Hope

Home #5

by William Neale

Dumped by his closeted lover only to fall for a man who’s already taken, Spencer Hawkins finishes up his fellowship to discover he doesn't have a job. For anyone on the outside looking in, it seemed Spencer was failing miserably at life in general, until one phone call changes everything. The prospect of pulling up stakes and relocating to a new city provides the one thing he needs most—Hope.

Hunter Harrison's partner has left, abandoning not only him but their adopted son whose heart defect has left them in limbo awaiting a heart transplant that may not come in time. It took meeting Spencer for Hunter and his son to find something new to hold onto—Hope.

Building a love that can last a lifetime will take strength and the one thing they found in each other—Hope.

Genres: M M Romance, Contemporary, Romance, Gay

ebook

First published April 24, 2012

About the author

William 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."

Reviews

[MsMiz (Tina) · Rating 4 out of 5]

No question about it, this is the best book in the series. Make sure you have tissue handy as you would have to have left your heart outside if this one does not tear you up a bit.

[Elisa Rolle]

It’s strange to think that this will be the last book in the Home series, since, even if the editor said William Neale was thinking if it was good to continue, it’s clear that he created a world, and a set of characters, that had still a lot of stories to tell us. But without William probably there is no chance to have the same love he was displaying for his characters and his city, Cleveland.

Coincidence wanted that I was in Cleveland just days before reading this novel. If that was not the case, I’d have probably not notice so much how much details the author gives to the reader about this city. To me Cleveland was not what I was expecting, and probably if I had read this book before going there, I’d have looked at it in a different way.

Another strange, and sad coincidence, is that Hope is all about the “heart”, especially the searching of a new heart for a 11 years old kid with a heart condition; in this novel, the author often highlights how Cleveland’s hospital is top notch for this type of conditions, but still William Neale passed away, totally unexpected, from an heart attack just few days after having finished this novel. Has William “given” his heart to this novel? Probably, but not in the meaning that this novel is somehow the cause of his death, but since I think he poured all his love in it, and everyone reading it will always face the knowledge this is the last gift of William to his readers.

About the story: Hope, like the other novels in the Home series, is a full-frontal romance, maybe not particularly sexy, but very romantic. It’s not a smushy type of romance, but it’s definitely an happily ever after romance. Someone can wonder maybe about the realism of having two 17 years old boys commit themselves to a long-term relationship, but sincerely, why not? If you are that lucky to meet the love of your life at that age, why you have to deny yourself the joy to fully live it?

I particularly appreciated the character of Thomas; he is the antagonist of Hunter to gain the love of Spencer. If I have to be true, sometime I even hoped that Spencer would have not to make a choice, and that what I was nearing was a threesome. But that was not possible, and in the end, the author chooses for the less “spectacular” evolution, but probably the righter for Spencer’s character. Spencer is not some sort of cinderfella character, he has his strength and even his faults, and he needs someone to balance him in all his aspects.

William didn’t know this was the last story in the Home series, and it’s evident he left many hints in this book that he was supposed to write at least one other story. I’m sad knowing that will not be the case, but nevertheless, don’t deny yourself the joy to read this novel and of course the previous in the series.

http://elisa-rolle.livejournal.com/15...

[Mandy*reads obsessively* · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading this story, knowing no matter how much I really want to read Thomas's story and for him to have his well deserved HEA, it won't happen, made me sad.
I liked Spencer in the previous story, a lot and I'm glad he got a good man and a cute kid.
Hunter is a single father with a very sick child. Ethan's life could end at anytime, yet he is so great and thinks he needs to be tough for his dad, touching.
Hunter wants and needs someone to share his life and stresses with but doesn't think he has enough in him to give to Spencer. But Spenc is sure they can make it work.
Thomas has a short introduction in this book, that sort of threw me, and when we met him again,I was wondering where it was going to go.
I'm not a huge fan of Spencer dating both men at the same time, but it was understandable, and it was clear where his heart lay. But like all of Mr Neale's stories, it was sweet and sappy and makes you feel good.
The side stories of Ash , Ryan and Rogie was nice, and again, I wish we would have had the chance to see where all this would have lead.

[Becky Condit · Rating 5 out of 5]

I so wish this were not William Neale’s last book. Clearly, I’m not alone in that, but because he passed away suddenly just after finishing HOPE there will not be another. That’s sad on so many levels. The Home series is over, Mr Neale’s talent as an author is stilled, his partner, family, and friends will miss the man, and his readers will always wonder what he might have written next. HOPE is his last gift. Take that any way you like. I take it with gratitude.

Please see my complete review on April 27, 2012 at http://mrsconditreadsbooks.com/index....

[Eugenia Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what a great story! I've read and enjoyed all of William Neale's books and this one didn't disappoint me. In fact, it went beyond my expectations.

Hope is about, well, it's about Hope. It's hoping Spencer can find love and happiness after his lover of three years leaves him. It's hoping eleven year old Ethan finds a new heart in time to save his life. It's hoping Hunter won't have to bury his son. It's hoping Rogie and Ryan, two young men who have committed themselves to one another have what it takes to make it last. It's hoping Thomas finds his true worth as a human being.

This book s not only a journey of finding new love, but also new beginnings and finding your true self.

This book had me not wanting to put it down. All of the characters are interesting and they all have their own story to tell.

I found it interesting and kind of sad that Hunter didn't think he could take care of his sick son and have a relationship with Spencer. I have a feeling Hunter really wanted this relationship with Spencer but was to afraid of being hurt. Hunter's partner had left him shortly after adopting Ethan, so Hunter had to take on the responsibility all alone, and had been doing so for years. He just didn't want to get hurt again. I believe Spencer had to prove to Hunter that he was willing to be there for both Hunter and Ethan. Spencer was there for Hunter when he needed him the most and proved than in fact. Hunter not only needed but wanted that love and support that only Spencer could give him.

Spencer on the other has his plate full. I feel Spencer had some soul searching of his own to do what with trying to fit into a new job, teaching English at a very exclusive school, in which he has to deal with false accusations that may have well turned out to be the beginnings of and end to his teaching career. Getting over his lover Carson who left him after three years. Getting back into the dating scene in search of "the one". Spencer is a smart guy, he knows what he's about and what he wants out of life. He makes some choices that are nothing but a win for everyone involved.

It's a well balanced read, you have the love interests, but it isn't all butterflies and buttercups! Some really bad stuff happens, but everyone gets through it and they are all the better for it.

The only thing I didn't like and I thought it a little odd at the time, was a little episode in the beginning of the book. It seemed out of place and I was confused when I read it. As the story goes on, it started to make sense to me. The author wants us to not like this character, he wants us to find him repulsive and a little sleazy! But, by the end of the book, this one character redeems himself in ways that was really shocking and surprising. There is hope for him yet.

This is the last book we'll ever read from William Neale. I know he had many more great stories to tell, and it breaks my heart knowing we'll never get to read them.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed for Joyfully Jay and my blog:

Rating 5 stars

Spencer Hawkins feels like a failure. His best friend and closeted lover has unexpectedly left him and he's finished his degree with no job prospects, no money in the bank, and unwilling to ask his family for any support as they are stretched as thin as they come. A surprise phone call presents Spencer with the prospect of a new job and future in a new city, Cleveland, Ohio.

Hunter Harrison is struggling in the face of increasing stress and constant heartache. His partner has abandoned him and their adopted son, Ethan. Ethan has a heart defect and needs a heart transplant if he is to live. Faced with losing his son and his mounting medical bills, Hunter desperately needs the one thing missing from his life lately - hope.

Both men come together at a time in their lives when they need each other the most. Spencer needs a man he can trust with his heart, someone he can build a future with. Hunter needs someone who will love not only him but a very special boy as well. For each man, the other represents love and hope for a future together if only they will reach out for it.

