit in the head by a "run amok" surf board and that's all she wrote! It's been a year and they are still going strong. I did have to laugh though, the amount of tension that Abram was carrying due to a "certain joke" made him just too much fun to pick on; and Beau did! Once he realized that it made Abram upset though? He stopped it then and there and apologized. I just have to say it! What a guy! The story has some great moments, and the end was nothin' but pure sugar... but it winds up being a good 45 minutes spent!
May 4, 2013
This short story was part of the Hot Summer Days, Don't Read in the Closet Event on Goodreads in 2011 and is a tail of young love. Beau and Abram have been together for just over a year when Beau is offered a job in Australia and Abram is still not too confident in their relationship. It does not help that Beau likes to tease Abram.
I know that many would find parallels to their own lives in this story as the little green monster which is jealousy is hard to overcome in a new relationship particularly when you feel that your partner is a magnet to the worship of others while you feel that you are not. It is heartening to know that it is possible to fall so completely for someone that you are willing to devote the rest of your life to their happiness.
I know that many would find parallels to their own lives in this story as the little green monster which is jealousy is hard to overcome in a new relationship particularly when you feel that your partner is a magnet to the worship of others while you feel that you are not. It is heartening to know that it is possible to fall so completely for someone that you are willing to devote the rest of your life to their happiness.
October 21, 2015
Beau is a dive instructor and Abram is a masseuse. Despite their time together as a couple and the fact that both of them are moving to Australia to work and live at a gay-friendly resort, Abram still has doubts that Beau is as into the relationship as he is. When Beau makes a comment that further enhances those doubts, Abram spends most of the long plane ride thinking about their past.
This was way too short and not fully realized. I've found that I love couples where one has doubts, because it just feels so realistic. And I did feel for Abram. However, I wanted to see more of their past to understand their relationship dynamic.
Thanks to the authors for participating in the DRitC event.
This was way too short and not fully realized. I've found that I love couples where one has doubts, because it just feels so realistic. And I did feel for Abram. However, I wanted to see more of their past to understand their relationship dynamic.
Thanks to the authors for participating in the DRitC event.
February 7, 2017
Sweet little love story. Beau meets Abram on the beach after saving him when he got bashed in the head by a surfboard. After asking him out in the hospital, Abram says yes and it quickly becomes a wonderful happily ever after.
April 14, 2016
Don't Read in the Closet: Volume Three
Don't Read in the Closet: GayRomLit Retreat 2011 Special Edition
My Rating System:
* couldn't finish, ** wouldn't recommend, *** would recommend, **** would read again, ***** have read again.
Don't Read in the Closet: GayRomLit Retreat 2011 Special Edition
My Rating System:
* couldn't finish, ** wouldn't recommend, *** would recommend, **** would read again, ***** have read again.
August 13, 2014
Read for the A-Z author challenge! A short read in the Hot Summer Days event.
Beau and Abram are moving to Australia - and Abram is nervous. Beau is not helping as he is winding Abe up over 'payment' required for their first class tickets. We spend a lot of their journey in flash back, seeing how they get to where they are. On the last leg of the journey, by boat, Beau has a surprise for Abe.
A nice warm read, no real angst and a lovely ending- short and sweet!
Beau and Abram are moving to Australia - and Abram is nervous. Beau is not helping as he is winding Abe up over 'payment' required for their first class tickets. We spend a lot of their journey in flash back, seeing how they get to where they are. On the last leg of the journey, by boat, Beau has a surprise for Abe.
A nice warm read, no real angst and a lovely ending- short and sweet!
August 11, 2011
Just loved this one! It brought tears to my eyes, then a smile to my face! You wrote something with such an amazing range and depth of emotion that it didn't feel like a short story. Thank you Lissa and Xara!
April 22, 2012
Good short m/m romance about two guys moving to Australia to work as a dive instructor and a masseuse at a private resort. As they travel, one of them worries about their relationship and how things will be after they arrive.
April 19, 2012
Lovely descriptions, sweet MCs, hot sex, and surprise!wedding. Lots to love in this book. Abe was a little too insecure and needy for me, but he was sweet and cute to make up for it. Great little read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Want to read
August 19, 2015***Read as part of the free Don't Read in the Closet: Volume Three anthology. Story #9***
July 20, 2011
This was just wonderful! Perfect amount of fluff with adorable characters without it being too much. This was a very sweet story, thank you!
September 30, 2014
Lovely and sweet and ever so romantic. And Hot! Did I mention Hot?
July 26, 2011
Happy story of two guys in love!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews