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Always MJ
Matthew Jonathon Parker planned every aspect of his day. From the time he woke up until the exact minute he crawled back into bed, his day was set. He wasn't the kind of man to seek out other men in chat rooms. He certainly wasn't the type to fall in love with someone he only knew from typed words. After a six-month online affair, Matty agrees to meet Jay in Florida for a weekend getaway. Only Jay isn't what Matty expected; although, perhaps he should have known it was too good to be true. After all, Jay's screen name AlwaysMJ stands for 'Always making jokes'--or does it?
98 pages, ebook
First published April 1, 2012
4 people are currently reading
211 people want to read
About the author
S.J.D. Peterson
52 books1,018 followersIt's been an amazing journey since DSP first contracted Lorcan's Desire in January 2011. I've published 2 free reads with the M/M Romance group, my back list is growing, met some great people and have made some amazing friends.
I'm still in shock that I'm listed among the many talented authors at Dreamspinner Press! The little voice in the back of my head is screaming, "You are so out of your league."
Shhhhh I won't tell them if you don't :)
You can call me Jo, everyone does :)
I'm still in shock that I'm listed among the many talented authors at Dreamspinner Press! The little voice in the back of my head is screaming, "You are so out of your league."
Shhhhh I won't tell them if you don't :)
You can call me Jo, everyone does :)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
April 29, 2012
I liked this ok, but didn't love it. The MC was so clueless and stubborn I wanted to shake him! Plus, there were too many reflections and projections it just slowed the story down for me. I also would have liked for it to have more sexual tension. It was an ok way to spend the evening.
February 26, 2013
3.5 stars. A short but really cute story about two best friends, and what happens when one of them falls in love with someone else.....or do they?
This is a sweet story about two best friends who have feelings for one another, but for various reasons one cannot tell the other
. When Jared finally gets tired of waiting for Matty to 'wake up and get with the programme', he takes matters into his own hands, and grabs Matty's attention once and for all. The two men experience a roller coaster ride to love, contentment and happiness. I did like the twist in this story, but I had guessed what it was anyway. Recommended for a little light reading. 
October 15, 2022
Kindle-Sort-ReRead
I was quickly skim reading.
Everyone seems to find this cute but I found it creepy, there's a controlling vibe about Jared.
While logic loving Matty seems too gullible, missing blatant clues, meeting a stranger but not demanding photos or more detail. But Jared has a habit of talking him into things.
The mix didn't seem healthy. I was urging Matty to run.
I was quickly skim reading.
Everyone seems to find this cute but I found it creepy, there's a controlling vibe about Jared.
While logic loving Matty seems too gullible, missing blatant clues, meeting a stranger but not demanding photos or more detail. But Jared has a habit of talking him into things.
The mix didn't seem healthy. I was urging Matty to run.
May 5, 2012
A sweet little story. I loved how they were both insecure in their own way. I really liked how this story focused on the thoughts and feelings these guys were going through, rather than the get straight down to sex most short stories take. I wish we could of seen more of Jareds jealousy, that could of been a lot of fun.
August 26, 2012
Review Summary: A sweet story I’d have enjoyed more if I hadn’t feared domestic abuse was inevitable if the characters don’t take preventative action.
Review: “On the internet, nobody knows you’re a dog.” Meeting online, you can present yourself as whoever you want to be. Some people take advantage of that to pretend to be something they’re not, but others seize the opportunity to be who they really are. Many people find it easier to be more open and authentic online than in person. As a result, I’ve known several people who have met, fallen in love, and in some cases, married after meeting online and chatting regularly. So I thought that was very well done and believable, up to a point. Where I found it a bit less believable was that they apparently got to the “meeting in person” stage without talking on the phone and exchanging photos first, if not doing video chat like Skype. It struck me as odd that Matty went to meet Jay having no idea what he looked or sounded like.
Especially since we were told that Matty is normally such a planner, a color-within-the-lines kind of guy, that made even less sense to me. I thought it was wonderful that he was trying new things, testing his limits and expanding his comfort zone. But it seemed to me going to meet Jay was far enough for Matty to stretch. Expecting the reader to believe he’d do so blind was more of a stretch than my disbelief was capable of without snapping. Despite that, I loved Matty. I also liked Jay in many ways, and thought the two of them complemented each other well.
But then Jay started seriously creeping me out, though I’ll explain why as vaguely as possible to avoid spoilers. I understood why he might have hesitated to be completely forthright at first, and found that forgivable. But to continue his deception for months, not revealing the truth until Matty was in Florida? I had a harder time overlooking that. I couldn’t feel much sympathy for him when he was shocked and hurt at Matty’s reaction to being lied to. I ached for Matty and though his reaction initially seemed over the top to me, I eventually concluded it was realistic for who he was. I was glad when he gave Jay a chance to explain. I hoped Jay would have an explanation that would make it possible for Matty and me to forgive him, thus making HEA possible and desirable.
Jay’s explanation worked for Matty, and almost worked for me. We’re given enough context of Jay’s background for me to sympathize with how it shaped him and why he’d act as he had. But where Jay lost me was with his insane, violent jealousy. Over the remainder of the (short) story, we saw it manifest with a frequency and variety that convinced me these were warning signs of a probable future abuser. He was controlling, possessive, and prone to murderous rage even at joking references to Matty finding other men attractive (even hockey players he’s unlikely ever to meet). If Jay and Matty had recognized this was a problem and Jay got help for it, I think that would have made for a truly amazing story, one in which I would have respected the hell out of both characters.
Unfortunately, Matty seemed to take Jay’s jealousy as proof that Jay really loved him. After all, the depth of someone’s jealousy is directly proportional to the depth of their love, right? Wrong. Wrong wrong wrong wrong wrong. Wrong! (If you’re suspecting I was disturbed by that aspect of this story? You’re right!) So while this story ended with a “HEA”, it was one that left me cringing, convinced that domestic abuse almost certainly lies in their future together.
I don’t think of domestic abuse as a particular “hot button” of mine. I’ve never personally been abused, nor have I agonized over someone I love being abused for an extended period of time. So I’m surprised that it was such an issue for me in this story and doesn’t seem to have bothered anyone else. At least, not according to other reviews I read after writing this one. I read this story twice, and each time found myself cringing at the myriad references to Jay’s jealousy in conjunction with him being possessive and controlling. If not for that, I think I’d have loved this story. Since no one else seems to have shared my concerns, I think there’s a good chance most readers will enjoy this story.
This review was originally posted at Reviews by Jessewave, where I received the book for free in exchange for an honest review.
Review: “On the internet, nobody knows you’re a dog.” Meeting online, you can present yourself as whoever you want to be. Some people take advantage of that to pretend to be something they’re not, but others seize the opportunity to be who they really are. Many people find it easier to be more open and authentic online than in person. As a result, I’ve known several people who have met, fallen in love, and in some cases, married after meeting online and chatting regularly. So I thought that was very well done and believable, up to a point. Where I found it a bit less believable was that they apparently got to the “meeting in person” stage without talking on the phone and exchanging photos first, if not doing video chat like Skype. It struck me as odd that Matty went to meet Jay having no idea what he looked or sounded like.
Especially since we were told that Matty is normally such a planner, a color-within-the-lines kind of guy, that made even less sense to me. I thought it was wonderful that he was trying new things, testing his limits and expanding his comfort zone. But it seemed to me going to meet Jay was far enough for Matty to stretch. Expecting the reader to believe he’d do so blind was more of a stretch than my disbelief was capable of without snapping. Despite that, I loved Matty. I also liked Jay in many ways, and thought the two of them complemented each other well.
But then Jay started seriously creeping me out, though I’ll explain why as vaguely as possible to avoid spoilers. I understood why he might have hesitated to be completely forthright at first, and found that forgivable. But to continue his deception for months, not revealing the truth until Matty was in Florida? I had a harder time overlooking that. I couldn’t feel much sympathy for him when he was shocked and hurt at Matty’s reaction to being lied to. I ached for Matty and though his reaction initially seemed over the top to me, I eventually concluded it was realistic for who he was. I was glad when he gave Jay a chance to explain. I hoped Jay would have an explanation that would make it possible for Matty and me to forgive him, thus making HEA possible and desirable.
Jay’s explanation worked for Matty, and almost worked for me. We’re given enough context of Jay’s background for me to sympathize with how it shaped him and why he’d act as he had. But where Jay lost me was with his insane, violent jealousy. Over the remainder of the (short) story, we saw it manifest with a frequency and variety that convinced me these were warning signs of a probable future abuser. He was controlling, possessive, and prone to murderous rage even at joking references to Matty finding other men attractive (even hockey players he’s unlikely ever to meet). If Jay and Matty had recognized this was a problem and Jay got help for it, I think that would have made for a truly amazing story, one in which I would have respected the hell out of both characters.
Unfortunately, Matty seemed to take Jay’s jealousy as proof that Jay really loved him. After all, the depth of someone’s jealousy is directly proportional to the depth of their love, right? Wrong. Wrong wrong wrong wrong wrong. Wrong! (If you’re suspecting I was disturbed by that aspect of this story? You’re right!) So while this story ended with a “HEA”, it was one that left me cringing, convinced that domestic abuse almost certainly lies in their future together.
I don’t think of domestic abuse as a particular “hot button” of mine. I’ve never personally been abused, nor have I agonized over someone I love being abused for an extended period of time. So I’m surprised that it was such an issue for me in this story and doesn’t seem to have bothered anyone else. At least, not according to other reviews I read after writing this one. I read this story twice, and each time found myself cringing at the myriad references to Jay’s jealousy in conjunction with him being possessive and controlling. If not for that, I think I’d have loved this story. Since no one else seems to have shared my concerns, I think there’s a good chance most readers will enjoy this story.
This review was originally posted at Reviews by Jessewave, where I received the book for free in exchange for an honest review.
April 29, 2012
3.5 stars.
I started out liking it a lot but then it fizzled for me. It was entertaining and i liked both mc's but i really wanted to smack Matty. For a short read it was pretty good. I like the authors writing style and i like the premise but it was missing something to put me over the edge. Still a worthy read though.
I started out liking it a lot but then it fizzled for me. It was entertaining and i liked both mc's but i really wanted to smack Matty. For a short read it was pretty good. I like the authors writing style and i like the premise but it was missing something to put me over the edge. Still a worthy read though.
April 15, 2017
Uncomplicated stuff!
July 29, 2017
This story is funny, heart-warming, and very hot in turns. The basic premise is one of "perfect planner" versus "spontaneous guy", and I liked that idea. Especially with the variation of having it happen as an online affair (initially), which often hides more than it reveals… It almost guarantees some unexpected revelations – and this story certainly doesn’t disappoint in that respect!
Matty is the man who plans everything, likes his life to be predictable, and surprises the heck out of himself when he spontaneously starts an online discussion with a guy who seems very interested in him. Matty only does it because he feels sorry for himself at the time, for not having a relationship, and almost regrets it now. The self-doubt is excruciating, and while it was clear to me that there was much more behind Jay, and a lot of hope for Matty, it took him a long time (in my opinion) to open his eyes. Granted, the shock of finding out who Jay really is turns out to be considerable, but still. Matty needs to relax and trust Jay – something that isn’t easy for him. He is as scared of disappointment as the next guy, and probably less courageous in the inter-human relationship department. Overcoming that fear is what this story is really about.
These two men (and I can’t say much more about Jay without ruining the surprise) are clearly perfect together. They are also extremely hot between the sheets – once they get there! If you like nerds who find out there is more to life than "the pan", if reading stores with a fun twist and some great humor is your thing, and if your inner romantic demands nothing less than a happy ending, this book is just right for you!
NOTE: This book was provided by the author for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Matty is the man who plans everything, likes his life to be predictable, and surprises the heck out of himself when he spontaneously starts an online discussion with a guy who seems very interested in him. Matty only does it because he feels sorry for himself at the time, for not having a relationship, and almost regrets it now. The self-doubt is excruciating, and while it was clear to me that there was much more behind Jay, and a lot of hope for Matty, it took him a long time (in my opinion) to open his eyes. Granted, the shock of finding out who Jay really is turns out to be considerable, but still. Matty needs to relax and trust Jay – something that isn’t easy for him. He is as scared of disappointment as the next guy, and probably less courageous in the inter-human relationship department. Overcoming that fear is what this story is really about.
These two men (and I can’t say much more about Jay without ruining the surprise) are clearly perfect together. They are also extremely hot between the sheets – once they get there! If you like nerds who find out there is more to life than "the pan", if reading stores with a fun twist and some great humor is your thing, and if your inner romantic demands nothing less than a happy ending, this book is just right for you!
NOTE: This book was provided by the author for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
May 5, 2012
Matty thinks he's met his dream guy in an internet chatroom and after 6 months of getting to know each other he agrees to fly to Florida so they can meet for the first time. What actually happens is so far from what he's expecting that he totally freaks out. What's on offer to him will change his life forever but is he brave enough to try?
I sympathised a lot with Matty and the decision he had to make. Is he willing to risk something he treasures above anything else on a gamble? I'm glad he didn't make an instant decision and just jump in with both feet. The ending made me smile and just goes to show that love might be out there where you least expect it.
I sympathised a lot with Matty and the decision he had to make. Is he willing to risk something he treasures above anything else on a gamble? I'm glad he didn't make an instant decision and just jump in with both feet. The ending made me smile and just goes to show that love might be out there where you least expect it.
April 29, 2012
Well, as usual you did it again. I don't know what it is about your writing style, but I felt every emotion that Matty was feeling. I even understood why he was so angry. When he started to figure it all out in his mind it made so much sense that I could just picture him having a big DUH moment. The characters are so easy to relate to and ofcourse I love a HEA so kudos, my rating is actually a 4.5 stars, my one and only complaint is the same as always, TOO SHORT, lol. Ofcourse I could say that about every great book I read. Thank you again for sharing Matty and Jared with us.
April 28, 2012
Thinking back now, it was stupid, but hey, people do dimwitted shit when their egos have just been spanked.
Matty doesn't take risks. And yet today he is taking the ultimate risk - heart in hand - flying across the country for a man he's never met in person. Something that he hopes is true love propels him. Oh, Matty. If only you knew.
The man that awaits Matty is cocky, confident, sure that he knows Matty better than Matty knows himself.
The kicker? He's right.
Always MJ is a short, fun read that immediately went into the "Open for Instant Happiness" shelf on my Kindle.
Matty doesn't take risks. And yet today he is taking the ultimate risk - heart in hand - flying across the country for a man he's never met in person. Something that he hopes is true love propels him. Oh, Matty. If only you knew.
The man that awaits Matty is cocky, confident, sure that he knows Matty better than Matty knows himself.
The kicker? He's right.
Always MJ is a short, fun read that immediately went into the "Open for Instant Happiness" shelf on my Kindle.
April 26, 2012
4.5 stars. Always MJ by SJD Peterson is a wonderful heartwarming romance that will have you grinning from ear to ear as Matty and Jay fight their way to happily ever after. To read this review in its entirety, please visit http://www.bookreviewsandmorebykathy....
July 14, 2014
3.5 stars
This was adorable. I loved the boys.
I liked the twist on who Matty meets in Florida when he flies out to meet Jay. I am a sucker for that story line each and every time. The sweet was perfectly sweet and the sexy was just enough to compliment each scene and not go over the top.
I great short story to hug my hopeless romantic heart and make me smile.
This was adorable. I loved the boys.
I liked the twist on who Matty meets in Florida when he flies out to meet Jay. I am a sucker for that story line each and every time. The sweet was perfectly sweet and the sexy was just enough to compliment each scene and not go over the top.
I great short story to hug my hopeless romantic heart and make me smile.
January 5, 2014
3.5 CATFISHY STARS
I Loved this story. It's a cute shorty about Matt and his best friend Jared.
It was sweet and sappy and cute. I liked how both of them where insecure in their own ways. And their jealousy was so damn adorable!
Cute cute.
I Loved this story. It's a cute shorty about Matt and his best friend Jared.
It was sweet and sappy and cute. I liked how both of them where insecure in their own ways. And their jealousy was so damn adorable!
Cute cute.
February 16, 2013
3.5 stars
Yes, it was quite clear, where the story was heading and I could understand that Matty felt duped, nevertheless for me his reaction was a bit overdone.
Yes, it was quite clear, where the story was heading and I could understand that Matty felt duped, nevertheless for me his reaction was a bit overdone.
April 26, 2012
4 1/2 Hearts
First published at MM Good Book Reviews
http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.co...
Matty thinks he has found the man of his dreams. After speaking to him on-line for six months, he is finally going to meet him face to face. But, when he gets to the rendezvous spot, the man he finds is the last one he’d ever imagine.
This is an emotion filled novella that will pull you in two directions as you empathize with both characters. Matty is predictable. Everything he does is planned down to the last detail, but now he is doing something totally out of character for him… he is meeting the man who he fell in love with on-line. Matty is still of two minds when he gets to his hotel and starts to suffer from a panic attack, as the full weight of what he is about to do hits him. But, as always his best friend Jared is on the end of the phone to pull him through and get him to relax. But, when Matty finally sees ‘Jay’ for the first time there are some things that even Jared can’t smooth over.
As always S.J.D. Peterson has given us angst, frustration, anger, confusion, forgiveness and love. Giving us the experience of feeling as the characters do, of conflicting our emotions as to how to feel about these characters as we try to decide who we should empathize more with. Matty, as he discovers that his dream man is not the stranger he thought he was, the betrayal he feels when he thinks it was all a joke, the anger that someone he thought so highly of could do that to him and then eventually forgiveness as he realizes how much this man truly means to him. then we have ‘Jay’ who has been trying to find a way to tell Matty how he feels about him and comes up with the on-line chat so he can show Matty a side of himself that he keeps hidden. To show Matty that he is the man that he can rely on. Then, we have his horror as to how Matty reacts and the realization that Matty had taken it the wrong way. His desire to get it through to Matty that he is serious and his frustration when Matty won’t listen, his determination that Matty will listen and give them a chance. Every emotion shines through.
A well-crafted story that is a fantastic friends-to-lovers plot, but doesn’t take the easy way of them just falling into each other’s arms. They both have to work at it and it makes it a more enjoyable read for its readers.
I recommend this to those who love friends to lovers, angst, some erotic loving, great characters and a happy ever after, after a few bumps in the road.
First published at MM Good Book Reviews
http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.co...
Matty thinks he has found the man of his dreams. After speaking to him on-line for six months, he is finally going to meet him face to face. But, when he gets to the rendezvous spot, the man he finds is the last one he’d ever imagine.
This is an emotion filled novella that will pull you in two directions as you empathize with both characters. Matty is predictable. Everything he does is planned down to the last detail, but now he is doing something totally out of character for him… he is meeting the man who he fell in love with on-line. Matty is still of two minds when he gets to his hotel and starts to suffer from a panic attack, as the full weight of what he is about to do hits him. But, as always his best friend Jared is on the end of the phone to pull him through and get him to relax. But, when Matty finally sees ‘Jay’ for the first time there are some things that even Jared can’t smooth over.
As always S.J.D. Peterson has given us angst, frustration, anger, confusion, forgiveness and love. Giving us the experience of feeling as the characters do, of conflicting our emotions as to how to feel about these characters as we try to decide who we should empathize more with. Matty, as he discovers that his dream man is not the stranger he thought he was, the betrayal he feels when he thinks it was all a joke, the anger that someone he thought so highly of could do that to him and then eventually forgiveness as he realizes how much this man truly means to him. then we have ‘Jay’ who has been trying to find a way to tell Matty how he feels about him and comes up with the on-line chat so he can show Matty a side of himself that he keeps hidden. To show Matty that he is the man that he can rely on. Then, we have his horror as to how Matty reacts and the realization that Matty had taken it the wrong way. His desire to get it through to Matty that he is serious and his frustration when Matty won’t listen, his determination that Matty will listen and give them a chance. Every emotion shines through.
A well-crafted story that is a fantastic friends-to-lovers plot, but doesn’t take the easy way of them just falling into each other’s arms. They both have to work at it and it makes it a more enjoyable read for its readers.
I recommend this to those who love friends to lovers, angst, some erotic loving, great characters and a happy ever after, after a few bumps in the road.
February 26, 2015
Rating 4.25
I loved this book! I loved Matty. I definitely identified with his fastidious nature and his almost OCD adherence to schedules. I totally sympathized with him as he freaked out while stepping out of his comfort zone. I cracked up at the following quote because I swear I have said something similar on more than one occasion:
“Matty was beginning to think that being spontaneous wasn’t all it was cracked up to be.”
The friends to lovers theme is certainly not new but it was well done in this story. I truly loved the premise here as well as the resolution. The writing was also well done and really allowed you inside Matty’s head as he came to grips with the situation and debated on taking a leap of faith towards what could potentially be an amazing future.
Loved, loved, LOVED the giddiness and laughter between the main characters after the sex scene. Totally made me smile. One could really feel their friendship and love. It felt real. They were hot and fun and just so great together.
I felt the connection between the two main characters and loved how well they knew each other. Knew, loved and accepted all the parts of each other. I think that was the part that I connected to or felt the most. The idea of finding someone you can trust with all the parts of yourself.
I loved this book! I loved Matty. I definitely identified with his fastidious nature and his almost OCD adherence to schedules. I totally sympathized with him as he freaked out while stepping out of his comfort zone. I cracked up at the following quote because I swear I have said something similar on more than one occasion:
“Matty was beginning to think that being spontaneous wasn’t all it was cracked up to be.”
The friends to lovers theme is certainly not new but it was well done in this story. I truly loved the premise here as well as the resolution. The writing was also well done and really allowed you inside Matty’s head as he came to grips with the situation and debated on taking a leap of faith towards what could potentially be an amazing future.
Loved, loved, LOVED the giddiness and laughter between the main characters after the sex scene. Totally made me smile. One could really feel their friendship and love. It felt real. They were hot and fun and just so great together.
I felt the connection between the two main characters and loved how well they knew each other. Knew, loved and accepted all the parts of each other. I think that was the part that I connected to or felt the most. The idea of finding someone you can trust with all the parts of yourself.
July 28, 2012
This was a cute story. Made me smile and I was happy for the happily ever after of the characters. Deserves 3 stars.
Overall, it was a pleasant read, with funny banter and matching characters.
Overall, it was a pleasant read, with funny banter and matching characters.
May 11, 2012
*sigh*...this was such a sweet romance. I think I would have rated this 4 stars easily if it were a little longer and we had more of the online interaction between Always MJ and Matt before they decided to meet. I think I missed a little of the budding romance. The author did a good job flashing back here and there to give you a sense of it, but I would have loved a slow build. This easily could have been a full length novel and I would have gobbled it up. I also was not surprised by the ending which I don't think can be avoided.
I enjoyed reading this book and couldn't put it down. I loved these two characters and I really wanted to read more about them. I thought the Epilogue was pretty perfect.
I enjoyed reading this book and couldn't put it down. I loved these two characters and I really wanted to read more about them. I thought the Epilogue was pretty perfect.
May 7, 2012
This is a sweet story about two best friends who have feelings for one another, but for various reasons cannot tell the other. When Jared takes matters into his own hands and sets out to grab Matty's attention once and for all, the two men experience a roller coaster journey to love, contentment and happiness.
April 25, 2013
I like it. This is a nice short story even thought it was easy to anticipate what was coming.
3.5 stars
3.5 stars
May 22, 2012
Pretty sure this is the first time I've read this authors work. What do I think?
Wow, I loved this little short story! Just perfect with the friends to lovers theme.
I'll be reading more of this authors work.
Wow, I loved this little short story! Just perfect with the friends to lovers theme.
I'll be reading more of this authors work.
April 23, 2012
On the Internet you can be whomever you want to be...
Please see my complete review April 24, 2012 at http://mrsconditreadsbooks.com/index....
Please see my complete review April 24, 2012 at http://mrsconditreadsbooks.com/index....
August 14, 2016
Sometimes you don't see what's right in front of you. A sweet, heartwarming love story.
May 1, 2012
The only complaint I have is it was too damn short! I want more!!
May 4, 2012
Loved how Matty finally met his true love even though it looked like it was going to be a bit bumpy for him:-)Don't want to give anything away;-) Sweet book!
April 30, 2012
Excellent!
April 29, 2012
lovely short read about best friends and truly falling in love with each other, and first chances
July 19, 2013
Another sweet book. The whole concept of finding love via the internet or any social media site freaks me out. Here, it's not what you think...
January 15, 2020
Hi I am Michael Jackson
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews