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Waiting, Hoping, Wishing
This is the story of best friends Dean and Matt. Friends since childhood, they are close but not as close as Dean would like them to be. When Matt moved to Melbourne with his partner, Dean finally let go of his dream for them to one day be together. But when Matt calls to say his relationship has failed, Dean dares to feel a glimmer of hope. But he needs to overcome his own fears if he is to fight for their happily ever after.This story was written as part of the MM Romance Group's 2014 Love's Landscapes event. The story was written in response to a photo prompt with a very specific request for a story. Melanie requested the following "He’s been waiting for that text for more than a week. Please tell us either what happens next or what happened to get him here and whether he frowns or smiles next."
77 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 18, 2014
90 people are currently reading
366 people want to read
About the author
Nic Starr
44 books369 followersNic Starr lives in Australia where she tries to squeeze as much into her busy life as possible. Balancing the demands of a corporate career with raising a family and writing can be challenging but she wouldn’t give it up for the world.
Always a reader, the lure of m/m romance was strong and she devoured hundreds of wonderful m/m romance books before eventually realising she had some stories of her own that needed to be told!
When not writing or reading, she loves to spend time with her family–an understanding husband and two beautiful daughters–and is often found indulging in her love of cooking and planning her dream home in the country.
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Always a reader, the lure of m/m romance was strong and she devoured hundreds of wonderful m/m romance books before eventually realising she had some stories of her own that needed to be told!
When not writing or reading, she loves to spend time with her family–an understanding husband and two beautiful daughters–and is often found indulging in her love of cooking and planning her dream home in the country.
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews
April 17, 2015
2.5
BFFs-to-lovers stories are ALWAYS my thing, so I really wanted to like this story more than I did.
It was, unfortunately, too info dumpy by far, and one of the MCs was off page until 50 percent.
Once these two got together, it was all butterflies and roses except for one ridiculous misunderstanding (that could have been easily resolved with a damn phone call!), which thankfully didn't last long.
I didn't see the point of the Big Bad Homophobe side plot. And I definitely wanted a more personal epilogue (more focus on the relationship, less on everything else).
This story was still cute in a way, an easy read with a strong HEA, but it just didn't quite click for me.
BFFs-to-lovers stories are ALWAYS my thing, so I really wanted to like this story more than I did.
It was, unfortunately, too info dumpy by far, and one of the MCs was off page until 50 percent.
Once these two got together, it was all butterflies and roses except for one ridiculous misunderstanding (that could have been easily resolved with a damn phone call!), which thankfully didn't last long.
I didn't see the point of the Big Bad Homophobe side plot. And I definitely wanted a more personal epilogue (more focus on the relationship, less on everything else).
This story was still cute in a way, an easy read with a strong HEA, but it just didn't quite click for me.
July 28, 2014
Nice friends to lovers story. Dean and Matt were great together.
June 22, 2019
Short and sweet and filled with everything nice.
*4 happy-snugly-hugging stars*
*4 happy-snugly-hugging stars*
August 17, 2014
Lovey friends-to-lovers story with a magical HEA, part of the fabulous M/M Romance Group's Love's Landscapes selection of stories. Loved it!
April 27, 2021
You know, I am a huge sucker for gay friends-to-lovers stories... but this was borrrring.
Dean has been friends with Matt since he was 14 (no clue how old they are now) and a year ago Matt moved away with his boyfriend, Stuart. He broke up with Stuart and wants to come for a visit and stay with Dean... ok. This was at the beginning of the book.
Matt doesn’t arrive until about 45% in. Up until then, we get to read all about how Dean has been pining away for Matt for the longest time, Dean going to the club and feeling sorry for himself while a fade to black hookup occurs with someone who he doesn’t even like but mentions that it would be someone who is Matt’s type. Uh? kay.
Then when Matt finally arrives they go to a club and start dancing all sexy with each other. They go back home and wordlessly start kissing, getting naked, get in the shower together and Matt jacks Dean off. NO DIALOGUE during this whole scene. It was a total “wtf” moment for me. Like... they’ve been friends for so long so why did it take this long for them to do this? Was Matt just suddenly attracted to Dean? Wtf is going on!!!! And they just go to sleep right after. No discussions.
Except the next morning they try to discuss it but it feels like a weak AF explanation to me.
Then Dean gets all ridiculous... just blah. This whole story was not for me. I think I read one other book by this author and it didn’t work out for me either. I think I’m gonna have to avoid from now on... sorry.
POV: 3rd person (MC1 Dean only)
Dean has been friends with Matt since he was 14 (no clue how old they are now) and a year ago Matt moved away with his boyfriend, Stuart. He broke up with Stuart and wants to come for a visit and stay with Dean... ok. This was at the beginning of the book.
Matt doesn’t arrive until about 45% in. Up until then, we get to read all about how Dean has been pining away for Matt for the longest time, Dean going to the club and feeling sorry for himself while a fade to black hookup occurs with someone who he doesn’t even like but mentions that it would be someone who is Matt’s type. Uh? kay.
Then when Matt finally arrives they go to a club and start dancing all sexy with each other. They go back home and wordlessly start kissing, getting naked, get in the shower together and Matt jacks Dean off. NO DIALOGUE during this whole scene. It was a total “wtf” moment for me. Like... they’ve been friends for so long so why did it take this long for them to do this? Was Matt just suddenly attracted to Dean? Wtf is going on!!!! And they just go to sleep right after. No discussions.
Except the next morning they try to discuss it but it feels like a weak AF explanation to me.
Then Dean gets all ridiculous... just blah. This whole story was not for me. I think I read one other book by this author and it didn’t work out for me either. I think I’m gonna have to avoid from now on... sorry.
POV: 3rd person (MC1 Dean only)
July 18, 2014
3.5 stars
A well written short about friends to lovers and coming fully out of the closet. The sexual tension was nice and it had a good amount of angst without being over powered by it. I could see this being expanded into a series, as a secondary character, Justin, is interesting enough to get his own story.
This is told in the POV of Dean and as a result I would have liked to know more about what changed in Matt's mind to finally make a move on Dean, and the misunderstanding was a little frustrating because Dean decided to not ask for clarification, but the apology was a nice touch.
The new book cover looks great.
A nice addition to the loves landscapes event.
Thanks to the author for their time and participation in this event.
A well written short about friends to lovers and coming fully out of the closet. The sexual tension was nice and it had a good amount of angst without being over powered by it. I could see this being expanded into a series, as a secondary character, Justin, is interesting enough to get his own story.
This is told in the POV of Dean and as a result I would have liked to know more about what changed in Matt's mind to finally make a move on Dean, and the misunderstanding was a little frustrating because Dean decided to not ask for clarification, but the apology was a nice touch.
The new book cover looks great.
A nice addition to the loves landscapes event.
Thanks to the author for their time and participation in this event.
November 7, 2014
Now available free on Amazon-->http://goo.gl/djhavF
It's up! Check out this hot Aussie FTL short by my friend Nic Starr. Free as part of the M/M Romance Group's Love's Landscapes writing event!
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
It's up! Check out this hot Aussie FTL short by my friend Nic Starr. Free as part of the M/M Romance Group's Love's Landscapes writing event!
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
June 14, 2014
This is a really great introduction for the author, but I have to admit, I may be a bit biased as the editor.
It was a very sweet story with some sad moments, and a lot of fun.
I look forward to seeing what Nic does in the future :)
It was a very sweet story with some sad moments, and a lot of fun.
I look forward to seeing what Nic does in the future :)
July 27, 2014
Review: Waiting, Hoping, Wishing (Love's Landscapes) by Nic Starr
My Rating: 3.5 of 4 Stars
I love friends to lovers stories, especially when well done. Waiting, Hoping, Wishing is Nic Starr's contribution to a Love's Landscapes prompt and she did it so well.
This is the story of best friends Dean and Matt. Both are openly gay, best friends since forever, closer than most, but never took the chance to declare their romantic love for each other.
Dean's experiences in the past, about being gay and facing bullies, had him keeping mostly to himself, never speaking or acting on his needs and dreams. He worked hard and was on the verge of finally getting his own business set up. Matt had moved on to join his own partner so Dean gave up on the idea of ever having a relationship with him other than friendship. When Matt calls to say that things did not work out as planned and had broken up with his partner, Dean felt a glimmer of hope.
Dean's hopes were realized when he and Matt finally get together but any happiness he feels may be dashed for Matt had not given a call for some time now. He needed to be with his friend and lover and will fight for their happily ever after. They both deserved it.
This is a very short story and yet it hit all the right buttons in me. I laughed, I got angry and I got confused right along with Dean. This was written from his POV so I never really knew what Matt felt, only saw how he felt and acted. Romance wise, this was very romantic and very satisfying.
My only wish? That Nic Starr would find it in her heart to give us fans a follow-up story involving these men. They were a lovely couple and made my heartstrings thrum good.
My Rating: 3.5 of 4 Stars
I love friends to lovers stories, especially when well done. Waiting, Hoping, Wishing is Nic Starr's contribution to a Love's Landscapes prompt and she did it so well.
This is the story of best friends Dean and Matt. Both are openly gay, best friends since forever, closer than most, but never took the chance to declare their romantic love for each other.
Dean's experiences in the past, about being gay and facing bullies, had him keeping mostly to himself, never speaking or acting on his needs and dreams. He worked hard and was on the verge of finally getting his own business set up. Matt had moved on to join his own partner so Dean gave up on the idea of ever having a relationship with him other than friendship. When Matt calls to say that things did not work out as planned and had broken up with his partner, Dean felt a glimmer of hope.
Dean's hopes were realized when he and Matt finally get together but any happiness he feels may be dashed for Matt had not given a call for some time now. He needed to be with his friend and lover and will fight for their happily ever after. They both deserved it.
This is a very short story and yet it hit all the right buttons in me. I laughed, I got angry and I got confused right along with Dean. This was written from his POV so I never really knew what Matt felt, only saw how he felt and acted. Romance wise, this was very romantic and very satisfying.
My only wish? That Nic Starr would find it in her heart to give us fans a follow-up story involving these men. They were a lovely couple and made my heartstrings thrum good.
July 19, 2014
Wonderfully satisfying and enjoyable read :) Dean's longing for Matt was lovely, and well concluded too. I'm still smiling. Thanks, Nic XD
May 13, 2015
Meh, I don't know. I never really felt any connection between these guys so I'm kinda feeling like I didn't like this, but it was not bad. Maybe it's just me.
May 27, 2018
I wish the friends-to-lovers part had been a bit smoother, more show than tell. The pace of it all was a bit off, with the separation stretching a bit too much at the beginning and then things picking up a too-fast pace when they finally meet again and kind of jump into each other's arms and into the relationship.
Also I can't forgive how unappealing the description of the first kiss was.
The true strength was in the characters, though.
Also I can't forgive how unappealing the description of the first kiss was.
The true strength was in the characters, though.
July 26, 2014
Oh that was absolutely enjoyable! If you are looking for a nice feel good read, just a quick pick me up this is the story for you.
I love when short stories are actual stories. I'm sure it's hard to have a reader connect with characters in so few pages but Ms. Starr pulled it off nicely.
I'm sure we've all found ourselves in the friend zone all because we never let out feeling for the other person be known and gone through the shoulda, woulda, coulda's over it. Dean gets his chance with a push from Matt and is rewarded with the HEA he always dreamed of having.
I love when short stories are actual stories. I'm sure it's hard to have a reader connect with characters in so few pages but Ms. Starr pulled it off nicely.
I'm sure we've all found ourselves in the friend zone all because we never let out feeling for the other person be known and gone through the shoulda, woulda, coulda's over it. Dean gets his chance with a push from Matt and is rewarded with the HEA he always dreamed of having.
August 10, 2014
Offered for FREE from the M/M Romance Group's Love's Landscapes event. Thank you too all the amazing authors who participated!
Is it me? I dunno, I found this slow and uninspiring. A lot of tell with random details about daily life that I have no interest in (a skimmed much of this). And then a HEA epilogue that was, you guessed it, all tell.
July 22, 2014
Lovely story of longing and waiting. Everything comes to those who wait, and this was certainly true of Dean's waiting for Matt.
The characters were likable and there were some secondary characters that were interesting as well. I would certainly be willing to read about Justin's search for his tattooed beefcake. There must be one out there looking for him.
I believe this author has another story due to be released tomorrow. I would definitely read more from her.
The characters were likable and there were some secondary characters that were interesting as well. I would certainly be willing to read about Justin's search for his tattooed beefcake. There must be one out there looking for him.
I believe this author has another story due to be released tomorrow. I would definitely read more from her.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 16, 2016
Well done short story. Dean felt real in his trepidation about revealing himself to coworkers, his sadness that his dad was less accepting of him than he'd like and his hopeless longing for Matt. His inner and external monologue rang true. When Matt finally takes a chance and shows Dean that the longing goes both ways, it was the beginning of a the best part of the story. I would love to see a continuation of this one with a lot more about what makes up each of them.
Adult read
Adult read
February 2, 2015
Sugar and spice and all things nice, that's what this book is made off.
I really enjoyed this story and loved the characters.
My only complaint is that it was so short. I think it had massive potential for a full length story and would have loved to read more about Matt and Dean.
I really enjoyed this story and loved the characters.
My only complaint is that it was so short. I think it had massive potential for a full length story and would have loved to read more about Matt and Dean.
July 31, 2014
I love friends to lovers themes, and this didn't disappoint. Thank you, Nic, for giving us this lovely story.
January 17, 2015
A sweet love story. First the love of friends and then the realization they were more than just friends. Loved this story.
Thanks to the MM group
Thanks to the MM group
April 10, 2015
It was sweet and fluffy. It was a nice reading in between my 2 super emotional reads. It lifted my spirits.
May 23, 2015
VERY GOOD, JUST WANT MORE, SEEMS LIKE THE ENDING WAS TOO RUSHED. MAYBE JUST ME.
August 26, 2015
Finally a good short story!
July 5, 2015
What a beautiful short but sweet and sexy story. Proving that sometimes dreams can come true !! Absolutely loved it xx
May 13, 2018
Waiting, Hoping, Wishing
Though conservative men…
Sydney, Australia, where this story is set, might be home to the world famous gay mardi gras, but the world of tradies (like plumbers and carpenters) is a long way from that, and can be pretty conservative. This story depicts a gay man afraid to show who he is. Even though Dean's best friend, Matt, is gay, and there are no secrets between them, Dean has been unable to admit that he has had a thing for Matt since they were school boys. The story sensitively explores Dean's world. We come to understand his hesitation, but also hope for the best for him. Dean is no weakling, but he still has his weaknesses.
I really enjoyed this short story. I come from a conservative background myself, and really related to the issues explored. I am happy to award this story 5 stars.
September 23, 2017
3.5~4/5
Nice story. The title is a little corny, but that's only a minor irritation haha.
Nice story. The title is a little corny, but that's only a minor irritation haha.
December 14, 2018
Such a sweet story
short and sweet but oh so good. Don't miss this.one. You won't be disappointed.nice Starr.made.this friends to lovers book quite enjoyable.
short and sweet but oh so good. Don't miss this.one. You won't be disappointed.nice Starr.made.this friends to lovers book quite enjoyable.
July 2, 2018
Friends to lovers
One of those times when what you are looking for is right there all along. You guys need to reach out and grab it. Finally the time was right. Perfect read to set the mood for my day!
One of those times when what you are looking for is right there all along. You guys need to reach out and grab it. Finally the time was right. Perfect read to set the mood for my day!
April 19, 2015
Sometimes hope is all that keeps us going. Dean and Matt understand each other better than most people ever do. They love each other, but never crossed the line between best friends and lovers. Their lives took different directions; Dean went into an apprenticeship to be a plumber and Matt went to university and then on into business. Now that Matt is free again, he comes back to the comfort that is Dean, to recover from the pain of a broken relationship. Dean has been waiting for an opportunity like this to come along. But they are so different now. Will the changes in their lives prevent them from becoming lovers?
Dean is a well-respected plumber who loves his job. He works with a great, highly skilled team of guys, but they are often insensitive to other people's feelings, particularly gays. It hurts Dean when they make homophobic slurs, but he's not out at work, so he has to laugh right along with them. He's terrified of losing his job and the respect of his coworkers, but he's more terrified of losing a chance to be with Matt. Dean knows that he has to tell the men, but can't decide when or how. In the meantime, Dean knows that Matt is getting impatient with him because he's still in the closet to the men he works with side by side every day. Dean isn't able to live honestly and that is never good. He has a lot of soul searching to do before he puts his fear behind him and can live openly.
Matt has always been out, but Dean has chosen not to be, at least not outside his family. When they were young, Matt never realized how much agony he put Dean through by hooking up with other guys when they went out together. He just never expected that Dean could ever think of him in a romantic way. When he comes back after his latest breakup, he instinctively knows that Dean is the one who can help him heal. Being together is like old times, only better. Finally, Matt tells Dean how much he wishes things had been different when they were young and Dean is flabbergasted. He had no idea Matt could feel that way. They decide they don't want to waste anymore time getting together. But, it's not that easy. Matt has to go back and get his business straightened out there before he can come back. They both miss each other, so Dean goes down there to see Matt; but their tryst is interrupted unexpectedly and their happy, romantic meeting arrangements don't go as planned.
I truly enjoyed this sweet, endearing romance between two old friends who become lovers. It has some angst, but not so much that it overwhelms the story. It also brings up important subjects like homophobia and gay bashing. I loved Dean's family and their interaction, especially his sister's matchmaking. The sex scenes were passionate and loving and fit into the story perfectly. If you like stories that are short and sweet, with little stress, perhaps something to read while having a cup of tea, then you may enjoy this romance.
Dean is a well-respected plumber who loves his job. He works with a great, highly skilled team of guys, but they are often insensitive to other people's feelings, particularly gays. It hurts Dean when they make homophobic slurs, but he's not out at work, so he has to laugh right along with them. He's terrified of losing his job and the respect of his coworkers, but he's more terrified of losing a chance to be with Matt. Dean knows that he has to tell the men, but can't decide when or how. In the meantime, Dean knows that Matt is getting impatient with him because he's still in the closet to the men he works with side by side every day. Dean isn't able to live honestly and that is never good. He has a lot of soul searching to do before he puts his fear behind him and can live openly.
Matt has always been out, but Dean has chosen not to be, at least not outside his family. When they were young, Matt never realized how much agony he put Dean through by hooking up with other guys when they went out together. He just never expected that Dean could ever think of him in a romantic way. When he comes back after his latest breakup, he instinctively knows that Dean is the one who can help him heal. Being together is like old times, only better. Finally, Matt tells Dean how much he wishes things had been different when they were young and Dean is flabbergasted. He had no idea Matt could feel that way. They decide they don't want to waste anymore time getting together. But, it's not that easy. Matt has to go back and get his business straightened out there before he can come back. They both miss each other, so Dean goes down there to see Matt; but their tryst is interrupted unexpectedly and their happy, romantic meeting arrangements don't go as planned.
I truly enjoyed this sweet, endearing romance between two old friends who become lovers. It has some angst, but not so much that it overwhelms the story. It also brings up important subjects like homophobia and gay bashing. I loved Dean's family and their interaction, especially his sister's matchmaking. The sex scenes were passionate and loving and fit into the story perfectly. If you like stories that are short and sweet, with little stress, perhaps something to read while having a cup of tea, then you may enjoy this romance.
April 16, 2019
Enjoyed this best friends to lovers story. Dean and Matt are destined to be together but fear of rejection gets in the way. The author in my view handled it nicely, within the confines of a short story.
Overall a Nice easy read, bringing warmth to ones heart and a belief that love eventually wins, if it is only in fiction it is guaranteed 100%. Isn't that why we keep on reading them. Keep them coming nic.
Overall a Nice easy read, bringing warmth to ones heart and a belief that love eventually wins, if it is only in fiction it is guaranteed 100%. Isn't that why we keep on reading them. Keep them coming nic.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews