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Grace Notes
Gil DuPont likes life exactly the way it is. It might not be full of friends, love, and laughter, but he gave up on believing life would ever hold much of that for him anyway. A confirmed loner, and bachelor by default, his routine is important and rarely interrupted.
All that changes when he receives an unexpected visit from Child Protection Services one freezing Minnesota night. Originally believing they’re there to deliver bad news, he prepares himself for details of his estranged sister’s death. However, once he finds out that they have a different problem for him, he realizes his life is about to take an unexpected turn.
His sister, Marguerite, six years older than him and somewhat of a phantom throughout his life, has been taken into the hospital due to her problems with alcohol. Her illness has left in its wake someone Gil discovers is suddenly completely reliant on a little girl of eight. Gil had no idea he was even an uncle, but soon understands that he’s required to step up and take responsibility for Roxy.
As they settle down into a brand new routine, one where Gil is a care provider and new parent, he discovers that the joys of life can be found in the smallest things, not least of all his niece’s warm heart and childish innocence. What Gil certainly doesn’t expect, however, is for the dark and handsome Micah to come as an extra into the arrangement. A social worker who has made it his life’s work to ensure children are given the best possible chance despite somewhat difficult beginnings, he takes an interest in Gil and Roxy’s situation, and even Gil himself.
Loving Roxy comes easily to Gil, but allowing himself to be loved by Micah? That may be pushing things a little too far. But he’s about to learn that it’s not just his niece who’s been offered a second chance at happiness.
Please This book contains Adult Language & Steamy Adult Activities, it is intended for 18+ Adults Only. Novel, approx. 60,000 words in length. HEA (happy ever after ending). Does not end with a "cliffhanger".
All that changes when he receives an unexpected visit from Child Protection Services one freezing Minnesota night. Originally believing they’re there to deliver bad news, he prepares himself for details of his estranged sister’s death. However, once he finds out that they have a different problem for him, he realizes his life is about to take an unexpected turn.
His sister, Marguerite, six years older than him and somewhat of a phantom throughout his life, has been taken into the hospital due to her problems with alcohol. Her illness has left in its wake someone Gil discovers is suddenly completely reliant on a little girl of eight. Gil had no idea he was even an uncle, but soon understands that he’s required to step up and take responsibility for Roxy.
As they settle down into a brand new routine, one where Gil is a care provider and new parent, he discovers that the joys of life can be found in the smallest things, not least of all his niece’s warm heart and childish innocence. What Gil certainly doesn’t expect, however, is for the dark and handsome Micah to come as an extra into the arrangement. A social worker who has made it his life’s work to ensure children are given the best possible chance despite somewhat difficult beginnings, he takes an interest in Gil and Roxy’s situation, and even Gil himself.
Loving Roxy comes easily to Gil, but allowing himself to be loved by Micah? That may be pushing things a little too far. But he’s about to learn that it’s not just his niece who’s been offered a second chance at happiness.
Please This book contains Adult Language & Steamy Adult Activities, it is intended for 18+ Adults Only. Novel, approx. 60,000 words in length. HEA (happy ever after ending). Does not end with a "cliffhanger".
230 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 20, 2017
85 people are currently reading
40 people want to read
About the author
Jerry Cole
181 books293 followersJerry Cole is a gay author who lives in California & enjoys writing love stories. Jerry has been writing fiction since he was a child. As a young adult, he worked as a freelance writer in the evenings & on weekends. Jerry started writing gay romance stories several years ago, but initially just for his own entertainment & occasionally sharing stories with his friends. In the summer of 2015 he published his first gay romance short story on Amazon. Overwhelmed by the positive response he decided to quit his “day job” & took up writing gay romance full time. When he’s not writing steamy M/M romance he enjoys globetrotting, watching movies with family and friends, working out, & being dragged down the road by his two Great Danes.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
July 25, 2017
**** This is a charming story of a sweet girl, brought to her lonely Uncle's door.
Gil, 34, is a school janitor and lives a quiet life alone. His folks died when he was young and his sister resented raising him.
He gets visitors one snowy night, with news that his sister signed herself into rehab, and her 8 yr. old daughter, Roxy, a sweet black girl, needs a place to live.
He didn't know he had a niece. So, he's instantly got responsibilities, and tries to adjust. As they learn to get to know each other, he has flashes back to his childhood, and realizes what his sister must have felt years ago. She took off when he turned 18, and sang around the world. He is musical, too, and discovers Roxy is musically inclined. He signs her up for school where he works, and they get along well.
The new case manager, a big hearted black man, Micah,
thinks she needs the influence of other black folks to help her assimilate, and he invites them to his family Sunday dinner. There she gets help with her unruly hair, and more. The men are attracted to one another. It's going to be a bit awkward, because the men have sexy times the night before, and Gil, who has never dated, feels lost. He doesn't know how to handle the deep feelings. Micah feels the same, and it's more than a one off for each of them.
It's a tale of loneliness that evolves into an instant family, and then, also companionship, and a relationship.
Their sexy times are hot, and their deep emotions are even hotter. Recovery is progressing with his sister, and he'll miss Roxy if she goes back with her Mom. I wanted more romance with the men. We get a great epilogue.
ENJOY !
========
The cover doesn't reflect the looks of our men, one black and one white,with man bun, or Roxy.
=============
Gil, 34, is a school janitor and lives a quiet life alone. His folks died when he was young and his sister resented raising him.
He gets visitors one snowy night, with news that his sister signed herself into rehab, and her 8 yr. old daughter, Roxy, a sweet black girl, needs a place to live.
He didn't know he had a niece. So, he's instantly got responsibilities, and tries to adjust. As they learn to get to know each other, he has flashes back to his childhood, and realizes what his sister must have felt years ago. She took off when he turned 18, and sang around the world. He is musical, too, and discovers Roxy is musically inclined. He signs her up for school where he works, and they get along well.
The new case manager, a big hearted black man, Micah,
thinks she needs the influence of other black folks to help her assimilate, and he invites them to his family Sunday dinner. There she gets help with her unruly hair, and more. The men are attracted to one another. It's going to be a bit awkward, because the men have sexy times the night before, and Gil, who has never dated, feels lost. He doesn't know how to handle the deep feelings. Micah feels the same, and it's more than a one off for each of them.
It's a tale of loneliness that evolves into an instant family, and then, also companionship, and a relationship.
Their sexy times are hot, and their deep emotions are even hotter. Recovery is progressing with his sister, and he'll miss Roxy if she goes back with her Mom. I wanted more romance with the men. We get a great epilogue.
ENJOY !
========
The cover doesn't reflect the looks of our men, one black and one white,with man bun, or Roxy.
=============
July 29, 2017
DNF 55%
The second Mc doesn't appear until the 47%
The main character has sex with another character.
A big no for me sorry :(
The second Mc doesn't appear until the 47%
The main character has sex with another character.
A big no for me sorry :(
July 23, 2017
The book was well written book with a great story plot. Also I read a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy of the book & I am voluntarily leaving an honest and unbiased review.
Gil DuPont’s in a rush to get his food shopping done and be on his way home. It’s a blizzard snowy night that no one should be out on the roads in.
Once home, Gil’s quickly brought his food from the truck into his trailer. Gil was a loner, not any friends and worked hard to have a decent sort of life; if you wanted to call it a life.
When Gil was settling in to eat his dinner there was a knock on the door. Who would ever expect someone to be out in a blizzard at eight-thirty at night? Well, Child Protection Services showed up with news that Gil was named to take care of his sister’s child eight year old Roxy. A niece he didn’t know he even had.
His sister, Marguerite had taken care of Gil after their parents died. When Gil turned eighteen he never heard anything from her. He heard so was in Paris living, but that was about it. So Gil wasn’t really willing to help his sister out and be saddled with a child he was not at all prepared to take care of.
Marguerite was known to have problems with alcohol and over the years it became too much and was now committed into a rehab center for her own health and safety as well as the child’s. With enough talking Gil finally agreed to give it a try, but he wasn’t expecting them to have Roxy in the car. So is life. That’s when he discovered his niece was black but that didn’t bother Gil in the least, it was only a shock at first.
From that night on, Gil and Roxy learned about each other and got along better then Gil ever thought they would. One big mistake Gil made the day after Roxy stayed overnight, they shared finding out what hospital Marg was at. They paid a visit and got into hot water because Marguerite didn’t want anyone to know where she was, especially her daughter. As it was, Gil had a hard time seeing his sister looking like death she was so sick.
Well, that little stunt brought Micah into Gil’s life another social worker who was black and gorgeous. Then of course there was an immediate attraction to each other. The two didn’t last long before they became lovers in secret; conflict of interest on Micah’s part.
Roxy brings in a whole other life for Gil that he loves and he loves Roxy and worried what it will be like when his sister is released. Roxy and Gil have a close Uncle / niece relationship and warmed my heart. But also, Gil has a second chance in life where he found love, Micah. Gil had found his family he always wanted and Roxy went back to her mother; a very happy ending.
There were times reading the book, for me, that dragged. Maybe there were too many details I got caught up in. Then the story picked back up for me, especially when Micah entered the picture. So, it's really only my opinion and someone else may feel totally different, but I still gave it a 4.5 rating.
Gil DuPont’s in a rush to get his food shopping done and be on his way home. It’s a blizzard snowy night that no one should be out on the roads in.
Once home, Gil’s quickly brought his food from the truck into his trailer. Gil was a loner, not any friends and worked hard to have a decent sort of life; if you wanted to call it a life.
When Gil was settling in to eat his dinner there was a knock on the door. Who would ever expect someone to be out in a blizzard at eight-thirty at night? Well, Child Protection Services showed up with news that Gil was named to take care of his sister’s child eight year old Roxy. A niece he didn’t know he even had.
His sister, Marguerite had taken care of Gil after their parents died. When Gil turned eighteen he never heard anything from her. He heard so was in Paris living, but that was about it. So Gil wasn’t really willing to help his sister out and be saddled with a child he was not at all prepared to take care of.
Marguerite was known to have problems with alcohol and over the years it became too much and was now committed into a rehab center for her own health and safety as well as the child’s. With enough talking Gil finally agreed to give it a try, but he wasn’t expecting them to have Roxy in the car. So is life. That’s when he discovered his niece was black but that didn’t bother Gil in the least, it was only a shock at first.
From that night on, Gil and Roxy learned about each other and got along better then Gil ever thought they would. One big mistake Gil made the day after Roxy stayed overnight, they shared finding out what hospital Marg was at. They paid a visit and got into hot water because Marguerite didn’t want anyone to know where she was, especially her daughter. As it was, Gil had a hard time seeing his sister looking like death she was so sick.
Well, that little stunt brought Micah into Gil’s life another social worker who was black and gorgeous. Then of course there was an immediate attraction to each other. The two didn’t last long before they became lovers in secret; conflict of interest on Micah’s part.
Roxy brings in a whole other life for Gil that he loves and he loves Roxy and worried what it will be like when his sister is released. Roxy and Gil have a close Uncle / niece relationship and warmed my heart. But also, Gil has a second chance in life where he found love, Micah. Gil had found his family he always wanted and Roxy went back to her mother; a very happy ending.
There were times reading the book, for me, that dragged. Maybe there were too many details I got caught up in. Then the story picked back up for me, especially when Micah entered the picture. So, it's really only my opinion and someone else may feel totally different, but I still gave it a 4.5 rating.
August 1, 2017
We were surprised by this book, it wasn’t what we thought it would be. We enjoyed reading Grace Notes by Jerry Cole, but missed the romance of this well, romance.
Gil DuPont is a loner, his parent passed away at a young age and with only an absent older sister as his family, he has fallen into a solitary life, finding it easier to stay to himself rather than get mixed up in feeling for someone who is going to leave or disappoint him one day. What he doesn’t count on is an 8-yer old niece appearing at his door one day. His estranged sister is admitted for alcohol related issues and has asked that Gil looks after her daughter Roxy while she gets better. Gil struggles with having an insta-daughter, and how to parent a child when he doesn’t really know how to look after himself. He forms a friendship with her social worker Micah, and these 2 men put everything aside to try and find love together.
We loves Roxy, she is sweet, precocious and whip-smart. We loved the relationship between uncle Gil and his niece. Roxy reminds Gil that letting people into his life doesn’t mean they are going to leave. She reminds him that life is for living. But the story is really around this relationship. They struggle with how to relate to each other, how they fit into each other’s lives and the knowledge that this is temporary. Jerry Cole also takes time to talk about the struggles of Marguerite, Gil’s sister, and how the foster/adopt system works. It is fascinating, but it sometimes goes too far and takes away for the real reason we are reading the story. Romance, chemistry.
While Micah and Gil find physical comfort in each other, their relationship isn’t really believable. It lacks, sizzle, passion, chemistry, and is essentially missing through the book. There is mention that they go one a few dates, with and without Roxy, but we don’t see the commitment between these 2 men flourishing. We wish Jerry C ole had spent the same time developing Micah and Gil’s relationship as he did with Roxy and Uncle Gil’s relationship. This book left us wanting MORE. Jerry Cole built a start to an interatrial relationship, but the relationship never really came together.
Grace Notes is first Jerry Cole book we have read, while enjoyable, it failed to deliver on a few basics for us, the chemistry of a new budding relationship.
Gil DuPont is a loner, his parent passed away at a young age and with only an absent older sister as his family, he has fallen into a solitary life, finding it easier to stay to himself rather than get mixed up in feeling for someone who is going to leave or disappoint him one day. What he doesn’t count on is an 8-yer old niece appearing at his door one day. His estranged sister is admitted for alcohol related issues and has asked that Gil looks after her daughter Roxy while she gets better. Gil struggles with having an insta-daughter, and how to parent a child when he doesn’t really know how to look after himself. He forms a friendship with her social worker Micah, and these 2 men put everything aside to try and find love together.
We loves Roxy, she is sweet, precocious and whip-smart. We loved the relationship between uncle Gil and his niece. Roxy reminds Gil that letting people into his life doesn’t mean they are going to leave. She reminds him that life is for living. But the story is really around this relationship. They struggle with how to relate to each other, how they fit into each other’s lives and the knowledge that this is temporary. Jerry Cole also takes time to talk about the struggles of Marguerite, Gil’s sister, and how the foster/adopt system works. It is fascinating, but it sometimes goes too far and takes away for the real reason we are reading the story. Romance, chemistry.
While Micah and Gil find physical comfort in each other, their relationship isn’t really believable. It lacks, sizzle, passion, chemistry, and is essentially missing through the book. There is mention that they go one a few dates, with and without Roxy, but we don’t see the commitment between these 2 men flourishing. We wish Jerry C ole had spent the same time developing Micah and Gil’s relationship as he did with Roxy and Uncle Gil’s relationship. This book left us wanting MORE. Jerry Cole built a start to an interatrial relationship, but the relationship never really came together.
Grace Notes is first Jerry Cole book we have read, while enjoyable, it failed to deliver on a few basics for us, the chemistry of a new budding relationship.
October 20, 2019
I understand that Gil had to start working after he was abandoned by his sister, but why did he feel a need to use the money from the sale of the house and whatever inheritance he had, to buy a rundown, drafty trailer? He could've at least gotten an apartment somewhere safer. Instead, after his truck was damaged at one trailer park, he moved to another one. And did he really give up trying to be in relationships for nearly 20 years after his first and only went sour? And how long had he been a janitor? Was that the only job he'd had since he'd started working?
There wasn't very much substance to Gil and Micah's relationship: Micah shows up one day & they're both attracted; within a few weeks or so Micah is inviting Gil & Roxy for a family dinner, then Micah & Gil in the room to have sex. A couple of weeks later, they're professing their love after a phone sex session. There's one other sex scene, and by the next summer (the epilogue) they're discussing adopting kids.
As characters go, Gil seemed to suffer from low self-esteem, and I guess that's why he never really cared about his appearance (hadn't bought decent clothes in years) or himself (he ate like a starving college student before Roxy, even though he could buy things without worrying about price totals). He also seemed to not be motivated to try very hard for anything, either. But he clearly cared about Roxy and Micah, though I'm not fully sure why he cared so much about the latter. Micah was okay, there just wasn't really any information about him or his life. Marguerite didn't seem much different in the end. As for the book, I know race was a big part of the plot, but I feel like there were too many references to the differences between Micah and Gil's skin: the black man, his black skin, his black pecs, his black p**e... we know Micah is black. It just sounded so crass and unemotional to me. I wouldn't re-read or recommend.
There wasn't very much substance to Gil and Micah's relationship: Micah shows up one day & they're both attracted; within a few weeks or so Micah is inviting Gil & Roxy for a family dinner, then Micah & Gil in the room to have sex. A couple of weeks later, they're professing their love after a phone sex session. There's one other sex scene, and by the next summer (the epilogue) they're discussing adopting kids.
As characters go, Gil seemed to suffer from low self-esteem, and I guess that's why he never really cared about his appearance (hadn't bought decent clothes in years) or himself (he ate like a starving college student before Roxy, even though he could buy things without worrying about price totals). He also seemed to not be motivated to try very hard for anything, either. But he clearly cared about Roxy and Micah, though I'm not fully sure why he cared so much about the latter. Micah was okay, there just wasn't really any information about him or his life. Marguerite didn't seem much different in the end. As for the book, I know race was a big part of the plot, but I feel like there were too many references to the differences between Micah and Gil's skin: the black man, his black skin, his black pecs, his black p**e... we know Micah is black. It just sounded so crass and unemotional to me. I wouldn't re-read or recommend.
April 9, 2019
J’ai découvert cet auteur totalement par hasard… en fait, c’est le début du résumé qui m’a donné envie d’en savoir plus. Donc voici un jeune homme âgé de 34 ans , concierge à temps partiel d’un établissement scolaire, qui vit dans une sorte de park à mobilhomes, sans réel but dans la vie, sans amis, et musicien à ses heures, se contentant sans problème de sa profonde solitude. Et voilà qu’un soir, surgit dans son existence sa nièce de huit ans livrée clés en mains par les services sociaux plutôt insistants… et il n’ose pas refuser ! Et très rapidement, on assiste à la métamorphose de Gil, qui va s’ouvrir aux autres et même se donner l’envie d’entâmer une histoire d’amour. La romance très au second plan ne commence même qu’à près de la moitié du bouquin…
Personnellement, c’est ce papillon qui sort de sa chrysalide qui m’a le plus intéressé. La relation hésitante, gênée, pleine de pudeur entre Gil et Roxy, adorable petite fille, est profondément touchante… Dès la première scène, notre héros donne un petit aperçu de son caractère. Sans conviction, il rend service… et là encore, il va faire son devoir, pour tomber rapidement sous le charme de sa nièce, avant de se remettre profondément en question. Le courage de Roxy le pousse à se chercher lui-même, à sortir de son apathie routinière, lui, abandonné par ceux qu’il aimait, ne voulait plus être blessé. Au second plan, un homme va peu à peu s’insinuer avec tendresse dans son existence. Il n’y a pas ici de grande déclaration d’amour, d’intensité passionnée, mais une relation solide qui se construit doucement, avec une sincérité touchante.
Court, sympathique, sans prétention… tout en charme souriant !
Personnellement, c’est ce papillon qui sort de sa chrysalide qui m’a le plus intéressé. La relation hésitante, gênée, pleine de pudeur entre Gil et Roxy, adorable petite fille, est profondément touchante… Dès la première scène, notre héros donne un petit aperçu de son caractère. Sans conviction, il rend service… et là encore, il va faire son devoir, pour tomber rapidement sous le charme de sa nièce, avant de se remettre profondément en question. Le courage de Roxy le pousse à se chercher lui-même, à sortir de son apathie routinière, lui, abandonné par ceux qu’il aimait, ne voulait plus être blessé. Au second plan, un homme va peu à peu s’insinuer avec tendresse dans son existence. Il n’y a pas ici de grande déclaration d’amour, d’intensité passionnée, mais une relation solide qui se construit doucement, avec une sincérité touchante.
Court, sympathique, sans prétention… tout en charme souriant !
July 23, 2017
This was genuinely a well written book. The content kept me interested all the way through. Gil is a lonely man who is cranky and thoughtless, but through this he also is beginning to recognize he is lonely. Parents dead, he was raised by a sister who was only sixteen herself. Abandoned by her when he was sixteen, he struggled to make a life for himself. Now he is thrust into a situation where he must take his sister's daughter into his care while se detoxes from alcohol. Roxy is very mature and thoughtful for her age as well as being musically talented like Gil and his sister. Torn between feelings of deep loss versus anger at his sis, he makes his way with Roxy. Micah enters the picture. A social worker who is out to keep Roxy safe, he enters Gil's home ready to snatch her away. Instead he finds someone who is kind, caring and nurturing in Gil. Now invested in Micah as well as Roxy, the two men make room for a relationship that struggles to come to fruition. This is a gentle and sweet story about two gay men and a lost sister and her daughter. The title actually matches the story. Recommend this book. I voluntarily read and reviewed this ARC book.
July 23, 2017
When I finished this book, I thought back to what I had read to write this review, and couldn't find anything to say. I didn't dislike the book, but there was also nothing about it that particularly stuck out to me either. Gil seemed to have a potential history/backstory that would have been cool to explore further - but it didn't happen. Micah was earnest and sincere, but completely flat and one-dimensional as a main character.
I didn't find the romance between Gil and Micah to be engaging, and we actually saw very little of it. They met, they hooked up once, and then (rather suddenly), they were a couple without any of the scenes/discussions that you would expect - i.e. How will Roxy be with her uncle dating her social worker? How will Marguerite react? How will Gil react when confronted with prejudice against either Micah alone, or the fact that the two of them are together? How will Gil react to prejudice against Roxy?
I basically felt that Jerry set up a good foundation of a story about an interracial gay couple, and then failed to build anything on that foundation.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
I didn't find the romance between Gil and Micah to be engaging, and we actually saw very little of it. They met, they hooked up once, and then (rather suddenly), they were a couple without any of the scenes/discussions that you would expect - i.e. How will Roxy be with her uncle dating her social worker? How will Marguerite react? How will Gil react when confronted with prejudice against either Micah alone, or the fact that the two of them are together? How will Gil react to prejudice against Roxy?
I basically felt that Jerry set up a good foundation of a story about an interracial gay couple, and then failed to build anything on that foundation.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
August 4, 2017
Let me talk about what I enjoyed about this story before I get to what I didn't like.
The story was good. I liked the relationship between Roxy and Gil. I like how he accepted her and fought for her. I also enjoyed the introduction of Micah into their lives. Him and Gil made a great couple. Plus, I was happy about someone helping Roxy with her hair. As a black woman, I appreciated someone helping Roxy with her hair, especially after that white lady called her hair "unruly."
Now on to what I didn't like. There was no conflict in Gil and Micah's relationship. They got together. Gil's sister got out of rehab. The story ended. It would have been nice to see conflict arise with CPS finding out Micah was seeing Gil. While the short story bothered me, nothing irritated me more than the whitewashing of the characters on the cover. Micah and Roxy are black. She has an afro. She has natural textured hair. Both men on the cover are white. The little girl on the cover is white. Is it that hard to find black models? Like I said, the story was good but the cover models should at least match the ethnicity and description of the characters.
Update: The cover on Amazon has been updated to show a black man and white man. The white girl has been charged to the dark silhouette of an angel. However, the cover on Goodreads has not been updated.
The story was good. I liked the relationship between Roxy and Gil. I like how he accepted her and fought for her. I also enjoyed the introduction of Micah into their lives. Him and Gil made a great couple. Plus, I was happy about someone helping Roxy with her hair. As a black woman, I appreciated someone helping Roxy with her hair, especially after that white lady called her hair "unruly."
Now on to what I didn't like. There was no conflict in Gil and Micah's relationship. They got together. Gil's sister got out of rehab. The story ended. It would have been nice to see conflict arise with CPS finding out Micah was seeing Gil. While the short story bothered me, nothing irritated me more than the whitewashing of the characters on the cover. Micah and Roxy are black. She has an afro. She has natural textured hair. Both men on the cover are white. The little girl on the cover is white. Is it that hard to find black models? Like I said, the story was good but the cover models should at least match the ethnicity and description of the characters.
Update: The cover on Amazon has been updated to show a black man and white man. The white girl has been charged to the dark silhouette of an angel. However, the cover on Goodreads has not been updated.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 25, 2017
The book blurb tells the story a lot better than I ever could. This was as sweet entertaining book with threads of realism. Gil, a bachelor, self-proclaimed loner, is suddenly granted custody of a niece, a mixed raced Roxy, while her mother, his sister is in rehab for substance abuse. He was thirty-four years, set in his ways, in a shabby mobile home and he was so tempted to say no. He thinks back to his sister, who took care of him, at ten, when both parents died in a car crash. He wondered what if she was not there for him. Gil grumbled, but took her in. The social workers assured him Roxy was not actually in the "foster care" system. Gil after 2 days realized how lonely his life really. Throw in the social worker, Gil is in hog heaven. We have a little angst, a budding love affair and a little girl who wraps Gil round his finger. I would recommend this book to anyone wanting a sweet entertaining read. I like Jerry's writing; his sentence structure, his word usage and his imagination. I would recommend Jerry's books to anyone wanting a good solid read
July 25, 2017
This book had a few moments of steam but more than anything it was about love, family, connection, and forgiveness. It was very sweet and gave such a feeling of hope in the end. From loneliness to love, Gil was changed the most in this story. As the main character, he was obviously the focus, but the whole thing really revolved around him and his reaction to all the changes thrust on him. Micah was good in the periphery, as he challenged Gil and encouraged him to continue loving Roxy as he has been. As for a love interest, I could believe it even if the romance was not the focus of the story. It was more of something that was added as incentive and encouragement to Gil. Roxy was sweet and precocious and wedged her way into Gil's trailer, life, and heart. She may have been the catalyst for Gil's transformation, but Gil was ready to accept that he was supremely lonely and that changes needed to happen.
Overall, this was an uplifting, sexy, sweet story that I was happy to read. Read and willingly reviewed this ARC from the author.
Overall, this was an uplifting, sexy, sweet story that I was happy to read. Read and willingly reviewed this ARC from the author.
August 12, 2017
This book was ok for me. I wanted and hoped I would love the love story of Gil and Micah but I didn't. However, I did love the story of Gil and Roxy. That storyline was simply beautiful and heartwarming. I really didn't feel the connection between Gil and Micah and felt if that storyline was better or more developed, I would have indeed. When I reached the 70% completion part of this book I became concerned, realizing the opportunity would not be presented for the author to expound more so on the love connection between Gil and Micah. While I loved the characters of both men, the time allotted by the storyline as written didn't allow for me to be consumed by these two men and their budding relationship and subsequent love for each other. Maybe if the story had been longer, for sure. I felt this story was more so focused on the relationship and connection between Uncle Gil and his niece Roxy, which was beautiful.
July 23, 2017
A beautiful story of an uncle caring and looking after his niece. Gil is a loner and lives quietly by himself. Roxy comes to stay with him while her mum and Gail's estranged sister is receiving treatment for alcoholism.
The interaction between uncle and niece is beautifully told. Learning to live together is sympathetically written, drawing me into the story and loving the characters.
When Micah comes on the scene he adds a new dimension into their lives.
The story unfolds in a gentle loving story, that captivated me and kept me hooked.
Jerry Cole has taken a difficult subject of alcoholism and its effects and put so much emotion into the story.
I highly recommend this book, once you start you won't want to put it down.
I received a free advance reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest & unbiased review.
The interaction between uncle and niece is beautifully told. Learning to live together is sympathetically written, drawing me into the story and loving the characters.
When Micah comes on the scene he adds a new dimension into their lives.
The story unfolds in a gentle loving story, that captivated me and kept me hooked.
Jerry Cole has taken a difficult subject of alcoholism and its effects and put so much emotion into the story.
I highly recommend this book, once you start you won't want to put it down.
I received a free advance reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest & unbiased review.
July 23, 2017
Gil DuPont is shocked one evening when two ladies turn up on their doorstep and inform him that they have a little girl with them who have his niece with them who needs a home. Her mother is in hospital for treatment for alcoholism and had specifically said he was to look after her, even though she had never told him she had a child.
Gil and his niece Roxy get along really well after a bumpy 24 hours and then his social worker turns up to meet them. He is gorgeous and they both give the other the once over. So what happens when a social worker falls for his client?
Jerry is back to his best with this one. Very well written and a brilliant story line with great characters.
Gil and his niece Roxy get along really well after a bumpy 24 hours and then his social worker turns up to meet them. He is gorgeous and they both give the other the once over. So what happens when a social worker falls for his client?
Jerry is back to his best with this one. Very well written and a brilliant story line with great characters.
July 24, 2017
This is an interesting story line. It is well written and the dialogue is realistic. The characters are great. Poor Gil does not know what hits him when he opens his door one night to Child Services. His sister that he has not seen in years needs him to take on his niece. The dialogue between him and his niece is well written. She sounds like a kid not a little adult. Micah is also a nice character. He is the social worker sent to Gil and his niece. In my opinion it takes a lot of time for him to arrive on the scene. He is great with them. He just fits into their little family. Gil the loner gets the HEA he deserves so well.
I got this as a free arc.
I got this as a free arc.
July 23, 2017
MM. Gil does not realize how little he has in his life and how lonely he is until his niece Roxy appears on his doorstep. Gil has been hurt by the people closest to him and he has pulled away from all meaningful contact. Roxy is adorable, smart, and a bright spot in his life. Something he never realized he missed. Roxy's presence also brings Micah into his life, as Roxy's case worker. Gill needs the quiet moments to think and decide what he wants for his future, loneliness or trusting in others. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
September 14, 2017
A very sweet, reasonably simple story about an uncle who is suddenly faced with the existance of his niece, as he needs to step up and take care of her while his semi-estranged sister gets help for addiction and illness. He steps up to the plate quite quickly, and ends up on top of that having feelings for the social worker attached to their case. The story is pretty straightforward, almost to a fault, but the characters are so sweet and believable that it was a real joy to read as they developed into better, happier people as the story went on.
3.5/5.
3.5/5.
July 25, 2017
I was disapointed with this book. The story was actually a good one but executed a bit weak and not as gripping as the other books from Jerry I have read. Another complaint, again, is, that it ends to abrupt. Why not try a different ending, an epilogue, taking place 6 months, a year or two later to show, that the couple is really well matched and still happy.
I read a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest and unbiased review.
I read a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest and unbiased review.
July 27, 2017
CAL
I loved this book. It wasn't overly long but the story was strong and gave you a lovely beginning, middle and end. The author presented well rounded characters with full insight into their personality and background. I loved this story and would highly recommend it as a very pleasant and quick read. I can't see anyone dissatisfied with this book. I look forward to more from this author.
I loved this book. It wasn't overly long but the story was strong and gave you a lovely beginning, middle and end. The author presented well rounded characters with full insight into their personality and background. I loved this story and would highly recommend it as a very pleasant and quick read. I can't see anyone dissatisfied with this book. I look forward to more from this author.
July 26, 2017
A Must Read
An absolutely fantastic story. Characters are fully developed likeable people. The story line is truly inspiring and touching. Another great hit for Jerry. His books are some of the best I've read. And this one maybe one of the best I've read in a very long time. Love to see a sequel to these characters in Grace Notes.....
An absolutely fantastic story. Characters are fully developed likeable people. The story line is truly inspiring and touching. Another great hit for Jerry. His books are some of the best I've read. And this one maybe one of the best I've read in a very long time. Love to see a sequel to these characters in Grace Notes.....
July 27, 2017
Beautiful
What can I say this book was heartbreaking and beautiful all at the same time Gil taking responsibility of his niece whose mother is dealing with a drinking problem whose taking responsibility for that problem this was a beautiful thing for Gil to do then he found love and a second chance at a life after everything he and sister went through
What can I say this book was heartbreaking and beautiful all at the same time Gil taking responsibility of his niece whose mother is dealing with a drinking problem whose taking responsibility for that problem this was a beautiful thing for Gil to do then he found love and a second chance at a life after everything he and sister went through
September 9, 2017
Totally DNF.
Started off as a decent enough story, cute premise, but then I got to the below passage:
"Gil wondered whether the tale of black men and their anatomy was just that: a tale, or whether there was any truth to it."
WOW. I noped out of there SO fast. How can anyone in this day and age actually write a sentence like that? UGH x 10000.
Started off as a decent enough story, cute premise, but then I got to the below passage:
"Gil wondered whether the tale of black men and their anatomy was just that: a tale, or whether there was any truth to it."
WOW. I noped out of there SO fast. How can anyone in this day and age actually write a sentence like that? UGH x 10000.
July 24, 2017
I loved this story... It was amazing.. and had so many wonderful emotions.. love.. sadness.. happiness.. and of course the love of a child.. this was sweet.. this was an easy read. this was amazing.. i loved it and im glad i got to review it
August 3, 2017
Enjoyed the depth of this colorful story. Fella going through life then bam things change. What I don't understand is the cover selection? You have clearly created this multicultural story but the cover does not reflect that! Why?
July 26, 2017
Grace notes
An excellent read. Held me until the last sentence. I kinda didn't want the book to end. Be even better with a sequel.
An excellent read. Held me until the last sentence. I kinda didn't want the book to end. Be even better with a sequel.
July 26, 2017
A beautiful story
What a beautiful story of healing and love. I really loved this story and the writer's words being these characters to life. I recommend this book to you!
What a beautiful story of healing and love. I really loved this story and the writer's words being these characters to life. I recommend this book to you!
July 31, 2017
so you see a cover with two caucasian men and a little blond girl with straight hair.
Did they accidentally put the wrong cover on the book or something?
The story is about a man who suddenly has to take care of the niece he never knew existed (not a little blond girl, but a very intelligent eight hear old mix of caucasian and colored with an awesome untamable afro). Child protection services send over Micah (a beautiful colored man) the case worker, and... well... to be completely honest. from one secons to another they suddenly have a weirdish secret relationship?
The book was entertaining enough to finish it but it missed some big parts in the story and that's a bit of a downer for me. I do love how the author focused a lot on the little girl, Roxy, and how she was doing and growing.
Did they accidentally put the wrong cover on the book or something?
The story is about a man who suddenly has to take care of the niece he never knew existed (not a little blond girl, but a very intelligent eight hear old mix of caucasian and colored with an awesome untamable afro). Child protection services send over Micah (a beautiful colored man) the case worker, and... well... to be completely honest. from one secons to another they suddenly have a weirdish secret relationship?
The book was entertaining enough to finish it but it missed some big parts in the story and that's a bit of a downer for me. I do love how the author focused a lot on the little girl, Roxy, and how she was doing and growing.
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