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Making It Pay
Sometimes you can’t see the silver lining for the clouds.
Abandoned as a baby and now working as a rent boy, Daniel finds it hard to let people get close to him. But nightclub bouncer Rob has a kind face and he’s helped Daniel out once already, so when he catches Daniel on a bad night, Daniel accepts his offer of money and goes home with him.
Even though it breaks his heart.
Letting Rob pay him for sex may have wrecked their friendship just when Daniel needs all the friends he can get. But there are more reasons why he hasn’t seen Rob since that night -- and one in particular that makes building a relationship seem almost too much to hope for.
Abandoned as a baby and now working as a rent boy, Daniel finds it hard to let people get close to him. But nightclub bouncer Rob has a kind face and he’s helped Daniel out once already, so when he catches Daniel on a bad night, Daniel accepts his offer of money and goes home with him.
Even though it breaks his heart.
Letting Rob pay him for sex may have wrecked their friendship just when Daniel needs all the friends he can get. But there are more reasons why he hasn’t seen Rob since that night -- and one in particular that makes building a relationship seem almost too much to hope for.
10 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 16, 2014
2 people are currently reading
87 people want to read
About the author
J.L. Merrow
145 books1,324 followersJL Merrow is that rare beast, an English person who refuses to drink tea. She read Natural Sciences at Cambridge, where she learned many things, chief amongst which was that she never wanted to see the inside of a lab ever again. Her one regret is that she never mastered the ability of punting one-handed whilst holding a glass of champagne.
She writes across genres, with a preference for contemporary gay romance and the paranormal, and is frequently accused of humour. Her novella Muscling Through was a 2013 EPIC Award finalist, and her novel Slam! won the 2013 Rainbow Award for Best LGBT Romantic Comedy. Her novel Relief Valve is a finalist in the 2015 EPIC Awards.
JL Merrow is a member of the UK GLBTQ Fiction Meet organising team.
Find JL Merrow online at: www.jlmerrow.com, on Twitter as @jlmerrow, and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/jl.merrow
She writes across genres, with a preference for contemporary gay romance and the paranormal, and is frequently accused of humour. Her novella Muscling Through was a 2013 EPIC Award finalist, and her novel Slam! won the 2013 Rainbow Award for Best LGBT Romantic Comedy. Her novel Relief Valve is a finalist in the 2015 EPIC Awards.
JL Merrow is a member of the UK GLBTQ Fiction Meet organising team.
Find JL Merrow online at: www.jlmerrow.com, on Twitter as @jlmerrow, and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/jl.merrow
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
November 25, 2014
Friends: please note that this story is incredibly short (10 pages or so) for 3 dollars/2,50 Euros. I noticed people buying it thinking it would be a book or at least a novella. And who can blame them, for this price?!
In the category 'Merrow's rentboys', I'd like Making It Pay, please.
Well, oops. I couldn’t find the number of pages for this story, but having just read Merrow’s short rentboy story Raising The Rent, I anticipated this one to be of similar length. Imagine my surprise when I discovered that Making it Pay is actually only approximately 10 pages short (the actual story minus the bio etc.). It’s therefore way too short to be reviewed for Boys in our Books. But honestly, I feel bad for looking a given horse — or in this particular case: a Shetland pony — in the mouth, so I’ll make an exception this time.
So let’s start by saying that I’m not someone who avoids short stories. In the hands of a crafy author, every word can add atmosphere and meaning and even the shortest stories can pack a punch. But I also need to be realistic here, few people will be rocked off their socks by a 10 pages short formula story about a poor and troubled rentboy and his knight in shining armor, a client. As always, there’s Merrow’s signature writing to enjoy, the lovely Britishness, the easily flowing dialogue… But there’s no room for character development. Neither is there space to establish something that resembles a believable connection between the MCs. And worse, I completely managed to miss that ‘ thing’ the rentboy (and narrator) of Making It Pay struggled with most. So when the bomb got dropped suddenly, I had to browse back to pick up on the clues.
This is just me pondering….I just noticed that it’s on Amazon for 3 (!) dollars… And a version of this short story first appeared in the Dreamspinner Sindustry anthology, under the title ‘Sunshine’. Making It Pay is apparently around 10% longer than the previously published version.
Oh-kay...I don’t understand why a 10 pages story would be published individually instead of including it in another book as a bonus, or perhaps offering it for free on the author’s website to boost traffic or create buzz for an upcoming release.
Oh well, recommended for folks with too much money and hardcore Pretty Woman/Cinderfella and Merrow fans. It won’t leave much of an impression, but it’ll be a pleasant enough 5 minutes.
In the category 'Merrow's rentboys', I'd like Making It Pay, please.
Well, oops. I couldn’t find the number of pages for this story, but having just read Merrow’s short rentboy story Raising The Rent, I anticipated this one to be of similar length. Imagine my surprise when I discovered that Making it Pay is actually only approximately 10 pages short (the actual story minus the bio etc.). It’s therefore way too short to be reviewed for Boys in our Books. But honestly, I feel bad for looking a given horse — or in this particular case: a Shetland pony — in the mouth, so I’ll make an exception this time.
So let’s start by saying that I’m not someone who avoids short stories. In the hands of a crafy author, every word can add atmosphere and meaning and even the shortest stories can pack a punch. But I also need to be realistic here, few people will be rocked off their socks by a 10 pages short formula story about a poor and troubled rentboy and his knight in shining armor, a client. As always, there’s Merrow’s signature writing to enjoy, the lovely Britishness, the easily flowing dialogue… But there’s no room for character development. Neither is there space to establish something that resembles a believable connection between the MCs. And worse, I completely managed to miss that ‘ thing’ the rentboy (and narrator) of Making It Pay struggled with most. So when the bomb got dropped suddenly, I had to browse back to pick up on the clues.
This is just me pondering….I just noticed that it’s on Amazon for 3 (!) dollars… And a version of this short story first appeared in the Dreamspinner Sindustry anthology, under the title ‘Sunshine’. Making It Pay is apparently around 10% longer than the previously published version.
Oh-kay...I don’t understand why a 10 pages story would be published individually instead of including it in another book as a bonus, or perhaps offering it for free on the author’s website to boost traffic or create buzz for an upcoming release.
Oh well, recommended for folks with too much money and hardcore Pretty Woman/Cinderfella and Merrow fans. It won’t leave much of an impression, but it’ll be a pleasant enough 5 minutes.
November 21, 2014
Merrow's writing chops are wasted on this short story.
Making It Pay is superficial and has almost no character or relationship development. Where is the rest of the story?
I felt nothing. Deeply unsatisfying.
Making It Pay is superficial and has almost no character or relationship development. Where is the rest of the story?
I felt nothing. Deeply unsatisfying.
November 30, 2014
I am very disappointed. This was less than a short story.
There was only two scenes really.
This was bascially a ten minute read. And I was angry after finishing it.
This was priced with € 2,50 (about $ 3,20). It's my own fault for not checking better.
But I am still angry, and I feel like not reading anything by this author again.
There was only two scenes really.
This was bascially a ten minute read. And I was angry after finishing it.
This was priced with € 2,50 (about $ 3,20). It's my own fault for not checking better.
But I am still angry, and I feel like not reading anything by this author again.
Want to read
November 12, 2014RENT BOY?
March 16, 2015
Far to short.
A good idea but nothing to get your teeth into.
Would love this to be fleshed out into a proper story, then maybe it would be worth the price.
A good idea but nothing to get your teeth into.
Would love this to be fleshed out into a proper story, then maybe it would be worth the price.
November 16, 2014
A review by The Blogger Girls.
A few minutes into this story, it felt like I was meeting up with an old friend. I can name this author within 3 pages! It’s so much fun when that happens! I absolutely love J.L. Merrow’s writing style. There is a casual feel to it, the story is just told without feeling made up. I’m not really sure how else to describe it. I think that you will either love it, regardless of the story being told, or you won’t. I fall into that first category, and when the story is good as well, it’s a win/win situation.
Here, Daniel seems the typical down on his luck guy, turning tricks to get by. But there is more to his story. He is trying to make as much money as quickly as he can, or while he still can. But, enough of that. Don’t want to give too much away.
He meets Rob, a club bouncer, who helped him out of a bad spot, and the two became friends of a sort. To get Daniel to spend time with him, Rob offers to pay for his time. This, of course, changes things for both of them. With the money having been passed, it appears certain lines have been drawn.
Rob is a sweetheart, and he wants more with Daniel, but that money issue has negatively affected that. After a few days of not seeing Rob around, he finally runs into him, and things become more clear. Again, I don’t want to say too much.
This is a really short story, and it leaves you a little in the dark about some things for a bit, but it all plays out rather quickly leaving you wishing there had been more. I loved how this story ended. It was really sweet, and the final turn of events was a really great touch. I definitely recommend this little gem, most especially if you’re already a fan of Ms. Merrow.
December 12, 2014
Note: This is an slightly expanded version of the story "Sunshine" originally published in the Sindustry II anthology. I think "Sunshine" was a really excellent name for the story, although the new one isn't bad, and I'm really glad it got rereleased since I missed the anthology before it went out of print.
I liked this story a lot. I think the present tense worked really well, it made the story very immediate and really added to the atmosphere. I also thought it was very cleverly written, there were lots of little hints about Daniel sewn into the story in a way that I didn't notice at all at first, but really made wonderful sense after reading the ending. This story definitely isn't all sunshine and smiles, but it really worked for me.
I liked this story a lot. I think the present tense worked really well, it made the story very immediate and really added to the atmosphere. I also thought it was very cleverly written, there were lots of little hints about Daniel sewn into the story in a way that I didn't notice at all at first, but really made wonderful sense after reading the ending. This story definitely isn't all sunshine and smiles, but it really worked for me.
May 4, 2016
This was a really short story so I wasn’t expecting a whole lot going in, but I found that for all its brevity, it was a good story. And one with a few twists I didn’t see coming.
Daniel is a rent boy who works the street that is on Rob’s path home from work. Daniel has gotten used to the big man’s presence every night as he waits for guys to pick him up, and has come to have a weird type of friendship with the bouncer. One night, when Daniel is cold and lonely and having a terrible day (even more so than normal) he agrees to go home with Rob, even though he knows that sleeping with the man will ruin whatever it is between them. And he’s right. But he doesn’t know everything and there might be a chance at something more than friendship if the two man can find a way to get past their pasts.
This was enjoyable, if short. But even if the length left a little to be desired, I was impressed with how well the story was crafted in that small amount of time. The characters were well rounded enough that I didn’t have to spend a lot of time getting to know them, I just got the general sense and each new tidbit as we went along built up to something that was better with each page. And I really like that the twist wasn’t something I saw coming. Which I probably should have, but it wasn’t as damn depressing as I thought it was going to be, so I’m happy.
Good story and good characters. A nice addition to the many many good works of J.L. Merrow.
3.5 stars
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
Daniel is a rent boy who works the street that is on Rob’s path home from work. Daniel has gotten used to the big man’s presence every night as he waits for guys to pick him up, and has come to have a weird type of friendship with the bouncer. One night, when Daniel is cold and lonely and having a terrible day (even more so than normal) he agrees to go home with Rob, even though he knows that sleeping with the man will ruin whatever it is between them. And he’s right. But he doesn’t know everything and there might be a chance at something more than friendship if the two man can find a way to get past their pasts.
This was enjoyable, if short. But even if the length left a little to be desired, I was impressed with how well the story was crafted in that small amount of time. The characters were well rounded enough that I didn’t have to spend a lot of time getting to know them, I just got the general sense and each new tidbit as we went along built up to something that was better with each page. And I really like that the twist wasn’t something I saw coming. Which I probably should have, but it wasn’t as damn depressing as I thought it was going to be, so I’m happy.
Good story and good characters. A nice addition to the many many good works of J.L. Merrow.
3.5 stars
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
December 21, 2014
Gosh, I didn't realise it was going to be so short. I am not sure I got my money's worth.
There's not a lot of development or story. But what's there is well written and humorous. Really wanted more.
There's not a lot of development or story. But what's there is well written and humorous. Really wanted more.
November 25, 2014
This author is an auto buy for me. However, this story was REALLY short. So short in fact - I felt a bit angry for paying 2.99 $ for it. Also, the story was not particulary good. Perhaps it would have gotten better if Merrow had written more. A disappointment.
Read
January 1, 2015Aha! Another JL Merrow rent boy story, woo hoo!
June 8, 2017
This was such a bittersweet short story. I loved it. It might be a little bit too short, but I felt like I was able to care enough for Daniel. He seemed like a lovely guy and there’s a few moments when I could feel his heart breaking, it was very beautiful. I didn’t like Rob that much, but I don’t think he wasn’t likable, I just liked Daniel better. The plot was nice, and there are few things I didn’t see coming. It was very interesting.
December 14, 2020
Making It Pay by JL Merrow
Daniel’s heart is broken when the one man he likes offers him money for sex. He thought Rob was different. How can things ever be mended between them? Meanwhile, Daniel’s fading eyesight threatens his lifestyle and livelihood. Wow, a really great novella. I felt for both characters, and wanted their hea ending.
Daniel’s heart is broken when the one man he likes offers him money for sex. He thought Rob was different. How can things ever be mended between them? Meanwhile, Daniel’s fading eyesight threatens his lifestyle and livelihood. Wow, a really great novella. I felt for both characters, and wanted their hea ending.
March 19, 2017
Okay, I could lead with complaining about the Kindle $2.99 USD price for 17 pages but I read it with my free Oyster trial so I could care less what it cost. If you don't mind getting just a snippet of a story you'll find this consists of only a few bittersweet scenes. I personally don't bother with short stories, hell, I rarely bother with novellas, but I have to say I liked this. I'm in a slump after reading a few good books and nothing seems worth getting into. This hit the spot quite nicely.
June 17, 2016
2,5* Part of the Sindustry II Anthology
also part of the A Flirty Dozen Anthology.
also part of the A Flirty Dozen Anthology.
February 18, 2015
This story is to short for this subject, because of this there is no character development. The idea for this story is good so if the author would write a full lenght book about it i would buy it.
But sadly this is all it is and for me it´s just not enough.
But sadly this is all it is and for me it´s just not enough.
January 6, 2016
1.5 stars
December 3, 2014
very short, but better than other reviews might make you think
January 15, 2015
Wow
It's a very short story but brings out strong emotions. I think if it was any longer my eyes would swell shut from crying. It's has a sweet ending.
It's a very short story but brings out strong emotions. I think if it was any longer my eyes would swell shut from crying. It's has a sweet ending.
March 30, 2016
I would love to read more about Daniel and Rob some day.
September 5, 2016
Had so much potential but was far too short. So disappointing (and felt like a rip-off at the price I paid).
October 8, 2016
Made me cry.
September 20, 2021
Confusing
Want to read
November 21, 2014That is one gorgeous man.
November 28, 2014
Cute just wish it was longer!
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews