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After the End
After Quinn O’Malley loses his partner of ten years, Aaron, to cancer, he withdraws from everything. In a single tragic moment, he goes from an artist with a loving partner and a future to an uninspired comic book store owner who barely exists. He hides behind a shield of grief, refusing to let Aaron go. He feels guilty for even trying to imagine a life apart from what he’d had.
The charming party planner Quinn’s best friend insists he meet on a blind date isn’t someone he’s ready for. Brady Banner walks into Quinn’s small frozen world and turns everything upside down. For years, Quinn has focused on endings, but as Brady begins to thaw his existence, Quinn realizes that one moment can do more than stop a life—it can also start a new one.
The charming party planner Quinn’s best friend insists he meet on a blind date isn’t someone he’s ready for. Brady Banner walks into Quinn’s small frozen world and turns everything upside down. For years, Quinn has focused on endings, but as Brady begins to thaw his existence, Quinn realizes that one moment can do more than stop a life—it can also start a new one.
200 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 20, 2013
12 people are currently reading
750 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 175 reviews
February 26, 2013
Urgh…I hate when the author gets in the way of a perfectly good book.
“After the End” has all the potential for an interesting read: Man loses his partner, is grieving, is a shell of a person, meets a new man, is scared to fall in love, but finally finds he can love 2 people in a lifetime. Love, loss. Love. Done.
Throw in 2 interesting characters, both likable in their own way, and you have a surefire hit, right?
Well, kinda…???
I liked this book in that, as mentioned, good story and good characters. However, the author, who starts off with such promise…writing style almost lyrical…starts to repeat himself with the same thoughts, emotions, and eventually, the same descriptors over and over again.
I get it, Brady moves with “grace”/is “graceful” (16 times)
I get it, Brady gives Quinn butterflies (6 times)
I get it, Brady makes Quinn feel “tight”/”tightness” in either his throat or his belly (13 times)
Find a new way to describe this stuff…please. (Haven't ya heard? Variety is the spice of life!!!!) By the end, I was just aggravated. I had a hard time finishing because of the “beat me over the head” sense of “I feel like I’ve read this before”. This might not irritate others as much as it did me. Unfortunately, the hand full of bright spots plus the handful of truly emotional moments still could not make me overlook the rest.
Good’ish.
Decent.
December 22, 2012
4.5 stars 
happy and sad tears.
What I loved the most was how romantic it was, holding hands, sweet hugs, kisses shared and beautiful tender gestures. It made me feel warm and fuzzy and so happy for Quinn and Brady. Quinn's fight and struggle through apathy and grief was heartbreaking. The painful confusion over his attraction for Brady and that he was cheating on his dead lover, were agonising. Small parts that were too good to be true, especially Brady's patience and understanding, he was the wonder-guy, were not a big enough deal to bother me. I knew what I was getting into, an emotionally wrought and wonderful love story, heady and romantic, I adored it. A special mention to Winston the tubby cat who provides a lot of fun and light relief throughout. There are great reviews out there, go check them out. Recommended.
happy and sad tears.What I loved the most was how romantic it was, holding hands, sweet hugs, kisses shared and beautiful tender gestures. It made me feel warm and fuzzy and so happy for Quinn and Brady. Quinn's fight and struggle through apathy and grief was heartbreaking. The painful confusion over his attraction for Brady and that he was cheating on his dead lover, were agonising. Small parts that were too good to be true, especially Brady's patience and understanding, he was the wonder-guy, were not a big enough deal to bother me. I knew what I was getting into, an emotionally wrought and wonderful love story, heady and romantic, I adored it. A special mention to Winston the tubby cat who provides a lot of fun and light relief throughout. There are great reviews out there, go check them out. Recommended.
January 25, 2013
A Hearts On Fire Review
FOUR & A HALF STARS--This was such a delightful, comforting, funny, angsty, sad, yummy, quirky, sexy and simple read. Alex Kidwell's "After the End" is a tale of finding love after losing the love of your life. It's a story that hope can still reign supreme. I enjoyed all of the characters and the ease of this story. I even loved Winston Churchill the cat.
Quinn O'Malley lost the love of his life two years ago to cancer (they were together for a decade) and has been living a kind of half life. And after being set up by his best friend on a blind date, you kind of wonder what life would have in store the grieving man.
Well, life decided to gift him Mr. Brady Banner. Tall and blonde with the right words to say on the tip of his tongue (how I like 'em). These two couldn't be more different at first glance, Quinn's so reserved while Brady is not. You'd have thought disaster was imminent. But thankfully it wasn't. These two got along together like pie filling and pie crust. (read the story to get the meaning)
I enjoyed this story so much. I loved the patience of Brady and his understanding and guidance on helping Quinn grieve. Quinn was not annoying and though he missed his deceased partner, it did not saturate the entire story or detract from these two falling for one another. Their road to love was a bit bumpy but worth it. Major kudos to Quinn and Brady's friends Annabeth and Tracy...they were helpful but far from meddling.
My one little teeny, tiny, issue was the start of Quinn and Brady's love affair. At their first date, I felt like I was in Quinn's shoes and Brady was a little too close for comfort. He already started touching and kissing him and this was Quinn's first gallop back into the dating world. But after delving into the men's background and seeing how they were, it was almost forgotten. But it still niggled in the back of my mind. And they kind of fell into love kind of quick but if I had a hot boy like Brady, maybe I wouldn't mind so much. (And yes the sex scenes were pretty hot and believable)
The biggest conflict for the two was Quinn accepting his past lover is gone and understanding it is okay to find love again and not feel so guilty. So all in all, a lovely read and happy ending that left me with a huge smile on my face.
Don't you just love stories like that? I do.
Hope you will as well. ;)
FOUR & A HALF STARS--This was such a delightful, comforting, funny, angsty, sad, yummy, quirky, sexy and simple read. Alex Kidwell's "After the End" is a tale of finding love after losing the love of your life. It's a story that hope can still reign supreme. I enjoyed all of the characters and the ease of this story. I even loved Winston Churchill the cat.
Quinn O'Malley lost the love of his life two years ago to cancer (they were together for a decade) and has been living a kind of half life. And after being set up by his best friend on a blind date, you kind of wonder what life would have in store the grieving man.
Well, life decided to gift him Mr. Brady Banner. Tall and blonde with the right words to say on the tip of his tongue (how I like 'em). These two couldn't be more different at first glance, Quinn's so reserved while Brady is not. You'd have thought disaster was imminent. But thankfully it wasn't. These two got along together like pie filling and pie crust. (read the story to get the meaning)
I enjoyed this story so much. I loved the patience of Brady and his understanding and guidance on helping Quinn grieve. Quinn was not annoying and though he missed his deceased partner, it did not saturate the entire story or detract from these two falling for one another. Their road to love was a bit bumpy but worth it. Major kudos to Quinn and Brady's friends Annabeth and Tracy...they were helpful but far from meddling.
My one little teeny, tiny, issue was the start of Quinn and Brady's love affair. At their first date, I felt like I was in Quinn's shoes and Brady was a little too close for comfort. He already started touching and kissing him and this was Quinn's first gallop back into the dating world. But after delving into the men's background and seeing how they were, it was almost forgotten. But it still niggled in the back of my mind. And they kind of fell into love kind of quick but if I had a hot boy like Brady, maybe I wouldn't mind so much. (And yes the sex scenes were pretty hot and believable)
The biggest conflict for the two was Quinn accepting his past lover is gone and understanding it is okay to find love again and not feel so guilty. So all in all, a lovely read and happy ending that left me with a huge smile on my face.
Don't you just love stories like that? I do.
Hope you will as well. ;)
July 27, 2016
Recommendation from my mother. She knows I have a weakness for cute MC so she said I totally had to read this one. Normally we agree in books but of course, sometimes we differ.
I liked this novel pretty much, it’s cute and light and perfect for a short while, in spite of the topic. Quinn’s partner died two years ago and he has been alone since then, he doesn’t feel like having a relationship never again, in part because he is devastated, in part because going out with someone is like cheating on Aaron.
But his friends Tracy and Annabeth decide that it’s more than enough time grieving, so they find someone they think would be his perfect blind date and he is surprised to have a good time with him, Brady. Brady is nice, kind and eats the crusts of his peach pie. Opposites attract, says Brady, isn’t that true?
The problem I had with this book is that Brady is TOO perfect. I don’t say there aren’t people like him in the world. It’s just that he’s the most patient man, the most lovable, the cutest, the hottest…
It sounds more like a fairy tale for me. I missed something that made him more real, like a bad facet, a weird obsession or an ax behind the back.
That’s why during the whole book and after the end I felt like he was a huge blond cotton candy.
Quinn has to deal with his nostalgic memories of Aaron and his sadness in order to have a happy future. His grieving was real but I felt more for Brady, who has to endure the whole process and try not to feel less when Quinn is missing a different man.
All in all, I enjoyed it but it didn't steal my heart.
I liked this novel pretty much, it’s cute and light and perfect for a short while, in spite of the topic. Quinn’s partner died two years ago and he has been alone since then, he doesn’t feel like having a relationship never again, in part because he is devastated, in part because going out with someone is like cheating on Aaron.
But his friends Tracy and Annabeth decide that it’s more than enough time grieving, so they find someone they think would be his perfect blind date and he is surprised to have a good time with him, Brady. Brady is nice, kind and eats the crusts of his peach pie. Opposites attract, says Brady, isn’t that true?
The problem I had with this book is that Brady is TOO perfect. I don’t say there aren’t people like him in the world. It’s just that he’s the most patient man, the most lovable, the cutest, the hottest…
It sounds more like a fairy tale for me. I missed something that made him more real, like a bad facet, a weird obsession or an ax behind the back.
That’s why during the whole book and after the end I felt like he was a huge blond cotton candy.
Quinn has to deal with his nostalgic memories of Aaron and his sadness in order to have a happy future. His grieving was real but I felt more for Brady, who has to endure the whole process and try not to feel less when Quinn is missing a different man.
Aaron had been my solid My good. My future and my past and the person who ate the crusts of my pie. It was strange and terrifying to think of anyone else filing that role, even casually.
“Okay.” I gently pushed him toward the door. He gave me a baffled look, huffing out a laugh as I closed it in his face.
“Um, Quinn?” His voice was muffled from the other side, and I smiled faintly.
“We’re starting over. So you can remember what you wanted to say.”
All in all, I enjoyed it but it didn't steal my heart.
September 16, 2013
Two years ago Quinn lost his partner of ten years to cancer. He's been living his life encased in ice, not wanting to move on. His best friend sets him up on a date with Brady, an event manager, who slowly begins chipping away to reach Quinn's heart.
This was a story layered with a lot of grief and that made it kind of difficult to read sometimes because of the sadness but it was gorgeous. Even though Quinn had quite a lot of baggage to work through I really enjoyed that his friends and Brady supported him but didn't give his actions a free pass.
I found this beautifully written and Brady was a treat, I loved him and his family. I found this sweetly romantic but with some hotly written sex. It had a great balance. Be prepared for some debilitating grief when you read this but there's hope as well. Quinn isn't magically healed but he's healing and I liked that a lot about this read. Recommended.
This was a story layered with a lot of grief and that made it kind of difficult to read sometimes because of the sadness but it was gorgeous. Even though Quinn had quite a lot of baggage to work through I really enjoyed that his friends and Brady supported him but didn't give his actions a free pass.
I found this beautifully written and Brady was a treat, I loved him and his family. I found this sweetly romantic but with some hotly written sex. It had a great balance. Be prepared for some debilitating grief when you read this but there's hope as well. Quinn isn't magically healed but he's healing and I liked that a lot about this read. Recommended.
September 22, 2013
After the End I thought this would be dark, sad, tear-jerking, but no. Despite its serious subject matter--coming to terms with the loss of a loved one-- in regard to the actual romance, this book was surprisingly conflict- free. A good surprise, actually, no contrived misunderstandings, no put-up drama. Which was good, because Quinn was so wrapped up in his grief and struggled so much with the loving memory of his last partner vs. his budding feelings for Brady, any more outward drama might have gotten him admitted.What? I didn't say this was angst-free, only the relationship was low-conflict. It was just, Brady was so incredibly good, so understanding, so accepting of Quinn's struggle--caught in his grief and guilt, Quinn all but used Brady, but Brady just kept coming back for more. Which made him a very likable character, being EXACTLY what Quinn needed, and a veritable knight in shining armor. However I couldn't help wondering what he saw in Quinn. A maiden to save? A quest to win? This question threw a certain shadow over their HEA even though almost the entire last third of the book was dedicated to showing how happy they were together and how perfect a match.This was a very well-written book, the language could almost be called prose at times. I liked Quinn's narrative voice a lot; in fact, I liked Quinn, period. His emotional dilemma, his slow awakening to new life were intense, but so well done he never came across as pathetic. It was the beautiful writing that kept this book from sliding into the trivial. Despite the tale of sweet domesticity the ending of this book was, it wasn't saccharine, just a positive and pleasantly entertaining book. A comfort read if there ever was one.
December 2, 2013
3.5 stars
Stock up on some tissues if you're gonna read this one, because there is no way you're getting through this book without ugly crying at least once.
This was gorgeously written but terribly melancholic. Quinn is living a veneered half-life following the death of his long-term partner, Aaron, from cancer two years before. His best friend sets him up on a blind date with the beautiful and sweet Brady, an event planner. Brady is immediately smitten with Quinn and doesn't stop pursuing him, even as Quinn can't stop talking about Aaron and leaves without saying goodbye the morning after their first sexual encounter (nope, no phone call either).
Quinn isn't just grieving. He's clinically depressed and, more than a boyfriend, needs some antidepressants and therapy. His grief is so deep and intense and all encompassing, it's the Swamp of Sadness all over again (Artax, noooooo!):
But this issue is overlooked and brushed off. The two guys end up together, and one day Quinn is all better (mostly). There was something too instantaneous about that for me. I adored Brady, but I couldn't for the life of me understand what he saw in Quinn. The falling in love happened very quickly; this usually doesn't bother me all that much, but seeing how Quinn still had Aaron's cardigans, which he smelled on a regular basis, I didn't see him rushing into a new relationship.
Besides the Grief (yes, a capital required), the rest of the story was fairly angst free, with no major drama. Brady's family is incredibly accepting, and Quinn's best friends are a happily married lesbian couple who dote on him (and Brady). The secondary characters almost seemed too good to be true.
Don't get me wrong. I enjoyed the story; it was touching and sweet and ultimately hopeful, but the juxtaposition of the depression and the easy (re)solution felt off.
Stock up on some tissues if you're gonna read this one, because there is no way you're getting through this book without ugly crying at least once.
This was gorgeously written but terribly melancholic. Quinn is living a veneered half-life following the death of his long-term partner, Aaron, from cancer two years before. His best friend sets him up on a blind date with the beautiful and sweet Brady, an event planner. Brady is immediately smitten with Quinn and doesn't stop pursuing him, even as Quinn can't stop talking about Aaron and leaves without saying goodbye the morning after their first sexual encounter (nope, no phone call either).
Quinn isn't just grieving. He's clinically depressed and, more than a boyfriend, needs some antidepressants and therapy. His grief is so deep and intense and all encompassing, it's the Swamp of Sadness all over again (Artax, noooooo!):
But this issue is overlooked and brushed off. The two guys end up together, and one day Quinn is all better (mostly). There was something too instantaneous about that for me. I adored Brady, but I couldn't for the life of me understand what he saw in Quinn. The falling in love happened very quickly; this usually doesn't bother me all that much, but seeing how Quinn still had Aaron's cardigans, which he smelled on a regular basis, I didn't see him rushing into a new relationship.
Besides the Grief (yes, a capital required), the rest of the story was fairly angst free, with no major drama. Brady's family is incredibly accepting, and Quinn's best friends are a happily married lesbian couple who dote on him (and Brady). The secondary characters almost seemed too good to be true.
Don't get me wrong. I enjoyed the story; it was touching and sweet and ultimately hopeful, but the juxtaposition of the depression and the easy (re)solution felt off.
January 28, 2013
4.4*
Quinn lost his love, his partner of over a decade to cancer and although it's been 2 years, grief doesn't have a time limit.
He still goes to work, he owns a comic store, but he's quit painting, his muse died so his need to create died with him.
His best friend Tracy and her wife Anna are his best friend and supporters and set him up with a blind date, Brady.
Brady is very different from Quinn's deceased partner Aaron, in looks and personality, which I think is a good thing.
I was very happy that the author didn't fall into the trap a lot of these stories do, where the new partner is : never been like this before...stuff like that! As a matter of fact, this story makes the point of saying it isn't better or worse, or less or more, it just is!
Quinn feels guilty, guilty for wanting Brady, guilty for moving on with his life without Aaron, for wanting Aaron back but also wanting Brady.
There are some very sad and touching moments but the times where Brady's patience and understanding for Quinn's roller-coaster feelings were just as powerful.
Quinn's realization that he can love both men, he doesn't love Aaron any less and missing him doesn't mean he doesn't love Brady or want him, both feelings are possible and reconcilable.
And despite the sadness and melancholy of this story it is not overwhelming and is even out with the hopefulness and healing of the new love.
On a side note, I really liked Winston Churchill!
Quinn lost his love, his partner of over a decade to cancer and although it's been 2 years, grief doesn't have a time limit.
He still goes to work, he owns a comic store, but he's quit painting, his muse died so his need to create died with him.
His best friend Tracy and her wife Anna are his best friend and supporters and set him up with a blind date, Brady.
Brady is very different from Quinn's deceased partner Aaron, in looks and personality, which I think is a good thing.
I was very happy that the author didn't fall into the trap a lot of these stories do, where the new partner is : never been like this before...stuff like that! As a matter of fact, this story makes the point of saying it isn't better or worse, or less or more, it just is!
Quinn feels guilty, guilty for wanting Brady, guilty for moving on with his life without Aaron, for wanting Aaron back but also wanting Brady.
There are some very sad and touching moments but the times where Brady's patience and understanding for Quinn's roller-coaster feelings were just as powerful.
Quinn's realization that he can love both men, he doesn't love Aaron any less and missing him doesn't mean he doesn't love Brady or want him, both feelings are possible and reconcilable.
And despite the sadness and melancholy of this story it is not overwhelming and is even out with the hopefulness and healing of the new love.
On a side note, I really liked Winston Churchill!
April 15, 2013
This was both a heartbreaking and wonderful story at the same time. It has actually been a while since a story made me sad and happy at the same time. I felt sorry for Quinn, he was so torn between his grief for Aaron and wanting so much to have a future with Brady, it broke my heart. I was doing pretty well until the scene at Aaron's grave, that did me in with this book. As for Brady, what a wonderful, patient and understanding man. Such a perfect person for Quinn, at times, maybe too perfect and understanding, but it didn't change the way I felt about him. I loved Winston, I could just picture and he fit very well with Quinn. This was a purely wonderful romantic story that I really didn't want to end.
May 4, 2013
There's nothing wrong with the book, I just didn't get into it. I wasn't feeling the MCs, and my tears weren't jerked (which is suprising, 'cos I am a cryer).
A few qualifications: I read the first few pages about 2 weeks before I read the rest of the book, plus I only picked this up again because I ditched the book I really wanted to read, due to format frustrations. I guess it wasn't the ideal circumstances in which to come to the work.
2.5 stars rounded up for the cover.
A few qualifications: I read the first few pages about 2 weeks before I read the rest of the book, plus I only picked this up again because I ditched the book I really wanted to read, due to format frustrations. I guess it wasn't the ideal circumstances in which to come to the work.
2.5 stars rounded up for the cover.
November 28, 2013
This was quite lovely story about "picking up yourself and moving on" after losing your partner of 10 years. I'm not going to even pretend to understand the depth of Quinn's grief. So I thought it was quite realistic.
One scene that hit the chord with me was when Quinn yelled at his friend:
... because, I always wonder that it's easy for others to tell the one who is grieving to move on (especially related to starting a new relationship), that their loved one would want them to. But there is no time limit, isn't it? It's all depends on the person whether he/she is ready or not.
I did think that Brady was a little too perfect, a little too good to be true. Honestly, the story felt like 3.5 stars to me around 3/4 part of the book because of that. I like my character to be slightly imperfect. Because Brady being perfect seemed like a bit 'lazy' set-up to make Quinn moving on faster.
HOWEVER, it changed when I met Brady's family. What can I say, they just charmed me. I love big loving family like them. And Brady's being gay was never even brought into spotlight. No discussion about it at all. I thought it was a nice change of scenery for once. Usually, in all other stories about family, there's still that question from the love interest about "how your family take you being gay" thing. Here, it never came into light. In fact, Brady's mom easily asked Quinn about whether they planned to have kids.
I loved those scenes in the hospital. So loving. Just like watching a Hallmark movie -- and with holiday almost coming, those scenes clinched it to my 4-stars category.
One scene that hit the chord with me was when Quinn yelled at his friend:
"Is there supposed to be some kind of time limit? Seven hundred thirty days, that’s all right, but seven hundred thirty-one and you get your ass back in the game?"
... because, I always wonder that it's easy for others to tell the one who is grieving to move on (especially related to starting a new relationship), that their loved one would want them to. But there is no time limit, isn't it? It's all depends on the person whether he/she is ready or not.
I did think that Brady was a little too perfect, a little too good to be true. Honestly, the story felt like 3.5 stars to me around 3/4 part of the book because of that. I like my character to be slightly imperfect. Because Brady being perfect seemed like a bit 'lazy' set-up to make Quinn moving on faster.
HOWEVER, it changed when I met Brady's family. What can I say, they just charmed me. I love big loving family like them. And Brady's being gay was never even brought into spotlight. No discussion about it at all. I thought it was a nice change of scenery for once. Usually, in all other stories about family, there's still that question from the love interest about "how your family take you being gay" thing. Here, it never came into light. In fact, Brady's mom easily asked Quinn about whether they planned to have kids.
I loved those scenes in the hospital. So loving. Just like watching a Hallmark movie -- and with holiday almost coming, those scenes clinched it to my 4-stars category.
February 23, 2013
This was a very sweet, warm story about Quinn, an artist and comic store owner, who has been mourning the long, drawn-out loss of his life-partner Aaron to cancer, two years ago. Quinn has been encased in the ice of his grief, unable to move on, until a friend sets him up with Brady, and at last a spark begins to melt that ice. But Quinn expected to be Aaron's forever, and the thought of giving anything of himself to someone else feels like a betrayal of his partner. Moving on is far harder than it sounds.
Despite the fact that Quinn's grief and loss are the major conflict point in this story, it is for the most part a positive, golden-hued journey into living again. There are moments of pain, and setbacks, but Brady is an amazing man, friends and family are supportive, and Quinn is a good guy at heart. The arc of this story is more of a slow climb into the sunlight, well done but with no real surprises or obstacles, beyond the very real difficulty of letting go of the person who was life and oxygen, past and future, and putting someone else in his place.
I wished, just a little, for more conflict here, less patience on Brady's part perhaps, less encouragement from everyone around Quinn, for the interest of the story. But it is a nice sweet indulgence, and would be a good choice to follow something dark and filled with negative emotions.
Despite the fact that Quinn's grief and loss are the major conflict point in this story, it is for the most part a positive, golden-hued journey into living again. There are moments of pain, and setbacks, but Brady is an amazing man, friends and family are supportive, and Quinn is a good guy at heart. The arc of this story is more of a slow climb into the sunlight, well done but with no real surprises or obstacles, beyond the very real difficulty of letting go of the person who was life and oxygen, past and future, and putting someone else in his place.
I wished, just a little, for more conflict here, less patience on Brady's part perhaps, less encouragement from everyone around Quinn, for the interest of the story. But it is a nice sweet indulgence, and would be a good choice to follow something dark and filled with negative emotions.
February 9, 2013
Pure romance...the kind that has stars in your eyes and the moon in your smile. All of that combined with debilitating grief...the kind that just won't allow you to move or continue to breathe once your heart has been taken away forever. Second chances...Brady is everything that Aaron can no longer be for Quinn, but he is what gets his heart beating and allows him to live again.
Written in a very descriptive and romantic prose. Highly recommended for the Valentine loving crowd. :-))
Written in a very descriptive and romantic prose. Highly recommended for the Valentine loving crowd. :-))
January 22, 2013
This book was fucking awesome.
I’ll be honest I have no idea why I bought it. I dislike grief books. I REALLY dislike cancer books. But there is just something about this book that really got me and would not let go.
I started crying in the first chapter and pretty much had an on-and-off cry for the remainder of the book.
For me it worked because the story started two years after the death of Quinn’s partner. It was a book about dealing with grief and finding love again. There was always the promise of hope at the end so that made it easier for me to enjoy the ride. Make no mistake, the ride is not an easy one and, yes, it was a predictable plot. But that didn’t detract any from my enjoyment.
I’m going to be reading this book again. Oh, boy.
Highly recommended.
I’ll be honest I have no idea why I bought it. I dislike grief books. I REALLY dislike cancer books. But there is just something about this book that really got me and would not let go.
I started crying in the first chapter and pretty much had an on-and-off cry for the remainder of the book.
For me it worked because the story started two years after the death of Quinn’s partner. It was a book about dealing with grief and finding love again. There was always the promise of hope at the end so that made it easier for me to enjoy the ride. Make no mistake, the ride is not an easy one and, yes, it was a predictable plot. But that didn’t detract any from my enjoyment.
I’m going to be reading this book again. Oh, boy.
Highly recommended.
February 4, 2014
If I could fall in love with a book this year, this might be it. I'll willingly accept periods of funk if books like this wait at the end of the proverbial tunnel.
Read
May 30, 2015Abandoned it right after the blind date (which is pretty much at the beginning of the book) - 'love' at first sight is starting to irritate me.
***No rating***
***No rating***
December 16, 2013
A beautifully written, at times heartbreaking, story about loss, grief and finding love again.
This is a great book. I found myself in tears more than once as I watched the main character, Quinn, learn to love again after losing the love of his life two years earlier. Brady is there, waiting patiently, as he comes to terms with that loss and finally allows himself to move on... with Brady. It takes a lot to get to that point, but when he does it is done perfectly.
I highly recommend this.
Full review can be found at On Top Down Under Book Reviews.
My Favorite Books of 2013
My Favorite Book Covers of 2013
This is a great book. I found myself in tears more than once as I watched the main character, Quinn, learn to love again after losing the love of his life two years earlier. Brady is there, waiting patiently, as he comes to terms with that loss and finally allows himself to move on... with Brady. It takes a lot to get to that point, but when he does it is done perfectly.
I highly recommend this.
Full review can be found at On Top Down Under Book Reviews.
My Favorite Books of 2013
My Favorite Book Covers of 2013
January 27, 2013
The scary thing about life sometimes is if you think real hard, Quinn and Brady were meant to come together. Everything in their lives were leading up to them getting together. It's sweet in a way but also scary and sad because Quinn was never going to have Aaron forever. This was such a sweet, beautiful and sad at some parts. I cried at the sad parts because I felt for Quinn. I know it was hard for him to let go of Aaron. Brady was so patient with him through everything. He was perfect for him. Quinn was very lucky he found two great loves that were in his life. I also loved Quinn's friends and I really liked Brady's family. A very enjoyable book and glad I got a chance to read it.
February 3, 2013
Oh what a wonderful book, from beginning til end I enjoyed reading it and I will definitely read more by this author. Despite the topic of loss this was a very positive book that left me with a smile.
October 12, 2021
This book deserves all the stars! I felt every emotion reading this, such a beautifully written story.
January 24, 2013
3.75 stars rounded up to 4. A nice story about Quinn, a comic book store owner and an artist, trying to recover from the loss of his partner of ten years who passed away from cancer two years ago. The books is written from Quinn's point of view. The first part of the book is about Quinn dealing with his grief and trying to let Brady into his life. At the beginning those feelings scared him and he felt that he was cheating on Aaron (his deceased partner). Brady was very patient and not willing to let Quinn shut him out. There was never a point where Aaron's shadow threatened to break up the relationship except when Quinn ran out after having sex with Brady the first time and spent a week in a depression. That was sad to read but Brady came over, brought him groceries and Quinn apologized for his behavior. As Quinn felt happier, he started to sketch again. The main secondary character is Tracy, Quinn's best friend. I thought she was a bit pushy but well meaning. And of course, I loved Winston Churchill the cat :) I like that Aaron wasn't forgotten and Brady wasn't trying to compete with his memory. I like when Annabeth (Tracy's partner) said this “And he’s always going to be here. You remember him. I remember him. Trace remembers him. That’s how we live forever. In the stories and the memories we leave behind. We love him, Quinn, and that means something.” during his first art show since Aaron's death when Quinn said he missed Aaron. Overall, something was missing in it for me to really love it but it is a nice story about hope and finding love again after losing a partner.
April 14, 2013
3.5 stars.
It seems there are a number of stories lately that feature a main character who recently (or within the past few years) lost a much-loved partner. This story, I think, is one of the better tales with that plot line.
The characters are both fairly vivid and realistic, if one is a bit too good to be true. The writing quality is excellent and slightly haunted and romantic, which certainly suit the plot rather well. The story provides a good mix I melancholy over past list and a tremulous hope of a new relationship, combined with the turmoil that comes with giving up an old and beloved connection (even if it now only lived in your head) to forge a new relationship.
There are no quick fixes here and no glossing over prior partners ("oh I never really loved him quite as much as I loved you). It was a nice, steady, wonderfully sweet story with some hit tends thrown in. And some cuddling. At the beginning, lots of that romantic touching/cuddling kind of stuff :)
It seems there are a number of stories lately that feature a main character who recently (or within the past few years) lost a much-loved partner. This story, I think, is one of the better tales with that plot line.
The characters are both fairly vivid and realistic, if one is a bit too good to be true. The writing quality is excellent and slightly haunted and romantic, which certainly suit the plot rather well. The story provides a good mix I melancholy over past list and a tremulous hope of a new relationship, combined with the turmoil that comes with giving up an old and beloved connection (even if it now only lived in your head) to forge a new relationship.
There are no quick fixes here and no glossing over prior partners ("oh I never really loved him quite as much as I loved you). It was a nice, steady, wonderfully sweet story with some hit tends thrown in. And some cuddling. At the beginning, lots of that romantic touching/cuddling kind of stuff :)
February 20, 2013
I really cant say enough good stuff about this book. It made me so happy... even though I was pissed at all the ugly face crying I kept doing. I've gotten soft in my old age and this damn book hit every right note when it came to poor Quinn's grief that I felt like I was holding his had through it and had the same memories of Aaron, big strong Aaron whose overwhelmingly bright flame slowly faded until it was gone, leaving Quinn to remember the entire process. I was doomed to cry like a baby from the second I started this journey, but damn it was so worth it. I <3 Alex Kidwell. Also, I'll say Ive had several very close people in my life lose their battles with cancer and the near-PTSD that Quinn struggled with is something Ive witnessed in many of their significant others, a couple of them still suffering in the near 5-year mark... I really cant say enough good about this, as I said earlier.
December 21, 2017
4 Stars
Oof. This one was hard on the feelz. I really struggled to get through the first half; the grief overwhelmed me. As the story progressed, the acceptance and eventual self-forgiveness - allowing Quinn to let himself love again - the pace picked up...slowly, as it was meant to. This kind of emotional upheaval took time to build to and it was worth it.
Not sure I'd ever read/listen to it again...at least not at the holidays. Despite the way it turned around, that initial grief was powerful stuff.
Oof. This one was hard on the feelz. I really struggled to get through the first half; the grief overwhelmed me. As the story progressed, the acceptance and eventual self-forgiveness - allowing Quinn to let himself love again - the pace picked up...slowly, as it was meant to. This kind of emotional upheaval took time to build to and it was worth it.
Not sure I'd ever read/listen to it again...at least not at the holidays. Despite the way it turned around, that initial grief was powerful stuff.
February 8, 2013
The two stars I gave this book are only because I liked Brady. I found Quinn insufferable. When he wasn't crying over Aaron or sitting around feeling sorry for himself, he was waiting for Tracy and Anna to pump his ego and tell him how great he was. But, back to Brady. From the first chapter, I admired Brady's tenacity. He wanted Quinn and he was determined to get him. But why he chose to hitch his wagon to such a hot mess is beyond me. Quinn needed therapy. I found it hard to believe that no one else could see this. I guess Quinn's lesbian friends were spending too much time telling him what a great artist he was and Brady was too love-struck to suggest he seek professional help to work through the grief he was suffering over the loss of Aaron.
After the End was just a little too sticky and sweet for me. Too many entwined hands and cashmere scarves. I like a little grit with the good. Also, where did these folks live where everyone seemed to be accepting of homosexual relationships and a person could earn a living running a comic book store (with employees)? Maybe Quinn had money from Aaron's life insurance or something (or maybe I was just overthinking this).
After the End was just a little too sticky and sweet for me. Too many entwined hands and cashmere scarves. I like a little grit with the good. Also, where did these folks live where everyone seemed to be accepting of homosexual relationships and a person could earn a living running a comic book store (with employees)? Maybe Quinn had money from Aaron's life insurance or something (or maybe I was just overthinking this).
January 28, 2013
This was one of the most beautiful stories I've read in a long time. It was moving and sad and comforting and just plain awesome. It dealt with the really hard stuff, death of a lifetime partner and how to deal with that and move on at some point, but it did so in a realistic and quiet way, spreading hope and celebrating life without leaving out the pain and the struggles involved.
I loved both of the main characters, but especially Brady. He's doing everything right, he's patient and loving and able to forgive when Quinn takes one step forward and two steps back. I loved the warmth you can feel in every page of the book, the honesty, the emotional depth.
It was beautifully written, with a great sense of pace and, although very emotional and intense, it never felt too dramatic or heavy. I'm not usually one for the sad, tear-jerking stories, but this book was simply wonderful and I'd recommend it to absolutely everyone.
I loved both of the main characters, but especially Brady. He's doing everything right, he's patient and loving and able to forgive when Quinn takes one step forward and two steps back. I loved the warmth you can feel in every page of the book, the honesty, the emotional depth.
It was beautifully written, with a great sense of pace and, although very emotional and intense, it never felt too dramatic or heavy. I'm not usually one for the sad, tear-jerking stories, but this book was simply wonderful and I'd recommend it to absolutely everyone.
September 5, 2013
What happens when the love of your life, your anchor and true north, is taken from you forever?
Quinn has lost his beloved, larger than life partner of ten years, Aaron, and two years later the he is pretty much immobilized by grief. However, the book does not slip into overwrought displays of angst - when we meet Quinn at the beginning of the story he is quite simply cocooned in the sadness that has surrounded him since the loss of Aaron. Quinn is slowly fading away, quietly, the art that he used to love to create seemingly gone forever.
Enter Brady. Oh my, if only everyone could have a Brady in their lives to love them the way that Brady loves Quinn. I love how while the book is written from Quinn's point of view, the reader really picks up on Brady's rapidly growing feelings for Quinn. He is so incredibly patient and loving with Quinn.
Such a beautiful valentine of a book. Some tears when Quinn finally is able to take the steps to move on after Aaron's death, and while he needs to do this, it very painful for Quinn. But the tentative, growing love story between Quinn and Brady is oh so perfect.
I loved him. Not the same as I'd loved Aaron, but not less, either. It was Brady's love, only his, and Aaron's love only belonged to him. I held them both in my heart, in my very breath, and I wasn't torn apart from it.
Such. beautiful. writing. Alex Kidwell is an auto buy for me now.
Quinn has lost his beloved, larger than life partner of ten years, Aaron, and two years later the he is pretty much immobilized by grief. However, the book does not slip into overwrought displays of angst - when we meet Quinn at the beginning of the story he is quite simply cocooned in the sadness that has surrounded him since the loss of Aaron. Quinn is slowly fading away, quietly, the art that he used to love to create seemingly gone forever.
Enter Brady. Oh my, if only everyone could have a Brady in their lives to love them the way that Brady loves Quinn. I love how while the book is written from Quinn's point of view, the reader really picks up on Brady's rapidly growing feelings for Quinn. He is so incredibly patient and loving with Quinn.
Such a beautiful valentine of a book. Some tears when Quinn finally is able to take the steps to move on after Aaron's death, and while he needs to do this, it very painful for Quinn. But the tentative, growing love story between Quinn and Brady is oh so perfect.
I loved him. Not the same as I'd loved Aaron, but not less, either. It was Brady's love, only his, and Aaron's love only belonged to him. I held them both in my heart, in my very breath, and I wasn't torn apart from it.
Such. beautiful. writing. Alex Kidwell is an auto buy for me now.
April 29, 2013
4 Stars
A wonderfully written warm and heartfelt story about two men falling in love with each other – Quinn is still mourning the death of his partner of ten years and Brady, well, he’s never been in love before.
As the story opens, it’s been 2 years since Quinn’s partner of 10 years, Aaron, has died of cancer. We meet Quinn & Brady for the first time as they are first meeting each other. I found both characters completely endearing from the start, and was really empathizing and rooting for Quinn to move beyond his deep feelings of loss and inability to move forward with his life. I also found myself hoping Brady wouldn’t do something to cause Quinn further pain – and vice versa, as Brady was clearly smitten with Quinn from the start.
The story is told from Quinn’s pov, which make his reactions that much more relatable, since we are in touch with his inner dialogue. Although, I must say at times it would have been interesting to know just what was going on in Brady’s mind while he was dealing with Quinn’s ups and downs....
Dianne's full review can be found at Live Your Life, Buy the Book
A wonderfully written warm and heartfelt story about two men falling in love with each other – Quinn is still mourning the death of his partner of ten years and Brady, well, he’s never been in love before.
As the story opens, it’s been 2 years since Quinn’s partner of 10 years, Aaron, has died of cancer. We meet Quinn & Brady for the first time as they are first meeting each other. I found both characters completely endearing from the start, and was really empathizing and rooting for Quinn to move beyond his deep feelings of loss and inability to move forward with his life. I also found myself hoping Brady wouldn’t do something to cause Quinn further pain – and vice versa, as Brady was clearly smitten with Quinn from the start.
The story is told from Quinn’s pov, which make his reactions that much more relatable, since we are in touch with his inner dialogue. Although, I must say at times it would have been interesting to know just what was going on in Brady’s mind while he was dealing with Quinn’s ups and downs....
Dianne's full review can be found at Live Your Life, Buy the Book
February 3, 2013
This book was absolutely, positively, unequivocally amazing.. Quinn was cloaked in a blanket of absolute darkness where grief and despair paraded around him, haunting is inner walls and life, He could not move on when his lover, partner and friend passed away, He just could not cope with actually knowing that his one true love an extension of himself was truly gone, never to breathe the same air or feel his warm embrace. Just complete and utter nothingness.
One thing I can absolutely say that the author wrote a beautiful story, and was meticulous to the details and emotion capturing the mood just right. Quinn and Aaron’s love wasn’t cheapened by betrayal or secrets in order for him to put the past behind him and move on, it wasn’t brushed over it was magical, and felt true. Quinn’s journey isn’t easy he stumbles through, Brady is always there waiting for him, I enjoyed seeing how their relationship blossomed and grew it was sweet. Finally Quinn learned that he didn’t have to stop loving Aaron to move on, That he could still love them both and be happy with a lifetime filled to love again.
One thing I can absolutely say that the author wrote a beautiful story, and was meticulous to the details and emotion capturing the mood just right. Quinn and Aaron’s love wasn’t cheapened by betrayal or secrets in order for him to put the past behind him and move on, it wasn’t brushed over it was magical, and felt true. Quinn’s journey isn’t easy he stumbles through, Brady is always there waiting for him, I enjoyed seeing how their relationship blossomed and grew it was sweet. Finally Quinn learned that he didn’t have to stop loving Aaron to move on, That he could still love them both and be happy with a lifetime filled to love again.
February 20, 2013
Quinn O'Malley has spent the last two years frozen in grief after the death of his partner of ten years. He is static and he can't move forward. He knows he has to but can't bring himself to do it. His best friend sets him up with Brady. Brady is fun, and full of the life and love needed to "thaw" Quinn.
A lot of the book is spent with Quinn dealing with his grief. He feels guilty as he slowly falls for Brady. He has a lot of doubts and setbacks and I think a lot of times they test the patience of the reader. But grief is grief. Even though all of his friends keep telling Quinn is time to move on, he is the only one who can set up the pace to do that and that pace is slow. But Brady is patient and also sweet and provides Quinn with the motivation, time and space to do this.
I enjoyed all the sweet PDA Quinn and Erick engaged in this book. I wish for the day when gay couples engage in this level of PDA without fear of repercussions.
A lot of the book is spent with Quinn dealing with his grief. He feels guilty as he slowly falls for Brady. He has a lot of doubts and setbacks and I think a lot of times they test the patience of the reader. But grief is grief. Even though all of his friends keep telling Quinn is time to move on, he is the only one who can set up the pace to do that and that pace is slow. But Brady is patient and also sweet and provides Quinn with the motivation, time and space to do this.
I enjoyed all the sweet PDA Quinn and Erick engaged in this book. I wish for the day when gay couples engage in this level of PDA without fear of repercussions.
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