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Whistle Blowing
Official Description: Former Navy medic Sebastian Thompson has classic good looks and a true blue heart. But that doesn’t mean he has the confidence to make a move on the gorgeous young blond who just breezed in to the Blue Dragon Bar. Fate will play its hand, anyway. Finding the same young blond beaten to the edge of death, terrified of a hospital, Sebastian has to choose - walk away, or try to save a life.
This one chance encounter will lead Sebastian into a web of danger. Who is the enemy and who is a friend? Who will he trust when everyone has a reason to lie? How far will he go, and what will it cost, to do the right thing?
Original Prompt:
Dear Author,
I'm so out of my league with this one I have no idea what the hell I'm doing. I watched him walk into that bathroom. How could I not notice him? Just look at him. He's fucking beautiful. I didn't see him come back out, but I was trying to play it cool, ya know? I thought maybe he'd left when after 30 minutes I didn't see him in the bar anywhere. Shrugging it off, figuring he's probably a good 10 years too young for me anyway, I went to the bathroom and saw him again. Only this time he was a broken, bloody heap on the floor in the last stall. Shit! I rushed over to him, felt for a pulse and tried to assess the damage. I'm just a retired Navy medic, not a doctor but when I roused him, he started screaming and pleading with me not to take him to the hospital. Said they'd kill him if they found him and they'd be sure and look there first. So I picked him up, carried him out and brought him home. He's so badly beaten. I think they kicked him half to death. I have to examine him, but he's so scared. I'm not sure if he's been raped or not but how do I get him to trust me enough to even check?
Please help me put this beautiful, battered boy back together again.
Photo Description: A bleached-blond young man with a sculpted body is sitting half-naked and curled over his own knees. His eyes are closed, and his head is down. He looks tired and scared.
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 11 - Bonus Volume.
__________
Genre: contemporary, thriller.
Tags: medical personnel; military men; first time; hurt/comfort; slow burn; unresolved sexual tension
Warnings: descriptions of post-violent-attack first aid and medical care; non-graphic discussions of off-screen sexual assault; gun violence (non-sexual).
Word count: 70,085
This one chance encounter will lead Sebastian into a web of danger. Who is the enemy and who is a friend? Who will he trust when everyone has a reason to lie? How far will he go, and what will it cost, to do the right thing?
Original Prompt:
Dear Author,
I'm so out of my league with this one I have no idea what the hell I'm doing. I watched him walk into that bathroom. How could I not notice him? Just look at him. He's fucking beautiful. I didn't see him come back out, but I was trying to play it cool, ya know? I thought maybe he'd left when after 30 minutes I didn't see him in the bar anywhere. Shrugging it off, figuring he's probably a good 10 years too young for me anyway, I went to the bathroom and saw him again. Only this time he was a broken, bloody heap on the floor in the last stall. Shit! I rushed over to him, felt for a pulse and tried to assess the damage. I'm just a retired Navy medic, not a doctor but when I roused him, he started screaming and pleading with me not to take him to the hospital. Said they'd kill him if they found him and they'd be sure and look there first. So I picked him up, carried him out and brought him home. He's so badly beaten. I think they kicked him half to death. I have to examine him, but he's so scared. I'm not sure if he's been raped or not but how do I get him to trust me enough to even check?
Please help me put this beautiful, battered boy back together again.
Photo Description: A bleached-blond young man with a sculpted body is sitting half-naked and curled over his own knees. His eyes are closed, and his head is down. He looks tired and scared.
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 11 - Bonus Volume.
__________
Genre: contemporary, thriller.
Tags: medical personnel; military men; first time; hurt/comfort; slow burn; unresolved sexual tension
Warnings: descriptions of post-violent-attack first aid and medical care; non-graphic discussions of off-screen sexual assault; gun violence (non-sexual).
Word count: 70,085
172 pages, ebook
First published July 1, 2012
241 people want to read
About the author
Ada Maria Soto
19 books268 followersA psychologist once told Ada Maria Soto that she has a fantasy prone personality. Fortunately, Ada grew up to become an author, so a life lived deep in her imagination fits her perfectly. As a Mexican-American expat living in the South Pacific with her partner and kid, her life is chaotically divided between being a writer, a publisher, and a parent.
Dysgraphia, phonological dyslexia, and ADHD makes for some exciting editing, but Ada continues to push through with a writing career. She’s a veteran of the theatre and television business, as well as all the lousy jobs that come with two liberal arts degrees.
Ada’s ability to capture the complex inner life of her characters in moving, yet relatable, ways endears readers to her unforgettable characters. Whether writing hot, spicy erotica or “tame” romances about asexual characters, she creates stories that readers return to again and again.
When not buried under manuscripts, Ada is a sports fan dedicated to the Oakland A’s, Auckland Blues, USA Eagles, and New Zealand Black Caps.
Dysgraphia, phonological dyslexia, and ADHD makes for some exciting editing, but Ada continues to push through with a writing career. She’s a veteran of the theatre and television business, as well as all the lousy jobs that come with two liberal arts degrees.
Ada’s ability to capture the complex inner life of her characters in moving, yet relatable, ways endears readers to her unforgettable characters. Whether writing hot, spicy erotica or “tame” romances about asexual characters, she creates stories that readers return to again and again.
When not buried under manuscripts, Ada is a sports fan dedicated to the Oakland A’s, Auckland Blues, USA Eagles, and New Zealand Black Caps.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews
December 30, 2015
Whistle Blowing is really hard to rate! When I read the prompt for this story and saw the very inspiring picture, I was sure that this would be a great read, but unfortunately I was a bit disappointed.
One night, Sebastian is at the Blue Dragon - his favorite gay bar - and sees a very attractive young man while drinking his beer. He is about to approach him, when the young man disappears into the restroom. When finding the same man bloody and nearly beaten to death at the back of the restroom, Sebastian has to take a decision. Is he going to respect the man's plea not to be taken to a hospital or is he going to call an ambulance anyways?
I liked the first scenes of the story, but unfortunately the repetitive medical descriptions of Daren's treatment were getting kind of boring after a while. Sebastian is slowly figuring out Daren's secret, but the pace was moving incredibly slow and my mind was driving away from the story again and again. Only the last third of the story really got my attention and I loved the suspense. I saw myself turning the pages much quicker and I was looking forward to a catching showdown, but the end was extremely abrupt and I didn't get an answer to many important questions.
In general, both characters stayed king of blurry in my mind. I had problems picturing both of them and this might be a reason why I wasn't able to really care for them. I would have loved the get a little more background information and a little more about their feelings.
A very positive aspecty was the slow development of the relationship. The slow burn and the way they acted towards each other felt credible considering the opening events of the book. I also enjoyed Soto's writing style. It was easy to read and I could picture the setting really well, the only aspect missing was the deeper characterization of Sebastian and Daren. Considering the shortness of the story Soto was able to write an interesting story based on the prompt, but I'm sure that the story and the characters had way more potention.
2.5 stars rounded up to 3!
One night, Sebastian is at the Blue Dragon - his favorite gay bar - and sees a very attractive young man while drinking his beer. He is about to approach him, when the young man disappears into the restroom. When finding the same man bloody and nearly beaten to death at the back of the restroom, Sebastian has to take a decision. Is he going to respect the man's plea not to be taken to a hospital or is he going to call an ambulance anyways?
I liked the first scenes of the story, but unfortunately the repetitive medical descriptions of Daren's treatment were getting kind of boring after a while. Sebastian is slowly figuring out Daren's secret, but the pace was moving incredibly slow and my mind was driving away from the story again and again. Only the last third of the story really got my attention and I loved the suspense. I saw myself turning the pages much quicker and I was looking forward to a catching showdown, but the end was extremely abrupt and I didn't get an answer to many important questions.
In general, both characters stayed king of blurry in my mind. I had problems picturing both of them and this might be a reason why I wasn't able to really care for them. I would have loved the get a little more background information and a little more about their feelings.
A very positive aspecty was the slow development of the relationship. The slow burn and the way they acted towards each other felt credible considering the opening events of the book. I also enjoyed Soto's writing style. It was easy to read and I could picture the setting really well, the only aspect missing was the deeper characterization of Sebastian and Daren. Considering the shortness of the story Soto was able to write an interesting story based on the prompt, but I'm sure that the story and the characters had way more potention.
2.5 stars rounded up to 3!
July 2, 2012
In order to enjoy this story, it depends whether readers are ready to deal with slow pace and repetitive action.
The content warning says "descriptions of post-violent-attack first aid and medical care". When I started this story, I had NO IDEA how heavy the descriptions would be. Because there are A LOT of them. In fact, I think, the bulk of this story, maybe around 70% of it, deals with that.
We have Sebastian unwrapping and rewrapping bandages, applies cream, giving Daren a bath, going to the drug store to buy more supplies, and so on and so forth. It's so detailed down to the part where Sebastian helps clean Daren's inside due to the raping. While it does describe something realistic, since I'm sure it takes weeks (or even months) to heal Daren's extensive injuries, in paper (ehm, Kindle), it can be very repetitive. Not to mention the nightmares. We never really know what nightmares that Daren's have ... we just read that he has it. So nothing truly happens. Which means you have to have a big amount of patience to stick through it.
I actually don't mind the pace. I'm literally quite bored with the insta-connection or insta-love that is based from sexual intercourse, anyway. Daren's injuries (and the way the medical care is detailed) prevent any sexual scene to happen early on; I appreciate that.
However, if readers also count on romance, I'm not sure they will be satisfied. Since the story is taken from Sebastian's perspective as caregiver, we don't really know whether Daren's feeling to Sebastian is true, or only because of the patient/caregiver position. Daren says that he has only been with women -- so is he coming to Sebastian a result of genuine feeling or he is just feeling grateful? I cannot truly believe that their relationship is mutual, with the way this story is presented.
The ending feels a bit abrupt. After having such a slow-and-steady pace with the medicare, them planning to run away seems to be written quickly. There's no clear HEA ... and I can see why everyone basically asking for sequel.
So ... rating, uhm, I don't dislike it. But stretching it from my so-so/standard rating star cannot really be done, since it lacks of emotional connection I need. So you all have to settle with me giving this 3-stars.
The content warning says "descriptions of post-violent-attack first aid and medical care". When I started this story, I had NO IDEA how heavy the descriptions would be. Because there are A LOT of them. In fact, I think, the bulk of this story, maybe around 70% of it, deals with that.
We have Sebastian unwrapping and rewrapping bandages, applies cream, giving Daren a bath, going to the drug store to buy more supplies, and so on and so forth. It's so detailed down to the part where Sebastian helps clean Daren's inside due to the raping. While it does describe something realistic, since I'm sure it takes weeks (or even months) to heal Daren's extensive injuries, in paper (ehm, Kindle), it can be very repetitive. Not to mention the nightmares. We never really know what nightmares that Daren's have ... we just read that he has it. So nothing truly happens. Which means you have to have a big amount of patience to stick through it.
I actually don't mind the pace. I'm literally quite bored with the insta-connection or insta-love that is based from sexual intercourse, anyway. Daren's injuries (and the way the medical care is detailed) prevent any sexual scene to happen early on; I appreciate that.
However, if readers also count on romance, I'm not sure they will be satisfied. Since the story is taken from Sebastian's perspective as caregiver, we don't really know whether Daren's feeling to Sebastian is true, or only because of the patient/caregiver position. Daren says that he has only been with women -- so is he coming to Sebastian a result of genuine feeling or he is just feeling grateful? I cannot truly believe that their relationship is mutual, with the way this story is presented.
The ending feels a bit abrupt. After having such a slow-and-steady pace with the medicare, them planning to run away seems to be written quickly. There's no clear HEA ... and I can see why everyone basically asking for sequel.
So ... rating, uhm, I don't dislike it. But stretching it from my so-so/standard rating star cannot really be done, since it lacks of emotional connection I need. So you all have to settle with me giving this 3-stars.
February 7, 2017
This started out really good. Almost exactly the same as Not His Kiss to Take, except for the doctor kink.
There is a lot of focus on Daren’s injuries and the way he heals for most of this story. That’s not a bad thing. I hate reading about miraculous recoveries, so this felt real. I did want a bit more out of the relationship.
Especially because the first half was focused on how Sebastian and Daren interact with each other and Sebastian nursing Daren back to health.
But that tentative development suddenly stopped and I found myself in a James Bond kind of story line. Which I did not like.
Lot of loose ends when it’s suddenly over. Sort of an HFN, but not enough for me. The relationship had just started, and they are now on the run, still being chased by the bad guys.
Promising storyline, but would have been better with more relationship development and a better ending.
There is a lot of focus on Daren’s injuries and the way he heals for most of this story. That’s not a bad thing. I hate reading about miraculous recoveries, so this felt real. I did want a bit more out of the relationship.
Especially because the first half was focused on how Sebastian and Daren interact with each other and Sebastian nursing Daren back to health.
But that tentative development suddenly stopped and I found myself in a James Bond kind of story line. Which I did not like.
Lot of loose ends when it’s suddenly over. Sort of an HFN, but not enough for me. The relationship had just started, and they are now on the run, still being chased by the bad guys.
Promising storyline, but would have been better with more relationship development and a better ending.
October 3, 2015
Doesn't that cover look like a thumb with a face on it?
I can’t believe this novel was free. It’s a really adorable story, very sweet. The romantic element actually starts quite a bit later than I expected, and Sebastian actually acknowledges that when he does fall in love it’s very fast. For this genre, it’s almost glacial. ;) Sebastian is a great guy, gentle and kind. I really liked him. (He hates his name, and says he was beaten up in school because of it. I think that’s weird. I think it’s a nice name.)
Daren is great, too, and I like how they develop his character. The health/injury stuff was really well done, very believable. I was almost sure the writer had been in the medical profession but at one point Sebastian decides to see if Daren has a “temperature.” Um, yeah, he does like always. The question is whether he has a fever. It last a long time, too, which is realistic. This isn’t a guy who’s been beaten to a pulp and then walking around in a couple of days.
The romance starts later than I think it would. I think Sebastian would be finding him attractive sooner, although it says a lot about how great he is that he can only see a battered young man he wants to help. I think Daren
I had a problem with the fact that Sebastian doesn’t work. He’s conveniently between jobs with a new one starting a long way down the road. I think it would have been more believable if he were just out of work, but I understand why she did it this way.
The suspense plot, is good and tense, although without enough follow through. I was definitely knuckle biting at points but it was almost all suspense without much as far as confrontation type things. At the end I was expecting but there is definitely room for a sequel. I really hope she writes one. Their story is not yet over.
I can’t believe this novel was free. It’s a really adorable story, very sweet. The romantic element actually starts quite a bit later than I expected, and Sebastian actually acknowledges that when he does fall in love it’s very fast. For this genre, it’s almost glacial. ;) Sebastian is a great guy, gentle and kind. I really liked him. (He hates his name, and says he was beaten up in school because of it. I think that’s weird. I think it’s a nice name.)
Daren is great, too, and I like how they develop his character. The health/injury stuff was really well done, very believable. I was almost sure the writer had been in the medical profession but at one point Sebastian decides to see if Daren has a “temperature.” Um, yeah, he does like always. The question is whether he has a fever. It last a long time, too, which is realistic. This isn’t a guy who’s been beaten to a pulp and then walking around in a couple of days.
The romance starts later than I think it would. I think Sebastian would be finding him attractive sooner, although it says a lot about how great he is that he can only see a battered young man he wants to help. I think Daren
I had a problem with the fact that Sebastian doesn’t work. He’s conveniently between jobs with a new one starting a long way down the road. I think it would have been more believable if he were just out of work, but I understand why she did it this way.
The suspense plot, is good and tense, although without enough follow through. I was definitely knuckle biting at points but it was almost all suspense without much as far as confrontation type things. At the end I was expecting but there is definitely room for a sequel. I really hope she writes one. Their story is not yet over.
July 2, 2012
My opinion is likely colored by the fact that this picture and this prompt were among my favorites this year, so I had high hopes for this story.
The content warning says "descriptions of post-violent-attack first aid and medical care; non-graphic discussions of off-screen sexual assault," and I was reassured by that warning. What it should have said is "GRAPHIC descriptions of post-violent-attack first aid"... We are told everything (and I mean EVERYTHING!) that Sebastian does for Daren to keep him alive and healthy as his body recovers. I felt that too much time (and WAY too much detail!) was given to Daren's recovery. I spent nearly the first 1/3 of the book sick to my stomach, trying to keep reading long enough to get to less horrific and heartbreaking stuff. (plus, impossible things like Daren's facial swelling going down just hours after the attack kept pulling me out of the story)
My next big concern was that I didn't really believe the romance. There was hardly any time given to whether Sebastian and Daren are developing feelings for each other, perhaps because Sebastian tries so hard to not think of Daren as a guy, but rather a patient. So by the time Daren finally comes on to Sebastian in a way Sebastian will accept, it's like there's no emotion there at all. Sebastian tried for so long to convince himself (and me) that Daren's advances were just "guys getting off" that I never became unconvinced of that, even once they became physically closer.
This impression was also aided by the fact that they never actually TALK about what's going on between them. They just jump from patient/caretaker to "guys getting off together" to fleeing the country together. Their relationship seemed more like a proximity-based thing than an actual care-about-each-other thing.
And after all of that, to have this not really end, but be the set-up for another work or a series was beyond frustrating.
Bonus star for being free.
The content warning says "descriptions of post-violent-attack first aid and medical care; non-graphic discussions of off-screen sexual assault," and I was reassured by that warning. What it should have said is "GRAPHIC descriptions of post-violent-attack first aid"... We are told everything (and I mean EVERYTHING!) that Sebastian does for Daren to keep him alive and healthy as his body recovers. I felt that too much time (and WAY too much detail!) was given to Daren's recovery. I spent nearly the first 1/3 of the book sick to my stomach, trying to keep reading long enough to get to less horrific and heartbreaking stuff. (plus, impossible things like Daren's facial swelling going down just hours after the attack kept pulling me out of the story)
My next big concern was that I didn't really believe the romance. There was hardly any time given to whether Sebastian and Daren are developing feelings for each other, perhaps because Sebastian tries so hard to not think of Daren as a guy, but rather a patient. So by the time Daren finally comes on to Sebastian in a way Sebastian will accept, it's like there's no emotion there at all. Sebastian tried for so long to convince himself (and me) that Daren's advances were just "guys getting off" that I never became unconvinced of that, even once they became physically closer.
This impression was also aided by the fact that they never actually TALK about what's going on between them. They just jump from patient/caretaker to "guys getting off together" to fleeing the country together. Their relationship seemed more like a proximity-based thing than an actual care-about-each-other thing.
And after all of that, to have this not really end, but be the set-up for another work or a series was beyond frustrating.
Bonus star for being free.
July 2, 2012
Offered for FREE from the M/M Romance Group, Love Is Always Write: Volume Eleven - Bonus Volume.
Phew, this was longer than I expected but definitely worth it! Sometimes with novella's or short stories there is the problem with characters that are not fully developed, but that is definitely not the case here. I loved both these guys and felt like I had a really good understanding of who they both were, I only wish we had an epilogue to check up on them and see them in a safe an relaxed environment! Be forewarned though that the pace in this starts off rather slow and steadily picks up speed as things get more intense. And I don't mean 'slow' in a bad way, but it takes a while before anything develops sexually between out two MC's (as is to be expected) and the medical recovery and detail goes on to the point where some people may complain, but honestly for me it showed a realistic and slowly developing affection and I really didn't mind. Good stuff!
P.S. She perfectly describes Daron to the guy in the pic and he is OH SO beautiful IMHO, but I also really feel like the author captured the mood of the picture.
Read
July 2, 2012Well-thought out characters. There's a good slow burn with some satisfying non-explicit sex in the conclusion. The hurt-comfort is nicely done, without any insta-recovery.
January 13, 2017
Sorry, I can't keep reading, it feels like complete waste of my time. Okay, I waste my time all the time, duh, but reading this is not even an entertaining way to do so.
First of all, am I the only one who has a problem when an author follows the prompt literally phrase by phrase, just using a few more words? It reminds me those awful Tumblr "imagine" blogs. "Please write me a story where I work as a florist and Brad Pitt comes to my shop and falls in love with me." - "You work as a florist. Suddenly you hear the door open, and to your shock you see Brad Pitt entering your shop..." Yes, I know some people want exactly that but I don't know... what's the point?
Second thing, I really, really couldn't believe in the situation as the author describes it. I don't have a problem with the prompt, it's just that the author doesn't make any effort to make it believable. A guy finds a horribly beaten, potentially dying guy and instead of calling for an ambulance he takes him home? Why? Because the guy says "They'll kill me"? Yes, I know it's what the prompt said but please, do something to convince me it's the only choice Sebastian has. I don't know, the kid might be hallucinating, or clinically paranoid, or just not fully aware - and Sebastian just obeys what he says, just like that?
And for God's sake, he thinks about taking the kid to the vet to make x-rays? Because going to the hospital would be dangerous but a vet wouldn't ask any questions if someone brought a near-dead man to make x-rays... right.
Okay, and finally... I didn't read much, I admit, but in the part I read neither character showed even a spark of personality. They are like empty contours for a "patient" and a "caretaker". You can say how you can show their personality when one is seriously injured and the other has to treat him... oh, but there are hundreds ways for that. If personalities are not there yet, I don't think they will suddenly appear later.
All is just my personal opinion, I can imagine why people liked this story. I just decided I would rate a DNF'd story only if I really thought it's a lame one, and I really think this one is lame.
First of all, am I the only one who has a problem when an author follows the prompt literally phrase by phrase, just using a few more words? It reminds me those awful Tumblr "imagine" blogs. "Please write me a story where I work as a florist and Brad Pitt comes to my shop and falls in love with me." - "You work as a florist. Suddenly you hear the door open, and to your shock you see Brad Pitt entering your shop..." Yes, I know some people want exactly that but I don't know... what's the point?
Second thing, I really, really couldn't believe in the situation as the author describes it. I don't have a problem with the prompt, it's just that the author doesn't make any effort to make it believable. A guy finds a horribly beaten, potentially dying guy and instead of calling for an ambulance he takes him home? Why? Because the guy says "They'll kill me"? Yes, I know it's what the prompt said but please, do something to convince me it's the only choice Sebastian has. I don't know, the kid might be hallucinating, or clinically paranoid, or just not fully aware - and Sebastian just obeys what he says, just like that?
And for God's sake, he thinks about taking the kid to the vet to make x-rays? Because going to the hospital would be dangerous but a vet wouldn't ask any questions if someone brought a near-dead man to make x-rays... right.
Okay, and finally... I didn't read much, I admit, but in the part I read neither character showed even a spark of personality. They are like empty contours for a "patient" and a "caretaker". You can say how you can show their personality when one is seriously injured and the other has to treat him... oh, but there are hundreds ways for that. If personalities are not there yet, I don't think they will suddenly appear later.
All is just my personal opinion, I can imagine why people liked this story. I just decided I would rate a DNF'd story only if I really thought it's a lame one, and I really think this one is lame.
July 3, 2012
3,5* upgrade for making me read till the end :)
In the beginning the story is a little heavy on the medical side (I had to skip some pages) and the story definitely needs an epilogue or a follow up story.
In the beginning the story is a little heavy on the medical side (I had to skip some pages) and the story definitely needs an epilogue or a follow up story.
dnf
July 2, 2012DNF at 32%
Sorry, but I give up. The whole story centered on the medical care of the injured guy. The story development was either missing or that slow that it escaped my notice. Same with the thriller part of the story - just not there.
Sorry, but I give up. The whole story centered on the medical care of the injured guy. The story development was either missing or that slow that it escaped my notice. Same with the thriller part of the story - just not there.
July 2, 2012
1,5
Well, half star is a bonus because it was a free story.
I read this story knowing nothing about the author. I still know nothing. So I just didn't appreciate the story.
The beginning was like a medical essay, with absolutely detailed descriptions of Sebastian's home care for Daren. Maybe the author wanted to prove that she did her research?
Too long and detailed descriptions are also in the second half, with the details of 5 different visits to the .
The end is also a bit rushed IMO
There were some typos and once it read ''Daren'' when it should have been ''Sebastian''. About names: it would be nice to have something else instead of ''Daren/Sebastian'': the MCs' names are repeated every couple of sentencies.
Well, half star is a bonus because it was a free story.
I read this story knowing nothing about the author. I still know nothing. So I just didn't appreciate the story.
The beginning was like a medical essay, with absolutely detailed descriptions of Sebastian's home care for Daren. Maybe the author wanted to prove that she did her research?
Too long and detailed descriptions are also in the second half, with the details of 5 different visits to the .
The end is also a bit rushed IMO
There were some typos and once it read ''Daren'' when it should have been ''Sebastian''. About names: it would be nice to have something else instead of ''Daren/Sebastian'': the MCs' names are repeated every couple of sentencies.
May 2, 2015
This story was based on my picture and prompt in the M/M Romance group "Love Is Always Write" event. I'll admit to being nervous when Ada took the prompt because I wanted something pretty gritty and kinky enough to fulfill my desire for a good medical fetish read and I wasn't sure that Ada was the right author for the job. I give her big props for taking it on.
Having said that, I loved this story. It wasn't as dark or as kinky as I had hoped and I think her focus on Darren's medical care, which some have complained about, was her attempt to satisfy my desire for a medical kink story. I'd like everyone who reads this story to keep in mind that she was trying to write "my" story. Medical kink for me is a sexual fetish and I realize now that it's probably too complex to really explore in a shorter story. I also requested a slow burn which is hard to do when you don't have the time to really develop the relationship and the romance. I felt Ada did a great job with that given the fact that she originally intended to write a much shorter story.
I really hope that there's a sequel because there's a lot more story to tell. Maybe the sequel can be a little more kinky. It's not too late...
Edited to add...Some readers have wondered what Sebastian looked like since the story was from his POV and he was never really described. When I wrote the prompt for this story I pictured him looking like a young Hugh Jackman. Thankfully Ms. Soto agrees with me :)
Having said that, I loved this story. It wasn't as dark or as kinky as I had hoped and I think her focus on Darren's medical care, which some have complained about, was her attempt to satisfy my desire for a medical kink story. I'd like everyone who reads this story to keep in mind that she was trying to write "my" story. Medical kink for me is a sexual fetish and I realize now that it's probably too complex to really explore in a shorter story. I also requested a slow burn which is hard to do when you don't have the time to really develop the relationship and the romance. I felt Ada did a great job with that given the fact that she originally intended to write a much shorter story.
I really hope that there's a sequel because there's a lot more story to tell. Maybe the sequel can be a little more kinky. It's not too late...
Edited to add...Some readers have wondered what Sebastian looked like since the story was from his POV and he was never really described. When I wrote the prompt for this story I pictured him looking like a young Hugh Jackman. Thankfully Ms. Soto agrees with me :)
January 13, 2013
Deeply engrossing, could not put it down! Thorough, methodical, completely engaging, not a moment of frivolous asides in here. Just an amazingly well developed story.
*now cruising Ada Maria Soto*
*now cruising Ada Maria Soto*
January 23, 2017
2.5 stars
The Good:
- This book is well-written and well-researched. It's very obvious the author did her homework.
- It's free.
The Not-So-Good:
- A staggering amount of detailed descriptions of medical care for Daren.
- It focused a little too much on the hurt/comfort aspect rather than the emotions behind it. I did not feel the bond between the two men, nor did I believe in their romance.
- I desperately needed Daren's POV.
- There's understandably very little sex. Unfortunately, frottage and a couple of handjobs just don't cut it for me these days.
- It has a tentative HFN ending with lots of loose ends.
The Good:
- This book is well-written and well-researched. It's very obvious the author did her homework.
- It's free.
The Not-So-Good:
- A staggering amount of detailed descriptions of medical care for Daren.
- It focused a little too much on the hurt/comfort aspect rather than the emotions behind it. I did not feel the bond between the two men, nor did I believe in their romance.
- I desperately needed Daren's POV.
- There's understandably very little sex. Unfortunately, frottage and a couple of handjobs just don't cut it for me these days.
- It has a tentative HFN ending with lots of loose ends.
June 22, 2023
Ada Maria Soto's Whistle Blowing has been on my tbr shelf for ages, and I'm so glad I finally got around to reading it. Overall I was pleased with the story, and rounded my 3.5 up to a 4 star rating.
I felt that Daren's recovery goes on a little too long, but in hindsight it does really help establish the relationship with Sebastian.
Definitely well worth the read.
I felt that Daren's recovery goes on a little too long, but in hindsight it does really help establish the relationship with Sebastian.
Definitely well worth the read.
July 9, 2012
So I was trolling the Love is Always Wright series and noticed there was this story whith a huge number of comments. I figured it must be good if there were that many people commenting and boy was I lucky! This is a long and oh so chilling, spine tingling (both the good and bad kind), sweet, scary, etc...story. Loved almost every minute of it. Unfortunately I don't think anyone can really love how they meet, but everyone will love how the care for each other and come to realize that they need each other. Not a HEA, more of a HFN with a strong likely hood of HEA. Did I say I loved this enough?
October 3, 2013
Right when I finished I looked for the follow up story. What? No follow up. I wanted to see the pain inflicted on Daren's family, dammit. And agent Kim, what about him? We need more!! Loved the writing style, flowed very easily and kept a fast pace.
July 24, 2012
Sweet romantic suspense. Loved the pacing of the relationship. Nothing about it felt rushed, and none of the difficult bits were glossed over.
May 4, 2025
DNF'd at 34%
What I liked
The writing was acceptable. Nothing abt it stood out to me in a good or bad way. *Hands*
What I didn't like
Goodness, where to begin?
- I'd read the CWs, but was still unprepared for the first 4 chapters being mainly abt Sebastian providing medical care to Darren. In v. graphic detail. It almost felt like the author was trying to reach a word count vs. wanting to tell a story? Because IHNI why there were so many scenes of treating Darren's wounds (again, with specific descriptions.)
- On top of that there was the 1-2 combo of Sebastian's financial insecurity AND the corruption plot that led Darren to get attacked.
- Couldn't stand Sebastian's friends either.
Trigger/Content warnings:
TL;DR: A story with a good premise that went too into itself vis a vis the medical stuff when what I'd been looking for was some romance. I could only manage to read 23k (out of 70k) before I realized that I was not having any semblance of a good time and dropped the book. Wouldn't recommend it to anyone either. It was a free book and I still deleted it.
What I liked
The writing was acceptable. Nothing abt it stood out to me in a good or bad way. *Hands*
What I didn't like
Goodness, where to begin?
- I'd read the CWs, but was still unprepared for the first 4 chapters being mainly abt Sebastian providing medical care to Darren. In v. graphic detail. It almost felt like the author was trying to reach a word count vs. wanting to tell a story? Because IHNI why there were so many scenes of treating Darren's wounds (again, with specific descriptions.)
- On top of that there was the 1-2 combo of Sebastian's financial insecurity AND the corruption plot that led Darren to get attacked.
- Couldn't stand Sebastian's friends either.
Trigger/Content warnings:
TL;DR: A story with a good premise that went too into itself vis a vis the medical stuff when what I'd been looking for was some romance. I could only manage to read 23k (out of 70k) before I realized that I was not having any semblance of a good time and dropped the book. Wouldn't recommend it to anyone either. It was a free book and I still deleted it.
November 9, 2017
This story ticked all my boxes. Good guy caught up in conspiracy, bratty smart younger guy/steady caretaker older guy, love on the run, GFY/OFY and so on. It wasn't perfect but perfect enough for me.
May 26, 2024
Jam-packed novella.
Didn’t really buy it but
I wanted to. Meh.
2.5 rounded up.
Didn’t really buy it but
I wanted to. Meh.
2.5 rounded up.
July 21, 2012
f someone needed your help, just how far would you go to give it? Would you stop and see what you could do for them? Walk by and ignore them? Or would you simply call 911 and let them handle it instead? Or, like Sebastian did with Darren, in 'Whistle Blowing' by Ada Maria Soto, would you try to gain his trust, bring him home and nurse him back to health, and keep him safe? I dare say that not many of us would go this far, but for Sebastian, it was the right thing to do.
Sebastian is an awesome guy; he's handsome, smart, generous, and nurturing. The care he takes with Darren shows incredibly compassion. Despite the fact that Sebastian doesn't know Darren, it doesn't matter; Sebastian is determined to keep Darren alive and nurse him back to health. Even with the restrictions put on him, i.e., no hospital, no doctors, and only what he can get over the counter. He buys the stuff out of his own pocket even though there's very little in his pocket. Sebastian, an ex-military medic, is very knowledgeable and amazingly resourceful. Sebastian weathers Darren's nightmares and mood swings and, when he begins to have emotional and sexual feelings for Darren, he valiantly fights them knowing that it's the last thing Darren needs right then. Sebastian is a good leader, but a great follower. He's not afraid to admit that he's not always got the right plan and defers to Darren's knowledge of his former world. He's intensely loyal and dependable. Who wouldn't love him?
Darren broke my heart. No one deserves to be beaten the way he was, and the act was particularly heinous considering it was orchestrated and condoned by his family. He bears his pain and indignity with a lot more dignity than I could have. Darren is strong, brave, smart, resourceful, and with enough business savvy to help orchestrate his family's downfall. Darren has what the rest of his family lacks—a strong moral compass. He not only runs away from home in order to be free from all the indifference, greed, hypocrisy, and downright evilness all around him, he turns state's evidence in order to make them pay for their crimes. It takes a lot of guts to go against everyone and everything in your life with the goal of trying to set it right. Pretty, privileged brat that he may have been, he certainly redeems himself.
I became very emotionally involved in this story. I loved Sebastian and Darren and especially liked the way their relationship developed. There were a lot of medical details which seemed to be obsessive at times, but I feel they were necessary for the story. It set not only the pace of their relationship but also of Darren's recovery. Having a story set in the same place, i.e., Sebastian's apartment, and still keeping it interesting was no small feat, but Ada Maria pulled it off brilliantly. The repetition shown only enhanced the idea of how serious Darren's injuries were and emphasized how much time, effort, and consideration Sebastian put into his care. Even though the ending was a happy for now one, I have faith that, after all they've been through, they will find a way there as well. I only hope we get to see it, perhaps in a sequel? I'd recommend this to anyone who wants to read an interesting, serious, suspenseful story, covering some very important social issues. Thanks, Ada Maria, for taking on this story.
Sebastian is an awesome guy; he's handsome, smart, generous, and nurturing. The care he takes with Darren shows incredibly compassion. Despite the fact that Sebastian doesn't know Darren, it doesn't matter; Sebastian is determined to keep Darren alive and nurse him back to health. Even with the restrictions put on him, i.e., no hospital, no doctors, and only what he can get over the counter. He buys the stuff out of his own pocket even though there's very little in his pocket. Sebastian, an ex-military medic, is very knowledgeable and amazingly resourceful. Sebastian weathers Darren's nightmares and mood swings and, when he begins to have emotional and sexual feelings for Darren, he valiantly fights them knowing that it's the last thing Darren needs right then. Sebastian is a good leader, but a great follower. He's not afraid to admit that he's not always got the right plan and defers to Darren's knowledge of his former world. He's intensely loyal and dependable. Who wouldn't love him?
Darren broke my heart. No one deserves to be beaten the way he was, and the act was particularly heinous considering it was orchestrated and condoned by his family. He bears his pain and indignity with a lot more dignity than I could have. Darren is strong, brave, smart, resourceful, and with enough business savvy to help orchestrate his family's downfall. Darren has what the rest of his family lacks—a strong moral compass. He not only runs away from home in order to be free from all the indifference, greed, hypocrisy, and downright evilness all around him, he turns state's evidence in order to make them pay for their crimes. It takes a lot of guts to go against everyone and everything in your life with the goal of trying to set it right. Pretty, privileged brat that he may have been, he certainly redeems himself.
I became very emotionally involved in this story. I loved Sebastian and Darren and especially liked the way their relationship developed. There were a lot of medical details which seemed to be obsessive at times, but I feel they were necessary for the story. It set not only the pace of their relationship but also of Darren's recovery. Having a story set in the same place, i.e., Sebastian's apartment, and still keeping it interesting was no small feat, but Ada Maria pulled it off brilliantly. The repetition shown only enhanced the idea of how serious Darren's injuries were and emphasized how much time, effort, and consideration Sebastian put into his care. Even though the ending was a happy for now one, I have faith that, after all they've been through, they will find a way there as well. I only hope we get to see it, perhaps in a sequel? I'd recommend this to anyone who wants to read an interesting, serious, suspenseful story, covering some very important social issues. Thanks, Ada Maria, for taking on this story.
November 10, 2015
Well done, intricate, and to the point. Ada Maria Soto's narrative is very engaging, and I liked being in Sebastian's head, and I liked all the medical details. I liked that the relationship, as it was, moved slowly and realistically (at least for me).
I was expecting a better resolution to the whole 'bad guys are after us' plot line, but I guess it was alright, all things considered. A really strong HFN, but still has enough meat for me to assume that everything turned out okay.
I was expecting a better resolution to the whole 'bad guys are after us' plot line, but I guess it was alright, all things considered. A really strong HFN, but still has enough meat for me to assume that everything turned out okay.
February 15, 2013
This book and Not His Kiss to Take are based on the same prompt. However after I read the book and , I found Whistle Blowing is more realistic.
but I Found both books is interesting...:)
but I Found both books is interesting...:)
Want to read
February 4, 2013Damn. The prompt is so well thought-out...
June 6, 2013
Not the type of story I would normally read but I couldn't put it down!
July 7, 2012
3.5 stars.
For a book that (a) is set almost entirely within a small duplex and (b) features one protagonist who is literally half-dead for the first 50% of the novel, Whistle Blowing is surprisingly engrossing. I could have done without quite so many gory details about Daren's condition after his beating (and I use the word "gory" advisedly), but the author does a good job of engaging the reader in Sebastion's struggle to keep him alive and safe from his dangerously powerful family.
Sebastion is an endearing character from the start. He is ex-Navy, but he's not a stereotypical military hero. Instead, he's a former medic who doesn't own a single firearm. He has a strong sense of honor that guides his actions throughout the story, even early on when he wishes someone could relieve him of the responsibility of caring for Daren. Daren starts out as an underdeveloped character since he is so badly injured, but as he slowly recovers, he becomes more and more endearing. Even though he's a bit of an entitled brat, his rise from the ashes of his shallow former existence is fascinating to watch. It is easy to understand why Sebastion becomes so enthralled by him.
The sexual content in this novel is minimal, which is understandable given Daren's condition. The sex scenes which are present are poignant and important for the development of the characters. They are very well written, although I did wonder a few times about the effect of even mild frottage on a body still recovering from so many broken bones and severe bruises.
The one major reservation I have about this novel is that there is very little action, in spite of the threat posed by Daren's family. The villains remain shadowy throughout. They have a profound effect on the story, but only peripherally. The first half of the novel is mainly about Sebastion nursing Daren back to health, and the second half mostly involves their plans for taking down Daren's family while still keeping him safe. There is a lot of talking and a lot of character introspection on Sebastion's part. Both are done well. The dialog between Sebastion and Daren is very believable, and what they leave unsaid is often as interesting as what they say. But after all that character development and all that planning, the rushed ending feels like like an anticlimax. In a way, it feels like the book ends just as it is finally getting off the ground.
In spite of the lack of action, Whistle Blowing is a very interesting book. Ada Maria Soto has a pleasant writing voice and her protagonists have a unique feel to them. And at this price point (free), this book is definitely worth trying.
For a book that (a) is set almost entirely within a small duplex and (b) features one protagonist who is literally half-dead for the first 50% of the novel, Whistle Blowing is surprisingly engrossing. I could have done without quite so many gory details about Daren's condition after his beating (and I use the word "gory" advisedly), but the author does a good job of engaging the reader in Sebastion's struggle to keep him alive and safe from his dangerously powerful family.
Sebastion is an endearing character from the start. He is ex-Navy, but he's not a stereotypical military hero. Instead, he's a former medic who doesn't own a single firearm. He has a strong sense of honor that guides his actions throughout the story, even early on when he wishes someone could relieve him of the responsibility of caring for Daren. Daren starts out as an underdeveloped character since he is so badly injured, but as he slowly recovers, he becomes more and more endearing. Even though he's a bit of an entitled brat, his rise from the ashes of his shallow former existence is fascinating to watch. It is easy to understand why Sebastion becomes so enthralled by him.
The sexual content in this novel is minimal, which is understandable given Daren's condition. The sex scenes which are present are poignant and important for the development of the characters. They are very well written, although I did wonder a few times about the effect of even mild frottage on a body still recovering from so many broken bones and severe bruises.
The one major reservation I have about this novel is that there is very little action, in spite of the threat posed by Daren's family. The villains remain shadowy throughout. They have a profound effect on the story, but only peripherally. The first half of the novel is mainly about Sebastion nursing Daren back to health, and the second half mostly involves their plans for taking down Daren's family while still keeping him safe. There is a lot of talking and a lot of character introspection on Sebastion's part. Both are done well. The dialog between Sebastion and Daren is very believable, and what they leave unsaid is often as interesting as what they say. But after all that character development and all that planning, the rushed ending feels like like an anticlimax. In a way, it feels like the book ends just as it is finally getting off the ground.
In spite of the lack of action, Whistle Blowing is a very interesting book. Ada Maria Soto has a pleasant writing voice and her protagonists have a unique feel to them. And at this price point (free), this book is definitely worth trying.
July 5, 2012
While some might be not happy with how slow and written in detail is Darren's recovery, I did like it. Actually if I would choose to complain that it is how well and fast Darren recovered physically and especially psychologically. He didn't suffer from PTSD and after weeks were able to walk with some aid. I think he did remarkably well, I, for example, few days before the last Christmas felt from stairs and hurt my ankle and I was limping till middle April. It wasn't sprained or broken and yet I was limping for months!
Now what disappoint me in this story was romance. It would have been much better IMO to Sebastian and Darren be friends, and Sebastian nursing crush on Darren. If he (Sebastian) found someone to care for, either romantically or platonically, he clung on tight, often long past the point when he should have let go. It was one of the reasons he didn't usually go out to clubs and bars and bring men home; he could make things far too serious far too fast. I believe that the reason why Sebastian felt for Darren.
I have feeling that for Darren it was more about gratitude for his saviour and carer than love. Maybe he was " [...]Daren thinking he needed to sexually buy his safety or his place in Sebastian's life."
If I am right, awesome I am for complex relationships! But it didn't look it was intentionally done, I had feeling that author made Sebastian and Darren become lovers because of propmt, yes it was that forced.
Darren, prompt picture
I imagine Sebastian could look like this. Because Sebastian name makes me think of Sebastian Michaelis
Now what disappoint me in this story was romance. It would have been much better IMO to Sebastian and Darren be friends, and Sebastian nursing crush on Darren. If he (Sebastian) found someone to care for, either romantically or platonically, he clung on tight, often long past the point when he should have let go. It was one of the reasons he didn't usually go out to clubs and bars and bring men home; he could make things far too serious far too fast. I believe that the reason why Sebastian felt for Darren.
I have feeling that for Darren it was more about gratitude for his saviour and carer than love. Maybe he was " [...]Daren thinking he needed to sexually buy his safety or his place in Sebastian's life."
If I am right, awesome I am for complex relationships! But it didn't look it was intentionally done, I had feeling that author made Sebastian and Darren become lovers because of propmt, yes it was that forced.
Darren, prompt picture
I imagine Sebastian could look like this. Because Sebastian name makes me think of Sebastian Michaelis
January 25, 2014
Main Characters: Gerald Delaware (Daren) & Sebastian Thompson
Key Themes: GFY, Revenge, UST
Location: NY & NJ?
MM story featuring an ex-navy medic (Sebastian) and the teenage heir of a very rich family (Daren).
Sebastian finds Daren bleeding to death on the floor of a public toilet. He takes the younger man home and uses his fairly extensive medical knowledge to start nursing Daren back to health.
Half of this story is an account of how Sebastian manages Daren's wounds, with all the gory details. The other half of the story is about the MCs plotting Daren's revenge against his wealthy family. I really enjoyed the latter part of the story; the suspense was smart, fast-paced and exciting. The first part of the story made me a bit queasy.
A dramatic ending fortunately offset the somewhat disheartening nature of this story. But as captivating as this story was, I have to confess that all I kept thinking was when the MCs were going to kiss each other already!
Sadly, there was very little sex or romance here; Daren is straight and spends most of the story recovering from his near fatal wounds, and so Sebastian spends much of the story sexually frustrated. In what seems to be a moment of weakness for Daren, the MCs have uncomfortable sex and from then on they are a couple. There was very little fanfare. It was all work (and pain in Daren's case) and not much play for the MCs.
Interestingly, this story is very similar to the really good -
…both books are FREE
Key Themes: GFY, Revenge, UST
Location: NY & NJ?
MM story featuring an ex-navy medic (Sebastian) and the teenage heir of a very rich family (Daren).
Sebastian finds Daren bleeding to death on the floor of a public toilet. He takes the younger man home and uses his fairly extensive medical knowledge to start nursing Daren back to health.
Half of this story is an account of how Sebastian manages Daren's wounds, with all the gory details. The other half of the story is about the MCs plotting Daren's revenge against his wealthy family. I really enjoyed the latter part of the story; the suspense was smart, fast-paced and exciting. The first part of the story made me a bit queasy.
A dramatic ending fortunately offset the somewhat disheartening nature of this story. But as captivating as this story was, I have to confess that all I kept thinking was when the MCs were going to kiss each other already!
Sadly, there was very little sex or romance here; Daren is straight and spends most of the story recovering from his near fatal wounds, and so Sebastian spends much of the story sexually frustrated. In what seems to be a moment of weakness for Daren, the MCs have uncomfortable sex and from then on they are a couple. There was very little fanfare. It was all work (and pain in Daren's case) and not much play for the MCs.
Interestingly, this story is very similar to the really good -
…both books are FREEDisplaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews