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The Willing
At the age of Sixty-Five, a retired Warren Steelgrave is getting bored with life. He decides that unlike his friends of his age he is not going to sit around playing golf, waiting to die. He is going to Italy to start the last chapter of his life and find adventure. Be careful what you wish for, adventure is what he finds. He falls in love with Cindy O'Brian a singer songw ...more
162 pages, ebook
First published September 24, 2016
317 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
April 2, 2016
I loved the synopsis of this book and readily agreed to read this book in exchange for an honest review. Unfortunately, it wasn't what I expected. The writing and sentence structure was choppy and the editing was almost non-existent. There were so many spelling and grammatical mistakes that I was annoyed.
At one point in the story, the author listed street name after street name after street name while telling us where the main character was heading. I honestly don't care about the name of the streets unless they hold some relevance to the story. It was a very short book and the story line could have made for a intriguing read but it just wasn't good.
At one point in the story, the author listed street name after street name after street name while telling us where the main character was heading. I honestly don't care about the name of the streets unless they hold some relevance to the story. It was a very short book and the story line could have made for a intriguing read but it just wasn't good.
November 7, 2016
Gary Smith's debut novella, The Willing is a suspenseful tale of a retired sixty-five year old widower, Warren Steelgrave who recently lost his third wife as a result of a car accident. Warren is determined that he will not sit around twiddling his thumbs during the last chapter of his life or play golf as is the case with most of his friends.
He is of Italian heritage and decides to travel to Italy and get together with some of his lost family. He also makes up his mind to enrol in an Italian language course at the Florence School of Italian Language.
On his first day of class Warren encounters a beautiful American woman, Cindy O'Brian who is twenty-five years his junior and who has a husband and children. Little did he know what he was getting himself into and where this would all end when he met Cynthia. Although the couple enter into a platonic relationship, and that it exactly what it is, they still feel something more for each other, however, they refrain from permitting it to go beyond this stage.
As the story evolves Warren learns that there is something troubling Cindy and can't quite figure it out. He believes that she is in hiding and running away from someone and because of her involvement with him, he is also being closely watched.
Warren contacts his friend, Jim Marino, whom he has known for thirty years. Jim is the head of his own successful security firm with its main office in San Francisco, he was a former chief of police of the Redwood City Police Department.
Warren requests from Jim a complete new set of identity documents for a husband and wife that will include credit cards, ATM cards, passports, and two phones. Jim, through some of his shady contacts, comes through and is able to get all of these documents to Warren in Italy. Jim advises Warren, however, to walk away as soon as possible as he is probably way over his head and he doesn't think this is going to end in a pleasant way.
Apparently, Homeland Security is looking for Cindy along with what appears to be some members of a terrorist group. Warren is forewarned that he is aiding and abetting a fugitive from the Federal Government that could lead to some serious consequences. Nonetheless, he refuses to step aside and asks Jim to trust him but also requests that Jim protect himself and his company from any entanglement.
What follows next is Warren's discovery from Jim that Rick O'Brian, Cindy's husband is a business partner with Imad Saidi and they own a coffee international importing company in San Francisco. Imad and Rick are both being wanted for questioning by the Feds as it is believed that their importing business is a front for the purchasing and smuggling of arms to different terrorist cells, mostly in Europe. In addition, and here is the part that becomes chilling, there may be a possible link to someone high up in Homeland Security. Nonetheless, there is a piece missing and Jim thinks it involves Cindy and her husband as she may have left the USA with important evidence the Feds need.
And here is the kicker, Warren determines through his meetings with Cindy that there is in fact some kind of a shady link concerning her husband's business and Homeland Security. Moreover, when Cindy was helping her husband in his business back in the USA and while looking over some emails, she found a suspicious file containing correspondence from Homeland Security. She had downloaded all the emails into her flash drive and hid it in the woman's room where the importing company was located as she was unable to remove it from the building without being detected.
The yarn is a quick read and unfolds in user-friendly prose however its lacking of professional editing is particularly in evidence with some clumsy sentences and grammatical errors. In addition, there is a great deal of telling and not enough showing, which is a common trap self-published authors fall into.
On the other hand, while The Willing may not stand shoulder-to-shoulder with novellas of the same genre, it nevertheless is entertaining and although it may be brisk it is not without a pulse.
Smith succeeds in getting inside the minds of both Warren and Cindy without descending into romantic boring mush and keeps their adventure/romance relationship on a higher emotional plateau.
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February 13, 2016 The Willing is a novel by Gary Smith. The characters are realistic. The plot is well thought out and executed. There are surprises and twists that make the reader want to keep reading. The book is short enough to be read at one sitting and then make you want more. I do hope Gary Smith will write a sequel to this book. It is a very enjoyable book.
Warren Steelgrave is retired, sixty-five, active, in good health, and looks good. He has been married three times and has five children and six grandchildren. He has always felt like an outsider and has had no real connection with his family or friends. He and his wife had visited Italy for their anniversary. He looked up the town where his grandfather was born to see if any relatives were still there. When he was immediately taken into the family, he did not feel like an outsider. He was readily accepted. When they returned home, he kept remembering Italy and began to learn about the country’s culture and to take Italian lessons. He also began researching his ancestry. He developed long-distance relationship with family members. He began thinking of returning to Italy. At the same time, he realized he and his wife were growing further apart. He wanted her to be happy but didn’t think he would be the one who could do it. Before he could find that out, she was killed in a car accident. Her death put him closer to his family but also closer to Italy.
Finally Warren returned to Italy, made his home in Florence, and made contact with his family again. To improve his Italian, he enrolled in a school. However, his class was made up of younger Europeans and he, once more, felt on the outside. Then Cindy O’Brien entered the class. She was stunning and friendly. After class, she met him again and he asked her to lunch. This became a habit. They would go to a local bistro after class and just talk. Almost immediately, Warren fell in love with her and also felt that he belonged finally; but Cindy was loyal to her husband and children, so Warren accepted friendship. One day, Cindy didn’t come to class which was unusual. Finally, Warren accepted she wasn’t coming back to class. At the bistro, a day or so later, he received a note from Cindy. She was in trouble and didn’t know what to do. Warren was determined to help her.
As Warren steps up to help Cindy, he didn’t realize just how much trouble he had selected. There are men out to kill them, the FBI, and Home Security wants them for questioning. What does everyone want? Cindy had copied some of Imad’s (her husband’s partner)files and Imad and someone at Homeland Security wanted those files as they incriminated them. Was Cindy’s husband involved or is only a patsy? Can Warren get Cindy and himself back to San Francisco where the files are hidden? Will they figure out what to do before they get arrested or killed? It is a question that will take them from Florence, Italy to Kansas to San Francisco.
This is a fantastic book and it is short enough to read in a couple of hours. I do hope Gary Smith plans on a sequel soon.
Warren Steelgrave is retired, sixty-five, active, in good health, and looks good. He has been married three times and has five children and six grandchildren. He has always felt like an outsider and has had no real connection with his family or friends. He and his wife had visited Italy for their anniversary. He looked up the town where his grandfather was born to see if any relatives were still there. When he was immediately taken into the family, he did not feel like an outsider. He was readily accepted. When they returned home, he kept remembering Italy and began to learn about the country’s culture and to take Italian lessons. He also began researching his ancestry. He developed long-distance relationship with family members. He began thinking of returning to Italy. At the same time, he realized he and his wife were growing further apart. He wanted her to be happy but didn’t think he would be the one who could do it. Before he could find that out, she was killed in a car accident. Her death put him closer to his family but also closer to Italy.
Finally Warren returned to Italy, made his home in Florence, and made contact with his family again. To improve his Italian, he enrolled in a school. However, his class was made up of younger Europeans and he, once more, felt on the outside. Then Cindy O’Brien entered the class. She was stunning and friendly. After class, she met him again and he asked her to lunch. This became a habit. They would go to a local bistro after class and just talk. Almost immediately, Warren fell in love with her and also felt that he belonged finally; but Cindy was loyal to her husband and children, so Warren accepted friendship. One day, Cindy didn’t come to class which was unusual. Finally, Warren accepted she wasn’t coming back to class. At the bistro, a day or so later, he received a note from Cindy. She was in trouble and didn’t know what to do. Warren was determined to help her.
As Warren steps up to help Cindy, he didn’t realize just how much trouble he had selected. There are men out to kill them, the FBI, and Home Security wants them for questioning. What does everyone want? Cindy had copied some of Imad’s (her husband’s partner)files and Imad and someone at Homeland Security wanted those files as they incriminated them. Was Cindy’s husband involved or is only a patsy? Can Warren get Cindy and himself back to San Francisco where the files are hidden? Will they figure out what to do before they get arrested or killed? It is a question that will take them from Florence, Italy to Kansas to San Francisco.
This is a fantastic book and it is short enough to read in a couple of hours. I do hope Gary Smith plans on a sequel soon.
January 25, 2017
*I was given a free copy of this book for an honest review. All of my opinions are my own and wasn't influenced by others. I work for honesty and I tend to keep that forever *
I am always a sucker for suspense, so when I read the sypnosis of this story, I know I've got to try it. I love suspense with a romance in it so I am really so excited to read it. The book came to me really so late that's why I just happen to read it now.
When I was starting with the story, I have to say that it was so well written. There were times that I feel bored but as I've got to understand the story more, my attention just focused in this book alone. It was just a very short read so just like me, you can finish it in just one sitting.
Aside from the fact that this was my first time reading a book from the author, this was also my first time reading a story with a guy having a romantic feelings for a girl who is so much younger than him. I'm not being judgmental or something, it's just that I'm not used to a topic like that. And with that, whenever I was in a romantic part between the characters, all I could think of is the word "corny".
It was quite a story but there were a two or three points that I find questionable. The male lead was a retired businessman, so how come he was able to spot about the girl's dilemma that fast? He thinks like a detective too and acts like a professional when it comes to doing things illegally, like ordering for a fake IDs, passports and the likes.
The story line was superb, the scenes were fine too as well as the execution of lines. But the shifting of their conversations (like who's the one talking) was quite confusing. The number of characters were minimal so it was so easy to keep track of them. I am not fond of the romance part but I've got to say that the ending was amazing. I'm always a sucker for a happy ending so I've got to give credit to the author. Instead of 3, I am giving this story a rating of 3.5 stars!
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
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Main Blog: Blushing Geek
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I am always a sucker for suspense, so when I read the sypnosis of this story, I know I've got to try it. I love suspense with a romance in it so I am really so excited to read it. The book came to me really so late that's why I just happen to read it now.
When I was starting with the story, I have to say that it was so well written. There were times that I feel bored but as I've got to understand the story more, my attention just focused in this book alone. It was just a very short read so just like me, you can finish it in just one sitting.
Aside from the fact that this was my first time reading a book from the author, this was also my first time reading a story with a guy having a romantic feelings for a girl who is so much younger than him. I'm not being judgmental or something, it's just that I'm not used to a topic like that. And with that, whenever I was in a romantic part between the characters, all I could think of is the word "corny".
It was quite a story but there were a two or three points that I find questionable. The male lead was a retired businessman, so how come he was able to spot about the girl's dilemma that fast? He thinks like a detective too and acts like a professional when it comes to doing things illegally, like ordering for a fake IDs, passports and the likes.
The story line was superb, the scenes were fine too as well as the execution of lines. But the shifting of their conversations (like who's the one talking) was quite confusing. The number of characters were minimal so it was so easy to keep track of them. I am not fond of the romance part but I've got to say that the ending was amazing. I'm always a sucker for a happy ending so I've got to give credit to the author. Instead of 3, I am giving this story a rating of 3.5 stars!
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
To read more of my reviews, book news and updates:
Main Blog: Blushing Geek
Facebook Page
Subscribe to mailing list
December 14, 2016
Reviewed by Sheri Hoyte for Reader Views (12/16)
“The Willing” by Gary Smith is a romantic fiction filled with action and suspense. At 65 years of age, Warren Steelgrave refuses to sit around waiting to die, convinced there should be more to retired life than playing golf with his cronies. A remarkable chain of events finds Steelgrave in Florence, Italy, where he enrolls in an Italian language class. Steelgrave quickly warms up to Cindy O’Brien, the only other American in the class. As the two become acquainted, Steelgrave realizes Cindy is in trouble, and vows help. The two embark on an adventure that may turn out to be more than they had in mind as they find themselves on the run. Who are they running from, and what does the FBI and Homeland Security have to do with it all?
I was inspired to read “The Willing” based on my inclination to gravitate toward romantic suspense. Give me people that set out against all odds and obstacles to find love and happiness and I’m there. Yet, while the story has a spirited action plan and unique characters, I was unable to connect with much enthusiasm. I wanted more depth from the protagonists, something to make me care about them. There are also some editing issues. An overall tightening of the story would be beneficial to the flow of the plot, as some of the transitions are a bit choppy. There are also instances where Steelgrave’s character switches in and out of the first person point of view, which is disruptive to the story.
I give “The Willing” by Gary Smith 3 out of five stars. I was attracted to the framework of the story and think a few tweaks could take the book from good to great.
“The Willing” by Gary Smith is a romantic fiction filled with action and suspense. At 65 years of age, Warren Steelgrave refuses to sit around waiting to die, convinced there should be more to retired life than playing golf with his cronies. A remarkable chain of events finds Steelgrave in Florence, Italy, where he enrolls in an Italian language class. Steelgrave quickly warms up to Cindy O’Brien, the only other American in the class. As the two become acquainted, Steelgrave realizes Cindy is in trouble, and vows help. The two embark on an adventure that may turn out to be more than they had in mind as they find themselves on the run. Who are they running from, and what does the FBI and Homeland Security have to do with it all?
I was inspired to read “The Willing” based on my inclination to gravitate toward romantic suspense. Give me people that set out against all odds and obstacles to find love and happiness and I’m there. Yet, while the story has a spirited action plan and unique characters, I was unable to connect with much enthusiasm. I wanted more depth from the protagonists, something to make me care about them. There are also some editing issues. An overall tightening of the story would be beneficial to the flow of the plot, as some of the transitions are a bit choppy. There are also instances where Steelgrave’s character switches in and out of the first person point of view, which is disruptive to the story.
I give “The Willing” by Gary Smith 3 out of five stars. I was attracted to the framework of the story and think a few tweaks could take the book from good to great.
February 17, 2016
This book was well written with characters that are believable and realistic. Every page brings a little more suspense mixed with romance. You become so interested in what is going to happen next that you totally lose track of time and soon the book is finished. It leaves you wanting more. What happened to Cindy and Warren? Were they destined to love from afar? I thought the book was a very good read but it has to have a sequel. Warren was destined to go to Italy and in his language class, he meets beautiful Cindy. Cindy just happens to be married. But,does her husband have ties with the Homeland Security bad guys? The traitors? Warren is single, his wife having died in an automobile accident.Her death ended up sending him back to Italy. Little did Warren know that meeting Cindy would send them on an adventure that beats all adventures. Staying alive was a big part of that adventure. Grab a copy of THE WILLING by Gary Smith and go on one topsy turvy adventure. See if you can guess what will happen as the page turns.The ending will surprise you. Try to guess what happens.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author, Gary Smith, in exchange for my unbiased review. No other compensation took place.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author, Gary Smith, in exchange for my unbiased review. No other compensation took place.
May 12, 2016
I was absolutely intrigued by The Willing, which was so incredibly believable and with no detail left out. The initial part of the story almost mimicked my own life, with moving to Europe and engaging in full time language studies in order to integrate. I found it fascinating that the system is virtually the same in each European country. Gary Smith is quite clear in almost all aspects of the story, such as conveying the emotional distance between Warren and his wife prior to her death and how he was frustrated that his children, who had not contacted him more than once or twice over the previous ten years, were suddenly ringing him every day and telling him how to grieve. With some polishing, The Willing would be a must-read for all lovers of suspense, romance, conspiracy, corruption, and attempting to bring down the bad guy, no matter how far up in the food chain he might be, against all of the odds.
- Rosie Malezer for Readers' Favorite
- Rosie Malezer for Readers' Favorite
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews