Misread Romance

by Xara X. Xanakas

Work is work, but Cody isn't exactly enthused about his first paying job as a promo shots for some band calling themselves Lingering Cents. Their lead singer, Seth, proves to be a gorgeous distraction, but he comes with an attitude and mixed signals that Cody can't decipher, no matter how much he tries.

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Gay

57 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 28, 2014

About the author

Xara X. Xanakas decided years ago to embrace her weirdness. A friend first described her that way to the man who’s been her husband for over twenty years. That formula fits her, and she figures if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Being Texan, her crush on cowboys comes natural, but the techie in her loves to show nerds a good time. She relishes all things different, and brings saucy style to her writing. Whether wrangling a wayward ranch hand or adding another critter to her were-menagerie, Xara strives to make the outlandish appealing. She’ll make you quirk a brow and snort with laughter, and that’s all right by her. Xara believes that unique is best and happily ever after is the icing on the cookies.

Give her a shout out at her website, or stalk follow her on twitter and Facebook.

She writes M/M Romances. You can probably tell by her initials (~xxx~) that her stories trend toward the very graphic, NSFW, not for minors category.

If that's not your thing, you are excused. Otherwise, howdy! Come on in, put your feet up, and hang out for a while. There's some excerpts of works in progress, and a few finished short stories under "My Writing".

Reviews

[Catherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute story overall, but there were about 10 too many secondary characters and story lines for a piece of this length. A few strategic edits (like axing Razor, Marcos, and Torr altogether, losing the bit about Ryan's ex-girlfriend Ang, and ditching the solo album idea) would have gone a long way towards giving Seth and Cody - the supposed main characters of this story - more time in the spotlight. And more time in the spotlight would mean that Xanakas could develop their relationship more and give them that soul-deep bond that I always look for with my HEAs. As it stands, however, Misread Romance is a sweet story that had a lot of potential but was let down by the execution.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short and sweet read about Cody (a photographer) and Seth (lead singer of Lingering Cents). Misunderstandings ensue, getting in the way of true love, but there are kilts, S'mores Pop-Tarts, and an awesome cover of Journey's "Open Arms"! What more could you ask for??

[Ro · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cody is a photographer who is about to have his first paying photography job, doing a shoot for a local band called the Lingering Cents. Friendly for the most part, Lingering Cents also includes the surly, kilted lead singer, Seth. The fact that Cody is immediately attracted to the grumpy singer is just annoying. When Cody confronts Seth in defense of Seth’s brother (mistakenly, but still!) I wanted to hug him. There is a lot of jumping to conclusions going on with both sides.

Ryan, Cody’s best friend, is the source of some it “where will Ryan be? He’ll be in my bed.” Of course there are conclusions drawn! Ryan is an interesting character, I both disliked and liked him simultaneously. By the end, I liked him completely.

Add in all the band members and Cody’s sister and you have a crowd going on, plus Torr and Razor and oh my! I would love to know Razor and Marco’s story – any rocker who can metal up Sunshine Day is worthy of reading about.

My one complaint about this was that I would have loved it to be longer with more background. As it is, it’s adorable and sweet, more of a beginning than anything. I loved Ryan’s exit line at the end. And there’s a kilt!

[Miss · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Xara's stories.

I haven't read everything that they've written yet, but the ones I have have all been 5 stars. I loved seeing Razor & Marcos reappear after Razor's Cut. The miscommunications went a little long between Cody & Seth, leaving the story a little lopsided given how quickly it wrapped up in the end, but I am definitely a fan.

[Rachel Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought that this was cute and fun, I wish it had been a bit longer with more character development since there were so many characters, but I really enjoyed it. I always love this author's writing, look forward to whatever is next!

[Sheryl C. Nash · Rating 5 out of 5]

I REALLY like this author's style; she manages to combine cute, sweet and hawt all in one small package and I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT!!!!!!!

[Li-li Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

cute fun read. felt it was a little short, wrapped up a little too fast, but definitely will pull out again for a good sweet read for a bad day pick-me up.