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Crow City #2.75
Autumn
There are worse things in life than loving a man who hates you.
Unfortunately, Walford Gallifrey can’t think of many.
Ever since a ghost from his past kidnapped his niece, Willow (THE FOUND, Crow City #2), Wally’s life has been nothing but grief, turmoil, and loss. With no idea if Willow is dead or alive, Wally’s only comfort is in caring for his grieving brother-in-law and Willow’s father, Joseph Armitage. For the past twenty years, Wally has never hoped to be anything but the backdrop to Joseph’s life; between marrying Wally’s sister and decades of mistakes building walls of enmity and resentment between them, Joseph has been firmly cemented in Wally’s mind as unattainable.
But the pain of Willow’s loss forces them to face the demons sleeping between them, find common ground—and more. Together, they explore mutual grief. Shared memories. Quiet respect. Warmth. Camaraderie. The joy of learning to live again.
And an unspoken attraction, buried beneath the scars of hurtful words and terrible missteps.
Yet even as they work through the thorns and tangles of old wounds, Joseph has his own struggles to face. The struggle to leave his ex-wife in the past. To let his daughter go. And to trust Wally to love him, to see him as more than just his multiple sclerosis, when so many have treated him as less than a man. The only way forward for them both is forgiveness. Trust.
And a second chance to discover what it means, to truly be in love.
Note: This novel, while a standalone, follows in the aftermath of the events of THE FOUND (Crow City #2), and ties in to the events of THE SAVED (Crow City #2.5), which detail--respectively--the events of Willow's kidnapping and Walford’s prior relationship with her kidnapper, Vincent Manion.
Unfortunately, Walford Gallifrey can’t think of many.
Ever since a ghost from his past kidnapped his niece, Willow (THE FOUND, Crow City #2), Wally’s life has been nothing but grief, turmoil, and loss. With no idea if Willow is dead or alive, Wally’s only comfort is in caring for his grieving brother-in-law and Willow’s father, Joseph Armitage. For the past twenty years, Wally has never hoped to be anything but the backdrop to Joseph’s life; between marrying Wally’s sister and decades of mistakes building walls of enmity and resentment between them, Joseph has been firmly cemented in Wally’s mind as unattainable.
But the pain of Willow’s loss forces them to face the demons sleeping between them, find common ground—and more. Together, they explore mutual grief. Shared memories. Quiet respect. Warmth. Camaraderie. The joy of learning to live again.
And an unspoken attraction, buried beneath the scars of hurtful words and terrible missteps.
Yet even as they work through the thorns and tangles of old wounds, Joseph has his own struggles to face. The struggle to leave his ex-wife in the past. To let his daughter go. And to trust Wally to love him, to see him as more than just his multiple sclerosis, when so many have treated him as less than a man. The only way forward for them both is forgiveness. Trust.
And a second chance to discover what it means, to truly be in love.
Note: This novel, while a standalone, follows in the aftermath of the events of THE FOUND (Crow City #2), and ties in to the events of THE SAVED (Crow City #2.5), which detail--respectively--the events of Willow's kidnapping and Walford’s prior relationship with her kidnapper, Vincent Manion.
267 pages, ebook
First published March 27, 2017
8 people are currently reading
296 people want to read
About the author
Cole McCade
65 books1,531 followersSlender. Angry. (Part) Asian.
Yeah, that about sums me up.
Hi. I’m Cole. Xen. Whatever you want to call me; both are true, and both are lies. My pen names are multitudes, my nicknames legion. Tall, bi/queer, introverted author of a brown-ish persuasion made up of various flavors of Black, Asian, and Native American. I’m cuter than Hello Kitty, more bitter than the blackest coffee, and able to trip over cats in a single half-asleep lurch; I’m what happens when a Broody Antihero and a Manic Pixie Dream Boy fight to the death, and someone builds a person from the scraps left behind. Beardless, I look like the uke in every yaoi manga in existence; bearded or not, I sound like Barry White. About half my time is spent as a corporate writer, and the other half riding a train of WTFery that sometimes results in a finished book. Romance, erotica, sci-fi, horror, paranormal; LGBTQIA and cishet; diverse settings and diverse characters from a diverse author.
Sometimes I shout about things on the internet. Usually intersectional feminism and marginalized voices, and whomever’s punching down in those directions today. Sometimes human sociology, the psychology of sex and gender, and my own gender non-conforming arse (he/him, by the way). Sometimes I get really mad at Stephen Hawking and nerd out all over the place about hairy black holes, and believe it or not, that’s not a terrible pun or even worse innuendo.
That’s it. I’m a huge dork. My humor’s so dry it could empty oceans. I’m a native Southerner from the New Orleans area with zero Southern accent; I’m a mess of multi-ethnic, multi-cultural, multi-lingual influences; I have two cats. I wake up at daft hours of the morning to go running. I crochet terrible, lumpy things that never really turn into anything. I’m older than you think I look. I’m much more shy than my fury makes me sound (signifying gods only know what, but probably nothing). Recently I decided, at 36, that I needed to restart my life and move cross-country, so I tossed 75% of my possessions in the trash and randomly trucked it to Seattle. I’m in love with books and music and technology, and they war with each other for dominance and sometimes come together in a beautiful confluence. Most of the physical books I own are strange, obscure, out of print, overseas imports, or any combination of the four. Most of the physical books I used to own were destroyed in Hurricane Katrina, and have been replaced with the infinite library on my Nook. My wallet has a dangerous attraction to anything with pages; it flirts and teases and gives its all, until there’s nothing left but emptiness and ruin.
There will always be things you don’t know, and I won’t tell.
But ask me late at night over live music in a seedy bar, and you might just get an honest answer.
...or you can poke me via:
* Email: blackmagic@blackmagicblues.com
* Twitter: @thisblackmagic
* Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/xen.cole
* Website & Blog: http://www.blackmagicblues.com
* Tumblr: http://thisblackmagic.tumblr.com/
And there's my Xen Sanders SFF / Horror profile:
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Yeah, that about sums me up.
Hi. I’m Cole. Xen. Whatever you want to call me; both are true, and both are lies. My pen names are multitudes, my nicknames legion. Tall, bi/queer, introverted author of a brown-ish persuasion made up of various flavors of Black, Asian, and Native American. I’m cuter than Hello Kitty, more bitter than the blackest coffee, and able to trip over cats in a single half-asleep lurch; I’m what happens when a Broody Antihero and a Manic Pixie Dream Boy fight to the death, and someone builds a person from the scraps left behind. Beardless, I look like the uke in every yaoi manga in existence; bearded or not, I sound like Barry White. About half my time is spent as a corporate writer, and the other half riding a train of WTFery that sometimes results in a finished book. Romance, erotica, sci-fi, horror, paranormal; LGBTQIA and cishet; diverse settings and diverse characters from a diverse author.
Sometimes I shout about things on the internet. Usually intersectional feminism and marginalized voices, and whomever’s punching down in those directions today. Sometimes human sociology, the psychology of sex and gender, and my own gender non-conforming arse (he/him, by the way). Sometimes I get really mad at Stephen Hawking and nerd out all over the place about hairy black holes, and believe it or not, that’s not a terrible pun or even worse innuendo.
That’s it. I’m a huge dork. My humor’s so dry it could empty oceans. I’m a native Southerner from the New Orleans area with zero Southern accent; I’m a mess of multi-ethnic, multi-cultural, multi-lingual influences; I have two cats. I wake up at daft hours of the morning to go running. I crochet terrible, lumpy things that never really turn into anything. I’m older than you think I look. I’m much more shy than my fury makes me sound (signifying gods only know what, but probably nothing). Recently I decided, at 36, that I needed to restart my life and move cross-country, so I tossed 75% of my possessions in the trash and randomly trucked it to Seattle. I’m in love with books and music and technology, and they war with each other for dominance and sometimes come together in a beautiful confluence. Most of the physical books I own are strange, obscure, out of print, overseas imports, or any combination of the four. Most of the physical books I used to own were destroyed in Hurricane Katrina, and have been replaced with the infinite library on my Nook. My wallet has a dangerous attraction to anything with pages; it flirts and teases and gives its all, until there’s nothing left but emptiness and ruin.
There will always be things you don’t know, and I won’t tell.
But ask me late at night over live music in a seedy bar, and you might just get an honest answer.
...or you can poke me via:
* Email: blackmagic@blackmagicblues.com
* Twitter: @thisblackmagic
* Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/xen.cole
* Website & Blog: http://www.blackmagicblues.com
* Tumblr: http://thisblackmagic.tumblr.com/
And there's my Xen Sanders SFF / Horror profile:
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
November 29, 2023
4 “being around you is like drowning in clouds” stars ⋆୨୧˚✧
“i’m a tangled mess inside. you’ve had me in freefall for weeks, and part of me wants to fall forever, and part of me is terrified of hitting bottom.”
“and yet i’ve felt like i could fly, and never touch ground again,” wally breathed, leaning harder into him. “perhaps we can meet somewhere in between.”
“where sea and sky meet?”
“always.”
this was basically hurt/comfort perfection and i needed this right now. everyone say thank you to cole mccade for always delivering. 😭🙏 this just hit so hard. he’s one of the only authors who can make me cry with how intimate the sex scenes are. you know books that make your heart ache because of how horribly beautiful they are? this is one of those. 🥹 loved every second of reading this. comfort material for real.
“i’m a tangled mess inside. you’ve had me in freefall for weeks, and part of me wants to fall forever, and part of me is terrified of hitting bottom.”
“and yet i’ve felt like i could fly, and never touch ground again,” wally breathed, leaning harder into him. “perhaps we can meet somewhere in between.”
“where sea and sky meet?”
“always.”
this was basically hurt/comfort perfection and i needed this right now. everyone say thank you to cole mccade for always delivering. 😭🙏 this just hit so hard. he’s one of the only authors who can make me cry with how intimate the sex scenes are. you know books that make your heart ache because of how horribly beautiful they are? this is one of those. 🥹 loved every second of reading this. comfort material for real.
September 1, 2023
Reread 2023
Stand alone MM in a MF series.
*older characters (46-47)
*brothers-in-law
*sexuality discovery
*enemies to lovers
*MC with disability
*hurt-comfort
⛔️Mild spoilers.
I think I would give this book 5 stars again and again and again forever and ever. Cole McCade’s mind is such a wondrous place and he creates all these different books and makes you fall for their complicated yet brilliant characters. No book is the same and his talent can gift you with a fluff piece like CI -Bitter+Sweet , dark dark hot and intense MF books like Crow city or a masterpiece of a detectives series like Criminal Intentions. And then there’s this one here, Autumn, a book that simply steals your breath.
Autumn, because the guys are in the autumn of their lives, lives that have always been connected for they are brothers-in-law. Wally is a 47 gay man who has always been in love with his sister’s husband. They both saw him at the same time but Joseph fell for the self centered,selfish but extremely charming sister (because straight) and Wally was relegated to corners and shadows, always in the background, always loving and helping from afar but just as enslaved by his sister’s whims as Joseph was. But Miriam is flaky and when Joseph discovers he has multiple sclerosis Miriam takes off but not before convincing Wally that her and Joseph’s daughter Willow will be better in his care and makes him ask for custody (he doesn’t get it). A stupid mistake he regrets and for which he pays a high price as Joseph never forgives him and 20 years later still hates him.
The book , though a stand alone has some connections with the previous book (Joseph’s daughter,Willow is the FMC in the previous book and she was kidnapped by the MMC ) thus this book starts with a depressed Joseph in the aftermath of his daughter’s disappearance (although his daughter, already in love with her kidnapper, called him and told him she’s ok and it’s her choice to be away) . Joseph is hurt, and worried and depressed and when he’s like that his multiple sclerosis acts up. But Wally is there in his house,like a ghost,trying to take care of him while Joseph hates him and berates him. And it’s tense and painful and beautiful because these 2 men start to really see each other , to forgive and heal . And it’s not easy because Cole has weaved their story and emotions brilliantly and you feel like you can’t breathe from the tension and then you feel like crying and melting from the beauty of it all. The writing is flowery and wordy (a smidge too much sometimes) but oh so emotional and beautiful it makes you weep. And even when they get together they have a hard time letting go of the past and they bump into new and old insecurities (Joseph sex drive has gone wayward and he’s ashamed and frustrated while Wally thinks he’s just a stand in for his sister etc ) and they fumble their way by trial and error towards a HEA . The hurt-comfort is absolutely amazing and they are magic together- grumpy , brooding Joseph and sunny ,kind and persnickety Wally are ..gah.
The epilogue was a total let down because it was about the daughter and I really didn’t care for it. That’s the only thing I didn’t like about the book.
10 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ !!!!!!
Stand alone MM in a MF series.
*older characters (46-47)
*brothers-in-law
*sexuality discovery
*enemies to lovers
*MC with disability
*hurt-comfort
⛔️Mild spoilers.
I think I would give this book 5 stars again and again and again forever and ever. Cole McCade’s mind is such a wondrous place and he creates all these different books and makes you fall for their complicated yet brilliant characters. No book is the same and his talent can gift you with a fluff piece like CI -Bitter+Sweet , dark dark hot and intense MF books like Crow city or a masterpiece of a detectives series like Criminal Intentions. And then there’s this one here, Autumn, a book that simply steals your breath.
Autumn, because the guys are in the autumn of their lives, lives that have always been connected for they are brothers-in-law. Wally is a 47 gay man who has always been in love with his sister’s husband. They both saw him at the same time but Joseph fell for the self centered,selfish but extremely charming sister (because straight) and Wally was relegated to corners and shadows, always in the background, always loving and helping from afar but just as enslaved by his sister’s whims as Joseph was. But Miriam is flaky and when Joseph discovers he has multiple sclerosis Miriam takes off but not before convincing Wally that her and Joseph’s daughter Willow will be better in his care and makes him ask for custody (he doesn’t get it). A stupid mistake he regrets and for which he pays a high price as Joseph never forgives him and 20 years later still hates him.
The book , though a stand alone has some connections with the previous book (Joseph’s daughter,Willow is the FMC in the previous book and she was kidnapped by the MMC ) thus this book starts with a depressed Joseph in the aftermath of his daughter’s disappearance (although his daughter, already in love with her kidnapper, called him and told him she’s ok and it’s her choice to be away) . Joseph is hurt, and worried and depressed and when he’s like that his multiple sclerosis acts up. But Wally is there in his house,like a ghost,trying to take care of him while Joseph hates him and berates him. And it’s tense and painful and beautiful because these 2 men start to really see each other , to forgive and heal . And it’s not easy because Cole has weaved their story and emotions brilliantly and you feel like you can’t breathe from the tension and then you feel like crying and melting from the beauty of it all. The writing is flowery and wordy (a smidge too much sometimes) but oh so emotional and beautiful it makes you weep. And even when they get together they have a hard time letting go of the past and they bump into new and old insecurities (Joseph sex drive has gone wayward and he’s ashamed and frustrated while Wally thinks he’s just a stand in for his sister etc ) and they fumble their way by trial and error towards a HEA . The hurt-comfort is absolutely amazing and they are magic together- grumpy , brooding Joseph and sunny ,kind and persnickety Wally are ..gah.
The epilogue was a total let down because it was about the daughter and I really didn’t care for it. That’s the only thing I didn’t like about the book.
10 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ !!!!!!
March 27, 2017
It's no secret I have a huge love for Cole McCade's writing and everything he encompasses in his stories. And, having read all his books, I have to say Autumn is my favourite: the perfect combination of enemies and friends-to-lovers, it's the most beautifully wrapped happy-ever-after gift for two amazing men.
"A tryst. A liaison. An entanglement. Or...a second chance at what could have been."
Joseph and Walford's story swallowed me up right from the very start. Wally is a character I've loved from the moment we met him in The Lost and, whilst you wouldn't imagine back then he'd become the character he does, I've honestly never become so damn attached to a secondary character. So for him to get his moment centre stage is an absolute treat and you soon realise there's far more to Wally beneath his outward confidence and splendour: this caring, witty man is someone who has kept his insecurities and the pain of unrequited love hidden for years.
Grouchy, brooding and stubbornly independent because of his disability and the limitations it can bring, at first glance Joseph is Wally's opposite and letting the man he's pushed away for so long into his heart and his home is no mean feat. Underneath though it's a different story. These men have an uneasy past that has been intertwined for years, but the key is honesty and the fact that they're now a tad older, wiser, have both been hurt by others and each other, yet are under no illusion that the attraction is there and is worth taking a chance on. And the leaps they take together fills this story with feeling: in one breath they're so goddamn adorable together and the next they're unleashing each other's passionate side, in every sense of the word.
Seeing these men grow individually and together--the thoughtful gestures, the amusing bickering, their firsts, laying themselves bare, opening up their hearts and disturbing old hurts-- was an absolute joy to be a part of and the amount of smiling and sobbing I did along the way is testament to just how much I loved Autumn. Wally and Joseph will hold your heart in their hands, I fell hard for both of them and when it comes to heartwarming, sensual and sexy M/M contemporary romances with just the right sprinkling of angst, I seriously cannot recommend this highly enough.
"Your brain is a weird place, Wally.”
“Yes, but it’s filled with wondrous and fiendish delights."
(And, it's worth mentioning that whilst a companion novel to The Found with moments you will appreciate if you have read this, if you haven't don't let that deter you, because Autumn can very easily be read as a standalone.)
ARC generously provided for an honest and unbiased opinion.
"A tryst. A liaison. An entanglement. Or...a second chance at what could have been."
Joseph and Walford's story swallowed me up right from the very start. Wally is a character I've loved from the moment we met him in The Lost and, whilst you wouldn't imagine back then he'd become the character he does, I've honestly never become so damn attached to a secondary character. So for him to get his moment centre stage is an absolute treat and you soon realise there's far more to Wally beneath his outward confidence and splendour: this caring, witty man is someone who has kept his insecurities and the pain of unrequited love hidden for years.
Grouchy, brooding and stubbornly independent because of his disability and the limitations it can bring, at first glance Joseph is Wally's opposite and letting the man he's pushed away for so long into his heart and his home is no mean feat. Underneath though it's a different story. These men have an uneasy past that has been intertwined for years, but the key is honesty and the fact that they're now a tad older, wiser, have both been hurt by others and each other, yet are under no illusion that the attraction is there and is worth taking a chance on. And the leaps they take together fills this story with feeling: in one breath they're so goddamn adorable together and the next they're unleashing each other's passionate side, in every sense of the word.
Seeing these men grow individually and together--the thoughtful gestures, the amusing bickering, their firsts, laying themselves bare, opening up their hearts and disturbing old hurts-- was an absolute joy to be a part of and the amount of smiling and sobbing I did along the way is testament to just how much I loved Autumn. Wally and Joseph will hold your heart in their hands, I fell hard for both of them and when it comes to heartwarming, sensual and sexy M/M contemporary romances with just the right sprinkling of angst, I seriously cannot recommend this highly enough.
"Your brain is a weird place, Wally.”
“Yes, but it’s filled with wondrous and fiendish delights."
(And, it's worth mentioning that whilst a companion novel to The Found with moments you will appreciate if you have read this, if you haven't don't let that deter you, because Autumn can very easily be read as a standalone.)
ARC generously provided for an honest and unbiased opinion.
July 1, 2017
This book. This BOOK. I have trouble stringing sentences together in a coherent and comprehensive way. The short of it: I loved it. LOVED it. It's part of the Crow City series, but I'm living and FLAILING proof that you can enjoy and love the heck out of this book without having read the previous titles. Although I firmly believe you'd get *even more* out of it if you actually do read them all.
Now AUTUMN, that is a special book I'm going to hold close to my heart for a long time. It's no secret I love Cole McCade aka Xen Sander's voice and his words. The way he writes, how the words just flow over the page and everything comes together naturally but never simple or flat. It's a gift and such a pleasure to read for me. I *feel* his words, no matter what he says, and this time was no different. This book was angsty, but also so light and... hopeful. Just like fresh air. I don't have a better analogy. I went in, got absorbed and then just took a deep breath and SMILED.
Wally made it happen. And Joseph. But where Joseph made me ache and cry and then laugh, Wally just made me laugh and smile first, the sobbing came later. In the best way possible. I just could relate to both of them so much, but on completely different levels. Joseph's pain, his loss and inability to forget or move on dug deep and clawed at me, but where he got grumpy and couldn't stand Wally being close, I got so grateful for Wally's presence. He made me feel better, and I wasn't even the one feeling awful. His gentleness and unconditional support were EVERYTHING. He was often the one being open and vulnerable, but so strong and beautiful, it made me weak in the knees. He carried so much weight on his shoulders, so much loss and guilt and hurt. And yet. He appeared on the page and my happy skyrocketed. Even when his wasn't. And Joseph? Well, Joseph is an asshole. He is. But the most loveable one I have met in a long, long time.
I was scared at first, what would happen once the grumpy, hurting, bitter man suddenly had to deal with the realization that he might be bisexual. I was waiting for the denial, maybe even for him to not be in touch with his feelings at all. I don't even know why. But I was beyond grateful something like that didn't happen. I should have known really. There were struggles, stepping stones and hurdles for sure. How can there not be when two people who are so different, have so much history and secrets between them, are just now starting to actually see each other for who they really are. But I loved all of these hurdles and steps back and forth. None of them hurt me in bad places, only in all the right and good ones.
I'm going to stop now. There's no way I can actually explain all of my feelings and do the book justice. But I highly recommend it. To absolutely everyone. Just go read Joseph and Wally's story and... be happy. Smile.
**ARC provided by the author, no positive review was promised in return**
Now AUTUMN, that is a special book I'm going to hold close to my heart for a long time. It's no secret I love Cole McCade aka Xen Sander's voice and his words. The way he writes, how the words just flow over the page and everything comes together naturally but never simple or flat. It's a gift and such a pleasure to read for me. I *feel* his words, no matter what he says, and this time was no different. This book was angsty, but also so light and... hopeful. Just like fresh air. I don't have a better analogy. I went in, got absorbed and then just took a deep breath and SMILED.
Wally made it happen. And Joseph. But where Joseph made me ache and cry and then laugh, Wally just made me laugh and smile first, the sobbing came later. In the best way possible. I just could relate to both of them so much, but on completely different levels. Joseph's pain, his loss and inability to forget or move on dug deep and clawed at me, but where he got grumpy and couldn't stand Wally being close, I got so grateful for Wally's presence. He made me feel better, and I wasn't even the one feeling awful. His gentleness and unconditional support were EVERYTHING. He was often the one being open and vulnerable, but so strong and beautiful, it made me weak in the knees. He carried so much weight on his shoulders, so much loss and guilt and hurt. And yet. He appeared on the page and my happy skyrocketed. Even when his wasn't. And Joseph? Well, Joseph is an asshole. He is. But the most loveable one I have met in a long, long time.
I was scared at first, what would happen once the grumpy, hurting, bitter man suddenly had to deal with the realization that he might be bisexual. I was waiting for the denial, maybe even for him to not be in touch with his feelings at all. I don't even know why. But I was beyond grateful something like that didn't happen. I should have known really. There were struggles, stepping stones and hurdles for sure. How can there not be when two people who are so different, have so much history and secrets between them, are just now starting to actually see each other for who they really are. But I loved all of these hurdles and steps back and forth. None of them hurt me in bad places, only in all the right and good ones.
I'm going to stop now. There's no way I can actually explain all of my feelings and do the book justice. But I highly recommend it. To absolutely everyone. Just go read Joseph and Wally's story and... be happy. Smile.
**ARC provided by the author, no positive review was promised in return**
March 26, 2017
4.5 Stars
Reviewed for Just Love
I received an advance review copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.
As a fan of the Crow City series, curling up with Autumn was like basking in a precious spot of sun on a cold, blustery day. It featured the gorgeous prose and unadulterated emotion that has so far been a hallmark of the series (and its author, Cole McCade aka Xen Sanders) yet Autumn was drastically distinct from its predecessors in mood and tone. If the other books were sketched in bold strokes of gritty charcoal, then Autumn was a lush watercolor done in warm golden hues. It was light and airy and whimsical and altogether magical.
That’s not to say there wasn’t any angst. This is after all, a Crow City novel.
The book was originally meant to be a novella, and I had my reservations when I learned that it had expanded into a full-length novel – partly because the novellas in this series are worth their weight in gold but also because I like neat and pretty endings, even if they’re only HFNs. As I was reading, I could even imagine the spot that would’ve made a good stopping point if it had kept its original format. I admit I was nearly afraid to carry on reading, but I’m so glad I did. Wally and Joseph deserve all the joy and so much more, but nothing comes easy when you have a recent loss and 20-odd years of animosity to overcome. Without getting into the nitty gritty, let’s just say that I’m so happy the author followed his instincts and granted them a much-deserved HEA.
I confess I was a complete goner for Wally’s old-world charm and quiet grace right from the start – well, from The Saved, if I’m being honest. Thankfully the refined ringmaster turned shopkeeper was more debonair chic than circus flair, and if the author’s goal was to make me fall madly in love every time he described Wally, then job well done. I also loved the way he spoke and his old-timey exclamations, but not gonna lie, it was odd. Which is why I laughed out loud when Joseph called Wally out on it.
It took a bit longer for me to warm up to Joseph. Just going by memory, I did not expect him to be so in tune with his feelings and neither did I expect him to embrace his bisexuality so easily. And I certainly did not imagine his first words to Wally to be so introspective and vulnerable. And yes, I realize it’s odd that I had a hard time wrapping my head around a 47-year-old curmudgeon in touch with his feelings but had absolutely no problem with a former circus ringmaster with whimsical airs. Obviously, I did not give Joseph enough credit. I admired his determination to pick up the pieces of his life and I thought his day-to-day challenges with MS were well-portrayed. But most of all, I couldn’t help but love him a little bit more every time he teased Wally and lovingly called him “weirdo.”
Autumn is marketed as a standalone, and while it is an alluring gateway book, I personally feel it would be a shame to read it by itself. For the uninitiated looking to dip their toes, I would recommend reading this along with companion novella The Saved. If you’re already familiar with Crow City, well then Autumn is an absolute must-read. It felt like a deep, calming breath and a lovely reprieve before we’re plunged back into the dark but beautiful world that is Crow City.
Reviewed for Just Love
I received an advance review copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.
As a fan of the Crow City series, curling up with Autumn was like basking in a precious spot of sun on a cold, blustery day. It featured the gorgeous prose and unadulterated emotion that has so far been a hallmark of the series (and its author, Cole McCade aka Xen Sanders) yet Autumn was drastically distinct from its predecessors in mood and tone. If the other books were sketched in bold strokes of gritty charcoal, then Autumn was a lush watercolor done in warm golden hues. It was light and airy and whimsical and altogether magical.
That’s not to say there wasn’t any angst. This is after all, a Crow City novel.
The book was originally meant to be a novella, and I had my reservations when I learned that it had expanded into a full-length novel – partly because the novellas in this series are worth their weight in gold but also because I like neat and pretty endings, even if they’re only HFNs. As I was reading, I could even imagine the spot that would’ve made a good stopping point if it had kept its original format. I admit I was nearly afraid to carry on reading, but I’m so glad I did. Wally and Joseph deserve all the joy and so much more, but nothing comes easy when you have a recent loss and 20-odd years of animosity to overcome. Without getting into the nitty gritty, let’s just say that I’m so happy the author followed his instincts and granted them a much-deserved HEA.
I confess I was a complete goner for Wally’s old-world charm and quiet grace right from the start – well, from The Saved, if I’m being honest. Thankfully the refined ringmaster turned shopkeeper was more debonair chic than circus flair, and if the author’s goal was to make me fall madly in love every time he described Wally, then job well done. I also loved the way he spoke and his old-timey exclamations, but not gonna lie, it was odd. Which is why I laughed out loud when Joseph called Wally out on it.
“Oh,” he gasped, digging his fingers into Joseph’s hair. “Oh, dear.”
Joseph stilled. That tormenting mouth left Wally’s flesh, leaving his nipples tingling and peaking as cool air tickled at the dampness of his skin. Joseph pulled up on both arms, looking down at Wally flatly, the corners of his mouth twitching.
“Really? Really,” he panted roughly, half-growling. “I’m doing everything I can to curl your toes and all you can say is “oh dear.”
It took a bit longer for me to warm up to Joseph. Just going by memory, I did not expect him to be so in tune with his feelings and neither did I expect him to embrace his bisexuality so easily. And I certainly did not imagine his first words to Wally to be so introspective and vulnerable. And yes, I realize it’s odd that I had a hard time wrapping my head around a 47-year-old curmudgeon in touch with his feelings but had absolutely no problem with a former circus ringmaster with whimsical airs. Obviously, I did not give Joseph enough credit. I admired his determination to pick up the pieces of his life and I thought his day-to-day challenges with MS were well-portrayed. But most of all, I couldn’t help but love him a little bit more every time he teased Wally and lovingly called him “weirdo.”
“I suppose I should tell you now that I’m really a Russian spy, and the circus was but a cover to escape being killed by my rivals.”
Joseph groaned. “Wally?”
“Yes, darling dear?”
“Shut up, you weirdo.”
Autumn is marketed as a standalone, and while it is an alluring gateway book, I personally feel it would be a shame to read it by itself. For the uninitiated looking to dip their toes, I would recommend reading this along with companion novella The Saved. If you’re already familiar with Crow City, well then Autumn is an absolute must-read. It felt like a deep, calming breath and a lovely reprieve before we’re plunged back into the dark but beautiful world that is Crow City.
March 20, 2017
As authors set out to write series about interconnected people, I don't know that they anticipate secondary characters that take on a life of their own...begging for their story to be told. It does happen but I can think of only a handful in all the books I have read that have a character I hold dear to my heart. Walford Gallifrey is undoubtedly in the top 5 of secondary characters of all time. Throughout this series we see his whimsy, his humor, his loving heart, and his ability to keep secrets. Finally, he gets to shine in his own story.
This book will mean so much more to you if you have read the rest of the Crow City series. But if by chance you don’t, no worries. This story is absolute beauty. It’s about second chances. It’s forgiveness. It is full of the angst and flutters of new love but shows the confidence that comes with age. The words on the page paint the beautiful picture of two men who have been at odds, suddenly becoming more aware. Together, they become full of life again and open to new possibility.
The words drive the emotion of the story. If you haven’t read this author, you are in for a treat with this one. The beauty in the words will bring you to tears. Thank you Cole, for bringing us a hero with a disability. Thank you for the message of the need to LIVE with what was happening to Joseph’s body and not simply exit. And mostly, thank you for that wonderful, weird, tea drinking wanderer Wally. The man with stars in his eyes, perfect diction and the need to give and receive love so openly. Perfect HEA for a well deserving man.
*Complimentary copy provided for an honest review.
This book will mean so much more to you if you have read the rest of the Crow City series. But if by chance you don’t, no worries. This story is absolute beauty. It’s about second chances. It’s forgiveness. It is full of the angst and flutters of new love but shows the confidence that comes with age. The words on the page paint the beautiful picture of two men who have been at odds, suddenly becoming more aware. Together, they become full of life again and open to new possibility.
The words drive the emotion of the story. If you haven’t read this author, you are in for a treat with this one. The beauty in the words will bring you to tears. Thank you Cole, for bringing us a hero with a disability. Thank you for the message of the need to LIVE with what was happening to Joseph’s body and not simply exit. And mostly, thank you for that wonderful, weird, tea drinking wanderer Wally. The man with stars in his eyes, perfect diction and the need to give and receive love so openly. Perfect HEA for a well deserving man.
*Complimentary copy provided for an honest review.
March 17, 2017
Crow City, full of darkness and sunshine. Full of weirdos with china cups for drinking tea. My heart is so invested in this place that I know how it smells, I know how it sounds. I could touch and feel the bright puffball dresses in Wally's shop. I can taste blueberry muffins - not the turkey sandwiches though #vegetarian. Only a great writer can deliver those senses, and Cole is a great, great writer.
The character of Wally had me in the palm of his hand from the moment I found him in The Lost. His kindness, softness, quirkiness, nurturing soul spoke to me. Bright beautiful magical Wally. So colourful and yet he had this mournful sadness of a life snuffed out. Like a candle where the melting wax drowns the wick and the flame dies. The caterpillar that never becomes the butterfly.
Gentle Joseph (never Joe) (my eldest boy is Joseph, never Joe to me but Joe to everyone else) my heart hurt for him. Disabled and reliant and so in love with his Willow. Take my child away from me and I would be broken. And so Wally and Joseph, Autumn is their story. A man who thinks everyone will leave him. A man who can't forgive, forget, or move on.
The Crow City books make me feel every emotion from the kiss atop my head to the bottom of my toes. Perfectly written. I'll dream of circuses and autumn leaves and curled moustaches.
The character of Wally had me in the palm of his hand from the moment I found him in The Lost. His kindness, softness, quirkiness, nurturing soul spoke to me. Bright beautiful magical Wally. So colourful and yet he had this mournful sadness of a life snuffed out. Like a candle where the melting wax drowns the wick and the flame dies. The caterpillar that never becomes the butterfly.
Gentle Joseph (never Joe) (my eldest boy is Joseph, never Joe to me but Joe to everyone else) my heart hurt for him. Disabled and reliant and so in love with his Willow. Take my child away from me and I would be broken. And so Wally and Joseph, Autumn is their story. A man who thinks everyone will leave him. A man who can't forgive, forget, or move on.
The Crow City books make me feel every emotion from the kiss atop my head to the bottom of my toes. Perfectly written. I'll dream of circuses and autumn leaves and curled moustaches.
March 19, 2017
Wow! I did not see this coming. Autumn is part of the Crow City series. I have had the pleasure of reading the whole series and have loved it. It's unique, dark, and has its twists and turns. I don't think you have to read the previous books BUT I highly recommend it so you have an understanding of what is going on. I actually didn't even read the synopsis before signing up to read this book, I already knew that I wanted it. Like I said I didn't see this coming...
Waldorf aka Wally and Joseph have a past. A few good memories but those are far and few between. They have known each other for over twenty years. Joseph was married to Wally's sister and they had Willow. Joseph loved Miriam with everything but she left before Willow even entered preschool. With Joseph as the only parent and living with MS, Wally was there for them. Joseph didn't see it that way. He saw it as Wally trying to take his Willow away from him. It got heated and for years they didn't speak to each other. That all changed when Willow flew the nest.
It's been a few weeks since Willow left and Joseph didn't exactly enjoy Wally hanging around. He didn't get why he was there. He didn't want to be seen as a fragile man that couldn't take care of himself. And to have this man in his house was unnerving especially when he noticed things. Like his touch. Like the way he spoke. Like his lips. He didn't understand why he had these thoughts but he did. He hated it. He hated that he couldn't fully hate this man. The one that came into the room and left him food that wasn't just bread with some meat in between. What made it even more confusing is that he has never been attracted to a man.
Wally has had his own struggles to face. A past most don't know about. A flighty sister. A niece that he might not see again. And loving someone that he doesn't have a chance with. But he is still a delight. He is colorful. He is hopeful but in the last few weeks he has been in a gray area. He has always known that Joseph has had bad days and good days but seeing it up close is different. He wants to help but to Joseph it's more like he is a charity case. Can he find a common ground with this man? The man that he has never really seen until now. And will Joseph finally see him?
I loved this story! Cole did a brilliant job of giving us their story. It was beautiful. Heartbreaking. Magical. And most of all...unexpected. The characters are different in many ways but they have common issues when they get down to it.
Overall...it's a whimsical addition to the series. I can just picture them sitting and having tea while Wally talks in his refined way.
Quotes:
“Joseph, I…” Wally spread his hands. “What do you want me to do? I can’t leave you here like this. I can’t. But I don’t know if you want me to go, or want me to stay.”
“Am I really such a child?”
“You’re such a Wally. You might not be a child, but you’re filled with childlike wonder.”
“You are so daft.”
“So are you. Only I’m going to call you a dumbass, because I don’t do cultured words like ‘daft.’”
Waldorf aka Wally and Joseph have a past. A few good memories but those are far and few between. They have known each other for over twenty years. Joseph was married to Wally's sister and they had Willow. Joseph loved Miriam with everything but she left before Willow even entered preschool. With Joseph as the only parent and living with MS, Wally was there for them. Joseph didn't see it that way. He saw it as Wally trying to take his Willow away from him. It got heated and for years they didn't speak to each other. That all changed when Willow flew the nest.
It's been a few weeks since Willow left and Joseph didn't exactly enjoy Wally hanging around. He didn't get why he was there. He didn't want to be seen as a fragile man that couldn't take care of himself. And to have this man in his house was unnerving especially when he noticed things. Like his touch. Like the way he spoke. Like his lips. He didn't understand why he had these thoughts but he did. He hated it. He hated that he couldn't fully hate this man. The one that came into the room and left him food that wasn't just bread with some meat in between. What made it even more confusing is that he has never been attracted to a man.
Wally has had his own struggles to face. A past most don't know about. A flighty sister. A niece that he might not see again. And loving someone that he doesn't have a chance with. But he is still a delight. He is colorful. He is hopeful but in the last few weeks he has been in a gray area. He has always known that Joseph has had bad days and good days but seeing it up close is different. He wants to help but to Joseph it's more like he is a charity case. Can he find a common ground with this man? The man that he has never really seen until now. And will Joseph finally see him?
I loved this story! Cole did a brilliant job of giving us their story. It was beautiful. Heartbreaking. Magical. And most of all...unexpected. The characters are different in many ways but they have common issues when they get down to it.
Overall...it's a whimsical addition to the series. I can just picture them sitting and having tea while Wally talks in his refined way.
Quotes:
“Joseph, I…” Wally spread his hands. “What do you want me to do? I can’t leave you here like this. I can’t. But I don’t know if you want me to go, or want me to stay.”
“Am I really such a child?”
“You’re such a Wally. You might not be a child, but you’re filled with childlike wonder.”
“You are so daft.”
“So are you. Only I’m going to call you a dumbass, because I don’t do cultured words like ‘daft.’”
Read
May 13, 2018I'm not going to give this book a star rating for a few reasons.
1.) The writing is not a style I enjoy - it's filled with metaphors and purple prose and at times I just wanted to hear the dialogue (instead of inner monologue) or something more concrete to move the story forward. But that's just me and doesn't reflect the on the quality of writing or actual story which I'll get to in a second. (If you love Charlotte Stein then McCade's writing is similar).
2.) I haven't read the other books in the series and at times felt a little lost. Not with the romance plot but with some of the other supporting characters. But again - that's not the authors fault.
But....
What I loved though, and could not tear my eyes away from, was the authors gut wrenching, no holds barred style romance. McCade digs DEEP into the emotions of his characters and they have to work for their HEA.
Both men are so afraid of being left and the reasons are so easily overcome yet not because of how their pasts are intertwined.
I also loved his portrayal of dealing with a disabilities in romance. It wasn't glossed over. There were times when it was not in the cards because of the pain Joseph was in from his MS. Wally juggling both the care taking and lover roles was handled beautifully.
Like I said - it wasn't easy. These two FOUGHT but I liked how they worked towards something together.
And I loved that this was two older men in their mid-40's!
So even though this wasn't 100% my cup of tea because of the writing style - if it's yours - I highly recommend this one.
1.) The writing is not a style I enjoy - it's filled with metaphors and purple prose and at times I just wanted to hear the dialogue (instead of inner monologue) or something more concrete to move the story forward. But that's just me and doesn't reflect the on the quality of writing or actual story which I'll get to in a second. (If you love Charlotte Stein then McCade's writing is similar).
2.) I haven't read the other books in the series and at times felt a little lost. Not with the romance plot but with some of the other supporting characters. But again - that's not the authors fault.
But....
What I loved though, and could not tear my eyes away from, was the authors gut wrenching, no holds barred style romance. McCade digs DEEP into the emotions of his characters and they have to work for their HEA.
Both men are so afraid of being left and the reasons are so easily overcome yet not because of how their pasts are intertwined.
I also loved his portrayal of dealing with a disabilities in romance. It wasn't glossed over. There were times when it was not in the cards because of the pain Joseph was in from his MS. Wally juggling both the care taking and lover roles was handled beautifully.
Like I said - it wasn't easy. These two FOUGHT but I liked how they worked towards something together.
And I loved that this was two older men in their mid-40's!
So even though this wasn't 100% my cup of tea because of the writing style - if it's yours - I highly recommend this one.
March 28, 2017
4.5 stars
This was so good, beautiful and heart-warming! Not as dark as the previous in the series, almost fluffy :)
Full review now posted on Ellie Reads All the Books
This is the fifth book in the series, after two novels and two novellas and the first queer one. And unlike all the previous, it's so much lighter, happier and heart-warming and how it can any other way when one the heroes is Walford Gallifrey. He brought warmth and tenderness even in the darkest moments in the previous books, so I couldn't his own story any other way.
We get the story of two older characters, Wally - a circus ringmaster, whimsical and caring and lonely, having had a crush on Joseph since they met over 20 years ago. The other - Joseph, suffering from MS, angry, abandoned and alone. They have a history with its ups and downs, and some serious hurt of unpack and overcome. There are expectations of each other to change. And revelations, so many revelations to absorb.
Joseph has a lot to deal with, including realising he is bi but that is not what this story is about. I liked how the author didn't make this focus of the romance. It's just one aspect of his personality, yes, a bit unexpected both for him and for Wally, yet he accepts it in stride. It's just what it is and no one in the story (their friends and family) made a big deal about it.
I really liked how the focus in their relationship was on intimacy, companionship, being together - sexually and in all other ways, in their everyday lives. It's not all smooth sailing. They keep hurting each other inadvertently, but never give up on trying. We see them learning their way around each other, how to express their love for each other, how to be there for the other in sickness and in health, in good time and bad times.
I'm avoiding any spoilers, so let me just say we see more of Willson and Vin and Gabriel and Leigh and it's perfect!
The writing is what I have come to expect from Cole McCade - lyrical, emotional, evocative. He builds these rich, powerful images that stay with the reader long after they have finished the book.
Autumn could be read as a standalone though I definitely recommend reading the previous books in the series before it, or at least the novella, The Saved. They will give you a deeper insight into the world of Crow City and its inhabitants, including Wally and Joseph.
This was so good, beautiful and heart-warming! Not as dark as the previous in the series, almost fluffy :)
Full review now posted on Ellie Reads All the Books
This is the fifth book in the series, after two novels and two novellas and the first queer one. And unlike all the previous, it's so much lighter, happier and heart-warming and how it can any other way when one the heroes is Walford Gallifrey. He brought warmth and tenderness even in the darkest moments in the previous books, so I couldn't his own story any other way.
We get the story of two older characters, Wally - a circus ringmaster, whimsical and caring and lonely, having had a crush on Joseph since they met over 20 years ago. The other - Joseph, suffering from MS, angry, abandoned and alone. They have a history with its ups and downs, and some serious hurt of unpack and overcome. There are expectations of each other to change. And revelations, so many revelations to absorb.
Joseph has a lot to deal with, including realising he is bi but that is not what this story is about. I liked how the author didn't make this focus of the romance. It's just one aspect of his personality, yes, a bit unexpected both for him and for Wally, yet he accepts it in stride. It's just what it is and no one in the story (their friends and family) made a big deal about it.
I really liked how the focus in their relationship was on intimacy, companionship, being together - sexually and in all other ways, in their everyday lives. It's not all smooth sailing. They keep hurting each other inadvertently, but never give up on trying. We see them learning their way around each other, how to express their love for each other, how to be there for the other in sickness and in health, in good time and bad times.
I'm avoiding any spoilers, so let me just say we see more of Willson and Vin and Gabriel and Leigh and it's perfect!
The writing is what I have come to expect from Cole McCade - lyrical, emotional, evocative. He builds these rich, powerful images that stay with the reader long after they have finished the book.
Autumn could be read as a standalone though I definitely recommend reading the previous books in the series before it, or at least the novella, The Saved. They will give you a deeper insight into the world of Crow City and its inhabitants, including Wally and Joseph.
January 21, 2018
This book took me a little while to get into, largely because it was so different than what I think I was expecting.
In my head, this was going to be a gay romance, and it certainly was, but Cole McCade manages to put grittiness into his romance like nobody else I've ever read. And, you know what? After I got used to that fact, I loved this book absolutely.
Joseph is a man whose daughter, Willow, has been kidnapped. He finds himself listening to the last voicemail message she left him over and over again, even though it doesn't tell him new, tells him nothing else in fact other than that she is safe and not to look for her. It's... quite a strange voicemail to be left. He's not sure of anything. On top of that, he suffers from MS and has a lot of trouble given that his daughter was, in large part, his only link to the rest of the world.
Wally is Willow's uncle. To distract himself from Willow's disappearance, he takes to spending a lot of time looking after Joseph--a man who has hated him for a lot of the time they have known each other.
Unbeknownst to Joseph, though, Wally is completely in love with him.
This story is pretty much the pinnacle of what can be written within the enemies to lovers sub-genre of romance writing.
In my head, this was going to be a gay romance, and it certainly was, but Cole McCade manages to put grittiness into his romance like nobody else I've ever read. And, you know what? After I got used to that fact, I loved this book absolutely.
Joseph is a man whose daughter, Willow, has been kidnapped. He finds himself listening to the last voicemail message she left him over and over again, even though it doesn't tell him new, tells him nothing else in fact other than that she is safe and not to look for her. It's... quite a strange voicemail to be left. He's not sure of anything. On top of that, he suffers from MS and has a lot of trouble given that his daughter was, in large part, his only link to the rest of the world.
Wally is Willow's uncle. To distract himself from Willow's disappearance, he takes to spending a lot of time looking after Joseph--a man who has hated him for a lot of the time they have known each other.
Unbeknownst to Joseph, though, Wally is completely in love with him.
This story is pretty much the pinnacle of what can be written within the enemies to lovers sub-genre of romance writing.
June 22, 2023
Good, my only regret was about the epilogue. I wish we had more about Joseph and Wally, and not about character I don't know because I have no intention to read them because of what they talk about.
August 16, 2017
Cole has done it again!! He has transported us back to Crow City in another story that will grab your heart and take you to a place you least unexpected to go. He takes us on the journey with characters that you've met before if you've read any of the other Crow City books. The lovable, yet weirdly odd Walford, or Wally, "I must command attention, project gravitas, entice excitement, and build an aura of wonder, mystery and anticipation. Without those capabilities in a ringmaster, a circus is nothing but a sideshow" from The Lost and the tough but hurting Joseph, who is Willow's father we originally meet in The Found. "Wally was here, and Joseph didn't understand why or how but everything he needed was in this moment, when he felt so broken but hadn't had to wake up with that feeling alone." I'm so glad that they were given their own story because it was one worth telling.
Once again, Cole takes you along on this journey as two unlikely men, both with their secrets and their longings find their way toward each other. Cole's word's are beautiful pictures as they flow across the page and capture every moment in your mind. From the beauty of the autumn leaves and the twinkling starts that Joseph creates to the creases in Wally's pants that are pressed just so. It's the story that takes you on a journey of bitter hate to unbridled passion as these two men discover what they never realized they were missing, and leaves you feeling breathless in its wake.
"Sometimes it's hard to see what's wrong until you're looking at something that might be right," Joseph said. "When wrong is all you know..."
And it's all wrapped up in an amazing epilogue!! If you've loved any of the Crow City books, you'll love this one and if you've never read one before, why not start here and be drawn into the wonderful gift of writing that Cole McCade has!!!
Once again, Cole takes you along on this journey as two unlikely men, both with their secrets and their longings find their way toward each other. Cole's word's are beautiful pictures as they flow across the page and capture every moment in your mind. From the beauty of the autumn leaves and the twinkling starts that Joseph creates to the creases in Wally's pants that are pressed just so. It's the story that takes you on a journey of bitter hate to unbridled passion as these two men discover what they never realized they were missing, and leaves you feeling breathless in its wake.
"Sometimes it's hard to see what's wrong until you're looking at something that might be right," Joseph said. "When wrong is all you know..."
And it's all wrapped up in an amazing epilogue!! If you've loved any of the Crow City books, you'll love this one and if you've never read one before, why not start here and be drawn into the wonderful gift of writing that Cole McCade has!!!
March 13, 2018
I received this book free and I have never read a book by this author before.
I cannot say I ‘enjoyed’ reading it as I cried almost the whole way though.
Some gay sex and lots of swearing.
This book took me on a roller coaster of emotions.
A roller coaster I feel better for ridding.
Joseph living with MS and having sudden and crippling attacks is hoping his kidnaped daughter, Willow, will walk through the door at any moment.
His ex wife, who has blown in and out of his life for the past twenty years, is living a whole new life. Wally, Joseph’s brother in law, has been in the back ground secretly loving Joseph for as long as he has known him and helping in any way he can. Joseph hates the fact that he gets help off Wally.
An understanding begins to develop between Joseph and Wally.
I will certainly be reading more from Mr McCade but I will make sure I have a box of tissues handy.
A throughly emotional but gripping story.
I cannot say I ‘enjoyed’ reading it as I cried almost the whole way though.
Some gay sex and lots of swearing.
This book took me on a roller coaster of emotions.
A roller coaster I feel better for ridding.
Joseph living with MS and having sudden and crippling attacks is hoping his kidnaped daughter, Willow, will walk through the door at any moment.
His ex wife, who has blown in and out of his life for the past twenty years, is living a whole new life. Wally, Joseph’s brother in law, has been in the back ground secretly loving Joseph for as long as he has known him and helping in any way he can. Joseph hates the fact that he gets help off Wally.
An understanding begins to develop between Joseph and Wally.
I will certainly be reading more from Mr McCade but I will make sure I have a box of tissues handy.
A throughly emotional but gripping story.
August 22, 2024
It's a not a bad book. It's not McCade's best book though.
The whole thing looks a bit unbalanced to me with a first half rather dark and centered on a guy suffering from MS and a second half dedicated to romance. There's also an epilogue concerning only side characters in this book (or maybe main characters of the rest of the series?).
It took me two months to read this because I was not in a reading mood and because as soon as I reached the romance part I couldn't read more than a couple of pages. The purple prose was just too much for me. It worked much better in Criminal Intentions where it was mixed with the dark story. Here it's just pages after pages.
I'm not a big fan of reading about sickness and diseases, so there's probably a me-factor in here too.
I still highlighted a lot of sentences in this book because of the writing quality.
The whole thing looks a bit unbalanced to me with a first half rather dark and centered on a guy suffering from MS and a second half dedicated to romance. There's also an epilogue concerning only side characters in this book (or maybe main characters of the rest of the series?).
It took me two months to read this because I was not in a reading mood and because as soon as I reached the romance part I couldn't read more than a couple of pages. The purple prose was just too much for me. It worked much better in Criminal Intentions where it was mixed with the dark story. Here it's just pages after pages.
I'm not a big fan of reading about sickness and diseases, so there's probably a me-factor in here too.
I still highlighted a lot of sentences in this book because of the writing quality.
June 29, 2021
This is how to write romance - emotion, love, friendship, good sense of place. If any book could conjure characters into real, live existence, purely through the power of the words on the page, then this would be it.
Read
February 4, 2024Older MCs: Wally 47 and Joseph 46
October 11, 2025
This book is misery. Two miserable, lonely people worth so much pain that the book's "happy" points just bleed misery everywhere. I gave up halfway through.
March 27, 2017
The Crow City series holds a special place in my heart, but while the first two books left me scraped raw (albeit in a cathartic way), the story of Wally and Joseph was a welcome balm for my soul. I already knew Wally to be a unique and unforgettable character, however I did not anticipate the gift he will bestow upon me by showing me how selfless, generous, non-judgemental, patient, profound, honest and not least of all passionate (sans artifice) LOVE can look like.
Cole McCade portrays beautifully how it is to still discover and explore parts of yourself when you are in your 40s and how relationships can look like when the other person counts more than your own pride. Also, special mention for the way in which the author writes Joseph as a character with a chronic illness- while the symptoms and their effect on daily life are vividly described, the character is never reduced to his illness.
If you are looking for a pick me up book that will give you all the warm feelings, Autumn is the ultimate comfort book.
I received this arc from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Cole McCade portrays beautifully how it is to still discover and explore parts of yourself when you are in your 40s and how relationships can look like when the other person counts more than your own pride. Also, special mention for the way in which the author writes Joseph as a character with a chronic illness- while the symptoms and their effect on daily life are vividly described, the character is never reduced to his illness.
If you are looking for a pick me up book that will give you all the warm feelings, Autumn is the ultimate comfort book.
I received this arc from the author in exchange for an honest review.
March 28, 2017
I swear this author can do no wrong..I read thia series right from the start and I was and am so fond of Wally..he is such a great character, quirky and with such a beautiful soul..so I was thrilled to get his story..and He didn't disappoint, if possible I fell even more for his charisma...
Joseph..I am sorry to say I never would have thought of giving him this big starring role..certainly not for his disability, maybe I just overlooked him, behind a Willow that had center stage..but i would certainly not make the mistake twice..I saw all of him in technicolour and.
These two together broke me and melt my heart at the same time..the past and the present at odds, but they find a way, they learned along the way and they fought for a better tomorrow, together they are ready to face the future.
I felt this story in my bones..God, did I ever..and as always, the author's words are tru beauty.
Joseph..I am sorry to say I never would have thought of giving him this big starring role..certainly not for his disability, maybe I just overlooked him, behind a Willow that had center stage..but i would certainly not make the mistake twice..I saw all of him in technicolour and.
These two together broke me and melt my heart at the same time..the past and the present at odds, but they find a way, they learned along the way and they fought for a better tomorrow, together they are ready to face the future.
I felt this story in my bones..God, did I ever..and as always, the author's words are tru beauty.
March 28, 2017
***ARC Provided by the Author for an Honest Review***
I wasn’t quite sure of what I was getting when I started Autumn by Cole McCade. It’s a male/male book from his amazing Crow City series, and a story I was really impressed with. If male/male books are not your thing then I would recommend you avoid this one.
Firstly, I like to highlight how beautifully each of Cole’s characters were brought to life. Each one was well defined and through his words, I felt everything. Needless to say, my emotions went on one hell of a ride. The story line though, this is what had me enchanted. For Wally and Joseph - two men with not so happy history, the road to a happily ever after was paved with more bumps than a rocky mountain. These two men are connected through Joseph’s marriage to Wally’s sister and subsequent niece, but fate intervenes throwing more than just one hurdle in along the way. What I really loved was how different Wally’s character was. There was something about his personality that I found refreshing.
Many years prior Wally’s sister leaves her husband and daughter, exiting from their lives. Assumptions can lead to devastating effects and it’s not until Joseph’s daughter Willow leaves, that Wally makes a reappearance in his life. There is an undercurrent of emotions ready to boil over between these two, but first they need to strip back the layers, to break through previously constructed walls.
I loved everything about this story and know that everyone else will too.
I wasn’t quite sure of what I was getting when I started Autumn by Cole McCade. It’s a male/male book from his amazing Crow City series, and a story I was really impressed with. If male/male books are not your thing then I would recommend you avoid this one.
Firstly, I like to highlight how beautifully each of Cole’s characters were brought to life. Each one was well defined and through his words, I felt everything. Needless to say, my emotions went on one hell of a ride. The story line though, this is what had me enchanted. For Wally and Joseph - two men with not so happy history, the road to a happily ever after was paved with more bumps than a rocky mountain. These two men are connected through Joseph’s marriage to Wally’s sister and subsequent niece, but fate intervenes throwing more than just one hurdle in along the way. What I really loved was how different Wally’s character was. There was something about his personality that I found refreshing.
Many years prior Wally’s sister leaves her husband and daughter, exiting from their lives. Assumptions can lead to devastating effects and it’s not until Joseph’s daughter Willow leaves, that Wally makes a reappearance in his life. There is an undercurrent of emotions ready to boil over between these two, but first they need to strip back the layers, to break through previously constructed walls.
I loved everything about this story and know that everyone else will too.
April 20, 2017
I honed my cussing skills damming Joseph for his debilitating pride. But eventually he came around. I loved watching these older men come to terms with what life has handed them, and what it still has to offer despite loss and grief and regret. When they are sweet, omg. Wonderful end. Great epilogue. Read the series!
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