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Short North #1
Watching Elijah Fall
Dear Author,
I signed up for this class to get my friends off my back. They’ve been bugging me to get out and try something new ever since my ex left me— right after cleaning out our joint checking account and half our belongings. Nothing says we’re through like a negative balance and missing flat screen…
So I signed up for this photography class thinking I’d learn a few new tricks behind the lens. I wasn’t planning on finding this man. He’s gorgeous, smart, and so damn sexy I can’t concentrate in class. Did I forget to mention he’s the teacher? How the hell am I supposed to pay attention to exposures when all I want to do is run my hands over every inch of his taut body?
Photo Description:
A man looks out from a black-and-white photograph. He is beautiful and shirtless, with a stubble-covered jaw and a hint of what might be a smile. He rests his hand lightly against his chin and cheek. He has clear pale eyes under heavy brows. Lips slightly parted, he studies the one behind the camera with an intimate gaze.
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.
I signed up for this class to get my friends off my back. They’ve been bugging me to get out and try something new ever since my ex left me— right after cleaning out our joint checking account and half our belongings. Nothing says we’re through like a negative balance and missing flat screen…
So I signed up for this photography class thinking I’d learn a few new tricks behind the lens. I wasn’t planning on finding this man. He’s gorgeous, smart, and so damn sexy I can’t concentrate in class. Did I forget to mention he’s the teacher? How the hell am I supposed to pay attention to exposures when all I want to do is run my hands over every inch of his taut body?
Photo Description:
A man looks out from a black-and-white photograph. He is beautiful and shirtless, with a stubble-covered jaw and a hint of what might be a smile. He rests his hand lightly against his chin and cheek. He has clear pale eyes under heavy brows. Lips slightly parted, he studies the one behind the camera with an intimate gaze.
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.
55 pages, ebook
First published July 6, 2014
60 people are currently reading
329 people want to read
About the author
Amy Spector
32 books125 followersAmy Spector grew up in the United States surviving on a steady diet of old horror movies, television reruns and mystery novels.
After years of blogging about comic books, vintage Gothic romance book cover illustrations, and a shameful amount about herself, she decided to try her hand at writing stories. She found it more than a little like talking about herself in third person, and that suited her just fine.
She blames Universal for her love of horror, Edward Gorey for her love of British drama and writing for awakening the romantic that was probably there all along.
Amy lives in the Midwest with her husband and children, and her cats Poe, Goji, and Nekō.
After years of blogging about comic books, vintage Gothic romance book cover illustrations, and a shameful amount about herself, she decided to try her hand at writing stories. She found it more than a little like talking about herself in third person, and that suited her just fine.
She blames Universal for her love of horror, Edward Gorey for her love of British drama and writing for awakening the romantic that was probably there all along.
Amy lives in the Midwest with her husband and children, and her cats Poe, Goji, and Nekō.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 142 reviews
March 14, 2017
I truly wish I could tell you just why in the hell I liked this short story so much, but... I really can't.
It was light, nearly conflict-free and I just breezed through this free read like like a hyped-up puppy through a half-opened front door.
But when I finished? I was smiling and felt happier than when I started.
So if you're looking for something along those lines, this just might be the one. : )
4.25 stars.
** The Goodreads link to this Amazon free read is broken, but the direct link is here, if you want it:
https://www.amazon.com/Watching-Elija...
March 30, 2015
This is a lovely, slower-paced story about two wounded men finding love again.
I was drawn not just to Jacob and Elijah but to the secondary characters as well, particularly Evan.
There's not a lot of backstory filler, but the details — Elijah's gentle touch in the darkroom, Jacob's prints of his grandparents — really come alive.
This story is all sweetness, no steam, a quiet exploration of hurt, comfort, and friendship.
I love the image prompt, and I like the play on Elijah's name in the title.
In the epilogue, he's falling no longer.
I was drawn not just to Jacob and Elijah but to the secondary characters as well, particularly Evan.
There's not a lot of backstory filler, but the details — Elijah's gentle touch in the darkroom, Jacob's prints of his grandparents — really come alive.
This story is all sweetness, no steam, a quiet exploration of hurt, comfort, and friendship.
I love the image prompt, and I like the play on Elijah's name in the title.
In the epilogue, he's falling no longer.
May 19, 2018
3 stars!
A sweet and cute quickie perfect for in between reads! I’m gonna sound like a broken record because I’ll say again I wished it would I’d been longer and that’s the only reason I’m giving it three stars other than that it was a good story just wanted to see this guys together more, at least a few more chapters. That epilogue was just lovely though left me smiling.❤️
Thanks for another awesome rec Selene 😍
A sweet and cute quickie perfect for in between reads! I’m gonna sound like a broken record because I’ll say again I wished it would I’d been longer and that’s the only reason I’m giving it three stars other than that it was a good story just wanted to see this guys together more, at least a few more chapters. That epilogue was just lovely though left me smiling.❤️
Thanks for another awesome rec Selene 😍
August 31, 2016
Actual rating 4.5 stars
Well, wasn't this quite the little gem!!! This was a cute short story about two men working through their own heartbreak/loss and trying to move on.
Loved it and a big thanks to Caz for the recommendation!!
Well, wasn't this quite the little gem!!! This was a cute short story about two men working through their own heartbreak/loss and trying to move on.
Loved it and a big thanks to Caz for the recommendation!!
February 5, 2017
What a wonderful little gem. Going in, I had no idea it would be so full of feels. I read it last night, but its melancholic yet hopeful tone still follows me.
“Sometimes it’s painful to let go."
July 16, 2014
Beautiful, Amy. Thank you!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XE2fnY...
A lovely, gentle, romantic story about two men overcoming disappointment and loss and being able to move on.
There was a subtle build up of emotion and I really liked the way that this seemed to me realistic and genuine, and probably from the author's heart.
I did not find this an easy story to read because of its subject matter, but books are not there to be easy and nor is life.
This story made me feel, and you can't ask for more than that.
I loved the writing, the characters and the quiet hope.
Read
December 29, 2020Calm down, I'm not actually going to rate my own story, if only for the fact that I my own harshest critic. But, since I don't have access to my Goodreads Author Page yet, I wanted to share the cover design for Watching Elijah Fall for out-of-group downloads.
I didn't think to create a separate cover until the last second so, it won't be part of the mmromance initial download. But this will be the cover used for downloads from additional sites where I plan post it as a freebie. :)
I'm more than a little excited about it.
I didn't think to create a separate cover until the last second so, it won't be part of the mmromance initial download. But this will be the cover used for downloads from additional sites where I plan post it as a freebie. :)
I'm more than a little excited about it.
July 21, 2015
4.5 stars
This was perfection. The writing was very well done, the style was wonderful, and I kind of want to hug my kindle right now after reading it.
I loved that this was a story about moving on. There were no miscommunications, angst, misunderstandings or big drama, just a tender, slow blooming romance. The secondary characters were great, and extra points for having a strong woman that didn't fall into the stereotypical characterisation.
My only wish was that it were longer - that we could witness more of the relationship between Jacob and Elijah once they came together. If this were expanded to a novella I would be absolutely giddy.
I also loved Evan; I wanted to hug him and would love to read his story.
A wonderful contribution to the Loves Landscapes event. Highly recommended.
This was perfection. The writing was very well done, the style was wonderful, and I kind of want to hug my kindle right now after reading it.
I loved that this was a story about moving on. There were no miscommunications, angst, misunderstandings or big drama, just a tender, slow blooming romance. The secondary characters were great, and extra points for having a strong woman that didn't fall into the stereotypical characterisation.
My only wish was that it were longer - that we could witness more of the relationship between Jacob and Elijah once they came together. If this were expanded to a novella I would be absolutely giddy.
I also loved Evan; I wanted to hug him and would love to read his story.
A wonderful contribution to the Loves Landscapes event. Highly recommended.
September 12, 2015
A sweet, slowly developing romance with warm and beautiful flashes of family, friendship, and art, plus a slight touch of humor.
Recommended!
Recommended!
August 27, 2014
When five stars is not enough...
I read five-star stories all the time - based on my interpretation of what five stars means to me (captures me, keeps me there and doesn't let me go until the story is done), but Watching Elijah Fall?
From the first time I saw the title, it ensnared me. Watching Elijah Fall - repeat it to yourself a few times, and feel it - the gentle, helpless fall-to-the-knees of soul-deep sadness, captured in three words. Now imagine carefully scooping that up into your hands, and holding it as if it were the most fragile baby animal and only you can save it.
The story itself, I can't give words to. I coveted this story. I wished I had written it. I'll admit it took me a few pages to get into it, but that first connection between the main characters...blew me away.
To suggest this should be a full-length novel would be foolish on my part, not least because it would deny the beauty of this story that is just about a novella in length (around 17K). It would also probably see me requiring resuscitation, because Amy Spector's writing takes my breath away. I am not exaggerating. There are very few authors that can do this to me, but what happens is I get so caught up in the action, the chemistry, the emotions, the feeling, believing, overwhelming wonder of that magic happening before my eyes, I forget to breathe.
I am a great believer in each to their own, and all of us have stories that touch us, or do not. This, for me (and in spite of the verb "to lay" naughtily sneaking in a couple of times) is perfection; you should read it.
(What I would love to see is this story as part of a novel, perhaps the opening section, with parts to follow on the rest of the guys <= this would be what you call a not-so-subtle and optimistic hint at the author.)
I read five-star stories all the time - based on my interpretation of what five stars means to me (captures me, keeps me there and doesn't let me go until the story is done), but Watching Elijah Fall?
From the first time I saw the title, it ensnared me. Watching Elijah Fall - repeat it to yourself a few times, and feel it - the gentle, helpless fall-to-the-knees of soul-deep sadness, captured in three words. Now imagine carefully scooping that up into your hands, and holding it as if it were the most fragile baby animal and only you can save it.
The story itself, I can't give words to. I coveted this story. I wished I had written it. I'll admit it took me a few pages to get into it, but that first connection between the main characters...blew me away.
To suggest this should be a full-length novel would be foolish on my part, not least because it would deny the beauty of this story that is just about a novella in length (around 17K). It would also probably see me requiring resuscitation, because Amy Spector's writing takes my breath away. I am not exaggerating. There are very few authors that can do this to me, but what happens is I get so caught up in the action, the chemistry, the emotions, the feeling, believing, overwhelming wonder of that magic happening before my eyes, I forget to breathe.
I am a great believer in each to their own, and all of us have stories that touch us, or do not. This, for me (and in spite of the verb "to lay" naughtily sneaking in a couple of times) is perfection; you should read it.
(What I would love to see is this story as part of a novel, perhaps the opening section, with parts to follow on the rest of the guys <= this would be what you call a not-so-subtle and optimistic hint at the author.)
August 29, 2016
4.5 DELIGHTFUL STARS!
This book was a little gem!
No angst, just two gentle, kind souls overcoming loss in different ways and coming together in one heart stopping moment.
A very short but captivating read, read in one sitting!
This book was a little gem!
No angst, just two gentle, kind souls overcoming loss in different ways and coming together in one heart stopping moment.
A very short but captivating read, read in one sitting!
May 19, 2018
*** Amazing short romantic story !***
Jacob, 28, is dealing with a fresh break-up
where his ex keeps drunk calling him. His friends are helpful and get him interested in a photography class. Jacob is stunned by the beautiful man, Elijah Fall, 35, who teaches the class.
Through their pictures, these two expand their friendly relationship. Jacob steps up to protect Elijah from a pushy ex, we get super sweet kisses, and a terrific ending.
Well done short story (no sex), fun, terrific characters, and an interesting tale.
Wonderful ! ENJOY !
==================
Jacob, 28, is dealing with a fresh break-up
where his ex keeps drunk calling him. His friends are helpful and get him interested in a photography class. Jacob is stunned by the beautiful man, Elijah Fall, 35, who teaches the class.
Through their pictures, these two expand their friendly relationship. Jacob steps up to protect Elijah from a pushy ex, we get super sweet kisses, and a terrific ending.
Well done short story (no sex), fun, terrific characters, and an interesting tale.
Wonderful ! ENJOY !
==================
August 11, 2014
This was a great read and I hope, this author is writing her next book, as I'm looking forward to reading it!
March 18, 2017
Un relato corto muy sencillo (no simple), adorable y muy romántico.
Temas con mucho calado tratados con elegancia y senbilidad.
Lo he disfrutado mucho.
Temas con mucho calado tratados con elegancia y senbilidad.
Lo he disfrutado mucho.
July 20, 2014
Offered for FREE from the M/M Romance Group's Love's Landscapes event. Thank you too all the amazing authors who participated!
*Swoon* That pic. That story. Just lovely.
"I think," I confessed, a finger playing with the hair at the back of his neck, "I think that I've wanted to kiss you since the first class when I looked at your photographs." I was unable to stop the smile on my lips. "I know that sounds crazy, but I felt like I could see your heart, and as gorgeous as you are Elijah, it's still the most beautiful thing about you."
He smiled then, a smile that lit his eyes, tugging me so that I sat, a knee on either side of his thighs, his arms wrapping around me to pull me close. "I think maybe I wanted to kiss you since the day a picture in my portfolio nearly made you cry," he said in a whisper, his lips moving against mine as he spoke.
I'll say again. *Swoon*
July 31, 2015
I adored this!! I loved Jacob and felt that Elijah was perfect for him. Lots of fantastic secondary characters too, especially for a short story.
March 28, 2017
He looked tired and slightly rumpled, and I found him more appealing in his imperfection than I had two nights before.
The different parts of this came together so well. This is essentially a story about grieving—but that sounds like it’s a downer, and it’s not. Jacob has just been dumped by his ass of a boyfriend, and Elijah lost his beloved husband, tragically, in a car accident. When Jacob signs up for Elijah’s photography class, let’s just say things start developing. In searching for something meaningful and deeper, these two guys, who on the surface are quite gorgeous, find something beautiful within each other.
The beginning of the story was a bit rocky and there are some rough edges, but this didn’t keep me from reading. At its core, this story is also about tenderness and connection and friendship. I really enjoyed it. (and it’s a freebie!)
March 13, 2017
You know the feeling. When you're sitting in front of your college gate, sipping your favourite chai from your favourite vendor, jabbering about the recent fuck eye the stranger on the footpath gave you, even though he looked homophobic or his friends did. And then comes a good lookin', pink lips wonder boy (and I say wonder, because those lips can't be that pink) and he smiles while looking at your best friend and that smile lingers a bit for you too and it's made your day. This novel was that for me. Unprecedented gooey wonder. You know it can't be that pink and glossy but you do enjoy it cos your half assed mind is just living it anyhoo.
Jacob, I think I like you more than Elijah. He is lucky to have you.
Jacob, I think I like you more than Elijah. He is lucky to have you.
September 26, 2015
Two hot guys, a sweet romance, and photography? Yes, please. Thank you.
August 4, 2015
I really enjoyed this story. I don't know what it says about me, but I usually turn down books when the tag says no sex. I decided to read it anyway and I'm so very glad I did. First off it takes place in Columbus, Ohio, my hometown, and I love reading books where I can relate and visualize the places they are talking about and describing. Even if some of those places make me gag *cough* White Castle *cough*.
As for the characters and the story, I enjoyed watching the development of Jacob and Elijah's relationship. Two guys both struggling to get back into the dating pool. Those early days when love is fresh and giddy, yet full of uncertainty. Even the secondary characters where enjoying to read about. I'd love to see a story about Evan and Robert.
Over all a great read and it makes me realize that I'm missing out on a lot of great books when I toss aside books tagged as no sex. Thank you Amy for reopening my eyes.
As for the characters and the story, I enjoyed watching the development of Jacob and Elijah's relationship. Two guys both struggling to get back into the dating pool. Those early days when love is fresh and giddy, yet full of uncertainty. Even the secondary characters where enjoying to read about. I'd love to see a story about Evan and Robert.
Over all a great read and it makes me realize that I'm missing out on a lot of great books when I toss aside books tagged as no sex. Thank you Amy for reopening my eyes.
July 21, 2019
Reread July 2019
I still love this. Such a good read when you just want something short, well-written and full of the feels. I could happily read more about these two. It just makes me happy.
Original Review
This was such a wonderfully understated romance. Perfectly paced and simply written. I can't remember the last time I had such a reaction to a short story with no sex.
I still love this. Such a good read when you just want something short, well-written and full of the feels. I could happily read more about these two. It just makes me happy.
Original Review
This was such a wonderfully understated romance. Perfectly paced and simply written. I can't remember the last time I had such a reaction to a short story with no sex.
July 17, 2014
What a dynamic and generous story.
It hit all kinds of triggers with me and yet the author somehow controls the despair with gentle but real hope.
It warmed the cockles of my cynical heart and I set off to work today smiling.
Massive applause to Amy Spector.
It hit all kinds of triggers with me and yet the author somehow controls the despair with gentle but real hope.
It warmed the cockles of my cynical heart and I set off to work today smiling.
Massive applause to Amy Spector.
February 29, 2016
Lovely little freebie from the author, which was part of the GR reading event in 2014, and chock full of feels. It features two broken men, Jacob and Elijah, hopefully finding love again. Hope this is part of a series, cos I'll be there with bells on. 4 stars from me.
July 6, 2014
3.5 stars, rounded up for the quality of the writing. Really sweet story, more about moving on than heat or chemistry. Just a nice, gentle story.
December 30, 2017
~4.25~
I know that sounds crazy, but I felt like I could see your heart, and as gorgeous as you are Elijah, it’s still the most beautiful thing about you.
It’s amazing how quickly I was drawn into the story and how fulfilling this 55 page gem was. This heart warming story is about two broken men, Jacob, who was cheated on and internalizes the infidelity as a result of his shortcomings and Elijah, who lost his husband in a tragic accident. Jacob and Elijah are brought together by a mutual friend, Evan (who also has a heartbreaking backstory) and find love, companionship and the strength within themselves to let go and heal through developing beautiful photographs. *Dreamy sigh* Just what I needed to wrap up my weekend.
Sometimes we are so damaged that what we need in order to see ourselves again is someone else who can see us too...see the things about us that really matter. The things on the inside.
I know that sounds crazy, but I felt like I could see your heart, and as gorgeous as you are Elijah, it’s still the most beautiful thing about you.
It’s amazing how quickly I was drawn into the story and how fulfilling this 55 page gem was. This heart warming story is about two broken men, Jacob, who was cheated on and internalizes the infidelity as a result of his shortcomings and Elijah, who lost his husband in a tragic accident. Jacob and Elijah are brought together by a mutual friend, Evan (who also has a heartbreaking backstory) and find love, companionship and the strength within themselves to let go and heal through developing beautiful photographs. *Dreamy sigh* Just what I needed to wrap up my weekend.
Sometimes we are so damaged that what we need in order to see ourselves again is someone else who can see us too...see the things about us that really matter. The things on the inside.
February 2, 2015
Watching Elijah Fall is exactly what I've come to expect of Amy Spector's writing - sweet and well written, with great engrossing characters. Exactly how I like my M/M - sweet and innocent with a great story and depth, rather than splattered with smut for smut's sake.
A really great little read - only took 20-30 minutes before bed, but definitely left me wanting more. Would love to read more about these characters, but I'll happily settle for reading another of Ms Spector's stories.
A really great little read - only took 20-30 minutes before bed, but definitely left me wanting more. Would love to read more about these characters, but I'll happily settle for reading another of Ms Spector's stories.
April 16, 2015
Very sweet story.
January 7, 2017
lovely romance of falling in love again after a break up and after the death of a husband.
July 6, 2014
Contemporary slow build story about two damaged men learning to overcome the hurts of the past and trust in their feelings for each other. Jacob's ex left him for a younger man and his friends are worried about him, so he agrees to sign up for a photography refresher course, where he meets Elijah. There is an attraction, but Elijah is widowed and has never got over the loss of his husband. This is a really gentle kind of story showing the pair get to know each other and deal with their pasts. There is a good cast of minor characters, not least Evan, the younger partner of one of Jacob's friends, who also knows Elijah, and Elizabeth, the somewhat potty-mouthed primary school teacher who encourages Jacob to pursue what he wants. Really enjoyable debut story from this author.
January 14, 2015
Sweet, happy, gorgeous, fully developed...this is one of the best short stories I've read. Right from the beginning I felt that it was going to take its time, go slowly, and immerse me fully, and I was not disappointed for a second.
It starts with sadness, and there are points that are nostalgic, but it's about moving on to a better future, and the story is really heart-warming.
I love the title and how it relates, the photography information--I took a black and white film photography class in high school, and all of the cast of characters.
Highly, highly recommended for when you want hope and smiles and warm chests.
It starts with sadness, and there are points that are nostalgic, but it's about moving on to a better future, and the story is really heart-warming.
I love the title and how it relates, the photography information--I took a black and white film photography class in high school, and all of the cast of characters.
Highly, highly recommended for when you want hope and smiles and warm chests.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 142 reviews