Aiden Lewis Octet Series

Following the characters from the popular 'Football Crazy' series, the foursome are enjoying retirement from the public eye. Having fallen in love with the seaside town years ago, Nicole and Aiden have made it their retirement home. Now that Aiden has penned his memoirs, a tale spanning two books, the couple agree to double book signings around the country, encountering more than a few problems along the way. Could there be a cure for Aiden's back problem since his and Justin's fateful car accident? They are reassured of the success rate but everything comes with a price, and nothing in Aiden's medical history has been easy so far... Justin and Lynn love the peacefulness of life on the Sunshine Coast, and when Justin is invited to run Eastbourne's new Soccer School, the decision is an easy one to make. Lynn is relieved to be near Aiden and Nicole, knowing they will need support as Aiden's health worsens; she also insists that she will help Justin with his new venture as she has done before.

European touring beckons for the famous brothers and their books. Nicole arranges the scheduling to ensure it is not too demanding on her husband, knowing as Aiden does that they'd only discover it to be so when it was too late. When the new publishers break their agreed contractual terms, Nicole has their legal team instigate proceedings when Aiden is hospitalised as a result. The publishing world is set alight with news of their accounts being up for tender. Nicole has her own career to juggle, she can't look after everything, but when they need a new manager she has an ideal candidate in mind. Aiden's infamous feeling tells him that Nicole's love of tennis is more than fan based, arranging for her to have lessons with a former Paralympic star, Charlotte. She takes to it like a duck to water, and is relieved to have his managerial magic on her side when she agrees to play competitively. How far can she rise up the rankings?

As the idea of a third book is in Aiden's mind, once Nicole suggests it, and Justin's memoirs also in the pipeline, it is time for reminiscence of his career. With a new publisher to please, Nicole is working on her next book once she has shaped her brother-in-law's work. Tentatively planning a book tour for the famous brothers, and herself also, everything comes to a halt as Aiden's health problems increase. The more he struggles, the stronger the foursome become. Gradually as Aiden recovers, the two couples return to their separate lives. They all know that it is a matter of time until the next episode with Aiden's health, and that support from Justin and Lynn will be necessary long term.

Now that the foursome have moved to a larger, shared house up on The Downs, Aiden and Nicole's seafront apartment is empty. But not for long as Aiden's son, Harry, seeks a fresh start after his surprise divorce. He also undergoes a trial to become Assistant Manager at Eastbourne Borough, the local football team. Whilst Aiden struggles with illness, Nicole vetoes invitations to play tennis all around the world - both with Charlotte and mixed doubles with Mike. Her concentration isn't there for her writing either. Eventually, she decides to take on publishing their books herself, unable to fulfil any company's demands - and unwilling to put anything in front of Aiden's health. Justin and Lynn too have a surprise in between all of this when their son, James, turns up unannounced with partner Jonathan.

Aiden's health struggles are helped immensely by a new doctor to their surgery. Dr Ann Jacobsen is a respiratory specialist GP who has recently moved to the seaside town seeking a new life after her messy divorce.While treating him, she falls in love with his son, Harry. Soon the pair realise they have a lot in common and develop a loving partnership. Although Nicole and Charlotte no longer play competitively, they still get together for recreational tennis and Nicole at times helps out at Charlotte's classes. Theirs is a bond that is ever strengthening, something Nicole is grateful for as Aiden's health declines and her ability to cope also take a downward slide. Justin too is struggling to cope with his brother's illnesses, the strain beginning to take a toll on him mentally and physically. Lynn is a caring wife, and she splits her time between her family members, but Justin is unsure whether or not she will understand.

Aiden is still bravely battling his medical conditions; while his brother can't cope being so helpless in it all. Justin is still convinced that this all harks back to their accident, and blames himself for Aiden's torment. Will Justin get the help he needs to continue to support his poorly brother? Will Aiden's condition improve, or worsen? Harry and Ann's relationship develops, surviving the shock news that she falls pregnant with twins. As Justin loses control, Lynn vows that their rocky relationship is over - but is that just a knee jerk reaction?

Everyone is struggling - Justin with his mental and physical health; Nicole with coping with the demands of looking after her poorly spouse; Lynn with trying to split herself in two dealing with both Aiden's and Justin's health problems. As grateful as Aiden is to have his family around to help and support him, he cannot shake the feeling that he is a terrible burden to them all. Charlotte moves in, temporarily at least, to help Nicole as Lynn and Justin are staying in Brighton with James and Jonathan while Justin recuperates. Harry and Ann too are nearby to help out, despite having their family double overnight when Harry's children from his first marriage suddenly come to live with them. His wedding to Ann is planned as a simple affair - but nothing is ever simple. Find out how the family cope with all of their struggles in the second to last book in the series.

Bringing together the eight books in the Aiden Lewis Octet, this volume celebrates Yvonne's popular longest running character.   Named possibly the best England player and manager ever, Aiden Lewis remains incredibly modest about his talents on and off the pitch. Encouraged by new wife, Nicole, to write his memoirs from both his playing days and his managerial career. Balancing his ongoing health problems with both writing and promoting his books, Aiden is grateful to his family around to support him.

The last book in the octet finds both brothers struggling with their medical conditions, even with their family around to help and support them through their battles. Charlotte is still helping Nicole, Harry and Ann to look after Aiden. When her annual hospital appointment occurs while Aiden is suffering particularly badly, she attends alone - but Nicole has a plan. Will the end of the series signify the end for one or both of the brothers?