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Why Love Matters
Alastair needs help overcoming issues with touch and physical intimacy in order to clinch a business deal with some demonstrative Italians who prefer hugging to handshakes.
Martin, his assistant, has the perfect solution. His mother runs cuddle workshops, which could help Alastair overcome his fears--if he's brave enough to try. Alastair is nervous not only about the workshop, but also because he will be sharing a room with Martin, who's starred in his fantasies more often than an assistant should.
Alastair reluctantly decides to give it a try, so they head to a commune in Wales where Martin grew up. The weekend at the commune with Martin proves to be transformative in more ways than one.
NB: All royalties from sales of this story will be split equally between two LGBT charities: The Human Rights Campaign in the USA and Stonewall in the UK.
Martin, his assistant, has the perfect solution. His mother runs cuddle workshops, which could help Alastair overcome his fears--if he's brave enough to try. Alastair is nervous not only about the workshop, but also because he will be sharing a room with Martin, who's starred in his fantasies more often than an assistant should.
Alastair reluctantly decides to give it a try, so they head to a commune in Wales where Martin grew up. The weekend at the commune with Martin proves to be transformative in more ways than one.
NB: All royalties from sales of this story will be split equally between two LGBT charities: The Human Rights Campaign in the USA and Stonewall in the UK.
73 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 14, 2016
141 people are currently reading
693 people want to read
About the author
Jay Northcote
54 books1,653 followersI don't hang out on Goodreads much, so if you'd like to connect with me then Twitter, Facebook or an email is usually best :) All my contact details are on my website.
Jay lives just outside Bristol in the West of England. He comes from a family of writers, but always used to believe that the gene for fiction writing had passed him by. He spent years only ever writing emails, articles, or website content.
One day, Jay decided to try and write a short story—just to see if he could—and found it rather addictive. He hasn’t stopped writing since.
Jay writes contemporary romance about men who fall in love with other men. Jay has five books published by Dreamspinner Press, and he also self-publishes under the imprint Jaybird Press. Many of his books are now available as audiobooks.
Jay is transgender and was formerly known as she/her.
Jay lives just outside Bristol in the West of England. He comes from a family of writers, but always used to believe that the gene for fiction writing had passed him by. He spent years only ever writing emails, articles, or website content.
One day, Jay decided to try and write a short story—just to see if he could—and found it rather addictive. He hasn’t stopped writing since.
Jay writes contemporary romance about men who fall in love with other men. Jay has five books published by Dreamspinner Press, and he also self-publishes under the imprint Jaybird Press. Many of his books are now available as audiobooks.
Jay is transgender and was formerly known as she/her.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 199 reviews
July 9, 2019
This one's sooo adorable and a little bit sexy too!
Why Love Matters is a short story about Alastair, who is uncomfortable with human touch, and his assistant (and friend) Martin, who grew up on a hippy commune where his mother still lives and runs "cuddle puddle" workshops.
Martin doesn't shy away from hugs, and he's been crushing on Alastair for a long time. On a weekend away, the men finally connect.
I loved the epilogue!
Why Love Matters is a short story about Alastair, who is uncomfortable with human touch, and his assistant (and friend) Martin, who grew up on a hippy commune where his mother still lives and runs "cuddle puddle" workshops.
Martin doesn't shy away from hugs, and he's been crushing on Alastair for a long time. On a weekend away, the men finally connect.
I loved the epilogue!
Want to read
June 14, 2016I bought this and you should too!
All royalties from sales of this story will be split equally between two LGBT charities: The Human Rights Campaign in the USA and Stonewall in the UK.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01H2BUKEK?...
https://www.allromanceebooks.com/prod...
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01H2BUKEK
All royalties from sales of this story will be split equally between two LGBT charities: The Human Rights Campaign in the USA and Stonewall in the UK.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01H2BUKEK?...
https://www.allromanceebooks.com/prod...
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01H2BUKEK
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August 4, 2016This is an ex Merlin fanfiction story that I pulled to publish to raise money for charity. Please see the announcement on my blog for more details:
https://jaynorthcote.com/2016/06/14/w...
Update: Thanks to everyone who supported this venture. The book is now perma free on all platforms so I don't have to account for it separately forever :)
https://jaynorthcote.com/2016/06/14/w...
Update: Thanks to everyone who supported this venture. The book is now perma free on all platforms so I don't have to account for it separately forever :)
June 29, 2019
Lovely story! 4 stars
Review later.
Review later.
August 16, 2016
Cute and short read.
June 18, 2016
This was adorable!
This reminded me of two things. It had this Sixty Five Hours feel, which I loved, and I kept picturing the guys as Arthur and Merlin. And since it originally was a Merthur fanfic, that’s not so far-fetched.
Alastair is not comfortable with physical contact. A simple touch is hard for him, and a cuddle is not even on the menu. He is comfortable with sex, but not tenderness.
He works for his dad’s company and he has worked very closely with his assistant, Martin, for the past two years.
When his dad tells him that a big client is very touchy feely, he is worried about Alastair’s reaction. He doesn't want Alastair to freeze up when someone tries to give him an enthusiastic pat on the back.
So Martin comes up with a solution. A cuddle workshop. Martin’s mother provides these, so Martin suggests they both spend the weekend at her place.
This was a very sweet short story with some sexy times near the end.
And I loved the idea of this workshop. Cuddles for everyone!
This reminded me of two things. It had this Sixty Five Hours feel, which I loved, and I kept picturing the guys as Arthur and Merlin. And since it originally was a Merthur fanfic, that’s not so far-fetched.
Alastair is not comfortable with physical contact. A simple touch is hard for him, and a cuddle is not even on the menu. He is comfortable with sex, but not tenderness.
He works for his dad’s company and he has worked very closely with his assistant, Martin, for the past two years.
When his dad tells him that a big client is very touchy feely, he is worried about Alastair’s reaction. He doesn't want Alastair to freeze up when someone tries to give him an enthusiastic pat on the back.
So Martin comes up with a solution. A cuddle workshop. Martin’s mother provides these, so Martin suggests they both spend the weekend at her place.
This was a very sweet short story with some sexy times near the end.
And I loved the idea of this workshop. Cuddles for everyone!
July 3, 2018
English – Español
This fanfic was written to raise funds for two LGBT communities in the US and UK and that's why it deserves a million stars. But luckily it only has 55 pages.
It is an unrealistic story.
Alastair has to visit some important Italian clients, known to be very affectionate and have a phobia to be touch and have physical intimacy.
His assistant Martin suggests to go to one of his mother's workshops for this type of problem. Although Alastair accepts, he not only fears for what the workshop will be like, but also because he will have to share a room with Martin.
And everything goes from zero to a thousand in a few pages. Not in a good way.
------
Este fanfic fue escrito para recaudar fondos para dos comunidades LGBT en USA y UK y solo por eso se merece un millón de estrellas. Pero por suerte solo tiene 55 páginas.
Es una historia poco realista.
Alastair tiene que visitar a unos clientes italianos importantes, conocidos por ser muy afectivos y tiene fobia a que lo toquen y tener intimidad física.
Su asistente Martin le propone ir a uno de los talleres de su madre para este tipo de problemas. Aunque Alastair acepta, no solo teme por cómo será el taller, sino también porque tendrá que compartir habitación con Martin.
Y todo va de cero a mil en pocas páginas. No de una buena manera.
This fanfic was written to raise funds for two LGBT communities in the US and UK and that's why it deserves a million stars. But luckily it only has 55 pages.
It is an unrealistic story.
Alastair has to visit some important Italian clients, known to be very affectionate and have a phobia to be touch and have physical intimacy.
His assistant Martin suggests to go to one of his mother's workshops for this type of problem. Although Alastair accepts, he not only fears for what the workshop will be like, but also because he will have to share a room with Martin.
And everything goes from zero to a thousand in a few pages. Not in a good way.
------
Este fanfic fue escrito para recaudar fondos para dos comunidades LGBT en USA y UK y solo por eso se merece un millón de estrellas. Pero por suerte solo tiene 55 páginas.
Es una historia poco realista.
Alastair tiene que visitar a unos clientes italianos importantes, conocidos por ser muy afectivos y tiene fobia a que lo toquen y tener intimidad física.
Su asistente Martin le propone ir a uno de los talleres de su madre para este tipo de problemas. Aunque Alastair acepta, no solo teme por cómo será el taller, sino también porque tendrá que compartir habitación con Martin.
Y todo va de cero a mil en pocas páginas. No de una buena manera.
June 10, 2017
Nothing amiss here if you want classic Northcote. Simple sweet, with touching emotional vulnerability. Don't worry though, because this also brought the sexy. Overall, a feel good short when you want a guaranteed smile.
March 3, 2017
*3,5 stars*
What a surprise to find out in the author's notes at the beginning that this used to be fanfiction - and from the only fandom I've ever been in! The huge grin spreading over my face at this very point stayed with me right to the end of the book.
Knowing where the MCs originated definitely added a layer of depth to the whole story. I could SEE Alistair and Martin very clearly in my head. :) (and all the secondary characters, too)
This is a simple story (in the best meaning of the word) of two people acknowledging their feelings and acting on it. It is sweet and fluffy and totally angst free, Alistair's issue with being tactile adding interest at the side. No doubt, this will be one of the earliest stories by Jay Northcote and his talent for writing is already clearly obvious.
A lovely little breather if you need to clear your head space after something heavy!
What a surprise to find out in the author's notes at the beginning that this used to be fanfiction - and from the only fandom I've ever been in! The huge grin spreading over my face at this very point stayed with me right to the end of the book.
Knowing where the MCs originated definitely added a layer of depth to the whole story. I could SEE Alistair and Martin very clearly in my head. :) (and all the secondary characters, too)
This is a simple story (in the best meaning of the word) of two people acknowledging their feelings and acting on it. It is sweet and fluffy and totally angst free, Alistair's issue with being tactile adding interest at the side. No doubt, this will be one of the earliest stories by Jay Northcote and his talent for writing is already clearly obvious.
A lovely little breather if you need to clear your head space after something heavy!
March 5, 2017
I 've had this little gem in my kindle for a while now, but never got around to reading it.
I loved the characters, the slow burn, and right when I thought it would end abruptly, BAM...a great epilogue. It's also FREE. Go grab it.
I loved the characters, the slow burn, and right when I thought it would end abruptly, BAM...a great epilogue. It's also FREE. Go grab it.
June 14, 2016
On my Kindle, but don't have time to read is right now. I hope everyone loves it!
July 30, 2016
3 Stars
Super short and super cute. Knowing it was originally a fanfiction story made it a bit difficult to picture the characters as anyone other than Merlin and Arthur, but who doesn't love some Merthur action on the regular!? I also found the themes in this shorty to be quite moving - I may have even teared up a time or two. Plus, the sale proceeds go to two great charities, making this worth your time and money!
Super short and super cute. Knowing it was originally a fanfiction story made it a bit difficult to picture the characters as anyone other than Merlin and Arthur, but who doesn't love some Merthur action on the regular!? I also found the themes in this shorty to be quite moving - I may have even teared up a time or two. Plus, the sale proceeds go to two great charities, making this worth your time and money!
June 25, 2016
This story was good, but the characters and the plot didn't capture my heart or my imagination the way that Northcote's stories usually do. Still, all of that is really of secondary importance to the fact that Northcote has generously dedicated all royalties from sales of this story to be split equally between two LGBT charities: The Human Rights Campaign in the USA and Stonewall in the UK. So, you know... Go buy it anyway.
June 17, 2016
4.25 stars
Great cause and a sweet (and a little sexy) short story that will appeal to most m/m readers!!
Great cause and a sweet (and a little sexy) short story that will appeal to most m/m readers!!
June 25, 2016
proceeds will be split equally between two LGBT charities.
A short fluffy romance between Alastair, with touch issues, and his PA, of course very touchy-feely :-)
A short fluffy romance between Alastair, with touch issues, and his PA, of course very touchy-feely :-)
November 9, 2018
Short and sweet.
October 27, 2023
2.5 stars
Short, sweet, improbable.
There's not much character development which is understandable given its origins as Merthur fanfic, where the expectation is that readers are already familiar with the character traits and relationship dynamic.
But in a 70 (?) page book, I was disappointed to not see more development. On reflection, this could not possibly be 70 pages long, could it? Really, not much happens.
I do find I like Jay Northcote's writing and I did like the characters, but they're not even together for the main plot point (the cuddle workshop) which is a big chunk of the book. Really, this seemed to me like it was more about Alistair healing from childhood trauma than it was about romance.
I did like the epilogue which was sweet without being cheesy.
Short, sweet, improbable.
There's not much character development which is understandable given its origins as Merthur fanfic, where the expectation is that readers are already familiar with the character traits and relationship dynamic.
But in a 70 (?) page book, I was disappointed to not see more development. On reflection, this could not possibly be 70 pages long, could it? Really, not much happens.
I do find I like Jay Northcote's writing and I did like the characters, but they're not even together for the main plot point (the cuddle workshop) which is a big chunk of the book. Really, this seemed to me like it was more about Alistair healing from childhood trauma than it was about romance.
I did like the epilogue which was sweet without being cheesy.
June 29, 2019
*** Lovely British short story of fear overcome and love found.
Alistair is always under his father's scrutiny. To land a new account in Italy, Alistair
must learn to accept touch, hugs, and closeness. So, his assistant made the arrangements and went along on the "cuddle" therapy weekend.
Also on this time away, Alistair admits to being bi, and gay Martin is thrilled to hear it. He's always wanted Alistair. So, we lucky readers get to read some hot smooching, and sizzling sheets action.
Very well written, short story that delivers everything we want !
ENJOY !
=====
Alistair is always under his father's scrutiny. To land a new account in Italy, Alistair
must learn to accept touch, hugs, and closeness. So, his assistant made the arrangements and went along on the "cuddle" therapy weekend.
Also on this time away, Alistair admits to being bi, and gay Martin is thrilled to hear it. He's always wanted Alistair. So, we lucky readers get to read some hot smooching, and sizzling sheets action.
Very well written, short story that delivers everything we want !
ENJOY !
=====
November 30, 2017
Awww...super sweet and sexy.
3.5 Stars. What a fun short read! I was able to connect to the MCs in a short amount of time, and truly felt for Alastair. My only issue was in how a half day touching workshop would make a lifetime of anxiety go away. Still, I enjoyed this very much!
3.5 Stars. What a fun short read! I was able to connect to the MCs in a short amount of time, and truly felt for Alastair. My only issue was in how a half day touching workshop would make a lifetime of anxiety go away. Still, I enjoyed this very much!
September 5, 2022
En la linea del autor, me ha gustado bastante.
July 7, 2016
It's a cute story. A little lackluster in the romance department, and not quite what I've come to expect from Northcote, but hey, it's for charity and it's sweet.
January 15, 2017
Una historia muy cortita en la línea de la autora, dulce, no memorable, pero da un buen rato. El asunto del taller de abrazos, además tiene su punto original.
Gratuito
Gratuito
November 3, 2018
Short and sweet with Northcote's classic touches.
Very much enjoyed!
**cringeworthy sidenote: I think this is the 3rd time I've read Northcote's guys sharing toothbrushes. No. Just...no.
Very much enjoyed!
**cringeworthy sidenote: I think this is the 3rd time I've read Northcote's guys sharing toothbrushes. No. Just...no.
December 7, 2017
I loved this story a lot. Martin and Alastair warmed my heart.
I loved the idea of 'touch therapy' and Alastair is definitely need that. But the real 'therapy' was definitely came from his own PA, Martin.
Glad a long time crush became a lover. That's Jay's specialties it seems.
This is a fanfiction that Jay published for a good cause. Well done, Jay !
I loved the idea of 'touch therapy' and Alastair is definitely need that. But the real 'therapy' was definitely came from his own PA, Martin.
Glad a long time crush became a lover. That's Jay's specialties it seems.
This is a fanfiction that Jay published for a good cause. Well done, Jay !
June 18, 2016
Nice little Arthur/Merlin fanfic re-written by Jay to honour the victims and families of the Pulse atrocity in Orlando.
All proceeds to charities in the UK and US. Big smooch to Jay for doing this so quickly too.
September 3, 2016
3.5
So cute that I happily ignore the somewhat constructed plot.
So cute that I happily ignore the somewhat constructed plot.
August 2, 2016
Charming little slip of a story.
September 12, 2016
hippie love
Es cortito, no es una joya, no me caigo de ternura, pero se lee. Its something.
Es cortito, no es una joya, no me caigo de ternura, pero se lee. Its something.
June 4, 2020
A quick, fun and adorable read I really enjoyed this book. Considering I'm not a huge fan of shorts this was lovely and worked perfectly for me, probably helped by the fact that it was pricing all a Merlin fanfic which I could tell once saw that mentioned.
I really enjoyed how it looked into the intimacy of touch, how it started with simple touching and shake of hands leading into massage then full hugs. The story was super sweet and full of comfort, I loved Alastair and Martin they were adorable together leading to a wonderful happy ending.
I really enjoyed how it looked into the intimacy of touch, how it started with simple touching and shake of hands leading into massage then full hugs. The story was super sweet and full of comfort, I loved Alastair and Martin they were adorable together leading to a wonderful happy ending.
December 20, 2017
This was a great story.
Just because it's short doesn't mean it isn't good or got depth. I cared for both of these guys right away and thought everything was done well. I was even happy with the ending! :-D
Just because it's short doesn't mean it isn't good or got depth. I cared for both of these guys right away and thought everything was done well. I was even happy with the ending! :-D
Displaying 1 - 30 of 199 reviews