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A New Normal #1
A New Normal
Former Marine Corps Major Jake Vincenzo had a plan.He was convinced that his son Mark and his long-time best friend Cade were in love but just didn't know it. Forced for years to hide his own gayness, Jake had kept a secret getaway -- a remote mountain cabin -- where he now intended to play matchmaker for the two nineteen year-olds. What he didn't count on was falling in love with Cade. How will the three navigate the minefields of potential hurt, jealousy and even betrayal? How will father and son maintain their close relationship without viewing each other as rivals? And how will Cade reconcile falling in love with the two most important men in his life against the backdrop of a disapproving family? For each, it means redefining normal. It means finding a new normal.
236 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2011
1 person is currently reading
76 people want to read
About the author
William Neale
15 books45 followersWilliam Neale lived in Cleveland, Ohio with his partner of over a decade. Relatively new to the world of contemporary m/m romance, he spent over thirty years as a successful corporate communications executive, ad man, and PR "spin doctor."
Knowing how to "make up the truth" prepared him well for his next career as an author. William made no apologies for the fact that his books and characters are often larger than life. A William Neale novel invites you to a fantasy - to a place where you can dream and hope that indeed, happily-ever-after can and does exist.
Those who seek brutally "real," gritty, and angst-ridden life stories probably won't find them in a William Neale book. "That's okay," said Neale. "Not everybody wants or appreciates a feel-good story. As for me, reading has always been a wonderful escape from reality. Even as a child, I loved the fantasy of becoming Peter Pan, Huck Finn, or one of the Hardy Boys."
Knowing how to "make up the truth" prepared him well for his next career as an author. William made no apologies for the fact that his books and characters are often larger than life. A William Neale novel invites you to a fantasy - to a place where you can dream and hope that indeed, happily-ever-after can and does exist.
Those who seek brutally "real," gritty, and angst-ridden life stories probably won't find them in a William Neale book. "That's okay," said Neale. "Not everybody wants or appreciates a feel-good story. As for me, reading has always been a wonderful escape from reality. Even as a child, I loved the fantasy of becoming Peter Pan, Huck Finn, or one of the Hardy Boys."
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
May 16, 2011
2.5 Stars
I had a very difficult time reading this book, because I liked it and didn't like it at the same time. I really loved the characters (though, sadly, my favorite character didn't end up with the man -- which is the only non-spoiler way I can think of saying it), but at the same time, I felt like the characters were lost in translation. By that, I mean that the poor writing got in the way of their personalities coming completely forward. I think it must be specific to this book (IMO), because I have read previous works by this author that were very smartly written. Most of the prose and dialogue just felt awkward -- filled with words no one would use in conversation (especially Cade, Mark, and Jake), way too heavy with the "frat speak" (though some amount does suit the three men), and dialogue full of exposition to the point where the characters seems to be preaching morals or constantly "teaching" the reader. I've seen this pretty often with coming of age stories, but this kind of writing makes it seem as if the author were writing to gay teens. Still, I liked the plotline, and though I'm still not sure if I really enjoyed the turn in the plot towards the end, I still enjoyed the story enough to keep reading. Now, if only my favorite character had really gotten his happy ending. He was by far the most interesting character, in my opinion.
This is a book that many people will like. It is sweet and cute, but I wish that more time had been spent editing it.
I had a very difficult time reading this book, because I liked it and didn't like it at the same time. I really loved the characters (though, sadly, my favorite character didn't end up with the man -- which is the only non-spoiler way I can think of saying it), but at the same time, I felt like the characters were lost in translation. By that, I mean that the poor writing got in the way of their personalities coming completely forward. I think it must be specific to this book (IMO), because I have read previous works by this author that were very smartly written. Most of the prose and dialogue just felt awkward -- filled with words no one would use in conversation (especially Cade, Mark, and Jake), way too heavy with the "frat speak" (though some amount does suit the three men), and dialogue full of exposition to the point where the characters seems to be preaching morals or constantly "teaching" the reader. I've seen this pretty often with coming of age stories, but this kind of writing makes it seem as if the author were writing to gay teens. Still, I liked the plotline, and though I'm still not sure if I really enjoyed the turn in the plot towards the end, I still enjoyed the story enough to keep reading. Now, if only my favorite character had really gotten his happy ending. He was by far the most interesting character, in my opinion.
This is a book that many people will like. It is sweet and cute, but I wish that more time had been spent editing it.
May 9, 2011
Major Jake Vincenzo promised his son and his son's best friend that he would take them camping for two weeks this summer to celebrate their high school graduation. One problem...his son failed History and has to take summer school to get his diploma. To teach Mark a lesson in responsibility Jake takes Cade on the trip while Mark is left at home to deal with the consequences of not passing his class.
Jake has suspected for some time that Mark and Cade are in love with each other and he is hoping to take their time away as an opportunity to encourage them to admit to themselves and to each other how they feel. Jake knows what it is like to deny your true feelings and doesn't want his son and Cade to miss out.
During those first two weeks Jake and Cade become close and Cade confides in Jake his thoughts about his sexual orientation and his concerns for the future. Being the only child of older, devout parents Cade is afraid of what will happen when he tells them that not only is he gay but he really doesn't want to become a CPA and take over his fathers business.
When those first two weeks are up and Mark is able to join them he has some confessions of his own and is surprised and concerned at how close his father and Cade have become. While the two boys work on trying to figure out their relationship a misunderstanding could end it and possibly cost them the future they are trying to plan.
This book for me was completely un-put-downable. I fell into this story and very quickly became invested in not only Cade and Mark's life but Jake's as well. While the first chapter is a bit weighed down with back story, once past that the story takes off and never slows down. I enjoy Mr. Neale's writing style and love how quickly he can make me care about his characters. Some of the dialogue seemed a little "old" for two 19 year old's but in no way did that take away from the story line for me. I wish that every teenager out there struggling with their identity could have a Jake in their life to tell them it's OK. If you are looking for a great coming of age story look no further than A New Normal. I give A New Normal 5 chocolate dipped strawberries.
Jake has suspected for some time that Mark and Cade are in love with each other and he is hoping to take their time away as an opportunity to encourage them to admit to themselves and to each other how they feel. Jake knows what it is like to deny your true feelings and doesn't want his son and Cade to miss out.
During those first two weeks Jake and Cade become close and Cade confides in Jake his thoughts about his sexual orientation and his concerns for the future. Being the only child of older, devout parents Cade is afraid of what will happen when he tells them that not only is he gay but he really doesn't want to become a CPA and take over his fathers business.
When those first two weeks are up and Mark is able to join them he has some confessions of his own and is surprised and concerned at how close his father and Cade have become. While the two boys work on trying to figure out their relationship a misunderstanding could end it and possibly cost them the future they are trying to plan.
This book for me was completely un-put-downable. I fell into this story and very quickly became invested in not only Cade and Mark's life but Jake's as well. While the first chapter is a bit weighed down with back story, once past that the story takes off and never slows down. I enjoy Mr. Neale's writing style and love how quickly he can make me care about his characters. Some of the dialogue seemed a little "old" for two 19 year old's but in no way did that take away from the story line for me. I wish that every teenager out there struggling with their identity could have a Jake in their life to tell them it's OK. If you are looking for a great coming of age story look no further than A New Normal. I give A New Normal 5 chocolate dipped strawberries.
August 30, 2011
I finished it, though I was never quite sure why. Seriously weird word-choices, things that were utterly inappropriate for the characters. And flat, stilted, sometimes florid dialogue. It was an interesting idea but the execution just didn't work for me.
January 8, 2012
I don't often review books - but this one has really stayed with me all week. Every person recieves a book differently and I am sure my reaction will different than others. I have read other Neale books and enjoy his story/theme approach. Perhaps if the story had started with Mark and Cade and the feeling that they had for each other, instead of Jack falling for Cade, I would feel differently. But my chest ached for Jack, everytime that he bit down on his own heartbreak I feel more for his character.
I ended up walking away from the end of the book feeling that Jack truely had to settle for second best and that Cade ended up with second best. This is the first time that I did not pick up the sequel to a book, I could not hope for a HEA for Mark and Cade.
I ended up walking away from the end of the book feeling that Jack truely had to settle for second best and that Cade ended up with second best. This is the first time that I did not pick up the sequel to a book, I could not hope for a HEA for Mark and Cade.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 22, 2012
The. Home series with this latest entry by author William Neale. In this story we meet Jake Vincenzo, former Marine Corp Major and his son Mark, also the childhood friend of Mark that both men love Cade Harris. Jake and Cade spend two weeks together and find themselves with feelings for each other neither man will act on because Jake feels Cade and Mark are destine for each other. This story is hopelessly romantic as most of Mr Neale's books are, but I love the romance and it's a wonderful journey to take!
January 21, 2013
I think that one of the objectives of the author here was to break the stereotype of the straight military man with no emotions. I can appreciate that. However, I think he went a bit off the deep end, with dialogue that at times made me wince. Had this been a movie, as I tend to visualize everything, I could only imagine how corny it would have been. I thought the editing needed a lot of work and even the cover was one that didn't inspire any interest in me. Underneath, I think the writer has a lot of talent, though the storyline made me cringe.
May 16, 2011
3.5 stars. I really enjoyed this story. Jake was my favorite character!
January 10, 2012
This is a well written coming of age and sexuality awareness novel. Well developed characters, great emotional display and romance was very touching and endearing. If you love romance this one has it including the insecurities we all have in finding true love.
May 18, 2011
new levels of absurdity i did not know existed.
July 26, 2011
3.5 great story but the a bit stilted in places
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews