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Falling Away
Dear Author,
Completely debauched, wrecked— he’s floating now, but tomorrow the shame will come. Tomorrow he’ll be disgusted all over again at what he’s done. What he’s allowed to be done to him. More than that… what he’s begged for.
And the worst part? He’s so stupid in love with the man he just keeps coming back for more. Because of this moment. This one, right here, when he can believe that he’s loved in return, even if it is only for the night.
See, it’s not the acts they engage in that shame him. It’s not the bondage or the submission or the mind-blowing sex— he finds his strength there. It’s his weakness for the man himself that’s destroying him. Because tomorrow he’ll be gone again.
He can’t go on like this. He tells himself that every time, swears this time will be the last. He needs for there to be a tomorrow, and a next day, and a next day— for them, together. Not just another tomorrow of loss and heartache and picking up the pieces.
But he can’t tell him that… can he?
Photo Description:
A young guy lies cuffed to a table. Exposed, debauched… and completely vulnerable.
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.
Completely debauched, wrecked— he’s floating now, but tomorrow the shame will come. Tomorrow he’ll be disgusted all over again at what he’s done. What he’s allowed to be done to him. More than that… what he’s begged for.
And the worst part? He’s so stupid in love with the man he just keeps coming back for more. Because of this moment. This one, right here, when he can believe that he’s loved in return, even if it is only for the night.
See, it’s not the acts they engage in that shame him. It’s not the bondage or the submission or the mind-blowing sex— he finds his strength there. It’s his weakness for the man himself that’s destroying him. Because tomorrow he’ll be gone again.
He can’t go on like this. He tells himself that every time, swears this time will be the last. He needs for there to be a tomorrow, and a next day, and a next day— for them, together. Not just another tomorrow of loss and heartache and picking up the pieces.
But he can’t tell him that… can he?
Photo Description:
A young guy lies cuffed to a table. Exposed, debauched… and completely vulnerable.
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.
26 pages, ebook
First published June 12, 2013
4 people are currently reading
356 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Henry
104 books2,280 followersI like to tell stories. Mostly with hot guys and happily ever afters. They gotta work for it though. No free lunches on my watch.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 185 reviews
August 30, 2015
you hear the alert.
you see the banner slide onto your screen.
before your eyes focus enough to read the name of the sender, you can tell:
too many letters.
the wrong letters.
the wrong sender.
it's not him.
and you sit there, feeling this thing inside you—the acidic hunger, the hollow ache.
the him-shaped hole.
***
—another alert.
but it's not him.
you go on about your day.
about your week. about your month.
you fill your life with things.
with twitter. with tumblr.
with facebook, and xtube, and goodreads.
especially goodreads.
because if you don't, there's nothing between you and that void. That pathetic need:
want him.want him to want me.
***
alerts come.
hope flares in the dark, in the echoing vastness inside you—
but it's not him.
it's never him.
...until one day it is.
you see the banner slide onto your screen.
before your eyes focus enough to read the name of the sender, you can tell:
too many letters.
the wrong letters.
the wrong sender.
it's not him.
and you sit there, feeling this thing inside you—the acidic hunger, the hollow ache.
the him-shaped hole.
***
—another alert.
but it's not him.
you go on about your day.
about your week. about your month.
you fill your life with things.
with twitter. with tumblr.
with facebook, and xtube, and goodreads.
especially goodreads.
because if you don't, there's nothing between you and that void. That pathetic need:
want him.want him to want me.
***
alerts come.
hope flares in the dark, in the echoing vastness inside you—
but it's not him.
it's never him.
...until one day it is.
June 18, 2013
Chapter 1 was, yawn, boring!
The whispered pleases, the I love it when you beg's, the so hot's...
It's probably because I have been smothered in sex scenes for the last year or so and have become a little blasé. But more importantly, when I get thrown into a sex scene without knowing anything about the MC's other than their names and who is topping who, it's like watching plot-less porn. Which -- doh -- doesn't necessarily have to be a bad thing, no. But what if you can read the under-titles, but can't see the action? So I felt rather disconnected during chapter 1.
Whining over.
I absolutely loved everything after chapter 1! I smiled, I grinned, I gave in to sudden bouts of emo craziness... I started googling pictures of cute, kissing emo boys for no particular reason. Because it's not like Ben was emo at all. But Jason's anguish, hope and tsunami of feels over his love interest was.
Deliciously emo.
Anyway, it doesn't matter, because while googling I accidentally came across some emo kid called Dan Banana, who slowly, very slowly licked a banana. And I kind of lost track of what I was supposed to be doing. Which was writing a review for Falling Away.
So, no review. I screwed up, okay? Just go read this emotional, heartwarming, little bundle of happiness. You won't regret it!
ps...the author apparently has a green tree frog, that swims around in her toilet. Anyone else wants her to prove that?;)
The whispered pleases, the I love it when you beg's, the so hot's...
It's probably because I have been smothered in sex scenes for the last year or so and have become a little blasé. But more importantly, when I get thrown into a sex scene without knowing anything about the MC's other than their names and who is topping who, it's like watching plot-less porn. Which -- doh -- doesn't necessarily have to be a bad thing, no. But what if you can read the under-titles, but can't see the action? So I felt rather disconnected during chapter 1.
Whining over.
I absolutely loved everything after chapter 1! I smiled, I grinned, I gave in to sudden bouts of emo craziness... I started googling pictures of cute, kissing emo boys for no particular reason. Because it's not like Ben was emo at all. But Jason's anguish, hope and tsunami of feels over his love interest was.
Deliciously emo.
Anyway, it doesn't matter, because while googling I accidentally came across some emo kid called Dan Banana, who slowly, very slowly licked a banana. And I kind of lost track of what I was supposed to be doing. Which was writing a review for Falling Away.
So, no review. I screwed up, okay? Just go read this emotional, heartwarming, little bundle of happiness. You won't regret it!
ps...the author apparently has a green tree frog, that swims around in her toilet. Anyone else wants her to prove that?;)
September 12, 2016
I read this in short car trip (there and back).
This is so beautifully written. So short and so good. I love how Jason's emotions are displayed. His fears, his doubts, his sense of completion when he's with Ben, and the sense of void when he's not with him.
Ben doesn't do relationships. At first, Jason was ok with that.
But he can't go on like this anymore.
He wants more.
But if he opens his heart, everything they have, however small, will end, right?
And it's funny because I didn't have time nor patience to learn to like Ben.
But I loved Jason. So much.
*****
You can read it for free here.
This is so beautifully written. So short and so good. I love how Jason's emotions are displayed. His fears, his doubts, his sense of completion when he's with Ben, and the sense of void when he's not with him.
Ben doesn't do relationships. At first, Jason was ok with that.
But he can't go on like this anymore.
He wants more.
But if he opens his heart, everything they have, however small, will end, right?
And it's funny because I didn't have time nor patience to learn to like Ben.
But I loved Jason. So much.
*****
You can read it for free here.
January 29, 2015
Written January 21, 2014
4 1/2 Huge Stars - painfully beautiful, and of course way too short...
My God, how many wonderful shorty stories from MM Romance Group are written, which I have to read? Falling Away was yet another great, heartbreaking good, gem.
The short tale about Jason and Ben twisted my heart and I felt with Jason's pain. So beautifully described.
Everything I've read by Lisa Henry has been amazing. Always with a touch of darkness, some light kink and bleeding hearts, but so good. Painful good! ~ ...yet one that met my expectations. ~ Recommended!
I LIKE - just a perfect LH story..., again!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Thanks to Lena who recommended this shortie!
The freebie: http://www.mmromancegroup.com/3536
The task and photo: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
4 1/2 Huge Stars - painfully beautiful, and of course way too short...
My God, how many wonderful shorty stories from MM Romance Group are written, which I have to read? Falling Away was yet another great, heartbreaking good, gem.
The short tale about Jason and Ben twisted my heart and I felt with Jason's pain. So beautifully described.
‘Maybe this time Ben would ask him to stay… Maybe just this once
“You were great tonight.” Ben said.
“Thanks,” Jason managed. “You too.”
Ben’s answering smile, full of genuine delight— full of empty promise— was almost too much to bear.’
‘But it wasn’t the things they did— the things Jason had begged for— that ashamed him. It wasn’t the need for bondage, or pain, or submission that frightened him; it was the need for Ben.’
Everything I've read by Lisa Henry has been amazing. Always with a touch of darkness, some light kink and bleeding hearts, but so good. Painful good! ~ ...yet one that met my expectations. ~ Recommended!
I LIKE - just a perfect LH story..., again!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Thanks to Lena who recommended this shortie!
The freebie: http://www.mmromancegroup.com/3536
The task and photo: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
June 13, 2013
Those who have been my friends for quite awhile will probably know I emphasize on "feels" when I read a story. It doesn't have to be over the top drama or angst pimping tear-jerker stories, but those that can squeeze my heart tight and choke up are the ones I love. I know that Lisa does quite a number of BDSM theme, which unfortunately, not my cup of tea. But this one is short and I was intrigued with the blurb.
Guess what, Lisa? I loved it. I LOVED IT.
This short (why so short?!? *whines*) story was written from Jason's perspective (3rd person). I loved the story right away because even if it started with a BDSM scene, but it focused on Jason's inner feelings. Jason did agree to unattached relationship in the beginning when Ben said that he didn't do relationship; so it wasn't like it was Ben's fault.
However, the longer he was with Ben, Jason realized that he wanted more from Ben than just being good fuck buddies. His heart ached because he wanted Ben to ask him to stay. His vulnerability touched me deep and my heart ached along with him as Jason struggled to decide whether he could continue being with Ben without a promise of something more.
The conversation between Jason and his brother was another thing I liked -- it was always good to read about siblings. Ben, was still a little bit of enigma for me, but it was mostly because of the length limitation and the fact that the story was from Jason's. However, when Ben , well, it was just the perfect moment.
Beautifully written, touched my heart, right up my alley. Definitely one of my early favorites from Love Has No Boundaries event.
Guess what, Lisa? I loved it. I LOVED IT.
This short (why so short?!? *whines*) story was written from Jason's perspective (3rd person). I loved the story right away because even if it started with a BDSM scene, but it focused on Jason's inner feelings. Jason did agree to unattached relationship in the beginning when Ben said that he didn't do relationship; so it wasn't like it was Ben's fault.
However, the longer he was with Ben, Jason realized that he wanted more from Ben than just being good fuck buddies. His heart ached because he wanted Ben to ask him to stay. His vulnerability touched me deep and my heart ached along with him as Jason struggled to decide whether he could continue being with Ben without a promise of something more.
The conversation between Jason and his brother was another thing I liked -- it was always good to read about siblings. Ben, was still a little bit of enigma for me, but it was mostly because of the length limitation and the fact that the story was from Jason's. However, when Ben , well, it was just the perfect moment.
Beautifully written, touched my heart, right up my alley. Definitely one of my early favorites from Love Has No Boundaries event.
June 16, 2013
This might be Lisa Henry's best writing ever :)
It's about the emotional pull of submission, not physical actions. So, just a tiny sugary scenelet, and lots of feels. You should try it even if you don't usually like BDSM themes.
It's about the emotional pull of submission, not physical actions. So, just a tiny sugary scenelet, and lots of feels. You should try it even if you don't usually like BDSM themes.
September 29, 2020
3 Stars
This had the bones of a really engaging and potentially wonderful BDSM themed M/M romance.
In truth, I enjoyed this quite a bit, considering it’s only 26 pages long. Although, I do find myself—as I often do after reading short stories—wishing that this were longer. (What can I say? I’m greedy like that.)
I didn’t get to feel too connected to Ben, the love interest, but MC Jason provided enough emotional gravitas in his all too brief story that I couldn’t help but be impressed by how immersed I was, so quickly, in his life and in his love for Ben.
This was another shockingly quick but worthwhile DRitC story. The fact it’s free AND written by the incomparable Lisa Henry made the decision to read it all too easy for me.
This had the bones of a really engaging and potentially wonderful BDSM themed M/M romance.
In truth, I enjoyed this quite a bit, considering it’s only 26 pages long. Although, I do find myself—as I often do after reading short stories—wishing that this were longer. (What can I say? I’m greedy like that.)
I didn’t get to feel too connected to Ben, the love interest, but MC Jason provided enough emotional gravitas in his all too brief story that I couldn’t help but be impressed by how immersed I was, so quickly, in his life and in his love for Ben.
This was another shockingly quick but worthwhile DRitC story. The fact it’s free AND written by the incomparable Lisa Henry made the decision to read it all too easy for me.
July 17, 2014
A straight 5* and that inspite of the fact that the author was on the short side of hit and miss for me twice before. But as the saying is, third time is good!
And it is bloody good! A real first-class tearjerker, with well-expressed male emotions, the (mainly S&M) BDSM got entirely right and beautifully expressed, especially the pain part, a fabulous inner dialogue at constant counterpoint and written out subtext to what is spoken, repressed guys--what more do you want? Nothing for me, that was perfect!
Recommended for everyone seeking some insight into BDSM and fucked up emotions. :)
And it is bloody good! A real first-class tearjerker, with well-expressed male emotions, the (mainly S&M) BDSM got entirely right and beautifully expressed, especially the pain part, a fabulous inner dialogue at constant counterpoint and written out subtext to what is spoken, repressed guys--what more do you want? Nothing for me, that was perfect!
Recommended for everyone seeking some insight into BDSM and fucked up emotions. :)
June 13, 2013
Shortie review for an all-too-short freebie from the LHNB event. Yet another I've loved. Lisa's writing seems to get better and better. 4.5 stars and
....wonderful!!This is the story of Jason's relationship with his Dom Ben, told from Jason's POV. Chock full of his feelings, emotion, hope, anguish...it was terrific!! Jason's feelings for Ben have turned to love
but he has no idea if Ben feels the same....will they stay as Friday night f**k buddies or is there the slightest chance that it can turn into something more...the something that Jason desperately wants and feels he will never get?? Read it and find out. Highly recommended. Many thanks Lisa. x
November 9, 2014
4.5 stars
It still amazes me when I come across a free story of this caliber. This was an IN-TENSE short story for me. It was a bit out of my normal comfort zone but WOW I'm glad I took a chance. I would love to read more about Ben & Jase but I'm completely satisfied with how it ended.
Thank you for sharing your time and talent, Lisa Henry!
It still amazes me when I come across a free story of this caliber. This was an IN-TENSE short story for me. It was a bit out of my normal comfort zone but WOW I'm glad I took a chance. I would love to read more about Ben & Jase but I'm completely satisfied with how it ended.
Thank you for sharing your time and talent, Lisa Henry!
December 1, 2013
4, 5 -feeling like ♥♥♥♥♥ -★!!
Do you know this feeling?..
When you want something will never end?
How often have you read a book much more longer as it supposed to be because you don't want it to be over?
Because you've read it SLOWLY, taken you time enjoying every SINGLE WORD?
It'll blow your mind, he'd said. Nothing about what it would do to his heart.
A small jewel.
A short story, only 26 pages, has more feelings, emotions and intensity than some full length books.
FUCKING BRILLIANT.
Highly recommended.
June 4, 2015
You’re home. You’re loved. You’re his.
In that moment it was perfect.
In that moment Jason was complete.
Then Ben reached up matter-of-factly to unbuckle the cuffs, and the moment shattered.
His world did, too.
This was emotional and beautifully written. The angst, the hope, the vulnerability, the need, the want, the longing--they're all so very palpable. Loved it!
In that moment it was perfect.
In that moment Jason was complete.
Then Ben reached up matter-of-factly to unbuckle the cuffs, and the moment shattered.
His world did, too.
This was emotional and beautifully written. The angst, the hope, the vulnerability, the need, the want, the longing--they're all so very palpable. Loved it!
May 18, 2015
Tentative HFN, one short (but explosive!) sex scene, and FEELS for MILES.
Lisa Henry is the QUEEN.
Bow down, ye who enter here.
Lisa Henry is the QUEEN.
Bow down, ye who enter here.
Read
June 12, 2013Yay, it's my LHNB story!
I had so much fun writing this, and it's been great reading all the LHNB stories that are offered for FREE at the MM Romance Group.
Thanks for reading!
I had so much fun writing this, and it's been great reading all the LHNB stories that are offered for FREE at the MM Romance Group.
Thanks for reading!
August 6, 2013
Falling Away is my (so far) all-time favorite of the LHNB series. I'm utterly wrecked I only got 26 pages of story here. Wrecked! I need, like, 200 more pages, from Ben and Jason's first meeting, to their Friday night liaisons and beyond…
This story is poetry!
Exhibit A, as Jason is reflecting on his longing, his desire, his need for Ben in his life:
Ben had become his lifeline in a black, wind-whipped ocean. Ben was the quiet in the eye of the storm. But Jason could never hold onto him--Ben wouldn't allow that--and when he was cast adrift again, dumped into the next trough, falling away, he discovered that he was drowning.
Break my heart, boys!
Ah, so, so good. Highly recommend.
This story is poetry!
Exhibit A, as Jason is reflecting on his longing, his desire, his need for Ben in his life:
Ben had become his lifeline in a black, wind-whipped ocean. Ben was the quiet in the eye of the storm. But Jason could never hold onto him--Ben wouldn't allow that--and when he was cast adrift again, dumped into the next trough, falling away, he discovered that he was drowning.
Break my heart, boys!
Ah, so, so good. Highly recommend.
June 12, 2013
I'm not into bdsm at all, but I still decided to give this a chance because I really liked the prompt. And I'm glad a did! Maybe if the sex had been longer and more hardcore I wouldn't have, but this focused more on Jason and his feelings, so I really did end up enjoying it a lot.
June 12, 2013
Hot as hell with a great HEA. Thumbs up!
October 10, 2016
Nada del otro mundo, mal no está, pero tampoco ofrece nada destacable.
Demasiado corto para que te pueda emocionar de alguna manera.
Demasiado corto para que te pueda emocionar de alguna manera.
January 9, 2014
I Like Jason and Ben, and I want MORE
This was sexy, and sweet, and emotional, and nerve-racking ... and I really want MORE!
This was sexy, and sweet, and emotional, and nerve-racking ... and I really want MORE!
June 17, 2013
Well-done.
This is one of those shorts that work fine as they are, but that could easily be expanded into a longer story to further explore the dynamic between the characters.
This is one of those shorts that work fine as they are, but that could easily be expanded into a longer story to further explore the dynamic between the characters.
June 25, 2013
Like Jason and Ben, I want more.
This was sexy, it was sweet, it was funny ("I'm not some emotionally retarded fuckup." "You're not?"), and it made me cry. A very entertaining short story with lovely writing. I'll definitely read more by this author.
This was sexy, it was sweet, it was funny ("I'm not some emotionally retarded fuckup." "You're not?"), and it made me cry. A very entertaining short story with lovely writing. I'll definitely read more by this author.
January 13, 2014
Short, strong, beautiful ...
Love it!
Love it!
July 8, 2013
Falling Away was as gripping and passionate as the blurb promised. The writing pulls you right in and you can almost touch the need in each of Jason's pleas, palpable as it is.
"Please," he whispered. "Please, Ben"... over and over until it became like a mantra. A prayer.
Despite not being a gloomy cesspool of angst, the emotion in this is a huge factor and you really connect with the story and the characters. The premise really is quite simple and not at all original, however the execution was vivid and it was real. You become invested in the Jason and his whole love me, love me not strife, even as the little voice in the back of your head says Good lord, it's another Fail Communication Skills story. I bet there's gonna be a Big Misunderstanding. But of course, that little voice in the back if my head was KO'd and smashed to little bits by the raw feels.
Anyway, this was a gorgeous story and it was sheer pleasure watching them fall together.
Rating: 4.25
"Please," he whispered. "Please, Ben"... over and over until it became like a mantra. A prayer.
Despite not being a gloomy cesspool of angst, the emotion in this is a huge factor and you really connect with the story and the characters. The premise really is quite simple and not at all original, however the execution was vivid and it was real. You become invested in the Jason and his whole love me, love me not strife, even as the little voice in the back of your head says Good lord, it's another Fail Communication Skills story. I bet there's gonna be a Big Misunderstanding. But of course, that little voice in the back if my head was KO'd and smashed to little bits by the raw feels.
Anyway, this was a gorgeous story and it was sheer pleasure watching them fall together.
Rating: 4.25
February 9, 2015
When what you want, what you honestly crave becomes what your reality should be, but it isn't... yet. That's a chilling, exciting, fucking scary as hell kind of moment.
The want.
The desperation.
The cold doubt.
The sharp rationalization.
The shivering hope.
The quaking bravery.
The choking fear.
The falling bliss.
Are you kidding me, Ms Henry?? How dare you yank my heart and pitch it down onto the gritty, cold ground??? And then... make me grin like an idiot???? Thanks for writing about my life. Aaaaaaaaaaaaaand *scene*.
And all of this in a mere 23 pages. If you know what's good for you, we'll get to find out what life has in store for Jason and Ben. ;)
The want.
The desperation.
The cold doubt.
The sharp rationalization.
The shivering hope.
The quaking bravery.
The choking fear.
The falling bliss.
Are you kidding me, Ms Henry?? How dare you yank my heart and pitch it down onto the gritty, cold ground??? And then... make me grin like an idiot???? Thanks for writing about my life. Aaaaaaaaaaaaaand *scene*.
And all of this in a mere 23 pages. If you know what's good for you, we'll get to find out what life has in store for Jason and Ben. ;)
June 17, 2013
4.5 stars
This LHNB story was full of emotion for such a short read. Would love to see these two in a full length story.
This LHNB story was full of emotion for such a short read. Would love to see these two in a full length story.
December 6, 2013
Love, love, love this short, sweet and hot story! Thank you Lena for your recommendation!
December 6, 2021
2,5 estrellas. Un MM que no está mal, pero es demasiado corto.
#popsugar21 Reto 44: El libro de tu lista TBR con la portada más fea.
#popsugar21 Reto 44: El libro de tu lista TBR con la portada más fea.
May 25, 2015
Sigh… Just everything I read of Lisa Henry’s is amazing. Whether it’s dark or romantic. It always touches my heart.
This short story was no exception…
“He’d never known it could be like that. Never before found that place where sex was something more, something larger than the act. Where it became about trust, and openness, and belonging. It wasn’t just the ritual – the silence, the kneeling, the waiting for Ben’s voice and his touch – and it wasn’t just the toys. It was everything. Jason let Ben lay him bare, strip everything away, and he’d never done that before, not with anyone."
***************************
“Of all the times that Ben had taken Jason to the edge, this was the most exhilarating. This was the time that threatened to leave him breathless, falling into an unknown place. Without Ben guiding him, reassuring him, because this time, Jason knew, they’d both be falling away."
***************************
This story is a free story from Goodreads M/M Romance Group (Don’t read in the Closet Events)
http://www.mmromancegroup.com/falling...
February 12, 2017
Una auténtica pena que sea tan corta, en pocas páginas la autora se las arregla para crear una historia y unos protagonistas interesantes. Lo he disfrutado. Y es gratis...
November 14, 2014
It started as just an arrangement. You know of the fuck buddy variety.
Every Friday.
But somewhere along the way it changed for Jase.
You’re home. You’re loved. You’re his.
Lisa Henry. *sigh*
Every Friday.
But somewhere along the way it changed for Jase.
Jason was sleepwalking through his own life, just counting off the hours, just waiting for Ben to wake him again.
“I’ve got you, Jase. Good boy. So good.”
You’re home. You’re loved. You’re his.
Lisa Henry. *sigh*
Displaying 1 - 30 of 185 reviews