The Gift

by Ryan Loveless

It took Sean's life-threatening illness to make Lucas realize he was in love with his friend. Now that Sean has recovered, Lucas is determined to give him a birthday gift that will express the feelings he hasn't managed to voice... the gift of himself. However, when Lucas's past negative experiences get in the way, Lucas fears the gift will be ruined. Sean reminds him that Lucas promised him everything, and that's what Sean wants. In return, Sean will give Lucas a gift he never expected... unconditional love.

Genres: M M Romance, Contemporary

42 pages, ebook

First published December 7, 2010

Reviews

[Ami · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lucas and Sean are best friends for years. However, not until Sean battling cancer and doctor tells him of the small chance to survive, does Lucas realize how Sean means for him. Now, they have been lovers for six months and it's Sean's 25th birthday. It's Sean's first birthday after he beat the odds and lives. So, Lucas plans to have a special gift to show Sean how he feels -- he plans to give Sean "himself". Lucas rarely bottom for his other boyfriends; all came because of his bad experience of first bottoming for a man. But this time, Lucas is determined to give anything Sean wants. Little that he knows, instead, Sean gives Lucas the special "gift" in return ... of unconditional love.

This short story is one long session of love-making. HOWEVER, I find it tender and sweet because while it starts with Lucas presenting Sean with himself as a gift, the session turns into intimate conversation, when Lucas confesses to Sean on the reason why he never feels comfortable to be the bottom. It's not just "love"-making but also a testament on how relationship between the two guys heal the trauma that Lucas suffers. It's a beautiful story ...

[Ryan Loveless]

My first short story, published through Dreamspinner Press. If you like to read erotica infused with angst, understanding, humor, and abiding love, this is the story for you. :)

[Serena Yates · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a beautiful story. It made me cry, but also reminded me of what's really important in life: love and not only being with the person you love most, but telling them how much they mean to you.

Lucas has gotten over the life-threatening cancer Sean has survived. In a strange way he is grateful for it, because it has made him realize that he loves Sean, and it has brought them together. Lucas isn't, however, a man who easily talks about his feelings. The process of really opening up to Sean, symbolized by letting the other man top for the first time, involves much more than the physical steps they take. It is one of discovery and letting go of old hang-ups; of learning to truly trust.

We don't find out about Sean's inner thoughts, as the story revolves around Lucas and is rightly told only from his perspective. What we do see from what he says, made me love him for his unconditional acceptance of Lucas. He supports and helps his lover in a way that makes Lucas understand how deep their love really is.

A story about almost-loss, unconditional love and tremendous hope for the future that will also make you think about what is most important in your life. I totally loved it.



NOTE: This book has been provided by Dreamspinnner Press for the purpose of a review.

[Nerine Petros · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. This was a really sweet short. Based on the relationship between Lucas and Sean, Lucas has decided to offer himself up as a birthday present to Sean, something that fills him with dread after not so good previous experiences. The story focuses on the feelings between the two former best friends, now lovers, as they face these emotional obsticles and overcome Lucas' fears culminating in physical intimacy, that while stirring, focused more on sweet sexy rather than lust, making it all the more touching. Lucas is a well-rounded, fully established character, while Sean is learnt more as the story unfolds. I did still feel I didn't connect with Sean as a character, but this in no way dimmed the impact of this books hidden message. Nx

[Barb ~rede-2-read~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lucas' partner Sean nearly died a few months ago. Somehow he recovered and they've been enjoying every special day since then. For Sean's birthday Lucas decides to give the gift of himself to Sean, i.e., he'll be Sean's bottom for the night. Problem is, he's afraid, having never had a good experience.

In this short story, the author brings the love between these characters to life. Most of the story revolves around the night in bed together but on another level, it's really about their relationship, expressing their love and meeting both Sean's and Lucas' needs. Both men give and receive a gift that night.

I recommend this to anyone who enjoys a short and sweet romantic story.

[Kobie · Rating 4 out of 5]

really not sure how to review... I don't like novellas, and this barely even qualified as a novella. just a scene, really. it had enough backstory that I bet it could have been a full book. well written and good for its length.

[Ivka_s_knihou · Rating 5 out of 5]

This thing made me cry on page 2. And I can't stop thinking about it. So I think it's a huge success. It's a short story Im giving it 5 stars. Enough said.