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Provincetown #1
Favorite Son
Length: 6 hrs and 36 mins
Born into a blue-collar family, John Wells beat the odds and came out a winner. As chief of staff to Patrick Donovan, a US senator and aspiring presidential candidate, he enjoys all the power and privilege of a DC insider. But while riding high on a wave of success, he’s blindsided by a series of betrayals from the people he trusts the most. In the space of a single day, John's perfect life unexpectedly unravels when his career falters and his marriage implodes. Following a final, devastating blow, John assumes a new identity as “Peter” and flees to Provincetown, where a tight-knit community of eclectic characters slowly transforms him.
Peter finds himself drawn to Danny Cavanaugh, an enigmatic carpenter who is struggling to come to terms with his own troubled past. As they work together to renovate a local landmark, the two men forge an unlikely friendship that blossoms into love and becomes the foundation for a new life they hope to build together. But when a reversal of fortune pulls John back to DC, the treacherous world of politics he thought he’d left behind threatens to destroy his chance at true happiness.
Born into a blue-collar family, John Wells beat the odds and came out a winner. As chief of staff to Patrick Donovan, a US senator and aspiring presidential candidate, he enjoys all the power and privilege of a DC insider. But while riding high on a wave of success, he’s blindsided by a series of betrayals from the people he trusts the most. In the space of a single day, John's perfect life unexpectedly unravels when his career falters and his marriage implodes. Following a final, devastating blow, John assumes a new identity as “Peter” and flees to Provincetown, where a tight-knit community of eclectic characters slowly transforms him.
Peter finds himself drawn to Danny Cavanaugh, an enigmatic carpenter who is struggling to come to terms with his own troubled past. As they work together to renovate a local landmark, the two men forge an unlikely friendship that blossoms into love and becomes the foundation for a new life they hope to build together. But when a reversal of fortune pulls John back to DC, the treacherous world of politics he thought he’d left behind threatens to destroy his chance at true happiness.
Audible Audio
First published June 22, 2014
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About the author
Will Freshwater
4 books97 followersWill Freshwater was born and raised in a small steel town outside Pittsburgh. He graduated, cum laude, from Boston College and was awarded a Juris Doctorate from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law. Will has lived and worked in Boston, Philadelphia, Washington, DC, and Tampa. Although he enjoyed a successful career as a corporate attorney, Will can happily confirm that his true vocation is writing. He currently resides in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, with his husband, Stephen, and Daisy, their golden retriever.
Contact Will: www.willfreshwater.com
Contact Will: www.willfreshwater.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews
July 12, 2014
Well, it’s been several days and I am still processing this one.
To be completely honest, I think I will be processing this for weeks to come. Two pages and I was absolutely riveted. Can I give you a sneak peek? Oh good!
A tragedy strikes John within days of his early arrival into the Wells family. His brother, precious twin, was stolen by death within days of their birth. The void was carefully preserved over the years, an echoing cavern in his soul.
Decades later, a catastrophe reaching 9.9 on the Richter scale demolishes John’s life. In one fell swoop everything he’s dreamed he has ever wanted is taken from him. The life he’s built required sacrifices with steep price tags, yet he paid them and forged ahead never looking back. He had his eye on the prize and nothing else mattered. Yet when the ground began to rumble beneath him, he questioned the authenticity of the dreams he had always cherished. The duties of a politician require many faces and before long John can’t recall which one truly belongs to him.
How did he become this man he doesn't know? What do you do when your life turns down the wrong set of tracks? Or worse, what happens when you no longer like the face in the mirror?
Run away. Run fast and run far and savor new beginnings. That is exactly what John Patrick Wells does. It’s a shame that your past always follows your future, and when John’s painful past catches up to him his fragile new world is in danger.
This is NOT a romance….
it’s a painstaking beautiful story about love, acceptance and forgiveness.
This is NOT a simple self-discovery journey…
it’s an intimate reinvention of a desired path.
This is NOT a frivolous contemporary…
it is a carefully crafted stunning success I won’t soon forget.
Though it was slow at times, it was steady. I thoroughly enjoyed the cast; they were fun and vibrant characters. I was a tad confused initially, but I was always engaged. Gorgeous writing deeply layered with emotions. I feel like I was the lucky winner of premiere tickets and I couldn't wait to share this goodie with friends. Perfect buddy read material. I was left feeling chatty and craving a reread.
Two words: Will Freshwater.
Keep your eyes out for more, I certainly plan on it.
*4.5 fave-o-mine stars*
To be completely honest, I think I will be processing this for weeks to come. Two pages and I was absolutely riveted. Can I give you a sneak peek? Oh good!
A tragedy strikes John within days of his early arrival into the Wells family. His brother, precious twin, was stolen by death within days of their birth. The void was carefully preserved over the years, an echoing cavern in his soul.
Decades later, a catastrophe reaching 9.9 on the Richter scale demolishes John’s life. In one fell swoop everything he’s dreamed he has ever wanted is taken from him. The life he’s built required sacrifices with steep price tags, yet he paid them and forged ahead never looking back. He had his eye on the prize and nothing else mattered. Yet when the ground began to rumble beneath him, he questioned the authenticity of the dreams he had always cherished. The duties of a politician require many faces and before long John can’t recall which one truly belongs to him.
How did he become this man he doesn't know? What do you do when your life turns down the wrong set of tracks? Or worse, what happens when you no longer like the face in the mirror?
Run away. Run fast and run far and savor new beginnings. That is exactly what John Patrick Wells does. It’s a shame that your past always follows your future, and when John’s painful past catches up to him his fragile new world is in danger.
This is NOT a romance….
it’s a painstaking beautiful story about love, acceptance and forgiveness.
This is NOT a simple self-discovery journey…
it’s an intimate reinvention of a desired path.
This is NOT a frivolous contemporary…
it is a carefully crafted stunning success I won’t soon forget.
Though it was slow at times, it was steady. I thoroughly enjoyed the cast; they were fun and vibrant characters. I was a tad confused initially, but I was always engaged. Gorgeous writing deeply layered with emotions. I feel like I was the lucky winner of premiere tickets and I couldn't wait to share this goodie with friends. Perfect buddy read material. I was left feeling chatty and craving a reread.
Two words: Will Freshwater.
Keep your eyes out for more, I certainly plan on it.
*4.5 fave-o-mine stars*
August 9, 2014
Beautifully understated. Which some will find boring. Freshly unsullied, which some will find too f'ing vanilla. All of the sexual proclivities are off-page, which some will undoubtedly be cranky over.
But the story is emotionally provocative..sensitive. The writing..very fluid and well-composed.
Lack of sex in a good story doesn't necessarily overturn my apple cart. However, in this story there's a very passionate energy that comes through very loud and clear and I almost think this story would have been perhaps better-served with some of its (sex) inclusion versus its omission (IMO).
Still lovely writing and nicely-told story.
But the story is emotionally provocative..sensitive. The writing..very fluid and well-composed.
Lack of sex in a good story doesn't necessarily overturn my apple cart. However, in this story there's a very passionate energy that comes through very loud and clear and I almost think this story would have been perhaps better-served with some of its (sex) inclusion versus its omission (IMO).
Still lovely writing and nicely-told story.
November 13, 2014
A little birdie told me that I should pick up a copy of Favorite Son, by Will Freshwater. I’m very thankful for that little birdie. Without it, I would never have given this stellar novel a try. Not to be un-American, because I do love my country, but something about the whole red, white, and blue, governmental feel of the cover (although a beautiful cover) would have scared me away. I get enough politics in real-life, I don’t want to read about it in a book. And, man, would I have missed out. There was just enough politics in the book to keep me interested and it was believable enough to prove either the author has lived some of that life personally, or did really great research. But, the story isn’t about politics. And though the book is a romance, and does revolve around relationship issues, it isn’t really about a romance, or at least, the romance isn’t the main point. And though we learn that the main character is attractive, he isn’t a typical romance lead character. Thank God! He has depth, he has hurts and successes, he has flaws! I love a novel with a genuine human as the protagonist. So much more appealing and believable. The story is genuine, interesting, engaging, and soothing, all at the same time. Freshwater does what so few writers are able to do. Some have a great story and need a lesson in how to write. Some write beautifully but struggle with knowing how to craft a story. In Favorite Son, Will Freshwater does both. Not only did his storytelling keep me captive, but there were many times that I actually said, “Wow,” out-loud in both wonder and some jealousy at the writing skills. There is some truly beautiful crated wordplay and intriguing stylistic risks and choices in this novel. I won’t give you the story line or a play-by-play. Just hit your one-click purchase button and dive into a story that will get you out of whatever reading slump you might find yourself in. Truly an excellent work of fiction!
November 17, 2014
Rating: 2.5 stars, rounded to 3
Overall, Favorite Son is a story about one man's downfall. It begins with John's position on top of the world: the success he's able to dwell on as he moves up in the political world. But slowly, the story reveals events that will cause John to crash and burn in the ruin of tragedies that don't seem to relent.
This takes about 30% of the book to occur.
And then Provincetown happens, and John is now Peter, and Peter is slowly reconstructing himself from the remains of his old life.
Favorite Son is not a typical M/M romance story. It's more of a coming of age story that does involve a romantic relationship. While the plot and writing were enjoyable, my biggest complaint was my inability to sink into John/Peter's mindset. The narrative consistently pushed me out of character, and I just couldn't BE John/Peter. As such, much of the emotional punch missed its mark, and the things he felt or said were unpredictable to me. In a way, everything he did felt out of character since I could NOT get a grasp on him. Furthermore, the slow beginning and pacing throughout the book kept me more on the bored side than intrigue.
In the end, Favorite Son was an "okay" read for me. I began skimming towards the end, and read only the dialogue to get the gist of what was going on.
Overall, Favorite Son is a story about one man's downfall. It begins with John's position on top of the world: the success he's able to dwell on as he moves up in the political world. But slowly, the story reveals events that will cause John to crash and burn in the ruin of tragedies that don't seem to relent.
This takes about 30% of the book to occur.
And then Provincetown happens, and John is now Peter, and Peter is slowly reconstructing himself from the remains of his old life.
Favorite Son is not a typical M/M romance story. It's more of a coming of age story that does involve a romantic relationship. While the plot and writing were enjoyable, my biggest complaint was my inability to sink into John/Peter's mindset. The narrative consistently pushed me out of character, and I just couldn't BE John/Peter. As such, much of the emotional punch missed its mark, and the things he felt or said were unpredictable to me. In a way, everything he did felt out of character since I could NOT get a grasp on him. Furthermore, the slow beginning and pacing throughout the book kept me more on the bored side than intrigue.
In the end, Favorite Son was an "okay" read for me. I began skimming towards the end, and read only the dialogue to get the gist of what was going on.
February 23, 2016
First, this is tagged in some places as m/m romance. It is not. It's a contemporary fiction novel. Second, my review is entirely subjective based on my emotional response to the story. Obviously, other reader reactions will, and have, vary.
John Peter Wells is the out and proud chief of staff for Senator Patrick Donovan. John enjoys his career success, but his relationship with his boyfriend, David, is a casualty of his career. He and David split, and further shock comes when his career and the life he's built is also ripped away from him within a single day.
Hurting and reeling from everything that happens, John leaves DC and winds up in Provincetown where he transforms himself from career-centric and focused "John" into "Peter" who takes each day as it comes. He lives in the quiet town dealing with his pain and grief, meeting and getting to know the other inhabitants of the town. Peter ends up falling for local carpenter, Danny Cavanaugh, who is dealing with his own loss and past. For six months Peter lives and learns to love, until John's unexpectedly called back to DC to the world of politics he left behind.
The narration is good. Nick J. Russo does a good job with the pacing, the character voices, and the tone.
As for the story, I didn't care for the fact that it is mostly all "tell", with nothing really being "shown". While the prose is gentle and flows well for the most part, the multiple POVs, including the almost split personality of John/Peter was strange to me. I never really got used to it. Additionally, I disliked main character John/Peter quite a lot, and I never warmed up to him. Also, I found quite a few points of the story (i.e.: the letter that isn't read until the very end, the romantic relationship that happens entirely off page, the handling of the politics, and John's ex David) to be frustrating.
Ultimately, I just didn't connect with the story, writing or characters.
Audio copy of Favorite Son provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
June 24, 2014
I purchased this book on a whim because the author is new, the blurb sounds really good and the other MC is a carpenter which made it even more appealing. Unfortunately, I like the writing but the author tends to over describe things which made the book tedious to read for me. If some of John's drama was edited out and more room was given to the the friendship/romance part, this could been a really good read. I think the author is I have other issues with this book that I won't bother to point out. I skimmed the last 70%, I just wanted it to end so I can move on to the next book. This was probably my fault though, I was expecting The Rebuilding Year romance levels.
#notetoself Wait for reviews before spending $6.99
#notetoself Wait for reviews before spending $6.99
August 26, 2016
Remember at the end of the first "Star Wars" when Luke has the target locked in his sights and Vader has Luke locked in HIS sights? Suddenly Skywalker hears Ben tell him, "Trust the Force, Luke"—-so he switches off his scope, relies on his instincts, and immediately falls off of Vader's radar because he’s not following the predictable path.
"Favorite Son" works on the same principle: Just when you think you know what's going to happen next, Will Freshwater shuts off his scope and pulls the rug out from under you—-which is why you keep turning the pages more and more quickly until you discover with some measure of dismay that you've finished it. (Seriously. I actually yelled at the book. "No, wait! I want to see the 'happily ever after' part!")
John Wells, golden boy and chief-of-staff to the most powerful senator on Capitol Hill, has perfect pecs, the perfect smile, the perfect boyfriend, the perfect best buddy and the perfect life. What he doesn't have is a clue—-a clue that somewhere along line he traded his heart for all of it. But his abrupt fall from grace and the series of cascading catastrophes that turns his world inside out changes all of that—-and sends him on an entirely unanticipated journey in which every step is a risk and every decision could turn out to be the wrong one. (This may be the only novel in the history of world literature where one man's fate hinges entirely on the confluence of three chance elements: a tall coffee from Dunkin' Donuts, an impulsive ride on a ferry from Boston harbor, and a puppy with big brown eyes.) In other words, John Wells begins to learn what it means to be alive.
Will Freshwater's writing style thoroughly belies the fact that this is a first novel—-he tells his story with the measured hand of a seasoned pro. It's not easy coming up with a main character whom you alternately want to root for AND to kick in the ass, but he pulls it off effortlessly. Oh, yeah—-in addition to making you want to run out and try something you've never had the guts to do before, "Favorite Son" is also so achingly romantic, you may be acutely embarrassed to find out what a cynic you're not.
This one’s going right back in the to-be-read pile. Once wasn't enough.
"Favorite Son" works on the same principle: Just when you think you know what's going to happen next, Will Freshwater shuts off his scope and pulls the rug out from under you—-which is why you keep turning the pages more and more quickly until you discover with some measure of dismay that you've finished it. (Seriously. I actually yelled at the book. "No, wait! I want to see the 'happily ever after' part!")
John Wells, golden boy and chief-of-staff to the most powerful senator on Capitol Hill, has perfect pecs, the perfect smile, the perfect boyfriend, the perfect best buddy and the perfect life. What he doesn't have is a clue—-a clue that somewhere along line he traded his heart for all of it. But his abrupt fall from grace and the series of cascading catastrophes that turns his world inside out changes all of that—-and sends him on an entirely unanticipated journey in which every step is a risk and every decision could turn out to be the wrong one. (This may be the only novel in the history of world literature where one man's fate hinges entirely on the confluence of three chance elements: a tall coffee from Dunkin' Donuts, an impulsive ride on a ferry from Boston harbor, and a puppy with big brown eyes.) In other words, John Wells begins to learn what it means to be alive.
Will Freshwater's writing style thoroughly belies the fact that this is a first novel—-he tells his story with the measured hand of a seasoned pro. It's not easy coming up with a main character whom you alternately want to root for AND to kick in the ass, but he pulls it off effortlessly. Oh, yeah—-in addition to making you want to run out and try something you've never had the guts to do before, "Favorite Son" is also so achingly romantic, you may be acutely embarrassed to find out what a cynic you're not.
This one’s going right back in the to-be-read pile. Once wasn't enough.
September 16, 2014
4.5 Stars
Riveting. This book grabbed me from the get go. Well written and chock full of twists and turns, Favorite Son kept me turning the page. I read the entire book in one sitting. John was such a wonderful narrator. The political intrigue of being a Congressional Chief of Staff was interesting. The cut-throat dynamic seemed both out of this world and eerily believable in turns. I loved Danny and the extended cast of characters in Provincetown. My one gripe: conflict resolution between the MCs was glossed over. I wanted those discussions flushed out. Fair warning for smut lovers: the sex was off page. (But I loved this book anyway!)
Bottom line: Can't wait for more by Will Freshwater.
Riveting. This book grabbed me from the get go. Well written and chock full of twists and turns, Favorite Son kept me turning the page. I read the entire book in one sitting. John was such a wonderful narrator. The political intrigue of being a Congressional Chief of Staff was interesting. The cut-throat dynamic seemed both out of this world and eerily believable in turns. I loved Danny and the extended cast of characters in Provincetown. My one gripe: conflict resolution between the MCs was glossed over. I wanted those discussions flushed out. Fair warning for smut lovers: the sex was off page. (But I loved this book anyway!)
Bottom line: Can't wait for more by Will Freshwater.
January 17, 2015
This is a really brilliant work of art by this author. I went into this story blind having not read the synopsis. What a fabulous surprise I got when I read this story. This is not like any other m/m story I've read. It's not full of romance or sexy scenes. It's more like a gay fiction read. It has however a unique and refreshing storyline. The author pulled out all the stops with his descriptive flair and I felt as if I was in Provincetown with the characters.
This is a brilliantly written story of self discovery. I'm so looking forward to reading more from this author. I applaud you Will on a great debut novel. Loved it.
This is a brilliantly written story of self discovery. I'm so looking forward to reading more from this author. I applaud you Will on a great debut novel. Loved it.
August 11, 2014
Favorite Son is the debut novel from Will Freshwater. There was a comment made in the book, maybe a negative comment depending on how one chooses to interpret it, about most M4M fiction being written by housewives using gender neutral initials as names. I got the feeling that this is something that may bother Mr. Freshwater a bit. I respect his honesty, but more than that, I respect his courage in trying to effect change within the genre if the status quo bothers him. It is true that the large majority of gay fiction is written by women, and mostly for women. But Mr. Freshwater took the book by the cover and decided to write his own book from his own perspective, that of a gay man. It is believable, honest, insightful and enjoyable. Even if he steps quietly onto a small soapbox several times within its pages, I understand his feelings on this matter and give him props for being gentle with his opinions. What straight woman would be pleased if the majority of hetero romances were written by men who purported to be able to understand how we think and feel? I get it, I really do. I wish there were more gay men writing fiction about gay men, especially fiction of this caliber.
John Peter Wells is a high-powered Chief of Staff for a long-serving Senator in Washington, DC. His work has stopped being what he does and become what he is. It has cost him every close relationship in his life. In one day, John loses everything. His job, husband, home and best friend. He is at a loss. He hasn’t a clue where to go or what to do. He has no one to turn to. Seeing a sign for the ferry to Provincetown, he makes a hasty decision to pick up the overnight bag he has with him and get on the ferry.
In Provincetown, he becomes Peter, a name that holds a lot of significance in his life. He rents a small cottage, loses all contact with the outside world. Buries his head in the sand. Peter makes a group of friends who are a rag-tag bunch, all of whom have suffered great loss in their lives. He even gets a job of sorts. Volunteering to help a local man, Daniel Cavanaugh, restore an old chapel off the beaten path.
Danny is quiet about his life before Peter entered it. It is clear he has lost much and is in pain as well. They work together for months, becoming friends, all while Danny insists he is straight. Once he opens up to Peter about his past losses and his reason for not admitting his homosexuality to Peter, they begin a loving relationship with bright hope for the future.
Then Washington comes calling. James is needed back immediately to help the Senator. James goes under duress without saying goodbye to anyone but Danny, and the explanation he offers Danny is paltry. When he returns to DC, at first it is heady to be back in a position of power, but the bloom quickly falls off the rose and he misses Provincetown, his friends and Danny.
I spent a good portion of this book on the verge of tears. There is so much loss and sadness. The citizens of the little corner of Provincetown that Peter inhabits are happy, loving and close-knit. They have all suffered so much, but they have formed a bond and recognize in Peter his need to be a part of them. The cast of supporting characters is priceless. Even the dog, his name so significant, was an important part of Peter’s development. Favorite Son wouldn’t have been nearly as good a book without them.
I loved how Mr. Freshwater described, from Peter’s point of view, what James would do in a situation, but Peter is going to do it this way because James couldn’t fake that (fill in the blank) one more time. We got a glimpse inside the mind of James, the workaholic, through Peter, the relaxed, fun side of the same man. Almost as if Peter was telling us the truth about James that James wouldn’t admit.
The relationship Peter and Danny developed was so sweet. It was a friendship for months before it became more. It gave them so much more depth than they would have had if they had fallen into bed upon meeting. They have a foundation of friendship and shared loss that binds them tightly together. They were wonderful as individuals and spectacular as a couple. I truly believed for quite a bit of the book that they would never be more than friends. But I was so glad to be wrong about that.
Favorite Son is a beautifully written story of how losing it all can lead you to find everything you never thought you needed.
John Peter Wells is a high-powered Chief of Staff for a long-serving Senator in Washington, DC. His work has stopped being what he does and become what he is. It has cost him every close relationship in his life. In one day, John loses everything. His job, husband, home and best friend. He is at a loss. He hasn’t a clue where to go or what to do. He has no one to turn to. Seeing a sign for the ferry to Provincetown, he makes a hasty decision to pick up the overnight bag he has with him and get on the ferry.
In Provincetown, he becomes Peter, a name that holds a lot of significance in his life. He rents a small cottage, loses all contact with the outside world. Buries his head in the sand. Peter makes a group of friends who are a rag-tag bunch, all of whom have suffered great loss in their lives. He even gets a job of sorts. Volunteering to help a local man, Daniel Cavanaugh, restore an old chapel off the beaten path.
Danny is quiet about his life before Peter entered it. It is clear he has lost much and is in pain as well. They work together for months, becoming friends, all while Danny insists he is straight. Once he opens up to Peter about his past losses and his reason for not admitting his homosexuality to Peter, they begin a loving relationship with bright hope for the future.
Then Washington comes calling. James is needed back immediately to help the Senator. James goes under duress without saying goodbye to anyone but Danny, and the explanation he offers Danny is paltry. When he returns to DC, at first it is heady to be back in a position of power, but the bloom quickly falls off the rose and he misses Provincetown, his friends and Danny.
I spent a good portion of this book on the verge of tears. There is so much loss and sadness. The citizens of the little corner of Provincetown that Peter inhabits are happy, loving and close-knit. They have all suffered so much, but they have formed a bond and recognize in Peter his need to be a part of them. The cast of supporting characters is priceless. Even the dog, his name so significant, was an important part of Peter’s development. Favorite Son wouldn’t have been nearly as good a book without them.
I loved how Mr. Freshwater described, from Peter’s point of view, what James would do in a situation, but Peter is going to do it this way because James couldn’t fake that (fill in the blank) one more time. We got a glimpse inside the mind of James, the workaholic, through Peter, the relaxed, fun side of the same man. Almost as if Peter was telling us the truth about James that James wouldn’t admit.
The relationship Peter and Danny developed was so sweet. It was a friendship for months before it became more. It gave them so much more depth than they would have had if they had fallen into bed upon meeting. They have a foundation of friendship and shared loss that binds them tightly together. They were wonderful as individuals and spectacular as a couple. I truly believed for quite a bit of the book that they would never be more than friends. But I was so glad to be wrong about that.
Favorite Son is a beautifully written story of how losing it all can lead you to find everything you never thought you needed.
October 8, 2024
What a wonderful surprise! This story is written and crafted according to my taste. A slow-burn romance and literary fiction unlike other M M romance stories I’ve read. This makes it special, unique, stand out. It has character; it has depth, it’s intelligent, and it’s emotional enough. This is serious writing. I’m in love with Provincetown!
December 9, 2015
Will Freshwater's debut novel, Favorite Son, offers a sample of the exceptional word-crafting skills and lyrical prose of this burgeoning literary talent. Obviously, this author strives to deliver a finished product of solid literary quality, actively engaging every verb and weaving vibrant, colorful descriptors into his prose that paint a magnificent moving picture. He skillfully sets the tone and backdrop, constantly showing the reader, pulling them into the world he's so realistically created.
I was impressed by this story. It's very literary. The author strikes me as a brilliant, highly educated person with an incredibly expansive vocabulary. It was meticulously edited. And it was truly an interesting story.
The main character, John Peter Wells, struggles with an identity crisis, and he feels as if two vastly different pieces of himself are at war with one another. The lawyer, John, works for a powerful U.S. senator as his chief of staff. John's a workaholic. He's savvy, calculating, at times ruthless. He's the ultimate over-achiever.
The other side of this character's identity, Peter, wants to be loved. He craves absolution for his sins and yearns for a simple life where he can appreciate the little things in life, the things that really matter. He likes hard physical labor. He strives to build meaningful, one-on-one relationships with "real" people he actually loves.
John/Peter flees the rat race of D.C. after a series of tragedies. His long-term relationship with his partner implodes, he's fired from his job, and his best friend commits suicide within a very short time period. He heads for Provincetown, off-season, and introduces himself as Peter to the sparse population of residents within the community. Almost every one of them, he learns, are all coping with their own grief issues.
Peter develops a close platonic relationship with one of the residents, Danny, and the two of them commit to restoring a chapel. It becomes Peter's sole focus for six months while residing in the small, resort town. A romance eventually blossoms, but just when Peter feels he's found what he's been looking for, that he's genuinely content, he gets called back to the Capital where he's offered a job he doesn't think he can refuse. At this point he must decide if he'll go on with his life as John or as Peter.
The story's nuanced, subtle messaging employed various modes of symbolism. And for a good part of the story, I wondered if perhaps the whole experience at Provincetown was simply a dream or perhaps some sort of afterlife encounter. But the story never strayed into the paranormal, and the ending, though predictable, left me very satisfied.
Favorite son is by no means an m/m romance. In fact, I was a little surprised to see it published by Dreamspinner. I read another review for this book where the reviewer praised the author for not falling victim to the trappings into which other m/m writers succumb. In my opinion, that's snobbery. The reason this book does not read like an m/m romance is simply because it's not one. This story is unequivocally a gay fiction novel, not an m/m, and there is a huge difference. M/m stories are formulaic romances.
This book is a great read for those who appreciate quality literature, who marvel in the manipulation of words, the clever turn of phrases. A creative writing expert would undoubtedly give it very high (and well-deserved) praise. But I personally think one can appreciate a work like this without disparaging an entirely different genre. This author did not "elevate" the m/m genre. He simply wrote a fantastic story in a different genre and got it published by a publisher that typically handles m/m.
I look forward to reading more of this author's work.
I was impressed by this story. It's very literary. The author strikes me as a brilliant, highly educated person with an incredibly expansive vocabulary. It was meticulously edited. And it was truly an interesting story.
The main character, John Peter Wells, struggles with an identity crisis, and he feels as if two vastly different pieces of himself are at war with one another. The lawyer, John, works for a powerful U.S. senator as his chief of staff. John's a workaholic. He's savvy, calculating, at times ruthless. He's the ultimate over-achiever.
The other side of this character's identity, Peter, wants to be loved. He craves absolution for his sins and yearns for a simple life where he can appreciate the little things in life, the things that really matter. He likes hard physical labor. He strives to build meaningful, one-on-one relationships with "real" people he actually loves.
John/Peter flees the rat race of D.C. after a series of tragedies. His long-term relationship with his partner implodes, he's fired from his job, and his best friend commits suicide within a very short time period. He heads for Provincetown, off-season, and introduces himself as Peter to the sparse population of residents within the community. Almost every one of them, he learns, are all coping with their own grief issues.
Peter develops a close platonic relationship with one of the residents, Danny, and the two of them commit to restoring a chapel. It becomes Peter's sole focus for six months while residing in the small, resort town. A romance eventually blossoms, but just when Peter feels he's found what he's been looking for, that he's genuinely content, he gets called back to the Capital where he's offered a job he doesn't think he can refuse. At this point he must decide if he'll go on with his life as John or as Peter.
The story's nuanced, subtle messaging employed various modes of symbolism. And for a good part of the story, I wondered if perhaps the whole experience at Provincetown was simply a dream or perhaps some sort of afterlife encounter. But the story never strayed into the paranormal, and the ending, though predictable, left me very satisfied.
Favorite son is by no means an m/m romance. In fact, I was a little surprised to see it published by Dreamspinner. I read another review for this book where the reviewer praised the author for not falling victim to the trappings into which other m/m writers succumb. In my opinion, that's snobbery. The reason this book does not read like an m/m romance is simply because it's not one. This story is unequivocally a gay fiction novel, not an m/m, and there is a huge difference. M/m stories are formulaic romances.
This book is a great read for those who appreciate quality literature, who marvel in the manipulation of words, the clever turn of phrases. A creative writing expert would undoubtedly give it very high (and well-deserved) praise. But I personally think one can appreciate a work like this without disparaging an entirely different genre. This author did not "elevate" the m/m genre. He simply wrote a fantastic story in a different genre and got it published by a publisher that typically handles m/m.
I look forward to reading more of this author's work.
July 8, 2014
I see a couple of reviews mentioning romance not being a big enough player in this book. However, I think romance is just an extra hired to look pretty in the background. To me, his book is about losing yourself in order to find yourself.
I think the final sentence of the book sums it all up...read it to find out what I mean.
I think the final sentence of the book sums it all up...read it to find out what I mean.
August 4, 2014
I haven't been to Provincetown in years, but this book made me want to hop onto the next plane there. It's a wonderful story that is beautifully told. Freshwater is a true talent. Bravo!
August 9, 2014
Favorite Son is the debut novel from Will Freshwater. There was a comment made in the book; maybe a negative comment depending on how one chooses to interpret it, about most M4M fiction being written by housewives using gender neutral initials as names. I got the feeling that this is something that may bother Mr. Freshwater a bit. I respect his honesty, but more than that, I respect his courage in trying to effect change within the genre if the status quo bothers him. It is true that the large majority of gay fiction is written by women and mostly for women. But Mr. Freshwater took the book by the cover and decided to write his own book from his own perspective. That of a gay man. It is believable, honest, insightful and enjoyable. Even if he steps quietly onto a small soapbox several times within its pages, I understand his feelings on this matter and give him props for being gentle with his opinions. What straight woman would be pleased if the majority of hetero romances were written by men who purported to be able to understand how we think and feel? I get it, I really do. I wish there were more gay men writing fiction about gay men. Especially fiction of this caliber.
John Peter Wells is a high-powered Chief of Staff for a long-serving Senator in Washington DC. His work has stopped being what he does and become what he is. It has cost him every close relationship in his life. In one day, John loses everything. His job, husband, home and best friend. He is at a loss. He hasn’t a clue where to go or what to do. He has no one to turn to. Seeing a sign for the ferry to Provincetown, he makes a hasty decision to pick up the overnight bag he has with him and get on the ferry.
In Provincetown, he becomes Peter. A name that holds a lot of significance in his life. He rents a small cottage, loses all contact with the outside world. Buries his head in the sand. Peter makes a group of friends who are a rag-tag bunch, all of whom have suffered great loss in their lives. He even gets a job of sorts. Volunteering to help a local man, Daniel Cavanaugh restore an old chapel off the beaten path.
Danny is quiet about his life before Peter entered it. It is clear he has lost much and is in pain as well. They work together for months, becoming friends, while Danny insists he is straight. Once he opens up to Peter about his past losses and his reason for not admitting his homosexuality to Peter, they begin a loving relationship with bright hope for the future.
Then Washington comes calling. John is needed back immediately to help the Senator. James goes under duress without saying goodbye to anyone but Danny and the explanation he offers Danny is paltry. When he returns to DC, at first it is heady to be back in a position of power, but the bloom quickly falls off the rose and he misses Provincetown, his friends and Danny.
I spent a good portion of this book on the verge of tears. There is so much loss and sadness. The citizens of the little corner of Provincetown that Peter inhabits are happy, loving and close-knit. They have all suffered so much but they have formed a bond and recognize in Peter his need to be a part of them. The cast of supporting characters is priceless. Even the dog, his name so significant, was an important part of Peter’s development. Favorite Son wouldn’t have been nearly as good a book without them.
I loved how Mr. Freshwater described, from Peter’s point of view, what James would do in a situation; but Peter is going to do it this way because James couldn’t fake that (fill in the blank) one more time. We got a glimpse inside the mind of James the workaholic through Peter the relaxed, fun side of the same man. Almost as if Peter was telling us the truth about James that James wouldn’t admit.
The relationship Peter and Danny developed was so sweet. It was a friendship for months before it became more. It gave them so much more depth than they would have had if they had fallen into bed upon meeting. They have a foundation of friendship and shared loss that binds them tightly together. They were wonderful as individuals and spectacular as a couple. I truly believed for quite a bit of the book that they would never be more than friends. But I was so glad to be wrong about that.
Favorite Son is a beautifully written story of how losing it all can lead you to find everything you never thought you needed.
John Peter Wells is a high-powered Chief of Staff for a long-serving Senator in Washington DC. His work has stopped being what he does and become what he is. It has cost him every close relationship in his life. In one day, John loses everything. His job, husband, home and best friend. He is at a loss. He hasn’t a clue where to go or what to do. He has no one to turn to. Seeing a sign for the ferry to Provincetown, he makes a hasty decision to pick up the overnight bag he has with him and get on the ferry.
In Provincetown, he becomes Peter. A name that holds a lot of significance in his life. He rents a small cottage, loses all contact with the outside world. Buries his head in the sand. Peter makes a group of friends who are a rag-tag bunch, all of whom have suffered great loss in their lives. He even gets a job of sorts. Volunteering to help a local man, Daniel Cavanaugh restore an old chapel off the beaten path.
Danny is quiet about his life before Peter entered it. It is clear he has lost much and is in pain as well. They work together for months, becoming friends, while Danny insists he is straight. Once he opens up to Peter about his past losses and his reason for not admitting his homosexuality to Peter, they begin a loving relationship with bright hope for the future.
Then Washington comes calling. John is needed back immediately to help the Senator. James goes under duress without saying goodbye to anyone but Danny and the explanation he offers Danny is paltry. When he returns to DC, at first it is heady to be back in a position of power, but the bloom quickly falls off the rose and he misses Provincetown, his friends and Danny.
I spent a good portion of this book on the verge of tears. There is so much loss and sadness. The citizens of the little corner of Provincetown that Peter inhabits are happy, loving and close-knit. They have all suffered so much but they have formed a bond and recognize in Peter his need to be a part of them. The cast of supporting characters is priceless. Even the dog, his name so significant, was an important part of Peter’s development. Favorite Son wouldn’t have been nearly as good a book without them.
I loved how Mr. Freshwater described, from Peter’s point of view, what James would do in a situation; but Peter is going to do it this way because James couldn’t fake that (fill in the blank) one more time. We got a glimpse inside the mind of James the workaholic through Peter the relaxed, fun side of the same man. Almost as if Peter was telling us the truth about James that James wouldn’t admit.
The relationship Peter and Danny developed was so sweet. It was a friendship for months before it became more. It gave them so much more depth than they would have had if they had fallen into bed upon meeting. They have a foundation of friendship and shared loss that binds them tightly together. They were wonderful as individuals and spectacular as a couple. I truly believed for quite a bit of the book that they would never be more than friends. But I was so glad to be wrong about that.
Favorite Son is a beautifully written story of how losing it all can lead you to find everything you never thought you needed.
March 4, 2015
If you’re looking for a fluffy, easy romance, this book is not for you. Here you’ll find a deep, soul-searching journey of one man trying to piece everything back together after his life falls apart.
John Peter Wells is a relentless storm of stress and willpower, forging his way to success in the viper pit known as Capitol Hill, where he works as chief of staff for senator Patrick Donovan. On the day it all collapses around him, he goes in search of the measure of success that has eluded him for years: happiness.
The writing of this book was simply astounding. Subtle, understated, and powerful. Freshwater’s language and metaphors throughout the book were a reader’s dream. I loved it. Loved it!
And the answer to that... I'll let future readers discover for themselves.
Congratulations on a fantastic debut novel, Will! I look forward to your future work.
John Peter Wells is a relentless storm of stress and willpower, forging his way to success in the viper pit known as Capitol Hill, where he works as chief of staff for senator Patrick Donovan. On the day it all collapses around him, he goes in search of the measure of success that has eluded him for years: happiness.
The friction of the daily grind had given John layers of callouses. Thick skin kept him from feeling regret or disappointment, even if it kept him from feeling much of anything at all.Under the name ‘Peter,’ John rebuilds himself in the small community of Provincetown, Massachusetts, and with the help of several eccentric, openhearted people - some with scars like John, and some without - they define a new success story for themselves.
The writing of this book was simply astounding. Subtle, understated, and powerful. Freshwater’s language and metaphors throughout the book were a reader’s dream. I loved it. Loved it!
John grabbed hold of the handrail in front of him as the train lurched to the right. The feeling of the cold metal affording him a momentary sense of control. He looked out the window at the suburban dioramas and tried to pretend that his life was still on track.The identity struggle at the heart of this book was the meat of the story, as heartwarming as Danny Cavanaugh is. The conflict between John’s past and Peter’s future fueled that essential question of the book: “Who are you, and what do you want from your life?”
And the answer to that... I'll let future readers discover for themselves.
Congratulations on a fantastic debut novel, Will! I look forward to your future work.
July 24, 2014
An engrossing read from start to finish. “Favorite Son” explores the concept of duality, identity and self-discovery as John Wells leaves his political world in Washington DC for a quieter life in Provincetown. It’s a familiar theme but with its sharp prose and multi-dimensional characters, this well-crafted story feels new all over again.
November 28, 2024
I was really surprised by how much I enjoyed this novel. Reading more like literary fiction than romance, I found myself quickly swept up in John/Peter's story. The way names were used to convey the character's headspace, the delightful community with members who shone through with mere sentences, and the settings I've gotten a chance to know made this an absolutely refreshing and lovely read.
I think what I loved the most was the blend of coziness and devastation you see throughout the work. It made me long for a simpler, more community-focused life like Peter is seeking. While I did find a couple of Danny's actions to be hard to justify, I recognize that everyone deals with trauma in vastly different ways, so I recognize that his trauma responses could lead to those actions. Therefore I'm forgiving that.
Looking forward to continuing in the trilogy and can't wait to see where things go.
I think what I loved the most was the blend of coziness and devastation you see throughout the work. It made me long for a simpler, more community-focused life like Peter is seeking. While I did find a couple of Danny's actions to be hard to justify, I recognize that everyone deals with trauma in vastly different ways, so I recognize that his trauma responses could lead to those actions. Therefore I'm forgiving that.
Looking forward to continuing in the trilogy and can't wait to see where things go.
November 28, 2014
I found this story to have an intriguing dreamlike quality to the telling as John moved from location to location and switched personas along his journey. It interested me in seeing how his sense of self was affected by his environment.
I felt his pain at the destruction of his relationship with David. I’m conflicted about Melody in the story though. John did, in many ways, replace David with Melody. Looking to her for support and sharing his work life with her, essentially pushing David out of his life. I don’t blame David for his choices. I can also understand Melody’s feelings for John but the whole situation just turned so ugly in the end.
It’s unfortunate that John’s workaholic tendencies lead to the implosion of his personal life. I can appreciate and completely understand how work takes over a person’s life. Be it validation or the sense of accomplishment it becomes a sort of drug that’s easily addicted to and hard to shake free. I did find that John got a few undeserved passes on his actions and that the other people in his life were very willing to blame David when a lot of the responsibility was firmly on John’s shoulders. I’m surprised that the men lasted as long as they did, that may have had something to do with stubbornness and pride on both their parts. The scenes between him and John were uncomfortable but at the same time there was an underlay of anger and bitterness. A great dynamic there if a sad one.
The behind the curtain Capital Hill scenes were fascinating, a bit like watching an episode of the West Wing. I found myself being angry on John’s behalf as he struggled for respect in such a close knit community. It was frustrating that he was essentially invisible to the old boy network and I admit to being as shocked as John during his lunch with the Senator. To have worked so hard and then be dropped because your personal life was a low blow.
For all the wheeling and dealing in DC after finishing the read I want to go to Boston. There’s a real love of the city here that translates beautifully and makes me want to explore the places described. It was fascinating that in order for John to find himself again he needed to do it as Peter.
This quote was really telling: “Well, today is my very first day here,” Peter heard himself say. “So, I guess this is where my story begins.”
I liked the secondary characters that were introduced in Provincetown but I was at times confused by Danny and his mixed signals. He definitely had his own issues that he needed to work through and while I did enjoy the romance between the men I think I needed to be in Danny’s head to really understand the choices that he was making. I had some issues with how he played John and while I did come to understand his reasons for doing so I found it frustrating.
This was for me a story about balance. What happens when you lose it and the journey to regain it. That’s true of a few characters in the book. A lot of them are faced with choices and we see a real spectrum of how these different people deal with their problems. Some choose not to deal, some to ignore and some to avoid. To say that I was surprised when John began seeing a therapist is an understatement. I’ve never read a book where a character actively admits he or she needs help from a licensed therapist and seeks it out. I liked that John took the time to find his center and his balance and in helping Danny essentially find his own balance he helped himself. This was definitely a slow burn but I liked how things ended up. It’s not really the end though more like the beginning.
This isn’t a pretty read at times, the characters are flawed but all the more real for being so. I enjoyed the struggles and the payoff. I’m kind of hoping to see a story down the road about David, I think he deserves some happiness.
**Copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review**
I felt his pain at the destruction of his relationship with David. I’m conflicted about Melody in the story though. John did, in many ways, replace David with Melody. Looking to her for support and sharing his work life with her, essentially pushing David out of his life. I don’t blame David for his choices. I can also understand Melody’s feelings for John but the whole situation just turned so ugly in the end.
It’s unfortunate that John’s workaholic tendencies lead to the implosion of his personal life. I can appreciate and completely understand how work takes over a person’s life. Be it validation or the sense of accomplishment it becomes a sort of drug that’s easily addicted to and hard to shake free. I did find that John got a few undeserved passes on his actions and that the other people in his life were very willing to blame David when a lot of the responsibility was firmly on John’s shoulders. I’m surprised that the men lasted as long as they did, that may have had something to do with stubbornness and pride on both their parts. The scenes between him and John were uncomfortable but at the same time there was an underlay of anger and bitterness. A great dynamic there if a sad one.
The behind the curtain Capital Hill scenes were fascinating, a bit like watching an episode of the West Wing. I found myself being angry on John’s behalf as he struggled for respect in such a close knit community. It was frustrating that he was essentially invisible to the old boy network and I admit to being as shocked as John during his lunch with the Senator. To have worked so hard and then be dropped because your personal life was a low blow.
For all the wheeling and dealing in DC after finishing the read I want to go to Boston. There’s a real love of the city here that translates beautifully and makes me want to explore the places described. It was fascinating that in order for John to find himself again he needed to do it as Peter.
This quote was really telling: “Well, today is my very first day here,” Peter heard himself say. “So, I guess this is where my story begins.”
I liked the secondary characters that were introduced in Provincetown but I was at times confused by Danny and his mixed signals. He definitely had his own issues that he needed to work through and while I did enjoy the romance between the men I think I needed to be in Danny’s head to really understand the choices that he was making. I had some issues with how he played John and while I did come to understand his reasons for doing so I found it frustrating.
This was for me a story about balance. What happens when you lose it and the journey to regain it. That’s true of a few characters in the book. A lot of them are faced with choices and we see a real spectrum of how these different people deal with their problems. Some choose not to deal, some to ignore and some to avoid. To say that I was surprised when John began seeing a therapist is an understatement. I’ve never read a book where a character actively admits he or she needs help from a licensed therapist and seeks it out. I liked that John took the time to find his center and his balance and in helping Danny essentially find his own balance he helped himself. This was definitely a slow burn but I liked how things ended up. It’s not really the end though more like the beginning.
This isn’t a pretty read at times, the characters are flawed but all the more real for being so. I enjoyed the struggles and the payoff. I’m kind of hoping to see a story down the road about David, I think he deserves some happiness.
**Copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review**
July 28, 2014
John is a man who has it all. He has his pulse on what is happening in Washington, being the chief of staff of a powerful Senator. He has the social status of that as well. And he can tell there is something big coming on the horizon. As the introduction says, all that comes tumbling down in the space of about 24 hours, and he is left shell-shocked. John walks away from his life, taking on a different persona, and ends up in Provincetown, MA, where he meets a collection of people that impact his life more in a few months than all the power brokers in Washington have done in a decade.
John was a complicated man who shut off parts of himself to play the game in Washington, DC. The tension I felt when reading the machinations he had to do made me understand some of the pressure he endured on a daily basis. And even the little things, like how to address someone, when to speak, how to shake a hand, when to sit, all those seemingly insignificant things can make or break a deal or a social exchange. I was exhausted just reading about it.
No wonder John struggles at times when he first gets to Provincetown, but he slowly lets go of the John personality and embraces his truer self with the help of some very wonderful people in the unique town. Each one of those secondary characters added such flavor to the story. There is a romantic arc to the plot, but it is not the crux of the story.
There are vivid descriptions and details of the settings as other people have commented. It sounds like a fun and beautiful place to see. I have to admit that I'm somewhat jealous of anyone that has visited this area. Guess I have to resign myself to googling pictures.
My only quibble with this book was
Definitely a wonderful read about a man who learns to live for himself.
John was a complicated man who shut off parts of himself to play the game in Washington, DC. The tension I felt when reading the machinations he had to do made me understand some of the pressure he endured on a daily basis. And even the little things, like how to address someone, when to speak, how to shake a hand, when to sit, all those seemingly insignificant things can make or break a deal or a social exchange. I was exhausted just reading about it.
No wonder John struggles at times when he first gets to Provincetown, but he slowly lets go of the John personality and embraces his truer self with the help of some very wonderful people in the unique town. Each one of those secondary characters added such flavor to the story. There is a romantic arc to the plot, but it is not the crux of the story.
There are vivid descriptions and details of the settings as other people have commented. It sounds like a fun and beautiful place to see. I have to admit that I'm somewhat jealous of anyone that has visited this area. Guess I have to resign myself to googling pictures.
My only quibble with this book was
Definitely a wonderful read about a man who learns to live for himself.
November 8, 2014
Review of “Favorite Son”
By Will Freshwater
4 stars
A well-written, sweetly moving debut novel, “Favorite Son” tells the story of an identical twin who loses his brother at birth, and spends the next thirty-two years trying to make up for that loss.
John Peter Wells is a familiar figure: he’s one of those young, handsome suits I see everywhere when I’m on museum business in Washington. New York is no longer a city where the people on the street are stylish—but in DC the suits still rule the sidewalks.
John Wells has hitched his rising star to a venerable, liberal-minded senator, and has made the senator’s daughter his best friend. Coming from working-class roots by way of Harvard, John is perfect at making the people he works for happy. Making himself happy is another matter.
His personal life in a fatal free-fall, John sees everything he has worked and sacrificed for crumble to nothing one spring weekend in Boston. At that moment John becomes Peter—his middle name, and also his dead twin’s name—and hightails it to Provincetown.
This is not earth-shattering; it is a classic tale of self-redemption in the face of tremendous loss. It is optimistic and hopeful and romantic—but it is not a romance, per se, which is just fine. Freshwater fills his pages with palpably real people—at least the ones that matter. The fact that John is gay is less important than the kind of people, gay and straight, who fill his world. John’s relentless effort to be man he thinks people want him to be is a cautionary tale about personal priorities and regaining control over one’s own life.
By Will Freshwater
4 stars
A well-written, sweetly moving debut novel, “Favorite Son” tells the story of an identical twin who loses his brother at birth, and spends the next thirty-two years trying to make up for that loss.
John Peter Wells is a familiar figure: he’s one of those young, handsome suits I see everywhere when I’m on museum business in Washington. New York is no longer a city where the people on the street are stylish—but in DC the suits still rule the sidewalks.
John Wells has hitched his rising star to a venerable, liberal-minded senator, and has made the senator’s daughter his best friend. Coming from working-class roots by way of Harvard, John is perfect at making the people he works for happy. Making himself happy is another matter.
His personal life in a fatal free-fall, John sees everything he has worked and sacrificed for crumble to nothing one spring weekend in Boston. At that moment John becomes Peter—his middle name, and also his dead twin’s name—and hightails it to Provincetown.
This is not earth-shattering; it is a classic tale of self-redemption in the face of tremendous loss. It is optimistic and hopeful and romantic—but it is not a romance, per se, which is just fine. Freshwater fills his pages with palpably real people—at least the ones that matter. The fact that John is gay is less important than the kind of people, gay and straight, who fill his world. John’s relentless effort to be man he thinks people want him to be is a cautionary tale about personal priorities and regaining control over one’s own life.
just-no-dnf-changed-mind
March 14, 2016Politics got to be too much - maybe I'll re-read in a non-election year- #toofullofBStoreadmore
I really, really like Nick J Russo as a narrator and that’s what caught my attention when this book came available for review.
The blurb on this didn’t do much for me – simply because I really don’t like politics and am not a fan of politics as a them for storylines.
What caught my attention right away was the intelligence with which this story is written. It’s very precise and the knowledge of politics is evident in every word.
I felt that the characters were very real- gritty, imperfect, with fully developed back-stories and very fleshed out.
I tried several times to listen to this but I was never drawn in enough to feel compelled to finish. The politics, the drama, all the names and maneuvering just put me off. I think being in the midst of an ugly election year didn’t help put me in a good mind set for enjoying a political drama. And drama is what this felt like to me – moreso than a romantic love story. Not that this isn’t a “romance” but the politics and the growth of John as a man definitely took center stage.
So – with absolutely nothing against the book or the author I opted to DNF this at this point in time. I may come back to it as – like I said – the writing was excellent – and perhaps when politics isn’t leaving quite so bad a taste in my mouth – I’ll enjoy it at another time.
DNF
I really, really like Nick J Russo as a narrator and that’s what caught my attention when this book came available for review.
The blurb on this didn’t do much for me – simply because I really don’t like politics and am not a fan of politics as a them for storylines.
What caught my attention right away was the intelligence with which this story is written. It’s very precise and the knowledge of politics is evident in every word.
I felt that the characters were very real- gritty, imperfect, with fully developed back-stories and very fleshed out.
I tried several times to listen to this but I was never drawn in enough to feel compelled to finish. The politics, the drama, all the names and maneuvering just put me off. I think being in the midst of an ugly election year didn’t help put me in a good mind set for enjoying a political drama. And drama is what this felt like to me – moreso than a romantic love story. Not that this isn’t a “romance” but the politics and the growth of John as a man definitely took center stage.
So – with absolutely nothing against the book or the author I opted to DNF this at this point in time. I may come back to it as – like I said – the writing was excellent – and perhaps when politics isn’t leaving quite so bad a taste in my mouth – I’ll enjoy it at another time.
DNF
November 11, 2016
I really expected to like this book. A character betrayed by those closest to him and starting a new life is a kind of plot I find extremely appealing. And the very beginning - like, the first two pages - were fascinating. Then... not so much. But I went on hoping there will be - something. Like, maybe, a twinge of emotion I'll feel towards the main character, a sliver of interest. Nothing. Nada. There was nothing about John that would make me feel any sympathy towards him. Well, at about 30% I started actively disliking him but then it passed as well. I'm sorry, those 'betrayals' the blurb talks about...
August 10, 2014
I read (and write) a lot in the M/M genre, but I've never come across a book quite like this one. I tend to gravitate toward the more unconventional stories in this genre, either ones with unhappy endings or without any on-page sex or what have you, and Favorite Son fits that bill. There's a love story that happens, and it's sweet, but it's by no means what the book is about. It's about a man reconciling all the different aspects of himself and his past, trying to find out who he is when everything that he thought defined him (relationship, friends, job) are suddenly gone. It's about self-discovery and self-acceptance. It's about finding who you were meant to be, not who anyone else expects or wants you to be. I applaud Will for writing that story, and I commend him for the striking and beautiful language he uses to write it. This is an unusual, emotional read, and I recommend that you erase your expectations for the genre and just try it.
March 3, 2016
Favorite Son (Audiobook)
Will Freshwater
4 Stars
I’ve only listened to a couple of books but I love trying new things. Nick J. Russo is the narrator of this story and a couple of times it just seemed as if he just reading the story with no emotion. So every once in a while I would have to take a break. The story itself was extremely well written and it was exciting to see where the author took John/Peter as the story progressed. The story was about a man in self-discovery and not so much of a romance but it was a great story. I would definitely recommend this story to everyone who enjoys reading a great story on self-discovery.
I received a free copy of this book to read for Inked Rainbow Reads in exchange for an honest review.
Will Freshwater
4 Stars
I’ve only listened to a couple of books but I love trying new things. Nick J. Russo is the narrator of this story and a couple of times it just seemed as if he just reading the story with no emotion. So every once in a while I would have to take a break. The story itself was extremely well written and it was exciting to see where the author took John/Peter as the story progressed. The story was about a man in self-discovery and not so much of a romance but it was a great story. I would definitely recommend this story to everyone who enjoys reading a great story on self-discovery.
I received a free copy of this book to read for Inked Rainbow Reads in exchange for an honest review.
February 10, 2016
3.5 stars
Listened to the audiobook narrated by Nick J. Russo. I think he did a pretty good job giving voice to the characters. There were parts I really enjoyed. Like Peter/John finding out what is really important to him. I liked the interaction between him and the characters in Provincetown. It was so different from his Washington D.C. persona. I liked the emotion brought to the story when John's life started to crumble around him. It was the love story that lacked something for me. Danny was a little too erratic. kissing Peter while pushing him away. It interfered with their connection for me. Still, it was a good listen.
Listened to the audiobook narrated by Nick J. Russo. I think he did a pretty good job giving voice to the characters. There were parts I really enjoyed. Like Peter/John finding out what is really important to him. I liked the interaction between him and the characters in Provincetown. It was so different from his Washington D.C. persona. I liked the emotion brought to the story when John's life started to crumble around him. It was the love story that lacked something for me. Danny was a little too erratic. kissing Peter while pushing him away. It interfered with their connection for me. Still, it was a good listen.
September 18, 2014
Will Freshwater's "Favorite Son" is an insightful romance juxtaposing the hectic, fast-paced life of a DC politico to the laid-back, simple life of Provincetown. The writing itself reflects the pace as the chapters in DC are action-packed, brief and to the point. Whereas the chapters in Provincetown are slow-paced and elaborate in detail as one who stops to smell the rose. Even the title "Favorite Son" is a clever play on words not only referring the protagonist's life in the political spotlight, but also to the twins Peter and John. Definitely a good read!
August 22, 2014
It's been a long time since I was so invested in the characters and captivated by the plot that I read the whole book in one week - I'm a slow and promiscuous reader, known to read multiple books at the same time over months, but the vivid descriptions, the emotional turmoil and colourful but relatable personalities kept me wondering "what's next?"
And the ending... It came out of nowhere, leaving me both satisfied and wanting. Brilliant!
And the ending... It came out of nowhere, leaving me both satisfied and wanting. Brilliant!
November 23, 2016
Review coming soon! Excellent book.
July 9, 2025
Loved this book. 🙋🏼♂️ ❤ 📖 📚
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