Not Even Close

by Lisa Oliver

Dear Author,
I turned thirty this year and I have yet to have my first kiss, much less a relationship with someone. I have yet to find someone that I connect with enough to be that open. I hear terms like gray-sexual and demi-sexual thrown around and figure I’ll just be alone. No one wants to take the time to get to know me; they just want to hop right in bed.

Photo Description:
A black and white photograph just showing two men, who look very similar, their mouths almost joined as they come in for a kiss.

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.

Genres: M M Romance, Shapeshifters, Paranormal, Romance, Fantasy, Short Stories, LGBT

50 pages, ebook

First published June 29, 2015

About the author

Lisa Oliver had been writing non-fiction books for years when visions of half dressed, buff men started invading her dreams. Unable to resist the lure of her stories, Lisa decided to switch to fiction books, and now stories about her men clamor to get out from under her fingertips.
When Lisa is not writing, she is usually reading with a cup of tea always at hand. Her grown children and grandchildren sometimes try and pry her away from the computer and have found that the best way to do it, is to promise her chocolate. Lisa will do anything for chocolate.
Lisa loves to hear from her readers and other writers. You can friend her on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/lisaoliverauthor), or email her directly at yoursintuitively@gmail.com. If you want to chat with her on Skype, then email for contact details.

Reviews

[Ami]

Thank you so much to the author who have participated in this event

Demi-sexual from Urban Dictionary



As an asexual myself, I was giddy when I saw the tag "demi-sexual" for this story. I thought, wow, we had another asexual spectrum here! So, I was expecting a story where the characters were spending time together, to get know one another. You know, that EMOTIONAL connection before they finally do the deeds. In other words, I was expecting "SQUEE, BONDING TIME"

Well, color me DISAPPOINTED because from what I could gather, the message here was still about SEX. That the werewolves pack is SO SEXUAL, everything must be defined by SEX. That the idea to claim your mate is so that you can have SEX numerous times a day with one person. And because you're an Alpha, and your mate doesn't want to have sex NOW (emphasis on NOW, because Connor is a demi-sexual and he is supposed to feel that emotional connection first!), then you need to be CHALLENGED because that means you're not Alpha enough?!

WTF!!

I am sorry, as an asexual, I felt irritated with this. Also quite offended! (On that note, just because you are asexual it doesn't mean that you cannot masturbate. Remember asexual is about sexual attraction. An asexual can still enjoy sex, can still masturbate, although the reason might only to release an itch without having to fantasize about someone)

Because Connor was still seen as a LESSER wolf and he only got a nod of approval because he could fight. Then before the story ended, Connor still asked for the bite. Where was the bonding and emotional connection time?!

It is my policy not to put a star-rating for this year's event if the story doesn't meet my standard of 3-stars/okay category. But if I can, this will be one of my rare 1.5-stars. Yes, I am THAT annoyed.

Note:
Per my own policy, any story from this year's event that I can't give 3* rating to, will be left unrated

[Meep · Rating 1 out of 5]

Thanks to the author for participating and offering this freebie

Edited- DNF at 24%- I skimmed/read to the end

I read demi-sexual and expected a story of characters getting to know each other, lots of personality and warmth, but that feel wasn't there for me.

Connor is the biggest, strongest man in the pack, yet on meeting his mate runs away like a little kid. The focus is on sex, he goes out to try humans, but never tries getting to know anyone.

Is it so odd to want to know someone more than an hour before sex? Though actually speaking to people would be a start! To me Conner reads as 'normal' (whatever that is) it's the pack that are odd. In fact the story made me feel I was odd.

It all seemed to be about the sex, the wolves are hyper-sexual I was expecting the meet and greet to become an orgy, then I thought perhaps that was from Connor's perspective - but no. The message of the story appears to be - it's okay if you don't want to have sex three times a day! Well that's great, thank-you, because I have a (literal) headache right now.

Don't worry Connor, the pheromone drenched Wolves weren't doing it for me either. Their sexual obsession read as bizarre and the concept of the 'perfect mate' was distasteful to me. Also the way a strong, popular leader would be challenged by his pack for going a day without sex?! I need stronger headache tablets!

Not sure if this is an existing world, though a standalone it feels like an established series verse; in which case fans will likely love it. Would probably help to have a positive impression of the pack before reading this.

Not my cuppa and cake!

[Kristan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love when I'm able to read a story that is outside the norm, and this shifter story is just that.

Connor identifies himself as demi-sexual, and as such feels that he isn't mate material. He needs to feel a connection with someone before he can entertain the thought of having sex with them, and in a world where shifters get down first, introduce themselves later, he's dreading the day he meets his mate. He no sooner says that out loud, and Fate has him meeting his mate. Connor can't run away fast enough.

Leyden will fuck anything that moves, and the moment he sees Connor, it's game on. Until he's told that if he wants a shot at Connor, he's going to have to get to know him first. Sex is a very important part of life amongst these wolves, and bonding with one's mate is an even bigger deal.

What's a wolf to do?

I liked this story. It strikes a nice balance between wolfy possessiveness (Grrr, MINE!) and sweet (Leyden and Connor's perfect first kiss). I think there was too much emphasis on the role of sex in pack dynamics, Would one day passing where the Alpha Mates didn't have sex yet constitute a pack revolt? Was it really that much of a sign of weakness to not have sex? I know sex is big for them, but I didn't really understand it, but then I'm not a wolf shifter. and a little too much angst over Connor's sexuality. I felt that sometimes it sided with the "Connor is too different" camp and not with the "there's nothing wrong with Connor" camp.

Regardless, a short, unique, entertaining shifter story.

Thank you to the author for their participation and effort in the Love is an Open Road event.

[Kira · Rating 2 out of 5]

Warning! This review contains trace amounts of soul-baring and other forms of emotional striptease. Proceed with caution.

Right. So, I couldn't believe my eyes when I first read the prompt for this story because, you see, change the gender, and it might've as well been written about me. I did get my first kiss before thirty, but it was still at the age most people would consider embarrassingly old. And the rest of the prompt - yep, that's me all right.
Oh, yeah, before any of you start to wear that knowing smirk, it's not because of my looks. I may not be a beauty, but I basically resemble Charlotte Gainsbourg a lot - not a few people dig that. And it's not personality - I'm not a charmer, but I have family and more than a couple of friends who love me. More importantly, I know several girls (and maybe one guy, but his virgin state is most likely a result of a massive douchebaggery case) who are prettier and nicer than me, but still have even less experience. So, demisexuals - there are more of us than you might think.

So it was with no small amount of hope and trepidation that I approached this story. As you can guess from the rating, my hopes were mostly crushed and trepidation not unfounded.

Despite the demisexual theme, there was barely any getting to know you in this story. We basically get all your typical mutual salivating over each other's hot bodies from the first sight, punctuated by the thought that "Oh yeah, he is not supposed to feel sexual attraction". Well, you could have fooled me.
I mean, when your character is attracted mostly to the emotional side, isn't it reasonable to expect that at first he'll pay attention to things like conversation or body parts that express said emotional side? Which tight ass isn't, sorry. For instance, me - usually I don't even notice shoulders or ass on a guy unless I've known him for a while. The face is another story... But overall, admiring beautiful strangers is akin to admiring beautiful sunsets for me - you enjoy the view, but you wouldn't want to hump it, right?

The story is not all bad, I'm glad it ended where it did. There are good moments here and there that rang true for me, such as being uncomfortable with body contact with people you don't know that well (and even that is cured swiftly by the all-powerful mate bond), but soon we are back to cardboard dialog.

Also, shifters, really? Isn't there any other way for a demisexual person to find his partner except by him being ordained from above? Well, judging by the way everyone and their grandmother here are all "But... but what about SEX?", the author probably isn't sure of it herself.

[Trisha Harrington · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this story a lot. Connor and Leyden made a nice couple and it was nice that Leyden was willing to wait for Connor.

I hated Lonnie and I really wished he hand't popped up again when he did.

Overall, this was nice. Though if sex is a must for you, then you should avoid this.

[Lila Hunter · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 out of 5

I may be biased since I'm a Lisa Oliver fan, but I enjoyed this story.

I was surprised when I saw the no sex tag on the story, but the author did a good job keeping it interesting. I loved Connor and would like to know more about him. I hope she revisits these characters/world on a later time. Maybe even Davis.

The story fitted well with the prompt and it was directly to the point. No unnecessary plot twists or long dragging scenes. We get to see both MC's individually, as well as a dating couple. I'm glad there was no dark reason behind Connor's demi-sexual label.

My only complaint will be the way the explanations for demi-sexual, asexual, etc. were presented. I think they could be a little smother.

Overall, a different, but entertaining take on shifters and mating.

[Meags · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Stars

A shifter story about apprehensive mates and the importance of building personal connections and emotional intimacy before introducing sex into the mix. It was different and I liked it.

[Ro · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unique take on shifters. I could see both sides, Leyden doing what his mate needed and the pack believing it a sign of weakness. Now I want to know what happens after!

[SJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable wolf shifter story with a strong beta enforcer of a pack not being a stereotypical wolf always on the sexual prowl. As anemic as many of these stories are, that would have been welcome. But, anyway, he is a solid demi-sexual who is being true to his self and not jumping into bed before getting to know someone. His fated mate shows up as the alpha of another pack, and a true horndog. The story continues with some pack drama where the beta defends the alpha and these dramatic feelings of wanting to protect and defend has his libido cranking up to feel secure enough to participate in a kiss and a future promise of maybe more. A nice story.

[Lori S. · Rating 2 out of 5]

I will need to reread this, but initial reading response: clunky. I like that this story features a demisexual, which made for a nice change from the lu-er-love at first sight trope, especially since Connor does not respond to such stimuli. Leyden is surprisingly patient and understanding, but the length of the story does not lend itself to real relationship development for these two men.

I think this story would benefit from being expanded and more exploration of what it means to be on the asexual spectrum in a world overloaded with sex (at least that's what it looks like to a number of aces). Still, what Ms. Oliver does write here is a good start. I would love to see more stories like this and The Alpha and His Ace.

[Kassu · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐

This was an interesting short story set in a hypersexualised werewolf world. I actually liked how the macho and virility BS was over-the-top, as it was challenged here. Still, it would always be better to have a longer and slower burn for a demisexual character.

[Seth · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've got lots of mixed feelings on this one. The best way I can think of to describe them is to break my rating down into three categories, as if I have a rubric in high school or something.

FOLLOWING THE PROMPT
1/5. The story was still focussed around sex, even if the main character identified as demi-sexual. It also seems part of the prompt was to tell a story that might give a person on the asexual spectrum hope... but while this story has a decent ending, it's more in spite of the main character's lack of interest in constant boning. Kinda missed the point.

AS A UNIQUE SHORT STORY
2/5. It's a bit clunky, and would have done with a bit more fleshing out of characters and development, but it holds together decently, and was an enjoyable read for me.

AS A LISA OLIVER FAN
3/5. Still not a high rating, because even as someone who loves the author, and has read most of her books, the premise of having a shifter story in Lisa's universe where the characters didn't bone instantly was very exciting... and left me dissapointed. Also, while as a fan I may be more forgiving than otherrs about a lot of the quirks of the story, some of them were not totally consistant even with her own shifter-verse... for instance, how is it that the character that basically drives the Sexy Alpha's demisexual mate away gets away with not only explicitly going against his alpha's orders, but does so in a way that causes his mate to flee, perhaps permanently? That is something that would cause HUGE consequences in Lisa's shifterverse as far as I know. Likewise, in most of her stories, knowingly interfering with the relationship of a pair of fated mates is one of the worst offenses in shifter society, in some of her stories, it's even a capital offense... so again, why'd the idiot get off OK?!? Lisa's usually reasonably consistant with the rules in her universe, but this was frustrating.

OVERALL, 2/5. Props to the author for taking part in this, but it didn't meet the challenge well, even if the story was decent and I enjoyed reading it.

[Jeanne 'Divinae' · Rating 4 out of 5]

Connor is the second in his pack. He is big and tall and can be very intimidating. His fellow pack members know to leave him alone and clear the way for him. Unlike when he is younger, he has a powerful presence and they accept him(especially his best friend and Alpha), for being different. Though being a wolf shifter, he has doesn’t feel sexually attracted to anyone. He finds people pleasing to the eye and he does get aroused, just no one in particular does it for him. He is more about the emotional connection, than a sexual one. In fact, he isn’t a huge fan of being touched.

Then it happens. He meets his mate. Leyden. Leyden is the neighboring pack’s Alpha. He is super sexy and very promiscuous. He is a good Alpha. Then he meets Connor and his life is changed. Thought he is confused and curious about his mate’s situation, he isn’t put off. He is willing… no he wants to be with Connor even if it means giving up sex. He’d rather have Connor by his side. Someone who respects, supports, and just generally get him and like him for him. Despite being sexual active, he doesn’t have that connection, he has craved. And he gets that with Connor. This is a different type of shifter story. In fact, there is no sex in this story.

It’s refreshing, different take on shifters.

[Kevin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to like this more (I love shifter stories), but it seemed too clinical. At times it was like a psychology primer about asexual. It, also had, too many, commas.

[Janie · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was really sweet, but for me, this type of shifter story was lacking since their was no sex.

[Eran · Rating 2 out of 5]

PS Lisa......Asexuals do masterbate and some even enjoy sex because being asexual really only means you aren't sexual attracted to anyone we need emotional connections

[Omega696 · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the story but all pack members were so unidimensional...

[Jenn (not Lily) · Rating 4 out of 5]

That was more satisfying than I thought it would be, even despite ending when the relationship has only just started.

[Liexo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like how Lisa Oliver wrote about a different point of view in the mating of wolves.
All you ever see in (M/M) shifter books is about how fast the mating is happening, and although you sometimes see a character wonder if "do you love me because of me or because we're Fated Mates ?", it's just mentioned as if in passing and they go over that pretty quickly.
Well, Connor and Leyden's story is a bit different. And I liked it.

Complain : *whining* Why wasn't is longer ? what happens next ? Are you going to make it in a series ? Please make it in a series !

This is how much I liked it..... ;)

[GlamLawyer · Rating 3 out of 5]

More 3.5 stars
I didn't expect a shifterstory to that prompt. I have to admit I would have loved to read an contemporary story. But I still really liked the take on that prompt.
I think being a demi-sexual werewolf isn't like being s demi-sexual human. The shifterworld works different and sex and the mating follow different rules than the normal world.
The mating call is powerful and overrules a lot. Still Connor doesn't change when he meets his mate. He isn't 'healed' or anything. He is scared but unable to stay away from his mate.

[Tori Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I really liked this story!

It's small and quick, a brief look at the start of a relationship. I liked the explanation of Connor's sexuality, and I loved Leyden's acceptance. I liked the drama of the pack situation, and Leyden's reaction.

The best part? NO OBVIOUS EDITING ISSUES! I have liked Lisa's books and writing, but so often the editing has problems. This book didn't have anything that bothered me! Yeah!

This is just a great little shifter story, minimal fuss, just a hint of sex, and I'd love to see more of these two!

[Wax · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this different take on shifter stories, with a wolf shifter who wanted to have a deeper connection to his fated mate. It could have used some more details, and I definitely didn't think there was enough time for the connection to form, but overall it was interesting and different.

Thanks to the author for participating in the LOR event.

[Tiferet · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very enjoyable story about a wolf shifter on a demisexual spectrum struggling with his doubts over a mating because of how oversexualized the shifter society is, how much emphasis is put on sexual attraction, availability and performance (which explains nicely all the over the top - for human standards - reactions on both sides).

[Judy Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superb character development and world building. Lisa, please tell me this is the start of a new series. Loved the emphasis on getting to know your mate, rather than the typical wham/bam scenario. Loved Conner and Leyden and hope to see more of them in the near future...no pressure. ;D

[CJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5. I am always interested in a wolfie story when it is not sex 24/7. This one strikes a really nice balance between that wolf possessiveness that you must have in a wolfie book and also throws in some sweetness. I liked it.

[A.R. Jarvis · Rating 2 out of 5]

Read much more like Connor had made a moral choice to stay virgin until marriage/commitment in a sex-crazed society, than a story about a person who feels no sexual attraction until a strong emotional connection is made. DNF, due to the discord caused thereby.

[xiin · Rating 4 out of 5]

really loved the way the characters interacted - a bit too much angst about being demisexual, but i can imagine it's not an easy thing, too.

[Bookbee · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

[jules0623 · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars

[Victoria · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice interpretation of the photo and the story letter. I would love to read more about these two and their world. Thank you Lisa Oliver for donating your story, your time and your talent.