Realize

by Kerry Freeman

College senior Ryan buries his feelings for his younger roommate Will and becomes an overbearing, overprotective bodyguard. When Will drags Ryan to a Homecoming party, Ryan learns he's not the only one attracted to the wide-eyed freshman. The night ends in a confrontation, and Ryan must decide if he'll finally reveal his true feelings to Will, or lose his roommate to another man.

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Gay, College

18 pages, ebook

First published April 2, 2011

About the author

Born and raised in the Southern US, Kerry Freeman was the quintessential tomboy who'd rather play war with the neighborhood boys than get near a doll. She discovered a love of words early, reading everything in sight.

Kerry writes contemporary gay romance/Boys' Love novels, and her dream is to have her books translated for the Asian market. Many of her stories, including "One Last Road Trip" in the Rainbow Award-winning  Playing Ball , are about baseball players. As Jamie in  What We Deserve  would say, you have to love the guys in those tight baseball pants.

Loves: Oxford Comma, baseball, reading non-fiction
Hates: Bananas, underwire bras, stories without a happy ending

Kerry lives in the Southern US with her husband and spoiled rotten furbabies.

Reviews

[One Pushy Fox · Rating 4 out of 5]

This short story about missed chances and seemingly unrequited passion is a great, quick read full of characters I want to know more about and some pretty steamy sex (of the m-m variety).

I'm a fan of Kerry's writing and I'm very much waiting to read more from her in the future.

[Tam · Rating 3 out of 5]

This short friends to lovers story takes place over an evening at university. Ryan has been hot for Will from the day he moved in, but is determined not to take advantage of the younger man, and sets out to make sure that no one else does either. When Will drags him to a Homecoming party he’s not thrilled, and is even more annoyed when one of his friends brings up his n0t-so-secret attraction, and threatens to make a move on Will himself if Ryan’s not interested. When Ryan sees Will making out with some random guy, he runs, however Will seems to be the braver one of this duo, and doesn’t let him get away with it.

It’s a cute story, but I did find Ryan a bit overbearing, and though he behaved more like a 30-year-old than a 22-year-old. I was 22, partying was partying and 18-year-olds were not that much younger and certainly not off-limits. Will was an adult, but Ryan treated him more like a child who wouldn’t know how to handle it if some guy came on to him. How long did he intend to keep him a virgin?

Despite being the older supposedly more experienced of the two, Will seemed to be much more mature about the whole situation once he decided to make his move. Ryan didn’t seem all that bright since his best friend was gay and he didn’t even realize it, but then he was oblivious to Will’s feelings as well. Those who enjoy the friends to lovers storyline, or roommates to more I suppose in this case, will enjoy it for what it is. A little slice of college life with two hot guys who both finally admit their feelings.

[Ami · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
Ryan has wanted his roommate, Will, ever since they first met. But Ryan thinks that Will is a bit too young and innocent, and he doesn't think Will is attracted to him that way. So he settles to be Will's "protector" -- until Homecoming dance when he sees Will makes out ... with another guy.

A short story with a "classic" theme of "wanting someone but cannot really tell him how you feel". Just like Tam, I sense Ryan to be a bit overbearing. He is young, he is only 3-years older than Will (it's not like a decade, Ryan!), but he acts like someone in his 30's. I'm glad that Will decides to take matters to his own hand (no, not THAT way *g*) and tells Ryan that he wants him. It's cute and enjoyable sip, in between novels.

The extra half stars is for Ryan's best friend, Nick, who shines in his own way. He is funny, a free-spirit, and I think he even steals the scene a little.

[MsKathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Realize was a sweet and juicy quick read about two lovely boys. A short story can be tough since there isn't much space to lay out great characterizations, but Kerry does such a great job with Ryan and Will. I absolutely adored the quick glance we got of Nick and would love to see more of him in his own story. He is the perfect eye-opener for Ryan, and I loved the way things unfolded with Will. While I anticipated a certain resolution, it was lovely to see things turn in an unexpected direction that made the eventual coupling much sweeter. And, oh, what a coupling it is. Nick's final appearance made me giggle and this story left me feeling light, happy, and swoony. Thank you for bringing us a great sip!

[Serena Yates · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very nice story about Ryan, who almost loses Will to another man because he's too afraid to take advantage of the younger man. This is a very stupid excuse and Ryan finally realizes that, but it takes a friend of theirs to tell him in no uncertain terms. That, plus Will looking for 'action' somewhere else makes Ryan realize what he almost missed. When they finally get together, it becomes clear they are meant for each other.

[Zona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a beautiful fun story of lust and love :) I was hooked the moment I started reading. It's full of the awkward first love that we all go through, but there's also so much heart and soul in this story. My only complaint was that it wasn't long enough! I wanted more Ryan and Will!!!! And if we can get a sequel with the adventures of Nick, I'd be one happy lil camper :)

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hot little short story.

[Rachel Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great, short story! I loved the characters and only wish there was more to read!

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good short m/m romance about a college senior who has a crush on his freshman roommate, but hasn't done anything about it other than scare off anyone looking to get closer to his roommate.

[Betryal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and very sweet.