The Tarheel Writer Proudly Presents

Suggested Reading - Complete Stories
65 stories the writer liked ... updated as of Wednesday, 14 May 2008
     Here are the complete stories that literally grabbed me my the "short hairs" and demanded my attention! LOL! You will also find the recommended story categorized, so you can pick and choose the ones that interest you. I liked them ALL!
     My life ... my direction ... my thoughts ... my very hard core beliefs were ALTERED by some of the stories listed below. I do NOT recommend stories lightly. Every single one of these stories left a lasting impression on me. They made me think. They made me cry. They made me laugh. They changed my life! READ! And you too will be ... enlightened!
REPORT BROKEN LINKS. CLICK HERE.
Read a good story that's not on the list? PASS IT ON!

These stories are presented in alphabetical order
You will find the newest additions at the top of the heap
so you don't have to scroll down the whole page. Enjoy!


"The Bully" by Dan Kirk (High School) - added 14 May 2008
     Dan Kirk ... LOL ... what can I say about Dan Kirk other than he is a master storyteller. I have enjoyed Dan's talent for many years and through many stories. I admire his knowledge of the military and, in this particular story, his knowledge of religion. This particular story is a bit different in that it's not Science/Fiction, but it takes on bigotry in the rural farmlands of America.
     Imagine yourself in, as Dan puts it, bum-fuck Egypt Nevada. The setting is the most ultraconservative rural southwest farming community you can think of and multiply that conservatism by one hundred. It is in this Nevada setting that you are the school bully. A school with a senior class of fifteen. Along comes a new preacher to the only church in the area that has a full-time preacher ... the local Baptist Church. The preacher naturally has a family with him, including a fifteen year old son who has the audacity to try to be your friend.      You will really enjoy this story ... and yes, what you think is going to happen, happens ... well, most of the time. Dan Kirk is a prolific writer and many of his stories can be found amongst my recommended reading pages. Please visit his website and explore the wonderful stories he has to tell.



"Let's Do It" by Dan Kirk (Sci-Fi/Fantasy) - added 14 May 2008
     Here is the sequel to "Doing It Right." Damn, this surprised me! First it was "Do Over," then came "Do Over Redux," then came "Doing It Right" and finally there's this story, "Let's Do It."
     Dan Kirk once again shows off his superior imagination, unchecked knowledge and his ability to weave a truly compelling story. This is it! There's no more time travel. This story brings this series to an end. (?) Well, we'll see. After all, this story surprised me. I thought it was over. LOL! Dan had other ideas.



"A Special Place" by Sequoyah Pendor (High School)
     There is a place that ties together several families through thick and thin. Luke feels all is lost because he can't admit his love for Matt. He tries to kill himself and is pulled back from the brink by Matt. They learn to cope as does their family and friends.
     When you've read this story, you can read the continuation under the title "ASP - The Concord Five."



"Alone With Myself: The Director's Cut" by Write By Myself (Sci-Fi/Fantasy)
     This story about Alex and Nicky is a wild ride. Deep below London is a different world where time runs at a different speed. Alex is from California and meets Nicky while on vacation in London. But Nicky is no ordinary boy. Follow along as Alex is introduced to this strange new world and the strange feelings he finds himself having toward Nicky. It's really a great story.



"The Boys of Lady Lex" by Douglas DD and Benjamin TC (Sci-Fi/Fantasy)
     The year is 2276. The government has run out of funds for "schools" for youth offenders. A starship commander volunteers the unthinkable. He, along with other volunteers and a host of kids go to the starship mothball site to refurbish a starship that will act as home and school to the kids. But there are people who don't want the project to succeed. Read along through triumphs and failures and ride the undercurrent of manipulation and deception. Douglas DD is also the author of The Survivors, which you'll also find listed on this page. My sincere congratulations to Douglas and Ben for a fantastic story.



"Brian and Pete" by DeweyWriter (High School)
     And the saga continues ... I find myself getting so mad at both Brian and Pete. They both do stupid stuff, and they both know it! How can you not want to read the next chapter? These two dudes are wide open. This is the second part of the story that began as "For the Love of Pete" and continues with a vengence. (You really should read "For the Love of Pete" first.) Follow along as our boys try to figure out life, deal with intense anger and take the road trip of road trips. My hat's off to DeweyWriter for an fantastic, emotional story that he has finally brought to an end after four years of writing. Congrats Dwayne!



"Bright Things Come to Confusion" by Josh Aterovis (High School)
     When Seth's father left home and never came back, Seth always believed it was because his father had discovered that he was gay. He tried his best to be straight, but when the hottest guy in his drama class starts flirting with him, he just can't fight it any more. As Seth deals with his sexuality and coming out, there are many more surprises in store.



"Billy Lancaster's Gift" by Sam Lakes (High School)
     No review as yet, but read it. This story is highly recommended.



"The Bully" by Dan Kirk (High School)
     Dan Kirk ... LOL ... what can I say about Dan Kirk other than he is a master storyteller. I have enjoyed Dan's talent for many years and through many stories. I admire his knowledge of the military and, in this particular story, his knowledge of religion. This particular story is a bit different in that it's not Science/Fiction, but it takes on bigotry in the rural farmlands of America.
     Imagine yourself in, as Dan puts it, bum-fuck Egypt Nevada. The setting is the most ultraconservative rural southwest farming community you can think of and multiply that conservatism by one hundred. It is in this Nevada setting that you are the school bully. A school with a senior class of fifteen. Along comes a new preacher to the only church in the area that has a full-time preacher ... the local Baptist Church. The preacher naturally has a family with him, including a fifteen year old son who has the audacity to try to be your friend.      You will really enjoy this story ... and yes, what you think is going to happen, happens ... well, most of the time. Dan Kirk is a prolific writer and many of his stories can be found amongst my recommended reading pages. Please visit his website and explore the wonderful stories he has to tell.



"Carrots and Celery" by Karla Schulz (High School)
     Karen has completed her story, but more stories appear under the same title on Nifty. No review for Carrots and Celery as yet, but read it. This story is highly recommended.



"Christopher Answers" by Ed Swanky (High School)
     No review as yet, but read it. This story is highly recommended.



"Coupe'" by D'Artagnon (Sci-Fi/Fantasy)
     "I needed to hit the bathroom for the morning ritual of the falling yellow waters, else I anger the porcelain god." Hehehe ... D'Artagnon has a way with words! And he has a way with plots as well. Take ordinary Robbie for instance ... very ordinary Robbie. Never played sports, never outstanding at anything ... just a run of the mill ordinary kid. But as the plot unfolds, you'll find that Robbie is anything but ordinary! If you're into fencing and sword play, this is a story for you. If you're not, this is still a story for you. It's good against evil in a swashbuckling sort of way. You'll be cheering along just as I did. You've gotta check this one out!



"Dawn of Tears" by Dan Kirk (Sci-Fi/Fantasy)
     Told from the perspective of 140 year-old Dylan, this is the story of how the world was changed by the world-shattering events of the early 21st Century. When 12-year old Dylan Thomas met 12-year old Henry Jacobs on the playground of their elementary school, neither had any idea of the road they would walk together, nor how their friendship would forever change the world around them. This story features the best and the worst of humanity, and is not for the young, or weak of heart.



"Dave's Initiation" by Draginacht (Jeff) (Beginnings)
     Wow! I've spent the last few days reading 72 chapters of Jeff's wonderful story. The story centers around the main character David and his life from David's earliest years to his death at age 90. It's been said that the little dash between the date of birth and the date of death on a tombstone represents the person's life ... well, David's life has a very long dash and chapter by chapter, you'll be able to experience it. Through trials and tribulations, Dave meets life head on. This is one story that you will really enjoy ... truly. There's lots of hot sex at the beginning of the story, as you can expect at the beginning of any relationship, and, hehe, it never stops, but it does age like a fine wine. It was a wonderful story and I can claim that I found it all on my own! Enjoy, you'll not be disappointed.



"Desert Dropping" by DonLuka (High School)
     Rory's mom just died and soon after the funeral his life is turned upside down when he finds out that his mom has contacted the father that he never knew. Now, he's forced to live in the desert with a family he doesn't know, a father he doesn't want to know, and to top it all off, Rory's gay and no longer has anyone to confide in. Friends will be made and the meaning of family will be found as Rory discovers that everything isn't so bad in the desert.
     I guess I'm getting a bit obsessed with DonLuka's stories because this is the third story he's written that I've added to the list. Or perhaps it's because he's a very talented author. Whatever the reason, read the story. You'll be an instant fan ... just like me.



"Discovering Gregory" by Rick Beck (High School)
     Rick takes his main character, Martin on a wild coming of age story. After he meets the new kid in school, Greg, things get interesting, complete with games of strip pool in the basement! This story starts off with lots of sex, but as feelings grow, and tragedy strikes, the passion and love appear. It's 62 chapters of a true coming of age story.



"Do Over" by Dan Kirk (Sci-Fi/Fantasy)
     Have you ever dreamed of the chance to go back in time and change the decisions of the past? Have you ever wondered what would happen if you’d done one little thing differently? Davey Jones drifted through life, never achieving anything major, until he took part in a mad experiment. Like most of us, Davey Jones loved science fiction, so he should have known better than to trust a mad scientist ... now he must live his own life over again, but should he, or can he, change anything? Read along as Dan Kirk weaves yet another wonderful story!



"Do Over Redux" by Dan Kirk (Sci-Fi/Fantasy)
     Davey Jones has everything he ever dreamed of having. Thanks to his participation in a mad scientist’s time-travel experiment, he got to do his childhood over again, and fixed a lot of the mistakes he made the first time around. He’s a Captain in the United States Naval Reserve, serving as an openly gay man in an Armed Forces that no longer discriminates against gays, he’s co-owner of a multi-million dollar business, and he’s legally married to the man he’s loved for the past twenty-four years. What could possibly go wrong to upset the wonderful life he’s built thanks to a Do Over?
     This story presents Davey with an interesting set of circumstances. Having to do another "Do Over" was not in his plans, but circumstances left him with little choice. Getting to relive your life starting with your teen years not once, not twice, but now for a third time?!?! Kinda reminds me of Bill Murray in Groundhog Day, but this story is much, much better!



"Doing It Right" by Dan Kirk (Sci-Fi/Fantasy)
     The third and final installment of the Do Over Series, this time, Davey Jones just might get it right. An excellent ending to an excellent trilogy. Congrats to Kan Kirk!



"Double the Trouble" by Iarwain (High School)
     This is a really cool story about Peter, a sixteen year old Year Eleven student, finds his new High School very different to the one he left. After being talked into joining the swim team, he finds the antics of the team's members to be a bit unusual. The story takes place in Australia and you'll soon find out what the terms randy, rude, naugers and stacks means as well as what happens to Peter when someone tickles his belly button.



"Dreamchasers" by Grasshopper (Adult Friends)
     Dreamchasers takes place in New Mexico and the story revolves around Jase, a hunky veterinarian, his 10 year old son Davy and a Native American Indian from New York, Cody. It's a story of murder, multiple murders in fact with a plot so twisted that you'll be hanging on every word. Put this story on your short list!



"Dustin's World" by Jeff Wilson (young Friends)
     This is the sequel to WAR by Jeff Wilson! Wow!



"Educating Alex" by Ardveche (College)
     When Ryan breaks up with his boyfriend he suddenly finds himself in need of a roommate to help cover the rent of the off campus apartment. He had been secretly lusting over one of the college jocks and when that jock, Alex, shows up at his door looking for a room, the stage is set. This is a wonderful story that slowly evolves into a real romance. Please note that the author's website listed in the first chapters changes to a new website. Check it out. If it wasn't good, it wouldn't be listed here.



"Falls Creek Lessons" by Graeme (High School)
     What starts out as a fun skiing trip for Greg, turns into something totally different. When his sister's boyfriend inadvertently announces to Greg that the two guys he's sitting in the back seat with are gay, Greg panics ... not because he's freaked out being that close to two gay guys, but because they might figure out he's gay too. Then Greg meets Dan, a towie on the slopes. Greg thinks Dan is cute, but probably straight. Dan thinks Greg is cute, but probably straight. Will they ever figure it out? Read and find out. This is an excellent story from a gifted author!



"The Force of Destiny" by Zambezi (High School)
     No review as yet, but read it. This story is highly recommended.



"For the Love of Pete" by Dewey (High School)
     There's no car chases, no AK-47's ripping through flesh, and no giant star cruisers blasting thick white beams of anti-matter at the Klingons. What there is ... is a wonderfully weaved story of two boys in love. Best friends since the fifth grade, they come out to each other in the seventh and confess their love for one another. Four days later, one of them is viciously ripped out of the picture and moved a thousand miles away. But the love Brian and Pete have for each other never stops ... even after almost three years of being separated. You've gotta read this one!! And be sure to visit Dewey's Website.
     The continuation of this story is called "Brian and Pete"



"Heart of the Tree" by Graeme (Young Adult)
     The Tree was old. It had watched over many generations of local inhabitants. Settlers moving west from Sydney, recognising that the area was suitable for farming, had formed the small township of Mourton around The Tree. Even then, the residents recognised something special in The Tree and preserved the land around it as a park. Their discovery of land nearby that was suitable for grapes assured the prosperity of the town.
     The children enjoyed clambering through the gnarled roots, up between the multiple, twisted trunks, and along the huge, curving branches. The middle of The Tree, between those trunks, was a safe haven, a fort, the room at the top of an enchanted tower, the meeting place of a secret society, the cabin of a sailing ship, or the centre of a wild forest – whatever the children imagined. Without knowing it, The Tree became a part-time babysitter, as it entertained the youngsters while their parents performed their strange adult rituals.
     An educated man once declared The Tree to be a magnificent specimen of Ficus Macrophylla – a Moreton Bay Fig Tree. That name said so much about The Tree, but left so much more unstated.
     Young lovers enjoyed the cool shade the spreading canopy provided. Many a tryst took place under the protection of The Tree.
     Slowly, a legend grew.
     Vows of love taken within the cover of The Tree were true and binding. The Tree was given the appellation “The Lovers’ Tree”, though most locals would shorten that to “The Tree”. Many a wedding was held under those leaves, and the district enjoyed the lowest divorce rate in the country.
     The story is still told of a young man, hormones running wild, professing his love to the latest target of his lust, only for the purpose of gaining the momentary pleasure he sought. He’d done that before, but never under The Tree. It was the last conquest he ever made; no other girl would have him from that time on.
     The townsfolk loved their tree and protected it to the best of their ability.
     Three times, though, that protection wasn’t enough.
     Three times, The Tree started to die.
     Three times, a young maiden, despairing of ever finding love, found her beau in a stranger to the town.
     Three times, a wedding was held under the canopy of the dying Tree.
     Three times, The Tree recovered.
     Three times, a young maiden was given the sobriquet of Heart of The Tree.
     The last time had been just after World War II. Since then, The Tree had faithfully cared for the children, protected the young lovers, and comforted the older couples.
     One night in late November, a drifter came into town. Filled with a sickness in his heart, he lay down beneath the tree and fell asleep.
     He never woke up.
     The sickness in his heart, though, spread to the tree.
     The fourth time had arrived.



"Groovy Kind of Love" by John Francis (High School)
     This is actually John's first stab at fiction and I think he did a fantastic job! The story takes place in 1968/1969 and is filled with all kinds of songs titles and lyrics ... songs that you would be hearing on the radio back then. That's just one of those details that John handles extremely well. The story's main character is Wil (That's right, Wil with one "L" please!). His best friend is Sky. John weaves a typical "best friend" plot but gives it so many unexpected twists that it had me glued to the screen until I had read the introduction, all 23 chapters and the epilogue. This is one cool story, but be warned ... keep a tissue handy ... hehe ... yeah, for clean up and for wiping your eyes!



"The Hound of God" by Edwin (High School)
     I was really captivated by this story ... mainly because of the the main characters's connection to his Catholic beliefs. In fact, I've taken a quote from this story and posted it on my "Homosexuality and Christanity" page. Read along as Edwin deals with the star soccer player (Dominic) coming out to him and his best friend (Gabriel) coming out to him as well. Seems both boys are interested in Edwin. Things get interesting as Edwin's Catholic background and his mixed feelings toward Dominic and Gabriel head toward an point where a decision will have to be made.



"In Skaters Time" by Rick Beck (High School)
     No review as yet, but read it. This story is highly recommended.



"Jagged Angel" by John Francis (High School)
     Oh boy! Grab on to your ... well, whatever you need to grab on to ... because John takes his readers where few dare to go. Surprise after surprise ... read along as Dylan Callahan, high school quarterback and son of a multi-millionaire famous father deals with his sexual orientation, and then falls head over heels in love with a younger boy, Angel. It takes a while, but the clues are all there, as finally Dylan comes to know the real Angel ... a kid with psychological problems so profound, it brings the story to a shocking conclusion. But not before Dylan gets to deal with all kinds of things ... even ending up on the cover of Time Magazine! You'll feel his pain. You'll feel his anger. You'll feel his love in the story that is now included on my must read list. Congratulations to John Francis for a wonderful tale!



"The Journey" by Sunshine Boy (High School)
     Dan finds a website that promises to find soulmates through advanced computer technology involving brain waves. At a cost of $1500 and a requirement to hike 1000 miles through the mountains for a month, Dan's best friend thinks it's all a scam. Dan decides it isn't and leaves on the journey. He's partnered with another 18 year old named Sam. Together, both boys must complete the journey. What happens during the journey, Dan didn't bargain on.



"Journey of Love" by The Journeyman (Chris) (Young Friends)
     I guess I have always admired writers than can write about nothing so pure as simple love .... emotion. Take away super powers, sci-fi possibilities, and just draw on pure unadulterated teenage emotion! This is a story that will have you laughing, mad, frustrated, and crying like a baby. Expect the unexpected. Justin and Danny go through sooo much, and just when things are settling down, the rug gets pulled out from under them. I really enjoyed this story and I think you will too.
     POST NOTE: Of all the stories that I read ... this is one of my ALL TIME favorites! You will not be disappointed!!!



"Just Hit Send" by Grasshopper (High School/Young Adult)
     I was fooling around on the IOMFATS website and stumbled onto the stories by Grasshopper. So I gave it a go. Three days later I emerged totally drained. I had gone through four boxes of Kleenex and had gone without any sleep whatsoever. So if you just click the link, hehe, be prepared. This is one awesome story! In fact, everything written by Grasshopper is fantastic! Read! Jordon, the main character and Danny go through an ordeal that will take your breath away. I won't go into any details 'cause that would spoil the story. All I can say is that this story (and all Grasshopper's stories) are highly recommended.



"The Least of These" by Josh (High School)
     Here's Josh's forward to the story ...

I only began writing fiction about a year ago and don't pretend to be an expert, but I think a good story can still have quite a bit of erotic content. In real life, some of our most tender moments occur in bed, as well as some of our crassest. I believe that opening the door to those moments can add to a story. And yes, erotic scenes can be fun as well.      My first attempt at a longer gay romance, "Sea Change", was perhaps too high on sexual content. Nevertheless, I did have a couple of important things to say in the story and felt that I also managed to work in a good plot. And I resolved to try for a better balance in the future.      "The Least of These" represents not only an attempt at that better balance, but also another attempt on my part to say important things. I wanted a story that not only had a happy ending, but showed how to get one.      You see, happily-ever-after lives don't just happen. They are earned or lost, one decision at a time. I wanted to write a story that would show the nature of those choices, the types of sacrifices that must be made in a long-term relationship, and the uncompromising nature of true commitment.      "The Least of These" also marks my first use of editors. I had two friends who spent hours helping me in a number of ways, and I am deeply grateful, not only for their help, but also for what I learned from them in the process. As I wrote and posted the story, I did so with the attitude that this first round was a rough draft. Someday I would love to go back to clean up and tighten the story, nevertheless, I'm quite pleased with how it has turned out. I hope you enjoy it too.

     Josh did truly write a story that I enjoyed and I'm sure you will too. "Sea Change" is also on the Recommended Reading List as well as "Sealing Our Fate". He has also written a sequel to "The Least of These" titled "The Greatest of These" which I have not read yet, but it's on my "short list" to read.



"Leaves and Lunatics" by EleCivil (High School)
     All your person thoughts, fears and desires are carefully written in your journal. It's a perfect place to get it all off your chest. And it's the perfect hiding place ... a sprial notebook labeled "Math." But when your mom finds it and starts reading ... things kinda get out of hand. Cameron ("Cam" to his friends) can't deal with the scene before him ... his mother reading his personal thoughts. He bolts for the door. What happens next is a wonderful story of falling in love, only to be, ah, interrupted. Read along as Cam, Clint, Andrew, Jerry and Jill spend an unforgettable summer. But the story doesn't end there ...



"Let's Do It" by Dan Kirk (Sci-Fi/Fantasy)
     Here is the sequel to "Doing It Right." Damn, this surprised me! First it was "Do Over," then came "Do Over Redux," then came "Doing It Right" and finally there's this story, "Let's Do It."
     Dan Kirk once again shows off his superior imagination, unchecked knowledge and his ability to weave a truly compelling story. This is it! There's no more time travel. This story brings this series to an end. (?) Well, we'll see. After all, this story surprised me. I thought it was over. LOL! Dan had other ideas.



"The Log Way" by DomLuka (High School)
     Gotta explain the title ... it was a "typo" ... can you believe that!?! Anyway, this is a great story about Owen and eventually Owen and Aiden. Owen's father throws him out of the house for being gay and he ends up living with his two older brothers. A chance fight at school gets Owen introduced to Aiden only to find out Aiden lives in the same four unit apartment building! Owen thinks Aiden is cute, but hopelessly straight and Aiden thinks ... well, read the story. You'll love it!



"Long Day" by Dabeagle (High School)
     No review as yet, but read it. This story is highly recommended.



"Losing to Win" by Joey (High School)
     When Josh O'Hara comes into Steve Edison's life, thoughts and feelings that Steve never, ever had before start to creep into his mind. Josh is a short, scrawny boy, with red short hair, and couldn't have weighed more than 110lbs. He always kept to himself and was, as has been told to Steve, a complete nerd and probably the valedictorian of the class. Steve, on the other hand is all jock and starting pitcher for the baseball team. Steve's problem is physics. He just doesn't understand it, but he needs to pass it to play ball. His physics teacher tells him he needs a tutor. So Josh comes into Steve's life and things change forever. Read along and watch as realization sets in.



"The Magic in Your Touch" by Sara Bell (Adult Friends/Suspense)
     Ok, I confess ... I screwed up. I read "The Way You Say My Name" by Sara Bell first, when I should have read "The Magic in Your Touch" first. This story establishes the background of two of the characters in "The Way You Say My Name." BUT, regardless of which order you read these two stories by Sara, 'yer gonna be blown away!'
     "The Magic in Your Touch" is a masterpiece "Who Dun It!" All the elements of suspense are there and Sara even followed the professional author scheme of throwing suspicion in all kinds of directions, only to find out in the end, that it was someone who you least expected! Congratulations to Sara on an excellent tale! Be warned, hehe, much like The Writer himself, Sara loves a cliffhanger. Once you start reading, you are NOT going to want to stop.



"Matthew Figures It Out" by Ehman Penn (High School)
     Ehman Penn has written a powerful story. It's one of those stories that had me glued to the computer all day until I had finished every chapter. Matthew does indeed, figure it out. Exactly what he figures out will astonish you and make you wonder how someone could be so evil. Mattie, to his best friend Tommy, falls head over heels in love with Chris. But Chris carries a deep dark secret. It's a secret that Matthew slowly finds out about. It's a secret that leaves clues. Each clue is a painful realization. When the clues start to add up, Mattie finally figures it out. You will enjoy this story!



"Michael's Ghost" by SoQueer (High School)
     This is a wonderful story with a twist that will have you falling off your seat! Mark reminds David of his brother, Michael. In fact, Mark is the spitting image of Michael. They go through some really tough times as their relationship develops ... until they finally figure out the connection between each other ... and, of course, that has to do with Michael ... hence, the name of the story. As I read the story I kinda knew what was gonna happen, but the author takes his readers through a ton of emotion to get there! This is one really good read! For such a simple story that takes place in rural Georgia with very simplistic settings ... this story rocks! Read it!



"Mists of Fate" by Dan Kirk (Sci-Fi/Fantasy)
     Dan Kirk will twist your mind and logic as he tells this awesome story. Dan takes the reader across thousands of years as he weaves an intense story where literally millions and millions of people are killed. It's a fight to save earth from the mists that come from a rift in time that will have you on the edge of your seat. I talk with a lot of different people about a lot of different stories and this is one of the few that almost always comes up in conversation.



"Moon Watching" by Sequoyah Pendor (High School)
     I've always liked the stories that Sequoyah wrote and this one is no different. This one's a bit different from other stories he's written. It starts off in the present and quickly heads into the past. The reader can't help but wonder though, because the story opens with the main character saying goodbye to someone on life support. Going strictly on Sequoyah's reputation, this story is a must read. I've only just found it and was immediately wrapped up in the plot.



"Mountain Magic" by Sequoyah Pendor (High School)
     Douglas, part Native American, doesn't fit in with his mother's high society Southern family. When his parents and sister are suddenly killed, he moves in with his mountain-bound grandparents. He starts to see a mysterious young man that he is attracted to.



"New Brother" by Graeme (High School)
     You're going to like this story. You're going to like this author. He's talented ... very talented. This story kinda starts off slow, but you'll be hooked by the second chapter. If it wasn't good, it wouldn't be here. Now, on to the introduction ....
     It was Friday morning near the end of March. Adam sat dejected on the ground near where he had been dropped off. It was another day of school, but certainly not another normal day for him. He had stayed the previous night at Gary's house, but Gary's mum had made it quite clear that he wasn't welcome back there. The night before last, he had been at Aiden's house, but Aiden's dad's displeasure at the situation had been painfully obvious. Adam's arm was still sore from the blow he had received. Who could he stay with tonight? Aiden and Gary had both said that they wouldn't say anything to anyone, but he didn't know how long it would be before word got out. As Adam looked up, he saw the Johnson twins getting off the bus. Maybe...



"Not Always Easy" by Kit (High School)
     Paul had everything he wanted. His parents loved him. He got good grades in school and got along with everyone. And he had two really great friends ... a best friend who was like a brother and a brother who was like a best friend ... but there was something missing. Paul never knew that visiting the Gay Lesbian Youth Group meeting would change his life and test his friendships. In the end, Paul learns that it's not always easy.
     Richie Ryan helped Kit edit this story. Richie is already on my suggesting reading list for his story "What We Are."
     This is the second story by Kit that has made it to my suggested reading list and it is listed here proudly. If you enjoy this story, and you will, you might want to read "Tapping" that's also listed on this page.



"Ocean Blue" by Ty (High School)
     Its' strange how parents react when they find out their sons are gay. Some are totally accepting, while some are totally the opposite. Both of the main characters in this story are dealing with dads that just can not accept the fact that their sons are gay. Perhaps they blame themselves. Perhaps they feel somewhat responsible ... that they "failed" as fathers. Whatever the reason, the hate and rejection leaves the sons shattered. That's not the main gist of this story ... the main gist is that two sons with similiar fathers find each other. And through a series of events, "really" find each other. Read along and enjoy the ride!



"The Ordinary Us" by DomLuka (High School)
     This is the story of seventeen-year-old Quinn Moore. He has a loving family, good friends and a girlfriend he's deemed as perfect. Quinn's also gay, not that he's about to admit it. He likes things just the way they are, thank you. But then he meets Jude Landon, and everything in Quinn's comfortable world is turned upside down.
     DomLuka is also the author of "The Log Way," a story that I throughly enjoyed. After checking his website I decided to check out this story as well. I was not disappointed. If you're having trouble accepting your sexuality, check this story out. Even if you're not, check it out. Accepting something that's a part of us can be difficult ... and that's what this story is about.



"The Other Side of Me" by DomLuka (High School)
     Stuck in the-middle-of-nowhere Arkansas with his mom and his sister, Frank Seaberg wishes that he could return to his old life. When he meets his neighbors, Oliver and David Martin, he’s just happy to have found some friends. But, when Frank begins to suspect that not all is well in the Martin house and begins to search for answers that no one wants him to know, he finds himself in the middle of a family feud that could test his patience, his morals, and ultimately place his own life and those he cares about in danger.



"Out of the Rain" by Junco (Young Adult)
     Shawn is on the trip called life. He meets up with a high school buddy, James, and enters what he thinks is the perfect relationship. But the story is just getting started. I don't want to give anything away, but suffice it to say, there's a whole lot of turmoil in Shawn's life. But James is only the beginning and not the end. This is a story that pulls you inside the head of the main character. You feel his emotion, his desires and his fears. I am sure you will enjoy the ride that Junco gives the reader. Congrats to Junco for a well told story!



"Promises to Keep" by Grasshopper (Young Adult)
     Grasshopper continues to be one of my favorite authors. Trip and Brandon live in Wyoming. Grasshopper explores how it must be for two men to fall in love in the middle of homophobic America. It's a story of responsibilities ... responsibilities that become a prison. And it's a story of love so strong, that it never gives up. Both men think it has, but it hasn't. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and you will too.



"The Reunion Show" by Mike Logan (Young Adult)
     Remember MTV's "The Real World?" We this is Mike's twist on that theme. Mike (lead character) joins 7 classmates for five weeks in a kick ass apartment leading up to the reunion. Things get interesting when Mike finds himself falling for the classmate that bullied him in school. This is one wild story that get's really emotional at times and at others, you'll be laughing your ass off. My congrats to Mike for a well written story!



"Sea Change" by Josh (High School)
     This story evoked so much emotion in me that I found myself wrapped around a box of Kleenex lying in the floor with tears streaming down my face. It seems odd that just a hour earlier I had my hand wrapped around the most incredible hardon I've had lately. I'd read this story earlier ... back when he first posted it. Why I didn't suggest it then ... I don't know ... sorry. I found myself thinking about my best friend from high school ... Mike. He died a few years back and all the emotion from that came back ... full force.
     In my dresser drawer is a collection of stones ... stones that I carefully and reverently gleened from the stream beside the campsite that Mike and I spent out last night together under the stars. A few months later, Mike's family gathered there ... and I spread his ashes. Then I gave each person one of those stones. I still have a drawer full ... and each time I visit that site ... I put one back.
     Read this story and see how it was back in the 1970's when AIDS was first making it's appearance. It will be hard to read towards the end ... I warn you. BUT ... read it. There is love so deeply expressed in the story that I can not begin to express. Keep the tissues handy ... for clean up during the first part of the story and for the tears towards the end of story.
     Josh could not have written a better story about the time when AIDS was first making itself known. Thankfully, my bud Mike was not taken by that terrible disease ... he was taken by cancer ... an equally terrible disease ... that also took my father. My HATE for Ronald Reagan and his administration for their refusal to make the dangers of the disease public will always reside deeply in my heart.
     If you are too young to remember this time in history ... read the story. If you know exactly what I'm talking about ... read the story. Josh recalls that time with amazing accuracy ... and packs it with relentless emotion.



"Sealing Our Fate" by Josh (Young Adult)
     A summer at a fishing shack just off South Padre Island (near Brownsville, Texas) forever changes the lives of 15 year old Stick (Aaron) and fourteen your old Kipper (Will) changes their lives forever. This is a wonderful story with vivid descriptive scenery and some pretty descriptive boy on boy sex. It's a hot read for sure, but, putting all the sex aside, it's a story about two boys falling in love ... and not just the everyday kind of love, but a love that is meant to last a lifetime. There's something about the expectations that typical teenageers have that is surpassed in this story. The connection between Stick and Kippers is undeniable. After reading this story, I'm sure you will agree. Congrats to Josh for a well told tale!



"Second Wind" by Mickey (Beginnings - Adult Friends)
     Ben is a 32 year old account who's just been dumped from a nine year relationship with Paul. Paul is a 40 something year old who's midlife crisis includes a 22 year old to sleep with. Ben bought a beautiful 3 bedroom home in the suburbs after he was thrown out. Now bring in Joey, a 28 year old widower with an 20 month old son who's from a huge Catholic Italian family who's been having thoughts of other men for years. What you have is the start of a wonderful story where Ben and Joey have to overcome a lot of problems, including very homophobic brothers, a very Catholic mother and a host of other things to deal with. Will love conquer all? Read and find out. I really enjoyed this story.



"Some Day Out of the Blue" by Little BuddhaTW (High School)
     Connor Matthews, a shy boy who comes from an abusive family, is accidentally hit in the head by a lacrosse ball one day, which leads him to meet Ryan, an attractive redhead, and his younger brother, Toby. Connor gradually learns to come out of his shell, but not without some traumatic experiences along the way.



"Stay" by Lawrence Cane (High School)
     No review as yet, but read it. This story is highly recommended.



"Strawberry Boy" by Jason Trower (High School)
     No review as yet, but read it. This story is highly recommended.



"The Survivors" by Douglas DD DD (Sci-Fi/Fantasy)
     Douglas takes you on a wild journey as a dozen young boys fight to survive after an accident on their starship takes them out into space in a shuttle. With no adults around to lead them, it's up to the boys to elect a leader to make the difficult decisions that will ultimately allow them to survive. They slowly turn from total strangers into friends and lovers in what can only be called an epic adventure. Douglas leads the reader through an alien world with customs not entirely different from our own, but with their own unique twist. It's a story that will have you hooked from the very first chapter.



"Tapping" by Kit (High School)
     Mark is a smart student, perhaps so much as to be called a goody-two-shoes. He's happily enjoying his life when his dad gets a new job some three hours away. Mark fights his father every step of the way, but eventually they settle on a huge house in Northumberland. The neighbors are a bit strange and there's this strange tapping at the window. What's going on? Only time will tell and the help of a neighbor.
     There is another story by Kit listed on this page. They are not connected by plot, only by the talent of the author. Check it out too ... "Not Always Easy"



"Taylor Mountain" by Dave MacMillan (Sci-Fi/Fantasy)
     Now here's a story with all kinds of ingredients that I'm sure you'll find interesting. An innocent young man finds that he has inherited the responsibility of overseeing the financial assets of his "family." And those assets reach far and wide. What he doesn't calculate into the mix is a great grandfather who is a vampire with a perpetual hard on who loves fucking all the young studs in the family. Throw a girlfriend with a evangelistical (is that a real word?) father into the mix and you have a recipe for a great story. You'll enjoy it!



"Trapped Nerves" by Drew Hunt (High School)
     Whenever he entered an elevator, Dr. Mason Grant always felt a slight pang of fear. Guiding his chair through the opening, Mason was glad to see that the car was empty. However, when he turned around to face the doors, someone else had stepped inside, too. Mason gazed up at the broad, heavy-set frame of the newcomer. His body froze when he reached the man's face.
     Feeling a desperate need to escape, Mason reached for the rims of his wheels, but his arms refused to co-operate. To his horror the steel doors began to close, locking him inside the car with the one person he hoped he'd never see again.
     This story was suggested to me by David in Manila and it's not the first one David has suggested. Here's his comments ...
     The story centers around two former lovers who -- failing to recognize each other after being apart for years -- get trapped in an elevator together and are forced to confront their past. The story is only 6 chapters long, but the author packed a lot of kisses and punches in between.
     I have to be honest that there are some parts that are a bit painful to read. But it is in the end I guess Drew decided to share how valuable the act of forgiveness is and how love can contribute to healing.
     Thanks, David!



"Tristan's Redemption" by Nick Nurse (High School)
     No review as yet, but read it. This story is highly recommended.



"The Way You Say My Name" by Sara Bell (High School)
     James Walker (Jamie, to his friends) and Dillon Carver are at odds ... at odds over a broken relationship. But it really wasn't a "real" relationship way back then ... two years ago. It was pretty much one sided. Read along as the boys struggle with the choice of trying it again. Along the way, there's Jamie's friend Ben. This friend turns out to have a horrific past that gets suddenly thrust into Jamie's face. Yes, tragic things happen and Sara Bell takes her readers on an adventure to find out where $40,000 cash came from and "who done it!" Sheriff Brandon Nash and his lover Nathan try to keep Jamie from nosing around where he shouldn't, but Jamie always seems to get some help. It's a murder mystery extraordinaire ... hehe, and Sara, when you read this ... you've got me hooked, baby! I look for more stories from the great Sara. You rock!



"Tyler's Prom" by Tyler Fox (High School)
     No review as yet, but read it. This story is highly recommended.



"Wade and Christian" by Virtual Insanity (High School)
     No review as yet, but read it. This story is highly recommended.



"WAR" by Jeff Wilson (Young Friends)
     For Billy Roberts, life truly does have its ups and downs. Part One of the story deals with Billy's grandmother who has suffered from a stroke and requires constant care. It also deals with the stress that a family feels when it has to take care of a stroke victim. But along the way, Billy's feelings toward his best friend Brett are bubbling just beneath the surface. At thirteen, those feelings can be confusing. Hormones are running rampant, emotions are always on edge and there is nothing more important in the world than ... your best friend.
     Parts 2, 3, 4, 5 and the final part 6 deal with a whole lot more ... how do you handle sexual abuse? How do you handle the fact that your two best friends hate each other? How do you handle the fact that your mother has suddenly become a homophobic Charismatic Christian? How do you deal with the death of your father? There's a whole lot more to this story than first meets the eye. So read and enjoy the ride. Jeff handles some really sticky situations rather well.
     I couldn't help but think about reading the last chapter of this story ... I KNEW it was the last chapter, but I savored every single word like they were the finest bite of filet migon ever put on a plate before me. I think that just knowing that it's the LAST chapter of a story that has spanned the lives of two people from thirteen to eighteen ... well, you feel like you grew up with them and you don't want to let them go. The thing you have to remember is that they're still there ... and their story is still there ... the journey is still there ... and you can ride that wild adventure anytime you want to ... just start at chapter one. My sincere congradulations to Jeff for an absolutely wonderful story. And now that he's finished it ... hehehe ... I'm gonna read it again!!
     The sequel to this story is Dustin's World. If you liked this story, you'll love the sequel.
     Jeff Wilson's email address is vicioussquirrel@hotmail.com Gotta let Jeff explain that one ... "There's no special meaning to that addy, by the way. I had just read an article about a squirrel that was randomly attacking people in a park and thought it was pretty funny!" LOL!



"What Lies Within Part I" by Rick (High School)
     Accepting the fact you're gay is a really big step ... a step that can be extremely difficult and sometimes leads to thoughts of suicide. When two young boys are "caught in the act" one of them can't deal with the consequences and the other builds a huge wall around himself and won't let anyone in. He becomes a tough guy skater to shield the feelings he fights. Until one day, Rusty meets Ian. People usually keep at least an arm's length of distance from Rusty, but Ian is different. This story is wonderful. Rick's writing allows the reader to really experience Rusty's internal struggle. It's an extremely well written story I'm sure you'll enjoy.



"What We Are" by Richie Ryan (High School)
     What can I say about Richie Ryan? This is a wonderfully told story. Read along as Richie takes you through vivid descriptions of gay teenage relationships. His writing will make you feel like you're right there. His story about Kyle, Kevin, Lindy and Rich will have you beggin' for more. Richie takes on every thing from gaydar to safe sex. This is a must read for anyone struggling with relationships. Richie has a wonderful way of explaining even the most complicated of issues. He's truly a master and you'll agree after you check it out.



"Wilderness Survival" by Jim Carter (High School)
     No review as yet, but read it. This story is highly recommended.


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