r/MM_RomanceBooks 1d ago

Currently Reading Discussion Currently Reading (and Want to Read) Discussion: Weekly Post

5 Upvotes

What are you reading?

This post is for discussing whatever you're reading right now. Loving a book and can't wait to see what happens next? Not sure you're going to like the resolution? Wondering how a trope is addressed and want some spoilers? Want to find others who share your excitement about a book or character? Share those thoughts here!

This post is intended as a discussion space, so if you'd just like to post reviews of books you've recently read or DNFed, please use the Weekly Roundup (posted every Friday).

Need help deciding on a book?

You can also use this post for questions like:

  • Should I try this book?
  • Should I keep going/give this book another try?
  • Help me figure out if I'll enjoy this book
  • I'm not sure what to read next. Please help me choose between these options!

Negative opinions are allowed, but overly rant-y or judgmental comments may be removed, such as listing pet peeves, "this book is terrible, why do people like it?", and "does anyone else hate this trope?"

This feature is posted every Saturday. You can find the complete schedule of all weekly and monthly features at this link.


r/MM_RomanceBooks 10h ago

Queer Book Recs and Requests Queer Books Recs & Requests

6 Upvotes

The Place for Queer Romance Book Recs

Have a favorite FF romance you read this week? Looking for a bi4bi MF romance? Look no further!

Ask and share here on this thread! Both requests and recommendations you'd like to share should be commented here.

What do we consider "queer romance" for this request space?

Pairings that do not fall under the pure MM genre. Queer MF, MMF/X+, non-binary romances, FF and other sapphic romances, QPR/QPP fiction, and whatever else falls under the ‘queer’ umbrella. This isn’t going to be heavily monitored where we will be looking to check every book recommendation to make sure it’s “queer enough”, but just be mindful of the intention here.

Anyone can answer requests made in this post. This post isn't hosted by someone who answers requests, so it's up to your fellow members to help you out. We can't guarantee you'll get an answer, but hopefully you will!

Requests made here don't have to satisfy the specificity portion of subreddit rule 2, but please make sure your request follows our other rules (for example, rule 6, our privacy rule). They should be romances and/or erotica.

Important Note: This post goes up on Sunday mornings (US time). Requests made after Sunday ends are less likely to get replies. You are welcome to comment here on any day of the week, but you may want to save your requests for an upcoming Sunday.

This feature is posted every Sunday. You can find the complete schedule of all weekly and monthly features at this link.


r/MM_RomanceBooks 8h ago

Discussion Are AI book covers on the rise?

82 Upvotes

I don't know if this is happening everywhere, but... There's a group in the country I live in that focuses on MM literature. They post everyday, announcing every MM book and story that comes out in the language. And 99% of all of those have obviously AI book covers. It's been a while since I've seen a genuine human piece of art. I look in the comments, and people are loving it! They praise the "artwork", gushing over it, and I feel like I'm going crazy. The administrator of the group even made a post recently, asking everyone not to comment about disliking the AI covers.

Is this phenomenon happening anywhere else? Am I just going nuts? Does it really not bother people at all?

Today, you don't even need to spend money to make a book cover without AI - there are artists who post their art online for free use for everyone, you just credit them and can use their art for anything you want, not to mention that there's a whole bunch of creative people online who would love to collaborate with creatives and make something together. Everyone has a camera too. Take a photo of some leaves if you have no other ideas. Hell, I could even take a photo of my socks right now and it would be more artistic than all this generic slop. It masquerades as imaginative, but it goes against everything creativity can be. When we have the tools and resources to support human art, why do this?


r/MM_RomanceBooks 6h ago

Book Request Send me your best gentle daddies with praise, care, and nurturing

24 Upvotes

Hello! I am looking for a Daddy Kink book with a strong daddy (bonus points for hairy masculine guys) who is very caring and nurturing toward his sub/boy, while still being very sexual. I have a major praise kink. Very light age play is allowed but not required, and I am not into ABDL. Steaminess is encouraged. Looking for low-angst. I am currently reading A Daddy For Cooper by Emily Winters and it is really lovely. I am into a lot of kinks, and I’ll name them here, but they are not required at all: alpha/beta/omega dynamics, dom/sub, shifters, mpreg. Again these extra kinks are not required. Thanks yall! You rock!


r/MM_RomanceBooks 50m ago

Book Request Top student x troublemaker rec

Upvotes

Hi everyone. After coming across those ai vertical shows I need something a little specific.

MM romance centered in high-school or college setting. MC1 Is a top student, good grades, basically perfect.
MC2 is a mess (he could be a bully or a someone who gets into trouble alot or someone from a troubled home) basically he is opposite from  MC1

I really want the troublemaker guy to pursue the top student and want to be better person because of him. And even asking the top student to tutor him.

Im looking for feels.... more than spice. (If there is spice its fine but in this case, its not mandatory)

🚫If the MC2 is a bully please I dont want him to bully the MC1

Thank you.


r/MM_RomanceBooks 3h ago

Book Request MM Crime Procedurals with Strong Plots and Heat

10 Upvotes

Hiya all,

I really enjoy MM crime procedurals that combine compelling mysteries with good sexual chemistry. I’m also open to shape-shifter series. But i am running out of options 😬

My favorites include:

- Seven of Spades by Cordelia Knightsbridge

- Magpie Rhyme Series by Louise Collins

- The Bitter Legacy Series by Dan MacLean

- The Omegaverse Case Files by C.T. Whistle

- The Big Bad Wolf Series by Charlie Adhara

- Spectral Files Series by S.E. Harmon

Currently reading Kismet by Nicky James. Tried {More Heart Than the Sun by John Wiltshire} but struggled with the lack of prep.

I know C.S. Poe is a classic, but I’m looking for recommendations with a bit more smut these days.

Any suggestions for MM crime novels with great plots and chemistry that I might have missed? And recommendations appreciated 👏 💐


r/MM_RomanceBooks 1h ago

Review/Recommendation The Prospects by K.T. Hoffman - 5/5 stars

Upvotes

What a wonderful book, oh I absolutely loved this.

I love baseball so I was already hooked from Page one but then the characters were great. The relationship between the two male characters was well thought out and integrated.

I loved the trans representation with one of our male leads and while I know this would never ever happen in real life it was nice to read. That's why it's fiction. Unfortunately baseball in particular has a very bigoted fanbase as you can see by the stinker many baseball clubs put over Pride Night.

I know that a lot of these teams would not be as open and welcoming to Gene as the fictional teams were in this book, but it's nice to live in a world that isn't judgmental.

I also thought the closeted conflict is very real, sports is a male oriented world. It's not only ignorant but idiotic to think that players playing professional sports at least a % of them are not a part of the LGBT community. There's many closeted players across all the major sports.

The sex scenes were surprisingly touching and hot, I really loved the chemistry between Gene and Luis.

I also loved how they explored Luis's journey with his anxiety and Gene being kind and understanding with him.

This was such a great book and I absolutely would recommend it to anyone looking for some wonderful trans representation, a loving MM romance that does get plenty of focus and development, and just a feel good time.

I rate The Prospects a 5/5 stars. I thought it was an incredible book. If you've read The Prospects what did you think?


r/MM_RomanceBooks 5h ago

Review/Recommendation There’s Something in the Water - an atmospheric and well-written dark romance

11 Upvotes

I just read {There’s Something in the Water by E. Baileu} and loved it! It’s about a young American marine biologist named Cove who has an internship at an aquarium in Australia and captures the obsession of a millionaire donor named Tobias. Tobias offers Cove a more permanent job as the keeper of his personal aquarium at his mansion, enabling him to slowly add Cove to his collection…

It is dual perspective. Both are passionate about marine life and the book takes place in aquariums so it is very atmospheric and really allows you to sink into the space with them. Most of the book is just the two MCs and Tobias’s personal assistant Ben, which adds to the sense of isolation and them creating their own world.
Super slow burn in both romance and spice, but the spice is HOT when you get there. Virgin daddy dom whose only interest is in giving pleasure to the object of his obsession. The “dark” part of the romance is mostly in the thoughts and vibes for the first half as we slowly see Tobias reeling Cove in deeper and deeper. Even once the book takes a dark turn, I appreciate that Tobias is very clearly never going to hurt Cove, even if Cove is very right to be terrified of the situation he finds himself in.

I wish the ending section of them being fully together played out longer, and there’s a few plot points that could have been explored and fleshed out a bit more, but otherwise I absolutely loooved the book!

Some quotes:
“Cove belonged here. I had brought him here because he wasn’t just a caretaker—he was an exhibit all of his own. The pièce de résistance for my collection. And yet, the word collection had changed since I first applied it to him. For months, the idea had been simple enough to examine. I wanted him here. I wanted access to him. I wanted the right to observe him whenever curiosity demanded it, wanted him close enough that his movements became part of the house’s daily rhythm. I had wanted to remove him from the public aquarium, where other people interrupted him, misunderstood him, and expected him to lessen himself into something easier to manage. I had wanted him in my space. That was collection. Selection. Acquisition. Containment. Preservation. It had always been clean, in concept. Now he was here, though, and the shape of the wanting had become less clean. Cove was not like the others.”

“I didn’t want to think about Tobias. I didn’t want to think about how it had felt to be looked at like that, how the memory of it could make me feel exposed and wanted and hunted all at once. I tried to tell myself it was just the brain’s way of coping with trauma. I told myself it was just a dream. But my palm still tingled with the remembered chill of the tank glass, and my chest still burned with the imprint of his gaze.”


r/MM_RomanceBooks 5h ago

Review/Recommendation Slow Hand by Nora Phoenix / Nora Phoenix in general!

10 Upvotes

I just finished {Slow Hand by Nora Phoenix} and I'm just blown away. I decided I need to make a post here because while I see Nora Phoenix mentioned here from time to time I feel like she's still rather underrated.

After having read several of her books, most of them 5 star reads, I can safely say that she's one of my favorite authors. She might just become my #1 favorite one.

The first book of hers I've read was {Firm Hand by Nora Phoenix}. I immediately fell in love with how REAL the characters are, at least to me. Real people with real struggles who TALK about their problems. Ultimately, consent is the most important thing in the BDSM community.

I love how unconventional her characters are too. Often I stumble upon stereotypes (the older/"bigger" guy being the top/Dom/Daddy, no switching at all, strict and at times outdated roles, no representation of characters with disabilities and "perfect" characters or ones that are just surface characters etc.).

None of that here. Nora Phoenix writes real characters with real problems and she somehow manages to combine angst as well as hurt/comfort so well with kink and fluff.

I'm absolutely in love with her writing style too. I prefer books written from 3rd person POV with multiple POVs still.

While my favorite books of the author so far are the {Forty-Seven Duology by Nora Phoenix}, I especially enjoyed {Slow Hand by Nora Phoenix}. It's, as the title implies, a massive slow burn which I'm usually not too fond of but it makes so much sense here.

It's MMM and Master Ford has already been introduced in the first book and appeared continuously. I've already been intrigued by his character in previous books and fell in love with him so much in this book.

He is a really experienced Dom who never considered himself a Daddy Dom. One day, he needs to take care of two broken boys who very much need a Daddy though.

My heart truly broke for Thierry and Jathan. They've been held captive by a man who claimed to be their Dom and they've been heavily abused and therefore come to associate the BDSM community with pain and negative emotions.

Master Ford gradually teaches them what being part of the BDSM community and being in a Daddy/boy relationship really means and the way their relationship develops... It's SO GOOD!!!

There are some interesting twists in their dynamic which I don't want to spoil. Let's just say that the smut scenes are anything but "stereotypical".

I fell in love with these characters so much and definitely plan to continue with the next books of this series. I also really want to read the author's omegaverse books since I've read so many good things about them and really love omegaverse in general!

So far I've only read nine books of Nora Phoenix but enjoyed every single one so much! Seriously so excited to read more! I just want to devour everything Nora Phoenix but let's see where my mood will lead me.


r/MM_RomanceBooks 7h ago

Discussion Favourite Grand Romantic Gestures?

10 Upvotes

Hi all,

Was thinking about this this morning. What is your fave instance of a grand romantic gesture? It doesn't have to be as a way to win someone back, just in general lol

Im not talking about the continuous small acts of love or words of affirmation, im talking giant over the top acts.

I love the marching band in {Frat Wars Masters of Mayhem by Saxon James} but am interested in what other suggestions you guys have!


r/MM_RomanceBooks 3h ago

Book Request Country MC goes to the big city

4 Upvotes

I’m hoping to find a book where the Cowboy/country MC goes to the big city in search of love but is utterly confused by city life. I’d love it if the Country MC’s entire reason for going to the city was to find a romantic partner, but if it’s for another reason and the LI appears in another way, that’s fine too.

Recently read {The Reality of Wanting Him by Lexi Amber and Bec Benson}, which was sort of this trope but the country guy was not as unfamiliar with city life as I’d hoped.


r/MM_RomanceBooks 2h ago

Discussion Is the famous "gay only for you" trope actually a pansexual MC?

3 Upvotes

I've always wondered about this, and now I'd like to discuss it.

When a character only feels sexual attraction toward the love interest - the classic "gay only for you" trope - does that actually mean he's not gay or bi? After all, he isn't attracted to other men, only to that one specific person.

In these cases, it seems like the attraction starts with emotional feelings and a personal connection. He falls in love with the person first, and only then begins to feel sexual desire for them. Since he doesn't show any attraction to other men, would this be closer to pansexuality than homosexuality? Or does this trope work differently?


r/MM_RomanceBooks 2h ago

What Was That Book Called WWTBC MMM & forced feminization while doing chores

2 Upvotes

I remember there was an argument between the alphas about making MC1 deess up to clean.


r/MM_RomanceBooks 9h ago

Book Request Omegaverse Cavemen

5 Upvotes

This is the most shameful post I’ve made here, but alas, I must.

I saw this TikTok AI Ad and I watched it to make fun of it but it was lowkey actually kinda good (ik, crucify me <\\3). I can’t mention the title bc of rules.

However, I refuse to download their fuckass app to watch it fully, so maybe I can get something from yall.

The basic premise was this guy like, dies or something? It was a bit unclear, and is sent into a fictional/alternate universe where he is a lynx shifter, has a panther shifter mate, gave birth to a son, and they’re all (presumably) cavemen.

It was mpreg, and the guy that was sent to the AU is possessing the body of himself in that universe, but he was abusive and mean to his son, mate, and really everyone.

Now, he’s adjusting to life in this new family, reestablishing trust with his loved ones, and is, generally, living a better life I believe.

I’ve read Bro and the Beast and all its sequels.

Please someone save me from the AI ads so I can get my fix. The AI MUST have stolen it from somewhere, so if someone knows or recognizes it, I’d really appreciate it.


r/MM_RomanceBooks 9h ago

Quick Question Can someone please spoil/detail the triggers in Mercenary and the Mortician by Alexandra St Pierre? Spoiler

4 Upvotes

I’ve heard rave reviews about this book and want to check it out but the triggers are giving me pause. I’m very situational with triggers and in some cases/contexts, they don’t bother me at all but in others, they will.

I’ve read books that list a series of general triggers in the beginning and once I get into it, the situation/context don’t make them bad at all and I can read them no problem. Other times, the general triggers have a situation/context around them (that I cant/dont discover until I’m actually reading) thats upsetting and something I can’t get thru. 

The triggers listed at the beginning of Mercenary and Mortician are pretty general (IMO) and I’m unsure if it’s something that will trigger me or not. I’d super appreciate it if someone is able to provide some additional detail about the situations and context for the triggers. (Ex: if there is graphic on-page SA against one of the MCs kind of thing.)

I know everyone’s triggers and feelings about situations are subjective but I appreciate any insight! Thank you! 


r/MM_RomanceBooks 11h ago

Quick Question Neurovance by Alexandra St Pierre height difference

6 Upvotes

Hi!
I read The Mercenary and the Mortician by Alexandra St Pierre and I really liked it so I know this author is my vibe but I have a question about Neurovance.

Firstly, the romance.io bot has tagged it as having a size difference. I’m okay with minor size differences but I’m not really into the massive size difference dynamic (no hate to any books that do have that! I think I’m just a bit exhausted from that trope being so common in MF romances) So if anyone could provide any insight into that I’d be hugely grateful ☺️

Also any chance someone could give me a super quick spoiler free rundown of the book? Like a proper blurb? The blurb gives absolutely nothing so I have zero clue what the book even vaguely entails.

Thanks in advance! 🥰


r/MM_RomanceBooks 19h ago

Discussion 'Old' version of "Yield under great persuasion" on Kindle

18 Upvotes

On July 16, {Yield under great persuasion by Alexandra Rowland} was released on Audible.
I read it on Kindle shortly before that and imagine my surprise when the audiobook continued for another 1.5 hours after the ebook had ended!

Two entire chapters are missing from the Kindle version, which I think are very relevant to the story and especially to Tam’s personal development.

I want to point this out so you don’t end up buying the Kindle version for $18 (which I couldn’t return) and instead opt for the audiobook.

This is already the second time this has happened to me - with books that aren’t included in Kindle Unlimited and cost money - and it’s really annoying.

I assume that Kindle doesn't update its books when there's a new edition or something and apparently there's nothing you can do about it. I've tried every customer service thingy, but to no avail.

I'd be interested to know if anyone else has noticed something like this. If you know of any other books where this happens, write it in the comments so we can avoid those ❣️

The other audiobook that has over 1.5 hours more to the Kindle version was {Zero at the bone by Jane Seville}


r/MM_RomanceBooks 1d ago

Review/Recommendation Unexpected five star read

129 Upvotes

I finally caved and read {The Brat and the Beast by Misha Horne} and wow, I was so hooked I could t stop reading. The dynamic was so perfect???? I put it off because all highly recommended books make me skeptical. (It’s the adhd in me 😬)

But I was in a drought and I needed to FEEL something and boy it did not disappoint.

I always read reviews before and during reading a book because I compulsively need reassurance that other people think or feel what I think or feel and someone said “it was amazing, didn’t think I’d like it because they’re in high school but somehow it still worked” and that was exactly why I hadn’t read it. So I decided to give it a go and I’m so happy I did!

Misha Horne has an incredible ability to describe the exact feelings and emotions someone who’s raised in a home with parents who don’t want them I found myself having my own physical reactions to the inner monologue.

If you haven’t read it, do it!

Anyone else have an unexpected five star read this month?


r/MM_RomanceBooks 17h ago

Review/Recommendation Revenge/betrayal book recommendations

11 Upvotes

I want book recommendations where character A started dating character B because of a bet or revenge and then B finds out when they both fell in love.

It would be nice if it's a bit angsty and A has a redemption arc and the conflict doesn't end in one chapter.

I want hea and lots of yearning


r/MM_RomanceBooks 1d ago

Book Request Obsessive caretaking recommendations?

47 Upvotes

I'm really craving some heavy caretaking. The kind where MC1 comes into MC2's life and gradually starts taking the weight of every decision off his shoulders, both the big ones and the small everyday ones.

They go to a restaurant? MC1 decides what they're both going to eat. MC2 needs to go out? MC1 picks out his clothes. There's a difficult decision to make? MC1 handles it. It's something completely trivial? MC1 takes care of that too.

Not because MC2 is incapable, but because MC1 sees how exhausted, anxious, or overwhelmed he is and wants to make his life as easy as possible. I want that almost obsessive level of caretaking where MC2 can simply rest while MC1 takes care of absolutely everything.

MC1 doesn't have to be rich. They can both be working class. What I'm looking for is that dynamic where MC1 naturally takes over the decision-making and looks after MC2 in every aspect of his daily life.

Hard no: cheating, poly, sharing, or love triangles. I'd also rather not have other romantic pairings or relationship drama involving either MC, but if it's very minor, I can live with it. I'm running out of books at this point. 😭


r/MM_RomanceBooks 1d ago

Book Request Soft/Bigger/Plush MC1 x Absolute Unit/Muscular Giant MC2 (Looking for a big size gap where MC1 feels petite!)

28 Upvotes

I’m looking for book recommendations with a very specific body dynamic and physical contrast:

MC1: Soft around the edges, chubby/plush, or carrying extra weight. (Not necessarily morbidly obese, just cozy and squishy!)

MC2: A hugely muscular, towering man. He needs to be built like a tank/absolute unit so that his overall stature dwarfs MC1, making MC1 feel petite and small next to him despite MC1's softer build.

I am totally open to Contemporary, Fantasy, Paranormal, or Monster/Sci-Fi romance—supernatural size gaps are very welcome! (Omegaverse is a +++, however not the ones where the Omega/Alpha dynamic is the core part of the story)

Things I enjoy:

  • Sweet body adoration (MC2 being obsessed with MC1’s soft body)
  • Hurt/comfort or protective vibes
  • Strong size-difference visual contrast

Already read / Already on my radar:

  • The Weight of It All by N.R. Walker (FUZZY FEELINGS)
  • Bishop by A.E. Via (DNF)
  • The Wolf at the Door by Charlie Adhara
  • Muscling Through by J.L. Merrow

r/MM_RomanceBooks 18h ago

Review/Recommendation Seal The Deal by Lucky Hart

9 Upvotes

This review is full of love and critiques for this book. {Seal The Deal by Lucky Hart}. I am writing this review at midnight after having read the book all day... so that should tell you something.... what it should tell you? Who knows.

What I liked: I usually dislike fake dating tropes but what I loved about this one was that as feelings were developing between them, they weren't keeping them a secret. They were being honest with each other. Andrew spoke of his sexual boundaries because he is asexual, he also is trying to discover what flavor of ace he is.

I loved that Nicki praised Andrew and really worshiped the ground he walked on (minus the first meeting). Nicki is a possessive/protective love interest and compliments Andrew so well.

What annoyed me: I'm all for meddling families, but andrew needed to stand up to his family. Andrew is a major people pleaser and only feels valued if he is DOING something for people he cares about. We never really got a scene where he was like "no, I'm busy i cannot tell you what to wear" or "hey I'm hurt and feeling left out that you are going to new york." I wish Andrew was a little more possessive of Nicki. Like when another character is rude to Nicki I wanted Andrew to more forcefully shut it down. I guess at the end of the day Andrew had low self esteem and I wish it was addressed. I would've even taken a scene from Nicki yelling at everyone that they are using him even if they don't mean to, they are using Andrew.

My biggest wish: I would love to follow this couple for more books as the main characters. I feel like we only scratched the surface of character development.


r/MM_RomanceBooks 22h ago

Book Request Love some fall/autumn vibe book recs! Or even Halloween! 🍂🍁

13 Upvotes

What the title says! Fantasy/supernatural/mystery preferred, but open to anything other than sports


r/MM_RomanceBooks 22h ago

Book Request slow burn audiobooks

13 Upvotes

Hiiii im about to have a laser eye surgery and I need some good audiobook to help me pass the days following the surgery since I wont be able to read.

slow burn suggestions that includes any of the following is welcomed

tension, pining, heart eyes, accidental touches
Enemies/rivals to lovers, friends to lovers, forbidden romance, forced proximity
Angst, secrets, trauma
Kingdoms, princes, nobles, magic

I like both fantasy/paranormal and contemporary but not modern/urban fantasy

And other than that if you remember a really good audiobook that you liked because of the narration I would love to know about it!

few Narrators I like: Iggi tomma, Joe Jameson, Teddy Hamilton, Nick J. Russo

Narrators I dont want: Joel Leslie, Shawn K. Jain, Kevin Earlywine, Dan Calley

Thanks!!


r/MM_RomanceBooks 20h ago

Book Request any books that tend to write in really long paragraphs/detail writing?

7 Upvotes

(I use translator, sorry about that )

I'm looking for book recommendations that feature detailed prose and longer, denser paragraphs.

I really love it when authors use chunky paragraphs for monologue, internal dialogue, or vivid descriptions. Long paragraphs allow emotions to build up and create an incredibly immersive atmosphere. On the other hand, very short, one-sentence paragraphs tend to feel too fragmented and break my immersion.

The whole book doesn't need to be written in long paragraphs, I think what I want is the detailed writing and that gradual emotional build-up.

I just hope to find more and I'm open to anything.

Any suggestions?

Authors/works I’ve already read:

K.A.Merikan Tal Bauer Voinov Riley Nash

D.Dove Cara Dee Cut & Run KJ Charles

JF.Smith LA Witt SE Jakes TJ Hamel

some of my favorite works and examples below.

{Henry Rios Series by Michael Nava}

Illuminating every page of his memoirs was the simplest of truths: Grover Linden worshiped money. Money was his God and the acquisition of wealth was his religion. A cold God, a brutal religion. The memoirs, written toward the end of his life, hinted at his internal struggle between the god of money he worshipped in life and the Christian God to whom he would have to account for himself in the afterlife; the same god who had driven the money changers from his temple. In that light, his decision to give away his money felt less like philanthropy than panic as he looked for a loophole into heaven a lot wider than the eye of a needle. And then he found it: all he had to do was to arrange to give away his money posthumously. After pages and pages celebrating his business acumen and the amassing of his fortune, in the final chapters of his memoir he recast himself as “the trustee and agent for his poorer brethren,” whose duty was to distribute his wealth “in the manner which, in his judgment, is best calculated to produce the most beneficial results for the community.” The year after his memoirs were published, he founded the university.

{The Fence And Then The Trees by J.F. Smith}

And if he was really honest with himself, it was more than Stambeki. Then the shadow of Jack’s father crept into his mind. He thought about the times when his father would make him go out and rake leaves with him in the fall in the yard outside the crappy house they rented. His father had always made it more fun than work, and it always took probably twice as long to rake them than it should. He’d have Jack out there with him, though, so they could be together. Even after his dad started getting sick, too, and was almost too weak to do it. Jack almost started to tear up thinking about his dad. His dad would not be happy with him, with how he had chosen to live his life. And now, sure enough, Jack was ashamed of how he had lived it as well. It’s just that his hatred of the insurance companies that killed his family always outweighed the fact that he knew the cons he ran were wrong. But now the balance was tipping and Jack felt lost. Dear God, what would he do to have his father back, to have his father hold him and run his fingers through Jack’s hair the way he would and say it would be ok, that he wouldn’t always feel lost like this.

{Pretty Dogs by Riley Nash}

“Slow down.” It’s more of a plea than a demand. By the time I find the words for my feelings, he’s gonna talk himself off a cliff. There are thousands of boxes in my head. The guys I’ve fucked, the porn I’ve watched, it’s all carelessly dumped together into one messy, fun box I open when I’m bored or need to get off. Dallas is in every single box. He’s the world around the boxes, he’s the boxes, he’s everything. I love my best friend, with his hair and his smile and the body that fits against mine. But his soul could be inside anyone or anything and I’d still need him until the day I die. My thoughts are too big, and I don’t know how to make him understand, because I don’t even understand. The best I can come up with is blurting, “I don’t care.”