The Proof Is the Way It Hurts

by E.S. Carter

Two small town boys fell in love.
One got left behind.
One went off to war.
He came back a man.
A broken, lonely, desperate man searching for the one thing to ease his pain.

Can Dylan forgive George for leaving him?
Can love snuff out the pain?

The Proof Is the Way It Hurts.

*This is a standalone M/M novella. A shorter version of this story was featured as a KU Korner's Bedtime Story*

Genres: M M Romance, Military Fiction, Contemporary, Second Chance, Novella, Short Stories, Romance

ebook

First published July 27, 2017

About the author

USA Today Bestselling Author, ES Carter, lives in Cardiff, South Wales. The home of castles, dragons and folklore.
Her family joke that she was born with a book in her hand, and the urge to write stories soon followed.
At eleven, she won her school's literary prize. At ages fourteen to sixteen - her poetry phase after falling in love with Dylan Thomas and e.e. cummings - she had a few poems published, but life, love and family overtook her dreams, and she was in her thirties when she began the scary journey of self-publishing.
Her debut and internationally best-selling series, 'Love by Numbers', are a set of interconnected stand alone romances, all with varying themes of love. From second-chance to romantic comedy and M/M romance. These stories do not need to be read in order, in fact, she is often guilty of advising readers to start at the last book and work their way back through.
Contemporary romance is not the only genre she writes, her second series, 'The Red Order', is as dark and twisted as you can get, but there is beauty there too if you can open your eyes and look.
With many more stories bursting to be set free, she hopes you stay along for the ride.
She loves to connect with readers, so please feel free to friend/follow her on Facebook, IG and Twitter or join her reader's group, E's Elite <3

Facebook - https://goo.gl/Ih65tm

Goodreads - https://goo.gl/2b0fDE

Reviews

[Carol [Goodreads Addict] · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Proof Is the Way It Hurts is a short, stand alone novella by E.S. Carter. This is a M/M second chance romance that will pull all of your heartstrings.

George and Dylan were childhood friends that became something more, something wonderful. But what they had, they kept a secret, until they were caught. George was forced to flee. But now it’s two years later. Two long agonizing years. George is back to reclaim what was always his. Unless he’s too late.



Dylan Davies gave up hope that George would ever return. He didn’t even know where he went. But then, all of a sudden, there he was, right in front of him.

“I’m coming for you Dylan, and I’ll take everything you’ve got to give.”



This is very short but oh so touching. George’s story will break your heart. But he’s finally ready to reclaim the future that was always meant to be his, the only man he has ever loved, Dylan. This is very steamy and sweet, heart breaking and heart healing. I enjoyed it so much!

“Life takes, but it’s up to you to get it back.”

For more about this book and so many more, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/44036...

[E.S. Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

FREE M/M novella.

[warhawke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Genre: M/M Romance
Type: Short Story
POV: First Person - Male
Rating:




George Milford used to run away from who he really was, but he's done hiding. Now he's back and vowed to get back Dylan Davies, the only one who could make him feel alive.

"You can't rock up now with your tattoos and your muscles and decide you want me again. It doesn't fucking work like that, George."

The story, even though short, managed to establish the emotions and the dynamic between the two characters. I like what both of them had to go through together and individually. I would have like it even better with a little bit more angst.

I need inside his tight heat. I need to feel the hot stretch of his hole around my cock. I need inside him more than I need to breathe.

I'm happy to say the sex scenes were hot. I definitely hope the author will write more sexy M/M in the future.

Whatever pain I’m battling, he soothes it. Him, only him.

The Proof Is the Way It Hurts is a short story of acceptance and forgiveness. It would appeal to readers looking for a quick hot M/M read.


For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:

[CrabbyPatty · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG, I found this story deeply moving. The novella begins with George lying on a dusty road in Afghanistan, the victim of a roadside bombing, looking into the eyes of a dead soldier next to him. But the face morphs into the face of his beloved Dylan and knowing that he could "take my last silent breath on this dusty ground," George begs for Dylan's forgiveness for leaving him.

Two years later, George returns to their small Welsh town to find Dylan. We get glimpses of their shared childhood and young love, and the love that still binds these two men together. In just a handful of pages, the author weaves a beautiful story of redemption and abiding love:

And lying there under his gentle, loving touch, I realize that this is what love is; this is how you know you love someone and are loved in return.

The proof is in the way it hurts to be without them.

The proof is how that hurt can only be soothed by the arms of a lover you thought you'd lost
The proof is in forgiveness, whether deserved or not.

Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews

[Coco.V]

💝FREE on Amazon & on iBooks today (12/20/2018)!💝

[Sanaa · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

This was a seriously short yet steamy read. I would like to see some groveling though. There was practically none.

[Akknieszka · Rating 4 out of 5]

Za mało!!!

[Beth C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whatever pain I’m battling, he soothes it .
Him, only him.

Oh, this bittersweet short story is the perfect fast, feel good read. What it lacks in word count, it makes up tenfold in emotion, and to say I enjoyed it severely misrepresents my affection for it.

The Proof Is The Way It Hurts is quick, sexy romance at its best. It's to the point, but doesn't shy away from the sparkling tension of Dylan and George. I can't explain it, really... It reads like the rewarding epilogue of a second chance; as if this book is the highlights—the big moments—brought together to give you the foundation for a magical story, which your imagination is free to run away with.

Which mine, of course, did. It conjured up George and Dylan in their heartbreak, in their redemption, in the past and in their future. And that's the gift of this 60 minute read—the chance to fall in love over the course of years, before your tea ever gets a chance to cool down.

I'm coming for you Dylan, and I'll take everything you've got to give.

~ FIVE STARS ~

[My Own Bookshelves · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story will touch your heart with the perfection of second chances given a breath of life. Sometimes as young men and women, we miss the opportunities to seize real change and follow it. Part of growing up is making those mistakes and learning from it.

George is one who has made a mistake and doesn't let life get in the way of making up for it. What started as a bedtime story has bloomed into a perfect short story read about finding your happily ever after when the time is right.

Take a chance on George and Dylan and you will be justly rewarded. 5 out of 5 stars

[Diane (Books and Tequila Blog) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really lovely second chance M/M romance. A quick, easy read that is not short on emotion, heat, or romance.

"I thought life had taken everything from me.
My family.
My friends.
My comrades.
My arm.
The man I was born to love.
But it didn't.
Life takes, but it's up to you to get it back."

Full review:

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Rachel]

12/8/18 Currently FREE via Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Proof-Way-Hurt...

[Bati · Rating 4 out of 5]

—4
Upiekłam dziś muffinki czekoladowe do kawy. To szorcik tego typu. Smaczny, ale jest go za mało.

[Darlene Avery · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Proof Is The Way It Hurts by E. S. Carter is testament that even in a novella, Carter has the ability to pull every emotion out of your being.

Dylan and George will hold you completely captivated in their struggles to overcome not only past hurts, but pain that can not only be seen but felt.

Carter once again proved to me that she is willing to reach out and surprise her readers. She's not afraid to let her words be raw, and doesn't hesitate to hold back any punches.

A definite 5 Star must read!!!

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really would have loved more to George and Dylan's story! This would have been a great full length novel- getting to see them as high school boys falling in love, the fallout from George leaving and his time in the service, and then their reunion. But this was a sweet read as it was- just enough of a look into the past to get a feel for what they went through, and then seeing them get their second chance at love.

***Borrowed through KU.

[Steph ☀️]

Prologue: He is injured.

Chapter 1: We find out George survives a road side bombing with his only loss is his arm. Not once does he have any repercussions from the accident; meaning no PTSD or anything of the sort. George doesn't even seem to have any prosthetic problems. In fact we don't know how much of a prosthetic he has nor whether it is his right or left arm. However, George is back in town to get Dylan, his ex back. He spots his ex at a table with another man and goes up to him.

Chapter 2: The next day George goes out for a 12 mile run ending at a mountaintop that Dyan happens to be at. Not only that, but Dylan decides to get back together with George. Now I don't know about you, but I'm still wondering what became of the guy at the bar. The author never states if Dylan is dating him, if it was the first time date or they were just friends. Regardless, I am like.....WTF.

Chapter 3: This is where I stopped a little bit in because IMO the story was a bit too ridiculous. At this point, Dylan is ready to leave the town with George oh and they're about to have hot crazy sex. Not only that but there is no mention of his prosthetic arm in regards to the complications and/or awkwardness during sex. Not even when he was trying to get over that fence is anything mentioned. It's like his arm does not exist lol.

So, yeah I cannot recommend 😔

[Tim Trent · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, there was sex. There was a certain level of romance. No character depth. Reminds me of Brokeback Mountain, two blokes rutting. It scraped my third star. There was far more available to the author, but she disregarded it

A female view of Male/Male romance, I'm afraid

[Zaza · Rating 3 out of 5]

Derrière cette couverture absolument magnifique se cache une nouvelle de E.S Carter, très, très courte, puisqu'elle ne comporte que 6 chapitres, et le bouquin s'arrête à 66% de l'ebook, le reste étant occupée par le début d'un autre M/M de l'auteur : One.

Le livre étant vraiment bref, il est pour moi inutile de revenir sur le résumé, disons juste qu'il s'agit d'une histoire de seconde chance.

Si j'aime vraiment l'écriture d'E.S Carter, avec cette façon qu'elle a d'énumérer des choses pour apporter du rythme (et un vrai style !) au récit, j'ai en revanche été déçue par l'histoire en elle-même. C'est une histoire toute douce, sexy aussi ; seulement, après une rupture sortie de nulle part et un silence radio de deux ans, je ne conçois pas que les deux hommes n'aient pas une solide explication. Pour moi qui aime particulièrement les histoires avec des vétérans, là, on ne sait rien des éventuels tourments de George, et son bras amputé n'apporte rien à l'histoire, si ce n'est un prologue très émouvant. Et Dylan est, à mon goût, bien trop prompt au pardon et ne semble pas chercher d'explications.

Un récit avec un bon potentiel donc, mais le résultat final ne correspond pas à ce que j'aime et ce que je recherche dans une romance, que ce soit une nouvelle ou pas.

[Angelika · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ★

#contemporary #MM #single-pov #military #friends-to-lovers

My favorite quote:

Life takes, but it’s up to you to get it back.

❤ Dylan Davis & George Milford
➤ Abergavenny

[Amneris Cesare · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too short of a novella and unfortunately, but due exactly to this shortness, a non correctly developed story and not truly designed characters. Too much is lacking. But that's a shame because this book had potential. Hope the writer will write more on this.

[Dawn Higgins · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a short MM love story but i freaking loved it, and the chemistry between this couple was HOT!! Off the charts sexy and smoking PHEW!!!.

[Leigh Lennon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet love story but it was more of a novela and I would have loved to have the whole story of these two hot men.

[Pamela Lilley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet second chance M/M novella set in a small Welsh town where everyone knows everyone's business, where prejudice runs high and two young boys fall in love. Chased out of town by his homophobic father as a teenager, George leaves Dylan and enlists in the army. Two years later he returns for what’s his, and he isn't leaving without him. I loved this novella, I loved George and Dylan, and ESCarter’s writing was spot on as usual. A wonderful surprise release.

[Wendy LeGrand · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Home is wherever you go, so take me there. Where you go, I go." Ahhh George and Dylan grabbed my heart and didn't let go!

I loved reading about these two wonderful men in the Bedtime Story feature on the Facebook KU Corner page. For three nights we got little snippets of George and Dylan and I was very excited to learn their story would be expanded and turned into a novella.

I hadn't read a M/M story by Eli prior to the Bedtime Story and I have to say I am very impressed with her writing. She goes a great job of conveying all the emotions, thoughts, and fears these two men have. Particularly George, who suffered greatly at the hands of his father, a man he should have been able to look up to and turn to when he needed him, but who ultimately destroyed any chances of a relationship with his ugly brutality towards George because of who he loved. It was because of him that George left, causing the pain and heartache these two have suffered for two long years.

I could easily see this story turned into a full length novel at some point. I would have loved to see more deeply into their reconnection. I have created whole scenarios of George and Dylan's future together. That is the sign of a great writer, when you can't get enough of the story!

[Sheila'S Book Corner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really lovely second chance M/M romance. A quick, easy read that is not short on emotion, heat, or romance.

"I thought life had taken everything from me.
My family.
My friends.
My comrades.
My arm.
The man I was born to love.
But it didn't.
Life takes, but it's up to you to get it back."

After his tour in the military, George returns to his hometown a changed man, unsure of his reception. There is only one person's opinion he cares about and there is only one person's forgiveness and acceptance that he seeks.

"The proof is in the way it hurts to be without them.
The proof is how that hurt can only be soothed by the arms of a lover you thought you’d lost.
The proof is in forgiveness, whether deserved or not."

Short in pages but definitely not short in feeling, George and Dylan's story is one I will definitely be reading over and over.
-5Stars!-
-Diane-

[Leslie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet but overly simple.

Yah.... no. Life just doesn't work that way. No way does someone who walked out of your life two years ago return suddenly, missing a limb, and you just take him back like nothing happened. There would be anger, grief, resentment, a little PTSD, explanations to be made, some catching up to do…

[Erika · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so happy when I saw that Eli was planning to release a new M/M romance. I hadn't read the first version so all was new to me. And I liked it. It was short so I read it fast and I think that was my only problem with the book. I wanted more, it was too fast and because of that I had the feeling some details didn't get the attention they should have get. But, it's a novella, that's why it's so short, not surprising. (I'm not a fan of novella, that's why.)

Anyway, even if I wanted something longer, I can say I liked the characters. I had a crush for George ♡ And Eli's writing style is still so good! I love how she uses enumeration to give rhythm to her story. She often does that and I love it.

I think this short story is a good way to discover E.S. Carter as an author and you can also read the beginning of One, an other M/M romance she wrote. (One I really like, by the way.)

[Tasha Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

::..Reviewed for Red's Midnight Readers..::

This isn't the sort of trope I would normally pick but I was looking for something to read and have heard nothing but rave reviews about The Proof Is The Way It Hurts, so I decided to give it a read.

I was NOT disappointed in the slightest. E.S Carter gave me all the feels in this second chance love story about two people reconnecting after separating in difficult circumstances two years previous. George is back to claim the man he loves.

This is a short, sexy romance that is sure to leave you wanting more. I could definitely have read more from George and Dylan, they were absolutely perfect together. Their chemistry was off the charts smokin' and I couldn't get enough.

If you are looking for a sexy read with two even sexier boys, this is definitely for you.

[Goth Gone Grey · Rating 2 out of 5]

Quick read, erotica with deep emotion

This starts with a defensive note that the book is written in British English, and may contain spellings or idioms the reader isn't familiar with, and assures the reader that they are correct.

It continues to a short story, only 66% of the book, that primarily involves lustful scenes between two men that haven't seen each other in two years, yet still have deep feelings for each other and their respective body parts. It feels like either a RedTube video, or a prologue to a full story, but not a complete narrative.

An example of the writing:

"I don’t stop. I can’t . I chase the same feeling, and push eagerly through his tightening muscles, searching for that euphoria that has Dylan still trembling beneath me, and seconds later I’m with him. Roaring his name as his body milks mine."

[Wicked Witch of the Words · Rating 1 out of 5]

So, I can't honestly see why it's received so many 4-5 star reviews, but it's none of my business. Respect people.

But my idea:
In the summary it says "can Dylan forgive George?"
Well, chapter 1, page 1, Dylan is all over George & they're ready to leave that town & go live somewhere happily ever after. Oh, & page 2, they have awesome hot sex.
So, not satisfying for me.
Do not suggest it to anyone.

[Delilah Frost · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a super quick read - with a teaser for another book following it up.

I really liked it. I was so heartbroken for George and what he was going through and how he didn't know to trust the love of his life because of his own actions. And Dylan was so sweet given how things were left with him.

My only complaint is needing more. More of a possible run-in with the father. More of a reaction between Dylan and Jim. More of just Dylan and George together.

A very sweet (and quick) read.