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Passing Time
When world-weary Louis Duncan returns to the English town where he grew up, the last thing on his mind is finding love. He's come home to be at his estranged mother's side as she lies comatose in a hospital bed.
The always-sunny barman Jake Harvey yearns to offer Louis much more than a willing ear. After an evening of too much wine, too much Indian take-out, and too much of Jake's soft lips, Louis succumbs to the young man's charms. Jake proves to be a passionate lover as well as a loyal friend.
When his mother’s condition deteriorates, Louis leans on Jake to help him through the difficulty of another loss. The love of his life died two years before, but to Louis he remains every bit alive as Jake. He and Carter continue to chat, smoke together, even argue over whether Louis is living or merely existing. They do everything as they always did, except have sex. Now, despite Carter urging him to take the risk, can Louis give up his first real love and take his chances with the living?
Publisher's Note: This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find objectionable: Male/male sexual practices.
The always-sunny barman Jake Harvey yearns to offer Louis much more than a willing ear. After an evening of too much wine, too much Indian take-out, and too much of Jake's soft lips, Louis succumbs to the young man's charms. Jake proves to be a passionate lover as well as a loyal friend.
When his mother’s condition deteriorates, Louis leans on Jake to help him through the difficulty of another loss. The love of his life died two years before, but to Louis he remains every bit alive as Jake. He and Carter continue to chat, smoke together, even argue over whether Louis is living or merely existing. They do everything as they always did, except have sex. Now, despite Carter urging him to take the risk, can Louis give up his first real love and take his chances with the living?
Publisher's Note: This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find objectionable: Male/male sexual practices.
108 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 15, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
March 25, 2011
2.5 stars
Although Passing Time is definitely a romance, I found it rather depressing. The main character is well crafted and comes across as fully complex and deeply flawed. His struggle with letting his dead lover go takes up the majority of the story and focus. His sexual affair with a younger man is supposed to draw Louis back into the world of the living and it does to some extent. Unfortunately I found the ending to be pretty depressing and sad despite the slight sense of hope amid the realism.
The plot is very character driven as it revolves around the third person narrator Louis. He’s in England to sit by his mother’s hospital bed as she withers away from an unknown illness. Louis hasn’t seen his alcoholic mother in twenty years and feels nothing for her or about her death. In fact this is simply an excuse to be in England for an extended period of time and gives Louis a vague sense of tension. The real struggle is for Louis to let the ghost of his dead lover go and give a relationship with Jake a chance. It’s been two years since Carter died and Louis clings to the man’s ghost very tightly.
In fact Louis is so unwilling to let Carter go that he is very nasty and rude to Jake. As a younger university man, Jake comes across naïve and sheltered. He takes the considerable abuse Louis heaps on him without too much complaint. In some cases Jake acts immature with glares and tantrums, understandable given his treatment but it makes him come across as immature and very young. Unfortunately Jake is afforded very little depth simply because Louis is so self-absorbed and wrapped up in Carter’s ghost that Jake is seen as innocent and young and that’s it. Thus that’s the same impression and depth readers are given of Jake as well.
Louis is a fascinating yet tragic character. He cares little about his dying mother and that element isn’t very important at all. What is important is the relationship between Carter and Louis, one he’s unwilling to let go. The story does a nice job giving that relationship complexity and nuance. We’re told of Carter’s antics and how Louis wasn’t always happy yet Louis’ love for Carter was so deep that nothing else mattered. Much of this relationship is told in conversations between Louis and Carter’s ghost but those are arguably the main characters. Their love affair is romantic yet tragic, leaving very little room for Jake in the story.
The relationship between Louis and Jake is told through sex scenes. They do nothing but have sex and so there is a ton of sex in the story. Jake puts up with all of Louis’ rude and inconsiderate behavior, for reasons unknown, and even falls in love with Louis. This is told through sex once again and the ending attempts to be realistic but optimistic. I’m not sure how much I believe the ending though I do believe Louis wants to be with Jake. I though the final scene was melodramatic and depressing unfortunately. I can appreciate the symbolism and the choice but the story ends on a sad note, not a romantic one.
Passing Time is a very complex story with a lot of elements. The writing is very inspired in some scenes and the characters are realistic, flawed, and compelling. Unfortunately the topics broached and how the issues are handled may not be to all readers’ tastes. If you’re looking for a darker, meatier story this may satisfy as long as you don’t mind the story not having an upbeat, happy ending. I waivered on the rating since I think the story is good for the right reader but I found it depressing and not particularly enjoyable to read.
Although Passing Time is definitely a romance, I found it rather depressing. The main character is well crafted and comes across as fully complex and deeply flawed. His struggle with letting his dead lover go takes up the majority of the story and focus. His sexual affair with a younger man is supposed to draw Louis back into the world of the living and it does to some extent. Unfortunately I found the ending to be pretty depressing and sad despite the slight sense of hope amid the realism.
The plot is very character driven as it revolves around the third person narrator Louis. He’s in England to sit by his mother’s hospital bed as she withers away from an unknown illness. Louis hasn’t seen his alcoholic mother in twenty years and feels nothing for her or about her death. In fact this is simply an excuse to be in England for an extended period of time and gives Louis a vague sense of tension. The real struggle is for Louis to let the ghost of his dead lover go and give a relationship with Jake a chance. It’s been two years since Carter died and Louis clings to the man’s ghost very tightly.
In fact Louis is so unwilling to let Carter go that he is very nasty and rude to Jake. As a younger university man, Jake comes across naïve and sheltered. He takes the considerable abuse Louis heaps on him without too much complaint. In some cases Jake acts immature with glares and tantrums, understandable given his treatment but it makes him come across as immature and very young. Unfortunately Jake is afforded very little depth simply because Louis is so self-absorbed and wrapped up in Carter’s ghost that Jake is seen as innocent and young and that’s it. Thus that’s the same impression and depth readers are given of Jake as well.
Louis is a fascinating yet tragic character. He cares little about his dying mother and that element isn’t very important at all. What is important is the relationship between Carter and Louis, one he’s unwilling to let go. The story does a nice job giving that relationship complexity and nuance. We’re told of Carter’s antics and how Louis wasn’t always happy yet Louis’ love for Carter was so deep that nothing else mattered. Much of this relationship is told in conversations between Louis and Carter’s ghost but those are arguably the main characters. Their love affair is romantic yet tragic, leaving very little room for Jake in the story.
The relationship between Louis and Jake is told through sex scenes. They do nothing but have sex and so there is a ton of sex in the story. Jake puts up with all of Louis’ rude and inconsiderate behavior, for reasons unknown, and even falls in love with Louis. This is told through sex once again and the ending attempts to be realistic but optimistic. I’m not sure how much I believe the ending though I do believe Louis wants to be with Jake. I though the final scene was melodramatic and depressing unfortunately. I can appreciate the symbolism and the choice but the story ends on a sad note, not a romantic one.
Passing Time is a very complex story with a lot of elements. The writing is very inspired in some scenes and the characters are realistic, flawed, and compelling. Unfortunately the topics broached and how the issues are handled may not be to all readers’ tastes. If you’re looking for a darker, meatier story this may satisfy as long as you don’t mind the story not having an upbeat, happy ending. I waivered on the rating since I think the story is good for the right reader but I found it depressing and not particularly enjoyable to read.
April 13, 2011
When Louis meets an attractive younger man, he’s faced with the tough choice of either giving up his dead lover’s ghost or clinging to the past. It’s been two years since Carter died and since then Louis has had a relationship with a very realistic, talkative ghost. They can’t have sex but nothing else seems to have changed. Louis is determined to keep Carter’s spirit alive until he’s confronted by a very real, very sexy bartender that forces Louis to face reality. In the midst of his mother’s failing health, Louis tries to make the toughest choice of his life.
Passing Time is a novel about redemption and courage. Louis is clinging to his dead lover’s ghost as a way to keep the man alive. While the main impetus for Louis to go to England is his mother’s poor health, the real focus of the story is on Louis and whether he can get past Carter’s death to be with someone new. This struggle isn’t easy or pretty as Louis lashes out at Jake again and again. Jake sees something in Louis worth fighting for and is determined to make the man come out of his shell. This back and forth struggle is honest, raw, and gripping. It’s not always easy to read and Louis often comes across very unlikable in his grief and pain.
Determined to cling to what he knows, Louis tries again and again to shut Jake into a corner and not let the man in. For a long time I wondered why Jake put up with this behavior and in some ways Louis doesn’t entirely redeem himself. But he’s trying and that’s the essence of the story. Louis tries to overcome his pain and heartache to try again. There’s a feeling of hope and optimism at the end. It’s not a happy ending per se, but perhaps more that one could potentially happen in the future.
The tone of the story is somewhat dark, matching the dreary England weather. Dealing with the dead and dying most of the book does not make for a very bright subject. In between are sex scenes between Louis and Jake as their main interaction is sexual until the very, very end. The sex is what initially prompts Louis to take a chance on more perhaps and very little is known about Jake other than what he says. He’s a bright spot that Louis reaches for in the darkness of the story. Some readers may find this too dark and indeed I found it depressing in some ways but there is a bit of hope, though perhaps not as much as I would have liked, at the end.
originally posted at http://whippedcream2.blogspot.com/201...
Passing Time is a novel about redemption and courage. Louis is clinging to his dead lover’s ghost as a way to keep the man alive. While the main impetus for Louis to go to England is his mother’s poor health, the real focus of the story is on Louis and whether he can get past Carter’s death to be with someone new. This struggle isn’t easy or pretty as Louis lashes out at Jake again and again. Jake sees something in Louis worth fighting for and is determined to make the man come out of his shell. This back and forth struggle is honest, raw, and gripping. It’s not always easy to read and Louis often comes across very unlikable in his grief and pain.
Determined to cling to what he knows, Louis tries again and again to shut Jake into a corner and not let the man in. For a long time I wondered why Jake put up with this behavior and in some ways Louis doesn’t entirely redeem himself. But he’s trying and that’s the essence of the story. Louis tries to overcome his pain and heartache to try again. There’s a feeling of hope and optimism at the end. It’s not a happy ending per se, but perhaps more that one could potentially happen in the future.
The tone of the story is somewhat dark, matching the dreary England weather. Dealing with the dead and dying most of the book does not make for a very bright subject. In between are sex scenes between Louis and Jake as their main interaction is sexual until the very, very end. The sex is what initially prompts Louis to take a chance on more perhaps and very little is known about Jake other than what he says. He’s a bright spot that Louis reaches for in the darkness of the story. Some readers may find this too dark and indeed I found it depressing in some ways but there is a bit of hope, though perhaps not as much as I would have liked, at the end.
originally posted at http://whippedcream2.blogspot.com/201...
January 23, 2013
If Amazon only allowed 10 books on a Kindle at one time then Ash Penn's books would be included and never removed.There is something about the way she writes that's fresh and just does it for me in spades. I love the way she produces emotional, funny - verging on sarcastic character driven novels that portray her protags warts n' all. Love them or not( the characters I mean) you will always leave her books feeling that you have been witness to a slice of real life, like being a fly on the wall! Ms Penn has a knack of making the people in her books endearing and likeable even though at times it belies their actions within the plot.There are times when reading you almost feel voyeuristic , not only in a sexual way, but as if you are witnessing intense private moments that should only be between the persons involved. Don't expect Hallmark moments or Schmaltzy tear jerking scenes but get ready for your emotions to pulled multiple ways! One other thing that I find refreshing is her sex scenes are more true to life, not like most m/m books were the sex is always too good to be true and more often than not overly frequent or descriptive. In her stories sometimes its awkward or messy, like it can be between people who are just getting to know each other but one thing they always are, is raw and sexy.This book holds no exceptions, I'm not going to rehash the storyline ,so you can enjoy discovering this novel yourselves , its like peeling an onion,multi layered and it'll make your eyes water in more ways than one! Be prepared for a read that will stay with you long after finishing and if you've not already done so download or purchase ' Stray ' ( I also reviewed as 5* ) another Tour de force IMO. I have just read her newest book ' Loathing Leo ', that I was luckily able to purchase early as it is not out on general release yet but as soon as it hits Amazon get it, it left me reeling yet again . Gush over. Lol.
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February 11, 2013
This is my least favourite of Ash Penn's stories, but it still gets 4 stars so hey, that says something, right?
As always, beautifully written, with believable (not always particularly loveable) characters. Jake was pretty cute and he put up with a lot from Louis, but I just didn't feel quite as much connection between the characters as I usually do from Ash Penn.
It's pretty much a 3.5* rating from me, but bumped up to 4* for having the balls to tackle that most taboo subject amongst writers: a character that doesn't like cats!
As always, beautifully written, with believable (not always particularly loveable) characters. Jake was pretty cute and he put up with a lot from Louis, but I just didn't feel quite as much connection between the characters as I usually do from Ash Penn.
It's pretty much a 3.5* rating from me, but bumped up to 4* for having the balls to tackle that most taboo subject amongst writers: a character that doesn't like cats!
July 3, 2011
Louis Duncan and Jake Harvey couldn't be more different. One is older and jaded, the other is young and filled with hope. One sees his life as having happened, the other sees his life ahead of him. The list goes on. Once again, author Ash Penn has provided us with a story in which her protagonists live the imperfect lives of real people. And like real people, they struggle with obstacles in order to discover who they really are…and what they truly want.
At the beginning of the story, we meet Louis Duncan who has come to England to care for his dying mother. In a bar, he makes small talk with bartender Jake Harvey and in an unlikely turn of events, ends up being propositioned by the younger, highly attractive man. What was supposed to be a one night stand turns into a summer long romance, but this romance doesn't cause Louis and Jake to float on air. Instead, both deal with bumps and disappointments. It isn't until the end when we find out whether Louis can overcome his hang-ups and whether he isn't too late to win Jake over.
I have read Stray also by Ms. Penn and while reading that book, I emailed her as to her why she chose to represent such uncharacteristic heroes. The flaws and negative traits within her characters are major components of her style, which is at once refreshing and surprising. Her answer has stayed with me. She said something along the lines of, "I write imperfect characters because I like to read about them and no one else seems to have them out there."
To her credit, there is a unique quality to the way Ms. Penn develops plot and character. While all authors infuse conflict and tension, there tends to be a greater-than-life quality to the characters in most stories…mine included. In PASSING TIME, both characters are excruciatingly real, flawed, and human. There isn't anyone who would read this book and not identify with the two characters from some point in their own personal lives. This connection that comes so easily when reading PASSING TIME is what makes the book an enticing read.
Filled with angst, heat, and chemistry, the electronic pages turned quickly as I continuously delved into the character's lives, hoping for the best, but never knowing what to expect.
The only thing I found myself wanting more of as I read was the sex and the heat as the couple physically came together. With that said, the sex was believable and contributed to the story. There was nothing gratuitous about the sensuality in this book. It all served a purpose.
Once again, a great book by a great author.
At the beginning of the story, we meet Louis Duncan who has come to England to care for his dying mother. In a bar, he makes small talk with bartender Jake Harvey and in an unlikely turn of events, ends up being propositioned by the younger, highly attractive man. What was supposed to be a one night stand turns into a summer long romance, but this romance doesn't cause Louis and Jake to float on air. Instead, both deal with bumps and disappointments. It isn't until the end when we find out whether Louis can overcome his hang-ups and whether he isn't too late to win Jake over.
I have read Stray also by Ms. Penn and while reading that book, I emailed her as to her why she chose to represent such uncharacteristic heroes. The flaws and negative traits within her characters are major components of her style, which is at once refreshing and surprising. Her answer has stayed with me. She said something along the lines of, "I write imperfect characters because I like to read about them and no one else seems to have them out there."
To her credit, there is a unique quality to the way Ms. Penn develops plot and character. While all authors infuse conflict and tension, there tends to be a greater-than-life quality to the characters in most stories…mine included. In PASSING TIME, both characters are excruciatingly real, flawed, and human. There isn't anyone who would read this book and not identify with the two characters from some point in their own personal lives. This connection that comes so easily when reading PASSING TIME is what makes the book an enticing read.
Filled with angst, heat, and chemistry, the electronic pages turned quickly as I continuously delved into the character's lives, hoping for the best, but never knowing what to expect.
The only thing I found myself wanting more of as I read was the sex and the heat as the couple physically came together. With that said, the sex was believable and contributed to the story. There was nothing gratuitous about the sensuality in this book. It all served a purpose.
Once again, a great book by a great author.
March 26, 2011
"Passing Time" is the story of a man who has given up. He dwells in the memory of the lover he lost, and has come home to provide what little comfort he can to his dying mother.
From the unlikliest of places, a new man enters his life, and refuses to believe Louis can't love again.
"Passing Time" is a story of hope, love, and finding reasons to live again.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story and continue to look forward to more of Ms Penn's work.
From the unlikliest of places, a new man enters his life, and refuses to believe Louis can't love again.
"Passing Time" is a story of hope, love, and finding reasons to live again.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story and continue to look forward to more of Ms Penn's work.
June 21, 2012
This story is a bit sad. Louis is a bit to tragic, serious hermit of a character. I liked him overall. Jake is a man who knows what he wants and isn't shy to go after it. I enjoyed this cat and mouse game, but for my taste their relationship developed to fast. But overall it was an enjoyable story.
June 17, 2011
2.5 stars. Ok m/m romance about a guy who's back in England after 20 years because his mother's in a coma and dying. He hooks up with a college student and keeps his emotions at bay by talking to his dead lover. This just never came together for me, particularly the whole ghost/dead lover thing.
February 11, 2012
This was sweet..... But I find I. Not a fan of the who.e interacting with the dead partner will your current partner is sleeping in the bed. Also the ending? It wasmt an ending more like a middle that got cut off.
October 9, 2011
I really enjoyed this, I love the authors voice and the sparseness of the prose and emotional impact of the story. It's a little different and quite an authentic voice. I like this author muchly.
January 9, 2012
痛みを抱えた中年男とめげない若い男というシチュは大好きですが、ちょっと流れにぎこちなさが目立った感あり。
死んだ恋人の幽霊とかもいい味だしてると思うけど、やっぱりしっくり収まらずに違和感が残ったなー。
死んだ恋人の幽霊とかもいい味だしてると思うけど、やっぱりしっくり収まらずに違和感が残ったなー。
September 28, 2013
A bit depressing. Heavy on the sex. Not quite sure if I'll read it again or not. Off to the next!
December 22, 2012
I admit, I'm a sucker for an interesting ghost character.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews