What do you think?
Fate Ball
Able Curran had no idea that a chance meeting at a local fraternity party would change his life . . . but it did. Meeting Ava Gardner Dubose was the best thing to ever happen in his young life . . . and the worst. He discovered a depth of love that he never knew existed. And a love that would forever tie him to Ava, even through her darkest days of alcohol and drug addiction.
Fate Ball is a story about a first love that lived on long after the relationship ended. A love that would forever link the lives of Able and Ava, whether they lived thousands of miles away from each other or just across town. Fate Ball bounced into Able's life in the form of a beautiful blonde with a wild side. What began as the perfect young man's fantasy turned into a quest to save a first love from herself and the demons that ruled her from within.
Fate Ball is a story about a first love that lived on long after the relationship ended. A love that would forever link the lives of Able and Ava, whether they lived thousands of miles away from each other or just across town. Fate Ball bounced into Able's life in the form of a beautiful blonde with a wild side. What began as the perfect young man's fantasy turned into a quest to save a first love from herself and the demons that ruled her from within.
- GenresFiction
298 pages, Paperback
Published April 19, 2016
About the author
Adam W. Jones
6 books26 followersI grew up in Raleigh, NC and am one of five children. We were all raised to be free thinkers and we are all creative in some form or fashion. I am a reader, but not a voracious reader like some folks. Typically, I read about six books a year and the bulk of those are in the summertime on the beach, or relaxing in a hammock. Once football and basketball seasons start then my focus is on those sports...mostly college and especially my North Carolina Tar Heels.
I married late, at 42, and now have two beautiful little girls who I adore. My wife and I both work, so when we are not working it is family time all the time. It's so fun now that my oldest daughter is beginning to read. She tucks away in a corner of her room in a pile of pillows and melts into her books. The baby is saying her ABC's and reading will come in time.
I started my real estate business years ago thinking it would leave time for writing. Fortunately or unfortunately, the business took off and I didn't write for over ten years. Now that the business is cruising along I have found more time to read and write, which was the plan all along.
I just published my first novel, Fate Ball, which is a tragic love story. Soon, I will turn to my next novel, which is a coming of age story with the same male character (Able Curren) titled The Headman Chronicles.
I married late, at 42, and now have two beautiful little girls who I adore. My wife and I both work, so when we are not working it is family time all the time. It's so fun now that my oldest daughter is beginning to read. She tucks away in a corner of her room in a pile of pillows and melts into her books. The baby is saying her ABC's and reading will come in time.
I started my real estate business years ago thinking it would leave time for writing. Fortunately or unfortunately, the business took off and I didn't write for over ten years. Now that the business is cruising along I have found more time to read and write, which was the plan all along.
I just published my first novel, Fate Ball, which is a tragic love story. Soon, I will turn to my next novel, which is a coming of age story with the same male character (Able Curren) titled The Headman Chronicles.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
April 23, 2016
This novel is a torrid love story between an insecure young man, Able and a beautiful true southern belle, Ava who was on a course of self-destruction. This relationship is set over a span of ten years. It's just beautifully written, I was immersed in this "true love" story.
This is Mr. Jones' debut novel and it's well worth the read. The story is simple, yet deeply moving. It's a short novel, that's the only flaw, I wasn't ready to let go of Able and Ava.
I hope to read more from this author.
I would like to thank Wisdom House Books and NetGalley for providing me with this wonderfully e-galley in exchange for my honest review.
This is Mr. Jones' debut novel and it's well worth the read. The story is simple, yet deeply moving. It's a short novel, that's the only flaw, I wasn't ready to let go of Able and Ava.
I hope to read more from this author.
I would like to thank Wisdom House Books and NetGalley for providing me with this wonderfully e-galley in exchange for my honest review.
March 9, 2017
I have absolutely enjoyed this book! I finished the book in one day. It was a very quick read for me and I barely took my eyes off the book once I got started. I love the concept of "Fate Ball." I had no idea what to expect from the book because I chose it on a whim. I do not think I could have made a better choice. If anyone is looking for a quick vacation read, I give my highest recommendation to Fate Ball. To be completely honest this has quickly become one of my favorite books of all time!
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March 31, 2017Nice holiday read. Didn't like the characters much to start with but by the end Able had grown on me. I enjoyed the feel of Southern way of life which interests me. Also gave me a wee insight into drugs and alcohol problems. The charcters and the story stuck with me for a while after I'd read it. not a bad read
January 5, 2017
Book: Fate Ball
Author: Adam W. Jones
My freshman year of high school, I was introduced to Fate Ball written by Adam W. Jones. Fate Ball is a fairly new book published on March 22, 2016. This book made me have a new perspective on how others may think about relationships. It was a difficult decision on whether to read this book or not, the cover never really caught my eye. Although, the description instantly made me want to pick up the book and start reading.
Able Curran is not your average college student, he’s quiet and keeps to himself and doesn’t really have time for socialization or girls. But, when a friend of Able’s drags him to a frat party, it changes his whole life. There, he meets the drunken and beautiful Ava Dubose. This sparks the best and worst times of his life. Able begins to fall more and more in love with Ava. But he doesn’t know the real Ava and what’s in store.
“Her head pivoted gracefully on her long, thin neck as she turned and caught Able in full gawk. A Cheshire-cat grin curled across her perfect pink lips and revealed a smile that knocked the wind out of him like a punch to the stomach… She had found her prey.” (pg 13)
As Able and Ava begin to drift apart, Ava starts to feed into bad habits more and more. Able is blind to all of this. She also starts to become more aggressive towards Able. Ava is on the path of self destruction. And no one can save her. When Able finds out about this, he tries to get her back to her old self, but it was impossible. The connection between the two will never fade, although, even in the bad times.
This book is definitely well thought out and beautifully written. Every time I would pick it up, I would always want to see what happened next. Jones definitely does an amazing job in keeping you on your toes. I don’t think there was a moment that I was bored or tired of the book. I feel as having multiple point of views and timeframes scattered through the book played a part in this. Jones would always leave a chapter at a cliffhanger and change whose point of view it was. Then, you would want to know what happens so you keep reading.
The writing style of Fate Ball was one of the key things that brought me to like the book so much. I noticed that Jones does an incredible job in describing characters, and even setting sometimes. He makes it as if you’re seeing the story unfold from an outsider's perspective. All the words he uses just string together and make it sound so appealing. An example of this is on page 51.
“She was wrapped up in the duvet cover, and it framed her perfect angelic face. He leaned down and kissed her temple once … twice… three times. With each kiss, he pressed his lips to her skin a bit longer than the time before, and with each kiss a surge of emotion filled his body.” (pg 51)
As for the rating of this book, I would give it a 4.5 stars. Jones does a terrific job on describing events and has a gift of keeping you on your toes. I feel like the storyline is also very realistic, but I feel as if it could have included a bit more complications. If it had more storyline to it, I would have rated it as 5 stars. If you are into love/tragedy books, I would recommend reading it. Overall, Fate Ball is an amazing book and I would definitely recommend reading it. You won’t regret it.
January 30, 2017
This is my first novel and it has been getting mostly 4-star and 5-star reviews on Goodreads and Amazon. Like many first novels there is a hint of truth in this work of fiction. If you like a good love story (even a tragic one like this one) I think you will like it. Thanks
June 1, 2017
Sometimes there are books that you can’t wait to read, and other times, there are books that just happen to fall into your lap. For me, that book was Fate Ball. After choosing another book and reading it for two days, I couldn’t help but run back to Fate Ball. I couldn’t get the description and feeling of that book in my hands off of my mind. I needed to read this book, I was already hooked.
Able Curran is a fairly insecure boy who meets the girl of his dreams . . . or so he thought. Ava is a sweet southern belle who has her secrets, but those can be looked past, right? Fate Ball is about Able and Ava’s toxic relationship over the course of fourteen years. Seeing characters grow throughout the book is one of the things I enjoyed most. You get to see where the characters go, or don’t go for that matter. You see how the characters interact and sometimes you relate to them in even the smallest of ways. Throughout the bumps and turns throughout this book, Able and Ava find their way back to each other in some way. To find out how they got to where they did is something you’re going to have to find out by reading. Which I definitely recommend.
Able Curran is a fairly insecure boy who meets the girl of his dreams . . . or so he thought. Ava is a sweet southern belle who has her secrets, but those can be looked past, right? Fate Ball is about Able and Ava’s toxic relationship over the course of fourteen years. Seeing characters grow throughout the book is one of the things I enjoyed most. You get to see where the characters go, or don’t go for that matter. You see how the characters interact and sometimes you relate to them in even the smallest of ways. Throughout the bumps and turns throughout this book, Able and Ava find their way back to each other in some way. To find out how they got to where they did is something you’re going to have to find out by reading. Which I definitely recommend.
April 26, 2018
excellent story! I definitely wanted more.
April 14, 2016
★ ★ ★ ★ 1/2
This originally appeared on the Irresponsible Reader blog as part of my participation in the Fate Ball Book Tour, I also conducted a brief interview with Mr. Jones, if you'd like to give it a read.
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In the prologue, Able Curran receives news that Ava Dubose has died -- Chapter One takes us back 14 years to 1980 to meet her. In Chapter Two (one of the best chapters I've read this year), Able meets her -- and falls for her almost instantly (and many readers will, too). Over the next few chapters, you see the two falling deeper and deeper in love -- one of the cutest couples you've read.
All the while, you know that things are leading to the fateful phone call Able receives in 1994. We start to see some signs of trouble (well, those started before this) long before Able does. When he finally gets clued it, it destroys him -- and they don't see each other for some time. From there we watch these two lives intersect from time to time over the next 15 years (usually, Able trying to help her), as well as getting glimpses of their lives between the intersections.
This is really the story of two addicts -- one who lets their dependency control and destroy them. The other who learns how to live with the problem, controlling and eventually overcoming. And even as you know it's happening, you still hold out hope for Ave to shake things off, to achieve the serenity -- or at least the contentment that she so desperately needs. Things get worse and worse -- yet Jones is able to keep things from despairing, there's a lightness to the prose that keeps things moving. While things fall apart for Ava, they move on for Able and their friends -- success, new love, children, life.
In some hands, you'd be beaten over the head with the contrast, Jones doesn't do that however. It all spools out naturally, easily (the kind of ease that takes work to pull off). You like everyone here enough that you're pulling for them, no matter what stupid choices they make. Jones as come up with a perfect blend of humor, romance, drama, and tragedy.
There are plenty of little touches along the way to keep things light, to immerse you in the world -- which is good because the book could become too fixated on Able and Ava.
This is not the best book I've read -- not even the best novel on addiction. But it works well enough that it doesn't matter. I'm not saying it's a bad book, or there are glaring problems -- but objectively, I just think it could be better. But when you're reading it? It delivers everything you want, and some things you don't expect. I really enjoyed this and think you will, too.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the kind folks at Wisdom House Books in exchange for an honest review.
This originally appeared on the Irresponsible Reader blog as part of my participation in the Fate Ball Book Tour, I also conducted a brief interview with Mr. Jones, if you'd like to give it a read.
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Parents always seem to think that saving the day is a good thing, but really it just postpones the inevitable. Sometimes, they should just let their kids crash and burn, so they learn their lesson the hard way. Parents can be the biggest enablers of them all when they’re acting out of love and kindness, but that usually just makes things worse.That's not the most dazzling piece of writing in Fate Ball, nothing catchy or inherently memorable, like I try to start with -- but this is the heart of the book. People trying to help an addict not ready to be helped, and inadvertently making things worse.
In the prologue, Able Curran receives news that Ava Dubose has died -- Chapter One takes us back 14 years to 1980 to meet her. In Chapter Two (one of the best chapters I've read this year), Able meets her -- and falls for her almost instantly (and many readers will, too). Over the next few chapters, you see the two falling deeper and deeper in love -- one of the cutest couples you've read.
All the while, you know that things are leading to the fateful phone call Able receives in 1994. We start to see some signs of trouble (well, those started before this) long before Able does. When he finally gets clued it, it destroys him -- and they don't see each other for some time. From there we watch these two lives intersect from time to time over the next 15 years (usually, Able trying to help her), as well as getting glimpses of their lives between the intersections.
This is really the story of two addicts -- one who lets their dependency control and destroy them. The other who learns how to live with the problem, controlling and eventually overcoming. And even as you know it's happening, you still hold out hope for Ave to shake things off, to achieve the serenity -- or at least the contentment that she so desperately needs. Things get worse and worse -- yet Jones is able to keep things from despairing, there's a lightness to the prose that keeps things moving. While things fall apart for Ava, they move on for Able and their friends -- success, new love, children, life.
In some hands, you'd be beaten over the head with the contrast, Jones doesn't do that however. It all spools out naturally, easily (the kind of ease that takes work to pull off). You like everyone here enough that you're pulling for them, no matter what stupid choices they make. Jones as come up with a perfect blend of humor, romance, drama, and tragedy.
There are plenty of little touches along the way to keep things light, to immerse you in the world -- which is good because the book could become too fixated on Able and Ava.
His mother was always asking, then answering her own questions. That’s why she was always right. She could have a whole conversation with herself, even a fight depending on the subject matter, and no one had to say a word. All Able needed to do was just nod his head once in a while and she would take care of the rest.
This is not the best book I've read -- not even the best novel on addiction. But it works well enough that it doesn't matter. I'm not saying it's a bad book, or there are glaring problems -- but objectively, I just think it could be better. But when you're reading it? It delivers everything you want, and some things you don't expect. I really enjoyed this and think you will, too.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the kind folks at Wisdom House Books in exchange for an honest review.
February 18, 2016
It is a good coming of age book. I really liked the southern descriptions of the culture and region. The time period this book is set in brought back many good memories. I especially liked the scene that took place under the magnolia tree. At the end I wanted to know more about Able Curran's family.
February 13, 2016
Fate Ball is a rate above 5. It had my attention from beginning to end. An absolute inspiring, romantic love story. Love so strong that it hurts. A book every book lover must read.
Emma Buck.
July 4, 2016
I received this book as a Goodreads Giveaway.
Fate Ball was a wonderful book. The writing style was simple and easy to read. I was captivated from the first chapter. Very sad story about how addiction affects friends and family. Well worth the read.
Fate Ball was a wonderful book. The writing style was simple and easy to read. I was captivated from the first chapter. Very sad story about how addiction affects friends and family. Well worth the read.
February 23, 2016
It was good, and I liked the book but it did not blow me away. Full review to be done on my channel soon
April 21, 2016
Interesting story. I won this in a contest and it was a good read. Thank you!
goodreads-win
May 20, 2016Goodreads win
May 20, 2016
I won this book from goodreads giveaways. It's 4am and I couldn't put this book down. Great story and intriguing characters.
November 20, 2016
I received this book for free as part of a first reads promotion
March 7, 2017
If there was one phrase to describe this book, it has to be heart-wrenching!
The book which begin as a simple college love story turns into something so intense that it kept me up all night wanting to know more. If you look at it from a different perspepctive, the book is about the life of an addict and her struggle to break out. She fails miserably and so do the people around her trying to help.
A sense of helplessness, guilt and inability to do anything but wait and watch is what keeps you on your toes. A light read despite being based on a serious plot, the book is simply unputtdownable.
The book which begin as a simple college love story turns into something so intense that it kept me up all night wanting to know more. If you look at it from a different perspepctive, the book is about the life of an addict and her struggle to break out. She fails miserably and so do the people around her trying to help.
A sense of helplessness, guilt and inability to do anything but wait and watch is what keeps you on your toes. A light read despite being based on a serious plot, the book is simply unputtdownable.
March 19, 2017
"Fate Ball" Very interesting title.
I really enjoyed this book. It was a different spin on a true love romance story. I liked how it was from the guys point of view. Able was a introvert that got talked into going to a frat party by his best friend James, and that is where his life changed for the enjoyment of life itself. He met Ava who was a beautiful but boisterous soul that liked to live on the edge of life, she liked adventures and was very ehem, sexual inclined. This book took me a weekend to read. I also agreed with another reviewer hard to put down because you wanted to know where these characters lives being intertwined was going.
Ava was on a self destructive path, with her craving of feeling good with alcohol and drugs, I was proud of her trying to tell her boyfriend George that she didn't want him in the condo that her parents bought and she really did try to get him to listen but she for some reason wasn't strong enough to get him out and fell of the wagon, and he hurt her where she had to be in the hospital and Able came to help heal her all the things she put him through he was always there. It was a very good read to me that I lend it to one of my co workers. She wanted dto also read it and she's going to read it tonight.
I really enjoyed this book. It was a different spin on a true love romance story. I liked how it was from the guys point of view. Able was a introvert that got talked into going to a frat party by his best friend James, and that is where his life changed for the enjoyment of life itself. He met Ava who was a beautiful but boisterous soul that liked to live on the edge of life, she liked adventures and was very ehem, sexual inclined. This book took me a weekend to read. I also agreed with another reviewer hard to put down because you wanted to know where these characters lives being intertwined was going.
Ava was on a self destructive path, with her craving of feeling good with alcohol and drugs, I was proud of her trying to tell her boyfriend George that she didn't want him in the condo that her parents bought and she really did try to get him to listen but she for some reason wasn't strong enough to get him out and fell of the wagon, and he hurt her where she had to be in the hospital and Able came to help heal her all the things she put him through he was always there. It was a very good read to me that I lend it to one of my co workers. She wanted dto also read it and she's going to read it tonight.
February 28, 2018
I can not believe the reviews this book is getting!! It’s like high school student wrote it. Way too amateurish. About half way through the book, I literally started rolling my eyes at the use of ‘darlin’ that it seemed every character used non stop! Don’t waste your time on this book!
January 11, 2017
I won this book on a Goodreads giveaway. I couldn't put this book down once I started reading it. I pulled an all nighter to finish it. Great book.
November 30, 2021
A captivating look into a story of love and infatuation. I enjoyed the southern flair Jones incorporated into the novel and how relatable Abel was.
February 22, 2016
I received Fate Ball as part of a Goodreads giveaway.
Fate Ball is the ill-fated love story of the well-meaning but naive Able Curran and his first love, the troubled Ava Dubose. Meeting as young adults, the innocent Able is immediately smitten with rebellious bad girl Ava, and despite her hardened exterior and penchant for trouble, she finds herself falling for the gentle, patient Able. Young love can't outrun Ava's demons, however, and even as Able moves on, he finds himself involved her her life's troubled trajectory as the years pass.
This book had a very interesting and promising premise, in that it examined the damage drug addiction can do to personal relationships, and the difficulty people have with extricating themselves from the life of an addict close to them, but I think the delivery lacked a certain something. The prose seemed a bit unpolished--almost like a rough draft of a final story. I would have liked to learn more about Able's wife, June, for instance. We see almost nothing of her, and are only told that she is understanding of Able's concern for Ava. That might generally be the case, but I would think that her emotions are probably a lot more complicated (and interesting) than that. Exploring her point of view would have been interesting. Also, the fact that the book skips several years at at time means that you never really see the progressive destruction--again, I think exploring how an addict slowly gets broken down would have been very enlightening.
I think it's a worthy first effort; I just wish it had been polished and expanded a bit more.
Fate Ball is the ill-fated love story of the well-meaning but naive Able Curran and his first love, the troubled Ava Dubose. Meeting as young adults, the innocent Able is immediately smitten with rebellious bad girl Ava, and despite her hardened exterior and penchant for trouble, she finds herself falling for the gentle, patient Able. Young love can't outrun Ava's demons, however, and even as Able moves on, he finds himself involved her her life's troubled trajectory as the years pass.
This book had a very interesting and promising premise, in that it examined the damage drug addiction can do to personal relationships, and the difficulty people have with extricating themselves from the life of an addict close to them, but I think the delivery lacked a certain something. The prose seemed a bit unpolished--almost like a rough draft of a final story. I would have liked to learn more about Able's wife, June, for instance. We see almost nothing of her, and are only told that she is understanding of Able's concern for Ava. That might generally be the case, but I would think that her emotions are probably a lot more complicated (and interesting) than that. Exploring her point of view would have been interesting. Also, the fact that the book skips several years at at time means that you never really see the progressive destruction--again, I think exploring how an addict slowly gets broken down would have been very enlightening.
I think it's a worthy first effort; I just wish it had been polished and expanded a bit more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 10, 2016
This book didn't really go anywhere for me. It seemed on one hand like a young adult sickly romance, and on the other..well, like it wasn't sure.
If you're going to tackle addiction, do it a bit more seriously, to me this felt like a very simple version "oh, ava is back in rehab". No actual mention of what her struggles might be, or to be honest much sign of her fighting them.
Able didn't win me over too much either. Sorry.
If you're going to tackle addiction, do it a bit more seriously, to me this felt like a very simple version "oh, ava is back in rehab". No actual mention of what her struggles might be, or to be honest much sign of her fighting them.
Able didn't win me over too much either. Sorry.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 15, 2016
MY VIDEO REVIEW: https://youtu.be/O-GY_YIR3xA
This contemporary novel follows a young man name Able Curran and his idolization of the enticing but very troubled Ava Dubose. Check out my youtube channel for my full review of this book :)
This contemporary novel follows a young man name Able Curran and his idolization of the enticing but very troubled Ava Dubose. Check out my youtube channel for my full review of this book :)
September 12, 2016
Good read if you want a true love never dies type of book
This was a good tragic love story. They were a odd couple from start to finish. Did not love the ending but the author developed a good relationship with the main characters that held my interest .
This was a good tragic love story. They were a odd couple from start to finish. Did not love the ending but the author developed a good relationship with the main characters that held my interest .
March 24, 2017
I just finished reading this book and absolutely loved it! I started it at the beginning of spring break and finished it before the week was up. I did not want to put it down. I don't want to give too much away but I connected with the characters from the beginning all the way until the end. The love story that was conveyed was beautiful. Hearing the love someone has for an addict is always hard, and at times does not end how you want it to. This book was a true, raw love story.
Want to Read
April 18, 2017Disclosure: ARC received from Edelweiss & publisher in exchange for an honest review. (They may regret this.) Any and all quotes were taken from an advanced edition subject to change in the final edition.
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