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Heartstrings
Dear Author,
I watched as his fingers stroked the body of the guitar...and I remembered those fingers stroking my back, the hard calloused tips scratching ever so gently down, down, down coming to rest just at the base of my spine. I shivered with the memory. And then he began to play...
This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Love is Always Write" 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 online or find it in Love Is Always Write: Volume 4.
__________
Genre: contemporary
Tags: musician; reunited; sweet (no sex); romance; tattoos
Warnings: none
Word count: 38,190
I watched as his fingers stroked the body of the guitar...and I remembered those fingers stroking my back, the hard calloused tips scratching ever so gently down, down, down coming to rest just at the base of my spine. I shivered with the memory. And then he began to play...
This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Love is Always Write" 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 online or find it in Love Is Always Write: Volume 4.
__________
Genre: contemporary
Tags: musician; reunited; sweet (no sex); romance; tattoos
Warnings: none
Word count: 38,190
122 pages, ebook
First published June 17, 2012
2 people are currently reading
132 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
June 18, 2012
I liked the opener but then flashed back five years. I hate flashbacks so it annoyed me.
I'm at 14% of the story and so far it is almost 100% internal dialogue. And I'm bored with it. The mc over-thinks too much and he's not interesting enough to care what he's thinking.
The writing was fine but the flashbacks really were annoying.
The guys were both idiots and of course stereotypically couldn't communicate. I found this really exhausting reading. The characters weren't special or unique and the "its just a misunderstanding" plot was predicable. It also seemed way too long and the inner dialogue (which is 85-90% of the story) was really repetitive.
2.5 stars since its free. It's not a bad read if you like the misunderstanding plot theme.
I'm at 14% of the story and so far it is almost 100% internal dialogue. And I'm bored with it. The mc over-thinks too much and he's not interesting enough to care what he's thinking.
The writing was fine but the flashbacks really were annoying.
The guys were both idiots and of course stereotypically couldn't communicate. I found this really exhausting reading. The characters weren't special or unique and the "its just a misunderstanding" plot was predicable. It also seemed way too long and the inner dialogue (which is 85-90% of the story) was really repetitive.
2.5 stars since its free. It's not a bad read if you like the misunderstanding plot theme.
November 15, 2012
This is a cute, sweet, story about Zeb and Chad; and their completely dysfunctional relationship due to outside forces! It started out very good, boy meets hot musician boy at straight bar. Hot musician boy wants quickie in the backroom and boy says no, I want a date instead. Hot musician boy thinks boy is crazy but takes the chance anyway. They end up in a real relationship that lasts for a good while. That's when things start messing up for real. And wouldn't you know it, hot musician boy is most frigid when it comes to talking about emotions. Honestly, I got confused with how much time the story consumes... I think it's over a three year period; beginning in the way back when and ending with the here and now. It's not really a quick read, but it is entertaining. There are flips in the story that made me want to step away and think things through every time one happened, so it took me a little bit longer to actually comprehend everything that happened. But it did end on an extremely good note.
June 23, 2012
I loved this, and how much character development and backstory was included even in a relatively short story. I don't tend to like Big Misunderstanding stories, and I certainly found myself cringing at the moment of the BM, but somehow it worked for me anyway. Given the character's background, the explanation for it was plausible enough; at least for the suspension of disbelief necessary to enjoy the story. There were a few odd word choices - most notably the use of 'cuz' instead of 'because' in the narrative as well as dialogue - but nothing egregious enough to keep me from enjoying the story.
I've been struggling recently to read anything, starting various books and putting them back down within a few pages or chapters, unable to get into them. So it was a very pleasant surprise to actually get into this, and when I finished it, I felt like it had exorcised that particular demon and I should hopefully be able to read again. So for that, I'm very, very grateful!
I've been struggling recently to read anything, starting various books and putting them back down within a few pages or chapters, unable to get into them. So it was a very pleasant surprise to actually get into this, and when I finished it, I felt like it had exorcised that particular demon and I should hopefully be able to read again. So for that, I'm very, very grateful!
June 20, 2012
A classic case of how men just do not communicate. All the misunderstandings (this one take a step further by having Zeb not heard what Chad was trying to tell him due to shock. I thought it was ridiculous at first but it was a compound of other things that both MCs did not talked about and make assumptions in their own heads.
I am not necessary like these MCs but the writings are good. Basically, their relationship was not solid with all the assumptions, lack of communications, and sabotages (which would have been ineffective if they just TALK with each other).
All in all, it was a good book. Not necessary the book I like because I felt like I would bash the MCs heads together for being such a tight-lips boneheads. Perhaps this would be a good cautionary tales of how relationships would not thrive and survive without good communications between the couple.
I am not necessary like these MCs but the writings are good. Basically, their relationship was not solid with all the assumptions, lack of communications, and sabotages (which would have been ineffective if they just TALK with each other).
All in all, it was a good book. Not necessary the book I like because I felt like I would bash the MCs heads together for being such a tight-lips boneheads. Perhaps this would be a good cautionary tales of how relationships would not thrive and survive without good communications between the couple.
September 26, 2019
I enjoyed this short and sweet second-chance story. Zeb and Chad meet at a bar where Zeb is playing with his band. He offers a quickie to Chad, who wants a relationship, not a one night stand - something Zeb hasn't experienced before. This story goes back and forth between the past and how they two met and ultimately broke up, and the present - when Chad attends one of Zeb's concerts. There wasn't much about their actual relationship when they had it, but it seems to consist of a lot of lack of communication, although it seems it lasted a couple of years. I would have liked more details of their life together, and more sexy times, but the story did keep my interest and I enjoyed the ending. 3.5 stars.
December 27, 2014
*4.5 Stars*
My word, but this is an emotional story! Have tissues handy!
I loved both of these characters but Zeb...Zeb I understood, too! Not all of us are equipped to read the subtext of a relationship or have the role-modelling to enable us to speak of our feelings. And sometimes our best friends are the least able to help us, so it took opening up to Nick - who had not lived through Zeb & Chad's relationship and eventual breakup - before Zeb could see the 'other side'. And once he 'got' it, Zeb did all in his power to fix the situation!
My word, but this is an emotional story! Have tissues handy!
I loved both of these characters but Zeb...Zeb I understood, too! Not all of us are equipped to read the subtext of a relationship or have the role-modelling to enable us to speak of our feelings. And sometimes our best friends are the least able to help us, so it took opening up to Nick - who had not lived through Zeb & Chad's relationship and eventual breakup - before Zeb could see the 'other side'. And once he 'got' it, Zeb did all in his power to fix the situation!
June 25, 2012
A sweet story about misunderstandings, miscommunication, and second chances.
I liked both of the characters, and I really liked how much braver they were the second time around--when they were finally able to communicate and to tell each other how they felt.
The character development was nice, but with all of the flashbacks it did start feeling slow at times.
Bonus star for being free.
I liked both of the characters, and I really liked how much braver they were the second time around--when they were finally able to communicate and to tell each other how they felt.
The character development was nice, but with all of the flashbacks it did start feeling slow at times.
Bonus star for being free.
June 9, 2013
Communication is the key. cool story
March 15, 2017
I am not sure about Zeb & Chad's relationship. I agree with most people that if communication had been better it would have saved a lot of heartache
April 17, 2018
Really sweet and touching
June 26, 2015
A generous 3stars, because there is something likable about this; part of me enjoyed it, part of me wanted to enjoy it, and the rest of me was screaming frustration and declaring the characters dickless chicks-with-dicks as soon as they got past that man-no-talk-feelings rule.
Despite being a short story there's flashbacks which I hate, and which confused me a bit, two years, three years, a few weeks BAH! Zeb on intro was colourful and confident but turned out to be a mess of issues, heavy back story thrown in, in the hope of explaining his behaviour. Chad seemed a nice straightforward boy - bit worried about all the zoning out he did for the flashbacks though, sounded like petit mal seizures!
The story is all a Misunderstanding, or at least a tangled web of little misunderstandings that made me want to bang their heads together. If they cared that much why wasn't there the mother of all showdowns, not the stupid passive walking away after being together two/three years?
Most of the book is internal dialogue, then when the boys start speaking they keep speaking and around and around we go, until dizzy. The resolution is a bit too easy. I'm not someone who posts gifs but this needs one!
And then there's Nick - the best friend - or more accurately the stand-in-best-friend as in the bloke who got the real best-friend preggers so is standing in He's short, he's not-green, but he is all knowing and insightful and speaks words of wisdom - It is Yoda! Yoda who has learnt human grammar since Star Wars. 'Feel the force Zeb, feel the... no I said the force - you don't get to feel anything else because this is a sweet Non-smutty read!'.
If you feel like short fluffy its a nice little fic, just a little frustrating.
Despite being a short story there's flashbacks which I hate, and which confused me a bit, two years, three years, a few weeks BAH! Zeb on intro was colourful and confident but turned out to be a mess of issues, heavy back story thrown in, in the hope of explaining his behaviour. Chad seemed a nice straightforward boy - bit worried about all the zoning out he did for the flashbacks though, sounded like petit mal seizures!
The story is all a Misunderstanding, or at least a tangled web of little misunderstandings that made me want to bang their heads together. If they cared that much why wasn't there the mother of all showdowns, not the stupid passive walking away after being together two/three years?
Most of the book is internal dialogue, then when the boys start speaking they keep speaking and around and around we go, until dizzy. The resolution is a bit too easy. I'm not someone who posts gifs but this needs one!
And then there's Nick - the best friend - or more accurately the stand-in-best-friend as in the bloke who got the real best-friend preggers so is standing in He's short, he's not-green, but he is all knowing and insightful and speaks words of wisdom - It is Yoda! Yoda who has learnt human grammar since Star Wars. 'Feel the force Zeb, feel the... no I said the force - you don't get to feel anything else because this is a sweet Non-smutty read!'.
If you feel like short fluffy its a nice little fic, just a little frustrating.
January 5, 2016
Oh my dear goodness. This book was just too dang adorable. I was in love with Zeb instantly. And then I just loved him more and more as the story went on. Parts of it were pretty predictable. But I didn't expect it to end the way it did. It really was adorable, and I was smiling the whole time.
September 2, 2016
This was a really good story. Through much of it, I had problems reading due to watery, dripping eyes--just couldn't see the pages clearly--hmmm, imagine that. Oh my, was this ever a tense, stressful read, but it had a great HEA ending.
It was so close to be a perfect read, but the editing was below par, and it wasn't always obvious whether we were in a flashback or present time. Several times, I had to go back several pages to make sure I hadn't missed something. Finally, although we got our HEA, the ending was, for me, a little too abrupt.
If you're at all a fan of the angst that comes from major misunderstandings, you won't want to miss Heartstrings!
It was so close to be a perfect read, but the editing was below par, and it wasn't always obvious whether we were in a flashback or present time. Several times, I had to go back several pages to make sure I hadn't missed something. Finally, although we got our HEA, the ending was, for me, a little too abrupt.
If you're at all a fan of the angst that comes from major misunderstandings, you won't want to miss Heartstrings!
June 18, 2012
Jeez, what a huge misunderstanding! This story made my heart ache and filled me with the desire to smack both men upside the head and give them a lesson in communication. But, that said, I really enjoyed this story and still loved both MCs despite their flaws. Zeb was my kinda character - I love rockers and am a sucker for those emotionally damaged and insecure male types who secretly just need to be loved ;) Great work, Jessa. I look forward to seeing what you have in store for us in the future.
June 24, 2012
The use of flashbacks can be tricky to pull off, but I thought they helped give this story more depth by covering a lot of history in a shorter amount of space. My heart ached for these guys who wasted so much time apart from each other for nothing more than lack of clear communication. I could totally see how it happened, but wow, Zeb’s insecurity and somewhat damaged nature sure made life a more challenging journey. This was another story that supported my belief in the strength of second chances. Loved it!
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August 19, 2014This is the first time that I tried reading M/M novel. And guess what? I'm not disappointed.
I love the juxtaposition technique that the writer used. Yes, flashbacks sucks sometimes. But the author did a great job in connecting the feelings and emotions as he relates it to the present situation.
This is another novel that could prove that love, when it's true, remains true. Distance and time won't matter at all. This would definitely help you believe that love still exist, no matter what sexual preference you might have.
Love,
♥ Ayin
I love the juxtaposition technique that the writer used. Yes, flashbacks sucks sometimes. But the author did a great job in connecting the feelings and emotions as he relates it to the present situation.
This is another novel that could prove that love, when it's true, remains true. Distance and time won't matter at all. This would definitely help you believe that love still exist, no matter what sexual preference you might have.
Love,
♥ Ayin
August 31, 2012
Wonderful story, really feel for both Chad and Zeb. A misunderstanding that could be resolved easily if they had communicated properly but took 3 years to clear. So common and everyone knows it but again and again you see it happening in couples around you in real life. However, in fiction, HEA can be arrange, not so easy in reality. So everyone, take care of your love ones and do not fall into the trap of not communicating with one another.
Want to read
June 17, 2012
Offered FREE from the M/M Romance Group, Love Is Always Write: Volume Four.
February 11, 2014
Chad and Zeb broke up and after three years each thinks the other one is responsible for what happened. Chad's need for closure bring them back together and maybe this time they can try out that whole communication thing.
September 8, 2016
Men! A story of cringe-worthy lack of communication derailing a relationship. Thankfully Zeb and Chad learn their lesson eventually; would have liked it even more if this were not a sweet/no sex story ;)
September 17, 2014
3.5 stars rounded up. I like the writing style. The story was a good mix of angst and sweet. The reason for the breakup was a stupid misunderstanding but it worked in that setup. I gotta admit I like the 'second chance' stories and enjoyed that one :)
June 18, 2012
I have a bit of a soft spot for stories with misunderstandings so this one hit all the right buttons for me. The pages flew by and I wish that it had been longer. This was a joy to read.
June 18, 2012
The plot was tricky. And both the characters are idiots, but they're adorable idiots. The writing was good too. I enjoyed this quite a lot. :)
July 4, 2012
A really great story from a wonderful new writer!
April 18, 2015
I loved this story. I didn't want it to end. I might have to do an immediate reread :) Thank you Jessa Ryan, for donating your story, time and talent.
July 7, 2012
pretty good, but the stupid misunderstanding really was too, too stupid
August 25, 2012
SO good....review to come
April 30, 2013
Good story about the perils of miscommunication. Learn the lesson. Talk to each other :)
December 2, 2012
Super cute!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews