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Finishing Out Summer 2020 TBR List! - Updated 7/31

Starting back in March, I was adding novel after novel for purposes of reading during social distancing and Summer 2020. I’m hoping you all found some great reads, even if you haven’t been able to read them all. *Here is another batch to round out Summer 2020, and I’m thrilled by the selection that includes sapphic, trans MCs, and more eras and locations than any list to date.

Leather and Lace by Rebel Carter (Good Sky series #5) - May 20th - sapphic

Mary Sophia James came to Gold Sky, Montana to find a husband at the insistence of her overbearing mother. Striking out in spectacular fashion after setting her eye on Julian Baptiste, her options are dwindling, and time is running out. She needs to find a man to marry before her condition becomes…obvious. Her mother’s prejudices and sharp tongue aren’t helping matters and Mary, to her shame, hasn’t behaved much better. But all her plans are derailed when she spots the most beautiful person she’s ever seen across the town square. Alex Pierce is strong, intriguing, looks stunning in a pair of trousers…and a woman.

Gold Sky is accepting of all types of love, and that between women is no different. Still, Alex didn’t expect to be so floored by the sight of the firey haired, yet fragile looking young woman. Mary needs to be married and Alex has a solution. Because in Gold Sky, Montana there are many ways to be married…and not all of them include a man.

Leather and Lace is a 35k word novella set at the same time as the events of book 2, Hearth and Home. It includes a passionate and romantic f/f love in a town where diversity, and love, reign supreme.

Note : Leather and Lace has a bit of mail-order, arranged married, kind of secret baby with some foreced proximity sprinkled on top!

The Sugared Game by KJ Charles (The Will Darling Adventures #2) - August 26th

It’s been two months since Will Darling saw Kim Secretan, and he doesn’t expect to see him again. What do a rough and ready soldier-turned-bookseller and a disgraced, shady aristocrat have to do with each other anyway? But when Will encounters a face from the past in a disreputable nightclub, Kim turns up, as shifty, unreliable, and irresistible as ever. And before Will knows it, he’s been dragged back into Kim’s shadowy world of secrets, criminal conspiracies, and underhand dealings. This time, though, things are underhanded even by Kim standards. This time, the danger is too close to home. And if Will and Kim can’t find common ground against unseen enemies, they risk losing everything.

The Revolutionary and the Rogue by Blake Ferre - August 24th

Perrin deVesey knows pain. As a member of Crimson Rose, a secret club for men who love men, he’s taken the vow “to stand and shield.” Standing together during these perilous times is the only thing keeping their necks from the guillotine. Now their leader is using the club to rescue wrongly accused traitors. After losing a past lover to an unjust execution, the decision to support this treasonous cause is easy…until a devastatingly handsome Committee Officer complicates Perrin’s whole world. Officer Henri Chevalier hates aristocrats. But the man he finds while investigating Crimson Rose is more than just wealthy and fancily clothed. He’s a rogue that could take him to the heart of the uprising and stop it before it starts. His plan to get close to Perrin and steal his secrets backfires, though, when Henri finds himself falling for the damned aristo and his dangerous smile. His heart is even more conflicted as he learns the truth behind their cause…and the truth his own people have been hiding. Together they must make the choice—to stand and shield at any cost—and their love might be the deadliest weapon in all of France.

Healing Lance by MD Grimm (A Warrior’s Redemption #1)- July 28th

A baby’s laughter. A mind uncaged. Lance is known as Scourge, the warrior in the black armor, the dog of the warlord Ulfr Blackwolf. He was just a boy when Ulfr found him and molded him into the perfect weapon. He slaughters and pillages on command, merciless and numb, devoid of emotions. Then a baby girl laughs at him during a raid. And everything changes. When Gust, a talented healer, is out deer hunting and stumbles across a magnificent horse bearing a mortally wounded rider, he has no idea that his life is about to change forever. Gust applies all his skills to his patient, determined to save the rider’s life, and is rewarded when the man opens his eyes. As friendship, and more, bloom between warrior and healer, so does the danger over the horizon. Ulfr has not forgotten, and Lance must take his first steps on the long road to redemption.

The rest of the series is either out this Summer or finishes in Sept!

Unhallowed: A Novel of Widdershins (Rath & Rune Book #1) by Jordan L Hawk - July 17th

Monsters. Murder. Librarians. Librarian Sebastian Rath is the only one who believes his friend Kelly O’Neil disappeared due to foul play. But without any clues or outside assistance, there’s nothing he can do to prove it. When bookbinder Vesper Rune is hired to fill the vacancy left by O’Neil, he receives an ominous letter warning him to leave. After he saves Sebastian from a pair of threatening men, the two decide to join forces and get to the truth about what happened to O’Neil. But Vesper is hiding secrets of his own, ones he doesn’t dare let anyone learn. Secrets that grow ever more dangerous as his desire for Sebastian deepens. Because Kelly O’Neil was murdered. And if Sebastian and Ves don’t act quickly enough, they’ll be the next to die.

My Heart’s in the Highlands by Amy Hoff - July 17th - sapphic - time travel

The year is 1888. Brilliant and beautiful, Lady Jane Crichton has fought the constraints of her Victorian Edinburgh upbringing to become one of the first women to attend university for medicine. Denied a degree because of her gender, she decides to marry a closeted gay man, providing him with political and social cover and herself with the time and money to pursue her scientific interests—one of which is a time machine. Jane’s machine works…but not exactly as she expected, and soon she has crash-landed in the 13th-century Scottish Highlands. There she is rescued by a wild, red-haired warrior woman, Ainslie nic Dòmhnaill, next in line to the chiefship of the great Clan Donald, the rulers of the Sea Kingdom of the Isles. Despite the constant threat of attacks from enemy clans, harsh winters and a touch of homesickness, Jane finds herself bewitched by this land, this time and this magnificent woman. The rough and warlike Ainslie also feels the magic and revels in a passion and love neither she nor Jane had ever imagined. But Jane is hiding a dangerous secret—one that threatens to tragically transform their Highland fairy tale.

Kinship and Kindness by Kara Jorgensen (A Paranormal Society Romance #1) - releases July 29th -trans MC

Bennett Reynard needs one thing: to speak to the Rougarou about starting a union for shifters in New York City before the delegation arrives. When his dirigible finally lands in Louisiana, he finds the Rougarou is gone and in his stead is his handsome son, Theo, who seems to care for everyone but himself. Hoping he can still petition the Rougarou, Bennett stays only to find he is growing dangerously close to Theo Bisclavret. Theo Bisclavret thought he had finally come to terms with never being able to take his father’s place as the Rougarou, but with his father stuck in England and a delegation of werewolves arriving in town, Theo’s quiet life is thrown into chaos as he and his sister take over his duties. Assuming his father’s place has salted old wounds, but when a stranger arrives offering to help, Theo knows he can’t say no, even if Mr. Reynard makes him long for things he had sworn off years ago. As rivals arrive to challenge Theo for power and destroy the life Bennett has built, they know they must face their greatest fears or risk losing all they have fought for. With secrets threatening to topple their worlds, can Theo and Bennett let down their walls before it’s too late?

More under the cut...!!!!

My Highland Laird: Sci-Regency Book #5 by JL Langley - releases August 10th

Bannon Thompson, talented artist and youngest son of the Duke of Eversleigh, is hastily shipped off after his latest indiscretion. After crashing on rural Skye, leaving him and his valet the sole survivors of a diplomatic mission, Bannon must navigate the complexities of a primitive clan society and take up a role he never wanted: helping a sexy Highlander ensure the safety of both their planets.

Laird Ciaran MacKay wants nothing more than to keep his clan safe from the off-world intruders who killed his father. Suspecting complicity among his own people, he has no choice but to trust outsiders from a spaceship crash—and he can’t seem to fight his attraction to the stubborn redhead. Drawn to the handsome laird, Bannon risks a bold affair. But there is more at stake than reputations as they find two lost Regelens and uncover the Intergalactic Navy’s plot.

Artful Deception by Jackson Marsh (The Clearwater Myseries Book #5)

“Deception. The lie that tells the truth."

A damaged painting tempts Lord Clearwater to a final battle with his arch-enemy, and it's not a summons he can ignore.

Archer must free his homicidal brother from incarceration and reinstate him to the title. He will be left humiliated and penniless, but free to live his life with Silas with no threat of exposure. The alternative is death.

Drawing inspiration from a work of art, Clearwater manipulates a series of illusions to stay one step ahead of the endgame. While James, Tom and Silas race to solve clues and reach Archer before the fatal deadline, the assassin, Dorjan, remains hot on his heels ready to kill.

The sixth book in The Clearwater Mysteries series brings back popular characters from previous adventures in a fast-paced, twisting mystery that can have only one of two possible endings.

Or perhaps one of three. After all, deception is the lie that tells the truth.

Ten or Fifteen Miles by BL Maxwell - May 27th

Tim Latham had only been riding for the Pony Express for a week before he has to show the new guy the trail. Being raised on a farm in the Sacramento area, the Pony Express gave him an opportunity to see more of the country beyond his family’s little plot of land. He loves everything about the job: the adventure, the scenery, and the speed. Racing the wind on the back of a horse was as close to perfect as he could imagine.

Jeremiah Rollins grew up in San Francisco under the shadow of his father's successful shipping business. But Jeremiah craves the adventure he reads about in the dime novels he can’t get enough of. On a whim, and despite his father’s disapproval, he signs up for the Pony Express and leaves his old life behind for the steep, rocky trails that cross the Sierra Nevada. Both men are excited to begin their journey on their first ride together to Nevada Territory. They set out, making their way from station to station, racing as fast as their horses can carry them, and their friendship grows every mile. They both wanted adventure, but they may end up getting more than they dreamed of. Every ten or fifteen miles brings new experiences, and new feelings that grow with each mile they pass.

People Like Us by Ruby Moone (Winsford Green #2) - July 21st

Arthur Fitch clawed his way out of the violence and poverty of the slums of London to become a valet to the aristocracy. His ambition to secure a higher position led him to a disastrous appointment with a cold, brutal man, and when things come to a head, Arthur is forced to flee into a snowstorm to find safety. Joseph Wilkinson is the Winsford Green blacksmith. He has a good life, good friends, owns a thriving business, but at the end of the day when he goes home, loneliness consumes him. When he stumbles upon a small man determinedly trudging through the snowstorm, he invites him into his home to shelter. Arthur Fitch is older, smart-mouthed, and as prickly as hell. But, as Joe peels back the layers, he discovers a warm, funny, vulnerable man whose tastes in the bedchamber leave Joe gasping and desperate for more. Trouble is, having found the real Arthur Fitch, how can he convince him that life in a small town can be infinitely better than working for an Earl? That love really is possible for people like them? Particularly when Arthur’s past catches up with him in horrifying fashion.

Seaworthy bu KL Noone (Character Bleed Book #1) - August 1st - bisexual MC - contemporary, but with a lot of historical touches

An epic motion picture! A gay Napoleonic War love story! Ballrooms and battles at sea! Romantic happy endings on the silver screen! And a film that’ll change everything for its stars ... Jason Mirelli can’t play adrenaline-fueled action heroes forever. He’s getting older, plus the action star parts have grown a little thinner since he came out as bisexual. This role could finally let him be seen as a serious dramatic actor, and he needs it to go well -- for his career, and because he’s fallen in love with the story and the chance to tell it. The first problem? He’ll be playing a ship’s captain ... and he hasn’t exactly mentioned his fear of water. The second problem? His co-star: award-winning, overly talkative, annoyingly adorable -- and openly gay – box office idol Colby Kent. Colby’s always loved the novel this film’s based on, and he leapt at the chance to adapt it, now that he has the money and reputation to make it happen. But scars and secrets from his past make filming a love story difficult ... until Jason takes his hand and wakes up all his buried desires. Jason could be everything Colby’s ever wanted: generous and kind, a fantastic partner on set, not to mention those heroic muscles. But Colby just can’t take that chance ... or can he? As their characters fall in love and fight a war, Colby and Jason find themselves falling, too ... and facing the return of their own past demons. But together they just might win ... and write their own love story.

The Engineer (Magic & Steam Book #1) by CS Poe - May 28th

1881—Special Agent Gillian Hamilton is a magic caster with the Federal Bureau of Magic and Steam. He’s sent to Shallow Grave, Arizona, to arrest a madman engineer known as Tinkerer, who’s responsible for blowing up half of Baltimore. Gillian has handled some of the worst criminals in the Bureau’s history, so this assignment shouldn’t be a problem. But even he’s taken aback by a run-in with the country’s most infamous outlaw, Gunner the Deadly. Gunner is also stalking Shallow Grave in search of Tinkerer, who will stop at nothing to take control of the town’s silver mines. Neither Gillian nor Gunner are willing to let Tinkerer hurt more innocent people, so they agree to a very temporary partnership. If facing illegal magic, Gatling gun contraptions, and a wild engineer in America’s frontier wasn’t enough trouble for a city boy, Gillian must also come to terms with the reality that he’s rather fond of his partner. But even if they live through this adventure, Gillian fears there’s no chance for love between a special agent and outlaw. Based on the short story, “Gunner the Deadly.” Entirely revised, newly expanded, and Book One in the exciting new steampunk series, Magic & Steam.

Pirate’s Promise (Pirate’s of Port Royal Book #1) by Jules Radcliffe - May 12th - the rest of the series is also out this Summer!

Press-ganged as a boy, Job Wright must learn how to live as a free man.

For years Job has been a captive, treated as a servant—and sometimes more—by a crooked merchant crew. Until the day his ship is attacked by pirates. English pirates, no less, and Brethren of the Coast, a brotherhood of free men who owe allegiance to no one but themselves. Job thinks he's been rescued at last, but he's badly mistaken. As an Englishman aboard a Spanish ship, the Brethren believe he's a traitor and an enemy. But just when pirate justice is about to be delivered, Garrett Dubh intervenes. He both saves Job's life and recruits him to the pirate ship Audacious.

Surrounded by a fearsome crew, Job finds protection under Garrett's wing. He's ready to do anything for the handsome pirate—things he'd never willingly do for another man. But Garrett ignores Job's shy overtures. He believes Job is too traumatised by his past. Too young to know what he wants. And nothing Job says will change his mind.

To show Garrett he can take care of himself, Job leaves the safety of the Audacious. He joins the most ruthless Brethren crew in the Caribbean, led by the enigmatic and cruel Rusé.

But in the French pirate haven of Tortuga, thoughtless actions can have fatal consequences, something Job is about to discover. And this time, Garrett isn't there to save him.

Chasing a Legacy by D. A Ravenscroft - May 2020

Against the tense political backdrop of the Second French Empire, siblings Camille and Marianne find themselves wrestling with personal demons both past and present. As Camille strives to keep family secrets buried and unveil a plot against them, Marianne becomes involved with the handsome Baron Auclair and his mysterious younger sister. Little do the siblings know that soon their very different lives will come crashing together…

The sequel to a sequel! In this follow up to the unofficial Les Mis sequel ‘Chasing a Ghost’, we follow Enjolras and Grantaire’s children, Camille and Marianne, through dangers untold and family strife. Set in 1866, towards the end of the Second Empire, this story has murder, mystery, romance, drama, comedy, and a pet lion. And yes, it’s very, very queer.

https://www.lulu.com/en/gb/shop/d-a-ravenscroft/chasing-a-legacy/paperback/product-y58wrq.html

Two Rogues Make a Right by Cat Sebastian (Seducing the Sedgwicks Book #3) - June 23rd

Will Sedgwick can’t believe that after months of searching for his oldest friend, Martin Easterbrook is found hiding in an attic like a gothic nightmare. Intent on nursing Martin back to health, Will kindly kidnaps him and takes him to the countryside to recover, well away from the world. Martin doesn’t much care where he is or even how he got there. He’s much more concerned that the man he’s loved his entire life is currently waiting on him hand and foot, feeding him soup and making him tea. Martin knows he’s a lost cause, one he doesn’t want Will to waste his life on. As a lifetime of love transforms into a tender passion both men always desired but neither expected, can they envision a life free from the restrictions of the past, a life with each other?

Best Laid Plaids by Ella Stainton (Kilty Pleasures #1)- August 31st

In 1920s Scotland, even ghosts wear plaid.

Welcome to a sexy, spooky new paranormal historical series from debut author Ella Stainton.

Scotland, 1928

Dr. Ainsley Graham is cultivating a reputation as an eccentric.

Two years ago, he catastrophically ended his academic career by publicly claiming to talk to ghosts. When Joachim Cockburn, a WWI veteran studying the power of delusional thinking, arrives at his door, Ainsley quickly catalogues him as yet another tiresome Englishman determined to mock his life’s work.

But Joachim is tenacious and openhearted, and Ainsley’s intrigued despite himself. He agrees to motor his handsome new friend around to Scotland’s most unmistakable hauntings. If he can convince Joachim, Ainsley might be able to win back his good name and then some. He knows he’s not crazy—he just needs someone else to know it, too.

Joachim is one thesis away from realizing his dream of becoming a psychology professor, and he’s not going to let anyone stop him, not even an enchanting ginger with a penchant for tartan and lewd jokes. But as the two travel across Scotland’s lovely—and definitely, definitely haunted—landscape, Joachim’s resolve starts to melt. And he’s beginning to think that an empty teaching post without the charming Dr. Graham would make a very poor consolation prize indeed…

The Gentleman’s Thief by Isobel Starling (Resurrectionist Book #2)

Tuesday 28th December 1897. Mr. Benedict Hannan, the owner of Hannan’s Auction House in Fitzrovia, London, receives an unexpected visitor at his Bloomsbury home. The man on his stoop sends Benedict’s heart into a flutter, and on inviting the mysterious stranger into his house, he is inviting mystery, adventure, and volcanic desire.

Sebastian Cavell—master thief, gives the impression he has sought out Benedict for the sake of business, but the kind of business Sebastian has in mind has nothing to do with making money!

Cavell has been tasked with finding the whereabouts of a missing German aristocrat. With Benedict’s society connections, Sebastian gains access to his Gentleman’s Club and to men whose behavior is not so gentlemanly!

Benedict is pulled into the circle of a dangerous secret society and he not only learns the truth about the mysterious Sebastian Cavell, but learns the truth about himself and all he truly desires.

The Curse of the Mummy’s Heart by Julia Talbot - June 30th

Something is rising in the desert sand, and between two adventurous men.

Famous 1920s Hollywood actor Douglas Fitzhugh and his brother Donnie are headed for Egypt on a classic monster movie quest. Their mysterious benefactor, a man they call Grant, has sent them to find a stranded archaeologist, and all they have to go on is a handwritten journal. That's just the kind of adventure Douglas loves, and he never passes up the chance to get away from his studio-driven life.

Charles Angeloff is also on his way to Egypt with a special object his father has asked him to return to the tomb he ripped it from. Charles is just out of university, and when he meets Douglas, he falls hard for Douglas' charm and his worldly ways.

As they travel, more men of adventure join them: a cowboy, a rich seminary student, and a librarian. When they're all together, it's like magic happens, and the men all realize they're on a mission to stop the horror that stirs beneath the desert sands, even as that creature sets its sights on Charles. Will Douglas and Charles lose each other just when they've found what they both think is the man they want to be with forever?

Starcrossed: A Paranormal Historical Romance (Magic in Manhattan #2) by Allie Therin - May 18th

When everything they’ve built is threatened, only their bond remains… 1925 New York Psychometric Rory Brodigan’s life hasn’t been the same since the day he met Arthur Kenzie. Arthur’s continued quest to contain supernatural relics that pose a threat to the world has captured Rory’s imagination—and his heart. But Arthur’s upper-class upbringing still leaves Rory worried that he’ll never measure up, especially when Arthur’s aristocratic ex arrives in New York. For Arthur, there’s only Rory. But keeping the man he’s fallen for safe is another matter altogether. When a group of ruthless paranormals throw the city into chaos, the two men’s strained relationship leaves Rory vulnerable to a monster from Arthur’s past. With dark forces determined to tear them apart, Rory and Arthur will have to draw on every last bit of magic up their sleeves. And in the end, it’s the connection they’ve formed without magic that will be tested like never before.

Another Chance For Love by Ellie Thomas - July 4th

Former British Army Lieutenant Adam Merryweather survived the Western Front of WWI and has slowly recovered from his injuries. But can he heal from a broken heart? Torn between family duty and personal happiness, he sacrificed his love for Alf and has never ceased to regret it in the two years since the war ended. Adam is slowly putting his empty life back together, working for the family firm in the city centre of Bristol and trying to stop his mother’s meddling to find him the perfect socially acceptable bride. When he happens to meet Alf out of the blue, Adam is determined to try again. But convincing Alf to give him another chance may be too much to hope for. Can a chance meeting bring them back together? Or has Adam lost another chance for love forever?

The Care and Feeding of Waspish Widows by Olivia Waite - July 28th - sapphic

When Agatha Griffin finds a colony of bees in her warehouse, it’s the not-so-perfect ending to a not-so-perfect week. Busy trying to keep her printing business afloat amidst rising taxes and the suppression of radical printers like her son, the last thing the widow wants is to be the victim of a thousand bees. But when a beautiful beekeeper arrives to take care of the pests, Agatha may be in danger of being stung by something far more dangerous…

Penelope Flood exists between two worlds in her small seaside town, the society of rich landowners and the tradesfolk. Soon, tensions boil over when the formerly exiled Queen arrives on England’s shores—and when Penelope’s long-absent husband returns to Melliton, she once again finds herself torn, between her burgeoning love for Agatha and her loyalty to the man who once gave her refuge.

As Penelope finally discovers her true place, Agatha must learn to accept the changing world in front of her. But will these longing hearts settle for a safe but stale existence or will they learn to fight for the future they most desire?

*If more come to my attention after this is posted, they will be added!!!

#lgbt romance #historical romance #sapphic #trans romance #f/f romance #m/m romance #books

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coffeebased · 4 years

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Hey! Wikathon na! I’ve started reading Relocations by Karen Tongson, about a third through now, but I had to take a little detour through Harrow the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir like I said I would. I’ve finished reading HtN but I’m not quite done experiencing it, so I’ll probably pick Relocations back up tomorrow.

But here’s what I read in July! What’s a segue?

1. Haikyu!! Volume 44 and 45 by Haruichi Furudate

A chance event triggered Shouyou Hinata’s love for volleyball. His club had no members, but somehow persevered and finally made it into its very first and final regular match of middle school, where it was steamrolled by Tobio Kageyama, a superstar player known as “King of the Court.”

Vowing revenge, Hinata applied to the Karasuno High School volleyball club… only to come face-to-face with his hated rival, Kageyama!

And with those two volumes, Haikyū has ended. I’m really glad that my cousin got me to catch up to the series because being a part of the sheer joy and love that’s poured out the fandom these past few months has been refreshing to my spirit. I enjoyed the way Furudate brought the series to its conclusion, by giving all the characters a future and room to grow. I hope to hear more from him in the upcoming years.

2. Looking for Group by Alexis Hall

I read Looking for Group because I was reading up on Alexis Hall in anticipation of Boyfriend Material, which I will talk about later, and saw the synopsis:

So, yeah, I play Heroes of Legend, y’know, the MMO. I’m not like obsessed or addicted or anything. It’s just a game. Anyway, there was this girl in my guild who I really liked because she was funny and nerdy and a great healer. Of course, my mates thought it was hilarious I was into someone I’d met online. And they thought it was even more hilarious when she turned out to be a boy IRL. But the joke’s on them because I still really like him.

And now that we’re together, it’s going pretty well. Except sometimes I think Kit—that’s his name, sorry I didn’t mention that—spends way too much time in HoL. I know he has friends in the guild, but he has me now, and my friends, and everyone knows people you meet online aren’t real. I mean. Not Kit. Kit’s real. Obviously.

Oh, I’m Drew, by the way. This is sort of my story. About how I messed up some stuff and figured out some stuff. And fell in love and stuff.

And I knew that I had to read it. Immediately.

I enjoyed it way too much. The characters were adorable, the conflict was done well, the geeky gamer wrapper was AMAZING and the author never dropped the ball on integrating the online game into the narrative. It was very readable and I enjoyed the atmosphere of the book immensely. I also may have spent a heady week or so thinking of playing WoW, but I avoided that temptation. Made me miss uni too, and the way my friends and I would spend countless hours with each other.

3. Boyfriend Material by Alexis Hall

Wanted: One (fake) boyfriend Practically perfect in every way

Luc O’Donnell is tangentially–and reluctantly–famous. His rock star parents split when he was young, and the father he’s never met spent the next twenty years cruising in and out of rehab. Now that his dad’s making a comeback, Luc’s back in the public eye, and one compromising photo is enough to ruin everything.

To clean up his image, Luc has to find a nice, normal relationship…and Oliver Blackwood is as nice and normal as they come. He’s a barrister, an ethical vegetarian, and he’s never inspired a moment of scandal in his life. In other words: perfect boyfriend material. Unfortunately apart from being gay, single, and really, really in need of a date for a big event, Luc and Oliver have nothing in common. So they strike a deal to be publicity-friendly (fake) boyfriends until the dust has settled. Then they can go their separate ways and pretend it never happened.

But the thing about fake-dating is that it can feel a lot like real-dating. And that’s when you get used to someone. Start falling for them. Don’t ever want to let them go.

I came into this book with high expectations after Looking for Group, and my expectations were mostly met. The few issues I had were ultimately negligible, probably cultural differences or conventions of a genre that I’m not familiar with. The characters were strong, and I found the book funny. I know it sounds as though I’m damning it with faint praise, so I’ll say it plainly: it was an enjoyable read and I was totally invested in the romance. I think it’ll make a really good film as well.

4. The Subtweet by Vivek Shraya

Everyone talks about falling in love, but falling in friendship can be just as captivating. When Neela Devaki’s song is covered by internet-famous artist Rukmini, the two musicians meet and a transformative friendship begins. But as Rukmini’s star rises and Neela’s stagnates, jealousy and self-doubt creep in. With a single tweet, their friendship implodes, one career is destroyed, and the two women find themselves at the center of an internet firestorm.

Celebrated multidisciplinary artist Vivek Shraya’s second novel is a stirring examination of making art in the modern era, a love letter to brown women, an authentic glimpse into the music industry, and a nuanced exploration of the promise and peril of being seen.

If you’re a millennial and if you’ve ever had complicated friendships, this book will ring really true for most of it, I think. I kept wincing at the characters’ actions and “mistakes”, recognising them as things I or my friends have done, but there are portions of the story that I found inaccessible because Neela, the main character, just seems really opaque even when they’re the ones speaking. The music Shraya made as a companion to the book slaps and can be found here.

5. Empowered 11 by Adam Warren

Costumed crimefighter Empowered finds herself the desperate prey of a maniacal supervillain whose godlike powers have turned an entire city of suprahumans against her.

Not good! Outnumbered and under siege, aided only by a hero’s ghost, can Emp survive the relentless onslaught long enough to free her enslaved teammates and loved ones, or is this–*gulp*–The End?

From comics overlord Adam Warren comes Empowered, the acclaimed sexy superhero comedy–except when it isn’t, as in this volume’s no-nonsense, wall-to-wall brawl guaranteed to bring tears to the eye and fists to the face!

Warren’s tying up a lot of loose ends and answering a lot of questions and I’m wondering if that means Empowered‘s ending soon. I haven’t seen any info regarding this, even though the words “The End” are right there in the summary, because comic books always lean on the whole the hero could die! thing, and more often than not they never do. But Emp has come so far in the past 11 volumes, and I think that she’s ready to confront a lot of the stuff that Warren’s only hinted at in the past. Most of Empowered is about how Emp deals with failure and how she rises above it, and recently it’s become about how other people have failed her, rather than how she has failed, and how she deserves better. I’m worried about her, but at least we are another volume’s worth of evidence for the Emp/Thugboy/Ninjette OT3.

6. Sex and Vanity by Kevin Kwan

The iconic author of the bestselling phenomenon Crazy Rich Asians returns with a glittering tale of love and longing as a young woman finds herself torn between two worlds–the WASP establishment of her father’s family and George Zao, a man she is desperately trying to avoid falling in love with.

On her very first morning on the jewel-like island of Capri, Lucie Churchill sets eyes on George Zao and she instantly can’t stand him. She can’t stand it when he gallantly offers to trade hotel rooms with her so that she can have the view of the Tyrrhenian Sea, she can’t stand that he knows more about Curzio Malaparte than she does, and she really can’t stand it when he kisses her in the darkness of the ancient ruins of a Roman villa and they are caught by her snobbish, disapproving cousin, Charlotte. “Your mother is Chinese so it’s no surprise you’d be attracted to someone like him,” Charlotte teases. Daughter of an American-born-Chinese mother and blue-blooded New York father, Lucie has always sublimated the Asian side of herself in favor of the white side, and she adamantly denies having feelings for George. But several years later, when George unexpectedly appears in East Hampton where Lucie is weekending with her new fiancé, Lucie finds herself drawn to George again. Soon, Lucy is spinning a web of deceit that involves her family, her fiancé, the co-op board of her Fifth Avenue apartment, and ultimately herself as she tries mightily to deny George entry into her world–and her heart. Moving between summer playgrounds of privilege, peppered with decadent food and extravagant fashion, Sex and Vanity is a truly modern love story, a daring homage to A Room with a View, and a brilliantly funny comedy of manners set between two cultures.

This was the third romance novel I read in July, and that’s honestly the highest concentration of romance novel I’ve ever had in my life. I know that I’m supposed to find romance novels like super kilig and stuff, but so far I am just very anxious for romance novel protagonists all the time. I think that the whole thing about the romance novels I have read is that they’re mostly about how deeply anxious people learn how to allow themselves to be loved and that is tough! I wanted to protect Lucie all the time! I was Invested in her Welfare, and I don’t think I cared about Rachel Chu from Crazy Rich Asians half as much, even if you condensed all my attachment from the entire trilogy. Also, small spoiler, there is a hint that Sex and Vanity is in the same universe as Crazy Rich Asians, which I think is awesome.

6. Trust Exercise by Susan Choi

Pulitzer Finalist Susan Choi’s narrative-upending novel about what happens when a first love between high school students is interrupted by the attentions of a charismatic teacher

In an American suburb in the early 1980s, students at a highly competitive performing arts high school struggle and thrive in a rarified bubble, ambitiously pursuing music, movement, Shakespeare, and, particularly, their acting classes. When within this striving “Brotherhood of the Arts,” two freshmen, David and Sarah, fall headlong into love, their passion does not go unnoticed—or untoyed with—by anyone, especially not by their charismatic acting teacher, Mr. Kingsley.

The outside world of family life and economic status, of academic pressure and of their future adult lives, fails to penetrate this school’s walls—until it does, in a shocking spiral of events that catapults the action forward in time and flips the premise upside-down. What the reader believes to have happened to David and Sarah and their friends is not entirely true—though it’s not false, either. It takes until the book’s stunning coda for the final piece of the puzzle to fall into place—revealing truths that will resonate long after the final sentence.

As captivating and tender as it is surprising, Trust Exercise will incite heated conversations about fiction and truth, friendships and loyalties, and will leave readers with wiser understandings of the true capacities of adolescents and of the powers and responsibilities of adults.

This is a book I could not stop reading and I felt gross after I finished it. I think that I enjoyed it and that the narrative flips were well-done and it was engaging, but Choi writes teenage trauma in 3D, and you can smell her scumbag characters. Very good will never read again unless looking to feel bad.

Re-read:

Temeraire: His Majesty’s Dragon, Throne of Jade, Black Powder War, andEmpire of Ivory by Naomi Novik

Aerial combat brings a thrilling new dimension to the Napoleonic Wars as valiant warriors ride mighty fighting dragons, bred for size or speed. When HMS Reliant captures a French frigate and seizes the precious cargo, an unhatched dragon egg, fate sweeps Captain Will Laurence from his seafaring life into an uncertain future – and an unexpected kinship with a most extraordinary creature. Thrust into the rarified world of the Aerial Corps as master of the dragon Temeraire, he will face a crash course in the daring tactics of airborne battle. For as France’s own dragon-borne forces rally to breach British soil in Bonaparte’s boldest gambit, Laurence and Temeraire must soar into their own baptism of fire.

I started re-reading it because I wanted to introduce it to my girlfriend, and I outpaced her very quickly, and selfishly. She’s still at the beginning fourth of Throne of Jade, and I feel like I blinked and gulped down four of the books in quick succession. I had to stop myself after Empire, in a very belated effort to sync up to my gf’s progress. The series is amazing, and I don’t know if I’ll ever read one like Temeraire again. Being able to revisit it should be enough, really, because every time I do it’s as though I’m caught up in a strong and wonderful wind that fills me up with delight and awe. Novik’s starting a new series this September, and I hope it’s just as good.

That’s it for July! I’m probably going to do two books at a time for my Wikathon posts, just to keep things fresh and current, so keep a weather eye out for those posts!

July, next verse, same as the first Hey! Wikathon na! I've started reading Relocations by Karen Tongson, about a third through now, but I had to take a little detour through…

#books #books 2 #reading #reading 2

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w0lfbr0thers · 7 years

Text

that seems fair - evak drabble

note: idk its 3 am and it took me 2 hours to write this all bc i was bored - enjoy xx

+4k+ words +ch. 1/1

Isak sighs as he leans his chin in the palm of his hand, leaning a bit forward to look up and down the walk way and he sees people flooding through the opening gates immediately, signalling the opening day of the summer fair in Norway. Isak was lucky to get the job here - 350 kroner each day, which wasn't too bad, and he was tired of living off his dad's guilt money he transferred into his bank account every month for rent or something for himself. Isak leans back into the cool shade of the game stall, the heat and humidity already clogging up the supposedly happy and fun atmosphere. The heat is sweltering and the thick t-shirt and khakis aren't making the job any easier. The day starts off slow, but as it progresses on he repeatedly sees the same boy pass the stall at least five times, always glancing over at Isak and catching his gaze which annoys Isak beyond belief because he has not the slightest clue who the guy is.

It starts off simple - the first couple times, the boy only glances shyly towards Isak who just so happened to be looking off into space as he walks by but the deep blue of the boy's eye color was too hard to miss. Isak locks his gaze on the boy's for one second before jerking away, looking down at his feet and he waits a few minutes before he decides the coast is clear of the boy. The last two times, the glances were more confident and daring, the boy's eyebrows raised and a smirk tugging on his lips as Isak watches him pass the gaming stall he stood behind. Isak wasn't one for gawking at cute boys - especially in public places - but damn was this gorgeous man something he couldn't tear his eyes off of.

Soon enough, the day dwindles down with fewer people roaming the fair grounds. Isak is relieved as he closes up the stall, shutting down the lights and locks up the back door, quickly walking over to the food stall where Jonas fusses with the door lock, "Having some trouble, there, buddy?" Isak asks, laughing as Jonas throws down the key on the dusty ground.

"Fuck, why did I take this goddamn job?" Jonas groans, picking up the key and shoving it in his pocket.

"Because I needed to know somebody here, that's why. Did you finally get it locked?"

"I probably broke it but yeah, it's locked. If I can't get in tomorrow I'll call up management. I doubt they'll do anything, but it's worth it. And besides, you offered me weed just for me to accept this job so it's not like I was gonna turn it down?"

Isak chuckles, rolling his eyes as he and Jonas begin walking towards the gates to leave the fairgrounds, "Did you notice that one guy who wouldn't stop walking past the stall I work at?"

"Hm, I think I saw him a few times but he was never looking my way or anything," Jonas shrugs, reaching to open the gates.

Isak bites his lower lip as they stop, Jonas locking the gates behind them, "Well, yeah. Because he was mainly looking at me the whole time he would walk by. I don't know, dude, but I'm getting some weird vibes from it."

"Maybe he's checking you out?" Jonas offers and Isak scoffs, shoving his shoulder into Jonas's.

"I really doubt a guy that handsome would be checking out some dweeb who's working at a gaming stall at a fair," Isak counters, pulling a joint from his back pocket. "Lighter?"

Jonas nods, pulling one from his jean pocket and hands it to Isak so he can light it and he hands it over to Jonas after a drag, "You never know, Isak. He could be the romantic type who takes their dates to a fair."

Isak rolls his eyes, blowing out the smoke and watches as it forms a small cloud in front of his face, "That's super cheesy, though."

"I did it with Eva during second year, she loved it. I won her a teddy bear and then later on that night I went down on her. Wasn't too bad," Jonas chuckles as Isak groans, taking back the joint and he takes a long drag.

"That's not something I want to hear about, dude," Isak sighs, "I just think that one guy might keep stalking me throughout the whole fair."

"If it makes you uncomfortable, talk to someone who patrol the gates and ask them to, like, ban him from entering or something," Jonas offers, taking a drag once Isak hands back the joint to him as they continue walking down the sidewalk.

"If it keeps going on into next week, I'll say something."

"Good on you."

Isak nods and they both drop the subject, finishing up the weed before splitting to head back home. Isak makes it home late, as usual, and finds a plate of food sitting in the microwave, waiting for him along with a note from Eskild that reads; 'Had to work late tonight, baby gay, but I tried to make you something before I headed off. Hope your first night working at the fair wasn't so bad. Make sure to get some rest.'

Isak smiles at the sweet gesture, graciously taking the food into his room as the weed affects begin to wear off and he's immensely hungry as he begins devouring the food, setting the now-empty plate beside his bed and he gets up to change out of his sweaty work clothes and he just crawls into bed in his boxers, drifting off to sleep with the image of the deep blue eyes settled into his dreams and he swears those eyes are like the ocean and he's desperate to drown.

"Here you go, hun," Isak smiles, handing a small stuffed pony to a girl, about the age of seven as she grins with pride. "You'll take good care of pony here, right?"

The girl's smile is bright as she nods, causing Isak's smile to widen, "Absolutely. Come on, mamma. I want to share some ice cream with pony."

Isak gives the girl a wave as her and her mother walk off towards the stall where Jonas supervises and Isak stares off into space as people walk past, his eyes drooping a little to block out the sun as a bit of sweat begins to form on his forehead from the excruciating July heat. Isak closes his eyes for a split second and he jumps as he hears fingers tapping on the surface on the surface of the stand and he clears his throat, his eyes snapping open and he opens his mouth to speak but - holy shit. His mouth opens agape as his eyes meet up with the deepest blue - like the ocean. Isak stutters for a minute, heat creeping up into his cheeks as he corrects himself, standing up straight behind the counter as the boy smiles as him.

"I- sorry. Must have spaced off for a minute, my apologies," Isak rushes, taking in a gulp of air as the boys smile widens, his eyes bright.

"It's no problem at all. How much for the game?" The boy asks, gesturing to the bottles behind him. The most basic fair game, but easiest to win.

"45 kroner for three tries," Isak replies, licking his lips as he watches the boy dig through his jean pockets for the money, placing it on the counter for Isak to collect. "Thank you."

"How do I win?" He asks as Isak puts away the money, grabbing the baseballs from the side.

"You take these baseballs-" Isak sets three of them on the counter and the guy takes them, nodding, which signals Isak to continue on, "-and try to knock down the milk bottles that are placed back there. If you hit all of the biggest ones, you get the biggest prize. The large stuffed teddy bear."

Isak gestures up on the prize shelf to the very top where the bear sits, leaning awkwardly against the wall and the boy nods understandingly, a determined look in his eyes, "Why three tries?"

Isak smirks, pressing a button between the counter that causes the shelves with the milk bottles to move side to side, "That's why."

"Hm, a challenge. I like it," The boy winks at Isak which causes his heart to skip a beat. "Shall I begin?"

Isak nods, moving out of the way and to the side swiftly, "Of course. Good luck."

The guy turns to focus on the shifting bottles, raising up a hand and preparing himself to toss and just as the shelves shift, he throws it, knocking down one of the nine big bottles which surprises Isak a bit and he has to admit that he's a bit impressed as the guy continues on with the game. One after another, every shot is perfect as he continues knocking down the biggest bottles on the shelves and Isak knows his goal - win the biggest prize. Isak licks his lips, watching as the boy continues on and eventually, after all three tries, the biggest bottles are lying scattered on the dirty floor of the gaming stall.

"Impressive, for an amateur," Isak jokes, crossing his arms in front of his chest as the boy grins at him, a smug look on his face.

"Can I have my prize now?"

"I suppose," Isak shrugs, pulling a stepping ladder from the side and he reaches up, grabbing the large bear in his hands before bringing to the counter, almost shoving it in the boys face. "Here you go. Congratulations."

"I really don't think this prize will do," the boy pouts, eyeing the large stuffed bear and Isak frowns, giving the customer a strange look.

"What do you mean?"

"Can I exchange for a different prize?" The guy asks innocently and Isak raises his eyebrows as the man pushes the bear back into his hands.

Isak takes it, setting it to the side of the counter, "What do you want as your prize, then? I'm pretty sure you don't want a tiny stuffed animal compared to the large one-"

"I don't want any of those prizes up there," the guy gestures to the shelf. "I want the prize that's right in front of me."

Isak's stomach flips as the words ring in his ears, "What?"

"I want you as the prize instead."

"How can I possibly be the prize, you barely even know me?" Isak interjects, his mouth turning dry.

"I want my prize to be a date. With you."

"Seriously?"

"Seriously."

"I don't even fucking know you let alone your name," Isak mumbles, running a hand through his hair.

"My name is Even Bech Næsheim, and trust me," Even leans forward on the counter and Isak freezes, his heart pounding. "You can get to know me any way you'd like to, baby."

Isak's breath hitches as Even leans back, his skin tingling and feeling ablaze, "I'm- I'm Isak Valtersen."

Even chuckles, "Nice to finally meet you, Isak."

Isak coughs, rubbing his nose as he shifts his weight from one foot to the other behind the counter, "So... about this prize thing. What exactly do you have in mind?"

"As I said, a date. Maybe at Kaffeberrienet? Or, unless it's too warm for a coffee, the local ice cream parlor?" Even offers, his voice smooth and confident and it makes Isak a little weak in the knees as Even stares at him, his blue eyes almost digging deep into his soul and it causes Isak to shudder despite the heat.

"That sounds... good, I guess? But what about the bear? You did win it, you know?"

"Keep it, it's yours," Even shrugs, a grin playing on his lips.

"Even, I can't just take the damn bear-"

"Why not? I won it for you?"

Isak's heart skips again, "You seriously won this dumb thing for me?"

"Why not? It goes together nicely with your cute face."

Isak can't help the sheepish grin that appears on his face, his cheeks turning a deep crimson red, "You seriously don't mean that. You just met me."

"Ah, but I mean it 100%, Isak Valtersen."

Isak sighs, rolling his eyes, "Alright, I guess I'll agree to go on a date with you but on one condition!"

"And what might that be?"

"No hands. All hands off. No touching, no hand holding, no reaching for the other persons drink to purposely make our hands brush together," Isak rushes, knitting his hands together in front of him.

"I can go along with that, it's chill. Do you have to stay here at this shitty stall all night long, though? This day is pretty slow."

"No! No, no. I can probably leave right now. There's plenty of other gaming stalls. We can go right now," Isak says and Even raises an eyebrow, smirking as he licks his lips and goddamn does Isak want to bite his lower lip.

"Shall we go out for that date now, then?"

"Absolutely," Isak grins, grabbing the bear from the counter and setting it on a chair in the corner of the stall, assuring Even he will drag it home with him later (and by that, he means have Jonas drop it off) and he shuts down the lights, locking up the back door to the stall before heading to the front where Even waits for him, a smile spreading on his face.

"Kaffeberrienet or ice cream parlor?" Even asks as they begin to walk off towards the gates to leave the fair grounds.

"Ice cream parlor sounds way better right now, I'm dying of heat stroke," Isak exaggerates, wiping his hand on his forehead to rid it of the sweat that will inevitably return later as they walk. They walk in silence, the tension growing by every minute between the two of them because God does Isak just want to gaze at Even and feel him pressed against him on a wall and -

"Isak?" Even says, breaking the silence and Isak blushes as he breaks away from his thoughts and he finds that he's drifted closer to Even as they have been walking.

"Uh- yeah?" Isak asks bashfully, averting his eyes down to his feet.

"Look at me, Isak," Even says, his voice firm but tender and Isak obeys as he feels Even's fingers ghost on his chin, encouraging to lift his gaze. "What are you thinking about?"

Isak lets out a sharp, shaky breath, "A lot of things."

"Like what?"

Isak closes his eyes for a minute, the butterflies in his stomach making him feel uneasy but sure, "Like what it would be like to have your lips pressed against my own."

The next few seconds are complete silence and Isak is about to break from Even's touch as he opens his eyes, but he finds Even looking at him and Isak's heart is fluttering as Even begins to lean down, slowly and tentatively and Isak's heart is surging, the waiting killing him inside and eventually he just raises a hand to grip Even's hair, urgently closing the gap between them and as soon as their lips touch, it's a hurricane of feelings and actions. Isak finds himself pressed against a brick wall, his breathing hot and heavy as his and Even's breaths mingle between their mouths. Even rakes his hands down Isak's body, slipping his hands underneath his shirt, causing Isak to shiver as he presses his thumbs into his hipbones causing him to press further against the brick wall and Isak chokes out a moan as Even bites down lightly on his lower lip.

"Fuck, Isak-" Even gasps, his knee placed between Isak's legs causing the younger boy to whimper at the slightest brush.

"Please, just fucking kiss me. God, please," Isak whines, grinding up his hips to meet with Even's which elicits a deep, throaty moan and Isak feels a rush of confidence through his blood. "Or take me somewhere, I don't care, just God. Please don't stop. Not now."

"What do you want, baby, hm?" Even asks, bringing his lips to the skin of Isak's jaw and he can feel the younger boy squirm. "You gotta tell me."

"I want you to take care of me," Isak whispers, tilting his head to allow more access to Even as he works his way down to his neck, sucking deep purple bruises in an instant.

"I can do that for you, baby, let's get you back to my place," Even's voice is husky as he grabs at Isak's hand, pulling him into a sprint towards his flat. They rush up the stairs, almost tripping and losing their balance as their hands can't find a way to stay off each other and they stumble into the apartment, closing the door and connecting their bodies eagerly as they tumble into Even's room. Even dips his hands back underneath Isak's shirt, inching it up quickly and throwing it to the side once it's off, taking off his own quickly and throwing it in the same direction. Isak instantly lying down on his back as Even crawls up above him and the sight alone makes Isak almost come in his pants without even being touched.

"What can I do for you, baby?" Even asks quietly, his lips trailing down from Isak's neck to his collarbones - to his chest - to his stomach.

"Fucking anything you want to do to me," Isak gasps, already gripping at the sheets.

"Anything?" Even asks, kissing his way down to the waistband of Isak's jeans and he looks up through his eyelashes.

Isak groans, bucking up his hips slightly as he looks down at Even in between his legs, "Absolutely anything."

Even grins, beginning to work quickly at the buckle and he throws it to the side, inching the tight fabric of the jeans down Isak's legs, yanking them off once they're down at the ankles and he can see the wetness of precum on Isak's boxers and Even just admires him and Isak's perfect body, placing butterfly kisses between his thighs, causing Isak to tremble and shiver.

"Even, please..." Isak whines, throwing his head back into the mattress as Even bites at the sensitive skin between the younger boys thighs. "Please, fuck."

"I'll take care of you, baby, just like you asked for," Even reassures him, slipping his fingers into the waistband of Isak's boxers and he slips them off with ease and reveling in the sound of relief Isak lets out beneath him. "Are you ready?"

Isak nods quickly, biting his lower lip, "Yes, fuck, just please touch me already," And Even does. He doesn't give Isak another minute before taking him in his mouth, tongue swirling at the tip as he comes up, hollowing out his cheeks and Isak lets out a cry, gripping his fingers in Even's hair. Even hums, sending vibrations down Isak's dick which drives him crazy as he grips his hair harder, his legs trembling. "Fuck- holy shit, Even."

Even strives, swallowing down Isak faster as his name tumbles out of Isak's mouth and he just takes in his hot, heavy panting as he continues, his hands pressing down Isak's hips, preventing him from bucking up into Even's mouth.

"That feels - so - fuck - good," Isak pants, squirming as the warm pit in his stomach begins to build. "I'm so fucking close, holy fuck."

Even pops his mouth off at the tip of Isak's dick, causing him to let out a strangled cry, "Do you want me to fuck you?"

"You're such a fucking tease, holy shit-" Isak gasps, but he gives a nod and Even works quickly, pulling a condom from his bedside drawer along with some lube, prepping himself easily.

"Are you good? Do you need stretching?" Even asks, leaning down to press a kiss to the tip of Isak's member.

Isak shakes his head, "No, I'm fine. I... should still be stretched."

"Stretched, from what?" Even breathes hot against the sensitive tip of Isak's dick, causing him to shiver.

"I kind of got off myself last night, I should be good," Isak admits, his face a deep red.

"Thinking about me?" Isak nods. "Holy fuck, that's so hot, Isak."

"God, please just fuck me already," Isak pouts, and Even steadies himself, Isak's hands on his lower back as he pushes himself in and he feels Isak shudder beneath him. "So fucking good. Keep going."

Even quickens his pace, his hips hitting into Isak's with every thrust and every cry of pleasure from Isak keeps him going, the feeling of his fingers digging into his skin sending a pulse coursing through his body, "Fuck, baby, are you gonna come with me? Yeah?"

Isak nods, his eyes drooping and Even swears he's close as he wraps his legs around Even, pulling him deeper and closer, "Fuck, yes. Fuck, Even, fuck."

"Good, be a good baby for me and come with me. I'm so fucking close. God, you're so hot like this, Isak," Even pants, Isak's moaning driving him closer to his high. Even reaches down a hand, wrapping it around Isak and he begins pumping with the rhythm of his thrusting, causing Isak to cry out louder and it's so fucking intense and in an instant Even is coming inside the condom as Isak spews himself all over his stomach and Even's chest. Even shudders as Isak's legs tremble, his chest heaving as Even sports a few more slow and gentle thrusts before pulling out, removing and disposing of the condom in the bin beside his bed.

"Holy shit," Isak mumbles, still on his back, his curls sticking to his sweaty forehead. "Holy fucking shit."

Even laughs, taking a toilet roll from the side of his bed and he tears some off, leaning above Isak to clean him up gently. They kiss lazily for a few minutes as Even wipes the come off of himself and Isak's stomach, disposing of that as well once he's finished, "So much for that date, huh?"

"Shut up, I'm so fucking glad you chose me over that dumbass bear," Isak gasps, pulling up Even's covers as he rolls onto his side, facing Even who's already gazing at him.

"I knew I wanted you more than that damn bear," Even confirms, pulling Isak closer by the waist.

"You're a real fucking tease, though, you know that right?" Isak tells him, raising an eyebrow.

"What do you mean?" Even chuckles.

"We were literally eyefucking all day yesterday and you just now ask me out on a date?"

"Well, I didn't know if you would be interested," Even shrugs, leaning up a hand to brush some hair out of Isak's eyes.

"My eyes didn't give you the hint?" Isak scoffs, entangling their legs underneath the sheets.

"No, I was too busy thinking about what I could do to you to notice."

"Wow, of course you were," Isak rolls his eyes, his eyes beginning to droop from fatigue.

"Did you think you would end the day in bed with a cute guy?" Even asks, smirking.

"Nope."

"Interesting."

"How so?"

"It just seems like you would be the type of boy that has guys and girls drooling all over you," Even replies, tucking some hair behind Isak's ear.

"No, I'm not like that. If I see someone I want, I either wait for them to make a move or make the move myself. I'm the master of having people fall in love with me."

"So I made the first move in this case?"

"You did."

Even hums in a response, running his fingers through Isak's curled hair, "Are you glad I did?"

Isak nods, "I am."

"But can we still go on that date tomorrow, though? I really want to take you out somewhere nice."

"Yeah, that's chill. I'll have Jonas cover for me tomorrow at the fair," Isak yawns, snuggling closer to Even as his phone buzzes. "Shit, did you throw my phone along with my jeans?"

"It was the heat of the moment, what did you want me to do?" Even pouts as Isak gets up, grabbing his phone from his jean pocket and heading back into bed, cuddling into Even's side.

"Oh, speaking of Jonas, he sent me a dozen messages," Isak giggles sleepily as he scrolls through them.

Jonas: Hey bro, where the fuck did you disappear to? I saw you leave with a guy, was it the one who was checking you out? Bossman was looking for you, I covered and said you felt like you were going to pass out from the heat which let you off the hook - for now. Seriously, bro. Text me back when you can unless you got busy. I don't want to hear about that.

"He sounds like a great friend, covering for you while we had sex," Even chuckles, wrapping his arms around Isak's waist.

"I can reply to him in the morning, it's no big deal," Isak sighs, setting his phone on the bedside table as he curls into Even more, allowing his eyes to drift shut.

"Tired?" Even hums, his lips ghosting on Isak's forehead as he holds him.

"Mm, a little bit. It's probably late by now," Isak mumbles, breathing in the scent of Even beside him.

"You can sleep, baby. I can make you some breakfast in the morning," Even offers.

"Can that be our date?" Isak asks, his voice small and quiet.

"Breakfast?" Isak nods. "Sure. Sounds lovely. Now sleep, baby. Goodnight."

"Hm, goodnight. Thanks for a great date," Isak smiles, his body growing warmer with Even's presence beside him.

"No need to thank me, baby. Sleep well."

At around 3 am, Isak receives a text but he's too deep in sleep with Even beside him and it's from Jonas;

Jonas: Lmao bro you totally got laid.

#my work #my writing #skam #skam fic #evak #evak fic #skam writing #evak writing #isak x even #isak valtersen #even bech næsheim #jonas noah vasquez

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