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Broken
Official Description: Job has cut himself off from his heart since he ran away from home at sixteen. After his best friend committed suicide he realized the risk was too great. Only Lucy, Chloe, Oscar and Charlie, his stray kittens seem to be able to break through the walls he has built.
Charles is getting over the death of his first love from cancer. He promised Danny he wouldn't stay broken forever but has had a hard time following through. Could the guy he sees feeding stray kittens near his apartment every night be the one to heal his broken heart? Could he be the one to break down Job's walls? Find out if these two men will be Broken forever or if perhaps love can heal them.
Original Prompt:
Dear Author,
I want to know more about this modern day Job. His tattoos represent milestones in a rough and largely unkind life that have aged him beyond his 28 years. Buried under a surface of scars, dirt and grime "Job" retains a gentleness few people ever witness. Tell me about his life;about his tattoos. What special someone is helping him overcome his past? Who is he sharing the names of his feline friends with?
Photo Description: A man wearing jeans and a worn out button up work shirt which is half open sits on a wooden porch. He gently holds four kittens in his arms as they attempt to explore. He has many tattoos over his chest and arms and from the look of him you can tell he has had a hard life.
This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Hot Summer Days" 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.
Download the story, read it here or find it in Don't Read in the Closet, Volume 4.
__________
Genre: contemporary
Tags: gay m/m, tattooed men, men with pets, hurt/comfort, first time/virginal, tear jerker
Word Count: 8,729
Charles is getting over the death of his first love from cancer. He promised Danny he wouldn't stay broken forever but has had a hard time following through. Could the guy he sees feeding stray kittens near his apartment every night be the one to heal his broken heart? Could he be the one to break down Job's walls? Find out if these two men will be Broken forever or if perhaps love can heal them.
Original Prompt:
Dear Author,
I want to know more about this modern day Job. His tattoos represent milestones in a rough and largely unkind life that have aged him beyond his 28 years. Buried under a surface of scars, dirt and grime "Job" retains a gentleness few people ever witness. Tell me about his life;about his tattoos. What special someone is helping him overcome his past? Who is he sharing the names of his feline friends with?
Photo Description: A man wearing jeans and a worn out button up work shirt which is half open sits on a wooden porch. He gently holds four kittens in his arms as they attempt to explore. He has many tattoos over his chest and arms and from the look of him you can tell he has had a hard life.
This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Hot Summer Days" 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.
Download the story, read it here or find it in Don't Read in the Closet, Volume 4.
__________
Genre: contemporary
Tags: gay m/m, tattooed men, men with pets, hurt/comfort, first time/virginal, tear jerker
Word Count: 8,729
22 pages, ebook
First published July 26, 2011
85 people are currently reading
2494 people want to read
About the author
Kathleen Hayes
21 books105 followersKathleen Hayes is a bit of an all around geek. She has mastered the art of procrastination, is owned by two crazy cats and is excited to have just added a fellow super geek to her clan. Kathleen loves to explore worlds – whether in her head or on page. She welcomes you into her worlds and hopes you have as much fun there as she does!
She writes M/M Romance.
She writes M/M Romance.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews
February 24, 2016
A very emotional story about two heartbroken men that are daring to hope!
I'm not going to summarize this story; it's too short to say much about the content without spoiling it for others. I will focus on my feelings:
Oh my god, these flashbacks were incredibly intense and they made me hurt so much for Job and Charles. I can only imagine how hart it will be for both of them to let somebody else close to their hearts.
I liked the slow approach between the characters: Charles has been watching Job for quite a while from out of his window and didn't have the courage to approach the attractive stranger. However, when one day Job and his Kittens are in danger, Charles can't stop himself from jumping in.
While I really liked the silent watching between the characters, all the rest happened a bit too fast to be credible! I saw myself caring much more about their past than about their possible future together!
It's still another great contribution to the Don't read in the Closet event and I can only recommend it to anybody!
3.5 stars!
I'm not going to summarize this story; it's too short to say much about the content without spoiling it for others. I will focus on my feelings:
Oh my god, these flashbacks were incredibly intense and they made me hurt so much for Job and Charles. I can only imagine how hart it will be for both of them to let somebody else close to their hearts.
I liked the slow approach between the characters: Charles has been watching Job for quite a while from out of his window and didn't have the courage to approach the attractive stranger. However, when one day Job and his Kittens are in danger, Charles can't stop himself from jumping in.
While I really liked the silent watching between the characters, all the rest happened a bit too fast to be credible! I saw myself caring much more about their past than about their possible future together!
It's still another great contribution to the Don't read in the Closet event and I can only recommend it to anybody!
3.5 stars!
April 29, 2015
***** 5 broken stars *****
----------------------------
"....And none of that makes the love not worth it."
----------------------------
Jesus Christ, this short story knocked me squarely in the chest. I haven't cried so much in ages. 
For anyone who has loved and lost, this story really deserves a 5 star rating.
Those flashbacks from each of the MCs, just wow. And all of that from that little innocent prompt! I am floored. Impressed.
Now excuse, I need a moment... or three.
---------------------------------
Broken
You look at me and
You ask
With fear
And disbelief
And maybe just a little bit of awe
How can you love, again?
It shows in your eyes
You think only of
The broken heart
The shattered pieces
The lonely silence
That comes after.
But I say to you
I have been broken,
I have been shattered,
I have been lonely.
And none of that
Makes the love not worth it.
--------------------------------------
Highly recommended.
---------------------
A short story in the collection "Don't Read in the Closet, Volume Four" from the MM Romance Group Hot Summer Event 2011.
Picture and prompt:
August 19, 2011
Oh rotating first person pov :(
Oh long flashbacks :(
The story was good but I don't like this style of writing, just not for me. But the story made me cry so it's well written just wish it'd been 3rd person. I also didn't like that they didn't use condoms. And other than the long depressing flashbacks you don't really get to know the characters or anything
Oh long flashbacks :(
The story was good but I don't like this style of writing, just not for me. But the story made me cry so it's well written just wish it'd been 3rd person. I also didn't like that they didn't use condoms. And other than the long depressing flashbacks you don't really get to know the characters or anything
December 11, 2011
This was a very sweet, cute story. I loved the premise and how Charles watches Job every day when Job feeds his kittens outside. I always find it extremely sweet when you see a big hulking guy handling these little tiny animals gently.
I loved the way Job and Charles get acquainted and the way Charles tries to help Job when he's hurt. I thought maybe these two characters could have been a little more detailed about their lives and such. As it stands, I'm still not quite sure what Job does for a living or how he's spent the last years since he's run away.
I also wasn't quite comfortable with the writing style since it was switching first person POV without any indication that we've moved from Job to Charles or Charles to Job.
Still, in the end, I really enjoyed this story. It was cute, sweet and left me with a nice little smile. Would be interested in seeing more of these two someday and see how they're relationship is working out. Recommended.
I loved the way Job and Charles get acquainted and the way Charles tries to help Job when he's hurt. I thought maybe these two characters could have been a little more detailed about their lives and such. As it stands, I'm still not quite sure what Job does for a living or how he's spent the last years since he's run away.
I also wasn't quite comfortable with the writing style since it was switching first person POV without any indication that we've moved from Job to Charles or Charles to Job.
Still, in the end, I really enjoyed this story. It was cute, sweet and left me with a nice little smile. Would be interested in seeing more of these two someday and see how they're relationship is working out. Recommended.
July 1, 2013
Lol, I need to stop reading these things! Or not...
I seem to like these stories better and better!
Now this one is about Jacob - Or Job, as he tattooed and called himself after he ran away from home at sixteen, a handsome man with loads of tattoos, but apparently a soft spot for kittens - and lots of 'em! Charles has admired this mysterious but kind stranger for a while now, but after losing his first love to cancer, he's been broken, and even though he promised not to be that forever, he's still pretty nervous about talking to this man. When he comes home from his pet shop one evening, Job falls and breaks his leg, and after that a strange relationship starts to form...
I had only gotten two paragraphs in this when I knew I liked it. Good girl, Kathleen Hayes!
My heart basically broke when I found out about Job's past, it was so sad! All of my emotions just went crazy. And then my heart got fixed again when the story took an exciting, unexpected turn! And a little after that, I was actually crying.
I was amazed that these two characters got to know each other and opened up to each other so quickly - They were MEANT to meet each other! Both had suffered these horrible pasts with death of their loved ones, and love managed to fix that again.
And then back to some good old action again, before releasing me off with a happy ending, so I wouldn't cry to death and miss the characters too much.
What more can I say? This little thing really shook my world!
Kathleen Hayes should be really proud of herself for doing that!
I need to check out more of her work - And you should too!
I seem to like these stories better and better!
Now this one is about Jacob - Or Job, as he tattooed and called himself after he ran away from home at sixteen, a handsome man with loads of tattoos, but apparently a soft spot for kittens - and lots of 'em! Charles has admired this mysterious but kind stranger for a while now, but after losing his first love to cancer, he's been broken, and even though he promised not to be that forever, he's still pretty nervous about talking to this man. When he comes home from his pet shop one evening, Job falls and breaks his leg, and after that a strange relationship starts to form...
I had only gotten two paragraphs in this when I knew I liked it. Good girl, Kathleen Hayes!
My heart basically broke when I found out about Job's past, it was so sad! All of my emotions just went crazy. And then my heart got fixed again when the story took an exciting, unexpected turn! And a little after that, I was actually crying.
I was amazed that these two characters got to know each other and opened up to each other so quickly - They were MEANT to meet each other! Both had suffered these horrible pasts with death of their loved ones, and love managed to fix that again.
And then back to some good old action again, before releasing me off with a happy ending, so I wouldn't cry to death and miss the characters too much.
What more can I say? This little thing really shook my world!
Kathleen Hayes should be really proud of herself for doing that!
I need to check out more of her work - And you should too!
August 3, 2016
Actual Rating 2.5 stars
This is my first take on a M/M romance, and honestly I kind of like this story very cute, though it could do a little bit more on the writing side, I very much like for it to be a little bit long for me to get to know the characters, I wanted to know what happened to Job and Aaron and also the story about Charlie and Danny which I think is very sad. The thing that really keeps me from giving it more stars was the sex part, Oh i think it is not very obscene at all (because I bet there are more of those and I mean a lot in other M/M books) its just that I am not used to read about that yet (it is very different from a M/F right) so its just kind of new to me and I don't know what would I feel about reading them. All in all I think this book has the potential given that the story was cute and different, I like the story line of Job and Aaron's. I just wish for it to be a little bit more long.
This is my first take on a M/M romance, and honestly I kind of like this story very cute, though it could do a little bit more on the writing side, I very much like for it to be a little bit long for me to get to know the characters, I wanted to know what happened to Job and Aaron and also the story about Charlie and Danny which I think is very sad. The thing that really keeps me from giving it more stars was the sex part, Oh i think it is not very obscene at all (because I bet there are more of those and I mean a lot in other M/M books) its just that I am not used to read about that yet (it is very different from a M/F right) so its just kind of new to me and I don't know what would I feel about reading them. All in all I think this book has the potential given that the story was cute and different, I like the story line of Job and Aaron's. I just wish for it to be a little bit more long.
September 7, 2013
I found this to be a rather poorly written & trite offering overall with jarring changes in POV. The choice to make the story in first person didn’t really help. The storyline and characters were boring and one dimensional therefore I never really cared what happened to them. It contained an unfortunate sex scene that frankly wasn’t even lukewarm. I’ve read harlequin novels in the 90s that did it better.
A good author can make the reader care about the characters even in a novella length piece and since this author failed in this critical task (and the writing was immature) I wouldn’t recommend this author in the future.
A good author can make the reader care about the characters even in a novella length piece and since this author failed in this critical task (and the writing was immature) I wouldn’t recommend this author in the future.
July 29, 2011
just a little warning if anyone wants to read it in bus, school, at work or wherever public - don't! unless you are comfortable crying and being all emotionally exposed in public. seriously, read it at home, in your bed with tissues in hand's reach.
this is one beautiful story of being broken and healing. thank you Kathleen again for writing this!
this is one beautiful story of being broken and healing. thank you Kathleen again for writing this!
August 10, 2015
extremely weird! i'm glad this novel was pretty short.
basically it was disgusting to live in this gay " experience" , but i liked ( call me crazy ! ) the human feelings parts that included being hurt, in love, kind, and healing from a bad memory.
i would not recommend this to anyone for sure ! :/
basically it was disgusting to live in this gay " experience" , but i liked ( call me crazy ! ) the human feelings parts that included being hurt, in love, kind, and healing from a bad memory.
i would not recommend this to anyone for sure ! :/
March 17, 2012
What a great little story! First you should know that I love orange tabby cats. I've had two in my life and they were my everything. I loved Job and Chaz and their story - its a wonderful vignette and it might have been short but I seriously had a few tears for this one! Recommended!
April 10, 2014
Worst book i ever read.
November 8, 2018
3.5 stars
July 30, 2013
Short.. Sweet.. Simple !
.. and trust me, all this can be better than most of the things at times that look interesting at the outset !
Broken was indeed a lot of firsts for me.. a first time to read something under this genre.. a first time to read something written by a Goodreads Author.. a first time for a 'really short' story, a novelette actually.
.. and I ain't complaining at all. This was a Monday evening spent really well, feeling good.
The 'Ahaa !' moments
The simplicity, the coyness and the emotional tenacity.
The alternate narrative was indeed something I haven't seen used a lot before and it kept the proceedings fresh IMO. The story, though nowhere path-breaking, was built up beautifully from both the perspectives. Loved the flashbacks and the way they shape things up. For once, I felt the title of the book justified the story aptly and vice-a-versa. The depiction of masculinity with the sprinkle shade of the softer feminine side gelled in perfectly and felt true.
The expression of being broken and still finding a way to live and love life was real and earnest in perspective.. deftly put ! Truly re-instigates the faith in the institution called love between two simple hearts and inter-personal relations.
The 'Naah !' moments
The length, the incompleteness and the abruptness
It indeed starts well but revolves around a limited area. On a broader perspective, it leaves you to want to know more about everything that happened and everyone that made it happen.. and that's when its too short a length bothers ! The story is beautiful and it connects, but doesn't etch in the memory because of the lack of a concrete foundation of the characters. One might not realize it while reading because the emotions overpower you, but on the hind-sight the abruptness of the whole story pricks.
This story could definitely have been made into a novel and would have been well received, wonder why the author stuck to keep it as a novelette. Just left me with a 'close yet so far' feel.
BUT,
.. none of that makes the love not worth it..
All in all it was like a snippet, a trailer-teaser, a short film which ironically satisfied the emotional urge yet kept me wanting for more.
.. and trust me, all this can be better than most of the things at times that look interesting at the outset !
Broken was indeed a lot of firsts for me.. a first time to read something under this genre.. a first time to read something written by a Goodreads Author.. a first time for a 'really short' story, a novelette actually.
.. and I ain't complaining at all. This was a Monday evening spent really well, feeling good.
The 'Ahaa !' moments
The simplicity, the coyness and the emotional tenacity.
The alternate narrative was indeed something I haven't seen used a lot before and it kept the proceedings fresh IMO. The story, though nowhere path-breaking, was built up beautifully from both the perspectives. Loved the flashbacks and the way they shape things up. For once, I felt the title of the book justified the story aptly and vice-a-versa. The depiction of masculinity with the sprinkle shade of the softer feminine side gelled in perfectly and felt true.
The expression of being broken and still finding a way to live and love life was real and earnest in perspective.. deftly put ! Truly re-instigates the faith in the institution called love between two simple hearts and inter-personal relations.
The 'Naah !' moments
The length, the incompleteness and the abruptness
It indeed starts well but revolves around a limited area. On a broader perspective, it leaves you to want to know more about everything that happened and everyone that made it happen.. and that's when its too short a length bothers ! The story is beautiful and it connects, but doesn't etch in the memory because of the lack of a concrete foundation of the characters. One might not realize it while reading because the emotions overpower you, but on the hind-sight the abruptness of the whole story pricks.
This story could definitely have been made into a novel and would have been well received, wonder why the author stuck to keep it as a novelette. Just left me with a 'close yet so far' feel.
BUT,
.. none of that makes the love not worth it..
All in all it was like a snippet, a trailer-teaser, a short film which ironically satisfied the emotional urge yet kept me wanting for more.
October 8, 2013
It’s my free reads short fiction. This is a nice eBook from Kathleen Hayes as the Author.
About heart break for one or more like the others in the whole. Tears, falling out , sad, love, done everything together, care, respect, lost, panicked and many more about break.
When there is stumbled as soon as ran up to finding out the way.
So interest with the words on lines, such:
"You look at me and
You ask
With fear
And disbelief
And maybe just a little bit of awe
How can you love, again?
It shows in your eyes
You think only of
The broken heart
The shattered pieces
The lonely silence
That comes after.
But I say to you
I have been broken,
I have been shattered,
I have been lonely.
And none of that
Makes the love not worth it."
But, for closing of the ending no case else without the healing. Yeah, after hurt will come the real goodness. And be smile (again)..
About heart break for one or more like the others in the whole. Tears, falling out , sad, love, done everything together, care, respect, lost, panicked and many more about break.
When there is stumbled as soon as ran up to finding out the way.
So interest with the words on lines, such:
"You look at me and
You ask
With fear
And disbelief
And maybe just a little bit of awe
How can you love, again?
It shows in your eyes
You think only of
The broken heart
The shattered pieces
The lonely silence
That comes after.
But I say to you
I have been broken,
I have been shattered,
I have been lonely.
And none of that
Makes the love not worth it."
But, for closing of the ending no case else without the healing. Yeah, after hurt will come the real goodness. And be smile (again)..
October 25, 2014
This book is something I don't like to read.
First of all,I didn't know that it is a M/M book since I didn't read the synopsis and when I realized,I insisted myself to read it since it is a small story ,but GOSH! it was very difficult for me to go through those "Gay Sex" scenes(extremely weird for me) and too that I didn't liked the writing.
Well ,yes this book is a small packet of emotions,so anyone who is fine with Gay Novelette can read this short story.
Definitely not a recommendation from my side :/
First of all,I didn't know that it is a M/M book since I didn't read the synopsis and when I realized,I insisted myself to read it since it is a small story ,but GOSH! it was very difficult for me to go through those "Gay Sex" scenes(extremely weird for me) and too that I didn't liked the writing.
Well ,yes this book is a small packet of emotions,so anyone who is fine with Gay Novelette can read this short story.
Definitely not a recommendation from my side :/
August 6, 2011
Oh, dang *grabs another Kleenex*, I cried and still managed to feel hopeful about second chances! I'm feeling kind of emotionally wrung out at the moment!! The poem was simply beautiful and I really liked the significance of both of their tattoos. Way to make a splash into the public realm of writing, Kathleen (and I'm not talking about the tears). Go forth and create more, please? Awesome job, thank you!!!
April 7, 2012
This broke my damn heart and then proceeded to glue it back together. Charles and Job both have tragedy in their pasts that have made them wary about the future but they are drawn to each other, no matter how much they try to resist.
I love a story that can make me hurt and this story had me wiping away tears and rubbing at my aching chest until the end. It was beautifully written, very intimate, and made me hurt in all the good ways.
*cracks out ~broke my heart~ tag*
I love a story that can make me hurt and this story had me wiping away tears and rubbing at my aching chest until the end. It was beautifully written, very intimate, and made me hurt in all the good ways.
*cracks out ~broke my heart~ tag*
February 3, 2015
Ehh. Mediocre, at best. Pretty cliche overall. I hadn't read the description before approaching the book, and chose to read this on a whim. (It's free! It's short!) I remember this vaguely though I read this quite recently. Something about pain and kittens. Unfortunately, this short read was, on the whole, thoroughly disappointing. It's sub-par and so ridiculously banal; more fitting for a Wattpad first-time author than an actual published one.
August 1, 2011
Incredible! I had to read this twice, because it's hard to focus with tears streaming down my face. This was beautiful and amazing and I absolutely loved it. Naming the puppies Aaron and Danny truly was perfect. Thank You for an amazing read, I am not soon to forget this story.
"…And none of that makes the love not worth it"..*sob*
"…And none of that makes the love not worth it"..*sob*
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 13, 2016
The writing was beyond tolerance, least for me. My first read of Kathleen ,and i am highly disappointed. The narration jumps POV like a bouncing ball , leaving you irritated. So much so that i couldn't relate to any of the characters and was numb to all the so called emotional scenes. it was actually like reading a summary . could have been much better.
Definitely not a recommendation.
Definitely not a recommendation.
August 14, 2016
i didin't like it,is not the kind of stories wich i enjjjjjoyed reading
August 22, 2019
Beautiful heartwarming story about Charlie “Chaz” and Jacob “Job” who are both very heartbroken from losses in their lives. A bit of insta-love but the heart wants what the heart wants. This is the type of story that I hope the author will take and build a full-length book around. These are two wonderful characters with a story to tell.
December 31, 2019
The rotating perspectives without warning and insta-love here aren't my cup of tea so I didn't particularly care for this short story too much but I did appreciate that it had some real emotion and wasn't all just fluff.
August 7, 2017
I think this is going to be a really good book when I get to read it...
November 24, 2017
This book talks about there is love after a heart break. Move on.. and you will find a better life :)
I like the ending, very positive
I like the ending, very positive
December 23, 2017
this isa short story, but I loved it pretty much.. the story's simple, but I bet you cannot move on from the book for a little while. kinda angsty book, if you're a big fan, then read this one.
June 2, 2023
This sure packed a punch in a very few pages. I loved it, broke my heart but melt it together by the end. I wish there was more.
August 27, 2016
I was the kind of person that whenever I look on the front cover of the book and then I suddenly like or have an interest to to read it, I pick it and start reading it. And because I didn't read the summary of this story, I was shocked to realize that it was a m/m romance story. i know most of the people were against this kind of relationship. We can't blame someone if the one they will going to meet and like and suddenly fell in love with is in their same gender. Skipping the erotic scenes, i like the story. It really shocked me. This was my first time to read this kind of story. We all experience on how to be broken whether on love or something we going through our lives and yes, those broken times were not easy. In this story, the author was able to captured my heart for the lines she made to Job to speak out. At the end there is always this hope and a lesson also for us to learn that life may offer us. That's why God creates tomorrow for us to begin again. Don't lose hope if you think that something is falling apart. :)
January 21, 2016
I admit, I am not usually one to read something that is just straight up romance (I usually require a little bit of action/adventure or sci-fi technobabble to pad the edges), but I really enjoyed reading this anyways. The story is short(and perhaps, for me the length was a boon, since, as I said, I usually do not read straight up romance, although I wouldn't have any trouble reading more about these two), but in the few pages we're given to look into the lives of these men, it is easy to feel a connection with them. They are relatable in both their joys and their sorrows, and as I read, I could keenly identify with the pain of their pasts. I admit, I have a personal preference against first person narrative (I don't know why I find it jarring, but I just do), so that took away for me a bit, but this is a very sweet, engaging story nonetheless. =)
November 27, 2015
It's a happy ending story about gay's love. Job and Chaz has their own experience and story. They get different attitudes and solutions to treat their past.Job built a wall to protect himself from hurt while Chaz behaves much stronger to move forward. The story Broken is about how Chaz break the visible wall Job built and how Job break the invisible wall Chaz built. I like the part how the author described the first love between Job and his best friend (BF). It's really a pure and nice feelings and it let me recall something happened in my high school.I love the happy ending even if I think their love moves too fast...lol
To be honestly, there's one part I did not understand well, the parting shot.
Author inserts this part to explain one tattoo Chaz got on his body.
I don't know why I can not feel their love here, Chaz and his ex-bf.
Anyway, it's a good book, I like it.
To be honestly, there's one part I did not understand well, the parting shot.
Author inserts this part to explain one tattoo Chaz got on his body.
I don't know why I can not feel their love here, Chaz and his ex-bf.
Anyway, it's a good book, I like it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews