Book Reviews

Book Blurb

A six-year downward spiral into a world of lies and deception leads to the end of one man’s life when self-discovery crosses the line between being the perfect son or following his heart.

Jimmy Miller never intended to lead a double life starting the day he fell in love with Darian, but his parents’ divorce, fighting in school, and constantly keeping secrets for his closeted best friend and protector, Matt, force his hand. Jimmy finds the demands too great to withstand and ends it all prematurely, leaving behind an angry best friend and a shattered lover.

Matt and Darian cling to one another in the aftermath of their loss, forging a new friendship immediately tested by the truths of their relationships with Jimmy that are hidden in the pages of Jimmy’s journals. Will Matt and Darian discover what truly happened to their friend? And will this tragedy birth something beautiful between them as they learn the balance between life, family, and friendship when love is simply not enough?

A Bittersweet Dreams title: It's an unfortunate truth: love doesn't always conquer all. Regardless of its strength, sometimes fate intervenes, tragedy strikes, or forces conspire against it. These stories of romance do not offer a traditional happy ending, but the strong and enduring love will still touch your heart and maybe move you to tears.

 

Book Review

Philosopher Immanuel Kant stated: “By a lie, a man... annihilates his dignity as a man.” Jimmy of 'When Love is not Enough' by Wade Kelly learns a tragic lesson in being untruthful.

Jimmy begins to lie to his best friend, Matt, when he doesn't confide in him about his new friend, Darian. His honesty with Matt is the last link between all he is and all he hopes to be. When he severs that tie, he begins to lose his self respect. His fear of being inferior overwhelms him and, as we know, if you don't believe in yourself, nothing else matters. Jimmy didn't believe in himself and all of the good things in his life became irrelevant. In that moment of despair, he convinces himself that ending his life is the only way to stop the excruciating pain that engulfs him.

At first I wasn't impressed with Matt's promiscuity and cocky attitude, but after a while, I actually began to feel sorry for him. Anonymous sex is Matt's way of dealing with his sexuality while preserving the relative normalcy of his life. There's a lot of good in it, especially his friendship with Jimmy; but Matt feels that if he came out, he stands to lose that. Nevertheless, at some level, he craves the intimacy he's denying, until he meets Darian who not only ignites a fire of passion, but also an all consuming desire for intimacy. For the first time in his life, Matt feels what Jimmy tried so hard to convey to him about the subject and is able to open his heart to Darian.

Darian is a fragile, yet enduring soul. He doesn't try to hide who he is. He's a beautiful person, capable of a great deal of devotion. He loves Jimmy so much that he's willing to let him take the lead, and, as well as he can, weathers the ensuing storms. Darian is completely committed to Jimmy, but unfortunately, Jimmy is too confused, too unsure of himself to be able to commit to Darian at that level. When he meets Matt, he feels a bond stronger, more inexplicable than he's ever felt before. He soon realizes, as does Matt, that their intimate connections with Jimmy and ensuing grief are the factors that draw them together and offer the possibility of making them whole once again.

'When Love is not Enough' is raw and intense - definitely not a typical love story. Wade's characters are well conceptualized and the style of writing is solid. Personally, I found following through the flashbacks and journals a little confusing, and in places the dialog drags on a bit; nevertheless, the overall impact of the story makes up for it in spades. If you appreciate a story that challenges you to think harder and feel deeper, one that leaves your mind buzzing even after you've closed the cover, then you'll appreciate this story. Thanks, Wade, for a stimulating experience.

 

 

 

 

DISCLAIMER: Books reviewed on this site were usually provided at no cost by the publisher or author. This book has been provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review.

Additional Information

Format	ebook and print
Length	Novel, 320 pages
Heat Level
Publication Date	29-August-2011
Price	$6.99 ebook, $17.99 paperback, $17.99 bundle
Buy Link	https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/when-love-is-not-enough-by-wade-kelly-1839-b