Another enjoyable read from Nick Spalding, with his trade-mark humourous narrative and slightly unfortunate male lead characters!

Will is only in his mid 40s but old before his time: set in his ways, over cautious and struggling with health anxiety. When his younger wife Audrey gets to the end of her tether and asks for a separation he is forced to re-evaulate his life. With nowhere to go he reconnects with his estranged, wealthy father Red, who just happens to be an eccentric ageing rockstar with no fear... Will is clearly out of his comfort zone!

At first I felt Audrey was a bit of a cow  and harsh to kick him out when he was so low. However, as I found out more about his backstory I changed my mind!

A fun, light-hearted story about family, love and friendship - I really enjoyed this one!

I’ve read most of this authors books and they never disappoint. This was such a moving funny book which I absolutely loved.

The more I read, the more I want to read quirky books. I’ve read stories that take me back in time, I’ve been shocked, terrified, and appalled. I’ve read stories that have kept me on the edge of my seat, or turning those pages just as fast as I can. But now, I find myself looking for stories that do something different, bordering on the absurd, but above all else, that seem to have a good story underneath it all.

Old Boys was exactly that! Will Fairweather was a character I could identify with; I’ve got that annoying ache in my side that just won’t go away; I fall asleep at nine o’clock in front of the television; and I am really lucky if I can sleep straight through the night. Will Fairweather is also a character that I could never identify with, his father is a freaking rock god, from one of the greatest rock and roll bands of all time.

This is a story about a clash of characters. It is a story without special effects or pyrotechnics. Old Boys is the story of a relationship between a man and his boy. The characters are the story.

Red had been absent from Will’s life for decades. We need to get down to the why. Will’s relationship with his wife is on the rocks, he is old before his time. I loved this voyage of Will discovering his father, and coming to terms with the events that so disrupted his life. This story reminds me of a quote from Hunter S. Thompson: “Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming ‘Wow! What a Ride!’”. This is how Red lived his life and a lesson that Will needed to learn.

I loved Old Boys. I now need more books from Nick Spalding.

*5 Stars

Will Fairweather has been struggling. He’s in his mid 40s, and he feels every one of those midlife pains, in his back, in his knees, and in his intestines when he eats spicy food. That’s why he avoids it. He avoids chipotles. He avoids going out. He tires to live a quiet, safe life.

And then his wife kicks him out.

She’s not trying to hurt Will. But Audrey has been with him, and in the years since his mother died, he’s just been surviving. But Audrey wants more. She wants to live again. She wants to be part of the couple who would travel to Spain to learn how to dance. But all Will wants to do is stay home and worry. And she couldn’t take any more.

When it turns out that Will doesn’t really have anywhere else to go, Audrey reaches out to the one person on Earth that Will doesn’t want to deal with. The man is a member of one of the most popular rock bands of the ‘70s. The man is a legend on the drums. The man is Will’s father.

Red Fairweather is a rock and roll god who abandoned Will when he was just a teenager. Will hasn’t seen his father in decades. He didn’t reach out when Will’s mother died. And Will doesn’t want to reach out now. Except that moving out of his home means he has to find another place to live, and all he can afford is a tiny flat in a dangerous neighborhood. So Will swallows his pride and moves back into the room he spent time in as a teenager.

Right away, Will and Red are at odds. Red tries to reach out, but Will doesn’t want to hear it. But Red wears Will down, and Will finds himself hanging naked off of Red’s balcony during a massive Holy Moly party. As the days go by, Will finds himself starting to let down his walls a little, and Red finds himself opening up about the years he missed and his reasons for that. But will it be enough for father and son to be able to meet in the middle?

Old Boys is a comedy about the things in life that go wrong and the things in life that go right. It’s about the moments that define us and the courage it takes to feel those moments fully. It’s about love and sacrifice and family. And it’s about a llama named Chunky Lumps.

I enjoy the novels of Nick Spalding. They are readable and enjoyable. There’s always humor and heart, with several unexpected surprises that make me laugh out loud. I thought Old Boys was especially sweet, as Will’s and Red’s relationship evolved and Will found his way back from his fears and depression. There are some slow spots in the novel, but it’s a good family story with a satisfying ending, including a woman playing “Fat Bottomed Girls” on the organ.

Egalleys for Old Boys were provided by Amazon Publishing UK through NetGalley, with many thanks.

Received an ARC from netgalley for an honest opinion.
Super fun book! But I like all of his stuff it's always funny. This was a fun story about a guy getting back together with his Rick star drummer dad at the age of 45 when he's gone through kind of a midlife crisis. If you need a laugh, give it a go.

I have read some full on LOL books by this author and he never fails to produce something original and thought provoking….even when it has much hilarity in it
This time it’s a mixture of everything but also with a lot of emotion…..the author candidly tackles (amongst others) the subjects of relationship breakdown,feeling old,scared and apathetic,relationships with parents,loss and forgiveness and although that sounds heavy it is all done with feelings we can relate to and of course the ever present humour…..it is a big ask to pull all of this off and to make it readable,believable and challenging ( and I do think we are intended to be challenged throughout ) but pulled off it is,with bells on
A really moving and funny book that will leave you with questions,thoughts and maybe actions needing to be done

Will Fairweather hasn't been the same since his mom died suddenly several years ago. Something in him broke, and now he has turned into a crabby old man (even though he is only 45), never wanting to go anywhere or do anything, and everything scares him... and I do mean everything. Finally his wife Audrey has enough, and asks him to move out. Will's dad that he hasn't seen in 30 years, Red, calls him and asks him to come stay with him so they can reconnect and bond. Red, who was the drummer for Holy Moly, still has a wild streak that is the antithesis of Will's nervous and timid personality, so the two start clashing immediately. However, Red is determined to teach Will how to embrace life and maybe, just maybe, Will might discover the father he once loved under all of the crazy antics and showmanship.

This book was a lot of fun. Although Will was a bit of a downer, and I did feel sorry for Audrey and everyone else for having to deal with him, Red was definitely the life of the party. His crazy antics kept me in stitches. If you are in the mood for a light, fun read then this is the perfect book for you.

As soon as I read the synopsis for Old Boys, I put it on my to-be-read list. This had all of the makings of the fun read that I was in the mood for.

My grandfather was a drummer, so I have a bit of a soft spot for them. Oh, he certainly wasn’t famous like Red Fairweather, but he was a character who enjoyed the spotlight, too.

As a child of the ‘80s, I enjoyed my share of rock ‘n’ roll with its big hair, tight pants, and eyeliner galore. Could I picture Red Fairweather, the aging rock drummer? Absolutely! Now, as a child of the ‘80s, could I feel for Will Fairweather, with the aches and pains? Again, absolutely! I was more than ready to see what their father-son relationship was going to look like thirty years after their last get-together.

I felt for Will. After experiencing a great loss in his life, his own mortality became an increasing worry for him. For Will, every ache, pain, or bit of indigestion could result in his demise. He was filled with anxiety, grief, and wasn’t living his life to the fullest anymore. When Will’s wife suggested a separation, he was lost. He didn’t want to live without his wife or his beloved dog. When his estranged father gets in touch and suggests that he come and live with him for a while, well, he didn’t really have another decent option.

Living in a mansion with an aging rock drummer with more money than sense seems like it could be a good time, but for Will, being reacquainted with his absentee father held a lot of hurt, and understandably so. For the reader of this story, though, it was a really good time! Red Fairweather tried his best to get his son to loosen up, live it up, and let go of his worries. Red still lived like he was in his twenties or thirties, complete with tight leather pants and a devil-may-care attitude. Will and Red were like night and day, but this only made their interactions more golden.

Old Boys had plenty of humor, hijinks, rock ‘n’ roll, and heart. This was a feel-good novel that made me want to dig out my boom box and old cassettes and just rock out.

*4 Stars

Thank you to the author, publisher and Net Galley for providing a free ebook ARC of this title in exchange for my review.

I first found this author through Net Galley, and I have really enjoyed all of the books I've read so far. I was excited to get this one and get started on it. Overall, it was humerous and enjoyable, but it was a bit more of a 'downer' book than the previous titles, just because the main character is dealing with - a lot. Growing older, worrying and thinking about parents, memories, just life. I can relate to a lot of it, which was fun to read and commiserate with. But it was a bit of a downer.

However, it was a fun read, and I would recommend it to anyone who is looking for a fun book. Can't wait for the next title!

4 stars for 'really liked it'

Thank you #Netgalley

Though this book is more on the humorous side, it also tugs at your heart strings a bit as an adult child reconnects with this estranged father. When Will can't get out a of a depressed state, his partner recommends that they take a break for him to process the death of his mother and his future. Will is connected with his father who he had not seen in 3o years. We watch as Will processes resentment, childhood memories and the current state of his fathers health and wealth.

OH GOD I LOVED THIS BOOK. I don't know if I was the target audience or not, and I wasn't all that excited to read it based on the summary but I just spent a whole afternoon reading this. It was hilarious, and the characters were so likable and relatable (even while being a bit bonkers). I am going to check out more by this author because this was awesome.

Will post review on YouTube on release date: https://youtu.be/6enFHJrLJ7Y

Will is in his mid-forties and has been going downhill physically and mentally since his mother passed away suddenly four years ago. Audrey, his wife, is ten years younger and wants the fun Will back. She's had enough of him being a downer so tells him they need some time apart.

Will's parents broke up when he was three and he hasn't seen his father, who the drummer of an aging famous rock band, since he was sixteen when Red disappeared from Will's life. Will is bitter about this but he has nowhere to go so moves in with Red, who has suddenly popped back into Will's life. Their lifestyles are very different ... Will is very cautious and never takes risks whereas Red lives for challenges despite being in his early seventies.

I've read many books by this author and thought this one was okay. It was a bit of a downer because of Will's state of mind and reactions but Red's philosophy for life is a good one. It is written in first person perspective in Will's voice. I thought writing could have been tighter as some times it tended to be a bit draggy. The author is English as are the characters so there were some references to I didn't know. As a head's up, there is a swearing (lots of F-bombs).

If you've read any of Nick Spalding's previous books, you know how it's going to pan out. In my opinion this is one of his better ones. You want to give Will a kick up the proverbial - he's such a stick in the mud. When he's forced to live with his rock star estranged father, this turns into a lovely heartwarming story.

I remember reading this author's first book, Life... With No Breaks, way back years ago and being quite impressed. I think I then read another couple of his books and, for some reason, probably not wholly related to the fact he is from Southampton!!! I fell away from his work. Anyway... I saw this and though I'd give him another whirl... and, overall, I wasn't disappointed. A bit light and predictable but just the ticket for reading whilst lying outside in my hammock in sunny Southsea on a Saturday...
So Will is estranged from his father and, after the sudden death of his mother, he has gone right into himself. Plodding through life in a more than sedate manner. Taking absolutely no risks, which also means having absolutely no fun, and that in turn is destroying the relationship with his wife. Who has reached the end of her tether and boots him out. So he is now homeless and, with nowhere else to go, is forced to accept estranged father's offer of his old childhood room. He is eager to reconnect, to build bridges, even if Will isn't...
I'm not saying anymore as, as already mentioned, it's all a bit predictable. But, that said, it's not the kind of book you would expect too many shocks from. It's a contemporary light read that, for me anyway, is just for a couple hours escape from real life. Yes it's all a bit emotional in places. And often quite funny. Laugh aloud in some places. But it did what I wanted and also reminded me of the author's existence so I am now off to have a peek at what I have missed in the wilderness years.
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.

Thank goodness I trust Nick Spalding! Otherwise, I would have thrown this book against the wall at about 10%. Will is the oldest young person I've ever met! At the ancient age of 45 (sarcasm) he acts like he has one foot in the grave already. Thankfully his wife calls him out on it, then boots him out of the house to figure things out. This leads to an awkward and humorous reunion with his estranged rock star father. From there, the reader gets the normal Spalding quirkiness that we've grown to love and expect.

Another great read from Nick Spalding.

When Will’s wife asks him to leave, Will never expects to move in with his rock star father, Red.

Struggling to come to terms with his separation and how to win back his wife’s affection, Will also has to navigate the difficult relationship with his father and learn how to live again following the death of his much loved mum.

If you are a fan of Nick’s stories you will love his latest. It comes with all the usual laugh out loud moments that you expect from one of his books. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the arc in exchange for my honest review.

I’d like to thank Amazon Publishing UK and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read ‘Old Boys’ by Nick Spalding in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

Will Fairweather is in his mid-40s and whereas his younger wife Audrey feels she missing out on having fun, Will’s happy sitting on the sofa wearing his slippers and watching TV. Audrey insists on them having a temporary separation and just as he’s deciding where he can afford to live Will’s estranged father of thirty years, old Holy Moly rocker Red Fairweather, phones offering him his old boyhood room at Moly Mansion. Can Will put the past behind him and rekindle a relationship with Red?

‘Old Boys’ is a novel riddled with humour and mirth as Will learns to love his father again and grab hold of life while he still can. Nick Spalding has the ability to write a light-hearted novel that has sad undertones especially in the last few poignant chapters that had me laughing and crying at the same time. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed reading this delightfully hilarious and amusing story with all its crazy yet endearing characters. Great fun!

Nick Spalding's "Old Boys" is a comical and uplifting trip through the ups and downs of midlife crisis and rediscovering friendship. Spalding's trademark wit and accessible storytelling make this tale a pleasure to read from beginning to end.
The plot centres on four middle-aged pals at a crossroads in their lives, who faced with the boredom and stress of their daily routines, embark on a crazy and funny trip to reclaim and rediscover the joy of youth. "Old Boys" takes readers on a rollercoaster ride of hilarity and self-discovery, from ill-advised exploits to uproarious mishaps.
Spalding's exceptional skill at crafting witty dialogue and amusing circumstances is one of the book's best features. The characters' conversation is crisp and full of smart one-liners that will have readers laughing out loud. The author's comedic timing is flawless, delivering punchlines with pinpoint accuracy and creating moments of pure hilarious gold throughout the story.
This novel's characters are superbly fleshed out, each with its own quirks and foibles that bring dimension to the plot. Spalding develops a distinctive ensemble that readers will cheer for and identify with from the beloved but ignorant protagonist to the eccentric and unexpected supporting cast. Their camaraderie and friendships are touching, reminding us of the enduring power of true companionship.
Furthermore, "Old Boys" touches on universal issues that will appeal to readers of all ages. It delves into the fear of ageing, the longing to recover lost youth, and the importance of accepting change while cherishing the memories and ties that have shaped us. Spalding manages to insert genuine moments of meditation and introspection beneath the layers of humour.
While "Old Boys" thrives mostly in its lightheartedness and humour, some readers may find the plot predictable or the humour occasionally depending on common comedy tropes. Spalding's creative writing and talent for developing sympathetic characters, on the other hand, compensate for any little flaws, offering an enjoyable reading experience altogether.
Finally, "Old Boys" is a lovely adventure that will leave readers smiling from ear to ear. In this humorous tale of midlife hijinks and the enduring power of friendship, Nick Spalding's talent for comedy storytelling shows through. "Old Boys" is a beautiful choice for a laugh-out-loud book that provides a break from the routine.

This is my fourth read by this author and he never disappoints. Being a classic rock fan I was thrilled to read a book about a classic rocker. The group may have been fictional but many real group names and their songs are mentioned so it was like a trip down memory lane and I was tickled pink about that.

This was such a refreshing change after a dark thriller and a sad World War II book, a palate cleanser if you will. It was such a funny read and exactly what I needed. Even though the book is humourous the bare bones of it deals with some hard-hitting subject matter. There is depression, death, old age, drug use, divorce and mid-life crisis...but Spalding manages to portray it in a realistic yet funny way so it softens the blow. I like how the author gives a glimpse into how the male mind works and why they behave the way they do.

I felt a lot of emotions reading this, at some parts I felt like crying and at others, I was laughing out loud. It was so sad yet hilarious in equal measure...it was also very thought-provoking. If ever you want a life lesson with some good laughs mixed in Nick Spalding is an author I highly recommend.

An easy and enjoyable read; funny as hell at times. Ridiculous at times in equal measures.

It’s well written and interesting to see Will, the protagonist, character develop. He starts as an overly cautious old-before-his-time worrier who is crippled by the fear of something going wrong.

He’s reunited with his father - the antithesis of Will - and very slowly his father’s carefree approach to life starts to change the way he thinks - and lives.