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Metronomy
FREE short story, written to be as close as possible to the reader's letter and picture prompt (below).
Dear Author,
I’m not quite sure how I got myself into this bit of mess. But, what I am sure of is that I’m going to need some help getting out of it.
There’s only one man that can come to rescue me from this trouble. Problem is, should he save the day, I might find myself in an even more precarious situation. I can’t seem to keep my hands off him… and in this day and age? That should spell nothing but danger and disaster…
Photo Description:
A man in simple leather coat stands in what could be a crowded arena, a noose is around his neck as if he is about to be hung. His expression is defiant as he looks off to the side— he will not be beaten by this— but he also looks a little resigned, as if he knows this is it for him. There is a blood stain on his tunic, near his shoulder.
This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Love’s Landscapes" 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.
This story may contain sexually explicit content and is intended for adult readers. It may contain content that is disagreeable or distressing to some readers. The M/M Romance Group strongly recommends that each reader review the General Information section before each story for story tags as well as for content warnings.
Dear Author,
I’m not quite sure how I got myself into this bit of mess. But, what I am sure of is that I’m going to need some help getting out of it.
There’s only one man that can come to rescue me from this trouble. Problem is, should he save the day, I might find myself in an even more precarious situation. I can’t seem to keep my hands off him… and in this day and age? That should spell nothing but danger and disaster…
Photo Description:
A man in simple leather coat stands in what could be a crowded arena, a noose is around his neck as if he is about to be hung. His expression is defiant as he looks off to the side— he will not be beaten by this— but he also looks a little resigned, as if he knows this is it for him. There is a blood stain on his tunic, near his shoulder.
This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Love’s Landscapes" 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.
This story may contain sexually explicit content and is intended for adult readers. It may contain content that is disagreeable or distressing to some readers. The M/M Romance Group strongly recommends that each reader review the General Information section before each story for story tags as well as for content warnings.
33 pages, ebook
First published January 1, 2014
85 people want to read
About the author
Suki Fleet
33 books681 followersAbout the author:
Suki Fleet is an award winning author, a prolific Reader (though less prolific than they'd like), and a lover of angst, romance and unexpected love stories.
They write lyrical stories about memorable characters and believe everyone should have a chance at a happy ending.
Their first novel This is Not a Love Story won Best Gay Debut in the 2014 Rainbow Awards, and was a finalist in the 2015 Lambda Awards. Their novel Foxes won Best Gay Young Adult in the 2016 Rainbow Awards.
If you’d like to offer your support and buy Suki Fleet a coffee you can do that here: https://ko-fi.com/sukifleet
If you would like info on upcoming releases and the occasional free story, please sign up to Suki’s newsletter: https://sukifleet.wordpress.com/newsl...
If you’re interested in reading first drafts of Suki’s new stories, or reading stories that are no longer available or cuts that can’t be published on Amazon, and other extras, please consider signing up to Suki’s Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/sukifleet
Suki Fleet is an award winning author, a prolific Reader (though less prolific than they'd like), and a lover of angst, romance and unexpected love stories.
They write lyrical stories about memorable characters and believe everyone should have a chance at a happy ending.
Their first novel This is Not a Love Story won Best Gay Debut in the 2014 Rainbow Awards, and was a finalist in the 2015 Lambda Awards. Their novel Foxes won Best Gay Young Adult in the 2016 Rainbow Awards.
If you’d like to offer your support and buy Suki Fleet a coffee you can do that here: https://ko-fi.com/sukifleet
If you would like info on upcoming releases and the occasional free story, please sign up to Suki’s newsletter: https://sukifleet.wordpress.com/newsl...
If you’re interested in reading first drafts of Suki’s new stories, or reading stories that are no longer available or cuts that can’t be published on Amazon, and other extras, please consider signing up to Suki’s Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/sukifleet
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
April 21, 2019
3.5 Stars
Envision a world where magic and men loving men are forbidden. Rebellion abounds, brother betrays brother, and there’s a literal run for one’s life as the enemy closes in.
Throw in friends to lovers (mainly a stable boy and his magical prince) plus some nice sexy, and you’ve got the makings of a great story.
Another historical fantasy freebie that has so much potential regarding world building and compelling romance. It’s just a shame this was so short and no sequel to continue such an intriguing setup.
Envision a world where magic and men loving men are forbidden. Rebellion abounds, brother betrays brother, and there’s a literal run for one’s life as the enemy closes in.
Throw in friends to lovers (mainly a stable boy and his magical prince) plus some nice sexy, and you’ve got the makings of a great story.
Another historical fantasy freebie that has so much potential regarding world building and compelling romance. It’s just a shame this was so short and no sequel to continue such an intriguing setup.
December 15, 2015
1.5
A short tale about a servant and his magically gifted aristocratic childhood friend. Both are secretly in love with each other (half secretly? ).
However different our birthright, our friendship has always been as equals.
I got opposite perception after reading this but whatever.
I couldn't connect with this story. The story is tagged as historical but it isn't. It just the usual medieval-ish old times where good guys have contemporary mindset.
I didn't like characters. Mouse is sexually frustrated
“If you deny this is what you want, I will not believe you.”
My voice is shaking because despite my words I do expect him to deny it. I expect him to throw me out of the chamber whether he wants this or not. I’m taking a risk. And I have no idea whether it will pay off.
and Hunter acts like he has rights to order animals around.
When we were kids, he’d send me messages by making the spiders in the woods spin crazy webs, or field mice spell out words in the yard outside the tiny hut I lived in. When I tried to teach him how to fish, he made all the fish in the stream come to him, and the birds, well the birds have become his guardians, and mine.
A short tale about a servant and his magically gifted aristocratic childhood friend. Both are secretly in love with each other (half secretly? ).
However different our birthright, our friendship has always been as equals.
I got opposite perception after reading this but whatever.
I couldn't connect with this story. The story is tagged as historical but it isn't. It just the usual medieval-ish old times where good guys have contemporary mindset.
I didn't like characters. Mouse is sexually frustrated
“If you deny this is what you want, I will not believe you.”
My voice is shaking because despite my words I do expect him to deny it. I expect him to throw me out of the chamber whether he wants this or not. I’m taking a risk. And I have no idea whether it will pay off.
and Hunter acts like he has rights to order animals around.
When we were kids, he’d send me messages by making the spiders in the woods spin crazy webs, or field mice spell out words in the yard outside the tiny hut I lived in. When I tried to teach him how to fish, he made all the fish in the stream come to him, and the birds, well the birds have become his guardians, and mine.
April 16, 2015
This was an interesting blend of historical (seemingly 17th century England but with "kingdoms," so it read almost like a fantasy) and paranormal.
The story starts in the middle (one of the MCs is about to be executed, as per the image prompt) and the ending is tentative at best, but I liked the friends-to-lovers theme and the tenderness between the MCs.
I think this had potential to be an awesome longer story.
The story starts in the middle (one of the MCs is about to be executed, as per the image prompt) and the ending is tentative at best, but I liked the friends-to-lovers theme and the tenderness between the MCs.
I think this had potential to be an awesome longer story.
July 24, 2016
Siren has half of the pages this novella has and was much more emotive. This one is an okay story. A friends-to-lovers historical plot with a hint of paranormal and fantasy. Easy to read and with some remarkable scenes.
March 22, 2015
This was really good!
It was a snippet, a glimpse in their lives...and it was an action-packed few scenes.
I am drawn to Suki's writing...there is just something about it that pulls me in.
Lovely short....check it out!
*4 stars*
It was a snippet, a glimpse in their lives...and it was an action-packed few scenes.
I am drawn to Suki's writing...there is just something about it that pulls me in.
Lovely short....check it out!
*4 stars*
June 12, 2014
I use these LL ( LHNB /DRIC etc) stories to broaden my horizons.
I am not a historical fan, but this had a sort of paranormal twist that moved it in to AU for me, which I do like.
Kudos to all the amazing authors donating their time and talent to make our prompts come true.
There's adventure, cloak and dagger, Dr Doolittle, deceit, unrequited love, and a hopeful but not secure ending to their story.
I would have loved more of their history together, but I still got enough to understand their friendship and relationship, I would also have loved an epilogue, but am hopeful of their future.
I am not a historical fan, but this had a sort of paranormal twist that moved it in to AU for me, which I do like.
Kudos to all the amazing authors donating their time and talent to make our prompts come true.
There's adventure, cloak and dagger, Dr Doolittle, deceit, unrequited love, and a hopeful but not secure ending to their story.
I would have loved more of their history together, but I still got enough to understand their friendship and relationship, I would also have loved an epilogue, but am hopeful of their future.
December 11, 2014
I am not very 'picky' in the authenticity of historical element (like language, for example) so I have no issues with what other reviewers who see this negatively. And I can enjoy a paranormal or fantasy element as long as it's not HIGH fantasy. So I can enjoy this story for combining both.
BUT it does feel like it lacks background for me to connect with the characters. I feel like jumping into a scene without any background. The end also feels HFN rather than complete closure. So not exactly a favorite yet but it is a quick enough read to nibble on.
BUT it does feel like it lacks background for me to connect with the characters. I feel like jumping into a scene without any background. The end also feels HFN rather than complete closure. So not exactly a favorite yet but it is a quick enough read to nibble on.
June 4, 2014
I REALLY enjoyed this! Good world building, good characters, left me wanting more.
June 20, 2014
Suki Fleet is an author I've not read before (see already why this is an amazing opportunity?) but I'll definitely be reading her books in the future. At just 33 pages long this story is short. In fact I'm hoping it serves as a prelude to a longer story, even though it works well as a short story in its own right, because I really would like to hear more about Mouse and Hunter.
This is a fantasy story. I love fantasy, yet find the cross-over from mainstream to MM fantasy doesn't always work so well for me. This though, this was great. Magical gifts, friends-to-lovers, running for their lives, enemies, ...it has so many elements I love. I think if you're a fantasy fan you'll appreciate this and (even if you're not) I'd urge you to give it a go. After all, it won't cost you a penny.
June 26, 2015
Thanks for the freebie, but this one is not for me.
The story is set in a fantasy-medieval-esque world with modern language that's not coloured enough to be understood so the result was disconcerting.
I couldn't connect to the characters, I didn't like them. 'Mouse' goes from almost being hanged to obsessing over past kisses and future sodomy, instead of feeling tension over his possible death I was thinking of the poor animals involved in the rescue. The 'equal despite birthright' claim, didn't convince me.
My honest thought - This story is the arse-child of Disney and Hitchcock! What is with the all the animal control? It goes from supposed-to-be impressive to supposed-to-be cute but I found it all creepy and wrong.
It really didn't work for me, it might for you.
The story is set in a fantasy-medieval-esque world with modern language that's not coloured enough to be understood so the result was disconcerting.
I couldn't connect to the characters, I didn't like them. 'Mouse' goes from almost being hanged to obsessing over past kisses and future sodomy, instead of feeling tension over his possible death I was thinking of the poor animals involved in the rescue. The 'equal despite birthright' claim, didn't convince me.
My honest thought - This story is the arse-child of Disney and Hitchcock! What is with the all the animal control? It goes from supposed-to-be impressive to supposed-to-be cute but I found it all creepy and wrong.
It really didn't work for me, it might for you.
June 9, 2014
I liked the characters, the setting, and the world building. My issue was with the plot. It was developing nicely, and there was some great tension, but then it was just...gone...and the story was done. I would have liked a more complete story.
Thank you, Suki Fleet, for sharing your story :)
Thank you, Suki Fleet, for sharing your story :)
June 16, 2014
Offered for FREE from the M/M Romance Group's Love's Landscapes event. Thank you too all the amazing authors who participated!
Squeeeee! Love Johnny Lee Miller! What movie is this pic from? Anywho, the story... unfortunately not great for me for several reasons. People mentioned that the speech wasn't accurate to the time, either I didn't notice that or it just didn't bother me.
But I didn't feel a strong connection to either character, and didn't feel a strong connection between the two men, despite what Mouse says. I liked the way it started where the picture leaves off, and we get a dramatic rescue from Hunter. But then it kind of fizzles. There's an elaborate betrayal and rebellion that they are caught up in, but none of that is really relevant. I think we would have been better off keeping the plot simple. Then there's the magic component, which again, is interesting, but irrelevant to the story beside giving them a convenient out whenever they get into trouble.
Speaking of Hunter's 'gift', this was murky at best. I don't think it's a spoiler to say that he communicates with animals. Fine. Even being able to make animals do his bidding. Fine. But Mouse says he would never make an animal hurt a human, even when the human is trying to kill them. Is this supposed to make me feel better? Because I'm sure when the humans are being attacked/swarmed by animals they have absolutely no qualms about killing said animals in self-defense. But then there was a 180 in Hunter's powers that they do not explain at all . This was again, unnecessary, and didn't make sense.
And unfortunately the 1.5 sex scene(s) were pretty lackluster. Very quick to prep and penetrate (foreplay is for the readers too, not just the bottom!) and then two-pump-chump aaaand we're done.
The ending wasn't sudden exactly, but it reinforces my point that the whole rebellion plot-line was totally pointless , and that it's sole purpose was to push our MC's together and that's it.
June 7, 2014
A potentially good fantasy story marred by a muddled plot and painfully purple prose. "... a dusky obelisk rising from a forest of tight black curls"? No, no, no.
June 5, 2014
I loved the world and characters in this. I think this would have been a five-star read, but the sex scenes were both a little flawed for me.
It also ended a little suddenly. I'd really love to read a sequel about their journey out of the kingdom and an eventual HEA. This is still a worthwhile read and I enjoyed it immensely.
It also ended a little suddenly. I'd really love to read a sequel about their journey out of the kingdom and an eventual HEA. This is still a worthwhile read and I enjoyed it immensely.
June 4, 2014
3.5 Stars
When Mouse is caught spying and sentenced to hang he relies on his friend Hunter to rescue him, which he does, using his magical skill to send a flock of birds to distract the crowd whilst he cuts Mouse from the noose. As the pair flee it Mouse confesses his feelings for Hunter, to find they are returned, but any sort of celebration of their admitted love is interrupted as they are hunted down. With Hunter's magic to save the day the pair finally get a happy for now ending.
I enjoyed this, though first person present tense is probably my least favourite to read. It didn't feel like a complete story though, rather as though it was an introductions to a longer piece.
When Mouse is caught spying and sentenced to hang he relies on his friend Hunter to rescue him, which he does, using his magical skill to send a flock of birds to distract the crowd whilst he cuts Mouse from the noose. As the pair flee it Mouse confesses his feelings for Hunter, to find they are returned, but any sort of celebration of their admitted love is interrupted as they are hunted down. With Hunter's magic to save the day the pair finally get a happy for now ending.
I enjoyed this, though first person present tense is probably my least favourite to read. It didn't feel like a complete story though, rather as though it was an introductions to a longer piece.
June 4, 2014
Wonderful story! An amazing mix of adventure and paranormal--I loved it!
June 5, 2014
Oooooh, this was excellent! Loved the bit of supernatural elements to this, and I really enjoyed the writing...I agree with others, I could definitely read more of this! Thanks for a great story!
June 26, 2017
What a sweet story, beautifully written.
June 4, 2014
I loved this story. I had the honour of reading it through for Suki when she was about to submit it. I loved it then, and love it even more now. It has such depth, just like her other stories. She just has this power to make us love her characters in just a few words. She also has such an efficiency with words that we know, even from a short story, so much about Hunter and Mouse's world. She is very clever, and this story is so cleverly written. We need more now Suki.
June 9, 2015
Interesting story with a neat paranormal theme.i felt like the story ended just as it was getting good. Do they make it away? Where do they go? Do they find others like Hunter read about in books? I am glad they finally got together, though.
May 29, 2018
I mean, it's Suki Fleet. She can do no wrong.
Only complain: this should be a full-length novel, with expanded world-building and the proper background for the characters. It was amazingly developed as this short, but I think it would make an even more awesome novel.
Only complain: this should be a full-length novel, with expanded world-building and the proper background for the characters. It was amazingly developed as this short, but I think it would make an even more awesome novel.
April 29, 2015
This is the prompt that I'd been drawn to last year but had missed out on. I had visions of a masked hero and historical cowboys, very 'Saturday morning pictures' in style. And obviously my vision was very different to Suki's.
We were plonked into the middle of a story as the prompt more or less demanded, but it was a backstory that was easily grasped. Inobtrusive world building gave an unconfusing picture into how things were and what had gone before. I loved Hunter's ability and how contridictory it was to his name (although I did object to him using that ability to control 'Mouse').
This isn't historical, it is obviously set in a fantasy world and I for one am glad that it isn't bogged down with the intricate (and often confusing) details that the genre seems to dictate. Had it been a 300k trilogy I'd have demanded more details but it's a short story, and ultimately a romance, so IMHO I'm glad the author didn't waste words on such matters.
A short story that has me aching to read more and that is always a good thing.
We were plonked into the middle of a story as the prompt more or less demanded, but it was a backstory that was easily grasped. Inobtrusive world building gave an unconfusing picture into how things were and what had gone before. I loved Hunter's ability and how contridictory it was to his name (although I did object to him using that ability to control 'Mouse').
This isn't historical, it is obviously set in a fantasy world and I for one am glad that it isn't bogged down with the intricate (and often confusing) details that the genre seems to dictate. Had it been a 300k trilogy I'd have demanded more details but it's a short story, and ultimately a romance, so IMHO I'm glad the author didn't waste words on such matters.
A short story that has me aching to read more and that is always a good thing.
September 6, 2016
I completely enjoyed the way the picture was used to start this story. A lot of what happened after that, however... not so much.
I had a hard time connecting to the setting, Hunter's abilities seemed to keep switching based on what the situation needed at the time (unless both Mouse and then the Earth itself count as "animals" and can therefore be included in his ability to make animals do what he wants them to?) and then most of all
The idea of Hunter's ability is intriguing, it could just be refined a little. Make it much more clear what specifically he's able to do, and then, as other reviewers have said, not show him taking complete advantage of his abilities in selfish ways.
Favorite Quote:
perhaps the right moment is just the one you have available to you.
I had a hard time connecting to the setting, Hunter's abilities seemed to keep switching based on what the situation needed at the time (unless both Mouse and then the Earth itself count as "animals" and can therefore be included in his ability to make animals do what he wants them to?) and then most of all
The idea of Hunter's ability is intriguing, it could just be refined a little. Make it much more clear what specifically he's able to do, and then, as other reviewers have said, not show him taking complete advantage of his abilities in selfish ways.
Favorite Quote:
perhaps the right moment is just the one you have available to you.
August 11, 2014
I really liked this story it has great potential to become an epic adventure tale if Suki were to .
I loved that the capture and near hanging became a catalyst moment for Mouse to make him tell Hunter how he feels. The addition of the two boys with him was a heartbreaking moment and I was glad that they escaped too.
I enjoyed the addition of magic into this story, and Hunter’s interesting use of them .
I loved that the capture and near hanging became a catalyst moment for Mouse to make him tell Hunter how he feels. The addition of the two boys with him was a heartbreaking moment and I was glad that they escaped too.
I enjoyed the addition of magic into this story, and Hunter’s interesting use of them .
June 5, 2014
First LL story I've read and it's a god start. Very cute fantasy. Fluffy, in the good way.
July 26, 2016
Lovely story! Thanks for taking part <3
August 30, 2016
Nice story :) Thank you!
June 23, 2014
This was really, really good. It has a fantasy setting and plot with great characters. I would love to read more about Hunter and Mouse.
just-because
June 21, 2014STORY INFO:
Genre: historical, paranormal
Tags: friends to lovers, action/adventure, sorcerer, mild peril, domination, rescued from death
Word Count: 10,469
Genre: historical, paranormal
Tags: friends to lovers, action/adventure, sorcerer, mild peril, domination, rescued from death
Word Count: 10,469
December 30, 2015
We start this short novella with our main hero standing on the gallows, ready to be hanged, hoping Hunter will save him. From there, the action starts up until almost the ending, making this short novella impossible to put down. Yeah it's extremely short as it is, yet it was so compelling!
We are not actually given the name of our sole POV, Hunter only calls him "Mouse" a name he accepts only from him, his close friend he always wished would be more even though he is a mere stable boy while Hunter is royalty. Just before Hunter rescues our Mouse he vows to express his true feelings to the ones he cares about if he ever have the chance, which is what he does the second he and Hunter have the time for a conversation, but even a short conversation, or a roll in the sack is not possible with the men that are after them both. Now after Hunter shows his unusual powers while rescuing Mouse he too can't return and so they have to decide what kind of fate they can hope to have.
This story was romantic in almost a non romantic kind of a way. Hunter and Mouse's treat each other somehow a bit gruffly, and yet the connection, friendship and love is all there in the smallest details making it sweeter than it seems.
More Reviews HERE
We are not actually given the name of our sole POV, Hunter only calls him "Mouse" a name he accepts only from him, his close friend he always wished would be more even though he is a mere stable boy while Hunter is royalty. Just before Hunter rescues our Mouse he vows to express his true feelings to the ones he cares about if he ever have the chance, which is what he does the second he and Hunter have the time for a conversation, but even a short conversation, or a roll in the sack is not possible with the men that are after them both. Now after Hunter shows his unusual powers while rescuing Mouse he too can't return and so they have to decide what kind of fate they can hope to have.
This story was romantic in almost a non romantic kind of a way. Hunter and Mouse's treat each other somehow a bit gruffly, and yet the connection, friendship and love is all there in the smallest details making it sweeter than it seems.
More Reviews HERE
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews