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The Drifter
You never know what you’re going to find on the side of the road, or if picking it up will change the shape of your life.
It was supposed to be a simple trip: fly to Plano, Texas, get the registration for the 1968 Charger convertible that Kyle had been left by a dead uncle, and drive it back to our place in Leesburg, Virginia. Simple in that I’d been planning to dump Kyle the day he got the bad news—no sense in suffering through Valentine’s Day if we had no future—but even I’m not a big enough prick to end a dying relationship just when someone I used to love heard his family had passed.
I’m not entirely sure when things between me and Kyle started going bad. We met in college, but didn’t date until late senior year. The first two years were actually pretty damned good, even after the car accident that wrecked Kyle’s shoulder and destroyed his dreams of a pro-baseball career. He didn’t let it faze him at all, just kept going after life like a dog with a bone. We lived together and supported each other. We were happy and in love.
Then on our three-year anniversary, in the middle of a crowded Halloween party, with both of us dressed up like sailors, I proposed to Kyle.
He said no.
A Free Read through Insta-Freebie from August 28th to September 4th together with other authors ->
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It was supposed to be a simple trip: fly to Plano, Texas, get the registration for the 1968 Charger convertible that Kyle had been left by a dead uncle, and drive it back to our place in Leesburg, Virginia. Simple in that I’d been planning to dump Kyle the day he got the bad news—no sense in suffering through Valentine’s Day if we had no future—but even I’m not a big enough prick to end a dying relationship just when someone I used to love heard his family had passed.
I’m not entirely sure when things between me and Kyle started going bad. We met in college, but didn’t date until late senior year. The first two years were actually pretty damned good, even after the car accident that wrecked Kyle’s shoulder and destroyed his dreams of a pro-baseball career. He didn’t let it faze him at all, just kept going after life like a dog with a bone. We lived together and supported each other. We were happy and in love.
Then on our three-year anniversary, in the middle of a crowded Halloween party, with both of us dressed up like sailors, I proposed to Kyle.
He said no.
A Free Read through Insta-Freebie from August 28th to September 4th together with other authors ->
https://claims.instafreebie.com/gg/FC...
47 pages, ebook
First published February 1, 2018
1 person is currently reading
102 people want to read
About the author
A.M. Arthur
89 books1,236 followersNo stranger to the writing world, A.M. Arthur has been creating stories in her head since she was a child and scribbling them down nearly as long. She credits an early fascination with male friendships (bromance wasn't a thing yet) with her later discovery of and subsequent affair with m/m romance stories. When not writing, she can be found in her kitchen, pretending she's an amateur chef and trying to not poison herself or others with her cuisine experiments. You can contact her at AM_Arthur(at)yahoo(dot)com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
September 9, 2018
Wow, I evidently loved this story a bit more than your average Goodreads bear.
It wasn't overly-exciting, sexy, or breathtaking, but something about it really stuck me right in the feels.
It's all too easy for couples to drift apart, especially when there's past, hidden trauma, so I loved getting the why behind Kyle and Thomas' issues, then seeing them trust one another enough to work through them.
But the part with the coin at the end of the story???
GAH! Completely unexpected and I loved it so, so hard.
4.5 stars.
November 4, 2018
Short story and kind of weird one. I won't tell you why because that would be a spoiler, since you'll only figure out the reason at the end of it.
It focuses on a committed couple going through a rough time and being on the verge of splitting up. I like stories that center around a relationship and not just on the beginning of it, so this book was right up my alley. I enjoyed the first half more that the second and it was distinct enough even though it's a short story.
It's a quick read with a lot of emotion in it and maybe the end felt a bit rushed to me but that's the price to pay when you read a shortie - some times.
It focuses on a committed couple going through a rough time and being on the verge of splitting up. I like stories that center around a relationship and not just on the beginning of it, so this book was right up my alley. I enjoyed the first half more that the second and it was distinct enough even though it's a short story.
It's a quick read with a lot of emotion in it and maybe the end felt a bit rushed to me but that's the price to pay when you read a shortie - some times.
September 2, 2018
Although it was short, the story was very well developed and unexpectedly emotional. Loved it.
September 15, 2018
Wow. That was too much misery for such a short story. I loved the "drifted apart couple" theme but I never really got the conflict of the story. But nice ending.
September 6, 2018
This was...interesting
I can't say I really enjoyed it but I can't say it was bad either.
Just a 'meh'.
It begins with the couple taking a road trip and they are on the last thread of their relationship.
They pick up a hitchhiker.
And everything changes.
I typically like second chance stories but I don't recall reading one that begins as they are breaking up...?
Like I said, it was just okay.
* 2.5 ehh-maybe 3 stars*
I can't say I really enjoyed it but I can't say it was bad either.
Just a 'meh'.
It begins with the couple taking a road trip and they are on the last thread of their relationship.
They pick up a hitchhiker.
And everything changes.
I typically like second chance stories but I don't recall reading one that begins as they are breaking up...?
Like I said, it was just okay.
* 2.5 ehh-maybe 3 stars*
September 3, 2018
3.5 stars
Awww, I admit I got all sniffly bit in the end. It's a sweet one -- wrapped with miracles like Christmas but in Valentine's Day (but released in August, go figure *lol*)
Awww, I admit I got all sniffly bit in the end. It's a sweet one -- wrapped with miracles like Christmas but in Valentine's Day (but released in August, go figure *lol*)
September 11, 2018
What a nice surprise. I received this when the author participated in an Instafreebie giveaway and read it in one sitting.
There was a lot of story packed into a short book and it was riveting enough to keep me going without a break.
Kyle's uncle who raised him as a child dies and leaves him a classic car. He and his estranged life partner fly to Texas to get the car and drive it back. He and Tom (I think that was his name) have been on the outs since he turned down Tom's proposal at Thanksgiving. But he can't seem to commit to saying yes because there's so much about him Tom doesn't know.
Well, it turns out that Kyle needed to bring this car back and the car is linked to tragedy in his past but he's finally willing to talk about it. Along the way they've picked up a hitchhiker named Eric, the same name as Kyle's younger brother who died when they were kids. Is it all linked? You bet. And the ending is quite quirky. If you have a chance to get it, don't miss out.
A terrific story. Highly recommend.
There was a lot of story packed into a short book and it was riveting enough to keep me going without a break.
Kyle's uncle who raised him as a child dies and leaves him a classic car. He and his estranged life partner fly to Texas to get the car and drive it back. He and Tom (I think that was his name) have been on the outs since he turned down Tom's proposal at Thanksgiving. But he can't seem to commit to saying yes because there's so much about him Tom doesn't know.
Well, it turns out that Kyle needed to bring this car back and the car is linked to tragedy in his past but he's finally willing to talk about it. Along the way they've picked up a hitchhiker named Eric, the same name as Kyle's younger brother who died when they were kids. Is it all linked? You bet. And the ending is quite quirky. If you have a chance to get it, don't miss out.
A terrific story. Highly recommend.
April 14, 2019
It’s not often that a story surprises me the way this one did – completely unexpectedly – and I like the fact that it did. The beginning is a little sad, with the main character, Thomas, having pretty much decided to break up with his boyfriend of just over three years. The way Thomas sees things they have been drifting apart after Kyle said no to his public proposal, and the relationship is at its end. But then they go on a road trip to get a car Kyle inherited from an uncle he never even talked about, and things change. Well, not at first – because initially things get even more awkward. I am an eternal optimist and even I thought things were hopeless, only to find that the author had a few surprises for me.
If you like stories with several surprises and multilayered characters that surprise you as you get to know them, if you think every relationship deserves a second chance, and if you’re looking for an initially depressing read that quickly turns entertaining and ends on a very positive note, then you will probably like this free short story.
If you like stories with several surprises and multilayered characters that surprise you as you get to know them, if you think every relationship deserves a second chance, and if you’re looking for an initially depressing read that quickly turns entertaining and ends on a very positive note, then you will probably like this free short story.
September 5, 2018
Sweet short story with a little twist at the end. Easy read.
February 15, 2018
My biggest problem with short stories, is that I wish they were a full novel.
Can't have everything I guess...
Can't have everything I guess...
September 18, 2018
✩ ✩ ✩ ✩ 4-STAR ✩ REVIEW ✩ ✩ ✩ ✩
> > Judging a Book by its Cover < <
Generic person in the standard hitchhiker pose stands on the side of the road. The title is centered in a large white paintbrush stroke of white, blocking out the upper third of the mentioned person. Not a particularly eye-catching cover. Only the author name caught my attention (somehow, seeing how small and thin it is). Synopsis was interesting.
> > Looking Deeper < <
POV ~> First-person, Thomas’s perspective
Days away from Valentine’s Day, Thomas and Kyle are at the end of their relationship. While they still love one another secrets from the past have been driving a wedge between them for the past few months. It’s only when a phone call comes in that Thomas sees this as a last-ditch effort to try and repair the damaged relationship or give up for good.
A hitchhiker with an uncanny resemblance joins them on their trip home, bringing Thomas and Kyle closer together.
With a small touch of supernatural elements, this made for a sweet holiday short story about overcoming demons, letting go of the past, forgiveness, acceptance, and kindness. Predictability was moderate. The ending was abrupt but was satisfying enough.
.
Rating: [R] ~ Score: 3.925 ~ Stars: 4
==========================
⭐ ⭐ **** Disclosure of Material: I received a copy of this book from Instafreebie and the Author/Publisher with the hope that I would voluntarily leave unbiased and unsolicited feedback. I was not asked, encouraged, or required to leave a review - nor was I compensated in any way. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising". ***** ⭐ ⭐
> > Judging a Book by its Cover < <
Generic person in the standard hitchhiker pose stands on the side of the road. The title is centered in a large white paintbrush stroke of white, blocking out the upper third of the mentioned person. Not a particularly eye-catching cover. Only the author name caught my attention (somehow, seeing how small and thin it is). Synopsis was interesting.
> > Looking Deeper < <
POV ~> First-person, Thomas’s perspective
Days away from Valentine’s Day, Thomas and Kyle are at the end of their relationship. While they still love one another secrets from the past have been driving a wedge between them for the past few months. It’s only when a phone call comes in that Thomas sees this as a last-ditch effort to try and repair the damaged relationship or give up for good.
A hitchhiker with an uncanny resemblance joins them on their trip home, bringing Thomas and Kyle closer together.
With a small touch of supernatural elements, this made for a sweet holiday short story about overcoming demons, letting go of the past, forgiveness, acceptance, and kindness. Predictability was moderate. The ending was abrupt but was satisfying enough.
.
Rating: [R] ~ Score: 3.925 ~ Stars: 4
==========================
⭐ ⭐ **** Disclosure of Material: I received a copy of this book from Instafreebie and the Author/Publisher with the hope that I would voluntarily leave unbiased and unsolicited feedback. I was not asked, encouraged, or required to leave a review - nor was I compensated in any way. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising". ***** ⭐ ⭐
September 16, 2018
3.5 ⭐️
Good short entertaining story
I liked that the guys had their problems at the start of the book and actually communicated to solve them.
Good short entertaining story
I liked that the guys had their problems at the start of the book and actually communicated to solve them.
September 23, 2018
An interesting story of how the past affects the future and how to heal and move forward.
This was a slow and emotionally invested story. There isn't any big action and the revelations are more emotional and heart felt than shocking or surprising. But it was that emotion and heart that keep me engaged and made this into a beautiful story.
Thomas and Kyle are a once solid couple now drifting apart. After a refused marriage proposal the two can't find their way back to the relationship they had and Thomas is getting ready to end it when Kyle receives news that the uncle who raised him died and left him a car. Thomas can't leave Kyle at such an emotionally fraught time and the two head off on a road trip to bring the car home, giving them a chance to finally hash out what has been happening.
This story is all about communication. It was a lack of communication, both intentional and otherwise, that started pushing them apart. Equally when they finally do talk it is that break down of walls that brings them back together. The past has been affect Kyle more than he ever realized and trusting Thomas with all of him brings them back to what they once had and don't even want to lose. There is a lot of heavy family history and a little twist to bring closure. It was a beautiful story full of heart and true connection that was an easy and wonderful read.
This was a slow and emotionally invested story. There isn't any big action and the revelations are more emotional and heart felt than shocking or surprising. But it was that emotion and heart that keep me engaged and made this into a beautiful story.
Thomas and Kyle are a once solid couple now drifting apart. After a refused marriage proposal the two can't find their way back to the relationship they had and Thomas is getting ready to end it when Kyle receives news that the uncle who raised him died and left him a car. Thomas can't leave Kyle at such an emotionally fraught time and the two head off on a road trip to bring the car home, giving them a chance to finally hash out what has been happening.
This story is all about communication. It was a lack of communication, both intentional and otherwise, that started pushing them apart. Equally when they finally do talk it is that break down of walls that brings them back together. The past has been affect Kyle more than he ever realized and trusting Thomas with all of him brings them back to what they once had and don't even want to lose. There is a lot of heavy family history and a little twist to bring closure. It was a beautiful story full of heart and true connection that was an easy and wonderful read.
April 5, 2018
3,5 estrellas.
Qué bonito y tierno.
Kyle y Thomas se aman, han estado juntos por años, pero aún quedan cosas que resolver entre ambos, y quizás un viaje por la carretera los ayudará a salvar su relación. No es una historia de amor sino más bien trata de arreglar los problemas en una relación y darse otra oportunidad.
No hay mucho más que decir, una historia corta pero poderosa, un poquito predecible pero no por eso menos disfrutable. El estilo de escritura es sencillo y agradable; me gustaría leer algo más de A.M. Arthur.
Qué bonito y tierno.
Kyle y Thomas se aman, han estado juntos por años, pero aún quedan cosas que resolver entre ambos, y quizás un viaje por la carretera los ayudará a salvar su relación. No es una historia de amor sino más bien trata de arreglar los problemas en una relación y darse otra oportunidad.
No hay mucho más que decir, una historia corta pero poderosa, un poquito predecible pero no por eso menos disfrutable. El estilo de escritura es sencillo y agradable; me gustaría leer algo más de A.M. Arthur.
April 15, 2018
This story was short but well paced and an easy read. Our MC's embark on a road trip; which both believe will be their last before ending their 4 year relationship. But the meeting of one person can change everything you think is true. Over the coarse of the road trip, secrets are revealed and love is rekindled and a person from Kyle's past will change everything with a sweet twist of fate.
February 21, 2019
Love this story with this couple trying to work through secrets and a growing distance between them. I began to suspect the hitchhiker would play an important role regarding the making up and had a small inkling that he might be a more significant link to the past. The author did keep me guessing until the end though and I thought it was a sweet and haunting story.
March 7, 2018
I have to admit I'm not a huge fan of short stories. I've just started reading more of them. I really liked this story! There was so much emotion in such a short time, and it does reinforce my belief in miracles!
September 2, 2018
Heartwarming second chance love story. A road trip turns into a journey to overcome a tragic past and find the strength to look forward to the future freed from the chains of past hurt. It is a short but quite intense story.
September 10, 2018
I really enjoyed this story, even the startling revelation that it starts in Plano, my hometown. Not sure of it's depiction- we dont really have any houses from the early 1900s around here, but I guess that's poetic license. A great "second chance" story with two likable MCs.
February 16, 2018
Very interesting ending that makes you think in miracles.
August 30, 2018
This story is proof that a short can be a fully developed, complete story. Enough background to know the characters, and a self-contained story line that doesn't leave you hanging at the end.
September 1, 2018
What an emotional, enjoyable ride. The characters were great and the tears at the end were genuine. What an incredible story.
September 4, 2018
4.5 stars loved this
September 5, 2018
3.5 stars
September 6, 2018
3.5 stars
September 7, 2018
A quick sweet story! Glad they saved their relationship.
September 8, 2018
Short story that I got on Instafreebie app as The MM Back to School Free Short Story Giveaway.
This author is new to me. I liked this book and will be checking out other books by this author :)
This author is new to me. I liked this book and will be checking out other books by this author :)
September 16, 2018
Lovely story. The end was wonderful.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews