Conflict of Interest by J. M. Snyder

Twenty year-old Alex is a sensitive gay man who volunteers for a youth outreach program run by a very liberal priest at a live-in shelter for runaway teenagers. Alex is considered a good role model for confused teens at risk because he leads a stable and responsible life: he works at a radio station and he shares an apartment with a straight, but gay-tolerant, roommate named Dave.

Imagine his surprise when he meets the youth he will be mentoring: eighteen year-old Jamie, a handsome gay teenager who smolders with unrestrained sexuality. During their first meeting, Jamie practically undresses and fondles himself right in front of Alex, amused at the effect he has on his slightly older mentor. 

Alex has real reservations about his ability to influence a guy only two years younger than he is. Plus he recognizes that the obvious attraction springing up between them may hinder more than help Jamie's evolution to a more wholesome and stable life. Apparently Jamie is a wild and reckless youth who disappears from the shelter for nights at a time, dabbling with prostitution in various rough clubs.

Father Nate urges Alex to stay in the program. Driven by his hormones as much as a desire to do the right thing, Alex agrees to see Jamie again. This starts a tumultuous relationship between the two guys that is fraught with misunderstanding as Alex tries not to give in to his desires and Jamie starts acting out to hasten the rejection that he assumes is inevitable.

This 76-page novella contains no real sex scenes but concentrates more on the romantic tensions between Alex and Jamie as they seek to navigate their unusual relationship.  It has the good pacing and precise, vivid details I've come to expect and enjoy in this author's fiction.  However, overall it doesn't quite work for me here at ObsidianBookshelf.com.  First, Alex isn't as clearly defined as he could be:  his thoughts and actions sometimes seem too old for twenty year-old.  Mainly, though, the conflict doesn't feel quite real to me: why can't these two just get together?

However, Jamie is a real hot-blooded character!  He's vivid and very realistic, and he steals every scene.
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