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Permanently Legless
The Taliban may have taken both of Chris's legs, but he came back from Afghanistan with his sense of humor and his lust for life firmly intact. The one thing that can shake his confidence, however, is meeting Josh, the one-night-stand from before his tour of duty he hasn't been able to forget.
It turns out Josh hasn't forgotten Chris, either. But with Chris such a changed man, can they still have a future?
Gay / Contemporary
21 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 22, 2012
3 people are currently reading
306 people want to read
About the author
J.L. Merrow
144Ìýbooks1,308ÌýfollowersJL Merrow is that rare beast, an English person who refuses to drink tea. She read Natural Sciences at Cambridge, where she learned many things, chief amongst which was that she never wanted to see the inside of a lab ever again. Her one regret is that she never mastered the ability of punting one-handed whilst holding a glass of champagne.
She writes across genres, with a preference for contemporary gay romance and the paranormal, and is frequently accused of humour. Her novella Muscling Through was a 2013 EPIC Award finalist, and her novel Slam! won the 2013 Rainbow Award for Best LGBT Romantic Comedy. Her novel Relief Valve is a finalist in the 2015 EPIC Awards.
JL Merrow is a member of the UK GLBTQ Fiction Meet organising team.
Find JL Merrow online at: , on Twitter as @jlmerrow, and on Facebook at
She writes across genres, with a preference for contemporary gay romance and the paranormal, and is frequently accused of humour. Her novella Muscling Through was a 2013 EPIC Award finalist, and her novel Slam! won the 2013 Rainbow Award for Best LGBT Romantic Comedy. Her novel Relief Valve is a finalist in the 2015 EPIC Awards.
JL Merrow is a member of the UK GLBTQ Fiction Meet organising team.
Find JL Merrow online at: , on Twitter as @jlmerrow, and on Facebook at
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
January 22, 2012
3.5
I think I would have loved this story if it had just been a bit longer, but as it was I didn't know what Josh saw in Chris, who they were, anything about them really, except that Chris had a wicked sense of humor despite losing his legs.
It was a nice short read, but I really wanted more!
I think I would have loved this story if it had just been a bit longer, but as it was I didn't know what Josh saw in Chris, who they were, anything about them really, except that Chris had a wicked sense of humor despite losing his legs.
It was a nice short read, but I really wanted more!
August 14, 2012
Make no mistake, I absolutely loved this story, for the witty prose, for the fairy-tale ending, for the spunk of Chris and the unusual topic.
BUT... (spoilers may arise past this line!)
This is the second story I read of Merrow which has amputees and crippled war-veterans as a topic. And like with I quite simply do not buy these characters and their reactions.
While I will buy Chris' attempt at turning a typically British stiff upper lip and while I quite buy that he will have been subjected to a wagonload of "get on with it" from medical personnel as well as friends and family, because we so wallow in that, I do not buy that after such a short time he actually sucked up to it.
I'm even aware of the fact that there are countless veterans around who bury their hurt, pain and mental anguish deeply inside them, because the healthy public, their friends and their family EXPECT them to do this, so their sensibilities be spared. And I am aware of the fact many will do this out of kindness and gratitude towards their people or because they actually were trained to do this, like so many boarding school students were. I'm okay with all that, this happens and it will result--eventually--in just as many longterm PTSD-sufferers that this kind of behaviour produced after WWI and WWII. So far so fine.
But this story is told from Chris' POV and is written as if he himself is that blithely cheerful and buys into such blather, and that--I'm sorry to say--I buy even less than I bought it of Matthew. Especially not if on top of losing two legs in the first place he also winds up losing any chance at a prothesis. Such behaviour I might accept, just maybe, in someone so unintelligent as to be unaware of the consequences or someone already at such a state of non-agency and loss that this additional one makes no difference. I do not buy it from a healthy, lusty male within a span of but months.
It doesn't stop there. I find myself even less accepting of Josh' reactions. They are nice and cute, okay. But they are pure fairy tale. The least I'd say which has to take place is a profound curiosity and exploration. That would be perfectly human behaviour. It doesn't really happen. In a culture which is so body-obsessed as ours, where you get people rejected and bullied on as little as having a slight paunch or receding hairline or even just wearing the wrong kind of jeans, Josh comes over as some saint or saviour and it's just too much of a coincidence.
I know this was supposed to come over as a cheerful feelgood romance and possibly to give a patriotic heads up. Maybe, I don't know, reality gets painted rose here too. As I said I loved the story and the characters, but in the end this is doing the same thing people do who force veterans and disabled people to bury and repress their hurt and pain. It sort of serves society, rather than those people, and I guess I have recently delved too deeply into what this ends up costing those who suffered in the long run. I simply can't stop these thoughts.
BUT... (spoilers may arise past this line!)
This is the second story I read of Merrow which has amputees and crippled war-veterans as a topic. And like with I quite simply do not buy these characters and their reactions.
While I will buy Chris' attempt at turning a typically British stiff upper lip and while I quite buy that he will have been subjected to a wagonload of "get on with it" from medical personnel as well as friends and family, because we so wallow in that, I do not buy that after such a short time he actually sucked up to it.
I'm even aware of the fact that there are countless veterans around who bury their hurt, pain and mental anguish deeply inside them, because the healthy public, their friends and their family EXPECT them to do this, so their sensibilities be spared. And I am aware of the fact many will do this out of kindness and gratitude towards their people or because they actually were trained to do this, like so many boarding school students were. I'm okay with all that, this happens and it will result--eventually--in just as many longterm PTSD-sufferers that this kind of behaviour produced after WWI and WWII. So far so fine.
But this story is told from Chris' POV and is written as if he himself is that blithely cheerful and buys into such blather, and that--I'm sorry to say--I buy even less than I bought it of Matthew. Especially not if on top of losing two legs in the first place he also winds up losing any chance at a prothesis. Such behaviour I might accept, just maybe, in someone so unintelligent as to be unaware of the consequences or someone already at such a state of non-agency and loss that this additional one makes no difference. I do not buy it from a healthy, lusty male within a span of but months.
It doesn't stop there. I find myself even less accepting of Josh' reactions. They are nice and cute, okay. But they are pure fairy tale. The least I'd say which has to take place is a profound curiosity and exploration. That would be perfectly human behaviour. It doesn't really happen. In a culture which is so body-obsessed as ours, where you get people rejected and bullied on as little as having a slight paunch or receding hairline or even just wearing the wrong kind of jeans, Josh comes over as some saint or saviour and it's just too much of a coincidence.
I know this was supposed to come over as a cheerful feelgood romance and possibly to give a patriotic heads up. Maybe, I don't know, reality gets painted rose here too. As I said I loved the story and the characters, but in the end this is doing the same thing people do who force veterans and disabled people to bury and repress their hurt and pain. It sort of serves society, rather than those people, and I guess I have recently delved too deeply into what this ends up costing those who suffered in the long run. I simply can't stop these thoughts.
January 23, 2012
3.5 stars
And anyway, that football match really was bad. Premiership, my shrapnel-scarred arse.
The charm in this story is definitely the narrator, Chris. Eventhough he's 'permanently legless', he doesn't lose his wit and humor. He's not self-wallowing in grief and blames the world. That makes him an appealing hero.
However, since this is a short story, and pretty much only covers a short time in the past when he met Josh on one night stand hook-up before he was deployed, then continues in the present, getting reconnect with Josh ... I miss the relationship build-up a little bit. Because I am not fully convinced on why Josh seems to be taken with Chris that much.
But do enjoy it for Chris's voice :)
And anyway, that football match really was bad. Premiership, my shrapnel-scarred arse.
The charm in this story is definitely the narrator, Chris. Eventhough he's 'permanently legless', he doesn't lose his wit and humor. He's not self-wallowing in grief and blames the world. That makes him an appealing hero.
However, since this is a short story, and pretty much only covers a short time in the past when he met Josh on one night stand hook-up before he was deployed, then continues in the present, getting reconnect with Josh ... I miss the relationship build-up a little bit. Because I am not fully convinced on why Josh seems to be taken with Chris that much.
But do enjoy it for Chris's voice :)
July 29, 2016
This is a charming short story about an Afghanistan war vet and the out-of-his-league hottie with whom he hooks up right before he deploys. Despite the hottie's clear interest in pursuing more than sex for a night, the vet refuses to call when he returns because he comes home disabled -- he has lost both of his legs. Even though the length of the story doesn't permit a great deal of character development, you can still feel the world of possibility that exists between these two. You will end up rooting for them because they have an honest, sweet, generous little spark between them, despite their less-than-pristine, beginning. Check it out -- you'll be glad you spent twenty minutes of your day getting to know them. (And if ever a story needed a sequel . . . .)
Want to read
March 11, 2014I know I'm being snarky... but is anyone ever "temporarily legless"???
June 5, 2016
What I loved most about this story was the main character’s unique voice and the way he tells the story. It made him so real to me that I felt as if he was a friend I’ve known for a while. Chris may have had both legs amputated after an incident in Afghanistan, but he kept his sense of humor and now has a very unique outlook on life.
Chris gives us only some of the facts of what happened, his focus is on describing how he deals with life now that he has to learn to live in a wheelchair. He has already learned how to manage daily life, and this story focuses on how he deals with his social life and rediscovering that he still has a love life as well. He doesn’t say that he is afraid of never finding acceptance from a partner, but it is clear that he worries.
Josh may have only been a quick encounter in a bar six months earlier, before Chris went on active duty, but he turns out to become so much more. Yes, he is shocked that Chris is in a wheelchair, but he sees right through that to the man he was interested in before. Very few people are able to do this, and in that sense Josh is an exceptional man. He is also quite normal since he goes after Chris because he is interested in him as a person and as someone who is good to be with in bed � legs or no legs, Josh realizes that isn’t what counts most.
‘Permanently Legless� is another great example of J.L. Merrow’s ability to make a character some so alive you think you can touch them. Chris has a unique voice, a real message of hope to give, and, at the same time, explains some of what life in a wheelchair can be like. If you prefer your stories with some depth that will make you think, if you like a good romance without it being overly sweet and if you want to met another of J.L. Merrow’s fascinating men, go and buy this book. It’s worth every penny!
NOTE: This book was provided by Amber Allure for the purpose of a review.
Chris gives us only some of the facts of what happened, his focus is on describing how he deals with life now that he has to learn to live in a wheelchair. He has already learned how to manage daily life, and this story focuses on how he deals with his social life and rediscovering that he still has a love life as well. He doesn’t say that he is afraid of never finding acceptance from a partner, but it is clear that he worries.
Josh may have only been a quick encounter in a bar six months earlier, before Chris went on active duty, but he turns out to become so much more. Yes, he is shocked that Chris is in a wheelchair, but he sees right through that to the man he was interested in before. Very few people are able to do this, and in that sense Josh is an exceptional man. He is also quite normal since he goes after Chris because he is interested in him as a person and as someone who is good to be with in bed � legs or no legs, Josh realizes that isn’t what counts most.
‘Permanently Legless� is another great example of J.L. Merrow’s ability to make a character some so alive you think you can touch them. Chris has a unique voice, a real message of hope to give, and, at the same time, explains some of what life in a wheelchair can be like. If you prefer your stories with some depth that will make you think, if you like a good romance without it being overly sweet and if you want to met another of J.L. Merrow’s fascinating men, go and buy this book. It’s worth every penny!
NOTE: This book was provided by Amber Allure for the purpose of a review.
September 6, 2012
This was cute. The writing is superb. The author has this distinct voice that I really like. I enjoyed Chris' perspective, in that he wasn't bitter. He seemed to have gotten to acceptance and was dealing with the circumstances in which life positted him.
However, I felt that more of a struggle would have been more realistic and would have served the story better. But then there simply wasn't room in this short story for more emotional states, whatever these would have been. And I guess that would be my criticism.
I felt that this was too short for the wealth of material that the author chose to make use of here. It could still have been a short story with the inclusion of a little more depth and range in Chris' story and some more of the two MC's characters being together, which we are just summarily told at the end in a round about way.
That said, wanting more is a compliment. These two characters are fantastic. I just wanted the story to do them better justice.
However, I felt that more of a struggle would have been more realistic and would have served the story better. But then there simply wasn't room in this short story for more emotional states, whatever these would have been. And I guess that would be my criticism.
I felt that this was too short for the wealth of material that the author chose to make use of here. It could still have been a short story with the inclusion of a little more depth and range in Chris' story and some more of the two MC's characters being together, which we are just summarily told at the end in a round about way.
That said, wanting more is a compliment. These two characters are fantastic. I just wanted the story to do them better justice.
December 8, 2024
Charming little short story. Would have loved this to be longer, far too short. What’s little is there is well written but I was left wanting far more.
January 22, 2012
How many bad puns about losing your legs can you fit into 30 pages? This book is the perfect answer :D This is a very funny and sweet story about looks not being all there is to a man. Some people will probably feel that it's too short a story and I definitely would like to read more about those charming guys but in my opinion it was just like a short story should be.
January 10, 2020
Even better the second time... ;)
A very short story that shows basically only one scene but gives a lot of a punch, at least for me.
Chris came back from Afghanistan without his legs and, thanks to some unfortunate errors while being treated, he will probably never be able to use prosthetic limbs. But he's unapologetic about his wheelchair, he tries to be as self-dependent as possible and have as much fun with his friends as he can. The only thing he regrets is not contacting a sweet guy he met just before his deployment. That one-night stand is something to dream about and not look forward to, or so he thinks.
Josh didn't know why Chris hasn't contacted him until he sees the vet in a bar and quickly connects the dots. He doesn't shy away from Chris and his wheelchair and even seeks the vet's company.
I loved how Chris managed to overcome his fear, self-deprecation and shame. And I loved how Josh didn't mind Chris' insecurities, injuries and scars. They simply reconnected and felt good together.
Recommended!
A very short story that shows basically only one scene but gives a lot of a punch, at least for me.
Chris came back from Afghanistan without his legs and, thanks to some unfortunate errors while being treated, he will probably never be able to use prosthetic limbs. But he's unapologetic about his wheelchair, he tries to be as self-dependent as possible and have as much fun with his friends as he can. The only thing he regrets is not contacting a sweet guy he met just before his deployment. That one-night stand is something to dream about and not look forward to, or so he thinks.
Josh didn't know why Chris hasn't contacted him until he sees the vet in a bar and quickly connects the dots. He doesn't shy away from Chris and his wheelchair and even seeks the vet's company.
I loved how Chris managed to overcome his fear, self-deprecation and shame. And I loved how Josh didn't mind Chris' insecurities, injuries and scars. They simply reconnected and felt good together.
Recommended!
July 6, 2012
Chris has come back from Afghanistan without his legs, but with his strength and sense of humor intact. His narrative voice gives this short story a personality and charm that rises above a brief little account of two men finding each other again after one night months earlier. Chris is wry and funny and self-deprecating. A tiny edge of bitterness is allowed a moment to peek out, speaking at depths under the wise-cracking surface, and his courage and good-humor make him someone you would want to sit down next to and get to know. Josh hasn't forgotten Chris, and his openness and lack of hesitation in view of Chris's injuries hints at something more than the quicky-in-the-bathroom twink that he might first appear to be.
This was such a nice little glimpse of two guys getting together - the next part of this relationship as they build it together, learning about each other and finding strengths and limitations, would be a pleasure to watch... Sequel, please??
This was such a nice little glimpse of two guys getting together - the next part of this relationship as they build it together, learning about each other and finding strengths and limitations, would be a pleasure to watch... Sequel, please??
April 8, 2012
The cheapskate in me is horrified by what I paid for a 21 page story, so I'm glad that I at least enjoyed it a lot. Despite its short length, it has everything it needs.
As always, Merrow provides an interesting, vivid narrator -- this time an ex-soldier with ex-legs. Chris is trying to get back to normal life, but he doesn't expect that life to include the pretty guy he hooked up with before going to Afghanistan -- after all, as a 10 to Chris' 5, Josh must have been drunk to have been interested in him in the first place. And nowadays, Chris thinks of himself as more like two and three-quarters.
Merrow does a nice job of bringing these two back together, and showing the complicated emotions they both face. It was a touching and satisfying read.
As always, Merrow provides an interesting, vivid narrator -- this time an ex-soldier with ex-legs. Chris is trying to get back to normal life, but he doesn't expect that life to include the pretty guy he hooked up with before going to Afghanistan -- after all, as a 10 to Chris' 5, Josh must have been drunk to have been interested in him in the first place. And nowadays, Chris thinks of himself as more like two and three-quarters.
Merrow does a nice job of bringing these two back together, and showing the complicated emotions they both face. It was a touching and satisfying read.
April 21, 2014
A hook up that kept Chris thinking about Josh for six months since the night he met the young boy before Chris left for Afghanistan.
I really admire authors who feature characters with disability mainly because it somehow shows how creative they are in developing their characters and how they would mold the plot to reflect the challenges they face everyday. I am yet to read a book with this kind of theme that I didn't like.
I would've wanted to read more about how Chris and Josh's relationship would progress but it was an enjoyable read overall.
June 4, 2016
First off: liked this new cover way better than the previous one.
As for the story: sweet and touching with a dash of humour Merrow's style. Loved Chris and Josh and wish for a slightly extended version of them (in anyway I could get).
A good dose of humorous, realistic non self-pity tale of opposites attract!
As for the story: sweet and touching with a dash of humour Merrow's style. Loved Chris and Josh and wish for a slightly extended version of them (in anyway I could get).
A good dose of humorous, realistic non self-pity tale of opposites attract!
March 23, 2018
This was a pleasant change from the usual wounded vet story where true love brings them back to the land of the living kind of thing. Not that being damaged that way in a war would not make you depressed and angry at the world, but it's nice to have a character who is different. Chris has accepted his legless state and is not afraid to joke about it, even if it makes some people uncomfortable. He decides to head down to a gay bar and he runs into a young guy he met before he shipped out who was just his type, but he was sure would never seriously look at him twice beyond a quicky in the bathroom which they did. However Josh has other ideas and after a bit of a rough start, the wheelchair doesn't put him off. I just loved Chris' easy-going nature and he was making the most out of his life and enjoying it without a lot of drama.
July 25, 2012
I must begin by saying I LOVE this author! J. L. Merrow consistently delivers a remarkably well-written and memorable story that leaves a lasting impression on the fortunate reader who picks up her work! Permanently Legless was no exception!
A delightful little sip of a story about a returning veteran whose tour of duty has left him with no lower limbs and now wheel-chair bound. After an arduous journey back to good health and repeated infections that left one leg unable to ever be fitted for a prosthetic limb, Chris recall the one night stand he experienced prior to shipping over to Afghanistan. An evening he has never forgotten.
Josh. As it turns out he, too, remembers Chris and when the two see one another in a local bar, sparks fly. There is a brief moment of discomfort where Chris attempts to discern whether or not Josh is genuinely interested or merely willing to hook up out of pity.
Let me assure you that pity has little to do with this budding romance.
And before you can blink this sweet little story is over--and you sit back and simply sigh with delight for the marvelous way that J.L. Merrow invited you into her imagination and carried you away for a few blissful moments.
Just lovely!
A delightful little sip of a story about a returning veteran whose tour of duty has left him with no lower limbs and now wheel-chair bound. After an arduous journey back to good health and repeated infections that left one leg unable to ever be fitted for a prosthetic limb, Chris recall the one night stand he experienced prior to shipping over to Afghanistan. An evening he has never forgotten.
Josh. As it turns out he, too, remembers Chris and when the two see one another in a local bar, sparks fly. There is a brief moment of discomfort where Chris attempts to discern whether or not Josh is genuinely interested or merely willing to hook up out of pity.
Let me assure you that pity has little to do with this budding romance.
And before you can blink this sweet little story is over--and you sit back and simply sigh with delight for the marvelous way that J.L. Merrow invited you into her imagination and carried you away for a few blissful moments.
Just lovely!
January 23, 2012
Liked Chris's attitude. You have to admire someone who can overcome that sort of tragedy. Josh seemed to be a sweetheart too. I would have really love if this were a bit longer, but it is what it is: a short story.
November 4, 2012
wow. color be depressed. Not only was the poor dude missing his legs but I have absolutely no idea why either character cared for each other...
I've read other stories by this author and this was not one of the best by far...
I've read other stories by this author and this was not one of the best by far...
January 23, 2012
Funny yet sweet short m/m romance about a guy who came back from Afghanistan without his legs and runs into a gorgeous young man he'd screwed right before shipping out.
May 10, 2012
A sweet little story as a tribute to those who have served in our wars and paid a high price by coming home less than whole. Thanks JL for a lovely read.
July 25, 2014
A fantastic short story with Merrows trademark humour & snark.
June 27, 2023
Short, funny and lovely. JL Merrow writes great humorous short stories, this one has a military man who lost his legs to a bomb. The book is full of puns about legs and a sweet reunion with a guy he met briefly before being shipped away to be blown up. Once again, I would read more, but this works well in a short too.
September 1, 2017
Step 1 Abandon reality
Step 2 Put on rose-colored glasses
Step 3 Hug your unicorn
Step 4 Read Slam! and then wonder... hey... is this the guy that does poetry about losing his legs in the war in that story?
Step 5 Read this story.
Step 6 Have fuzzy fuzzy feelings. All of them. Adorableness coming out your ears.
Step 7 Quash all thoughts that everyone in this story is just slightly too understanding, cheerful, and upbeat about everything that has happened.
Everyone is happy about everything, dammit.
Don't. Question. It.
Step 2 Put on rose-colored glasses
Step 3 Hug your unicorn
Step 4 Read Slam! and then wonder... hey... is this the guy that does poetry about losing his legs in the war in that story?
Step 5 Read this story.
Step 6 Have fuzzy fuzzy feelings. All of them. Adorableness coming out your ears.
Step 7 Quash all thoughts that everyone in this story is just slightly too understanding, cheerful, and upbeat about everything that has happened.
Everyone is happy about everything, dammit.
Don't. Question. It.
July 26, 2017
There was a lot of potential here and different threads that could have been explored, but it's honestly just too damn short.
October 25, 2015
Reviewed at .
Before Chris shipped off to Afghanistan, he had a one-night stand with a man that left a big impression. Now back from the war and missing both his legs, Chris dares not call Josh for fear of being rejected. But he can’t avoid Josh when he sees him at a local gay club. Now that Josh is there, Chris won’t let the opportunity to speak with the guy he can’t get out of his head pass him by. The question is, will Josh accept the man Chris has become?
I’ll be honest here, I wasn’t expecting much from this story because of how short it is. I mean, 7,000 words? That’s almost nothing so I didn’t really expect much meat to it but instead having it filled with smut. How wrong I was! Yes, there is smut but there’s also a lot of substance to the story, enough that I really liked it!
Chris is the type of person who cracks jokes about his disability. He has no legs? So what, that’s not going to stop him from going out and living and being funny while he’s at it! I really loved him and I really liked that Josh didn’t let Chris� no legs become an issue between them. Granted, Josh is a bit of an enigma in that we really know nothing about him. Still, it was obvious that he cared for Chris just as much as Chris cared for Josh. He was upset that Chris didn’t call him when he got back from the war and I really liked that he was so invested in Chris even though they barely knew each other.
I enjoyed this story but I did feel it was too short so it left me with a lot of questions. Like, who was the guy Josh was with when Chris saw him? What was the deal with him? What happens now? Are they dating or are they just casually hooking up? How does Josh feel about Chris� disability? What exactly happened to have Chris lose both legs? I felt like that wasn’t explained very well and almost seemed like there were two incidents where he lost a leg each time but I don’t understand how that’s possible. Just so many questions that I felt a longer story could have answered� plus, I just really wanted more of them!
In the end, this was a great short story about a man who might have lost both of his legs but that’s not going to stop him from living his life or hooking up again with the one-night stand he left before he went off to war. I really liked that for such a short story, it held such a big punch. If you’re looking for something quick, sweet and about a wounded warrior, give this one a go because you won’t regret it ;)
Before Chris shipped off to Afghanistan, he had a one-night stand with a man that left a big impression. Now back from the war and missing both his legs, Chris dares not call Josh for fear of being rejected. But he can’t avoid Josh when he sees him at a local gay club. Now that Josh is there, Chris won’t let the opportunity to speak with the guy he can’t get out of his head pass him by. The question is, will Josh accept the man Chris has become?
I’ll be honest here, I wasn’t expecting much from this story because of how short it is. I mean, 7,000 words? That’s almost nothing so I didn’t really expect much meat to it but instead having it filled with smut. How wrong I was! Yes, there is smut but there’s also a lot of substance to the story, enough that I really liked it!
Chris is the type of person who cracks jokes about his disability. He has no legs? So what, that’s not going to stop him from going out and living and being funny while he’s at it! I really loved him and I really liked that Josh didn’t let Chris� no legs become an issue between them. Granted, Josh is a bit of an enigma in that we really know nothing about him. Still, it was obvious that he cared for Chris just as much as Chris cared for Josh. He was upset that Chris didn’t call him when he got back from the war and I really liked that he was so invested in Chris even though they barely knew each other.
I enjoyed this story but I did feel it was too short so it left me with a lot of questions. Like, who was the guy Josh was with when Chris saw him? What was the deal with him? What happens now? Are they dating or are they just casually hooking up? How does Josh feel about Chris� disability? What exactly happened to have Chris lose both legs? I felt like that wasn’t explained very well and almost seemed like there were two incidents where he lost a leg each time but I don’t understand how that’s possible. Just so many questions that I felt a longer story could have answered� plus, I just really wanted more of them!
In the end, this was a great short story about a man who might have lost both of his legs but that’s not going to stop him from living his life or hooking up again with the one-night stand he left before he went off to war. I really liked that for such a short story, it held such a big punch. If you’re looking for something quick, sweet and about a wounded warrior, give this one a go because you won’t regret it ;)
Read
February 1, 2012I can find only a defect to this story, that is “only� a short story. The plot, the characters, the setting, they are all so nice that it seems a shame to relegate them to few pages. Nevertheless it was a pleasure to read this short story, and maybe the author will consider to go back to these characters and give them some more life for us to enjoy.
Chris is a former English soldier who lost his legs in a mission gone wrong in Afghanistan. Now he is back home and he pretty much managed to build a life again, friends, places, everyday moves. But he has one regret, Josh, the cutie he had a one night stand just few nights before leaving for Afghanistan and who asked him to call when he was back home. Chris didn’t call. Already before leaving he was thinking Josh was too good for him, beautiful, young and pretty in a boyish way, wherelse Chris was stocky and plain not in a “fashionable� way. Now, with a disability atop of it, Chris doesn’t want to take the chance of a refusal. But temptation is strong, and maybe going the same place where they met, letting Josh see what happened, and having him deciding if they are worth another try, that is not risking much.
Josh will surprise Chris; of course he is upset, of course he is hurting for what happened to Chris, but that is not a reason for him to forget they were good together and they can still be.
Chris is more well-rounded than Josh, and we have even some insight in his day-to-day life, in his friends and in the places he likes. Josh is more hinted than fully developed, but we know he has some Cassandra’s complex, that he is trying to replace his father, a man he loved and lost, with a lover. The disability of Chris should have written him off from the possible right partner list, but Josh is really not considering Chris’s disability as an obstacle, and maybe that disability makes him more real, less near to the “daddy� picture Josh has in mind for his lover, and thought their relationship will be truer than a role-play.
Chris is a former English soldier who lost his legs in a mission gone wrong in Afghanistan. Now he is back home and he pretty much managed to build a life again, friends, places, everyday moves. But he has one regret, Josh, the cutie he had a one night stand just few nights before leaving for Afghanistan and who asked him to call when he was back home. Chris didn’t call. Already before leaving he was thinking Josh was too good for him, beautiful, young and pretty in a boyish way, wherelse Chris was stocky and plain not in a “fashionable� way. Now, with a disability atop of it, Chris doesn’t want to take the chance of a refusal. But temptation is strong, and maybe going the same place where they met, letting Josh see what happened, and having him deciding if they are worth another try, that is not risking much.
Josh will surprise Chris; of course he is upset, of course he is hurting for what happened to Chris, but that is not a reason for him to forget they were good together and they can still be.
Chris is more well-rounded than Josh, and we have even some insight in his day-to-day life, in his friends and in the places he likes. Josh is more hinted than fully developed, but we know he has some Cassandra’s complex, that he is trying to replace his father, a man he loved and lost, with a lover. The disability of Chris should have written him off from the possible right partner list, but Josh is really not considering Chris’s disability as an obstacle, and maybe that disability makes him more real, less near to the “daddy� picture Josh has in mind for his lover, and thought their relationship will be truer than a role-play.
August 16, 2016
ARC provided by the publisher through in exchange for an impartial review.
Chris came home from Afghanistan when he was severely injured and lost both legs. Finally released from medical care and adjusting to civilian life, with his sense of humor intact, he sets out for the local gay bar where he met a guy the week before he shipped out. Josh has been on his mind a lot, and he hopes to at least get to see him there, though he’s pretty sure Josh has forgotten him, and even if not, Josh may be turned off by Chris’s disability.
When Josh gave his number to Chris, he really hoped he’d hear from him again. It’s been close to a year but the man was truly unforgettable. Now, when he turns around and spots Chris, he’s shocked but finds himself still attracted. Can there be any hope for someone Chris probably filed away as a one-night stand?
I hope all readers enjoy this story as much as I did. Though brief, it packs a lot of punch. And it’s also full of humor, much of it from Chris and his light-hearted view of his circumstances. Both characters are sweet and seem genuinely suited to each other. A nice tidbit to make me wish for more about these guys in the future.
Chris came home from Afghanistan when he was severely injured and lost both legs. Finally released from medical care and adjusting to civilian life, with his sense of humor intact, he sets out for the local gay bar where he met a guy the week before he shipped out. Josh has been on his mind a lot, and he hopes to at least get to see him there, though he’s pretty sure Josh has forgotten him, and even if not, Josh may be turned off by Chris’s disability.
When Josh gave his number to Chris, he really hoped he’d hear from him again. It’s been close to a year but the man was truly unforgettable. Now, when he turns around and spots Chris, he’s shocked but finds himself still attracted. Can there be any hope for someone Chris probably filed away as a one-night stand?
I hope all readers enjoy this story as much as I did. Though brief, it packs a lot of punch. And it’s also full of humor, much of it from Chris and his light-hearted view of his circumstances. Both characters are sweet and seem genuinely suited to each other. A nice tidbit to make me wish for more about these guys in the future.
May 4, 2015
Perfection.
^ This is all that really needs said about this story, but if you want more, read on.
As a user of a wheelchair, I've never yet read a story that makes being in a wheelchair seem normal and acceptable, as well as somewhat sexy. This book does all of the above. The way Chris views his disability is refreshingly real and natural. Even the bitterness, the acceptance and the way he views himself as unworthy of attention or love, is spot on.
I loved the characterisation in so few pages and the chemistry that you could feel.
^ This is all that really needs said about this story, but if you want more, read on.
As a user of a wheelchair, I've never yet read a story that makes being in a wheelchair seem normal and acceptable, as well as somewhat sexy. This book does all of the above. The way Chris views his disability is refreshingly real and natural. Even the bitterness, the acceptance and the way he views himself as unworthy of attention or love, is spot on.
I loved the characterisation in so few pages and the chemistry that you could feel.
September 6, 2015
Liked this short story. Chris is a unique voice and the story is interesting because he is. In giving you his story you get a peek into the life and thoughts of a wounded ex-soldier. Chris makes you see without the pity and the avoidance what life for him is like. Even though it was short it was a delightful read.
March 18, 2012
I really enjoyed this story and just like everyone else I wish it was longer! If I have one complaint, it was that a book so clearly British in character, story and expression contained American spellings. Usually this doesn't really bother me but for some reason in this one it did.
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