by
They say magic doesn’t exist in our modern age. But is that really true?
Without magic, how could a stolen guitar or a lost shoe lead to love?
What could spark romance at a workplace assessment, or turn a mean-spirited monster into a man?
Six fairytales and myths receive a contemporary MM twist in this collection of stories, which prove that sometimes the mundane can be magical too.
Dragged Into Love (Þrymskviða)
When Theo’s landlord steals his guitar in lieu of overdue rent, he tells Theo he will only return the instrument if he can go on a date with Theo’s twin sister. With Fran less than willing to play along, Theo is left with one option: to go in her place.
Love’s Code (Ariadne and Theseus)
In order to keep his job, Andre must pass an examination. However, his unspoken love for fellow programmer Eren proves a constant distraction, as does the identity of a mysterious benefactor who offers helps along the way.
Guessing Games (Rumplestiltskin)
A little white lie, told in his job interview, won Sasha his dream role. Only now he faces a pile of work he doesn’t know how to complete. When someone comes along with a solution to his dilemma, he is thrilled. But what price will he have to pay
Assignations and Ultimatums (The Strange Elopement of Tinirau)
Hunter and Ross are deeply in love, but Ross’s father is intent on setting him up with undesirable, yet powerful, older men. That’s bad enough, but the situation worsens when the latest of these potential partners turns out to be Ross’s boss.
Lost and Found (Cinderella)
Attendance at the company’s masquerade ball is compulsory. Cillian intends a swift departure once his presence has been noted, but he changes his mind when a dashing stranger asks him to dance. Love is in the air…until he uncovers the man’s identity.
A Debt is a Debt (Beauty and the Beast)
Dunstan Griffin is not a man accustomed to letting a debt slide. Therefore, when Alfred Siskin offers the EA services of his son, Wynn, in lieu of payment, Dunstan accepts. He intends to make the most of his new worker, but soon his desires change.
- 2 To Be Read lists
Publisher: Ninestar Press
Editors:
Cover Artists:
Genres:
Pairings: M-M
Heat Level: 4
Romantic Content: 5
Ending: Click here to reveal
Character Identities: Bisexual, Gay
Tropes: Fairy Tales Revisited, Office / Workplace Romance
Word Count: 60000
Setting: London
Languages Available: English
Mr Siskin stood, but rather than leaving, he dropped to his knees. “I beg you, Mr Griffin, give me more time, or allow me to repay you in some other way.”
The display irked Dunstan, but he tried to keep his expression neutral, resisting the two polar urges that filled him: to strike out at such unmanly behaviour or to give in to Mr Siskin’s passionate plea. The former reaction was too violent; the latter would make him look weak. He ought to have Maria summon security and throw the man bodily from the building, yet he somehow found himself saying, “What did you have in mind?”
READ MOREMr Siskin looked up, his eyes burning with the fierce light of hope, and Dunstan felt a burst of pride. He had done this. With a mere handful of words he had reduced the man to a grovelling wreck, only to then transform him into an eager and obedient dog, begging at its master’s feet. It was so enthralling that he decided he would hear Mr Siskin out. Right now, Dunstan was like a god, and maybe he would even choose to be benevolent.
“My youngest son, Wynn, is a hard worker…conscientious. He would work for you for free until the debt is paid off.”
COLLAPSE
