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The Next Chapter
In this sequel to The Gaze, the unique brand of love that’s bonded Lewis Bettford and Samantha Reddick throughout their lives faces its most challenging test as a life-altering event looms in the horizon. Lewis is assailed by a sense of an impending, drastic change that’s aggravated when his ex-partner Terence rips the fabric of his identity with one simple truth, precipitating a quest for his true self that will forever alter the next chapter of his life.
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548 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2012
10 people want to read
About the author
Javier A. Robayo
4 books51 followersJavier A. Robayo emmigrated from Ecuador in 1988 at the age of 13. He kept journals in Spanish and translated them as a way of learning English during his freshman year in high school. In March of 2012, this practice led to the publication of The Gaze. He lives in Connecticut with his wife and two daughters, where he's busily at work on his next novel.
for more, visit www.javierrobayoauthor.com
for more, visit www.javierrobayoauthor.com
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
July 19, 2012
I couldn't WAIT to read this book after reading THE GAZE; however, reading a sequel is often disappointing due to the expectations the reader has. This reader's expectations were not only met, but were surpassed.
The author continues to impress (and bless) me with his manipulation of the English language with his poetic, flowery writing. Robayo does not overuse metaphors, similes, and such, but every time I read one of his original creations using different literary techniques, I stop and reread it as each and every one is so amazing, so breathtaking, ingenious, in fact. I can't count how many times I have asked myself, "How in the world does he do that!"
All I can say is that the characters are alive! They are distinctive, vibrant, and SO full of life. No way can a person read this book and not run the gamut of emotions as the characters' portraits are crafted, relationships developed, and their lives intertwined in an authentic way, so (if you're a crier) get a box of tissue and set it close to you as you read.
Highly Recommend: another must-read of Robayo's books!
The author continues to impress (and bless) me with his manipulation of the English language with his poetic, flowery writing. Robayo does not overuse metaphors, similes, and such, but every time I read one of his original creations using different literary techniques, I stop and reread it as each and every one is so amazing, so breathtaking, ingenious, in fact. I can't count how many times I have asked myself, "How in the world does he do that!"
All I can say is that the characters are alive! They are distinctive, vibrant, and SO full of life. No way can a person read this book and not run the gamut of emotions as the characters' portraits are crafted, relationships developed, and their lives intertwined in an authentic way, so (if you're a crier) get a box of tissue and set it close to you as you read.
Highly Recommend: another must-read of Robayo's books!
July 20, 2012
The very first sentence of the prologue told me J. Robayo had decided to keep his writing voice fresh, and maddeningly unpredictable. After the rollescoaster of emotions Gaze was, Chapter stands alone and your emotions will be held hostage as you turn the pages. Each time I saw a familiar name from Gaze, I grinned. Once again, we are taken through a lifelong journey, this time through one of the most lovable characters I've ever read. Needless to say I fell in love with every one of them all over again, but my heart was stolen by Lewis. Once again, I laughed, I ached, and I cried my eyes out, riding currents that took me through the entire spectrum of emotions. The story is rich with significant seeds that blossom for us to harvest their value in the story. The Next Chapter has a most rewarding conclusion and it's filled with heartfelt lines of narration and dialogue. The only time I was able to take a deep breath was once I clicked over into that very last page.
The Next Chapter is a strong sequel in an age where many fail to meet the expectation set by their predescesors.
J. Robayo gives us a contemporary setting with realistic people whom you'll be hardpressed to forget. I highly recommend this series. You may be surprised at the connections you're bound to develop. A beautiful, beautiful story. You'd make a mistake to ignore these novels.
The Next Chapter is a strong sequel in an age where many fail to meet the expectation set by their predescesors.
J. Robayo gives us a contemporary setting with realistic people whom you'll be hardpressed to forget. I highly recommend this series. You may be surprised at the connections you're bound to develop. A beautiful, beautiful story. You'd make a mistake to ignore these novels.
August 20, 2012
The Next Chapter is the sequel to The Gaze. If you haven’t read it, you should because it’s awesome! I was very excited about The Next Chapter and couldn’t wait to get my hands on it. Because the author has become a friend, and because he’s just that damn cool, he sent me autographed copies of BOTH books! So I kind of had to ignore my usual policy of purchasing anything I review for this one, although I may at least go purchase the Kindle copy as a show of support for one of my favorite authors.
So, with all that said and out of the way, let’s get down to the nitty gritty! Generally when I post a review I try to avoid spoilers. That will not be the case this time, so if you haven’t read it, plan to, and don’t like spoilers this is the part where you navigate away from this review. Just go knowing that I really, really enjoyed this book!
*
*
*
Characters: In this book our beloved Lewis finds love for himself. He is just as fabulous, if not more so, as he was in The Gaze. An all around loveable guy with an amazing wit that can make you laugh even at the worst of times. Samantha is, naturally, in this book as well, but she is nowhere near the mess that she was in her book. She’s still a bit of a mess, but she has come a long way and we get to see her wedding in this one. YAY! One of my absolute favorites is Lewis’ mum, and I feel like a complete ass because I can’t remember her actual name. I’ll just call her Ms. Bettford. Ms. Bettford is kind, witty, practical, loving, and accepting. She is everything you would want a mother to be. Finally we get to Lewis’ love interest. *SPOILER ALERT* Just thought I would give you more warning before telling you that while the love interest’s name is Quinn, Quinn is a chick! Lewis, the most awesome gay man ever, turns out to be straight after all. It’s quite alright, I nearly fainted myself. I’ll talk more about how controversial that little tid bit might be later.
Plot: This book is filled with drama! Duh! While the personal challenges that the characters each have to face may seem, at first glance, to be on a scale that the average person never has deal with, they are actually entirely relatable when you scale them down. By scale down I mean take away money and relative fame. Who hasn’t had a crummy ex, or even a psychotic one? Even if you haven’t personally, you can still see the plausibility of it. And although I doubt many people would openly admit to having ever been sexually confused, I’d be willing to bet there are tons of people who go through it. Robayo sets up all these interesting twists and turns throughout the book and somehow manages to avoid leaving any gaping holes. I’ll admit that the foreshadowing of Lewis’ relationship with Quinn may have been a tad heavy handed, BUT if he had just proclaimed his undying love for her without it, it wouldn’t have been nearly as believable.
Dialogue: Yay! My favorite part! The conversations in this book, as well as in The Gaze, are so well done that you feel like you really are a part of them. I love to talk (if you can’t already tell that by my really long reviews), so I always love it when I get so into the book I half expect to see my own voice in the pages. Of course there would be a lot of ‘OMG’ and ‘Oh hell no’ if my thoughts were added in. J Lewis gives a toast at Samantha’s wedding that made me cry like a baby and had my kids looking at me like I was nuts.
Okay, now for the maybe/maybe not controversy. (This will be loaded down with spoilers.) There was a lot of foreshadowing that hinted at the fact that Lewis wasn’t going to be finding his ‘happily ever after’ with a guy. I didn’t quite pick up on it at first because we don’t get introduced to Quinn until much later in the book. That fact alone should tell you that this book is all about Lewis and his personal baggage, less so his romance. Samantha’s impending wedding really screws up his head, but that is what sets him on the path to happiness too. And it was while he was still trying to cope with the wedding business that his secrets get revealed. I should have seen it coming, but I didn’t. WTF Lewis, ladies and gentlemen, was a virgin! *Gasp* I was totally not expecting that. To say that it floored me would be the understatement of the year. He isn’t written in the way that I suppose a stereotypical virgin would be. He comes across as a really loveable player. Maybe ‘player’ is too strong a word. A free spirit. Anything but a virgin! That’s what I get for thinking in stereotypes. Now I won’t get into all of the reasons for his sexual status and/or orientation, but I will say that like all of the other plots/subplots in the book, I felt that it was plausible. The reason I say that it might be seen as a controversial transition is because I’m not sure how the actual gay community would feel about it. I worry that it would be seen as the author taking the easy road by making him straight, rather than having him settle down with another man. I didn’t really care who he ended up with, or what type of equipment they had, so long as he got his happy ending. I hope that anyone else reading the story will feel the same way. When you love someone, real or invented, you should want them to be happy, regardless of who or what that involves.
So that concludes my review of The Next Chapter. I highly recommend it because I thoroughly enjoyed it. Javier Robayo has an amazing ability to pull you into the story and not let you go until the very last page. The characters are the kind of people I would love to just sit down and have a drink with. You just can’t help but like them. I look forward to reading his next book My Two Flags.
So, with all that said and out of the way, let’s get down to the nitty gritty! Generally when I post a review I try to avoid spoilers. That will not be the case this time, so if you haven’t read it, plan to, and don’t like spoilers this is the part where you navigate away from this review. Just go knowing that I really, really enjoyed this book!
*
*
*
Characters: In this book our beloved Lewis finds love for himself. He is just as fabulous, if not more so, as he was in The Gaze. An all around loveable guy with an amazing wit that can make you laugh even at the worst of times. Samantha is, naturally, in this book as well, but she is nowhere near the mess that she was in her book. She’s still a bit of a mess, but she has come a long way and we get to see her wedding in this one. YAY! One of my absolute favorites is Lewis’ mum, and I feel like a complete ass because I can’t remember her actual name. I’ll just call her Ms. Bettford. Ms. Bettford is kind, witty, practical, loving, and accepting. She is everything you would want a mother to be. Finally we get to Lewis’ love interest. *SPOILER ALERT* Just thought I would give you more warning before telling you that while the love interest’s name is Quinn, Quinn is a chick! Lewis, the most awesome gay man ever, turns out to be straight after all. It’s quite alright, I nearly fainted myself. I’ll talk more about how controversial that little tid bit might be later.
Plot: This book is filled with drama! Duh! While the personal challenges that the characters each have to face may seem, at first glance, to be on a scale that the average person never has deal with, they are actually entirely relatable when you scale them down. By scale down I mean take away money and relative fame. Who hasn’t had a crummy ex, or even a psychotic one? Even if you haven’t personally, you can still see the plausibility of it. And although I doubt many people would openly admit to having ever been sexually confused, I’d be willing to bet there are tons of people who go through it. Robayo sets up all these interesting twists and turns throughout the book and somehow manages to avoid leaving any gaping holes. I’ll admit that the foreshadowing of Lewis’ relationship with Quinn may have been a tad heavy handed, BUT if he had just proclaimed his undying love for her without it, it wouldn’t have been nearly as believable.
Dialogue: Yay! My favorite part! The conversations in this book, as well as in The Gaze, are so well done that you feel like you really are a part of them. I love to talk (if you can’t already tell that by my really long reviews), so I always love it when I get so into the book I half expect to see my own voice in the pages. Of course there would be a lot of ‘OMG’ and ‘Oh hell no’ if my thoughts were added in. J Lewis gives a toast at Samantha’s wedding that made me cry like a baby and had my kids looking at me like I was nuts.
Okay, now for the maybe/maybe not controversy. (This will be loaded down with spoilers.) There was a lot of foreshadowing that hinted at the fact that Lewis wasn’t going to be finding his ‘happily ever after’ with a guy. I didn’t quite pick up on it at first because we don’t get introduced to Quinn until much later in the book. That fact alone should tell you that this book is all about Lewis and his personal baggage, less so his romance. Samantha’s impending wedding really screws up his head, but that is what sets him on the path to happiness too. And it was while he was still trying to cope with the wedding business that his secrets get revealed. I should have seen it coming, but I didn’t. WTF Lewis, ladies and gentlemen, was a virgin! *Gasp* I was totally not expecting that. To say that it floored me would be the understatement of the year. He isn’t written in the way that I suppose a stereotypical virgin would be. He comes across as a really loveable player. Maybe ‘player’ is too strong a word. A free spirit. Anything but a virgin! That’s what I get for thinking in stereotypes. Now I won’t get into all of the reasons for his sexual status and/or orientation, but I will say that like all of the other plots/subplots in the book, I felt that it was plausible. The reason I say that it might be seen as a controversial transition is because I’m not sure how the actual gay community would feel about it. I worry that it would be seen as the author taking the easy road by making him straight, rather than having him settle down with another man. I didn’t really care who he ended up with, or what type of equipment they had, so long as he got his happy ending. I hope that anyone else reading the story will feel the same way. When you love someone, real or invented, you should want them to be happy, regardless of who or what that involves.
So that concludes my review of The Next Chapter. I highly recommend it because I thoroughly enjoyed it. Javier Robayo has an amazing ability to pull you into the story and not let you go until the very last page. The characters are the kind of people I would love to just sit down and have a drink with. You just can’t help but like them. I look forward to reading his next book My Two Flags.
August 9, 2012
I didn't like think I would ever find a book that I connected with more than The Gaze. Well, I was mistaken. I. ABSOLUTELY. LOVE. THIS. BOOK. Quinn is a wonderful character, although, she was an unexpected one. I am surprised to say that I connected with Lewis on a level that I thought wasn't possible for a fictional character. I have to admit that I'm slightly disappointed that he isn't a real person. I would love to talk with him and have some of his special tea. :] In this book, there are moments when I just want to hold him and comfort him. There are a few where I would like to punch him in his face. The fact that I care so deeply for a fictional character makes me question my mental health. (More than usual.) Either way, this book is absolutely wonderful and I would recommend it to anyone. I don't want to say too much and give anything away. Thanks Jav for another wonderful, inspiring book! <3
July 31, 2012
Apparently, the rollercoaster of emotions I went through in The Gaze was not nearly enough as the one I went through in The Next Chapter. I absolute loved this story. Javier Robayo brought a whole new and fresh plot with the same characters from The Gaze, allowing me to get to know them on an even more personal level. It's incredibly unique despite being a sequel. You'll fall in love with the characters even more than the first time and the new characters involved in this story are just as fascinating and intriguing. A truly amazing story and I know that my review doesn't do it justice. I just cannot put into precise words what a great book this is. My utmost respect and admiration to Mr. Robayo for the work put into these two books. An amazing writer by far! Thank you!
September 6, 2012
The perfect sequel to The Gaze. This was a stay up all nighter. Brilliant just like the first one!! The only regret I have is that there is no more to read! I fell in love the the Lewis character in book one and now I'll love him forever and ever, Amen!! Riveting story, gorgeous dialogue, complicated, intelligent characters - everything you could ever want in a perfect novel. I had almost lost my faith in the power of love, but it's now back, fully formed and nailed to my heart forever! Author Robayo is one talented soul! There's a preview at the end of the book he's working on now, My Two Flags. That one also will keep Kleenex company in business! If you never read another thing, read every goshdarned word that drips from this author's pen!!
November 19, 2012
This review is going to be difficult to write. Not because of any doubt about the book and the joy of reading it (this writer brings much joy), but because I sensed the struggle of the author here to be true and felt keenly for him. The Next Chapter is not a simple piece and every word is carefully chosen. Javier Robayo does achieve honesty, through being true to his own narrative and the characters, but not everyone will find it comfortable. For me that works well, as I like concepts to make me think, debate and work through a clear conflict. I can't see the point of a book that doesn't at least attempt to give you that. However, this will not be easy reading for everyone, depending on your own selected path in life. This is because one character is taken through such a terribly painful transition (no - don't be cheeky, read it yourself to find out...!) that it might jar if the reader bought into the previous status quo for this person. The character in the spotlight was such a wonderful, healthy, literary role-model in the previous book, The Gaze (wonderful novel - do read it first), that it almost feels like shock to experience the change here. In The Next Chapter, the same character steps (aka stumbles) onto another track that turns out to be the truthful path for this character's instinct. Which brings us back to the author's dilemma. In taking this courageous decision to explore such a shattering life-change, Javier Robayo is not condemning any other personal journey or life pattern. He is not being judgemental and balance is achieved through the detail of the world that the book inhabits. But you sense that Javier asked the question - what if? And having asked that of his character, he cannot back away. He is duty bound to follow the idea, investigate and conduct his audience in an orchestrated cacophony of emotional trauma. The character is revealed through self-realisation, which propels the action forward. And, despite the awkwardness that the character feels during this progression, we stay attuned and experience the inner-life of this person. If you read The Gaze, you will open The Next Chapter already fond of this cast member. You will finish reading The Next Chapter still fond and applauding. Love is all, and Javier Robayo understands its strength. I told you this was going to be difficult to write - this will only make sense if you read the book. So go read.
January 7, 2013
I have been meaning to review this book forever, but life calls and who am I to not answer?
The Next Chapter is, of course, a sequel to The Gaze and I was so excited to be surrounded once again by my "friends" from the first book. However, the tone and storyline of this book are very different from The Gaze. Instead of being about tragedy, addiction, and recovery, The Next Chapter is much more about finding one's true self. It is a bit controversial since it touches on the homosexual lifestyle. Your opinion of the book may depend upon how you feel a person "becomes" homosexual, whether by choice or simply built in the person's DNA.
Once again, the author pays close attention to detail and does a brilliant job of setting the scene and further developing the characters from the first book, along with introducing some very interesting new characters. You will find yourself fully immersed in the scene, making you feel like a silent character in the book.
For those of you who loved Lewis in the first book, you will wish he were real after reading The Next Chapter! The author also does a nice job of wrapping up some of the loose ends of Sam's life.
I finished this book in July and I still miss the characters. Another book in the series, Mr. Robayo? :D I'm very much looking forward to the release of your next novel!!
The Next Chapter is, of course, a sequel to The Gaze and I was so excited to be surrounded once again by my "friends" from the first book. However, the tone and storyline of this book are very different from The Gaze. Instead of being about tragedy, addiction, and recovery, The Next Chapter is much more about finding one's true self. It is a bit controversial since it touches on the homosexual lifestyle. Your opinion of the book may depend upon how you feel a person "becomes" homosexual, whether by choice or simply built in the person's DNA.
Once again, the author pays close attention to detail and does a brilliant job of setting the scene and further developing the characters from the first book, along with introducing some very interesting new characters. You will find yourself fully immersed in the scene, making you feel like a silent character in the book.
For those of you who loved Lewis in the first book, you will wish he were real after reading The Next Chapter! The author also does a nice job of wrapping up some of the loose ends of Sam's life.
I finished this book in July and I still miss the characters. Another book in the series, Mr. Robayo? :D I'm very much looking forward to the release of your next novel!!
November 18, 2012
Javier Robayo created a wonderful sequel to The Gaze with this book. The Next Chapter was everything and more that I hoped it would be. Beautifully detailed writing focusing on the inward thoughts of the main character, Lewis, made this book a complete joy to read. The originality surpassed anything I've read before, and weaved a brilliant storyline. Not many men can nail the certain scenes that take place in this book, which only made me respect the author even more. Obviously a fair amount of research was done, and that, in my opinion, demonstrates how dedicated a writer Mr. Robayo is. I can say I laughed, cried, and thought "awww" many times as I read The Next Chapter. I look forward to reading more of his work and highly recommend his books to everyone.
November 3, 2012
I just completed reading this for the second time and enjoyed both reads! It's rare that I like a sequel more than the first book, but I definitely did in this case. Lewis is such an awesome character - you will always want more! The original characters blend well in the sequel as the focus shifts from Samantha to Lewis. The writing makes you feel as though you are there - looking into a window on these people's lives and feeling what they feel - as all truly good books do. When you've cried by the second chapter you know you're in for a great story!
September 11, 2012
This is the sequel to The Gaze and I have to say that again the writing was amazing and that this book is all about Lewis. So much in fact that you are left wanting to know what kind of resolution came out of Sam and Tony for they are talked about less. Tony is almost nonexistent as a character. Gwen is back and comes for Sam and Jason's wedding with her two girls. Then Sam invites some of her sorority sisters (Quinn comes to London and Lewis and her form a friendship) from the US.
Lewis is having a really hard time knowing that Sam will need him less once she is married and he is struggling with who he is and what his future looks like. He has a revelation that he may not indeed be gay and needs to find out why his past relationships have failed.
One of my favorite parts was about the wedding, is when the wedding planner suggesting a change in the colors from a silvery blue to a Tangerine color with flowers that compliment. Lewis asks if anyone knows the significance of the colors and is told of a fairy tale: "I remember the story of a cold-hearted princess who never laughed until the day a woodsman gave her a bouquet of fiery flowers. The princess changed into a lovely woman, who went to rule her people with kindness, leading the kingdom into prosperity. The reds and oranges signify a good change within." I like fairy tales after-all!
The book again for me seemed to slowly build and build and then on page 470-515 there is urgency and the book slips in to hyper-drive. Lewis is on a quest to find Quinn whom he has fallen in love with (but then breaks it off after hearing the sorority sisters talk of her getting back with her ex) and never even read the letter she left for him. He recounts conversations he has and goes to seek her out at her flat only to find that she moved back to the US. He realized that he is in love with her and finds that she is pregnant with his baby. He sprints to the nearest airport and heads to the US to find Quinn and find out where he stands and what she wants in her life.
I was exhausted after the 40 some pages but JR wraps up everything very nicely. Now I find that there will be another book in the saga only its 20 years later and it seems to focus on Tony. O.k. I will admit that if there is another book I will read it just to find out how everyone ended up!
Lewis is having a really hard time knowing that Sam will need him less once she is married and he is struggling with who he is and what his future looks like. He has a revelation that he may not indeed be gay and needs to find out why his past relationships have failed.
One of my favorite parts was about the wedding, is when the wedding planner suggesting a change in the colors from a silvery blue to a Tangerine color with flowers that compliment. Lewis asks if anyone knows the significance of the colors and is told of a fairy tale: "I remember the story of a cold-hearted princess who never laughed until the day a woodsman gave her a bouquet of fiery flowers. The princess changed into a lovely woman, who went to rule her people with kindness, leading the kingdom into prosperity. The reds and oranges signify a good change within." I like fairy tales after-all!
The book again for me seemed to slowly build and build and then on page 470-515 there is urgency and the book slips in to hyper-drive. Lewis is on a quest to find Quinn whom he has fallen in love with (but then breaks it off after hearing the sorority sisters talk of her getting back with her ex) and never even read the letter she left for him. He recounts conversations he has and goes to seek her out at her flat only to find that she moved back to the US. He realized that he is in love with her and finds that she is pregnant with his baby. He sprints to the nearest airport and heads to the US to find Quinn and find out where he stands and what she wants in her life.
I was exhausted after the 40 some pages but JR wraps up everything very nicely. Now I find that there will be another book in the saga only its 20 years later and it seems to focus on Tony. O.k. I will admit that if there is another book I will read it just to find out how everyone ended up!
August 23, 2012
The perfect sequel to The Gaze. This was a stay up all nighter. Badass just like the first one. The only regret I have is that there is no more to read! I fell in love the the Lewis character in book one and now I'll love him forever and ever, Amen!! Riveting story, gorgeous dialogue, complicated, intelligent characters - everything you could ever want in a perfect novel. I had almost lost my faith in the power of love, but it's now back, fully formed and nailed to my heart forever! Author Robayo is one talented soul. There's a preview at the end of the book he's working on now, My Two Flags. That one also will keep Kleenex company in business! If you never read another thing, read every damned word that drips from this author's pen!!
October 16, 2013
The Next Chapter (The Gaze) follows Samantha's best friend Lewis's story. As the previous book, this one too is full of unexpected moments. Samantha is finally tying the knot with her beau and Lewis must faces old and new demons of his own, among them sexual awakening. But not of the kind he thought.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews