Maybe

by J.M. Snyder

This story is included in the anthology, So In Love

Josh blames himself for the strained relationship he has with his ex-lover, DeMar. Just when he thinks they’re through, DeMar shows up and wants a second chance, but Josh isn’t so sure DeMar’s the one to blame for their break-up. Can they somehow find what it was they had together in the beginning before they lose it all?

Genres: M M Romance, Contemporary, Romance, LGBT

40 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

An author of gay erotic/romantic fiction, J.M. Snyder began in self-publishing and worked with Amber Allure, Aspen Mountain, eXcessica, and Torquere Presses.

Snyder's highly erotic short gay fiction has been published online at Amazon Shorts, Eros Monthly, Ruthie's Club, and Tit-Elation, as well as in anthologies by Alyson Books, Aspen Mountain, Cleis Press, eXcessica Publishing, Lethe Press, and Ravenous Romance.

In 2010, Snyder founded JMS Books LLC, a royalty-paying queer small press that publishes in both electronic and print format. For more information on newest releases and submission guidelines, please visit JMS Books LLC online.

Reviews

[Kassa · Rating 1 out of 5]

Although I’m a fan of Snyder's, not every story works and unfortunately this particular offering fell flat. The short story is told in third person point of view from Josh’s perspective but is written in present tense. This may cause some readers pause, as it’s not always a reader favorite. The writing tense is awkward and lends to a slightly jarring reading experience. Past tense would have read easier but the choice is not a reason to avoid the short. Sadly the characters and story itself fell flat, unable to evoke the emotion and sentiment it was attempting.

Josh and DeMar were a couple for a few months while touring for a Shakespeare musical production. However, the tension between the two increased as the tour went on until Josh walked out, frustrated with the arguments. Now DeMar drops in unannounced to visit Josh and has more than one interesting proposal.

Problems with this short story begin with the characters and carry through to the lack of action presented. DeMar as a character is non-existent. His motivations and thoughts are never explored and Josh is too deeply mired in self-pity to actually consider reasons for DeMar’s actions. Josh left DeMar frustrated with the growing separation and escalating arguments towards the final weeks of their musical tour. Apparently DeMar didn’t attempt to talk to Josh at the time nor ask Josh why he was leaving. Instead the two break up without any further communication. So why DeMar would simply re-appear weeks after the production ended doesn’t make much sense.

Neither does it make sense that Josh would cave and let the man back into his life and bed almost immediately. Josh spends the entire story mired in angst as he whines that he wasn’t strong enough to help DeMar with his stress. Never mind that DeMar pushed him aside with actions, words, and arguments. No, Josh must be to blame – more so than DeMar – for the demise of their relationship and thus Josh must forgive himself for them to get back together. This line of reasoning was baffling and beyond frustrating. The lack of self confidence and ego Josh suffers from to constantly blame himself for DeMar’s actions was annoying as well as the fact that the men never actually discuss the factors that led to their breaking up.

The story lingers on with Josh’s self-recriminations and DeMar’s open seduction without much point. It’s not a stretch to say the two do get back together, once Josh can move beyond his own guilt for walking out. Unfortunately nothing really has been resolved and no doubt the two will again be in the same situation but the sex apparently is rather good so perhaps that will tide them over. This frustrating story annoyed me, although perhaps it won’t annoy others quite the same degree, but the repeated whining that Josh wasn’t strong enough or good enough to help DeMar was aggravating.

This short story reads like one the author had written some time before and not reflective of some better, more recent works. While this particular story didn’t work for me, I’m a fan of the author’s so I expect perhaps another story will. Considering how prolific she is, there are bound to be hits and misses. This one is a solid miss and I’d suggest skipping it to wait for the next offering.

[Ro · Rating 3 out of 5]

Josh and DeMar were actors together in a Shakespearean play. Starting as friends, they became a couple until fighting and anger drove them apart, and Josh left the show, the city and their partnership. DeMar, three weeks after the show ends and Josh has gone home, shows up at the airport and asks Josh to pick him up. Can they rekindle what they lost?
This is a difficult story because the premise seemed like a good one. Love lost, love found? However, the story is written in third person of Josh, and he takes total blame for everything. This was okay until you begin to realize, as the story progresses, that DeMar is much more at fault for their break up. DeMar turned surly and pushed Josh away, getting ever angrier and shutting down any attempt on Josh’s part to help him. Regardless of what DeMar claims at this point, the fact remains that he couldn’t handle it and it tore them apart. Yet, to the end, Josh worries he is not enough, he didn’t do enough, he won’t be able to “be strong enough for the both of them” if it happens again.
It seems more a case of Josh being in love and DeMar paying lip service. There isn’t a connection evident, possibly because of the short length of the story. Josh gives in to DeMar too soon, for how worried and upset he was. He thinks DeMar is happier without him, it seems it should take a little more “show me” to convince him .

[Ami · Rating 4 out of 5]

After constant fighting and doubt that he is what his lover needs, Josh Kennedy leaves DeMario Macklin, and starts to try living without him. The past few months have been hard for him, he still loves his ex, no doubt, but Josh feels that him leaving will make DeMar happy, and that is what important, right? Until a call from DeMar comes through, him at the airport, waiting for Josh to pick him up. What would happen if DeMar says that he still loves Josh and he wants them to get back together?

Awwwww, "trying to get your ex-lover back" theme. I loved it!! I love both Josh and DeMar ... I think Josh is sweet, the way he thinks that him leaving is the best thing for DeMar. At the same time, DeMar is stubborn enough to fight for their relationship. The ending makes my heart all fluttery happy :p

[J.M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my book so I won't review it.

[Anna-Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a really cute m/m romance short story.

I enjoyed reading it. :)

[Tailtiu]

Part of the So In Love - Box Set