Off Sides

by Dianne Hartsock

This is the story of how one perfect couple becomes three.

Austin and Riley have been together since high school. They've always loved each other and know they'll spend the rest of their lives together. But when they start playing soccer in college, they meet a sexy blond named Luke who, as far as they know, is the stereotypical conservative rich kid with the perfect GPA, who might also be their answer to a question they never asked.

For Luke, college life means keeping his head down and working hard, denying his own needs until he graduates and can get out from under his father's thumb. It works, until he meets Austin and Riley, smart, gorgeous, and in desperate need of someone to look after them. Luke longs to be that someone, but is he willing to give up his future to have an amazing now?

Genres: M M Romance, Contemporary, Gay, Romance, Ebooks, LGBT, Short Stories

48 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 2, 2020

About the author

After growing up in California and spending the first ten years of marriage in Colorado, I now live in the beautiful Willamette Valley of Oregon with my incredibly patient husband, who puts up with the endless hours I spend hunched over the keyboard letting my characters play.
I have to say, Oregon’s raindrops are the perfect setting in which to write. There’s something about being cooped up in the house while it pours rain outside, a fire crackles on the hearth inside, and a cup of hot coffee warms my hands, which kindles my imagination.
The intricate and fragile nature of the mind is always fascinating. Having worked with the public through various careers I’ve come to respect the resilience and strength of the human spirit. I’m always trying to capture that spirit in my writing.
Currently, I work as a floral designer in a locally-owned gift shop. Which is the perfect job for me. When not writing, I can express myself through the rich colors and textures of flowers and foliage.

Reviews

[cmbookdiva · Rating 5 out of 5]

These boys have so much more to tell. More please.

[Jenn (not Lily) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not really a complete story -- there's plenty of conflict and UST, but it just ends with a hint of a resolution on the horizon but no explanation of how it could possibly be sustained. Still, some nice fantasies and the possibility of a lovely poly relationship.

[Bluebelle-the-Inquisitive (Catherine) · Rating 2 out of 5]

His gaze shot across the room at a burst of jeering laughter from the group gathered at the showers. Shit. The toughness that made Gabe Allister a killer on the field also made him dangerous to cross and a fucking bully to the less skillful players on the team. In Gabe’s mind, that pretty much included everyone. — Luke

Warnings: Bullying. Child abuse. Homophobia. Self harm.

What did I just read? I can't even process this. This book has absolutely no chill at all. I know there are AI books starting to hit the market and I'm wondering if this is one of them. It is poorly edited to the point where one line has a name misspelt "“Riley?” No answer, Ryley’s hazel gaze distant,". It's basic editing and there are a few issues like this, basics.

It is just too much, it is playing on extremes. The established couple, Riley and Austin, have been together forever meeting when they were 5 and coming out together at about 14. Their third, Luke, is protective, from money and in the closet for the sake of his education. Riley is badly abused by his single mother, his way of coping has been to become a cutter. He and Austin are mercilessly bullied for being them by a single player on their team, to the point of Riley being pined against the wall by his throat. Oh and Austin comes from an extremely religious house, nearing pray away the gay levels. The ending is just ridiculous. Luke buys the three of them an apartment. It's all too much.

Honestly don't waste your time with this. There are much better, more nuanced novellas. Novellas that respect the intelligence of the reader. It's been a while since I felt the need to disparage a novella like this or hide a review but there you go.

A representative gif:

[Stephen · Rating 2 out of 5]

First a disclaimer... I never finished this one.

This tale had a great story idea but was ruined (for me at least) by inept story-telling.

I MAY try again to read it someday but after one too many problems with the prose I had to set this one aside.

Given that it's free on Amazon, you may want to try it and judge for yourself.

[Loves · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well, that was ridiculous. A complete tease.
An erotica short can't be made of erotic daydreams and hinted, veiled sex scenes. It sure can't end right. before. the. one. real. explicit. sex scene. And don't tell me that it's a romance short because it's not!

[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was hot, but had some issues.

[Regencyfan93 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Skipped pages of sex. I'm not sure how this will work out in the end.