Title: Don’t be Late
Author: J.M. Snyder
Length: 5,240 words
Publisher: JMS Books
Genre: m/m contemporary romance
Rating: C+
Blurb:
Who says marriage is bliss? Blake and Jeremy had more time to spend together when they were dating than they do now as man and husband. Working long hours keep them apart, and their schedules rarely sync during the week. They can’t even make love except on the weekends — no time. When did life get so damn busy?
One hectic day follows another. Will the two men ever get a moment alone?
Review:
I’m rather partial to these JM Snyder quickies which put you straight to the heart of a relationship. In this one Blake and Jeremy are happily married but their jobs have taken over their lives to the extent that both are feeling the strain of being apart all the time.
What I liked about this story was the way we get so much information crammed into so few words. It doesn’t take long before the reader is shown the love that the guys feel for each other and their mutual frustration at being apart all the time. I loved the opening image of them waking up together as Jeremy reluctantly realises that it’s time to get up and start the hectic day. His longing to stay in bed with Blake is mirrored by Blake’s feelings too and I got a good sense of sadness from both of them that their lives are too busy even to allow them them time in the week to be together.
I also liked the way that both characters are distinct from each other. Jeremy especially is well drawn with his timekeeping issues and frenetic personality. Blake is a little less well drawn but it was enough to know that he cares deeply for his husband as that is the main point to the story.
Where the story worked less for me was the slightly silly ending to the story. After all the build up of both men being dedicated to their jobs, it seemed out of character for Jeremy to behave in the slightly unprofessional way that he does at the end. I can see the point that the author is making – that work is not as important as their relationship – but it didn’t work for me. I would have preferred an ending which didn’t put Jeremy in an embarrassing situation with his co-workers, although I suspect that some readers may find this amusing.
Overall this was a well written quickie with a good romantic heart. If you have a spare 10 minutes or so then this story could be for you.
It’s funny sometimes when you realize there is something that others may find amusing that just makes you squirm uncomfortably. Humour is so touchy. I’ll see, it’s not calling my name right now and it’s not like I’m short of reading material. Sigh.
Yeah, I’m not keen on situations where people are caught doing something potentially embarrassing, yet hub finds this totally hilarious. The film Meet the Parents is a case in point. I can hardly bear to watch it, and even have to leave the room for some scenes, but hub loves it!
I’m with Tam on this one.
Yeah I completely agree and I can’t watch that movie either! That’s the only type of humor I can’t take, really. I can’t help but be embarrassed myself and I loooathe being embarrassed.
This was kinda cute, I agree. I did like that they seemed like a real life relationship that had to deal with real life issues.