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Alex and Jared - The College Years #1
That One Thing: Alex and Jared, the College Years
Alex Ross expects to grow during his four years at MIT, but he doesn't anticipate exactly how much things will change. Graduating valedictorian of his class opens up the world in ways he can't imagine.
When his boyfriend, Jared Douglas, drops in for a surprise visit full of excitement about their future, Alex realizes he's no longer sure how the pieces of his life fit together. His boyhood dreams may not suit the man he's become.
Jared pushes Alex to make his own decision about his future. Secure in the knowledge of Jared's steadfast love, knowing he'll be there regardless of Alex's choice, makes Alex confident enough to search his heart for that one thing he needs to be happy.
When his boyfriend, Jared Douglas, drops in for a surprise visit full of excitement about their future, Alex realizes he's no longer sure how the pieces of his life fit together. His boyhood dreams may not suit the man he's become.
Jared pushes Alex to make his own decision about his future. Secure in the knowledge of Jared's steadfast love, knowing he'll be there regardless of Alex's choice, makes Alex confident enough to search his heart for that one thing he needs to be happy.
25 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 24, 2012
1 person is currently reading
174 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
November 24, 2012
Alex is now 22 years old, going to MIT, being on top of his class, getting offers to work at prestigious firm. Then Jared comes, asks Alex whether he wants to go back to see the land that will end up being their home (if Alex agrees of purchase). And Alex must makes a choice about what he wants to do...
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This 6000+ short story is basically a filler -- as Diane Adams said herself in the dedication section: ""For all of you who couldn't wait for January". The first half was a sex scene (hey, Alex and Jared lives apart, so it's necessary!!) -- rather cute, when Alex's roommate barged in when they were just finished. Alex being mortified with embarrassment was adorable. The last half was Alex contemplating his choices and Jared waiting for what Alex decided.
It's a lovely read. Then again, I have soft heart for this couple from the very beginning, so reading about them after a year break (their last story, Stronger in Your Hands, was released in July 2011) was a delight. Even if it was short.
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This 6000+ short story is basically a filler -- as Diane Adams said herself in the dedication section: ""For all of you who couldn't wait for January". The first half was a sex scene (hey, Alex and Jared lives apart, so it's necessary!!) -- rather cute, when Alex's roommate barged in when they were just finished. Alex being mortified with embarrassment was adorable. The last half was Alex contemplating his choices and Jared waiting for what Alex decided.
It's a lovely read. Then again, I have soft heart for this couple from the very beginning, so reading about them after a year break (their last story, Stronger in Your Hands, was released in July 2011) was a delight. Even if it was short.
November 30, 2012
I didn't realize how much i loved and missed these guys. They make my heart happy.
January 26, 2013
A nice sexy little interlude with Jared and Alex. Short but very satisfying. True love that has definitely warmed the cockles of this old gals heart! Short enough to fit in after finishing book 3 late last night or should I say early this morning - it's hard to know when to stop with these guys! * yawn*. :)
November 26, 2012
Far too short, but still packed full of love.
November 23, 2012
As usual this is a beautiful piece of writing from Diane Adams. I have missed Alex and Jared so much and this little slice of their time at college is just enough to keep me going until MM5 is out in January...
November 27, 2012
It was a nice glimpse of Alex and Jared, sadly it was too short! At least January isn't that far away. CAN'T WAIT!
January 2, 2013
Alex is away at MIT just about to finish school. He has done well for himself and has even earned a great job offer after graduating. He's still madly in love with Jared, but he can't help but question if his life back home will hold him back.
I loved visiting with Alex and Jared again. It was nice to see them in a different setting and struggling with some important decisions. The writing was very good. Diane Adams managed to pack a lot of emotion, sexual chemistry and humor in just 38 pages. As always, the characters were very enjoyable and the secondary characters added to the story nicely.
All in all,a great short story. I am looking forward to reading more about these guys.
I loved visiting with Alex and Jared again. It was nice to see them in a different setting and struggling with some important decisions. The writing was very good. Diane Adams managed to pack a lot of emotion, sexual chemistry and humor in just 38 pages. As always, the characters were very enjoyable and the secondary characters added to the story nicely.
All in all,a great short story. I am looking forward to reading more about these guys.
November 25, 2012
3.5
The characters are great, the romance is, well, romantic, and I loved the story overall, but (and these are incredibly minor points)...
As a senior at MIT, it seems likelier that Alex would be in a single, or if he does have a roommate, that his roommate wouldn't be an upperclassman. Also, the dorm rooms have locks. He has the presence of mind to put the sock on, but not lock the door?
Just a couple of niggles, but they did make me pause for a bit.
The characters are great, the romance is, well, romantic, and I loved the story overall, but (and these are incredibly minor points)...
As a senior at MIT, it seems likelier that Alex would be in a single, or if he does have a roommate, that his roommate wouldn't be an upperclassman. Also, the dorm rooms have locks. He has the presence of mind to put the sock on, but not lock the door?
Just a couple of niggles, but they did make me pause for a bit.
December 1, 2012
3.5 Stars
Loved getting another glimpse of these two, but way to short.
Loved getting another glimpse of these two, but way to short.
November 25, 2012
Ok we're not used to short stories from Ms Adams unless you take the time to visit her blog where there are several shorts about Clark's twin sons. Find it and enjoy the world that Adams can so lovingly create. This short story is a flash back to Alex's time at MIT written not so much as a filler but as a look at Alex when he's at a vital crossroads in his life. As a fan of the Making Of a Man series, I know which choice Alex made but it was still fun to read the depth of emotion that Ms Adams wrung out of Alex and the hot sex that preceded it. To my way of thinking, Alex made the right choice because Jared never could have followed the other path.
November 28, 2012
This series is one of my guilty pleasures. This was a short story and I assume amongst many between Alex and Jared. If you've read the series then you'll understand this review. This takes place whilst Alex is at MIT. Jared wants Alex to make a choice with what he wants from his life. A theme that has been apparent throughout the whole series. It was short but nicely-written. I won't deny the fact Ms. Adams isn't the best writer. Her characters are sweet and her writing simple, but sometimes as a reader I need that and for me she does it well. I adore Alex and Jared and she's managed to write simple characters who portray a lot of emotion.
December 3, 2012
Diane Adam’s short story THAT ONE THING catches us up to what’s going on while Alex is away at college. Jordan pays him an unexpected visit and tries to hurry a decision by Alex whether he is going to go into Big Business and make the Big Bucks or return home to live with Jordan in their hometown.
Alex has been the one trying to rush things since he was 15 years old and Jordan was the one with his hand on the brakes, so this is a bit of a switch in roles, but it is a chance for Alex to demonstrate that he is a grown man or that he still has some maturing to do. Which road will he choose?
Please see my complete review on Dec. 6, 2012 at http://mrsconditreadsbooks.com/index....
Alex has been the one trying to rush things since he was 15 years old and Jordan was the one with his hand on the brakes, so this is a bit of a switch in roles, but it is a chance for Alex to demonstrate that he is a grown man or that he still has some maturing to do. Which road will he choose?
Please see my complete review on Dec. 6, 2012 at http://mrsconditreadsbooks.com/index....
August 5, 2015
Yep, short but very sweet. Jared and Alex, you are one cute couple!
Alex is still extremely clever,
, clever enough to know that it doesn't matter what he does, it will always be Jared for him, and the life they've built together in the small town they live in. Being headhunted by a large and prestigious firm of architects isn't enough to persuade him to leave his love, family and home behind. Of course, he makes the right decision.
Alex is still extremely clever,
, clever enough to know that it doesn't matter what he does, it will always be Jared for him, and the life they've built together in the small town they live in. Being headhunted by a large and prestigious firm of architects isn't enough to persuade him to leave his love, family and home behind. Of course, he makes the right decision.
January 18, 2013
For people who wanted just another taste of Alex and Jared! This story is so sweet, a glimpse into one of the few successful long distance relationships that I know of. There is a very sexy scene in this book that I quite enjoyed as well! ;) A stop on Alex and Jared's trip to happily ever after. My favorite scene is a tear jerker!
June 21, 2015
I just love these two guys together. I know it seems like Jared is "testing" Alex, but I find that he is laying out options and leaving the decision up to Alex and Jared is behind Alex 100% no matter what decision he would make.
Recommended for a lunchtime read :)
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1st read - Oct 29, 2013
2nd read - Jun 19, 2015
Recommended for a lunchtime read :)
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1st read - Oct 29, 2013
2nd read - Jun 19, 2015
November 24, 2012
It was sweet but a disappointment I am sorry to say.
Perhaps it was due to the shortness of the story, I just didn't get the same warm feeling in my stomach that I usually get when reading about Jared and Alex.
But still, read it :)
Perhaps it was due to the shortness of the story, I just didn't get the same warm feeling in my stomach that I usually get when reading about Jared and Alex.
But still, read it :)
December 29, 2012
Great Short Story!! I just love these characters!!!
December 1, 2012
Short but very sweet look into the lives of Alex and Jerad as Alex prepares to graduate from college.
November 28, 2012
WONDERFUL!
January 23, 2013
I love these characters, which added pleasure to this simple story. No surprises, a touch of nice emotion, and a reminder that even the strongest relationship is built one choice after another.
December 30, 2012
Only negative I had was the book was too short! I wanted more of Alex and Jared!!
December 24, 2012
Part of the Making of a Man series.
As with all the other books in this series, this story follows a nonlinear timeline and mainly occurs somewhere in the middle of Jared and Alex's 14-year relationship - during Alex's time at MIT.
My issue with this book is that it lacks depth, is very short, and does not add anything worthwhile to Alex and Jared's story.
I cannot understand why it's rating so high.
As with all the other books in this series, this story follows a nonlinear timeline and mainly occurs somewhere in the middle of Jared and Alex's 14-year relationship - during Alex's time at MIT.
My issue with this book is that it lacks depth, is very short, and does not add anything worthwhile to Alex and Jared's story.
I cannot understand why it's rating so high.
November 26, 2012
Beautiful shortie :)
December 15, 2012
Aww, I love these guys!!!
April 22, 2013
Quick look at Alex away at college. Dorm sex is always hot!!!
January 14, 2013
A wonderful glimpse of Alex & Jared.
April 1, 2014
Jared makes a surprise visit to Alex while in college, Which Leave Alex with some decision to make.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews