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The Making of a Man #3
Stronger in Your Hands
The Making of a Man Book Three.
Eighteen and still trapped at prep school, Alex feels he and Jared will never get together, and then a surprise visit from Jared puts all doubt to rest. After Alex graduates, everything seems to fall right into place. The heat between them is scorching, but secrets from Jared’s past and his need to take care of everyone around him jeopardizes their fledgling relationship. How will they build a future if Jared can't to face the past?
Eighteen and still trapped at prep school, Alex feels he and Jared will never get together, and then a surprise visit from Jared puts all doubt to rest. After Alex graduates, everything seems to fall right into place. The heat between them is scorching, but secrets from Jared’s past and his need to take care of everyone around him jeopardizes their fledgling relationship. How will they build a future if Jared can't to face the past?
153 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 29, 2011
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432 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
December 29, 2017
5 not a virgin anymore stars
Jared and Alex's story is:
I loved this 3rd book. Alex finally graduated from high school. I loved when Jared surprised him on prom night, Alex's reaction was priceless. He was not expecting it and finally other students believed that he truly had a boyfriend.
Their first night together on prom night was so enjoyable to read. The sex scenes were sensual without being smutty and when these two got their hands on each-other they went all in.
I've been kissing you for three years. That's enough foreplay even for a chick. Tonight, I plan to suck your brains out through your dick, and I hope like hell you won't mind returning the favor"
The writing style is different it includes their present day relationship and the beginning of their relationship and how they grow together.
Jared and Alex's story is:
I loved this 3rd book. Alex finally graduated from high school. I loved when Jared surprised him on prom night, Alex's reaction was priceless. He was not expecting it and finally other students believed that he truly had a boyfriend.
Their first night together on prom night was so enjoyable to read. The sex scenes were sensual without being smutty and when these two got their hands on each-other they went all in.
I've been kissing you for three years. That's enough foreplay even for a chick. Tonight, I plan to suck your brains out through your dick, and I hope like hell you won't mind returning the favor"
The writing style is different it includes their present day relationship and the beginning of their relationship and how they grow together.
November 18, 2016
Sigue la historia de Alex y Jared, con los mismos clichés y los consiguientes ojos entornados. Pero a estas alturas ya no lo puedo evitar, quiero saber qué pasa con ellos, y son tan dulces...
July 4, 2011
First I hate the facial hair on the guy in the background. Looks a bit creepy IMHO
That said I flipping Love this book and Love these characters. I cannot get enough of them. This is the best story so far IMO and i love watching these guys develop and grow as characters and they feel so real to me it is like I know them. I loved getting to know Jared better in this one. He really frustrated me a bit with his reluctance to reveal his secrets but the story was great and we got to see a more vulnerable side of J.
This book had some darker moments but it was also had some of the sweetest too. As much as J frustrated me at parts he would say the sweetest most heartfelt things that would leave me crying. Yes i was crying with in the first few pages and cried most of the way through it. Mostly because it was a sweet good cry but there were a few angsty sad cries too.
I cannot recommend this series enough. If you haven't read them you are missing out...I just love these guys and am excited we get four more books to get to know them even better.
That said I flipping Love this book and Love these characters. I cannot get enough of them. This is the best story so far IMO and i love watching these guys develop and grow as characters and they feel so real to me it is like I know them. I loved getting to know Jared better in this one. He really frustrated me a bit with his reluctance to reveal his secrets but the story was great and we got to see a more vulnerable side of J.
This book had some darker moments but it was also had some of the sweetest too. As much as J frustrated me at parts he would say the sweetest most heartfelt things that would leave me crying. Yes i was crying with in the first few pages and cried most of the way through it. Mostly because it was a sweet good cry but there were a few angsty sad cries too.
I cannot recommend this series enough. If you haven't read them you are missing out...I just love these guys and am excited we get four more books to get to know them even better.
July 2, 2011
Okay no one tell Diane but I kinda envy her ability to get inside these guy's heads. Jared shows his vulnerable side, Alex turns eighteen, we have private moments, public moments, family, and the usual supporting characters that weave in and out of the story seamlessly. Add in the Stevie story and I couldnt put this damn thing down and I may now need more chiro for my shoulder...
On a serious note, I always say Diane is a poet when she writes. The images she creates in her words always leave me wanting more...
Good thing I get first dibs on her writing when she is doing her WIPs, otherwise I would go MAD wanting to know what the next chap in these guys lives could be...
Well done my friend, awesome chapter in their lives...
On a serious note, I always say Diane is a poet when she writes. The images she creates in her words always leave me wanting more...
Good thing I get first dibs on her writing when she is doing her WIPs, otherwise I would go MAD wanting to know what the next chap in these guys lives could be...
Well done my friend, awesome chapter in their lives...
August 28, 2018
Third book and its still going strong. But WOW wasn't expecting the story line off shoot. Still loving the two main characters, had a few tears but of the good kind as well as the sad. The whole prom thing was so sweet, and the whole not being able to say the words thing was so adorable. But the bit that really choked me up was Jared at his dads grave. The emotions felt so real. Sorry I really don't want to put out any spoilers. Can't wait to read more. Longing to find out if Alex's mum followed through on her threats or not.
Waiting impatiently for more lol.
Second time around and this story loses nothing, I'm ready now for Clarks story. I'd forgotten what a great character he was, after all its not his fault he's not gay LOL.
Oh and Jareds growl? Sooo hot and yet sooooo cute lol.
ETA Still a tissues needed read. Jared really is bloody perfect lol
Waiting impatiently for more lol.
Second time around and this story loses nothing, I'm ready now for Clarks story. I'd forgotten what a great character he was, after all its not his fault he's not gay LOL.
Oh and Jareds growl? Sooo hot and yet sooooo cute lol.
ETA Still a tissues needed read. Jared really is bloody perfect lol
June 9, 2020
Finally! They did the deed 🤣. Best one yet. I just love these two 🥰
February 8, 2012
This was definitely the best of the Making of a Man books yet. Alex is now 18 and legally an adult in every way. Jared arrives at the school to take Alex to the prom then to his hotel room for their first night together. All of the characters that we've come to know and love or hate are woven into the story perfectly. What made this book the best to me was that Ms Adams showed the reader Jared's damaged, more insecure side. It is Alex this time who took control by supporting and loving Jared through his dark time. Alex and Jared finally became equals. The scene in the cemetery and the scene with Jared's Mom and Alex were particularly well done and touching. If you have been avoiding this excellent series because you think it's a twink romance, get over it. The sex sizzled in this book and the depth of the characters that Ms Adams has created rivals anything has been written by the more well known authors lately.
Reviewed on Hearts On Fire... http://heartsonfirereviews.com/?p=752
Reviewed on Hearts On Fire... http://heartsonfirereviews.com/?p=752
November 3, 2011
This truly is a wonderful series. I would love to have friends like Jared and Alex in my life. Can't wait to read the 5th book. I will be skipping over the 4 th...too much angst with Clark and Stevie....and it's m/f ...ewww....lol
Oh who am i kidding....of course i will read it ...lol
Oh who am i kidding....of course i will read it ...lol
July 21, 2019
This novella-type series is getting better and better. I love the fact that the two guys are just head-over-heels for each other
, and although Jared can't bring himself to say those three little words, his many actions speak louder than words, and for the time being, that will suffice.They do finally have sex because Alex is now 18 and has graduated
, and they've both waited long enough. 
We find that Clark and Stevie are still working for Jared, and things are just about treading water for them, Clark loves her desperately, but Stevie keeps him at a distance, even though she apparently loves him too. Unfortunately Alex's mum is still alive 
, but as stupidly ignorant as ever. Alex's dad is still marvellous and Jared's mum is as sympathetic, loving and helpful as she can be, a complete opposite to 'the hated one'.Stevie is once again attacked by her mother, and is so badly injured that Jared takes her into his own home after her release from hospital, because she has nowhere else to go. She eventually admits to herself that she needs professional help, and goes off to a sort of 'halfway house' to get that help. Clark is sent away by Jared to do some work away from their little town, and get his head back on straight.
Alex moves in with Jared, and we leave this particular instalment of the story with them finally having had the courage to have full-on sex, and surprise, surprise they both enjoyed it 😉.
July 2, 2011
"Takes more than one little orgasm to kill a three-year-old erection."
This is the story when Alex finally hits that age. He's 18 and in Jared's mind, Alex is now legal. With that sentence above from Jared, I have to admit that I'm slightly worried that the story will all about seduction and sex scenes. I have a little issue on that since I have my own preference on what romance should be and that doesn't include sex in every chapter. But I should have more faith to Diane (and apologize to her *grin*) because she throws some curve balls and proves my concern is unbased.
Jared does show a bit agression in the beginning, surprising Alex by coming to Alex's prom, taking Alex to a hotel afterwards (the scene where Jared asks permission from Alex's father is one of the most amusing scenes here), then planning to seduce his young lover. I'm a bit surprised with his words ("Dude, I've been kissing you for three years. That's enough foreplay even for a chick. Tonight, I plan to suck your brains out through your dick, and I hope like hell you won't mind returning the favor") but Jared has been patient, and pretty much celibate, for three years, I guess he's entitled to be enthusiastic.
Then the curve balls come, Jared is not ready with sex with penetration, apparently holding a secret that he's not ready to share Alex. In addition to that, there is a shocking event involving Stevie, Alex's and Clark's friend. Plus, Jared's inability to say the three little words, even if he shows it through his action but for Alex, that becomes a big issue.
All of these create a more complex story, rather than simple "Jared and Alex should seal the deal" thing. Because when the moment comes (after Jared reveals his secret), it is that ONE PERFECT moment, that is not only beautiful and heartwarming, but also brings my eyes all teary. And as always Diane opens and closes the story with Alex and Jared in the present time, showing how their love for 15 years is as strong as the first time (if not more)
It's another winner ... and I cannot wait for the next chapter in Alex/Jared life.
PS: I do notice a couple of typos, could do with better editing, I guess *shrugs*
This is the story when Alex finally hits that age. He's 18 and in Jared's mind, Alex is now legal. With that sentence above from Jared, I have to admit that I'm slightly worried that the story will all about seduction and sex scenes. I have a little issue on that since I have my own preference on what romance should be and that doesn't include sex in every chapter. But I should have more faith to Diane (and apologize to her *grin*) because she throws some curve balls and proves my concern is unbased.
Jared does show a bit agression in the beginning, surprising Alex by coming to Alex's prom, taking Alex to a hotel afterwards (the scene where Jared asks permission from Alex's father is one of the most amusing scenes here), then planning to seduce his young lover. I'm a bit surprised with his words ("Dude, I've been kissing you for three years. That's enough foreplay even for a chick. Tonight, I plan to suck your brains out through your dick, and I hope like hell you won't mind returning the favor") but Jared has been patient, and pretty much celibate, for three years, I guess he's entitled to be enthusiastic.
Then the curve balls come, Jared is not ready with sex with penetration, apparently holding a secret that he's not ready to share Alex. In addition to that, there is a shocking event involving Stevie, Alex's and Clark's friend. Plus, Jared's inability to say the three little words, even if he shows it through his action but for Alex, that becomes a big issue.
All of these create a more complex story, rather than simple "Jared and Alex should seal the deal" thing. Because when the moment comes (after Jared reveals his secret), it is that ONE PERFECT moment, that is not only beautiful and heartwarming, but also brings my eyes all teary. And as always Diane opens and closes the story with Alex and Jared in the present time, showing how their love for 15 years is as strong as the first time (if not more)
It's another winner ... and I cannot wait for the next chapter in Alex/Jared life.
PS: I do notice a couple of typos, could do with better editing, I guess *shrugs*
July 3, 2011
Once again, I am so pleased after reading about Alex and Jared. Adams is able to capture the love that is shared and the maturity that each has grown into. Stevie absolutely broke my heart! The method that Jared uses to capture memories is brilliant and made my heart stutter.
The snippets of present time at the beginning and end of the book always manage to sooth my heart and remind me of the happy ending. I truly enjoy learning about the road that leads to that. Can't wait to read the next book!
The snippets of present time at the beginning and end of the book always manage to sooth my heart and remind me of the happy ending. I truly enjoy learning about the road that leads to that. Can't wait to read the next book!
March 12, 2012
Stronger in Your Hands (The Making of a Man, #3) by Diane Adams is another wonderful story in the series. Diane has a remarkable talent for intermingling the history of her characters with the present-day story line.
January 26, 2013
Well I'm on my journey with these two guys and I'm starting to dread the finish line. A friend told me these get better as they go along and she was right. In this part of the story Alex is 18 and Jared starts the story ( after the usual present day prologue ) by surprising Alex at his prom * sigh * but this is also the night he lets Alex know that he is ready to take things further! The love scenes hot up in this volume but certainly not in a smutty way and for me the love and sexual tension is so palpable it made me tingle - many times! There are still some issues to work out and there's a sad episode for Stevie and Clark but once again this beautiful love story pulled me in and kept me reading catch up
Into the early hours! :)
Into the early hours! :)
July 2, 2011
Diane - you did it again. I will never ever get tired of Jared and Alex.
July 1, 2011
*sigh*
August 14, 2011
I have been chewing the walls down waiting on this one. Finally! I laughed and I cried throughout this book. I love seeing Jared and Alex grow throughout this series. I am especially fond of Diane Adams' jump forward in time to show us how these two are faring but also going backwards to show the special moments they have shared over the past decade. I cannot thank Ms. Adams enough for blessing us with these two wonderful human beings. I hope she continues this series since I'm not ready to let them go just yet.
July 29, 2011
Alex is finally out of school so he and Jared can move ahead with their adult relationship. Or can they? Jared has a big bad secret that may prevent them from having the kind of sex Alex has been expecting for years. Wow. This is a twist to the flashback that was completely unexpected and explains why Ms. Adams may have decided to tell the story in reverse. Great ending to the trilogy. I love the characters and won't soon forget them. More, please, Ms. Adams?
January 27, 2012
Even though this book went a little fast for me, I still thought it was a wonderful conclusion to this epic love story. I absolutely love Jared and Alex and this book just made me feel so happy for them. I loved the whole prom scene and their first time was perfectly done. I enjoyed this whole series, but to me, this last book was the cherry on top.
January 21, 2012
I'm glad to have read Alex and Jared's story. It was really great to see how they have matured and persevered through all of their struggles. This book brings it all together beautifully. Can't wait to read Clark's Story. He was such and amazing character.
July 2, 2011
Diane Adams is going to be on my list of favorite authors. Her writing is fantastic and I just loved this book, when you read her words its like you can actually feel the emotions. I hope that makes sense. I hope we continue to hear about life with Jared and Alex.
July 8, 2011
I really enjoyed the continuation of the story of Jared and Alex. I have really liked watching these two grow individually and as a couple. This book seemed a bit rushed in part and I wished we could have learned more about them and the past with Jared. But all in all a very enjoyable read.
July 2, 2011
Loved loved loved it. I could read about Alex and Jared forever. Just wish we didn't have to wait for November.
July 2, 2011
I love this series! I can read it over and over again...actually I will reread it over this weekend. I recommend this to anyone and everyone.
July 3, 2011
The books in this series keep getting better and better.
July 8, 2011
This book is every bit as good as the first 2 books in this series...loved it!
March 30, 2014
This is a sweet story, and there's nothing wrong with sweet stories. But but but...
I've become a terrible curmudgeon ever since I started doing editing work. It offends me to see stories written by authors who think they don't need editors -- or stories put out by publishers who don't bother to edit the stories that have been entrusted to them.
In this one, the constant -- and I do mean CONSTANT -- comma splices had me nearly yelling at the pages. Now, I'm not a person who hates all splices -- but there is a place and a time. CONSTANT splicing only shows me that neither the author nor the publisher knew what they were doing. And in between the splices, Adams often wrote as though she was paying for each individual comma -- so she used as few as she possibly could. Between the splices and the comma issues, I had a hard time concentrating on the story!
But I suppose that's just me. ;-)
As for the story -- yes, it's sweet. OTOH, I thought Stevie's trauma was more disruptive than anything else -- we saw neither its true beginning nor its end, only the middle. I know this was a setup for Stevie's own book, but in terms of plot I would have preferred to focus on one couple's problems at a time. On the good side, though, I did like the way Jared was shown as more vulnerable and imperfect in this installment of the series. It's been awhile since I read the first two, but my memory says that he seemed too perfect and in control before this one. Alex and Jared definitely come closer to being equal partners in this one, and that was satisfying.
All in all -- over the course of the series, I'd probably give the overall plot and character work 4 stars. But I just can't get past the egregiously bad editing, so I'm knocking my rating down to 3.
I've become a terrible curmudgeon ever since I started doing editing work. It offends me to see stories written by authors who think they don't need editors -- or stories put out by publishers who don't bother to edit the stories that have been entrusted to them.
In this one, the constant -- and I do mean CONSTANT -- comma splices had me nearly yelling at the pages. Now, I'm not a person who hates all splices -- but there is a place and a time. CONSTANT splicing only shows me that neither the author nor the publisher knew what they were doing. And in between the splices, Adams often wrote as though she was paying for each individual comma -- so she used as few as she possibly could. Between the splices and the comma issues, I had a hard time concentrating on the story!
But I suppose that's just me. ;-)
As for the story -- yes, it's sweet. OTOH, I thought Stevie's trauma was more disruptive than anything else -- we saw neither its true beginning nor its end, only the middle. I know this was a setup for Stevie's own book, but in terms of plot I would have preferred to focus on one couple's problems at a time. On the good side, though, I did like the way Jared was shown as more vulnerable and imperfect in this installment of the series. It's been awhile since I read the first two, but my memory says that he seemed too perfect and in control before this one. Alex and Jared definitely come closer to being equal partners in this one, and that was satisfying.
All in all -- over the course of the series, I'd probably give the overall plot and character work 4 stars. But I just can't get past the egregiously bad editing, so I'm knocking my rating down to 3.
November 22, 2011
I reviewed the first 3 books in this series together
These are all novellas, and we all know how I feel about those: a wonderful medium for a quick yet satisfying read. The Making of a Man series is a beautifully sweet, warm and fuzzy love story that spans 14 years. It is about making the right choices even though it hurts and that love is worth waiting and fighting for.
This is the story of Jared and Alex. Jared is only five years older than Alex, but when they first met Alex was only 15. Jared is openly gay and has had some relationships. Alex hasn’t come out, except to his best friend who is supportive, and has never had any gay experiences. The first book, Our December, is about how Alex and Jared met and dealt with their feelings. It is extremely touching and reminded me of how it felt to fall in love for the first time. My stomach got butterflies every time Alex’s did. Now I know what you are thinking, he is 15! Believe me, Jared knows this and refuses to physically act on his feelings. He makes all the right choices and helps Alex learn about his self and life in general.
I know you’re wondering now…why would I want to read a m/m romance with no sex? Adams was clever...
read the rest of the review: http://www.rarelydustybooks.com/2011/11/...
These are all novellas, and we all know how I feel about those: a wonderful medium for a quick yet satisfying read. The Making of a Man series is a beautifully sweet, warm and fuzzy love story that spans 14 years. It is about making the right choices even though it hurts and that love is worth waiting and fighting for.
This is the story of Jared and Alex. Jared is only five years older than Alex, but when they first met Alex was only 15. Jared is openly gay and has had some relationships. Alex hasn’t come out, except to his best friend who is supportive, and has never had any gay experiences. The first book, Our December, is about how Alex and Jared met and dealt with their feelings. It is extremely touching and reminded me of how it felt to fall in love for the first time. My stomach got butterflies every time Alex’s did. Now I know what you are thinking, he is 15! Believe me, Jared knows this and refuses to physically act on his feelings. He makes all the right choices and helps Alex learn about his self and life in general.
I know you’re wondering now…why would I want to read a m/m romance with no sex? Adams was clever...
read the rest of the review: http://www.rarelydustybooks.com/2011/11/...
March 2, 2015
This is a review of the series.
The books in this series are completely co-dependent. None of them are a stand-alone title which means that you will probably feel compelled to purchase the entire series. This is one of my pet peeves. At $4.39 per book, the price is quite steep for the word count. I can read 4 books from this series in one day.
I became emotionally invested in the characters Jared & Alex. Despite the fact that the story was a bit twee & some of the supporting characters a tad cliché, I felt compelled to keep reading despite the fact that I knew the characters ultimately got their HEA. Diane Adams managed to write a beautiful romance with a prolonged build up of sexual tension. It was nice to read a story where the characters got to grow up & develop. I can't quite pin-point what it is about this series that made it such compelling reading. Nothing jumps out saying "this makes this story fabulous". Perhaps it's the Twilight-like frustrated sexual tension. Perhaps it's simply the niceness of the characters. Whatever it is, it is a story I will re-read & if another book is written, I will buy it too. I would have rated the series 5 stars if it were re-worked into one book.
The books in this series are completely co-dependent. None of them are a stand-alone title which means that you will probably feel compelled to purchase the entire series. This is one of my pet peeves. At $4.39 per book, the price is quite steep for the word count. I can read 4 books from this series in one day.
I became emotionally invested in the characters Jared & Alex. Despite the fact that the story was a bit twee & some of the supporting characters a tad cliché, I felt compelled to keep reading despite the fact that I knew the characters ultimately got their HEA. Diane Adams managed to write a beautiful romance with a prolonged build up of sexual tension. It was nice to read a story where the characters got to grow up & develop. I can't quite pin-point what it is about this series that made it such compelling reading. Nothing jumps out saying "this makes this story fabulous". Perhaps it's the Twilight-like frustrated sexual tension. Perhaps it's simply the niceness of the characters. Whatever it is, it is a story I will re-read & if another book is written, I will buy it too. I would have rated the series 5 stars if it were re-worked into one book.
September 10, 2011
Each of the stories so far, are great individually. All three together, are fantastic. I love the format of the stories - the present foreshadowing what the story will contain, and a nice Denouement wrapping it up.
Jared and Alex are wonderful characters, ones you are rooting for, even when they do stupid things. Best friends Clark and Stevie round out the main cast of characters and are as fully fleshed as Jared and Alex.
I am hoping there will be more to this series. While book 3 ends quite well, there is more story to tell. I can't help but want a happy ending, or at least a resolution to, the situation with Alex's mom. There's also what happens while Alex is away at MIT and how about Clark and Stevie? The present parts of the stories tell us the end is good and all is well, but I want to know these journeys.
Jared and Alex are wonderful characters, ones you are rooting for, even when they do stupid things. Best friends Clark and Stevie round out the main cast of characters and are as fully fleshed as Jared and Alex.
I am hoping there will be more to this series. While book 3 ends quite well, there is more story to tell. I can't help but want a happy ending, or at least a resolution to, the situation with Alex's mom. There's also what happens while Alex is away at MIT and how about Clark and Stevie? The present parts of the stories tell us the end is good and all is well, but I want to know these journeys.
January 26, 2014
I have to say I have fallen in love with this couple, Jared and Alex are just perfect for one another.
In this book you get to see the transition of Alex after graduating HS and spending the summer with Jared before college, and even Jared's own path towards healing, its romantic and hot and sexy and VERY surprising spin-off towards the end.
Have to say I was enraptured with what was going on in their lives, just loved it.
We also get more of Clark and Stevie plus Jared's adorable mom.
Simply perfect, this is a fairy tale kinda story, with an obvious happy ending but love to see the struggles that couples have to always go through. Loved it!
Ill never look at rain the same way...
In this book you get to see the transition of Alex after graduating HS and spending the summer with Jared before college, and even Jared's own path towards healing, its romantic and hot and sexy and VERY surprising spin-off towards the end.
Have to say I was enraptured with what was going on in their lives, just loved it.
We also get more of Clark and Stevie plus Jared's adorable mom.
Simply perfect, this is a fairy tale kinda story, with an obvious happy ending but love to see the struggles that couples have to always go through. Loved it!
Ill never look at rain the same way...
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