Love's Landscapes June 29-30, 2014

June 29, 2014

A Pale Shadow by Eon de Beaumont
A sweet (no-sex) fantasy involving a prince, a thief, and magic users.

For Want of a Nail by MA Ford
A job as a model for a photo shoot leads to an unexpected coming out.

Pink Lace and Stolen Hearts by JC Wallace
An underwear fetish is the spark that turns friends to lovers in this GFY story.

June 30, 2014

The Bigger They Are by Kim Alan
Oh dear lord... If I can stop drooling over the prompt picture long enough to read the story, I'll tell you what it's about. >.> For now I'll just give you the story info...
STORY INFO:
Genre: contemporary
Tags: BDSM, spanking, discipline, Daddy kink, age difference, size difference, first time, multiple partners, multiple orgasms, rimming, cum play
Word Count: 33,892

Don’t Name the Puppy by R.D. Hero
THIS! Such an adorable, heart-warming little story. *le sigh* <3

Until Next Time by Xara X. Xanakas
Cat and mouse, predator and prey. Sometimes the prey is another predator though and the roles end up reversed...

Love's Landscapes June 22-28, 2014

June 22, 2014
A Point of Honour by K. Mason
Knights, outlaws, and virgins in the Middle Ages. Come on, you know you wanna read this one. ;)

Falling for You by Joe Petty
A sweet (no-sex) story about a veterinarian and the ailing athlete he comes to care for.

Sorry is the Magic Word by MA Jackson
Another one that I had the pleasure of beta reading. :) A misunderstanding between a lifestyle Dom and sub.

June 23, 2014
From the Ashes by Leah Miranda
Are you one of those people that just seems to have shit luck with relationships, and then someone comes along that is too good to be true? Sometimes they are true, and it's our own anxieties we need to work through to see it.

I Spy Pecan Pie by Anna Birmingham
Cowboys, pie, and a handful of misunderstandings. (Yum!)

Torn by Angela Maye
First loves can be bittersweet but are all the more so when homophobia is an issue. Can these two boys find their happy ending?

June 24, 2014
The Assassin of Laurentium by Clodia Metelli
A slow-burn fantasy involving a courtesan and his body guard.

He Didn’t Have To Be by Tracey Michael
One young man has his world shaken up when his best friend stick up for him by kissing him in public.

That Day in Spring by BJ Sheppard
I understand this one is a tear-jerker so have a box of tissues handy.

June 25, 2014
The Case of the Insufferable Slave by Gillian St. Kevern
In a time and place where detectives are awarded slaves with their titles, one newly-made detective doesn't want his. See how their story plays out...

June 26, 2014
A Chance to Fight by Lila Leigh Hunter
Two alpha-males reunited after 5 years apart.

Dance of Memory by R.L. Robinson
A sweet (no-sex) alternate historical where Frederick and Hans get a second chance.

His Heart Belongs To Daddy by Harry K. Malone
BDSM story about an older man with a younger Daddy.

June 27, 2014
Faire Play by Chris Cox
An undercover agent, a Renaissance fair, and kilts! *swoon* Be still my heart!

More Than He Can See by Nicole Forcine
This is a sweet little read about a (slightly) insecure shorter man and the shy redhead he falls for.

Yarulf’s Duty by Vicktor Alexander
An arranged marriage to unite two races in an alternate universe. Could it possibly end happily? Read and see.

June 28, 2014
Honesty and Artifice by S.H. Allan
A man's quiet, hidden existence is disturbed by a stranger washing up on the shore of the island which he now calls home.

Love's Landscapes June 15-21, 2014

June 15, 2014
It Takes Two by Alexa Milne
There are times a person is faced with two choices. One safe and predictable, the other crazy and risky. Who knew learning to dance could lead to something so life-changing?

The Layover by Megan Erickson
What do a dead guy, two tourists, and a parrot have in common?

Playing with Two-Edged Swords by Roger Grace
A story of two mages set in an alternate Victorian London.

June 16, 2014
Contrary Instincts by Ava Penn
MY STORY! *ahem* Two brothers deal with the clash of their instincts vs. their feelings for one another.

The Dreams You Made in the Dirt by Lisa Henry
*dreamy sigh* This may not be everyone's cup of tea but it sure was mine. If references to abuse are a no-go or trigger for you, this may be one to avoid; but fear not for there is a HFN.

If at First You Don't Succeed by K.C. Faelan
Two men with a rather vanilla love life try to spice things up a little. Hilarity and more ensues.

June 17, 2014
An Old-Fashioned Love Song by Michelle K Grant
A little bit of BDSM between a twink and a blue collar working man. Can the younger man convince his lover that age doesn't matter? (both characters are over 18)

Expect the Unexpected by Lou Sylvre
GFY friends-to-lovers with a mess of a misunderstanding. It's really cute ^_^

Fighting Dirty by Olley White
A peasant fights his way to a position of honor, but is it at the cost of possibly losing out on love?

June 18, 2014
Silver Embers by Becca Finn
Magic, humor, and enemies-to-lovers.... Yes, please!

June 19, 2014
The Anchor Tattoo and the Pistachio Dream by Paula Coots
Not everyone goes to the gym to get ripped. Some go to balance out their eating habits. See what happens when an ice cream addict meets a tattooed gym go-er in this delightful read.

Coming Out of the Storm by Laura Mathews
One man in love with his best friend deals with the heartbreak of his friend struggling to recover from the physical and mental/emotional trauma of becoming a double amputee.

The Laws of Physics by Claire Davis
Some first-time, humorous BDSM.

June 20, 2014
eXtreme Homecoming by Jennah Scott
"Don't look back, Don't back down." One man's motto to survive a heartbreak and thrive in his chosen career. When a piece of past turns up and forces him to look back, what follows is nothing short of a beautiful example of forgiveness.

Only You by Shayla Mist
I had the pleasure of beta reading this one. A sweet friends-to-lovers where one MC deals with homophobia from his roommate and the other deals with his feelings for his best friend who he knows is straight.

Un/Common Ground by Arielle Pierce
Is it possible for a man whose culture, family, and past is filled with homophobia to find happiness?

June 21, 2014
Measuring the Rein by Jae Moran
A cowboy comes out of the closet, confessing to his best friend that he loves him.

Don't forget, a directory of the stories so far can be here along with their download links!

Entitlement is the Eighth Deadly Sin (IMO)

en·ti·tle

 verb \in-ˈtī-t^əl, en-\

: to give a title to (something, such as a book)

: to give a right to (someone)

en·ti·tleden·ti·tling 

Full Definition of ENTITLE

transitive verb

1

:  to give a title to :  designate

2

:  to furnish with proper grounds for seeking or claiming something <this ticket entitles the bearer to free admission>

"Entitle." Merriam-Webster.com. Merriam-Webster, n.d. Web. 16 June 2014. <http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/entitle>.

en·ti·tle·ment

 noun \-ˈtī-t^əl-mənt\

: the condition of having a right to have, do, or get something

: the feeling or belief that you deserve to be given something (such as special privileges)

: a type of financial help provided by the government for members of a particular group

Full Definition of ENTITLEMENT

1

a :  the state or condition of being entitled :  right

b :  a right to benefits specified especially by law or contract

2

:  a government program providing benefits to members of a specified group; also :  funds supporting or distributed by such a program

3

:  belief that one is deserving of or entitled to certain privileges

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/entitlement

Entitlement

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

An entitlement is a guarantee of access to something, such as to welfare benefits, based on established rights or by legislation.^[1][2] The term may also reflect a pejorative connotation, as in a "sense of entitlement". A "right" is itself an entitlement associated with a moral or social principle, such that an "entitlement" is a provision made in accordance with a legal framework of a society. Typically, entitlements are based on concepts of principle ("rights") which are themselves based in concepts of social equality or enfranchisement.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Entitlement

Principle

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Not to be confused with Principal. For other uses, see Principle (disambiguation).

Examples of principles:A principle is a law or rule that has to be, or usually is to be followed, or can be desirably followed, or is an inevitable consequence of something, such as the laws observed in nature or the way that a system is constructed. The principles of such a system are understood by its users as the essential characteristics of the system, or reflecting system's designed purpose, and the effective operation or use of which would be impossible if any one of the principles was to be ignored.^[1]

• Descriptive comprehensive and fundamental law, doctrine, or assumption
• Normative rule or code of conduct
• Law or fact of nature underlying the working of an artificial device

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Principle

Now, before you all start thinking I'm just posting random definitions, there is a reason for this blog post. Given in the title. The one definition that is missing from all of these concerning entitlement is: "the feeling that everyone, every where, and the world itself owes you something."

Just because you have to right to be a [heartless, mean-spirited, high-and-mighty, pompous, self-important, righteous, soapbox toting, bandwagon jumping, shit-pot stirring, everything-I-say/do/believe-is-right-and-anything-I-disagree-with-is-WRONG (despite the fact that it is somebody else's opinion to which they also have a right)] hate-monger doesn't mean you should be.

Once upon a time, in an era long forgotten, there was this concept known as respect/courtesy/graciousness. It is so endangered that most don't have any hope it still exists anywhere in this world until they come across a fleeting instance of it, clinging to it like a life preserver in a freezing ocean with no rescue in sight.

So for those people who feel the need to be assholes (pardon my language), just because they CAN: Bless your heart.

CONTRARY INSTINCTS IS LIVE!

Contrary Instincts by... Me! Woohoo!
Dark and light. When two instincts war with each other inside, which will emerge victorious? Will Lyle's brotherly instinct win out over the desire to claim the one he loves? Does Dustyn give in to his heart or remain true to the inherent sense of self-preservation that demands he run?

Check out the story HERE!

Love's Landscapes June 8-14, 2014

Sunday June 8, 2014
This Hour I Lost by Indra Vaughn
Discover the story of a richboy come down with amnesia and the blue collar man that comes along to show him a new life.

Cruel to be Kind by Kim Dare
Vampires and BDSM - need I say more?

500 Kisses to Steal a Heart by Anyta Sunday
Can loathing change to love?

Monday June 9, 2014
Gaurded by Kim Fielding
Can a bodyguard and prince find love on the run?

Knight in Shining Cowboy Boots by Thianna D.
A delightful little 5k scene about a ranch-hand that gets rescued by a resident queen. (This is part of a much larger work [100k+ words] and the scene is from a different character's POV.)

Past the Horizon by D.C. Williams
A sweet historical about two soldiers (WWII era).

Tuesday June 10, 2014
His by Jack L. Pyke
Nobody is infallible, especially not a dom who bends the rules or his stubborn sub who sometimes overthinks things.

Puckish by Wart Hill
What if you fell through the rabbit hole only to find yourself in the land of the Fae rather than Wonderland?

Wounded Beacon by Leslie Lee Sanders
A post-apocalyptic dystopian tale tagged as no-sex, dark, prison/captivity, hurt/comfort (and a few others).

Wednesday June 11, 2014
The Last Cannoli by Tali Spencer
An Irish businessman ends up working at an Italian bakery. Sparks fly in both good ways and bad when the two stubborn MC's get certain ideas in their heads. (42k+ words)

Thursday June 12, 2014
Bound by Amelia Bishop
Is is really to possible to find love when you are convinced nobody could love you the way you are?

Punch-Drunk Love by Nico Jaye
Kickboxing and fluff makes for a very sweet story.

Spell Bound by Pelaam
One student stands out from an entire academy of "witches," the object of an Alpha Dom's possessive attention.

Friday June 13, 2014
Bonded by Sara York
Most people only ever experience/seek a relationship between two people, but some relationships work rather well with three.

Busted by Sofia Grey
A straight game-designer/personal trainer gets roped into participating in a photo shoot by his best friend.

Man of the Match by Lane Swift
Through thick and thin, almost nothing is stronger than the bond between two best friends, until they become lovers.

Saturday June 14, 2014
Checking Him Out by Debbie McGowan
A chance meeting in a supermarket leads to so much more than a married man could possibly imagine. (It's a lavender/beard marriage, so no worries about cheating.) (60k+ words)

I know I said weekly posts from now on, BUT...

The story that resulted from the prompt I submitted is out!!!

Go check out Knight in Shining Cowboy Boots by the wonderful Thianna D.!!!

Love's Landscapes June 7, 2014

Today boasts only one story BUT it is a novel-length (50,000+ words) work by the very talented Jaye McKenna!

Human Choices by Jaye McKenna
A man stands up for a slave/prisoner, not knowing just how much it will change his life.


This will be my last daily post with the LL stories. I will now post once a week with the stories for the entire week, but I will still be updating my Daily Directory on a daily basis. :)

I sincerely hope that you find something you can enjoy amidst this treasure trove of creativity and inspiration known as the M/M Romance Group's Don't Read in the Closet Love's Landscapes Event.

Love's Landscapes June 6, 2014

Forever Under a Rainbow by Posy Roberts
Online dating goes differently for everyone. What happens when it is a shy virgin's last resort?

Inhaling Smoke by Tia Fielding
A gay tattoo artist suddenly becomes the adoptive parent of his actual biological child.

Lost and Found by Eileen Griffin
Cat-shifters protecting a foundling barely out of kitten-hood due to an order from their Queen. Read and see what happens.


Daily Directory

Love's Landscapes June 5, 2014

Knickers in a Twist by Ofelia Gränd
Some men wear lace. Some men wear leather. Some men...wear both.

Get Off My Case by Lisa Oliver
Enemy to lovers shifters... what more reason to read this do you need?

All I Ever Wanted by Lauren Lewis
Familiar with Junjou Romantica? Well this reminds me a little of that, with some differences.


Daily Directory

Love's Landscapes June 4, 2014

Mr. Jaguar by K.A. Merikan
A gas station attendant, a now rich "nerd" he once bullied, and one weekend of playing arm candy leads to...

Metronomy by Suki Fleet
Which fate is worse: the hangman's noose or the savior?

Better than New by Charley Descoteaux
kintsukuroi: "to repair with gold"; the art of repairing pottery with gold or silver lacquer and the understanding that the piece is more beautiful for having been broken.
See how the above can apply to humans as well.

Don't forget to check out my Love's Landscapes Event Page for a directory of the posted stories as they appear in the group discussion threads!

Love's Landscapes June 3, 2014

In today's line-up we have:

What Remains of Us by J.H. Knight
A historical whirlwind romance set in San Francisco circa the earthquake that destroyed the city at the beginning of the 20th century.

Somebody Nice! by Raine O'Tierney
What could possibly go wrong when a police officer's foster daughter tries to set up an online dating profile for him?

Chapmistres View - Adam and Ben by Carol Pedroso
Two words: Paranormal M-Preg.


I hope you enjoy these stories as much as I am enjoying them. Don't forget, you can get first-access to all of these by becoming a member of the M/M Romance Group! Go here for a complete list of the posted stories - updated daily!

P.S. Snowboards & Tuxes will resume SOON!

It's HERE!!!

The Love's Landscapes Event has reached the climax!

Posting of finished stories began yesterday with Villains by Andrea Speed, Broken Phoenix by Edmond Manning, and Carte Blanche by Nash Summers! Since I'm working on my own (2nd) Love's Landscapes story (and already had to ask for an extended deadline) I have only had time to read Villains so far. It was wonderfully written! I've peeked at the others though, and I can certainly say you are in for a treat with this event!

Today's stories include The Lonely Drop by Vanessa North, Hinori's Journey by Victoria Zagar, and Awakenings by Jayson James.

I understand that FREE ebooks will be released a short time after each story is posted and can be found here. HOWEVER, group members get first access to every story before it is released to the general public. It is a fantastic group with plenty to offer and a cup of tea for everyone's taste.

P.S. Keep an eye out for my first Love's Landscapes story Contrary Instincts!

P.P.S. Go HERE for a list of links directly to the stories!





P.P.P.S. Can you tell I'm super-excited about this event?!