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When Fate Falls Short
Childhood sweethearts Nathan Maxwell and Sean Adams took ten years to realize they belonged together, followed by ten years of bliss. When it is snatched away, Sean is left alone with the aftermath. Lost and grieving in a world that doesn’t make sense without Nathan by his side, he struggles to keep himself afloat… until he meets Jesse Lawrence.
The shadow of a congenital heart defect has hung over Jesse like a dark cloud all his life. Nathan’s death saves Jesse’s life by providing the heart Jesse needs to survive, and a chance encounter between their best friends plants Jesse in Sean’s orbit. But how well can a love triangle between a dead man, his grieving lover, and the one with his heart beating in his chest possibly turn out? Real feelings and pure intentions might not be enough.
A Bittersweet Dreams It's an unfortunate love doesn't always conquer all. Regardless of its strength, sometimes fate intervenes, tragedy strikes, or forces conspire against it. These stories of romance do not offer a traditional happy ending, but the strong and enduring love will still touch your heart and maybe move you to tears.
The shadow of a congenital heart defect has hung over Jesse like a dark cloud all his life. Nathan’s death saves Jesse’s life by providing the heart Jesse needs to survive, and a chance encounter between their best friends plants Jesse in Sean’s orbit. But how well can a love triangle between a dead man, his grieving lover, and the one with his heart beating in his chest possibly turn out? Real feelings and pure intentions might not be enough.
A Bittersweet Dreams It's an unfortunate love doesn't always conquer all. Regardless of its strength, sometimes fate intervenes, tragedy strikes, or forces conspire against it. These stories of romance do not offer a traditional happy ending, but the strong and enduring love will still touch your heart and maybe move you to tears.
- GenresM M Romance
64 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 3, 2016
1 person is currently reading
39 people want to read
About the author
Brooke Edwards
11 books30 followersBrooke Edwards is an Australian LGBTQ+ author and dreamer, slowly working her way through the stories that keep demanding (loudly) to be told. She's hopelessly obsessed with procedural law enforcement shows, flawed human beings and coffee - not necessarily in that order.
A hybrid author, Brooke's first books were released through Dreamspinner Press in 2015 and 2016, followed by self-published ventures in 2017 and onwards.
To keep up with the latest news and new releases, you can follow her on Facebook and Instagram as @brookeedwardsauthor.
A hybrid author, Brooke's first books were released through Dreamspinner Press in 2015 and 2016, followed by self-published ventures in 2017 and onwards.
To keep up with the latest news and new releases, you can follow her on Facebook and Instagram as @brookeedwardsauthor.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
July 29, 2016
Sweet Jesus, this one wrecked me, and not entirely in a good way. As the book says, this is "a love triangle between a dead man, the lover he left behind, and his heart in another man’s body."
I was truly hoping that the bitter in this bittersweet story would only be when Sean loses Nate, the love of his life (from age five through their mid-twenties), then the sweet would be that Jesse would not only get Nate's heart, but also, eventually get Sean's heart, too, as they create their own HEA.
That is not the case here.
This one has no HEA or even an HFN, which reminds me why I usually avoid books with 'bittersweet' in the blurb. I'm not a fan of reading a romance, if at least one of the MC's doesn't end up actually happy.
As for the good, Sean and Nate's story was nothing short of a timeless tale of love, friendship and devotion. Truly amazing.
If the author had taken that story and ran with it, minus the "bitter" parts, GOD, that sweet story would have easily been about a 10 star read for me, which I would love as a full-length book.
Instead, when Nate is laid to rest, he is in fact buried with a heart. It just happens to not be his own.
Overall, I'd rate this one at 3 stars, but only suggest it if you are okay with both MC's ending up single and pretty unhappy in the end.
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My ARC copy of the story was provided by the publisher in exchange for a fair, unbiased review.
July 26, 2016
*´¨✫)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨)✯ ¸.•*¨)
✮ (¸.•´✶ (¸.•There is no denying that true love exists. But the heart must be willing to accept to become open to move on.
I sat and thought about this. Today (July 26) is my birthday and I have laughed and cried simultaneously. One week from today I celebrate 20 years with the love of my life and I cannot imagine the pain and devastation if I were to lose him. How do you go on when the one you have dedicated yourself to, have built a life with, have every intention in the world to spend your life with is suddenly not there anymore?
It's an unfortunate truth: love doesn't always conquer all. Regardless of its strength, sometimes fate intervenes, tragedy strikes, or forces conspire against it. I personally try to stay away from these types of stories, too bittersweet. But this one caught my attention and I just knew it would change me.
Nathan Maxwell and Sean Adams were destined for each other. Meeting as children in an ice cream parlor, Nate impressed Sean with his ability to make the world a better place. What child when offered to share four scoops of ice cream instead of getting two would not look upon the other in wonder. As the years follow, everyone saw the love and joy radiated from the boys. Their mothers even had a bet on when they would finally make it official.
So, after a lifetime together, when an accident removes Nate from Sean's life, it was a tragedy of epic proportion. One Sean thought he would never survive from. That is until Jesse enters his realm. The man who for years had suffered heart disease and on the verge of death until he was awarded a second chance and Nate's heart.
Doomed from the start.
Like a train wreck going to happen and not being able to look away, I struggled to understand Sean's inability to see the love so clearly placed in front of him. Jesse was his second chance at life, at love. But there is no denying real love and its existence of love even after death. I cried, I am still crying because I wanted so much for these guys to be together, but in the end, like Jesse told Nate's headstone: It was never going to work, because he's still yours."
ARC provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Cee from Alpha Book Club
¸.•´¸.•*´¨)✯ ¸.•*¨)
✮ (¸.•´✶ (¸.•There is no denying that true love exists. But the heart must be willing to accept to become open to move on.
I sat and thought about this. Today (July 26) is my birthday and I have laughed and cried simultaneously. One week from today I celebrate 20 years with the love of my life and I cannot imagine the pain and devastation if I were to lose him. How do you go on when the one you have dedicated yourself to, have built a life with, have every intention in the world to spend your life with is suddenly not there anymore?
It's an unfortunate truth: love doesn't always conquer all. Regardless of its strength, sometimes fate intervenes, tragedy strikes, or forces conspire against it. I personally try to stay away from these types of stories, too bittersweet. But this one caught my attention and I just knew it would change me.
Nathan Maxwell and Sean Adams were destined for each other. Meeting as children in an ice cream parlor, Nate impressed Sean with his ability to make the world a better place. What child when offered to share four scoops of ice cream instead of getting two would not look upon the other in wonder. As the years follow, everyone saw the love and joy radiated from the boys. Their mothers even had a bet on when they would finally make it official.
So, after a lifetime together, when an accident removes Nate from Sean's life, it was a tragedy of epic proportion. One Sean thought he would never survive from. That is until Jesse enters his realm. The man who for years had suffered heart disease and on the verge of death until he was awarded a second chance and Nate's heart.
Doomed from the start.
Like a train wreck going to happen and not being able to look away, I struggled to understand Sean's inability to see the love so clearly placed in front of him. Jesse was his second chance at life, at love. But there is no denying real love and its existence of love even after death. I cried, I am still crying because I wanted so much for these guys to be together, but in the end, like Jesse told Nate's headstone: It was never going to work, because he's still yours."
ARC provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Cee from Alpha Book Club
July 29, 2016
I cannot stop crying. This novella tore my heart into pieces. I am sad and angry and feeling so very heart broken for all the three beautiful men and the tragedy that brings them all together. This story will break you from the very start and the ending won’t leave you with a smile on your face or an HEA. It ends with a very practical setting and with a hope that maybe in the future both Sean and Jesse will get their HEA, albeit separately.
Nathan and Sean’s connection was so deep and beautiful, and it could have transcended centuries if fate would not have been so cruel to them. To witness the start of their relationship and then seeing them throughout the years and finally witnessing Sean’s heartbreak and loss was like a crushing blow to my heart. Nathan was a presence through the entire story. We get to see him very less but he is ever present through Jesse’s heart and in spirit.
The support group for Sean was amazing. I felt so very bad for both their family and friends. They were a tight knit unit and losing Nathan steals the light of their life.
Jesse was a comfort for Sean after he loses the love of his life. Though he does not treat Jesse as a replacement for Nathan, but deep in his heart he knew that he was trying to keep a part of Nathan close by being with Jesse. It was a very horrible thing to do and I felt bad for Jesse but I just could not get angry at Sean. Their relationship was doomed from the start. I am going to appease my heart by imagining that they do get together and fall in love when Sean has a chance to let Nathan go and move on.
“It just wasn’t enough. He’s never—he’s never going to actually be you, you know? He’s good, great even, and he’s going to make some lucky person so happy one day, but he’s never going to be you. That’s all I want, Nate.” His cheeks are cold, but the tears that streak down them are hot. “I just want you.” ~Sean
This story reminds me of the South Korean drama Summer Scent of the Endless Love series. It is an MF story and with the same theme as this novella. The hero and heroine get their HEA though and I am going to watch it again now to nurse my broken heart.
This novella is an emotional blizzard and it will ravage your heart. Keep your tissues ready, you are going to need them. This book will keep me in a depressed funk for a long time and I hope and pray that the author will give us a next book with Sean’s HEA. He deserves it and I want to see him happy with a second chance in love.
*This review has been cross posted at GayBookReviews*
July 28, 2016
4.5 Stars
**copy provided by author/publisher via Divine Magazine in exchange for an honest review**
Nathan and Sean first meet when they’re six and five years old, respectively. They meet in line at an ice cream parlor they are at with their mothers and they become instant friends. We watch them over the next 20 years grow from those young children into pre-teens, teenagers and then adults in a committed and loving relationship. From best friends to lovers. Then tragically Nate is taken from Sean. The only silver lining is Nate's heart is donated to and saves Jesse's life. Jesse has been sick since he was a young child with a heart defect. Jesse and Nate's best friends, Alice and Erin meet in the elevator at the hospital and they discover that Jesse is receiving Nate's heart. They eventually bring Jesse and a very heartbroken Sean together. But Sean is just too grief-stricken.
I read the blurb, I knew it would happen, but when Nathan died I still cried like a baby. It was so heartbreaking to watch Sean try to get through Nathan's funeral. To try to get through life. Sean is left empty and broken, and in the end Jesse is left heartbroken, as well. Sean may never be whole enough to be able to move past Nate's death, and Jesse is left to pick up the pieces of his own broken heart.
While this was a powerful and heartbreaking read, it could have been so much more heartbreaking than it was. Because the story is written in a journal-like style, and mostly told in the third person and we only get short snippets at a time, I found I didn't connect with the characters the way I might have if it was told in the first person and I had truly been inside Nate, Sean and Jesse's heads the entire story. I actually think I might want to thank the author for that. I wasn't left as much of a sniveling mess, as I could have been. I am left at the end of this book somewhat angry with Sean for not taking the second chance at love he was so graciously offered, and heartbroken for Jesse, because unfortunately you can't compete with a ghost. Sometimes love does not conquer all and the one you are truly meant to belong to leaves you far too early.
Even though I don't like third person, this was still a well-written and gut-wrenching read. If you are in the mood for something heartbreaking this is your book. Just be sure to have something light and with a happy ending waiting in the wings for when you're finished this one. Definitely recommended, but with tissues and caution.
**copy provided by author/publisher via Divine Magazine in exchange for an honest review**
Nathan and Sean first meet when they’re six and five years old, respectively. They meet in line at an ice cream parlor they are at with their mothers and they become instant friends. We watch them over the next 20 years grow from those young children into pre-teens, teenagers and then adults in a committed and loving relationship. From best friends to lovers. Then tragically Nate is taken from Sean. The only silver lining is Nate's heart is donated to and saves Jesse's life. Jesse has been sick since he was a young child with a heart defect. Jesse and Nate's best friends, Alice and Erin meet in the elevator at the hospital and they discover that Jesse is receiving Nate's heart. They eventually bring Jesse and a very heartbroken Sean together. But Sean is just too grief-stricken.
I read the blurb, I knew it would happen, but when Nathan died I still cried like a baby. It was so heartbreaking to watch Sean try to get through Nathan's funeral. To try to get through life. Sean is left empty and broken, and in the end Jesse is left heartbroken, as well. Sean may never be whole enough to be able to move past Nate's death, and Jesse is left to pick up the pieces of his own broken heart.
While this was a powerful and heartbreaking read, it could have been so much more heartbreaking than it was. Because the story is written in a journal-like style, and mostly told in the third person and we only get short snippets at a time, I found I didn't connect with the characters the way I might have if it was told in the first person and I had truly been inside Nate, Sean and Jesse's heads the entire story. I actually think I might want to thank the author for that. I wasn't left as much of a sniveling mess, as I could have been. I am left at the end of this book somewhat angry with Sean for not taking the second chance at love he was so graciously offered, and heartbroken for Jesse, because unfortunately you can't compete with a ghost. Sometimes love does not conquer all and the one you are truly meant to belong to leaves you far too early.
Even though I don't like third person, this was still a well-written and gut-wrenching read. If you are in the mood for something heartbreaking this is your book. Just be sure to have something light and with a happy ending waiting in the wings for when you're finished this one. Definitely recommended, but with tissues and caution.
August 17, 2016
***3.5 stars***
Well, 17 tissues later and munching on Stay’s pita chips I am finally done with this book. I am one of those rare creatures that don’t mind not having an ETA or HFN. Sometimes I prefer what can happen in real life. Let me say this is one of those books. So, stop right now if you only read HEA’s and/or HFN; this book will not be for you.
I thought from reading the authors blurb and from the title of the book, that the only heartache would be from Sean’s lost of Nate. Unfortunately, I was wrong. This is not a kittens and rainbows type book. It’s life, and as we all know it can be messy.
A six-year-old Nate and a five-year-old Sean, first meet one another while standing in line at an ice cream shop. Nate decides to share his ice cream with Sean, because “sharing means more”. From there we are whisked through their lives, giving us only a few glimpses of how their friendship evolves into something more. Then we see the downward fall, the meting of Jesse and how their lives entwine and then split.
I did really enjoy this book, even given the outcome. However, I would say that the start of the book was a bit rough and choppy at times. Sometimes I felt like I was reading a play with stage directions. Maybe this could have been solved by making the story a bit longer. However, it finally started to flow a bit better around the 23% mark. The book is written like we, the reader, are sitting down and watching a highlight reel into Sean’s life. The ups and the downs; nothing left hidden. We are then brought to the present, while still only getting highlights. At the need of the book I kept tapping the kindle to turn the page wondering why the page wouldn’t turn. It took me a while to realize I was already at the end of the book.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Well, 17 tissues later and munching on Stay’s pita chips I am finally done with this book. I am one of those rare creatures that don’t mind not having an ETA or HFN. Sometimes I prefer what can happen in real life. Let me say this is one of those books. So, stop right now if you only read HEA’s and/or HFN; this book will not be for you.
I thought from reading the authors blurb and from the title of the book, that the only heartache would be from Sean’s lost of Nate. Unfortunately, I was wrong. This is not a kittens and rainbows type book. It’s life, and as we all know it can be messy.
A six-year-old Nate and a five-year-old Sean, first meet one another while standing in line at an ice cream shop. Nate decides to share his ice cream with Sean, because “sharing means more”. From there we are whisked through their lives, giving us only a few glimpses of how their friendship evolves into something more. Then we see the downward fall, the meting of Jesse and how their lives entwine and then split.
I did really enjoy this book, even given the outcome. However, I would say that the start of the book was a bit rough and choppy at times. Sometimes I felt like I was reading a play with stage directions. Maybe this could have been solved by making the story a bit longer. However, it finally started to flow a bit better around the 23% mark. The book is written like we, the reader, are sitting down and watching a highlight reel into Sean’s life. The ups and the downs; nothing left hidden. We are then brought to the present, while still only getting highlights. At the need of the book I kept tapping the kindle to turn the page wondering why the page wouldn’t turn. It took me a while to realize I was already at the end of the book.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 31, 2016
I'm always nervous going into bittersweet dreams. For those of you who aren't aware, these are stories that don't have a traditional happy ending. When Fate Falls Short falls into this category. I need to make sure I'm in the right emotional head space before reading these stories but I'm really glad I gave this one a go.
The love story between Nate and Sean is beautiful, the emotion strong. But Jesse and his story is equally moving. Be prepared to shed a few tears, and hope against hope that a happy ending magically appears. That happy ending won't appear for now but the author assures me that a HEA is eventually in the cards so I'll be eagerly watching for the next book.
The love story between Nate and Sean is beautiful, the emotion strong. But Jesse and his story is equally moving. Be prepared to shed a few tears, and hope against hope that a happy ending magically appears. That happy ending won't appear for now but the author assures me that a HEA is eventually in the cards so I'll be eagerly watching for the next book.
December 13, 2018
Heart wrenching ...
I am completely gutted by this beautifully written tragic story. The sadness and emptiness that Nathan left behind for Sean to endure is just too much to bear. Brooke Edwards writing style is almost journal-like—a timeline of broken heart. She makes every one of her stories jump off the pages to kidnap her readers into their world, and this one is no exception. I highly recommend When Fate Falls Short but have a box of tissues nearby!
I am completely gutted by this beautifully written tragic story. The sadness and emptiness that Nathan left behind for Sean to endure is just too much to bear. Brooke Edwards writing style is almost journal-like—a timeline of broken heart. She makes every one of her stories jump off the pages to kidnap her readers into their world, and this one is no exception. I highly recommend When Fate Falls Short but have a box of tissues nearby!
July 19, 2017
3.5 stars rounded up because I thought the book was well-written, and realistic. Unfortunately, cold, hard reality doesn't always go the way we want it to, and sometimes, fate really does fall short. Had to open a second box of Kleenex for this one.......sniffles.
November 28, 2018
Wow! Just wow! With When Fate Falls Short, Brooke Edwards will take you on an emotional ride like none you've experienced before.
I fell in love with Nathan and Sean immediately. They way they meet and become friends is absolutely adorable. Their budding friendship, and then romance is filled with fun and tender moments. I love them. Completely, utterly love them.
They're just two young men who fall in love after years as best friends. They are each other's world. And then they aren't, as one moment in time changes everything. And Sean is left to pick up the pieces. If he can.
Enter Jesse, who received Nathan's heart. Sweet, sweet Jesse. You can't hate him, just because Nathan had to die in order for him to live. Jesse's own life story is heart-breaking. Literally. You will cry for Jesse too.
I love the writing style, as it hooked me immediately. And I have to admit that I am thrilled the story is the length that it is. If Brooke Edwards had developed this story in a more comprehensive way, I would never have survived. As it is, I am still left broken and gutted by just 64 pages.
When Fate Falls Short is not a happy, uplifting book. Hell, it's main theme centers around what happens when your soulmate dies. You aren't expecting laughs. But, when you're looking for something that will give you all the feels, please do yourself a favor and read this book! It is amazing!
I fell in love with Nathan and Sean immediately. They way they meet and become friends is absolutely adorable. Their budding friendship, and then romance is filled with fun and tender moments. I love them. Completely, utterly love them.
They're just two young men who fall in love after years as best friends. They are each other's world. And then they aren't, as one moment in time changes everything. And Sean is left to pick up the pieces. If he can.
Enter Jesse, who received Nathan's heart. Sweet, sweet Jesse. You can't hate him, just because Nathan had to die in order for him to live. Jesse's own life story is heart-breaking. Literally. You will cry for Jesse too.
I love the writing style, as it hooked me immediately. And I have to admit that I am thrilled the story is the length that it is. If Brooke Edwards had developed this story in a more comprehensive way, I would never have survived. As it is, I am still left broken and gutted by just 64 pages.
When Fate Falls Short is not a happy, uplifting book. Hell, it's main theme centers around what happens when your soulmate dies. You aren't expecting laughs. But, when you're looking for something that will give you all the feels, please do yourself a favor and read this book! It is amazing!
March 5, 2019
This is an amazing book from adorably sweet start to heartbreaking finish. Everything about Sean and Nate is perfect - until it's not. Fate works in mysterious ways, and that's no more evident than in the situation that occurs after Nate's untimely death. Jesse is given a second chance at life when he receives Nate's heart and then fate twists further - a chance meeting between his best friend and Sean's ends up with the boys meeting as well. Could Jesse be a second chance for Sean to live and love again? Sadly, the answer is no, because that's too often how it is in life. It's not from lack of effort, but Nate's too stuck in the past to participate in the present and see a future. I'm not going to lie, I'm hoping for a follow-up, to find out what happens to these two. But even if that doesn't come, I'm glad I read this story, even if it DID make me cry!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 11, 2018
This book is so heartbreaking, I cried like a baby through almost the whole book. It's also a beautiful story of two men who meet as kids and found their soulmates. This story also talks of organ donation and makes you see the importance of being an organ donor. It's not preachy but it's a major part of the story. This book was well written and I highly recommend it. If you like tear jerkers with little to no sex, then this book is for you.
November 14, 2016
This was a story with a lot of emotions, it was truly a heartbreaking book and yet with such beautiful moments.
Sean and Nathan have known each other since childhood and their friendship begin to grow into a beautiful love story. But tragedy strikes their life and Sean, now alone, has to learn how to cope with loss. Jesse has lived all his life with a heart defect, and Nathan's death has given him a new opportunity to live. When Sean met Jesse, he wasn't expecting to care much for him, but Jesse's good heart soon begin to gain a spot into Sean's mind. Will this new relationship be enough to heal a grieving heart?
From the summary it's easy to see this is not a typical love story, I was intrigued to see how this sort of relationship would work. I wasn't too convinced by it at the beginning because it felt like the story was being told with such a fast pace that I wasn't able to feel anything for any of the characters, but it had some moments when it slows down and strong emotions start to make their way into the heart of the reader.
The things I like the most were the ability to transmit emotions, especially the grieving moments were amazing. It was so easy to get in touch with the character's feelings. I also like how realistic some moments were; the author does a nice job of not trying to force some aspects of the relationship.
What I didn't like was that it felt too rushed at some points and also that in Jesse's case, it was very hard to know him. I felt like he was a little underdeveloped and could have been such an amazing character. It was different for Sean; he was easy to know and to feel empathy for him.
As the summary said, this book doesn't have a traditional happy ending, but I was pleased by how it went. It felt like a realistic ending and I appreciate it but I'm aware not all readers might feel the same.
Sean and Nathan have known each other since childhood and their friendship begin to grow into a beautiful love story. But tragedy strikes their life and Sean, now alone, has to learn how to cope with loss. Jesse has lived all his life with a heart defect, and Nathan's death has given him a new opportunity to live. When Sean met Jesse, he wasn't expecting to care much for him, but Jesse's good heart soon begin to gain a spot into Sean's mind. Will this new relationship be enough to heal a grieving heart?
From the summary it's easy to see this is not a typical love story, I was intrigued to see how this sort of relationship would work. I wasn't too convinced by it at the beginning because it felt like the story was being told with such a fast pace that I wasn't able to feel anything for any of the characters, but it had some moments when it slows down and strong emotions start to make their way into the heart of the reader.
The things I like the most were the ability to transmit emotions, especially the grieving moments were amazing. It was so easy to get in touch with the character's feelings. I also like how realistic some moments were; the author does a nice job of not trying to force some aspects of the relationship.
What I didn't like was that it felt too rushed at some points and also that in Jesse's case, it was very hard to know him. I felt like he was a little underdeveloped and could have been such an amazing character. It was different for Sean; he was easy to know and to feel empathy for him.
As the summary said, this book doesn't have a traditional happy ending, but I was pleased by how it went. It felt like a realistic ending and I appreciate it but I'm aware not all readers might feel the same.
August 18, 2016
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.25 stars
When Fate Falls Short is part of Dreamspinner’s Bittersweet Dreams series where a HEA is not guaranteed. I chose this book because of that and I’m good with that aspect as some stories are simply tragic. However, this story is mostly all bitter with very little sweet.
The story is told in third person, which for a supposed emotional story left me feeling far removed from the characters. The story spans 20 years in rapid succession from when Nathan and Sean are children until they are in their twenties. Every few pages moves the story along in time jumps and little is actually shown of them falling in love. At one point, when the guys are in high school and Nathan is making hot cocoa in a manner that was not characteristic of a high school boy, and this was what I was focused on, I knew I was in trouble with the storyline.
We get to know Nathan better through his death than through his life and while those scenes were the most emotional of the book, I was not emotionally connected to him at all. We had only been given a list of specific incidents throughout the years and it was all logical and not emotional. We then get Jesse’s story. He gets Nathan’s heart, which puts him in Sean’s orbit and which had all the makings of a great story. But sadly that was not to be.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
3.25 stars
When Fate Falls Short is part of Dreamspinner’s Bittersweet Dreams series where a HEA is not guaranteed. I chose this book because of that and I’m good with that aspect as some stories are simply tragic. However, this story is mostly all bitter with very little sweet.
The story is told in third person, which for a supposed emotional story left me feeling far removed from the characters. The story spans 20 years in rapid succession from when Nathan and Sean are children until they are in their twenties. Every few pages moves the story along in time jumps and little is actually shown of them falling in love. At one point, when the guys are in high school and Nathan is making hot cocoa in a manner that was not characteristic of a high school boy, and this was what I was focused on, I knew I was in trouble with the storyline.
We get to know Nathan better through his death than through his life and while those scenes were the most emotional of the book, I was not emotionally connected to him at all. We had only been given a list of specific incidents throughout the years and it was all logical and not emotional. We then get Jesse’s story. He gets Nathan’s heart, which puts him in Sean’s orbit and which had all the makings of a great story. But sadly that was not to be.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
November 8, 2018
Have you ever read a book that started you off with a smile and all those fuzzy, cute feelings just to crush you into a million pieces at the end? That is this book, and I loved it.
Edwards' words convey emotions so perfectly, I was a snotty, blubbering mess for the last half of the book. I love stories that stray from the conventional formula of two people fall in love, overcome a conflict, and live happily ever after. The reader does get the meet-cute and falling in love part. But real life doesn't always end on a high note, and When Fate Falls Short drives that point home.
The characters are well written, and it wasn't hard to sympathize with each one, even on the opposite sides of the conflict. My heart ached for the men and the pain they experienced.
If you're looking for a story that is going to leave you with that aforementioned fuzzy feeling, this is not it. But I can guarantee this is an excellent read.
Edwards' words convey emotions so perfectly, I was a snotty, blubbering mess for the last half of the book. I love stories that stray from the conventional formula of two people fall in love, overcome a conflict, and live happily ever after. The reader does get the meet-cute and falling in love part. But real life doesn't always end on a high note, and When Fate Falls Short drives that point home.
The characters are well written, and it wasn't hard to sympathize with each one, even on the opposite sides of the conflict. My heart ached for the men and the pain they experienced.
If you're looking for a story that is going to leave you with that aforementioned fuzzy feeling, this is not it. But I can guarantee this is an excellent read.
June 28, 2018
Amazing!
When Fate Falls Short chronicles the life of Nathan Maxwell and Sean Andrews who are indeed destined to be together. This amazing story takes us through their childhood, teenage years and into adulthood where their love story is cut short when after getting struck by a car, Nate loses his life.
To keep us further engaged, Ms. Edwards introduces us to Jesse Lawrence who receives Nate's heart. Sean and Jesse are then introduced by their mutual friends, but their attempt at a relationship fizzles, because of the ghost of Nathan past.
This story literally had me teary-eyed through most of it, and it will certainly wade through my memories for years to come.
If you've never considered organ donation, you will definitely think about it by the end of this read. I highly recommend this book.
When Fate Falls Short chronicles the life of Nathan Maxwell and Sean Andrews who are indeed destined to be together. This amazing story takes us through their childhood, teenage years and into adulthood where their love story is cut short when after getting struck by a car, Nate loses his life.
To keep us further engaged, Ms. Edwards introduces us to Jesse Lawrence who receives Nate's heart. Sean and Jesse are then introduced by their mutual friends, but their attempt at a relationship fizzles, because of the ghost of Nathan past.
This story literally had me teary-eyed through most of it, and it will certainly wade through my memories for years to come.
If you've never considered organ donation, you will definitely think about it by the end of this read. I highly recommend this book.
August 8, 2016
I have no one to blame but myself for this one. I read the reviews and I knew it was a gamble and the odds were against me, but I did it anyway.
This was heartbreaking and not in a good way, in an excruciating, I want to curl up and die way.
There is no HEA or HFN there isn't even a happy period.
Apart from the story being hopeless, which is not my bag, the beginning could have been more detailed. There is a large amount of time skipped making it difficult to keep up with the timeframe of the lives we were in.
I didn't like this book but I'm objective enough to say there's nothing bad about the writing and I'm sure this could be a five star from someone just not me.
This was heartbreaking and not in a good way, in an excruciating, I want to curl up and die way.
There is no HEA or HFN there isn't even a happy period.
Apart from the story being hopeless, which is not my bag, the beginning could have been more detailed. There is a large amount of time skipped making it difficult to keep up with the timeframe of the lives we were in.
I didn't like this book but I'm objective enough to say there's nothing bad about the writing and I'm sure this could be a five star from someone just not me.
August 13, 2016
What I really loved about reading this story is the fact that it feels very real to me. Sometimes life isn't full of happy endings and sometimes it does have heartbreaks. Brooke Edwards chose to have that and to me, that is a brave choice. A lot of us expect an HEA or an HFN and she took the road less traveled by and owned it! At the end of the day the story is very well written. It is written simply yet elegantly. I'll be looking out for more pieces written by Miss Edwards. Five out of five!
August 6, 2016
Totally slayed me, I was in full saline-purge mode, but I still finished with hope in my heart that maybe one day Sean and Jesse might meet again when the time is right for them. Beautifully written, although I did get lost with all the characters a bit, but worked it out more as the story went deeper. Definitely recommend :)
December 2, 2017
Telling a story no one wants to hear is always going to be hard. Telling a story that doesn't have a happy ending can be even harder. Yet Brooke has done it beautifully, and the final scene well it broke me. And it's taken me a few hours to process. It's well worth the read but have tissues handy
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