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The Wish #1
The Wish
Alex Martin is arrogant, wealthy, spoiled, and lonely. His never-ending stream of lovers sees only his wallet. Hiding behind a mask of aloof indifference, he really wants someone who can see past the money, someone who’ll stand up to him as an equal.
Down-to-earth bookstore owner Paul Sinclair insists on making his own way in life. He longs for someone who thinks, works, and doesn’t ask for hand a true partner in every sense of the word.
After years of avoidance they finally meet, and neither is impressed. Though worlds apart they share a common their uncles, Alfred and Byron, are long-term partners. And when the uncles conspire to match-make, a little thing like Byron’s being a ghost isn’t going to stop them.
Down-to-earth bookstore owner Paul Sinclair insists on making his own way in life. He longs for someone who thinks, works, and doesn’t ask for hand a true partner in every sense of the word.
After years of avoidance they finally meet, and neither is impressed. Though worlds apart they share a common their uncles, Alfred and Byron, are long-term partners. And when the uncles conspire to match-make, a little thing like Byron’s being a ghost isn’t going to stop them.
153 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2010
About the author
Eden Winters
83 books666 followersYou will know Eden Winters by her distinctive white plumage and exuberant cry of “Hey, y’all!” in a Southern US drawl so thick it renders even the simplest of words unrecognizable. Watch out, she hugs!
Driven by insatiable curiosity, she possibly holds the world’s record for curriculum changes to the point that she’s never quite earned a degree but is a force to be reckoned with at Trivial Pursuit.
She’s trudged down hallways with police detectives, learned to disarm knife-wielding bad guys, and witnessed the correct way to blow doors off buildings. Her e-mail contains various snippets of forensic wisdom, such as “What would a dead body left in a Mexican drug tunnel look like after six months?” In the process of her adventures, she has written over thirty gay romance novels, lost count of novellas and short stories, has won Rainbow Awards, was a Lambda Awards Finalist, and lives in terror of authorities showing up at her door to question her Internet searches.
When not putting characters in dangerous situations she’s cosplaying for children's charities or hanging out at the farm being a mother, grandmother, and vegetarian.
Her natural habitats are hardware stores and on the backs of motorcycles.
Driven by insatiable curiosity, she possibly holds the world’s record for curriculum changes to the point that she’s never quite earned a degree but is a force to be reckoned with at Trivial Pursuit.
She’s trudged down hallways with police detectives, learned to disarm knife-wielding bad guys, and witnessed the correct way to blow doors off buildings. Her e-mail contains various snippets of forensic wisdom, such as “What would a dead body left in a Mexican drug tunnel look like after six months?” In the process of her adventures, she has written over thirty gay romance novels, lost count of novellas and short stories, has won Rainbow Awards, was a Lambda Awards Finalist, and lives in terror of authorities showing up at her door to question her Internet searches.
When not putting characters in dangerous situations she’s cosplaying for children's charities or hanging out at the farm being a mother, grandmother, and vegetarian.
Her natural habitats are hardware stores and on the backs of motorcycles.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
March 9, 2016
~2.5~
~~Anti-book slump BR with my Ele~~
Tragically, The Wish did not end our reading slump! We may be the only two people who didn't love this book. Ele's review sums it up nicely.
The writing was awkward and confusing; paragraphs switched between active and passive voice, and there were too many POVs, including the butler's and Uncle Bryce's (or, I should say, Uncle Bryce's ghost's).
For a while, Alex and Paul seemed interchangeable. They weren't of course. Alex is the selfish manwhore living off his uncles' fortune and Paul is the giving, caring one who won't take a penny.
For more than half the book, Alex thinks Paul is sleeping with Uncle Alfred, who is 76, has a serious heart condition, and just lost his beloved partner of 30 years, not to mention he's Paul's UNCLE.
This was so rifuckingdiculous, I couldn't even. I didn't understand why Uncle Bryce's ghost was trying to make it look like Paul was sleeping with Alfred? I mean, WHAT? Why?
I have to admit I teared up a few times while reading about Alfred and Bryce's great love affair. Alfred lost his will to live after Bryce passed. That was poignant and heartbreaking.
I enjoyed Bryce and Alfred's story more than Alex and Paul's. There is a tentative HEA for Alex and Paul, although the epilogue wasn't really satisfying. I kept waiting for the "I love you" that never came.
#StillBookSlumped
~~Anti-book slump BR with my Ele~~
Tragically, The Wish did not end our reading slump! We may be the only two people who didn't love this book. Ele's review sums it up nicely.
The writing was awkward and confusing; paragraphs switched between active and passive voice, and there were too many POVs, including the butler's and Uncle Bryce's (or, I should say, Uncle Bryce's ghost's).
For a while, Alex and Paul seemed interchangeable. They weren't of course. Alex is the selfish manwhore living off his uncles' fortune and Paul is the giving, caring one who won't take a penny.
For more than half the book, Alex thinks Paul is sleeping with Uncle Alfred, who is 76, has a serious heart condition, and just lost his beloved partner of 30 years, not to mention he's Paul's UNCLE.
This was so rifuckingdiculous, I couldn't even. I didn't understand why Uncle Bryce's ghost was trying to make it look like Paul was sleeping with Alfred? I mean, WHAT? Why?
I have to admit I teared up a few times while reading about Alfred and Bryce's great love affair. Alfred lost his will to live after Bryce passed. That was poignant and heartbreaking.
I enjoyed Bryce and Alfred's story more than Alex and Paul's. There is a tentative HEA for Alex and Paul, although the epilogue wasn't really satisfying. I kept waiting for the "I love you" that never came.
#StillBookSlumped
May 25, 2011
I finally got around to reading this book, one that I bought quite a while ago and regretfully let fall to the bottom of my teetering TBR pile. Just wanted to write a quick note here and say how delightful this story was, how funny, heartwarming, and well written it was. There's just something that Eden Winters does well that always gives her stories that little extra push. I'm not sure if it comes down to her characters, which are always a delight to read, or if she just has a direct line to the dark recesses of my cluttered mind, because she always seems to tell a story that I've just been waiting to read.
March 9, 2016
**2.5 stars**
Once more I'm in the minority. This was my first book by this author and I can't say I'm impressed.
Although I never managed to connect to the characters, I liked the first half of the story way better than the second. At least there was some kind of conflict there. The sex scenes were hot, the story of Alfred and his deceased partner was touching and some scenes with the ghost were nice too.
BUT
The switching POVs are very jarring. Everyone has a POV! Including the butler. And the ghost.
Alex was probably one of the most obnoxious MCs ever. His personality was disgusting, I wish I didn't have his POV, and I didn't buy for a second that he changed. If he did, it was definately a personality transplant.
In the second half not much happens, and what does, is very predictable. We 're, basically, waiting for Alfred to die.
Last but not least, I had problems with the writing. It may work for some readers, but this kind of narrative is really not for me. It was too formal and stilted. Not engaging at all. Phrases like: "...the unfaithful lover said" or ...the younger man, the older man informed....."don't let me connect.
If you 're a fan of the author you might like this. Sadly, it wasn't for me.
#StillBookSlumped
~BR with my Dani~
March 20, 2010
This is an example of a book that is a little stereotypical, a little bland and predictable in some places, yet can come together with a gentle plot and deliver a lovely, touching story. A deeply romantic tale of two couples, one at the end of their lives and the other just beginning, filled with humor, tragedy, whimsy, and warmth. The story takes known themes and still manages to give something unique and poignant. While The Wish may not be lauded as the best book of the year, it is one that thoroughly satisfies and easily could become a beloved favorite. This particular offering moves beyond its stumbles to offer something heart warming.
Alfred Anderson has called his two nephews home for the funeral of his long time companion Byron. Paul is Byron’s nephew and Alex is Alfred’s nephew and the two men couldn’t be more different. Byron’s last wish was for Alfred to help Paul and Alex find love and happiness together. But the clock is ticking against Alfred’s failing health and the touchy pasts of both young men. A delightful cast of characters, including Byron as a meddling ghost, all scheme to get to the opposites to attract.
The plot revolves around Alex and Paul as they deal with the repercussions of Byron’s death and Alfred’s failing health. Both young men must come to terms with their own emotional scars and past baggage while finding something unique and unexpected in each other. The story moves gently through a whole range of emotions. There are sad and touching moments that may threaten tears, yet the story intersperses enough touches of humor and fun to keep the tone light despite a few intense scenes. The older, incredibly wealthy couple manage to show the opposing sides of wealth and responsibility while never feeling too cliché or boring. Instead their long time love is warm and touching and well portrayed with a light hand.
The characters are interesting but especially Alex and Paul tend to be exaggerated. Paul is a saint with endless patience, refuses to take any of his uncle’s money for anything, lives to serve others, and is selfless to a fault. Paul is definitely too good to be true and lacks any real definition that would separate him from the stereotype. He’s not a bad character and matches with the more interesting and flawed Alex well, but Paul is a little bland and predictable. However, Alex is the opposite as a wealthy young man that feels entitled to his money and casual, empty lifestyle while hiding the emotional scars from a loveless, unhappy childhood and rejecting the love from his uncles due to his problems. Alex is definitely more interesting and complicated as he slowly understands the ramifications of his actions. He begins to realize that his empty life has robbed him of happy memories and opportunities and his transformation is one of acceptance.
I wish Alex had realized the deeper reasons for some of his actions, such as his initial suspicion of Paul as a gold digger and later as his uncle’s lover. Both of these are pretty ridiculous ideas and there is more than ample evidence against these charges yet Alex persists on holding onto them for longer than necessary. This no doubt is meant to keep the tension and low level conflict going but neither is really based in any kind of reality. Eventually Alex realizes he’s wrong only due to Paul being a saint instead of realizing these ideas were just a method of avoiding the painful situation and his own emotions. So while these issues are pretty classic, they are not altogether well handled. However these issues are minor in the face of a lovely story and charming characters. The supporting cast of the friends, staff, and even Byron’s ghost add a fun and entertaining element while able to show Alfred and Byron’s deep love for each other.
Overall I was delightfully surprised at the warm, gentle treatment of such a topic. The story is touching, moving, whimsical, and humorous with just the right touch. As a new to me author, I’d be interested to see what else she has to offer. I can easily recommend The Wish as a heart warming and uplifting story that will touch you (in all the good places).
Alfred Anderson has called his two nephews home for the funeral of his long time companion Byron. Paul is Byron’s nephew and Alex is Alfred’s nephew and the two men couldn’t be more different. Byron’s last wish was for Alfred to help Paul and Alex find love and happiness together. But the clock is ticking against Alfred’s failing health and the touchy pasts of both young men. A delightful cast of characters, including Byron as a meddling ghost, all scheme to get to the opposites to attract.
The plot revolves around Alex and Paul as they deal with the repercussions of Byron’s death and Alfred’s failing health. Both young men must come to terms with their own emotional scars and past baggage while finding something unique and unexpected in each other. The story moves gently through a whole range of emotions. There are sad and touching moments that may threaten tears, yet the story intersperses enough touches of humor and fun to keep the tone light despite a few intense scenes. The older, incredibly wealthy couple manage to show the opposing sides of wealth and responsibility while never feeling too cliché or boring. Instead their long time love is warm and touching and well portrayed with a light hand.
The characters are interesting but especially Alex and Paul tend to be exaggerated. Paul is a saint with endless patience, refuses to take any of his uncle’s money for anything, lives to serve others, and is selfless to a fault. Paul is definitely too good to be true and lacks any real definition that would separate him from the stereotype. He’s not a bad character and matches with the more interesting and flawed Alex well, but Paul is a little bland and predictable. However, Alex is the opposite as a wealthy young man that feels entitled to his money and casual, empty lifestyle while hiding the emotional scars from a loveless, unhappy childhood and rejecting the love from his uncles due to his problems. Alex is definitely more interesting and complicated as he slowly understands the ramifications of his actions. He begins to realize that his empty life has robbed him of happy memories and opportunities and his transformation is one of acceptance.
I wish Alex had realized the deeper reasons for some of his actions, such as his initial suspicion of Paul as a gold digger and later as his uncle’s lover. Both of these are pretty ridiculous ideas and there is more than ample evidence against these charges yet Alex persists on holding onto them for longer than necessary. This no doubt is meant to keep the tension and low level conflict going but neither is really based in any kind of reality. Eventually Alex realizes he’s wrong only due to Paul being a saint instead of realizing these ideas were just a method of avoiding the painful situation and his own emotions. So while these issues are pretty classic, they are not altogether well handled. However these issues are minor in the face of a lovely story and charming characters. The supporting cast of the friends, staff, and even Byron’s ghost add a fun and entertaining element while able to show Alfred and Byron’s deep love for each other.
Overall I was delightfully surprised at the warm, gentle treatment of such a topic. The story is touching, moving, whimsical, and humorous with just the right touch. As a new to me author, I’d be interested to see what else she has to offer. I can easily recommend The Wish as a heart warming and uplifting story that will touch you (in all the good places).
April 3, 2011
4.5 stars.
This book is full of emotions. There's the grief for the loss of a lover and a dear one; there's the sadness for the impossibility to find a true love; there's the remorse for lost chances; there's the fear of not being able to be loved for what one is; there's the hope that true love exists and never dies.
Even if the setting is contemporary, it's like the story takes place in the past. Alfred and his beloved Byron are rich and they live in a beautiful house with servants. They have two nephews: Alfred's nephew is the arrogant and spoiled Alex, who goes through strings of one-night stands, giving his wealth, charm and beauty for granted, conquering everything he sets his eyes on almost effortlessly; Byron's nephew is the hard-working, grounded, altruistic Paul, who has always tried to be independent and self-sufficient, but who's heart has been broken by an unfaithful lover.
When Byron dies after a long illness, Paul and Alex meet to take care of Alfred, who's suffering from a heart condition and who is trying to find a reason to live after the death of his younger partner. Alfred and Byron were a couple who inspired both Paul and Alex, setting an example of true love, but also setting a standard that both Paul and Alex are afraid they'll never achieve in their life. Alfred has promised Byron that he'll try to match Paul and Alex, because Byron was sure the two were well suited for each other. Alfred is not alone though, because Byron's ghost is there with them to help his lover to bring the two together, using the strength and weaknesses of their nephews to make them realize they belong together.
Alex isn't very pleasant at the beginning. He's convinced that Paul is trying to replace Byron as his uncle's lover and he plans to seduce Paul himself to show his uncle that Paul is a gold-digger and he's after their money. We know that there's nothing furthest from the truth, but this misunderstanding - which is confirmed by the ghost's deeds - goes on for a lot of pages and it was a bit stretched for me. I understand that at one point Alex is afraid of hurting is uncle by revealing Paul's supposed duplicity, but I didn't buy it completely. It's also a trait of Alex's personality to be so suspicious and to not think clearly, but I think this long misunderstanding was the weakest link of the plot.
Anyway, in trying to expose Paul, it's Alex who is seduced and who begins to fall for his rival. This was the best part of the book, in my opinion, because it was beautiful to see Alex come apart in Paul's arms. I think that Alex was the most interesting character of the story, he was the most complex and the one who had to work more to overcome his fears. Paul had to learn to trust someone again, but Alex had really to divest himself of a huge burden of insecurities. I really appreciated that Paul and Alex didn't immediately fall in love, not even after their first sexual encounter, which by the way showed so much of the personality of the characters and of the way their relationship was evolving.
I want to believe that it's true, that people who care for us don't really leave, but stay with us for a while until we're ready to walk by ourselves again. It's one of the beautiful messages of this book. I'd like to recommend it for the hopelessly romantic readers, because there's not only Alex and Paul's story to read, but also the beautiful love that binds Byron and Alfred.
This book is full of emotions. There's the grief for the loss of a lover and a dear one; there's the sadness for the impossibility to find a true love; there's the remorse for lost chances; there's the fear of not being able to be loved for what one is; there's the hope that true love exists and never dies.
Even if the setting is contemporary, it's like the story takes place in the past. Alfred and his beloved Byron are rich and they live in a beautiful house with servants. They have two nephews: Alfred's nephew is the arrogant and spoiled Alex, who goes through strings of one-night stands, giving his wealth, charm and beauty for granted, conquering everything he sets his eyes on almost effortlessly; Byron's nephew is the hard-working, grounded, altruistic Paul, who has always tried to be independent and self-sufficient, but who's heart has been broken by an unfaithful lover.
When Byron dies after a long illness, Paul and Alex meet to take care of Alfred, who's suffering from a heart condition and who is trying to find a reason to live after the death of his younger partner. Alfred and Byron were a couple who inspired both Paul and Alex, setting an example of true love, but also setting a standard that both Paul and Alex are afraid they'll never achieve in their life. Alfred has promised Byron that he'll try to match Paul and Alex, because Byron was sure the two were well suited for each other. Alfred is not alone though, because Byron's ghost is there with them to help his lover to bring the two together, using the strength and weaknesses of their nephews to make them realize they belong together.
Alex isn't very pleasant at the beginning. He's convinced that Paul is trying to replace Byron as his uncle's lover and he plans to seduce Paul himself to show his uncle that Paul is a gold-digger and he's after their money. We know that there's nothing furthest from the truth, but this misunderstanding - which is confirmed by the ghost's deeds - goes on for a lot of pages and it was a bit stretched for me. I understand that at one point Alex is afraid of hurting is uncle by revealing Paul's supposed duplicity, but I didn't buy it completely. It's also a trait of Alex's personality to be so suspicious and to not think clearly, but I think this long misunderstanding was the weakest link of the plot.
Anyway, in trying to expose Paul, it's Alex who is seduced and who begins to fall for his rival. This was the best part of the book, in my opinion, because it was beautiful to see Alex come apart in Paul's arms. I think that Alex was the most interesting character of the story, he was the most complex and the one who had to work more to overcome his fears. Paul had to learn to trust someone again, but Alex had really to divest himself of a huge burden of insecurities. I really appreciated that Paul and Alex didn't immediately fall in love, not even after their first sexual encounter, which by the way showed so much of the personality of the characters and of the way their relationship was evolving.
I want to believe that it's true, that people who care for us don't really leave, but stay with us for a while until we're ready to walk by ourselves again. It's one of the beautiful messages of this book. I'd like to recommend it for the hopelessly romantic readers, because there's not only Alex and Paul's story to read, but also the beautiful love that binds Byron and Alfred.
October 28, 2010
Damn, damn, damn..
After the first 20 pages of this book, I had cried and laughed, and that kinda laid the ground rules for the rest of it.. Well.. Maybe not so much the laughing.. The crying though? Oh dear God..
I think its safe to say, that I have never -ever- cried this much over a book before.. Like.. seriously, full blown bawling.. Luckily they say its healthy to cry, so I'm not that worried..
But wow.. What an amazing book this is.. Its so full of emotions, and.. yeah well, emotions of all kinds..
The love the uncles show to their two so very different nephews is amazing, and the love they have for each other is amazing, and the love the two nephews find in each other is amazing, and, yeah well, its just a freakin amazing book!
Love, love, loved it!
After the first 20 pages of this book, I had cried and laughed, and that kinda laid the ground rules for the rest of it.. Well.. Maybe not so much the laughing.. The crying though? Oh dear God..
I think its safe to say, that I have never -ever- cried this much over a book before.. Like.. seriously, full blown bawling.. Luckily they say its healthy to cry, so I'm not that worried..
But wow.. What an amazing book this is.. Its so full of emotions, and.. yeah well, emotions of all kinds..
The love the uncles show to their two so very different nephews is amazing, and the love they have for each other is amazing, and the love the two nephews find in each other is amazing, and, yeah well, its just a freakin amazing book!
Love, love, loved it!
July 30, 2011
A great romantic story. The characters are lovely, the situations rather sad but at the same time so heart warming. I would love to of read Byron and Alfreds story in more detail, they seemed so perfect. In fact I kinda liked them more than Alex and Paul. I did spend a lot of the time reading this wiping away my tears, but they were not all sad tears. Recomend to all looking for a deeper more meaningful story.
February 1, 2012
Great novel, to me the ending seemed to drag on a bit, maybe I'm just tired. The cover was great and comes into play at the end of the novel. The characters were wonderfully fleshed out and it made me want rich uncles who took care of me. I had a perfect picture of both Alex and Paul in my mind and loved and believed both characters. A solid novel and the paranormal aspect of the book just made it that much more fresh.
October 4, 2011
I have no words for this story. There is nothing I can say that explains how much this book touched me. It is not often that something causes a deep emotional response in me and when it does happen I never want the feeling to go away. This made me look into my own life and see my own relationships with family and friends and wonder am I doing everything I can to give myself a good life. This book ripped my soul out so I could examine it and try and fix the flaws in my own life. It gave me shivers, it made me cry and laugh. I got angry and brought a smile to my face. 5 STARS is not enough for this book. I give this book a 10 and make it my favorite book I have read to date.
November 22, 2011
Oh, this one is just so sweet!
I had tears in my eyes a few times, imaging Byron's suffering and Alfreds sorrow.
But this is more Alex and Paul's story, and it was a good story!
Of course there were misunderstandings, preconceived notions that were false (of course) and there really wasn't any question of how it would end, but I very much enjoyed watching them get there.
I had tears in my eyes a few times, imaging Byron's suffering and Alfreds sorrow.
But this is more Alex and Paul's story, and it was a good story!
Of course there were misunderstandings, preconceived notions that were false (of course) and there really wasn't any question of how it would end, but I very much enjoyed watching them get there.
January 24, 2013
This is a lovely mm romance that does just what it says on the tin. The product description gives us exactly what the story is about and once you start reading its obvious how the story is going to end ,but for me it didn't matter that it held no surprises, as how you get to the HEA is a delight. The way Eden Winters handles Byron's passing is just right, not too sad or maudlin but poignant tender and very touching. I loved every character in the story, Byron and Alfred ( would have loved to have learned more of their story) , Alex , a love em and leave em playboy who appears to be cold,thoughtless and fueled by money and material things and Paul , kind, thoughtful and caring , money and material things meaning nothing to him. The two of them are chalk and cheese, the perfect balance of love/hate with great sexual tension, misunderstandings and hot sweet love scenes that didn't swamp the book. All the supporting characters were also well fleshed out and important to the story. The slight paranormal side is not too over the top or in your face so didn't seem far fetched at all. A definite keeper, will read again and again.
March 6, 2016
I don't know what I was expecting going into this book, but what I got wasn't it. I was reminded of the first time I saw Disney's "Up" with how quickly Alfred and Byron's story got to me. I loved the introduction to these two men and Bryon's fate had the whole silent tear thing going from the start.
Then in came Alex and I wanted to smack him. Oh not for not being there during Bryon's illness, I understood that, it was his brazen stupidity when it came to Paul (egged on or not) that made me want to just shake some sense into the man. All that inner paranoia is just not good for you health!
Of course Paul is a sweetie and the machinations of our resident ghost were adorable if maybe a little misguided. Watching these two stumble around was fun and I like the road their on in getting to know each other. Paul and Alex have great potential together and I appreciated that things didn't get wrapped up in to much of a pat bow by the end of this story. I liked that I felt like this was just the beginning for these two. They've gone through some terrible times and finding each other is a wonderful feeling, but it's not always going to be smooth sailing I'm sure.
Then in came Alex and I wanted to smack him. Oh not for not being there during Bryon's illness, I understood that, it was his brazen stupidity when it came to Paul (egged on or not) that made me want to just shake some sense into the man. All that inner paranoia is just not good for you health!
Of course Paul is a sweetie and the machinations of our resident ghost were adorable if maybe a little misguided. Watching these two stumble around was fun and I like the road their on in getting to know each other. Paul and Alex have great potential together and I appreciated that things didn't get wrapped up in to much of a pat bow by the end of this story. I liked that I felt like this was just the beginning for these two. They've gone through some terrible times and finding each other is a wonderful feeling, but it's not always going to be smooth sailing I'm sure.
July 15, 2011
Author Eden Winters has combined two compelling love stories into a single novel. First, you learn about Alfred and Byron who have spent more than twenty wonderful years together and Byron has just passed away from cancer.
Byron's nephew Paul and Alfred's nephew Alex are about to meet for the first time for Byron's funeral. Their uncles were convinced that these two young men are perfect for each other, and Alfred promised Byron he would do everything he could to bring them together. Byron is not completely out of the picture, however, as his spirit lingers to watch over Alfred and to help him complete the task of seeing their nephews happily together.
That is not easily done, though, as Paul is still mourning a broken relationship and Alex is bitter about finding only lovers who are interested in him for his money.
This was such an emotional and beautifully written story. Plan to have tissues handy while you read it. I really loved this book and hope you will too.
Byron's nephew Paul and Alfred's nephew Alex are about to meet for the first time for Byron's funeral. Their uncles were convinced that these two young men are perfect for each other, and Alfred promised Byron he would do everything he could to bring them together. Byron is not completely out of the picture, however, as his spirit lingers to watch over Alfred and to help him complete the task of seeing their nephews happily together.
That is not easily done, though, as Paul is still mourning a broken relationship and Alex is bitter about finding only lovers who are interested in him for his money.
This was such an emotional and beautifully written story. Plan to have tissues handy while you read it. I really loved this book and hope you will too.
October 30, 2016
I liked the first part of the book a lot! Alex was really bastard enough of a character I wanted to read about. I was also excited about the setting up which was aimed to make them lovers. But gradually I found that there were so many death wishes, wills, illnesses and even ghost appearances in the background. It got tedious! It wasn’t what I’d expected to be honestly. I also couldn’t buy Alex’s suspicions about Paul and his uncle and on top of that I couldn’t grasp Byron’s wish about their nephews matchmaking fully. I thought the nephews had already met beforehand, but they were nearly strangers to each other.
April 26, 2010
This book made me cry. I wish there had been a little more scorchin' hot sex to offset that. :)
Still a great read even if I didn't warm up to Alex right off the bat and I thought Paul was a little too good to be true. In the end I knew them well enough to want them to find their HEA just like their uncles.
Still a great read even if I didn't warm up to Alex right off the bat and I thought Paul was a little too good to be true. In the end I knew them well enough to want them to find their HEA just like their uncles.
October 10, 2011
This book pulled me in with the first chapter and kept me captivated. The story is filled with sorrow, hijinks, growth, and love. Great read.
October 26, 2015
2010 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention (5* from at least 1 judge)
September 16, 2012
Alex Martin and Paul Sinclair are the nephews of a wealthy gay couple from Los Angeles. Alex is Alfred's nephew, and Paul is Byron's. When Byron dies after a heartbreaking battle with cancer, the young men, Alex and Paul, are brought together for the first time. Instantly they hate each other for they appear to be polar opposites.
Alex is materialistic and carefree when it comes to sex. He lives a high-class lifestyle and doesn't even attempt to conceal the fact that he's a snob and that he has money. Paul is as common as the day is long. He's worked hard his entire life and refuses to take a hand-out from anyone. He owns his own business, a book store, drives a beater car, and abhors pretentiousness.
Prior to Byron's passing, he and Alfred make a pact with each other. Alfred promises to do everything in his power to bring the two boys together. The goal is to pass the torch, so to speak, and to have their nephews take over their empire when they pass.
A fourth of the way into the book, (27%, to be exact), I was cursing the author. "GODDAMMIT EDEN!" This was because I was crying so hard I could not see to continue reading. This was truly an amazing story. Original. Brilliant characterizations. A bit of paranormal. Super hot lovemaking scenes. Wonderful ending.
All the elements that make Eden Winters' stories so wonderful were in this book. As with most of her stories, this one was intensely emotional.
I love a story where I absolutely abhor one of the main characters in the beginning but then see him arc. The way that Alex's true identity was revealed was like peeling back the layers of an onion. By the end of the book, I loved Alex and Paul equally. Eden also seems to have a thing for SWB guys (short with bod). One of her main characters in Diversion was also a compact guy with a knock-out physique, and the same was true of Paul in this book.
My only niggle was that I wanted to see kiddies by the end of the story. There is a foreshadowing, though, and I see that this is merely book one in the series. So I will wait patiently.
Alex is materialistic and carefree when it comes to sex. He lives a high-class lifestyle and doesn't even attempt to conceal the fact that he's a snob and that he has money. Paul is as common as the day is long. He's worked hard his entire life and refuses to take a hand-out from anyone. He owns his own business, a book store, drives a beater car, and abhors pretentiousness.
Prior to Byron's passing, he and Alfred make a pact with each other. Alfred promises to do everything in his power to bring the two boys together. The goal is to pass the torch, so to speak, and to have their nephews take over their empire when they pass.
A fourth of the way into the book, (27%, to be exact), I was cursing the author. "GODDAMMIT EDEN!" This was because I was crying so hard I could not see to continue reading. This was truly an amazing story. Original. Brilliant characterizations. A bit of paranormal. Super hot lovemaking scenes. Wonderful ending.
All the elements that make Eden Winters' stories so wonderful were in this book. As with most of her stories, this one was intensely emotional.
I love a story where I absolutely abhor one of the main characters in the beginning but then see him arc. The way that Alex's true identity was revealed was like peeling back the layers of an onion. By the end of the book, I loved Alex and Paul equally. Eden also seems to have a thing for SWB guys (short with bod). One of her main characters in Diversion was also a compact guy with a knock-out physique, and the same was true of Paul in this book.
My only niggle was that I wanted to see kiddies by the end of the story. There is a foreshadowing, though, and I see that this is merely book one in the series. So I will wait patiently.
February 14, 2010
This new to me author has provided an entertaining read that still manages to take a profound look at class, privilege, and responsibility. The two main characters, Paul and Alex, have a familial bond in that their uncles were a devoted life couple, and each hoped for a similar love for their nephews. The nephews aren't nearly as convinced as the older men about how right they might be for one another, leading to much chaos, confusion, and an all around good read. The opening scene is a funeral - which sets the stage for the great love story, and character deaths manage to deepen the story without driving it completely into angst territory, particularly as one character takes controlling from beyond the grave to an entirely new level. I enjoyed this tremendously, and will be sure to read more from this author.
February 6, 2010
This was a fantastic story. Anything that can make me smile and cry in the same paragraph deserves 5 stars straight off. This book was as much about the Uncles' long-term relationship as the nephews finding their happy ever after. Love can spread a long way and affect many people. Tissues were necessary from the first page to the last for me. And now I want a prequel about how Alfred and Byron got together thirty-odd years ago!
May 31, 2023
I had tears in my eyes through alot of this book. Byron's dying wish was that his nephew get together with his lovers nephew Alex and Alfred, Byrons partner tries to make that happen.
Its not easy as when Alex first arrives at the house he sees Alfred with Paul and assumes that they are together and is furious as Alfred is only just widowered.
I loved this book, a story of true love with Alfred and Byron and Alex and Paul finally getting their HEA.
Its not easy as when Alex first arrives at the house he sees Alfred with Paul and assumes that they are together and is furious as Alfred is only just widowered.
I loved this book, a story of true love with Alfred and Byron and Alex and Paul finally getting their HEA.
Read
July 26, 2020This book was originally intended to be a light, fluffy romance, providing a much needed break after the grueling emotional toll writing The Telling had taken. That is, until the opening scene took place in a funeral parlor. Then, as if that wasn't bad enough, I discovered a certain joy in writing jerks. In the end I think Alex redeemed himself nicely.
June 9, 2011
I was totally prepared to hate Alex. He was an ass. But he fully redeemed himself so I forgave his arsehole-ness. I shed a few tears (ok, a lot... But I'm one of those people who balls at baby commercials so it's excusable), and all in all it was a beautiful story.
January 11, 2020
3.25 Stars
July 26, 2012
4 Hearts
First published at MM Good Book Reviews
http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.co...
Paul and Alex are drawn together by Alfred (Alex’s uncle) upon the death of Byron (Paul’s Uncle), Alfred made Byron a promise before he died, that he would try to bring the two younger men together so that they could find the happiness that both he and Byron enjoyed. But, there is a problem; Paul hates Alex because of his playboy ways and for ignoring Byron as he was dying of cancer. Alex thinks that Paul is a gold digger who is trying to fleece Alfred. Byron decides to help the pair along from beyond the grave, but it is Alfred who gives them the push that they finally need.
This is the second edition of this title and there have been no changes made that I could find. Alex and Paul are both related to Alfred and Byron, and now that Byron is gone, it is time for the two young men to finally meet. It was Byron’s wish that they see how perfect they are for each other. But, this plan fails miserably, as both men have a set idea of what the other man is. It will take a miracle for them to fall in love and Byron is determined to make it happen.
Alfred and Byron have quite the love story and even with Byron being gone, it still lingers on and will bring tears to your eyes. You can understand why both Alfred and Byron want that same love for their nephews, but their way of going about it does make you smile. Alex really is the ultimate playboy and believes that he deserves everything that he wants because it is his birth right. Paul, on the other hand, has never expected anything from anything and wants to make it on his own; even turning down gifts and offers of help from his beloved uncles. When these two men finally meet it is a clash that we all enjoy.
This story will touch you, it will frustrate you with its characters, it will baffle you with its misunderstandings and it will make you smile with the love it is infused with. Both Alex and Paul will become dear to you, as they both become the men they were meant to be. Alex has a lot further to travel on his journey than Paul does, and it is a journey that isn’t always perfect. As Alex realizes exactly what type of man he really was. You will love both Alfred and Byron, even though Byron is a cheeky spirit, and Bernard (the butler) will also briefly touch your heart, he is so sweet.
I will recommend this to those who adore true love stories, interfering spirits, two determined young men, a new love that develops from unmitigated grief and the beginning of a new true love story, oh yeah there’s some really hot lovemaking involved as well.
First published at MM Good Book Reviews
http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.co...
Paul and Alex are drawn together by Alfred (Alex’s uncle) upon the death of Byron (Paul’s Uncle), Alfred made Byron a promise before he died, that he would try to bring the two younger men together so that they could find the happiness that both he and Byron enjoyed. But, there is a problem; Paul hates Alex because of his playboy ways and for ignoring Byron as he was dying of cancer. Alex thinks that Paul is a gold digger who is trying to fleece Alfred. Byron decides to help the pair along from beyond the grave, but it is Alfred who gives them the push that they finally need.
This is the second edition of this title and there have been no changes made that I could find. Alex and Paul are both related to Alfred and Byron, and now that Byron is gone, it is time for the two young men to finally meet. It was Byron’s wish that they see how perfect they are for each other. But, this plan fails miserably, as both men have a set idea of what the other man is. It will take a miracle for them to fall in love and Byron is determined to make it happen.
Alfred and Byron have quite the love story and even with Byron being gone, it still lingers on and will bring tears to your eyes. You can understand why both Alfred and Byron want that same love for their nephews, but their way of going about it does make you smile. Alex really is the ultimate playboy and believes that he deserves everything that he wants because it is his birth right. Paul, on the other hand, has never expected anything from anything and wants to make it on his own; even turning down gifts and offers of help from his beloved uncles. When these two men finally meet it is a clash that we all enjoy.
This story will touch you, it will frustrate you with its characters, it will baffle you with its misunderstandings and it will make you smile with the love it is infused with. Both Alex and Paul will become dear to you, as they both become the men they were meant to be. Alex has a lot further to travel on his journey than Paul does, and it is a journey that isn’t always perfect. As Alex realizes exactly what type of man he really was. You will love both Alfred and Byron, even though Byron is a cheeky spirit, and Bernard (the butler) will also briefly touch your heart, he is so sweet.
I will recommend this to those who adore true love stories, interfering spirits, two determined young men, a new love that develops from unmitigated grief and the beginning of a new true love story, oh yeah there’s some really hot lovemaking involved as well.
December 10, 2011
This was a wonderful read, but I definitely found the first half rather frustrating! I didn't warm to Alex straight away, and found myself calling him all sorts of names at first. But... I did grow to love him. I began to understand why he acted the way he did, and I forgave his past mistakes because it became evident that he was just a lost, lonely man who yearned to be loved. By the end, I really did want him to find love and happiness, because I felt that he deserved it. Paul was lovely from the start, and at first I thought he was too good for Alex. That's another reason that I was pleased to see Alex grow and really redeem himself - it validated their relationship, which was something beautiful. The scene in the hospital when Alex comforted Paul truly moved me because I could picture the scene so vividly in my mind, and I could really feel the love between them in that moment. It also brought to light how much Alex had changed and developed, and how caring he really was. As well as Alex and Paul, this book was about Alfred and Byron and the love they shared, which was so moving and an absolute treat to read.
The book brought me to tears, and that is something that's only recently started happening to me. I'm either turning soft or I've just been unknowingly choosing the exceptionally emotional stories to read as of late. Either way, I'm so glad I read this. Beautiful story.
The book brought me to tears, and that is something that's only recently started happening to me. I'm either turning soft or I've just been unknowingly choosing the exceptionally emotional stories to read as of late. Either way, I'm so glad I read this. Beautiful story.
February 2, 2014
A contemporary paranormal, this is the story of both Alfred and his recently deceased longtime partner Byron, and their nephews Alex and Paul, two young men who Byron always thought would be perfect together. Just before he passes away, Byron convinced Alfred to help him get the two young men together. Unknown to anyone, Byron's ghost lingers and he exerts some paranormal influence to create events intended to bring Alex and Paul to their senses.
Ultimately Byron's goal is met as Alex and Paul finally clear up misconceptions and begin to find the men behind the masks they've both worn for so long. What happens to Alfred and Byron is also beautifully done as Byron's love reaches out beyond the grave to Alfred, the love of his life. It's a really beautiful story told by one of my now favorite authors. I highly recommend this one if you are looking for a unique love story (or two).
Ultimately Byron's goal is met as Alex and Paul finally clear up misconceptions and begin to find the men behind the masks they've both worn for so long. What happens to Alfred and Byron is also beautifully done as Byron's love reaches out beyond the grave to Alfred, the love of his life. It's a really beautiful story told by one of my now favorite authors. I highly recommend this one if you are looking for a unique love story (or two).
February 5, 2012
Albert and Byron were lovers for over 30 years until Byron's death. They want to get their nephews together but the two men are totally different from one another and don't seem to ever be able to visit at the same time. With Byron's death they are finally under the same roof, at the same time. At times this is humorous as we get to read the thoughts of Paul and Alex. They are definitely at cross-purposes. I had an emotional attachment to the characters. I wanted to see Albert settled after Byron's death. I also wanted to see the changes that occur to Alex as he comes to know Paul and learns his uncle knew about his lifestyle. Alex is probably the most changed of the story. Watching him come to the truth about himself and discovering what his life is and what it could be makes this a story worth reading. Of course, I did need a kleenex or two but this is a keeper.
January 3, 2012
Amazing story! Eden again out did herself. The writing is wonderful and the story was so romantic, but I did shed a lot of tears especially at the beginning.
The story begins with the death of Byron, Alfred's long time love. Byron truly believed their nephews should be together and even after death Byron is working towards that goal. What I enjoyed the most was being able to clearly see how much Byron and Alfred loved each other. Alfred was truly lost without him. Then we have Alex the trust fund baby and Paul the nephew who would never take a cent from the couple. How Eden was able to give them their HEA and make it believable was perfect. I loved the humor with Byron's "assistance" in the story line. My heart was crushed though for everyone has they all dealt with the Byron's death. It really made my New Years Day perfect to read this beautiful love story!
The story begins with the death of Byron, Alfred's long time love. Byron truly believed their nephews should be together and even after death Byron is working towards that goal. What I enjoyed the most was being able to clearly see how much Byron and Alfred loved each other. Alfred was truly lost without him. Then we have Alex the trust fund baby and Paul the nephew who would never take a cent from the couple. How Eden was able to give them their HEA and make it believable was perfect. I loved the humor with Byron's "assistance" in the story line. My heart was crushed though for everyone has they all dealt with the Byron's death. It really made my New Years Day perfect to read this beautiful love story!
June 24, 2012
The Wish is a truly beautiful story full of emotion. We are taken on a journey, visiting both ends of a relationship. Alfred and Byron's has ended by Byron's passing. Alex and Paul's hasn't yet started.
Although the story made me cry, it also made me smile. The ups and downs are very well handled and the paranormal aspect is very low key.
This book will definitely be re-read in the future...
Although the story made me cry, it also made me smile. The ups and downs are very well handled and the paranormal aspect is very low key.
This book will definitely be re-read in the future...
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