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The Name on My Wrist
James, middle-aged, is given to one-night flings with younger men in whom he searches for someone he lost long ago. A random comment by his latest catch draws his mind back to the past, to a boy he once loved so fiercely, a boy drafted and sent to fight in Vietnam.
A boy lost in the war. A boy James has never forgotten.
A boy lost in the war. A boy James has never forgotten.
10 pages, ebook
First published January 1, 2009
37 people are currently reading
158 people want to read
About the author
J.M. Snyder
301 books567 followersAn 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
September 21, 2020
But now I squint in the darkness and see the engraved letters; I see the boy behind those words. Nineteen and amazing. Invincible. Mine.
I love good short storytelling. When it's done right it can leave such an impression. This is powerful reading, only 10 pages but, wow, it packs such a punch. I'm left with so many feelings.
Sometimes, in life, there is only one person for us and they are ripped away too soon. For that reason alone we can love them just that much more. A love that is forever memorialised as perfect and tragic.
I’m seventeen again and so in love with a boy I’ve just been told is gone. My heart is like an open wound in my chest, it aches and I tell myself it’ll never heal. I was right—it never has.
The name on my wrist is sad and poignant. It reminds you that war is more than statistics. It's people's loved ones lost on far flung battlefields, youth wasted, more bloodshed, and what for? Men in ivory towers. For grief that lasts a lifetime.
I love good short storytelling. When it's done right it can leave such an impression. This is powerful reading, only 10 pages but, wow, it packs such a punch. I'm left with so many feelings.
Sometimes, in life, there is only one person for us and they are ripped away too soon. For that reason alone we can love them just that much more. A love that is forever memorialised as perfect and tragic.
I’m seventeen again and so in love with a boy I’ve just been told is gone. My heart is like an open wound in my chest, it aches and I tell myself it’ll never heal. I was right—it never has.
The name on my wrist is sad and poignant. It reminds you that war is more than statistics. It's people's loved ones lost on far flung battlefields, youth wasted, more bloodshed, and what for? Men in ivory towers. For grief that lasts a lifetime.
January 14, 2010
This is a poignant look back at a love lost but never forgotten. James is a man who likes to have one-night stands with younger men that remind him of the love of his life. When he was 17 years old his lover was drafted and eventually sent to Vietnam. Sadly, Don dies over there and James never really gets over his death.
In this short, 10 pages only, story James is caught by a phrase the young man he's with makes and thrown back into his memories of Don and their love. It's an emotional look at how the loss of a loved one can stay with someone no matter how many years pass. Sad but not depressing, I really enjoyed reading this free story offered by J.M. Snyder. Check out her site for more goodies here.
In this short, 10 pages only, story James is caught by a phrase the young man he's with makes and thrown back into his memories of Don and their love. It's an emotional look at how the loss of a loved one can stay with someone no matter how many years pass. Sad but not depressing, I really enjoyed reading this free story offered by J.M. Snyder. Check out her site for more goodies here.
November 8, 2019
The author did an amazing job here of conveying for the reader and the pain, longing, and angst of the situation. It was a wonderful look into the love that this man could never get over, no matter how many times he tried to recapture it with the young boys he took to bed. A sad read but a gentle reminder of the affects of war on the ones it leaves behind.
April 10, 2020
Such a short story, but OMG how amazing, and so sad, and that damned war was so useless. I weep for the MC, still loving the boy whose name is on his wrist.
June 12, 2021
Though it’s partly due to my age, this book has perhaps the highest TPP (Tears per Page) rating of any book I’ve ever read. I was reminded of this during this years Memorial Day Holiday and I should have reviewed it prior to then but it’s really just as effective at any time of the year for those that lived through this period.
The first time I read this was a few years back. I was eating alone in a restaurant and brought my kindle in so I’d have something to read during the meal. The waitress left me a menu and went to get my drink and I, already knowing what I wanted, opened this book and started to read. When the big haired southern waitress got back with my soda, she touched my shoulder and asked “Sweetie what’s the matter?” I hadn’t realized it but tears had been streaming down my face. Though I covered quickly, I postponed reading the rest until I was in private.
If you’re of an age to remember Vietnam era POW/MIA bracelets, then this is a tale you’ll be glad you read. But beware, tears will be shed.
The first time I read this was a few years back. I was eating alone in a restaurant and brought my kindle in so I’d have something to read during the meal. The waitress left me a menu and went to get my drink and I, already knowing what I wanted, opened this book and started to read. When the big haired southern waitress got back with my soda, she touched my shoulder and asked “Sweetie what’s the matter?” I hadn’t realized it but tears had been streaming down my face. Though I covered quickly, I postponed reading the rest until I was in private.
If you’re of an age to remember Vietnam era POW/MIA bracelets, then this is a tale you’ll be glad you read. But beware, tears will be shed.
July 24, 2013
For such a short story what a STORY it is! One can say "it´s only few damn lines, what could be so special about it?". Well, with no hesitation I would put TNMW next to any book with 200 pages and even more and still this story would be serious rival if not the winner.
This is what I call a mastery of writing – to catch the heart of it all by such a little amount of words. To make me feel it myself. The story is capable of opening your eyes more and let you see what you were blind about before or at least didn´t fully comprehend the depth of it.
I´m not saying I can understand it fully now either, though. I would be lying. Because I never experienced something like that myself. But hell if this story didn´t make me to understand it as much as I can and think about even more.
With no regrets or doubts – 5*.
This is what I call a mastery of writing – to catch the heart of it all by such a little amount of words. To make me feel it myself. The story is capable of opening your eyes more and let you see what you were blind about before or at least didn´t fully comprehend the depth of it.
I´m not saying I can understand it fully now either, though. I would be lying. Because I never experienced something like that myself. But hell if this story didn´t make me to understand it as much as I can and think about even more.
With no regrets or doubts – 5*.
April 16, 2011
Very short story that I'm actually glad wasn't longer, because the sadness of it, and the futility of boys going to war, made me hysterical. Amazing job of conveying that much pain into just a few pages, and it made my heart hurt.
January 8, 2011
It's a true testament to the author's quality that she's able to make her readers emotional with only 10 pages.
This was sad and very beautiful.
This was sad and very beautiful.
August 16, 2023
I tell him I’ll be right back but it’s a lie. The bracelet burns my wrist, the name etched through the silver and onto my skin—the only man I’ve ever wanted, the only one I can never have. — James
Warnings: mentions war
The last line on the blurb of The Name on My Wrist is "Warning: This is a very sad little story. It's also one of my best." J.M. is not lying when they say that this is incredibly sad. It is beautiful and well-written. It is only 10 pages but well worth reading. There is no explicit smut just the information that it happened. It isn't about the s*x it is about the intimacy, what was lost when your great love is gone and the impact of unconfirmed but tragic loss on a young mind. The story is set equally between modern day with middle-aged James and 1967 with 17-year-old James as we see what made James who he is and whom he is looking for as he regularly sleeps with men much younger than him. I believe this is perma-free on Amazon and I really recommend it. J.M. Snyder knew exactly where to start and finish this one. It leaves the reader thinking.
A representative gif:
January 28, 2010
Oh, God, I cried, I really cried. This is a very sad short story. And for less than 10 pages, the emotion is thick enough for me to feel it. Emotion of losing your only love, forever. If you want a story that breaks your heart, this is it. Just prepare kleenex when you do read it *sob*
March 28, 2013
Good for what it is - an extremely short story about a man who lost his 19-yr-old love in the Vietnam War.
September 2, 2013
*silent sobs*
That is all.
That is all.
September 27, 2016
Great story. Sad on several levels. Helps if you are old enough to remember. Received free from smashwords
January 21, 2019
I won't soon forget it. Simply amazing.
January 25, 2018
Had me in my feelings
I really have a soft sport for stories such as these. Like, I was honestly ready to cry. I felt so BAD for this poor man for losing the love of his life. And at such a young age, too! Although it is short, the quality is good and it makes you truly feel the anguish of the character, who I don't remember ever having a name. I know he did but I wss just so wrapped up in the sorrow, to be honest. You simply remember the legacy of his lost love, his POW-MIA boyfriend, lost to the meaninglessness of war. If you've got a soft spot for love lost, forbidden romance and military love stories (and shorts) I think this would be the read for you.
I really have a soft sport for stories such as these. Like, I was honestly ready to cry. I felt so BAD for this poor man for losing the love of his life. And at such a young age, too! Although it is short, the quality is good and it makes you truly feel the anguish of the character, who I don't remember ever having a name. I know he did but I wss just so wrapped up in the sorrow, to be honest. You simply remember the legacy of his lost love, his POW-MIA boyfriend, lost to the meaninglessness of war. If you've got a soft spot for love lost, forbidden romance and military love stories (and shorts) I think this would be the read for you.
October 2, 2017
My heart is crying and so am I. This is a story from my youth...
Pvt. Donald L. Jones shot down 08-23-69 in South Vietnam
This could have been my uncle... but, we were blessed... he came back home to our family. He didn't speak for many years after his return and I saw a sadness in his eyes that, even over the years, never quite went away... but, he came home and eventually learned to smile again. We were blessed.
Pvt. Donald L. Jones shot down 08-23-69 in South Vietnam
This could have been my uncle... but, we were blessed... he came back home to our family. He didn't speak for many years after his return and I saw a sadness in his eyes that, even over the years, never quite went away... but, he came home and eventually learned to smile again. We were blessed.
April 20, 2020
Memories MIA
A very short poignant reflection. Single POV remembering a first love lost to eat. Deftly handled, heart-rending. Beautiful memorial.
As I am a gatherer of books, I collect books and ebooks from a variety of sources: Goodreads wins, Bookhub, BookFunnel, emails from authors and publishers, and others. I do lose track of their sources. But, as a reader, I feel I should give an honest, unencumbered review for all I read.
A very short poignant reflection. Single POV remembering a first love lost to eat. Deftly handled, heart-rending. Beautiful memorial.
As I am a gatherer of books, I collect books and ebooks from a variety of sources: Goodreads wins, Bookhub, BookFunnel, emails from authors and publishers, and others. I do lose track of their sources. But, as a reader, I feel I should give an honest, unencumbered review for all I read.
June 5, 2021
What a beautiful, haunting story
This is one story that hits home with me. It makes us stop and think about what we lose in war,not only people but loved ones as well. It brings home the loss that many gays and lesbians have had to deal with when they lose a lover,partner,friend,or loved one to war. This is a dose of reality done beautifully. Thank you!
This is one story that hits home with me. It makes us stop and think about what we lose in war,not only people but loved ones as well. It brings home the loss that many gays and lesbians have had to deal with when they lose a lover,partner,friend,or loved one to war. This is a dose of reality done beautifully. Thank you!
August 2, 2019
Wow...emotional and a tear jerker. To be so lost even after so many years. To never allow yourself to feel love again. Devistatingly beautiful...a must read. A short read written so well it breaks your heart.
October 13, 2022
1.5 stars
Basic romance fiction no erotica even know it was classed as a erotic story, just skip this one not worth the time.
Pros
Short
Cons
Not an erotic title more a romance one.
No erotic scenes just the word "naked" does not make it erotica.
Basic romance fiction no erotica even know it was classed as a erotic story, just skip this one not worth the time.
Pros
Short
Cons
Not an erotic title more a romance one.
No erotic scenes just the word "naked" does not make it erotica.
December 3, 2017
Very short but very emotional. Definitely worth a read.
June 3, 2021
Lovely, poignant and very short.
January 31, 2025
Short. Sweet. Sad.
April 26, 2023
“He reminds me of someone I used to know, someone I swore I’d never forget.”
We begin with James at a beach house, but quickly the story turns into James reminiscing about Don.
James and Don got involved before Don left to go to the Vietnam War. At very young ages, James and Don fell in love, and they were great together.
This author has a real gift for packing an emotional punch. Very bittersweet story.
“…I choked back a sob because I was only seventeen years old and the one man I had ever loved was going off to fight in a war I didn’t understand, and he was leaving me behind.”
We begin with James at a beach house, but quickly the story turns into James reminiscing about Don.
James and Don got involved before Don left to go to the Vietnam War. At very young ages, James and Don fell in love, and they were great together.
This author has a real gift for packing an emotional punch. Very bittersweet story.
“…I choked back a sob because I was only seventeen years old and the one man I had ever loved was going off to fight in a war I didn’t understand, and he was leaving me behind.”
September 12, 2014
Free from the App Store.
Such a small book but yet it packed a bloody overwhelming punch.
Thank you to the author for this book.
Such a small book but yet it packed a bloody overwhelming punch.
Thank you to the author for this book.
January 17, 2010
This was a very poignant story, certainly not Happy Ever After or even Happy For Now. But it was beautiful in a sad way. It invokes the power of first love and tradgedy without being overly sentimental or self-indulgent.
Not a happy romp like the Powers of Love series. It had me in tears by the end.
Not a happy romp like the Powers of Love series. It had me in tears by the end.
September 2, 2013
And then they ask me why I am dead against wars.
Beautiful short story, free read here on GR.
I cried like a little girl.
***
eta
just read it again. that makes four times.
*sigh*
someone asked me where to find it: Smashwords, here: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...
Beautiful short story, free read here on GR.
I cried like a little girl.
***
eta
just read it again. that makes four times.
*sigh*
someone asked me where to find it: Smashwords, here: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...
July 8, 2018
Not only does this book make me feel sad, it makes me feel old. Though I am not as old as James, I can remember 1969. So much times has passed. James has done things with his life. There is a gaping hole which can never be filled.
It was amusing to me that the young guy mistook the POW-MIA bracelet for a medical alert bracelet.
It was amusing to me that the young guy mistook the POW-MIA bracelet for a medical alert bracelet.
October 1, 2011
A very short story. Just 10 tiny pages. I wanted more. But I guess that's the point. There SHOULD be more than 10 pages for Pvt. Donald L. Jones...for all the young men, in all the wars, who never make it home to those who love them.
April 22, 2012
Very sad story about young love lost but never forgotten. His first love is killed in Vietnam barely out of boot camp. He wears his lost love's name on his wrist as a constant reminder. Though he is with other boys sexually, he is unable to give more of himself.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews