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Little God
Melis, the fledgling God of Desire in All Its Forms, is of course aware of the famously beautiful and famously unwed King Antero. Though the human king has been approached by many suitors, all have been intimidated by the strength of his remarkable heart. The lonely Antero has been praying for a companion, a friend who will stay by his side if he is not meant to find the other half of his soul. For years, he has been making those prayers to Melis.
Known by many names including Melis the Prankster and Melis the Cruel, Melis is blamed by humans and gods alike if he answers their wishes—and if he doesn’t—and almost never thanked for the stories that turn out well. He has listened to Antero’s yearning without responding, secretly pleased to have the noble king’s devotion for himself, but mostly convinced there is no one on earth who could ever be Antero’s equal.
But when some of the elder gods insist Melis would serve the world better if he knew anything of desires for himself, the little God of Desire decides to visit the private chambers of the king and finally respond to his most faithful servant—only to find himself wanting to answer the king’s wish in a more personal way than he’d anticipated. Melis might be divine, but one clever human king is more than a match for him, especially once Antero decides it’s time for Desire to learn something of Love.
Known by many names including Melis the Prankster and Melis the Cruel, Melis is blamed by humans and gods alike if he answers their wishes—and if he doesn’t—and almost never thanked for the stories that turn out well. He has listened to Antero’s yearning without responding, secretly pleased to have the noble king’s devotion for himself, but mostly convinced there is no one on earth who could ever be Antero’s equal.
But when some of the elder gods insist Melis would serve the world better if he knew anything of desires for himself, the little God of Desire decides to visit the private chambers of the king and finally respond to his most faithful servant—only to find himself wanting to answer the king’s wish in a more personal way than he’d anticipated. Melis might be divine, but one clever human king is more than a match for him, especially once Antero decides it’s time for Desire to learn something of Love.
70 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2024
61 people are currently reading
251 people want to read
About the author
R. Cooper
81 books999 followersI'm R. Cooper, a somewhat absentminded, often distracted, writer of queer romance. I'm probably most known for the Being(s) in Love series and The Suitable 'Verse stories. Also the occasional story about witches or firefighters in love.
You can visit my website for updates or sign up for my newsletter . My newsletter is free! And comes out once a month or once every two months or so.
Otherwise... have some social media links if you want updates and whatever the hell else I am talking about.
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Instagram and Threads
You can also support me on Patreon if you like
If you just want book release updates, I have a BookBub profile.
Also, I now have a Storygraph where I will try to track my reading in an organized fashion.
You can visit my website for updates or sign up for my newsletter . My newsletter is free! And comes out once a month or once every two months or so.
Otherwise... have some social media links if you want updates and whatever the hell else I am talking about.
Tumblr
BlueSky
**With Meta's current policies, I do not use FB or Insta or Threads for anything but the bare minimum.**
Instagram and Threads
You can also support me on Patreon if you like
If you just want book release updates, I have a BookBub profile.
Also, I now have a Storygraph where I will try to track my reading in an organized fashion.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
March 16, 2025
Short, stunning, sweet. How R. Cooper can turn a little short story into something gorgeous with complex
world-building, and complex emotions, Is beyond me. The smut was beautiful and spicy, the descriptions of scenery were filled with detail. I really loved Melis in this short time of getting to know him. He’s the god of desire and many see him as cruel because they believe he is the reason they do not receive what they ask for. And even though Melis tries to uphold each prayer directed to him it never seems to be enough.
Antero is a kind king, who wants nothing more than to love someone and to be loved in return. He prays to Melis constantly but he also just talks to the god as if he were there beside him. Forgiving him or thanking him for being able to feel desires even if they are painful. Melis eventually goes to him, enchanted by the man who speaks to him like he is more than just a cruel god. And it becomes known that their souls are the ones meant to be united. Their relationship is so precious, full of so much love in the span of not even one hundred pages!! It’s pretty incredible. I would definitely recommend, if you're looking for something short but also full of emotion.
(4.5)
world-building, and complex emotions, Is beyond me. The smut was beautiful and spicy, the descriptions of scenery were filled with detail. I really loved Melis in this short time of getting to know him. He’s the god of desire and many see him as cruel because they believe he is the reason they do not receive what they ask for. And even though Melis tries to uphold each prayer directed to him it never seems to be enough.
Antero is a kind king, who wants nothing more than to love someone and to be loved in return. He prays to Melis constantly but he also just talks to the god as if he were there beside him. Forgiving him or thanking him for being able to feel desires even if they are painful. Melis eventually goes to him, enchanted by the man who speaks to him like he is more than just a cruel god. And it becomes known that their souls are the ones meant to be united. Their relationship is so precious, full of so much love in the span of not even one hundred pages!! It’s pretty incredible. I would definitely recommend, if you're looking for something short but also full of emotion.
(4.5)
March 18, 2025
It's a strange story. I'm not sure I've understood every detail. There's just so much in those few words.
“God of Desire, are you trembling because I nearly have you in my arms?”
“Yes.” Melis chose not to lie. “But I still don’t understand.”
“What is it you don’t understand?” Antero’s soul was a growing bonfire the longer Melis allowed him close. He had to know what he’d done.
And of course Antero will show Melis what there is to understand when it comes to love and lust.
But this is only a tiny part of the story and the reward comes at the end. Before that, you have to wind your way through the convoluted thoughts of a god.
It was beautiful, but also a bit exhausting. I think the book falls into the 'must read again when I'm less tired' category ...
“God of Desire, are you trembling because I nearly have you in my arms?”
“Yes.” Melis chose not to lie. “But I still don’t understand.”
“What is it you don’t understand?” Antero’s soul was a growing bonfire the longer Melis allowed him close. He had to know what he’d done.
And of course Antero will show Melis what there is to understand when it comes to love and lust.
But this is only a tiny part of the story and the reward comes at the end. Before that, you have to wind your way through the convoluted thoughts of a god.
It was beautiful, but also a bit exhausting. I think the book falls into the 'must read again when I'm less tired' category ...
January 28, 2025
“Desire Requited,” Melis continued, so full of light that the sun would be shamed, “if anyone is ever so foolish as to try to be your enemy while you are still king here, tell them to consult an oracle before they strike against you so they can learn that to harm you is to harm me. Or direct them to pray to me. You are the favorite of Melis and it will be known. Even if you decide you no longer want me,” his voice broke there, although Antero was already shaking his head to repudiate the idea, “you will remain the other half of me. Melis the Cruel will ensure they and their people will never desire anything again. They will not eat. They will not fuck. They will not love. They will rot in their beds and their city with them if they try to hurt you.”
I am stunned by the way R. Cooper has crafted such a beautiful novella that is equal parts romantic, emotional and erotic. Just Perfection.
I am stunned by the way R. Cooper has crafted such a beautiful novella that is equal parts romantic, emotional and erotic. Just Perfection.
January 28, 2025
4,5 stars.
Delightful and spicy.
I love R.Cooper's brain. Seriously. How many different tropes and worlds they are creating in their mind is astonishing.
(Me, on the other hand, every time a kitchen or porch or any other part of a house is mentioned in a book without the author's detailled description: oh look at that, so convenient, the same kitchen (porch/whatever) I read about yesterday, oops).
Ps I loved this a lot. The world building, the atmosphere, the restraint Melis showed, coupled with Antero's devotion, the bliss they created between them.. chef's kiss.
Delightful and spicy.
I love R.Cooper's brain. Seriously. How many different tropes and worlds they are creating in their mind is astonishing.
(Me, on the other hand, every time a kitchen or porch or any other part of a house is mentioned in a book without the author's detailled description: oh look at that, so convenient, the same kitchen (porch/whatever) I read about yesterday, oops).
Ps I loved this a lot. The world building, the atmosphere, the restraint Melis showed, coupled with Antero's devotion, the bliss they created between them.. chef's kiss.
March 16, 2025
This was gorgeous.
The idea, the writing, the emotions, the sex, the romance - so beautiful.
And all that on so few pages. Truly magical!
Thanks Astra for putting it on my radar 🥹💕
The idea, the writing, the emotions, the sex, the romance - so beautiful.
And all that on so few pages. Truly magical!
Thanks Astra for putting it on my radar 🥹💕
December 30, 2025
3.5**** stars
Sensual and atmospheric.
Sensual and atmospheric.
December 28, 2024
★ 1000 stars ★
R. Cooper’s writing is hot but it’s more than that. It’s literature and art.😙 No exaggeration or hyperbole. Beautiful and thought-provoking.This short story began slower than I expected and I gotta say I was confused for a bit, at the start😂. I learned a lot in a short time about this world and it's pantheon, and how the gods interacted with Melis, as well as his place in this world. King Antero and Melis's story advances from there. I loved this tale!❤️🥺😭
R. Cooper’s writing is hot but it’s more than that. It’s literature and art.😙 No exaggeration or hyperbole. Beautiful and thought-provoking.This short story began slower than I expected and I gotta say I was confused for a bit, at the start😂. I learned a lot in a short time about this world and it's pantheon, and how the gods interacted with Melis, as well as his place in this world. King Antero and Melis's story advances from there. I loved this tale!❤️🥺😭
November 16, 2024
Sweet and sexy novella with some interesting world building!
November 29, 2024
This was a sweet and quite steamy short story between a god and a king. As always from this author, there was quite a bit of longing and angst here as well, which I really enjoyed. I haven't been a fan of all of the longer books by this author, but short stories absolutely hit the sweet spot for me and I'm looking forward to more.
November 3, 2024
sweet
It is always a good day when a new book comes out from R. Cooper. I thoroughly enjoyed the respite. I got from reading this sweet story about a little God of love.
It is always a good day when a new book comes out from R. Cooper. I thoroughly enjoyed the respite. I got from reading this sweet story about a little God of love.
February 23, 2025
This story is short but full of beautiful longing and sweet love. The trust that is given, the love that is shared, the way they are willingly made vulnerable. It was beautiful. I want so much more with these characters but I am not left unsatisfied. I cannot bring myself to rate this any lower that 5 stars.
November 2, 2024
Pure joy 💙
I'm always amazed at how much story, tension and feels R Cooper manages to put into so few pages. I would take a thousand more pages of this story, but it was also perfect as only this one moment that changed the world we're shown.
I'm always amazed at how much story, tension and feels R Cooper manages to put into so few pages. I would take a thousand more pages of this story, but it was also perfect as only this one moment that changed the world we're shown.
November 2, 2024
So satisfying
Such a pretty story that makes you want to turn to the one you love and cuddle in kissing until you can't stop.
Such a pretty story that makes you want to turn to the one you love and cuddle in kissing until you can't stop.
November 3, 2024
It's a short story, it spans only one night, but the author builds the tension nicely. One of the lovers being invisible to the other made it quite tantalizing.
April 23, 2025
4.25 stars
What an intriguing novella. I loved the world building and the antique atmosphere. It felt like an ancient setting while being set up with a Pantheon that was unique and new. It was too short to say much more about the world building though. That the God of Desire was a novice when it came to living it and seeing that change was fun too. I would have loved to read more about them and how their relationship developed.
Yes, that’s about my only complaint: this story should have been longer and more fleshed out. Nonetheless, it was a little read with some beautifully crafted words put together.
What an intriguing novella. I loved the world building and the antique atmosphere. It felt like an ancient setting while being set up with a Pantheon that was unique and new. It was too short to say much more about the world building though. That the God of Desire was a novice when it came to living it and seeing that change was fun too. I would have loved to read more about them and how their relationship developed.
Yes, that’s about my only complaint: this story should have been longer and more fleshed out. Nonetheless, it was a little read with some beautifully crafted words put together.
January 10, 2025
Another enchanting, lovely fantasy short from R. Cooper. Not among my absolute favourites, but I'll no doubt read it again. (Even if Antero is a grandpa name.)
April 1, 2025
Nice way to pass the time
December 31, 2024
Feelings and connections
A fascinating novella featuring a god exploring his realm and what it means.
Melis is the god of Desire, not just sexual but all of its forms. However, none really pray to him but instead try to appease him, or blame him when their desires fall through. Melis doesn't really understand desire or feel it himself so the ire people have for him is frustrating and disheartening. One person does pray to him, almost talk to him, a beloved king who desires a husband but cannot find a love match. Melis decides to go visit him personally to grant this desire, though he doesn't understand why he wants to do that. What follows is a heated encounter and a major decision. This novella is very hot, but it does it as a rumination of the qualities that are intertwined. It works through the ideas of lust, desire, love, jealousy, need, joy, bliss, and even fear. A fascinating novella of sexy times and the many facets connected.
A fascinating novella featuring a god exploring his realm and what it means.
Melis is the god of Desire, not just sexual but all of its forms. However, none really pray to him but instead try to appease him, or blame him when their desires fall through. Melis doesn't really understand desire or feel it himself so the ire people have for him is frustrating and disheartening. One person does pray to him, almost talk to him, a beloved king who desires a husband but cannot find a love match. Melis decides to go visit him personally to grant this desire, though he doesn't understand why he wants to do that. What follows is a heated encounter and a major decision. This novella is very hot, but it does it as a rumination of the qualities that are intertwined. It works through the ideas of lust, desire, love, jealousy, need, joy, bliss, and even fear. A fascinating novella of sexy times and the many facets connected.
June 18, 2025
Bottom line: I liked it.
This is a short story, so naturally it’s not terribly deep or intricate. However, neither is it just shallow sex without substance.
The characters are three-dimensional, with concerns and weaknesses. The plot moves incredibly fast (compared to a full-length novel), but it’s still logical. (If you can call it “logical” when characters act on their emotions without much consideration for practical concerns.)
Basically, this is love at first “sight” which doesn’t trouble over doubts or allow for misunderstandings. The characters speak of their concerns directly and then deal with them. *knocking invisible dirt off hands* Easy peasy.
My only concern is….what were the guards doing? If the king can hear servants moving around outside his room, then how did his guards NOT hear him having life-altering sex with a god?! Dereliction of duty! They should be fired! *laugh*
This is a short story, so naturally it’s not terribly deep or intricate. However, neither is it just shallow sex without substance.
The characters are three-dimensional, with concerns and weaknesses. The plot moves incredibly fast (compared to a full-length novel), but it’s still logical. (If you can call it “logical” when characters act on their emotions without much consideration for practical concerns.)
Basically, this is love at first “sight” which doesn’t trouble over doubts or allow for misunderstandings. The characters speak of their concerns directly and then deal with them. *knocking invisible dirt off hands* Easy peasy.
My only concern is….what were the guards doing? If the king can hear servants moving around outside his room, then how did his guards NOT hear him having life-altering sex with a god?! Dereliction of duty! They should be fired! *laugh*
November 23, 2024
3.5
I enjoyed R. Cooper's take on gods. What a nice surprise that the god of desire never felt desire on his own until that night when he recognized that this is not completely true. In that aspect he's just such an R. Cooper character that I couldn't not love him. I had my difficulties with Antero but to rate a story by her less than 4 stars can only be mean that it's me and not so much the story. Might be that these days I need a bit of action and here I get almost only talking, so all the careful tension, the melancholy loneliness and the shy protectiveness weren't enough this time. Suppose I have to read it in a different mood again sometime.
I enjoyed R. Cooper's take on gods. What a nice surprise that the god of desire never felt desire on his own until that night when he recognized that this is not completely true. In that aspect he's just such an R. Cooper character that I couldn't not love him. I had my difficulties with Antero but to rate a story by her less than 4 stars can only be mean that it's me and not so much the story. Might be that these days I need a bit of action and here I get almost only talking, so all the careful tension, the melancholy loneliness and the shy protectiveness weren't enough this time. Suppose I have to read it in a different mood again sometime.
November 27, 2025
Thank you Baba Yaga's Little Imp
3.25 Stars
This one was a short little story that packed a little bit in.
It was weird one but at the same time, I enjoyed reading it.
We follow the little god Melis as he is introduced to desire and love by the King Antero. It was different as most of the book Antero can't see Melis, so it makes for an interesting mental visual.
Still enjoyed the banter as the two talked around each other
3.25 Stars
This one was a short little story that packed a little bit in.
It was weird one but at the same time, I enjoyed reading it.
We follow the little god Melis as he is introduced to desire and love by the King Antero. It was different as most of the book Antero can't see Melis, so it makes for an interesting mental visual.
Still enjoyed the banter as the two talked around each other
November 2, 2024
Another lovely story from R. Cooper. Sad Boy TMs are great, even when they are gods. I must admit, the slight humiliation kink was very slight indeed, as I didn’t notice it at all… which I find myself a bit surprisingly disappointed about.
November 3, 2024
Great read!!
This short story began slower than I expected. I learned a lot in a short time about this world and it's pantheon, and how the gods interacted with Melis, as well as his place in this world. King Antero and Melis's story advances from there. I loved this tale!
This short story began slower than I expected. I learned a lot in a short time about this world and it's pantheon, and how the gods interacted with Melis, as well as his place in this world. King Antero and Melis's story advances from there. I loved this tale!
November 22, 2024
Swoon worthy!
Swooning still, as if love in motion of day and night, burning so bright! Be still my wretched, lonely, craving heart. This book is poetry in motion with love and light!
Swooning still, as if love in motion of day and night, burning so bright! Be still my wretched, lonely, craving heart. This book is poetry in motion with love and light!
November 30, 2024
Been an eon since I've read an R. Cooper book. But for sure today was the day I was ready to dive back in. This was a short delight and had all the usual deep character thoughts/doubts/feelings but since it's a short story, I was there for all of it.
February 13, 2025
Poetic
I really enjoyed this short story! The writing was poetically lyrical. I'd love to see it expanded into a full-length book or even a longer novella. I'm especially interested in seeing how the little god navigates the complexities of a relationship with Antaro.
I really enjoyed this short story! The writing was poetically lyrical. I'd love to see it expanded into a full-length book or even a longer novella. I'm especially interested in seeing how the little god navigates the complexities of a relationship with Antaro.
May 26, 2025
Short but sweet. Little Melis doesn’t know he’s seeking until Antero finally calls him. Antero, perfectly crafted just for one, even though it takes him awhile to find his perfect puzzle piece. Loved it!
July 12, 2025
what a wonderful gem
These two characters are lovely to watch become attracted to and attached to each other, I loved it, and it wasn’t enough I need more 😭 My God this author writes romance so good
These two characters are lovely to watch become attracted to and attached to each other, I loved it, and it wasn’t enough I need more 😭 My God this author writes romance so good
November 2, 2024
A sweet little vignette
November 3, 2024
Wow! Wow! Wow!
Given the shortness of the story this was a painfully/awesomely slow burn. More and much better than expected. Very much recommended.
Given the shortness of the story this was a painfully/awesomely slow burn. More and much better than expected. Very much recommended.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews