What do you think?
Rate this book
His Keeper: A First-Time MM Erotic Stepbrothers Romance
After a grueling day of finals, Darien Walsh returns home to find all his belongings discarded on the curb. His homophobic stepfather has kicked him out of the only home he's ever known, leaving him reeling and alone. With no one else to turn to, Darien reaches out to his stepbrother, Bryan Stone—someone who can relate all too well to the pain of rejection after having been ousted from the same home years ago.
As they navigate the challenges of their shared past and the harsh realities of life on their own, a magnetic attraction ignites between them. In the sanctuary of Bryan's support, Darien discovers a newfound sense of acceptance, belonging, and passion.
As they navigate the challenges of their shared past and the harsh realities of life on their own, a magnetic attraction ignites between them. In the sanctuary of Bryan's support, Darien discovers a newfound sense of acceptance, belonging, and passion.
- GenresM M RomanceNovella
Audible Audio
Published December 3, 2023
16 people are currently reading
16 people want to read
About the author
Harry Applebottom
77 books57 followersHarry Applebottom is a hopeful romantic and a gay erotic romance author here to unabashedly satiate and titillate your inner carnal desires with lots of steam, heart, and love. Harry's works range from short stories and novellas to full-length novels of various subgenres, where every ending ends with a happy one.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
March 13, 2024
I kinda have a thing for step brother stories, I know I know, I'm a dirty girl. This author is new to me, I'm surprised as he has a ton of books out there and I will definitely be looking a few of them up. This was a nice tale, interesting and uncomplicated plot, just a real pleasant short story.
November 21, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this read.
My heart really went out for Darien, after a stressful day of exam after exam after exam to be so mentally tired and exhausted, to drive up to your home to see your stepfather throwing all your belongings on the street is just soul destroying. But what Darien was soon to find out was his stepfather had looked at his laptop and found some gay porn. Darien never acted on his sexuality he had put his life on hold so he could study to get the best qualifications to be a vet. He wasn’t ashamed of being gay, and if honest he knew what his stepfather would do because he done that to his own son a few years ago. But what really hurt was his mum. She just sat there doing nothing to stop her husband. So now he finds himself homeless and the only person he can think of that would help him is Bryan. His step brother. They hadn’t seen each other in years, but he always said he would help.
Would he find refuge at Bryans??
And that’s all I’m gonna say it’s a short story and you’re gonna read this in one sitting, but it’s a really good storyline. I like Darien he had his head screwed on right. He knew what he wanted to do and he worked hard to get there. And I’m so glad that him and Bryan had the ability to talk about anything. Nothing was off the table. I’ve got to say I enjoyed their connection. But I’ve got to be honest and say I felt a little bit dirty that Bryan could be sexually active with one man, then as soon as he’s out the door Come onto Darien, didn’t sit well with me and that’s the only reason I’m gonna give it four stars because the storyline I really enjoyed and I really enjoyed Bryan and Darien’s passion and I did feel they had a deep connection. A great short story to read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
My heart really went out for Darien, after a stressful day of exam after exam after exam to be so mentally tired and exhausted, to drive up to your home to see your stepfather throwing all your belongings on the street is just soul destroying. But what Darien was soon to find out was his stepfather had looked at his laptop and found some gay porn. Darien never acted on his sexuality he had put his life on hold so he could study to get the best qualifications to be a vet. He wasn’t ashamed of being gay, and if honest he knew what his stepfather would do because he done that to his own son a few years ago. But what really hurt was his mum. She just sat there doing nothing to stop her husband. So now he finds himself homeless and the only person he can think of that would help him is Bryan. His step brother. They hadn’t seen each other in years, but he always said he would help.
Would he find refuge at Bryans??
And that’s all I’m gonna say it’s a short story and you’re gonna read this in one sitting, but it’s a really good storyline. I like Darien he had his head screwed on right. He knew what he wanted to do and he worked hard to get there. And I’m so glad that him and Bryan had the ability to talk about anything. Nothing was off the table. I’ve got to say I enjoyed their connection. But I’ve got to be honest and say I felt a little bit dirty that Bryan could be sexually active with one man, then as soon as he’s out the door Come onto Darien, didn’t sit well with me and that’s the only reason I’m gonna give it four stars because the storyline I really enjoyed and I really enjoyed Bryan and Darien’s passion and I did feel they had a deep connection. A great short story to read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 19, 2023
Bryan & Darien
Rating: 2.8 ⭐
- Stepbrothers
- First Times
- Erotica
First off, this short story needs a few trigger warnings all for the first chapter. Secondly, some may be turned off by the verbiage that's used in here, like "man meat" and "chunky" describing the release, so just a heads up. Darien comes home from taking his finals to be greeted by his stuff on the side of the road, a pissed off stepfather and a crappy/complacent mother. His stepfather is a vile human being for the things he says and does to Darien. Of course, he did a similar thing and worse with his own son, Bryan, years ago when he found out he was gay. Thrown out and nowhere to go, Darien takes Bryan up on his open-end offer of place to stay if necessary. Although there's no cheating in this story, I just couldn't get comfortable with how close a timeframe in between Bryan's sexual encounters with CJ and then Darien. There's only a few hours separating the encounters and Darien shows up at Bryan's door right after he finishes up with CJ.
The two have know each other for eleven years, even if they didn't really talk for six of those years. They have an instant attraction and openness with each other, which skyrockets their relationship quickly. The story is their first few days together and the epilogue is a few weeks later. I'm glad they both found each other in adulthood after dealing with that household growing up.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Verse: No
HEA: HFN
Rating: 2.8 ⭐
- Stepbrothers
- First Times
- Erotica
First off, this short story needs a few trigger warnings all for the first chapter. Secondly, some may be turned off by the verbiage that's used in here, like "man meat" and "chunky" describing the release, so just a heads up. Darien comes home from taking his finals to be greeted by his stuff on the side of the road, a pissed off stepfather and a crappy/complacent mother. His stepfather is a vile human being for the things he says and does to Darien. Of course, he did a similar thing and worse with his own son, Bryan, years ago when he found out he was gay. Thrown out and nowhere to go, Darien takes Bryan up on his open-end offer of place to stay if necessary. Although there's no cheating in this story, I just couldn't get comfortable with how close a timeframe in between Bryan's sexual encounters with CJ and then Darien. There's only a few hours separating the encounters and Darien shows up at Bryan's door right after he finishes up with CJ.
The two have know each other for eleven years, even if they didn't really talk for six of those years. They have an instant attraction and openness with each other, which skyrockets their relationship quickly. The story is their first few days together and the epilogue is a few weeks later. I'm glad they both found each other in adulthood after dealing with that household growing up.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Verse: No
HEA: HFN
November 21, 2023
Stepfather's Vicious Retaliation . . .
Darien Walsh headed home, exhausted after a full day of finals. As he drove up to the house, eager to get something to eat, he saw his things scattered all over the front lawn. He pulled into the driveway as his stepfather carried out his dresser. His DVDs and video games had cracked cases and the discs were all over and probably badly scratched. Walter had always been hateful and hypocritical. But this behavior was insane, even for him! Then he remembered that he did this same thing when his son, Darien’s stepbrother Bryan, had told him he was gay. Even his mother wouldn’t look at him. Apparently Darien had paused a video on his laptop and forgot to close it down. Walter threw it to his feet and parts of the case broke off. His projects hadn’t been backed up and now they were gone. A vase his dad had made for him was next. Despite his pleas, Walter smashed it into pieces. Then Walter began to beat him. When he turned around to get his things packed in his car, the neighbors were going through it all like vultures! But where would he go now?
The only option for Darien was to see if his stepbrother Bryan Stone would take him in for now. When Darien needed it the most, Bryan gave him support and encouragement to process the raw emotions and pain when his own mother let him face Walter’s viciousness and the loss or damage of his personal property. Where would Darien go from here? Or has he already found his home?
Darien Walsh headed home, exhausted after a full day of finals. As he drove up to the house, eager to get something to eat, he saw his things scattered all over the front lawn. He pulled into the driveway as his stepfather carried out his dresser. His DVDs and video games had cracked cases and the discs were all over and probably badly scratched. Walter had always been hateful and hypocritical. But this behavior was insane, even for him! Then he remembered that he did this same thing when his son, Darien’s stepbrother Bryan, had told him he was gay. Even his mother wouldn’t look at him. Apparently Darien had paused a video on his laptop and forgot to close it down. Walter threw it to his feet and parts of the case broke off. His projects hadn’t been backed up and now they were gone. A vase his dad had made for him was next. Despite his pleas, Walter smashed it into pieces. Then Walter began to beat him. When he turned around to get his things packed in his car, the neighbors were going through it all like vultures! But where would he go now?
The only option for Darien was to see if his stepbrother Bryan Stone would take him in for now. When Darien needed it the most, Bryan gave him support and encouragement to process the raw emotions and pain when his own mother let him face Walter’s viciousness and the loss or damage of his personal property. Where would Darien go from here? Or has he already found his home?
December 4, 2023
Darien finished all of his tests and went home from college. Thinking his day was doing good, he was surprised to see all of his clothes and belongings on his front yard. His step dad was busy throwing everything out. Darien had left his computer on with the last website he had been looking at and his step dad found gay videos. Darien knew he was gay but he also knew how things would turn out if he came out to his mom and step dad. While Darien's mom just sits there, he gets into a fight with his step dad. With nowhere else to go, Darien heads to his step brothers apartment. Being welcomed into his home was such a relief. Bryan is understanding and had Darien stay as long as he wants and needs. Bryan had been thrown out when he came out as gay at 16, so he understood how his father could be.
Never having had any experience with boys or men, Darien and Bryan slowly drift towards each other until they start having sex. This ends in a HEA for both of them. Darien is away from a bad situation and is now in the arms of the man he loves.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Never having had any experience with boys or men, Darien and Bryan slowly drift towards each other until they start having sex. This ends in a HEA for both of them. Darien is away from a bad situation and is now in the arms of the man he loves.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 24, 2025
Harry Applebottom did it again… 10 out of 10 stars ..
See,
DARIEN (DAR) and BRYAN (BRY) are stepbrothers who have both been evicted from their home because of being gay.
Their homophobic father kicked them both out, while their mother sat and watched. And she is not innocent, far from it. Because behind closed doors, she is just as homophobic for what she says.
Bry had an apartment and a good job that helps the LGBTQ+ community. So when Dar knocked on his door, it wasn’t a surprise. Bry had experienced a similar situation six years ago. So, with open arms, Bry welcomed Dar home, their home.
Time might have passed, even years, but for them, it was nothing. Their love, respect, and protection were still there,
even stronger now.
So when that crush quickly turned into a relationship, neither were surprised.
And having those years of attraction & lust their sexual relationship was explosive.
Not kidding, like break the bed hot.
Harry Applebottom did it again…
10 out of 10 stars ..
Loved it..
Trace Dial
See,
DARIEN (DAR) and BRYAN (BRY) are stepbrothers who have both been evicted from their home because of being gay.
Their homophobic father kicked them both out, while their mother sat and watched. And she is not innocent, far from it. Because behind closed doors, she is just as homophobic for what she says.
Bry had an apartment and a good job that helps the LGBTQ+ community. So when Dar knocked on his door, it wasn’t a surprise. Bry had experienced a similar situation six years ago. So, with open arms, Bry welcomed Dar home, their home.
Time might have passed, even years, but for them, it was nothing. Their love, respect, and protection were still there,
even stronger now.
So when that crush quickly turned into a relationship, neither were surprised.
And having those years of attraction & lust their sexual relationship was explosive.
Not kidding, like break the bed hot.
Harry Applebottom did it again…
10 out of 10 stars ..
Loved it..
Trace Dial
November 19, 2023
When he was younger, Darien had a huge crush on his stepbrother Bryan. When he needs a safe place to go, he turns to Bryan for help. And it doesn’t take long for the two stepbrothers to explore their physical connection… repeatedly.
This was my first Harry Applebottom book and I really enjoyed it. His Keeper is an erotic novella, but it does have a plot and character development. It was pretty steamy but the highlight for me was the relationship between Darien and Bryan. Bryan really cares for Darien and wants the best for him.
It was refreshing to read a novella written by a man as most of the gay romance I read is written by women. The phrasing and word choices were different and overall it was an enjoyable read.
Rating: 3.5
Angst: 2.5/5
Steam: 3.5/5
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was my first Harry Applebottom book and I really enjoyed it. His Keeper is an erotic novella, but it does have a plot and character development. It was pretty steamy but the highlight for me was the relationship between Darien and Bryan. Bryan really cares for Darien and wants the best for him.
It was refreshing to read a novella written by a man as most of the gay romance I read is written by women. The phrasing and word choices were different and overall it was an enjoyable read.
Rating: 3.5
Angst: 2.5/5
Steam: 3.5/5
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 20, 2023
What a wonderfully sweet and supportive character Bryan is. I really enjoyed the way that he showed up and stood up for Darien particularly in protecting him after his mother showed up; that showed a lot of grace and compassion from Bryan which Darien's mother may not have deserved at that point. Harry has written a story that does pull at the heartstrings a bit, and resolves some of the angst with a happy relationship. It's a quick read; well-written (even if there are some odd word choices and phrasing through the story), and I enjoyed it very much. Definitely recommended for a quick afternoon escape.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 5, 2023
This is a good story to read! Darien has just finished his college semester and is on his way home. When he gets home he finds all his stuff on the lawn and his stepfather is throwing his things at him and yelling he has to get out and never return. With no where to go Darien decides to go to see if his stepbrother Bryan Stone will let him crash at his place for a while. Bryan was kicked out when he was sixteen and has been able to find a good apartment and works with kids to help them so they do not end up on the streets. When Darien shows up will Brayn help him also???? What will Darien do to help???.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 26, 2023
Darien and Bryan are stepbrothers. Darien had just returned home from school when he found all his stuff thrown out of his house and onto the front lawn. Him and his stepfather has a physical altercation and left with no choice, Darien grabbed all his belongings and left. He called Bryan but got no answer so he showed up unexpected. Darien explained that he was gay and Bryan’s father found out and wouldn’t let him live in the house anymore. Unfortunately Bryan had also been thrown out when his father found out he was gay. These two men emotionally bonded over these traumatic experiences. This is a very short and spicy novella.
November 11, 2023
Short steamy love story, I just wish it wasn't so rushed. I would have been happy for their relationship to rebuild a little after a long period of not being in contact, and not to jump into bed straight away (more so, two hours after Bryan was in the same bed with someone else).
There were also some descriptions in the sex scenes that weren't my cup of tea.
But in general a short and light read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
There were also some descriptions in the sex scenes that weren't my cup of tea.
But in general a short and light read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 17, 2023
If you are looking for a short, steamy, forbidden/taboo sweet, MM and a great HEA, then is book is for you. Darien's world is turn upside down and there is only person he wants to go to, his step-brother, Bryan. These two move at warp speed but there are able to get an HEA. I am looking forward to more from Harry soon.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 20, 2023
While this is a very erotic romance it is also one that warms your heart as you see the love and protection Bryan has for his stepbrother Darien after all the event that happened with Darien's stepfather/ Bryan's father and Darien's mother.
This fast read is one that steals your breath and wraps around you like a warm blanket.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This fast read is one that steals your breath and wraps around you like a warm blanket.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 21, 2023
This short novella hits on so many emotional notes, it grips your attention from the very beginning, through out the storyline. Loved the characters connection and how each is there for the other, just hate all the turmoil they had to go thru to reach this point in their lives. I liked that they were both able to lean on one another to move forward and have a truly meaningful relationship.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 13, 2023
Nice short story about stepbrothers who have clearly had feelings for each other for some time and find themselves in similar situations. I didn’t not care for the first couple chapters, just a heads up for other readers there is homophobia and physical assault by parental figures of an MC.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 20, 2023
I loved this book. I loved how Bryan just willing allowed Darien to stay with him. Having both been kicked out for being gay, they end up supporting each other. The way their relationship starts is amazing, such a great book.
November 29, 2023
I enjoyed this book. I was so angry at how Darien was treated- both by his stepfather and mom in the beginning. But it was the catalyst that reunited him with his stepbrother Bryan. I really enjoyed the bond between them, and how they grew closer. And their chemistry sizzled. 4 stars.
December 1, 2023
Wow! The steam and heat in this read is seriously so high! This is a really good read for anyone looking for a high heat read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 28, 2025
Good book, Harry. Damien gets kicked out of his house for being gay and goes to find his step-brother, Bryan, who was kicked out three years previously for the same reason. They move in together and become a couple.
November 13, 2023
A quick but very spicy MM stepbrother erotic romance .
When Darien’s stepfather finds out he’s gay he throws him out of his home with nowhere else to go he goes to his stepbrother Bryan’s .
When Darien’s stepfather finds out he’s gay he throws him out of his home with nowhere else to go he goes to his stepbrother Bryan’s .
November 17, 2023
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I liked that Darien found love and a safe harbor with Bryan.
March 8, 2024
Hot
Well, the first part of the book was sad and showcased what happens all too often. The rest of the book made up for it.
Well, the first part of the book was sad and showcased what happens all too often. The rest of the book made up for it.
February 1, 2024
I thought this one sounded good but 😬 no, just no. I couldn’t take it anymore and stopped reading at 51% and just skimmed the rest to see what happened with Darien because I felt empathy for him.
I have read things I can’t unread. I can honestly say I’ve never heard it described that way before and it was a complete record-scratch, wtf did I just read moment.
This may be for you but was a no for me.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I have read things I can’t unread. I can honestly say I’ve never heard it described that way before and it was a complete record-scratch, wtf did I just read moment.
This may be for you but was a no for me.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews