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Forever Young #1
A Good Man
"I hope he finds a good man."
Eighteen months ago Vincent O'Donoghue lost his beloved wife Dana to the ravages of cancer. He was left a 45-year-old single parent raising a 13-year-old daughter, Mandy. The grief will never completely end, but he's ready to move forward with a new commitment to a positive life. That means a new house, new friends, and possibly a new love. To everyone's surprise, including Vincent's, that new love might be a man.
47-year-old Andrew McCall is the A in ADJ Associates, one of the top upscale historical home renovation firms in the city of Minneapolis. Andrew is happy with his life. He has a successful business, loyal friends, and his work makes nearly every day a new, exciting adventure. The one thing he doesn't have, and isn't sure that he needs, is a committed man in his life. Then he literally stumbles into Vincent, and a flame is lit.
To the surprise of both men, the relationship quickly deepens and blossoms into something that neither one expected. Soon it presents the possibility of finding what both Andrew and Vincent know their hearts truly need.
Will great friends, the joy of beautiful homes, and the love of a good man be enough to defeat the forces that threaten a happy ending?
A Good Man is the first book in the Forever Young series. It is a first-time-gay novel with steamy scenes, no cliffhangers, and a happily-ever-after ending.
Eighteen months ago Vincent O'Donoghue lost his beloved wife Dana to the ravages of cancer. He was left a 45-year-old single parent raising a 13-year-old daughter, Mandy. The grief will never completely end, but he's ready to move forward with a new commitment to a positive life. That means a new house, new friends, and possibly a new love. To everyone's surprise, including Vincent's, that new love might be a man.
47-year-old Andrew McCall is the A in ADJ Associates, one of the top upscale historical home renovation firms in the city of Minneapolis. Andrew is happy with his life. He has a successful business, loyal friends, and his work makes nearly every day a new, exciting adventure. The one thing he doesn't have, and isn't sure that he needs, is a committed man in his life. Then he literally stumbles into Vincent, and a flame is lit.
To the surprise of both men, the relationship quickly deepens and blossoms into something that neither one expected. Soon it presents the possibility of finding what both Andrew and Vincent know their hearts truly need.
Will great friends, the joy of beautiful homes, and the love of a good man be enough to defeat the forces that threaten a happy ending?
A Good Man is the first book in the Forever Young series. It is a first-time-gay novel with steamy scenes, no cliffhangers, and a happily-ever-after ending.
233 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 3, 2017
88 people are currently reading
103 people want to read
About the author
Grant C. Holland
29 books53 followersGrant C. Holland is an author of gay romance. He lives in the upper Midwest enjoying friends, family, great food, and putting stories with happy endings into writing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
October 13, 2017
This is the first, and last, book I've read by this author. I started skimming around 30 percent because I couldn't take it anymore. I did finally finish. But barely.
The biggest problem with this story is the writing style. It's simplistic, with flowery descriptions, a bizarre focus on the most minute details, and stilted dialogue.
I felt like I was watching an after-school special or a Mr. Rogers episode, where everyone talks in perfectly grammatical complete sentences in a slightly higher-pitched, cheerful voice. It was just SO weird.
One of the MCs has a daughter in junior high. I have a daughter in junior high, and I seriously laughed my arse off at their conversations. No tween EVER has talked the way Mandy talked in this book; she sounded like a retired Southern lady.
Besides that, there was no tension, sexual or otherwise. I wouldn't call it insta love per se, but there was no introspection on the part of Vincent, who 18 months prior lost his wife to cancer. The romance felt forced; even the ending was a miss: way too cutesy.
I cannot recommend this book.
The biggest problem with this story is the writing style. It's simplistic, with flowery descriptions, a bizarre focus on the most minute details, and stilted dialogue.
I felt like I was watching an after-school special or a Mr. Rogers episode, where everyone talks in perfectly grammatical complete sentences in a slightly higher-pitched, cheerful voice. It was just SO weird.
One of the MCs has a daughter in junior high. I have a daughter in junior high, and I seriously laughed my arse off at their conversations. No tween EVER has talked the way Mandy talked in this book; she sounded like a retired Southern lady.
Besides that, there was no tension, sexual or otherwise. I wouldn't call it insta love per se, but there was no introspection on the part of Vincent, who 18 months prior lost his wife to cancer. The romance felt forced; even the ending was a miss: way too cutesy.
I cannot recommend this book.
dnf-not-4-me
September 6, 2017Stopped at 25%. Absolutely NO sexual tension. Not insta-love, but there was no build up to the relationship and I wasn't feeling it at ALL. Not even having 2 silver foxes could get me to finish.
I did not finish so I will not be rating this one.
I did not finish so I will not be rating this one.
September 18, 2017
Romance between interior decorator and straight widower with a teen girl. The writing and plot seemed dull and mechanical to me.
Typos: blonde used for men (it's feminine), misplaced and inconsistent capitalization (Realtor, your Dad), Vincent used when Andrew was meant ("He thought of a young Andrew in a dress shirt"), pull for put ("pull all sorts of stuff in here"), her for here ("I hope she gets her soon").
Typos: blonde used for men (it's feminine), misplaced and inconsistent capitalization (Realtor, your Dad), Vincent used when Andrew was meant ("He thought of a young Andrew in a dress shirt"), pull for put ("pull all sorts of stuff in here"), her for here ("I hope she gets her soon").
July 11, 2018
* Andrew is a sunny, cheerful man, enjoying a successful life, but is still single and lonely. He keeps busy, works with charities, has brown hair and eyes, and quite the character.
* Vincent is single raising his teen daughter, Mandy, because his wife, Dana died from cancer. He runs a successful organic food chain; always seeking varied products.
His salt and pepper hair doesn't slow him down, and isn't looking for anyone, when Andrew literally falls into Andrew's lap at an open house. When Vincent decides to buy the house, he needs a renovations company and picks Andrews, which puts them together more and more, and Vincent finds himself interested in a man for the first time. It's Vincent's first M/M relationship and he's all in to get to know Andrew and see how things go.
The characters are interesting and we have a low angst tale. Older men who are each successful, and have extra love to give. Hot sexy times are explosive and fun. This is a fun story of a melding family and looking toward the future.
It has lots of descriptions, which can be a bit much, but we do get a HFN, and a bright outlook. I needed more deep need or something, I'm not sure what.
ENJOY !
====
* Vincent is single raising his teen daughter, Mandy, because his wife, Dana died from cancer. He runs a successful organic food chain; always seeking varied products.
His salt and pepper hair doesn't slow him down, and isn't looking for anyone, when Andrew literally falls into Andrew's lap at an open house. When Vincent decides to buy the house, he needs a renovations company and picks Andrews, which puts them together more and more, and Vincent finds himself interested in a man for the first time. It's Vincent's first M/M relationship and he's all in to get to know Andrew and see how things go.
The characters are interesting and we have a low angst tale. Older men who are each successful, and have extra love to give. Hot sexy times are explosive and fun. This is a fun story of a melding family and looking toward the future.
It has lots of descriptions, which can be a bit much, but we do get a HFN, and a bright outlook. I needed more deep need or something, I'm not sure what.
ENJOY !
====
September 8, 2017
DNF 37%.
I was ready to like this, but I'm seriously struggling with the omniscient narrator and romantic pacing. Not sure I'll pull through.
I was ready to like this, but I'm seriously struggling with the omniscient narrator and romantic pacing. Not sure I'll pull through.
May 6, 2018
3.5 Stars
I really enjoyed Vincent's and Andrew's love story. A large part of the charm is that both heroes are over 40 and grown men with full lives and they act like the adults they are.
We get dating. I love that and making two busy lives work which has bumps.
The lovely details of a remodel and the locally sources grocery business with a grief and blooming teenager and really nice supporting cast.
Andrew points out that he isn't always likable and that is true in moments but when he rushes to assumptions but he doesn't act on them. Vincent is a wonderful dad and boss though I would have liked more thinking on his bisexuality or discussion.
Some of the writing is weirdly formal or stilted in places and this issue detracts but I have already downloaded the next in the series.
I really enjoyed Vincent's and Andrew's love story. A large part of the charm is that both heroes are over 40 and grown men with full lives and they act like the adults they are.
We get dating. I love that and making two busy lives work which has bumps.
The lovely details of a remodel and the locally sources grocery business with a grief and blooming teenager and really nice supporting cast.
Andrew points out that he isn't always likable and that is true in moments but when he rushes to assumptions but he doesn't act on them. Vincent is a wonderful dad and boss though I would have liked more thinking on his bisexuality or discussion.
Some of the writing is weirdly formal or stilted in places and this issue detracts but I have already downloaded the next in the series.
probably-not-but-freebie
June 27, 2018Freebie at the 'zon.com right now: https://www.amazon.com/Good-Man-Forev...
September 6, 2017
A Good Man is the first book in the Forever Young series by Grant C. Holland. This is a cute story about Andrew and Vincent. Both men are in their mid to late forties, and I enjoyed reading a story with older mature characters. Vincent is a widower and has a teenage daughter, Mandy. He was married to a wife for 15 years when she died of cancer. Vincent has always been attracted to men in addition to women, but he's never so much as kissed another guy and he would never consider cheating on his wife who he loved. But it's been 18 months, and Vincent is finally ready to move on. He finds the perfect house, but it needs some renovations before they can move in. He takes his real estate agents recommendation and contacts ADJ Associates to do the renovations. Andrew is the A in ADJ, and he does the interior designing portion of the renovation. Andrew is tired of one night stands and is ready to settle down and find the perfect partner. When Andrew and Vincent meet, there are sparks, but Andrew is hesitant about pursuing anything, especially when he finds out that Vincent was married to a woman and has a daughter. All he needs is a sign that Vincent is interested in him also. I really enjoyed reading this cute story. It's well written and nicely edited, and the characters and sub-characters were all lovable. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
June 28, 2018
I love the basic premise, especially with MCs in their 40s. Unfortunately, the writing was not good. It was sugary sweet with awkward dialogue and odd sentences. Any hint of dramatic content that might have lent interest to the story was quickly skimmed over and resolved, often times off page. The book ended up being boring and unrealistic with an overdose of sunshine and unicorns.
December 31, 2021
Too simplistic in the writing, too many errors, an editor is recommended when you write a book you wish to publish. DNF.
February 1, 2018
I enjoyed this book about two older men finding love. Vincent wife passed away leaving him and their thirteen year old daughter. He meets Andrew at the new property he's buying. While they discuss about renovations Vincent gets more attracted to Andrew. Andrew has woken feelings that Vincent thought he buried years ago! Andrew is out and proud and doesn't want to act on the attraction but when Vincent makes the first move he takes charge. Vincent's daughter Mandy takes to Andrew and soon they're off house shopping together. This was the approval he was looking for before moving his and Andrews relationship further.
Good first book in the series
Good first book in the series
September 6, 2017
“To the surprise of both men, the relationship quickly deepens and blossoms into something that neither one expected.” Well for once in a while, the blurb of the book gave a true description of an important element of the story: it went all too quickly! One of the characters is a 45 year old man, who had been married for 15 years to a woman, who had a teenager girl, who lost his wife to cancer and who had never kissed a man before; it didn’t take more than a couple of business meeting to have this man ask his architect to kiss him! Come on, where is the struggle and introspection; we are talking of a grown-up man, with responsibilities and past experiences that absolutely do not justify such a quick and thoughtless action. And what about the architect – 47 years old, never been in a long-term relationship, who just seemed to dance away through life and took things as they come, without bothering much about consequences. And the development of their relationship just continued that quickly, with Vincent suggesting a life together just after his first sexual experience with a man and Andrew replying that Vincent should go slow but then confirming that there might be a future for the two of them. I don’t want to further spoil the story, but this was the leitmotiv of the entire storyline. I just could not feel real emotions; the actions and reactions of the two men were not believable considering their background. It was a story with great potential, but it just disappointed me.
September 6, 2017
3.5
You would think that a storyline involving a 45yo man raising his 12yo daughter alone after his wife of 15yrs died of cancer 18mo previously, who finds himself seriously attracted to a man for the first time, a 47 yo man that has made an art form out of being single and avoiding responsibility in his personal life, would be a complicated, angsty rollercoaster. However, that is not what you will find in “A Good Man”, a straightforward romance that presents the best of people and the rosiest path to love from what could have been a truly thorny scenario. Frankly, everything goes right for these guys, from the reactions of friends and the daughter to the acceptance from beyond by the deceased wife. And you know what?—I liked that. I liked the easy acceptance and calm reassurance that came with Vincent and Andrew, and many of the secondary characters, being self aware and open to change. I liked that Vincent and his daughter had counseling and were healing and honoring their loved one’s memory while recognizing that they still had lives to lead and adventures ahead. Grant Holland did a good job keeping such a warm and positive romance from being cheesy, and acknowledging that people get lucky and situations that look fraught and complex can and do sometimes resolve in the simplest of ways.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
You would think that a storyline involving a 45yo man raising his 12yo daughter alone after his wife of 15yrs died of cancer 18mo previously, who finds himself seriously attracted to a man for the first time, a 47 yo man that has made an art form out of being single and avoiding responsibility in his personal life, would be a complicated, angsty rollercoaster. However, that is not what you will find in “A Good Man”, a straightforward romance that presents the best of people and the rosiest path to love from what could have been a truly thorny scenario. Frankly, everything goes right for these guys, from the reactions of friends and the daughter to the acceptance from beyond by the deceased wife. And you know what?—I liked that. I liked the easy acceptance and calm reassurance that came with Vincent and Andrew, and many of the secondary characters, being self aware and open to change. I liked that Vincent and his daughter had counseling and were healing and honoring their loved one’s memory while recognizing that they still had lives to lead and adventures ahead. Grant Holland did a good job keeping such a warm and positive romance from being cheesy, and acknowledging that people get lucky and situations that look fraught and complex can and do sometimes resolve in the simplest of ways.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
September 12, 2017
This is a low angst read, its sweet and light and I really enjoyed it.
First off I adored Andrew, he is a sweet guy and honestly from the way he was written he could have been 10 years younger. He is the partner is a company that makes over houses and he is the interior designer. He works his charm on a new potential client, Vincent, who is looking at buying a house that needs a makeover. Vincent is a single Dad who owns a chain of organic grocery stores and lost his wife to cancer 18 month previously. There is a connection from their first meeting and they begin to meet at the new house to talk over the project and soon become friends. After a few meetings their attraction leads to some bedroom action, its sweet and tender. They try to find a way to move forward and Andrew makes it very clear he wants to be an addition to the family and not a replacement.
Some things to note; Mandy (Vincent’s daughter) is a well adjusted girl and won’t have you needing to throttle her because she is spoiled, quite refreshing to be honest. Vince mentions fooling around with his college roommate at the start but later says that he’s never even kissed a man.
I would highly recommend and I will be waiting for the next book in the series.
I reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book.
First off I adored Andrew, he is a sweet guy and honestly from the way he was written he could have been 10 years younger. He is the partner is a company that makes over houses and he is the interior designer. He works his charm on a new potential client, Vincent, who is looking at buying a house that needs a makeover. Vincent is a single Dad who owns a chain of organic grocery stores and lost his wife to cancer 18 month previously. There is a connection from their first meeting and they begin to meet at the new house to talk over the project and soon become friends. After a few meetings their attraction leads to some bedroom action, its sweet and tender. They try to find a way to move forward and Andrew makes it very clear he wants to be an addition to the family and not a replacement.
Some things to note; Mandy (Vincent’s daughter) is a well adjusted girl and won’t have you needing to throttle her because she is spoiled, quite refreshing to be honest. Vince mentions fooling around with his college roommate at the start but later says that he’s never even kissed a man.
I would highly recommend and I will be waiting for the next book in the series.
I reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book.
September 10, 2017
I received an ARC from the author. This is the first book I've read by Mr. Holland. When offered the ARC I read his bio and looked at my list of 'I want to read this book' and discovered the long list I had under his name. Since they were romances with HEA's it was a 'no brainer' to accept. I'm so happy I did.
Though the death of a spouse and the fear of commitment playing huge parts in the story, along with a feisty cat and juggling the activities and presence of a child, for the most part the story was a light-hearted, angst free read. Andrew and his business partners are a fun group and Vincent has the support of family and friends. I'm hoping some of the other single guys in the book get their stories told too!
Though the death of a spouse and the fear of commitment playing huge parts in the story, along with a feisty cat and juggling the activities and presence of a child, for the most part the story was a light-hearted, angst free read. Andrew and his business partners are a fun group and Vincent has the support of family and friends. I'm hoping some of the other single guys in the book get their stories told too!
September 6, 2017
This was a sweet and romantic romance about two men who meet during a business deal and find each other. Andrew is a interior decorator, hired by Vincent an organic supermarket owner. Widowed and raising his teenage daughter, he is still grieving for his wife, but loneliness has its grip on him. Hoping a move will help heal him and his daughter, he buys a house that needs some work. Vincent has been straight all of his life, but he has admitted to eyeing good looking guys on occasion. With some minor angst this book takes the reader on a sweet journey. Good read. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book
September 9, 2017
Vincent and Andrews story is the heartfelt story of a man who loses his wife and while trying to raise their 13 year old daughter and get on with life meets Andrew who reawakens his interest in men and love. Vincent plans a new home to help his daughter and himself move on after the loss of his wife. Andrew is part of the remodeling and design team he hires to make their new house the home they want.
This is a second chance/silver fox story with a positive outlook and not alot of drama or angst. Even though he has been happily married to a woman for years Vincent has always had an interest in men and Andrew awakens that side of Vincent.
Another winner by Grant C Holland.
This is a second chance/silver fox story with a positive outlook and not alot of drama or angst. Even though he has been happily married to a woman for years Vincent has always had an interest in men and Andrew awakens that side of Vincent.
Another winner by Grant C Holland.
September 6, 2017
Nothing shocking but Grant C Holland does it again another unforgettable couple and a beautiful romance. The characters are as usual captivating Vincent and Andrew feel the spark between them the minute they meet Vincent's wife died and he and his daughter Mandy are trying to move forward. Vincent and Andrew take it slow but there is so much to take into account not least of all Vincent has never even kissed a man before Andrew. Well written and made to make the reader melt I can't recommend this book strongly enough.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book.
September 10, 2017
This looked liked it could be a really good read but the pace of the book seemed off. I don't know if it was the mature characters but this book didn't grab it just went it didn't really even flow let well either.
The book was still enjoyable but not as enjoyable as previous books by this author.
I enjoyed the characters but didn't really feel that good a connection between them. I felt more chemistry between the three friends than the two mcs.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book for an honest review.
The book was still enjoyable but not as enjoyable as previous books by this author.
I enjoyed the characters but didn't really feel that good a connection between them. I felt more chemistry between the three friends than the two mcs.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book for an honest review.
September 17, 2017
A beautiful, sweet and romantic story of finding love after a tragic loss. Beautiful storyline that is written perfectly and flows flawlessly. Vincent and Andrew are wonderful characters with great chemistry and I really love watching their relationship grow. I especially like their consideration and inclusion of Vincent's daughter throughout. This was my first book by Grant C Holland but it definitely won't be my last. I can't wait for more.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
November 16, 2024
Cute Bi-awakening story of a 40ish widower with a 13-year old daughter who meets a 40ish (gay) interior designer. Through their meeting til the end of the story this is a thoughtful book about a guy who's wife dies and he's just trying to do his best. In an attempt to do that he buys an old home and hires Andrews's company to fix it up. Through the ups and downs of falling for a "straight" man to meeting the guys family (including in-laws) and friends it was done very thoughtfully.
I can't wait to read about the other guys from ADJ.
I can't wait to read about the other guys from ADJ.
September 10, 2017
I was a bit surprised that we didn't see more drama/angst in this book on Andrew's side about his history with having dated bisexual, or newly out gay men and his expectations of how Vincent would act. Instead we meet two sweet men who recognize that they've found a special bond that has the potential of forever. Neither man is perfect, and they each have insecurities, but they found that none of that matters as long as they are together.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
September 27, 2017
I really enjoyed reading this story by new to me author Grant Holland. The story flowed very well and the characters kept me entertained. I was hooked from the very beginning and hated to see it end. At times the story was kinda slow for me but overall it was a very enjoyable read for me.
I recommend this story to everyone...I can't wait to see what is next for this series. Well done!
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
I recommend this story to everyone...I can't wait to see what is next for this series. Well done!
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
December 18, 2017
I was thrilled to find a new series that featured older men. Andrew and Vincent's love story is a loving, easy read with low angst. The author is descriptive of the surroundings and weaves a story that makes you want to curl up and read the story cover to cover. If you are looking for an angst filled, emotional draining book this is not for you. If you are are looking for a sweet, love story then you've come to the right place.
October 17, 2017
This was a beautiful book. A widower with a junior high aged daughter finds himself attracted to an interior designer. The catch is the interior designer is a man. I like the way Vincent is always trying to balance everything, keeping his daughter #1. Andrew the player becomes Andrew who enjoys pursuing a relationship with Vincent. These men value romance with each other. I can't love this book more.
November 6, 2017
A solid romance. I really enjoy more mature couples, dealing with kids and jobs, and in this case, grief, in such a responsible manner while still embracing the romance.
My criticism, and the thing that kept it from getting usual 5 stars from me, is that it just seems biphobic that the entire story was told without ever once saying the word "bisexual." It isn't... or shouldn't be... that weird to love a woman, and then love a man!
My criticism, and the thing that kept it from getting usual 5 stars from me, is that it just seems biphobic that the entire story was told without ever once saying the word "bisexual." It isn't... or shouldn't be... that weird to love a woman, and then love a man!
January 6, 2018
I loved the happy going story with no big drama going on. The story had a slow build of a relationship pace to it. Vincent and Andrew had chemistry.
Spots in the story I felt like I was watching this Old House TV Show. I loved watching it so it was a nice reading of little bit of what they were doing.
I hope to keep reading more books from the author’s book shelves.
Thank you for sharing your book with us.
Spots in the story I felt like I was watching this Old House TV Show. I loved watching it so it was a nice reading of little bit of what they were doing.
I hope to keep reading more books from the author’s book shelves.
Thank you for sharing your book with us.
June 27, 2018
Older and Wiser
Vincent loses his wife to cancer and now tries to give his teenage daughter the love and support she needs. Vincent is looking for a new home and meets Andrew at the open house.
As part of a restoration business, Andrew and his partners are hired to redo the house prior to occupancy.
Andrew awakens a part of Vincent that has been dormant all his life. Their journey is one of slowly finding their way to love and family. Marvelous story.
Vincent loses his wife to cancer and now tries to give his teenage daughter the love and support she needs. Vincent is looking for a new home and meets Andrew at the open house.
As part of a restoration business, Andrew and his partners are hired to redo the house prior to occupancy.
Andrew awakens a part of Vincent that has been dormant all his life. Their journey is one of slowly finding their way to love and family. Marvelous story.
July 6, 2018
This is a good beginning to a new series. Andrew and his business partners have a great friendship, and I love how they act together. Vincent and his daughter are close and loving, both missing the wife and mom they lost a year and a half ago. When Andrew and Vincent meet, they begin a sweet and sexy relationship. It's an enjoyable read, and I'm sure the series will be, as well.
I received an advance copy of this book in return for an honest review.
I received an advance copy of this book in return for an honest review.
September 10, 2017
A Good Man is a sweet romance with a HEA. Vincent and Andrew meet while Andrew is house shopping. Andrew does renovations. Both are established men in their 40's. Vincent is a widow with a daughter. I really enjoyed the pace of this story. From beginning to end the story flowed.
TA his was my the first book I have read by Grant Holland and will definately be reading more of his work!
TA his was my the first book I have read by Grant Holland and will definately be reading more of his work!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews