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Stripping the Pain
Finding happiness is just as easy, and difficult, as letting go…
The only good thing Gabe ever had in his miserable life is Malcolm. Having met in college, they were dorm mates, friends, and now business partners in a marketing web design business. Except from day one, Gabe has had feelings for Malcolm that go way beyond the best friend line. Until one night a moment passes between them, and suddenly Malcolm starts seeing Gabe as more. But Malcolm is from an upper-class political family and Gabe grew up moving from one foster home to the next. Where Malcolm is light, Gabe lives in darkness. Pain is his only indicator that he's still breathing. Yet Malcolm begins to strip away Gabe's hurt, layer by layer, until the choice becomes his to accept happiness, or to stay with the path that has always kept his heart safe.
The only good thing Gabe ever had in his miserable life is Malcolm. Having met in college, they were dorm mates, friends, and now business partners in a marketing web design business. Except from day one, Gabe has had feelings for Malcolm that go way beyond the best friend line. Until one night a moment passes between them, and suddenly Malcolm starts seeing Gabe as more. But Malcolm is from an upper-class political family and Gabe grew up moving from one foster home to the next. Where Malcolm is light, Gabe lives in darkness. Pain is his only indicator that he's still breathing. Yet Malcolm begins to strip away Gabe's hurt, layer by layer, until the choice becomes his to accept happiness, or to stay with the path that has always kept his heart safe.
46 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 5, 2014
2 people are currently reading
84 people want to read
About the author
Kathleen Lee
8 books43 followersKathleen Lee is the author of sweet and sexy M/M romance novellas. She a bestseller in Gay Romance and has several Indie eBooks releasing soon. When not taking her caffeine by I.V. (well, not really) or plotting world destruction (this she does do)she can be found at home reading or dreaming up new happily-ever-afters. She resides in the Midwest with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
October 29, 2014
Another 5 star short story freebie! (Free on Amazon as of this review March 9, 2014.)
Friends to lovers? Check. Crazy hot sex? Check. Healing/comfort relating to childhood abuse? Check. Emotional breakup? Check. Emotional reconciliation? Check. Emotional tears, even though this is super short at only 41 pages? Check!
Highly recommended! All M/M romance fans need to read this!
Friends to lovers? Check. Crazy hot sex? Check. Healing/comfort relating to childhood abuse? Check. Emotional breakup? Check. Emotional reconciliation? Check. Emotional tears, even though this is super short at only 41 pages? Check!
Highly recommended! All M/M romance fans need to read this!
July 10, 2014
.....OMG, this was so sweet and intense and HOT! Everything I want for an m/m story, and the best shortie snack I've read in ages. Simply loved it.
March 11, 2014
What do you mean there is no actual stripping in this story?! But... but... The title! And the cover! There should be strippers in this story. *sigh* The old bait 'n switch - I see how it is. Draw me in with your alluded to promise of strippers and then give me computer geeks. Buff computer geeks, but geeks nonetheless. Couldn't they at least be geeks who STRIPPED?!
All kidding aside, I thought that Stripping the Pain was a totally serviceable friends-to-lovers short story. It followed a predictable arc and the characters were both ones that I have seen done before (both better and worse), but it got the job done. I did end up feeling sympathy pangs for both main characters and their circumstances by the end of the story, so I give the author kudos for being able to illicit an emotional response from me. However, I couldn't help but feel as though this story tried to deal with too many big-ticket issues (e.g. ) in too short a time-frame, ultimately making those aspects feel a little exploitative.
Also, the misuse of the word "precede" (when she clearly meant to use its antonym) killed a little piece of my soul.
All kidding aside, I thought that Stripping the Pain was a totally serviceable friends-to-lovers short story. It followed a predictable arc and the characters were both ones that I have seen done before (both better and worse), but it got the job done. I did end up feeling sympathy pangs for both main characters and their circumstances by the end of the story, so I give the author kudos for being able to illicit an emotional response from me. However, I couldn't help but feel as though this story tried to deal with too many big-ticket issues (e.g. ) in too short a time-frame, ultimately making those aspects feel a little exploitative.
Also, the misuse of the word "precede" (when she clearly meant to use its antonym) killed a little piece of my soul.
March 10, 2014
Freebies are always a shot in the dark and I've had more misses than hits, but I refuse to give up in the hopes of finding a hidden diamond among lumps of coal. Even though I can't say this book was a true diamond, it was a very nice surprise. I really liked tortured Gabe, I just wish the story was longer.
March 10, 2014
The writing is...obvious. The author's trying to frame the message in terms of the story but more focus is on the message than the story.
They jump into the sex pretty early on. It seems more an author obligation than actual organic development.
And if he's waiting for "sickening nausea and shame" after coming, then he's probably not waiting for ... which "precede[s]" sex but "follows" it. Cuz, you know, "precede" means "to come before something," in this case, nausea which comes before sex.
The beginning's got some BDSM-hate going on, which bothers me. I mean, BDSM as therapy=bad, yes, but BDSM in general, no, not necessarily. Still, that could be part of the MCs neuroses, so I'm willing to wait that one out.
It's awkward. The message the author wants to convey is so blatantly at the forefront that the MCs internal dialogue sounds like wangsting on the world's smallest violin.
It has potential, I guess. The characters aren't complete caricatures. More amateur actors who don't quite really relate to their roles, perhaps.
There are leaps that are far too large. Time gaps that don't do the narration any favors.
So...final verdict: it's rough, definitely, and kind of painful/annoying to read because it was so blatantly pushing its Higher Message at you, and then there's the Deus Sex Machina thing and the Intimate Psychotherapy thing (and basically a lot more that are a pain in the ass to link and idc enough so w.e)...
I mean, it was visceral at times, so there's that...
They jump into the sex pretty early on. It seems more an author obligation than actual organic development.
And if he's waiting for "sickening nausea and shame" after coming, then he's probably not waiting for ... which "precede[s]" sex but "follows" it. Cuz, you know, "precede" means "to come before something," in this case, nausea which comes before sex.
The beginning's got some BDSM-hate going on, which bothers me. I mean, BDSM as therapy=bad, yes, but BDSM in general, no, not necessarily. Still, that could be part of the MCs neuroses, so I'm willing to wait that one out.
It's awkward. The message the author wants to convey is so blatantly at the forefront that the MCs internal dialogue sounds like wangsting on the world's smallest violin.
It has potential, I guess. The characters aren't complete caricatures. More amateur actors who don't quite really relate to their roles, perhaps.
There are leaps that are far too large. Time gaps that don't do the narration any favors.
So...final verdict: it's rough, definitely, and kind of painful/annoying to read because it was so blatantly pushing its Higher Message at you, and then there's the Deus Sex Machina thing and the Intimate Psychotherapy thing (and basically a lot more that are a pain in the ass to link and idc enough so w.e)...
I mean, it was visceral at times, so there's that...
June 25, 2014
First & foremost—love the man nipple (mipple, hee). It’s mesmerizing.
Sweet friends to lovers novella with hot sex scenes, which is something I greatly appreciate. I had two niggles though....
The first is that Gabe, due to a traumatic childhood, avoids any and all emotions. This is fine as I generally find emotionally stunted men to be quite appealing, but does he have to compare himself to a girl every time he pops an emotion? The first time he did this was kind of amusing & gave some insight into his character, but 4-5 times in a 41 page novella was grating.
The other problem I had is with the BDSM aspect. I’m weary of books that automatically assign a pain kink to anyone with an extremely shitty childhood. Saying the hero is into BDSM is the new, improved way of saying, “Dude's got issues.“ This has been done (a lot) & is an oversimplification of complex issues, especially when said issues are magically resolved by the insertion of the correct penis (in this case, Malcolm’s). However, I should point out that while Gabe’s sexual "issues" seem to be resolved by about the 66% mark, the author doesn’t end with his This was nicely done.
Anyway, if issues like these don’t bother you as a reader, this novella is a nice short story and well worth the price (.99 cents at this time).
Sweet friends to lovers novella with hot sex scenes, which is something I greatly appreciate. I had two niggles though....
The first is that Gabe, due to a traumatic childhood, avoids any and all emotions. This is fine as I generally find emotionally stunted men to be quite appealing, but does he have to compare himself to a girl every time he pops an emotion? The first time he did this was kind of amusing & gave some insight into his character, but 4-5 times in a 41 page novella was grating.
The other problem I had is with the BDSM aspect. I’m weary of books that automatically assign a pain kink to anyone with an extremely shitty childhood. Saying the hero is into BDSM is the new, improved way of saying, “Dude's got issues.“ This has been done (a lot) & is an oversimplification of complex issues, especially when said issues are magically resolved by the insertion of the correct penis (in this case, Malcolm’s). However, I should point out that while Gabe’s sexual "issues" seem to be resolved by about the 66% mark, the author doesn’t end with his This was nicely done.
Anyway, if issues like these don’t bother you as a reader, this novella is a nice short story and well worth the price (.99 cents at this time).
March 11, 2014
This was suprisingly good for a such a short story. I really enjoyed the characters & storyline.
January 21, 2015
2 1/2 stars. Light read even if the subject matter has some dark elements. I liked that the MCs had been friends and business partners for years before they developed a more intimate relationship. Malcolm's parents were jerks but a little two dimensional even for egocentric parents. I enjoyed the read. The subject has been done better, but it has also been done worse.
March 26, 2014
This was pretty meaty for a novella. It was nice to see two buff guys who were both bottoms. My heart went out to Gabe at the abuse he suffered in foster care. If I were a foster mother, I'd be the best foster mother in the world!!!! I'm glad Gabe has Malcolm. I believe in their HEA!
January 16, 2022
A wonderful story about finding the courage to let love triumph over the evil in your past to help you find the strength to heal a wounded heart and to ignore the doubts of those who who can't see the your past doesn't define you. The only complaint I have is that I wish it had been longer.
June 6, 2017
I was amazed at how good the story was for not being very long. Great job. I look forward to reading more by this author.
March 7, 2018
3.75 stars
September 8, 2014
So, I couldn't remember reading this story, from just reading the summary. I had to skim through the story to recall that I did in fact read it. I can't remember all the details, or really the ending. With that all said, I don't remember disliking it or being angry, so I guess it was okay. But as you can tell, it wasn't anything extraordinary. Just a quick story about friends-to-lovers to pass an afternoon.
Malcolm and Gabe have been friends and even are business partners. I do believe they had some rule about not falling for one another. Well, needless to day, that rule was broken. The story is about these two opposites coming to terms of their feelings and getting together.
If you are looking for a light read, then this would be a good choice.
Malcolm and Gabe have been friends and even are business partners. I do believe they had some rule about not falling for one another. Well, needless to day, that rule was broken. The story is about these two opposites coming to terms of their feelings and getting together.
If you are looking for a light read, then this would be a good choice.
February 2, 2016
I was hesitant about this novella since BDSM books are not my preference. Thankfully the book didn't go there. There was mention pain/pleasure elements of sex. The BDSM/pain elements that are discussed tie into Gabe's dark past as a child raised in the foster system that greatly failed him. This book focuses on Gabe and Malcolm's transition from long time friends-to-lovers and Gabe allowing Malcolm to know and understand the details of his past. Novellas can be hard to love as a reader since good character development can be harder to achieve in such a short format, but I believe the author did a good job with this. I felt like I got to know the characters well. Look forward to reading more by Ms. Lee.
*Thanks to the Reading Room and Kathleen Lee for providing me a free copy
*Thanks to the Reading Room and Kathleen Lee for providing me a free copy
January 10, 2016
"He's broken, and you can't fix broken."
Such a great story of best friends finally giving into their desires for one another! From college roommates, to business partners, now as lovers; Gabe has kept some secrets. When Malcolm learns of them Gabe makes the decision to break off their affair; knowing he will never be good enough for Malcolm. When all is said and done, will they both be broken? Is it possible for them to fix each other? This emotional M/M story will touch your heart! See how this friendship/relationship fares in Stripping the Pain.
Such a great story of best friends finally giving into their desires for one another! From college roommates, to business partners, now as lovers; Gabe has kept some secrets. When Malcolm learns of them Gabe makes the decision to break off their affair; knowing he will never be good enough for Malcolm. When all is said and done, will they both be broken? Is it possible for them to fix each other? This emotional M/M story will touch your heart! See how this friendship/relationship fares in Stripping the Pain.
May 14, 2014
Read on 5-10-14
I think I've created a new game on Amazon called "find the newest Kathleen Lee". I have accidentally stumbled upon all 3 of her stories. I've loved them all, too.
This one, holy moly. Was I supposed to cry so much? I was in tears almost from the word Go! I was a hot mess.
This was darker than her previous 2, but I liked it all the same.
I think I've created a new game on Amazon called "find the newest Kathleen Lee". I have accidentally stumbled upon all 3 of her stories. I've loved them all, too.
This one, holy moly. Was I supposed to cry so much? I was in tears almost from the word Go! I was a hot mess.
This was darker than her previous 2, but I liked it all the same.
April 4, 2014
Sweet short read. How much reference do u need to read 41 pages??? Believe me if u have 30 mins to spare read this u wont regret.Has it all book.
May 1, 2014
Meh.
June 11, 2014
This was a great short story...poor Gabes dark side when we found out why he needed pain...Poor Malcolm when he found out too....Such a sad but HEA aswell x
February 21, 2016
Friends to lovers ,and telling the truth and learning to let go.
I recommend this book.
I recommend this book.
September 6, 2016
2.75 stars.
Too melodramatic.
Too melodramatic.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews