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Trials in Abingdon #1
Jace's Trial
Life is a trial full of obstacles that stand between you and your goals. Do you have the courage to face your own trial?
Jace Garrison was a musical prodigy at Juilliard ready to take the world by storm. Everything he could ever want out of life was unfolding right before his eyes, until everything came crashing down at once.
With his muse gone, along with everything he loved, will Jace find the courage to move on?
Former Navy SEAL Gerard Ramhart had always played by his family's rules and traditions. Until he fell in love with Riley Garrison. Unfortunately, before Gerard had the courage to propose to the man he loved, Riley's life was taken away. Gerard was left devastated, with only his memories of Riley and the pain of losing him to keep him going.
One year after Riley's death, Gerard finally makes it to Riley's hometown in Abingdon, Virginia and meets his son Jace for the very first time. Two men grieving over the loss they shared, and during their time of heartache, something blossoms. Can Gerard help Jace find the will to live the life he's meant to have? And can Jace find his muse and accept his feelings for Gerard, despite the fact that Gerard once belonged to his father?
TRIGGER WARNING:
This book contains content of physical and mental abuse, grieving, and bottled emotions.
* This is Book 1 in the series, but can be read as a standalone story- no cliffhangers.*
Jace Garrison was a musical prodigy at Juilliard ready to take the world by storm. Everything he could ever want out of life was unfolding right before his eyes, until everything came crashing down at once.
With his muse gone, along with everything he loved, will Jace find the courage to move on?
Former Navy SEAL Gerard Ramhart had always played by his family's rules and traditions. Until he fell in love with Riley Garrison. Unfortunately, before Gerard had the courage to propose to the man he loved, Riley's life was taken away. Gerard was left devastated, with only his memories of Riley and the pain of losing him to keep him going.
One year after Riley's death, Gerard finally makes it to Riley's hometown in Abingdon, Virginia and meets his son Jace for the very first time. Two men grieving over the loss they shared, and during their time of heartache, something blossoms. Can Gerard help Jace find the will to live the life he's meant to have? And can Jace find his muse and accept his feelings for Gerard, despite the fact that Gerard once belonged to his father?
TRIGGER WARNING:
This book contains content of physical and mental abuse, grieving, and bottled emotions.
* This is Book 1 in the series, but can be read as a standalone story- no cliffhangers.*
300 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 20, 2018
75 people are currently reading
206 people want to read
About the author
J.M. Wolf
11 books145 followersJM Wolf never thought he would one day say that he's a published M/M romance author. Having a poet for a mother and a sister to once ran a blog, it was only a matter of time before JM discovered his writing genes. In the beginning, his sole purpose in life was to be a singer/songwriter. Writing lyrics was the first step putting his thoughts onto paper. Even while singing, JM always found time to dabble with writing little short stories but never thought too much about it.
Once he reached adulthood, his music dreams left him, but not the feel of writing down what was in his mind. However, that didn't mean music no longer played a part in JM's life. His debut book The Black Feather was inspired by one of his favorite songs. Whether lyrics or love stories, you will always find JM's heart and soul in every word on paper.
JM Wolf lives in Chesapeake, VA with his husband and in-laws. When he's not writing, you could always find reading a good book, spending time with the love of his life, or jamming out to music. He didn't pick the world of literature; the literary world picked him.
Once he reached adulthood, his music dreams left him, but not the feel of writing down what was in his mind. However, that didn't mean music no longer played a part in JM's life. His debut book The Black Feather was inspired by one of his favorite songs. Whether lyrics or love stories, you will always find JM's heart and soul in every word on paper.
JM Wolf lives in Chesapeake, VA with his husband and in-laws. When he's not writing, you could always find reading a good book, spending time with the love of his life, or jamming out to music. He didn't pick the world of literature; the literary world picked him.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
February 25, 2018
~1.5~
I seriously struggled to finish this one. I wanted to give a newbie author a chance, and I see a glimmer of potential, but the writing really got in the way of the story.
When I read a book, I want to get so caught up in the story, I forget I’m reading fiction and truly believe that the characters are living, breathing people somewhere; I want to know what happens next.
But there are other times ... well, when the stories I’m reading really don’t ring true to life at all. Jace's Trial is such a story.
In losing Riley, both MCs lost someone dear to them: a father and a boyfriend. But I didn't feel the grief. I was TOLD Jace was broken, but I never made an emotional connection.
The dialogue was stilted and contrived. Too many adverbs were used to describe how someone laughed or spoke, when the emotions should have been conveyed through the conversations themselves.
Random people, like Jace's ex, appeared out of nowhere to create drama. The internal monologues were repetitive and heavy handed. And, frankly, I needed more conflict before the men jumped into bed together and Jace's problems were cured by magic dick.
Rounding up because I really believe the author tried. Alas, trying isn't always enough.
I seriously struggled to finish this one. I wanted to give a newbie author a chance, and I see a glimmer of potential, but the writing really got in the way of the story.
When I read a book, I want to get so caught up in the story, I forget I’m reading fiction and truly believe that the characters are living, breathing people somewhere; I want to know what happens next.
But there are other times ... well, when the stories I’m reading really don’t ring true to life at all. Jace's Trial is such a story.
In losing Riley, both MCs lost someone dear to them: a father and a boyfriend. But I didn't feel the grief. I was TOLD Jace was broken, but I never made an emotional connection.
The dialogue was stilted and contrived. Too many adverbs were used to describe how someone laughed or spoke, when the emotions should have been conveyed through the conversations themselves.
Random people, like Jace's ex, appeared out of nowhere to create drama. The internal monologues were repetitive and heavy handed. And, frankly, I needed more conflict before the men jumped into bed together and Jace's problems were cured by magic dick.
Rounding up because I really believe the author tried. Alas, trying isn't always enough.
February 26, 2018
Loved the premise, but the execution...not so much. Too much telling, not enough showing where the emotional states of the MC's is concerned. Drama out of nowhere and the dialogue was ...odd. People don't really talk that way, in my experience. I struggled to finish this book, unfortunately. Everything seemed really superficial. This one wasn't for me.
July 5, 2019
2.5*
I wanted to like this book more than I ended up doing as, on paper, it had so many tropes I love reading about.
Unfortunately, for me, it just didn't work for a number of reasons, not least being the lack of development given to the relationship between Jase and Gerard.
I know there's such a thing as instant love, that meeting with your soul mate, but I just didn't feel that here, especially since Gerard had been in love with Jase's dad and in a relationship with him only a relatively short while earlier.
The narrative was an odd jumble of styles too, told in first person alternative POV, it jumped around and the dialogue was, at times, odd and unnatural sounding.
Plus, at one point early in the story when the two men first meet, Jase's eyes are described almost simultaneously as both 'scintillating' and yet also expressing the cold, blank and lifeless stare his aunt had warned Gerard about. I scratched my head a bit at that point.
There's good points though, it's a nicely fleshed out world with some interesting secondary characters, there's potential for more stories in this setting and it's well edited in terms of proofing and grammar and the cover is gorgeous.
I think the author has promise and I will definitely keep an eye out for the next book in the series.
#ARC received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
I wanted to like this book more than I ended up doing as, on paper, it had so many tropes I love reading about.
Unfortunately, for me, it just didn't work for a number of reasons, not least being the lack of development given to the relationship between Jase and Gerard.
I know there's such a thing as instant love, that meeting with your soul mate, but I just didn't feel that here, especially since Gerard had been in love with Jase's dad and in a relationship with him only a relatively short while earlier.
The narrative was an odd jumble of styles too, told in first person alternative POV, it jumped around and the dialogue was, at times, odd and unnatural sounding.
Plus, at one point early in the story when the two men first meet, Jase's eyes are described almost simultaneously as both 'scintillating' and yet also expressing the cold, blank and lifeless stare his aunt had warned Gerard about. I scratched my head a bit at that point.
There's good points though, it's a nicely fleshed out world with some interesting secondary characters, there's potential for more stories in this setting and it's well edited in terms of proofing and grammar and the cover is gorgeous.
I think the author has promise and I will definitely keep an eye out for the next book in the series.
#ARC received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
probably-not-but-freebie
October 3, 2018Freebie at amazon.com right now: https://www.amazon.com/Jaces-Trial-Tr...
dnf
August 5, 2018DNF @57%
I give up. Too insta for me. I don't believe it.
The writing isn't bad, but there's also quite a few typos, commas missing, repetitive words and other minor grammatical errors.
I just lost interest.
I give up. Too insta for me. I don't believe it.
The writing isn't bad, but there's also quite a few typos, commas missing, repetitive words and other minor grammatical errors.
I just lost interest.
March 18, 2018
4.5 stars
Jace and Gerard
Warm and considerate written story. A lot of heartache in it. It is not a regular read....it has some emotions in it coming from a place... I don't even know how to describe.
After some devastated occurrence Jace has gone back living in Abingdon, a small place where everybody takes care of each other!
When Jace's father Riley came out they all had his back and were very supportive.
Jace and his father shared something important ... music... communication through music.
And now Jace can't anymore...
Gerard found the love of his life in Riley... before they could share there life together Gerard lost him...and Jace lost his father his muse....
Gerard will finally meet Riley's family after a year when he will be at the memorial ceremony.
When Gerard faces Jace the connection is instant, there is a crackling sound when they shakes hands.
Gerard brings something in Jace's life and they both don't know what to do with each other.
Jace has unprocessed feelings of grieve and Gerard wants to help him open up. There are some moving heartbreaking moments...
There are demons from Jace's past and Gerard is determined to burn them down.
The question is if they can mend their already shattered hearts...
To watch Jace opening up and see the true him did something to my heart...
I really loved this story, It could have been awkward or very complicated but it wasn't. It was sincere and endearing...it was sweet with some very sharp edges. Their connection was instant, their lovemaking steamy, hot but drenched in a lot of love.
It was written in a passionate way, sensual, endearing, with hurt and above all with love....true love and second chances <3
Kindly received an arc from Gay Books Promotion for reviewing.
Jace and Gerard
Warm and considerate written story. A lot of heartache in it. It is not a regular read....it has some emotions in it coming from a place... I don't even know how to describe.
After some devastated occurrence Jace has gone back living in Abingdon, a small place where everybody takes care of each other!
When Jace's father Riley came out they all had his back and were very supportive.
Jace and his father shared something important ... music... communication through music.
And now Jace can't anymore...
Gerard found the love of his life in Riley... before they could share there life together Gerard lost him...and Jace lost his father his muse....
Gerard will finally meet Riley's family after a year when he will be at the memorial ceremony.
When Gerard faces Jace the connection is instant, there is a crackling sound when they shakes hands.
Gerard brings something in Jace's life and they both don't know what to do with each other.
Jace has unprocessed feelings of grieve and Gerard wants to help him open up. There are some moving heartbreaking moments...
There are demons from Jace's past and Gerard is determined to burn them down.
The question is if they can mend their already shattered hearts...
To watch Jace opening up and see the true him did something to my heart...
I really loved this story, It could have been awkward or very complicated but it wasn't. It was sincere and endearing...it was sweet with some very sharp edges. Their connection was instant, their lovemaking steamy, hot but drenched in a lot of love.
It was written in a passionate way, sensual, endearing, with hurt and above all with love....true love and second chances <3
Kindly received an arc from Gay Books Promotion for reviewing.
March 26, 2018
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.75 stars
I love May/December romances. I also love a good hurt/comfort story, so I was excited to be able to read Jace’s Trial. I found it was an interesting story that held my attention, smoothly transitioned from Jace’s POV to Gerard’s and back, and had likable characters with whom I was able to feel a connection. There were a few things I felt…unsettled about, and I will get to them later.
Jace and Gerard were well written, well fleshed out characters, and I was an instant fan. I wanted to hug them both as they cried over Riley. I wanted to get to know them as people, individually and as a couple.
I really felt for Jace. Not only did he lose his father, but he lost his muse. It was Riley who’d introduced Jace to music and helped him to want to spend his life making it. Jace simply lost that love when Riley was killed, and it broke my heart. Also, in an interesting subplot, Jace had been involved in a twisted relationship with a professor at Julliard where he was mentally and physically abused. The poor young man was lost in life, working himself to the bone, and bottling up his feelings of grief, shame, and anger.
Read Kenna’s review in its entirety here.
3.75 stars
I love May/December romances. I also love a good hurt/comfort story, so I was excited to be able to read Jace’s Trial. I found it was an interesting story that held my attention, smoothly transitioned from Jace’s POV to Gerard’s and back, and had likable characters with whom I was able to feel a connection. There were a few things I felt…unsettled about, and I will get to them later.
Jace and Gerard were well written, well fleshed out characters, and I was an instant fan. I wanted to hug them both as they cried over Riley. I wanted to get to know them as people, individually and as a couple.
I really felt for Jace. Not only did he lose his father, but he lost his muse. It was Riley who’d introduced Jace to music and helped him to want to spend his life making it. Jace simply lost that love when Riley was killed, and it broke my heart. Also, in an interesting subplot, Jace had been involved in a twisted relationship with a professor at Julliard where he was mentally and physically abused. The poor young man was lost in life, working himself to the bone, and bottling up his feelings of grief, shame, and anger.
Read Kenna’s review in its entirety here.
February 20, 2018
Wow, what can I say about this book? First of all, have tissues handy! I may be a bit more sensitive about the subject matter than moat as, like Jace, I lost my father a few years ago, but I’d still recommend tissues! Jace and Gerard’s story is a tough one for a few reasons. The relationships they each had with Jace’s dad before he died were beautiful, and I’m glad that although he is not physically present as the book plays out, we still get to feel the depth of both Jace and Gerard’s love for him, and in return, his for them.
Jace is a musical prodigy who dropped out of Juilliard a couple of years before this book begins. It’s heartbreaking to see how devastated and disillusioned this young man is by everything the universe has thrown at him. I intimately understand his inability to fall apart outwardly, to properly grieve, and this is where Gerard comes in, at exactly the right time.
Gerard thought he lost it all when his love, Riley, was killed-in-action. A year later, he finally is able to go to Riley’s hometown for his memorial and meet the family he hadn’t had the chance to while Riley was alive. There is an instant connection between Gerard and Jace, but what exactly it is and what it means is something neither can quite figure out yet.
The journey these men take together to heal and (quite unexpectedly) fall in love is hard. There are no easy fixes here - it is raw, and gritty, and REAL. It’s also beautiful in a way I couldn’t help but love. The relationship that develops between them is sweet and loving, passionate and sexy. I love the support they get all around as well. The town of Abingdon is a wonderful setting, with great characters I am excited to learn more about as the series continues. I love Jace’s best friend, Adam, and need to know just what is going on with him. Bring on book 2!!
Jace is a musical prodigy who dropped out of Juilliard a couple of years before this book begins. It’s heartbreaking to see how devastated and disillusioned this young man is by everything the universe has thrown at him. I intimately understand his inability to fall apart outwardly, to properly grieve, and this is where Gerard comes in, at exactly the right time.
Gerard thought he lost it all when his love, Riley, was killed-in-action. A year later, he finally is able to go to Riley’s hometown for his memorial and meet the family he hadn’t had the chance to while Riley was alive. There is an instant connection between Gerard and Jace, but what exactly it is and what it means is something neither can quite figure out yet.
The journey these men take together to heal and (quite unexpectedly) fall in love is hard. There are no easy fixes here - it is raw, and gritty, and REAL. It’s also beautiful in a way I couldn’t help but love. The relationship that develops between them is sweet and loving, passionate and sexy. I love the support they get all around as well. The town of Abingdon is a wonderful setting, with great characters I am excited to learn more about as the series continues. I love Jace’s best friend, Adam, and need to know just what is going on with him. Bring on book 2!!
February 21, 2018
Loved it!
This story was amazing, full of deep emotions, love and lessons we all should listen to.
My heart was breaking for Jace as I read about his struggle with his grief but the way Gerard handled it and supported Jace? Amazing!
*note to self: don't read this book during office breaks or while waiting for a meeting; people might ask about the puffy eyes*
Both MCs were so strong and willful, overcoming grief each in their own way to find a hea none of them thought it was possible.
Loved it and can't wait to read the next stories in this series!
Merged review:
This story was amazing, full of deep emotions, love and lessons we all should listen to.
My heart was breaking for Jace as I read about his struggle with his grief but the way Gerard handled it and supported Jace? Amazing!
*note to self: don't read this book during office breaks or while waiting for a meeting; people might ask about the puffy eyes*
Both MCs were so strong and willful, overcoming grief each in their own way to find a hea none of them thought it was possible.
Loved it and can't wait to read the next stories in this series!
This story was amazing, full of deep emotions, love and lessons we all should listen to.
My heart was breaking for Jace as I read about his struggle with his grief but the way Gerard handled it and supported Jace? Amazing!
*note to self: don't read this book during office breaks or while waiting for a meeting; people might ask about the puffy eyes*
Both MCs were so strong and willful, overcoming grief each in their own way to find a hea none of them thought it was possible.
Loved it and can't wait to read the next stories in this series!
Merged review:
This story was amazing, full of deep emotions, love and lessons we all should listen to.
My heart was breaking for Jace as I read about his struggle with his grief but the way Gerard handled it and supported Jace? Amazing!
*note to self: don't read this book during office breaks or while waiting for a meeting; people might ask about the puffy eyes*
Both MCs were so strong and willful, overcoming grief each in their own way to find a hea none of them thought it was possible.
Loved it and can't wait to read the next stories in this series!
February 22, 2018
This is the first by this author that I have read and holy crap.. it was amazing. I loved it so much. The emotions.. all over the place.. everywhere.. I felt everything so much. I even teared up in some spots.. especially one spot in particular (I won't mention because spoilers but when you read it.. you'll know lol) This story was a perfect second chance story.. it was also what I think is considered a may/december romance.. and it had a few twists and turns I didn't see coming. I cannot wait to see what is next because I know I need more as soon as possible. It was superb!
February 23, 2018
This book was shared by an author whose work I love on her Facebook page. I am incredibly grateful that she shared it! I knew right away that it sounded like a book that I wanted to try. And I am so glad that I did! This was an amazing story and I’m thankful that I had the chance to read it. I will be (slightly impatiently, lol) waiting for more. I can hardly wait to read about Adam!
February 21, 2018
Amazing book and can't wait for book 2
OMG I normally don't cry when reading but this one had me crying more than once. It was hell cleaning my glasses of tears every so often lol. It was brilliant, amazing, captivating...you get the gist i hope. I can't wait for book 2. I fully recommend this book to anyone.
OMG I normally don't cry when reading but this one had me crying more than once. It was hell cleaning my glasses of tears every so often lol. It was brilliant, amazing, captivating...you get the gist i hope. I can't wait for book 2. I fully recommend this book to anyone.
November 9, 2018
Cannot wait to read next in series.
Out of heartbreak and loss, love grows. Emotional but beautiful story. I heard the music. I loved the cover. It was perfect for this book. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
Out of heartbreak and loss, love grows. Emotional but beautiful story. I heard the music. I loved the cover. It was perfect for this book. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
February 21, 2018
Book – Jace's Trial (Trials in Abingdon #1)
Author – J.M. Wolf
Star rating - ★★★★☆
No. of Pages – 222
Cover – Gorgeous!
POV – 1st person, dual character
Would I read it again – Yes
Genre – LGBT, Romance, Contemporary, May/December
Triggers – loss, grief, depression, rape (not on page), domestic abuse, stalking
** I WAS GIVEN THIS BOOK FOR MY READING PLEASURE **
Reviewed for Divine Magazine
Jace's Trial is the start of a new series and one that proves to be as touching, inspiring, and heartwarming as it is heart-wrenching.
First off, for an ARC copy, I was seriously impressed with how well edited it was. I know that there was another, more fully edited, version after the copy I was given, but I'm still impressed. ARC's are given on the basis that they're not the completed version, so I never usually remark upon the editing unless it makes it difficult to follow or understand the story. Here, there were so few issues that I barely noticed them. That's amazing and I love seeing it. The presentation of music notes and guitars was also a really addition, making it pleasing to the eye as well as well formatted.
When it comes to the story, this is one book that has everything. It hits hard on the emotions, but it also has lighter moments that don't make it feel oppressively heavy or depressing in any way. It deals with some very serious and important topics, without glossing over them or using them just for impact. They're true plot points and not only show who Jace is, as a person, but are part of his journey from who he was to who he will be.
Jace has always seen himself as too young, too naive, and without a backbone. He has bad taste in men and constantly thinks about his regrets. But, I love how his character explored the truth of victim mindsets. Jace was once in a domestically abusive relationship – both mentally and physically – and the way he is used by J.M. to explore the reality of that hard time of his life is both beautiful for the growth we see in Jace but also heart-wrenching because he felt so alone and isolated. Not only do we see Jace continually blaming himself – in the classic way that most domestic abuse victims do – but we also see his thought process for why he blames himself. That he feels like he gave in, that he allowed it to happen, and why. He explores the situations that felt natural, at the time, but feel wrong in a different light, with some distance.
And, can I just say, that I was concerned Jace hadn't said anything for a long time. For a good part of the book, I hoped and prayed that the entire Brett issue would have a satisfying conclusion and...it did! Thank you! I can't count the number of times that a guy like this has been a big part of an MC's story but it was all ignored or brushed under the “it's in the past” rug, so that there was no real conclusion. Here, I got peace of mind. I got to see Jace find his strength and the power that he'd always had, but never knew he possessed, to do something about the man who had so seriously impacted his life, both professionally and personally.
When it comes to the relationship Jace and Gerard have, I'll admit that I was intrigued but sceptical. I have never really been comfortable with “close family” relationship cross-overs, such as a dad's boyfriend moving on to date the son. It's always felt a little too close for comfort, for me, but I knew the skill of J.M.'s storytelling and had seen enough snippets in his private group to be convinced this could be the story to change my mind. And it did. There was real chemistry between these two.
Not only are Jace and Gerard smart enough to question the closeness, to wonder how Riley would feel about their growing proximity, and what people would say or think, and about how weird it could be, but they talk. They actually communicate with each other and the people who care about them and their happiness. They share their feelings. They get to know each other. They spend time together. Yes, initially, it's all for Riley's sake, because he would want them to get on with each other and to know each other. But then it becomes personal and they realise that they're both suffering and maybe they can help make that pain they're carrying a little more bearable, a little less traumatizing, and less of a burden.
In the process, the insta-attraction becomes respect, understanding and a budding relationship. It's in no way insta-love. Sure, there's some intense and complicated insta-lust in there, but they're both smart enough to remain hands-off until they know where they stand with each other. I love that. I love that J.M. took the time to think about it and explore that relationship and all of its complications, when so many other authors have glossed over it. J.M. admits, through his characters, that some people (like me) would struggle to accept such a relationship, but he doesn't confine it's exploration to the MC's, he also has Jace's godmother, aunt and boss/second-father-figure talk through it with him on multiple occasions, asking how he feels, if he's comfortable, and challenging Gerard about his intentions. They challenge each other about how it will work, how they feel about it, and if it's weird. THANK YOU! Finally, an author who can see it from both sides and takes the time and care to explore both sides of the argument.
And can I just say...Jace's song lyrics are beautiful. They really show the extent of J.M.'s extraordinary talent. Not only beautiful, but thought provoking and inspiring, the lyrics add another dimension to an already great story.
There's one more thing I have to say about the writing, before I stop waffling...there's a lot of repetition. Now, while this would normally bug me to all Hell and back, I get it. Because, this isn't repeating things to remind the reader. It's not repeating things just because it's showing the same thing from two POV's or because one person is telling lots of people the same thing. The repetition here has a purpose. Yes, Jace repeatedly mentions why he left school, what happened within his relationship with Brett, his worries over his potential relationship with Gerard, and how his dad's death is affecting him, but it's all necessary. First off, it's made quite clear that Jace has been thrown off his usual mental equilibrium with his dad's death. His head had been thrown into a tailspin and his emotions are all over the place, so it's natural that he would be stuck mentally replaying all of his regrets and all of his pain, while trying to convince everyone that he's alright. But, most importantly, secondly he has to repeat himself. Because, writing Jace's POV without mentioning these important things would be wrong. It would feel like, as a reader, I was being deliberately deceived about his head space and his life. These things are too important to keep hidden from his own POV. At the same time, we can't read about how these things are affecting him and then not see him telling Gerard. That is a pivotal moment in their relationship and to avoid putting it on page, just because we already know the story, would have been wrong. So, although I have never said this before, kudos to the author for repeating these important events. They're vital to who Jace is, but it's just as important for us to see him dealing with them internally and then sharing them with Gerard.
~
So, why did I give it 4 stars and not 5? While brilliant and with a very touching storyline, there were times that I just felt Jace wasn't ready for this. Sometimes when he spoke, especially during the boyfriend conversation, I felt like he was still way too emotionally fragile for a serious relationship. He felt too young, too hurt and traumatized by the loss of his father and all it had brought out in him, to really be ready for something so serious and permanent. At times, I felt like he was more of an emotionally distant sixteen year old than the twenty year old he should have been. For that reason, I had to hesitate over how serious his relationship with Gerard became and how quickly. It was only two weeks. Two weeks of intense emotional growth, revelations and a lot of serious thinking that went back to previous abuse. At times, I felt that he wasn't fully recovered from his relationship with Brett – flinching or expecting to be hit, when Gerard stopped the door from closing, etc. For that reason, I just couldn't allow myself to be so fully invested in the relationship. I loved it and how it was told, but I was also left with questions about Jace's state of mind and whether this was the best thing for him. He seemed so eager to fall in love, to be serious with someone that I was afraid he was searching for a distraction from his pain more than anything else. That he was trying to push all the bad things into the past by hiding them behind a happy relationship.
Saying that, I have to give some serious praise to J.M. for the way he dealt with the issues he explored in this novel. Exploring grief, friendship, family, freedom and trust, all in the guise of a small town where people looked out for each other, while Jace lost himself, found himself, and mentally examined his past and his future. Exploring domestic abuse in all its facets, from wanting out, feeling at blame, trapped, ashamed, responsible, afraid of judgement; the use of emotional and physical threats, financial vulnerability, the abuse of a position of power. The story is a strong but heartbreaking tale that is so poignant in today's society of #MeToo and #TimesUp.
That, for me, is what makes it so special. The fact that Jace truly did go through trials and struggles and had to find the surface while drowning in his own life. The romance and the relationship were, for me, the secondary plot to all of that. They were a great added element, but it was Jace and his struggles that had all the power in this story, and used it to draw me in.
I can't wait to read Adam's popstar adventures in the next installment.
~
Favourite Quotes
“Everything needed to go. Locking them away was like locking the last piece of my heart, and I
realized that my passion for music was another thing that the universe was taking from me. It took
music away from me the moment it decided to take my father away from me.”
“My lyrics were like a diary, telling the world what I was afraid to admit out loud.”
“Gerard Ramhart entranced me, and that terrified me.”
“I pulled away from the most heated kiss of my life and rested my forehead against his. We
were panting, our eyes closed, but we saw each other in more ways than simple sight. We could
see right through one another, our affection, our fears, our joy, our sorrow. It was all on display
for us to bear witness.”
Author – J.M. Wolf
Star rating - ★★★★☆
No. of Pages – 222
Cover – Gorgeous!
POV – 1st person, dual character
Would I read it again – Yes
Genre – LGBT, Romance, Contemporary, May/December
Triggers – loss, grief, depression, rape (not on page), domestic abuse, stalking
** I WAS GIVEN THIS BOOK FOR MY READING PLEASURE **
Reviewed for Divine Magazine
Jace's Trial is the start of a new series and one that proves to be as touching, inspiring, and heartwarming as it is heart-wrenching.
First off, for an ARC copy, I was seriously impressed with how well edited it was. I know that there was another, more fully edited, version after the copy I was given, but I'm still impressed. ARC's are given on the basis that they're not the completed version, so I never usually remark upon the editing unless it makes it difficult to follow or understand the story. Here, there were so few issues that I barely noticed them. That's amazing and I love seeing it. The presentation of music notes and guitars was also a really addition, making it pleasing to the eye as well as well formatted.
When it comes to the story, this is one book that has everything. It hits hard on the emotions, but it also has lighter moments that don't make it feel oppressively heavy or depressing in any way. It deals with some very serious and important topics, without glossing over them or using them just for impact. They're true plot points and not only show who Jace is, as a person, but are part of his journey from who he was to who he will be.
Jace has always seen himself as too young, too naive, and without a backbone. He has bad taste in men and constantly thinks about his regrets. But, I love how his character explored the truth of victim mindsets. Jace was once in a domestically abusive relationship – both mentally and physically – and the way he is used by J.M. to explore the reality of that hard time of his life is both beautiful for the growth we see in Jace but also heart-wrenching because he felt so alone and isolated. Not only do we see Jace continually blaming himself – in the classic way that most domestic abuse victims do – but we also see his thought process for why he blames himself. That he feels like he gave in, that he allowed it to happen, and why. He explores the situations that felt natural, at the time, but feel wrong in a different light, with some distance.
And, can I just say, that I was concerned Jace hadn't said anything for a long time. For a good part of the book, I hoped and prayed that the entire Brett issue would have a satisfying conclusion and...it did! Thank you! I can't count the number of times that a guy like this has been a big part of an MC's story but it was all ignored or brushed under the “it's in the past” rug, so that there was no real conclusion. Here, I got peace of mind. I got to see Jace find his strength and the power that he'd always had, but never knew he possessed, to do something about the man who had so seriously impacted his life, both professionally and personally.
When it comes to the relationship Jace and Gerard have, I'll admit that I was intrigued but sceptical. I have never really been comfortable with “close family” relationship cross-overs, such as a dad's boyfriend moving on to date the son. It's always felt a little too close for comfort, for me, but I knew the skill of J.M.'s storytelling and had seen enough snippets in his private group to be convinced this could be the story to change my mind. And it did. There was real chemistry between these two.
Not only are Jace and Gerard smart enough to question the closeness, to wonder how Riley would feel about their growing proximity, and what people would say or think, and about how weird it could be, but they talk. They actually communicate with each other and the people who care about them and their happiness. They share their feelings. They get to know each other. They spend time together. Yes, initially, it's all for Riley's sake, because he would want them to get on with each other and to know each other. But then it becomes personal and they realise that they're both suffering and maybe they can help make that pain they're carrying a little more bearable, a little less traumatizing, and less of a burden.
In the process, the insta-attraction becomes respect, understanding and a budding relationship. It's in no way insta-love. Sure, there's some intense and complicated insta-lust in there, but they're both smart enough to remain hands-off until they know where they stand with each other. I love that. I love that J.M. took the time to think about it and explore that relationship and all of its complications, when so many other authors have glossed over it. J.M. admits, through his characters, that some people (like me) would struggle to accept such a relationship, but he doesn't confine it's exploration to the MC's, he also has Jace's godmother, aunt and boss/second-father-figure talk through it with him on multiple occasions, asking how he feels, if he's comfortable, and challenging Gerard about his intentions. They challenge each other about how it will work, how they feel about it, and if it's weird. THANK YOU! Finally, an author who can see it from both sides and takes the time and care to explore both sides of the argument.
And can I just say...Jace's song lyrics are beautiful. They really show the extent of J.M.'s extraordinary talent. Not only beautiful, but thought provoking and inspiring, the lyrics add another dimension to an already great story.
There's one more thing I have to say about the writing, before I stop waffling...there's a lot of repetition. Now, while this would normally bug me to all Hell and back, I get it. Because, this isn't repeating things to remind the reader. It's not repeating things just because it's showing the same thing from two POV's or because one person is telling lots of people the same thing. The repetition here has a purpose. Yes, Jace repeatedly mentions why he left school, what happened within his relationship with Brett, his worries over his potential relationship with Gerard, and how his dad's death is affecting him, but it's all necessary. First off, it's made quite clear that Jace has been thrown off his usual mental equilibrium with his dad's death. His head had been thrown into a tailspin and his emotions are all over the place, so it's natural that he would be stuck mentally replaying all of his regrets and all of his pain, while trying to convince everyone that he's alright. But, most importantly, secondly he has to repeat himself. Because, writing Jace's POV without mentioning these important things would be wrong. It would feel like, as a reader, I was being deliberately deceived about his head space and his life. These things are too important to keep hidden from his own POV. At the same time, we can't read about how these things are affecting him and then not see him telling Gerard. That is a pivotal moment in their relationship and to avoid putting it on page, just because we already know the story, would have been wrong. So, although I have never said this before, kudos to the author for repeating these important events. They're vital to who Jace is, but it's just as important for us to see him dealing with them internally and then sharing them with Gerard.
~
So, why did I give it 4 stars and not 5? While brilliant and with a very touching storyline, there were times that I just felt Jace wasn't ready for this. Sometimes when he spoke, especially during the boyfriend conversation, I felt like he was still way too emotionally fragile for a serious relationship. He felt too young, too hurt and traumatized by the loss of his father and all it had brought out in him, to really be ready for something so serious and permanent. At times, I felt like he was more of an emotionally distant sixteen year old than the twenty year old he should have been. For that reason, I had to hesitate over how serious his relationship with Gerard became and how quickly. It was only two weeks. Two weeks of intense emotional growth, revelations and a lot of serious thinking that went back to previous abuse. At times, I felt that he wasn't fully recovered from his relationship with Brett – flinching or expecting to be hit, when Gerard stopped the door from closing, etc. For that reason, I just couldn't allow myself to be so fully invested in the relationship. I loved it and how it was told, but I was also left with questions about Jace's state of mind and whether this was the best thing for him. He seemed so eager to fall in love, to be serious with someone that I was afraid he was searching for a distraction from his pain more than anything else. That he was trying to push all the bad things into the past by hiding them behind a happy relationship.
Saying that, I have to give some serious praise to J.M. for the way he dealt with the issues he explored in this novel. Exploring grief, friendship, family, freedom and trust, all in the guise of a small town where people looked out for each other, while Jace lost himself, found himself, and mentally examined his past and his future. Exploring domestic abuse in all its facets, from wanting out, feeling at blame, trapped, ashamed, responsible, afraid of judgement; the use of emotional and physical threats, financial vulnerability, the abuse of a position of power. The story is a strong but heartbreaking tale that is so poignant in today's society of #MeToo and #TimesUp.
That, for me, is what makes it so special. The fact that Jace truly did go through trials and struggles and had to find the surface while drowning in his own life. The romance and the relationship were, for me, the secondary plot to all of that. They were a great added element, but it was Jace and his struggles that had all the power in this story, and used it to draw me in.
I can't wait to read Adam's popstar adventures in the next installment.
~
Favourite Quotes
“Everything needed to go. Locking them away was like locking the last piece of my heart, and I
realized that my passion for music was another thing that the universe was taking from me. It took
music away from me the moment it decided to take my father away from me.”
“My lyrics were like a diary, telling the world what I was afraid to admit out loud.”
“Gerard Ramhart entranced me, and that terrified me.”
“I pulled away from the most heated kiss of my life and rested my forehead against his. We
were panting, our eyes closed, but we saw each other in more ways than simple sight. We could
see right through one another, our affection, our fears, our joy, our sorrow. It was all on display
for us to bear witness.”
June 14, 2019
When I read this book it really took me on an emotional journey, but listening to it just really made it hit home! I laughed, I cried and I cheered them on right from the start. Jace is a beautiful soul whose spirit has been broken by his father's death and past abuse. Gerard is exactly what he needs to help him put his life back together and really soar. Jace and Gerard are sheer perfection together, they really complete each other and are really meant to be. I love the story, I love the characters, and as far as I'm concerned the author is simply brilliant in weaving a perfect story. This is a must read and a must listen!! The narration is spectacular and I really hope that Adam's book will be coming out in audio very soon! I voluntarily reviewed a gifted copy of this audiobook.
February 21, 2018
What a great start to what I suspect will be a heartfelt new series. This book brings a multitude of emotions - loss, love, and new beginnings. Jace is a troubled 21 year old who not only has to deal with the loss of his dad but his career aspirations. Gerard was his father's boyfriend who has come into town to participate in the memorial. When the two meet a chance for new opportunities and new beginnings are presented. JM Wolf does a fantastic job of building his characters. You feel both their pain and celebrate their happiness at each of the trials Jace has to face. He does a phenomenal job at not just his primary characters but his secondary ones are loved too. In addition to all this, the book introduces music that is written by Jace. I loved that the songs were shared versus just talked about within the book. It made you empathize that much more with Jace. This is such a sweet book and a definite recommend. Looking forward to the next chapter in this series.
March 16, 2018
Jace’s Trial by JM Wolf is the first book in the Trials of Abingdon series. Here we meet Jace and Gerard.
Gerard: Coming back home after losing the love of his life Gerard is here for his father’s funeral.
Jace is dropped out of Juliard because of an obsessive abusive teacher. He now works two jobs and wants to just be a part of the woodwork. He has not touched the music he loves in a long time and is really depressed. He has a lot to deal with.
Gerard is the perfect person to help Jace deal. He is kind, loving, and needs Jace as much as the younger man needs him.
I loved this story, so much emotion, and connection. This book has a ton going on but it flows seamlessly into a cohesive story that I am in love with. I cannot wait for there to be more from this series, I would love to see what happens next and who falls in love.
Star Dust award and Five Shooting Stars
Gerard: Coming back home after losing the love of his life Gerard is here for his father’s funeral.
Jace is dropped out of Juliard because of an obsessive abusive teacher. He now works two jobs and wants to just be a part of the woodwork. He has not touched the music he loves in a long time and is really depressed. He has a lot to deal with.
Gerard is the perfect person to help Jace deal. He is kind, loving, and needs Jace as much as the younger man needs him.
I loved this story, so much emotion, and connection. This book has a ton going on but it flows seamlessly into a cohesive story that I am in love with. I cannot wait for there to be more from this series, I would love to see what happens next and who falls in love.
Star Dust award and Five Shooting Stars
February 15, 2018
I was honored with an ARC of this book for an honest review.
This was such a beautifully emotional story. It starts out with some terribly sad news which results in Jace making a major life decision about his music.
Jace: Jace loses the one person who means the most to him and even though he knows he's surrounded by people who love and care for him, he bottles up those emotions and locks them away tight. He keeps himself busy so he doesn't have to think let alone feel. That is, until Gerard comes to town.
Gerard: Gerard is such a lovable man. He's kind, he's soft, he's understanding and protective. At first he fought his feelings towards Jace because of who he was but eventually came to realize how much that "young man" meant to him.
What I loved about this book the most was how accepting everyone was of Gerard and Jace, once they figured things out for themselves first, of course. I absolutely loved how they weren't harshly judged. I loved how both Gerard and Jace both handled their situation. It could have been extremely awkward but they were mature. I loved it. What can I say, I'm a hopeless romantic.
This is definitely a book you will want to get your hands on.
I recommend tissues as you will come across a few pretty tough situations.
Happy Reading.
This was such a beautifully emotional story. It starts out with some terribly sad news which results in Jace making a major life decision about his music.
Jace: Jace loses the one person who means the most to him and even though he knows he's surrounded by people who love and care for him, he bottles up those emotions and locks them away tight. He keeps himself busy so he doesn't have to think let alone feel. That is, until Gerard comes to town.
Gerard: Gerard is such a lovable man. He's kind, he's soft, he's understanding and protective. At first he fought his feelings towards Jace because of who he was but eventually came to realize how much that "young man" meant to him.
What I loved about this book the most was how accepting everyone was of Gerard and Jace, once they figured things out for themselves first, of course. I absolutely loved how they weren't harshly judged. I loved how both Gerard and Jace both handled their situation. It could have been extremely awkward but they were mature. I loved it. What can I say, I'm a hopeless romantic.
This is definitely a book you will want to get your hands on.
I recommend tissues as you will come across a few pretty tough situations.
Happy Reading.
November 4, 2021
Tender Love
A very sweet love story. It is hard for me to categorise this one. Falling for my father’s lover? Coming of age? Second chance romance? My best description would be ‘hurt/comfort’ with the air of a TV pilot. The pilot part due to all the characters and their potential story lines.
This is a great book for those who like low angst romances bursting with love.
I would be remiss if I failed to mention the towel drop scene. Jace’s Trial is not an erotic novel. There was definite heat but nothing that screamed ‘don’t read me in public’. The towel drop scene was an exceptional exception. A swoon worthy, five star moment.
A very sweet love story. It is hard for me to categorise this one. Falling for my father’s lover? Coming of age? Second chance romance? My best description would be ‘hurt/comfort’ with the air of a TV pilot. The pilot part due to all the characters and their potential story lines.
This is a great book for those who like low angst romances bursting with love.
I would be remiss if I failed to mention the towel drop scene. Jace’s Trial is not an erotic novel. There was definite heat but nothing that screamed ‘don’t read me in public’. The towel drop scene was an exceptional exception. A swoon worthy, five star moment.
February 16, 2018
To say this story is an emotional roller-coaster is putting it mildly.
In this heartbreaking story we meet Jace Garrison who has lost everything. He came home from Juilliard where he had a scholarship, for reasons we will find out, and while coming to terms with his future falling apart, he learns his father Riley, a navy SEAL, has been killed in action. He is a shell of his former self.
A year after Riley's death, a memorial service has been planned and Riley's former partner arrives to pay his respects. Gerard Ramhart is still grieving for the man he loved so much and when he meets Jace he is drawn to the sad young man.
We follow their stories as they try and leave the past behind them and begin to put the pieces of their shattered lives back together again.
This is such an emotive read. You can tell the author has put his heart and soul into every word. The characters are three dimensional and stand out from the page and it is easy to picture them and their surroundings. The heartbreak Jace and Gerard are dealing with is dealt in a very sensitive way as is Gerard's guilt over what he is feeling for Jace.
This is a book which should be on the top of everyone's TBR list.
In this heartbreaking story we meet Jace Garrison who has lost everything. He came home from Juilliard where he had a scholarship, for reasons we will find out, and while coming to terms with his future falling apart, he learns his father Riley, a navy SEAL, has been killed in action. He is a shell of his former self.
A year after Riley's death, a memorial service has been planned and Riley's former partner arrives to pay his respects. Gerard Ramhart is still grieving for the man he loved so much and when he meets Jace he is drawn to the sad young man.
We follow their stories as they try and leave the past behind them and begin to put the pieces of their shattered lives back together again.
This is such an emotive read. You can tell the author has put his heart and soul into every word. The characters are three dimensional and stand out from the page and it is easy to picture them and their surroundings. The heartbreak Jace and Gerard are dealing with is dealt in a very sensitive way as is Gerard's guilt over what he is feeling for Jace.
This is a book which should be on the top of everyone's TBR list.
February 20, 2018
3.5 stars.
There was a lot of this book I really liked and that would have made it worth more stars.
I love age gap tropes, and this was sprinkled with a sense of forbidden love as well. There are some great characters in here that will keep me coming back to the series for their stories.
It is most definitely a whirlwind romance as it all happens in the course of two weeks, but that was fine for me.
What didn't work so well for me was how easy it all seemed. How easily they overcome their 'reluctance' to be together because of the circumstances; how easily Jace rediscovers his passion; how easily he lands a new career; how accepting everyone is of Jace dating his deceased father's boyfriend.
The last ~10-15% are REALLY sweet bordering on too much for me, and the epilogue was so sweet I kinda wish I'd gone with the HFN without the epilogue than the HEA with the epilogue.
There was a lot of this book I really liked and that would have made it worth more stars.
I love age gap tropes, and this was sprinkled with a sense of forbidden love as well. There are some great characters in here that will keep me coming back to the series for their stories.
It is most definitely a whirlwind romance as it all happens in the course of two weeks, but that was fine for me.
What didn't work so well for me was how easy it all seemed. How easily they overcome their 'reluctance' to be together because of the circumstances; how easily Jace rediscovers his passion; how easily he lands a new career; how accepting everyone is of Jace dating his deceased father's boyfriend.
The last ~10-15% are REALLY sweet bordering on too much for me, and the epilogue was so sweet I kinda wish I'd gone with the HFN without the epilogue than the HEA with the epilogue.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 16, 2018
"You shield me so I can keep moving forward.”
OMG...I really want to just gush about how good this was. It's so hard because I want to describe it but I also don't want to give any spoilers so I'll just say that this was a journey to the other side of loss. Jace was just so broken by his father's death the the walls he built were too high to surmount alone, it took Gerard to finally break through. Their instant connection and willingness to grasp their chance at happiness really brought the feels. Although it wasn't all puppies and rainbows I think what they had was all the stronger for the effort. This is another well-written tale from J.M. Wolf and a great series starter, I can't wait to read the next in the Trials of Abingdon.
OMG...I really want to just gush about how good this was. It's so hard because I want to describe it but I also don't want to give any spoilers so I'll just say that this was a journey to the other side of loss. Jace was just so broken by his father's death the the walls he built were too high to surmount alone, it took Gerard to finally break through. Their instant connection and willingness to grasp their chance at happiness really brought the feels. Although it wasn't all puppies and rainbows I think what they had was all the stronger for the effort. This is another well-written tale from J.M. Wolf and a great series starter, I can't wait to read the next in the Trials of Abingdon.
February 20, 2018
Wow just WOW!! This story.......omg . Read this book, your going to love it. It's one you'll talk about for some time
June 27, 2019
🌟🌟🌟🌟 4.5 stars
🔥🔥🔥 Heat Level: 3.5
🎧🎧🎧🎧 Narration: 4.5
An emotional start and wonderful healing!!
A heartbreaking story of a second chance at love in the most unlikely place!
The was my first story by JM Wolf and he has a very compelling and emotionally infused writing style. The musical elements of this story were very well done and a testament to JM's musical passion. The songs featured in this are very raw, real, and powerful. I could feel the emotions bleed off the page and hit home in many instances. I'd say heed the content warnings but if you can, push through as this story is emotionally healing, dynamic and powerful.
Jace and Gerard are both grieving the same person but in different ways. Their unique grief brought them together and while the dynamic is unusual, JM made it seem almost natural. The first part of the book and the descriptions and process of Jace's grief were very real and raw. I found it emotionally hard to listen at times but am so glad I pushed through because the unique love these to character's share is so special and powerful. I love the healing process each character goes through and it is very real, no cutting corners or glossing over the truth of grief. I praise JM's realness and emotions in this story.
I also loved Adam and can't wait to read his story and learn more about him. A powerful and emotional listening with growth, healing, and a second chance at love!
I love the new audiobook cover too!!
Thanks for reading! For great stories, reviews and more please visit https://bookstattoosandtea.wordpress.com 📚
🔥🔥🔥 Heat Level: 3.5
🎧🎧🎧🎧 Narration: 4.5
An emotional start and wonderful healing!!
A heartbreaking story of a second chance at love in the most unlikely place!
The was my first story by JM Wolf and he has a very compelling and emotionally infused writing style. The musical elements of this story were very well done and a testament to JM's musical passion. The songs featured in this are very raw, real, and powerful. I could feel the emotions bleed off the page and hit home in many instances. I'd say heed the content warnings but if you can, push through as this story is emotionally healing, dynamic and powerful.
Jace and Gerard are both grieving the same person but in different ways. Their unique grief brought them together and while the dynamic is unusual, JM made it seem almost natural. The first part of the book and the descriptions and process of Jace's grief were very real and raw. I found it emotionally hard to listen at times but am so glad I pushed through because the unique love these to character's share is so special and powerful. I love the healing process each character goes through and it is very real, no cutting corners or glossing over the truth of grief. I praise JM's realness and emotions in this story.
I also loved Adam and can't wait to read his story and learn more about him. A powerful and emotional listening with growth, healing, and a second chance at love!
I love the new audiobook cover too!!
Thanks for reading! For great stories, reviews and more please visit https://bookstattoosandtea.wordpress.com 📚
March 21, 2018
Nope. Sorry. This one just didn’t click with me. I never connected with the characters, never felt the connection between them, and I cannot stress the importance of research. I tried but this one fell flat for me.
February 26, 2018
OK, so… hmmm…
This story is about Gerard and Jace. Gerard being the lover of a man named Riley, who he was in the Marines with…. Jace is his son. This story was truly heart breaking in the sense that both of these people lost such an important person in their lives and grieving and living without the person, even a year later when they meet, still seems like an impossibility. I couldn’t imagine what it must’ve been like, for either of them, but their love for Riley was described beautifully, and even though we didn’t get to meet him on paper, you truly got a sense of the kind of wonderful man he was. I liked that.
Now, what I found weird…. Even though the remise of the story sounded really good, Jace seemed wiser than his 21 years at some points and then very young, childlike even, throwing tantrums and stuff… and then naive at others. Almost immediately, he talked of wanting to be with Gerard, but anytime he entertained the idea, hed put himself down, like… why would he want to be with me… I’m his dead boyfriends son…. Well, yeah, dude, that’s a very valid question… While I understood his low self-esteem and nonexistent self-worth, it got old with me, very quickly. And like I said, I understood why he was the way he was, to a point... The things hed been through, such a damaging relationship with someone much older than him, and in a position of power. I could understand it… but I didn’t feel like that had anything to do with why he was questioning the dads boyfriend… because, hey… he was your dads boyfriend! They didn’t break up, or fall out of love. He died. He died loving the man, and Gerard still loved him very much. It just felt weird to me that Jace immediately thought about a relationship with Gerard and then got upset by the idea that maybe Gerard wouldn’t feel the same way…. Was I the only one that felt that???
The way Gerard felt though, I felt like was a little more normal…. A LITTLE bit…very little…. He was attracted to young Jace, because of course he looked so much like his deceased boyfriend that he loved so much. I could understand him wanting to help Jace, and bring him back to the land of the living, because his boyfriend would’ve been devastated at the way Jace was living. But then, he up and asks Jace out to dinner and Jace doesn’t jump at the chance like you’d think he would, given that he’s talked himself down since the twenty-four hours that Gerard has been in town.
Yes… seriously… this all happened in the first day! And why did everyone act like Gerard coming and starting up with the kid, right where he left off with Riley was okay???
Now, if you can forget for a minute that Gerard went from the boyfriend he loved, to now calling him an ex, as if they’d broken u instead of Riley dying…. You might be able to look assed him now hooking u with Jace. Which, I’ll admit, was really hot—except when he called him Bluejay… that was still weird.
I am glad that the old professor got a small slap of karmic justice, but I still think he should be in prison or something. Now, like I said, if you can overlook the dads boyfriend thing and the fact that these two squeeze meeting, falling in love and being together forever, into 2 weeks, and not feel awkward at every mention of Jaces dad, then this might be the story for you. Unfortunately, it wasn’t for me, and while I might be a bit curious about Damien getting a story, just cuz I’m curious where he went and what happened, I don’t think Ill continue on with this series.
I do however, appreciate the copy that I was given for an honest review.
3 stars from me.
This story is about Gerard and Jace. Gerard being the lover of a man named Riley, who he was in the Marines with…. Jace is his son. This story was truly heart breaking in the sense that both of these people lost such an important person in their lives and grieving and living without the person, even a year later when they meet, still seems like an impossibility. I couldn’t imagine what it must’ve been like, for either of them, but their love for Riley was described beautifully, and even though we didn’t get to meet him on paper, you truly got a sense of the kind of wonderful man he was. I liked that.
Now, what I found weird…. Even though the remise of the story sounded really good, Jace seemed wiser than his 21 years at some points and then very young, childlike even, throwing tantrums and stuff… and then naive at others. Almost immediately, he talked of wanting to be with Gerard, but anytime he entertained the idea, hed put himself down, like… why would he want to be with me… I’m his dead boyfriends son…. Well, yeah, dude, that’s a very valid question… While I understood his low self-esteem and nonexistent self-worth, it got old with me, very quickly. And like I said, I understood why he was the way he was, to a point... The things hed been through, such a damaging relationship with someone much older than him, and in a position of power. I could understand it… but I didn’t feel like that had anything to do with why he was questioning the dads boyfriend… because, hey… he was your dads boyfriend! They didn’t break up, or fall out of love. He died. He died loving the man, and Gerard still loved him very much. It just felt weird to me that Jace immediately thought about a relationship with Gerard and then got upset by the idea that maybe Gerard wouldn’t feel the same way…. Was I the only one that felt that???
The way Gerard felt though, I felt like was a little more normal…. A LITTLE bit…very little…. He was attracted to young Jace, because of course he looked so much like his deceased boyfriend that he loved so much. I could understand him wanting to help Jace, and bring him back to the land of the living, because his boyfriend would’ve been devastated at the way Jace was living. But then, he up and asks Jace out to dinner and Jace doesn’t jump at the chance like you’d think he would, given that he’s talked himself down since the twenty-four hours that Gerard has been in town.
Yes… seriously… this all happened in the first day! And why did everyone act like Gerard coming and starting up with the kid, right where he left off with Riley was okay???
Now, if you can forget for a minute that Gerard went from the boyfriend he loved, to now calling him an ex, as if they’d broken u instead of Riley dying…. You might be able to look assed him now hooking u with Jace. Which, I’ll admit, was really hot—except when he called him Bluejay… that was still weird.
I am glad that the old professor got a small slap of karmic justice, but I still think he should be in prison or something. Now, like I said, if you can overlook the dads boyfriend thing and the fact that these two squeeze meeting, falling in love and being together forever, into 2 weeks, and not feel awkward at every mention of Jaces dad, then this might be the story for you. Unfortunately, it wasn’t for me, and while I might be a bit curious about Damien getting a story, just cuz I’m curious where he went and what happened, I don’t think Ill continue on with this series.
I do however, appreciate the copy that I was given for an honest review.
3 stars from me.
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October 3, 2018💝FREE on Amazon today (10/3/18)!💝
Blurb:
Life is a trial full of obstacles that stand between you and your goals. Do you have the courage to face your own trial?
Jace Garrison was a musical prodigy at Juilliard ready to take the world by storm. Everything he could ever want out of life was unfolding right before his eyes, until everything came crashing down at once.
With his muse gone, along with everything he loved, will Jace find the courage to move on?
Former Navy SEAL Gerard Ramhart had always played by his family's rules and traditions. Until he fell in love with Riley Garrison. Unfortunately, before Gerard had the courage to propose to the man he loved, Riley's life was taken away. Gerard was left devastated, with only his memories of Riley and the pain of losing him to keep him going.
One year after Riley's death, Gerard finally makes it to Riley's hometown in Abingdon, Virginia and meets his son Jace for the very first time. Two men grieving over the loss they shared, and during their time of heartache, something blossoms. Can Gerard help Jace find the will to live the life he's meant to have? And can Jace find his muse and accept his feelings for Gerard, despite the fact that Gerard once belonged to his father?
TRIGGER WARNING:
This book contains content of physical and mental abuse, grieving, and bottled emotions.
* This is Book 1 in the series, but can be read as a standalone story- no cliffhangers.*
Blurb:
Life is a trial full of obstacles that stand between you and your goals. Do you have the courage to face your own trial?
Jace Garrison was a musical prodigy at Juilliard ready to take the world by storm. Everything he could ever want out of life was unfolding right before his eyes, until everything came crashing down at once.
With his muse gone, along with everything he loved, will Jace find the courage to move on?
Former Navy SEAL Gerard Ramhart had always played by his family's rules and traditions. Until he fell in love with Riley Garrison. Unfortunately, before Gerard had the courage to propose to the man he loved, Riley's life was taken away. Gerard was left devastated, with only his memories of Riley and the pain of losing him to keep him going.
One year after Riley's death, Gerard finally makes it to Riley's hometown in Abingdon, Virginia and meets his son Jace for the very first time. Two men grieving over the loss they shared, and during their time of heartache, something blossoms. Can Gerard help Jace find the will to live the life he's meant to have? And can Jace find his muse and accept his feelings for Gerard, despite the fact that Gerard once belonged to his father?
TRIGGER WARNING:
This book contains content of physical and mental abuse, grieving, and bottled emotions.
* This is Book 1 in the series, but can be read as a standalone story- no cliffhangers.*
March 19, 2018
I know there's so much the author wanted to say in this book. About grieving, cope with it, family, career, second chance, friendship, love, revenge, karma etc etc.
Too many issues could be a bit dangerous, sometimes we forgot that we only need one or two at the time.
It's not that I don't love the story. This is actually one nice story, insta-love included. But I cringed a little bit thinking of Gerard lusting after his late boyfriend's son. But yeah, sometimes we need to adjust in some condition.
Gerard and Jace are kinda cute together. Added a drama from Jace's former bedfellow, and we can see how much Jace needed Gerard.
I didn't really connect with the dialogue and how people talked about other people's business (not to mention their bed activities and how big Gerard's dick is, is it even necessary?). The people in this town are nosy!
Overall, this is an okay story for me, despite the weird dialogue and a sudden HEA.
You might ended like this story, who knows?
Too many issues could be a bit dangerous, sometimes we forgot that we only need one or two at the time.
It's not that I don't love the story. This is actually one nice story, insta-love included. But I cringed a little bit thinking of Gerard lusting after his late boyfriend's son. But yeah, sometimes we need to adjust in some condition.
Gerard and Jace are kinda cute together. Added a drama from Jace's former bedfellow, and we can see how much Jace needed Gerard.
I didn't really connect with the dialogue and how people talked about other people's business (not to mention their bed activities and how big Gerard's dick is, is it even necessary?). The people in this town are nosy!
Overall, this is an okay story for me, despite the weird dialogue and a sudden HEA.
You might ended like this story, who knows?
April 1, 2018
FR- Alors alors… alors comme je vous le disais plus haut, je n’avais pas forcément envie de lire ce livre au départ. J’aime bien les romans avec une différence d’âge mais le fait que l’un soit le petit ami du père décédé de l’autre me bloquait un peu.. Et puis j’ai lu un avis sur Facebook qui m’a intriguée et donné envie de lire ce livre.
C’était un vrai challenge pour moi car j’ai du tout d’abord mettre de coté mes apriori mais également, et si vous me suivez depuis longtemps vous savez à quel point c’est bloquant pour moi, passer outre le prénom d’un des personnages qui s’appelle Gerard.. et en français Gerard,c’est pas vraiment sexy.
Ceci étant dit, je me suis laissée assez rapidement entrainer par la plume de l’auteur et j’ai vraiment aimé ce roman. La première moitié était très entrainante et j’avais hâte de voir comment Jace et Gerard allaient finir par passer outre le « taboo » de leur situation.
Jace est un personnage extrêmement fragile, qu’on sent à fleur de peau dès le début du roman et j’ai vraiment aimé le voir évoluer et apprendre à voler de ses propres ailes au fil des pages. Le personnage de Gerard est calme et posé et lui aussi va doucement s’ouvrir et s’affirmer au contact de Jace.
La relation entre les deux personnages est vraiment très bien écrite, elle est simple et douce et « coule de source ». J’ai trouvé que l’auteur nous présente les choses très simplement et très naturellement et on passe très vite au delà de leur relation initiale pour ne garder que leur nouvelle relation qui est vraiment bénéfique aux deux personnages.
Cependant, j’avoue qu’une fois la relation établie, j’ai eu un peu plus de mal avec la suite du roman. Peut etre parce que je me suis focalisée sur ce point. Pourtant la deuxième partie de l’histoire est tout aussi forte et intense et l’auteur nous présente une histoire complète, forte et intense. On y découvre des personnages secondaires hauts en couleur, surtout Adam, que j’ai hâte de retrouver dans sa propre histoire.
Petit bémol cependant, j’avoue que j’ai trouvé que l’entourage de Jace prenait les choses vraiment bien et que c’était un peu facile, mais je comprend que l’auteur ait préféré se concentrer sur d’autres aspects de l’histoire.
En résumé une histoire surprenante avec un sujet qui peut paraitre une peu « délicat ». Un auteur qui traite ce fameux sujet à la perfection et nous entraine dans une histoire forte et touchante.
ENG- So well well well… well as I told you earlier, I did not necessarily want to read this book at first. I like novels with a difference in age but the fact that one is the boyfriend of the deceased father of the other was blocking me a bit .. And then I read a review on Facebook that me intrigued and made want to read this book.
It was a real challenge for me because at first I had to put aside my apriori but also, and if you follow me for a long time you know how it is blocking for me, to go beyond the name of one of the characters named Gerard .. and in French Gerard, it’s not really sexy.
That being said, I let myself quickly get carried away by the pen of the author and I really liked this novel. The first half was very catchy and I was eager to see how Jace and Gerard were going to end up overrunning the « taboo » of their situation.
Jace is an incredibly fragile character that you can smell right from the beginning of the novel and I really liked seeing him evolve and learn to fly on his own. Gerard’s character is calm and calm, and he too will slowly open and assert himself in contact with Jace.
The relationship between the two characters is really very well written, it is simple and sweet and « flows from source ». I found that the author presents things very simply and very naturally and we move very quickly beyond their initial relationship to keep only their new relationship that is really beneficial to both characters.
However, I confess that once the relationship established, I had a little more trouble with the rest of the novel. Maybe because I focused on this point. Yet the second part of the story is just as strong and intense and the author presents a complete story, strong and intense. We discover colorful secondary characters, especially Adam, whom I can not wait to find in his own story.
Small flat, however, I admit that I found that the entourage of Jace took things really well and it was a bit easy, but I understand that the author has preferred to focus on other aspects of the world. ‘history.
In summary a surprising story with a subject that may seem a little « delicate ». An author who treats this famous subject to perfection and brings us into a strong and touching story.
C’était un vrai challenge pour moi car j’ai du tout d’abord mettre de coté mes apriori mais également, et si vous me suivez depuis longtemps vous savez à quel point c’est bloquant pour moi, passer outre le prénom d’un des personnages qui s’appelle Gerard.. et en français Gerard,c’est pas vraiment sexy.
Ceci étant dit, je me suis laissée assez rapidement entrainer par la plume de l’auteur et j’ai vraiment aimé ce roman. La première moitié était très entrainante et j’avais hâte de voir comment Jace et Gerard allaient finir par passer outre le « taboo » de leur situation.
Jace est un personnage extrêmement fragile, qu’on sent à fleur de peau dès le début du roman et j’ai vraiment aimé le voir évoluer et apprendre à voler de ses propres ailes au fil des pages. Le personnage de Gerard est calme et posé et lui aussi va doucement s’ouvrir et s’affirmer au contact de Jace.
La relation entre les deux personnages est vraiment très bien écrite, elle est simple et douce et « coule de source ». J’ai trouvé que l’auteur nous présente les choses très simplement et très naturellement et on passe très vite au delà de leur relation initiale pour ne garder que leur nouvelle relation qui est vraiment bénéfique aux deux personnages.
Cependant, j’avoue qu’une fois la relation établie, j’ai eu un peu plus de mal avec la suite du roman. Peut etre parce que je me suis focalisée sur ce point. Pourtant la deuxième partie de l’histoire est tout aussi forte et intense et l’auteur nous présente une histoire complète, forte et intense. On y découvre des personnages secondaires hauts en couleur, surtout Adam, que j’ai hâte de retrouver dans sa propre histoire.
Petit bémol cependant, j’avoue que j’ai trouvé que l’entourage de Jace prenait les choses vraiment bien et que c’était un peu facile, mais je comprend que l’auteur ait préféré se concentrer sur d’autres aspects de l’histoire.
En résumé une histoire surprenante avec un sujet qui peut paraitre une peu « délicat ». Un auteur qui traite ce fameux sujet à la perfection et nous entraine dans une histoire forte et touchante.
ENG- So well well well… well as I told you earlier, I did not necessarily want to read this book at first. I like novels with a difference in age but the fact that one is the boyfriend of the deceased father of the other was blocking me a bit .. And then I read a review on Facebook that me intrigued and made want to read this book.
It was a real challenge for me because at first I had to put aside my apriori but also, and if you follow me for a long time you know how it is blocking for me, to go beyond the name of one of the characters named Gerard .. and in French Gerard, it’s not really sexy.
That being said, I let myself quickly get carried away by the pen of the author and I really liked this novel. The first half was very catchy and I was eager to see how Jace and Gerard were going to end up overrunning the « taboo » of their situation.
Jace is an incredibly fragile character that you can smell right from the beginning of the novel and I really liked seeing him evolve and learn to fly on his own. Gerard’s character is calm and calm, and he too will slowly open and assert himself in contact with Jace.
The relationship between the two characters is really very well written, it is simple and sweet and « flows from source ». I found that the author presents things very simply and very naturally and we move very quickly beyond their initial relationship to keep only their new relationship that is really beneficial to both characters.
However, I confess that once the relationship established, I had a little more trouble with the rest of the novel. Maybe because I focused on this point. Yet the second part of the story is just as strong and intense and the author presents a complete story, strong and intense. We discover colorful secondary characters, especially Adam, whom I can not wait to find in his own story.
Small flat, however, I admit that I found that the entourage of Jace took things really well and it was a bit easy, but I understand that the author has preferred to focus on other aspects of the world. ‘history.
In summary a surprising story with a subject that may seem a little « delicate ». An author who treats this famous subject to perfection and brings us into a strong and touching story.
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