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Mourning Jack
When Ade loses his best friend he soon learns that mourning Jack brings not only sorrow but happiness too. Restaurant chef Ade is a man of his word. When his best friend is killed while serving in Afghanistan, he honours a promise to look after Jack's lover, Cal. Ever the white knight, Ade does his best to console Cal in spite of losing his job and nearly losing his life. Ever the fool, Ade falls in love and learns the hard way that loving someone who can't love him isn't enough. With a new job in a new place comes the possibility of a new love, but Eric has baggage of his own. Can Ade and Eric leave their old heartaches behind and find new happiness with each other?
212 pages, Paperback
First published May 14, 2012
1 person is currently reading
99 people want to read
About the author
S.A. Meade
18 books113 followersI'm fairly new to this writing lark. Stolen Summer is my first published book, there's another, 'Orion Rising' which will be released in March 2012, by Total E Bound and my latest novel, an m/m contemporary, 'Mourning Jack' will be released by Total E Bound in May 2012. Stay tuned!
I love to write and my characters never leave me alone until their story is told.
To those of you who've taken the time to read Stolen Summer and review and/or rank it, thank you so much. I'm glad I've written a book that you like.
NOTE: If you are an author who (a) does not appear to read books in my genre and (b) is attempting to friend me just for the purpose of spamming, I suggest you look elsewhere.
Thank you.
I love to write and my characters never leave me alone until their story is told.
To those of you who've taken the time to read Stolen Summer and review and/or rank it, thank you so much. I'm glad I've written a book that you like.
NOTE: If you are an author who (a) does not appear to read books in my genre and (b) is attempting to friend me just for the purpose of spamming, I suggest you look elsewhere.
Thank you.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
September 12, 2014
When I read a romance, I want to be able to care for the couples involved. Unfortunately, the way this story goes, the structure of it, makes it impossible for me to do it -- and that is mainly my issue with this.
There are two men in Ade's life, Cal and Eric. In the beginning, there's Cal. Then there's Eric. I get the idea though, sometimes, you get together for all the wrong reasons. And the one you are with in the beginning ends up not the right person for you. See, Ade and Cal get together because of Jack. When Jack died, Ade offers friendship to Cal. At the same time, Cal probably sees Ade as a token of comfort. The truth is Cal still loves Jack, and he probably sees Ade as a way to keep remembering Jack. Which is wrong, of course, and a relationship should not be based on this.
However, the second man, the one that Ade ends up with, which is Eric, doesn't appear until half of the book -- when Ade decides that he needs to move on from Cal and takes a job miles away from his life with Cal. So, I have started to sort of building that connection with Ade and Cal, to be then yanked away with Eric's presence. It's rather difficult for me to rebuild that connection afterwards.
There is ANOTHER plot that makes me stop caring for both Ade and Eric ...
WARNING SPOILER WARNING SPOILER
Near the end, Cal visits Ade and Ade must make a decision whether he should return to Cal or stay with Eric. From what I can gather, Ade clearly has made up his mind. He says to Eric, "I can’t go back to the way things were. Loving him isn’t enough. Then Eric tells Ade, "I think it would be better if I stayed away for a while. You don’t need me muddying the waters. I hope you decide what’s best for you".
Several pages later, a month after Ade says goodbye to Cal, Ade finds out that Eric is already dating someone else.
WTF?!?!
How can I believe in them, if it's so easy for Eric to move on. Isn't Ade clearly says to Eric that he cannot get back to Cal? And Eric doesn't think that he should wait for Ade? I cannot believe in their love and Eric loses any sympathy point for me.
On top of that, the way S.A. Maede writes the timeline in this story also is not working very well, personally. Suddenly it's weeks later, it's months later, like everything moving forward, but there are chunks of timeline not being told (anyone understand what I'm trying to say?!)
Nope, this is definitely not the kind of romance that works for me.
There are two men in Ade's life, Cal and Eric. In the beginning, there's Cal. Then there's Eric. I get the idea though, sometimes, you get together for all the wrong reasons. And the one you are with in the beginning ends up not the right person for you. See, Ade and Cal get together because of Jack. When Jack died, Ade offers friendship to Cal. At the same time, Cal probably sees Ade as a token of comfort. The truth is Cal still loves Jack, and he probably sees Ade as a way to keep remembering Jack. Which is wrong, of course, and a relationship should not be based on this.
However, the second man, the one that Ade ends up with, which is Eric, doesn't appear until half of the book -- when Ade decides that he needs to move on from Cal and takes a job miles away from his life with Cal. So, I have started to sort of building that connection with Ade and Cal, to be then yanked away with Eric's presence. It's rather difficult for me to rebuild that connection afterwards.
There is ANOTHER plot that makes me stop caring for both Ade and Eric ...
WARNING SPOILER WARNING SPOILER
Near the end, Cal visits Ade and Ade must make a decision whether he should return to Cal or stay with Eric. From what I can gather, Ade clearly has made up his mind. He says to Eric, "I can’t go back to the way things were. Loving him isn’t enough. Then Eric tells Ade, "I think it would be better if I stayed away for a while. You don’t need me muddying the waters. I hope you decide what’s best for you".
Several pages later, a month after Ade says goodbye to Cal, Ade finds out that Eric is already dating someone else.
WTF?!?!
How can I believe in them, if it's so easy for Eric to move on. Isn't Ade clearly says to Eric that he cannot get back to Cal? And Eric doesn't think that he should wait for Ade? I cannot believe in their love and Eric loses any sympathy point for me.
On top of that, the way S.A. Maede writes the timeline in this story also is not working very well, personally. Suddenly it's weeks later, it's months later, like everything moving forward, but there are chunks of timeline not being told (anyone understand what I'm trying to say?!)
Nope, this is definitely not the kind of romance that works for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 5, 2012
Ade's best friend Jack is dead at thirty. He left behind a lover, Cal, who is devastated by the loss, and although it feels awkward, Ade wants to help Cal get through his mourning and recover. But Cal is gorgeous and sweet and Ade begins to feel something more than just compassion for him. This story is about figuring out what is love and what is dependence and comfort. When the boundaries aren't clear, Ade takes a step back, moving away for a while. And in the process, he meets Eric and finds his heart torn between the two men.
I enjoyed this book. The emotions seemed real and believable. The ebb and flow of caring, attraction, grief and recovery worked well. It was unclear for a long time which man Ade would end up with, and even unclear which would be best for him, mirroring his own uncertainties. I found the ending satisfying in that regard.
I enjoyed this book. The emotions seemed real and believable. The ebb and flow of caring, attraction, grief and recovery worked well. It was unclear for a long time which man Ade would end up with, and even unclear which would be best for him, mirroring his own uncertainties. I found the ending satisfying in that regard.
November 21, 2012
They say don't judge a book by its cover, and since the author usually has no say in the matter I fully agree with this motto. Well, that is until I decided to read this book on the fact that one of the guys on the cover was HAWT. After laying eyes on him, I was sold. I was so in desperate need of reading this, and dreaming about smexy pants on the cover that it took me a while to realize that the book is fucking boring.
Yeah, sometimes I can't help myself.
The beginning held promise, there was a lot of nice scenes with descriptions of awesome sounding food, and good wine. All very adult, so when the love drama all was all High School I got very disappointed.
So by the time that I got to the point where I was supposed to care. The big moment where Ade was either going back to the asshat that didn't love him, or the man that he ison the rebound withfalling in love with, I just didn't.
Yeah, sometimes I can't help myself.
The beginning held promise, there was a lot of nice scenes with descriptions of awesome sounding food, and good wine. All very adult, so when the love drama all was all High School I got very disappointed.
So by the time that I got to the point where I was supposed to care. The big moment where Ade was either going back to the asshat that didn't love him, or the man that he is
January 26, 2016
“Cause I can't make you love me if you don't. I can't make your heart feel something it won't. .. I'll close my eyes then I won't see the love you don't feel, when you're holding me...” ~ Bonnie Raitt, singer
It's always difficult to lose someone, but when that person is young, it's even more painful. In 'Mourning Jack' by S.A. Meade, Ade loses his best friend, Jack, to war. At the same time, per Jack's request, he inherits Cal, Jack's lover who is totally devastated by his death. The question remains, how far is Ade willing to go to help Cal heal? When does helping become enabling?
Ade is a kind, nurturing man who is willing to help anyone as much as he can. True to his promise, he takes Cal under his wings with certain misgivings. He begins to see just what Jack loved about Cal and the more they are around each other, the more smitten Ade becomes. Unfortunately, Cal's grief keeps him from being able to reciprocate these feelings and Ade is left with a choice. He can settle for whatever Cal can give him, or he can pick up the pieces and move on. When tragedy strikes, Ade is forced to postpone his decision. Cal gets a chance to be Ade's caregiver, paying him back for all the months he helped Cal. When it becomes obvious that he's just a substitute for Jack, Ade decides to leave.
Months later, Eric comes into the picture. He's rich, handsome, and flashy. He's actually a nice guy especially to Ade. He has his own demons to fight so he's very understanding about the issues Ade is having with Cal and puts no pressure on him to make a decision. By this point, Ade has had enough of playing second fiddle to a ghost. Even when Cal asks him to come back to him, he still can't say the magic words which would make it happen. Eric and Ade both come to terms with their past issues and begin the healing process which includes starting a serious relationship. Cal drops out of the picture entirely.
When I picked this book to read, I knew that it was going to be sad, but I didn't expect it to take the turn it did, i.e., with Ade falling in love with Eric and realizing that all the time he spent pinning over Cal was a waste of time. I wanted Cal to realize that he was, indeed, in love with Ade and they would reunite and live happily ever after, which is typically what happens in love stories. I resented Eric at first, but realistically, what happened was for the greater good. Ade deserves to be loved by someone who could give him their whole heart as well as Eric does. Cal, although alone now, is free to move on and find his own way, one in which doesn't leave him dependent upon Ade.
'Mourning Jack' is a powerful, emotional story. It's complex, full of angst and difficult choices. It's realistic, definitely not a fairy tale, but it has some important messages included in the story like the importance of being true to oneself and reaching for true love, not just settling. I'd recommend it to anyone who likes their love stories more on the down-to-earth side. Thanks, S.A. Meade, for an intense experience.
NOTE: This book was provided by Pride Publishing for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
It's always difficult to lose someone, but when that person is young, it's even more painful. In 'Mourning Jack' by S.A. Meade, Ade loses his best friend, Jack, to war. At the same time, per Jack's request, he inherits Cal, Jack's lover who is totally devastated by his death. The question remains, how far is Ade willing to go to help Cal heal? When does helping become enabling?
Ade is a kind, nurturing man who is willing to help anyone as much as he can. True to his promise, he takes Cal under his wings with certain misgivings. He begins to see just what Jack loved about Cal and the more they are around each other, the more smitten Ade becomes. Unfortunately, Cal's grief keeps him from being able to reciprocate these feelings and Ade is left with a choice. He can settle for whatever Cal can give him, or he can pick up the pieces and move on. When tragedy strikes, Ade is forced to postpone his decision. Cal gets a chance to be Ade's caregiver, paying him back for all the months he helped Cal. When it becomes obvious that he's just a substitute for Jack, Ade decides to leave.
Months later, Eric comes into the picture. He's rich, handsome, and flashy. He's actually a nice guy especially to Ade. He has his own demons to fight so he's very understanding about the issues Ade is having with Cal and puts no pressure on him to make a decision. By this point, Ade has had enough of playing second fiddle to a ghost. Even when Cal asks him to come back to him, he still can't say the magic words which would make it happen. Eric and Ade both come to terms with their past issues and begin the healing process which includes starting a serious relationship. Cal drops out of the picture entirely.
When I picked this book to read, I knew that it was going to be sad, but I didn't expect it to take the turn it did, i.e., with Ade falling in love with Eric and realizing that all the time he spent pinning over Cal was a waste of time. I wanted Cal to realize that he was, indeed, in love with Ade and they would reunite and live happily ever after, which is typically what happens in love stories. I resented Eric at first, but realistically, what happened was for the greater good. Ade deserves to be loved by someone who could give him their whole heart as well as Eric does. Cal, although alone now, is free to move on and find his own way, one in which doesn't leave him dependent upon Ade.
'Mourning Jack' is a powerful, emotional story. It's complex, full of angst and difficult choices. It's realistic, definitely not a fairy tale, but it has some important messages included in the story like the importance of being true to oneself and reaching for true love, not just settling. I'd recommend it to anyone who likes their love stories more on the down-to-earth side. Thanks, S.A. Meade, for an intense experience.
NOTE: This book was provided by Pride Publishing for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
June 10, 2012
What a wonderful book.
It's real life, a story about how real life relationships struggle and often flounder in their search for solid ground. And how, after that wrestling of the heart, we find that person we thought was so right is not actually a good 'fit' for us.
The death of Jack---a character who has been killed in Afghanistan and is being laid to rest in his home town---brings two characters together. Ade who was Jack's best friend and Cal who was Jack's lover.
What I LOVE about this story is that the author allows us to see a not-so-common aspect of relationships in fiction: the battle to BE a couple when the spark of love is just not there. When one is desperately trying to create a replacement for a love lost, to fill a horrible, dark void in his life. When he thinks that, just because the new lover is a close friend of the deceased, he will somehow fill all the sad gaps. And, even though the truth unfolds---that this person simply is not the right man for him---he still grasps at the frayed threads to hang on to it...anything to keep from facing loneliness. After all, the sex is dynamite...so why not?
And the other thing I adored about this book was another often unseen view to romance: when, in the midst of that struggle between two lovers, the ONE comes along. The tug-of-war between lust and love.
In real life, sometimes it DOES take the entrance of the RIGHT one to shed light on the futile attempt to make love out of nothing. It's not pretty, but it's life. Plain, honest, painful. But ultimately PERFECT.
I loved the truth in this book. Life and love. The way it really is.
It's real life, a story about how real life relationships struggle and often flounder in their search for solid ground. And how, after that wrestling of the heart, we find that person we thought was so right is not actually a good 'fit' for us.
The death of Jack---a character who has been killed in Afghanistan and is being laid to rest in his home town---brings two characters together. Ade who was Jack's best friend and Cal who was Jack's lover.
What I LOVE about this story is that the author allows us to see a not-so-common aspect of relationships in fiction: the battle to BE a couple when the spark of love is just not there. When one is desperately trying to create a replacement for a love lost, to fill a horrible, dark void in his life. When he thinks that, just because the new lover is a close friend of the deceased, he will somehow fill all the sad gaps. And, even though the truth unfolds---that this person simply is not the right man for him---he still grasps at the frayed threads to hang on to it...anything to keep from facing loneliness. After all, the sex is dynamite...so why not?
And the other thing I adored about this book was another often unseen view to romance: when, in the midst of that struggle between two lovers, the ONE comes along. The tug-of-war between lust and love.
In real life, sometimes it DOES take the entrance of the RIGHT one to shed light on the futile attempt to make love out of nothing. It's not pretty, but it's life. Plain, honest, painful. But ultimately PERFECT.
I loved the truth in this book. Life and love. The way it really is.
June 4, 2012
Okay, this is my personal opinion and maybe I'm a bit biased here, but I find the discussion about meeting and disappointing reader expectations around this one quite interesting as it seems to drift into what is and isn't "done" in the romance genre. Maybe I'm in the minority here, and as someone who doesn't read a lot of romance, I probably am, but personally, I loved how this book is more "true to life" than some other romance I've read. Sometimes you just fall for someone who ends up not to be "the one", as someone who doesn't believe in "the one" anyway, I find the plot of Mourning Jack more believable than other stories who simply bend romance to fit genre-norms. So this book doesn't do that. In my book that gives it extra brownie points.
Anyway, not trying to badmouth the genre here and I'm trying to skirt around spoilers, but I'd definitely recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a m/m book that's "different" and deviates from standard reader expectations by making its characters and plot real enough for your average person to go like "hey, I can totally see how this could happen and hey, it makes sense." Give it a try, everyone. :)
Anyway, not trying to badmouth the genre here and I'm trying to skirt around spoilers, but I'd definitely recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a m/m book that's "different" and deviates from standard reader expectations by making its characters and plot real enough for your average person to go like "hey, I can totally see how this could happen and hey, it makes sense." Give it a try, everyone. :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 25, 2012
Ade and Jack were as close as brothers. If fact, when Ade’s family didn’t take his coming out well, Jack’s family became his surrogate parents and all but adopted Ade. There isn’t anything he wouldn’t do to honor his friend. But, falling in love with Jack’s lover wasn’t on his agenda…it just kinda happened.
The title of this book kind of threw me. Maybe, it’s me, but this was so much more than Ade or even Cal mourning Jack. Don’t get me wrong; even though he’s dead before the book even begins, Jack is a primary character in this book. But, for me, this is Ade’s story. Despite his love of cooking, his job has become a chore. He fights his attraction for Cal, because he feels like it’s too soon, if ever they are meant to explore the mutual chemistry between them. He really just wants a normal life, with a normal man who loves him.
I loved the glimpse into English village life that Mourning Jack gives the reader. There is a laid back pace that really worked for me. I can’t tell you more of the plot, because there are a few twist there that were totally unexpected. But, the ending left me with a smile. Ade and Cal mourn Jack in very different ways, but in the end they both found a way to fill the void that his passing left. This is a very well written novel and I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy a gentler pace to their romance and lovers who find love in unexpected place.
And on a side note: If S. A. Meade were a nice person, she would post recipes for all the lovely dishes that Ade creates throughout this book. J
The title of this book kind of threw me. Maybe, it’s me, but this was so much more than Ade or even Cal mourning Jack. Don’t get me wrong; even though he’s dead before the book even begins, Jack is a primary character in this book. But, for me, this is Ade’s story. Despite his love of cooking, his job has become a chore. He fights his attraction for Cal, because he feels like it’s too soon, if ever they are meant to explore the mutual chemistry between them. He really just wants a normal life, with a normal man who loves him.
I loved the glimpse into English village life that Mourning Jack gives the reader. There is a laid back pace that really worked for me. I can’t tell you more of the plot, because there are a few twist there that were totally unexpected. But, the ending left me with a smile. Ade and Cal mourn Jack in very different ways, but in the end they both found a way to fill the void that his passing left. This is a very well written novel and I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy a gentler pace to their romance and lovers who find love in unexpected place.
And on a side note: If S. A. Meade were a nice person, she would post recipes for all the lovely dishes that Ade creates throughout this book. J
November 4, 2012
This book was really sad. The beginning of the book is when Ade's best friend Jack dies and he had asked him to watch out for his lover Cal if anything happened to him. Ade is a man of his word so after Jack's funeral, he keeps in touch with Cal, trying to pull him from his funk and he falls in love with Cal at the same time.
Cal enjoys Ade's company but he's still insanely in love with Jack and at first I felt really bad for him, but by the end of the book, I just felt like Cal was a user who didn't deserve Ade's kindness and love.
So much angst is packed into this book and when Ade figures out that Cal isn't ever going to be able to love him, he moves away to a new job and meets another young man named Eric. They hit it off really well but due to ghosts in both of their pasts, they just don't work.
In the end it's a battle for Ade to figure out which man he really wants or if he's destined to be alone for the rest of his life. Not everyone will like the ending to this book depending on who you are rooting for and how much you want Ade to be happy rather than ending up with the guy he should be with, if that makes any sense.
I really enjoyed the heartfail but I guess I was expecting to hurt just a bit more... there are a lot of really nice moments in this book and the pacing is just right. There aren't too many details but there are just enough to keep it going without feeling like it's slowing the book down. Give it a shot, it's worth it!
Cal enjoys Ade's company but he's still insanely in love with Jack and at first I felt really bad for him, but by the end of the book, I just felt like Cal was a user who didn't deserve Ade's kindness and love.
So much angst is packed into this book and when Ade figures out that Cal isn't ever going to be able to love him, he moves away to a new job and meets another young man named Eric. They hit it off really well but due to ghosts in both of their pasts, they just don't work.
In the end it's a battle for Ade to figure out which man he really wants or if he's destined to be alone for the rest of his life. Not everyone will like the ending to this book depending on who you are rooting for and how much you want Ade to be happy rather than ending up with the guy he should be with, if that makes any sense.
I really enjoyed the heartfail but I guess I was expecting to hurt just a bit more... there are a lot of really nice moments in this book and the pacing is just right. There aren't too many details but there are just enough to keep it going without feeling like it's slowing the book down. Give it a shot, it's worth it!
September 8, 2016
Another enjoyable read from S.A. Meade. I love her writing and her characters, but I find it hard to concentrate on the story because I start to keep track of how much alcohol is being consumed during the course of the book. For example, in Mourning Jack word wine was used ~ 115 times, and this is not a book about winemaking. I had the same problem with Stolen Summer, but there it was wine and beer. Still, I liked the book and appreciated how the author kept me guessing who Ade will choose in the end.
May 17, 2012
Within seconds of reading this story I was in tears. Beautifully written, the story unfolds with the grief of losing a friend and supporting a grieving lover.
I struggled initially with Ade's two relationships, but it was real and heart-felt, the struggle a man has to appreciate what his heart wants is not always good for him. By the end I felt I had lived through Cal's grief, Ade's anguish and Eric's gentle love.
I struggled initially with Ade's two relationships, but it was real and heart-felt, the struggle a man has to appreciate what his heart wants is not always good for him. By the end I felt I had lived through Cal's grief, Ade's anguish and Eric's gentle love.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 2, 2014
I love this book. I still get angry in bits of the book where I wanna shake ade. What's funny is I have 're read this book many times lol
June 28, 2014
I am so conflicted with the ending of this very sad story. It definitely didn’t end with the couple I was expecting, or hoping. Maybe it made it more realistic that things don’t always end the way we want them to, but I can’t help thinking that the wrong choices were made, and that makes me sad; not only sad, but immensely worried as well. I immediately went to see if there was a sequel, or follow up, or anything because I can’t help but worry about Cal being all alone, especially since it was clear though actions, if not words, that Ade and Cal both deeply loved and cared for the other.
A little back story: Jack was killed in action, Cal was his lover, Ade was Jack’s best friend. Jack made Ade promise to look after Cal if anything happened to him. He meets Cal at Jacks funeral and the two become friends. Cal is drowning in grief. He struggles heavily but Ade is there to keep him upright and helps put a little sunshine back into Cal’s dark world.
Months pass and their friendship grow stronger. Ade develops feeling for Cal but Cal is so consumed with grief that he doesn’t notice it at first. He needs Ade to help him get through his suddenly lonely life and Ade is there to help him adjust sans Jack.
Eventually Ade is in a bad car wreck and Cal now becomes the comforter. He had Ade move into his one story cottage so that he can help Ade in his long recovery. During these months the two become closer and the love begins to show in touches and kisses and eventually in love making. I completely felt the attraction and for fifty percent of this book it was all Cal and Ade. That is why I struggled so much with Eric barging into the picture so late into the story.
Ade decides that since Cal can’t say that he loves him, and is not completely over losing Jack, that he needs to not only move out, but move four hours away and live a lonely existence without the man he loves. Cal is heartbroken and Ade is heartbroken. Eric is in luck.
Eric is a good guy; I really liked him a lot. But I had just spent fifty percent of this book falling in love with Cal and Ade and could not go through that again. I was jumping for joy when Ade lost his hard-on while attempting sex with Eric. I was all “Thank Fook”. Ade is coming to his senses. But when Cal shows up on his doorstep asking for Ade to come home, exactly like Ade dreamed of him doing, but he shuts him down hard. I was pissed. So what if Cal can’t say the words of love yet, the man speaks volumes in his action. Give him some time, asshole.
But no, Cal is sent packing, heartbroken and alone, while Ade starts dating Eric again. Not only dating, but now when Eric asks him to move him…without saying the magic love words, Ade agrees. Asshole. I hated Ade by the end of this book. I felt bad that he thought he was second fiddle to Jack in Cal’s eyes but really, give the man time to get over his lover. Fook, I was so pissed by the end of this book, but even with the pages dwindling I still held out hope that Ade would do the right thing and go back to Cal. Sniff Sniff…I hate that I was wrong. And now all I want is a book about Cal getting his happily ever after. I hope Ade gets kicked in the ass by one of Eric’s horses.
UPDATE: I've recently learned that Cal will be receiving his HEA in a sequel. I may not be hating quite so much on Ade afterwards :)
The Blogger Girls
A little back story: Jack was killed in action, Cal was his lover, Ade was Jack’s best friend. Jack made Ade promise to look after Cal if anything happened to him. He meets Cal at Jacks funeral and the two become friends. Cal is drowning in grief. He struggles heavily but Ade is there to keep him upright and helps put a little sunshine back into Cal’s dark world.
Months pass and their friendship grow stronger. Ade develops feeling for Cal but Cal is so consumed with grief that he doesn’t notice it at first. He needs Ade to help him get through his suddenly lonely life and Ade is there to help him adjust sans Jack.
Eventually Ade is in a bad car wreck and Cal now becomes the comforter. He had Ade move into his one story cottage so that he can help Ade in his long recovery. During these months the two become closer and the love begins to show in touches and kisses and eventually in love making. I completely felt the attraction and for fifty percent of this book it was all Cal and Ade. That is why I struggled so much with Eric barging into the picture so late into the story.
Ade decides that since Cal can’t say that he loves him, and is not completely over losing Jack, that he needs to not only move out, but move four hours away and live a lonely existence without the man he loves. Cal is heartbroken and Ade is heartbroken. Eric is in luck.
Eric is a good guy; I really liked him a lot. But I had just spent fifty percent of this book falling in love with Cal and Ade and could not go through that again. I was jumping for joy when Ade lost his hard-on while attempting sex with Eric. I was all “Thank Fook”. Ade is coming to his senses. But when Cal shows up on his doorstep asking for Ade to come home, exactly like Ade dreamed of him doing, but he shuts him down hard. I was pissed. So what if Cal can’t say the words of love yet, the man speaks volumes in his action. Give him some time, asshole.
But no, Cal is sent packing, heartbroken and alone, while Ade starts dating Eric again. Not only dating, but now when Eric asks him to move him…without saying the magic love words, Ade agrees. Asshole. I hated Ade by the end of this book. I felt bad that he thought he was second fiddle to Jack in Cal’s eyes but really, give the man time to get over his lover. Fook, I was so pissed by the end of this book, but even with the pages dwindling I still held out hope that Ade would do the right thing and go back to Cal. Sniff Sniff…I hate that I was wrong. And now all I want is a book about Cal getting his happily ever after. I hope Ade gets kicked in the ass by one of Eric’s horses.
UPDATE: I've recently learned that Cal will be receiving his HEA in a sequel. I may not be hating quite so much on Ade afterwards :)
The Blogger Girls
August 10, 2013
Please leave comments on Pattycake's 5 sweet pea review at http://mrsconditreadsbooks.com/index....
Mourning Jack by SA Meade is the heartbreaking, yet hopeful story of Ade, who learns that sometimes you have to walk away from someone you love in order to be happy. The blurb lays out the basics, but it's only the surface of a very powerful tale. I can't add anything without spoiling it. To really appreciate the beauty of this book,you need to check it out for yourself.
This is a character driven story told from Ade's POV and we learn just what a kind, generous, yet lonely man he is. The smoothly flowing plot pulls you in, takes you on a emotional journey, then finally lets you go. Each character is solid, believable, and three dimensional, with great depth and genuine emotions. It takes a long time for Ade to realize that he just can't live with the pain of loving someone who is using him as a substitute for someone else, but he finally moves on and finds true love. The backstory lays a lovely foundation for the storyline without being overwhelming. The sex is passionately tender without being over the top, and I really like how the characters don't instantly jump into bed with each other.
The author's writing style is beautifully eloquent, simple, clear, and poetic. This richly detailed and skillfully woven tale is beautifully rendered, and I absolutely love just how heartbreaking, yet ultimately happy the story is. The portrayal of life in the English countryside is so richly detailed that I felt like I was actually there. The book has a very emotional and powerful HEA ending that left me tearful, yet happy. If you're looking for a beautiful and emotional way to spend a few hours, then I can definitely recommend this book to you.
Mourning Jack by SA Meade is the heartbreaking, yet hopeful story of Ade, who learns that sometimes you have to walk away from someone you love in order to be happy. The blurb lays out the basics, but it's only the surface of a very powerful tale. I can't add anything without spoiling it. To really appreciate the beauty of this book,you need to check it out for yourself.
This is a character driven story told from Ade's POV and we learn just what a kind, generous, yet lonely man he is. The smoothly flowing plot pulls you in, takes you on a emotional journey, then finally lets you go. Each character is solid, believable, and three dimensional, with great depth and genuine emotions. It takes a long time for Ade to realize that he just can't live with the pain of loving someone who is using him as a substitute for someone else, but he finally moves on and finds true love. The backstory lays a lovely foundation for the storyline without being overwhelming. The sex is passionately tender without being over the top, and I really like how the characters don't instantly jump into bed with each other.
The author's writing style is beautifully eloquent, simple, clear, and poetic. This richly detailed and skillfully woven tale is beautifully rendered, and I absolutely love just how heartbreaking, yet ultimately happy the story is. The portrayal of life in the English countryside is so richly detailed that I felt like I was actually there. The book has a very emotional and powerful HEA ending that left me tearful, yet happy. If you're looking for a beautiful and emotional way to spend a few hours, then I can definitely recommend this book to you.
September 10, 2016
This book gave me exactly what I looking for when I got it - definite tugs on the heart strings, no easy solutions, good story, the British setting and vocabulary always help too.
The three main characters were quite easy for me to feel for - all for different reasons. Whilst Ade is the central character, I think I probably felt for Eric most, even though he had the shortest role in the story - but pivotal. Though at least once with Ade and Eric I thought 'that wouldn't happen'.
Cal's character did elicit sympathy, and sympathy for anyone who dated him in future, as I think Jack will always be present for him.
For me, a warm, comfy read despite the sad story premise, one I'll reread.
The three main characters were quite easy for me to feel for - all for different reasons. Whilst Ade is the central character, I think I probably felt for Eric most, even though he had the shortest role in the story - but pivotal. Though at least once with Ade and Eric I thought 'that wouldn't happen'.
Cal's character did elicit sympathy, and sympathy for anyone who dated him in future, as I think Jack will always be present for him.
For me, a warm, comfy read despite the sad story premise, one I'll reread.
August 18, 2012
I loved this book. Kept me guessing right till the end, which is a refreshing change for a romance. Normally these books follow the formula of A meets B; they fall in love; something crops up to mess that up; but in the end A and B live happily ever after. And, if I'm honest, that's a bit boring. That is not what you get with this book. Right up until the last page I wasn't 100% sure how it would end; whether it would be happy ever after or whether I'd be sobbing into a box of tissues.
I've read a few reviews of this book that seem to have a problem with S A Meade daring to not follow the usual formula, complaining that they were disappointed with the ending not being what they expected. Well, each to their own, but personally I enjoyed the twisting plot and it's a refreshing change to be kept guessing.
My only gripes with it are a) for an erotic romance it did take quite a while to get to the naughty stuff, but in fairness this was absolutely necessary considering the storyline; and b) the author referring to some terrier dogs as "carpet rats" As a terrier owner I take umbrage at any insult to these wonderful little dogs. And yes this gripe is very tongue in cheek. LOL
All in all I really enjoyed this book and look forward to more from S A Meade.
I've read a few reviews of this book that seem to have a problem with S A Meade daring to not follow the usual formula, complaining that they were disappointed with the ending not being what they expected. Well, each to their own, but personally I enjoyed the twisting plot and it's a refreshing change to be kept guessing.
My only gripes with it are a) for an erotic romance it did take quite a while to get to the naughty stuff, but in fairness this was absolutely necessary considering the storyline; and b) the author referring to some terrier dogs as "carpet rats" As a terrier owner I take umbrage at any insult to these wonderful little dogs. And yes this gripe is very tongue in cheek. LOL
All in all I really enjoyed this book and look forward to more from S A Meade.
August 11, 2013
This is a well written book. My only problem was the amount of time invested into Cal and Ade's relationship(?) and all the problems that occurred. I was thrown off kilter (***spoiler***) when in the end, Ade ends up with the person that he does. I did not feel the "connection" with Eric because he wasn't a big part of the whole story. Because of that, I was left feeling a little lost. I truly hoped that Cal could've over come his grief and settled into a happy life with Ade.
This is just my opinion. I love this author and she told a very good story.
This is just my opinion. I love this author and she told a very good story.
April 7, 2013
3 to 3.25 stars
This isn't a bad books by any means, but it just didn't get there for me. It started out great, the first two chapters really packed a punch and there were other moments where I connected with the characters (and therefore the story), but for the most part I just kind of coasted along with no real investment.
This isn't a bad books by any means, but it just didn't get there for me. It started out great, the first two chapters really packed a punch and there were other moments where I connected with the characters (and therefore the story), but for the most part I just kind of coasted along with no real investment.
May 28, 2012
2.5 stars
July 2, 2012
I loved this book.
May 20, 2012
An absolutely lovely story. With an ending just as I hoped.
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