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Never Cry Wolf
Dear Author,
Never thought I’d be here at this phase of my life, chasing mice or bats or whatever the hell it is making that noise behind these industrial building walls. But there’s nothing wrong with pest control, so my grandmother tells me.
The creatures making all the racket tonight are elusive. If I don’t take care of this tonight they’ll find another company so this is it. Turned around in the dark room I trip over something on the floor and hit a wall hard and flail as it crumbles and I fall face first inside. I scramble to find my flashlight and when I do I find this. A nude man bound hand and foot face down on the floor. I don’t know who he is but I have to help. I know he doesn’t deserve to be imprisoned in this room and tied this way.
Or does he?
Photo Description:
A man is naked, on his stomach on the floor, bound by thick rope in intricate knots, with his legs and arms stretched back, tied with the rope wrapped many times to keep him still. He is also gagged.
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.
Never thought I’d be here at this phase of my life, chasing mice or bats or whatever the hell it is making that noise behind these industrial building walls. But there’s nothing wrong with pest control, so my grandmother tells me.
The creatures making all the racket tonight are elusive. If I don’t take care of this tonight they’ll find another company so this is it. Turned around in the dark room I trip over something on the floor and hit a wall hard and flail as it crumbles and I fall face first inside. I scramble to find my flashlight and when I do I find this. A nude man bound hand and foot face down on the floor. I don’t know who he is but I have to help. I know he doesn’t deserve to be imprisoned in this room and tied this way.
Or does he?
Photo Description:
A man is naked, on his stomach on the floor, bound by thick rope in intricate knots, with his legs and arms stretched back, tied with the rope wrapped many times to keep him still. He is also gagged.
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.
97 pages, ebook
First published August 7, 2014
42 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
August 7, 2014
Destiny, naked and bound in the freezing cold.
Contemporary shifter story set in Montreal with modern jobs and typical lives until it becomes clear that it's not. Possessive and growly and solicitous is good, but I'm not a fan of extremes. A bit too Romeo and Juliet in parts for my taste, but I like my paranormal stories on the shifter-light side of the spectrum so I'm sure others might love this more than me.
Favorite quote:
Contemporary shifter story set in Montreal with modern jobs and typical lives until it becomes clear that it's not. Possessive and growly and solicitous is good, but I'm not a fan of extremes. A bit too Romeo and Juliet in parts for my taste, but I like my paranormal stories on the shifter-light side of the spectrum so I'm sure others might love this more than me.
Favorite quote:
When I managed to get Dylan liberated of his jeans and underwear, his dick waved back and kissed mine, a slobbering, wet kiss that was most welcome.
August 7, 2014
Paranormal novella length story
When Tom, a construction industry foreman, goes on site early one morning to deal with vermin he finds a man naked, bound and gagged on the floor. After cutting him free the other man runs away - still naked despite the fact it's freezing. Later that day the same man turns up on his doorstep in search of clothes and water. The other man, Dylan, is new to the area and the next day turns up at Tom's worksite with his boss. The pair are attracted to each other, or at least Tom feels something for Dylan, but isn't sure what it is. A night out clubbing with his friend Paul, Tom is whisked away to Dylan's apartment and into bed. It is then that Dylan tells Tom he's a werewolf and they are mates. Things move very quickly in this story, within about a week they go from first meeting to been bonded mates and being accepted into the pack. The story is told from Tom's point of view in first person, which means you get a quite a narrow story with very little world building in terms of the werewolf pack structure/transfer between packs etc. For me, Tom's 94 year old grandmother kind of stole the show.
When Tom, a construction industry foreman, goes on site early one morning to deal with vermin he finds a man naked, bound and gagged on the floor. After cutting him free the other man runs away - still naked despite the fact it's freezing. Later that day the same man turns up on his doorstep in search of clothes and water. The other man, Dylan, is new to the area and the next day turns up at Tom's worksite with his boss. The pair are attracted to each other, or at least Tom feels something for Dylan, but isn't sure what it is. A night out clubbing with his friend Paul, Tom is whisked away to Dylan's apartment and into bed. It is then that Dylan tells Tom he's a werewolf and they are mates. Things move very quickly in this story, within about a week they go from first meeting to been bonded mates and being accepted into the pack. The story is told from Tom's point of view in first person, which means you get a quite a narrow story with very little world building in terms of the werewolf pack structure/transfer between packs etc. For me, Tom's 94 year old grandmother kind of stole the show.
August 14, 2014
I have to admit, Tom's grandmother stole the show for me. But I thought Dylan and Tom were nice together. The two of them together seemed to work. Definitely something you should read if you're a fan of shifter books.
October 8, 2014
I'm a bit torn regarding the rating. I loved the author's voice especially regarding the interaction between Tom and Dylan, the teasing, what they laugh about, when being miffed etc.
The story was nice but things moved far to fast for me. Also the binding,even with explanation, didn't came over as convincing for me. Also George's role (from bad to good) and the hint of mystery in the beginning which wasn't followed through was kind of misleading. There were some other similar points (granny first freaks over the werewolf thing in a way you expect here to say stay clear of him and a page later she pushes Tom relationship, for example).
I hope this author keeps writing and improving her writing skills - I'm happy to read more from her.
The story was nice but things moved far to fast for me. Also the binding,even with explanation, didn't came over as convincing for me. Also George's role (from bad to good) and the hint of mystery in the beginning which wasn't followed through was kind of misleading. There were some other similar points (granny first freaks over the werewolf thing in a way you expect here to say stay clear of him and a page later she pushes Tom relationship, for example).
I hope this author keeps writing and improving her writing skills - I'm happy to read more from her.
October 21, 2014
NSFW
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 good, but the first half was definitely better than the second. It started as an interesting take on a shifter story, I liked Tom a lot and enjoyed watching him try to figure Dylan out. Dylan's little jealous tiff at the club and the resultant sexy times were a lovely guilty pleasure. But that was where things started going downhill...
Dylan suddenly developed diarrhea of the mouth. He just couldn't shut the fuck up. So obviously, everything went to Hell in a hand basket. Of course, it all worked out. But the reunion became a cheese-ball fest of bad werewolf tropes and romantic gibber-gabber. Then an unnecessary last chapter about some homophobic pack members, that didn't develop into anything and was therefor totally pointless. And of course, an equally pointless epilogue.
Started out promising, but ended up disappointing. Instead of the pack meeting and cabin in the woods, the last chapter should have been of Dylan meeting Grammie! She was a major character and they basically just dropped her.
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 good, but the first half was definitely better than the second. It started as an interesting take on a shifter story, I liked Tom a lot and enjoyed watching him try to figure Dylan out. Dylan's little jealous tiff at the club and the resultant sexy times were a lovely guilty pleasure. But that was where things started going downhill...
Dylan suddenly developed diarrhea of the mouth. He just couldn't shut the fuck up. So obviously, everything went to Hell in a hand basket. Of course, it all worked out. But the reunion became a cheese-ball fest of bad werewolf tropes and romantic gibber-gabber. Then an unnecessary last chapter about some homophobic pack members, that didn't develop into anything and was therefor totally pointless. And of course, an equally pointless epilogue.
Started out promising, but ended up disappointing. Instead of the pack meeting and cabin in the woods, the last chapter should have been of Dylan meeting Grammie! She was a major character and they basically just dropped her.
November 1, 2014
Dylan is new to town. He is a werewolf, trying to fit in. He meets Tom, in the most unlikely way, at the beginning. He knows right away, Tom is his man. But he doesn’t want to scare Tom away. We have Tom, who is having a very strong reaction towards Dylan and doesn’t understand it. Luckily, he has his grandmother. She is great. I think she really helps make the story. It wouldn’t nearly be as great without her in it. She is helpful in more ways than one. She really just wants Tom to be happy.
I really enjoy the approach this author has towards mates. Especially, how the mates react when they are separated. I really hope they don’t run into any trouble. Also, will their bond get stronger with time?
I really enjoy the approach this author has towards mates. Especially, how the mates react when they are separated. I really hope they don’t run into any trouble. Also, will their bond get stronger with time?
August 8, 2014
I really enjoyed reading this. I love gay werewolf stories and love Montreal, so it was a perfect combination.
The author asks for criticism on her web site, so that's the only reason for the comments below.
1. The story didn't particularly stand out from other gay werewolf stories I've read, except for the new voice of this author. Although, the whole genre is pretty formulaic.
2. The opening scene with the ropes was dramatic, but even after reading the entire story, the reason for the binding was fuzzy to me.
3. It was also unclear why George is cast as a bad guy at first and then a hero. Why did he fire Dylan?
4. I enjoyed the grandmother and the family history angle.
The author asks for criticism on her web site, so that's the only reason for the comments below.
1. The story didn't particularly stand out from other gay werewolf stories I've read, except for the new voice of this author. Although, the whole genre is pretty formulaic.
2. The opening scene with the ropes was dramatic, but even after reading the entire story, the reason for the binding was fuzzy to me.
3. It was also unclear why George is cast as a bad guy at first and then a hero. Why did he fire Dylan?
4. I enjoyed the grandmother and the family history angle.
August 18, 2014
This was a cute take on the were bond. Tom comes across Dylan during his pack initiation. Tom doesn't know that Dylan is more than a human, he doesn't even know that 'more' exists. Not to mention that he, himself is slightly 'more'. Because of this their bond sets in faster than it normally would.
I really enjoyed this addition to the LL event. I appreciated the humor and the Epilogue, just wish the french had been translated.. I could kinda guess what it said but had to google translate a word or two to make sure I understood their meanings.
I really enjoyed this addition to the LL event. I appreciated the humor and the Epilogue, just wish the french had been translated.. I could kinda guess what it said but had to google translate a word or two to make sure I understood their meanings.
October 9, 2015
3.5 stars
The story started off really great. The characters are interesting and the beginning of their romance is written very well. It pulled me in. I liked the idea of that unfinished mating which caused both men pain. I enjoyed their bonding. But actually it would have been perfectly fine for me to stop the story here. I didn't care that much for the rest of the story. The pack politics were told in a hurry.
The story started off really great. The characters are interesting and the beginning of their romance is written very well. It pulled me in. I liked the idea of that unfinished mating which caused both men pain. I enjoyed their bonding. But actually it would have been perfectly fine for me to stop the story here. I didn't care that much for the rest of the story. The pack politics were told in a hurry.
August 13, 2014
That was really enjoyable reading material. Great work.
August 14, 2014
This novella was a fast developing romance with an HEA. I liked it enough!
September 6, 2014
One of my favorite Love's Landscapes offerings, definitely top 10 for the shorter stories!
I enjoyed the characters especially.
I enjoyed the characters especially.
October 5, 2014
This was a nice sweet story. I just wanted a little bit more angst. Plus, to see Dyan meet Tom's grandma. I kept waiting for Jeff to show up.
August 14, 2014
Unintentionally funny, but really not good.
October 23, 2019
Tom works at a construction site. One early morning when he's out alone checking the mouse traps at the site, he hears grunting and goes to investigate, finding a gorgeous man lying naked on the floor, tied up with thick ropes. From then on he's introduced into the world of mystery and magic, and the hunk of a gorgeous man Tom's already seen naked more than once (and he doesn't even know the guy's name yet).
Based on the other reviews on here, I expected this story to feel more rushed and confusing. I'm no stranger to the werewolf trope and all that it entails, and in my opinion this story is more solid than the average shifter fic I've read. It's possible that my familiarity with the trope fills in any plot holes that might otherwise been more glaring, but considering that the story is told from Tom's point of view and the focus is on his growing relationship with Dylan rather than Dylan's shifter powers, I feel like enough information is given. A more fleshed-out universe would've required a longer story and more plot beyond just Dylan and Tom meeting and getting together.
"Never Cry Wolf" surprised me by making a point of discussing gay rights within the werewolf pack and giving no room or sympathy for the homophobia. Rather than using it for angst or drama points, Tom and Dylan accepted that it's part of reality, but that they'll do their best to fight it and live their best lives. It was refreshing to see these strong characters have love and respect for themselves and each other, making decisions together to shape a future where they can love each other openly and happily and not letting anyone make them feel bad about it. The homophobia was never treated as a valid argument against their relationship, instead clearly dismissed as ignorant.
I enjoyed both Tom and Dylan's characters, they were easy to root for. If an amped-up plot and some shallow world-building, the fact that some supporting characters' motivations keep fluctuating and the tenses switch a little don't bother you, I think you'll love this story. It's romance-centric with two gorgeous men who are true mates in the limelight, there's humor, werewolves and also a grandma who Tom obviously adore. A lovely novella to wind down to after a stressful day, I say.
Based on the other reviews on here, I expected this story to feel more rushed and confusing. I'm no stranger to the werewolf trope and all that it entails, and in my opinion this story is more solid than the average shifter fic I've read. It's possible that my familiarity with the trope fills in any plot holes that might otherwise been more glaring, but considering that the story is told from Tom's point of view and the focus is on his growing relationship with Dylan rather than Dylan's shifter powers, I feel like enough information is given. A more fleshed-out universe would've required a longer story and more plot beyond just Dylan and Tom meeting and getting together.
"Never Cry Wolf" surprised me by making a point of discussing gay rights within the werewolf pack and giving no room or sympathy for the homophobia. Rather than using it for angst or drama points, Tom and Dylan accepted that it's part of reality, but that they'll do their best to fight it and live their best lives. It was refreshing to see these strong characters have love and respect for themselves and each other, making decisions together to shape a future where they can love each other openly and happily and not letting anyone make them feel bad about it. The homophobia was never treated as a valid argument against their relationship, instead clearly dismissed as ignorant.
I enjoyed both Tom and Dylan's characters, they were easy to root for. If an amped-up plot and some shallow world-building, the fact that some supporting characters' motivations keep fluctuating and the tenses switch a little don't bother you, I think you'll love this story. It's romance-centric with two gorgeous men who are true mates in the limelight, there's humor, werewolves and also a grandma who Tom obviously adore. A lovely novella to wind down to after a stressful day, I say.
September 6, 2024
Great story just sad it’s all fiction, he was a junior researcher on a 4 week project by my reading elsewhere
I want to believe wolves can ‘talk’ and be understood.
It’s bit of a dirty trick to still keep promoting the book as a true story !
I want to believe wolves can ‘talk’ and be understood.
It’s bit of a dirty trick to still keep promoting the book as a true story !
April 2, 2016
My Rating System:
* couldn't finish, ** wouldn't recommend, *** would recommend, **** would read again, ***** have read again.
February 28, 2017
It was certainly different and I liked that characters were older than what's typical for MM romance books. I liked Dylan and Tom but the real star of this story was the grandmother. I simply loved her!
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.]
mm-stand-alone
May 27, 2016Genre: paranormal
Tags: werewolf, Montreal, soulmates/bonded, blue collar, homophobia, pack politic
Tags: werewolf, Montreal, soulmates/bonded, blue collar, homophobia, pack politic
February 15, 2016
1.5 stars
June 27, 2015
Wish it was longer.Tom and Dylan were great together.
September 16, 2014
Review to come
October 4, 2014
Enjoyable. Some humor. A good read.
January 30, 2015
that's precisely the kind of story which made me remember why I didn't read "shifters and their mate" plot for a loooonnnng time
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews