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Within Reach
This story was written for an anthology call for Storm Moon Press, back when I had just started publishing. I submitted it in July 2011 and only later found out that no decisions would be made until February of 2012. So I decided to just try to forget I ever wrote this one. Then in February it was returned to me, because SMP had not received enough submissions to put out the anthology. I was going to just file it, but I thought, what the hell, I might as well post it here for a while.
The anthology call was for stories about an encounter between a human and one of the Fair Folk on Midsummer’s Night. No HEA or HFN ending required. And that’s what I wrote. The end isn’t particularly dark or painful, but the guys don’t walk off into the sunset either. The fae are often complicated and seldom kind, to each other or to the humans they meet by moonlight.
The anthology call was for stories about an encounter between a human and one of the Fair Folk on Midsummer’s Night. No HEA or HFN ending required. And that’s what I wrote. The end isn’t particularly dark or painful, but the guys don’t walk off into the sunset either. The fae are often complicated and seldom kind, to each other or to the humans they meet by moonlight.
47 pages, ebook
First published January 1, 2011
1 person is currently reading
162 people want to read
About the author
Kaje Harper
91 books2,730 followersI get asked about my name a lot. It's not something exotic, though. “Kaje” is pronounced just like “cage” – it’s an old nickname, and my pronouns are she/her/hers.
I was born in Montreal but have lived for 30 years in Minnesota, where the two seasons are Snow-removal and Road-repair, where the mosquito is the state bird, and where winter can be breathtakingly beautiful. Minnesota’s a kind, quiet (if sometimes chilly) place and it’s home.
I’ve been writing far longer than I care to admit (*whispers – fifty years*), mostly for my own entertainment, usually M/M romance (with added mystery, fantasy, historical, SciFi…) I also have a few Young Adult stories (some released under the pen name Kira Harp.)
My husband finally convinced me that after all the years of writing for fun, I really should submit something, somewhere. My first professionally published book, Life Lessons, came out from MLR Press in May 2011. I have a weakness for closeted cops with honest hearts, and teachers who speak their minds, and I had fun writing four novels and three freebie short stories in that series. I was delighted and encouraged by the reception Mac and Tony received.
I now have a good-sized backlist in ebooks and print, both free and professionally published. A complete list with links can be found on my website "Books" page at https://kajeharper.com/.
You can find me and my book reviews on my author page here on Goodreads - I hang out on Goodreads a lot because I moderate the Goodreads YA LGBT Books group. I also post free short YA stories on that group, more than 50 of them so far.
You can also find me on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/KajeHarper
I was born in Montreal but have lived for 30 years in Minnesota, where the two seasons are Snow-removal and Road-repair, where the mosquito is the state bird, and where winter can be breathtakingly beautiful. Minnesota’s a kind, quiet (if sometimes chilly) place and it’s home.
I’ve been writing far longer than I care to admit (*whispers – fifty years*), mostly for my own entertainment, usually M/M romance (with added mystery, fantasy, historical, SciFi…) I also have a few Young Adult stories (some released under the pen name Kira Harp.)
My husband finally convinced me that after all the years of writing for fun, I really should submit something, somewhere. My first professionally published book, Life Lessons, came out from MLR Press in May 2011. I have a weakness for closeted cops with honest hearts, and teachers who speak their minds, and I had fun writing four novels and three freebie short stories in that series. I was delighted and encouraged by the reception Mac and Tony received.
I now have a good-sized backlist in ebooks and print, both free and professionally published. A complete list with links can be found on my website "Books" page at https://kajeharper.com/.
You can find me and my book reviews on my author page here on Goodreads - I hang out on Goodreads a lot because I moderate the Goodreads YA LGBT Books group. I also post free short YA stories on that group, more than 50 of them so far.
You can also find me on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/KajeHarper
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
May 24, 2016
4 stars!
Kaje Harper is definitly one of my favorite m/m romance authors! I totally loved Deep Waters and Like the Taste of Summer. When I had to chose an underrated m/m book for a challenge and found Within Reach from Kaje Harper on the list, I knew that I had to give it a try! And I'm very happy that I did.
I'm normally not a fan of Fantasy and Fairies, but this story was just perfect. I liked the world building within this short story and immediately felt connected to the characters and the setting. Kaje Harper once again managed to create catching characters and gave the reader an interesting insight into their emotions.
Within Reach is a slightly dark short story about your heart's deepest desire, about the difficulty of choices and about daring to hope!
Warning: No HEA/HFN!
Kaje Harper is definitly one of my favorite m/m romance authors! I totally loved Deep Waters and Like the Taste of Summer. When I had to chose an underrated m/m book for a challenge and found Within Reach from Kaje Harper on the list, I knew that I had to give it a try! And I'm very happy that I did.
I'm normally not a fan of Fantasy and Fairies, but this story was just perfect. I liked the world building within this short story and immediately felt connected to the characters and the setting. Kaje Harper once again managed to create catching characters and gave the reader an interesting insight into their emotions.
Within Reach is a slightly dark short story about your heart's deepest desire, about the difficulty of choices and about daring to hope!
Warning: No HEA/HFN!
April 17, 2012
WARNING: No HEA or HFN. Well, not with one of the MCs anyway
I have this on my folder but just remember to read it when I see it has new cover. I need the one with new cover. I'm OCD that way :). Gene saves a man, who claims that he's a fae, a Daoine Sidhe, and will gives Gene's heart desire if Gene saves him. There are two that are important for Gene, his hand (Gene lost his hand after a motorcycle accident, which made him unable to play music as well), and one other thing (which you need to find himself). After a passionate love making, the fae left, and he gives exactly one of those desires.
This story is really poignant -- from both men. Gene thinks about what has happened, what he has lost (not just his hand, his ability to play music, but also a person he loved the most). Cambrion's story is no less heartbreaking. While the ending is definitely bittersweet, this is kind of a story that also packs a punch and might last longer in my mind. The 'only; niggle I have is how easy Gene accepts Cam's being a fae. But in overall, it is not a huge problem, not with a story this good :D
I have this on my folder but just remember to read it when I see it has new cover. I need the one with new cover. I'm OCD that way :). Gene saves a man, who claims that he's a fae, a Daoine Sidhe, and will gives Gene's heart desire if Gene saves him. There are two that are important for Gene, his hand (Gene lost his hand after a motorcycle accident, which made him unable to play music as well), and one other thing (which you need to find himself). After a passionate love making, the fae left, and he gives exactly one of those desires.
This story is really poignant -- from both men. Gene thinks about what has happened, what he has lost (not just his hand, his ability to play music, but also a person he loved the most). Cambrion's story is no less heartbreaking. While the ending is definitely bittersweet, this is kind of a story that also packs a punch and might last longer in my mind. The 'only; niggle I have is how easy Gene accepts Cam's being a fae. But in overall, it is not a huge problem, not with a story this good :D
July 20, 2019
Oh!
This was different. Unusual even.
And it was entertaining even if I'm a sucker for HEA's.
Always enjoy Harper's writing.
*3.5 strange-but-special stars*
This was different. Unusual even.
And it was entertaining even if I'm a sucker for HEA's.
Always enjoy Harper's writing.
*3.5 strange-but-special stars*
April 19, 2012
Another fantastic story from Kaje Harper! I loved the characters and it had me in tears even though it wasn't that sad at all. Sometimes people don't end up together for the rest of their lives but the encounter they've had will stay with them and change the way they are.
And I'm thrilled to bits that Kaje liked the cover I made for her story!!!!
And I'm thrilled to bits that Kaje liked the cover I made for her story!!!!
June 13, 2012
3.5 stars.
A bittersweet short story. It's a bit of a stretch to call this a romance, since it doesn't have an HEA or even an HFN for the two central characters. Nevertheless, "Within Reach" is definitely worth reading. I've enjoyed reading some of Kaje Harper's full-length novels, but so far I have found that her shorter works, like this one, have a deeper emotional impact.
A bittersweet short story. It's a bit of a stretch to call this a romance, since it doesn't have an HEA or even an HFN for the two central characters. Nevertheless, "Within Reach" is definitely worth reading. I've enjoyed reading some of Kaje Harper's full-length novels, but so far I have found that her shorter works, like this one, have a deeper emotional impact.
April 22, 2013
This was an interesting short story. It's not exactly a romance because there is no HEA or HFN, at least not for the main couple. But it was an interesting take on fairy legends (excuse me, the FAE). It's also a free story so thank you, Kaje!
March 12, 2014
In just 47 pages Kaje Harper is able to have me caring about these two men. I became emotionally invested. That is quite a task to accomplish! There was a bittersweet ending, but that was perfect for the story.
Great job....as always!
Great job....as always!
November 28, 2017
3.5 stars
March 5, 2016
Like others already stated, this has no HEA or HFN for the pair, it's a short story basically about a brief encounter that lasts for all of one night. I felt weird tagging this to my smutty smut shelf like I usually do for these sorts of stories because the sex actually isn't really the focus here, either.
If you want a somewhat slightly spoilery summary, then click it:
Well... this author always keeps her relationships and endings real, in a manner of speaking. Sometimes they'll have you like
and that's why I like her. So I'd recommend it depending on the person. I know some people need deeper relationships and/or HEAs.
If you want a somewhat slightly spoilery summary, then click it:
Well... this author always keeps her relationships and endings real, in a manner of speaking. Sometimes they'll have you like
and that's why I like her. So I'd recommend it depending on the person. I know some people need deeper relationships and/or HEAs.
December 15, 2014
This is just a little slice of the life of a man who is mourning the loss of his love and his hand and a Fae who has one free night out of servitude every 49 years. After a strange meeting in an alleyway, they form a connection that allows each to help the other. This is not a book with a HEA and it only covers a 24 hour period (with one short glimpse into the future), but there is a whole fleshed out story in these pages.
July 13, 2022
Fantastic!
It is story of two lonely and sad men who met and brought to each other reason to look forward.
One of these two is not human but a Sidhe/fae/fair folk/fairy/elf and he is so wonderfully written that I wish read more of his people.
The best part? Magic doesn't makes everything OK and you have to pay a price.
It is story of two lonely and sad men who met and brought to each other reason to look forward.
One of these two is not human but a Sidhe/fae/fair folk/fairy/elf and he is so wonderfully written that I wish read more of his people.
The best part? Magic doesn't makes everything OK and you have to pay a price.
October 31, 2012
AMAZING!
I was holding my breath for the last third of the story.
Kaje Harper has a very unique way to write about feelings, sensations, and for this book in particular that is very important.
As I read the last paragraph my skin was cover in goosebumps, that's how good it was.
Short, sexy, angsty enough, perfect.
I was holding my breath for the last third of the story.
Kaje Harper has a very unique way to write about feelings, sensations, and for this book in particular that is very important.
As I read the last paragraph my skin was cover in goosebumps, that's how good it was.
Short, sexy, angsty enough, perfect.
May 12, 2012
4.5
'Bittersweet' is the perfect word to describe this story. I cried, and was sad, and yet I reached the final page with a happy sigh. And, as always, I was awed by Kaje Harper's ability to make her characters so very real, even the ones who aren't human.
'Bittersweet' is the perfect word to describe this story. I cried, and was sad, and yet I reached the final page with a happy sigh. And, as always, I was awed by Kaje Harper's ability to make her characters so very real, even the ones who aren't human.
April 22, 2012
Yet another beautiful story from Kaje. This is a bittersweet story with a fitting ending. Just lovely as usual. Honestly I cannot get over the talent of this writer. Truly amazed every time I read something she has written.
January 21, 2014
Harper writes so well about the way we feel, sometimes fun and happy, sometimes sad. But the emotions she evokes are always real. This short story does all of that. It's sad and lovely all at once.
February 13, 2015
You gotta watch out for those sneaky fae. Cam couldn't really control it, so you can't really be mad at him. I
Good story. I went in knowing there was no HEA, so I was good with it. It was a satisfying ending.
I enjoyed it.
Good story. I went in knowing there was no HEA, so I was good with it. It was a satisfying ending.
I enjoyed it.
June 2, 2012
Sweet story of love and loss, and sacrifice. Very touching, very loving and leaves a warm place in the heart.
Want to read
June 17, 2012FREE here
Not sure if this can be considered a romance, I've been warned there no HEA or even HFN so go in prepared!
Not sure if this can be considered a romance, I've been warned there no HEA or even HFN so go in prepared!
October 22, 2012
4.5 Stars
So beautifully written it made me weep. A happy ending of a sort...but not what one expects. But do we ever get what we expect when dealing with the fey?
So beautifully written it made me weep. A happy ending of a sort...but not what one expects. But do we ever get what we expect when dealing with the fey?
January 6, 2013
3.5 stars
January 14, 2013
Awwwww! So sad!
June 5, 2013
About loneliness , Bittersweet sad between mortal and immortal. Sad as well as happy with a twist...towards the end.
December 21, 2013
This shorty is tragic and sad, but acceptable.
January 28, 2014
3.5*
March 27, 2014
Real life is such a bitch thet I need my happy endings, so this just wasn't for me. Well written though.
October 28, 2015
A nice little story and I did love the ending though I felt sad for Cam.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews