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Only You
Dear Author,
This is me and my friend Hunt. For years I have loved him, my best friend since age four. For years I have waited around, putting my life on hold hoping that one day he would realize that he loved me too. For years he has sent me mixed signals making believe that he may feel the same way. Too many times I felt that we were so close to something happening between us but for whatever reason he always pulls away. He’s so affectionate and loving with me feeding me enough crumbs that I don’t want to give up, I hold on to hope. Well I can’t do it anymore. The pain of being so close to him but never truly having him? It’s too much. It makes me want to give up. Say something Hunt, because I’m giving up on you.
Photo Description:
This is a lovely photo that immediately makes you scream “Cute!” There are two gorgeous boys doing a back hug. The blond is wearing what looks like a denim jacket, he has a small earring in his right ear and short hair, combed stylishly to one side. He has a sweet, nostalgic kind of smile (maybe a bit shy too). The brunet looks like the athlete type. He has his arms around the blond’s chest and his head leaned towards him. This one has a mischievous kind of smile, like he’s trying to act innocent even though he knows he’s been caught red-handed
This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Love’s Landscapes" 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.
This story may contain sexually explicit content and is intended for adult readers. It may contain content that is disagreeable or distressing to some readers. The M/M Romance Group strongly recommends that each reader review the General Information section before each story for story tags as well as for content warnings.
This is me and my friend Hunt. For years I have loved him, my best friend since age four. For years I have waited around, putting my life on hold hoping that one day he would realize that he loved me too. For years he has sent me mixed signals making believe that he may feel the same way. Too many times I felt that we were so close to something happening between us but for whatever reason he always pulls away. He’s so affectionate and loving with me feeding me enough crumbs that I don’t want to give up, I hold on to hope. Well I can’t do it anymore. The pain of being so close to him but never truly having him? It’s too much. It makes me want to give up. Say something Hunt, because I’m giving up on you.
Photo Description:
This is a lovely photo that immediately makes you scream “Cute!” There are two gorgeous boys doing a back hug. The blond is wearing what looks like a denim jacket, he has a small earring in his right ear and short hair, combed stylishly to one side. He has a sweet, nostalgic kind of smile (maybe a bit shy too). The brunet looks like the athlete type. He has his arms around the blond’s chest and his head leaned towards him. This one has a mischievous kind of smile, like he’s trying to act innocent even though he knows he’s been caught red-handed
This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Love’s Landscapes" 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.
This story may contain sexually explicit content and is intended for adult readers. It may contain content that is disagreeable or distressing to some readers. The M/M Romance Group strongly recommends that each reader review the General Information section before each story for story tags as well as for content warnings.
75 pages, ebook
First published June 20, 2014
75 people want to read
About the author
Shayla Mist
14 books24 followersShayla made her debut in the writing world during elementary school with a heart-breaking story about how her grandma's chicks died from an unknown disease. It was published in the school newspaper, spurring a significant amount of pitiful looks directed her way. Being a stubborn Aquarius, she kept on striving, publishing cheesy love poetry, an endeavor that thankfully proved to be far more successful. Her writing life changed dramatically when she read her first yaoi manga and discovered her real calling. Imagining guys together has become her favorite pastime. Aside from writing, daydreaming about men and devouring any M/M book she can get her hands on and, she also loves manga, kpop, jrock, classical music, crafts and art. An earnest romantic, she's always been convinced there's a soulmate out there, searching for her. It appears he's been lost. Maybe word hasn't gotten to him that cars are faster than white horses. In case you've seen a prince on a white horse (though a sports car would be preferable), Shayla would very much appreciate if you let her know. Contact her at shayla.mist@gmail.com or on her blog – shaylamist.blogspot.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
July 23, 2014
2.5 stars
This was a best friends to lovers story with lots of miscommunication, to the point that it was pretty difficult to believe. I thought it got off to a good start, but it didn't live up to its potential. I found Hunt's roommate Greg and his buddies cartoonishly evil and couldn't really take them seriously. There were a few instances of incorrect words being used - the one I remember off the top of my head is when Hunt had never slept so profoundly (rather than soundly). Overall, it was so-so.
This was a best friends to lovers story with lots of miscommunication, to the point that it was pretty difficult to believe. I thought it got off to a good start, but it didn't live up to its potential. I found Hunt's roommate Greg and his buddies cartoonishly evil and couldn't really take them seriously. There were a few instances of incorrect words being used - the one I remember off the top of my head is when Hunt had never slept so profoundly (rather than soundly). Overall, it was so-so.
August 26, 2016
I really liked this one.
I just wanted more! I could of continued to read hundreds of pages.
I wanted to see how it works with them. I wish we got an epilogue.
This is a first read from this author, I will have to look into more of her stuff.
I just wanted more! I could of continued to read hundreds of pages.
I wanted to see how it works with them. I wish we got an epilogue.
This is a first read from this author, I will have to look into more of her stuff.
August 27, 2014
I beta-read this. It was amazing, but I want to read it again, before I write a proper review.
In short, I recommend it (well, it wouldn't have 5 stars if I didn't) - it's a wonderful, romantic read. It has musicians, a jock room mate, a character I would gladly strangle with my bare hands (the antagonist, and man, does he antagonise), and a frustrating, though not angsty, story of the journey for love.
Read it. It's fab.
In short, I recommend it (well, it wouldn't have 5 stars if I didn't) - it's a wonderful, romantic read. It has musicians, a jock room mate, a character I would gladly strangle with my bare hands (the antagonist, and man, does he antagonise), and a frustrating, though not angsty, story of the journey for love.
Read it. It's fab.
July 17, 2014
Solidly 3.5 stars, not rounded up.
This was well-written, the story flowed, I really believed it. So why didn't I nudge up to 4. Well, just because I do so sometimes doesn't mean I'm easy you know! And I didn't really like the Jeremy/Paul scenario. Just didn't think it was necessary. But I still liked it more than just 3. So now I'm reconsidering the rounding up issue...boy, I wish goodreads did half stars, it would be so much easier to rate books.
This was well-written, the story flowed, I really believed it. So why didn't I nudge up to 4. Well, just because I do so sometimes doesn't mean I'm easy you know! And I didn't really like the Jeremy/Paul scenario. Just didn't think it was necessary. But I still liked it more than just 3. So now I'm reconsidering the rounding up issue...boy, I wish goodreads did half stars, it would be so much easier to rate books.
October 30, 2014
Offered for FREE from the M/M Romance Group's Love's Landscapes event. Thank you too all the amazing authors who participated!
This was way too long for how little happened. Hunter was an oblivious, selfish ass. Matt should have stood up for himself. Soooo many miscommunications. There were tons of little details even that were just stupid, from the ridiculous evil villain roommate to the amazing soundproofed college apartment. But I powered through this just to be done. It didn't stand out at all from all the other GFY friend-to-lovers unrequited love stories. Disappointing.
September 2, 2018
I almost DNF this one - she used "raping" in quotation marks at one point (there's no rape or even attempted rape). She misused infamous for describing Matt's band - it doesn't mean extra-famous, it means having an extremely bad reputation. There was an evil villain homophobic roommate. There were so many big misunderstandings because the MCs just wouldn't talk to each other. There were a lot of cliches. I kept reading hoping it would turn around, especially after the semi-hot sex scene, but it actually sort of went downhill from there.
June 21, 2014
Somewhere heading towards 4 stars
Contemporary friends to lovers story that would fall into the NA category. Matt and Hunter have been best friends since the age of four, and Matt has been in love with Hunter for as long as he can remember. Just as Matt decides it's time to move on and accept that Hunter isn't going to love him back there is a chain of events that eventually bring them together. Very well written, sweet story.
Contemporary friends to lovers story that would fall into the NA category. Matt and Hunter have been best friends since the age of four, and Matt has been in love with Hunter for as long as he can remember. Just as Matt decides it's time to move on and accept that Hunter isn't going to love him back there is a chain of events that eventually bring them together. Very well written, sweet story.
December 30, 2017
This was okay. So much miscommunication. I found myself skimming most parts.
August 26, 2016
A college-age friends-to-lovers gfy story. It had potential to be fantastic, there were just too many stupid decisions for me to give this more than 3 stars.
I think my biggest frustration was with Hunter and his housing situation.
I think my biggest frustration was with Hunter and his housing situation.
July 23, 2014
2.5 stars rounded up because freebie; the story was sweet enough and what you would expect from pic and prompt, but there were a few plot elements and character choices that annoyed me too much too ignore: there was terribly overdone homophobic jockery and no reason for the MC to put up with it, let alone stay in that situation. Another, smaller side character annoyance was the decision to depict an innocuous landlady as greedy and money-hungry during her 2 paragraphs on page, when all she was doing was to offer a freshly renovated, apparently nice flat for an appropriate price. The third side character annoyance went in the other, cheesier direction and had an overly nice nurse acting as fairy godmother and offering advice, support, and amazing insight in the course of a paragraph, which would have been incredibly inappropriate and uncalled for if it hadn't happened in a romance. She was basically butting in! And I just don't like characters popping up and being all "go now, son, for love awaits you".
Other than that it was pretty well written and, again, quite sweet, although the characters' thoughts and random conclusions were a little jumbled sometimes, and I couldn't quite follow the progression of their relationship and the shift in feelings. There were some scenes where there was such a discrepancy between their actions and thoughts that the author resorted to explaining it away with some haziness of mind, and I just can't buy it that someone would be so out of it - especially when it comes to someone you love or have a crush on (isn't everyone hyperaware then? maybe it's just me).
I loved Hunter's happy puppy personality though and that he kept calling his friend Matty. Overall a promising story with potential, but too many snags for me to rate it higher.
Other than that it was pretty well written and, again, quite sweet, although the characters' thoughts and random conclusions were a little jumbled sometimes, and I couldn't quite follow the progression of their relationship and the shift in feelings. There were some scenes where there was such a discrepancy between their actions and thoughts that the author resorted to explaining it away with some haziness of mind, and I just can't buy it that someone would be so out of it - especially when it comes to someone you love or have a crush on (isn't everyone hyperaware then? maybe it's just me).
I loved Hunter's happy puppy personality though and that he kept calling his friend Matty. Overall a promising story with potential, but too many snags for me to rate it higher.
August 23, 2015
I kinda felt sorry for Matt in the beginning, unrequited love sucks and we've all been there whether it be just a crush or for real feelings for someone, he moped and whined about being in love with his best friend but when Hunter was honest with him about HIS feelings, he threw them in his face and acted like a selfish brat. I mean, his best friend was coming to terms and being honest about the fact that he might like men, not only men, but Matt... which is what Matt has been whining about the whole first half of the book! WTF? It's like.... damned if he does, damned if he doesn't....He's being a pretty crappy friend.
And Hunter... seriously, his room mate is an ass, I would NOT have put up with that for a second..Who acts like that anymore, ugh, small minded people are so stupid. Glad he pressed charges anyway, I was glad he didn't just get away with it.
Overall it was a decent little short story, they got their HEA in the end.
And Hunter... seriously, his room mate is an ass, I would NOT have put up with that for a second..Who acts like that anymore, ugh, small minded people are so stupid. Glad he pressed charges anyway, I was glad he didn't just get away with it.
Overall it was a decent little short story, they got their HEA in the end.
June 21, 2014
3.5 stars
Matty and Hunter have been best friend since they were 8. When they became teenagers, Matty fell in love with Hunter and resigned himself to an unrequited love. Hunter, in his early college days begins to realise that he might feel more than he is suppose to towards his best friend but refuses to think too closely about it. So Matty continues to secretly love Hunter, while Hunter starts to develop feelings and neither tell the other. Everyone else around them can see it as plain as day.
It was a sweet story and the oblivious best friends worked here because the author made it believable that Hunter was that clueless. There was a few times where it got a little too gushy and there was a little too much telling but over all it was well written and an enjoyable read.
The prompt photo is cute and the book cover is very nice.
Matty and Hunter have been best friend since they were 8. When they became teenagers, Matty fell in love with Hunter and resigned himself to an unrequited love. Hunter, in his early college days begins to realise that he might feel more than he is suppose to towards his best friend but refuses to think too closely about it. So Matty continues to secretly love Hunter, while Hunter starts to develop feelings and neither tell the other. Everyone else around them can see it as plain as day.
It was a sweet story and the oblivious best friends worked here because the author made it believable that Hunter was that clueless. There was a few times where it got a little too gushy and there was a little too much telling but over all it was well written and an enjoyable read.
The prompt photo is cute and the book cover is very nice.
April 27, 2016
I just love reading about best friends that fall in love. There is something so sweet and romantic about it. And this story tells it perfectly. It's just beautiful.
Matt is so in love with his best friend Hunter, he just can't do it anymore. Hunter needs to get a clue soon, because Matt is about to give up on him. But I've learned, that just when you are about to give up on something or someone, that's usually when everything falls into place.
Matt is so in love with his best friend Hunter, he just can't do it anymore. Hunter needs to get a clue soon, because Matt is about to give up on him. But I've learned, that just when you are about to give up on something or someone, that's usually when everything falls into place.
July 23, 2014
A college love story about two boys who've been friends since they were little. Matt has loved Hunter for as long as he can remember, but his friend is straight and Matt might finally have to walk away. AS they story unfolds they're forced back together and Hunter has to reconsider his sexuality.
Really well written story with great characters. I'm sure I'll be checking out more of this author's work.
Really well written story with great characters. I'm sure I'll be checking out more of this author's work.
August 30, 2014
Super-cute with the perfect amount of angst and great character depth. The POV switches between the MCs with each chapter, but is easy to follow and perfectly timed for the story to flow.
Both MCs are very likeable, as are the two best friends and there are lots of 'aw' moments.
A very enjoyable read where, right from the start, you're rooting for the MCs to find their HEA.
Both MCs are very likeable, as are the two best friends and there are lots of 'aw' moments.
A very enjoyable read where, right from the start, you're rooting for the MCs to find their HEA.
June 23, 2014
I enjoyed reading about Matt and Hunter, until about half-way through the last chapter, then the language seemed to change and everything dew quickly to a close. The way it rushed at the end was unsatisfying to me.
June 25, 2014
What a very sweet and loving story of two best friends, 1 who is gay and 1 who is supposedly straight, who secretly love each other. It was a v heartfelt story, but I'm thinking that the author needs to write the story for Paul and Jeremy as well now.
Want to read
July 9, 2014STORY INFO:
Genre: contemporary
Tags: friends to lovers, musicians/rock stars, blow job, young adult characters, college, homophobia, bullying
Content Warnings: graphic violence
Word Count: 22,754
Genre: contemporary
Tags: friends to lovers, musicians/rock stars, blow job, young adult characters, college, homophobia, bullying
Content Warnings: graphic violence
Word Count: 22,754
December 7, 2014
Matt and hunter been best friend since childhood. Matt is in love with hunter but his giving up. He wants a sign that they will be together. Then when he was about to give up there is something things change which changes everything.
April 2, 2016
My Rating System:
* couldn't finish, ** wouldn't recommend, *** would recommend, **** would read again, ***** have read again.
June 20, 2014
3.5 stars
event-stories-unread
April 15, 2015[NOTE: I rate most writing event stories (free reads) 4 or 5 stars because of my appreciation of the author's participation and gift.]
June 22, 2014
3.5 stars.
June 29, 2014
Lovely sweet little story Shayla, thank you !!! :)
June 21, 2014
Cute GFY story, I enjoyed it. 3.5 stars.
November 17, 2014
2.5 stars
June 28, 2014
Sweet short story. Disliked the haircut cliche though, it's just something I've always found irritating.
September 8, 2016
3.5 stars
July 3, 2014
3,5 stars... it's not a bad story, but honestly i read tons of them.
July 8, 2014
3.5 stars
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews