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Budding Love
YOSHIDA Kazuo has less than a year of Intergalactic Trade School left before graduation, which is when his father expects him to take on a significantly bigger role in the family’s off-world export business. In fact, the whole of Kazuo’s life has been about his obligations to his father, never about what he wanted for himself. Anything alien absolutely fascinates Kazuo, but the majority of Kazuo’s alien education has come strictly from his studies.
To help Kazuo gain more business experience and contacts, his father requires him to attend an industry gala held by one of the most well-known extraterrestrial importers on Earth, a Sirynthalian known as Aethos. While Aethos is certainly a main attraction in attending the gala, Kazuo also remembers a past visit to the property’s enormous extraterrestrial greenhouse— a visit he’d like to repeat, as long as he can avoid touching the plants this time around.
As far as decisions go, leaving the party to look at the exotic flora seems to be a fairly harmless one to Kazuo. But a walk through the greenhouse becomes a life-altering event when Kazuo comes across an alien plant with a mind of its own... and a desire for Kazuo. Now Kazuo has a life-or-death decision to make. The question is: does he have all of the facts he needs to make it?
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.
Photo Description:
An illustration in the style of Japanese manga artwork features a young Asian male, nude from the waist down, blushing in embarrassment as thick green plant tentacles hold him aloft, binding his arms behind his back and spreading his legs wide. A wide tentacle protruding from the center of a large pink blossom penetrates his anus. Three smaller yellow tendrils, also from the center of the flower, reach toward his erect cock.
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.
To help Kazuo gain more business experience and contacts, his father requires him to attend an industry gala held by one of the most well-known extraterrestrial importers on Earth, a Sirynthalian known as Aethos. While Aethos is certainly a main attraction in attending the gala, Kazuo also remembers a past visit to the property’s enormous extraterrestrial greenhouse— a visit he’d like to repeat, as long as he can avoid touching the plants this time around.
As far as decisions go, leaving the party to look at the exotic flora seems to be a fairly harmless one to Kazuo. But a walk through the greenhouse becomes a life-altering event when Kazuo comes across an alien plant with a mind of its own... and a desire for Kazuo. Now Kazuo has a life-or-death decision to make. The question is: does he have all of the facts he needs to make it?
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.
Photo Description:
An illustration in the style of Japanese manga artwork features a young Asian male, nude from the waist down, blushing in embarrassment as thick green plant tentacles hold him aloft, binding his arms behind his back and spreading his legs wide. A wide tentacle protruding from the center of a large pink blossom penetrates his anus. Three smaller yellow tendrils, also from the center of the flower, reach toward his erect cock.
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.
72 pages, ebook
First published August 8, 2014
102 people want to read
About the author
Adara O’Hare
8 books56 followersAdara is a geek in writer’s clothing—a mild-mannered website designer by day and a wife, mother, reader, and sometimes writer by night. She enjoys Star Wars, Firefly, manga (includes yaoi), anime (very little yaoi), and a whole lot of other hobbies, mostly encompassed by the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA). She still has her collections of board and card games, stuffed animals, original My Little Ponies, and Star Wars books and action figures, though not really anyplace to put them at the moment. Thank goodness most of her M/M romance collection is eBook, not physical, or there would be no space at all left to walk in the dining room.
(NOTE: If you are sending me a friend request just to try to promote your books to me or invite me to release events, I will unfriend and block you.)
(NOTE: If you are sending me a friend request just to try to promote your books to me or invite me to release events, I will unfriend and block you.)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
August 11, 2014
3.5
5 stars for the pervy sexytimes, but the rest of the story felt a little too rushed, with too much crammed into a short story. I would love to see this as an expanded novel, showing what else happens to the MCs because there was just too much uncertainty at the end, too much left hanging. I want to see how it all plays out.
5 stars for the pervy sexytimes, but the rest of the story felt a little too rushed, with too much crammed into a short story. I would love to see this as an expanded novel, showing what else happens to the MCs because there was just too much uncertainty at the end, too much left hanging. I want to see how it all plays out.
August 21, 2014
I've never read anything like this...
I mean, it's completely unique and wildly out there. I thought: How am I going to enjoy this? He's going to F*@k a plant? WTH? But you know what? I really liked this story. It's one of the few M/M/M's where each character is independent of the other, and it works. The world building is done really well, it's a well written story and the characters are unique and defined. Their dynamic was well done and I, thankfully, didn't experience any jealousy on anyone's behalf.
I wish it were expanded and ended in a HEA rather than HFN. Hopefully at some point it does. There was a lot of deception on Aethos part that was packed into a short story, and if expanded would make for better pacing and resolution.
What really captured my heart was Sakura (named after the flower because of his coloring)
That plant, especially after he evolved, captured my heart and I wanted to know more about him from before Kazuo entered the picture all the way up until what comes after. It's not often you can read about a sentient flower and I have to admit, I'm intrigued.
I'd recommend this to anyone who likes sci-fi, wants to give a different twist on m/m/m or just wants something entertaining to read.
My thanks to the author for their time and participation in the Loves Landscapes event.
I mean, it's completely unique and wildly out there. I thought: How am I going to enjoy this? He's going to F*@k a plant? WTH? But you know what? I really liked this story. It's one of the few M/M/M's where each character is independent of the other, and it works. The world building is done really well, it's a well written story and the characters are unique and defined. Their dynamic was well done and I, thankfully, didn't experience any jealousy on anyone's behalf.
I wish it were expanded and ended in a HEA rather than HFN. Hopefully at some point it does. There was a lot of deception on Aethos part that was packed into a short story, and if expanded would make for better pacing and resolution.
What really captured my heart was Sakura (named after the flower because of his coloring)
That plant, especially after he evolved, captured my heart and I wanted to know more about him from before Kazuo entered the picture all the way up until what comes after. It's not often you can read about a sentient flower and I have to admit, I'm intrigued.
I'd recommend this to anyone who likes sci-fi, wants to give a different twist on m/m/m or just wants something entertaining to read.
My thanks to the author for their time and participation in the Loves Landscapes event.
January 10, 2018
3.2 Stars
Hmmm...this was very creative if nothing else (plus, weirdly hot). I sort of thought the story was heading the way it did (with Sakura's physiology) considering how secretive and reserved Aethos was regarding the whole mating process and the plant's needs. I didn't like the outright prevarication, either. Aethos had an agenda the whole time and though he apologized the contrition felt very superficial. Another few chapters of him groveling (or the alien equivalent) would have been nice.
Also, I think I would have preferred if the mating had continued before Kazuo was emotionally manipulated into the situation. (The "Fuck or Die" trope, where this time the plant depended on the sex to survive.) See, Sakura didn't know how to process the screams and fear; had Kazuo said the words "no" or "stop" it would have obeyed as it did understand some Earthling. But here we have a lesson on cultural relativism: the plant considered Kazuo his mate; it wasn't taught how intercourse would be seen by or affect an Earthling, so how would it know refusal or consent? Not that this is an excuse or approval, but exponentially more understandable (to me) than being blackmailed into the coupling. (Aethos spent years on Earth, had contact with Kazuo's father - who told him that the boy would probably consent given his disposition - so he should have known this was unacceptable.)
On the whole, though, an entertaining read. I like the ones that make me think. Plus, I can probably thank Farscape for introducing me to the concept of sentient, humanoid plant life (Zhaan!) so it wasn't all that shocking. Weird, that it started off looking like an actual plant as that is not the case with Delvians, but not that Sakura was, in fact, a plant.
Hmmm...this was very creative if nothing else (plus, weirdly hot). I sort of thought the story was heading the way it did (with Sakura's physiology) considering how secretive and reserved Aethos was regarding the whole mating process and the plant's needs. I didn't like the outright prevarication, either. Aethos had an agenda the whole time and though he apologized the contrition felt very superficial. Another few chapters of him groveling (or the alien equivalent) would have been nice.
Also, I think I would have preferred if the mating had continued before Kazuo was emotionally manipulated into the situation. (The "Fuck or Die" trope, where this time the plant depended on the sex to survive.) See, Sakura didn't know how to process the screams and fear; had Kazuo said the words "no" or "stop" it would have obeyed as it did understand some Earthling. But here we have a lesson on cultural relativism: the plant considered Kazuo his mate; it wasn't taught how intercourse would be seen by or affect an Earthling, so how would it know refusal or consent? Not that this is an excuse or approval, but exponentially more understandable (to me) than being blackmailed into the coupling. (Aethos spent years on Earth, had contact with Kazuo's father - who told him that the boy would probably consent given his disposition - so he should have known this was unacceptable.)
On the whole, though, an entertaining read. I like the ones that make me think. Plus, I can probably thank Farscape for introducing me to the concept of sentient, humanoid plant life (Zhaan!) so it wasn't all that shocking. Weird, that it started off looking like an actual plant as that is not the case with Delvians, but not that Sakura was, in fact, a plant.
April 13, 2017
HOOOOOLY SHIT NSFW!!!
Offered for FREE from the M/M Romance Group's Love's Landscapes event. Thank you too all the amazing authors who participated!
3.5 stars The story captured the prompt pic very well. I am SO torn on how to review this... I kinda loved it. And I definitely cried, so I gotta give props for that. But it's why I cried that I hesitate.
I may have been okay with it if we had a few more chapters of resolution, but it was just one bombshell after another, and then not enough time went by to show a building of trust. I wanted to get a HEA ménage it was just left too uncertain for me.
Offered for FREE from the M/M Romance Group's Love's Landscapes event. Thank you too all the amazing authors who participated!
3.5 stars The story captured the prompt pic very well. I am SO torn on how to review this... I kinda loved it. And I definitely cried, so I gotta give props for that. But it's why I cried that I hesitate.
I may have been okay with it if we had a few more chapters of resolution, but it was just one bombshell after another, and then not enough time went by to show a building of trust. I wanted to get a HEA ménage it was just left too uncertain for me.
December 2, 2015
This is not just one of the most imaginative, mind-expanding, and thought-provoking science fiction stories I have ever read, but also a very unusual ménage involving three partners. One human, one alien with acidic skin the human can’t touch, and one plant. Yes, you read that right. One of the three – partners – is a plant! I guess the title sort of hints at it, but I found it difficult to imagine how it would work. But with a generous helping of creativity, the author has managed to convince me that yes, a situation like this is not outside the realm of the possible. If you have trouble imagining us finding alien life at all, this is not the book for you. If you’re ready to open up to some pretty amazing ideas, then go for it. You have to read this to believe it.
Kazuo is a young human of Japanese descent, about to finish his education as an intergalactic trader, and the son of a powerful industrialist. He has had a crush on an equally powerful alien CEO, Aethos, for many years, and when he returns to the man’s estate for a party, he is drawn not to the people trying to get on Aethos’s good side, but to the alien’s extraterrestrial greenhouses. He ends up with the same plant that had “marked” him years ago during a school trip to see alien plants. Only this time the plant makes some advances that are clearly sexual in nature, and Kazuo panics.
What follows is one eye-opening revelation after the other, beginning with the fact that the plant is sentient and has chosen Kazuo as its mate. He is the only one it can mate with, and if he doesn’t, the plant will die. It makes Kazuo think – as it did me. A sentient plant is difficult to imagine for us, but the author manages to describe it and its behaviors, its way of communicating in such a way that I was beginning to see how it’s possible. The revelations don’t stop there, and I was more fascinated with each new twist and turn about the plant and its life cycle, what Aethos had been planning, and how Kazuo was dealing with everything thrown at him.
If you like thought-provoking science fiction, if you are ready to consider alien life in a very unusual form, and if you’re looking for an entertaining, insightful, and plain mind-boggling read, then you will probably enjoy this free novella. I think it’s amazing.
Kazuo is a young human of Japanese descent, about to finish his education as an intergalactic trader, and the son of a powerful industrialist. He has had a crush on an equally powerful alien CEO, Aethos, for many years, and when he returns to the man’s estate for a party, he is drawn not to the people trying to get on Aethos’s good side, but to the alien’s extraterrestrial greenhouses. He ends up with the same plant that had “marked” him years ago during a school trip to see alien plants. Only this time the plant makes some advances that are clearly sexual in nature, and Kazuo panics.
What follows is one eye-opening revelation after the other, beginning with the fact that the plant is sentient and has chosen Kazuo as its mate. He is the only one it can mate with, and if he doesn’t, the plant will die. It makes Kazuo think – as it did me. A sentient plant is difficult to imagine for us, but the author manages to describe it and its behaviors, its way of communicating in such a way that I was beginning to see how it’s possible. The revelations don’t stop there, and I was more fascinated with each new twist and turn about the plant and its life cycle, what Aethos had been planning, and how Kazuo was dealing with everything thrown at him.
If you like thought-provoking science fiction, if you are ready to consider alien life in a very unusual form, and if you’re looking for an entertaining, insightful, and plain mind-boggling read, then you will probably enjoy this free novella. I think it’s amazing.
June 26, 2015
Kudos for imagination here; impressed with the world-building, characters story and differential biology. The prompt pic made me wary but I'm glad I gave this try, it was nicely interpretated.
I liked the main character Kazuo and was fascinated by the story. It's an interesting one and kinda, maybe, hot!
A lot happens towards the end of the story, this is a HFN not quite the settled feel of a HEA. I'd have liked to see more feelings develop between the characters and more personality from the plant at the end. Maybe a sequel is needed?!
I liked the main character Kazuo and was fascinated by the story. It's an interesting one and kinda, maybe, hot!
A lot happens towards the end of the story, this is a HFN not quite the settled feel of a HEA. I'd have liked to see more feelings develop between the characters and more personality from the plant at the end. Maybe a sequel is needed?!
September 20, 2014
3.5
I love tentacle/vine-sex, threesomes, sci-fi, and aliens, all present and accounted for here. In other words, a fun read with actual characters and some cool twists on the genre, most notably in our randy alien plant. Some of the motivations seemed to come out of the blue but there were some unexpectedly sweet touches and the idea itself was fresh and original. Another fun addition to the event.
I love tentacle/vine-sex, threesomes, sci-fi, and aliens, all present and accounted for here. In other words, a fun read with actual characters and some cool twists on the genre, most notably in our randy alien plant. Some of the motivations seemed to come out of the blue but there were some unexpectedly sweet touches and the idea itself was fresh and original. Another fun addition to the event.
December 27, 2014
Budding Love is sort of like a Torchwood or Dr. Who episode. It's light-hearted, humorous, sexy and humans are on equal footing with or perhaps slightly disadvantaged to the aliens with whom they more or less peacefully interact. And like Teen Wolf, Adara O’Hare has created a universe in which same-sex relations are perfectly normal and accepted, but where individual angst, tensions and problems still consume us. This is not a Little Shop of Horrors -- Original Motion Picture Soundtrack: Piano/Vocal/Chords but something a whole lot more fun and sexy from an M/M Romance perspective.
Adara O'Hare successfully makes the impossible probable and inevitable while keeping it hot and erotic. I highly recommend this story in the Love's Landscapes collection.
Adara O'Hare successfully makes the impossible probable and inevitable while keeping it hot and erotic. I highly recommend this story in the Love's Landscapes collection.
October 7, 2015
This is not the type of story I usually pick, but I read Kristan’s “He's going to F*@k a plant? WTH?” and thought the same, so off to download *LOL* I thought I had seen all prompts, but apparently not. I would’ve remembered this one.
I think the author did a great job. In the end I wanted Aethos to suffer…a little at least.
I think the author did a great job. In the end I wanted Aethos to suffer…a little at least.
September 30, 2014
Menage, alien sex and tentacles. A fun but somewhat unsatisfying story.
Unsatisfying because I would like to see what happens to their life together after... ;)
More please!!!
Unsatisfying because I would like to see what happens to their life together after... ;)
More please!!!
November 1, 2014
This contains some spoilers... you have been warned
This is a very different type of story. It is a MMM story about a alien, (intelligent)alien plant and an Earthling…
Needless to say, it was pretty interesting to see how the story would pan out. I wasn’t sure if I would like it or not. But I am happy I gave it a try. Definitely different from your typical I am tentacle-story/alien story. You get everything in one story. The author did describe the world setting very well. You can envision Aethos, and Sakura(the plant) well. She answered the questions of what would/was happening through the story, for the most part. The story itself ended okay. I wasn’t that satisfied with the ‘love’ and it isn’t even the fact that it is a MMM ‘love’. I will get into that later.
Kazuo, a twenty year old Earthling, is invited to a popular alien’s big party. Little does Kazuo know, Aethos is quite aware of him during the party. He was waiting for him. Kazuo wanders into the greenhouse, the same one where a plant had marked him nine years prior. He stumbles upon a plant, the same one, where it tries to violate him.
Kazuo, is given a LOT of information(even if not all of it) and he has to make a decision. It will be life-altering. He isn’t quite aware how much his life could change with the decision he chooses. Then throw in Aethos. Aethos has his own agendas, and he will do what is necessary to obtain his own goals. But perhaps after getting to know Kazuo, his opinions will change.
The ending was okay, as I said. But I wish there was more. First, let’s talk about Kazuo. Poor guy has been felt unloved and used most of his life. He is hoping to find someone to love in his adult life, be seen as a person, and not an object. He finds out that he is bonded with a plant. A intelligent alien plant. Sakura, as Kazuo named him, is male. As his bonded mate, Kazuo is allowed to name him. Sakura is suppose to be very possessive and territorial with his mate. So, Aethos is jealous that Kazuo is Sakura’s mate. As far as Aethos is concerned, Sakura is his and his alone. Kazuo is just a pawn to him. He tells Kazuo half-truths and lies to weasel himself into Kazuo and Sakura’s newly formed relationship(as for Kazuo). Kazuo has always liked Aethos and has been attracted to him. When Aethos learns this, he uses it to his advantage. Aethos betrays Kazuo and it really hurts Kazuo, because he was used by Aethos, just like everyone else. Aethos does this so he can get closer to Sakura. Well, they both ‘impregnate’ Sakura, so we aren't sure what the 'kids' will look like. Also, we are unsure what will happen next time Sakura goes into heat. Now poor Kazuo is stuck with a mate or else Sakura will die.
I feel that Sakura is more intimate with Aethos, perhaps only because they have known one another for longer. And since Kazuo had accepted Aethos, Sakura was willing to accept him too(even if Kazuo accepted him under false pretenses). I am not sold on the fact that Sakura is happy with his choice of mate. It has been nine years. If Sakura had the choice now, would he still have chosen Kazuo as his mate. I honestly, don’t know. It comes across to me that Sakura and Kazuo are in a obliged relationship, and they will make the most of it, now that Kazuo knows the truth. Will their relationship turn into love, who knows.
I feel there should be at least an epilogue if not a sequel to this story. I want to see the love between them. Because right now, I don’t really see love for Kazuo and he deserves it the most, in my opinion. Also, some questions are left unanswered. Will the council accept Aethos once they reach the planet? What will happen when Sakura goes into ‘heat’ again? What will their life be like on Sakura’s home planet?
This is a very different type of story. It is a MMM story about a alien, (intelligent)alien plant and an Earthling…
Needless to say, it was pretty interesting to see how the story would pan out. I wasn’t sure if I would like it or not. But I am happy I gave it a try. Definitely different from your typical I am tentacle-story/alien story. You get everything in one story. The author did describe the world setting very well. You can envision Aethos, and Sakura(the plant) well. She answered the questions of what would/was happening through the story, for the most part. The story itself ended okay. I wasn’t that satisfied with the ‘love’ and it isn’t even the fact that it is a MMM ‘love’. I will get into that later.
Kazuo, a twenty year old Earthling, is invited to a popular alien’s big party. Little does Kazuo know, Aethos is quite aware of him during the party. He was waiting for him. Kazuo wanders into the greenhouse, the same one where a plant had marked him nine years prior. He stumbles upon a plant, the same one, where it tries to violate him.
Kazuo, is given a LOT of information(even if not all of it) and he has to make a decision. It will be life-altering. He isn’t quite aware how much his life could change with the decision he chooses. Then throw in Aethos. Aethos has his own agendas, and he will do what is necessary to obtain his own goals. But perhaps after getting to know Kazuo, his opinions will change.
The ending was okay, as I said. But I wish there was more. First, let’s talk about Kazuo. Poor guy has been felt unloved and used most of his life. He is hoping to find someone to love in his adult life, be seen as a person, and not an object. He finds out that he is bonded with a plant. A intelligent alien plant. Sakura, as Kazuo named him, is male. As his bonded mate, Kazuo is allowed to name him. Sakura is suppose to be very possessive and territorial with his mate. So, Aethos is jealous that Kazuo is Sakura’s mate. As far as Aethos is concerned, Sakura is his and his alone. Kazuo is just a pawn to him. He tells Kazuo half-truths and lies to weasel himself into Kazuo and Sakura’s newly formed relationship(as for Kazuo). Kazuo has always liked Aethos and has been attracted to him. When Aethos learns this, he uses it to his advantage. Aethos betrays Kazuo and it really hurts Kazuo, because he was used by Aethos, just like everyone else. Aethos does this so he can get closer to Sakura. Well, they both ‘impregnate’ Sakura, so we aren't sure what the 'kids' will look like. Also, we are unsure what will happen next time Sakura goes into heat. Now poor Kazuo is stuck with a mate or else Sakura will die.
I feel that Sakura is more intimate with Aethos, perhaps only because they have known one another for longer. And since Kazuo had accepted Aethos, Sakura was willing to accept him too(even if Kazuo accepted him under false pretenses). I am not sold on the fact that Sakura is happy with his choice of mate. It has been nine years. If Sakura had the choice now, would he still have chosen Kazuo as his mate. I honestly, don’t know. It comes across to me that Sakura and Kazuo are in a obliged relationship, and they will make the most of it, now that Kazuo knows the truth. Will their relationship turn into love, who knows.
I feel there should be at least an epilogue if not a sequel to this story. I want to see the love between them. Because right now, I don’t really see love for Kazuo and he deserves it the most, in my opinion. Also, some questions are left unanswered. Will the council accept Aethos once they reach the planet? What will happen when Sakura goes into ‘heat’ again? What will their life be like on Sakura’s home planet?
November 14, 2016
Some of my favorite kinks in this one. And those parts were wonderfully well done.
I'm just not comfortable with the idea of founding a relationship based on
So, 5 stars for the delightfully kinky bits, and the wonderfully unique aliens. 1 star for the relationship building. Overall rating: 3 stars.
Some Favorite Quotes:
"Do not touch or taste the plants. Do not let them touch or taste you."
"the plant probably would have complied.
I'm just not comfortable with the idea of founding a relationship based on
So, 5 stars for the delightfully kinky bits, and the wonderfully unique aliens. 1 star for the relationship building. Overall rating: 3 stars.
Some Favorite Quotes:
"Do not touch or taste the plants. Do not let them touch or taste you."
"the plant probably would have complied.
August 8, 2014
The author actually managed to write a sexy scene with an alien flower :-). There was enough build up before everyone lost their pants to not make it PWP, but it was explicit, intriguing and hot. I would be perfectly happy to leave the story shortly after everyone climaxed and give it 4 stars.
Unfortunately then there was the next day and all the secrets and duplicity of main characters revealed, plus some weird alien biology, and I was getting more and more incredulous. This attempt to create serious science-fiction story just didn't work for me.
Unfortunately then there was the next day and all the secrets and duplicity of main characters revealed, plus some weird alien biology, and I was getting more and more incredulous. This attempt to create serious science-fiction story just didn't work for me.
August 21, 2015
I did not like Aethos at all. He was manipulative and selfish. I did like the whole inter-species aspect;I thought the story represented the prompt very well. I didn't like the pain involved in the sex especially as Kuzuo didn't really enjoy that part of it. It ended with so many things left hanging that it feels like it needs a sequel, which I might read as I was so interested in Kuzuo and the plant.
March 5, 2016
An insanely fascinating science fiction story that I loved. The author has serious talent, and I would love to see more of this triad. She's left me with so many questions, that it'll be a shame if she doesn't finish the story.
This was a truly interesting book that I'm so glad I read. Thank you, Serena, for introducing me to it!
This was a truly interesting book that I'm so glad I read. Thank you, Serena, for introducing me to it!
wrote
August 29, 2015This is my story for the Don't Read in the Closet: Love's Landscapes (2014) event in the M/M Romance Group.
August 18, 2014
Creepy plant love - 1
Sanity - 0
Thank you for this contribution.
Sanity - 0
Thank you for this contribution.
June 18, 2024
4+⭐
Interesting sci-fi romance with several layers of dubcon themes. Poor Kazuo was kept in the dark for half his life to be manipulated in the present. I'd love to read a sequel or extended version but I don't think it ever came out. Shame, this is a very promising story.
Interesting sci-fi romance with several layers of dubcon themes. Poor Kazuo was kept in the dark for half his life to be manipulated in the present. I'd love to read a sequel or extended version but I don't think it ever came out. Shame, this is a very promising story.
August 8, 2014
Probably with vines reaching out towards 4.5 stars
Sci-fi short story with interspecies mating.
When Kazuo, the heir to his father's export business, is invited to the gala hosted by Aethos, who owns an import business and does not usually throw such events, he gets bored and wanders off to find the large greenhouse of exotic species which he saw 9 years before on a school trip. On that trip he was "stung" by a plant and this time, after getting stuck in a carbon dioxide rich area of the greenhouse, it's the same plant that rescues him. The plant itself is in heat and needs to mate, Kazuo doesn't understand what is happening, and Aethos' arrival puts a halt to anything non-con. Kazuo comes to learn, through Aethos, that should the plant not mate with Kazuo - who it turns out he chose 9 years before - the plant will die. So Kazuo must decide what to do, add to that the complication that Kazuo and Aethos are attracted to each other, oh and then there is the question of the young that the plant, which Kazuo names Sakura, will carry. This is a really well written and clever sci-fi story, which I really hope the author expands so that the HFN ending is developed and (hopefully) the three get their HEA
Sci-fi short story with interspecies mating.
When Kazuo, the heir to his father's export business, is invited to the gala hosted by Aethos, who owns an import business and does not usually throw such events, he gets bored and wanders off to find the large greenhouse of exotic species which he saw 9 years before on a school trip. On that trip he was "stung" by a plant and this time, after getting stuck in a carbon dioxide rich area of the greenhouse, it's the same plant that rescues him. The plant itself is in heat and needs to mate, Kazuo doesn't understand what is happening, and Aethos' arrival puts a halt to anything non-con. Kazuo comes to learn, through Aethos, that should the plant not mate with Kazuo - who it turns out he chose 9 years before - the plant will die. So Kazuo must decide what to do, add to that the complication that Kazuo and Aethos are attracted to each other, oh and then there is the question of the young that the plant, which Kazuo names Sakura, will carry. This is a really well written and clever sci-fi story, which I really hope the author expands so that the HFN ending is developed and (hopefully) the three get their HEA
February 4, 2024
One of the things I love about reading m-preg is the various ways authors come up with to make it plausible.
The creativity and imagination that goes into building worlds and species in sci-fi and fantasy genres astounds me.
What better way to escape real life than to read something totally "out there".
This I greatly enjoyed. I needed something to take my mind off wedding planning for a while and this did an amazing job. Loved it.
The creativity and imagination that goes into building worlds and species in sci-fi and fantasy genres astounds me.
What better way to escape real life than to read something totally "out there".
This I greatly enjoyed. I needed something to take my mind off wedding planning for a while and this did an amazing job. Loved it.
September 20, 2014
I was not expecting to like this, and I was wrong.
I was intrigued by the relationship between Kazuo, Sakura, and Aethos. The characters want and need different things - what Aethos wanted and waited for, what Sakura needed, what Kazuo wanted and was willing to give, the relationship between Kazuo and his father. This was really enjoyable.
I was intrigued by the relationship between Kazuo, Sakura, and Aethos. The characters want and need different things - what Aethos wanted and waited for, what Sakura needed, what Kazuo wanted and was willing to give, the relationship between Kazuo and his father. This was really enjoyable.
November 25, 2014
I really enjoyed this story! However, I want Aethos to grovel a LOT more before he is forgiven. I hope in future stories about these characters that he is made to suffer a little instead of getting everything his way at no cost to him.
March 9, 2015
Prior to reading the story, I was feeling weird about the premise. I mean seriously, it's a fucking plant! Thank goodness I gave it a read anyway. This story is brilliant. And hot. Very hot *wink* *wink*
April 27, 2016
I have to say, this was a fun read. I'm just impressed at Adara's ability to take such an off-the-wall prompt and turn it into such a unique story. Well done.
August 8, 2014
Very creative, very strange. It had a bit too much conflict for me to completely love it.
August 18, 2014
Very creative. I hope she continues the story.
January 20, 2018
So an interesting world building setting that could have been great if it wasn't wrapped around a story that is full of holes and isn't dubcon it is noncon in disguise. Manipulating someone into a relationship with guilt and power that they hadn't wanted and can't get out of is not romantic. Can't connect with the characters and I didn't like 2 of the 3 main leads...a doormat, an asshole, and a plant. I did like the world building and some of what was going on in the background but the rest wasn't for me.
June 25, 2022
This book has such a promising set up and premise, and I wish there were 100 more pages to really get into the three characters and read more about this - this feels like there has so much potential to be a full length story!
I know that won't happen since this was a freebie and is years old at this point, but this one definitely left me wanting more.
Warnings for some dub-con feels and where one character definitely doesn't communicate the situation very well lol but if you want some sexy plant and alien times, this is the one for you!
I know that won't happen since this was a freebie and is years old at this point, but this one definitely left me wanting more.
Warnings for some dub-con feels and where one character definitely doesn't communicate the situation very well lol but if you want some sexy plant and alien times, this is the one for you!
October 19, 2018
Perfect ending for a story that was so much more than I expected! Sure, I thought, just a little piece of plant-tentacle porn, short and hot...but, no, it has pathos and righteous anger and wry humor along with the pervy tentacle goodness! Gotta look for more by this author -- VERY promising!
October 25, 2016
This is a different type of shifter story with lots of surprise elements. It was a fun surprise read.
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