What do you think?
Rate this book
Closure
What happens when a family comes between love?
Nigel and Derrick are perfect together, happy and in love. Two years ago, Derrick Cole took one of his teenage probationers to learn about a new program that helped at risk kids by teaching them how to train shelter dogs. There he met the executive director and founder, Nigel Rutherford. Although the two men came from different worlds, they immediately found common ground in an interest in social issues and a desire to help others. A strong mutual attraction grew over time into the kind of solid loving relationship that so many people only dream about.
But getting to this point wasn't easy. Bias and intolerance barred the way, and Derrick's foster father, Ronald Bryant, was at the core. When Ronald dies tragically, the couple is forced to face demons from their past that threaten to destroy everything they've fought so hard for.
Death does a lot of things to people. Nigel and Derrick must fight to make sure that their relationship isn't yet another tragic loss.
Warnings: Contains grief and loss, death of a parent, lots of crying, a bit of PTSD, snarky teens, adorable but opportunistic dogs, foul language, emotionally intense hot man on hot man sex action, and an excessive number of pumpkins.
--------------------------------------------------------------
This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Love Has No Boundaries" event. Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice. Authors of the group selected a photo and prompt that spoke to them and wrote a short story.
Nigel and Derrick are perfect together, happy and in love. Two years ago, Derrick Cole took one of his teenage probationers to learn about a new program that helped at risk kids by teaching them how to train shelter dogs. There he met the executive director and founder, Nigel Rutherford. Although the two men came from different worlds, they immediately found common ground in an interest in social issues and a desire to help others. A strong mutual attraction grew over time into the kind of solid loving relationship that so many people only dream about.
But getting to this point wasn't easy. Bias and intolerance barred the way, and Derrick's foster father, Ronald Bryant, was at the core. When Ronald dies tragically, the couple is forced to face demons from their past that threaten to destroy everything they've fought so hard for.
Death does a lot of things to people. Nigel and Derrick must fight to make sure that their relationship isn't yet another tragic loss.
Warnings: Contains grief and loss, death of a parent, lots of crying, a bit of PTSD, snarky teens, adorable but opportunistic dogs, foul language, emotionally intense hot man on hot man sex action, and an excessive number of pumpkins.
--------------------------------------------------------------
This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Love Has No Boundaries" event. Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice. Authors of the group selected a photo and prompt that spoke to them and wrote a short story.
170 pages, ebook
First published July 28, 2013
1 person is currently reading
112 people want to read
About the author
S.H. Allan
8 books15 followersS. H. Allan has been a therapeutic foster parent for close to a decade and a half, focusing on teenagers—which is a lot like herding cats, but a lot more rewarding. Dogs make her happy, and the senior dogs for which she provides hospice have to tolerate a giddy younger pup or three. Whenever possible, she ignores them all in favor of reading smutty gay love stories. S. H. knew writing was her destiny when her classic, Mr. Cuke and Mrs. Tomato, was put in the school library in third grade (coincidentally, along with the stories written by all her classmates). Politically active and socially conscious, with a useless M.A. and over twenty-five years working in high tech, S. H. fits in well in her beloved Pacific Northwest, except for that health conscious stuff. Tofurkey is one thing, but she says, “Seriously, no donuts?”
S. H. loves to hear from readers. She can be reached at shallanmm@yahoo.com or https://www.facebook.com/shallanmm.
S. H. loves to hear from readers. She can be reached at shallanmm@yahoo.com or https://www.facebook.com/shallanmm.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
November 3, 2013
Well, I am just after finishing this wonderful story and I just have to say, it was one of the loveliest, saddest stories I have ever read. It's a real tear jerker. I am kind of lost when it comes to trying to review this book and do it justice. But I will give it my best shot and hope it comes out alright.
Closure, is the perfect name for this book. When I say it's perfect, I mean it. The title almost tells the whole story. It's about death. But the story is neither simple nor complex. It deals with many issues, and unfortunately, some of those are not easy or resolved in the happiest way. But that is the beauty of this book.
Derrick and Nigel were the perfect couple. Perfect for each other and there was just so much love between them. This book is in two time frames, in the beginning of their relationship, how they met and feel in love etc... Also in the present day. It tells a very sad story of family, loss and love.
Derrick was a child of the state. But he found a family that not only loved him, but accepted him for who he was. It was lovely to see. And after he meets Nigel, he falls in love. It was so perfect, it should have been a happy story. Things couldn't be simpler, right? Supportive family and great boyfriend.
But there was an issue. It almost cost Derrick and Nigel their love. But not everything is simple. The story really touched me. The emotion was raw, the feelings were there. I felt this book. And I loved it!
As you can probably guess, the book deals with the aftermath of a death. That is what started the story and it's a theme that continued through the story. In a very sad, but true way, it looked at the emotions one faces when someone they love, dies. It's just not very easy to describe, but this did it perfectly.
I have no more words for this. But I would advise people to give this one a shot. It's a very real story.
Closure, is the perfect name for this book. When I say it's perfect, I mean it. The title almost tells the whole story. It's about death. But the story is neither simple nor complex. It deals with many issues, and unfortunately, some of those are not easy or resolved in the happiest way. But that is the beauty of this book.
Derrick and Nigel were the perfect couple. Perfect for each other and there was just so much love between them. This book is in two time frames, in the beginning of their relationship, how they met and feel in love etc... Also in the present day. It tells a very sad story of family, loss and love.
Derrick was a child of the state. But he found a family that not only loved him, but accepted him for who he was. It was lovely to see. And after he meets Nigel, he falls in love. It was so perfect, it should have been a happy story. Things couldn't be simpler, right? Supportive family and great boyfriend.
But there was an issue. It almost cost Derrick and Nigel their love. But not everything is simple. The story really touched me. The emotion was raw, the feelings were there. I felt this book. And I loved it!
As you can probably guess, the book deals with the aftermath of a death. That is what started the story and it's a theme that continued through the story. In a very sad, but true way, it looked at the emotions one faces when someone they love, dies. It's just not very easy to describe, but this did it perfectly.
I have no more words for this. But I would advise people to give this one a shot. It's a very real story.
August 25, 2013
This is one of those books that I both loved and disliked.
I loved the idea of the story. I loved the characters and I loved the emotion it pulled out of me. This had some real tear jerker scenes.
I did not like the way the story was told. There were things that were never explained, for example PTSD is mentioned a few times but is never explained. The back and forth time line didn't work for me either.
I could understand Ronald's reaction at first, but after a year it was hard to believe that such a good guy could not unbend. In fact I think Ronald was my biggest stumbling block in this story. I just never believed in his actions.
There were parts I found a little to sweet, and there was an over use of Nigel being there to catch Derrick if he fell. Also to be honest the sex scenes were way to long and not in keeping with the story for me.
The emphasis seemed to be on the feelings Derrick had, rather than the whole journey of this story, (sorry that's the best way I can describe it.) Its like I felt I was missing bits and pieces.
But despite all that I did enjoy the story for the most part, I just had a few issues with the way it was told.
I loved the idea of the story. I loved the characters and I loved the emotion it pulled out of me. This had some real tear jerker scenes.
I did not like the way the story was told. There were things that were never explained, for example PTSD is mentioned a few times but is never explained. The back and forth time line didn't work for me either.
I could understand Ronald's reaction at first, but after a year it was hard to believe that such a good guy could not unbend. In fact I think Ronald was my biggest stumbling block in this story. I just never believed in his actions.
There were parts I found a little to sweet, and there was an over use of Nigel being there to catch Derrick if he fell. Also to be honest the sex scenes were way to long and not in keeping with the story for me.
The emphasis seemed to be on the feelings Derrick had, rather than the whole journey of this story, (sorry that's the best way I can describe it.) Its like I felt I was missing bits and pieces.
But despite all that I did enjoy the story for the most part, I just had a few issues with the way it was told.
July 30, 2013
http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/1...
No words. None which would be sufficient to do this story justice. I laughed, I cried. The author created two amazing characters, set in a story that will stay with me for a very long time.
Free from the M/M Romance group's LHNB challenge.
Go.
Read it.
Rejoice.
No words. None which would be sufficient to do this story justice. I laughed, I cried. The author created two amazing characters, set in a story that will stay with me for a very long time.
Free from the M/M Romance group's LHNB challenge.
Go.
Read it.
Rejoice.
dnf
June 26, 2022I don't remember why I DNF'd this the first time around back in 2013, but going from the 3% I managed just now, I'd say it's because of the 3rd person/present tense combo. That just very rarely works, and at first I thought I was reading the blurb with how emotionless and abrupt the sentence structure was.
August 25, 2013
Offered for FREE from the M/M Romance Group's Love Has No Boundaries event. Thank you too all the amazing authors who participated!
What can I say? I'm just a big grouch and too much gushing doesn't work for me. There were definitely moments that had me tearing up (Nigel's 'swing low, sweet chariot' solo), but for the most part the emotional aspect was too constant with non-stop reassurances and stating what each others lovable qualities were. I also have a thing about the written word coming across naturally as if spoken and, for me, some of their professions of love were too formal. For example: "I, too, love you." I know the author was trying to mix it up so it wasn't always "I love you, too" but people just don't talk like that.
I think that the past/present framework was a good idea, but some of the scenes could have been chosen better. There were several of the 'past' parts that I didn't feel brought anything to the story, and a past/present sex scene that were stacked so I ended up being confused and not knowing which it was (thinking: wait, they just fell asleep after sex, how are they now just starting sex?)
Perhaps a better use of the past/present structure would have been for the fight with Ronald and then the subsequent drama over the next year to all be the present (so we all hate Ronald, as we should), but then the flash-backs to be of Ronald saving Dare as a teen. I think this would have created a greater dichotomy between the past and the present and really torn the reader emotionally between wanting to hate the way Ronald is acting but really seeing how much of a wonderful impact he had on Dare. This also would have prevented the little info-dump we had in the third chapter where Nigel asked a string of questions so that Dare could regale us with a few stories in a row of his life, which became a little repetitive and felt forced.
July 29, 2013
LHNB story released 28.7.13
4.5 stars rounded up
This is a cleverly written, very emotionally charged story told now, in the present tense, interspersed with flashbacks told in the past tense. The story opens with the death of Derrick's estranged foster father - the man who bought him up and gave him his future. His partner, Nigel, is the reason for his estrangement, not because he is gay but because Nigel is from a rich family - though Nigel himself works for a charitable foundation that helps young offenders rehabilitate through training rescued shelter dogs. The present day story deals with the issues surrounding Derrick coming to terms with his father's death, whilst the flashbacks detail the start of Nigel and Derrick's relationship and fall out with Derrick's father.
Okay, this story gets bonus points for me, as anyone who has ever read some of my more ranting reviews will know I have a huge issue with how dog ownership/training is portrayed in books - such a refreshing change to see the positive methods of training, the use of the Good Citizen scheme (or American equivalent of) and the mention and description of heelwork to music as well as flyball and agility.
4.5 stars rounded up
This is a cleverly written, very emotionally charged story told now, in the present tense, interspersed with flashbacks told in the past tense. The story opens with the death of Derrick's estranged foster father - the man who bought him up and gave him his future. His partner, Nigel, is the reason for his estrangement, not because he is gay but because Nigel is from a rich family - though Nigel himself works for a charitable foundation that helps young offenders rehabilitate through training rescued shelter dogs. The present day story deals with the issues surrounding Derrick coming to terms with his father's death, whilst the flashbacks detail the start of Nigel and Derrick's relationship and fall out with Derrick's father.
Okay, this story gets bonus points for me, as anyone who has ever read some of my more ranting reviews will know I have a huge issue with how dog ownership/training is portrayed in books - such a refreshing change to see the positive methods of training, the use of the Good Citizen scheme (or American equivalent of) and the mention and description of heelwork to music as well as flyball and agility.
August 17, 2013
Wonderful, sad, heartbreaking, uplifting, beautiful. This is the story of Derrick and Nigel, told in alternating POVs both present and past. An interesting way to present this story and it worked so well. There are only a few additional characters that get more than a couple lines. The most important of which are Derrick’s family. That family gives these MCs fits, but in the end, they are still family. I could see the scenes in my mind. The images are so real. I am so surprised, yet shouldn’t be, that this is part of Love Has No Boundaries. An excellent book.
August 17, 2013
I admit, I had some troubles getting used to the format of this story...present tense writing for the present day and then past tense writing for the flashbacks. I did enjoy this story, especially the characters. It was sweet, sad, and very emotional.
August 7, 2013
Way too cheesy. Way too wordy. Way too much unimportant filler.
August 10, 2013
This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Love Has No Boundaries" event
So I gave this book five stars. I guess I owe you an explanation why.
First, the story is amazing. I really loved it. It wasn’t like most the stories about the coming out or something. The dispute wasn’t about the sex the hero is falling in love with. The dispute was on the identity of the boyfriend.
I am not usually a big fan of the “then-now” technique or rather say “switch or versatile.” But it wasn’t bad in the story. It actually increased my curiously about the reason of refusing the step father Dare’s relationship with Nigh. Versatile technique had built a really beautiful and coherent piece of writing.
God! The MCs are amazing. I loved both characters (Derrick and Nigel). They are like perfect (funny, handsome, smart, manly… and the list goes on.)
I loved Derrick’s background (his childhood, his teenage days, and his hard life.) I really sympathized with him all along the story.
The father’s character is also an interesting character. I loved him and I was trying hard to understand his reaction behind his behavior toward Nigh (I agree with Derrick bout how silly Nigel looks. I personally prefer to call him Nigh:)) I was so sad for the loss of the father at the end of the story especially after I’ve known his reason and the change of his ideas before his death.
THE REASON! Yeah. His fear and his protectiveness for Dare.
“He was what? Using me?” Derrick stood and threw his napkin on top of his fork and knife. “For what? To treat with respect and love? To hold me in the middle of the night when my PTSD overwhelms me, and I’m a puddle of fear? To make love to me—”
But to be honest I thought it could be something bigger. I don’t know. Someone from the family hurt him, for example. Yet this reason was good and simple and it shows that this man is a good and caring man and losing him made me sad.:(
“No kidding. But stay there where you belong: in my bed.”
Their love was true, and strong. Their lovemaking was beautiful and also wild.
The cover is good. I like it.
The pic of the prompt is amazing and this story really spoke about it.
Recommended!
July 28, 2013
3.75 stars
Beautifully written and emotional story about Derrick, who must come to terms with his father's recent death after not seeing him for a long period of time. His father, who disapproved of Derrick's relationship with his partner, Nigel, made him choose between his family and the only man he ever loved. Derrick still harbors doubts over his decision while Nigel tries his best to be supportive and show his unwavering love.
The MCs are both very likable given the heavy subject matter. I could definitely see the intense love they had for one another.
Beautifully written and emotional story about Derrick, who must come to terms with his father's recent death after not seeing him for a long period of time. His father, who disapproved of Derrick's relationship with his partner, Nigel, made him choose between his family and the only man he ever loved. Derrick still harbors doubts over his decision while Nigel tries his best to be supportive and show his unwavering love.
The MCs are both very likable given the heavy subject matter. I could definitely see the intense love they had for one another.
October 14, 2013
There was melodrama mixed with info-dump, which made the story come off as rather stilted. The flashbacks were a bit better because they settled into the narrative, but flashbacks are really clunky ways of telling a story unless the flashbacks are the point, like in Memento.
Oh, and the "Now" sections are written in present tense, which is usually a bit awkward to get into. Problem here is we need to readjust and get into it again each time the story lapses back into the present.
Some of the "past" stories were cute. The sex always seemed rather abrupt.
We're told about the PTSD and whatnot, but that never really actually seems to manifest. Well, there were the dreams, I suppose. I dunno. It all just felt really...benign. And the flashback mehtod of telling the story got really, really unwieldy.
Oh, and the "Now" sections are written in present tense, which is usually a bit awkward to get into. Problem here is we need to readjust and get into it again each time the story lapses back into the present.
Some of the "past" stories were cute. The sex always seemed rather abrupt.
We're told about the PTSD and whatnot, but that never really actually seems to manifest. Well, there were the dreams, I suppose. I dunno. It all just felt really...benign. And the flashback mehtod of telling the story got really, really unwieldy.
August 13, 2013
I couldn't read it. I couldn't get into the story because of the present tense writing style. One of the pitfalls of writing in present style is that the author might fall into writing unnecessary details of every day life -mostly they use them as dialogue tags, but it can get annoying. I just felt detached from the story and characters.
September 27, 2013
Amazing relationship. Really loved Nigh and Dare. I spend quite a bit of time pissed at Dare's dad. And like with Dare, it was never satisfactorily resolved. :-(
Great story.
[NOTE: I rate most writing event stories (free reads) 4 or 5 stars because of my appreciation of the author's participation.]
Great story.
[NOTE: I rate most writing event stories (free reads) 4 or 5 stars because of my appreciation of the author's participation.]
August 3, 2013
This is a good story. The main characters are very likable. I wish that it had more background, but that is because the author did such a great job making me care about the characters. Great job!
January 12, 2021
Beautiful story, filled with all sort of themes that I love right now, such as hurt/comfort, love and acceptance. This story gave me all the feels and I love it for that. Add some cute doggies, helping children, helping dogs and children simultaneously, and I am all in. My first 5 star read of the year.
August 18, 2013
Closure is the story of Nigel and Derrick, two men who have a chance meeting when one of Derrick's clients (probationer) applies to and is accepted into Nigel's program that allows kids with troubled pasts to work with dogs and train them.
Through alternating past and present point of views, the story primarily focuses on Derrick's family, and the struggles he has gone and continues to go through. You learn early on that Derrick's father is recently deceased, and the author does a very nice job of weaving the past together with the present situation. It could've been very choppy, but it works quite well for this story.
The one thing that was hard for me was the present tense. It wasn't so bad once I converted things in my head, but it was odd for me to read.
The story is also not without it's funny parts, and I absolutely adore dogs so the presence of the dogs was a real treat for me.
A very sad, but sweet story that is worth a read.
Through alternating past and present point of views, the story primarily focuses on Derrick's family, and the struggles he has gone and continues to go through. You learn early on that Derrick's father is recently deceased, and the author does a very nice job of weaving the past together with the present situation. It could've been very choppy, but it works quite well for this story.
The one thing that was hard for me was the present tense. It wasn't so bad once I converted things in my head, but it was odd for me to read.
The story is also not without it's funny parts, and I absolutely adore dogs so the presence of the dogs was a real treat for me.
A very sad, but sweet story that is worth a read.
July 23, 2014
It was soooo cheesy. I usually reserve 1 star for the books I hate so this one gets 2 stars. But honestly, I couldn't get into it.
It was all so romantic and love at first sight and eternal, undying, committed love. It was too much for me. The only angst came from the outside (from Derrick's father, Ronald) and even that felt forced halfway through. There was so much devotion and love and trust between them. I suppose if I had become emotionally attached, I would have enjoyed their bond more but as it was, it was a bit irksome.
It was an interesting story and very nice developed characters but their intense love was too sweet for my tastes.
It was all so romantic and love at first sight and eternal, undying, committed love. It was too much for me. The only angst came from the outside (from Derrick's father, Ronald) and even that felt forced halfway through. There was so much devotion and love and trust between them. I suppose if I had become emotionally attached, I would have enjoyed their bond more but as it was, it was a bit irksome.
It was an interesting story and very nice developed characters but their intense love was too sweet for my tastes.
July 23, 2016
I was a beta for this story in the interest of full disclosure.
This is a lovely, sweet story. Derrick seems to have it all except love when Nigel walks into his life via his work with troubled teens. Nigel has many demons in his life but he hasn't allowed that to close his heart or mind to all the possibilities life can offer. What we learn throughout the story is that everyone has problems and doubts themselves but love can make those problems and doubts fade into the background.
S.H. Allan has done an amazing job, especially as she is relatively new to being published. I look forward to her future stories!
This is a lovely, sweet story. Derrick seems to have it all except love when Nigel walks into his life via his work with troubled teens. Nigel has many demons in his life but he hasn't allowed that to close his heart or mind to all the possibilities life can offer. What we learn throughout the story is that everyone has problems and doubts themselves but love can make those problems and doubts fade into the background.
S.H. Allan has done an amazing job, especially as she is relatively new to being published. I look forward to her future stories!
August 3, 2013
Okay maybe it just because some of the scenes hit close to my life about 27 years ago first with my mom not talking to me for 6 months because I went with my now ex and having an argument with my drunken father a few weeks after my mom's death and trying to be "reasonable" But this story seems like it needs a bring a tissue warning. It's a reminder to not let stubbornness get in the way of staying connected to family, that sometimes you have to choose who your family is, and to make sure those we love know we love them. This is a beautiful story.
December 31, 2013
This is an absolutely powerful story. I honestly don't know if others will be as affected as I was though. In the past 18 months I've lost 7 family members plus 2 friends and my beloved black lab.... considering this story revolves around death and dogs.... welll, I think it's pretty understandable that I'd find it so powerful. I'm curious what some of my GRs friends think. :-)
June 16, 2015
Beautiful story about loss, grief, love, and forgiveness. I appreciated that the conflict was class based rather than sexual orientation based - not that that is any better, but it was a nice to have a change. I felt the back and forth flashbacks really worked and I loved the emotion in the story. I loved Nigel and Derrick.
April 18, 2015
Sweet and touching. I enjoyed this story, the characters and the romance. Nice interpretation of the photo and the story letter. Thank you S.H. Allan for donating your story, your time and your talent.
July 31, 2013
3.5 stars.
August 14, 2013
3.5 stars. The writing style in the present tense took a bit of adjusting to. I didn't care for it, but then the story took hold. Good story.
August 18, 2013
I just finished drying the last of my tears .. a sweet and touching story that stole my heart ..
September 4, 2013
Really well done. Powerful, and emotionally honest this story was really well developed. The characters were complex, and interesting. One of the better LHNB stories of the year.
March 2, 2025
2.5 stars
December 12, 2014
This book was incredible. It was a perfect blend of past and present, love and pain, and above all else what it means to be a family. Hard, painful, wonderful, full of mistakes and worries, but also full of joy, love and the feeling of home.
February 26, 2016
2.5 stars rounded up
There are parts of the story I really liked and enjoyed. But over all the plot around Roland wasn't believable for me. I was also annoyed by too much declarations of undying love. Just too much for my taste.
There are parts of the story I really liked and enjoyed. But over all the plot around Roland wasn't believable for me. I was also annoyed by too much declarations of undying love. Just too much for my taste.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews