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Crushing
When his girlfriend demands he settle down and start a family, Cole Winchester has some hard decisions to make. Marry his girlfriend, or finally break free of the closet and own up to his attraction to men.
A run in with an old friend on the beach, propels Cole's fantasies out into the open and forces him to confront his deepest desires. Before him, lies the choice of a lifetime--embrace his desire for another man or go back to living the cold, repressed life he carved for himself.
Author's note: this title was previously released under the name Taboo Desires.
A run in with an old friend on the beach, propels Cole's fantasies out into the open and forces him to confront his deepest desires. Before him, lies the choice of a lifetime--embrace his desire for another man or go back to living the cold, repressed life he carved for himself.
Author's note: this title was previously released under the name Taboo Desires.
59 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 31, 2007
11 people are currently reading
178 people want to read
About the author
Amanda Young
129 books401 followersA bestselling author of erotic romance, Amanda Young penned her first romance at eighteen. That novel was promptly deleted before it could traumatize innocent readers. After several years of honing her craft, Amanda went on to receive her first publishing contract in 2006.
A vivid imagination and a passion for all the things that go bump in the night has led Amanda to create provocative stories that push boundaries and dare readers to expand their comfort zones. Since she tends to write whatever strikes her fancy, her novels fall into many different subgenres. Among her available titles you’ll find contemporary and paranormal settings, gay and straight themes alike.
Amanda Young lives in Virginia with her husband, daughter, and two pampered pooches. When she’s not writing, she can usually be found chasing after a mischievous toddler or daydreaming about the characters in her next book. She loves to hear from her readers, and can be found on Facebook and Twitter. Her website, www.amandayoung.org, is where you can find up-to-date information on all of Amanda’s current and upcoming releases.
A vivid imagination and a passion for all the things that go bump in the night has led Amanda to create provocative stories that push boundaries and dare readers to expand their comfort zones. Since she tends to write whatever strikes her fancy, her novels fall into many different subgenres. Among her available titles you’ll find contemporary and paranormal settings, gay and straight themes alike.
Amanda Young lives in Virginia with her husband, daughter, and two pampered pooches. When she’s not writing, she can usually be found chasing after a mischievous toddler or daydreaming about the characters in her next book. She loves to hear from her readers, and can be found on Facebook and Twitter. Her website, www.amandayoung.org, is where you can find up-to-date information on all of Amanda’s current and upcoming releases.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
December 7, 2017
Cole met Eric who's happened to be his BF little brother one day, after years apart. Right after his two years relationship with a woman ended.
Eric asked for a date that day, and bam ! Eric has become his entire life and all he wanted in his life and no one else.
Note --> Cole never thought of Eric back then, he's just an annoying little brother of a best friend.
Of course they re having their happy ending. Blah blah blah.
Guess this is not my cuppa.
Added one more star for a gorgeous cover.
Move on...
Eric asked for a date that day, and bam ! Eric has become his entire life and all he wanted in his life and no one else.
Note --> Cole never thought of Eric back then, he's just an annoying little brother of a best friend.
Of course they re having their happy ending. Blah blah blah.
Guess this is not my cuppa.
Added one more star for a gorgeous cover.
Move on...
April 17, 2010
Amanda Young's stories has become one of my automatic read. This is one of her sweet ones. I'm not big for "GFY" kind of stories, but I don't think Cole is one. I think he is actually gay but still in the closet, until he meets Eric and realizes that he cannot pretend anymore. I think Cole and Eric makes such adorable couple *sigh*
March 1, 2017
Crushing by Amanda Young is an awesome short story. The story was well developed with lovable characters and plenty of heat and chemistry. If you are looking for a quick hot read this book is for you. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
February 25, 2017
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. It is a short sexy read, and very well written. Cole just broke up with his girlfriend and is feeling confused about his life. He runs into Eric at the beach and is immediately attracted to him and decides to see where it goes. Loved their chemistry. Will definitely read more by this author.
November 20, 2017
Cole has been hiding firmly in the closet and refuses to get engaged to his girlfriend. He reconnects with an old friend's younger brother (who happened to have a huge crush on him) and sees another road for himself, maybe with Eric. They guys are amazing together, but Cole had more going on than he knows. A great book!
March 5, 2017
Crushing is the story of how Eric And Cole reconnect after many years and realize that they might belong together. Cole has been in the closet his whole life but he just can't live that way anymore. Eric is the little brother of one of Cole's high school friends. The two men bump into each other at the beach and end up deciding to go out to a bar. This story is a snapshot of that day. The reader doesn't get angst, danger, or excitement from this story. What do you get? A sweet, hopeful story about two men who might have found the person they were meant to be with for the rest of their lives. I was left wanting to know more but feeling very satisfied with what I has just read.
I recommend this story to anyone who likes m/m love stories, anyone who likes positive stories and short stories.
Quotes:
He didn't want to be gay or bisexual, or whatever the hell he was. He wanted to stay in his safe little world, with Karen by his side, an live out the American dream-... loc 56
The man was the epitome of everything Cole had ever dreamt of. Sun-bleached blond hair, sheared close to the scalp on the sides and longer on the top, fell into a face so classically beautiful it rivaled Michelangelo's David. loc 105
I received a copy of this book from the author
I recommend this story to anyone who likes m/m love stories, anyone who likes positive stories and short stories.
Quotes:
He didn't want to be gay or bisexual, or whatever the hell he was. He wanted to stay in his safe little world, with Karen by his side, an live out the American dream-... loc 56
The man was the epitome of everything Cole had ever dreamt of. Sun-bleached blond hair, sheared close to the scalp on the sides and longer on the top, fell into a face so classically beautiful it rivaled Michelangelo's David. loc 105
I received a copy of this book from the author
February 26, 2017
Cole Winchester is a closeted gay man who's been in a relationship with with a female for the last two years. When he's pushed into marriage, he finally decides he can't do it anymore and plans to address it with his fiance.
Eric Radcliff has had a crush on Cole since he was in his teens. When Cole stumbles over him on the beach its unexpected but welcome.
This was quite a short read and felt a bit rushed because of it. Cole's relationship has barely ended before it seems like he runs into Eric (really it was two weeks since his breakup but in book it felt like no time at all). The reunion shows is a happy occasion for both of them though. Their first date is awkward like any first date is. Everything looks is fantastic until they're interrupted by Cole's ex-fiance.
There's no time to get attached to the characters or even really get to know them and it worked against the story since I was pretty detached towards the characters and their situation. It had potential though and the intimate scenes were pretty hot. It was a good (snack/lunch/dinner) break read.
A free copy was provided to me by the author for an honest review.
Eric Radcliff has had a crush on Cole since he was in his teens. When Cole stumbles over him on the beach its unexpected but welcome.
This was quite a short read and felt a bit rushed because of it. Cole's relationship has barely ended before it seems like he runs into Eric (really it was two weeks since his breakup but in book it felt like no time at all). The reunion shows is a happy occasion for both of them though. Their first date is awkward like any first date is. Everything looks is fantastic until they're interrupted by Cole's ex-fiance.
There's no time to get attached to the characters or even really get to know them and it worked against the story since I was pretty detached towards the characters and their situation. It had potential though and the intimate scenes were pretty hot. It was a good (snack/lunch/dinner) break read.
A free copy was provided to me by the author for an honest review.
February 25, 2017
The beginning is awkward and very stilted. But once you get past that scene, it warms up quickly and draw you in and makes you very glad you stuck it out. While not the most original premise, I find that most plotlines have already been told and it's the details that are what's important. And how they are conveyed. The details in this story are adequately cute to have entertained me and made me look for other writings by this author.
I voluntarily read this book in exchange for a completely honest review.
I voluntarily read this book in exchange for a completely honest review.
February 24, 2017
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
What a short, sweet and spicy story! Cole finally gives into his mind and body to meet up with Eric. Little does he know it will be the best decision of his life. His chemistry with Eric convinces him to finally come out of the closet.
I look forward to the next book by Amanda Young!
What a short, sweet and spicy story! Cole finally gives into his mind and body to meet up with Eric. Little does he know it will be the best decision of his life. His chemistry with Eric convinces him to finally come out of the closet.
I look forward to the next book by Amanda Young!
September 28, 2017
Review originally posted on The Book Adventures of Annelise Lestrange :)
I received this copy from the author in exchange for an honest review. Let's go :D
The Review
*~.PROS.~*
This book was a delight to read, to be honest. A summery kind of second chance romance, it has the whole package: romance, sex, drama, a beautiful encounter in the beach… All the good stuff we love! <3
The writing is very fluid, so you just fly through the book, you know? It’s a short story, so you can read it in one sitting, making it the perfect beach read!
*~.CONS.~*
I got angry at Cole all the time, to be honest. I do understand that coming out must be hard, but seriously, why insist on keeping his girlfriend around when he didn’t love her? It was just cruel. He could be a closeted guy without making someone else miserable. Anyway, that’s just my opinion, but let’s get serious.
As this is a short story, there were a few problems in the characters construction, as there wasn’t enough time for deep developments, and that’s why the book lost a star. When I finished the story, it was as if something was missing even with the well-closed end :(
*~.COVER ANALYSIS.~*
What can I say about those two shirtless hotties in the beach that I barely knew and already have my heart? It’s a simple cover, it’s true, but I think it works wonders to show exactly what the story is all about, haha! ;D
*~.RECOMMENDED FOR.~*
Fans of short stories, gay romance (obviously) and steamy scenes!
I received this copy from the author in exchange for an honest review. Let's go :D
The Review
*~.PROS.~*
This book was a delight to read, to be honest. A summery kind of second chance romance, it has the whole package: romance, sex, drama, a beautiful encounter in the beach… All the good stuff we love! <3
The writing is very fluid, so you just fly through the book, you know? It’s a short story, so you can read it in one sitting, making it the perfect beach read!
*~.CONS.~*
I got angry at Cole all the time, to be honest. I do understand that coming out must be hard, but seriously, why insist on keeping his girlfriend around when he didn’t love her? It was just cruel. He could be a closeted guy without making someone else miserable. Anyway, that’s just my opinion, but let’s get serious.
As this is a short story, there were a few problems in the characters construction, as there wasn’t enough time for deep developments, and that’s why the book lost a star. When I finished the story, it was as if something was missing even with the well-closed end :(
*~.COVER ANALYSIS.~*
What can I say about those two shirtless hotties in the beach that I barely knew and already have my heart? It’s a simple cover, it’s true, but I think it works wonders to show exactly what the story is all about, haha! ;D
*~.RECOMMENDED FOR.~*
Fans of short stories, gay romance (obviously) and steamy scenes!
May 31, 2016
A quick fix of sweet and sexy…
A fun and lightweight break in my day, this novella was a great way to spend my lunch hour… I felt for Cole, who’s spent his life keeping his truest desires a deeply buried secret and has backed himself into a corner in his efforts to build the life he’d been taught he should want. He’s forced to make some hard choices when he runs into his old friend Eric and agrees to a night out, but the connection between them flares up so quickly that it didn’t seem like so hard of a decision. Eric’s unrequited crush on Cole completely charmed me, but I couldn’t seem to muster up any sympathy for Cole’s ex at all (and might have muttered the words ‘shrew’ or ‘harpy’ in both episodes she was present for). This is a great choice if you’re looking for a quick fix of sexy...
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
A fun and lightweight break in my day, this novella was a great way to spend my lunch hour… I felt for Cole, who’s spent his life keeping his truest desires a deeply buried secret and has backed himself into a corner in his efforts to build the life he’d been taught he should want. He’s forced to make some hard choices when he runs into his old friend Eric and agrees to a night out, but the connection between them flares up so quickly that it didn’t seem like so hard of a decision. Eric’s unrequited crush on Cole completely charmed me, but I couldn’t seem to muster up any sympathy for Cole’s ex at all (and might have muttered the words ‘shrew’ or ‘harpy’ in both episodes she was present for). This is a great choice if you’re looking for a quick fix of sexy...
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
June 17, 2016
Lovely short story with great characters is a 4 1/2 stars for me. The plot is nicely developed even with only having about 50ish pages. I liked that Cole isn't willing to take the easy way out and just go along with a marriage he knows will make he and his girlfriend miserable in the end. He's, understandably, vacillating between what is expected of him and what he truly wants. I was impressed by his courage in facing Eric and willingness to lay his heart and feelings out on the line. Eric gets big kudos for being willing to face a potentially bad situation head on and more so for being willing to listen to Cole's explanation. I would love to see a follow up book with these two.
Adult read
Adult read
October 9, 2016
I read this book inside of a day, nice quick read.
I did enjoy the book, it was well written and flowed really well, but everything happened so fast in the book. I get that it was more a novella than an actual full on book, but it still seemed to run across the chapters at light speed.
What I really wanted from this book was the characters to be more in depth, for a guy that had been hiding for what read like most of his life, he sure was pretty quick at accepting his 'coming out' and jumping into bed with the guy that literally tripped over him.
I will read more from this author, having already read one of their previous books, because she manages to get that nice, short, sweet, happily ever after vibe going really well. Good read, will definitley keep my eye out for more.
I did enjoy the book, it was well written and flowed really well, but everything happened so fast in the book. I get that it was more a novella than an actual full on book, but it still seemed to run across the chapters at light speed.
What I really wanted from this book was the characters to be more in depth, for a guy that had been hiding for what read like most of his life, he sure was pretty quick at accepting his 'coming out' and jumping into bed with the guy that literally tripped over him.
I will read more from this author, having already read one of their previous books, because she manages to get that nice, short, sweet, happily ever after vibe going really well. Good read, will definitley keep my eye out for more.
May 13, 2013
I don't know what it is, but as soon as I read the word ambrosia as in "his cum tasted like ambrosia..." my eyes start rolling & my tongue starts tutting ... toss in insta love & sophomoric angst & my attention span drops to that of knat & I start having to force myself to finish the book ... this short story was a bit meh for me ... if you like your guys to be tortured by guilt about their homosexuality & to be overly verbose in their declarations of love (instant love ... just add soulful blue eyes) then this is the book for you.
December 24, 2011
This was a good short story. Typically everything moved very quickly, by giving the characters some history it didn't feel awkward. I like the style and would read more by this author. And it fills in my Y in the A-Z Author Challenge too!
Finished 12.20.11, date removed so it didn't count towards the 2011 Reading Challenge.
Finished 12.20.11, date removed so it didn't count towards the 2011 Reading Challenge.
November 29, 2012
I think Cole and Eric were so perfect for each other. I loved they way they came together and even loved that Karen caught them in the act, heehee. My only complaint was that it was too short of a story. I wanted to know how their relationship ended up. I knew that Eric would go back to school and I would have liked to see how the couple dealt with the seperation. Otherwise I loved the book.
June 14, 2016
I really liked this story. The MC Cole struggling to come to terms with his growing desires for an unknown man. The added pressure from his girlfriend to get married forces his hand.
A chance meeting on the beach is just what Cole needs and that person is Eric, a school friends younger brother.
This great up quickly.
A chance meeting on the beach is just what Cole needs and that person is Eric, a school friends younger brother.
This great up quickly.
June 28, 2016
Sooooo sweet!
Love, love, love the tenderness between them. The angst and anguish associated with what so many ignorantly dream as "taboo" is heart wrenching.
Highly recommended!!!
Love, love, love the tenderness between them. The angst and anguish associated with what so many ignorantly dream as "taboo" is heart wrenching.
Highly recommended!!!
July 28, 2012
This was a good enough story but I felt cheated it was so short! If you are reading it on a Kindle it finishes at 62% and very very suddenly!
April 22, 2014
The problem with reading these short stories is being left with the feeling of needing and wanting more.
A very nice story, beautifully written.
A very nice story, beautifully written.
July 3, 2015
A novella about finding yourself and true love in a day - very sweet and sexy. A great afternoon read.
September 20, 2014
3.5 stars
June 10, 2016
A quick read
A short story that I would love to see become a full length novel. I would have enjoyed this more had there been more story to it.
A short story that I would love to see become a full length novel. I would have enjoyed this more had there been more story to it.
June 15, 2016
Great story. M/M bromance.
Read
June 24, 2016Not taboo at all really.
I was expecting something steamier.
I was expecting something steamier.
October 16, 2016
Short but sweet.
Read
February 24, 2017Just finished reading this short story. The author captures the emotional turmoil that Cole experiences with the prospect of marriage pressured by his girlfriend. He finally accepts who he really is with regards to his sexual preferences and meets the brother of an old friend and they connect emotionally and physically and a happy ever after for both. The story could be expanded and a little more detail regarding the physical aspects of Cole, but one can use their own imagination as to his body type. I would recommend it as a good short read and it does get one thinking--mmmm.
March 31, 2017
I really hate to give this so few stars because I feel like there was promise. However, ultimately there is no relationship-building. And there is no true resolution to the major conflict in the book, which is Cole trying to come to terms with the fact that he likes guys.
April 14, 2017
I received a copy of this book from the author.
Cole has a girlfriend but knows he doesn't love her the way he should. He definitely doesn't want to marry her. Especially when he's thinking about other men's bodies! When he runs into the brother of a high school friend, he's immediately attracted to him. Maybe after going to a concert together he'll find some answers he's been searching for...
Cole has a girlfriend but knows he doesn't love her the way he should. He definitely doesn't want to marry her. Especially when he's thinking about other men's bodies! When he runs into the brother of a high school friend, he's immediately attracted to him. Maybe after going to a concert together he'll find some answers he's been searching for...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews