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Blame the Fireworks
Meet Harlie. He thinks he’s too awkward to live, maybe a little too shy and, very much to his frustration, simply ‘all knees and elbows’. A walking disaster zone. Tripping up stairs or running into glass doors, that kinda thing. And he’s got the biggest crush on his roommate’s older brother, Tabby, who seems to be completely out of his league. Not only is Tabby beautiful, he’s also elegant and confident, kindhearted and sort of just ‘perfect’.
Tabby knows what he wants out of life, always had, and much to his parents disappointment, he continues pursuing the things that make him happy instead of pleasing them. He lives by mottos such as:
‘Choose kindness and laugh often’, and ‘Do small things with great love’.
When a tragedy strikes, Tabby realizes that life is more fragile than he ever wanted to admit. While he knows what he wants, Tabby isn’t fearless. The thought of losing his newfound friendship with Harlie terrifies him, but imagining all the wonderful things he’s missing out on, if he keeps chickening out, is even more painful.
Perhaps he could talk Harlie into a spontaneous road trip… See if he can overcome his fears?
And if fate is kind enough, he might get a chance at something very, very special.
* * *
Dear Author,
My roommate’s brother is visiting again and sleeping on our couch. I tiptoe around and pray I don’t run into anything or cause a clatter that would wake him. All knees and elbows, that’s me— while he’s all strength and grace. Looking at him, I can’t help my wistful sigh. He’s beautiful, but that’s not it. It’s his gentle smiles and kindness. Unlike everyone else, he doesn’t treat me like I’m one stumble away from being declared a walking disaster zone.
Unfortunately, he also treats me like a kid brother. He ruffles my hair and calls me ‘kiddo’. I wish I wasn’t so awkward. I wish I was sexy so he’d want me the way I want him. I wish I was the one he dreamed about as he slept on the couch.
Photo Description:
The photograph shows a black-and-white close-up of the face of a pretty, young man. His eyes are closed, and he appears to be sleeping, content.
This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Love is an Open Road" 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.
Tabby knows what he wants out of life, always had, and much to his parents disappointment, he continues pursuing the things that make him happy instead of pleasing them. He lives by mottos such as:
‘Choose kindness and laugh often’, and ‘Do small things with great love’.
When a tragedy strikes, Tabby realizes that life is more fragile than he ever wanted to admit. While he knows what he wants, Tabby isn’t fearless. The thought of losing his newfound friendship with Harlie terrifies him, but imagining all the wonderful things he’s missing out on, if he keeps chickening out, is even more painful.
Perhaps he could talk Harlie into a spontaneous road trip… See if he can overcome his fears?
And if fate is kind enough, he might get a chance at something very, very special.
* * *
Dear Author,
My roommate’s brother is visiting again and sleeping on our couch. I tiptoe around and pray I don’t run into anything or cause a clatter that would wake him. All knees and elbows, that’s me— while he’s all strength and grace. Looking at him, I can’t help my wistful sigh. He’s beautiful, but that’s not it. It’s his gentle smiles and kindness. Unlike everyone else, he doesn’t treat me like I’m one stumble away from being declared a walking disaster zone.
Unfortunately, he also treats me like a kid brother. He ruffles my hair and calls me ‘kiddo’. I wish I wasn’t so awkward. I wish I was sexy so he’d want me the way I want him. I wish I was the one he dreamed about as he slept on the couch.
Photo Description:
The photograph shows a black-and-white close-up of the face of a pretty, young man. His eyes are closed, and he appears to be sleeping, content.
This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Love is an Open Road" 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.
112 pages, ebook
First published June 13, 2015
1 person is currently reading
73 people want to read
About the author
Riina Y.T.
7 books60 followersAuthor of Spring, Bax & Butterflies, Missing Piece and Blame the Fireworks.
Riina currently resides in Germany. She spent countless exciting days in the UK and US and lost her heart in Tokyo.
She would be thrilled if one day her stories could brighten someone’s day in the way those beautiful romances always lighten up her dull everyday life. Riina is looking forward to sharing many more stories with the world.
When she doesn’t daydream about boys in love, and isn’t glued to her Kindle, Riina loves to travel the world and explore the unknown.
Riina currently resides in Germany. She spent countless exciting days in the UK and US and lost her heart in Tokyo.
She would be thrilled if one day her stories could brighten someone’s day in the way those beautiful romances always lighten up her dull everyday life. Riina is looking forward to sharing many more stories with the world.
When she doesn’t daydream about boys in love, and isn’t glued to her Kindle, Riina loves to travel the world and explore the unknown.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
June 16, 2015
~3.5~
Blame the Fireworks is cotton candy and rainbows.
Harlie has had a crush on his roommate's older brother, Tabby, for ages. Clumsy and shy, Harlie blushes like crazy whenever Tabby is around.
In a moment of spontaneity directed by Tabby, the two men set off on a road trip from Pennsylvania to Florida during which they connect in more ways than one.
This is an engaging, feel-good, friends-to-lovers story with a nice amount of steam. It's a quick read and will make you smile.
Rounding down because the ending felt a little rushed with a couple issues (like coming out as a couple to the brother/roommate) left dangling. I also thought including Harlie's bitterness toward his mom was unnecessary.
Great use of the prompt!
Blame the Fireworks is cotton candy and rainbows.
Harlie has had a crush on his roommate's older brother, Tabby, for ages. Clumsy and shy, Harlie blushes like crazy whenever Tabby is around.
In a moment of spontaneity directed by Tabby, the two men set off on a road trip from Pennsylvania to Florida during which they connect in more ways than one.
This is an engaging, feel-good, friends-to-lovers story with a nice amount of steam. It's a quick read and will make you smile.
Rounding down because the ending felt a little rushed with a couple issues (like coming out as a couple to the brother/roommate) left dangling. I also thought including Harlie's bitterness toward his mom was unnecessary.
Great use of the prompt!
June 13, 2015
A gentle, lovely story with a nice amount of heat and strong voices. Thank you to the author and LOR event peoples.
August 14, 2015
3.5 Stars
That was some sugary goodness, right there.
Roommates brother, friends-to-lovers AND a road-trip! A trifecta of awesomeness.
Harlie, the beanie wearing klutz, has been crushing on his roommates brother for years. Perceiving himself as unworthy, and assuming Tabby is straight, Harlie keeps his feelings to himself. But when Tabby requests that Harlie join him on an impromptu road-trip (leaving immediately), Harlie jumps at the opportunity to spend some quality time alone with him. Mutual feelings are revealed during their little adventure and the two grow incredibly close.
This story had quite a long slow-burn (or I'm just ridiculously impatient), but the budding romance was sweet and tender, and the eventual smexy times were hot and steamy. Both characters were fairly adorable and the angst was at an all time low (yay!).
The story may have dragged on longer than was necessary, and there were a few random plot points shoved in for no apparent reason , but overall, the story was one of good feelings and happy vibes!
Plus, pretty cover!!
That was some sugary goodness, right there.
Roommates brother, friends-to-lovers AND a road-trip! A trifecta of awesomeness.
Harlie, the beanie wearing klutz, has been crushing on his roommates brother for years. Perceiving himself as unworthy, and assuming Tabby is straight, Harlie keeps his feelings to himself. But when Tabby requests that Harlie join him on an impromptu road-trip (leaving immediately), Harlie jumps at the opportunity to spend some quality time alone with him. Mutual feelings are revealed during their little adventure and the two grow incredibly close.
This story had quite a long slow-burn (or I'm just ridiculously impatient), but the budding romance was sweet and tender, and the eventual smexy times were hot and steamy. Both characters were fairly adorable and the angst was at an all time low (yay!).
The story may have dragged on longer than was necessary, and there were a few random plot points shoved in for no apparent reason , but overall, the story was one of good feelings and happy vibes!
Plus, pretty cover!!
June 15, 2015
I was already expecting this story to be all mushy and stuff based on the given prompt and I wasn't wrong. Harlie and Tabby are just all kinds of adorable!
Harlie's totally into his roommate’s brother Tabby. The latter is gorgeous, graceful and kind while he's alright in the looks department, a total klutz and totally not like Tabby. But that’s not how Tabby sees him.
When Tabby unexpectedly dragged Harlie for a little summer road trip, both discovered something they shared in common and harboring for the longest time…
This quick read is all kinds of bright stars, unicorns and butterflies that I’m positive that it will make you giddy pre and post-reading it. I know I did because I’m a sucker for – well unicorns and butterflies (?) hahaha. Nah – just one solid word to describe it though all – TOOFUCKINGCUTE. Oops!
I wished the ending was longer and not rushed but I’ve a feeling that there’s more to these two waiting for us.
I wouldn’t mind getting it sooner ;)
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Harlie's totally into his roommate’s brother Tabby. The latter is gorgeous, graceful and kind while he's alright in the looks department, a total klutz and totally not like Tabby. But that’s not how Tabby sees him.
When Tabby unexpectedly dragged Harlie for a little summer road trip, both discovered something they shared in common and harboring for the longest time…
This quick read is all kinds of bright stars, unicorns and butterflies that I’m positive that it will make you giddy pre and post-reading it. I know I did because I’m a sucker for – well unicorns and butterflies (?) hahaha. Nah – just one solid word to describe it though all – TOOFUCKINGCUTE. Oops!
I wished the ending was longer and not rushed but I’ve a feeling that there’s more to these two waiting for us.
I wouldn’t mind getting it sooner ;)
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
June 16, 2015
3.75 stars
Harlie Kingston has just finished his internship at a kindergarten, and is now faced with the enormity of having to decide what he wants to do with the rest of his life. The only real things he's sure about are that he's completely enamored with Tabby, his roommate's brother, and that if there's a way to trip over, drop, or break something, Harlie will probably find a way to do it.
Tabby, having just found out that an old friend died, suggests a spontaneous road trip for himself and Harlie. What better way to get some much needed distance away from everything, and to help decide their futures, than a trip along the coast to Florida? Tabby also hopes to woo Harlie, because he's finally realized that life is short and opportunities don't wait.
What ensues is a very gentle story with no conflict; just a sweet building of a relationship that was incredibly cute.
See this kitten?
It was adorable kitten cute.
Harlie and Tabby? Freaking adorable. And Harlie? Harlie is me. I completely identify with that character. It's like walls go out of their way to get me to walk into them. I knew exactly how Harlie felt about himself and other people's perception of him, and I wanted to wrap him up in a hug the entire story.
This story started off strong.
Like Keanu Reeves strong.
The UST was so well done, and Harlie’s coping with his attraction and the feeling he has towards himself was incredible. Talk about a loveable character.
Now, here's where I have to be honest. When Harlie and Tabby finally get together, it's sweet. Very sweet. Flowery sweet.
Flowers. Flowers everywhere.
And that's okay. I love flowers. But there were times when it got to be a little too sweet, and I had a hard time reconciling this behavior with a 25 and 21 year old. It's not necessarily a bad thing; if I ever need a sweet and sappy (Maple syrup) read, this will be the book I pick up
I'm beginning to recognize this author's writing style as one focused on details. I find at times they get stuck in their character's head and, as a result, the reader witnesses repetitive thinking. Some people love this, I get kind of distracted by it. To each their own.
I'm wondering if there's a sequel in the works? Or maybe an expansion? It did have a bit of an open ending, so we'll see.
But gentle, sweet, entertaining and adorable? That's this story.
Thank you to the author for their time and effort in the Love is an Open Road event.
Harlie Kingston has just finished his internship at a kindergarten, and is now faced with the enormity of having to decide what he wants to do with the rest of his life. The only real things he's sure about are that he's completely enamored with Tabby, his roommate's brother, and that if there's a way to trip over, drop, or break something, Harlie will probably find a way to do it.
Tabby, having just found out that an old friend died, suggests a spontaneous road trip for himself and Harlie. What better way to get some much needed distance away from everything, and to help decide their futures, than a trip along the coast to Florida? Tabby also hopes to woo Harlie, because he's finally realized that life is short and opportunities don't wait.
What ensues is a very gentle story with no conflict; just a sweet building of a relationship that was incredibly cute.
See this kitten?
It was adorable kitten cute.
Harlie and Tabby? Freaking adorable. And Harlie? Harlie is me. I completely identify with that character. It's like walls go out of their way to get me to walk into them. I knew exactly how Harlie felt about himself and other people's perception of him, and I wanted to wrap him up in a hug the entire story.
This story started off strong.
Like Keanu Reeves strong.
The UST was so well done, and Harlie’s coping with his attraction and the feeling he has towards himself was incredible. Talk about a loveable character.
Now, here's where I have to be honest. When Harlie and Tabby finally get together, it's sweet. Very sweet. Flowery sweet.
Flowers. Flowers everywhere.
And that's okay. I love flowers. But there were times when it got to be a little too sweet, and I had a hard time reconciling this behavior with a 25 and 21 year old. It's not necessarily a bad thing; if I ever need a sweet and sappy (Maple syrup) read, this will be the book I pick up
I'm beginning to recognize this author's writing style as one focused on details. I find at times they get stuck in their character's head and, as a result, the reader witnesses repetitive thinking. Some people love this, I get kind of distracted by it. To each their own.
I'm wondering if there's a sequel in the works? Or maybe an expansion? It did have a bit of an open ending, so we'll see.
But gentle, sweet, entertaining and adorable? That's this story.
Thank you to the author for their time and effort in the Love is an Open Road event.
January 2, 2016
Someone called this a "gentle" story, and they're right. It's the literary equivalent to a slow, rainy Sunday afternoon spent cuddled under a blanket.
"You know, Harlie. What you deserve is someone who treats you right, who dotes on you because you’re worth that someone’s affections. You deserve a guy who loves you to death and treasures every moment given with you, and… I’d really like to be that guy.”
Harlie gasped softly, his eyes growing glassy, and looking gorgeous as sin. He never believed me when I commented on his good looks, and I hated it. Harlie was beautiful inside and out. I was going to make him see it one day as well.
“Only if I can be that guy for you too.”
“Absolutely.”
I would have rated higher, but I felt like the end was pretty abrupt.
"You know, Harlie. What you deserve is someone who treats you right, who dotes on you because you’re worth that someone’s affections. You deserve a guy who loves you to death and treasures every moment given with you, and… I’d really like to be that guy.”
Harlie gasped softly, his eyes growing glassy, and looking gorgeous as sin. He never believed me when I commented on his good looks, and I hated it. Harlie was beautiful inside and out. I was going to make him see it one day as well.
“Only if I can be that guy for you too.”
“Absolutely.”
I would have rated higher, but I felt like the end was pretty abrupt.
October 11, 2015
There might have been a cute short story buried somewhere in there, but it just went on and on too long.
A guy has a crush on his roommate's brother. Eventually we learn that the crush is reciprocated while they are on a road trip. It should have ended with that resolution, but it just went on and on even more. There were also irrelevant points about trouble with mothers and dislike of birthdays that did not add anything to the story. The love interest was a model, then suddenly he's an aspiring actor.
I ended up skimming till I finally got to the end.
A guy has a crush on his roommate's brother. Eventually we learn that the crush is reciprocated while they are on a road trip. It should have ended with that resolution, but it just went on and on even more. There were also irrelevant points about trouble with mothers and dislike of birthdays that did not add anything to the story. The love interest was a model, then suddenly he's an aspiring actor.
I ended up skimming till I finally got to the end.
June 13, 2015
Vast improvement over last year's submission: Spring, Bax and Butterflies. Still feel like the ending was a bit rushed with a couple of things that feel unresolved. It let me with a feeling that a follow up story may be coming.
June 22, 2015
The story didn't really grab me, so it was more like a 2* read. I added one for being free.
March 1, 2016
Pink cotton candy! That's what this story is like, all sweet and fluffy.
The end seemed a little rushed, I think it could have been done without mention of Harlie's mum if more wasn't to come of it. So, 3.5 stars, which I rounded up because it was just made me feel too damn good! BWT (Belen) aptly describes it as "...the literary equivalent to a slow, rainy Sunday afternoon spent cuddled under a blanket." Yep, that about sums it up.
The end seemed a little rushed, I think it could have been done without mention of Harlie's mum if more wasn't to come of it. So, 3.5 stars, which I rounded up because it was just made me feel too damn good! BWT (Belen) aptly describes it as "...the literary equivalent to a slow, rainy Sunday afternoon spent cuddled under a blanket." Yep, that about sums it up.
June 20, 2015
I almost gave this story a 2, but then decided to bump it up, because I did like it, I just didn't love it. I felt like it could have been a lot better and there could have been more funny/embarrassing/awkward/hot moments between the two of them while Tabby was visiting. The road trip kinda threw me off, because I wasn't expecting it after reading the prompt, but it was still a cute story.
June 29, 2015
This one was really good friends to lovers story. Both MCs are secrectly chrushing to each other and then decide to take a road trip together..
October 21, 2018
I wish there was more to this, but it's lovely as is! I especially appreciated having Harlie's voice for most of the story and Tabby's for only the last chapter. Love these two together!
June 16, 2015
Contemporary short that started out really cute, but lost its appeal along the way.
The story begins from Harlie's POV, a college graduate still not sure what he wants to be, and quite in lust with his roommate's brother, Tabby. Tab leaves and returns, stealing Harlie away on a crazy road-trip from Pennsylvania to Florida. Harlie is gun-shy and nervous, a bumbling, clumsy boy, or so he describes himself, but Tabby sees underneath all that.
I was enjoying the story until about 3/4 of the way through when the author decided to switch to Tab's POV. It went downhill there, his voice not as strong or charasmatic as Harlie's had been. Perhaps if the author had done dual POVs from the beginning I might have gotten into it, but without it... story just felt unfinished in my mind from Harlie's POV.
The story begins from Harlie's POV, a college graduate still not sure what he wants to be, and quite in lust with his roommate's brother, Tabby. Tab leaves and returns, stealing Harlie away on a crazy road-trip from Pennsylvania to Florida. Harlie is gun-shy and nervous, a bumbling, clumsy boy, or so he describes himself, but Tabby sees underneath all that.
I was enjoying the story until about 3/4 of the way through when the author decided to switch to Tab's POV. It went downhill there, his voice not as strong or charasmatic as Harlie's had been. Perhaps if the author had done dual POVs from the beginning I might have gotten into it, but without it... story just felt unfinished in my mind from Harlie's POV.
July 7, 2015
Harlie has a huge crush on his roommate's older brother. Poor clumsy, clueless Harlie. I loved him! He reminded me of myself, forever dropping things and spilling things. Tabby is that untouchable "cool older brother," tousling his hair and calling him Kiddo every time he sees him.
When Tabby's old friend dies suddenly, he decides to invite Harlie on a spontaneous roadtrip that changes everything. This was a cute friends-to-lovers story, a nice journey about finding yourself and love was sweet without being too sappy.
When Tabby's old friend dies suddenly, he decides to invite Harlie on a spontaneous roadtrip that changes everything. This was a cute friends-to-lovers story, a nice journey about finding yourself and love was sweet without being too sappy.
April 9, 2017
4.25 stars
** spoiler alert ** VERY raw notes, may contain spoilers but probably nothing major. However, you've been warned.
** spoiler alert ** VERY raw notes, may contain spoilers but probably nothing major. However, you've been warned.
June 23, 2015
An engaging and sweet friends to lovers story.
The relationship between Harlie and Tabby at the start when they were just friends was nice to read.
The romance lost its steam shortly after the road trip though and there was a rushed sort of feel towards the end when Harlie started revealing his family history, which came out of nowhere really.
But I enjoyed the story overall.
The relationship between Harlie and Tabby at the start when they were just friends was nice to read.
The romance lost its steam shortly after the road trip though and there was a rushed sort of feel towards the end when Harlie started revealing his family history, which came out of nowhere really.
But I enjoyed the story overall.
June 20, 2015
A really cute story. Loved reading the build up and innocence of Harlie. I really wish it had been a bit longer just to see if Harlie ever faced his issues with his mother. Also I wanted to see if Tabby carried out his plan for a surprise party and how Harlie would retaliate.
Fantastic job by the author and very great prompt!
Fantastic job by the author and very great prompt!
July 17, 2016
It was not a bad story, it just did not do it for me. I disliked the one MC's name (Tabby sounds like the name of a bitchy middle-aged woman to me), and I do not have the patience to deal with constant clumsiness. So the issues I had with the story is personal, another reader will probably enjoy it a lot
December 10, 2022
Too sweet and drawn out-sorry it just wasn´t for me.
June 14, 2015
3.5 Stars
June 22, 2015
3.5 - Sweet and funny. Nice interpretation of the photo and the story letter. Thank you Riina Y.T. for donating your story, your time and your talent.
June 20, 2015
3.5 stars and hoping to read more about Harlie and Tabbie.
June 24, 2015
Cute, fluffy story with character names I liked (Harlie and Tabby). Loved that he has a beanie collection, too.
July 14, 2015
Harlie roommates brothers coming for a visit and staying over he has a crush on him. Tabby invite harlie for an road trip harlie take the invite and things process from there.
June 30, 2015
There really wasn't much of a plot but it was a nice easy read with lots of sweet, hot moments. Nicely done.
August 4, 2015
I thought it was a very sweet story!
Lovable boys!! :)
Lovable boys!! :)
September 10, 2015
Wonderful story. I thought the end was a little rushed,wish it was longer to tie up a few loose ends.
October 6, 2015
Sugar and spice and all things nice.
October 23, 2015
This story was really sweet, but maybe a little slow for me. It started more interesting than it ended, with too many loose ends.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews