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Love Is Always Write: Volume Eleven - Bonus Volume

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The stories you are about to read celebrate love, sex and romance between men. They are a product of the Love Is Always Write promotion sponsored by the Goodreads M/M Romance Group and are published as a free gift to you.

What Is Love Is Always Write?

The Goodreads M/M Romance Group invited members to choose a photo and pen a letter or story prompt asking for a short M/M romance story inspired by the image; authors from the group were encouraged to select a letter or story prompt and write an original tale. The result was an outpouring of creativity that shone a spotlight on the special bond between M/M romance writers and the people who love what they do.

Nearly 150 stories were submitted and published as a ten volume set – as well as an additional special bonus volume with three novel-length stories – titled Love Is Always Write; this edition is Volume Eleven - a Bonus Volume.

Whether you are an avid M/M romance reader or new to the genre, you are in for a delicious treat.

Stories in Bonus Volume:

INTO DEEP WATERS – Kaje Harper (historical/military men)
LOUDER THAN SIRENS, LOUDER THAN BELLS – KD Sarge (contemporary/first love)
WHISTLE BLOWING – Ada Maria Soto (contemporary/medical personnel)

Words of Caution
The stories in this collection are sexually explicit and intended for adult readers. Some stories may contain content that is disagreeable or distressing to some readers. The M/M Romance Group strongly recommends that each reader review the General Information section before each story for story tags as well as for content warnings.

575 pages, ebook

First published December 1, 2012

4 people are currently reading
232 people want to read

About the author

Kaje Harper

91 books2,730 followers
I 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

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5 stars
72 (53%)
4 stars
47 (35%)
3 stars
9 (6%)
2 stars
4 (2%)
1 star
2 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
Profile Image for The Bursting Bookshelf of a Wallflower.
809 reviews152 followers
January 1, 2016
This Bonus Volume of the Love is Always Write Event was a very entertaining read. I have to say that I completly fell in love with Into Deep Waters. I couldn't put it down!! The other two read were okay, I liked some aspects of the stories, while others didn't work for me. I will definitly continue reading the Don't Read in the Closet stories, because I really appreciate the work of all the authors, group moderators and volunteers working on this amazing project.

Here are more detailed reviews for the three stories of this volume:

Into Deep Waters ★★★★★
Into Deep Waters is incredibly intense, breathtaking and heartwarming.

It's an epic love story and it will show you what unconditional love really means.

I won't write a long review for this one! Into Deep Waters left me speechless with its powerful emotions and I can truely recommend it to everyone out there interested in reading about strong and passionate couples.

Slowly the ring of their entwined hair slipped below the surface. Another moment and it was gone from sight, heading downwards, carrying his love and Jacob's down safely this time, into deep waters


Thank you Kaje Harper for this beautiful story!

Take the journey!

***

Louder than Sirens, Louder than Bells ★★★
Louder Than Sirens, Louder Than Bells is an opposites attract story about two college boys paired up in one group for a film project.

While Alan is openly gay - he is fearing make-up, lip gloss and nail polish along with very fashionable cloths and is changing his hair color on a daily basis - Lukas is in the closet and still seems to be figuring out his own sexuality. During the film project, they get to know each other a bit better - always in a very teasing kind of way. I loved the way they interacted and how certain secrets were revealed. But unfortunately, I started to lose interest at the 60 % mark ... due to several reasons:

The main problem for me was that the author constantly gave hints to important things that happened in Alan and Lukas life, but never gave enough background information to really explain the characters reactions and emotions. I felt left in the dark and not in a good-suspense kind of way. I have a ton of unanswered questions left and I really would have loved to know the characters better, because actually they were quite interesting.

This story really has potential, but there were just to many aspects not working out. The pace was odd ... we spend a lot of time to get to know the boys and the film project they were working on and suddenly we got to a point were their getting together moved incredibly fast and it wasn't credible at all. I don't have to mention that we never got to know about how the film project that was so prominent at the beginning of the story turned out. I liked the secondary characters, but once again the author made me understand that there was a lot to know about them, kept feeding me small bites, but never got into detail.

I can only rate this story with 2.5 rounded up to 3 stars.

***

Whistle Blowing ★★★
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!
Profile Image for Clarene.
249 reviews2 followers
December 25, 2015
Into Deep Waters. This was a historical book that I was not sure if I would like it at all, but I lived the story and the travel through the time for the two boys through the war and to when they came home and were able to be together. Jacob was so sweet and I am so glad that he finally was able to tell his family everything. I was so happy that they got the hea.

Louder Than Sirens, Louder Than Bells. This was such a great story. Once again I tend to stay away from young adult stories, but I loved this one so much. This is the first time I read this author and will definitely expire more from this author. I loved that Alan and Lucas were totally each other's ones and only true loves. I would love to see a future state with them. I loved how it explored the crappy things that parents do to their kids and having a kick butt sister to stand by you was great. Totally loved it.

Whistle Blowing. Spoiled brat turns out to be great guy. Loved Sebastian and was happy that he was a loving and caring person who took Daren in and fixed him after the horrid way his family treated him. I could have done without the chase scene at the end, but once again I want to know more about what happens with this couple. I did get annoyed a couple of times when the author referred to Daren when it should have been Sebastian and I had to reread it a couple of times to make sure I was following. Once again first time I read this author and I will read more.
Profile Image for Sandra.
4,121 reviews13 followers
February 28, 2013
Louder Than Sirens, Louder Than Bells by K.D. Sarge (contemporary/first love) 5 stars Oh my god, wow. My heart is a-flutter. This was just so sweet, and good. I was worried the little twist at the end was too sudden, and it would have been if they had just tried to end there on a HEA, but the wrap up was perfect and just had me grinning.

There's a drumming noise inside my head
That starts when you're around
I swear that you could hear it
It makes such an almighty sound

There's a drumming noise inside my head
That throws me to the ground
I swear that you could hear it
It makes such an almighty sound

Louder than sirens
Louder than bells
Sweeter than heaven
And hotter than hell


Florence + The Machine lyrics for story title <3

Into Deep Waters by Kaje Harper (historical/military men) -

Whistle Blowing by Ada Maria Soto (contemporary/medical personnel) - 4 stars 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.
Profile Image for bianca *‧.₊˚*੭*ˊᵕˋ੭.*.
496 reviews293 followers
December 15, 2017
i started reading this book over a year back and i must have fallen into a reading slump bc i left it at 30% and never finished it. now i am on a roll with silly gay love stories so! perfect timing

***

oh. my. god. after almost a year and a half i am FINALLY done. the results? meh.

i am gonna write a short review for each story 'cause they are all so different and each one deserves proper recognition (for very different reasons)


INTO DEEP WATERS
RATING: 5 stars

This story was the only one I liked. I read it in July 2016 but I still remember how much I LOVED it. Everything is so well developed, the pace is just right, the two main characters grow on you and their relationship is beautiful. A very cute, very real love story that (I think) everyone would enjoy.

LOUDER THAN SIRENS, LOUDER THAN BELLS
RATING: 1 star

UGH. I actually downloaded this book for this story in particular at first. I couldn't be more disappointed. This story is so unnecessarily LONG, nothing happens for at least 70% of it and then everything develops so quickly and messy. The main relationship takes FOREVER to finally take off and then No. Nope. Sorry. This all felt like a really bad fanfiction. Hell, I'm sorry. What a disrespect. I've read better fanfiction.

WHISTLE BLOWING
RATING: 2 stars

Once again, disappointed. The relationship itself left me a little bit more satisfied this time but, once again, the way the story developed just felt wrong. It starts way too slow at the beginning and everything kind of important happens in the last 30%. I skipped through most of it, to be honest. Also, it has an open ending and, in this case, it just didn't work for me. I can't say I enjoyed it.

In conclusion, the only story that's worth reading is, by far, Louder Than Bombs. Don't even bother with the other two sorry not sorry
Profile Image for Jenny.
Author 6 books9 followers
June 1, 2019
I really liked the stories in this one. I'm glad I read it, it was a good ending to the series.
Profile Image for Aya.
543 reviews24 followers
March 1, 2016
A pretty good anthology. Sometimes it blows my mind the quality of the freebies availble.

Into Deep Waters: 4 stars
On the backdrop of WWII, this little romance will not fail to touch you and leave a lasting impression, it will warm your heart and leave it aching in equal measures. It is a story about two men finding each other as they try to find their place in the world. Their story tells us of their struggle to be true to themselves despite societal norms, as well as tackle the issues that come with new relationships, and living life post war. Despite each having their own flaws and moments of weakness, both MCs are endearing and you won't be able to stop yourself from falling in love with them and cheering for their happily ever after. Lovable characters, entertaining plot, and well written.

Louder Than Sirens, Louder Than Bells: 3 stars
A prickly Alan paired with the dependable Lukas definitely had me in their corner. I loved both MCs and their secondary characters; the story was sweet, however, not all that exciting; and the ending seemed a tad rushed. I would have also liked to know more about both their family histories to have a few less loose ends. Having said that, I found it to be an entertaining read - Alan's colourful personality made sure of that.

Whistle Blowing: 3 stars
Most people seem to have issue with the detail used to describe Darren's injury and recovery. There were a few moments where I had issue with the dialogue and some receptiveness in the scenes, and while I have nothing against the first half of the book being drawn out, as a consequence it highlighted the fact that the second half could have done with a little beefing up. The story begins with a slow pace that eventually picks up but not necessarily for the best. I rather liked the slow burn and detailed medicare, it provided an opportunity for the reader to cement their connection with the MCs. However, it is unfortunate that the second half of the story wasn't privy to the same amount of attention.

As far as the romance portion of this story goes, what happened between Sebastian and Darren wasn't quite a romance but rather a discovery that they were able to satisfy a need for the other person. In my opinion the HFN in the end was as it should be, an HEA would have seemed insincere.
Profile Image for Adara.
Author 8 books56 followers
January 22, 2013
All 3 of the novellas in this bonus volume are very worth the read.

I never did write a true review for Louder Than Sirens, Louder Than Bells because I read it before it was officially released (and before there was a "book" created for it on GR), but it was instantly on the 5-star list. It got tears of happiness and sadness from me, and I fell in love with those characters, especially Alan. Here's what I did write:
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

My review of Into Deep Waters (5 stars):
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

My review of Whistle Blowing (4.5 stars):
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
Profile Image for SueM.
777 reviews146 followers
December 23, 2012
Okay, I admit I am somewhat biased towards this Anthology, given that I am one of the five-man (woman?) team who produced this collection of 11 Anthologies on behalf of the M/M Romance Group. But I do think there is something for everyone in each Volume, so while each individual story may not be a five-star read for you, there will be at least one that will reach out to you. Throw in the fact that all these wonderful authors donated their time and talent for the members of the M/M Romance Group in the group's Love Is Always Write event, I can't help but rate it 5 stars
Profile Image for JenMcJ.
2,608 reviews325 followers
December 22, 2012
I think there is something for everyone in this volume, but if by some weird chance there isn't, hold on, there are 11 in total. If you like the m/m genre many of these books will be keepers.

Fair disclosure, as one of the M/M Romance Group moderators, I could be considered biased, however, these stories, as a whole, do rate a 5 star rating in my opinion.
Profile Image for Seiran.
429 reviews18 followers
July 9, 2015
I really enjoyed all three of these stories. They are all completely different, but the authors did a wonderful job telling their stories. I have always been a huge fan of Kaje Harper's books and this one didn't disappoint, fantastic story. I would definitely recommend this bonus volume of stories to others.
Profile Image for Shaz.
883 reviews129 followers
August 9, 2016
As one of the group who worked on editing and proofing these stories and helped put the anthologies together I might be considered biased, but these anthologies are definitely worthy of the 5 star rating.
Profile Image for Cl Thompson.
107 reviews
March 10, 2014
I saw Kaje Harper's name and figured I couldn't go wrong. Turns out I already read that story...
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews

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