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Castor Springs #2
Midnight Muffins
Texan carpenter and hobby farmer Liam is in a pickle. He wants his boyfriend of one month to stay in Castor Springs, but is afraid to suggest it due to Kevin’s dislike of the tiny town. The culinary genius Kevin has been the prince of Liam’s fantasies since childhood and Liam’s not willing to see him go.
What makes things difficult is the massive lion in their path: The two couldn’t be any more different. Kevin is a social butterfly while Liam is more like a common clothes moth whose idea of a perfect evening is to stay at home and eat Kevin’s gourmet food.
When Kevin accuses Liam of being in the closet, even though everyone in town knows he’s gay, Liam will have to face his anxieties in the hope that Kevin will want to grow old in Castor Springs.
This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Love Has No Boundaries" 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.
What makes things difficult is the massive lion in their path: The two couldn’t be any more different. Kevin is a social butterfly while Liam is more like a common clothes moth whose idea of a perfect evening is to stay at home and eat Kevin’s gourmet food.
When Kevin accuses Liam of being in the closet, even though everyone in town knows he’s gay, Liam will have to face his anxieties in the hope that Kevin will want to grow old in Castor Springs.
This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Love Has No Boundaries" 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.
35 pages, ebook
First published June 6, 2013
1 person is currently reading
146 people want to read
About the author
Erica Pike
20 books279 followersIf you're interested in my books, you might want to join my Goodreads group: Gay Romance by Erica Pike.
I haven't been writing since I was in diapers, nor have I been an avid reader since I learned my ABC's. I have, however, always been a daydreamer spinning tales after tales. After having exhausted every possible scenario of man-woman love, I started weaving stories of men who love men. I know! So much hotter. This time I wrote it all down.
I live in Iceland with my adorable little twin boys, and I'm happy with what I have. I often say that my real name sounds like Klingon to foreigners so I don’t even bother revealing it.
I've been writing for several years, or ever since reading became an obsession.
I haven't been writing since I was in diapers, nor have I been an avid reader since I learned my ABC's. I have, however, always been a daydreamer spinning tales after tales. After having exhausted every possible scenario of man-woman love, I started weaving stories of men who love men. I know! So much hotter. This time I wrote it all down.
I live in Iceland with my adorable little twin boys, and I'm happy with what I have. I often say that my real name sounds like Klingon to foreigners so I don’t even bother revealing it.
I've been writing for several years, or ever since reading became an obsession.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
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June 10, 2013As to the LHNB story, I was disappointed that this didn’t appear to follow my prompt request at all.
As to the story of an existing series, my constant attempts to find my plot in this story really took away any enjoyment I may have felt. I didn’t connect with either of the characters, nor was I able to fathom why either wanted to be with the other. I found their lack of communication bothersome. These guys were in an existing relationship, had been living together for a month, yet were surprised when they realized they thought of each other as boyfriends. I just wasn’t connecting with them at all.
In fairness, I did not read the first story, due to the fact that I didn’t want any pre-conceived notions about my character. From what I understand, these guys did turnarounds from the way they were in book one. I have a feeling that the a lot of the issues I had with this story were attempts by the author to mold her story into my prompt. That said, I had no problems with the writing or style and will continue to enjoy her other stories. Unfortunately, this one didn’t work for me.
As to the story of an existing series, my constant attempts to find my plot in this story really took away any enjoyment I may have felt. I didn’t connect with either of the characters, nor was I able to fathom why either wanted to be with the other. I found their lack of communication bothersome. These guys were in an existing relationship, had been living together for a month, yet were surprised when they realized they thought of each other as boyfriends. I just wasn’t connecting with them at all.
In fairness, I did not read the first story, due to the fact that I didn’t want any pre-conceived notions about my character. From what I understand, these guys did turnarounds from the way they were in book one. I have a feeling that the a lot of the issues I had with this story were attempts by the author to mold her story into my prompt. That said, I had no problems with the writing or style and will continue to enjoy her other stories. Unfortunately, this one didn’t work for me.
March 23, 2016
Beguiling title, isn’t it? I expected a much more delicious story.
The blurb says Liam and Kevin are having some difficulties in their relationship because they couldn’t be any more different. But I think the main problem here is non-communication.
I didn’t feel engaged to the characters or the storyline. No steam, no humor. I was bored.
The blurb says Liam and Kevin are having some difficulties in their relationship because they couldn’t be any more different. But I think the main problem here is non-communication.
I didn’t feel engaged to the characters or the storyline. No steam, no humor. I was bored.
June 7, 2013
3.75*
This is a really cute sequel to last years LiAW Half-Baked Promises by Erica Pike.
Liam has always wanted Kevin and now he finally has him, so of course now that he has him, he wants to keep him. :)
So, instead of coming out and asking Kevin if he will move to Castor Springs permanently or even let Liam move in with him in the big city, he opts for a more hands on approach.
It's a sweet story, lots of pets and food, a little bit of smexing, a tiny misunderstanding and a small tiff and then all is well in Liam-Kevin land.
This is a really cute sequel to last years LiAW Half-Baked Promises by Erica Pike.
Liam has always wanted Kevin and now he finally has him, so of course now that he has him, he wants to keep him. :)
So, instead of coming out and asking Kevin if he will move to Castor Springs permanently or even let Liam move in with him in the big city, he opts for a more hands on approach.
It's a sweet story, lots of pets and food, a little bit of smexing, a tiny misunderstanding and a small tiff and then all is well in Liam-Kevin land.
June 8, 2013
Was an okay story but not much in the way of chemistry between the guys. They just didn't seem to work for me.
I was excited to read this one because I really liked the blurb and original photo, but it fell flat because the story and blurb had nothing in common. Maybe I read the wrong blurb?
I was excited to read this one because I really liked the blurb and original photo, but it fell flat because the story and blurb had nothing in common. Maybe I read the wrong blurb?
June 12, 2013
So, I'm reading this story, thinking the whole time, "I feel like I'm starting this story in the middle. I don't quite know what is going on." Sure enough, I come back here to review and find that this is a sequel. Whoops! It was cute, but I was lost and need to read the first book now.
Want to Read
June 6, 2013I read the original story, thought it was okay. I don't like the author saying download the new version of book one because it was changed to fit the sequel better. Even if they are free that just seems unprofessional to me. I get going back and extending a work or editing it better, but going back and changing character traits and stuff ... Not so much.
I'm curious to read this to see of it explains WHY Liam likes the slutty promise breaker. I never picked up on what Liam saw in the forgettable guy I can't remember the name for.
I thought these group event stories where supposed to be new and stand alone. It seems unfair to the prompt poster to pick their prompt and write a sequel to book they may have never read.
The blurb says Kevin accuses Liam of being in the closet. Book one Liam came out at 16, and now he had to face anxieties? (According to blurb?) that's going to be a hard sell for me since Liam was confident and secure enough to come out in a small town at 16!
I'm curious to read this to see of it explains WHY Liam likes the slutty promise breaker. I never picked up on what Liam saw in the forgettable guy I can't remember the name for.
I thought these group event stories where supposed to be new and stand alone. It seems unfair to the prompt poster to pick their prompt and write a sequel to book they may have never read.
The blurb says Kevin accuses Liam of being in the closet. Book one Liam came out at 16, and now he had to face anxieties? (According to blurb?) that's going to be a hard sell for me since Liam was confident and secure enough to come out in a small town at 16!
December 5, 2013
DNF at 41%.
Even 35 pages could be a struggle.
I start already to worry about myself. No, I 'm not that easy tohave impress...
Even 35 pages could be a struggle.
I start already to worry about myself. No, I 'm not that easy to
June 10, 2013
Is it me or this story doesn't have anything to do with the prompt?
Where was the shy guy who needed out of his shell?
I give a point to the fact that the top wasn't the usual cliché (the burly bigger one of the couple) though.
I was never really able to connect with the characters, perhaps because I couldn't understand why they were together. I see this is a continuation of a previous story, but that doesn't imply it doesn't have to make sense on its own.
Not my cup of tea.
Where was the shy guy who needed out of his shell?
I give a point to the fact that the top wasn't the usual cliché (the burly bigger one of the couple) though.
I was never really able to connect with the characters, perhaps because I couldn't understand why they were together. I see this is a continuation of a previous story, but that doesn't imply it doesn't have to make sense on its own.
Not my cup of tea.
January 3, 2017
I do love me a grand romantic gesture. Cute story but the near fade-to-black sex is disappointing.
August 15, 2021
Midnight Muffins
By Erica Pike
This was a sweet short story. I really liked both MC's as well.
By Erica Pike
This was a sweet short story. I really liked both MC's as well.
June 27, 2015
This actually detracted from the previous story!
I liked the first book, a nice simple story. This feels disconnected; the characters have actually changed from what I recall so it's not even a true sequel and it in no way matches the prompt given.
To me it felt like when someone tries to write a story from an alternative character pov as a writing excerise. Undeveloped. I don't get Liam's attraction; why is this sucessful gorgeous guy allowing Kevin to have control, still running hopefully behind trying to prove himself worthy.
Didn't feel attraction between them, it was more 'I must do this to keep him' and 'I can't live with you unless..' without the sense of either of them needing to be together for more than a fling.
Liam's out and they're openly together - why does he need to give visible PDA? Does what they have mean less, unless there's voyuers?
Straight couples aren't generally all suck-face in public (at least I'm not!). I read his words as a simple 'I don't like being on show' rather than an 'I don't like being a gay show'. Perhaps a nod to the shyness mentioned in the prompt.
The story doesn't do Kevin any favours. I wanted to like it but was disappointed to find it didn't follow the prompt and then my realising it was a sequel yet not recognising the characters from the first book.
I liked the first book, a nice simple story. This feels disconnected; the characters have actually changed from what I recall so it's not even a true sequel and it in no way matches the prompt given.
To me it felt like when someone tries to write a story from an alternative character pov as a writing excerise. Undeveloped. I don't get Liam's attraction; why is this sucessful gorgeous guy allowing Kevin to have control, still running hopefully behind trying to prove himself worthy.
Didn't feel attraction between them, it was more 'I must do this to keep him' and 'I can't live with you unless..' without the sense of either of them needing to be together for more than a fling.
Liam's out and they're openly together - why does he need to give visible PDA? Does what they have mean less, unless there's voyuers?
Straight couples aren't generally all suck-face in public (at least I'm not!). I read his words as a simple 'I don't like being on show' rather than an 'I don't like being a gay show'. Perhaps a nod to the shyness mentioned in the prompt.
The story doesn't do Kevin any favours. I wanted to like it but was disappointed to find it didn't follow the prompt and then my realising it was a sequel yet not recognising the characters from the first book.
June 7, 2013
2.5 stars
Sequel to Half-Baked Promises in which Liam and Kevin have been back together for about a month. The story mainly revolved around Liam and Kevin being afraid to speak to each other and assuming the worst. It had a sweet ending, but things would have run much smoother for them if they just communicated instead of internalizing.
Sequel to Half-Baked Promises in which Liam and Kevin have been back together for about a month. The story mainly revolved around Liam and Kevin being afraid to speak to each other and assuming the worst. It had a sweet ending, but things would have run much smoother for them if they just communicated instead of internalizing.
June 24, 2013
This is a quick read from the LHNB M/M writing event.
Nice little read. I really liked the prompt for this story and was disappointed that the story was not based on it.
July 21, 2013
I remember really liking Half-Baked Promises, which was written as part of last year's Don't Read in the Closet event. I also remember being very happy at the hints that there would be more of these two, since I thoroughly enjoyed reading about them and wanted them to get more than the HFN ending of the first story.
This was the perfect sequel to that first story. The small-town atmosphere and people were still perfectly described, Liam and Kevin are still lovely and so sweet together, and things between them are much more settled at the end of this story than at the end of the first.
3.5 stars rounded up
This was the perfect sequel to that first story. The small-town atmosphere and people were still perfectly described, Liam and Kevin are still lovely and so sweet together, and things between them are much more settled at the end of this story than at the end of the first.
3.5 stars rounded up
June 10, 2013
2.5, but I'll round up because I liked Liam's down to earth tone. I thought this was cute! Very cute...but, I also thought it read a bit like something pulled out of the middle of a book-and apparently it is a continuation of an earlier read. Sadly the story, or rather the relationship between the two main characters, was not engaging enough for me to want to read the story before :(
June 23, 2013
I remembered reading the prequel to this story and that I rather liked it. Unfortunately the prequel had a different feel to it, like two disconnected people sharing sex. Sorry, just couldn't relate to it.
And I have to agree with previous reviewer, that the story did not have anything in common with the picture prompt.
And I have to agree with previous reviewer, that the story did not have anything in common with the picture prompt.
June 7, 2013
Very sweet and fluffy short story about two guys who love each other but have trouble communicating their own needs and wants. Free from the M/M Romance group Love Has No Boundaries 2013 writing challenge.
June 7, 2013
This was a cute little story but I wanted it to delve more deeply into it so I could only give it three but would have given it three and a half stars. The characters are great I just couldn't connect with them.
June 6, 2013
LHNB released 6.6.13
Creeping just over 3 stars
Nice short story about a fairly new couple and the change in their relationship as one builds a bakery for the other as a surprise
Creeping just over 3 stars
Nice short story about a fairly new couple and the change in their relationship as one builds a bakery for the other as a surprise
June 6, 2013
Sequel to Half-Baked Promises and a really great follow up.
June 30, 2013
After reading In His Pocket I went to this author's website and found the first book Half-Baked Promises and this continuation of that story were both free on goodreads.com so I read them both immediately. This is a great pair of short stories with 2 likable main characters, a believable storyline, a few laughs and in my opinion the perfect amount of sex vs romance. Highly recommend this free read but read book 1, Half-Baked Promises, first.
December 7, 2017
Actually, I liked this one better than the first book. Liam and Kevin are bond stronger, even sometimes Kevin hated it every time Liam laid back when people around. I think he's just a shy guy, not in the closet like Kevin thought.
Good thing is, they worked it out very well. Communication is very important, yeah?
I liked and enjoyed this one. My evening's just doin' fine :)
Good thing is, they worked it out very well. Communication is very important, yeah?
I liked and enjoyed this one. My evening's just doin' fine :)
Read
June 6, 2013
December 11, 2013
I hadn't realised this was a sequel - so I felt I didn't really know the characters well enough. Apart from that though, this was a sweet fun little story and I plan to go back and read the first book.
October 13, 2013
There really isn't a lot of story here. What there is, is a decent story.
February 3, 2014
Wish it had been longer, but I could just "see" Beck's face when he walked in. hahahahaha
March 21, 2016
It's not bad but tbh boring. And sadly it doesn't really follow the prompt.
December 27, 2024
There aren't many established couple stories out there. So this was a breath of fresh air in that sense. Apart from that, however, it was nothing special.
Want to Read
June 9, 2013[image error]
Offered for FREE from the M/M Romance Group's Love Has No Boundaries event. Thank you too all the amazing authors who participated!
I liked the first short in this series, Half-Baked Promises, from Love is Always Write. But apparently she changed the story a little and re-wrote the first one. So I guess I need to go re-read it first?
Offered for FREE from the M/M Romance Group's Love Has No Boundaries event. Thank you too all the amazing authors who participated!
I liked the first short in this series, Half-Baked Promises, from Love is Always Write. But apparently she changed the story a little and re-wrote the first one. So I guess I need to go re-read it first?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews