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Every Time I Think of You #2
Message of Love
Lambda Literary Award Finalist - Gay Romance
In the sequel to the Lambda Literary Award winning novel Every Time I Think of You, the love between two young men is put to a test.
Reid Conniff and Everett Forrester have moved to Philadelphia, where college life brings them closer together, perhaps a bit too close. Everett, pressured by his mother, transfers to the University of Pennsylvania, while Reid stays at Temple University. Their once long-distance love becomes a cross-town romance.
A twist of floral fate later finds them an apartment more like a home. Between student protests, impulsive road trips and despite a few affairs, their bond grows.
But as the early 1980s continue, a spreading crisis approaches, coming into their lives with a strange intimacy, via that one mysterious Polaroid of Everett, the one that Reid never dared to ask about.
In the sequel to the Lambda Literary Award winning novel Every Time I Think of You, the love between two young men is put to a test.
Reid Conniff and Everett Forrester have moved to Philadelphia, where college life brings them closer together, perhaps a bit too close. Everett, pressured by his mother, transfers to the University of Pennsylvania, while Reid stays at Temple University. Their once long-distance love becomes a cross-town romance.
A twist of floral fate later finds them an apartment more like a home. Between student protests, impulsive road trips and despite a few affairs, their bond grows.
But as the early 1980s continue, a spreading crisis approaches, coming into their lives with a strange intimacy, via that one mysterious Polaroid of Everett, the one that Reid never dared to ask about.
372 pages, Paperback
First published March 16, 2014
9 people are currently reading
232 people want to read
About the author
Jim Provenzano
14 books139 followersJim Provenzano is the author of the novels Finding Tulsa, Now I'm Here, PINS, Monkey Suits, Cyclizen, the 2012 Lambda Literary Award-winning Every Time I Think of You, its sequel Message of Love (a Lammy finalist), and the stage adaptation of PINS (a Bay Area Theatre Critics awardee). His short fiction collection Forty Wild Crushes includes new and previously published stories.
He edited and published his late uncle John Rigney Jr.'s 1950s novel, The Lost of New York, in 2022. His latest work is the YA novella, Lessons in Teenage Biology, out May 6 (ebook) and June 1 (paperback), 2024.
A journalist in LGBT media for more than three decades, and the guest curator of Sporting Life, the world's first gay athletics exhibit, he also wrote the award-winning syndicated Sports Complex column for ten years. He's currently the Arts Editor at the Bay Area Reporter.
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He edited and published his late uncle John Rigney Jr.'s 1950s novel, The Lost of New York, in 2022. His latest work is the YA novella, Lessons in Teenage Biology, out May 6 (ebook) and June 1 (paperback), 2024.
A journalist in LGBT media for more than three decades, and the guest curator of Sporting Life, the world's first gay athletics exhibit, he also wrote the award-winning syndicated Sports Complex column for ten years. He's currently the Arts Editor at the Bay Area Reporter.
jimprovenzano.com
jimprovenzano.blogspot.com
www.facebook.com/JimProvenzanoAuthor
www.amazon.com/author/jimprovenzano
twitter.com/jim_provenzano
www.instagram.com/jimprovenzano
YouTube Channel
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
October 18, 2014
I mentioned already more than once in my reviews that the best books I discovered by chance. Jim Provenzano is a great enrichment for my reading experience and I'm so glad, I came across his books. By chance.
Message of Love is a sequel to Every Time I Think of You, it is not a standalone. You HAVE to read the first book before. But I'm sure that if you read the first book, you won't miss this one.
The story in Message of Love takes place in the early 80s. It is about an amazing, magic connection between two people who in spite of some really difficult and tragic situations in their life, in spite of different social classes and all obstacles in their way, in spite of everything and everyone stayed together.
"It's not about him or you. It's what's between you, the connection.People can see it, even when you're trying to act casual. they don't want you, or him. Well, some do. But I think it's more...they want that energy, that ungraspable...something between you two."
"Is it love?"
It is a fascinating journey full pain, despair, joy, passion and...yes, optimism. Excellent written, in a form of a monthly diary, told from my favourite first person's POV, Reid's POV, poignant, heart-wrenching and very emotional. An unusual love story of Reid and Everett who were predestined for each other, who fought for each other. Yes, it is a strong story about love... about all-conquering spirit of love... beautiful...
real...
triumphant...
It's a little magic...
"The magic of being needed by just one person."
Is it love?
Highly recommended!
September 13, 2014
Ok, this book is epic. Much longer than the first part, Every Time I Think of You but not less intense. Which one of them I liked most? Not sure about the question, I liked Message of Love at least the same, if not more.
With this book I laughed but I didn't cry. Not because there weren't reasons to, but because I have a heart of stone, but I sometimes felt a kind of constriction in my throat that needed to be relieved. This story starts practically from the end of the first book. Reid has just managed to be with Everett, thanks to Reid’s persistence and Everett’s surrender after his distancing.
“Ev, do you ever… think about us, a long time from now?”
(…)
“Reid, Giraffe, my hunky spunky man child. I don’t think about the future…”
“You don’t?”
“If you’d let me finish; I don’t think about a future without you.”
“You always know the right thing to say.”
This book has a different structure. To begin with, each chapter plays a month. There are 43 chapters, from February 1980 to July 1983. Not the most attractive of narrations, that’s for sure. But it didn’t feel in-cohesive, there was continuity in the plot and the aim of it all is to portray the growing of this relationship in which we only had managed to see little sparks isolated in time. But can something like that still bloom after two years and a half?
As a child, I dreamed of living in the forest, of hiding among the trees to avoid the world of people and all their problems. Instead, I met a boy in the woods, and together we grew and somehow figured out how to become men.
We’re still working on that.
I’m so glad this book was written. Don’t get me wrong, the first part is beautiful and can be read as a standalone, the ending is open but conclusive enough, and there is no missing page to get that feeling of utter satisfaction. But sometimes I wonder about the what ifs, and I yearn for a longer time with that couple.
“You are incorregible.”
“That’s why you love me.”
I leaned in close, offered a kiss, then slowly loosened his bowtie, undid the top button of his shirt.
(…)
He spun his chair around in consent. “Mister Conniff, you’re a class act,” he smiled.
“And that’s why you love me.”
This couple draws me like so few do. Reid is a marvelous narrator, his POV is intuitive enough and with a quiet personality that emphasizes everything else that occurs around him, so it takes no effort to drown in his words and see the world through his eyes, and have the same doubts that cross his mind. But Everett is the charismatic one. He exudes a charm and a magnetism that makes you want to touch him, because he’s like a fire, irresistible but still impossible to own.
“I’m sorry. I was so stupid. But I don’t see that as being strong.”
“Maybe not, but you are, and you know, it’s not about him or you. It’s what’s between you, the connection. People can see it, even when you are trying to act casual. They don’t want you, or him. Well, some do. But I think it’s more… they want that energy, that ungraspable… something between you two.”
“Is that love?”
Gerald smiled as he patted my shoulder. “Maybe someday you’ll find out.”
I could understand Reid perfectly, Everett pushes all your buttons and sometimes you have to count to ten and calm down before you do something you’d regret afterwards. He knows how to test your patience, but at the same time you can’t deny it makes the relationship very funny and you could never get bored with him. He is full of surprises and mischief and you can’t rest quietly with him, because his mind doesn’t stop working. He is a natural leader, an alpha male, and you can really feel it.
“Can’t go to be angry,” I added.
“Who said that?”
“My mom, I think.”
“You talk to your mom about me?”
“Sometimes, when I don’t have a clue how to deal with you”.
“You’re sweet.” Everett offered a smile, then nestled close to me. “I love you, no matter what I say.”
The story is not a bed of roses. There are some VERY sad moments. Oh, I bled with Ev’s frustration and grief about being in a wheelchair. Mostly he makes little of it, being nonchalant and teasing when the matter is brought out. But sometimes he is vulnerable and can’t hide his fear and sadness, and that’s when his carefree behaviour changes and you want to hug him and chase all his demons. He’s lucky to have Reid beside. Reid’s protectiveness means the world for him, even if he sometimes complains about it.
“You’re really brave”.
“Brave? Why?”
Football jock nodded toward my merman.
Brave? I was scared everyday, worried about losing him, losing his interest, being unable to keep up with his ongoing craving for adventures. What was this hulking guy trying to say? I wanted to shout at him, punch him, wake him up, or perhaps lock him in a kiss to make Everett jealous. But he just smiled innocently.
And then we have the epoch. In the 80s the “gay cancer” made an appearance. If was scary and so little information was available at the moment. It affects Reid and Everett and the people surrounding them. Looking at it afterwards, their precautions are funny, but also understandable, because they really didn’t know how to face this new disease that was spreading.
‘You are invited to a mutual apology session and private dinner, Saturday, February 14th, at Seven P.M.’
There were some parts I didn’t like. I didn’t like the fact of the but I can understand why they do it. I’m nobody to say something against how people should live. But it made me sad nonetheless. Also, the return of a person with dubious motives from Ev’s past messes it all. Family is less present because they get a sort of independence, but still has some influence in their actions, in a good way but also in a bad way. Sometimes they are allies, sometimes they can be a burden.
Furthermore, I have an issue with the writing, I loved it but once or twice I got confused, I didn’t know exactly who was talking at the moment, or there was a missing word or a changed letter in a word. Better editing is a very easy solution, so no big dramas.
Overall, a fantastic reading.
Read
August 8, 2016No voy a poner rating a este libro porque sería injusta, a nivel literario creo que tiene calidad, como el primero, a nivel personal... lo he odiado. Una lectura demasiado real con situaciones que no me apetecía leer, he sentido, sorprendentemente, muy poca empatía por Everett, me ha apenado mucho la situación en la que veo a Reid en su dinámica de pareja, y fundamentalmente me ha parecido una relación desigual e injusta que ha hecho que la tristeza me invada mientras leía y cierto sentimiento amargo sea lo que se me haya quedado.
April 17, 2014
Firstly, excuse me for any grammatical errors but English isn't my first language. I'll try to describe here a simple review because I think the book deserves praise .
Of course that first I've read ' Every Time I Think of You ' and fell in love madly for Reid and Everett... Reid with his strength yet not fully discovered and Everett with all his energy, intelligence and irreverence . They were teenagers as any of us once were . With new discoveries and new pleasures before themselves.
And then came the Everett's accident, came the choices , and also many decisions . And they decided to try to move on even with doubts and uncertainties .
As soon as I finished the first book , I immediately purchased the second . And again the story of two young men brought me beautiful emotions and that are difficult to describe in words .
Reid shows becoming stronger, more determined to rely on their love and he bet everything on their new life . Everett is slowly finding his place in the world and also helping Reid position himself before the facts .
Again choices and decisions have to be made and with that they will need determine what is really important in life that they trying to build together. Everett sometimes proves more ' loose and relaxed ' in their romance , but when something serious happens he realizes Reid is what really matters . Reid also learns that his world may not revolve solely around the Everett’s world , he needs and must have a world for himself too .
But really what is important remains: the union between them and the determination to make a future together . With prejudice , difficulties of a disabled person , AIDS and all.
I really loved the way the author shows each step of the way . The sensitivity to show the anger and frustration of Reid regarding sex with a disabled person , then the Reid’s perception that what really matters is Everett and all he is . Sex is a bonus and he learns that sexual pleasure comes in many forms. As a matter of fact they both learn this.
Everett on the other hand learns something too. Mostly that he can to trust and to believe he deserves to be loved, that this is something to be valued and that the process of growing up envoles more than himself. He learns that Reid has faults and doubts , but above all Reid is all he wants and needs .
It's a beautiful trip and Jim Provenzano has to be congratulated by the two books .
And can I confess something ? I'd love to see another book written , but this time from the Everett’s point of view.
Hugs from Brazil.
Of course that first I've read ' Every Time I Think of You ' and fell in love madly for Reid and Everett... Reid with his strength yet not fully discovered and Everett with all his energy, intelligence and irreverence . They were teenagers as any of us once were . With new discoveries and new pleasures before themselves.
And then came the Everett's accident, came the choices , and also many decisions . And they decided to try to move on even with doubts and uncertainties .
As soon as I finished the first book , I immediately purchased the second . And again the story of two young men brought me beautiful emotions and that are difficult to describe in words .
Reid shows becoming stronger, more determined to rely on their love and he bet everything on their new life . Everett is slowly finding his place in the world and also helping Reid position himself before the facts .
Again choices and decisions have to be made and with that they will need determine what is really important in life that they trying to build together. Everett sometimes proves more ' loose and relaxed ' in their romance , but when something serious happens he realizes Reid is what really matters . Reid also learns that his world may not revolve solely around the Everett’s world , he needs and must have a world for himself too .
But really what is important remains: the union between them and the determination to make a future together . With prejudice , difficulties of a disabled person , AIDS and all.
I really loved the way the author shows each step of the way . The sensitivity to show the anger and frustration of Reid regarding sex with a disabled person , then the Reid’s perception that what really matters is Everett and all he is . Sex is a bonus and he learns that sexual pleasure comes in many forms. As a matter of fact they both learn this.
Everett on the other hand learns something too. Mostly that he can to trust and to believe he deserves to be loved, that this is something to be valued and that the process of growing up envoles more than himself. He learns that Reid has faults and doubts , but above all Reid is all he wants and needs .
It's a beautiful trip and Jim Provenzano has to be congratulated by the two books .
And can I confess something ? I'd love to see another book written , but this time from the Everett’s point of view.
Hugs from Brazil.
July 26, 2016
Series are a tough business (for me). On any given sequel I might: jump from the first book to the second and love it, jump from the first book to the second and hate it, or wait and love/hate it.
Knowing my odds, I usually try to wait a bit and then hope for the best, but with Message of Love, the sequel to Every Time I Think of You, I decided two weeks was plenty, and, well, 4.5 stars later, here we are.
Message of Love begins a few months after the closing events in Every Time I Think of You. Reid and Everett are cohabitating. It’s the early 1980s, and things are way harder (than now) for people with disabilities. It also is a completely different world for gay couples: a new disease is spreading among the community, and people are scared. Still, sex is easy, free love is rampant, and relationships are rare.
The way Reid tells their story, living with these realities is tough. Even before an accident left him paralyzed, Everett could be cruel. Reid is patient, forgiving and overly accommodating. Sweet, sweet Reid tries so hard to be his own person and it’s almost painful to observe his devotion to Everett.
Overall, Reid and Everett’s next stage is slower, but in the best possible ways. The guys work through a school transfer, moves, different interests and new friends. They get closer than I ever thought they could. They learn about boundaries, respect and trust. It’s perfect to watch them change and grow and become independent men. I loved the way they interacted and wove themselves so completely into each other’s lives.
The AIDS epidemic—then called “gay cancer”—was a deadly main character in the book, and it made me anxious (rightly). The way it was written was pure genius on Provenzano’s part. I’ll say it again: his writing is gorgeous and sweeping and strong. I can’t help but wonder if I’ll get more of Reid and Everett in another few years. I hope so; I don’t think I’m quite ready to let them go yet.
Knowing my odds, I usually try to wait a bit and then hope for the best, but with Message of Love, the sequel to Every Time I Think of You, I decided two weeks was plenty, and, well, 4.5 stars later, here we are.
Message of Love begins a few months after the closing events in Every Time I Think of You. Reid and Everett are cohabitating. It’s the early 1980s, and things are way harder (than now) for people with disabilities. It also is a completely different world for gay couples: a new disease is spreading among the community, and people are scared. Still, sex is easy, free love is rampant, and relationships are rare.
The way Reid tells their story, living with these realities is tough. Even before an accident left him paralyzed, Everett could be cruel. Reid is patient, forgiving and overly accommodating. Sweet, sweet Reid tries so hard to be his own person and it’s almost painful to observe his devotion to Everett.
Overall, Reid and Everett’s next stage is slower, but in the best possible ways. The guys work through a school transfer, moves, different interests and new friends. They get closer than I ever thought they could. They learn about boundaries, respect and trust. It’s perfect to watch them change and grow and become independent men. I loved the way they interacted and wove themselves so completely into each other’s lives.
The AIDS epidemic—then called “gay cancer”—was a deadly main character in the book, and it made me anxious (rightly). The way it was written was pure genius on Provenzano’s part. I’ll say it again: his writing is gorgeous and sweeping and strong. I can’t help but wonder if I’ll get more of Reid and Everett in another few years. I hope so; I don’t think I’m quite ready to let them go yet.
April 16, 2014
Rating 5 stars out of 5
Sequel to the Lambda Literary Award winner Every Time I Think of You, Message of Love is perhaps less a total romance and more a journey of two young men coming of age and growing together into adulthood and a loving commitment,with the richness of its details and the complexities of its characters that make this a story to remember. One of the best fiction stories of the year. A must read for all.
For my full review, visit http://wp.me/p220KL-2ev
For all my essays, reviews, author guest blogs and contests, visit http://ScatteredThoughtsandRogueWords...
Sequel to the Lambda Literary Award winner Every Time I Think of You, Message of Love is perhaps less a total romance and more a journey of two young men coming of age and growing together into adulthood and a loving commitment,with the richness of its details and the complexities of its characters that make this a story to remember. One of the best fiction stories of the year. A must read for all.
For my full review, visit http://wp.me/p220KL-2ev
For all my essays, reviews, author guest blogs and contests, visit http://ScatteredThoughtsandRogueWords...
July 6, 2014
Couldn't stop it. While reading I felt like being part of Everett's and Reid's life. Great book!
August 28, 2016
I loved Every Time I Think of You and was excited to learn there was a sequel. I enjoy Jim Provenzano's beautiful writing and love Reid as a first-person narrator. It is also wonderful to see a book explore a different type of relationship than what we generally get.
Message of Love spans several years and is structured in somewhat of a diary style in that each chapter is a day out of each month of a year. I was a bit surprised that the book opened with a chapter set three years later than the actual start of the story and clued the reader into the fact that Reid and Everett are still a couple. But I realized pretty quickly that I needed to know that. I needed that hope to get through the rest of the book. Because there was a lot of pain and sadness in the story. There is also joy too, don't worry!
Jim Provenzano doesn't pull any punches with what it is like for Everett and Reid to live with Everett's disability. I appreciated that as I think it made their story and relationship very real. As with the first book, I also enjoyed all the secondary characters, such as Reid's parents and Everett's sister.
What was difficult for me was the sense that their relationship did not really grow that much. It seemed that they were not in that different of a place at the end as the beginning. I also had a difficult time with Everett's character. In the first chapter, Reid says of Everett, "In his eyes, those dazzling, near-black eyes, more important to me than our love or lust or friendship, was a lot of pure trust." However, I don't see how Reid could truly return that trust to Everett...
Overall, though, I am glad I read Message of Love and I will definitely read additional books by Jim Provenzano in the future.
Message of Love spans several years and is structured in somewhat of a diary style in that each chapter is a day out of each month of a year. I was a bit surprised that the book opened with a chapter set three years later than the actual start of the story and clued the reader into the fact that Reid and Everett are still a couple. But I realized pretty quickly that I needed to know that. I needed that hope to get through the rest of the book. Because there was a lot of pain and sadness in the story. There is also joy too, don't worry!
Jim Provenzano doesn't pull any punches with what it is like for Everett and Reid to live with Everett's disability. I appreciated that as I think it made their story and relationship very real. As with the first book, I also enjoyed all the secondary characters, such as Reid's parents and Everett's sister.
What was difficult for me was the sense that their relationship did not really grow that much. It seemed that they were not in that different of a place at the end as the beginning. I also had a difficult time with Everett's character. In the first chapter, Reid says of Everett, "In his eyes, those dazzling, near-black eyes, more important to me than our love or lust or friendship, was a lot of pure trust." However, I don't see how Reid could truly return that trust to Everett...
Overall, though, I am glad I read Message of Love and I will definitely read additional books by Jim Provenzano in the future.
May 15, 2014
Finished reading Jim Provenzano's latest book, "Message of Love." The title is a reference to Emmett's love notes to Reid, but the tale itself is a message of love...and the message is that love trumps hate, ignorance, and fear...and knows no bounds. I always get a lump in my throat after finishing one of Jim's stories because I want it to go on and on.
Want to read
May 22, 2014Holy shit, this is Every Time I Think Of You's sequel? Holy shit holy shit holy shit.
June 3, 2015
4.5 stars
I’m confused about how to rate this book. Overall, I love this couple’s story and as a whole it was nice to read their month-to-month going ons – which sometimes felt like a day-to-day accounts, but there were parts that were just kind of uninteresting. I needed more in the story line to pique my emotions. Don’t get me wrong there were some stand outs, and I needed more of it – my favorite was February 1983. Everett finally did good!
In the course of the story, I learned to love Everett, but I’ve LOVED Reid from the very beginning – both the boy we met in the first book and the man he is becoming in this book. I appreciate his sensibility and admire his commitment, devotion, sincerity, and love for Everett. I did not like Everett, the boy. Everett, the man is another story. I respect his intelligence, his ambition to affect change, his vitality for life – to experience it to the fullest – but I was also sad for him; a small part for his accident but mostly for the lack of warmth and love in his childhood/life before Reid (though I know it could have been worse.) I also feel sorry for how he seemingly lives with a sort of artificiality and false bravado he learned from his mother – perhaps this is why I found him disingenuous. With all that said…Even though I feel badly for him and I like him now, I still found Everett hard to love; in fact prior to reaching the end of the book, part of me only loved his character because Reid loves him. Many times I found Everett to be selfish and took Reid for granted. There was also the feeling that he knew how much power he had over Reid and used it for his own self-interest – that’s why it was so satisfying to see Reid come into his own and realize that his interest and happiness holds weight too and that his whole world may involveEverett but it doesn’t revolve around Everett.
The biggest plus in reading this second book is watching the evolution of their relationship; I came to believe that Everett loves Reid with the same strength and determination as Reid – something I was not convinced of in the first book.
This series and the MC’s story are unforgettable – this couple is a standout and has undoubtedly raised my bar for future books. I do wish at some point we will get another book to see this couple later, older, more mature – to see what adventures they get into what challenges they over, and last to simply solidify their HEA.
I’m confused about how to rate this book. Overall, I love this couple’s story and as a whole it was nice to read their month-to-month going ons – which sometimes felt like a day-to-day accounts, but there were parts that were just kind of uninteresting. I needed more in the story line to pique my emotions. Don’t get me wrong there were some stand outs, and I needed more of it – my favorite was February 1983. Everett finally did good!
In the course of the story, I learned to love Everett, but I’ve LOVED Reid from the very beginning – both the boy we met in the first book and the man he is becoming in this book. I appreciate his sensibility and admire his commitment, devotion, sincerity, and love for Everett. I did not like Everett, the boy. Everett, the man is another story. I respect his intelligence, his ambition to affect change, his vitality for life – to experience it to the fullest – but I was also sad for him; a small part for his accident but mostly for the lack of warmth and love in his childhood/life before Reid (though I know it could have been worse.) I also feel sorry for how he seemingly lives with a sort of artificiality and false bravado he learned from his mother – perhaps this is why I found him disingenuous. With all that said…Even though I feel badly for him and I like him now, I still found Everett hard to love; in fact prior to reaching the end of the book, part of me only loved his character because Reid loves him. Many times I found Everett to be selfish and took Reid for granted. There was also the feeling that he knew how much power he had over Reid and used it for his own self-interest – that’s why it was so satisfying to see Reid come into his own and realize that his interest and happiness holds weight too and that his whole world may involveEverett but it doesn’t revolve around Everett.
The biggest plus in reading this second book is watching the evolution of their relationship; I came to believe that Everett loves Reid with the same strength and determination as Reid – something I was not convinced of in the first book.
This series and the MC’s story are unforgettable – this couple is a standout and has undoubtedly raised my bar for future books. I do wish at some point we will get another book to see this couple later, older, more mature – to see what adventures they get into what challenges they over, and last to simply solidify their HEA.
June 15, 2014
A Joyfully Jay review.
4 stars
Provenzano, while being a beautiful writer, is not concerned about making things too comfortable or too romantic. He’s very realistic in his descriptions and, while Reid and Everett are complex and likeable characters, they are certainly flawed. Everett continues to be a bit out of touch with those who are not as privileged as he is, including Reid. Their relationship together is not always easy, though one would expect no less from two men at the prime of their lives, who oftentimes are only held together by the immensity of their love for one another. They attend different colleges, live together for some years and remain separate for others. They find they’re attracted to other men and explore what that means within the bounds of their relationship.
Read Amy's review in its entirety here.
4 stars
Provenzano, while being a beautiful writer, is not concerned about making things too comfortable or too romantic. He’s very realistic in his descriptions and, while Reid and Everett are complex and likeable characters, they are certainly flawed. Everett continues to be a bit out of touch with those who are not as privileged as he is, including Reid. Their relationship together is not always easy, though one would expect no less from two men at the prime of their lives, who oftentimes are only held together by the immensity of their love for one another. They attend different colleges, live together for some years and remain separate for others. They find they’re attracted to other men and explore what that means within the bounds of their relationship.
Read Amy's review in its entirety here.
January 12, 2015
After reading Every time I think of you, I became a fan of Mr. Provenzano.
I do like this sequence. The writing is still top notch as I expected.
The story is longer, which I like, for Reid narration is pleasure to read.
However, with its length, I wish there would be a little more humor because sometimes the slot becomes quite heavy.
My most disappointment is the end, where things are still confused. After all that time together, our 2 Mcs haven't seemed to figure out their future and their life together.
Really hope there will be another book with a happy ending (I will be devastated if it's not)
Having said that, if you read Every time I think of you and like it, you definitely should go on with this beautiful novel.
I do like this sequence. The writing is still top notch as I expected.
The story is longer, which I like, for Reid narration is pleasure to read.
However, with its length, I wish there would be a little more humor because sometimes the slot becomes quite heavy.
My most disappointment is the end, where things are still confused. After all that time together, our 2 Mcs haven't seemed to figure out their future and their life together.
Really hope there will be another book with a happy ending (I will be devastated if it's not)
Having said that, if you read Every time I think of you and like it, you definitely should go on with this beautiful novel.
September 15, 2017
Redondeo de 3.5 a 4, porque creo que fui un poco rata valorando el anterior.
La historia de Reid y Everett me atrapó, así que me encantó seguirles en la segunda parte, si bien la primera me gustó mucho más.
Reid es un personaje que me encanta, pero no se aprecia mucha evolución en él y me pasé gran parte del libro esperando que cambiara la dinámica de su relación con Everett (odio la palabra "dinámica" pero no encuentro otra).
Tampoco me dejó la resaca que me dejó el primero, pero también lo agradezco, que una necesita funcionar en la vida real a veces...
Y, como el anterior, está muy bien escrito.
La historia de Reid y Everett me atrapó, así que me encantó seguirles en la segunda parte, si bien la primera me gustó mucho más.
Reid es un personaje que me encanta, pero no se aprecia mucha evolución en él y me pasé gran parte del libro esperando que cambiara la dinámica de su relación con Everett (odio la palabra "dinámica" pero no encuentro otra).
Tampoco me dejó la resaca que me dejó el primero, pero también lo agradezco, que una necesita funcionar en la vida real a veces...
Y, como el anterior, está muy bien escrito.
January 4, 2016
The Magic
... of finding that one special person who completes you. Who understands you better than you do yourself.
Such a beautifully written, unconventional love story.
Reid and Everett have come together to a new beginning.
It makes your heart sing with happiness to read of their journey.
Even with all the pain and loss, for them to arrive where they are, is a testament to the strength of their love.
... of finding that one special person who completes you. Who understands you better than you do yourself.
Such a beautifully written, unconventional love story.
Reid and Everett have come together to a new beginning.
It makes your heart sing with happiness to read of their journey.
Even with all the pain and loss, for them to arrive where they are, is a testament to the strength of their love.
March 23, 2015
Definitely a great, well written book. I just fell in love with Every Time I Think of You and the sequel wasn't as gripping. I also couldn't see a clear character development.
December 6, 2015
2014 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention (5* from at least 1 judge)
October 3, 2014
The sequel to Every Time I Think of You follows Everett and Reid in their college years, and although this is longer and more slowly paced, I found the gradual time passage to be compelling. What approaches in the early Reagan era is an understood foreshadow (for anyone with a basic grasp of gay/AIDS history, but particularly for those who lived through that awful decade; I didn't, but have many friends who did).
The setting, Philadelphia, is given both loving descriptions and deserved swipes. Sometime the research the author mentioned in an interview sticks out a bit, particularly the disability references. The conflicts between Reid and Everett are minimal, and resolved a bit too cleanly. What's interesting is the aspect of keeping a relationship when small problems - and big ones- try to chip away at it.
The setting, Philadelphia, is given both loving descriptions and deserved swipes. Sometime the research the author mentioned in an interview sticks out a bit, particularly the disability references. The conflicts between Reid and Everett are minimal, and resolved a bit too cleanly. What's interesting is the aspect of keeping a relationship when small problems - and big ones- try to chip away at it.
March 15, 2020
A great sequel read - bravo Mr Provezano.
Read
March 17, 2024MESSAGE OF LOVE, by Jim Provenzano
JEFF KEITH’S COMMENTS
[five stars] I love this novel. It is a sequel to Every Time I Think of You (in other words, “Reid and Everett, part two”). So I read it a few months later, and am now scanning back through it a few years later. The two young lovers are both going to college in my city of Philadelphia, so that is of even more interest to me. I was actually going to the same universities in those same years, although I was a bit older. In the saga of Reid and Everett, there has not been any kind of miracle cure, so Everett is still in a wheelchair. I thought most of the scenes dealing with wheelchair and disability issues were nice and vivid, but I wonder how other “differently abled” people feel about this story.
The class differences are still present, as they are in reality between our two largest universities, Temple U. and the U. of Penn. At first Everett joins Reid in going to Temple, but then his mother decides she thinks he is too good for that, and insists that he transfer to Penn.
In the later parts of the story, the AIDS epidemic rears its ugly head. I remember those years all too well. Gay men who either moved to New York or went there a lot from Philadelphia and participated in some of the wildness (which I’ll admit I was sort of interested in) could run a lot of danger by the years covered in the end of this book. Fortunately, it seems that Reid and Everett have guessed what “safe sex” is, and they can complete their undergraduate education. (I don’t want to say further what the ending is like.)
JEFF KEITH’S COMMENTS
[five stars] I love this novel. It is a sequel to Every Time I Think of You (in other words, “Reid and Everett, part two”). So I read it a few months later, and am now scanning back through it a few years later. The two young lovers are both going to college in my city of Philadelphia, so that is of even more interest to me. I was actually going to the same universities in those same years, although I was a bit older. In the saga of Reid and Everett, there has not been any kind of miracle cure, so Everett is still in a wheelchair. I thought most of the scenes dealing with wheelchair and disability issues were nice and vivid, but I wonder how other “differently abled” people feel about this story.
The class differences are still present, as they are in reality between our two largest universities, Temple U. and the U. of Penn. At first Everett joins Reid in going to Temple, but then his mother decides she thinks he is too good for that, and insists that he transfer to Penn.
In the later parts of the story, the AIDS epidemic rears its ugly head. I remember those years all too well. Gay men who either moved to New York or went there a lot from Philadelphia and participated in some of the wildness (which I’ll admit I was sort of interested in) could run a lot of danger by the years covered in the end of this book. Fortunately, it seems that Reid and Everett have guessed what “safe sex” is, and they can complete their undergraduate education. (I don’t want to say further what the ending is like.)
September 5, 2023
Oh, this is a perfect sequel to Reid and Everett's story. It's actually quite different from the previous book in terms of that it delves deeper into the intersection of coming-of-age, disability, sexuality, and gay identity, rather than focuses merely on the romance life of the protagonist, while never undermining the romance aspect. No tears shed this time, but I think I loved this even more than the previous one.
August 23, 2020
Loved this, wonderful characters I will miss.
August 16, 2020
Love it!!
As an lonely old deaf man who meet my lover in the early 70’s and live thru the AIDS crisis, we used to worry so much about this just like Reid and Everett did. Unfortunately he was older than me and now he is gone but, I’m still here, lucky them, they are the same age.
As an lonely old deaf man who meet my lover in the early 70’s and live thru the AIDS crisis, we used to worry so much about this just like Reid and Everett did. Unfortunately he was older than me and now he is gone but, I’m still here, lucky them, they are the same age.
December 11, 2025
Love the author's style (I have read several of his books)! His portrayal of the difficulties of a relationship with many challenges not usually encountered but happen in real life more than one would imagine. Very nice.
November 18, 2017
MESSAGE OF LOVE is a remarkable achievement in gay romance, and sets the bar high for the gay genre. If the majority of gay romance written today were of this caliber, gay romance would likely be catapulted into the literary main stream.
MESSAGE OF LOVE is romance at its best, regardless of whether it is an opposite or same-sex relationship. In MESSAGE OF LOVE, the devotion to one another by the 2 MCs is perhaps its most redeeming quality. This breakthrough novel explores and relates the joys, challenges, and beauty of romance between 2 ordinary men. Taking that 1 step further, MESSAGE OF LOVE turns the classical (gay) romance upside down with 1 MC who is disabled. As this epic novel demonstrates, people do not have to be perfect to love and to be loved. To write such a novel involving such a MC, it surely requires that the author think outside the box and is willing to go against the prevailing grain. Unfortunately, that seems to be particularly true in the gay genre where much of the romance tends to be cookie cutter.
While there was some sex in this novel, that was not the focus. The focus was the daily 'trials and tribulations' and how they compromised and apologized to make their relationship work, because the they were in love with each other. Thus, the title 'Message of Love' encapsulates the thesis of this profound novel.
Given that this M/M romance was set in the early 1980's, the MCs realized that they could not always be open in a public setting about their relationship. On the other hand, the MCs possessed admirable and strong attribute to live and let live. How this delicate balance was handled underscores Mr Provenzano's keen understanding of what it is like to be gay as well as the perils a gay man may unfortunately encounter in his daily life.
MESSAGE OF LOVE is romance at its best, regardless of whether it is an opposite or same-sex relationship. In MESSAGE OF LOVE, the devotion to one another by the 2 MCs is perhaps its most redeeming quality. This breakthrough novel explores and relates the joys, challenges, and beauty of romance between 2 ordinary men. Taking that 1 step further, MESSAGE OF LOVE turns the classical (gay) romance upside down with 1 MC who is disabled. As this epic novel demonstrates, people do not have to be perfect to love and to be loved. To write such a novel involving such a MC, it surely requires that the author think outside the box and is willing to go against the prevailing grain. Unfortunately, that seems to be particularly true in the gay genre where much of the romance tends to be cookie cutter.
While there was some sex in this novel, that was not the focus. The focus was the daily 'trials and tribulations' and how they compromised and apologized to make their relationship work, because the they were in love with each other. Thus, the title 'Message of Love' encapsulates the thesis of this profound novel.
Given that this M/M romance was set in the early 1980's, the MCs realized that they could not always be open in a public setting about their relationship. On the other hand, the MCs possessed admirable and strong attribute to live and let live. How this delicate balance was handled underscores Mr Provenzano's keen understanding of what it is like to be gay as well as the perils a gay man may unfortunately encounter in his daily life.
December 8, 2014
3,5 stars
I read it in record time, unputdownable, nevertheless not much really happened. I didn’t like the cheating and I found Reid was too accommodating, Everett was too dominant.
I read it in record time, unputdownable, nevertheless not much really happened. I didn’t like the cheating and I found Reid was too accommodating, Everett was too dominant.
July 29, 2020
Author Jim Provenzano introduced college-bound couple Reid Conniff and Everett Forrester in his 2012 Lambda Literary Award-winning Gay Romance, "Every Time I Think of You." They return in his equally engaging sequel, "Message of Love," a tender, titillating examination of two men destined for each other, despite the endless obstacles thrown their way by family, friends and the early onset of AIDS.
After their relationship survives Everett's near-fatal accident that leaves him in a wheelchair, the seemingly indestructible duo arrive in Philadelphia together to begin their college careers at Temple University. Although Everett is accustomed to having Reid always by his side, he reluctantly follows his mother's advice and soon thereafter transfers nearby to the University of Pennsylvania.
As one would expect of any gay couple in their late teens, the young men struggle with the usual distractions, including peer pressure, setting aside time for each other, resisting temptation to stray, and in particular, finding trustworthy friends.
In the Fall of 1981, Reid and Everett realize they can't bear to be apart and find a place together. Meanwhile, they experiment with having an open relationship (more in theory than practice) and even invite an interested party to join them for a three-way.
The black cloud of AIDS hits home when they hear from Wesley Sweigard, a pre-accident acquaintance (and situation that left Everett emotionally scarred), who reveals his days are numbered and wants to make amends.
The compelling tale of Reid and Everett, which is far from over at the end of this novel, reminds one of the age old saying that love conquers all and perhaps most importantly, that relationships are about compromise. While their initial story presented Everett's paralysis as the life-changing event that turns the worlds of both young men upside-down, this sequel has its share of drama, but more of the everyday trials and tribulations and complications that hold true for any two individuals who share each other's lives--and an unconditional love.
The lively city of Philadelphia itself (and home of the honorably mentioned "Giovanni's Room" bookstore) also plays a part in their story, as nature enthusiast, Reid, and political pioneer, Everett, take pride in helping to facilitate the public's progress of accommodating the physically challenged.
Furthermore, there are plenty of lighthearted moments, tawdry trysts and colorful characters to feast upon, including gay friend, Gerard, who arouses feelings of jealousy in Reid, and their considerate, concerned landlady, Mrs. Kukka.
"Message of Love" is an earnest, heartfelt and refreshing continuation of a young couple's adventures that leaves the reader excited, amused and inspired.
After their relationship survives Everett's near-fatal accident that leaves him in a wheelchair, the seemingly indestructible duo arrive in Philadelphia together to begin their college careers at Temple University. Although Everett is accustomed to having Reid always by his side, he reluctantly follows his mother's advice and soon thereafter transfers nearby to the University of Pennsylvania.
As one would expect of any gay couple in their late teens, the young men struggle with the usual distractions, including peer pressure, setting aside time for each other, resisting temptation to stray, and in particular, finding trustworthy friends.
In the Fall of 1981, Reid and Everett realize they can't bear to be apart and find a place together. Meanwhile, they experiment with having an open relationship (more in theory than practice) and even invite an interested party to join them for a three-way.
The black cloud of AIDS hits home when they hear from Wesley Sweigard, a pre-accident acquaintance (and situation that left Everett emotionally scarred), who reveals his days are numbered and wants to make amends.
The compelling tale of Reid and Everett, which is far from over at the end of this novel, reminds one of the age old saying that love conquers all and perhaps most importantly, that relationships are about compromise. While their initial story presented Everett's paralysis as the life-changing event that turns the worlds of both young men upside-down, this sequel has its share of drama, but more of the everyday trials and tribulations and complications that hold true for any two individuals who share each other's lives--and an unconditional love.
The lively city of Philadelphia itself (and home of the honorably mentioned "Giovanni's Room" bookstore) also plays a part in their story, as nature enthusiast, Reid, and political pioneer, Everett, take pride in helping to facilitate the public's progress of accommodating the physically challenged.
Furthermore, there are plenty of lighthearted moments, tawdry trysts and colorful characters to feast upon, including gay friend, Gerard, who arouses feelings of jealousy in Reid, and their considerate, concerned landlady, Mrs. Kukka.
"Message of Love" is an earnest, heartfelt and refreshing continuation of a young couple's adventures that leaves the reader excited, amused and inspired.
February 2, 2022
While I didn't completely hate this book, I didn't really like it as much as the first one.
My biggest complaint is that, to me, the older MCs didn't seem to match their younger versions at times, and it made me feel like I was reading a different story. I understand that this is a possible and natural outcome, but I just couldn't seem to take it in. Their sexual explorations were probably the biggest cause of it. I really don't mind sexual exploration plots or "open" relationships (Full Circle by Michael Ford Thomas and A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara are two of my favorite books ever, and they have lots of both topics), but I think some parts of the plot were paradoxal to all the rest of the character development and I almost wanted to stop reading around the middle of the book.
Another minor complaint is that this book seemed to have no plot, just events of their lives. While the events were ok, they were definitely not as captivating as the first book's.
My biggest complaint is that, to me, the older MCs didn't seem to match their younger versions at times, and it made me feel like I was reading a different story. I understand that this is a possible and natural outcome, but I just couldn't seem to take it in. Their sexual explorations were probably the biggest cause of it. I really don't mind sexual exploration plots or "open" relationships (Full Circle by Michael Ford Thomas and A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara are two of my favorite books ever, and they have lots of both topics), but I think some parts of the plot were paradoxal to all the rest of the character development and I almost wanted to stop reading around the middle of the book.
Another minor complaint is that this book seemed to have no plot, just events of their lives. While the events were ok, they were definitely not as captivating as the first book's.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 31, 2024
喜欢主人公的互动，但是感觉感情有点不平衡
May 4, 2024
It’s written in first-person narrative. Even in this kind of open and honest narrative, Reid is so nice and loyal, making him too good to be real. I can’t stop worrying about Everret, even though I know he is independent and doesn't need anyone to take care of him.
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