Hope is the final book in the Home series by William Neale, published after his unexpected death in March. I am not sure that any review or reviewer will be able to separate the sadness felt by the passing of this wonderful author from the emotions engendered by his last work. I read in one of his interviews that William Neale said he wrote what he loved and didn't feel that his characters were autobiographical. While I can imagine he meant that, I can also see William Neales' generous nature and loving heart reflected back from the characters here and in previous books. If the eyes are the windows into the soul, surely one can discern the kindness and inherent goodness of the author through the characters he created and that the readers so cared so much about.

Spencer Hawkins and Hunter Harrison are just part of a family of main characters at the center of Hope. Spencer and Hunter are both men of character and proponents of old fashioned values. They value the interior life above exterior perfections and raise love and family above all other concerns. Both are beautifully written and realistically constructed characters that are easy to fall in love with. So is 11 year old Ethan living with severe aortic stenosis, a disease I was not familiar with until now. Ethan leaps into your heart with each hard won breath as you root for him to pull through. It is clear that William Neale did a great job researching this condition and the medical technology needed to deal with it. Information about the Berlin Heart and heart transplants are seamlessly threaded through the story, gently educating the reader on the difficulties children with this disorder face on a daily basis.There is also Lucas Reed and Rogan James from Home #1, a book that remained one of the author's favorites, as well as their son Rogie, his friend Ryan, and new characters of ambivalent morality, Thom Kilbane and Ashton Hale. Thom Kilbane is a complicated man, driven by his need for success and hiding his traumatic child abuse behind a hedonistic lifestyle. Ashton Hale is an unlikable bully until his background of parental neglect and isolation is revealed. One fully fleshed out character after another comes forward in this story. This inner circle is surrounded by secondary characters just as authentic and beautifully realized as the main ones. Chief Boleyn of Winton Academy security, Coach Perleman, Winton's football coach, and even Stephen, Lucas and Rogan's neighbor, all add depth and dimension to a story concerned with the nature of families, personal redemption, and hope.

William Neale lived with his partner of over a decade and their dogs in Cleveland, Ohio where the Home stories are located. Cleveland is easily the 12th man (in football terminology) or main character in this story. His love for his home town flows throughout the story, whether he is talking about the lakeside effect on the snowfall or the view from the high rises along the lake front. I was laughing as Spencer, a southern transplant, tried to adjust to the cold, drive in the snow, and deal with the vagaries of snow blowers in winter. I am sure Mr. Neale was laughing as he wrote it as well. In the space of a series, Cleveland goes from cold, unknown location to a beloved destination called home. I am sure the city is missing one of its biggest champions as well.

From laughter to tears and back again, the reader remains deeply engaged in the relationships and families at the center of Hope. Once started, I couldn't put the book down until I had finished it. Hours later I still continued to think about the author and his last story. What did I take away from Hope? What did I feel was the essence of the book? The idea that goodness and kindness of spirit will win out, that personal redemption is a road to be taken instead of unattainable goal, and that love and hope is all around us if only we can recognize it. I had come to love Spencer, Hunter, Ethan, Lucas, Rogen, and all the rest so very much that the knowledge of Hope being the last book was hard to face as is the loss of William Neale's voice to the readers and m/m community that he cared so much about. I was often in tears as I read this book and you will be too.

Make sure you read the editor's note from Kris Jacen and above all the message from Marty, William Neale's partner at the beginning of the novel. Have tissues handy. You will need them. To read these letters to Mr. Neale's fans and readers is to further understand the man behind the stories and how large the void his passing has left. The characters of Hope have so many dimensions to them, so much life in them that they will remain as unforgettable as the author behind them. William Neale will continue to live on in the books and characters he has left behind and in the memories and hearts of all who knew and loved him. That is a wonderful legacy. Mr. Neale, you are deeply missed.

Cover: Design and artwork by Winterheart Designs. A beautiful cover that does justice to the author and the story within.

[Dolorianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hope, like all of the books in the Home series, is bigger than just the main couple. There are several points of interest that keep the novel from being one type of story. I appreciated how all the different fires within the story were handled – almost brutal situations with a hint of sweetness – a William Neale trademark. We get to revisit with characters – that because those people are just as fleshed out in this book as they were in their own book – I found it wasn’t entirely necessary to have read the previous novels to be completely aware of what was going on and how they fit in. And I thought the romance itself was very interesting. The book blurb more than hints at the resolution, but there is a short time where the reader might root for it to go another way.

I love supporting cast and Hope has quite a few. The events of Hope almost directly follow the events of Always Faithful. We see his opportunity to head back to Cleveland and that naturally brings in Rogan, Lucas, and their family. There are a few subtle characters that become much more involved in Hope, which may suggest that there might have been at least 1 more book in this series. Fortunately, the personality of the assumed future-book-leading-man was still such that he wasn’t really ready for a relationship so there was no obvious set-up or cliffhanger where he is concerned.

I am a huge pain in the butt about reading things in order. Can’t help it. No matter how many people tell me that one story doesn’t really influence the next too much, I have to start at the beginning. I’m always afraid I’m going to miss some obscure detail or important moment that will limit my enjoyment of the current story. Crazy, I know. But when I received a request to take a look at Hope, I had not read the rest of the Home series. I had only read a couple of his short stories. So, of course, I had to start at the beginning … Hence, my 3 day weekend with William Neale. What I found impressive was the complete wrap-up he accomplished with each book. Repeating characters and situations where dealt with so smoothly that I can honestly say that Hope can be read without having read the previous books. I’d recommend them whole-heartedly, however, not because Hope is incomplete without them, but because their journeys are just as colorful and engaging.

I think there are two defining themes in all of William Neale’s novels. The first thing might be the most obvious – sweet, romanticized characters and dialogue. The second being his knack for targeting themes that get overlooked, serious aspects that might make people uncomfortable because of the injustice and horror. How he was able to balance the sweetness with the darkness was a true talent.

As stated in his own bio, William Neale knew that not everyone appreciated his characters getting along so well. Very few of the conflicts are between the romantic couple. In a theme I enjoy very much, most of William’s pairings are between friends or rivals who shared a long history and were finally ready to make the leap. Hope was a little different in that Spencer, our main hero, was relatively new in town and was meeting his love interest(s) for the first time. What had already been established, though, was Spencer’s romantic nature and his desire to find a lasting lover. I love that we see him “date” instead of just sticking with the first guy he meets. I found that to be more realistic.

As issues would arise, Spencer (or one of the supporting cast) would know just what to say. This more than anything, is where the “sweet” shows up. On one hand, I applaud the character’s maturity. On the other, I wonder if I would have been so level headed. The result is a thought provoking guide that might help young gay men, and probably people in general, in dealing with similar situations. I did notice, though, that Hope had a few instances where characters would go with a gut reaction first and then have to do a little damage control before the situation got too out of hand. This may have been a compromise between William and his readers.

In complete harmony with the romance are some really tough subjects. Like with his other novels, Hope is heavily couple-based for the first 40-50%. The second half of the story is the couple, along with the rest of the cast, dealing with some really important and horrifying realities. It is what I’ve come to expect from William Neale’s books but is unlike so many of the “sweet” stories that fill the M/M genre. Hunter is in real danger of losing his son, Spencer finds legal and moral trouble at his new job, Thomas remembers his horrific past and tries to reshape his future. A high school student decides if he even has a future. These aren’t new topics, but the depth and conviction in which these events are handled makes me want to put a copy of Hope (and all of the Home series) in the hands of every person over the age of 16 who may be struggling with their sexuality and/or identity.

I have only 3 criticisms.
-The first is that I would have preferred some of the dialogue to have been broken up more. Same words, just some indication of tone/attitude changes so that it was more conversational instead of run-ons.
-The second is that there were many more abrupt scene changes than any of his previous novels. Was that intentional? A style purposefully chosen to highlight the struggles of the character most often abrupt? Or because William didn’t get a chance to put his final touch on it? I don’t know.
-And the third is the maturity of a couple of the kids. Granted, the kids have always been characterized as being mature for their age, but I felt that adding their bit of news at the end was a little rushed. It was good since we won’t get to see more of them later so it was nice to see them so settled, but had there been an opportunity for more stories then I would have been upset that they weren’t given as much time on page to develop as the other characters.

Overall, I am definitely impressed with Hope and will be adding it to the books I highly recommend.

[Gavin Stephenson-Jackman · Rating 5 out of 5]

When fate intervenes it's best to hang on for the ride. Spencer had been in a relationship with another football player who's deep in the closet. Suddenly alone after being ditched when his boyfriend is drafted to a pro team he's feeling very low. When he gets a call to teach and coach in Cleveland he jumps at the chance of a new life. Friends introduce him to Hunter and his son Eathan. Ethan had met Spencer through the Make-A-Wish event at one of the last college championship games Spencer had played in and is his biggest fan. Hunter is now a single father after his partner left because he couldn't deal with the possibility that Eathan might not survive his heart condition. Spencer and Hunter feel a connection early on but neither is willing to take the leap that fate has dropped in their paths. It takes time to finally see that they each offer exactly what the other needs, hope and a future together. As much as I'd like to see more of these characters and the possible stories that could build on some of the minor characters it's not going to be as Mr. Neale is no longer with us.

[Tyra Berger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me start by saying how difficult it is for me to write this review knowing it will be the last that I write for William. I found Home, his first book, just by looking through the ARE (All Romance Ebooks) site. I read the blurb and thought it sounded like a good book. Little did I know that I would fall in love with the character's from that book and the voice of the author that brought them to life. His books are food for my romantic soul.

Spencer is still trying to get his life in order after his lover dumps him when he gets a call with a job offer that might be the answer to all his problems. He needs a fresh start and something to take his mind off of not only being dumped but the stress of waiting to here back from the publisher about his first book. Moving to Cleveland and starting a new job teaching and coaching football are just the distractions he needs.

When Spencer's friends Lucas and Rogan introduce him to a Hunter and his son Ethan who has a heart defect the immediate connection between the two men is obvious. But Hunter doesn't have time for a relationship all of his time and energy are focused on Ethan.When Ethan's health takes a turn for the worse Spence is there to be the friend that Hunter needs and the feelings he has for both Hunter and Ethan grow beyond anything he ever imagined.

There are multiple story lines woven through-out this novel and you can see where the next couple of stories might have been if not for William's untimely death. Thomas' character for one goes through such a transformation that you can't help but hope he finds the love of his life. Rogie and Ryan at only 17 think they have found their HEA in each other and wouldn't it be nice if we could all meet our other half at such a young age.

I loved that Rogan and Lucas from Home play such an integral part in this book. One thing that I think William understood about his readers is our insatiable need to know what happens after the story, he was always very good at bringing his characters back into his current story lines.

This book made me laugh and made me cry. One thing I know for sure after reading this book is that I could never survive living in Cleveland in the winter, LOL, I was cold just reading this book.

If you want to read something that will inspire you with Hope, then please read this book and get swept away in William Neale's world and let his romantic voice feed your soul.

[Neet]

What a wonderful , yet bitter-sweet ending to the late William Neale's Home series. I treasured every page of this beautifully written book and it breaks my heart there won't be more and we won't learn what happens to several characters whose fate was left up in the air. The main character in Hope is Spencer Hawkins, who we met in Always Faithfiul. Spencer is still stinging from the cowardly break-up with his now pro-football player ex boyfriend and the unrequited love width his close friend Cade. Spencer is looking for a fresh start and finds one in a teaching position/assistant football coach positin at Winston Academy. Spencer with the help of good friends and extended family Rogan & Lucas and their sons has not only a place to stay in their home but comfort. Spencer with the help of Rogan & Lucas ibegins to make new friends among them, Hunter Harrison and his adopted son Ethan. Ethan is a big fan of Spencer and has been since Spencer's college days and Ethan has the jersey that Spence gave him when he saw his hero play in the Sugar Bowl and the man gave it to him . Ethan is a wonderful kid and has a heart condition that has him confined to a wheelchair, but the joy he exhibits thru his illness is astounding. Spencer finds himself drawn to both Hunter & Ethan. This book is not only finding hope but repairing the damage that can be done to one's heart thru illness, romance, neglect and cruelty. In the end this story is about finding hope when all the odds are against you. Thank yog Mr Neale for this beautiful and romantic series..,,You Are Missed!

[itmfiddler · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fabulous, but tough book to read. I met William Neale last October at GRL. He was a wonderful person, so funny, and very kind to a socially challenged person who was struggling to fit in and mostly failing. I cried reading this book, and am sitting here crying typing this review, because we not only lost someone very special, but also all the stories he would have shared with us. I will admit that I wasn't a huge fan of William's previous books, but this one, this one was great. I hadn't read Home, the first in this series, so I read it and then this one. The difference is amazing, esp given the two books were only released 2 years apart. It graphically demonstrated just how much William had grown as an author. Where might he have been in just a few more years? I loved this book, it took me out of reality (which is why I read fiction, because reality sucks), away from the screaming kid, the woman who talked in a loud voice behind me for all 4 hours of flight time (how can someone do that?), and the knowledge that I was stuck in a small tin can 30,000 feet above the ground. Thank you for this one last beautiful gift, William, we will miss you.

[Suzette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Knowing that this will be the last work of William Neale is very bittersweet. Not only did we lose such a wonderful loving and caring man but also someone with a huge heart. Two months later and it is hard to believe he is gone.

I had gotten to know William through emails and his novels and this was by far his best. Written with a lot of passion, love and heart this novel needs not one but two boxes of tissues.

There is something special about William's style of writing that leaves you feel warm, happy and cleansed. As though you have rid yourself of all evil and hatred and learned a valuable lesson and am better for the experience.

It maybe only to some a simple story but to many it is a heartfelt journey not only into the life of the characters but also throught the true heart of the author.

William thank you for your final story and thank you Marty for sharing it with us who will always love and cherish William.

[Tj · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm going to admit this right now, I haven't read the rest of the series. Knowing that going in, I don't really think I "had" to read the others. It might have enhanced the read but this was good as a stand alone too. I thought the characters well developed and interesting. They were a little too perfect but that is the fun in reading it's fantasy. I thought the whole plot line was well written and seemed like a good story. I was kept interested throughout and enjoyed every word.

[Elizabeth H. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Much better than I expected. I enjoyed reading this and will probably look up the rest of the series. Alternating POVs matched the focus on various couples. Normally this would not have worked for me, but for some reason it does here. I do mourn the death of the author; it's quite clear from reading this that he had a clear vision and a sweet, hopeful voice. RIP.

[Yi1ian · Rating 1 out of 5]

I didn't like the characters. Didn't care what happened to any of them. The writing style was that of a teenager thinking this was how adults (men definitely don't speak on that style) should talk.

I rarely rate books this harshly, but I kept trying until I got to 50%, I even read the last chapter. Nope. Still didn't care.

Sorry.

[Bogusia · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars
William's wonderful spirit will live on through his books.
He always gave us a damned good read...

[Nikko · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a gr8 book.. Usually i don't like it when mc dates two guys but in this one he only had sex with the one he loved. Loved it!!!

[Penny · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Sentimental, sweet, and has character way to nice and forgiving. I enjoyed it even though there were plenty of eye rolling moments.

[Ndulgent Bloggers · Rating 5 out of 5]

http://guiltyindulgencebookclub.blogs...

[Jen Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book.

[H Beeyit · Rating 1 out of 5]

Amateurish. Hackneyed. Terrible. There wasn't one single thing that I enjoyed about this book.

[Mariana · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars

[Page Crusherz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very entertaining, sexy and sweet.