The Key

Bridges #2

by M.J. O'Shea

Brooklyn and Dallas have been together ever since the night six months ago when they kissed under the stars on top of Dallas' old trampoline. They spent that summer planning their life together in college. But things haven't quite gone as planned, and their relationship ... well, it kind of isn't going at all. Brooklyn is terrified that Valentine's Day will be his last chance to convince Dallas to stay.

Kiss Me Quick is a collection of short and sweet stories from authors familiar and new, celebrating the season of love. Come and enjoy these tales of misunderstandings, lonely singles, pining lovers, and so much more! Because if there is one thing that is never in doubt, it's that LT3 knows the way to your heart, and these stories are a straight shot.

Genres: M M Romance, Contemporary, Romance, Short Stories, College, M M Contemporary, Novella

17 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 8, 2012

About the author

MJ O’Shea has never met a music festival, paintbrush, or
flower crown she can stay away from. She loves rainstorms
and a perfect cup of tea, beach days, music, bright colors, and
more than anything a cozy evening with a really great book.

She is from the Pacific Northwest. While she still lives there
and loves it, MJ has the heart of a wanderer. So she puts all
her dreams of far off places and extraordinary people in her
books.

Except for every once in a while when she does what all
travelers have to do on occasion… come home.

Reviews

[Exina · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a sequel to Bridges.

At first I thought 'Stupid boys, why don't you talk to each other???' But that would have ruined the surprise. ;)

A sweet and short Valentine's Day story.

[Ami · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars
While I like Bridges (which is a free short story) very much, the sequel doesn't really live up to its predecessor. I am having issue with it, similar to what Arthur Bedwyr mentions on his review.

One, the "secret" that Dallas keeps from Brooklyn is NOT a simple thing. (Dallas ends up renting an apartment for both him and Brooklyn, without even discussing it with Brooklyn first!). I don't care if Dallas wants to do that as a surprise, to make Brooklyn happy, but he does that without thinking about Brooklyn's feeling -- Brooklyn worries whether Dallas is cheating on him or whether Dallas wants to break up -- and I SERIOUSLY think it is one important event that should be discussed with your lover. Personally, if my own boyfriend does that to me without discussing it first, I will be totally furious with him. I totally think that Dallas has been pretty selfish here.

Two , this is just my feeling based on my memory of the first story, which COULD be wrong because I know I cannot rely on my own memory :p ... but it feels like Dallas and Brooklyn somehow change personality. The first story is from Dallas's point of view, and this one is from Brooklyn's. However, I never feel of Brooklyn to be having lack of confidence like in this story *shrugs*

The writing is still good of course, but not my favorite of hers.

[Arthur · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dallas and Brooklyn are my favorite MCs in the Summer collection so I was looking forward to this story.

I don't like it. I believe a healthy relationship needs to have an open discussion on important things. Here, Dallas simply decided something big for them. I don't find it cute. It's fait a compli. Not to mention disregarding Brooke's feelings. It might even lead to a serious problem, such as a dent in Broke's ego since Dallas provides the money, something that Brooke is lacking since his father has cut off all money after he came out recently.

I like surprise as much as the next guy but not on big things in life that affects other people's life without consultation. That's why I like Giving In by Piper Vaughn, which employs similar plot device, but not this one. Judging from the ratings, I'm not alone.<
/spoiler>

A question: does Baylor require the freshmen to live in campus? Can they actually move out from the dorm while still freshmen, with scholarship and all?

[DayDreamer · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars
Stupid, stupid boys!

Would it have hurt if Dallas had been open with B. from the beginning? Those lies and evasiveness are har for me to forgive. And the hard work he obviously put in this does not in any way mean he chose the right way about this.
And Brooklyn was in the wrong for not facing it immediately. They should have discussed it the same Wednesday he saw Dallas wasn't in the library.
Were I in Brooklyn's place, I wouldn't "I was going to fight for you." Dallas, I would... be far more drastic.

[Gabriela]

I won’t give a rating to such short story. I was expecting some kind of epilogue a few years later, but it was pretty much the same as the previous book plus a bit of miscommunication drama.

[Ro · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reviewed for heartsonfirereviews.com

The Key is part of the Kiss Me Quick Valentine story collection by Less Than Three Press. This short story is a continuation of the relationship of Dallas and Brooklyn (still love the names) from the story Bridges. They are in college, away from Sugar Creek, and together. Dallas, however, has been distant, absent and is basically caught lying. The story is told from Brooklyn’s POV, and I felt so bad for him during this time.
To be honest, Dallas was really ticking me off. While his end result was a loving thing, and he wanted it to be a surprise, the way he went about it was all kinds of awful. Brooklyn is really thinking that this man he loves, who he gave up his family for, who he came out for, is cheating and going to leave him. He finds packed boxes in the closet, and posters gone from the room! When Brooklyn wakes up on Valentine’s Day to no Dallas, just a note reading:
“B-
I’m not going to be home tonight so don’t wait up. I’ll see you tomorrow.
-D”
I just wanted to kill him. He lost big points right then, because no matter the outcome, he put Brooklyn through hell for no reason. He did NOT need to push him away as he did “can’t we just sleep”, etc.
All that being said, I really like these two (stupid man move aside), and was happy they were out of Sugar Creek and were somewhere they could be together and be happy.

[fishreads (back? from hiatus) · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Key catches up with Dallas and Brooklyn at college six months after the ending of Bridges.

Told from Brooklyn's POV, the story paints a worrying picture of their relationship, with Dallas being constantly busy with studying and work and absent from their shared dorm room. Brooklyn misses sharing sweet moments with his boyfriend and fears about worst case scenario of Dallas finding somebody better than Brooklyn and breaking up with him.

I found Brooklyn's irrational insecurity about Dallas not finding him worthy enough believable as their "class" difference was the root cause of their animosity in their childhood. What I found less believable was Dallas being the only one with a job, while Brooklyn did not seem to do anything except daydream in classes and worry about Dallas falling out of love with him. The story painted Brooklyn as somewhat of a slacker which was not the least consistent with his character in Bridges. I could also believe Dallas keeping big surprise from Brooklyn but the complete lack of communication in general was OTT.

Even with a "sweet" conclusion at the end the story actually portrayed quite uneven relationship dynamic between the two which does not really inspire faith in Brooklyn and Dallas getting their HEA in the future.

Themes: single POV, established relationship, lack of communication, Valentine's Day

[Sadonna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short story about the characters from Bridges, Brooklyn and Dallas. They are now out and together at college, but things don't seem to be going very well. They don't have time to be with each other and the pressures of classes and jobs seem to be constantly in the way. As Valentine's day approaches, things seem to be going from bad to worse. Dallas is working extra shift, lying about being at the library, rejected Brooklyn when they are finally together. Then Brooklyn gets a note the night before Valentine's day from Dallas that he won't be home that night - this after Brook finds half of his boyfriend's stuff packed up in boxes and posters removed from the walls. Of course he is sick with worry - literally! I felt so bad for Brook at this point and boy was I mad at Dallas. If things were really over, I would have expected Dallas to be straight up about it.

While Dallas was planning his surprise, he should have said at least something to Brooklyn. I'm chalking it up to him being in his first relationship and not realizing that what he was doing would look so suspicious when his intentions were totally honorable and loving. And Dallas is really lucky that Brooklyn didn't pop him one for putting him through it!

The nice little twist at the end almost makes up for the grief and angst through the story. Is there going to be more???

[Sophia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story short centers around Valentine's Day and is a sequel to Bridges. It picks up a few months after the end of Bridges with the guys in their first college year.

Brooklyn is becoming concerned about how his relationship with Dallas is showing signs of trouble. Dallas spends all his time either working or studying and seems to want to spend little time with Brooke. Then Brooklyn starts to get stronger hints that all is not as it should be and he starts to despair and wonder how he can fix things. He figures Valentine's Day is looming and its his nearly last chance to convince Dallas to stay with him.

The story is short and I really enjoyed revisiting these characters from Bridges which I really enjoyed. My heart just went out to Brooklyn as he experienced all that worry over things while Dallas appeared oblivious. Things really didn't look good, but I had hope for this couple. Thank goodness my hopes were not in vain.

This is one of those sequels that really has to be read in order, but I recommend the series for those who enjoy the Coming of Age Discover Who You Are type contemporary romances.

[Kendra T · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved Bridges and was very excited for this follow up of the relationship between Brooklyn and Dallas. I was a little annoyed by how secretive Dallas was throughout most of the book. I had a hard time running with the fact that he would run out and rent an apartment without even discussing it in the first place but by the end of it, I was even more in love with how in love these guys were. Dallas would do anything for Brook and you could tell, even in this short story. Was frustrated and not liking the story as I read it but by the end, after I got over my own angst and thought it through more, I found that I really LOVED IT!

[Jenny Wood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow... that one got me, I should have read the reviews and stuff first, I totally thought Dallas was cheating and what a jerky way to do it too lol I was wrong but still, a little communication would have went a long way, I hate that Brooklyn had to think such crap things for so long and doubt his relationship. It was sad for him.
Cute ending though, even if Dallas went about it the wrong way, his surprise was still cute and I'm glad it wasn't like we thought it was. Also, kinda bummed only 17 pages when it was $1.49... I mean, I'll pay for a good book, I don't mind that... but for only 17 pages? That sucked.

[Adara · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short look at their lives after Dallas and Brooklyn have been in college for a while. Life and school are both hectic and Brook fears losing the connection he has to Dallas, and maybe even Dallas himself. How do you cling without being clingy? Brooklyn doesn't have an answer to that question, and he's stressing out with how much time Dallas is spending in the library and texting other people.

A nice little interlude, but short.

[L-D · Rating 4 out of 5]

For a short story, this had a good amount of angst. I was really engaged from the beginning. Of course, I absolutely loved Dallas and Brooklyn in Bridges so I might have loved this short even if they watched paint dry. It was great reading about them even though it was a bit of a nail-biter.

[Carly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the first part and the short continuation might be an often used trope but it is used wonderfully and the story just comes alive on the pages.

It was heartbreaking as Brook's insecurity culminated and while it was pretty clear what Dallas was actually doing - the title IS a big give away, there was a little bit of uncertainty still.

This is a very sweet short story about a couple hitting a bit of a roadblock in their relationship and coming out stronger at the other end.

[Britta ★ Nachteule ★ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Six months after their first kiss Dallas and Brooklyn are busy at college. What is Dallas hiding so that Brooklyn don't get to see him a lot even though they share the same dorm room?

Nice little sequel to the original story. And oh so romantic!

My review to .

[Isabella · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was an absolute pleasure to see those two again and to see what happens after the HEA from the first book was beyond sweet.

M.J., I could feel the Brooklyn's insecurities along with him and for a sec I was scared too. The things you make me feel when I read your books, well they resemble the butterflies in the tummy syndrome, I love it.

Keep writing beautiful things!

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked that they were both happy in the end, but I felt like Dallas' actions were callous and hurtful. If I were Brooklyn, once I was done being relieved that I wasn't being cheated on, I would be mad as hell for the distant attitude, the lies (even if they were to keep a secret), and the lack of discussion about a big decision.

[blub · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a sweet short story that takes place 6 months after Bridges, but instead of reading from Dallas POV, readers get to read from Brooklyn's POV.

I thought it was a good read. We didn't get to see a lot of emotional play from Brooklyn in Bridges so this was a nice change.

[La*La · Rating 4 out of 5]

A kind of a bonus to Bridges, this time from Brooklyn's POV. Sweet and sigh-worthy, though I sorta wanted to smack Dallas up his head for giving Brook such a fright.

Definitely checking out this author's other books!

[Arlyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this perfect little follow up to the short story by M.J. O'Shea featured in the free M/M anthologies that can be found listed in the M/M Romance group.

Brooklyn and Dallas were two of my favorite characters to emerge from the anthologies and I was so tickled to fing this sequel. What a treat.

[Usagi Tsukino · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sure, Dallas hasn't told anything that he got an apartment for both so, Brook has thought the worst about Dallas's behaviour. A lot of misunderstanding that could've been avoided by both, by just talking to each other. But since all worked out for the best, I'm not complaining. :D

[Shelby P · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a blip of a story. Not sure if this story even needed to be written. Bridges was pure perfection. The Key, not so much. You can read this in 5 minutes top. Not much to it. I sorta wish I'd never read this actually. I don't see the point.

[Traci · Rating 4 out of 5]

Broke my heart at first, because of innocence and insecurity, but Dallas and Brooklyn did not disappoint in the end. I short story of miscommunication, innocent misunderstanding, good intentions and finally a HEA. I do love these characters and would not mind seeing more of them.

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute but after all they went through to be together in Bridges I didn't like that they weren't talking like, at all. It was cute but that hurt to think what Brook thought even though Dallas had good intentions. *shrug*

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

When, I ask you? When will guys learn to communicate? Of course, Dallas did mean well, but this so could've blown up in his face... and the stress and worry that Brook went through? Seriously? Guys!!! *shakes head* LOL!!!

[Rachel Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so sweet and adorable. Loved reading this follow up to one of my favorite stories from last summer's MM Group.

[Tailtiu · Rating 2 out of 5]

2,4* the writing is good but I don't like the story.
Look at Ami's review, I can't write it better :)

[Cerulean · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

cute short story

[Ari · Rating 4 out of 5]

oh damn i'm reading this Dallas-Brooklyn story in wrong sequence!!!!!

But this 17-pages-long-story is sooooooooo cute, i didnt even realize it's a sequel :))