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Finding Bigfoot
Dear Author,
I always considered myself straight, had girlfriends in high school and a few here at college. But I’m taking this Sociology class and I’m in a group with a guy who’s openly gay. The first time I met him, I felt like I’d stepped off a cliff. He has beautiful peach skin with a cute red blush on his cheekbones, a super lean tight body (smaller than mine), and the most beautiful eyes and smile. I’ve tried to ignore the attraction, but now I find myself dreaming about him― a lot. Like crazy, hot dreams. What should I do? I kind of want to explore this, but even if I worked up the nerve to say something, why would he want some clueless, supposedly straight guy like me?
Photo Description:
A young man sleeps on a bed with white sheets, his arms curled above him, and his expression furrowed in dreams.
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.
I always considered myself straight, had girlfriends in high school and a few here at college. But I’m taking this Sociology class and I’m in a group with a guy who’s openly gay. The first time I met him, I felt like I’d stepped off a cliff. He has beautiful peach skin with a cute red blush on his cheekbones, a super lean tight body (smaller than mine), and the most beautiful eyes and smile. I’ve tried to ignore the attraction, but now I find myself dreaming about him― a lot. Like crazy, hot dreams. What should I do? I kind of want to explore this, but even if I worked up the nerve to say something, why would he want some clueless, supposedly straight guy like me?
Photo Description:
A young man sleeps on a bed with white sheets, his arms curled above him, and his expression furrowed in dreams.
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.
33 pages, ebook
First published August 2, 2013
1 person is currently reading
67 people want to read
About the author
Kate Islay
7 books30 followersI write and read original m/m romance, after several years of writing fanfiction. In a former life I studied and taught western religious history and culture, but for now my focus has been on writing and working as a freelance writer in Baltimore.
I like power dynamics, historical settings, and nuanced characters and plots. I published my first novel, In Allegiance, as an online serial; it's now available in a significantly revised version. I have more novels and stories in the works, which I'll post about here.
I like power dynamics, historical settings, and nuanced characters and plots. I published my first novel, In Allegiance, as an online serial; it's now available in a significantly revised version. I have more novels and stories in the works, which I'll post about here.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
May 23, 2025
While I was rereading, I kept wondering why I only gave this 2 stars. It was pretty decently written, the characters were nice and had good chemistry, the plot had potential. And then I got to the super abrupt ending.
Well, it was a good start, at least.
Well, it was a good start, at least.
August 2, 2013
This story was written in response to my picture/prompt and I love it! The writing is good, I genuinely like both characters, and there was some nice introspection on the part of Drew, who is trying to come to terms with his sexuality. I also loved the little twist at the end . I also liked the urban legends theme quite a lot.
My only quibble is that the story ends just as it gets rolling and we don't get any time with the boys post their first tentative kiss. I can only assume Kate is planning to continue this in some form outside of this event.
Thank you for your story, Kate. I'm very pleased with your take on this prompt.
Eli
My only quibble is that the story ends just as it gets rolling and we don't get any time with the boys post their first tentative kiss. I can only assume Kate is planning to continue this in some form outside of this event.
Thank you for your story, Kate. I'm very pleased with your take on this prompt.
Eli
September 4, 2013
What a sweet little addition to the LHNB picture prompt event.
I loved the setting, a cool college course on Urban Legends.
I liked both MCs a lot, even if we get more of Drew since it's told from his POV.
It ends at 'the beginning' and I would be thrilled to have another little peek at these cuties.
I loved the setting, a cool college course on Urban Legends.
I liked both MCs a lot, even if we get more of Drew since it's told from his POV.
It ends at 'the beginning' and I would be thrilled to have another little peek at these cuties.
August 14, 2013
So, so good! The writing was fantastic. The characters were perfect: understandable and sympathetic while still managing to seem like real people. The story was brilliant with the research into the local myth. The development of the relationship was beautifully paced.
My one complaint is that it ended! I wanted to find out more about the myth of the statue, I wanted to see where the relationship went. I wasn't nearly ready to be done with the story when the story was over.
Of all the LHNB stories I've read so far, this is the one I'm desperately hoping will get turned into a longer work or possibly have a sequel written.
4.5 stars rounded up for being free
My one complaint is that it ended! I wanted to find out more about the myth of the statue, I wanted to see where the relationship went. I wasn't nearly ready to be done with the story when the story was over.
Of all the LHNB stories I've read so far, this is the one I'm desperately hoping will get turned into a longer work or possibly have a sequel written.
4.5 stars rounded up for being free
August 2, 2013
Is really just a beginning but its sweet and it takes bravery to try to figure out who you need to be. I'd love to see more of these two
August 3, 2013
It was okay.
The pacing was off, though.
The pacing was off, though.
March 22, 2020
I needed an "i" book for a spell challenge, and I saw this on my TBR and thought great, it's short, and I'll have another word finished quickly. Now I have to go find more by this author, because this was freaking perfection! At least maybe I'll have another "i" author in my pocket now? I loved how the story was all from Drew's POV -- any other view would've weakened the impact of his thoughts. I adored the sayings from his grandfather: "You wanted the bicycle, now pedal, as my grandfather would say" was absolutely fabulous as a twist on the "made your bed, now lie in it" live with the consequences of your choice advice. I can see Drew declaring his major and loving every second of the next two years in college, and hopefully without losing any possible relationship with Leigh along the way. Off to stalk another author!
September 30, 2014
This story has everything...tight writing, interesting and complex characters, insights into young adults just starting out to find themselves, all wrapped up in the beginnings of a romance. And unfortunately that is the reason it doesn't get 5 Stars - just as the "romance" begins, the story ends. *insert sad face* I really want to know more about these boys so I'm hoping and wishing madly that they badger Ms. Islay unmercifully until she continues their story!
June 27, 2015
Where's the rest?
Sweet; nothing original but nicely done. Showed promise as a cute little high school story but ended so abruptly, like Islay ran out of time or interest, the myth isn't explored and neither is Leigh who remains guarded, we don't get to meet the grandfather.
Feel like I've just read the first chapter of an abandoned fic. Pleasant read but ultimately disappointing with that unfinished feel. Ends too early to be considered a HFN even, it ends before their story starts.
Sweet; nothing original but nicely done. Showed promise as a cute little high school story but ended so abruptly, like Islay ran out of time or interest, the myth isn't explored and neither is Leigh who remains guarded, we don't get to meet the grandfather.
Feel like I've just read the first chapter of an abandoned fic. Pleasant read but ultimately disappointing with that unfinished feel. Ends too early to be considered a HFN even, it ends before their story starts.
August 5, 2013
This was just wonderful! I really loved the progression of this, and really enjoyed the schoolwork mixed with Drew trying to figure everything out and and his attraction to Leigh. I totally agree with the others who are asking for more! I could read plenty more about these two! Thank you for a great story, I really, really enjoyed this one!
July 15, 2017
Got a little confused at times with the writing, but had a sweet plot. Ended much too abruptly, however.
November 21, 2017
How incredibly sweet and perfect. Loved it
June 4, 2021
This very good, but cut too short.
July 9, 2021
I liked the story where a common reference point is urban legends, So I have heard some wee new to me.
August 5, 2013
Finding Bigfoot was written for the M/M Romance Group's Love Has No Boundaries picture prompt event. It's told in first person through Drew's pov.
February 9, 2015
A lovely story of young men taking delicate steps, sort of a GFY, into relationship.
Drew Romano was at that phase in his life where he felt he need to change course and start to focus on his future; he quit football to concentrate more on his study. Leigh Harper was his classmate in urban legend class. Thrown together for group project, Drew had to deal with his attraction to Leigh which he'd been having throughout the semester, while made decision for his academic course.
I like the flow of this story. The cautious way both guys approached the other, not sure what to expect, having this picture perfect illusions of the other and edgy of the response they'd get.
What Leigh said, “I’m usually a pretty good judge of people. Or so I’ve always thought. But so far I’ve been lousy with you.” and Drew's line of “Isn’t that what you’re good at, though? The scary stuff, I mean. Standing up for what you want.” portrait their mutual hope and fear. They didn't jump each other's bones right away which made this a truly convincing start of a good HFN or even HEA. :)
Drew Romano was at that phase in his life where he felt he need to change course and start to focus on his future; he quit football to concentrate more on his study. Leigh Harper was his classmate in urban legend class. Thrown together for group project, Drew had to deal with his attraction to Leigh which he'd been having throughout the semester, while made decision for his academic course.
I like the flow of this story. The cautious way both guys approached the other, not sure what to expect, having this picture perfect illusions of the other and edgy of the response they'd get.
What Leigh said, “I’m usually a pretty good judge of people. Or so I’ve always thought. But so far I’ve been lousy with you.” and Drew's line of “Isn’t that what you’re good at, though? The scary stuff, I mean. Standing up for what you want.” portrait their mutual hope and fear. They didn't jump each other's bones right away which made this a truly convincing start of a good HFN or even HEA. :)
December 21, 2015
This was a sweet little response to a great prompt!
The writing was good, it all fell together nicely. I particual enjoyed Drew, and his inner thoughts and struggles about his sexuality. It wasn't overdone, it wasn't too heavy, and I also liked the urban legends as a backround. And Leigh was a sweatheart all around. Really good.
But don't pick this one up if you're hoping for steamy action! This is sweet and tentative through and through - no steam or smut. Which, IMHO, is no problem at all. It macthed the tone of the story and the characters perfectly.
I really liked it just the way it was - but of course wouldn't mind reading more about these two.
The writing was good, it all fell together nicely. I particual enjoyed Drew, and his inner thoughts and struggles about his sexuality. It wasn't overdone, it wasn't too heavy, and I also liked the urban legends as a backround. And Leigh was a sweatheart all around. Really good.
But don't pick this one up if you're hoping for steamy action! This is sweet and tentative through and through - no steam or smut. Which, IMHO, is no problem at all. It macthed the tone of the story and the characters perfectly.
I really liked it just the way it was - but of course wouldn't mind reading more about these two.
August 2, 2013
LHNB story released 3.8.13
Well written but fairly typical college jock/nerd combination. I was actually less interested in the growing relationship between the two MC's than I was with the Dark Aggie story they were researching - would have loved to have known more about the death of the child/hanged nurse and where the statue was now etc...
Well written but fairly typical college jock/nerd combination. I was actually less interested in the growing relationship between the two MC's than I was with the Dark Aggie story they were researching - would have loved to have known more about the death of the child/hanged nurse and where the statue was now etc...
August 2, 2013
Beautifully written and insightful tale of developing romance between a questioning straight guy and a gay classmate. A little bit too concise for my liking, especially when the first kiss essentially signalled the end of the story. Three and half stars rounded down to three because of the abrupt finish. I definitely would like to read more from this author.
July 10, 2016
3.5 - I enjoyed this story and the characters. I would love to read more about these two and about their project. Nice interpretation of the photo and the story letter. Thank you Kate Islay for donating your story, your time and your talent.
September 27, 2013
Nice story. Thank you for your story.
I had a little trouble connecting with the characters.
[NOTE: I rate most writing event stories (free reads) 4 or 5 stars because of my appreciation of the author's participation.]
I had a little trouble connecting with the characters.
[NOTE: I rate most writing event stories (free reads) 4 or 5 stars because of my appreciation of the author's participation.]
November 7, 2014
:) Sweet story, but not in a toothachey kind of way. My only gripe is I want more of this cute couple.
August 3, 2013
2.5 stars.
August 3, 2013
Sweet story but it just felt so unfinished to me. I'd have loved to have read more about them together.
August 7, 2013
This was a nice, short light read <3
August 8, 2013
3.25 stars, I'm indecisive. Really enjoyed the story until it just ended. Very abrupt ending, felt like we were just getting started. Would love a follow up.
September 19, 2013
Started out great, but ended too soon and abruptly for me. Would have liked more. Overall it was good.
September 20, 2013
YA, the bare beginning of a story
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews