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Friends Or Lovers #1
Friends Or Lovers?
Dear Author,
It was supposed to be my dream honeymoon with my partner of five years. Yeah, I knew that he was reluctant to make our partnership legal but I thought that he would eventually be as happy to be my husband as I was going to be his. Nick tried to warn me, though I didn’t listen. It’s funny how my best friend Nick seems to be right about a lot of things lately... like how I should go on the honeymoon that I spent forever planning even though Mark and I aren’t together anymore. Taking Nick with me so that the extra ticket wouldn’t go to waste was another great idea. Just wish I knew how we ended up in bed like this...
Photo Description:
Two men are in bed with an empty champagne bottle and two glasses.
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.
It was supposed to be my dream honeymoon with my partner of five years. Yeah, I knew that he was reluctant to make our partnership legal but I thought that he would eventually be as happy to be my husband as I was going to be his. Nick tried to warn me, though I didn’t listen. It’s funny how my best friend Nick seems to be right about a lot of things lately... like how I should go on the honeymoon that I spent forever planning even though Mark and I aren’t together anymore. Taking Nick with me so that the extra ticket wouldn’t go to waste was another great idea. Just wish I knew how we ended up in bed like this...
Photo Description:
Two men are in bed with an empty champagne bottle and two glasses.
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.
19 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 9, 2013
103 people are currently reading
307 people want to read
About the author
Sara York
153 books567 followersSara York, the author of Colorado Wild, twists words together to create worlds where characters make good and bad decisions that don't always work out so well. Romance and books have been a part of Sara York's life since learning to read. Sara York is a trans-male author writing gay romance. Coming out is the best decision Sara York has made. Live your life out loud. Sara York encourages you to be yourself.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
March 31, 2016
Shane is left at the altar, but he goes on the honeymoon anyway, only with his best friend Nick. Nick is in love with him for years, and now he acts on this attraction. They share a passionate night and Nick starts to hope, but Mark, Shane’s fiancé, shows up.
I couldn’t connect with the characters: Shane is indecisive and weak; Nick isn’t honest with his best friend, and seems to be a weak character too.
And I didn’t get the whole vacillation about having sex or not, as they already had on the previous night.
Many things remain unanswered. Well, maybe that’s because it’s not really a novella, more than a prequel to In or Out?, but based on the blurb I have no interest in reading it.
I couldn’t connect with the characters: Shane is indecisive and weak; Nick isn’t honest with his best friend, and seems to be a weak character too.
And I didn’t get the whole vacillation about having sex or not, as they already had on the previous night.
Many things remain unanswered. Well, maybe that’s because it’s not really a novella, more than a prequel to In or Out?, but based on the blurb I have no interest in reading it.
June 10, 2013
3.5
Poor Nick, he has been in love with his best friend Shane for years, but has to keep quiet and watch him with his lover Mark.
Now the honeymoon that wasn't, because Mark is an asshat and just doesn't show up for his wedding ceremony to Shane. ( yes yes, Mark is a classy guy, why talk face to face to break up when a text is available? )
Now is Nick's chance...
Shane is understandably confused, he didn't have any idea of Nick's feeling ( Nick is either really good at not showing it or Shane isn't very observant, I'm not sure which, the story is pretty short and doesn't go into a lot of detail).
And he still needs to deal with Mark's betrayal ...
It has a very hopeful HFN ending with a nice friends to lovers theme.
Poor Nick, he has been in love with his best friend Shane for years, but has to keep quiet and watch him with his lover Mark.
Now the honeymoon that wasn't, because Mark is an asshat and just doesn't show up for his wedding ceremony to Shane. ( yes yes, Mark is a classy guy, why talk face to face to break up when a text is available? )
Now is Nick's chance...
Shane is understandably confused, he didn't have any idea of Nick's feeling ( Nick is either really good at not showing it or Shane isn't very observant, I'm not sure which, the story is pretty short and doesn't go into a lot of detail).
And he still needs to deal with Mark's betrayal ...
It has a very hopeful HFN ending with a nice friends to lovers theme.
June 21, 2013
"Friends or lovers?" – that is indeed the question for Shane and Nick. Their actions, born from Shane's disappointment at being stood up at the altar, and Nick's love for a man who has been his best friend forever, clearly said one thing. But then there is Shane's ex who comes around trying to 'buy' his way back into Shane's good graces, and Shane folds. Personally, I think Shane needs to grow a backbone – fast!
Shane is one of those guys who is loyal to a fault. He also isn’t very experienced, and the older Mark has bamboozled him into thinking they are in love. The second he is back, even after all the devastation he has caused, Shane has second thoughts. At least he doesn’t go right back with him, but he also doesn’t give Mark a firm 'no'. I wanted to kick him at that point. Even if he doesn’t want to start a relationship with Nick on the rebound (I do get that!), it doesn’t mean he has to give Mark a second chance. I mean, seriously!
Poor Nick! I really felt for him. He also needs to get better at telling Shane what he wants, give him the security and stability he is clearly looking for, but in this situation? It would look too self-serving and that just isn’t Nick. One thing is certain: Nick and Shane's story is far from over, and there is a ton of stuff that still needs resolving. At least the ending leaves room for hope!
If you like short stories full of passion, and if you don’t mind a bit of an open ending with lots of reasons to hope for a happier one down the line, then you will probably like this free short story.
Shane is one of those guys who is loyal to a fault. He also isn’t very experienced, and the older Mark has bamboozled him into thinking they are in love. The second he is back, even after all the devastation he has caused, Shane has second thoughts. At least he doesn’t go right back with him, but he also doesn’t give Mark a firm 'no'. I wanted to kick him at that point. Even if he doesn’t want to start a relationship with Nick on the rebound (I do get that!), it doesn’t mean he has to give Mark a second chance. I mean, seriously!
Poor Nick! I really felt for him. He also needs to get better at telling Shane what he wants, give him the security and stability he is clearly looking for, but in this situation? It would look too self-serving and that just isn’t Nick. One thing is certain: Nick and Shane's story is far from over, and there is a ton of stuff that still needs resolving. At least the ending leaves room for hope!
If you like short stories full of passion, and if you don’t mind a bit of an open ending with lots of reasons to hope for a happier one down the line, then you will probably like this free short story.
January 20, 2016
Okay, that cover is horrible, but the story is actually pretty sweet. I liked Nick a lot. I hope Shane picks him and not douchebag Mark!
June 16, 2013
Maybe because I've read other stories with a similar set up that I thought were well done (admittedly they were longer stories), I was expecting something more than this. I thought this story was fine but fell flat because:
--Too much being told what happened instead of showing what happened.
--Everything too unresolved as instead of Shane telling his ex Mark that they're definitely over, he says he needs time to think. The man dumped him at his own wedding, so I'm not sure what Shane needed to think about.
--Bringing up something only to drop it. Like Nick saying he knew Mark was hiding something but he wasn't sure what. We never find out what Mark is hiding.
--Too much being told what happened instead of showing what happened.
--Everything too unresolved as instead of Shane telling his ex Mark that they're definitely over, he says he needs time to think. The man dumped him at his own wedding, so I'm not sure what Shane needed to think about.
--Bringing up something only to drop it. Like Nick saying he knew Mark was hiding something but he wasn't sure what. We never find out what Mark is hiding.
July 17, 2013
"I want to feel that again. I've never felt that before. You were amazing. Like totally and completely over-the-top amazing.
Yeah. Not so much. This is a little pwp without either of the p's. It's simply without. Someone might disagree but I've blocked out the pathetic attempt at the porn from my mind.
June 9, 2013
I'm a sucker for a good friends-to-lovers story, and this one certainly made me happy. Recommended!
June 12, 2013
2.5 stars
Not bad, but it's really a fragment of a complete story even the hint of how it turns out at the end is there.
Not bad, but it's really a fragment of a complete story even the hint of how it turns out at the end is there.
December 30, 2014
I loved Nick's character but I wasn't really feeling Shane's character. There were also too many loose ends that needed to be tied up.
August 7, 2013
There is often a thin line between the feelings we have for our friends and those we have for our lovers. In Shane and Nick's case, in 'Lovers and Friends' by Sara York, the line is blurred even more when Shane's fiancé, Mark, stands him up at the altar and Shane ends up taking Nick instead, on his intended honeymoon trip. When Mark has a change of heart and shows up at his door, Shane has a lot of thinking to do and a huge decision to make. Does he reunite with Mark or pursue the promise he sees in Nick's eyes.
Shane and Nick have been friends nearly all their lives. They are almost always together, sharing, supporting, being there for each other. When Mark stands Shane up at the altar, Shane is devastated, but, as always, he isn't alone. Nick is there loving and comforting him. He has stuck beside Shane, secretly loving him for years. He doesn't particularly like Mark, but since Shane seems to love him so much, he hides his feelings and respects his friend's wishes.
When Mark totally drops the ball and Shane is devastated, Nick falls even more into his nurturing mode, determined that, if he can help it, Shane will never be hurt like that again. Not meaning to take advantage of, but thrilled at the opportunity, Nick runs with his feelings and what is supposed to be comfort turns into passion. Finding himself in bed with Nick, Shane is totally confused, especially because the experience was so powerful. Now he has to look back at the past, not with rose-colored glasses on, but as how things actually were. Shane has to decide who actually loves him and has his best interest at heart and whom he will be able to love sincerely and be happy with.
This story evoked some strong emotions in me. I wanted to beat Mark up for handling Shane's heart so carelessly; shake Shane and make him realize what a selfish cad Mark was. I also wanted to make him see what a gem Nick was and how very much he loved him. Yet, I also knew that unless Shane came to his own conclusions, none of it would matter. I'd recommend this story to anyone who likes a romance filled with angst, passion, and seeing things as they truly are. Thanks, Sara! I really enjoyed your story.
Shane and Nick have been friends nearly all their lives. They are almost always together, sharing, supporting, being there for each other. When Mark stands Shane up at the altar, Shane is devastated, but, as always, he isn't alone. Nick is there loving and comforting him. He has stuck beside Shane, secretly loving him for years. He doesn't particularly like Mark, but since Shane seems to love him so much, he hides his feelings and respects his friend's wishes.
When Mark totally drops the ball and Shane is devastated, Nick falls even more into his nurturing mode, determined that, if he can help it, Shane will never be hurt like that again. Not meaning to take advantage of, but thrilled at the opportunity, Nick runs with his feelings and what is supposed to be comfort turns into passion. Finding himself in bed with Nick, Shane is totally confused, especially because the experience was so powerful. Now he has to look back at the past, not with rose-colored glasses on, but as how things actually were. Shane has to decide who actually loves him and has his best interest at heart and whom he will be able to love sincerely and be happy with.
This story evoked some strong emotions in me. I wanted to beat Mark up for handling Shane's heart so carelessly; shake Shane and make him realize what a selfish cad Mark was. I also wanted to make him see what a gem Nick was and how very much he loved him. Yet, I also knew that unless Shane came to his own conclusions, none of it would matter. I'd recommend this story to anyone who likes a romance filled with angst, passion, and seeing things as they truly are. Thanks, Sara! I really enjoyed your story.
October 29, 2013
3.5 stars
Shane has been left on the altar by his boyfriend of 5 years. Heartbroken, he and his best friend Nick decide to take advantage of the honeymoon that had been planned. Once there, after a night of dancing and drinking Shane wakes up in bed with Nick. He is surprised and confused but never disappointed. The night spent with Nick was one he will never soon forget. Now if only he could get his head on straight and decide if he wants Nick to a friend or a lover.
This was a short, sweet read that left me wanting to know more about both Shane and Nick. Especially after Shane's boyfriend, Mark, showed up to 'make amends'.
For a short story, Sara York managed to bring forth an interesting read with what appeared to be complex characters. Nick was so in love with Shane that I felt sorry for him at times, then again I wanted to smack him upside the head for not making his feelings known. Then there was Shane with his head all messed up, loving the night he spent with Nick, hating himself that he overlooked him and trying to deal with Mark's betrayal.
I can't wait to read more in the follow-up story, In or Out? I think that Nick and Shane have a chance to work it out if they get their head on straight and come clean with each other - hesitations, doubts and all.
Shane has been left on the altar by his boyfriend of 5 years. Heartbroken, he and his best friend Nick decide to take advantage of the honeymoon that had been planned. Once there, after a night of dancing and drinking Shane wakes up in bed with Nick. He is surprised and confused but never disappointed. The night spent with Nick was one he will never soon forget. Now if only he could get his head on straight and decide if he wants Nick to a friend or a lover.
This was a short, sweet read that left me wanting to know more about both Shane and Nick. Especially after Shane's boyfriend, Mark, showed up to 'make amends'.
For a short story, Sara York managed to bring forth an interesting read with what appeared to be complex characters. Nick was so in love with Shane that I felt sorry for him at times, then again I wanted to smack him upside the head for not making his feelings known. Then there was Shane with his head all messed up, loving the night he spent with Nick, hating himself that he overlooked him and trying to deal with Mark's betrayal.
I can't wait to read more in the follow-up story, In or Out? I think that Nick and Shane have a chance to work it out if they get their head on straight and come clean with each other - hesitations, doubts and all.
June 9, 2013
A very nice friends to lovers story. I really liked the MCs, Nick and Shane.
June 11, 2013
There was much irony in the MC saying he wouldn't want to take advantage of his friend's emotional state AFTER - er - taking advantage of his emotional state. *eye roll*
June 25, 2013
Friends to Lovers <3
Sometimes you read these stories and just want more! This is one that I wish coulda been a full length story. All-in-All...great stuff here and it's worth the read!
Sometimes you read these stories and just want more! This is one that I wish coulda been a full length story. All-in-All...great stuff here and it's worth the read!
March 14, 2014
Need more
July 24, 2013
2.5
meh...
meh...
September 9, 2013
Really swwet story!
September 1, 2013
Very short best friendsTo lovers story. Would love to read a book about these two.
June 7, 2016
Shane gets left at the altar three days ago and is already planning a future with Nick? Way too short and lacking in substance.
August 13, 2013
Friends or Lovers was written for the M/M Romance Groups 2013 Love Has No Boundaries event. This is told in third person through the eyes of both Shane and Nick.
October 20, 2013
This was written as part of a Goodread’s M/M Romance group event and it was a nice short easy read covering one of my favourite themes – friends to lovers.
Shane wakes up in bed with his best friend forever, Nick, in his honeymoon suite, the day after he was stood up by Mark at their wedding.
Shane had been with Mark for five years who he met when he was struggling at college. Mark was older, richer and sophisticated so was an easy choice for Shane.
Nick has always loved Shane and was devastated when he got together with Mark. He stood no chance, until he was there to comfort Shane after Mark did his vanishing act.
There were some areas I did not grasp like why Shane would even speak with Mark after what he did, let alone agree to have breakfast with him whilst leaving Nick back in the room.
Loved the scenes with Nick and Shane when they were both comprehending what the night’s sex-a-thon has developed their friendship into.
My first Sara York book which has wet my appetite for more from this author as I love the writing style. I will be reading the follow up to this story called In or Out?
Overall it was a good read and I enjoyed it.
Shane wakes up in bed with his best friend forever, Nick, in his honeymoon suite, the day after he was stood up by Mark at their wedding.
Shane had been with Mark for five years who he met when he was struggling at college. Mark was older, richer and sophisticated so was an easy choice for Shane.
Nick has always loved Shane and was devastated when he got together with Mark. He stood no chance, until he was there to comfort Shane after Mark did his vanishing act.
There were some areas I did not grasp like why Shane would even speak with Mark after what he did, let alone agree to have breakfast with him whilst leaving Nick back in the room.
Loved the scenes with Nick and Shane when they were both comprehending what the night’s sex-a-thon has developed their friendship into.
My first Sara York book which has wet my appetite for more from this author as I love the writing style. I will be reading the follow up to this story called In or Out?
Overall it was a good read and I enjoyed it.
June 10, 2013
Shane has been left standing at the altar, so to speak, by his boyfriend Mark. His best friend Nick who was already by his side is there to pick up the pieces. When Shane wakes up in his “honeymoon” suite wrapped up in the sexy giant that is Nick, all he can think is that he’s ruined their friendship for one drunk night of passion.
It’s been three days and he hasn’t heard a word from Mark, until now. Will Shane allow the man that he practically had to force to agree to marry him, that left him alone the day of back into his life? Or will he realize that the previous night of passion with Nick, a night like he never had with Mark, might not have been a mistake after all.
More of a synopsis than a book at only 14 pages, but I liked it. If you are looking for something really quick and fun to lift your spirits, grab a copy, it’s free right now through Smashwords. I’m hopeful that York will continue this story, the sneak peak I got was well written and I’m intrigued.
It’s been three days and he hasn’t heard a word from Mark, until now. Will Shane allow the man that he practically had to force to agree to marry him, that left him alone the day of back into his life? Or will he realize that the previous night of passion with Nick, a night like he never had with Mark, might not have been a mistake after all.
More of a synopsis than a book at only 14 pages, but I liked it. If you are looking for something really quick and fun to lift your spirits, grab a copy, it’s free right now through Smashwords. I’m hopeful that York will continue this story, the sneak peak I got was well written and I’m intrigued.
November 8, 2023
LEER RESEÑA COMPLETA EN MI BLOG: https://www.blogdivergente.com/2023/1...
“¿Amigos o amantes?”, de Sara York, narra la delgada línea entre la amistad y el amor romántico y cómo esta se desvanece, llevando a sus protagonistas Shane y Nick a explorar los confines de sus emociones.
A través de las páginas somos testigos de cómo su historia da un giro inesperado cuando el prometido de Shane, Mark, lo abandona en el altar, dejando a Shane devastado. Rápidamente, Shane encuentra consuelo en su amigo de toda la vida, Nick, quien ha estado secretamente enamorado de él durante años.
La relación de Shane y Nick se profundiza en medio de la confusión y el dolor. A pesar de que Nick no siente simpatía por Mark, oculta sus sentimientos y apoya a Shane en su decisión de casarse con él. Sin embargo, cuando Mark abandona a Shane por completo, Nick se convierte en un pilar aún más importante en su vida, decidido a protegerlo de futuros desengaños.
“¿Amigos o amantes?”, de Sara York, narra la delgada línea entre la amistad y el amor romántico y cómo esta se desvanece, llevando a sus protagonistas Shane y Nick a explorar los confines de sus emociones.
A través de las páginas somos testigos de cómo su historia da un giro inesperado cuando el prometido de Shane, Mark, lo abandona en el altar, dejando a Shane devastado. Rápidamente, Shane encuentra consuelo en su amigo de toda la vida, Nick, quien ha estado secretamente enamorado de él durante años.
La relación de Shane y Nick se profundiza en medio de la confusión y el dolor. A pesar de que Nick no siente simpatía por Mark, oculta sus sentimientos y apoya a Shane en su decisión de casarse con él. Sin embargo, cuando Mark abandona a Shane por completo, Nick se convierte en un pilar aún más importante en su vida, decidido a protegerlo de futuros desengaños.
August 29, 2019
2.5 Stars rounded up 'coz it's free
The story elements were all there... jilted groom, best friend who's secretly in love with said groom, and rat-ass bastard who dumped said groom by *OMG* text! But it doesn't work. There is too much telling but not of what's important. Nick (the best friend) is really the only one that I felt any emotion from. Mark (the rat-ass bastard) shows up to win Shane back but never gives any indication of why he did what he did. And Shane doesn't ask. He's more concerned with whether, if they do get back together, he will finally be the recipient of a BJ from Mark. WTF?
Yeah, did't work for me.
The story elements were all there... jilted groom, best friend who's secretly in love with said groom, and rat-ass bastard who dumped said groom by *OMG* text! But it doesn't work. There is too much telling but not of what's important. Nick (the best friend) is really the only one that I felt any emotion from. Mark (the rat-ass bastard) shows up to win Shane back but never gives any indication of why he did what he did. And Shane doesn't ask. He's more concerned with whether, if they do get back together, he will finally be the recipient of a BJ from Mark. WTF?
Yeah, did't work for me.
June 22, 2013
I enjoyed the structure of this. I liked how we were completely immersed in the lives of these men for the length of the story. It's only about 24 hours of their lives, but they're a momentous few hours.
Yes, I still have questions, but it makes sense given the scope of the story that those answers aren't available. I actually appreciate the HFN ending here, as it actually gives me a lot more hope that Nick and Shane will work out than I would have had if they'd confessed undying love in the midst of all the craziness.
Yes, I still have questions, but it makes sense given the scope of the story that those answers aren't available. I actually appreciate the HFN ending here, as it actually gives me a lot more hope that Nick and Shane will work out than I would have had if they'd confessed undying love in the midst of all the craziness.
June 16, 2013
For the short story that it is, I'm giving it 4 stars, but I do wish it were longer. It's supposed to be short, I know this, but I'm hoping Sara York will write another about these characters. I need them to have an HEA or the world might end. Not really, but still. The little I know about Nick, I love him and I want him to be happy. Shane too of course, but I just feel soooo badly for Nick and want things fixed him for him. I don't need an entire series out of this, but a sequel or longer version would be awesome.
June 25, 2013
Ehh, no. Could have kicked Seth in the but for talking with his lover who stood him up at the wedding at all, especially after he finds that their relationship as such was lacking.
The friend, Jamie? (Forgot the name), does not want to exploit Seth week moment. And that AFTER he slept with him.
A few sweet moments but all in all didn't work for me. That's why writing a good short story is an art and I admire people who are capable of doing it.
The friend, Jamie? (Forgot the name), does not want to exploit Seth week moment. And that AFTER he slept with him.
A few sweet moments but all in all didn't work for me. That's why writing a good short story is an art and I admire people who are capable of doing it.
September 9, 2013
Oh, man, I wish this was a full blown novel starting at childhood with Shane and Nick. It was too short! I picked this free ePub up and gave it a read. Was pleasantly surprised and will look for more stories by this author.
And I need to note that the ePub file isn't formatted correctly so the title and cover don't appear properly on my Nook. It just shows a long string of characters with the author as "unknown". So, that's what it looks like if I want to find it again in my library.
And I need to note that the ePub file isn't formatted correctly so the title and cover don't appear properly on my Nook. It just shows a long string of characters with the author as "unknown". So, that's what it looks like if I want to find it again in my library.
January 15, 2014
* Free *
I enjoy the whole friends to lovers theme, but holy drama for such a short piece! It annoyed me that all the characters seemed to do was cry and sob. All in all I did still enjoy it. I definitely think these characters should have their own full length book. It was revealed that they'd been longtime friends since school. I'd like to read more about that time between them since I also love coming out and young love stories.
I enjoy the whole friends to lovers theme, but holy drama for such a short piece! It annoyed me that all the characters seemed to do was cry and sob. All in all I did still enjoy it. I definitely think these characters should have their own full length book. It was revealed that they'd been longtime friends since school. I'd like to read more about that time between them since I also love coming out and young love stories.
February 19, 2014
I want more!!
a great story but too short. Shane would be a fool to leave a wonderful man like Nick for a loser like Mark...As best friends from childhood and with all the emotions that come from the past and the present, I think they would be awesome together for ever. I would love for there to be a continuation to this story. Shane needs to find out what Mark is hiding and take him down.
a great story but too short. Shane would be a fool to leave a wonderful man like Nick for a loser like Mark...As best friends from childhood and with all the emotions that come from the past and the present, I think they would be awesome together for ever. I would love for there to be a continuation to this story. Shane needs to find out what Mark is hiding and take him down.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews