For the numbered days of his life, fate favored Will Scott, the oldest son of Rear Admiral Rafford Scott. Handsome, charismatic, athletic, and most likely to succeed, Will is North Chicago High School's first All-American halfback. Sought after by colleges nationwide, Will loses the love of his life, Leslie Ann Thomas. Then he finds a new love, gridiron glory and tragedy at Eastern University in Beaumont Texas.Beneath the dazzling world of college football lies passion, heartbreak, deceit and revenge. The road to glory runs through Beaumont, alongside chicanery, masters of manipulation, and multiple crimes, including murder.In this first novel of the Autumn Series, the unsettled times of the 1960's come together in a story of young love, old money, racism, gridiron glory and the unbreakable bonds of brotherhood. When destiny is measured out, Will's friend, Zack Morrison, known by sportswriters as the Black Mountain, says it best: "Sometimes destiny ain't worth a damn." Follow Will, Zack and Jim Hall, a genetic masterpiece, a lover of the ladies and one of the best that ever strapped on the pads, from high school to college and beyond. They were, and forever will be, the LORDS OF AUTUMN.Amid those who actually remember and the younger generations who reference Remember the Titans, 1960's integration still impacts lives today. Lords of Autumn is historical fiction, bringing readers to the controversial era, touching on integration and the Vietnam War, set against the backdrop of the glory days of college football. A complex story with layered plots, the author's own life experiences play an integral role in the book, providing intimate detail that aids in the story's credibility. Its core message is clear - glory is fleeting and true friendship, regardless of skin color, is priceless.This story chronicles the life and experiences of alpha male Will Scott, an All-American halfback, and best friends Jim Hall and Zack 'The Black Mountain' Morrison from their high school days through college and beyond.Caught in a racial firestorm at Eastern University in Beaumont, Texas, the three men and all the incoming freshmen football players take a stand against those who don't want Zack, the first black athlete to receive a scholarship in the Southwest Conference, on their team. Following a violent confrontation, it becomes clear that when a few good men take a stand, the course of history can be changed. The world needs more men like Will, Jim and Zack and the ladies that share their lives. All three are great ball players, but an unfortunate accident claims the life of Will's girlfriend Lucy Kensington, and ends Will's career. Without Will the balance of power in the Southwest Conference changes.Following Lucy's death, her father, Barkley, blames Will. Barkley is an eye-for-an-eye type of guy who takes his time as he seeks revenge. The story culminates in an old fashioned shootout and many lives are lost.Lords of Autumn is the first book in a three-part series, which includes Sons of Autumn and Battles of Autumn.
About the Author: Richard W. Nave grew up on Navy bases up and down the East Coast and at the Great Lakes Naval Training Command in North Chicago, Ill. He played football at North Chicago High and graduated from the University of Tennessee with a degree in mechanical engineering. A licensed professional engineer for more than 27 years, he retired from Eastman Chemical Company in 2001. He and his wife, Diana, are the parents of two children and they live on a small farm in East Tennessee where they raise American Quarter Horses. Lords of Autumn is the first book in a three part series.