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Dear Author,
Look at him. He is so gorgeous and so easy to work with; he really is my favourite model. Sadly I have started fantasising that the looks he is giving the camera are actually for me. But I know that could never be the case. Look at him, he is perfection, and then me, I am definitely not, I’m just an average guy.
Please help me get over my fantasy and move on from my delusion.
With thanks,
A shy photography geek.
Photo Description:
A black-and-white photo of a beautiful young man, possibly a fashion shoot, on a plain background. Styled, light-colored hair crowns a pretty face. The man’s eyes are sexy, his mouth slightly open. His checkered shirt is open, revealing strong, defined abs as he stretches his arms over his head.
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.
Look at him. He is so gorgeous and so easy to work with; he really is my favourite model. Sadly I have started fantasising that the looks he is giving the camera are actually for me. But I know that could never be the case. Look at him, he is perfection, and then me, I am definitely not, I’m just an average guy.
Please help me get over my fantasy and move on from my delusion.
With thanks,
A shy photography geek.
Photo Description:
A black-and-white photo of a beautiful young man, possibly a fashion shoot, on a plain background. Styled, light-colored hair crowns a pretty face. The man’s eyes are sexy, his mouth slightly open. His checkered shirt is open, revealing strong, defined abs as he stretches his arms over his head.
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.
67 pages, ebook
First published July 20, 2015
48 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
July 22, 2015
I liked the MCs, especially Charlie, what with his freckles and down-to-earth attitude.
This is a relationship focused story, with Dominic thinking he's not good enough for Charlie and Charlie thinking Domnic just isn't interested.
There were a couple things that niggled at me: Dominic's sexual issue is introduced and then dropped. This isn't a long enough story to deal with something so heavy; if there isn't going to be a resolution of some sort, leave it out.
Also, out of the blue in the last scene, Dominic has a surprise visitor. Totally random and unnecessary.
The story is cute, though. I liked the modeling scene at the beginning: look, don't touch.
This is a relationship focused story, with Dominic thinking he's not good enough for Charlie and Charlie thinking Domnic just isn't interested.
There were a couple things that niggled at me: Dominic's sexual issue is introduced and then dropped. This isn't a long enough story to deal with something so heavy; if there isn't going to be a resolution of some sort, leave it out.
Also, out of the blue in the last scene, Dominic has a surprise visitor. Totally random and unnecessary.
The story is cute, though. I liked the modeling scene at the beginning: look, don't touch.
January 6, 2021
Very nice. A photographer meets a model on a photo shoot. Love follows. Nothing overly complicated, though there is some decent character development considering it's a short story. Charlie wants someone who will see him for himself instead of his image, and Dominic has some issues from previous relationships that make him insecure and causes anxiety. Mike was a hoot as the overly-eager best friend.
August 12, 2015
4 Stars
Thoroughly enjoyable!
When Dominic, the shy photographer, shows up to his latest gig, he becomes immediately enraptured by Charlie, the stunningly beautiful and playful model. After the photoshoot is completed, Charlie wrangles himself a ride back to Montreal with Dominic, and it becomes immediately clear to Dominic that Charlie is more than just a pretty face – he’s modelling to pay his way through school, while completing his Master’s degree in Social Work. Dominic views Charlie as out-of-his-league, but Charlie doesn’t shy away from expressing his obvious interest in getting to know Dominic better. Dominic reacts somewhat awkwardly (adorably in Charlie’s eyes) to Charlie’s sincere advances; affected by a past dodgy relationship, Dominic suffers from a really skewed view of his personal self-worth, and can’t fathom why someone as smart and beautiful as Charlie would show any interest in someone like him.
The slow-build relationship that progresses between the two is adorably sweet. Charlie is intelligent, cheeky and just an all-around nice guy. Dominic is shy and endearing, but he’s riddled with (false) insecurities which Charlie patiently works to rectify.
I truly adored this story. It was beautifully written and the characters were extremely likable, including Mike, Dominic’s straight bestie. It was also quite funny. I had a couple of really good chuckles during this read, and that’s always appreciated.
Now I’ll have to go see if Phoebe Sean has anymore tasty stories for me to devour!
And may I just say, the "photographic foreplay" scene (as I've come to call it) was deliciously arousing, and served as the icing on top of this already tasty cake. Nom-nom-nom!!
Thoroughly enjoyable!
When Dominic, the shy photographer, shows up to his latest gig, he becomes immediately enraptured by Charlie, the stunningly beautiful and playful model. After the photoshoot is completed, Charlie wrangles himself a ride back to Montreal with Dominic, and it becomes immediately clear to Dominic that Charlie is more than just a pretty face – he’s modelling to pay his way through school, while completing his Master’s degree in Social Work. Dominic views Charlie as out-of-his-league, but Charlie doesn’t shy away from expressing his obvious interest in getting to know Dominic better. Dominic reacts somewhat awkwardly (adorably in Charlie’s eyes) to Charlie’s sincere advances; affected by a past dodgy relationship, Dominic suffers from a really skewed view of his personal self-worth, and can’t fathom why someone as smart and beautiful as Charlie would show any interest in someone like him.
The slow-build relationship that progresses between the two is adorably sweet. Charlie is intelligent, cheeky and just an all-around nice guy. Dominic is shy and endearing, but he’s riddled with (false) insecurities which Charlie patiently works to rectify.
I truly adored this story. It was beautifully written and the characters were extremely likable, including Mike, Dominic’s straight bestie. It was also quite funny. I had a couple of really good chuckles during this read, and that’s always appreciated.
Now I’ll have to go see if Phoebe Sean has anymore tasty stories for me to devour!
And may I just say, the "photographic foreplay" scene (as I've come to call it) was deliciously arousing, and served as the icing on top of this already tasty cake. Nom-nom-nom!!
July 21, 2015
Aww. This is just too sweet
Dominic might be cool and confident behind his lense but he's incredibly shy in everything else. He's a downright fumbling mess when it comes to Charlie, the sexy model he's just shot for a Clothing Ad. Luckily Charlie sees past the awkwardly shy exterior to the gentle, sweet guy beneath. After all, Charlie knows people aren't always what they seem. He is first hand proof that he's not just a pretty face, when he explains to Dominic that he's finishing up his Masters to be a Social Worker. He also senses that Dominic has had his confidence shattered, and his understanding and supportive way in which he handles Dominic is a pleasure to read.
You know what else was a pleasure to read? A really hot camera foreplay scene near the end.
Dominic can't fathom why Charlie would be attracted to him, and Charlie is awed that Dom can't see what he has to offer. What comes about is a slow, sweet building of a lasting relationship.
There was an unexpected, unwanted guest appearance that was completely unnecessary, but otherwise, this was a very enjoyable, no angst, sweet, hot chocolate read.
My thanks to the author for their time and participation in the Love is an Open Road event.
Dominic might be cool and confident behind his lense but he's incredibly shy in everything else. He's a downright fumbling mess when it comes to Charlie, the sexy model he's just shot for a Clothing Ad. Luckily Charlie sees past the awkwardly shy exterior to the gentle, sweet guy beneath. After all, Charlie knows people aren't always what they seem. He is first hand proof that he's not just a pretty face, when he explains to Dominic that he's finishing up his Masters to be a Social Worker. He also senses that Dominic has had his confidence shattered, and his understanding and supportive way in which he handles Dominic is a pleasure to read.
You know what else was a pleasure to read? A really hot camera foreplay scene near the end.
Dominic can't fathom why Charlie would be attracted to him, and Charlie is awed that Dom can't see what he has to offer. What comes about is a slow, sweet building of a lasting relationship.
There was an unexpected, unwanted guest appearance that was completely unnecessary, but otherwise, this was a very enjoyable, no angst, sweet, hot chocolate read.
My thanks to the author for their time and participation in the Love is an Open Road event.
October 20, 2015
This was a sweet read. I liked Dominic, his fumbling awkwardness was very cute and not written in that annoying way shy people can be portrayed sometimes. I really liked that end scene with the camera, that was fun and sexy. The slow development of their relationship felt realistic and was nice and comfortable to read, no angst.
Overall though I think I wanted this prompt to have a more unrequited love feel and maybe a bit of pining and such, whereas Charlie (the model) was attracted and noticed Dominic straight away. It made the story a sweet boy meets boy, then become friends and start a relationship, with a few heart felt moments inbetween. Nothing bad, just nothing different. Also that last scene with came out of no where and wasn't really nessecary.
Overall though I think I wanted this prompt to have a more unrequited love feel and maybe a bit of pining and such, whereas Charlie (the model) was attracted and noticed Dominic straight away. It made the story a sweet boy meets boy, then become friends and start a relationship, with a few heart felt moments inbetween. Nothing bad, just nothing different. Also that last scene with came out of no where and wasn't really nessecary.
October 11, 2015
This gave me such a warm feeling when I finished. I loved the insecurity of the two main characters, and the overactive imagination of the photographer. I too often think of the worst thing that can happen. I especially enjoyed the setting of Montreal, where I attended school for five years. It was great that the model was so much more than just his looks, and that he was the one to pursue the shy photographer.
Update: I just read the previous reviews, and several people were bothered by the visitor at the end. It was not totally unexpected in this sort of story, and it served as a catalyst for the relationship. I groaned a little at the timing, but short stories have to take such liberties to remain brief and interesting.
Update: I just read the previous reviews, and several people were bothered by the visitor at the end. It was not totally unexpected in this sort of story, and it served as a catalyst for the relationship. I groaned a little at the timing, but short stories have to take such liberties to remain brief and interesting.
July 21, 2015
3.5 stars
I found the characters to be adorable -- Dominic's babbling gave me some good chuckles -- and I appreciated the fluff. While the story itself might not be outstanding, it did pass as an entertaining read.
I found the characters to be adorable -- Dominic's babbling gave me some good chuckles -- and I appreciated the fluff. While the story itself might not be outstanding, it did pass as an entertaining read.
July 22, 2015
Well…overall a nice story. Up to a point I really liked the story BUT like some other reviewers said there were some items that were thrown in at the end that didn’t feel fully thought out. Other than the issues due to the ex’s cheating ways the stories too short to deal with anything deep. Also who are these people answering their door during cake/sexy times? And the whole boyfriend thing…these two are 25 and 27, seemed a bit rushed/cheesy. They’d played video games and shared in mutual orgasms, let’s get a few more dates under their belt first.
2.5 rounded up because I think if given more pages and deleting the last bit it would have been really good. Let's all agree to do away with unnecessary drama/characters.
2.5 rounded up because I think if given more pages and deleting the last bit it would have been really good. Let's all agree to do away with unnecessary drama/characters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 22, 2015
I loved these guys. A sweet, gentle, lovely romance.
OH! And there was photography. I love me some photography!
OH! And there was photography. I love me some photography!
October 2, 2018
Very very sweet and endearing. Both MCs, Domenic, the shy photographer, and Charlie, the charasmatic model/grad student are totally likeable and easy to relate to. I really think the author got it right with Dom’s shyness and social awkwardness. While it might have seemed too over-the-top or almost annoying at times, it really captures the difficulties and struggles that very shy individual goes through. My biggest complaint about this is that it ended too abruptly. It felt like the author just needed it to end and gave a quick wrap-up. This really could be start of a longer book that covers Dom’s shyness (and the sexual issue he has) and Charlie’s insecurities as a model and how it affects their relationship (and how they come out stronger together).
August 9, 2021
Dominic only feels truly confident when he’s behind his camera and in control of a photo shoot. But when he meets model, Charlie, for a fashion shoot he finds himself flustered in ways he hasn’t been since his last break up a year ago. He thinks there’s no way Charlie will be interested in someone as average and boring as Dom, not to mention his bedroom hangups — after all his ex made it very clear that Dom was the problem. I loved watching Dom battle his anxiety and low self-esteem to really find his confidence with Charlie. I could really relate to Dom’s awkward early attempts to spend time with Charlie. He’s just so earnest that I want to give him a hug and make everything better.
Charlie is modeling to put himself through his master’s degree for social work and he hates always having to prove to others that he’s more than just a pretty face. But Dom sees him in a way that no one else ever has. Charlie has enough confidence for both of them and he’s determined to help Dom overcome his worries. The love is pretty fast and intense in this one, after all it’s only about 70 pages but there was something very natural about it. The shortness does mean that some heavier issues (like Dom’s aversion to anal sex) get brushed over pretty fast but again, it all felt like it fit pretty well. Overall, I loved both these heroes and the writing was particularly smooth and well paced.
Charlie is modeling to put himself through his master’s degree for social work and he hates always having to prove to others that he’s more than just a pretty face. But Dom sees him in a way that no one else ever has. Charlie has enough confidence for both of them and he’s determined to help Dom overcome his worries. The love is pretty fast and intense in this one, after all it’s only about 70 pages but there was something very natural about it. The shortness does mean that some heavier issues (like Dom’s aversion to anal sex) get brushed over pretty fast but again, it all felt like it fit pretty well. Overall, I loved both these heroes and the writing was particularly smooth and well paced.
August 9, 2015
Dom is a photographer that has insecurities and low self-esteem. He doesn’t believe or see himself as worthy of anyone’s notice. He thinks himself of a plain joe, his looks are nothing special. Then he meets a model at a gig he got. Charlie. Charlie flirts with him through the camera and chemistry sparked between them.
Charlie thinks Dom is attractive. Strong and confident behind the camera, and shy and unsure without his it. He likes both sides of Dom. But more than that, it seems that Dom is more interested getting to know Charlie, the college student who wants to be a social worker. He knows Dom has anxiety but is willing to, wants to, stick around and open Dom up. See all the layers of the man he is falling in love with.
It’s a cute story about a model and photographer. No sex, but it did include one rubbing off/hand job scene. I’d have liked to see an epilogue. But I always want one of those.
May 18, 2016
Maybe best story in the collection. I empathized with the characters because they were so realistically drawn.
Physical places were wonderfully depicted without too much detail. Dom's appartment gave me a happy, warm feeling. I could picture him and Charlie turning it into a love nest in the future.
Lets not forget the city. Montreal felt like a secondary character hovering in the background. Wonderful and charming.
The only negative was Jax appearance. As much as I wish the story was longer, I'm glad there wasn't more angst. Maybe a short epilogue would have worked.
Anyway, I'm looking forward to reading more books from Phoebe.
Physical places were wonderfully depicted without too much detail. Dom's appartment gave me a happy, warm feeling. I could picture him and Charlie turning it into a love nest in the future.
Lets not forget the city. Montreal felt like a secondary character hovering in the background. Wonderful and charming.
The only negative was Jax appearance. As much as I wish the story was longer, I'm glad there wasn't more angst. Maybe a short epilogue would have worked.
Anyway, I'm looking forward to reading more books from Phoebe.
July 26, 2015
This started off well, I liked the photo shoot, it was playful and light hearted. I struggled with Dominic and his crippling shyness, unless he's hiding behind a camera. Charlie was sweet and set upon Dominic like a personal crusade, although I think it's going to take more than charm to get him over some serious issues. It finished on a HFN, but I'm not sure of the reason for Jax turning up at the end??
Want to read
August 6, 2015
Offered for FREE from the M/M Romance Group's Love Is An Open Road event. Thank you too all the amazing authors who participated!
August 28, 2015
Ok so this was my story prompt and I want to be objective and unbiased.
But I loved it, it was sweet and cute and funny, just like I wanted. I have been a bit sick and this helped make me feel better.
Thanks bunches and bunches Phoebe.
I will hopefully do a more detailed review when I feel better.
But I loved it, it was sweet and cute and funny, just like I wanted. I have been a bit sick and this helped make me feel better.
Thanks bunches and bunches Phoebe.
I will hopefully do a more detailed review when I feel better.
November 12, 2015
Started out really promising, but then I just couldn't really connect with the story anymore. It didn't feel quite fleshed out enough for my taste... It was like the author lost interest in the story halfway through.
July 28, 2015
3.5
Sweet read :)
Sweet read :)
December 27, 2015
2.5 stars.
August 3, 2015
Sweet little read, but just needed more oomf.
August 13, 2015
So adorable!
February 9, 2016
Sweet story but not enough depth for me. Still an enjoyable read.
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July 22, 2015review after sleep ;)
Read
September 24, 2015I loved this. I wish it was longer.
December 25, 2015
Wonderful story. Charlie and Dominic are so good together.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews