What do you think?
Rate this book
Terminal #1
In Sickness and In Health
David has been HIV positive for four years now. His friends and family keep walking away from him. He grows bitter and lonely and sinks into a depression so low he is determined to just fade away and die.
Louis is the father of two sons and is raising them alone after his husband died three years before. Out with friends one night he lays eyes on David.
Together the two begin a whirlwind journey through life. Love, marriage, children, and tragedies along the way fill their lives. Can David let go of the feelings from the past and move forward and love? Can Louis's heart survive this relationship? Being terminal is no longer an obstacle to love.
Louis is the father of two sons and is raising them alone after his husband died three years before. Out with friends one night he lays eyes on David.
Together the two begin a whirlwind journey through life. Love, marriage, children, and tragedies along the way fill their lives. Can David let go of the feelings from the past and move forward and love? Can Louis's heart survive this relationship? Being terminal is no longer an obstacle to love.
148 pages, ebook
First published April 14, 2015
3 people are currently reading
55 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
May 19, 2015
5 Hearts Review by Tidal
I cannot think of the last book that made me cry. There have been some but not many. This book could have easily come across like a badly written B movie, but the remarkable story telling makes this a wonderful tale!
David has HIV and has been living in a self-imposed exile of guilt and shame. He goes to the bar, has his beers, sits alone and does not bother anyone that is how he likes it.
Louis sees him at the bar, sitting alone. He tries to make conversation and David tells him right off that he wants to be left alone. Louis is relentless. David gives in to see him again just so he will go away.
This may sound familiar but two things make this story special and fresh. Louis does not treat David with pity, or try to save him; he also is NOT one of those sanctimonious people who go out looking for people to fix like a project. For anyone who has ever been on the receiving end of that sort of mercy and pity knows how offensive it is. Louis does none of that. He treats David with dignity.
Louis owns a ranch, and has two children. David is a veterinarian. With great caution and care, the men develop a friendship that grows into love. David has been victimized but he does not have a victim mentality. David comes to live at the ranch and continue his practice. Louis and his family help David as he heals from his trauma.
David’s arrival to his present state is told with great compassion without making excuses. Louis has his children, as well as a bunch of ranch hands that live on the property. The men blend David into their family and he becomes part of their tribe.
One of Louis’ greatest attributes is that of a father. He was fair, stern, and not a bully. He is all the things that one would expect in a loving father who is not perfect to be like. Many gay men have not experienced this and to see it demonstrated by a gay man is empowering.
The sex scenes are gritty and realistic. The relationship between David and Louis is beautifully written. There is a balance of tension, action, and tenderness. I loved the pace of the book. The story did not drag at all. There is sexual violence in the book but it is handled in an honest non-gratuitous manner.
It is a very emotional story. As I sat to write the review I was stunned to realize In Sickness and In Health packed so much story in a small amount of pages. In Sickness and In Health could have been a tear-jerker style soap opera but it wasn’t because of the carefully crafted storytelling.
The book left me with happy tears because it was kind and tender. I felt satisfied with the ending. I remember feeling much like I felt after watching the film Beaches in the theater for the very first time. It was like Gay Beaches but without Bette Midler. Honestly, this book is not cheesy. There is no self-pity, rescuing, co-dependency non-sense. There is a lot of love, character, integrity, and demonstrations of what true masculinity really looks like. I love this book.
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review. Please visit www.lovebytesreviews.com to see this and many more reviews, author interviews, guestposts and giveaways!
I cannot think of the last book that made me cry. There have been some but not many. This book could have easily come across like a badly written B movie, but the remarkable story telling makes this a wonderful tale!
David has HIV and has been living in a self-imposed exile of guilt and shame. He goes to the bar, has his beers, sits alone and does not bother anyone that is how he likes it.
Louis sees him at the bar, sitting alone. He tries to make conversation and David tells him right off that he wants to be left alone. Louis is relentless. David gives in to see him again just so he will go away.
This may sound familiar but two things make this story special and fresh. Louis does not treat David with pity, or try to save him; he also is NOT one of those sanctimonious people who go out looking for people to fix like a project. For anyone who has ever been on the receiving end of that sort of mercy and pity knows how offensive it is. Louis does none of that. He treats David with dignity.
Louis owns a ranch, and has two children. David is a veterinarian. With great caution and care, the men develop a friendship that grows into love. David has been victimized but he does not have a victim mentality. David comes to live at the ranch and continue his practice. Louis and his family help David as he heals from his trauma.
David’s arrival to his present state is told with great compassion without making excuses. Louis has his children, as well as a bunch of ranch hands that live on the property. The men blend David into their family and he becomes part of their tribe.
One of Louis’ greatest attributes is that of a father. He was fair, stern, and not a bully. He is all the things that one would expect in a loving father who is not perfect to be like. Many gay men have not experienced this and to see it demonstrated by a gay man is empowering.
The sex scenes are gritty and realistic. The relationship between David and Louis is beautifully written. There is a balance of tension, action, and tenderness. I loved the pace of the book. The story did not drag at all. There is sexual violence in the book but it is handled in an honest non-gratuitous manner.
It is a very emotional story. As I sat to write the review I was stunned to realize In Sickness and In Health packed so much story in a small amount of pages. In Sickness and In Health could have been a tear-jerker style soap opera but it wasn’t because of the carefully crafted storytelling.
The book left me with happy tears because it was kind and tender. I felt satisfied with the ending. I remember feeling much like I felt after watching the film Beaches in the theater for the very first time. It was like Gay Beaches but without Bette Midler. Honestly, this book is not cheesy. There is no self-pity, rescuing, co-dependency non-sense. There is a lot of love, character, integrity, and demonstrations of what true masculinity really looks like. I love this book.
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review. Please visit www.lovebytesreviews.com to see this and many more reviews, author interviews, guestposts and giveaways!
June 19, 2015
What the hell did I just read?
And what is with all these five star reviews?
I was all prepared to give it three out of five stars, because while the spelling, grammar, and the keeping track of who was talking (the author kept mixing Louis and David up, and Mickey and Mike up... I don't think Mike and his son Clyde were having sex...), the story was there. The plot was there.
But... I just couldn't. It was all... just no.
Pros
The plot was there! THE PLOT WAS SO THERE! And then it just wasn't.
Cons
Grammar
Spelling
Continuity
DIALOGUE -- My biggest pet peeve. These people didn't speak like normal people. They definitely didn't speak like they were on a ranch. "I am going to do this. Now, I am going to do this. And now, I am going to do this." Obviously not a real quote, but basically how I felt the whole time.
I really REALLY wanted to like the book. I was happy to find one that was written by a guy for once, no offense to female authors of gay fiction, it's just that since I'm gay, I like it when a fellow gay man actually writes a non-erotic gay novel. But... sorry. Whatever you five star people smoked before reviewing this book, please share some.
And what is with all these five star reviews?
I was all prepared to give it three out of five stars, because while the spelling, grammar, and the keeping track of who was talking (the author kept mixing Louis and David up, and Mickey and Mike up... I don't think Mike and his son Clyde were having sex...), the story was there. The plot was there.
But... I just couldn't. It was all... just no.
Pros
The plot was there! THE PLOT WAS SO THERE! And then it just wasn't.
Cons
Grammar
Spelling
Continuity
DIALOGUE -- My biggest pet peeve. These people didn't speak like normal people. They definitely didn't speak like they were on a ranch. "I am going to do this. Now, I am going to do this. And now, I am going to do this." Obviously not a real quote, but basically how I felt the whole time.
I really REALLY wanted to like the book. I was happy to find one that was written by a guy for once, no offense to female authors of gay fiction, it's just that since I'm gay, I like it when a fellow gay man actually writes a non-erotic gay novel. But... sorry. Whatever you five star people smoked before reviewing this book, please share some.
July 9, 2015
3.5 stars.
I wasn't going to write a review but slept on it and changed my mind. First, let me say, this book had many editing errors. I am not an English teacher and I caught way too many. For example, the use of he for his and several times the incorrect name was used. I also had a few WT* moments. Everything that could possibly happen happened to these characters. Things move very quickly but Mr Nichols keeps you updated on how much time has passed.
That being said. I read fiction because it's, well, fiction. I don't mind crazy, far out, or unbelievable. I liked these characters. David stole my heart and even though I knew what may happen I sobbed like a baby at the end. (Keep in mind it's the "Terminal" series.) I liked how the children were loved and accepted. I would love to see Micky and Clyde get there own book. No, wait, Terminal series...... Micky? Clyde? *sigh* I'll just wait for the next book.
I wasn't going to write a review but slept on it and changed my mind. First, let me say, this book had many editing errors. I am not an English teacher and I caught way too many. For example, the use of he for his and several times the incorrect name was used. I also had a few WT* moments. Everything that could possibly happen happened to these characters. Things move very quickly but Mr Nichols keeps you updated on how much time has passed.
That being said. I read fiction because it's, well, fiction. I don't mind crazy, far out, or unbelievable. I liked these characters. David stole my heart and even though I knew what may happen I sobbed like a baby at the end. (Keep in mind it's the "Terminal" series.) I liked how the children were loved and accepted. I would love to see Micky and Clyde get there own book. No, wait, Terminal series...... Micky? Clyde? *sigh* I'll just wait for the next book.
June 7, 2015
Author's have the ability to reach through a book, through their words and grab a readers heart, mind and soul. To touch them in ways that evokes humor, joy, pain, tears and a verity of other emotions. In Author Jason Nichols book 'In Sickness and In Health' we readers are touched by a Master's Hand.
We are given the great pleasure of meeting and come to love two men, their children, friends and family in such a intimate way that we feel we are part of their lives. When each tragedy happens, with each joyous moment arrives it as if it has happened to us, to our family, to our friends. But more importantly, we are shown that people with HIV/AIDS not only want to be loved like everyone else, but that there are people out there that will love them regardless of, and sometimes in spite of it.
There is so much I want to say about this book, about how it made me laugh, how it made me get mad, how it made me cry, but the most important thing I can say about it is that you HAVE to read it to understand any of that.
Yes, there were some parts that were a little confusing and disjointed. And there were a few editing/proofing errors, but nothing in life is perfect. Life is not perfect. But this book, this book is really very close to perfect in the story it tells. And I sincerely hope that this is not the last of Jason's voice we hear, because from what I read in the pages of this book, this man had a lot more to say.
We are given the great pleasure of meeting and come to love two men, their children, friends and family in such a intimate way that we feel we are part of their lives. When each tragedy happens, with each joyous moment arrives it as if it has happened to us, to our family, to our friends. But more importantly, we are shown that people with HIV/AIDS not only want to be loved like everyone else, but that there are people out there that will love them regardless of, and sometimes in spite of it.
There is so much I want to say about this book, about how it made me laugh, how it made me get mad, how it made me cry, but the most important thing I can say about it is that you HAVE to read it to understand any of that.
Yes, there were some parts that were a little confusing and disjointed. And there were a few editing/proofing errors, but nothing in life is perfect. Life is not perfect. But this book, this book is really very close to perfect in the story it tells. And I sincerely hope that this is not the last of Jason's voice we hear, because from what I read in the pages of this book, this man had a lot more to say.
June 15, 2015
4 1/2 stars for a wonderful book.
In Sickness and In Health could have been a bittersweet romance. There is terminal illness, tragedy, and death. But there is also family, cowboys, enduring love, and an HEA, so I call this one a win.
David is a sex addict and made a foolish decision which resulted in becoming poz. He thinks his chance for love or even friendship is over forever until widower Louis walks into a bar and spots lonely David sitting there. Louis lost his husband several years ago and has decided he can’t mope any longer so he’s out to find a companion.
David is resistant to even sitting down together but Louis is persistent and soon they are dating, then living together. The pace of the story is a little too fast, but you can’t help but root for these lonely men to find happiness. Louis has two sons, one a precocious teenager and the other a toddler. He also has a successful horse ranch and employees who care about him very much. Soon David finds himself part of the family.
There are many secondary characters who have backstories that lead the reader to caring about them as much as the MCs. This is important in getting to an HEA at the end of the book and this is definitely a character-driven story.
I shed tears, laughed, and thoroughly enjoyed this book. Jason Nichols is an author who writes from the heart. I look forward to reading more from this talented writer.
In Sickness and In Health could have been a bittersweet romance. There is terminal illness, tragedy, and death. But there is also family, cowboys, enduring love, and an HEA, so I call this one a win.
David is a sex addict and made a foolish decision which resulted in becoming poz. He thinks his chance for love or even friendship is over forever until widower Louis walks into a bar and spots lonely David sitting there. Louis lost his husband several years ago and has decided he can’t mope any longer so he’s out to find a companion.
David is resistant to even sitting down together but Louis is persistent and soon they are dating, then living together. The pace of the story is a little too fast, but you can’t help but root for these lonely men to find happiness. Louis has two sons, one a precocious teenager and the other a toddler. He also has a successful horse ranch and employees who care about him very much. Soon David finds himself part of the family.
There are many secondary characters who have backstories that lead the reader to caring about them as much as the MCs. This is important in getting to an HEA at the end of the book and this is definitely a character-driven story.
I shed tears, laughed, and thoroughly enjoyed this book. Jason Nichols is an author who writes from the heart. I look forward to reading more from this talented writer.
March 15, 2016
I like to think that I don't give very many books a 5 star rating, but this book went above and beyond my requirements for that. The writing was done so beautifully. I fell in love with David from the very get go and just wanted nothing more than for him to find happiness and then in walks Louis. They were such a great couple, and together they could conquer anything. I have to say that reading this book probably wasn't wise at work because I became an emotional wreck. I actually had to step away from the computer and leave the room. This book had me laughing, snickering, sobbing and flat out hysterically crying. It was so very gut wrenching, but still so very powerful and beautiful. I'm just numb after reading it, but in a good way. Kudos to the author for putting out such an amazing piece of art!
June 17, 2015
the premise of the book was good and it could have been a good story to tell, however i just couldn't connect with the characters.
After 2 months they are declaring their love for each other and moving in together when there is children involved, i think that they should have taken this slowly.
i also didn't like all the events the author put David through. There is only many times one person can get attacked in their life and still have a positive outlook.
I think the author was trying to add too much shock into the story, which took away the main aim of the story, which is how someone with HIV can still live a loving life.
After 2 months they are declaring their love for each other and moving in together when there is children involved, i think that they should have taken this slowly.
i also didn't like all the events the author put David through. There is only many times one person can get attacked in their life and still have a positive outlook.
I think the author was trying to add too much shock into the story, which took away the main aim of the story, which is how someone with HIV can still live a loving life.
April 27, 2015
I hate reviewing a book that was so good knowing my review won't do it justice.
This was such a beautifully written book. It had emotion by the bucket full. There was so much happiness in a really touching moving sad book.
The MCs were strong and believable. And I felt a connection while reading this book.
I loved all the secondary characters and the whole interaction between them and the MCs.
Louis was so strong and dealt with everything that was thrown at him with determination and love in his heart.
I am waiting now for the next book to see what comes next.
This was such a beautifully written book. It had emotion by the bucket full. There was so much happiness in a really touching moving sad book.
The MCs were strong and believable. And I felt a connection while reading this book.
I loved all the secondary characters and the whole interaction between them and the MCs.
Louis was so strong and dealt with everything that was thrown at him with determination and love in his heart.
I am waiting now for the next book to see what comes next.
June 19, 2015
I'll be honest I'm struggling with this book. The story line is great however I'm having a tough time with the writing. Things happen way too fast without any explanation. When dialogue is written, it's very regimented. I do like the story line and am 3/4 of the way through. I'm gonna make myself finish it.
September 12, 2018
3,5*
PLEASE READ FIRST MY RATING SYSTEM!!!
To my ratings (thanks to amazon I had to change it again and 'upgrade' it a little bit):
5* - very very good and rare (it would be a Blow-
Away-book like 'Liberty' from Seth King,
'Save the kids' series from EM Leya or
'Jesse's Smile' from Angelique Jurd), it's like
an A+
4* - very good and will be often reread and is a
WOW-book with interesting plot and surprises
(like most of Andrew Grey books) it's like an A
3,5* - a really good book, which will be reread a few
times (most romances where you can enjoy
for relaxing and during waiting times in
hospitals). I can recommend them definitively!
It's like an B+
3* - it could be more then a one-time-reader, but
not really an often reread book
2* - it was ok to read, but it's more a one-time-
reader (i wouldn't recommend it heartily, but
it was ok) It's like a C-, D
1* - sorry, but that isn't really a book for me (too
many mistakes, not nice plot, illogical, so an
absolut NO-GO). It's like failure in the whole
line, dismissed, repeat the class
PLEASE READ FIRST MY RATING SYSTEM!!!
To my ratings (thanks to amazon I had to change it again and 'upgrade' it a little bit):
5* - very very good and rare (it would be a Blow-
Away-book like 'Liberty' from Seth King,
'Save the kids' series from EM Leya or
'Jesse's Smile' from Angelique Jurd), it's like
an A+
4* - very good and will be often reread and is a
WOW-book with interesting plot and surprises
(like most of Andrew Grey books) it's like an A
3,5* - a really good book, which will be reread a few
times (most romances where you can enjoy
for relaxing and during waiting times in
hospitals). I can recommend them definitively!
It's like an B+
3* - it could be more then a one-time-reader, but
not really an often reread book
2* - it was ok to read, but it's more a one-time-
reader (i wouldn't recommend it heartily, but
it was ok) It's like a C-, D
1* - sorry, but that isn't really a book for me (too
many mistakes, not nice plot, illogical, so an
absolut NO-GO). It's like failure in the whole
line, dismissed, repeat the class
October 13, 2021
Touching
Very few books touch my heart with an onslaught of emotions..this story was very real with moments of happiness and sadness and so much love. This is my first read of Jason Nichols...he's given this many times devastating health issue a very humane illustration
Very few books touch my heart with an onslaught of emotions..this story was very real with moments of happiness and sadness and so much love. This is my first read of Jason Nichols...he's given this many times devastating health issue a very humane illustration
July 9, 2015
Reviewed for BOOKS 'N COZY SPOTS BOOK REVIEWS, www.Talon-ps.com
copy provided by author for honest review.
An incredible amount of living went into this story of seemingly insurmountable odds and plenty of obstacles. And if there is a take-away from some of the unavoidable sadness and occasional tragedy, its that life is out there, love is closer than you think, and whatever good you can get you grasp with your whole heart.
As described, the primary relationship in the book belongs to David and Louis, but the ever-growing “family” in all its permutations is well represented and rich secondary characters add a real depth. Each member of the community provides an important connection to Louis and David’s lives, enriches the story world and adds to the bevy of emotions the reader will experience on the journey. A fair number of years pass in the story with each chapter, and without providing spoilers, just about every kind of life event happens to someone in the big-family at some point and while there is a happy ending, it, like life itself, is bittersweet.
Be prepared. Have tissues. And chocolate…
I think I could easily have read more detail in each and every one of those chapters. While not a lighthearted read, it was real life, and some of it was not pretty. But it was genuine, and while unbearably sad at points, it was also wholly inspirational.
If you take anything away from this read, be inspired…
copy provided by author for honest review.
An incredible amount of living went into this story of seemingly insurmountable odds and plenty of obstacles. And if there is a take-away from some of the unavoidable sadness and occasional tragedy, its that life is out there, love is closer than you think, and whatever good you can get you grasp with your whole heart.
As described, the primary relationship in the book belongs to David and Louis, but the ever-growing “family” in all its permutations is well represented and rich secondary characters add a real depth. Each member of the community provides an important connection to Louis and David’s lives, enriches the story world and adds to the bevy of emotions the reader will experience on the journey. A fair number of years pass in the story with each chapter, and without providing spoilers, just about every kind of life event happens to someone in the big-family at some point and while there is a happy ending, it, like life itself, is bittersweet.
Be prepared. Have tissues. And chocolate…
I think I could easily have read more detail in each and every one of those chapters. While not a lighthearted read, it was real life, and some of it was not pretty. But it was genuine, and while unbearably sad at points, it was also wholly inspirational.
If you take anything away from this read, be inspired…
May 10, 2015
Surprising!
I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about this book. The premise intrigued me though, and so I decided to give it a try. I was not disappointed. Each chapter of the book is a vignette of a particular time in the MC's lives. The story centers on Louis and David, who meet four years after David was diagnosed with HIV. Louis is a widower with two sons and is immediately attracted to David, so he goes after him in a big way. After hearing David's story though he leaves it up to David to take their relationship to the next level. They fall in love, eventually get married and have children of their own. Each chapter then is a snapshot of their lives at various times.
We meet Louis's family, his ranch hands and their loved ones, and many other people who come into their life, some good and others not so good. Life, love, happiness and tragedy is spelled out in the chapters.
David eventually succumbs to his illness, and tells Louis to love again...it may be closer than he thinks. As the book ends, we see Louis on the cusp of this new chapter in his life.
I enjoyed this book far more than I expected, and I look forward to seeing what comes next from this Author.
I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about this book. The premise intrigued me though, and so I decided to give it a try. I was not disappointed. Each chapter of the book is a vignette of a particular time in the MC's lives. The story centers on Louis and David, who meet four years after David was diagnosed with HIV. Louis is a widower with two sons and is immediately attracted to David, so he goes after him in a big way. After hearing David's story though he leaves it up to David to take their relationship to the next level. They fall in love, eventually get married and have children of their own. Each chapter then is a snapshot of their lives at various times.
We meet Louis's family, his ranch hands and their loved ones, and many other people who come into their life, some good and others not so good. Life, love, happiness and tragedy is spelled out in the chapters.
David eventually succumbs to his illness, and tells Louis to love again...it may be closer than he thinks. As the book ends, we see Louis on the cusp of this new chapter in his life.
I enjoyed this book far more than I expected, and I look forward to seeing what comes next from this Author.
Read
April 24, 2016I'll Stand By You
David and his past behavior has brought him a view of a horrible future. When he is at his lowest, a handsome rancher asks for a chance to change his vision into something incredible.
I loved the premise of the book and the main characters. I was very confused about the Witness Protection Program for the one who was giving testimony... but apparently died in prison.
The addition of Jenny and Mark was apparently the track the author used to bring about the final pairing at the end of the story. It just felt artificial to me.
David and his past behavior has brought him a view of a horrible future. When he is at his lowest, a handsome rancher asks for a chance to change his vision into something incredible.
I loved the premise of the book and the main characters. I was very confused about the Witness Protection Program for the one who was giving testimony... but apparently died in prison.
The addition of Jenny and Mark was apparently the track the author used to bring about the final pairing at the end of the story. It just felt artificial to me.
May 19, 2015
What a beautiful story.
May 22, 2015
The story was good, but it felt choppy and thrown together in places.
June 10, 2015
4.5 *
June 12, 2015
So so good. I cried, and laughed with this book.. So much emotion written into it.. You can feel it as you read.. Just want to say its a really great read..
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews