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kiss my name
On the eve of Simon Strong's wedding day, a young woman, Flo, armed with a double barrelled shotgun, arrives at his front door. She is there to avenge the mistreatment of her best friend, Zara. Simon begs for mercy, claiming he has no knowledge of anyone called Zara. What has happened to Zara to create such an extreme reaction from her best friend?
Kiss My Name follows the lives of several characters from childhood in the 1980s to adult life in the twenty first century. As several of them gather in Blackpool, for a Stag Do and a Hen Do, mayhem ensues. Has Simon cheated on his wife to be and will he make it to the church at all?
Kiss My Name follows the lives of several characters from childhood in the 1980s to adult life in the twenty first century. As several of them gather in Blackpool, for a Stag Do and a Hen Do, mayhem ensues. Has Simon cheated on his wife to be and will he make it to the church at all?
438 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 29, 2013
25 people are currently reading
145 people want to read
About the author
Calvin Wade
8 books35 followersCalvin Wade was born in Ormskirk, Lancashire in 1971. He studied Economics at Manchester Metropolitan University, graduating in 1992. On graduation, he worked in a record shop for eighteen months to fund a backpacking trip around the world.
Since returning from his travels, his working life has been in the mortgage industry, working for Alliance & Leicester, Yorkshire Building Society and Birmingham Midshires. During this period, he has run five marathons - three London Marathons, one in Liverpool and one in New York. His first London Marathon was run in a fancy dress house where he was narrowly beaten by an apple, a banana and a pear.
In 2006, Calvin wrote a five minute monologue for BBC Radio Five Live entitled, "I Hate Football", which was performed by Johnny Vegas. It first aired in June 2006 and was repeated on a Christmas Day special. "Forever is Over" is his first novel and is now available to buy in paperback and ebook via Amazon.
Calvin's fifth novel, 'Our Broken Fairy Tale' was released in June 2020.
Calvin Wade is married to Alison and has two sons, Bradley and Joel.
Since returning from his travels, his working life has been in the mortgage industry, working for Alliance & Leicester, Yorkshire Building Society and Birmingham Midshires. During this period, he has run five marathons - three London Marathons, one in Liverpool and one in New York. His first London Marathon was run in a fancy dress house where he was narrowly beaten by an apple, a banana and a pear.
In 2006, Calvin wrote a five minute monologue for BBC Radio Five Live entitled, "I Hate Football", which was performed by Johnny Vegas. It first aired in June 2006 and was repeated on a Christmas Day special. "Forever is Over" is his first novel and is now available to buy in paperback and ebook via Amazon.
Calvin's fifth novel, 'Our Broken Fairy Tale' was released in June 2020.
Calvin Wade is married to Alison and has two sons, Bradley and Joel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
January 1, 2022
I've loved some of this authors work and I did enjoy this, although I did feel it was slightly weaker than his other books it's still a good solid 4 stars.
There's a ton of characters in this book however I found it really easy to keep track and remember whose who and we follow them for a good 25 years.
It's a long read but it's easy enjoyable reading.
Calvin Wade for me is a definite sun bed read.
At time of posting this title is available on Kindle Unlimited.
There's a ton of characters in this book however I found it really easy to keep track and remember whose who and we follow them for a good 25 years.
It's a long read but it's easy enjoyable reading.
Calvin Wade for me is a definite sun bed read.
At time of posting this title is available on Kindle Unlimited.
January 31, 2015
Fantastic read. I really enjoyed the authors first book "forever is over" so I was always going to get this one when it came out. I have to admit that I was a bit weary when I saw some people had categorised it as a romance novel. AS that really isn't my cup of tea. I wouldn't call it romance though. Yes there is a romance involved but that is such a small part of the story. Just like forever is over. This book had me gripped straight away and I didn't want to put it down until I had finished. The unique way it's written makes you relate to characters a lot more than you usually would. Recommend to anyone who enjoys a good coming of age and who done it kind of novel. Five stars. Well worth the read.
All reviews can be found at http://lennonslair.blogspot.co.uk
All reviews can be found at http://lennonslair.blogspot.co.uk
August 5, 2013
Last summer I read Calvin Wade's Forever is Over, and it was a book that had me preoccupied for weeks after I finished it. So far, Calvin's second book, Kiss My Name is no exception. He has a way of creating characters that are wonderfully flawed and unpredictable, and completely believable and relatable. Refreshingly, his characters have the ability to change over the course of the narrative. While some remain stubborn and, as a result, don't exhibit any discernible emotional growth, others actually change the way that they view the world -- even if that view has been held onto tightly for most of their lives. And he captivates his audience with humor and real down-to-earth issues. It is that potential for versatility, and the ability to relate to their problems, that makes Wade's characters fascinating and his stories interesting and entertaining.
Wade employs a writing device in both of the books he's written in which he reveals a little piece of the end of the plot at the opening of the novel. The way that he does this has you preoccupied with the information that you've been given throughout the entirety of the story as you gather up pieces of the big picture, but not in a distracting way. He manages to present it so that it makes you motivated to understand how the event you've already witnessed has come about, and it is interesting to try to theorize about what is really happening in the "glimpse to the end" without having any of the surrounding contextual information.
So far the setting of Calvin's novels has been the 80's to the present, and he does an amazing job of creating a sense of nostalgia for his readers, even his American readers, such as myself, who may or may not understand all of the references that show up in the narrative. However, despite that potential disconnect of culture, which is probably unavoidable, as you read you still have a great sense of the time frame and get that feeling of being transported to another time.
I highly recommend reading this book as well as Forever is Over, as Calvin is an excellent storyteller and both of his books have been great. I'll be waiting for the next one!
Wade employs a writing device in both of the books he's written in which he reveals a little piece of the end of the plot at the opening of the novel. The way that he does this has you preoccupied with the information that you've been given throughout the entirety of the story as you gather up pieces of the big picture, but not in a distracting way. He manages to present it so that it makes you motivated to understand how the event you've already witnessed has come about, and it is interesting to try to theorize about what is really happening in the "glimpse to the end" without having any of the surrounding contextual information.
So far the setting of Calvin's novels has been the 80's to the present, and he does an amazing job of creating a sense of nostalgia for his readers, even his American readers, such as myself, who may or may not understand all of the references that show up in the narrative. However, despite that potential disconnect of culture, which is probably unavoidable, as you read you still have a great sense of the time frame and get that feeling of being transported to another time.
I highly recommend reading this book as well as Forever is Over, as Calvin is an excellent storyteller and both of his books have been great. I'll be waiting for the next one!
August 12, 2013
I read Calvin Wade's first book, Forever is Over, almost a year ago now and it's a book I still think about. So I was happy to see a 2nd book and couldn't wait to get started.
There is definitely something unique about Calvin's books. The 80's references are great, a reminder of my old errant childhood! As with it's predecessor, this book follows the lives of a varied bunch of characters, starting in the present day and then leaving the story on something of a cliffhanger to go right back to the 80's where the story all began.
I would say this story is more light hearted than Forever is Over, although it does have it's dark moments too, but also has a lot of laugh out load moments - I was asked why I was tittering more than once!
Thanks Calvin for another great read and can't wait for the next!
There is definitely something unique about Calvin's books. The 80's references are great, a reminder of my old errant childhood! As with it's predecessor, this book follows the lives of a varied bunch of characters, starting in the present day and then leaving the story on something of a cliffhanger to go right back to the 80's where the story all began.
I would say this story is more light hearted than Forever is Over, although it does have it's dark moments too, but also has a lot of laugh out load moments - I was asked why I was tittering more than once!
Thanks Calvin for another great read and can't wait for the next!
August 10, 2013
Loved it!
I had forgotten how much I love Calvin Wade's style of writing since I had read Forever Is Over such a long time ago, I wasn't disappointed-I laughed out loud over Simon asking his Father-In-Law for permission to ask Nicky to marry him or should I say the other way around?
'Fishy Finger' I haven't heard that term in years!...
Simon was hilarious, Will was probably my favourite character his take on the 'Birds and Bees' hed me imagining my 9yr old son...The ending had me in stitches with 'Violet Beauregarde'
Solid 5* Feel-Good book.
Calvin Wade...I salute you!
I had forgotten how much I love Calvin Wade's style of writing since I had read Forever Is Over such a long time ago, I wasn't disappointed-I laughed out loud over Simon asking his Father-In-Law for permission to ask Nicky to marry him or should I say the other way around?
'Fishy Finger' I haven't heard that term in years!...
Simon was hilarious, Will was probably my favourite character his take on the 'Birds and Bees' hed me imagining my 9yr old son...The ending had me in stitches with 'Violet Beauregarde'
Solid 5* Feel-Good book.
Calvin Wade...I salute you!
February 20, 2018
Brilliant
The only thing I dislike about Calvin Wade's books is, they have to end. Yet another five stars for such a brilliant book. We need more!!!!
The only thing I dislike about Calvin Wade's books is, they have to end. Yet another five stars for such a brilliant book. We need more!!!!
March 9, 2018
Another fantastic read of Calvins, I loved the story, I loved the characters, I loved the era he's sets his books in, a fab read from start to finish, don't expect anything less from him 😊
September 26, 2013
I absolutely adored Forever is Over and it will always remain one of my all time unforgettable favourite books; I cried for days after I had finished it. I was therefore delighted to see that Calvin Wade had another book out and I started it with relish.
I was again hooked from page one and I found I was completely immersed in this unputdownable brilliant story. This is again based in the North West of England and is a terrific and hugely entertaining read.
The two main characters are the wonderful Simon Strong whose brother, Colin, drowned aged 10, and we have his life long infatuation, Nicky Moyes. The book is written from the perspectives of the main characters, as in Forever is Over, and I love this style of writing.
There is the horrendous bully, Luke 'Boffin' Booth, who relentlessly bullies little Timmy Anderson as a child. You never quite know the route the story will take as it jumps from the 1980's to the present day and back.
We have Zara and Flo in 2012 and I was intrigued to see where the connection to Simon was going to lead
I loved the retro feel of this wonderful story with laugh out loud moments again.
Calvin I adore your wonderful books which are both sad and hugely uplifting and I cannot wait for the next one.
Wonderful and hugely recommended.
I was again hooked from page one and I found I was completely immersed in this unputdownable brilliant story. This is again based in the North West of England and is a terrific and hugely entertaining read.
The two main characters are the wonderful Simon Strong whose brother, Colin, drowned aged 10, and we have his life long infatuation, Nicky Moyes. The book is written from the perspectives of the main characters, as in Forever is Over, and I love this style of writing.
There is the horrendous bully, Luke 'Boffin' Booth, who relentlessly bullies little Timmy Anderson as a child. You never quite know the route the story will take as it jumps from the 1980's to the present day and back.
We have Zara and Flo in 2012 and I was intrigued to see where the connection to Simon was going to lead
I loved the retro feel of this wonderful story with laugh out loud moments again.
Calvin I adore your wonderful books which are both sad and hugely uplifting and I cannot wait for the next one.
Wonderful and hugely recommended.
August 12, 2013
What can I say about this book other than amazing! After reading and falling in love with Forever is Over I started filling this author on Twitter anticipating his next novel and boy did he not disappoint! Calvin Wade has a fantastic style of writing pulling you into the story right from the start. The story is read from all the characters points of view which keeps the story flowing so you literally don't want to put the book down. Yet another book from Mr Wade that has you on a roller coaster of emotions. I can't recommend this book enough, roll on the next one!
October 4, 2013
This was a departure from the usual chick lit I read, and the first few pages I was not at all sure what I was reading it starts at the end and then goes back to the beginning and takes you on the journey of Simon, Nicky, Joey and their friendship!
I quite enjoyed it and probably would pick up this author again - found it difficult at times to recall who each chapter was dealing with, what time frame it was and who was the first person talking! But it all came to make sense towards the end!
I quite enjoyed it and probably would pick up this author again - found it difficult at times to recall who each chapter was dealing with, what time frame it was and who was the first person talking! But it all came to make sense towards the end!
December 6, 2015
You can read my full review on my WordPress Blog here on Tabytha's Universe...
It's hard to categorise this book. It's a sort of a coming of age story with sub plots including a murder mystery, contemporary romance and a bit of social commentary.
Our story takes place in the north west of England and follows a main group of characters from their childhood in the 1980's to today with other characters weaving their way through their lives.
I loved this book.
It's not a run of the mill contemporary romance, although that's the Amazon department that I found this in. It's funny, emotive and packed full of 80's references to keep us 40-somethings very, very happy.
It's hard to categorise this book. It's a sort of a coming of age story with sub plots including a murder mystery, contemporary romance and a bit of social commentary.
Our story takes place in the north west of England and follows a main group of characters from their childhood in the 1980's to today with other characters weaving their way through their lives.
I loved this book.
It's not a run of the mill contemporary romance, although that's the Amazon department that I found this in. It's funny, emotive and packed full of 80's references to keep us 40-somethings very, very happy.
August 25, 2013
Another great book by Calvin Wade. It's like being back in the 80's, Calvin must have such vivid memories of the era to be able to bring it alive so well, you almost feel you are back there. You can smell the wham bars, hear Duran Duran and feel the batwing jumpers and big hair. All this mixed with a realistic love story that isn't soppy or forced. You feel part of the characters life, involved in the story and the tragedy. A feel good book, with a tinge of sadness and a dollop of nostalgia I will be recommending it as a must read. Well done Calvin I look forward to the next book.
December 7, 2016
2016 has been a great year for books and this one has got to be up there with my favourites! I'm not sure Kiss My Name falls into a mainstream genre. It has everything. Comedy, mystery, intrigue, love, relationships.. I loved it! I wish I could give it more than five stars. I laughed loads and cried too. Always a good sign when it comes to books!
The characters felt so real, they could well be people you pass in the street. I had an 'aha!' Moment halfway through but nope I was wrong lol.
I can't wait to read more books by Calvin Wade.
This book would be perfect for fans of Nick Spalding.
The characters felt so real, they could well be people you pass in the street. I had an 'aha!' Moment halfway through but nope I was wrong lol.
I can't wait to read more books by Calvin Wade.
This book would be perfect for fans of Nick Spalding.
August 17, 2013
This is the first book since Calvin's debut book Forever Is Over that has kept me completely enthralled. They multiple character style works perfectly and you look forward to the point where they all come together. And what a climax!
The book covers 3 decades following several characters who are all connected. At the core a heartbreaking story but told light heartedly. This book had me in tears and laughter throughout.
Well done Calvin, I am forever a fan! A must-read for all 80's kids!
The book covers 3 decades following several characters who are all connected. At the core a heartbreaking story but told light heartedly. This book had me in tears and laughter throughout.
Well done Calvin, I am forever a fan! A must-read for all 80's kids!
November 16, 2013
There is something addictive about Calvin Wade's books. I rattled through this one in no time - there's plenty of fun and a good story. It's like reading a soap opera - you want to know what happens next. There's a superficiality to the whole thing in that there is so much plot and so little depth to characters or situations but, you know what, maybe that's what makes his books such a compelling and pacy read. I hope there will be another one. Thanks Calvin.
March 4, 2018
I adored Calvin’s first book Forever is Over and the blurb on Kiss My Name really tickled my fancy and sure enough it’s a fabulous feelgood book packed with humour, mystery, relationships and love. The characters are so real and once again I finished this book with a huge smile on my face. Job Well Done Mr Wade.
December 6, 2016
dnf at 2%
The formatting is off -Some paragraphs are indented and then others indicated by a line space which implies a change of pov or place or time. I have better things to do with my time than try to sort out what the formatting is doing in each paragraph.
And the idea of anyone holding a double barrelled shotgun (loaded??) behind your back was .... to put it bluntly, ludicrous.
The formatting is off -Some paragraphs are indented and then others indicated by a line space which implies a change of pov or place or time. I have better things to do with my time than try to sort out what the formatting is doing in each paragraph.
And the idea of anyone holding a double barrelled shotgun (loaded??) behind your back was .... to put it bluntly, ludicrous.
April 15, 2015
This is the second book by Calvin Wade that I have read and I enjoyed it very much. As others have noted, I often did have to back to check to see which year the action was happening in, but it didn't bother me. And I loved the ending. I'm looking g forward to his next book.
August 8, 2015
My second Calvin Wade book, I really do enjoy his style of writing - an easy flowing book with sub plots and a real life feel to it. Excellent read, going to move onto one of his football based books next.
August 26, 2013
Fabulous!! Highly recommend this laugh out loud book, the only bad point is it ends far too soon for my liking. A great read from a great author
January 4, 2016
I enjoyed the start, the way it was set out, the movement through decades, but it's not 5 stars due to the rather abrupt ending.
January 16, 2017
Brilliant
Don't be put off by the cover this was a fantastic well written book with great humour and serious point too
Don't be put off by the cover this was a fantastic well written book with great humour and serious point too
May 31, 2022
The opening to the story grabbed hold of me straight away. Why would someone with a shotgun want to shoot someone the day before that person’s wedding day? I had some ideas in my head but I couldn’t have been more wrong!
Over the course of the story, it flicks between different characters but the main character has to be Simon. We go back to when him and his friends are children with the story alternating between past and the lead up to present day as grown ups. I loved getting to know Simon and the other characters better and I had such a soft spot for Simon himself as he is such a lovely guy. Some may think he is boring and safe but compared to others in this book, he is a saint!
I am a huge fan of this author’s books and they have never given me any other reason but to champion them as they are so very good. There is so much packed into this book of which at over 500 pages, for me it was still too short as I loved being part of these characters lives. It was so very bitter sweet as I didn’t want it to end.
Kiss My Name was a wonderfully compelling story that wouldn’t let me go. I love how the author writes with so much emotion yet brings so much humour into it also. One minute I would be close to tears the next I would be chuckling away to myself. Calvin Wade has yet again taken me on a heart-warming yet entertaining journey and I really can’t recommend this author and his novels highly enough. A beautiful, beautiful story of life, death, love and everything in between!
Over the course of the story, it flicks between different characters but the main character has to be Simon. We go back to when him and his friends are children with the story alternating between past and the lead up to present day as grown ups. I loved getting to know Simon and the other characters better and I had such a soft spot for Simon himself as he is such a lovely guy. Some may think he is boring and safe but compared to others in this book, he is a saint!
I am a huge fan of this author’s books and they have never given me any other reason but to champion them as they are so very good. There is so much packed into this book of which at over 500 pages, for me it was still too short as I loved being part of these characters lives. It was so very bitter sweet as I didn’t want it to end.
Kiss My Name was a wonderfully compelling story that wouldn’t let me go. I love how the author writes with so much emotion yet brings so much humour into it also. One minute I would be close to tears the next I would be chuckling away to myself. Calvin Wade has yet again taken me on a heart-warming yet entertaining journey and I really can’t recommend this author and his novels highly enough. A beautiful, beautiful story of life, death, love and everything in between!
June 22, 2020
Nostalgic book for fortysomethings
I really enjoyed this. Amazon tells me I purchased this as long ago as 2013 and its been sat on my kindle waiting to be read until now. I loved how this down to earth British novel would appeal to both men and women. What I especially loved was the totally unexpected mention of my all time favourite band Marillion. Describing Simon sat in his bedroom listening to Misplaced Childhood aged 13 back in 1986. That was me in the same year and the same age with the same album. Like Simon I wasn't interested in Wham or Bros like my mates. I loved Marillion, my mates didn't get it and I didn't care. By naming the start and ending chapters 'The Uninvited Guest', that was surely another nod to the band too. I loved the characters and really cared about them all which meant I couldn't wait to find out what was going to unfold next. I'll definitely be seeking out Calvin's other novels.
I really enjoyed this. Amazon tells me I purchased this as long ago as 2013 and its been sat on my kindle waiting to be read until now. I loved how this down to earth British novel would appeal to both men and women. What I especially loved was the totally unexpected mention of my all time favourite band Marillion. Describing Simon sat in his bedroom listening to Misplaced Childhood aged 13 back in 1986. That was me in the same year and the same age with the same album. Like Simon I wasn't interested in Wham or Bros like my mates. I loved Marillion, my mates didn't get it and I didn't care. By naming the start and ending chapters 'The Uninvited Guest', that was surely another nod to the band too. I loved the characters and really cared about them all which meant I couldn't wait to find out what was going to unfold next. I'll definitely be seeking out Calvin's other novels.
June 27, 2018
I couldn’t quite work out what the plot of this book was trying to be, a murder mystery, love story, comedy or maybe a genre-busting all of the above. I did like the device of starting the book at the end and then working back to link everything and everyone together. The descriptions of the 80s were great, and the author clearly has vivid memories of that decade. The characters were good, and telling the story from different POVs was interesting. I’m only giving this 3 stars though, because there was a lot of unnecessary and clunky dialogue, the voices of the characters didn’t have any difference in tone, and the book needed a much better proof-read to get rid of the spelling and grammatical errors before publication.
July 16, 2022
Every now and then I like a lighter read. Kiss My Name by Calvin Wade fits perfectly. Each chapter is about the different characters which all link. Thoroughly enjoyed it and didn't want it to end. Will definitely be reading more of his books
October 5, 2017
I really enjoyed reading this book. The characters were lovable, and down to earth.
I would really love to know what happened at the end to a guy who totally deserved it!!
I would really love to know what happened at the end to a guy who totally deserved it!!
September 2, 2018
This is my 4th book by Calvin Wade and another excellent story with believable characters. It had me laughing out loud several times.
September 12, 2013
Faith in reading on the kindle rekindled!!! Nice little plot. Begins with the 'hero' about to be shot.... then goes back in time to him and other key members of the story at school. The chapters then gradually lead back up to the present day. Very apt for a 40-something (as I am) as it's mainly set in the 80s!
May 5, 2016
Interesting. By the time I got near the end I was very puzzled trying to work out what one group of people had to do with the other. I'd totally forgotten how the book had begun. Then it became clear. Well woven & loved the 80's bits. Worth a read but not a fast paced one nor a struggle, somewhere in between.....
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews