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Keep It Quiet: A Gay Erotic Romantic Short
Brad Quinn doesn’t do complicated. As a creative writing professor with a reputation for charm, wit, and strictly no strings, he’s managed to keep his personal life locked tight behind closed doors—and quick hookups. But when a quiet, gorgeous stranger shows up at his place one night looking for connection, Brad finds himself breaking every rule he swore he lived by.
Declan Donovan doesn’t usually do this. Not the apps. Not the sex. Not the letting go. But grief has a way of hollowing a man out, and for one night, he just wants to feel something—anything. What he doesn’t expect is that the stranger from his hookup will be standing at the front of his college classroom a day later…as his professor.
Now, keeping it professional isn’t just difficult—it’s torture. Because Brad sees something real in Declan’s writing, something raw and broken he can’t ignore. And Declan finds it harder and harder to stay away from the only man who makes him feel safe enough to fall apart.
As secrets unravel and desire deepens, they’re both forced to face the one thing they fear intimacy.
Declan Donovan doesn’t usually do this. Not the apps. Not the sex. Not the letting go. But grief has a way of hollowing a man out, and for one night, he just wants to feel something—anything. What he doesn’t expect is that the stranger from his hookup will be standing at the front of his college classroom a day later…as his professor.
Now, keeping it professional isn’t just difficult—it’s torture. Because Brad sees something real in Declan’s writing, something raw and broken he can’t ignore. And Declan finds it harder and harder to stay away from the only man who makes him feel safe enough to fall apart.
As secrets unravel and desire deepens, they’re both forced to face the one thing they fear intimacy.
76 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 7, 2025
1 person is currently reading
2 people want to read
About the author
Harry Applebottom
76 books55 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.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
August 10, 2025
Brad and Declan . . .
Brad Quinn, normally a no-strings private person, meets someone on a dating app and instead of his typical one-night rule, he actually is drawn to form a connection with this particular partner, a quiet stranger who likewise seems to be reaching for connection for this one night so that he can feel something—anything, to let him feel safe as he falls apart. Declan Donovan finds that as he is pulled to Brad while attempting to deal with his grief at his mother’s death and trying to raise his two younger sisters, Grace and Maggie, as they all adjust to their new painful reality. Their father offers no help at all and leaves them on their own to deal with it. Brad’s quiet understanding and gesture of kindness deepens their connection further. But a surprise awaits both of them. As it turns out, Brad is a creative writing professor at the local university and finds Declan has become one of his students. The author helps us actually experience the characters’ emotions in a real way. Can the two of them end up helping each other deal with their situation? Would it eventually lead to a more permanent relationship, even as friends, as they provide emotional support to each other?
If you haven’t experienced this author’s writing, you will not want to miss this story. The characters become real and the reader is pulled into genuinely caring about their situations and what will happen to them. When Declan needs to see Brad again to talk, Brad simply invites him in, never pushing him to say why he was here. He shares his takeout with Declan, never pressuring for more information until Declan is ready to open up to him. He made it easy and comfortable by just telling telling Declan he doesn’t have to tell him anything, but if he wants to, he will listen… and he did, then held an exhausted Declan as he cried. Reality sometimes hurts, and this author can bring it home and find a way to deal with it. He’s absolutely amazing and makes it well worth reading his stories.
Brad Quinn, normally a no-strings private person, meets someone on a dating app and instead of his typical one-night rule, he actually is drawn to form a connection with this particular partner, a quiet stranger who likewise seems to be reaching for connection for this one night so that he can feel something—anything, to let him feel safe as he falls apart. Declan Donovan finds that as he is pulled to Brad while attempting to deal with his grief at his mother’s death and trying to raise his two younger sisters, Grace and Maggie, as they all adjust to their new painful reality. Their father offers no help at all and leaves them on their own to deal with it. Brad’s quiet understanding and gesture of kindness deepens their connection further. But a surprise awaits both of them. As it turns out, Brad is a creative writing professor at the local university and finds Declan has become one of his students. The author helps us actually experience the characters’ emotions in a real way. Can the two of them end up helping each other deal with their situation? Would it eventually lead to a more permanent relationship, even as friends, as they provide emotional support to each other?
If you haven’t experienced this author’s writing, you will not want to miss this story. The characters become real and the reader is pulled into genuinely caring about their situations and what will happen to them. When Declan needs to see Brad again to talk, Brad simply invites him in, never pushing him to say why he was here. He shares his takeout with Declan, never pressuring for more information until Declan is ready to open up to him. He made it easy and comfortable by just telling telling Declan he doesn’t have to tell him anything, but if he wants to, he will listen… and he did, then held an exhausted Declan as he cried. Reality sometimes hurts, and this author can bring it home and find a way to deal with it. He’s absolutely amazing and makes it well worth reading his stories.
August 2, 2025
Harry Applebottom ALWAYS has a way of sucking me in! And this book is no different. Its raw, heartbreaking, pulse inducing, and just poetic. The way he created Brad and Declan and show their complexities in 70 pages is beyond me and it always leaves me wanting more! Like I needed a full length novel about this book, these characters, asap! They gives us SO much in a limited space and it's just amazing. Thanks to this book I understand what people say when they're reading with bated breath because the atmosphere the author creates while also writing spicy and intense scenes is everything. I cried in some parts because I undertood what Declan was going through on some levels and I felt seen and my breathe held at other parts. This book is more than two men needing a hook up and meeting on an app and having incredible sex. It's so much more and you won't know until you read it and you have to read it! I don't want to say too much because I feel like this is a book to be explored with just what's on the blurb and nothing else so you can see what I mean. Absolutely loved it. I so wish we knew more about Brad though and how he understood Declan's grief so well and why Brad was so detached from almost everything but teaching until Declan came along. I have a feeling I'll be thinking about this story for awhile and if the author sees this then, please give us more!.
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.
August 27, 2025
Harry Applebottom is quickly becoming my go-to author for short, hot, erotic reads that grab me and drag me into his stories, wringing unexpected emotions from me with stories that often speak to my heart — like this one did. I could feel the things Declan was feeling, the hopelessness with his father, the unfairness of the things he and his sisters, and yes, even his father, were going through, the anger, the frustration, the wanting to be held by someone just to know that he was seen and that they cared. Brad was the perfect person Declan needed, able to be soft and caring when needed, yet hard and in control when needed also. He “saw” Declan and could tell when he needed to give in or needed to be strong and follow the rules from the moment they met. The words “Declan” wrote about the mug and grief spoke to my heart and soul, I’ve been there and it resonated with every part of me. My chest choked up and tears fell, it was so beautiful, and it evoked the feelings of grief so well.
I don’t know what I expected going into this book, but I had no idea it would speak to me so strongly. I would give 10 stars for this beautiful story if I could, but will definitely want to reread it again and again. I hope it spoke to other readers as strongly as it did for me.
I received an advance review copy of the book and this is my voluntary review.
I don’t know what I expected going into this book, but I had no idea it would speak to me so strongly. I would give 10 stars for this beautiful story if I could, but will definitely want to reread it again and again. I hope it spoke to other readers as strongly as it did for me.
I received an advance review copy of the book and this is my voluntary review.
August 9, 2025
Brad meets a younger man on a dating app and ends up having a connection with him as opposed to just his usual one night stands.
Declan feels that connection with Brad, but he doesn't try to pursue it further as he only needed a night to feel something other than grief. He's an older brother to two little sisters who are just trying to keep afloat after the death of their mother and the self destruction of their father.
Brad is a professor at the local university. And as fate would have it, Declan is one of his students.
This short story is very real. You feel the emotions of the characters just as you would if you were in the same room with them. Declan, desperate to escape the reality of the situation he is in and Brad is wanting something more than just a hookup for once.
Can they make it happen especially if they're going to be risking so much just to be together?
Another triumph. Very good writing.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Declan feels that connection with Brad, but he doesn't try to pursue it further as he only needed a night to feel something other than grief. He's an older brother to two little sisters who are just trying to keep afloat after the death of their mother and the self destruction of their father.
Brad is a professor at the local university. And as fate would have it, Declan is one of his students.
This short story is very real. You feel the emotions of the characters just as you would if you were in the same room with them. Declan, desperate to escape the reality of the situation he is in and Brad is wanting something more than just a hookup for once.
Can they make it happen especially if they're going to be risking so much just to be together?
Another triumph. Very good writing.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 27, 2025
This is a Great Story to Read!!! Brad Quinn is a creative writing Professor, he leads a quiet life and his personal life is only locked behind closed doors. He does not share his personal life at work . Declan Donovan is a student who also takes care of his sisters. Declan put off going to college because he has to stay home to keep his sisters safe and fed. When Declan works he takes his sisters to a neighbors house to be watched. Declan's Dad still drinks and is having a hard time and still grieving over the death of his wife. Declan works three nights a week at a local Italian Restaurant. When Brad sees Declan in class he tries to act like there was noting between them. When Brad listens to the Paper story that Declan reads, he realizes that he will go against everything he has set in place to keep himself safe. Will Brad and Declan continue to see each other??? Will Declan be left to fend for himself???.
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.
August 9, 2025
Omg couldn’t put this book down
I’ve got to say I enjoyed this Read It all starts very simple. We have two guys speaking on Grindr meeting up and enjoying each other’s company. But then when you’re waiting for your professor to start your new writing class you don’t expect to see the guy you spent last night with. And that’s basically what happens to Declan and Brad. I don’t wanna give too much away but what I will say is this Book really touched me. Declan‘s first writing project made me cry. It was so raw it just totally moved me. But also the attraction that chemistry the passion that is between Declan and Brad is now or could be a major issue but will that stop them?? I honestly could not put this book down. I would love to read more stories about Declan and Brad and also to find out what the future holds for Declan and his family.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I’ve got to say I enjoyed this Read It all starts very simple. We have two guys speaking on Grindr meeting up and enjoying each other’s company. But then when you’re waiting for your professor to start your new writing class you don’t expect to see the guy you spent last night with. And that’s basically what happens to Declan and Brad. I don’t wanna give too much away but what I will say is this Book really touched me. Declan‘s first writing project made me cry. It was so raw it just totally moved me. But also the attraction that chemistry the passion that is between Declan and Brad is now or could be a major issue but will that stop them?? I honestly could not put this book down. I would love to read more stories about Declan and Brad and also to find out what the future holds for Declan and his family.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 9, 2025
This is my third Harry Applebottom story, and he managed to draw me in yet again! What begins as a casual hookup between two men on a dating app quickly turns into something deeper and more heartfelt.
Declan is desperate to escape his difficult reality, burdened by grief and the responsibility of caring for his younger sisters. His emotional struggle is portrayed with heartbreaking honesty. Brad, on the other hand, is looking for more than just a hookup for once. His quiet understanding and kindness deepen their connection.
For a short story, it delivers a surprising emotional punch and a layered, touching romance. I only wish there was more—I’d happily read a full novel about these two. Highly recommended for fans of emotional, character-driven romance with heart and heat.
Declan is desperate to escape his difficult reality, burdened by grief and the responsibility of caring for his younger sisters. His emotional struggle is portrayed with heartbreaking honesty. Brad, on the other hand, is looking for more than just a hookup for once. His quiet understanding and kindness deepen their connection.
For a short story, it delivers a surprising emotional punch and a layered, touching romance. I only wish there was more—I’d happily read a full novel about these two. Highly recommended for fans of emotional, character-driven romance with heart and heat.
August 11, 2025
DEEPLY EMOTIONAL AND RAW!💕
Two ships that pass in the night is what Brad and Declan experience with a deep emotional connection until Declan leaves but it’s only a hookup no complications, no names until Professor of Creative Writing- Brad Quinn sets eyes on one of his students-Declan Donovan - his unforgettable hookup!
The author showcased their emotions beautifully with raw intensity, passion and inert sadness!
Declan’s struggles with grief, parental neglect and anger were depicted poetically and emotionally.
Hurt/ Comfort with a forbidden erotic aspect that narrates their feelings and emotions the only way the author can in such a short period- beautifully sweet and gentle!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Two ships that pass in the night is what Brad and Declan experience with a deep emotional connection until Declan leaves but it’s only a hookup no complications, no names until Professor of Creative Writing- Brad Quinn sets eyes on one of his students-Declan Donovan - his unforgettable hookup!
The author showcased their emotions beautifully with raw intensity, passion and inert sadness!
Declan’s struggles with grief, parental neglect and anger were depicted poetically and emotionally.
Hurt/ Comfort with a forbidden erotic aspect that narrates their feelings and emotions the only way the author can in such a short period- beautifully sweet and gentle!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 27, 2025
Declan had more on his plate than anyone should. His one night stand that one thing he took for himself became complicated when his professor walked in and he was the man, the connection he had felt. Revealing his truth, the pain that was still breaking him, to his class as his writing assignment broke something in both men. The line they firmly had drawn for this to be nothing more than that night and to be professional was shattered. This is book maybe short but it’s intense, it’s sad and it’s raw. The depth of the characters makes you feel. Have your tissues ready for this excellently written romantic short.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 21, 2025
This was a really short story about a CollegeStudent, Declan Donovan and his Professor. Initially an anonymous hookup until Declan recognises the man about to take his English Lit. Class. Declan is only 22 but has the responsibility of taking care of his young sisters when his alcoholic father drowns his sorrows in the bottom of a whiskey bottle.
Following an important incident in the lecture room, plus his father relapsing, Declan needed support and there was only one place he could find what he needed.
Loved this short punchy story from Harry Applebottom. I’ve now read several of this authors books and every one of them was completely different, no following tropes, or sport teams. All of them drew me into becoming an avid fan eager to read more.
Following an important incident in the lecture room, plus his father relapsing, Declan needed support and there was only one place he could find what he needed.
Loved this short punchy story from Harry Applebottom. I’ve now read several of this authors books and every one of them was completely different, no following tropes, or sport teams. All of them drew me into becoming an avid fan eager to read more.
August 6, 2025
I can't say I read too many erotic romances that left me in all the feels. Well this one pack a punch. It was sensual, sexy, lovely, sweet and wonderfully romantic. The taboo expect wasn't so bad...both grown men but with complications due to professor/student dynamic. I absolutely enjoyed this. So emotional...I tells ya, Declan had me wanted to grab him and give him a hug and tell him its gonna be alright...keep the faith young man. Too bad it was a short because this romance I wanted to read more about. Well done...I highly recommend.
I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 25, 2025
This short read is equal parts tender and scorching. Brad, the charming professor with strict no-strings rules, collides with Declan, a grieving student just trying to feel alive again. What starts as a one-night escape turns into a messy, magnetic connection that neither can ignore. It’s steamy, emotional, and beautifully written—proof that even the shortest stories can pack a punch of heat and heart. Perfect if you want a quick, passionate read that lingers after the last page.
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.
August 8, 2025
Keep It Quiet isn’t just a quick, steamy professor/student fling. It’s got grief, healing, and two men who somehow find exactly what they didn’t know they needed in each other. Brad and Declan’s chemistry is off the charts, the sex is hot, but it’s the raw emotions that draw you in. It’s short, it’s intense, and it packs way more heart than I expected.
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.
August 12, 2025
This is not what I'm used to reading from this writer. Harry Applebottom is an in depth writer. This story seemed unfinished. It has the depth and the plot is done well, but, the ending threw me off.
I gave a 3 star rating for the reasons above and if there were added chapters to make the book feel finished, I would be willing to change my star rating and my review.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I gave a 3 star rating for the reasons above and if there were added chapters to make the book feel finished, I would be willing to change my star rating and my review.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 18, 2025
"Keep It Quiet" is another great short story by Harry Applebottom. This author has a way with their short stories they never feel like short stories. Declan and Brad are wonderful characters and their story is complicated and emotional. Never have I wanted more from Happy Applebottom than I did when I finished this book. I would give my eyeteeth for a full length story with Declan and Brad. I'm always ready for more stories from this author.
August 19, 2025
'But from the corner of his eye, he could feel Declan watching him.
Not in the way students usually watched. Not with admiration, not with intimidation. It wasn’t even flirtation.
It was worse.
It was focus. Engagement.'
I enjoyed this book. I liked both Declan and Brad. The chemistry between them sizzled. Now that they discovered that Brad was Declan's professor, could they keep it professional, or is the growing connection between them worth the risk for a chance at more? 4 stars
Not in the way students usually watched. Not with admiration, not with intimidation. It wasn’t even flirtation.
It was worse.
It was focus. Engagement.'
I enjoyed this book. I liked both Declan and Brad. The chemistry between them sizzled. Now that they discovered that Brad was Declan's professor, could they keep it professional, or is the growing connection between them worth the risk for a chance at more? 4 stars
August 29, 2025
Perfection!
Harry is the king of MM Novellas! I am addicted and this one was also a 10/10!
I know I sound like a broken record , but I want more. This story follows Declan who meets up with Brad for a hookup that is life changing then the next day he realizes Brad is his professor. Declan has so many things going on at home and Brad is his lifeline! Their chemistry and love is so strong and sweet!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Harry is the king of MM Novellas! I am addicted and this one was also a 10/10!
I know I sound like a broken record , but I want more. This story follows Declan who meets up with Brad for a hookup that is life changing then the next day he realizes Brad is his professor. Declan has so many things going on at home and Brad is his lifeline! Their chemistry and love is so strong and sweet!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 5, 2025
I don't know how this author does it but this well written story holds a real emotional depth for such a short story, I would really love to see a future story about what happened with Brad and Declan but if not it was still a very emotional but good read about how sometimes you never know when you're going to meet your person the one that you need the most.
August 15, 2025
This author has an amazing way of combining senuality with character depth. Declan is someone any reader can identify with - struggling to keep his family together as his father falls apart. Great writing and characters with depth. Plus the steam! Well worth your time.
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.
August 18, 2025
Brad is a creative writing professor. One lonely night he decides to want a quick hook-up. Declan is the hook-up. The next day, Declan goes to class & lo & behold, Brad is his professor. Short, sweet, well written romance. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 10, 2025
I thought this book was a great read couldn't put it down. I think Harry Applebottom did a great job writing this book.
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.
September 4, 2025
The erotic connection between the characters will keep your mind wandering long after the story is over. The heat was truly on in this short story.
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.
August 4, 2025
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. It is an emotional story where I hope that Brad and Declan can continue to be what each needs.
August 5, 2025
One of my favorites thus far. So well written … I only wished that the story was longer. Brad was so sweet and understanding- Quinn, so stretched thin and beaten down by life.
October 7, 2025
For a romance short story this was surprisingly emotional, with a lot of depth and heart. It dealt with complex themes (substance abuse, grief, suicide/loss) and managed to resolve both character arcs in a satisfying way.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews