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That Day in Spring
Dear Author,
These two men have known each other since they were teenagers, and have been in love almost as long. They’ve laughed, fought and cried together. Through it all, their love never wavered. However, something recently occurred that has shaken them to the core. What happened and how do they pull through it?
Please give this couple the happy ending they deserve. :)
Photo Description:
Two men embrace lovingly. The taller of the men holds back tears as he grips his hand into the others long, dark hair. His face is etched with emotion, resting his chin in the crook of the others neck, his beard rough from lack of care. His eyes are haunted, behind them a story that has sparked a great sense of feeling inside him; his lips quiver, holding back the words he needs to say.
This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Love’s Landscapes" event. Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice. Authors of the group selected a photo and prompt that spoke to them and wrote a short story.
This story may contain sexually explicit content and is intended for adult readers. It may contain content that is disagreeable or distressing to some readers. The M/M Romance Group strongly recommends that each reader review the General Information section before each story for story tags as well as for content warnings.
These two men have known each other since they were teenagers, and have been in love almost as long. They’ve laughed, fought and cried together. Through it all, their love never wavered. However, something recently occurred that has shaken them to the core. What happened and how do they pull through it?
Please give this couple the happy ending they deserve. :)
Photo Description:
Two men embrace lovingly. The taller of the men holds back tears as he grips his hand into the others long, dark hair. His face is etched with emotion, resting his chin in the crook of the others neck, his beard rough from lack of care. His eyes are haunted, behind them a story that has sparked a great sense of feeling inside him; his lips quiver, holding back the words he needs to say.
This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Love’s Landscapes" event. Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice. Authors of the group selected a photo and prompt that spoke to them and wrote a short story.
This story may contain sexually explicit content and is intended for adult readers. It may contain content that is disagreeable or distressing to some readers. The M/M Romance Group strongly recommends that each reader review the General Information section before each story for story tags as well as for content warnings.
71 pages, ebook
First published June 24, 2014
95 people want to read
About the author
B.J. Sheppard
13 books41 followersI'm new to this game, so bear with me while I struggle my way blindly through, with only the help of half a road map and a crystal ball that's more paper-weight than portent. This series of short stories is a nice respite from the Shakespearean melodramas I usually produce, and I hope they give you half the laughs they gave me when I wrote them. More of the series will be available soon, so drop by and check them out when they find their way our of my brain and onto a page.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
June 26, 2015
A well written heart-wrenching little story with the promise of a happy future. The prose at the very beginning is a little purple flowery but the rest is good.
I like the characters and there are lots of feels. The amnesia is anterograde in the style of '50 first dates' causing a difficult dilemma, to say more would spoil.
It's the non-linear story telling which brings a mixed response, I liked getting the three apsects of their story; youthful meeting, pre-incident, post-incident (present) - however it can spoil the impact of events because while reading one piece I was more interested in knowing more about another time period. Also the times are given as Xthousand days previous.. which made it hard to keep track of (especially if reading when tired).
Among the best of the event, author has earned his Whiskey and cigar ;)
I like the characters and there are lots of feels. The amnesia is anterograde in the style of '50 first dates' causing a difficult dilemma, to say more would spoil.
It's the non-linear story telling which brings a mixed response, I liked getting the three apsects of their story; youthful meeting, pre-incident, post-incident (present) - however it can spoil the impact of events because while reading one piece I was more interested in knowing more about another time period. Also the times are given as Xthousand days previous.. which made it hard to keep track of (especially if reading when tired).
Among the best of the event, author has earned his Whiskey and cigar ;)
July 2, 2014
A lovely story from my old mate BJ for this year's Love's Landscapes event on GR, recommended to me by the equally lovely Tina herself...who also happened to edit it. It does have a HEA, although I was convinced that it wouldn't right up until the last 5% or so, and just shows how a debilitating brain injury can devastate both partners in a committed relationship. Beautifully written, well done. 4.5 stars.
September 27, 2014
3,8 stars.
What for a beautiful and tragic story!
Heartbreaking and sad but with the light at the end of the tunnel.
I have never heard about the author and I'm eager to read more.
June 24, 2014
Holy shit, this book made me cry!
I thought the jumping time line was going to be annoying but in my opinion it just made the story so much better. And I don't think I've ever said that before.
I thought the jumping time line was going to be annoying but in my opinion it just made the story so much better. And I don't think I've ever said that before.
July 17, 2016
Amnesia. I don't know what it is about memory loss that pushes my buttons, but it does.
Every single time.
The tender hooks of this story quickly snagged my attention and my heart.
Want some advise? Pay attention.
Yep, I had to block out my background and focus.
Why?
We travel through time blinking back to their early teen years together to now to a few years ago....and the scenes are sectioned by days. This could be aggravating to some readers but I found it romantic. As if Ryan actually knew how many thousand days had passed from their beginning.
I loved the beginning of their love story.
I loved the profound love their shared as they grew older together. And I desperately wanted them to have their happily ever after. I was livid that Ryan was doing what he was but that's just it. We can't control how the shards of our heart splinter when we are slowly tortured with everything you ever wanted but you can no longer have dangles in front of you.
Ryan broke. It was horrific and I ached for him. Len broke in a completely different fashion and it was just as painful to witness.
The amount of emotional investment I had in this novella shocked me.
It was imperative that I find out what happened.
Impressive writing drives me to such a desperate state.
Looks like B.J. has a new fan and I can't wait to see what else he might put my heart through.
Every single time.
The tender hooks of this story quickly snagged my attention and my heart.
Want some advise? Pay attention.
Yep, I had to block out my background and focus.
Why?
We travel through time blinking back to their early teen years together to now to a few years ago....and the scenes are sectioned by days. This could be aggravating to some readers but I found it romantic. As if Ryan actually knew how many thousand days had passed from their beginning.
I loved the beginning of their love story.
I loved the profound love their shared as they grew older together. And I desperately wanted them to have their happily ever after. I was livid that Ryan was doing what he was but that's just it. We can't control how the shards of our heart splinter when we are slowly tortured with everything you ever wanted but you can no longer have dangles in front of you.
Ryan broke. It was horrific and I ached for him. Len broke in a completely different fashion and it was just as painful to witness.
The amount of emotional investment I had in this novella shocked me.
It was imperative that I find out what happened.
Impressive writing drives me to such a desperate state.
Looks like B.J. has a new fan and I can't wait to see what else he might put my heart through.
June 24, 2014
I had the honor of editing this short story for the author. One of my favorite photos as inspiration for a story written by one of my favorite people on the planet! Such feeling packed into a short story. Take this journey through time, you will love every second of it. I can't wait to read it again!
August 11, 2016
How do I sum up this book? At first I didn't really know what was going on with Ryan and the story. At first I thought this might be paranormal and maybe he was an angel because why couldn't he go back home? Then I thought well maybe Lennox was dead and that's why Ryan was in such a stupor (drinking ginger ale at the bar was odd, so he couldn't be that fucked up.) So I continued on . . .
I liked the parts when Lennox and Ryan were younger best; the grown up parts, not so much. These guys have loved each other for years so I would think this love would be stronger and could survive a few bumps in the road.
I just didn't get this book. It was too confusing with all the back and forth and I didn't believe Ryan's reasons for abandoning the love of his life at a very critical stage in Lennox's life. Don't believe in this HEA.
I liked the parts when Lennox and Ryan were younger best; the grown up parts, not so much. These guys have loved each other for years so I would think this love would be stronger and could survive a few bumps in the road.
I just didn't get this book. It was too confusing with all the back and forth and I didn't believe Ryan's reasons for abandoning the love of his life at a very critical stage in Lennox's life. Don't believe in this HEA.
June 24, 2014
This was a really good story, and I'd probably rate it a little over four stars if I could do fractions. The picture was amazing, and the idea behind the story was great. The implementation of that idea was a little less great--I like a non-linear narrative, don't get me wrong, but there came a point when the flashbacks were just something I skimmed, although some of them were very sweet.
The resolution was perfectly imperfect, I like that the author didn't just let the revelations flow like water and I felt satisfied at the end of the story. I'll have to check out more by B.J. Sheppard.
The resolution was perfectly imperfect, I like that the author didn't just let the revelations flow like water and I felt satisfied at the end of the story. I'll have to check out more by B.J. Sheppard.
November 8, 2015
Memories save us from ourselves. But what happens when the memories vanish? I never thought I’d say this, but I envied Lennox for every memory he lost; every memory I was forced to collect that I would never share with him; every memory that acted as a cloud that covered the star that would lead me back. I hated myself for not being able to go back, but somewhere deep inside, I hated him more for the bliss that was forgetting.
This is a beautiful story written in a way that kept me on the edge of my seat with the jumps in time. But I recognized the genius of the author as each page revealed more and more of the heart of Ryan and Lennox. Through their meeting, falling in love, buying their own home, the death of Lennox's father who abused him terribly, and the accident that robbed them both of something so vital.
Having recently endured a horrific personal tragedy of my own, my heart broke for Ryan and Lennox. I couldn't begin to imagine enduring what they did, and somehow trying to go forward, when there was no hope of anything ever changing. I empathized completely with Ryan, and felt his pain, his struggle, and his despair. But I rejoiced, too, in the small possibility of hope.
Thank you, B.J., for a truly gorgeous work.
This is a beautiful story written in a way that kept me on the edge of my seat with the jumps in time. But I recognized the genius of the author as each page revealed more and more of the heart of Ryan and Lennox. Through their meeting, falling in love, buying their own home, the death of Lennox's father who abused him terribly, and the accident that robbed them both of something so vital.
Having recently endured a horrific personal tragedy of my own, my heart broke for Ryan and Lennox. I couldn't begin to imagine enduring what they did, and somehow trying to go forward, when there was no hope of anything ever changing. I empathized completely with Ryan, and felt his pain, his struggle, and his despair. But I rejoiced, too, in the small possibility of hope.
Thank you, B.J., for a truly gorgeous work.
September 23, 2014
I wasn't sure about all that to-and-fro-ing with the flashbacks. It told the story and it set the mood for the story. I'm not sure if I really felt like I got to know the characters though.
But it made me teary-eyed at the end. A difficult situation wrapped in hope. It was worth reading.
But it made me teary-eyed at the end. A difficult situation wrapped in hope. It was worth reading.
August 16, 2014
The tags read: established couples, hurt/comfort, amnesia, non-explicit, tearjerker.
I have to be honest and say that perhaps a few more tags should be added to those. E.g. Angst, possible seasickness and most definitely not for the OCD or those anal about facts.
Warning. Do NOT read this review if you are OCD, anal about numbers or suffer from sea-sickness.
Beautiful writing, lovely characters, but.. oh the queasiness in my stomach.
28 days before, 159 days after… (how long is that… gets out the calculator – yes I AM that anal about numbers) eekk 7299 days! Now I AM concerned. That works out at ….. 19 years and 364 days but that doesn’t take leap years into account!
The real problem with the story for me is that
Look. Don’t get me wrong. I loved the idea, loved the writing, but it was simply far too… unstructured for me to really enjoy. If this had been more linear, less ‘numbery’ with maybe dates instead, and if the ‘after’ parts had been in sequence, then this would have been a straight 5 stars.
As it is… I am unsure. I really liked it but there again I didn’t. If it was in paperback it would be easy to skip through and read in sequence and get the real gist of the whole story, but Kindles aren’t that user friendly. I think I will have to settle for ..(drat numbers again).. 2.5 stars rounded up.
I have to be honest and say that perhaps a few more tags should be added to those. E.g. Angst, possible seasickness and most definitely not for the OCD or those anal about facts.
Warning. Do NOT read this review if you are OCD, anal about numbers or suffer from sea-sickness.
Beautiful writing, lovely characters, but.. oh the queasiness in my stomach.
28 days before, 159 days after… (how long is that… gets out the calculator – yes I AM that anal about numbers) eekk 7299 days! Now I AM concerned. That works out at ….. 19 years and 364 days but that doesn’t take leap years into account!
The real problem with the story for me is that
Look. Don’t get me wrong. I loved the idea, loved the writing, but it was simply far too… unstructured for me to really enjoy. If this had been more linear, less ‘numbery’ with maybe dates instead, and if the ‘after’ parts had been in sequence, then this would have been a straight 5 stars.
As it is… I am unsure. I really liked it but there again I didn’t. If it was in paperback it would be easy to skip through and read in sequence and get the real gist of the whole story, but Kindles aren’t that user friendly. I think I will have to settle for ..(drat numbers again).. 2.5 stars rounded up.
June 24, 2014
I love the "finding my way back to you" romance, but I was hoping to like it more than I did.
The writing was very well done (though it was a little purple prose in the beginning) and I fully grasped the amount of love between Ryan and Len. My heart broke for both men at having to experience the same day over and over with no end in sight. It was heartbreaking.
The time jumps were disjointed and labeled in such a way that I didn't really know where I was in their timeline, because they are labeled seven thousand days earlier, 12 days later 192 days after, etc. This would have been a 5 star read for me if the timeline had been more linear The time jumping wasn't an issue, but having to figure out how long so many days really were so I would know where/when I was took me out of the story. This is my issue and others will probably not be bothered by it.
It was the ending of this story that really elevated it for me. I was beginning to feel restless and maybe not finish, then everything came together and it was really lovely to see both men finally able to move forward.
The characters were really well written (though, Len is a giggler where I'd prefer him to be a laugher. Men giggling makes me shake my head) and aside from my issues, I really liked the story. I'll be sure to check out more from this author in the future.
The writing was very well done (though it was a little purple prose in the beginning) and I fully grasped the amount of love between Ryan and Len. My heart broke for both men at having to experience the same day over and over with no end in sight. It was heartbreaking.
The time jumps were disjointed and labeled in such a way that I didn't really know where I was in their timeline, because they are labeled seven thousand days earlier, 12 days later 192 days after, etc. This would have been a 5 star read for me if the timeline had been more linear The time jumping wasn't an issue, but having to figure out how long so many days really were so I would know where/when I was took me out of the story. This is my issue and others will probably not be bothered by it.
It was the ending of this story that really elevated it for me. I was beginning to feel restless and maybe not finish, then everything came together and it was really lovely to see both men finally able to move forward.
The characters were really well written (though, Len is a giggler where I'd prefer him to be a laugher. Men giggling makes me shake my head) and aside from my issues, I really liked the story. I'll be sure to check out more from this author in the future.
June 25, 2014
Ryan and Lennox have known each other since they were teenagers and became fast friends. Their feelings soon blossomed into love and they built a life together, free from disapproving stares and Lennox's abusive father. On the most important day of the lives, tragedy strikes, and life as they know it is severely altered. Ryan tries to remain strong for the love of his life, who suffers from amnesia and can remember nothing prior to the accident. Will the couple be able to move forward and build a new life together or will the unfortunate accident tear them apart forever?
Since I provided the story prompt and picture for this story, I am very satisfied with what BJ created. The story is beautifully written and pulled me into the characters' lives and feelings. My heart broke over and over again as Ryan reminisced about the life he shared with Lennox before the accident, and the hell he endures, but can't seem to let go of, after the accident.
Thank you, B.J., for bringing my story prompt to life! You did a wonderful job!
Since I provided the story prompt and picture for this story, I am very satisfied with what BJ created. The story is beautifully written and pulled me into the characters' lives and feelings. My heart broke over and over again as Ryan reminisced about the life he shared with Lennox before the accident, and the hell he endures, but can't seem to let go of, after the accident.
Thank you, B.J., for bringing my story prompt to life! You did a wonderful job!
November 1, 2014
Lennox and Ryan have been an established couple for a couple of decades. They have been together since high school and they were finally going to get married. This story jumps around on the timeline; present and past. Throughout the story you learn more about how their relationship developed over the many years together. You also, witness poor Ryan and Lennox. Sadly, Lennox is repeating the same day without his knowledge and it is taking it’s toll on Ryan. This story was that makes you cry as you are reading it. Ryan has to decide what he wants to do; live with repeat-Lennox, the love of his life OR walk away from it forever. I was very happy with the ending though. It was a very well rounded story.
September 30, 2014
What an amazing story! I loved the way it was structured; it really added extra depth to the story. Surprisingly, I didn't cry (I'm usually a weeper) but I was literally sitting on the edge of my seat right to the very end!
Definitely a recommend!
Definitely a recommend!
event-stories-unread
September 22, 2014[NOTE: I rate most writing event stories (free reads) 4 or 5 stars because of my appreciation of the author's participation and gift.]
June 25, 2014
This was just heartbreaking and beautiful. I loved the structure of it and how you got the present with their past. Lovely ending, great response to the prompt. Thank you!
August 24, 2014
Slightly confusing trying to determine the time of each 'chapter', but the idea is great.
***3.4 stars***
***3.4 stars***
December 24, 2014
Would be all 5 stars, but I was pissed at Ryan for giving up on his partner of 20 years after just 5 months of sickness.
Otherwise, this was heartwrenchingly good.
Otherwise, this was heartwrenchingly good.
October 3, 2017
4 Stars
I'll be honest and admit that usually I don't like a story that jumps around in the timeline. I still don't...but I did like the way it was used in this story; a linear telling of the events would have lacked the dramatic build up, the punch, the suspense. And it's a beautiful story - one that tests a character's resolve and his dedication as well as the limits of love and the strength of promises made to each other even when no one else is there to witness.
The injury frightened the hell out of me (because losing my memory is about the worst thing I could imagine), and I know that it very rarely resolves itself (the brain is one crazy organ) so the potential ending here was breaking my heart in increments, a flashback at a time. But still, worth the read.
So VERY glad I was shallow enough to read this simply because the inspiration image was Agron & Nasir from Spartacus. (*sigh* I love them.)
I'll be honest and admit that usually I don't like a story that jumps around in the timeline. I still don't...but I did like the way it was used in this story; a linear telling of the events would have lacked the dramatic build up, the punch, the suspense. And it's a beautiful story - one that tests a character's resolve and his dedication as well as the limits of love and the strength of promises made to each other even when no one else is there to witness.
The injury frightened the hell out of me (because losing my memory is about the worst thing I could imagine), and I know that it very rarely resolves itself (the brain is one crazy organ) so the potential ending here was breaking my heart in increments, a flashback at a time. But still, worth the read.
So VERY glad I was shallow enough to read this simply because the inspiration image was Agron & Nasir from Spartacus. (*sigh* I love them.)
August 15, 2014
A wonderful free story. As soon as I finished it, I immediately went to see if the author has written any other books, so much I loved this book.
I'm not usually a fan of short stories/novellas, because rarely they manage to engage me enough to feel satisfied in the end. This story, though, in less than 70 pages managed to suck me in and spit me out basically in tears. It's a heartbreaking tale of love with two great main characters. I couldn't say who I loved more, Ryan or Lennox. I deeply felt for both of them, Lennox for the memories he lost, Ryan for losing a part of Lennox with those memories gone. I ached with Ryan every single time he went home to Lennox and had to live the same words, the same actions, the same feelings.
The story is told jumping in time: present and past mix in a non-linear way that usually I don't like, but worked perfectly for this story. Witnessing the beginning of Ryan and Lennox love story was great, it made what came next in their life feel like more of a punch in the gut. The love these two characters have shared since they were very young is the kind of love I think everyone wants.
This was the first story by this author that I read, but it surely won't be the last.
I'm not usually a fan of short stories/novellas, because rarely they manage to engage me enough to feel satisfied in the end. This story, though, in less than 70 pages managed to suck me in and spit me out basically in tears. It's a heartbreaking tale of love with two great main characters. I couldn't say who I loved more, Ryan or Lennox. I deeply felt for both of them, Lennox for the memories he lost, Ryan for losing a part of Lennox with those memories gone. I ached with Ryan every single time he went home to Lennox and had to live the same words, the same actions, the same feelings.
The story is told jumping in time: present and past mix in a non-linear way that usually I don't like, but worked perfectly for this story. Witnessing the beginning of Ryan and Lennox love story was great, it made what came next in their life feel like more of a punch in the gut. The love these two characters have shared since they were very young is the kind of love I think everyone wants.
This was the first story by this author that I read, but it surely won't be the last.
December 23, 2014
Ryan and Lennox meet when they were teenagers they knew they be together forever.
One tragic day about a year ago on the day they were meant to get married they have an car accident . Which leaves Lennox with amnesia they only think he will remember is the Same day over and over again. Reminded me of 50 first dates. How will Ryan survive this over and over again the same day. Will he give up with Lennox remember again. Read this heartbreaking full of emotion story of Ryan Lennox and read what happens.
One tragic day about a year ago on the day they were meant to get married they have an car accident . Which leaves Lennox with amnesia they only think he will remember is the Same day over and over again. Reminded me of 50 first dates. How will Ryan survive this over and over again the same day. Will he give up with Lennox remember again. Read this heartbreaking full of emotion story of Ryan Lennox and read what happens.
June 30, 2014
OMG what a FABULOUS story
my poor heart has just been trampled upon!!!Thank you B.J.
June 24, 2014
A lovely and heart-wrenching story with great characers. The writing was great and the author knows how to tell a story. One of the best stories so far in this event.
June 24, 2014
What a very heartbreaking story. I felt so bad for them both. That must have been so hard on them both. I wondered if they were going to find their way back to each other. What a great story.
December 4, 2014
No! No! No!! I want more!
August 17, 2014
Really excellent, if a little off the wall :) Told in a sort of diary format, but skipping back and forward around the fateful event.
August 27, 2014
Review to come
September 1, 2014
Wow. Just wow.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews