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Pierre & Bill #2
Pierre & Bill Now
A novel about gay men as lovers, parents, children, and friends.
Pierre and Bill have been together for 35 years ever since Bill was a kid. Neither related nor romantically involved, their relationship began with a third man who has long since passed. Like everyone, they face challenges. But they overcame those obstacles and in the end, each found a partner and all four men settled down together—along with one little girl.
'Pierre & Bill Now' opens several years later and Pierre and Bill are alone once again. Life’s rollercoaster ride has taken its toll. Age, too, has become an issue and, for Pierre, new challenges arise. Bill, on the other hand, is at his peak—professionally, at least. While he engages in sex, he’s given up on love. So when his job is threatened by insidious allegations, his world falls apart. Until he fights back. And that fight gives Pierre new life. Even now, he’s a scrapper.
With elements of mystery, erotica, and romance along with a good dose of humor, the novel follows many trails. But love takes center stage. Whether as parents, children, lovers, rivals or friends, everyone wants love, fears losing it, and struggles to make room for more. This is a story about family, too. The family that you choose.
[The sequel to Pierre & Bill: A Love Story]
Pierre and Bill have been together for 35 years ever since Bill was a kid. Neither related nor romantically involved, their relationship began with a third man who has long since passed. Like everyone, they face challenges. But they overcame those obstacles and in the end, each found a partner and all four men settled down together—along with one little girl.
'Pierre & Bill Now' opens several years later and Pierre and Bill are alone once again. Life’s rollercoaster ride has taken its toll. Age, too, has become an issue and, for Pierre, new challenges arise. Bill, on the other hand, is at his peak—professionally, at least. While he engages in sex, he’s given up on love. So when his job is threatened by insidious allegations, his world falls apart. Until he fights back. And that fight gives Pierre new life. Even now, he’s a scrapper.
With elements of mystery, erotica, and romance along with a good dose of humor, the novel follows many trails. But love takes center stage. Whether as parents, children, lovers, rivals or friends, everyone wants love, fears losing it, and struggles to make room for more. This is a story about family, too. The family that you choose.
[The sequel to Pierre & Bill: A Love Story]
- GenresGay
363 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 27, 2024
2 people are currently reading
46 people want to read
About the author
Patrick Doyle
9 books182 followersWhen I was a kid reading opened all the doors. There was a world out there and I wanted in. When I stumbled across Jean Genet (my review of Our Lady of the Flowers pretty much sums up my childhood), it was like being beamed up to another world. I was too young to understand how 'indecent' it was. But I knew it was for me.
By the time I discovered writers like Armistead Maupin and Edmund White, I knew I'd arrived. I read and read until one day I wrote. It was like writing came to me. I feel that even now. Writing is like being possessed, happily possessed (well, most of the time).
I've written nine books: a series of loosely related mysteries (Jordi's Day, Tony's Dream, Beau's Dilemma) that follow the adventures of a stranger in a strange land, and the Pierre & Bill trilogy (Pierre & Bill: A Love Story, Pierre & Bill Now, Pierre Before Bill), that tells the story of an unusual couple along with their friends, lovers and kids. Along the way, I've written another mystery (Van Alone) and a fantasy/sc-fi (Seeing Sean). Both are stories about secrets, but not the same kind.
My latest, Catching Hanif's Eye, is a story about two very different men who find themselves trapped in a web of deceit where only trust can save them. Like all my books, it contains elements of romance, sometimes love, along with wit, sex and adventure.
My goal is to write stories about lives that, while entirely fictional, are rooted in some kind of reality. My characters are imperfect. They make mistakes. Some can be hard to like. Until we find out why. They have problems. They have pasts. Some hide it well and some don't. But they all have one thing in common. They want more out of life. Just like I did. Which brought me here.
I live in Montreal with my partner and not far away from the child we raised. I live in French, write in English, and work in both. I try to bring that experience to my novels. All my protagonists are faced with the challenge and excitement of loving someone from another world. I’ve been there. It’s worth the trip.
[Photo: me getting my just deserts]
By the time I discovered writers like Armistead Maupin and Edmund White, I knew I'd arrived. I read and read until one day I wrote. It was like writing came to me. I feel that even now. Writing is like being possessed, happily possessed (well, most of the time).
I've written nine books: a series of loosely related mysteries (Jordi's Day, Tony's Dream, Beau's Dilemma) that follow the adventures of a stranger in a strange land, and the Pierre & Bill trilogy (Pierre & Bill: A Love Story, Pierre & Bill Now, Pierre Before Bill), that tells the story of an unusual couple along with their friends, lovers and kids. Along the way, I've written another mystery (Van Alone) and a fantasy/sc-fi (Seeing Sean). Both are stories about secrets, but not the same kind.
My latest, Catching Hanif's Eye, is a story about two very different men who find themselves trapped in a web of deceit where only trust can save them. Like all my books, it contains elements of romance, sometimes love, along with wit, sex and adventure.
My goal is to write stories about lives that, while entirely fictional, are rooted in some kind of reality. My characters are imperfect. They make mistakes. Some can be hard to like. Until we find out why. They have problems. They have pasts. Some hide it well and some don't. But they all have one thing in common. They want more out of life. Just like I did. Which brought me here.
I live in Montreal with my partner and not far away from the child we raised. I live in French, write in English, and work in both. I try to bring that experience to my novels. All my protagonists are faced with the challenge and excitement of loving someone from another world. I’ve been there. It’s worth the trip.
[Photo: me getting my just deserts]
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
February 8, 2024
Around 15 years later from where they left off, Pierre and Bill make a comeback so we can see how their lives have evolved. What has happened during that time? Have they both led happy lives? Have they accomplished what they'd been looking forward to?
There are many questions and we know that real life is way different from that depicted in fairy tales. It seems that both, Pierre and Bill are facing new challenges, being one of them Pierre's age and physical condition and Bill's apprehension and reluctance to rely on some others when times are rough.
Life is a roller coaster and only by experiencing it can we really learn from it, but can Bill really learn from it? It seems his life has been put on hold and he's at a crossroad not knowing what path to take.
Despite all these questions, we can follow the events that accompany the pair and how they will cope with them all.
I really appreciate the opportunity given by Patrick Doyle to read this sequel in advance. Having realized it was the sequel I felt compelled to read the prequel first, and although the novel itself can work as a standalone, you might want to give it a go.
There are many questions and we know that real life is way different from that depicted in fairy tales. It seems that both, Pierre and Bill are facing new challenges, being one of them Pierre's age and physical condition and Bill's apprehension and reluctance to rely on some others when times are rough.
Life is a roller coaster and only by experiencing it can we really learn from it, but can Bill really learn from it? It seems his life has been put on hold and he's at a crossroad not knowing what path to take.
Despite all these questions, we can follow the events that accompany the pair and how they will cope with them all.
I really appreciate the opportunity given by Patrick Doyle to read this sequel in advance. Having realized it was the sequel I felt compelled to read the prequel first, and although the novel itself can work as a standalone, you might want to give it a go.
April 15, 2024
Startling!!!
What a great achievement this book, I was flabbergasted almost the entire story, every page was a different surprise, the adventures, the plots, it was unnerving at some point, then joyful , a lot of times emotional, heartbreaking and happiness combined, I’ve been in a turmoil of emotions!
Everything was so well constructed, linked, a couple times into a soap opera level, but I was entertained, the character are so rich, filled with facets and personalities, it was so great to read about them again, I was absolutely in love with Bill and Pierre, with the addition of new characters, just made even better! The sex and love making scenes were beautifully done!
The whole story was so real, with the plots, specially on a emotional level, outstanding!
Congratulations to Patrick Doyle for another spectacular book!!!
There is a lot of material for another sequel, crossing my finger…
Curious to know what will happen next!
Absolutely love the art cover, one of my favourite scenes!!!
Patrick, thank you so much for sent me your (at the moment) unpublished manuscript!
5⭐️
What a great achievement this book, I was flabbergasted almost the entire story, every page was a different surprise, the adventures, the plots, it was unnerving at some point, then joyful , a lot of times emotional, heartbreaking and happiness combined, I’ve been in a turmoil of emotions!
Everything was so well constructed, linked, a couple times into a soap opera level, but I was entertained, the character are so rich, filled with facets and personalities, it was so great to read about them again, I was absolutely in love with Bill and Pierre, with the addition of new characters, just made even better! The sex and love making scenes were beautifully done!
The whole story was so real, with the plots, specially on a emotional level, outstanding!
Congratulations to Patrick Doyle for another spectacular book!!!
There is a lot of material for another sequel, crossing my finger…
Curious to know what will happen next!
Absolutely love the art cover, one of my favourite scenes!!!
Patrick, thank you so much for sent me your (at the moment) unpublished manuscript!
5⭐️
November 24, 2024
Well, Patrick Doyle did it. With how much I loved the first book I really feel the second one surpassed it. Maybe it was because I already knew & loved these well written characters, flaws and all but this second story was truly beautiful in the most bitter sweet way.
I unreservedly recommend this book and am lucky to have received an advance copy of the prequel from the (very talented) author.
I unreservedly recommend this book and am lucky to have received an advance copy of the prequel from the (very talented) author.
March 12, 2024
4 Stars
In Pierre & Bill Now Patrick Doyle does what he does best - he touches on all the human emotions his readers have ever experienced. I laughed out loud, cried even more loudly, and cringed at some of the antic behaviors of Doyle’s wonderfully developed characters.
BUT
following every major emotional scene, Doyle turns to overly long descriptions of sexual encounters - hate sex; grief sex; surprise sex; risky sex; angry sex; loving sex; and more. Of course sex is to be expected in any M/M romance novel, but here it diminishes what is otherwise a breathtakingly beautiful story.
Recommendation: Skip the sex scenes and simply wrap yourself in Doyle’s life-affirming descriptions of the entire gamut of human experience.
In Pierre & Bill Now Patrick Doyle does what he does best - he touches on all the human emotions his readers have ever experienced. I laughed out loud, cried even more loudly, and cringed at some of the antic behaviors of Doyle’s wonderfully developed characters.
BUT
following every major emotional scene, Doyle turns to overly long descriptions of sexual encounters - hate sex; grief sex; surprise sex; risky sex; angry sex; loving sex; and more. Of course sex is to be expected in any M/M romance novel, but here it diminishes what is otherwise a breathtakingly beautiful story.
Recommendation: Skip the sex scenes and simply wrap yourself in Doyle’s life-affirming descriptions of the entire gamut of human experience.
January 7, 2024
My first comment is you must read book 1 to fully understand book 2. Book 2 is the continuing timeline between Pierre, Bill & their extended "family". In Book 1 we learn Pierre was Bill's dad's lover. Bill has lived with Pierre since he was 5 after his dad passes. Pierre learns he has health issues, Bill has trouble coping with the news. They both find Their "one" & life goes on. But, not always cool sailing. Book 2 has us years later & many up & down changes in Bill & Pierre's lives. This next line was stolen from another review but said best: " The sex and love making scenes were beautifully done!
The whole story was so real, with the plots, specially on a emotional level, outstanding!
Congratulations to Patrick Doyle for another spectacular book!!!" I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The whole story was so real, with the plots, specially on a emotional level, outstanding!
Congratulations to Patrick Doyle for another spectacular book!!!" I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 11, 2024
I have so many thoughts and feelings, but since this is an ARC review (thank you, BookSirens!) I'm going to be very careful not to spoil anything. I'll start by saying that I loved this continuation of Pierre and Bill's story. I loved everything about it, even the parts that hurt. And wow, did they hurt. Fifteen years had passed since the events of the last book and a lot had changed. Pierre and Bill were back to where they once were - together, but also alone, and with a new challenge to contend with: stage two emphysema. With no cure and no hope of Pierre getting better, Bill had to navigate the delicate balance between allowing Pierre autonomy and protecting his fragile health. He was still the same proud and strong Pierre that everyone loved so much, but he could no longer brush off his limitations. It was time to slow down and let life come to him at a pace his lungs could handle and that was a hard pill to swallow for someone who always had a list of things he wanted to do.
In the summary for this book, it's described as "a novel about gay men as lovers, parents, children, and friends". It sounds so simple, but the author did a fantastic job of showing just how fluid and complicated those roles can be. It was funny that everyone assumed Pierre was either Bill's father or his lover. In an attempt to label his relationship with Pierre, Bill said "we're friends", but what they had was much bigger than that. So big that it defied categorization. I was in awe of Pierre's love for Bill and the sacrifices he made to protect him. He might not have been comfortable saying the words, but he showed them every single day. And Bill...god my heart hurt for him. He wanted nothing more than for Pierre to be safe and happy. The way he set himself aside to care for him was truly beautiful.
Getting to revisit the side characters felt like watching an episode of Where Are They Now? I loved seeing Ruthie all grown up. As predicted, her girl boss energy carried into adulthood and she shined in all of her demanding and determined glory. The parallels between her life and Bill's were unmistakable and I loved the idea of the cycle continuing. Danny managed to surprise me. My mixed feelings for him in Pierre & Bill: A Love Story didn't linger long. He had layers I didn't expect to see. He harbored resentments and insecurities that he kept very well hidden. I hated what he did, but I began to understand why it happened. Now I would love to read his story. And then there was Anton. He was the perfect addition to this scrappy group. I was so impressed by him as both a PSW and a human being. I also loved the sass that came out when he was mad. Anton had buttons and he let people know when they'd been pushed. I can't write about Blond Bill. I want to, but I can't. He's something that just has to be experienced.
In my review of the first book, I mentioned that I felt as though the dual storylines bumped against each other. I didn't feel that way at all while reading this one. There were actually quite a few things happening at once and I thought they were all woven together in a way that gave the story momentum and depth while also adding both levity and suspense. All of those things combined to make this book incredibly hard to put down.
Now I have to address the idea of reading this as a standalone. Here's my advice - don't do it! You'd be doing yourself a great disservice. I can't imagine reading this one without having read the other. There's so much history between these characters. The author did a great job of providing enough information to fill in any gaps, but there was an emotional impact for me that would have been absent had I not experienced that part of Pierre and Bill's life first hand. Plus you'd be missing out on a younger, more vivacious version of Pierre and that, my friends, would be a crime.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
In the summary for this book, it's described as "a novel about gay men as lovers, parents, children, and friends". It sounds so simple, but the author did a fantastic job of showing just how fluid and complicated those roles can be. It was funny that everyone assumed Pierre was either Bill's father or his lover. In an attempt to label his relationship with Pierre, Bill said "we're friends", but what they had was much bigger than that. So big that it defied categorization. I was in awe of Pierre's love for Bill and the sacrifices he made to protect him. He might not have been comfortable saying the words, but he showed them every single day. And Bill...god my heart hurt for him. He wanted nothing more than for Pierre to be safe and happy. The way he set himself aside to care for him was truly beautiful.
Getting to revisit the side characters felt like watching an episode of Where Are They Now? I loved seeing Ruthie all grown up. As predicted, her girl boss energy carried into adulthood and she shined in all of her demanding and determined glory. The parallels between her life and Bill's were unmistakable and I loved the idea of the cycle continuing. Danny managed to surprise me. My mixed feelings for him in Pierre & Bill: A Love Story didn't linger long. He had layers I didn't expect to see. He harbored resentments and insecurities that he kept very well hidden. I hated what he did, but I began to understand why it happened. Now I would love to read his story. And then there was Anton. He was the perfect addition to this scrappy group. I was so impressed by him as both a PSW and a human being. I also loved the sass that came out when he was mad. Anton had buttons and he let people know when they'd been pushed. I can't write about Blond Bill. I want to, but I can't. He's something that just has to be experienced.
In my review of the first book, I mentioned that I felt as though the dual storylines bumped against each other. I didn't feel that way at all while reading this one. There were actually quite a few things happening at once and I thought they were all woven together in a way that gave the story momentum and depth while also adding both levity and suspense. All of those things combined to make this book incredibly hard to put down.
Now I have to address the idea of reading this as a standalone. Here's my advice - don't do it! You'd be doing yourself a great disservice. I can't imagine reading this one without having read the other. There's so much history between these characters. The author did a great job of providing enough information to fill in any gaps, but there was an emotional impact for me that would have been absent had I not experienced that part of Pierre and Bill's life first hand. Plus you'd be missing out on a younger, more vivacious version of Pierre and that, my friends, would be a crime.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 10, 2024
Pierre raised Bill after his father's death and the two have shared a home now for 35 years. They are facing challenges as Pierre's health is failing and Bill has taken a sabbatical to care for him, but his replacement at the school is not fitting well with the students and after an unplanned visit from a delegation of his students Bill faces accusations of inappropriate behaviour. Pierre is being harassed by a long lost sister. With the legal complications they call on Danny to help. Danny is nearly devastated to see how much Pierre has declined, but does his best to remain positive. Bill hadn't been looking for love or long term commitment, too focused on looking after Pierre, but one of Pierre's caregivers has caught his eye. A suitable conclusion to the found family that was formed when Pierre moved in with Joe and his son Bill. Pierre is the centre of Bill's world and of so many others whose lives he touched over the years.
November 2, 2024
https://looneybooks79.blog/2024/11/02...
Years after the events of the first book, ‘Pierre and Bill: a Love Story’, a lot has happened to the loveable Bill and his ward and Bill’s father’s lover, Pierre.
Liam, Bill’s love who he met in the first novel, has passed away. His daughter Ruthie stayed with Bill and Pierre but has now left home to live with her boyfriend and is pregnant. Danny and Pierre split up years ago and lost contact. All this leaves both men together alone again. But Pierre is in his eighties, suffering from an untreatable cancer and in need of support and assistance so Bill decided to take a year off from his teaching job so he could care for him, together with the caregivers that come by.
During this leap year he gets a visit by some of his art students who claim his replacement is trying to impose his religion on his students, very gradually though. While he tries to investigate, on the lowdown, he is being taken in by the police who (falsly) accuse him of assaulting one of the students who came by to ask for help. With the help of Danny, who is back in Pierre’s life and who’s a lawyer now, and a colleague of him, they will fight these claims. It’s as if the events of fifteen years prior are coming to bite his own ass!
At the same time, a woman claiming to be Pierre’s sister says Pierre stole from his family and she wants part of her inheritance if he should die. Another case that Danny has to tackle! Because Pierre is very silent about it all.
While they have to battle Pierre’s cancer, the school and the sister life goes on. Slowly Pierre is getting sicker and closer to his imminent death. Ruthie hopes she gives birth to their baby in time so Pierre can see it before he dies.
One of Pierre’s caretakers, Anton, has taken a fancy on Bill. But Bill has given up on love and the hope for love after Liam’s death. And with all that’s going on, he’s not sure he is even ready to commit to someone new. But Anton has a great believe they were meant to be together, that an angel has putten them both in the same room and situation.
This book is more emotionally charged than the previous book. Bill is trapped in a house with Pierre, grieving before death has entered their lives, while having to battle serious life’s struggles outside. People rely on him and try to connect with him on a deeper level but while he has enough life’s experience now, as he is in his forties now, you would think he would be able to let go more, but as long as Pierre is in his life and he has a chance of taking care of the man that took care of him all these years, he is not ready for a new life. Will that ever change?
By now, Patrick Doyle has written a third novel that serves as a prequel to these two books, called Pierre before Bill! It should be one of my next reads (I will try to read it before the end of the year!)
If you love a book about love, a bit of smut and a few spicy man on man scenes but most of all a story about friendship and the loss of loved ones, a heartbreaking novel… this is the perfect book for you.
Patrick himself claims. not to be the best in promoting his work, (he is not on any social media), but you can find him on Goodreads. I was lucky to be able to receive and read his novels and promote them for him. His novels are available in ebook and are for sale on Amazon.
In my opinion, Faber Books, Picador or Cypher Press should be made aware of these novels. One of these publishers would be perfect to publish these novels anew, in physical format. (Should I tag them on my review on instagram?)
Years after the events of the first book, ‘Pierre and Bill: a Love Story’, a lot has happened to the loveable Bill and his ward and Bill’s father’s lover, Pierre.
Liam, Bill’s love who he met in the first novel, has passed away. His daughter Ruthie stayed with Bill and Pierre but has now left home to live with her boyfriend and is pregnant. Danny and Pierre split up years ago and lost contact. All this leaves both men together alone again. But Pierre is in his eighties, suffering from an untreatable cancer and in need of support and assistance so Bill decided to take a year off from his teaching job so he could care for him, together with the caregivers that come by.
During this leap year he gets a visit by some of his art students who claim his replacement is trying to impose his religion on his students, very gradually though. While he tries to investigate, on the lowdown, he is being taken in by the police who (falsly) accuse him of assaulting one of the students who came by to ask for help. With the help of Danny, who is back in Pierre’s life and who’s a lawyer now, and a colleague of him, they will fight these claims. It’s as if the events of fifteen years prior are coming to bite his own ass!
At the same time, a woman claiming to be Pierre’s sister says Pierre stole from his family and she wants part of her inheritance if he should die. Another case that Danny has to tackle! Because Pierre is very silent about it all.
While they have to battle Pierre’s cancer, the school and the sister life goes on. Slowly Pierre is getting sicker and closer to his imminent death. Ruthie hopes she gives birth to their baby in time so Pierre can see it before he dies.
One of Pierre’s caretakers, Anton, has taken a fancy on Bill. But Bill has given up on love and the hope for love after Liam’s death. And with all that’s going on, he’s not sure he is even ready to commit to someone new. But Anton has a great believe they were meant to be together, that an angel has putten them both in the same room and situation.
This book is more emotionally charged than the previous book. Bill is trapped in a house with Pierre, grieving before death has entered their lives, while having to battle serious life’s struggles outside. People rely on him and try to connect with him on a deeper level but while he has enough life’s experience now, as he is in his forties now, you would think he would be able to let go more, but as long as Pierre is in his life and he has a chance of taking care of the man that took care of him all these years, he is not ready for a new life. Will that ever change?
By now, Patrick Doyle has written a third novel that serves as a prequel to these two books, called Pierre before Bill! It should be one of my next reads (I will try to read it before the end of the year!)
If you love a book about love, a bit of smut and a few spicy man on man scenes but most of all a story about friendship and the loss of loved ones, a heartbreaking novel… this is the perfect book for you.
Patrick himself claims. not to be the best in promoting his work, (he is not on any social media), but you can find him on Goodreads. I was lucky to be able to receive and read his novels and promote them for him. His novels are available in ebook and are for sale on Amazon.
In my opinion, Faber Books, Picador or Cypher Press should be made aware of these novels. One of these publishers would be perfect to publish these novels anew, in physical format. (Should I tag them on my review on instagram?)
February 27, 2024
Many years ago, Pierre Tremblay aka Tonton met Joe Harris and they became lovers. They stayed together for a long time. Joe had a son by the name of Bill. When Joe passed on Pierre legally adopted Bill. Now, again time has passed on and Pierre is eighty-seven. His life is slowly deteriorating but he stays spunky, upbeat and flirty through it all. Pierre never wanted to be a burden.
Bill now in his forty’s has taken a leave from his teaching job. He’s decided to give Pierre much of his time, as he has taken on being his care giver. But Bill realized he’s just bitten off more than he can chew. Bill took the additional aid in Angela the Personal Support Worker. When Angela is off for a week Anton Radu, shows up as her replacement.
Bill, Pierre, Danny Ali, Ruthie and Liam Lewis, eventually became a family in the earlier years. They all faced the ups and downs of life. Ruthie is now pregnant with her first child. Bill doesn’t want her to travel as she really want’s to see Pierre. Danny, Pierre’s, young ex-lover, is now a lawyer. For Bill it brings on thoughts of the past and resentments.
Besides the worry of Pierre’s health, there’s a mysterious women who claims to be Pierre’s sister and is after his money. Of course, Bill has never known Pierre to have a sister. Then a visit from: Zoey, Jack and Jonah, a few of Bill’s students,
bring more conflict in his life when they need his help.
Patrick Doyle brings another wonderful story with the life of “Pierre & Bill, Now” sequel. Besides their continuing story, the author mentions many of the events that took place in the first book “Pierre & Bill.” I highly recommend reading “Pierre & Bill” first, to have a better understanding of all the characters and how they eventually became a family.
“Pierre & Bill, Now” is just as compassionate and heart warming as the first story. Pierre and Bill still had to face people always presuming that they were lovers. It was an issue that they had to be careful of for many years as Bill was growing up. They also dealt with homophobia and ugly rumors of pedophilia for both Bill and Pierre. Which caused a distance in the affection they felt for each other at times. This time for Bill life will change again.
Pierre is really the shining star of both these books. He wanted nothing but to love and be loved. He was kind but bossy and shared his life with Bill and so many. He was also spry, very flirty and virile as he aged. His attitude toward life never seemed to change. Being from Quebec and having resentment of the Catholic Church, he would swear in French using names of religious rites and artifacts. He brought so much humor to the story. Most of all Pierre wanted nothing but to leave everyone with someone to love and be happy for the rest of their lives.
I loved both “Pierre & Bill” and the sequel “Pierre & Bill, Now” by Patrick Doyle. both these novels are worth reading. There’s still many emotions that come into the story: jealousy, acceptance, misunderstandings, hurt, humor and love that comes in different forms. Once again, I have to thank Patrick Doyle for sharing this story with me. As with the first “Pierre & Bill” this one also touched my heart. Both novels for me are ones worth reading again.
Bill now in his forty’s has taken a leave from his teaching job. He’s decided to give Pierre much of his time, as he has taken on being his care giver. But Bill realized he’s just bitten off more than he can chew. Bill took the additional aid in Angela the Personal Support Worker. When Angela is off for a week Anton Radu, shows up as her replacement.
Bill, Pierre, Danny Ali, Ruthie and Liam Lewis, eventually became a family in the earlier years. They all faced the ups and downs of life. Ruthie is now pregnant with her first child. Bill doesn’t want her to travel as she really want’s to see Pierre. Danny, Pierre’s, young ex-lover, is now a lawyer. For Bill it brings on thoughts of the past and resentments.
Besides the worry of Pierre’s health, there’s a mysterious women who claims to be Pierre’s sister and is after his money. Of course, Bill has never known Pierre to have a sister. Then a visit from: Zoey, Jack and Jonah, a few of Bill’s students,
bring more conflict in his life when they need his help.
Patrick Doyle brings another wonderful story with the life of “Pierre & Bill, Now” sequel. Besides their continuing story, the author mentions many of the events that took place in the first book “Pierre & Bill.” I highly recommend reading “Pierre & Bill” first, to have a better understanding of all the characters and how they eventually became a family.
“Pierre & Bill, Now” is just as compassionate and heart warming as the first story. Pierre and Bill still had to face people always presuming that they were lovers. It was an issue that they had to be careful of for many years as Bill was growing up. They also dealt with homophobia and ugly rumors of pedophilia for both Bill and Pierre. Which caused a distance in the affection they felt for each other at times. This time for Bill life will change again.
Pierre is really the shining star of both these books. He wanted nothing but to love and be loved. He was kind but bossy and shared his life with Bill and so many. He was also spry, very flirty and virile as he aged. His attitude toward life never seemed to change. Being from Quebec and having resentment of the Catholic Church, he would swear in French using names of religious rites and artifacts. He brought so much humor to the story. Most of all Pierre wanted nothing but to leave everyone with someone to love and be happy for the rest of their lives.
I loved both “Pierre & Bill” and the sequel “Pierre & Bill, Now” by Patrick Doyle. both these novels are worth reading. There’s still many emotions that come into the story: jealousy, acceptance, misunderstandings, hurt, humor and love that comes in different forms. Once again, I have to thank Patrick Doyle for sharing this story with me. As with the first “Pierre & Bill” this one also touched my heart. Both novels for me are ones worth reading again.
February 22, 2024
An ARC review. This is my first novel by Patrick Doyle, and I really enjoyed it. Overall, I thought it was well written, engaging and the main characters were rounded. After finishing, I felt that I knew them well. The depiction of Bill and Pierre’s relationship is lovely and realistic, and I thought it showed emotional depth, which I really appreciated. I especially enjoyed the novel’s representation of gay relationships and the concepts “family” and "home" in their many forms. One of the things that stood out was the idea that initial stages to relationships are awkward and confusing to everyone, regardless of age. They are also very exciting at any age.
This is the second instalment of Pierre and Bill’s narrative. I didn’t read the first book and initially thought that I was missing vital pieces to their story. As I was trying to figure things out, necessary background information soon filtered through providing enough to make Pierre & Bill Now a standalone novel. I’m glad I started with the second instalment, because it made me realise I was observing only a small piece of their life together.
There are at least two things that I feel the story could do without: the sensational drama concerning Bill’s place of work, and the last three chapters. I find the work-related incident (and the associated characters) somewhat unmotivated. The drama that surrounded Bill’s job did not really contribute much to either Bill’s character development or Bill’s relationships with the other characters: Danny, Ruth and Anton. In general, I thought that the novel was quite serious in mood and plot development. A major concern in the book is Pierre’s health and everyone else’s response to it, including the notion of impermanence. Add to this a mysterious letter and its consequences and readers are left with plenty of drama and intrigue. More sensation detracts from what is already happening as well as the novel’s mood. I’m also not entirely certain how realistic this scenario is.
My second concern is that the novel could end much sooner than it actually did. The last three chapters try to tidy up and give readers an idea of where characters are in their lives and what their relationships are like by the end of the story. I think this is unnecessary. The book ended for me a lot sooner. I dislike spoon feeding. I feel I’m not allowed to wonder what happens next; I’m not allowed to hope for another instalment. I’m left knowing every detail. I’m certain many readers want to know everything by the end. But I think this takes away the book’s potential of being a serious character study and limits reader participation.
Nevertheless, I thought the book was funny, sweet, sad, and it drew me in from the start. Many scenes were particularly tender, leaving characters vulnerable and relatable. They made me gauge my own emotional response to character interactions and situations. The sex scenes were – thank god – realistic. So too was Bill's human struggle to let go of the past.
I hope to see Bill and his family again soon!
Thank you to BookSirens for sending me an advanced copy.
This is the second instalment of Pierre and Bill’s narrative. I didn’t read the first book and initially thought that I was missing vital pieces to their story. As I was trying to figure things out, necessary background information soon filtered through providing enough to make Pierre & Bill Now a standalone novel. I’m glad I started with the second instalment, because it made me realise I was observing only a small piece of their life together.
There are at least two things that I feel the story could do without: the sensational drama concerning Bill’s place of work, and the last three chapters. I find the work-related incident (and the associated characters) somewhat unmotivated. The drama that surrounded Bill’s job did not really contribute much to either Bill’s character development or Bill’s relationships with the other characters: Danny, Ruth and Anton. In general, I thought that the novel was quite serious in mood and plot development. A major concern in the book is Pierre’s health and everyone else’s response to it, including the notion of impermanence. Add to this a mysterious letter and its consequences and readers are left with plenty of drama and intrigue. More sensation detracts from what is already happening as well as the novel’s mood. I’m also not entirely certain how realistic this scenario is.
My second concern is that the novel could end much sooner than it actually did. The last three chapters try to tidy up and give readers an idea of where characters are in their lives and what their relationships are like by the end of the story. I think this is unnecessary. The book ended for me a lot sooner. I dislike spoon feeding. I feel I’m not allowed to wonder what happens next; I’m not allowed to hope for another instalment. I’m left knowing every detail. I’m certain many readers want to know everything by the end. But I think this takes away the book’s potential of being a serious character study and limits reader participation.
Nevertheless, I thought the book was funny, sweet, sad, and it drew me in from the start. Many scenes were particularly tender, leaving characters vulnerable and relatable. They made me gauge my own emotional response to character interactions and situations. The sex scenes were – thank god – realistic. So too was Bill's human struggle to let go of the past.
I hope to see Bill and his family again soon!
Thank you to BookSirens for sending me an advanced copy.
December 22, 2023
Pierre and Bill Now
By Patrick Doyle
Published by the author 2024
Five stars
Not all love is romance; and there are no happy endings in this life, despite what romance novels tell you. “Happily Ever After” ultimately means someone left alone. These are things I wrote in my memoir, because at my age that truth is staring me in the face.
Patrick Doyle’s previous book about these characters, “Pierre and Bill,” established a very “untraditional” family/love scenario, and this book takes that powerful, touching tale to its logical conclusion.
At first, it is just Pierre and Bill, again. Pierre is Bill’s unofficial father—having been his father’s lover for many years before his father’s untimely death. Pierre, an elderly French-Canadian blue-collar kind of guy, raised Bill, both with and after Bill’s father. Bill is now middle-aged and deeply rooted in his career as a high-school teacher. Pierre is retired, but busy as ever fixing things in the house Bill’s father left him, and which has been their home together for decades.
Now Pierre is eighty, and a new health problem raises a dark specter. Emphysema, caused by second hand smoke (have we all forgotten that?!), is uncurable. Bill takes a sabbatical to care for his not-father, who is the most important person in his life.
Problem is, life throws things at you that don’t seem to take into consideration any complications you might already have going on. I won’t give any details, because they’re hair-raising and difficult and handled with candor and emotional honesty by this very gifted author. The significant fact is that these new difficulties, that once again threaten to completely overturn Bill and Pierre’s life, force them to bring in reinforcements. There’s Danny, Pierre’s young ex, who left many years ago to pursue his education. And there’s Ruth, daughter of Bill’s late lover, who became part of their family in the same way Bill did at the beginning. Finally, there’s Anton, a Romanian immigrant who is a professional home healthcare worker.
How do I say it? This is a book about the fact that, ultimately, love and death go hand in hand, and that love can make death less terrifying, if not less painful. But it’s also about a broader kind of love, about the network of family and community that have not always been good to gay men, but in this case serve as a kind of double-edged reminder that there are good and bad people everywhere.
I wept rather a lot while reading this book, but only at the most obvious parts. There is a lot of laughter, and—surprisingly, adventure—in this story. It is possibly the first book I’ve ever read in which the most highly-charged action sequence is entirely experienced by four people in a car looking at their phones. Quite brilliant, and somehow weirdly real for today.
Buy Pierre and Bill first, then read this one.
February 24, 2024
PIERRE AND BILL NOW by Patrick Doyle is the sequel to the author’s contemporary, adult PIERRE AND BILL: A LOVE STORY, a LGBTQ+ erotic, love story of family and friendships. This is the continuing story of octogenarian Pierre Tremblay, and forty year old, high school teacher Bill Harris. PIERRE AND BILL NOW can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary but for back story and cohesion, I recommend reading PIERRE AND BILL: A LOVE STORY.
Told from single omniscient third person perspective (Bill) PIERRE AND BILL NOW focuses on the relationship between Pierre Tremblay and Bill Harris. Pierre Tremblay had helped raise Bill Harris from the time the young man was five years old but the death of Bill’s father left Pierre Bill’s only ‘guardian’, a position he would hold until the end of his life but all was not well with Pierre, and Bill was struggling with the inevitable. A high school art teacher Bill found himself the at the centre of a scandal, and Pierre would be targeted by a ghost from the past. In desperate need of help, Bill reconnected with, and sought help from an unlikely source, another young man whose life once revolved around Pierre Tremblay.
Most of the previous story line characters return as secondary and supporting players including Pierre’s one-time love Danny, and his ‘granddaughter’ Ruth, as the ‘family’ must take up proverbial arms against those striking where it hurts the most.
PIERRE AND BILL NOW is a love story of family and friendships, relationships and love; betrayal and vengeance, greed and obsession, homophobia and lies. The premise is captivating, edgy and thought provoking; the characters are desperate, animated and tragic.
copy supplied for review
www.thereadingcafe.com
Told from single omniscient third person perspective (Bill) PIERRE AND BILL NOW focuses on the relationship between Pierre Tremblay and Bill Harris. Pierre Tremblay had helped raise Bill Harris from the time the young man was five years old but the death of Bill’s father left Pierre Bill’s only ‘guardian’, a position he would hold until the end of his life but all was not well with Pierre, and Bill was struggling with the inevitable. A high school art teacher Bill found himself the at the centre of a scandal, and Pierre would be targeted by a ghost from the past. In desperate need of help, Bill reconnected with, and sought help from an unlikely source, another young man whose life once revolved around Pierre Tremblay.
Most of the previous story line characters return as secondary and supporting players including Pierre’s one-time love Danny, and his ‘granddaughter’ Ruth, as the ‘family’ must take up proverbial arms against those striking where it hurts the most.
PIERRE AND BILL NOW is a love story of family and friendships, relationships and love; betrayal and vengeance, greed and obsession, homophobia and lies. The premise is captivating, edgy and thought provoking; the characters are desperate, animated and tragic.
copy supplied for review
www.thereadingcafe.com
January 17, 2024
I have feelings about this book.
First, the author crafts these characters in an extraordinarily authentic way. Not to say that they aren’t exceptional or that the circumstances they find themselves in are common, but the way they think and respond to each other and the world around them feels …human. They don’t always make sense, they don’t always do the right thing, and they rarely get the perfect resolutions readers are trained to expect, and it really works for me.
Second, you must read the first book for the full backstory. I think Doyle provided enough of a refresher on the most important details to help readers recall prior events and to set the stage for someone who jumped in blind, but there’s no reason not to get the full experience. Also, if you didn’t care for the first book for any reason, this will similarly not be your cup of tea.
Finally, the story, like others by Doyle that I’ve read, is not formulaic M/M. Formula can be great, and I love me something uncomplicated and sweet sometimes, but this is not that. It’s warm and affirming, but also bitter in parts. There are steamy moments, but sex and romance play supporting roles in this slice-of-life tale.
I’m avoiding spoilers, but if you read the first book, you know what’s coming, and the challenging issues are handled respectfully, but also with refreshing realism.
I finished this story a couple of days ago and am still thinking about it. I even had a dream about it last night; that’s how personal it felt. Not sure I can pay a higher compliment as a reviewer than that.
First, the author crafts these characters in an extraordinarily authentic way. Not to say that they aren’t exceptional or that the circumstances they find themselves in are common, but the way they think and respond to each other and the world around them feels …human. They don’t always make sense, they don’t always do the right thing, and they rarely get the perfect resolutions readers are trained to expect, and it really works for me.
Second, you must read the first book for the full backstory. I think Doyle provided enough of a refresher on the most important details to help readers recall prior events and to set the stage for someone who jumped in blind, but there’s no reason not to get the full experience. Also, if you didn’t care for the first book for any reason, this will similarly not be your cup of tea.
Finally, the story, like others by Doyle that I’ve read, is not formulaic M/M. Formula can be great, and I love me something uncomplicated and sweet sometimes, but this is not that. It’s warm and affirming, but also bitter in parts. There are steamy moments, but sex and romance play supporting roles in this slice-of-life tale.
I’m avoiding spoilers, but if you read the first book, you know what’s coming, and the challenging issues are handled respectfully, but also with refreshing realism.
I finished this story a couple of days ago and am still thinking about it. I even had a dream about it last night; that’s how personal it felt. Not sure I can pay a higher compliment as a reviewer than that.
February 10, 2024
A very complex and emotional story. Not having read the earlier story of Pierre and Bill, I initially struggled with understanding the relationship between them but soon became entranced with the thrust and parry between them and the others involved in their complicated lives. The story weaves lots of plot threads and brings them all to a very satisfying conclusion likewise with the erotic scenes. I will now look forward to reading the first novel with the expectation that it will be as well written as this.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 1, 2024
Great book. Really enjoyed it.
October 26, 2024
Like the first book in this series, a beautiful story about realistic and likeable characters told in a spare but compelling style.
March 16, 2024
For fans of Patrick Doyle’s Pierre & Bill: A Love Story, Pierre & Bill Now catches up with these characters a few years down the road. If you haven’t read the first book, I’d strongly recommend reading that one first, mainly because it is a gorgeous story, but also I believe the characters resonate better with the backstories firmly in place.
Patrick Doyle has quickly become one of my all time favorite authors. His writing style grabs me just the right way, and his ability to create relatable characters and build their relationships just takes my breath away.
It’s hard to review this book without giving disclosing any juicy tidbits, and I don’t want to spoil it for you, but I will say Pierre & Bill Now is a highly emotional read. Doyle truly gets to the heart of what makes a life: family, community, and all the bumps in the road. Patrick Doyle captures the emotions which surround the events in these characters’ lives.
Pierre & Bill Now is a stunning story, and beautifully crafted novel.
an arc of Pierre & Bill Now was generously provided by the author for the purpose of my honest review, all opinions are my own
Patrick Doyle has quickly become one of my all time favorite authors. His writing style grabs me just the right way, and his ability to create relatable characters and build their relationships just takes my breath away.
It’s hard to review this book without giving disclosing any juicy tidbits, and I don’t want to spoil it for you, but I will say Pierre & Bill Now is a highly emotional read. Doyle truly gets to the heart of what makes a life: family, community, and all the bumps in the road. Patrick Doyle captures the emotions which surround the events in these characters’ lives.
Pierre & Bill Now is a stunning story, and beautifully crafted novel.
an arc of Pierre & Bill Now was generously provided by the author for the purpose of my honest review, all opinions are my own
February 26, 2024
Thanks to the author for an advance review copy.
This is a worthy sequel to Pierre & Bill: A Love Story. In addition to a realistic where-are-they-now story, this novel presents intertwined stories with a realistically diverse cast of characters that will get the reader to care what happens next in all of them.
This is a worthy sequel to Pierre & Bill: A Love Story. In addition to a realistic where-are-they-now story, this novel presents intertwined stories with a realistically diverse cast of characters that will get the reader to care what happens next in all of them.
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