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By a Thread
Leon’s never felt as strongly about any man as he does Andrew, but when Andrew asks to meet him for dinner, Leon’s sure things are over before they’ve even started. Except Andrew isn’t coming to dinner to call things off. He’s coming to drop an entirely different bomb.
Andrew’s a sorcerer. He can manipulate fire, he can manipulate lightning… but like most of his kind, what he can’t do is maintain absolute control of his power when he’s sexually aroused, which is dangerous to non-magics like Leon. No matter how much the two men want each other, there’s no way around they’re playing with fire, which means someone’s bound to get burned.
At first, they’re both willing to back off, but as their feelings for each other deepen, their mutual desire is only getting stronger, and Andrew and Leon are hanging by a thread trying to resist each other. But can they give in without getting burned?
This novella was previously published. 22,500 words.
Andrew’s a sorcerer. He can manipulate fire, he can manipulate lightning… but like most of his kind, what he can’t do is maintain absolute control of his power when he’s sexually aroused, which is dangerous to non-magics like Leon. No matter how much the two men want each other, there’s no way around they’re playing with fire, which means someone’s bound to get burned.
At first, they’re both willing to back off, but as their feelings for each other deepen, their mutual desire is only getting stronger, and Andrew and Leon are hanging by a thread trying to resist each other. But can they give in without getting burned?
This novella was previously published. 22,500 words.
71 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 17, 2012
4 people are currently reading
206 people want to read
About the author
L.A. Witt
219 books2,726 followersL.A. Witt and her husband have been exiled from Spain and sent to live in Maine because rhymes are fun. She now divides her time between writing, assuring people she is aware that Maine is cold, wondering where to put her next tattoo, and trying to reason with a surly Maine coon. Rumor has it her arch nemesis, Lauren Gallagher, is also somewhere in the wilds of New England, which is why L.A. is also spending a portion of her time training a team of spec ops lobsters.
Authors Ann Gallagher and Lori A. Witt have been asked to assist in lobster training, but they "have books to write" and "need to focus on our careers" and "don't you think this rivalry has gotten a little out of hand?" They're probably just helping Lauren raise her army of squirrels trained to ride moose into battle.
Visit her website at http://www.gallagherwitt.com/.
Authors Ann Gallagher and Lori A. Witt have been asked to assist in lobster training, but they "have books to write" and "need to focus on our careers" and "don't you think this rivalry has gotten a little out of hand?" They're probably just helping Lauren raise her army of squirrels trained to ride moose into battle.
Visit her website at http://www.gallagherwitt.com/.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
October 22, 2012
This novella is basically a loooong foreplay so that Leon can have safe sex with his boyfriend, Andrew, a fire sorcerer, without getting burn or struck by lightning. A lot of promises and kisses and attempts before they finally work it out.
It is just okay for me. Not totally blown by it *shrugs*. The two MCs are likeable though.
Technicality: first person present tense (for those who think tenses matter)
It is just okay for me. Not totally blown by it *shrugs*. The two MCs are likeable though.
Technicality: first person present tense (for those who think tenses matter)
October 24, 2012
3,25 stars
Not an outstanding but nonetheless sweet love story where the sparkling electricity and fireworks were all to real...
Not an outstanding but nonetheless sweet love story where the sparkling electricity and fireworks were all to real...
December 30, 2012
Basic plot is this one guy is a sorcerer and the other is human. The thing is magic folk can't be with human folk because of their power. The magic folk cannot control their magic when in certain situations. So basically this book was about how to have sex without the magic blowing them up.
March 30, 2013
Interesting take on the use and/ or perils of elemental magic. Liked this story!
October 31, 2012
I believe this might be the first book I’ve read in first person present tense that I made it all the way through. I will admit right off, not my favorite thing to read, but it wasn’t enough to turn me away from the story. I’m glad, because I thought this was sweet and romantic.
Andrew is a fire sorcerer with a side of lightening. He is falling for the lovely Leon and asks to meet him for dinner for “a talk”. Leon is so bummed, because he’s sure a talk means THE talk, the breakup talk. That’s not what it turns out to be, however. Andrew wants to fess up to being a sorcerer. Seems like no big deal, until you factor in that he has the power to kill Leon if they have sex. Yikes.
For his part, Leon really likes Andrew, and wants to see what can happen with them, sex aside. If they can only be platonic, he’s willing to give that a try. Difficult, however, when the two of them together set off sparks (literally as well as figuratively). These two are made for each other, but how to get together? The one time they really try Leon ends up hurt and Andrew feels terrible.
I truly enjoyed the way Leon just wasn’t going to give up on his man, even if it meant blue balls forever. For his part, Andrew adores Leon but doesn’t want him to suffer said affliction, and encourages him to get a piece on the side. Imagine how much he’d suffer, knowing Leon was with someone else. There is a lot of unselfishness on both parts, and it makes them special.
I liked how it was resolved, it was very sexy and ultimately romantic. I did find it interesting, and unfortunately true, that non-magics get their noses out of joint about everything, including same-sex relations. Too often the case. Very cute, sweet story.
Andrew is a fire sorcerer with a side of lightening. He is falling for the lovely Leon and asks to meet him for dinner for “a talk”. Leon is so bummed, because he’s sure a talk means THE talk, the breakup talk. That’s not what it turns out to be, however. Andrew wants to fess up to being a sorcerer. Seems like no big deal, until you factor in that he has the power to kill Leon if they have sex. Yikes.
For his part, Leon really likes Andrew, and wants to see what can happen with them, sex aside. If they can only be platonic, he’s willing to give that a try. Difficult, however, when the two of them together set off sparks (literally as well as figuratively). These two are made for each other, but how to get together? The one time they really try Leon ends up hurt and Andrew feels terrible.
I truly enjoyed the way Leon just wasn’t going to give up on his man, even if it meant blue balls forever. For his part, Andrew adores Leon but doesn’t want him to suffer said affliction, and encourages him to get a piece on the side. Imagine how much he’d suffer, knowing Leon was with someone else. There is a lot of unselfishness on both parts, and it makes them special.
I liked how it was resolved, it was very sexy and ultimately romantic. I did find it interesting, and unfortunately true, that non-magics get their noses out of joint about everything, including same-sex relations. Too often the case. Very cute, sweet story.
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October 9, 2012Also read with B.
June 27, 2021
Short novella that is not L.A. Witt's best work by any stretch, but it's a quick read and the characters have great chemistry, and it's entertaining enough even though far from great and short on plot. Very perplexing why they never tried sex in a shower or hot tub, seemed a rather obvious thing for them to try, and them skipping that, not even coming up with it as a possibility, even after Leon's research, was a bit distracting. Because it seemed almost silly to be ignoring the obvious, if you've got a problem controlling fire, water seems like a good bet to the point that Andrew even mentions that early on in a different, but somewhat context, but still, it's just ignored for the rest of the novella.
This has been sitting in my Kindle Library for a long, long while and not sure why it took me so long to get around to it. While I'm not mad I read it, it's not one that will leave a lasting impression on me.
This has been sitting in my Kindle Library for a long, long while and not sure why it took me so long to get around to it. While I'm not mad I read it, it's not one that will leave a lasting impression on me.
September 6, 2018
The effects of magic, or at least what we imagine them to be, can be devastating. And not only because they might be dangerous when magic is wielded, but, as in this book, magic could affect sorcerers in different ways. This story asks the question what happens when a sorcerer and a non-magical man fall in love and want to get physical – but can’t, because every time the sorcerer loses control, stops to focus on reining himself in, the non-magical human might get hurt. Or even die.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
October 22, 2017
Enjoyable read.
July 24, 2013
y A Thread by L.A. Witt explores the idea of one's man touch being tantamount to a death threat to his lover. As her story unfolds, we come to find out that Andrew is not just any sorcerer but one in which two strong veins of magic reside, fire and lightening. The combination, when uncontrolled, can mean almost certain death to any sexual partner that Andrew has--unless it is another sorcerer who can combat the magic with some of his own. SO Leon is faced with the dilemma--let Andrew walk out of his life, or remain in what is akin to a celibate yet loving relationship for the rest of their lives.
Thankfully our Leon is a bit stubborn and insists on trying to take things slowly....but will it work? Or will he not only get injured physically but lose his heart forever when Andrew must leave in order to protect him.
By A Thread by L. A. Witt worked on many levels. The idea of sorcerers or magical beings is not a new one--particularly those who can manipulate the elements. However, rather than making her magic man arrogant or dominant as most of these types of characters are normally written, the author decides to make Andrew gentle, submissive and tender hearted. You can see the love he has for Leon in every interaction they have--you can also see the passion he feels for him as well. By throwing such a huge roadblock into their future as lovers, L.A. Witt takes a run of the mill fantasy story and infuses some new life into the genre.
Leon works tirelessly to find a solution, not just because he wants to have sex, he admittedly does, but because he can see the pain it causes his boyfriend when their relationship cannot be consummated. At the same time, Andrew selflessly encourages his lover to seek someone else to fulfill him physically, always keenly aware of what Leon has chosen to give up in order to love him.
Just as these pieces fit together well, there were a few elements that did not flow together as nicely. For instance, the world in which the story was set was never really established--fleshed out, and so we were left to wonder what kind of realm could have such creatures exist so neatly with humans. Also, the light moments of BDSM, the dominant nature Leon displays in attempting to keep Andrew in check sexually so that his magic would not spiral out of control seemed a bit forced, as if they were tossed into the mix as a means of providing a quick solution rather than as elements of a developing Dom/Sub relationship. Those roles never seemed to sit well on either character.
However, despite these minor flaws, the story was solid and the interaction between the two men was sweet and playful, at times. You found yourself rooting for them in the end and held your breath to see if they indeed could find compatibility both in the sheets and out.
Thankfully our Leon is a bit stubborn and insists on trying to take things slowly....but will it work? Or will he not only get injured physically but lose his heart forever when Andrew must leave in order to protect him.
By A Thread by L. A. Witt worked on many levels. The idea of sorcerers or magical beings is not a new one--particularly those who can manipulate the elements. However, rather than making her magic man arrogant or dominant as most of these types of characters are normally written, the author decides to make Andrew gentle, submissive and tender hearted. You can see the love he has for Leon in every interaction they have--you can also see the passion he feels for him as well. By throwing such a huge roadblock into their future as lovers, L.A. Witt takes a run of the mill fantasy story and infuses some new life into the genre.
Leon works tirelessly to find a solution, not just because he wants to have sex, he admittedly does, but because he can see the pain it causes his boyfriend when their relationship cannot be consummated. At the same time, Andrew selflessly encourages his lover to seek someone else to fulfill him physically, always keenly aware of what Leon has chosen to give up in order to love him.
Just as these pieces fit together well, there were a few elements that did not flow together as nicely. For instance, the world in which the story was set was never really established--fleshed out, and so we were left to wonder what kind of realm could have such creatures exist so neatly with humans. Also, the light moments of BDSM, the dominant nature Leon displays in attempting to keep Andrew in check sexually so that his magic would not spiral out of control seemed a bit forced, as if they were tossed into the mix as a means of providing a quick solution rather than as elements of a developing Dom/Sub relationship. Those roles never seemed to sit well on either character.
However, despite these minor flaws, the story was solid and the interaction between the two men was sweet and playful, at times. You found yourself rooting for them in the end and held your breath to see if they indeed could find compatibility both in the sheets and out.
March 22, 2015
Review to come shortly at The Armchair Reader.
This site is down. Here is the review.
I’ve read a number of stories by this author and I’ve liked all of them – some more than others. This is a shorter story, which is something that I think is difficult to do well but is done pretty well here.
At the opening of this story, it seems that our main character, Leon, has not been very lucky in love. But he really likes this new guy Andrew. When Andrew asks him to meet for dinner, he’s convinced that he’s going to get the heave ho. Instead, he is very surprised to learn that Andrew has a secret that he has put off telling Leon because he is afraid of the consequences and he really likes Leon. It turns out that Andrew is a sorcerer and as such, he could pose a danger to Leon who has no magic. Leon is actually relieved that this is the reason Andrew wanted to talk to him. He is fascinated by fire manipulation and actually finds it a turn on. Unfortunately, therein lies the danger – when Andrew is turned on, he can’t control his magic. This could prove disastrous for Leon.
The first time they try to do more than kissing, things get a little bit out of hand and Leon gets a bit scorched. Andrew feels horrible and tries to break it off. But Leon has real feelings for Andrew and he doesn’t want to give him up. He even offers to be “just friends” even though this is not what either of them wants. They keep seeing each other agreeing to keep additional physical contact at a minimum. This is more difficult that they think it’s going to be and while they fight their attraction, there is no denying that they both want more than friendship. Andrew is also worried about alienating everyone else in Leon’s life because he is a sorcerer with a non-magic. Leon’s support for Andrew and his true happiness in being with him mitigate any resistance. In a last ditch effort to take their relationship to level they both want, Leon has some ideas that maybe they can try.
I liked both characters and especially their interaction with each other and with Leon’s family and friends. While I would have maybe liked a little more in this story – particularly more about Andrew – I still enjoyed the way their relationship grew during the story. If you’re looking for a quick, enjoyable read without too much angst and little bit of magic, then you’ll enjoy this story.
This site is down. Here is the review.
I’ve read a number of stories by this author and I’ve liked all of them – some more than others. This is a shorter story, which is something that I think is difficult to do well but is done pretty well here.
At the opening of this story, it seems that our main character, Leon, has not been very lucky in love. But he really likes this new guy Andrew. When Andrew asks him to meet for dinner, he’s convinced that he’s going to get the heave ho. Instead, he is very surprised to learn that Andrew has a secret that he has put off telling Leon because he is afraid of the consequences and he really likes Leon. It turns out that Andrew is a sorcerer and as such, he could pose a danger to Leon who has no magic. Leon is actually relieved that this is the reason Andrew wanted to talk to him. He is fascinated by fire manipulation and actually finds it a turn on. Unfortunately, therein lies the danger – when Andrew is turned on, he can’t control his magic. This could prove disastrous for Leon.
The first time they try to do more than kissing, things get a little bit out of hand and Leon gets a bit scorched. Andrew feels horrible and tries to break it off. But Leon has real feelings for Andrew and he doesn’t want to give him up. He even offers to be “just friends” even though this is not what either of them wants. They keep seeing each other agreeing to keep additional physical contact at a minimum. This is more difficult that they think it’s going to be and while they fight their attraction, there is no denying that they both want more than friendship. Andrew is also worried about alienating everyone else in Leon’s life because he is a sorcerer with a non-magic. Leon’s support for Andrew and his true happiness in being with him mitigate any resistance. In a last ditch effort to take their relationship to level they both want, Leon has some ideas that maybe they can try.
I liked both characters and especially their interaction with each other and with Leon’s family and friends. While I would have maybe liked a little more in this story – particularly more about Andrew – I still enjoyed the way their relationship grew during the story. If you’re looking for a quick, enjoyable read without too much angst and little bit of magic, then you’ll enjoy this story.
June 9, 2019
This was quite a short book. 71 pages, so definitely a novella rather than a novel.
It's a paranormal m/m romance, and the paranormal aspect is that Andrew, one of the two main characters, is a fire sorcerer. Leon is non-magic.
The story is quite simple. I feel like there was potential for the author to expand on the world, the characters and the romance quite easily and turn this into a full-length novel. She didn't, though.
The book deals primarily with the fact that a sorcerer must retain control of his power at all times, or it gets dangerous. He could end up destroying property, or harming or killing people, if he loses control. And when a sorcerer is aroused, and of course when a sorcerer orgasms, he or she loses control, at least to some extent. If Andrew loses control while with Leon, Leon could be badly burned or killed. That's a pretty big hurdle for a relationship.
There is no other conflict in the story, which keeps it relatively simple. The story simply takes us through Andrew and Leon's struggle to be intimate without Leon getting hurt.
With the lack of any other conflict, the story was quite sweet. It was very easy to read, and moved quite quickly. I liked the characters, especially Andrew, and would have liked to have seen more of them. Despite the fact that the book is all about them trying to be intimate, a large portion of the book happened outside the bedroom and so it didn't feel too smutty.
If you want a quick, enjoyable read, I'd recommend it. Something light. If you're after something with more depth, where you get to delve more deeply into the characters and their lives, this isn't the book for you.
It's a paranormal m/m romance, and the paranormal aspect is that Andrew, one of the two main characters, is a fire sorcerer. Leon is non-magic.
The story is quite simple. I feel like there was potential for the author to expand on the world, the characters and the romance quite easily and turn this into a full-length novel. She didn't, though.
The book deals primarily with the fact that a sorcerer must retain control of his power at all times, or it gets dangerous. He could end up destroying property, or harming or killing people, if he loses control. And when a sorcerer is aroused, and of course when a sorcerer orgasms, he or she loses control, at least to some extent. If Andrew loses control while with Leon, Leon could be badly burned or killed. That's a pretty big hurdle for a relationship.
There is no other conflict in the story, which keeps it relatively simple. The story simply takes us through Andrew and Leon's struggle to be intimate without Leon getting hurt.
With the lack of any other conflict, the story was quite sweet. It was very easy to read, and moved quite quickly. I liked the characters, especially Andrew, and would have liked to have seen more of them. Despite the fact that the book is all about them trying to be intimate, a large portion of the book happened outside the bedroom and so it didn't feel too smutty.
If you want a quick, enjoyable read, I'd recommend it. Something light. If you're after something with more depth, where you get to delve more deeply into the characters and their lives, this isn't the book for you.
June 21, 2013
Undeniable Chemistry!!
Those words describe Leon and Andrew perfectly! Andrew is a fire sorcerer and Leon is a non-magic. It's very dangerous for them to be together intimately because Andrew could lose control of his power and hurt Leon and at one point he does get hurt. This makes Andrew even more skeptical of being intimate with Leon so they continue their relationship without being physical.
As they fall deeper in love, you can see how much they want each other and how hard it is for both of them in different ways. Andrew carries so much guilt for the one time he accidentally hurt Leon and Leon wants to figure out a way to do it.
I loved watching their relationship evolve and their devotion to each other was sweet! In the end, the chemistry was so intense it was crazy!
It was typical LA Witt... Amazing!
Those words describe Leon and Andrew perfectly! Andrew is a fire sorcerer and Leon is a non-magic. It's very dangerous for them to be together intimately because Andrew could lose control of his power and hurt Leon and at one point he does get hurt. This makes Andrew even more skeptical of being intimate with Leon so they continue their relationship without being physical.
As they fall deeper in love, you can see how much they want each other and how hard it is for both of them in different ways. Andrew carries so much guilt for the one time he accidentally hurt Leon and Leon wants to figure out a way to do it.
I loved watching their relationship evolve and their devotion to each other was sweet! In the end, the chemistry was so intense it was crazy!
It was typical LA Witt... Amazing!
September 16, 2016
This was a sexy literally slow burn romance. While the story is short in length, it takes place over many months and allows you feel the frustrations of the characters. The depth of the romance and their commitment to each other really comes through. The author really builds the sexual tension while showing how, in a way, it strengthens the relationship. How will they work it out? Once they get to the sex (as you know they will!) it is quite hot (no bad pun intended). I felt that the book left us at a good stopping point, although others may want more of their eventual story.
January 5, 2016
Playing With Fire!
This is a wonderful short story that 'sizzles' with tension, what-ifs, and a very satisfying HEA 'hopefully.' The love the characters demonstrate for each other is 'electrifying!'
This is a wonderful short story that 'sizzles' with tension, what-ifs, and a very satisfying HEA 'hopefully.' The love the characters demonstrate for each other is 'electrifying!'
October 29, 2012
2 1/2 Hearts
Review to follow
Review to follow
February 14, 2013
Not the best work I've read from this author but not bad either
November 16, 2012
2.5 stars.
The characters were basic,, not enough to become invested in either of them. Drawn out storyline..
The characters were basic,, not enough to become invested in either of them. Drawn out storyline..
November 10, 2012
Short read, but cute story.
March 31, 2013
Hah! Sparkling and scorching!!!
April 10, 2013
Very short, and it had a bit more sex than I usually look for. But the sex was well written. And Leon and Andrew were very cute and enjoyable. A very nice quick read.
June 28, 2016
Fascinating premise, I enjoyed it!
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews