The Tithe

by K.C. Burn

Seven years ago, Aric watched his best friend enlist in the United Human Coalition military and leave aboard a starship. Aric was a simple farmer, one of many who provided foodstuffs to the UHC. How could he possibly compete with the lure of space travel and the chance to see other planets? But it’s time to move on with his life. Mourning “what might have been” was futile and only made his family worry.

Seven years ago, Tobin had nothing to offer Aric beside his heart and a strong body. Not nearly enough for Aric’s family, who’d already begun the search for suitable brides. Without prospects and unwilling to watch Aric marry someone else, Tobin enlisted. At least he’d have the excitement of seeing new worlds while fighting to protect humanity. But military life was not kind to him, and when he unexpectedly returns home, he has even less to offer Aric than before.

Seeing Tobin again fills Aric with joy and he’s bursting with feelings he’d never dared confess. But Tobin is a different man from the boy who left. Settling back into farm life might be well beyond his capabilities, and the unspoken feelings might be better off left unsaid. Because losing Tobin again could break Aric for good.

Originally published in 2016 as part of the anthology One Pulse.

50 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 19, 2016

Reviews

[Suzanne Bourgeois]

this book was not what what i expected. i am happy to say it was even better! i don't want to spoil anything, so this review is rather hard to write, so go read this! A long time friendship turned romance that spans time and trauma and ends so sweetly.

[Melinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Tithe

A short story of young love and different paths in life. Aric is a farmer following in his family's life path. Tobin feels he has nothing to give and goes off to enlist in the military in search of adventure and new worlds. When their paths cross again, will they be able to overcome their differences and be the couple they want to be?

[Tamye Whitener · Rating 5 out of 5]

A love story about missed chances, best friends, one going off to war, while the other stays home to tend the farm. Then the soldier returns. This book is all about not speaking up. Not thinking you are good enough for the person you love. And what we think something is, and what it actually turns out to be something completely different.

This story tugged at my heartstrings and made me cry a lot. Both for good and bad reasons. It touched me and I can only hope that more of this authors books will be of this caliber. It's an excellent short read that I definitely will recommend.

[ButtonsMom2003 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short and Sweet and So Good!

The Tithe comes in at only 50 pages but it is such a good story and really packed a punch for me. It’s a sci-fi setting but even if you’re not a sci-fi reader you might enjoy this story. Only the setting and unusual names make it a sci-fi story as far as I’m concerned. At its core it’s a romance that could take place in the real world.

Aeric and Tobin were friends, with Tobin living with Aeric’s family when they were young. Neither of them realizes that the other has feelings for the other one. Tobin wants an adventure so he signs up with the United Human Coalition military; he never told Aeric about his feelings. Aeric let Tobin without telling him how he felt because he didn’t want to hold him back.

Seven years later and Aeric is still pining for Tobin but he’s finally accepted that Tobin must be dead. While it was not difficult to guess that Tobin would return, the rest of what comes after nearly gutted me and then put me back together again.

If you’ve never read an MM (male/male) romance but would like to try one I can highly recommend this. There is no sexy time at all; just heart-felt feelings and a great HEA.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really good love story of how two people loved each other but did not know it. The suffering was out of this world. However, if a relationship is meant to be then love can conquer all. I absolutely LOVE this author's writing style.

[Jodi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book friend recommended this book and I am so happy she did. For a 50 page story it packed a lot into it and so much of it was heartbreaking. I love young love trope where they think they are not good enough for each other. Aric stays on the farm whileTobin goes off to war. So much has changed for both boys now men and the horror for Tobin was horriffic. Well done.

[Amber Todd · Rating 5 out of 5]

My literal thoughts immediately after finishing this book were, "no, no, no, it can't be over, there has to be more pages, I want moooore!" Aric and Tobin's story was just so sweet and so perfect. Every time I think I'm not really into sci-fi type books, I pick up a KC Burn and love it every time!

[Crystal P · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a sweet little read. Second chance with a heartbreaking reason for their separation. Both the main characters seem very lovely and I couldn’t be more happy to see two people get their chance at happiness!

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really interesting short story. It was about love and expectations, with a good sci-fi background to it all that had a twist that was clear it was there but was still unexpected! Tobin left with the army recruiters because he was never going to have the life he imagined with Aric, being poor and orphaned. Aric believes he left because he was never in love and hasn't ever moved on from that. When Tobin does come back, a broken man that is a shadow of who he once was he believes that going to Aric is impossible as now he has less to give. But Aric is determined and reaches out regardless. It is a story about a love that isn't conditional, one that ensures even through hard time. And while love cannot cure all ails, it can prop you up through the hard times. This short showed that just perfectly.

[Dolorianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought I had read everything by Kc Burn but it turns out I had not. Her novella, The Tithe, has been a fan favorite in the Coastal Magic Convention Reading Challenge for the past 2 years. There has been lots of chatter about it ... how sweet it is, how an unexpected reveal at the end is stunning, and how invested you get in the characters in such few words. Everyone says the same thing ... it's one of the books that sticks with them after the challenge is over. I'm officially agreeing with all everything they've said. A must read, 10/10.

[Rizu · Rating 4 out of 5]

pretty simple straight forward plot but the subtle sci-fi going on adds to the spice. i was a bit surprised with what happened to tobin. great short read.