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Wanting
It started with one kiss. Which led to another. And another. And then to a mind-blowing night of intimacy Jeremy Reynolds can’t forget. He can’t stop thinking about the gorgeous, smart, compassionate man who tilted his world. Can’t stop seeing warm, sexy eyes gazing at him with breath-stealing intensity.
Jeremy tries to tell himself to let the incident go, move on, and chalk it up to a life experience. After all, what transpired between him and his best friend and roommate, Ben Cross, can never happen again. Ben is gay, and Jeremy…isn’t. At least he’s never thought he was before. But now he’s torn and confused and not sure what the night with Ben meant—for either of them. Already stressed about final exams before the holidays and his difficult family situation, Jeremy doesn’t know how to deal with the conflicting feelings he’s having. And the one person he’s always been able to talk to about everything is the very person he’s been avoiding for the past week because he doesn’t know how to face him after waking up in his bed.
Afraid he might have already screwed up his and Ben’s friendship beyond repair, what haunts Jeremy even more is the backlash he could face if he admits to Ben, or even to himself, how much the night they spent together really meant to him. And how much he still wants Ben even now…
This novella has been previously published and has been revised since its original release.
Jeremy tries to tell himself to let the incident go, move on, and chalk it up to a life experience. After all, what transpired between him and his best friend and roommate, Ben Cross, can never happen again. Ben is gay, and Jeremy…isn’t. At least he’s never thought he was before. But now he’s torn and confused and not sure what the night with Ben meant—for either of them. Already stressed about final exams before the holidays and his difficult family situation, Jeremy doesn’t know how to deal with the conflicting feelings he’s having. And the one person he’s always been able to talk to about everything is the very person he’s been avoiding for the past week because he doesn’t know how to face him after waking up in his bed.
Afraid he might have already screwed up his and Ben’s friendship beyond repair, what haunts Jeremy even more is the backlash he could face if he admits to Ben, or even to himself, how much the night they spent together really meant to him. And how much he still wants Ben even now…
This novella has been previously published and has been revised since its original release.
81 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 6, 2009
About the author
M.L. Rhodes
42 books569 followersI’m author M.L. Rhodes and I write m/m romance and fantasy. This means my books are about gay or bisexual men meeting, falling in love, and finding happily-ever-afters with other men. Sometimes the settings are contemporary, sometimes the stories take place in worlds filled with dragons, witches, or other fantasy and paranormal creatures. But there’s one thing of which you can be certain…in my books, love always wins!
If you'd like to know more about me and writing, swing by my website when you have a few minutes! http://authormlrhodes.com
If you'd like to know more about me and writing, swing by my website when you have a few minutes! http://authormlrhodes.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
October 16, 2018
This is a sweet love story, wrapped in sexy and then packaged in hellaciously hot. This one had me feeling rainbows and sunshine, and provided enough stormy clouds for me to truly appreciate the rainbow and sunshine.
After a drunken night, Jeremy hooks up with his best friend Ben, and he doesn’t know how to move on from it. He can’t get over the way Ben made him feel, but he’s not gay right? The thoughts of their night of passion have him going a bit crazy, and he’s finding it hard to focus. However with all his struggling feelings, he wants his best friend back, but he doesn’t know how to move forward from the night that they had sex.
Jeremy also has struggles with his family, and being from strong southern roots, he fears the retaliation of his family if he gets involved with a man and not just any man a black man. So the fears are strong, but he’s realizing that the feelings he has for Ben are stronger.
Ben is… I am in love with this blue-eyed choco-caramel. He’s always been in love with Jeremy, but he could accept that his best friend wasn’t into guys; until the night, they hook up. Now he fears he might have influenced Jeremy somehow and carries that guilt. Yet, he is willing to take scraps if that’s all Jeremy can offer him.
This was just such a sweet story, with two beautiful characters. I can see Ben so clearly in my mind, those blue eyes just hypnotic as shit. I once had a blue eyed black friend in junior high, and I was willing to rip my clothes off for him ^_~. So Jeremy never stood a chance when it came to Ben.
This novella made my heart feel super happy, and I obsessed with Ben. I realized that this is not first character by M.L that had me losing my pants, I am also quite taken with Dane from Bring The Heat. She writes these vividly hot characters, that you cannot help falling in love with. Wanting, had me wanting more. I really enjoyed reading this one.
SideNote- I love their roommate Al. He is funny and sweet and I just can’t wait to read his book.
More of my reviews and ramblings at PANTS OFF REVIEWS
After a drunken night, Jeremy hooks up with his best friend Ben, and he doesn’t know how to move on from it. He can’t get over the way Ben made him feel, but he’s not gay right? The thoughts of their night of passion have him going a bit crazy, and he’s finding it hard to focus. However with all his struggling feelings, he wants his best friend back, but he doesn’t know how to move forward from the night that they had sex.
Jeremy also has struggles with his family, and being from strong southern roots, he fears the retaliation of his family if he gets involved with a man and not just any man a black man. So the fears are strong, but he’s realizing that the feelings he has for Ben are stronger.
Ben is… I am in love with this blue-eyed choco-caramel. He’s always been in love with Jeremy, but he could accept that his best friend wasn’t into guys; until the night, they hook up. Now he fears he might have influenced Jeremy somehow and carries that guilt. Yet, he is willing to take scraps if that’s all Jeremy can offer him.
This was just such a sweet story, with two beautiful characters. I can see Ben so clearly in my mind, those blue eyes just hypnotic as shit. I once had a blue eyed black friend in junior high, and I was willing to rip my clothes off for him ^_~. So Jeremy never stood a chance when it came to Ben.
This novella made my heart feel super happy, and I obsessed with Ben. I realized that this is not first character by M.L that had me losing my pants, I am also quite taken with Dane from Bring The Heat. She writes these vividly hot characters, that you cannot help falling in love with. Wanting, had me wanting more. I really enjoyed reading this one.
SideNote- I love their roommate Al. He is funny and sweet and I just can’t wait to read his book.
More of my reviews and ramblings at PANTS OFF REVIEWS
December 18, 2009
I tried this book because I am a fan of Rhodes work – the characters I am prone to always like and the rather messy scenarios she tend to drop them in.
WANTING is played out in an insulated locale of a college setting. Jeremy and Ben have done the unexpected and unthinkable act of sleeping together. They are best friends and Jeremy had never expected their friendship to go that far. It’s sweet to watch both Ben and Jeremy try to justify why it happened and more over the chain reaction that followed that one act.
Rhodes peppers this novella with family dramatic, life issues and comical but rather refreshing look at college life. I liked it with all its angsty moments and introspective look at a bunch of friend finding their place in each others life's as well as forming the foundation of what I hope will be life long friendships…
Fans of Rhodes work – no less than expected. New readers, I think this is a good one to start with…
WANTING is played out in an insulated locale of a college setting. Jeremy and Ben have done the unexpected and unthinkable act of sleeping together. They are best friends and Jeremy had never expected their friendship to go that far. It’s sweet to watch both Ben and Jeremy try to justify why it happened and more over the chain reaction that followed that one act.
Rhodes peppers this novella with family dramatic, life issues and comical but rather refreshing look at college life. I liked it with all its angsty moments and introspective look at a bunch of friend finding their place in each others life's as well as forming the foundation of what I hope will be life long friendships…
Fans of Rhodes work – no less than expected. New readers, I think this is a good one to start with…
January 7, 2010
While some of the plots are downward cliché (the homophobic family, the open mind, accepting roommate), it is still wonderful to read about the emotional struggle between the two main character, Jeremy and Ben. Reading their thoughts just tug my heart and I feel happy and smile all the way for the two young men, who discover how it is to fall in love with your best friend. Really, lovely, novella *sigh*
October 5, 2012
Some skimmable parts. Some highly quotable parts. The kindle-highlight-quotable parts + the tension + the evolution(particularly in relation the understanding of 'family') + the resolution = a good read.
What detracts are the points at which there is little dialogue and too heavy an immersion into Jeremy's whirring thoughts. There the story loses immediacy in the dense narration and takes the reader out somewhat.
What detracts are the points at which there is little dialogue and too heavy an immersion into Jeremy's whirring thoughts. There the story loses immediacy in the dense narration and takes the reader out somewhat.
Read
February 1, 2010That of Jeremy and Ben is once again one of those sweet love stories between young men that leaves you with an happy smile. It’s not an easy story, there are prejudices, both for Ben being gay than African-American, and changing life decisions to take, and in the end, you don’t know if everything will be all right for the two of them, but that is right and natural, we are talking of twenty and something boys who have still to build their future life, but the future perspective are good.
The story starts in the aftermath of what has initiated the above said life changing decision: Ben and Jeremy are roommates, and even if from Ben’s side it was probably love at first sight, he has never said anything to Jeremy, who is apparently straight and above all so shy that is almost impossible to push him into something sexual. But then Jeremy’s mother died, he realizes that he has no family, he starts to weight what is important in his life, and the only positive factor is Ben. On a faithful night that we don’t read, something happens between Jeremy and Ben, and now Jeremy is questioning everything he thought to know.
I think Jeremy is the classical example of man who is neither gay or straight, he simply has to be in love to have sex. It sounds old fashioned, but I think it’s the right definition for him; what is creating trouble to Jeremy is not the realization that he can be gay, actually I think that he has never thought to himself in that way, but more the difficulties that they will face if they will decide to be together. A no little part of them is also the interracial relationship, with Jeremy being from a deep south country where the racial prejudice is still strong. If Jeremy will choose to be with Ben, he knows that he will have to renounce to everything he considered home and family before.
On Ben’s side the only trouble he sees is that he doesn’t want to force Jeremy if he is not sure; Ben is slightly older than Jeremy, and openly gay, and so he fears to have in someway influenced Jeremy. Ben is gentle and kind, even when he thinks Jeremy is rejecting him, he never once let it lack his support to the friend. Unconsciously he is giving to Jeremy the substitution to the family he will loose if they will be together.
The story is basically a sweet romance, there is a bit of angst, but really not so much. Jeremy and Ben already know what is better for them, they need only to let the aftermath of their first night together to go down, and everything else will be clear, right there in front of their eyes.
One of the nicest thing in the story is, by the way, Al’s character, the straight other roommate of Jeremy and Ben: he is a so nice guy that maybe for the first time in year, it made me almost want to read his story, even if it is an het romance.
http://elisa-rolle.livejournal.com/91...
The story starts in the aftermath of what has initiated the above said life changing decision: Ben and Jeremy are roommates, and even if from Ben’s side it was probably love at first sight, he has never said anything to Jeremy, who is apparently straight and above all so shy that is almost impossible to push him into something sexual. But then Jeremy’s mother died, he realizes that he has no family, he starts to weight what is important in his life, and the only positive factor is Ben. On a faithful night that we don’t read, something happens between Jeremy and Ben, and now Jeremy is questioning everything he thought to know.
I think Jeremy is the classical example of man who is neither gay or straight, he simply has to be in love to have sex. It sounds old fashioned, but I think it’s the right definition for him; what is creating trouble to Jeremy is not the realization that he can be gay, actually I think that he has never thought to himself in that way, but more the difficulties that they will face if they will decide to be together. A no little part of them is also the interracial relationship, with Jeremy being from a deep south country where the racial prejudice is still strong. If Jeremy will choose to be with Ben, he knows that he will have to renounce to everything he considered home and family before.
On Ben’s side the only trouble he sees is that he doesn’t want to force Jeremy if he is not sure; Ben is slightly older than Jeremy, and openly gay, and so he fears to have in someway influenced Jeremy. Ben is gentle and kind, even when he thinks Jeremy is rejecting him, he never once let it lack his support to the friend. Unconsciously he is giving to Jeremy the substitution to the family he will loose if they will be together.
The story is basically a sweet romance, there is a bit of angst, but really not so much. Jeremy and Ben already know what is better for them, they need only to let the aftermath of their first night together to go down, and everything else will be clear, right there in front of their eyes.
One of the nicest thing in the story is, by the way, Al’s character, the straight other roommate of Jeremy and Ben: he is a so nice guy that maybe for the first time in year, it made me almost want to read his story, even if it is an het romance.
http://elisa-rolle.livejournal.com/91...
March 20, 2011
M.L. Rhodes is an autobuy for me. I find the characters all refreshing, flawed, human, realistic and wonderful to get to know. I especially appreciate that there is rarely, if ever, an over the top plot device like stalkers or random unbelievable coincidences involved. The characters are just normal boys in new and scary situations that they must navigate through to reach their future.
In this book we see Jeremy struggle with his sexual identity in painful and eventually wonderful ways. We also see Ben struggle with love and desire for Jeremy that he doesn’t want to pressure Jeremy with. Both boys are trying to do the right thing but are completely unaware of each others feelings in order to make informed decisions. The book gives us views from both Jeremy and Ben so that we are sure of where they are (and how far off they are) as they make their way toward each other. Once they start to communicate its amazing how easily things begin to click together.
At one point Jeremy was so tied in knots that I wanted to hug him and soothe him myself. My motherly instincts kicked in and I felt like I had to do something to help ease his torment. I consider that pretty great writing since I am not in “mother” mode when I pick up romantic gay erotic reading material.
Throw in Al, Ben and Jeremy’s wonderfully charismatic roommate, an abusive and irate father, an unsympathetic and hurt girlfriend as well as all the school work pressure and you have a well written and engaging love story that is well worth taking the time to read.
In this book we see Jeremy struggle with his sexual identity in painful and eventually wonderful ways. We also see Ben struggle with love and desire for Jeremy that he doesn’t want to pressure Jeremy with. Both boys are trying to do the right thing but are completely unaware of each others feelings in order to make informed decisions. The book gives us views from both Jeremy and Ben so that we are sure of where they are (and how far off they are) as they make their way toward each other. Once they start to communicate its amazing how easily things begin to click together.
At one point Jeremy was so tied in knots that I wanted to hug him and soothe him myself. My motherly instincts kicked in and I felt like I had to do something to help ease his torment. I consider that pretty great writing since I am not in “mother” mode when I pick up romantic gay erotic reading material.
Throw in Al, Ben and Jeremy’s wonderfully charismatic roommate, an abusive and irate father, an unsympathetic and hurt girlfriend as well as all the school work pressure and you have a well written and engaging love story that is well worth taking the time to read.
December 8, 2009
I absolutely loved this story about Jeremy, who realizes that he may be in love with his best friend Ben.
Both are students and have been rommmate for over four years when Jeremy uses a party as an excuse to kiss Ben. One thing leads to another, only when he wakes up the next morning he's confused and unsure what it all meant. The description of how he deals with his ex-girlfriend and finally admits his love to Ben was touching and vey emotional. I hope there will be a sequel!
Both are students and have been rommmate for over four years when Jeremy uses a party as an excuse to kiss Ben. One thing leads to another, only when he wakes up the next morning he's confused and unsure what it all meant. The description of how he deals with his ex-girlfriend and finally admits his love to Ben was touching and vey emotional. I hope there will be a sequel!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 25, 2015
Actual Rating: 2.5
A cute little story with a few bitter scenes to give this short story a little nip. Not a bite, but a nip.
Plus, it was GFY and we all know how I feel about that. ;)
A cute little story with a few bitter scenes to give this short story a little nip. Not a bite, but a nip.
Plus, it was GFY and we all know how I feel about that. ;)
March 13, 2013
Not very good. The word "sexting" has been used like 10 times. Endless hypothetical questions and internal monologue. I wouldn't really consider this gay for you. I think Jeremy, the "straight one" was just confused about his sexual orientation. He is only college age. He just admitted to having wanted Ben, his housemate, for a long time and he hadnt been able to become aroused by his former girlfriend. So he's been at least thinking about this. The interactions between Ben and Jeremy don't really seem right. Jeremy is already freaked out over circumstances in his life and his recent sexual encounter with Ben and Ben keeps kissing him. Kisses don't really seem appropriate to me, as their relationship is rocky for they haven't spoken to each other in a week, so it doesn't seem like that would actually happen. And there are other examples how their interactions just don't seem natural to me. Additionally, I didnt really "feel" their friendship other than being told that the are best friends.
What's weird about this story is even though I dislike 95% of it, I definitely thought that there were some good quotable parts and every once in a while there were some very positive affirmations about love and family and being true to yourself. I think two or three quotations stood out to me, but other than that, I don't like the writing.
I keep stopping reading this to write this review, even during this part that is supposed to be a sex scene. The dialogue and actions are just gross. "Come and get me if you dare." Gross. "Let's go upstairs and I'll give you a place to set that big boy free to do what it really wants." Gross. And when I say gross I don't mean "Oh, that is filthy and vile." I mean gross as in who talks like that, making weird sexual innuendo and "Come and get me if you dare." Really? The list could go on and on. Gross, gross, gross.
And they just consummated their relationship. And... It was just all wrong to me, in an unnatural sense, not in a disgusting sense, but in a "this doesn't seem natural, this wouldn't happen this way in real life sense." This is not how a college kid who had only ever been with women and was just having a mental breakdown would act like at 3 o'clock in the morning after having studied all night for finals and having avoided his gay roommate for a week. It just wouldn't. Not that it wouldn't happen. But it wouldn't happen like that. And the sex scene itself is just a rip off of every sex scene in m/m I've ever read. So generic. The physical and emotional relationship between these boys seriously went from 0 to 100 in no time flat. It's just odd. Nothing seems right to me between these characters so this doesn't either.
So yeah wasn't feeling this one. I could type more. But I should just finish reading the darn thing. I'm sorry I took a chance on this. I wasn't really liking the first few pages of it in the sample I was reading, but I thought I'd try it. I gave it the benefit of the doubt. Wrong. :/ Im still reading. Jeremy's dad from out of state somehow finds his way into Ben's bedroom to find Jeremy and Ben naked in bed. And then has such a stereotypical "What the f are you doing, boy? I came in here to find my son and instead I found a nest of queers." I mean, really? I'm surprised he didnt say "What in tarnations?!" This writing is just terrible. I just rolled my eyes and said "This is so bad." Out loud. To myself. It was an automatic reaction. I could barely, barely get through this one.
What's weird about this story is even though I dislike 95% of it, I definitely thought that there were some good quotable parts and every once in a while there were some very positive affirmations about love and family and being true to yourself. I think two or three quotations stood out to me, but other than that, I don't like the writing.
I keep stopping reading this to write this review, even during this part that is supposed to be a sex scene. The dialogue and actions are just gross. "Come and get me if you dare." Gross. "Let's go upstairs and I'll give you a place to set that big boy free to do what it really wants." Gross. And when I say gross I don't mean "Oh, that is filthy and vile." I mean gross as in who talks like that, making weird sexual innuendo and "Come and get me if you dare." Really? The list could go on and on. Gross, gross, gross.
And they just consummated their relationship. And... It was just all wrong to me, in an unnatural sense, not in a disgusting sense, but in a "this doesn't seem natural, this wouldn't happen this way in real life sense." This is not how a college kid who had only ever been with women and was just having a mental breakdown would act like at 3 o'clock in the morning after having studied all night for finals and having avoided his gay roommate for a week. It just wouldn't. Not that it wouldn't happen. But it wouldn't happen like that. And the sex scene itself is just a rip off of every sex scene in m/m I've ever read. So generic. The physical and emotional relationship between these boys seriously went from 0 to 100 in no time flat. It's just odd. Nothing seems right to me between these characters so this doesn't either.
So yeah wasn't feeling this one. I could type more. But I should just finish reading the darn thing. I'm sorry I took a chance on this. I wasn't really liking the first few pages of it in the sample I was reading, but I thought I'd try it. I gave it the benefit of the doubt. Wrong. :/ Im still reading. Jeremy's dad from out of state somehow finds his way into Ben's bedroom to find Jeremy and Ben naked in bed. And then has such a stereotypical "What the f are you doing, boy? I came in here to find my son and instead I found a nest of queers." I mean, really? I'm surprised he didnt say "What in tarnations?!" This writing is just terrible. I just rolled my eyes and said "This is so bad." Out loud. To myself. It was an automatic reaction. I could barely, barely get through this one.
September 29, 2014
Previously straight identified college senior Jeremy is conflicted after drunkenly sleeping with his best friend and college roommate Ben. Adding to his discomfort is his growing disinterest in his girlfriend, and the impending changes signaled by his college graduation.
Overall I have mixed feelings about this novella. While it had several hot, well written sex scenes and for the most part, able yeoman-like prose advancing the story-line, there were some transitional glitches melding the narrative story-line with the erotic scenes. Admittedly these are two very different forms of storytelling and I felt that they both warranted more development and smoother transitions than the short novella form afforded them.
Another shortcoming I perceived was the "almost adequate" development of the main characters. We are told a few things about each of the main characters but not really enough to allow us to get fully inside their heads and fully appreciate their feelings. In part, readers read to live vicariously and when the character development is stinted, some of that fulfillment is short-changed. Again, this could have been better if the overall form had not been so rushed.
Also on a mixed note, the ability of the author to create charming supporting characters is clearly shown with Al the straight but Texan roommate but the girl friend failed to ring true on almost all levels. There was no detail that allowed me to reconcile what Jeremy had originally seen in her with her nasty racist and sexist hate speech during their break-up scene. It just felt artificial, or worse, poorly written.
Finally, the novella starts with a steamy recollection/fantasy but is then jolted back into a "straight boy realizing he's not" story. I was surprised a bit by my own reaction to having to re-imagine the boyfriend after it was reveal that he was black. While it certainly didn't affect his sexiness, it wasn't made clear in the initial description and my default fantasy lovers tend to be white. For a while I found myself contemplating what my level of racism was rather than concentrating on the details of the story. However this morphed into my speculation about how much more I could have appreciated the story if I'd been given some of the build-up before the major sex scene.
As with so many stories that give details like this, It's a bit tricky deciding just how much detail to reveal. It's a bit like being given a perfectly brewed cup of coffee with two sugars and milk. No matter how great the coffee and perfect the brew if one takes ones coffee unsweetened and black, it's a bit hard to appreciate the overall beverage.
Overall, I've decided that I enjoyed it but will be curious to read something longer by the author to see if the imperfections I found here are cured when she has more room to work. But, you should read it and judge for yourself.
Overall I have mixed feelings about this novella. While it had several hot, well written sex scenes and for the most part, able yeoman-like prose advancing the story-line, there were some transitional glitches melding the narrative story-line with the erotic scenes. Admittedly these are two very different forms of storytelling and I felt that they both warranted more development and smoother transitions than the short novella form afforded them.
Another shortcoming I perceived was the "almost adequate" development of the main characters. We are told a few things about each of the main characters but not really enough to allow us to get fully inside their heads and fully appreciate their feelings. In part, readers read to live vicariously and when the character development is stinted, some of that fulfillment is short-changed. Again, this could have been better if the overall form had not been so rushed.
Also on a mixed note, the ability of the author to create charming supporting characters is clearly shown with Al the straight but Texan roommate but the girl friend failed to ring true on almost all levels. There was no detail that allowed me to reconcile what Jeremy had originally seen in her with her nasty racist and sexist hate speech during their break-up scene. It just felt artificial, or worse, poorly written.
Finally, the novella starts with a steamy recollection/fantasy but is then jolted back into a "straight boy realizing he's not" story. I was surprised a bit by my own reaction to having to re-imagine the boyfriend after it was reveal that he was black. While it certainly didn't affect his sexiness, it wasn't made clear in the initial description and my default fantasy lovers tend to be white. For a while I found myself contemplating what my level of racism was rather than concentrating on the details of the story. However this morphed into my speculation about how much more I could have appreciated the story if I'd been given some of the build-up before the major sex scene.
As with so many stories that give details like this, It's a bit tricky deciding just how much detail to reveal. It's a bit like being given a perfectly brewed cup of coffee with two sugars and milk. No matter how great the coffee and perfect the brew if one takes ones coffee unsweetened and black, it's a bit hard to appreciate the overall beverage.
Overall, I've decided that I enjoyed it but will be curious to read something longer by the author to see if the imperfections I found here are cured when she has more room to work. But, you should read it and judge for yourself.
December 13, 2009
The novella starts heatedly as college student Jeremy keeps reliving his recent one night stand with his best friend Ben. Except Jeremy is too stressed with family, finals, and an ex-girlfriend to deal with a sexual identity crisis on top of it all. Over the course of a few days, Jeremy attempts to run away from all his problems and realizes that it only causes him more stress. When he finally decides to stop running and face the difficult questions of what he wants, Jeremy realizes the answers are actually really easy.
Since this story is really quick, 23k words, the only characterization of any merit is Jeremy. The book is told mostly from his perspective and shows a touching portrait of a young man struggling with life in the aftermath of his beloved mother’s death. Between school, financial problems, an overpowering father, difficult professors, and a girlfriend Jeremy should have broken up with months ago, he’s stretched thin as it is. When a seemingly drunken encounter occurs between him and his best friend, Ben, Jeremy is overwhelmed with emotion and possible implications. As he runs, emotionally and literally, from the various situations, Jeremy’s problems are understandable and sympathetic. His struggle to acceptance is truncated due to the shorter length of the novella and only a glimpse into what could have been a prolonged and angst filled journey. Instead Jeremy’s path is only slightly emotional and once he accepts the futility of running, his choices and options are clear and rather easy for him.
The other characters are less well defined from the best friend Ben who sounds attractive and intelligent but otherwise is pretty much a ubiquitous gay man in love with his seemingly straight best friend. There is very little offered about Ben accept that he and Jeremy are close friends with a lot in common. Great for their relationship but the reader sees almost none of this. Furthermore there is the (ex) girlfriend who is somewhat weak, sliding in and out scenes as yet another stressor on Jeremy and Jeremy’s homophobic, racist father stereotype. There is a climatic scene at the end where Jeremy stands up to his father’s domineering ways but I didn’t find the scene very intense or offering much impact. It was predictable and nice, showing Jeremy’s commitment to Ben but the scene was too scripted – down to the homophobic slurs and acceptance of their roommate.
However for a short story this is incredibly fast to read with some fun characters. The sex is hot and the men are definite eye candy. The slight bit of angst is always a favorite and as a quick read, I was satisfied with the book. Not a keeper or one I’d read again, but worth the few dollars and half an hour of steamy entertainment. If you’re looking for something quick and sure to please, think about Wanting.
http://kassa-rvws.livejournal.com/773...
Since this story is really quick, 23k words, the only characterization of any merit is Jeremy. The book is told mostly from his perspective and shows a touching portrait of a young man struggling with life in the aftermath of his beloved mother’s death. Between school, financial problems, an overpowering father, difficult professors, and a girlfriend Jeremy should have broken up with months ago, he’s stretched thin as it is. When a seemingly drunken encounter occurs between him and his best friend, Ben, Jeremy is overwhelmed with emotion and possible implications. As he runs, emotionally and literally, from the various situations, Jeremy’s problems are understandable and sympathetic. His struggle to acceptance is truncated due to the shorter length of the novella and only a glimpse into what could have been a prolonged and angst filled journey. Instead Jeremy’s path is only slightly emotional and once he accepts the futility of running, his choices and options are clear and rather easy for him.
The other characters are less well defined from the best friend Ben who sounds attractive and intelligent but otherwise is pretty much a ubiquitous gay man in love with his seemingly straight best friend. There is very little offered about Ben accept that he and Jeremy are close friends with a lot in common. Great for their relationship but the reader sees almost none of this. Furthermore there is the (ex) girlfriend who is somewhat weak, sliding in and out scenes as yet another stressor on Jeremy and Jeremy’s homophobic, racist father stereotype. There is a climatic scene at the end where Jeremy stands up to his father’s domineering ways but I didn’t find the scene very intense or offering much impact. It was predictable and nice, showing Jeremy’s commitment to Ben but the scene was too scripted – down to the homophobic slurs and acceptance of their roommate.
However for a short story this is incredibly fast to read with some fun characters. The sex is hot and the men are definite eye candy. The slight bit of angst is always a favorite and as a quick read, I was satisfied with the book. Not a keeper or one I’d read again, but worth the few dollars and half an hour of steamy entertainment. If you’re looking for something quick and sure to please, think about Wanting.
http://kassa-rvws.livejournal.com/773...
June 9, 2012
A very sweet story. There were some interesting elements that made it stand out from the other college roommates/friend-to-lovers stories I've read, and I appreciated those.
First, it was interesting that this was interracial as well as gfy. The other thing that got me right from the start is that the book opens with the two mc's already having had sex, so we don't get to watch the months of steamy looks passing between them before that night happens (we're just told about them by their hilarious and sweet roommate, Al). We just get to witness the aftermath. The other unique element that I thought was interesting was Jeremy's girlfriend's reaction when she finds out about him and Ben.
Sweet. Cute. Enough surprises to keep it interesting.
First, it was interesting that this was interracial as well as gfy. The other thing that got me right from the start is that the book opens with the two mc's already having had sex, so we don't get to watch the months of steamy looks passing between them before that night happens (we're just told about them by their hilarious and sweet roommate, Al). We just get to witness the aftermath. The other unique element that I thought was interesting was Jeremy's girlfriend's reaction when she finds out about him and Ben.
Sweet. Cute. Enough surprises to keep it interesting.
October 27, 2012
Short and sweet, with several hot sex scenes
Warning: This review might contain what some people consider SPOILERS.
Rating: 8/10
PROS:
- Rhodes does a good job of delving into characters’ heads and really examining how they’re thinking and why they feel the way they do.
- I always find this author’s sex scenes really hot--mostly because she tends to create characters who have been secretly pining for each other for years, so when they finally get together, it’s emotional and explosive.
- I really like Al, Ben and Jeremy’s roommate. He’s blunt, accepting, and disarmingly charming.
CONS:
- It caught me by surprise when Jeremy finally confessed that he wanted Ben for as long as Ben would have him. The reason, I think, was that I had seen proof of Jeremy’s soul-searching about his sexuality and his attraction to Ben in particular, but I hadn’t seen Jeremy admit, even to himself, that he really wanted something long-term.
- There are some cliché remarks throughout the story about being true to yourself, family not having to be born into, etc.
Overall comments: This is a simple story about someone who’s closeted working up the courage to admit his feelings for his best friend. It’s not complicated or terribly original, but I liked the characters and thought that it was definitely worth a read.
Warning: This review might contain what some people consider SPOILERS.
Rating: 8/10
PROS:
- Rhodes does a good job of delving into characters’ heads and really examining how they’re thinking and why they feel the way they do.
- I always find this author’s sex scenes really hot--mostly because she tends to create characters who have been secretly pining for each other for years, so when they finally get together, it’s emotional and explosive.
- I really like Al, Ben and Jeremy’s roommate. He’s blunt, accepting, and disarmingly charming.
CONS:
- It caught me by surprise when Jeremy finally confessed that he wanted Ben for as long as Ben would have him. The reason, I think, was that I had seen proof of Jeremy’s soul-searching about his sexuality and his attraction to Ben in particular, but I hadn’t seen Jeremy admit, even to himself, that he really wanted something long-term.
- There are some cliché remarks throughout the story about being true to yourself, family not having to be born into, etc.
Overall comments: This is a simple story about someone who’s closeted working up the courage to admit his feelings for his best friend. It’s not complicated or terribly original, but I liked the characters and thought that it was definitely worth a read.
February 5, 2010
A very enjoyable read, one I had no compunctions about reading again a week later. The best way to describe it is simply, charming. ML Rhodes' writing is maturing and only growing better with each successive novel.
Jeremy and Ben are just a sweet couple to begin with and I found myself actively [and eagerly:] cheering for them the whole way. Although I love a great deal of books and couples, it's admittedly been a long time since I've felt that little excited tug in the heart. There is a bit of angst, especially on Jeremy's part, but Rhodes does a fantastic job of keeping it in perspective. Jeremy is extremely stressed out by other issues and the 'one night' just tops it all off. He doesn't, however, go off into panics over this one issue along, though it certainly dominates his thoughts.
Ben is patient and I love the way he's portrayed - steady, calm, and always there, no matter what. Rhodes does say that straight out, but she also backs it up with his words and actions which makes the point all the better.
Definitely a golden little short to be added to my 'favorites' shelf. ^_^
Jeremy and Ben are just a sweet couple to begin with and I found myself actively [and eagerly:] cheering for them the whole way. Although I love a great deal of books and couples, it's admittedly been a long time since I've felt that little excited tug in the heart. There is a bit of angst, especially on Jeremy's part, but Rhodes does a fantastic job of keeping it in perspective. Jeremy is extremely stressed out by other issues and the 'one night' just tops it all off. He doesn't, however, go off into panics over this one issue along, though it certainly dominates his thoughts.
Ben is patient and I love the way he's portrayed - steady, calm, and always there, no matter what. Rhodes does say that straight out, but she also backs it up with his words and actions which makes the point all the better.
Definitely a golden little short to be added to my 'favorites' shelf. ^_^
October 11, 2011
I just picked up a copy of The Truth About Al and wanted to reread this as a quick refresher on Al. I still really enjoy the author's style and have read almost everything she's written. For this one you really get plopped into the middle of things surrounding the fallout of Jeremy and Ben hooking up. Some books have characters live in a bubble and only interacting with each other. I find it much more satisfying when I'm able to see them engaged in the world. There's a lot of extraneous stuff going on around the leads, and while I think that makes them seem more realistic, given the length of the story, it's a bit of a distraction.
June 28, 2010
4.5 stars
I've read a couple books by this author before, and while I didn't necessarily dislike her writing, it didn't get me fired up at all. I had sort of decided this author wasn't for me and wasn't too keen to try her again, but the blurb for this one enticed me so I jumped in.
I'm glad I did - I enjoyed this story a lot. It's short and simple, but has great characters and lots of steam. There were some cheesy and/or hokey parts but nothing big enough to ruin my enjoyment of the story. Recommended for anyone who enjoys a good, sweet friends-to-lovers story. Also recommended for those interested in interracial romances.
I've read a couple books by this author before, and while I didn't necessarily dislike her writing, it didn't get me fired up at all. I had sort of decided this author wasn't for me and wasn't too keen to try her again, but the blurb for this one enticed me so I jumped in.
I'm glad I did - I enjoyed this story a lot. It's short and simple, but has great characters and lots of steam. There were some cheesy and/or hokey parts but nothing big enough to ruin my enjoyment of the story. Recommended for anyone who enjoys a good, sweet friends-to-lovers story. Also recommended for those interested in interracial romances.
August 29, 2015
As I've mentioned before, once or two hundred times, I'm not a fan of friends-to-lover. However, there are few exceptions and Wanting fell into that category.
Okay, so there was a few years wothr of pining, but it wasn't made out to be too painful, and there was genuine feel of friendship in the story, which prevented it becoming depressing.
This book is short, to the point and has only a few supporting characters, but I thiught they were well written. What makes this a three star read even with the many clichés, is the chemistry between the MCs, and that their feelings for one another truly come across as deeper than simple lust.
Okay, so there was a few years wothr of pining, but it wasn't made out to be too painful, and there was genuine feel of friendship in the story, which prevented it becoming depressing.
This book is short, to the point and has only a few supporting characters, but I thiught they were well written. What makes this a three star read even with the many clichés, is the chemistry between the MCs, and that their feelings for one another truly come across as deeper than simple lust.
January 18, 2010
Wanting by ML Rhodes had a great premise. College boys discovering their love for one another, working through family issues and coming clean about their feelings after an illicit night of sex. It should have rocked my wee socks off, but the execution failed to fire with me and I was left feeling a little disappointed. While all the elements were there, at times the characters level of angst overtook the story and their development seemed stilted. Still, a quick read if you’re up for some college boy smooching. Check out the book here.
http://sharrow.wordpress.com/2010/01/...
http://sharrow.wordpress.com/2010/01/...
August 2, 2012
This was a very short book. The first chapter is 20% of its entirety. Yet this novella was short and sweet, although incredibly unrealistic. I feel like Rhodes may not know much about LBQT lifestyles because this books seems overly.....optimistic. I am not going to include any spoilers, but the relationships depicted in this novel are so....perfect, almost too much so. Anyway for the $4.50 I paid for this book on my Kindle it was all worth it. It was a nice book to read in-between reading more serious novels.
July 19, 2014
Kind of shallow, also erotica DOES NOT = reality. I mean it's hot and everything, but it's just not realistic. Not really a critcism, just a fact. But people that actually want to have ze buttsex need to research it, and not by reading erotica, unless they want messy, painful problems and maybe diseases.
I guess that's why I like reading erotica, because it needs just as much suspension of disbelief as science fiction/fantasy does... XD
P.S. I really liked how the relationship turned out, and the attitude Jeremy faced it with in the end.
I guess that's why I like reading erotica, because it needs just as much suspension of disbelief as science fiction/fantasy does... XD
P.S. I really liked how the relationship turned out, and the attitude Jeremy faced it with in the end.
February 26, 2010
This was one of my most favorite books by this author! I really do enjoy reading about 2 best friends that know each other, trust each other, and learn to love each other. I'm honestly a romantic at heart, and do love the novels where two male best friends fall in love, and, despite hardships & struggles, come together.
June 23, 2011
first thought: this story was too short, made the whole plot kinda unbelievable, lacking some depth to the main characters
second thought: i must say i couldn't believe in such rapid transformation that happened to one of the main characters. and the dialogues during sex scenes... completely out of touch with the story that led main characters to bed. or maybe that's just not my kink ;P
second thought: i must say i couldn't believe in such rapid transformation that happened to one of the main characters. and the dialogues during sex scenes... completely out of touch with the story that led main characters to bed. or maybe that's just not my kink ;P
December 15, 2014
"'You don't need anyone's labels, good, bad or otherwise, to define you. You define yourself. And that's all that matters.'"
Good story that made sense; characters that I related to and rooted for; inner strength developed and lives taken charge of. I enjoyed reading this a lot. And I'm excited to see how Ben and Jeremy are getting on in the sequel.
Good story that made sense; characters that I related to and rooted for; inner strength developed and lives taken charge of. I enjoyed reading this a lot. And I'm excited to see how Ben and Jeremy are getting on in the sequel.
August 10, 2011
Liked it but short...I am not a big fan of novellas as a general rule because they always leave me wanting (no pun intended) more. Good little story, I wanted to know more about the characters and the ramifications of their decisions.
September 28, 2011
I was looking for something short to revive my mood and then I found this.
Quite enjoyable... roommate romance rules! And that sex-in-the-kitchen? Always my favorite XDD
Now, I'm craving for Al story XDD
Quite enjoyable... roommate romance rules! And that sex-in-the-kitchen? Always my favorite XDD
Now, I'm craving for Al story XDD
October 29, 2013
I think this may have been my first M.L Rhodes book. It was good and enjoyable but not overly memorable. I have high hopes that since this is book 1 in the series, the books to follow will get better.
I will continue with the series and definitely find some more ML Rhodes books to give a try!
I will continue with the series and definitely find some more ML Rhodes books to give a try!
January 6, 2014
Not the best book I've ever read in my life but it turned out to be so much better than I expected! I enjoyed it a LOT :) It was sweet, romantic and sexy. I loved the ending so much. It felt real <3
March 10, 2018
Loved it!
This is my second time reading this and I e joyed it even more. While this is the only one I've read by this author, I am even more enticed to read others now. Great characters and a great example of why I love this trope.
This is my second time reading this and I e joyed it even more. While this is the only one I've read by this author, I am even more enticed to read others now. Great characters and a great example of why I love this trope.
December 6, 2009
Steamy little book
September 5, 2011
it was too shot. but the character were well written.
the only thing, Ben is black right? how come he has blue eyes?
the only thing, Ben is black right? how come he has blue eyes?
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