What do you think?
Rate this book
Pledge Number Seven
**Kindle download available at author's website. See below for ePUB and PDF**
T.K. Rogers knows his Alpha Phi Kappa brothers would never accept a gay brother, so he’s kept that secret for two years from even his closest friends. Who can blame them? If he had the choice, he’d be straight too. But once pledge number seven gets under his skin and into his bed, T.K. can no longer separate his frat life and his sex life.
Carlos Castillo has everything figured out. A fraternity will give him instant friends, and he’ll gain real world experience in event planning and management. He just has to get through the hell of pledging. No problem. Staying in the closet was never part of the plan, but then again, neither was T.K. Rogers.
Hiding a relationship from the twenty guys you live with isn’t easy, but T.K. loves APK and risking his place in the brotherhood for a pledge he’s just met is not an option. How far will T.K. go to keep his secret?
WARNING: dubious consent
PHOTO DESCRIPTION:
Two dark-haired young men sit on a hardwood floor, viewed through a doorway. The younger, clean-shaven man has his back against the wall, wearing a white undershirt, dark pants, and boots. The other man faces him, bracing himself with his hand between his boyfriend’s feet. He wears a dark t-shirt and has the beginnings of a beard growing in. The men’s faces are close, suggesting an intimate conversation or a kiss.
STORY LETTER:
Something new that must be kept a secret. But secrets will out, and who discovers this 'forbidden' relationship? (And is it really as 'forbidden' as they think? Are they keeping their relationship a secret because of a game, because its easier, because one person in particular cannot know the truth?)
HEA (or a strong HFN), and a “forbidden affair” at least at the beginning. Bonus points for some dub-con and/or (reluctant?) kissing in public. Can be any level of heat.
This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Love Has No Boundaries" 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.
T.K. Rogers knows his Alpha Phi Kappa brothers would never accept a gay brother, so he’s kept that secret for two years from even his closest friends. Who can blame them? If he had the choice, he’d be straight too. But once pledge number seven gets under his skin and into his bed, T.K. can no longer separate his frat life and his sex life.
Carlos Castillo has everything figured out. A fraternity will give him instant friends, and he’ll gain real world experience in event planning and management. He just has to get through the hell of pledging. No problem. Staying in the closet was never part of the plan, but then again, neither was T.K. Rogers.
Hiding a relationship from the twenty guys you live with isn’t easy, but T.K. loves APK and risking his place in the brotherhood for a pledge he’s just met is not an option. How far will T.K. go to keep his secret?
WARNING: dubious consent
PHOTO DESCRIPTION:
Two dark-haired young men sit on a hardwood floor, viewed through a doorway. The younger, clean-shaven man has his back against the wall, wearing a white undershirt, dark pants, and boots. The other man faces him, bracing himself with his hand between his boyfriend’s feet. He wears a dark t-shirt and has the beginnings of a beard growing in. The men’s faces are close, suggesting an intimate conversation or a kiss.
STORY LETTER:
Something new that must be kept a secret. But secrets will out, and who discovers this 'forbidden' relationship? (And is it really as 'forbidden' as they think? Are they keeping their relationship a secret because of a game, because its easier, because one person in particular cannot know the truth?)
HEA (or a strong HFN), and a “forbidden affair” at least at the beginning. Bonus points for some dub-con and/or (reluctant?) kissing in public. Can be any level of heat.
This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Love Has No Boundaries" 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.
82 pages, ebook
First published August 13, 2013
19 people are currently reading
137 people want to read
About the author
C.M. Walker
6 books21 followersC.M. Walker lives in Maryland with her husband and two children. She read her first M/M romance story out of curiosity, decided that books were better with two men instead of one, and hasn’t looked back since. When C.M.’s not reading or writing, she’s either next to a bright light cross-stitching with fancy thread, at the computer digi-scrapping, or at the sewing machine making cute clothes for her daughter.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
August 13, 2013
Realistic and awfully cute story about a fratboy falling for his assigned pledge, figuring out how to reconcile his growing feelings with what he's been taught all his life and then finding the courage to come out.
I liked T.K. quite a bit. He felt real, his confusion felt organic, and he grew quite a bit in a very short time. Carlos (Seven) was also portrayed realistically. The remaining frat brother, with their differing opinions and quiet support, even the guy who's a complete homophobic asshole, all felt as if they were living on a campus near you.
Well done. Free from the M/M romance group. Excuse me while I check out more by this author.
I liked T.K. quite a bit. He felt real, his confusion felt organic, and he grew quite a bit in a very short time. Carlos (Seven) was also portrayed realistically. The remaining frat brother, with their differing opinions and quiet support, even the guy who's a complete homophobic asshole, all felt as if they were living on a campus near you.
Well done. Free from the M/M romance group. Excuse me while I check out more by this author.
Read
June 27, 2015If not for the dub-con this is a cute enough coming out story, therefore I'll not rate it.
First, what for me is the turn-off: -
Pledging is lost on me as a Brit, my impression is juvenile pranks often with distasteful undertones; but within the fic it adds to the sense of a boiling pot. To these boys being accepted matters, the social pressure is heightened as is the feel that any decisions/actions here will have repucussions. It also meant the homophobia shown felt extreme without becoming physical.
It's nothing new but T.K.'s conflicts come across well and Carlos (seven) is a sweet character. The writing is good and the two sides of T.K. are clearly shown, the caring reality and the brash face he puts on. I liked the lengths T.K. goes to once he's woken up to things and his stand got my respect, making him worthy of Carlos.
If not for the dub-con I'd rate this a solid 3star, but its not something I can overlook, I really didn't like that scene.
First, what for me is the turn-off: -
Pledging is lost on me as a Brit, my impression is juvenile pranks often with distasteful undertones; but within the fic it adds to the sense of a boiling pot. To these boys being accepted matters, the social pressure is heightened as is the feel that any decisions/actions here will have repucussions. It also meant the homophobia shown felt extreme without becoming physical.
It's nothing new but T.K.'s conflicts come across well and Carlos (seven) is a sweet character. The writing is good and the two sides of T.K. are clearly shown, the caring reality and the brash face he puts on. I liked the lengths T.K. goes to once he's woken up to things and his stand got my respect, making him worthy of Carlos.
If not for the dub-con I'd rate this a solid 3star, but its not something I can overlook, I really didn't like that scene.
August 14, 2013
Really enjoyed this long detailed if not very original college frat coming out story. Both protagonists were clearly described - Carlos' determination to pledge as a gay man, and T.K's confusion and doubt that he ever can come out.
It just takes courage. And love.
It just takes courage. And love.
July 25, 2013
Such a cute story.
This story just flowed. The characters were interesting and specially TK. Such a depth to him, his personality, his fears, his doubts.
We get to see them all from his POV. And the fact that falling for Carlos is easy, scary yes but still felt natural.
The fear of coming out to his brothers, is the bonus angst in the story. But is well done and resolves quickly.
I liked the difference in perspective that the author gave to the scenes with just a change in the way TK addressed Carlos or Seven depending. It was a subtle change but it was there and you could feel it.
This story just flowed. The characters were interesting and specially TK. Such a depth to him, his personality, his fears, his doubts.
We get to see them all from his POV. And the fact that falling for Carlos is easy, scary yes but still felt natural.
The fear of coming out to his brothers, is the bonus angst in the story. But is well done and resolves quickly.
I liked the difference in perspective that the author gave to the scenes with just a change in the way TK addressed Carlos or Seven depending. It was a subtle change but it was there and you could feel it.
September 30, 2014
4.5 Stars rounded up.
Another great story from the "Love Has No Boundaries" collection.
First let me say that Present tense is not my favourite. But please don't let that stop you from reading this really excellent story. Honestly? I was so entranced with the story and the wonderful characters that I didn't even notice until I read someone's comment and promptly scanned back to the story to check! LOL!
According to Ms. Walker's author page, this is her first published story. Well done! I'll be watching for more of her work.
Another great story from the "Love Has No Boundaries" collection.
First let me say that Present tense is not my favourite. But please don't let that stop you from reading this really excellent story. Honestly? I was so entranced with the story and the wonderful characters that I didn't even notice until I read someone's comment and promptly scanned back to the story to check! LOL!
According to Ms. Walker's author page, this is her first published story. Well done! I'll be watching for more of her work.
August 13, 2013
3.5 stars
College coming of age story that I enjoyed, but there was nothing new or groundbreaking in the plot or characters to really stand out. A solid fraternity hazing offering with a requisite dub-con scene that is quickly resolved between the brothers.
College coming of age story that I enjoyed, but there was nothing new or groundbreaking in the plot or characters to really stand out. A solid fraternity hazing offering with a requisite dub-con scene that is quickly resolved between the brothers.
August 22, 2013
What a cute story. I just love reading about frat boys and this story was pretty enjoyable. T.K. and Carlos were an adorable couple and I liked reading about how they got to know each other. There's a little bit of soul searching but not much angst. Just the way I like it.
August 25, 2013
A cute and sweet story! I loved them together! I could have read more about these two! I hated that it ended.
August 16, 2013
I'm a fan of forbidden love, so I loved this story. The author did a great job with the male point of view.
The story flowed nicely; she had great cliffhangers at the end of each chapter that made me want to read more! I couldn't put it down, I read it all in one sitting.
Loved her sense of humor. The humor was subtle, but made me smile in several places. I smiled after I finished, thinking that I need to read it again. Loved the sex scenes, too. Very sexy...she's right, two guys are better than one!
This story felt like it was just the right length. It had a nice pace, it didn't feel rushed at all. Looking forward to more from this author!
The story flowed nicely; she had great cliffhangers at the end of each chapter that made me want to read more! I couldn't put it down, I read it all in one sitting.
Loved her sense of humor. The humor was subtle, but made me smile in several places. I smiled after I finished, thinking that I need to read it again. Loved the sex scenes, too. Very sexy...she's right, two guys are better than one!
This story felt like it was just the right length. It had a nice pace, it didn't feel rushed at all. Looking forward to more from this author!
October 31, 2014
3,5*
I have to give it to the author, she's very talented and had me deeply disliking T.K. From the first page on. She even manages to redeem him to me in very few pages. The whole situation and reactions from T.K. Himself as well as his brothers (gay friendly or homophobes) felt very real. So kudos for this. What bothered me was Seven/Carlos' ongoing attraction to T.K. Even though he's a total jerk.this felt unreal.
I have to give it to the author, she's very talented and had me deeply disliking T.K. From the first page on. She even manages to redeem him to me in very few pages. The whole situation and reactions from T.K. Himself as well as his brothers (gay friendly or homophobes) felt very real. So kudos for this. What bothered me was Seven/Carlos' ongoing attraction to T.K. Even though he's a total jerk.this felt unreal.
October 19, 2013
It was hard for T.K. to accept the truth about himself, but I think Seven aka Carlos was a good match for him. It was nice watching them interact with each other and how T.K. finally had to come to a decision to come out to his other 'brothers'. Also, that little fact about Paulie at the end. :-)
August 17, 2013
College frat boys and first times and coming out? Yes, please! I thoroughly enjoyed this...present tense writing isn't my favorite but I thought this flowed very well and was easy to read. I really enjoyed the characters and thought this was a great response to the photo and prompt. Thanks for a great story!
December 9, 2013
2.5 stars~Hm, I don't think this was for me. I will however round up to three stars because I did adore one of the MCs and also that neither MC *spoiler* chose to stay in the closet, which is usually not the case with pledge fics-it was handled relatively well.
August 13, 2013
Cute enough.
August 31, 2013
This author was spot on with the Story Letter written with the picture. One of the 'in the closet,' storylines. It's a sweet read with an HFN.
September 19, 2013
This is one of my favorite LHNB book so far! I will definitely read this again! It was nice and sweet and totally sexy.
This was a 5 Star read for me!
This was a 5 Star read for me!
October 1, 2013
I enjoyed this short (and free - yay!) story. All the fraternity/pledging stuff was a mystery to me as a Brit but it was written in such a way that I got the hang of it :) Sweet and hot!
August 29, 2013
*Whew* mischief managed!
March 20, 2018
So much sweeter than I'd expected!
Lovely, lovely coming-out story.
Favorite Quote:
"I mean, straight people don't go around saying, 'Hey, guess what? I'm straight!'"
"Well, no. But being straight is..."
He raises his eyebrows. "Normal?"
"That's not what I meant. Assumed."
"Maybe it shouldn't be."
Lovely, lovely coming-out story.
Favorite Quote:
"I mean, straight people don't go around saying, 'Hey, guess what? I'm straight!'"
"Well, no. But being straight is..."
He raises his eyebrows. "Normal?"
"That's not what I meant. Assumed."
"Maybe it shouldn't be."
September 8, 2014
Offered for FREE from the M/M Romance Group's Love Has No Boundaries Anthology: Volume 11. Thank you too all the amazing authors who participated!
Adorable prompt picture, terrible book cover, wonderful story. I really liked this one! It went through the whole range of emotions, was long enough to develop it fully without being so long as the drag out the angst.
August 13, 2013
LHNB Story released 13.8.13
Nice college story of freshman Carlos, pledge number seven, and T.K. the fraternity brother he is partnered with. T.K. is gay but closeted, and undeniably attracted to Carlos from the outset - but it's more insta lust than insta love. The fraternity hasn't ever accepted a gay pledge, and is very homophobic in attitude but the two MC's can't help themselves and eventually are caught kissing by one of the other fraternity brothers. This story was fun but at felt a little predicable, there was the misunderstanding, the hestitant coming out and the HEA as everything turned okay in the end.
Nice college story of freshman Carlos, pledge number seven, and T.K. the fraternity brother he is partnered with. T.K. is gay but closeted, and undeniably attracted to Carlos from the outset - but it's more insta lust than insta love. The fraternity hasn't ever accepted a gay pledge, and is very homophobic in attitude but the two MC's can't help themselves and eventually are caught kissing by one of the other fraternity brothers. This story was fun but at felt a little predicable, there was the misunderstanding, the hestitant coming out and the HEA as everything turned okay in the end.
May 28, 2014
Oh this was a good pledge rush coming out book. I have to say to have the gut to come out because your boyfriend is in danger of being blackballed out of the fraternity pledge class because someone can't believe that being in a frat and being gay are compatable take a great amount of courage. Especiially when you have been closetted gay in the frat for two years. the Sex was hot and unlike some other frat books I have read the inclusion of non sexual pledge hijinx being included help to further the plot.
June 20, 2015
This has been on my tbr shelf for forever...I actually forgot all about it until I saw rave reviews from people whose opinions I trust completely.
I'm so glad I finally got around to reading it. T.K. & Carlos were sexy, lovable and relatable MC's. A great story about a young pledge strong enough to stand by his beliefs and brave enough to express himself and the young man who was lucky enough to snag him...once he faced his fears and accepted himself for who he really was.
Great, sexy, sweet read.
I'm so glad I finally got around to reading it. T.K. & Carlos were sexy, lovable and relatable MC's. A great story about a young pledge strong enough to stand by his beliefs and brave enough to express himself and the young man who was lucky enough to snag him...once he faced his fears and accepted himself for who he really was.
Great, sexy, sweet read.
July 20, 2016
This appealed to me. I liked the way T.K. and Carlos developed their relationship and that T.K was .
[NOTE: I rate most writing event stories (free reads) 4 or 5 stars because of my appreciation of the author's participation.]
[NOTE: I rate most writing event stories (free reads) 4 or 5 stars because of my appreciation of the author's participation.]
March 11, 2014
This was a great read! I looked into it when the author chose my prompt from the M/M Romance Group's yearly writing event, and I was definitely not disappointed. After reading this, I can't wait to see what comes of my prompt. :) Just the right amount of angst, uncertainty, and a good solid HFN ending. *warm fuzzy feeling*
January 31, 2016
This was a lovely read. Enjoyed the characters a
Though I wish life's decisions and outcomes Would be s easy. I wonder has there ever been a book two that charts the ups and downs of speaking out in the basement. The highs and lows of relationships and the strategies that where used to navigate through both the storms and calm seas
Though I wish life's decisions and outcomes Would be s easy. I wonder has there ever been a book two that charts the ups and downs of speaking out in the basement. The highs and lows of relationships and the strategies that where used to navigate through both the storms and calm seas
September 6, 2013
TK is in the closet and perfectly content to stay there until Carlos shows up and rattles his door. Now he's forced to examine his feelings and how things will play out. Then a crisis forces him to step up or give up. It loved to see him struggle and come to his decision.
April 18, 2015
I really enjoyed this story, the characters and the romance. Nice interpretation of the photo and the story letter. Thank you C.M. Walker for donating your story, your time and your talent.
August 14, 2013
Great story about a gay pledge falling for his sorority brother. They overcome being in the closet and surprisingly they have the support of all the brothers except for one. Really nice story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews