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Tidewater
Dear Author,
See me, all beautiful in that first picture? People look at me and they think soft, even weak. They have no idea how bad-ass I truly am. I am tough; only let people see what I want them too and I don’t trust easily. I am a top who cares about his partner.
See that big gorgeous guy? He’s sort of in the same boat. People think he’s rough and mean, a super top. He’s a sweetie really, wants to top from the bottom! He rarely gets to because just like me, people judge on appearance. I want to change that for both of us. He’s got some secrets, I think.
Are we enemies turning lovers? Are we best friends who had a falling out and must find our way back? Was it a misunderstanding? If so, be sure there is Groveling involved before that man gets back in my good graces. Bonus point for unique and creative Groveling! Light hearted is appreciated!
Photo Description:
Two photos of two men, one black and white and one color. The first picture shows a guy in makeup and a costume, looking at himself in a mirror. The second picture shows a man, shirtless, wearing tight jeans. He’s standing with his hands in his pockets, showcasing his impressive physique.
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.
See me, all beautiful in that first picture? People look at me and they think soft, even weak. They have no idea how bad-ass I truly am. I am tough; only let people see what I want them too and I don’t trust easily. I am a top who cares about his partner.
See that big gorgeous guy? He’s sort of in the same boat. People think he’s rough and mean, a super top. He’s a sweetie really, wants to top from the bottom! He rarely gets to because just like me, people judge on appearance. I want to change that for both of us. He’s got some secrets, I think.
Are we enemies turning lovers? Are we best friends who had a falling out and must find our way back? Was it a misunderstanding? If so, be sure there is Groveling involved before that man gets back in my good graces. Bonus point for unique and creative Groveling! Light hearted is appreciated!
Photo Description:
Two photos of two men, one black and white and one color. The first picture shows a guy in makeup and a costume, looking at himself in a mirror. The second picture shows a man, shirtless, wearing tight jeans. He’s standing with his hands in his pockets, showcasing his impressive physique.
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.
55 pages, ebook
First published August 5, 2014
56 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
August 7, 2014
Realism and romance.
Cord and Brandon are in a long term relationship and times are not easy living paycheck to paycheck. Even as tough as things are they manage to eek out some good times together. Loved the existing relationship portrayed when all the glitter and rainbows of first blush have passed and they're still managing to make it work. The story is engaging, the characters had me invested, but I had radically different expectations looking at the photo prompts. So while the story was great it didn't seem to mesh completely with the photo prompt.
Cord and Brandon are in a long term relationship and times are not easy living paycheck to paycheck. Even as tough as things are they manage to eek out some good times together. Loved the existing relationship portrayed when all the glitter and rainbows of first blush have passed and they're still managing to make it work. The story is engaging, the characters had me invested, but I had radically different expectations looking at the photo prompts. So while the story was great it didn't seem to mesh completely with the photo prompt.
July 26, 2015
This one was mine, and I was so looking forward to it. The story doesn't reflect the pictures or the prompt, so I'm a little disappointed.
August 5, 2014
4.5 stars
Sometimes the right book comes along at the right time. That was this book for me. Everything about it; I just got, because it's an honest portrayal of a relationship. We've all been there - where you put off a conversation for another time because you know that nothing will be solved that night, where you put your needs before your wants and you put your partner above all else. That moment when you realize that the plans you had made and the place where you're at, aren't necessarily the same.
Cord narrates the first half of this story. He's overcome with the stress of his life, from not enough time with his partner and not enough money to really live, to feeling the weight of broken promises. Brandon narrates the second half, and he's so patient and optimistic. As long as he has Cord than things for him will be okay. To him, the future they had planned together is still waiting for them.
I can understand why people won't like this. The author took the story prompt in a much different direction than I was expecting; in fact I think the prompter asked for light and this is more real/slight angsty. I personally enjoyed it regardless. Color me pleasantly surprised that this story was better than my original expectations. I found that instead of fluffy and sexy we got real and honest. (And sexy. There were sexy moments as well.)But most of all, it made me feel. I teared up for these two boys, for the love that they had and the situation they were in. It's the very definition of love that we get here.
So keep in mind, while this worked for me, it might not be what you were expecting.
My thanks to the author for their time and participation in the Loves Landscapes event.
Sometimes the right book comes along at the right time. That was this book for me. Everything about it; I just got, because it's an honest portrayal of a relationship. We've all been there - where you put off a conversation for another time because you know that nothing will be solved that night, where you put your needs before your wants and you put your partner above all else. That moment when you realize that the plans you had made and the place where you're at, aren't necessarily the same.
Cord narrates the first half of this story. He's overcome with the stress of his life, from not enough time with his partner and not enough money to really live, to feeling the weight of broken promises. Brandon narrates the second half, and he's so patient and optimistic. As long as he has Cord than things for him will be okay. To him, the future they had planned together is still waiting for them.
I can understand why people won't like this. The author took the story prompt in a much different direction than I was expecting; in fact I think the prompter asked for light and this is more real/slight angsty. I personally enjoyed it regardless. Color me pleasantly surprised that this story was better than my original expectations. I found that instead of fluffy and sexy we got real and honest. (And sexy. There were sexy moments as well.)But most of all, it made me feel. I teared up for these two boys, for the love that they had and the situation they were in. It's the very definition of love that we get here.
So keep in mind, while this worked for me, it might not be what you were expecting.
My thanks to the author for their time and participation in the Loves Landscapes event.
November 1, 2014
This story was an okay. From the pictures, and the prompt I was expecting a whole different type of story. It had a lot of potential, but I felt it fell short. I think a continuation or at least a epilogue would have wrapped it up better. If it had, I can see myself, upping my rating.
This story is about Cord and Brandon, an established couple. They had left their home and was going to move to NYC to ‘live big’ but their truck broke down and they ended up in Tidewater. They have been there for a little over a year, struggling to make ends meet. Then when things are bad, they find out they have to find a new place to live, with only a few weeks notice.
Cord works at a golf course. He picks up any shifts that he can find. He is a taller, toned man. Little does anyone know that he is well known as a golfer back in his hometown. He feels bad that he keeps breaking promises with his partner, Brandon, even if he doesn’t mean too. Both of them work crazy hours and are always tired when they come home. He is worried about their relationship and their struggles financially. The one thing he does know for sure is that Brandon is it for him. His only love.
Brandon, feels responsible for Cord. He feels that he needs to provide for Cord and take care of him. That all their troubles should be on his shoulders. He feels bad that Cord has to work at a golf course. He knows that they both need to sit down and talk about it. You can only put it off so long. He knew they were both expecting their lives to be a lot different.
This story is about Cord and Brandon, an established couple. They had left their home and was going to move to NYC to ‘live big’ but their truck broke down and they ended up in Tidewater. They have been there for a little over a year, struggling to make ends meet. Then when things are bad, they find out they have to find a new place to live, with only a few weeks notice.
Cord works at a golf course. He picks up any shifts that he can find. He is a taller, toned man. Little does anyone know that he is well known as a golfer back in his hometown. He feels bad that he keeps breaking promises with his partner, Brandon, even if he doesn’t mean too. Both of them work crazy hours and are always tired when they come home. He is worried about their relationship and their struggles financially. The one thing he does know for sure is that Brandon is it for him. His only love.
Brandon, feels responsible for Cord. He feels that he needs to provide for Cord and take care of him. That all their troubles should be on his shoulders. He feels bad that Cord has to work at a golf course. He knows that they both need to sit down and talk about it. You can only put it off so long. He knew they were both expecting their lives to be a lot different.
August 5, 2014
Such a fantastic story about the realities of life most of us struggle with year after year. Both characters were written so that they came alive and the friendship between Cord and Jake felt so authentic.
I absolutely loved the fact that Cord was having more problems with accepting their situation and that Brandon seemed more down to Earth, like he realized that not having all your dreams come true is very common.
The ending was good, because we got to see the MCs solving one of their issues but still remaining where they were. I felt like I, as a reader, could be certain they'd be okay and stay strong together even if they never made it to NYC.
I absolutely loved the fact that Cord was having more problems with accepting their situation and that Brandon seemed more down to Earth, like he realized that not having all your dreams come true is very common.
The ending was good, because we got to see the MCs solving one of their issues but still remaining where they were. I felt like I, as a reader, could be certain they'd be okay and stay strong together even if they never made it to NYC.
October 5, 2014
OK, so I'm a bit torn regarding how to rate this story, so I'll give it two different ratings in the review.
2* If I take the prompt and prompt pictures into consideration. While all required elements were present, the prompt most definitely aimed for another kind of story. So either don't read the prompt and don't look at the prompt pictures or go into the story with knowing it will not deliver what the prompt is asking for but another kind of story.
4* For the story without taking the prompt into consideration. I liked this story pretty much and got deeply invested with the characters. Also I could emphasize very well with the MC's different characters and their relationship dynamic. I actually would have liked to read more about them, how make it work, preferably in Tidewater.
The only thing that bothered me a bit was a tad too much sex in the end and too less talk.
2* If I take the prompt and prompt pictures into consideration. While all required elements were present, the prompt most definitely aimed for another kind of story. So either don't read the prompt and don't look at the prompt pictures or go into the story with knowing it will not deliver what the prompt is asking for but another kind of story.
4* For the story without taking the prompt into consideration. I liked this story pretty much and got deeply invested with the characters. Also I could emphasize very well with the MC's different characters and their relationship dynamic. I actually would have liked to read more about them, how make it work, preferably in Tidewater.
The only thing that bothered me a bit was a tad too much sex in the end and too less talk.
August 6, 2014
I just read "Tidewater" and eeeeee! I loved it!
Cord just made me wanna hug him and then shake him a bit, lol, and Bran is freaking awesome! I adore him!
I could really feel their love of each other and I could totally feel their emotions for what was going on in their lives. I love reading angst and emotion in stories. I definitely got that from these characters.
I can't wait to see more of them!
Cord just made me wanna hug him and then shake him a bit, lol, and Bran is freaking awesome! I adore him!
I could really feel their love of each other and I could totally feel their emotions for what was going on in their lives. I love reading angst and emotion in stories. I definitely got that from these characters.
I can't wait to see more of them!
September 6, 2014
An overarching unresolved question pervades the story in an unpleasant way, and coupled with an anticlimactic resolution that doesn't mesh with previous events, makes me unable to see the point of this piece.
August 6, 2014
3.5. For some reason I had an extremely hard time keeping up with who was who & who looked like what.
March 1, 2016
Not the story I was expecting given the prompt, which left me a little disappointed. Nevertheless, it was realistic and describes a story that many readers will be able to sympathise with.
March 13, 2017
Really liked the two MCs and the potential of the story but way too many plotlines hinted at but never answered.
August 11, 2014
Tidewater is one of those stories that pulls you into it’s web with a fist around your heart. These characters are so complex, so easy to relate to and genuine that you find yourself rooting for your friends, not characters.
Cord and Brandon have a special once in a lifetime love, and although it’s not a fairy tale by any means, it’s beautiful in all the real ways that love works.
Through the worst of times, as tired, stressed, angry they are, they think of each other with every thought. There is a lot of guilt, remorse, but there is also forgiveness and I think that’s what makes this story special.
The love scenes are just that—love. Steamy, yes, but very intense and full of a deep sense of devotion.
Am I dying for more about these young men? Hell yes I am.
This is a must read... and I will bet once you finish you're going to be dying for more too!
Cord and Brandon have a special once in a lifetime love, and although it’s not a fairy tale by any means, it’s beautiful in all the real ways that love works.
Through the worst of times, as tired, stressed, angry they are, they think of each other with every thought. There is a lot of guilt, remorse, but there is also forgiveness and I think that’s what makes this story special.
The love scenes are just that—love. Steamy, yes, but very intense and full of a deep sense of devotion.
Am I dying for more about these young men? Hell yes I am.
This is a must read... and I will bet once you finish you're going to be dying for more too!
May 1, 2017
3.5 stars
This was sooo dark and heavy, and the main characters self flagellation was a bit over the top. So, so heavy and depressing for really young people. It it doesn't feel like something a guy that young would be thinking. I mean, our lives were crap when I was that age and I've always suffered from depression, and our relationship wasn't very good, either, and this just doesn't feel true. I'm not saying it couldn't be this way, it just felt like the kids were more like forty. I also wanted more from the ending. But it was probably best that they didn't just solve everything. They were a very sweet couple, though, and I liked how they handled .
This was sooo dark and heavy, and the main characters self flagellation was a bit over the top. So, so heavy and depressing for really young people. It it doesn't feel like something a guy that young would be thinking. I mean, our lives were crap when I was that age and I've always suffered from depression, and our relationship wasn't very good, either, and this just doesn't feel true. I'm not saying it couldn't be this way, it just felt like the kids were more like forty. I also wanted more from the ending. But it was probably best that they didn't just solve everything. They were a very sweet couple, though, and I liked how they handled .
September 6, 2018
This is another one that started out strong and then kind of fizzled out. Cord's half of the story was starkly told and really gave this a bleak sort of feeling to it as we learn about Cord and Brandon struggling to make ends meet and find time for each other. Then Brandon's half turns into one sex scene after another, gets repetitive on the main issues between them, and while they talk about the gambling, they don't talk about any of their other issues. Also, the story in no way matches the prompt or the pictures from the original request on GR. 4 stars for the strong start, 2 stars since it kind of lost its way, 3 stars overall.
July 26, 2016
3.5 stars, it wasn't 4 stars, but I feel like this book deserves better than 3.4 stars so that's a conflict there. it was unique enough though that I'm comfortable giving it 4 stars.
realistic struggle, they were nice characters & it was interesting how the struggles of everyday life & life planning expectation versus reality kind of overshadowed the plotline conflict. which again as a 21 year old reading this story, that competing life struggle versus plot conflict is basically realistic for someone getting started in life.
realistic struggle, they were nice characters & it was interesting how the struggles of everyday life & life planning expectation versus reality kind of overshadowed the plotline conflict. which again as a 21 year old reading this story, that competing life struggle versus plot conflict is basically realistic for someone getting started in life.
Want to Read
October 19, 2014
Offered for FREE from the M/M Romance Group's Love's Landscapes event. Thank you too all the amazing authors who participated!
General consensus is: Not bad, but doesn't fit the photo or prompt well.
August 5, 2014
EXCELLENT story! Such an emotional tale written with amazing beauty. The characters are expressive and it touches your heart from the very beginning. Les Joseph is absolutely and author to watch out for if this is any indication of her talents! This story has wet my pallet and I'm eager to read this as a full novel! BRILLIANT. LOVE. Make sure you read this as soon as you can!
May 30, 2016
Loved it! I totally want more Brandon and Cord. They are down to earth, regular guys dealing with everyday issues. No one is a millionaire, no fairy godfather coming to their rescue. They could be the guys living next door to me. That's why I loved it so much. It was believable. Les is amazing and I can't wait for her first full length novel. :)
June 16, 2015
I absolutely loved this story. It was so real. I think I've actually been where those characters have been, at least a little bit, at some points in my life. I could relate to them. And whether it's financial stress, or some other kind of stress, sometimes a relationship has to weather a lot. I'll be looking for more from the author.
August 1, 2015
Wonderful story.I loved Brandon and Cord and so wanted them to be ok.I was a bit sad after reading this and I hate when that happens after reading a book.So Les you owe me a sequel or full length follow up to stop my chest from hurting.
September 14, 2014
This story was too short. It was just a glimpse. I would love to read their backstory... how did they meet? why were they heading to NYC? was it to escape something? So many questions. I became invested and want to know more... the result of a well written story.
Want to Read
August 5, 2014Note to self: Fuck yes you're reading this bad boy! The prompt! Remember the prompt!!!
*giddy*
*giddy*
event-stories-unread
September 22, 2014[NOTE: I rate most writing event stories (free reads) 4 or 5 stars because of my appreciation of the author's participation and gift.]
August 15, 2014
Nice story! Thank You
August 5, 2014
3 to 3.5 stars
August 5, 2014
3.5 stars
September 30, 2014
3.5 Stars rounded up.
In spite of the fact that the story really didn't mesh with the photos or prompt, I found it to be a pretty good read.
In spite of the fact that the story really didn't mesh with the photos or prompt, I found it to be a pretty good read.
November 8, 2014
2.5 stars. The whole gambling thing was glossed over fast which was disappointing. Nicely written otherwise.
September 13, 2014
Review to come
September 17, 2014
This was written well and a lot of effort was put into the love scenes which were done well, but there were I answered questions and plot points that weren't addressed.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews