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The Making of a Man #5
If the Stars Fall
For sixteen incredible years Jared Douglas and Alex Ross share their lives and their hearts, each golden moment seeming to promise a lifetime of the same. When calamity strikes, it hits hard, leaving the couple shell-shocked in the aftermath.
As Alex struggles to recover from an injury and cope with the resulting depression, Jared's efforts to help are ineffectual. Alex is slipping away and Jared can do nothing but love him and cling to hope.
When things are darkest, Alex and Jared continue their struggle to find common ground; what they discover comes as no surprise. Sadly, even the strongest love can be stretched too far. They don't want to lose what they had but is looking back the answer?
As Alex struggles to recover from an injury and cope with the resulting depression, Jared's efforts to help are ineffectual. Alex is slipping away and Jared can do nothing but love him and cling to hope.
When things are darkest, Alex and Jared continue their struggle to find common ground; what they discover comes as no surprise. Sadly, even the strongest love can be stretched too far. They don't want to lose what they had but is looking back the answer?
267 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 12, 2013
280 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
August 31, 2018
What follows is not so much a review as more my internal ramblings.
When I first started this I was a little worried that maybe, after waiting so long to read this next instalment, that I might of built things up in my head, and so be a bit disappointed in the actual story. I am more than happy to say I worried as needlessly this time as I did when I put off reading Clarks story.
Reading this book felt like no time had passed at all. I was immediately transported back into Jared and Alex’s world.
Jared is as perfect as ever. I seriously adore this guy. In my eyes he can do no wrong.
Alex gave me a few moments of doubt. I felt like shaking him for not seeing just what he was in danger of doing, and the heartache he caused Jared at the time made my blood boil. But the great thing about Alex, is once he realises he is screwing up he goes all out to fix things.
Clark, again held true to all I remembered of him. The scene at the Greasy Dog was so typical of the Alex and Clark I first met it made my heart smile.
The biggest surprise was Alex’s mum. I don’t want to give away anything so will spoiler this just in case.
I can’t help but mention a new character. Vlad the wedding planner. He was the most delightful addition to this group, and I really hope one day we get to see Vlad meet a Clark of his very own.
The wedding scene at the end was absolutely perfect. I normally get a bit tired of reading all those vows that everyone writes,they can tend to be overly sappy or long winded, but this time the vows were so perfect and so true in keeping with Alex and Jared it was a perfect moment.
I did have trouble at times reading certain parts, but its really hard to see printed words on a screen through a build up of moisture LOL. This book will not have you sobbing or breaking your heart, but it will have you smiling through a few tears of nostalgia and joy.
If I had to pick one complaint it would be the lack of interaction with Jens. I met him in Clarks story and immediately fell in love, so a little more with that cutie would have been the cherry on top of the icing. But thats just me LOL.
This book is heading to join the others on my favourite, will read again shelf.
ETA I still wish there was more Jens time lol. I wonder if I'll ever reread these stories and not cry
When I first started this I was a little worried that maybe, after waiting so long to read this next instalment, that I might of built things up in my head, and so be a bit disappointed in the actual story. I am more than happy to say I worried as needlessly this time as I did when I put off reading Clarks story.
Reading this book felt like no time had passed at all. I was immediately transported back into Jared and Alex’s world.
Jared is as perfect as ever. I seriously adore this guy. In my eyes he can do no wrong.
Alex gave me a few moments of doubt. I felt like shaking him for not seeing just what he was in danger of doing, and the heartache he caused Jared at the time made my blood boil. But the great thing about Alex, is once he realises he is screwing up he goes all out to fix things.
Clark, again held true to all I remembered of him. The scene at the Greasy Dog was so typical of the Alex and Clark I first met it made my heart smile.
The biggest surprise was Alex’s mum. I don’t want to give away anything so will spoiler this just in case.
I can’t help but mention a new character. Vlad the wedding planner. He was the most delightful addition to this group, and I really hope one day we get to see Vlad meet a Clark of his very own.
The wedding scene at the end was absolutely perfect. I normally get a bit tired of reading all those vows that everyone writes,they can tend to be overly sappy or long winded, but this time the vows were so perfect and so true in keeping with Alex and Jared it was a perfect moment.
I did have trouble at times reading certain parts, but its really hard to see printed words on a screen through a build up of moisture LOL. This book will not have you sobbing or breaking your heart, but it will have you smiling through a few tears of nostalgia and joy.
If I had to pick one complaint it would be the lack of interaction with Jens. I met him in Clarks story and immediately fell in love, so a little more with that cutie would have been the cherry on top of the icing. But thats just me LOL.
This book is heading to join the others on my favourite, will read again shelf.
ETA I still wish there was more Jens time lol. I wonder if I'll ever reread these stories and not cry
June 14, 2020
Oh wow...this was the most emotional one of the series. Who knew a simple sentence could tear you apart.
It was also my favorite. The love between these two is amazing and everything I look for in a romance. I love how the books are "now" and "then" so we get to know things are going to be okay.
Don't go
It was also my favorite. The love between these two is amazing and everything I look for in a romance. I love how the books are "now" and "then" so we get to know things are going to be okay.
July 22, 2019
Well, it's not often I want to come across as the proverbial 'weepie at the wedding',
but I was!! This was superb. However, I digress - back to the rest of the book....Whaddaya know, the 'hated one' has feelings (amazing huh??).
She's wasted 15 years of her life hating Jared, and now she's thawed out so much, you could almost drown in her!! [but some of us have long memories Mrs Ross
!!].Alex has been left clinically depressed for reasons I won't go into here
, and it's taking all of Jared's tact and diplomacy to avoid confrontations. Alex basically cuts himself adrift from everyone...but no man is an island Alex, and he eventually realises that if he doesn't change, his life won't be worth bothering with! He starts to feel better, and buys an old house for Jared to renovate 
and for them to fill with even more memories.Clark and Stevie add another child to their growing family
Xander and Jay announce that they're gay, and being out and proud, obviously attract some unwanted attention but it's dealt with quietly and without fuss. Annie is as wonderful as ever.Justin disappears to New York, only to return at the end of the book with his plus one Keith in tow
, and yes, they will apparently get a book themselves. Frank [Alex's dad] doesn't appear very much in this book, but has been working abroad. Jared's mum is her usual helpful, lovely self and also deserves some happiness.We get to the point where Jared pops the question, unaware that some idiot is filming the whole thing to post it on YouTube, where the film is an immediate hit and people start recognising them, including the people they've hired to take care of the cake and flowers
for the wedding.The wedding planner is in love with Clark, who has no idea of the planner's feelings, he just seems to attract gay men!!
A lot happens in this book, and I mean a LOT. And the wedding, well, delightful!! Everything you would wish your own wedding to be...so, so romantic
. Cut back to the present day, and our two 50-somethings, as much in love as ever, are planning a holiday, and leaving the kids (KIDS!!) behind.More books needed as soon as possible Diane, fill in those gaps!! A superb series of books, right up there with Amy Lane IMHO, and my favourite little piece from the book : Alex to Frank "Little boys think their fathers have to love them. Men understand no one HAS to love!" and Frank's reply "That's one lesson. One day you're going to have a son or a daughter, and you'll learn another - When a man is the sort of father he should be there is no choice. You just love"
January 13, 2013
4-4.5 stars
I liked the story a whole lot - their struggles at the beginning and then their working through it onto the sigh-worthy ending. Nevertheless there were some niggles in this one for me: At the beginning I had difficulties to get the timeline straight in my head, I even checked the previous books:), in between it got a bit too sappy and then, what I absolutely don't like - in the end the laying out the bait for the next installment The upside is the knowing that there will be another book in this series, on the other hand, I would have bought it regardless. So it's just a tad bit annoying.
ETA: Ups - wrong idiom:)
I liked the story a whole lot - their struggles at the beginning and then their working through it onto the sigh-worthy ending. Nevertheless there were some niggles in this one for me: At the beginning I had difficulties to get the timeline straight in my head, I even checked the previous books:), in between it got a bit too sappy and then, what I absolutely don't like - in the end the laying out the bait for the next installment The upside is the knowing that there will be another book in this series, on the other hand, I would have bought it regardless. So it's just a tad bit annoying.
ETA: Ups - wrong idiom:)
January 21, 2013
Alex Ross has loved Jared Douglas from almost the moment he met him. He was fifteen and almost twenty, but the gap was, to him, nothing. But to Jared it was the difference between consent and abuse, and he made sure Alex was nothing more than his friend for the first year of their relationship.
Now, sixteen years later, the two are partners in all sense of the word. Happily together, living in the home Alex designed for them and happier than Jared ever thought possible, a horrible accident strikes. One that almost takes Alex from him and which rocks both men to the core.
Jump ahead nineteen more years, and it's Alex's turn to be shaken at the potential loss of the other half of his soul. Jared hospitalized and ill, and even thirty-five years of loving the man isn't enough. He is Alex's for all time, until the stars fall from the sky...
Both incidents spur introspections by these two incredible men. Will they get through the pitfalls of health scares intact? How will their lives change? Is their love strong and enduring enough?
In this sentimental, stunning little book, Diane Adams had me on the edge of what Dolly Parton calls smiles though tears (her favorite emotion) from damn near the first page. I've been reading this series since "Our December (Book One)", and have read all five books plus some other smaller stories. I thought nothing could match Clark's Story. God, was I wrong.
There is a purity grounded in real life that makes these tales of love, care and family so very accessible and memorable. Alex and Jared are soulmates, yes, but they are not without their challenges. Alex is a dreamer, apt to jumping in with both feet before he looks. Jared is so self-secure and solid, but also righteous and rigid. Together, they make their friends sick with their never-ending passion and love for one another.
But Ms. Adams doesn't stop with them being a sappy couple. No, that would be selling them, and us, so very short. Alex's mother, for years and years, won't accept her son's homosexuality, and it's like a thorn in his heart for every singe minute of those years to him. All he wants is her love, and she withholds is so very, very cruelly.
And Jared, his whole persona and identity is built on an image he's carried of his father, and how a man should be. But that base is not quite as solid as an outside observer can see; Jared was sexually abused and raped as a teen, even though he refuses to call it that. And it's made for some lonely, harsh days for him. He is a class act, though, trying to be the rock for others when his feet are on slippery ground so much of the time in his head.
But when these two found each other, they truly became more than the sum of the two. Ah, and when they looked outside the two of them and built their lives with their families, both blood and of the heart, they truly shine.
So when we get to this jewel of a book, and see the two of them struggle, we know it will be okay. They have each other, they have Clark, Stevie, their families.
And they decide to marry.
Let me tell you a little story. I love to read, and I hate to drive, so I use my Kindle speech function, with ear buds, when I drive back and forth to work and to run errands. So here I am, near the end of this damn book, struggling already to hold my emotions in because it's just so damned beautiful to read (and you should hear it, trust me) and I get the the scene where Alex and Jared exchange their vows.
I had to pull off on the side of the road. I couldn't see to drive through my tears.
And that's the whole series, to me. Seeing two men fall in love, weather life's storms and come out the other end whole and complete and better for the wear. How can that not move you? Isn't that all of our dreams?
It's not perfect, but it's darned close.
Trust me, read these giant-hearted stories back-to-back. Not many do it better than Ms. Adams.
Tom
Now, sixteen years later, the two are partners in all sense of the word. Happily together, living in the home Alex designed for them and happier than Jared ever thought possible, a horrible accident strikes. One that almost takes Alex from him and which rocks both men to the core.
Jump ahead nineteen more years, and it's Alex's turn to be shaken at the potential loss of the other half of his soul. Jared hospitalized and ill, and even thirty-five years of loving the man isn't enough. He is Alex's for all time, until the stars fall from the sky...
Both incidents spur introspections by these two incredible men. Will they get through the pitfalls of health scares intact? How will their lives change? Is their love strong and enduring enough?
In this sentimental, stunning little book, Diane Adams had me on the edge of what Dolly Parton calls smiles though tears (her favorite emotion) from damn near the first page. I've been reading this series since "Our December (Book One)", and have read all five books plus some other smaller stories. I thought nothing could match Clark's Story. God, was I wrong.
There is a purity grounded in real life that makes these tales of love, care and family so very accessible and memorable. Alex and Jared are soulmates, yes, but they are not without their challenges. Alex is a dreamer, apt to jumping in with both feet before he looks. Jared is so self-secure and solid, but also righteous and rigid. Together, they make their friends sick with their never-ending passion and love for one another.
But Ms. Adams doesn't stop with them being a sappy couple. No, that would be selling them, and us, so very short. Alex's mother, for years and years, won't accept her son's homosexuality, and it's like a thorn in his heart for every singe minute of those years to him. All he wants is her love, and she withholds is so very, very cruelly.
And Jared, his whole persona and identity is built on an image he's carried of his father, and how a man should be. But that base is not quite as solid as an outside observer can see; Jared was sexually abused and raped as a teen, even though he refuses to call it that. And it's made for some lonely, harsh days for him. He is a class act, though, trying to be the rock for others when his feet are on slippery ground so much of the time in his head.
But when these two found each other, they truly became more than the sum of the two. Ah, and when they looked outside the two of them and built their lives with their families, both blood and of the heart, they truly shine.
So when we get to this jewel of a book, and see the two of them struggle, we know it will be okay. They have each other, they have Clark, Stevie, their families.
And they decide to marry.
Let me tell you a little story. I love to read, and I hate to drive, so I use my Kindle speech function, with ear buds, when I drive back and forth to work and to run errands. So here I am, near the end of this damn book, struggling already to hold my emotions in because it's just so damned beautiful to read (and you should hear it, trust me) and I get the the scene where Alex and Jared exchange their vows.
I had to pull off on the side of the road. I couldn't see to drive through my tears.
And that's the whole series, to me. Seeing two men fall in love, weather life's storms and come out the other end whole and complete and better for the wear. How can that not move you? Isn't that all of our dreams?
It's not perfect, but it's darned close.
Trust me, read these giant-hearted stories back-to-back. Not many do it better than Ms. Adams.
Tom
January 10, 2013
Reviewed on Hearts On Fire... http://heartsonfirereviews.com/
Alex and Jared have always been the golden couple so a crisis strikes them it really throws both men into a tailspin. The oven in their home blew up destroying their house and all but a handful of things. Alex is badly burned on his face and hand but the real damage to Alex is inside. He is slowly being eaten away by guilt over the accident thinking that the oven never would have blown if he had called a repairman instead of procrastinating. Jared has gotten past the fire but is at a loss as to how to help Alex. Jared hauls Alex to a therapist where Alex begins to find his way back out of the shadows. The guys take a new, hard look at their lives and decide that some major changes need to be made in order to follow their road to true fulfillment. Ms Adams pulled out all the plugs in this fifth installment in The Making of a Man series. Written once again in the flash back mode, we first find Jared recovering from a ruptured appendix at fifty-five years old. The guys have hit middle age and are beginning to contemplate their own mortality. The flash back finds Alex and Jared a year and a half after the Thanksgiving in book four. The angst and desolation that Alex felt made me want to shake him and tell him that it was only a thing that he lost. I enjoyed the way that Beth and Janet were brought into the story to make amends. Valentine's Day was the ultimate and the you tube scene had me laughing. It was good to see Clark, Stevie and their brood mixing it up with Alex and Jared again. Ms Adams handled the subject of homophobia beautifully in this book. It was perfect to see Janet Ross come out and vote for gay marriage rights. I could go on and on about the great parts of this long awaited story but then I would give too much of the story away. Suffice to say that if you enjoyed the other books in this excellent series that you will fall in love all over again with Alex, Jared and their HEA.
Alex and Jared have always been the golden couple so a crisis strikes them it really throws both men into a tailspin. The oven in their home blew up destroying their house and all but a handful of things. Alex is badly burned on his face and hand but the real damage to Alex is inside. He is slowly being eaten away by guilt over the accident thinking that the oven never would have blown if he had called a repairman instead of procrastinating. Jared has gotten past the fire but is at a loss as to how to help Alex. Jared hauls Alex to a therapist where Alex begins to find his way back out of the shadows. The guys take a new, hard look at their lives and decide that some major changes need to be made in order to follow their road to true fulfillment. Ms Adams pulled out all the plugs in this fifth installment in The Making of a Man series. Written once again in the flash back mode, we first find Jared recovering from a ruptured appendix at fifty-five years old. The guys have hit middle age and are beginning to contemplate their own mortality. The flash back finds Alex and Jared a year and a half after the Thanksgiving in book four. The angst and desolation that Alex felt made me want to shake him and tell him that it was only a thing that he lost. I enjoyed the way that Beth and Janet were brought into the story to make amends. Valentine's Day was the ultimate and the you tube scene had me laughing. It was good to see Clark, Stevie and their brood mixing it up with Alex and Jared again. Ms Adams handled the subject of homophobia beautifully in this book. It was perfect to see Janet Ross come out and vote for gay marriage rights. I could go on and on about the great parts of this long awaited story but then I would give too much of the story away. Suffice to say that if you enjoyed the other books in this excellent series that you will fall in love all over again with Alex, Jared and their HEA.
January 16, 2013
Another wonderful story in the life of Jared and Alex. I love these two so much. I love how we get to see how far they have come together and then we are taken back to the past and how their lives have developed over the years. There were so many wonderful parts to this story, but I think the wedding vows was the best part for me. After reading this installment, I just want to go back and start all over again from the beginning.
January 13, 2013
Yep. She did it to me again. Tears. But happy tears at least ;) I wish we could all have a Jared.
This installment of one of my favorite series is the darkest by far. Both the intro/closing chapters that are "current" in the timeline and then the book's main story focus on very scary and difficult times for Jared and Alex in their very long love story.
I like how this series unfolds with each new work. I don't have to worry that somehow we are going to get some awful story of some kind of betrayal or something. In each new book, we get to look back at an important chapter in the Jared and Alex story. And while this one tells of the most difficult challenges faced thus far, it also has really really great moments that balance the narrative. Truly, I think this is the kind of love that most people hope for and very few actually achieve in this life. So beautiful and poignant throughout. I'm not going to say anything else about this story because it will spoil the experience of savoring it.
Shout out to Vlad! I love how Diane worked the contest winner into the story in such a wonderful character. Beautifully done and I hope maybe one day, we'll get to see a HEA story for him :D
In the meantime, I cannot wait until the next book to discover the next set of challenges in store for Jared and Alex. While we know there will be ups and downs, we also know that their love will survive stronger than ever. YEA!
This installment of one of my favorite series is the darkest by far. Both the intro/closing chapters that are "current" in the timeline and then the book's main story focus on very scary and difficult times for Jared and Alex in their very long love story.
I like how this series unfolds with each new work. I don't have to worry that somehow we are going to get some awful story of some kind of betrayal or something. In each new book, we get to look back at an important chapter in the Jared and Alex story. And while this one tells of the most difficult challenges faced thus far, it also has really really great moments that balance the narrative. Truly, I think this is the kind of love that most people hope for and very few actually achieve in this life. So beautiful and poignant throughout. I'm not going to say anything else about this story because it will spoil the experience of savoring it.
Shout out to Vlad! I love how Diane worked the contest winner into the story in such a wonderful character. Beautifully done and I hope maybe one day, we'll get to see a HEA story for him :D
In the meantime, I cannot wait until the next book to discover the next set of challenges in store for Jared and Alex. While we know there will be ups and downs, we also know that their love will survive stronger than ever. YEA!
January 18, 2013
3.4 stars
Slightly different with the previous stories, where they were all told the stories when Alex and Jared were in their teens and 20's respectively, this time, the story opened with the two of them in their fifties, the moved back to the time they were thirties.
Readers got treated with how Alex and Jared coped with one tragedy that took most of the belongings and made Alex depressed. We got the story how Alex slowly healed and how Jared proposed and well, it closed with their beautiful wedding.
It was fine ... but, I had to agree with Lily's review. I also missed the spark somehow. Could it be because the obstacles seemed to all have been thrown down? We got Alex's mother having her change of heart. We knew that Alex and Jared belong to one another, no matter what happened. It was a lovely chapter for them, to be shared with us readers, but it felt like, that was "it", you know? Too much of this becoming, well, a bit too sappy.
Also, the timeline and the technology surrounds it, that should be clues, are all blurry. If Alex and Jared in their 30's is the "present" and when they are in the 50's in the future, it means, it should be at least 2030+ or something ... and could there be still 'video game consoles'?? If it's the other way around, it means Alex and Jared in their 30's would be back in the 1990s, and there is now way there's YouTube already. Oh, well ...
Slightly different with the previous stories, where they were all told the stories when Alex and Jared were in their teens and 20's respectively, this time, the story opened with the two of them in their fifties, the moved back to the time they were thirties.
Readers got treated with how Alex and Jared coped with one tragedy that took most of the belongings and made Alex depressed. We got the story how Alex slowly healed and how Jared proposed and well, it closed with their beautiful wedding.
It was fine ... but, I had to agree with Lily's review. I also missed the spark somehow. Could it be because the obstacles seemed to all have been thrown down? We got Alex's mother having her change of heart. We knew that Alex and Jared belong to one another, no matter what happened. It was a lovely chapter for them, to be shared with us readers, but it felt like, that was "it", you know? Too much of this becoming, well, a bit too sappy.
Also, the timeline and the technology surrounds it, that should be clues, are all blurry. If Alex and Jared in their 30's is the "present" and when they are in the 50's in the future, it means, it should be at least 2030+ or something ... and could there be still 'video game consoles'?? If it's the other way around, it means Alex and Jared in their 30's would be back in the 1990s, and there is now way there's YouTube already. Oh, well ...
February 3, 2013
Holy shit! She broke me to bits, melted me then put me back together again! I love, love, love Alex and Jared.
Alex and Jared have been together for 16 years. Although they had some struggles along the way - keeping their hands off each other before Alex's 18th birthday, spending Alex's college years apart - their relationship was one based on understanding and communication. They each needed the other and when tragedy struck they needed each other even more. However, Alex was having a hard time reaching out to Jared and letting go of his guitl and despair. Although hurt and feeling rejected by his partner Jared kept being there, a constant presence in Alex's life - the same same he's been there since they came together. The question is can Alex get out of the dark that has enveloped him and accept the light Jared is offering or is he too far gone that none of it matters?
Amazing! If the Stars Fall is the fifth book in the Making of a Man series. In this installment we get to see Alex and Jared fight for what they want - their love, each other. Filled with emotions from both characters, humor and the great cast of characters I have come to love, Diane Adams' writing was phenomenal. Each emotion clearly stated, each event perfectly place to have the most impact and Alex and Jared's love felt all throughout. It was sad, funny and a joy to read. The return of Clark and Stevie, Alex's parents and Jared's mother made the story all the more worthwhile. I loved what each of them brought to the story and how they all interacted with Alex and Jared and offered their support in such a trying time.
I received an ARC from the publisher through Manic Readers in exchange of my honest opinion.
Alex and Jared have been together for 16 years. Although they had some struggles along the way - keeping their hands off each other before Alex's 18th birthday, spending Alex's college years apart - their relationship was one based on understanding and communication. They each needed the other and when tragedy struck they needed each other even more. However, Alex was having a hard time reaching out to Jared and letting go of his guitl and despair. Although hurt and feeling rejected by his partner Jared kept being there, a constant presence in Alex's life - the same same he's been there since they came together. The question is can Alex get out of the dark that has enveloped him and accept the light Jared is offering or is he too far gone that none of it matters?
Amazing! If the Stars Fall is the fifth book in the Making of a Man series. In this installment we get to see Alex and Jared fight for what they want - their love, each other. Filled with emotions from both characters, humor and the great cast of characters I have come to love, Diane Adams' writing was phenomenal. Each emotion clearly stated, each event perfectly place to have the most impact and Alex and Jared's love felt all throughout. It was sad, funny and a joy to read. The return of Clark and Stevie, Alex's parents and Jared's mother made the story all the more worthwhile. I loved what each of them brought to the story and how they all interacted with Alex and Jared and offered their support in such a trying time.
I received an ARC from the publisher through Manic Readers in exchange of my honest opinion.
January 27, 2014
I have to say, I've never been more invested in a series or a couple. I am truly enamored with Alex and Jared.
Their story represents a fairy tale ending but showing the bumps and bittersweet moments along the way. I was so happy with this book and I'm just smiling like a crazy person.
This new chapter in J and A's life is much more complex and heartbreaking than any of the other books, showing how our lives can change At the drop of a hat and what we do about it will be what matters most.
We also get more of Clark and Stevie's lives along with their adorable children.
I loved how Jared took the twins under his 'wings' and gave them something to focus on. Annie is the most adorable girl ever!
I still don't know if Rach's cat was real or a stuffed animal *snickers* and the change in Alex's mom was so realistic and not at all unbelievable. It was real and raw and wow, this author is just too amazing for words.
Have to say couldn't have been happier after I finished this!
Also... Headboard scene *faints*
Their story represents a fairy tale ending but showing the bumps and bittersweet moments along the way. I was so happy with this book and I'm just smiling like a crazy person.
This new chapter in J and A's life is much more complex and heartbreaking than any of the other books, showing how our lives can change At the drop of a hat and what we do about it will be what matters most.
We also get more of Clark and Stevie's lives along with their adorable children.
I loved how Jared took the twins under his 'wings' and gave them something to focus on. Annie is the most adorable girl ever!
I still don't know if Rach's cat was real or a stuffed animal *snickers* and the change in Alex's mom was so realistic and not at all unbelievable. It was real and raw and wow, this author is just too amazing for words.
Have to say couldn't have been happier after I finished this!
Also... Headboard scene *faints*
March 16, 2013
I don't think I will ever get tired of reading about Jared and Alex. A typical romance story will give you an HEA at the end of the story (and there's absolutely nothing wrong with that) but what I particularly like about this series is that we get to see past the happy ending. We get to see the challenges, the adventures, the ups and downs, the joy and the tears. These are all the things that make Jared and Alex special and I hope that there is more to come from these two men.
January 19, 2013
A perfect ending (?) to a very good series.
One thing that I really liked was how the stories begin with them still together, then you're led back through events leading up to where they are now. So even though they're going through complete crap, you know it all works out in the end.
So far I've enjoyed everything that I've read by Diane Adams. Highly recommended.
PS - I *DARE* you not to cry when you read two simple words in this book... "Don't go"
One thing that I really liked was how the stories begin with them still together, then you're led back through events leading up to where they are now. So even though they're going through complete crap, you know it all works out in the end.
So far I've enjoyed everything that I've read by Diane Adams. Highly recommended.
PS - I *DARE* you not to cry when you read two simple words in this book... "Don't go"
October 7, 2018
Somehow, I don't know why, I didn't expect this to jump ahead in time like it did. It makes sense after the last book being Clark's story which advanced timeline as well. Still it through me for a minute feeling liked I'd missed a book somewhere. But once I got into the story it was just as lovely as all the others in this series. It was nice to see a situation where Alex was really struggling with something. He's always been so confident in what he wants no matter how much Jared struggled to hold him at bay for a few years.
I felt for Alex in this story. He has a lot of guilt he's dealing with along with recovering from his injury and trying to move on. For once Jared's at a loss for how to help him as well. The two really needed to find their balance again. It never felt like it would be in doubt, which with these two it shouldn't, but at the same time they had to work for this one. Still a very sweet story and the strength of this couple will always be strong.
I felt for Alex in this story. He has a lot of guilt he's dealing with along with recovering from his injury and trying to move on. For once Jared's at a loss for how to help him as well. The two really needed to find their balance again. It never felt like it would be in doubt, which with these two it shouldn't, but at the same time they had to work for this one. Still a very sweet story and the strength of this couple will always be strong.
January 29, 2013
Sometimes its great to push your boundaries and read stuff that's a bit out there, but sometimes you just want a dollop of ' Twu Wuv ' and that's exactly what you get from this gorgeous series . I've enjoyed every present day moment and every flashback, a clever way of presenting the story by transporting us over the years in each book without feeling rushed or bemused.
Going on this journey with Jared, Alex, Clark, Stevie and all their families and friends, characters ( loving or otherwise ) who have supported them or knocked them back ( but not for long ) has been an absolute pleasure. In a lot of ways this whole story has been too good to be true, and could well have turned out to be sweet, sickly and twee but theres just enough angst to counteract that and personally as a bit of a jaded old bird - at times - its nice to be pulled into a world so full of love that it makes you a believer again! I don't think Ive ever come across a couple so in love as these guys! This has been cleverly written in such a way that you really feel you're part of their group of friends - on the outskirts, not mentioned, but there all the same! This book brings closure to a lot of things but it also opens up new episodes of Jared and Alex's life that hopefully we'll become a part of again in the next book. And the wedding....... * sigh * just beautiful!
Left feeling sad because its the last for now but also deeply satisfied, warm and fuzzy I am so pleased I found this series. Thanks to the friend who recommended it. You know who you are! :)
Going on this journey with Jared, Alex, Clark, Stevie and all their families and friends, characters ( loving or otherwise ) who have supported them or knocked them back ( but not for long ) has been an absolute pleasure. In a lot of ways this whole story has been too good to be true, and could well have turned out to be sweet, sickly and twee but theres just enough angst to counteract that and personally as a bit of a jaded old bird - at times - its nice to be pulled into a world so full of love that it makes you a believer again! I don't think Ive ever come across a couple so in love as these guys! This has been cleverly written in such a way that you really feel you're part of their group of friends - on the outskirts, not mentioned, but there all the same! This book brings closure to a lot of things but it also opens up new episodes of Jared and Alex's life that hopefully we'll become a part of again in the next book. And the wedding....... * sigh * just beautiful!
Left feeling sad because its the last for now but also deeply satisfied, warm and fuzzy I am so pleased I found this series. Thanks to the friend who recommended it. You know who you are! :)
January 16, 2013
3.7 stars. As always, it is a satisfying experience to read about Jared and Alex's maturing relationship, their struggles and eventually re-grasped happiness. However, I still cannot seem to find that special spark present in the first three instalments, which had made this couple dear to me... A pleasant read but I had hoped for something more.
January 12, 2013
Absolutely wonderful story! I hope we have not seen the last of Alex and Jared. Their story just keeps getting better and better. Diane really out did herself with this one!
January 17, 2013
Watch out for Filipino wedding planner Vlad who I really hope gets his own story. The guy was simply adorable!
January 18, 2013
By far, the best of the series. Loaded with joyful angst and lots of happy tears.
January 3, 2017
Where to start? I have so many things running through my head that it will be hard to get them organized enough to get them written down!
First of all... I am so damn glad to FINALLY find out what Kelly Clarkson song that has been talked about throughout these books and when I jumped over to YouTube to listen to "A Moment Like This" I was totally blown away! It was like, not only Jared and Alex's life was that song, but also, mine and HB's! We have been together almost 40 years and married for 37 of those years... and as I read this book I kept seeing our lives play out in one way or another. HB almost lost me to a serious illness almost 12 years ago and I will never forget the fear that he held inside during the whole hospital stay or the amazing love and support that he has always shown me through every step of our lives together... but, never more strongly than those long scary days when the doctors weren't sure I was going to make it. This book had me in tears more often than this "old" woman would like to admit... many times they were tears of joy and other's were tears of hope.
There were so many defining moments in this story... not just in this book. Ms. Adams brought to life the realities that, if we are VERY lucky, we can compare to our own lives. As a young girl of 15, I met the love of my life and never once has that love wavered! Yes, just like with Jared and Alex... real life can throw us more than we think we can handle... but, together? There is NO stopping love. This journey that Jared and Alex are making is a wonderful and exciting life with ups and downs, but always full of love! (And can I just say... the HOT sex doesn't hurt the situation!) *wink*
I have come to the conclusion that I absolutely love this author's writing style and look forward to hunting up more little gems by her... but, FIRST... I need to read A Home For Christmas and meet the kids! :D
First of all... I am so damn glad to FINALLY find out what Kelly Clarkson song that has been talked about throughout these books and when I jumped over to YouTube to listen to "A Moment Like This" I was totally blown away! It was like, not only Jared and Alex's life was that song, but also, mine and HB's! We have been together almost 40 years and married for 37 of those years... and as I read this book I kept seeing our lives play out in one way or another. HB almost lost me to a serious illness almost 12 years ago and I will never forget the fear that he held inside during the whole hospital stay or the amazing love and support that he has always shown me through every step of our lives together... but, never more strongly than those long scary days when the doctors weren't sure I was going to make it. This book had me in tears more often than this "old" woman would like to admit... many times they were tears of joy and other's were tears of hope.
There were so many defining moments in this story... not just in this book. Ms. Adams brought to life the realities that, if we are VERY lucky, we can compare to our own lives. As a young girl of 15, I met the love of my life and never once has that love wavered! Yes, just like with Jared and Alex... real life can throw us more than we think we can handle... but, together? There is NO stopping love. This journey that Jared and Alex are making is a wonderful and exciting life with ups and downs, but always full of love! (And can I just say... the HOT sex doesn't hurt the situation!) *wink*
I have come to the conclusion that I absolutely love this author's writing style and look forward to hunting up more little gems by her... but, FIRST... I need to read A Home For Christmas and meet the kids! :D
January 31, 2013
This book probably finishes the "Making of a Man" series, as it leaves Alex and Jared in a true HEA that has stood the test of pain and illness and time. There are some very sweet moments in here, where the love between the MC's is almost palpable.
The story opens with the guys in their 50's, then flashes back to their 30's for most of the book, before closing in the present. I'm an angst whore, so my deducting a star here was purely personal - I felt just a little distant from the story at times and I think there were two reasons. One was the flash-back structure of how parts of the story were told, which decreases the immediacy (and yes pot-kettle-black, I have done this myself.) The other was the sections of non-MC POVs. Some very salient parts of the story were told from an outside POV. Despite those, this is a satisfying conclusion to this series and the story of two guys who, no matter what the world is doing to them, never waver from their love for each other at the core of their hearts.
Also a warning to keep a copy of those medical power of attorney forms with a friend or relative so you can get a copy in an emergency when the flood waters have filled your filing cabinets at home, or the tornado has buried your fire-safe.
I enjoyed this series a lot, and would put it in the comfort-reread category, because sometimes it's just nice to believe that steadfast true love is out there and solid through time. If there is another book someday, I'll read it too.
The story opens with the guys in their 50's, then flashes back to their 30's for most of the book, before closing in the present. I'm an angst whore, so my deducting a star here was purely personal - I felt just a little distant from the story at times and I think there were two reasons. One was the flash-back structure of how parts of the story were told, which decreases the immediacy (and yes pot-kettle-black, I have done this myself.) The other was the sections of non-MC POVs. Some very salient parts of the story were told from an outside POV. Despite those, this is a satisfying conclusion to this series and the story of two guys who, no matter what the world is doing to them, never waver from their love for each other at the core of their hearts.
Also a warning to keep a copy of those medical power of attorney forms with a friend or relative so you can get a copy in an emergency when the flood waters have filled your filing cabinets at home, or the tornado has buried your fire-safe.
I enjoyed this series a lot, and would put it in the comfort-reread category, because sometimes it's just nice to believe that steadfast true love is out there and solid through time. If there is another book someday, I'll read it too.
February 4, 2013
I was really disappointed by this installment. Turns out everything good about Alex and Jared was in the build up. Now that they're together without obstacle, they are boring, mushy and cheesy. This book was absolutely dripping in sap, with pretty much no plot. I know the other books were that way to an extent, but it was at just the right level for me to love them as a guilty pleasure. This one went WAY over the limit. I couldn't enjoy it. I skimmed a LOT and I pretty much hated all the secondary characters. What was with the cake girl, anyway? I wanted to bash her brains in. And Clark and Stevie got ANNOYING as adults, guys. Everything having to do with them and their kids was grating and didn't ring true.
I can see I'm in the minority, most people loved this book but I just really did not. Sad Face.
I can see I'm in the minority, most people loved this book but I just really did not. Sad Face.
January 17, 2013
As usual, no spoilers!
It has been an honor to journey with Jared and Alex (and Clarke), witnessing how their love for each other has impacted their lives and the lives of others. These two are one of my all time favorite romantic couples EVER! Just when I think I've heard it all when it pertains to Alex and Jared, Adams manages to dig even deeper, unearthing something fresh and new to add to the story without changing the fundamental essence that makes Jared and Alex's story so magnificent. I could literally read about these two forever and never tire of them. I'm anxious to learn more, no matter how many years Jared and his boy Alex are blessed to have together. Diane Adams, I'm begging you for a sixth installment! Thank you for the gift of Jared and Alex, they are a lovely couple.
It has been an honor to journey with Jared and Alex (and Clarke), witnessing how their love for each other has impacted their lives and the lives of others. These two are one of my all time favorite romantic couples EVER! Just when I think I've heard it all when it pertains to Alex and Jared, Adams manages to dig even deeper, unearthing something fresh and new to add to the story without changing the fundamental essence that makes Jared and Alex's story so magnificent. I could literally read about these two forever and never tire of them. I'm anxious to learn more, no matter how many years Jared and his boy Alex are blessed to have together. Diane Adams, I'm begging you for a sixth installment! Thank you for the gift of Jared and Alex, they are a lovely couple.
February 21, 2013
3.5
I've been a fan of Alex and Jared since the beginning and must admit that Clark's Story had me crying like a baby.
If you are looking for complete and utter romance, Alex and Jared never fail in that department and the romance continues (it really is a guidebook on what to do if you want to do something special for someone).
For me though, something was missing, the hardships and difficulties were too distant for me and I couldn't engage like I usually do. That emotional connection wasn't as strong for me.
Still a great snapshot of Alex and Jared's life...with so much potential for additional stories.
I've been a fan of Alex and Jared since the beginning and must admit that Clark's Story had me crying like a baby.
If you are looking for complete and utter romance, Alex and Jared never fail in that department and the romance continues (it really is a guidebook on what to do if you want to do something special for someone).
For me though, something was missing, the hardships and difficulties were too distant for me and I couldn't engage like I usually do. That emotional connection wasn't as strong for me.
Still a great snapshot of Alex and Jared's life...with so much potential for additional stories.
January 13, 2013
The beginning of the flash back is a little weird. It feels like we are missing something. That feeling continues for a good 1/3 of the book. Then some plot developments quickly snap in place way too easy for the build up. That's strange too. After that the writing gets back on track. I think.
The time line is a bit muddled. It doesn't match up technology wise with the real world. The cell phones and email and such being so prevalent in the high school/college years but somehow in the 30-something years teenagers still have CDs. The talk of gay marriage debate and voting being a recent thing makes that feel now-ish. I'm crazy about things like that.
The time line is a bit muddled. It doesn't match up technology wise with the real world. The cell phones and email and such being so prevalent in the high school/college years but somehow in the 30-something years teenagers still have CDs. The talk of gay marriage debate and voting being a recent thing makes that feel now-ish. I'm crazy about things like that.
February 24, 2013
3.5 stars
The one thing that I absolutely loved about this is knowing that Alex and Jared are still going strong after so many years. I don't necesseraly need to have this in every book,when a couple gets a HEA at the end of a story then normally it's implied that they will actually stay together forever,but sometimes it's extremely gratifying to get a glimpse into the future and this couple is definitely one of these cases :)
That said,I liked this book up until the engagement but then the following planning phase dragged out way too long and I just wanted it to be over tbh *lol*
The one thing that I absolutely loved about this is knowing that Alex and Jared are still going strong after so many years. I don't necesseraly need to have this in every book,when a couple gets a HEA at the end of a story then normally it's implied that they will actually stay together forever,but sometimes it's extremely gratifying to get a glimpse into the future and this couple is definitely one of these cases :)
That said,I liked this book up until the engagement but then the following planning phase dragged out way too long and I just wanted it to be over tbh *lol*
January 15, 2016
I've just spent nearly an entire day savoring this book. It was absolutely lovely and a perfect installment in this series I've come to love so much. Now I can't wait for #6! More about Tara and Matt, I suspect. ❤
January 21, 2013
I love this series. Jared & Alex are just so perfect for each other. The ups-and-downs they’ve been through only strengthen their bond to each other. Have tissues on hand for this one. And their wedding? Amazing. Romantic. Beautiful. This story is hands-down, my favorite of the series.
January 12, 2013
I´m speechless...
March 16, 2017
Brilliant as always! I was on the edge of my seat with this one. Jared and Alex went thru alot in this book. Beautiful, sweet and just amazing! Loved it!
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