Beg by CD Reiss

My name is Monica. I'm a singer born and raised in Los Angeles. I've stopped dating. When I cut a record, or win a Grammy, maybe then I'll be with someone, but every man in my past has done everything he could to make me submit myself to him, and it's gotten in the way of my career. I won't do it again.

But there's Jonathan. He owns the high-rise hotel where I work, and he is gorgeous and charming. I refuse to fall in love with him, even though when he asks me to submit to him, I want nothing more.

And also, there's lots of CURSING and HOT SEX.

So... this is another serial style book. I knew it going in. I really just wanted to see what the story was like because as I have noted before, I really don't like this trend. I just don't see how it helps the reader. I know why it benefits the publishers... but .. grr that is another post.

I added in the synopsis because well I read this a bit ago and I needed the refresher.   I liked Monica for the most part. She is a bit over the top for my tastes, but it seems to work in contrast to Jonathan.

I will likely not read the rest of the series. Normally leaving a story unresolved bothers me, but in this case, I can do without. 

Loving Lucas by Annmarie Oakes

I liked this story a lot. It was fairly short, but didn't seem that way while I was reading it. I loved that Audra and her sister are strong women who are willing and able to fight for what they want. Lucas was a great character and I really enjoyed seeing his motivations. He has many of the typical Alpha male traits but they are balanced nicely .

Audra is one tough cookie. She gets shot at on multiple occasions, gets kidnapped  and still manages to be smart about it. I am really looking forward to reading more from this author. She has a knack for details that aren't over done or too vague. It is just right!

Note to self

When you allow yourself to get caught up reading and not reviewing... you create a backlog!!  I have currently 30+ books on my reading list, that have all been finished and are just waiting to be reviewed.   Clearly, I would rather be reading!

Some titles to come soon...
Christmas Curveball
Love Me Not
The Dom Project
The Highwayman's Bride
Beg
Wanderlust
Loving Lucas

and more....!

The Cowboy's Mail Order Bride by Carolyn Brown

This was a really fun read! It was strong enough for me to really get a feel for the emotions involved but was only enhanced by the antics of the old biddies who are trying to navigate the online world. I was laughing out loud at several points, but not any as loud as the auction when all the online dates arrived expecting a lot more than Greg was offering.

I really liked the part where Greg and Emily were writing letters to each other and marveled at how in today's world letters really are a lost art. The fact that the biddies were all mail order brides was a nice touch.

If you are looking for a nice, funny read full of meddling grannies, hard working cowgirls, skeptical cowboys and feisty kittens .. this is the book for you.  I will be looking for more from this author.

Love Letters Vol 6 Cowboy's Command

Another installment of the Love Letters anthology.  This is the last one. The stories are short and sweet but interesting enough to keep you reading.  I can't say that any of  them really stood out in my mind, but I like to read anthologies because they add variety to my reading without the commitment of  a longer story. I have enjoyed reading these books, I now have more authors to watch for when looking to buy something fun to read.

The Wicked Confessions of Lady Cecilia Stanton by Viveka Portman

So I am not normally terribly interested by story lines that involve same sex interactions as they simply don't do much for me. However, I thought that Ms. Portman did a nice job detailing the benefits from each relationship. Cecilia loved both her husband and her maid. It was only together that she gained the full measure of satisfaction that she needed.

I really wasn't a fan of Lord Stanton outside the bedroom...his reactions to sex while pregnant while ridiculous to us now, were likely more correct for that time period.  Although if my husband tried to pull that, I am sure I would smack him ;).

It was a good read and well balanced for the length.

The Cowgirl Ropes a Billionaire by Cora Seton

Another installment in the Chance Creek series. I liked the story but...
The reality show seemed a weird setting. I just wasn't a fan of that. I liked the characters themselves but deliberately setting up the show to go in one direction, and the high level of manipulation was just not super fun to read. Although to be fair, I don't like reality television shows at all. I don't watch them. I am glad that Bella gets to save her furry friends, but as a vet I would have thought that she would be at least a bit more practical. I love animals, but even I can see that an overpopulation is a problem.

I read it, I liked it, but only marginally. It isn't something that I would go out of my way to read again. that said, I liked the writing and the author's voice, so I will (and have) read more from Ms Seton.

The Cowboys of Chance Creek by Cora Seton

There are three books included in this collection, but as the stories are all connected I am just going to take it as a whole. I truly enjoyed reading these stories. The complicated (beyond belief) family dynamics were some of the most interesting parts. Of course the installments are all very compressed, and so you have to be willing to accept that people would meet and decide to marry within a month or less. Also, and not necessarily in a bad way, the aspect of money- the need for it and the desire for more played a large part in the story as a whole. I understand that it was an important aspect, but making life decisions based on financial gain doesn't always sit well with me. It works here because it isn't the focus, so that is good.  I wish there would have been more information on  Aria's history and what she was actually doing with her time away from home, but perhaps that will show up later in another story. There is no shortage of chemistry and connection between the main characters in their respective stories. Although in the second book, Claire is really distracted and there doesn't seem  to be a lot of development there, but as they have know each other for such a long time, it works.

I would recommend these titles to anyone wanting a fun read.

Calculated Exposure by Holley Trent

Complicated! How nice it is to read about characters that actually feel real. I loved that both Curt and Erica have a ton of baggage and still find their way to a HEA ending. I have to say that I was totally not expecting Erica's backstory and I liked that. I loved the chemistry and interaction between the characters. Curt was a good man, he took care of his family and that just made the whole situation with his parents more interesting. Once they both decided not the let the past and other obstacles interfere they found their happiness.

 I also was a fan of the citrus sour cream pie mentioned, I was curious so I actually made it myself.

Awakening the Warriors by S.E. Gilchrist

This is the first I have  read from this author, but I do not think it will be the last. I enjoy a good sci-fi romance, but especially where things are still in the realm of believability. I liked that the women had backbone and that the men were honorable and willing to sacrifice to help people they didn't really know.  Though fairly short, I thought that there was enough story to round out the steamier bits. Of course, it does still stretch the mind to think that you would make such huge jumps with your life in such a short time, but it works. I would definitely like to know how things end up not just with Fran, but the colonists as well...
All together it was a fun read, that has peaked my interest to reading more of this author.

Dragos Takes a Holiday by Thea Harrison

I listened to the first few books in the series on audiobook, and really enjoyed them. When I saw that there was a novella about what happened after the HEA I was happy to get the chance to read it. Most of the time I find myself wishing to know what happens after and how everyone is doing; especially if the characters are as engaging as Ms Harrison's. I loved hearing the point of view from the peanut. The details in any story are important, and even though the story was short I did not feel short-changed.  It is a great addition to the Elder Races series.

Last Call by Alannah Lynne

This was a bit of a different story than I have been reading lately, which made for a nice change. I wasn't expecting the story to go in the direction it did and that is always nice.  Sunny is a strong selfless woman trying to make a better life for herself and her brother. When big business tries to throw a kink in her future she doesn't give up. I really liked that she wore her necklaces for her, and that it almost seemed that her artistic side was trying to sneak out under the radar.  Gavin was a complicated character and I liked how real he seemed. I am also glad that he finally got his priorities in line and helped those around him. The description of the regulars at the bar were great and they made sense as well as added depth to the story. Ms. Lynne did a great job of developing her characters in the length allotted.

I enjoyed the book and will be looking for more from Ms. Lynne.

Snowbound with the CEO by Shannon Stacey

Adrian Blackstone built a million-dollar business with hard work and determination—and by remaining professional at all times. Denying his longtime attraction to his beautiful executive assistant hasn't been easy but it's necessary. She's indispensable, and he can't stand the thought of losing her if things didn't work out.
For more than a year, Rachel Carter has been quietly dreaming of all the ways she'll never seduce her sexy, buttoned-up boss. She's worked too hard to get where she is to cross that line, no matter how badly she'd like to act on her fantasies. But then a wicked snowstorm leaves them stranded in a romantic winter wonderland…
What begins as a single kiss and a few bad Santa jokes turns into a weekend full of breathless passion and hopes for something more. But with Monday comes a return to their complicated reality—and Adrian must prove that promises made are promises kept, especially at Christmastime.

So this was a fun read. Quick and light. It was a fairly traditional boss/secretary story but I like those. I wanted to smack Adrian a few times, but that makes the book much better. The main conflict really boiled down to them each not wanting to admit what they wanted at one point or another. Once they got through that it was pretty simple. I did really like that Rachel wasn't a pushover, and that Adrian seemed like a pretty normal guy for a millionaire.

A Duchess in the Dark by Kate McKinley

Miss Daphne Hayward is on the hunt for a safe, honorable husband and she has set her sights on the perfect target. She plans a full-scale seduction that will bring him to his knees, and have him begging for her hand in marriage. But when she mistakenly slips into another man's bed, the passions that quickly ignite threaten to send her well-laid plans up in smoke.

Ashton Fitzgerald, Duke of Claymore has never been for want of a willing woman in his bed and his rakish ways have become legend in boudoirs and dark corners all across London. But not even Ashton can account for the powerful desire that surges through him when a mysterious woman pays him a clandestine midnight visit. As dawn breaks, his goddess flees before he can learn her identity. Now Ashton will stop at nothing to unmask the identity of the woman who bewitched him body and soul and make her his . . . forever.

I have to admit that I imagined something a bit different when I started reading, but ended up loving how things unfolded. I couldn't imagine what Daphne saw in Edward at all! He was a weak man who wanted her money and to change her into something that she wasn't. 

Now, Ashton on the other hand.. he was clearly the better option, especially once we discover that he has held a tendre for her for years. I loved that Daphne didn't just fall in line with what he wanted and I liked that he gave her time to reconcile what she was feeling. 

When you read as much as I do it is nice to find something just different enough to whet your appetite again and have you looking forward to what comes next, both in the story and from the author.

Perfect Mate by Aubrey Rose

Julia always thought that she was human. When the blind leader of a pack of straggling misfits claims her as his one true mate, she accepts that she is in love with Damien despite their radical differences.

But after another shifter wolf attacks them, he points to her as he dies and utters words that will change Julia's life forever:

"...she's not what you think she is..."

This was a bit confusing until I realized it wasn't the beginning of the story. It does hold its own really, but it is makes so much more sense that I have read Blind Wolf.  I like that Damien is building his own motley crew of misfit shifters. I did think that it was interesting learning about Julia's history, the fact that she really wasn't what she seemed, and that people were out to get her.

I am a fan of shifter stories and this one was a nice addition to the repertoire.

A Midsummer Bride by Amanda Forester

I really liked this story. It was different than the normal and the characters were interesting and real. I liked that Harriet was an American who wasn't interested in fitting in with the Ton. Her interest in chemistry was a nice addition to her quirky nature. I also enjoyed Duncan, he really wanted to be her friend and found himself fighting what he knew was "best" because he wanted something that he deemed that he couldn't have.

I really thought that there was great balance between the secondary characters like Madame X and Penelope.... I can see the writing on the wall there.. :)

It is really nice to know that there are still ways to freshen up the traditional romantic themes.

Club Wonderland by Christine D'Abo

Alice White isn't used to being ignored. So when the object of her lust does just that, she's bound and determined to get his attention. Her pursuit leads her to Wonderland, the kind of club she's only read about, and suddenly Alice is craving something she never knew she needed.
Gael Hernandez wants to be the youngest partner at his prestigious law firm, and not even a certain tempting legal assistant can distract him from his goal of financially helping his family. Until she shows up at his favorite club and surprises him with an interest in being restrained. But the BDSM lifestyle is no game to him, and he won't take things further until Alice is schooled into submission.
After a taste, Alice wants more. She offers to be Gael's sub for one weekend, with nothing forbidden and no boundaries. In a few short days, he gives her the strength to be the person she's always wanted to be. Now Alice just needs to convince Gael that he can dominate in the bedroom, and submit to love.


So, I have read my share of erotica with BDSM themes and this was decent. I did think that the angle that had Gael hiding his relationship with his uncle was rather unnecessary, and it didn't add a lot to the story. I also liked that Gael didn't just pick up his Dominant interests by chance, he grew up with that dynamic and had a good model from which to base his behavior.  The  one thing that I think is the hardest to swallow with the short books like this is that there is virtually no time between starting down a new path to total acceptance. It is totally not realistic to my mind. I accept it as a necessary byproduct of the limited word allotment.

All in all, it was a fairly quick read and I liked it.

A Bride for Keeps by Melissa Jagears

After three failed attempts, Everett Cline is not happy when another--uninvited--mail-order bride steps off the train. But is she the wife he's been waiting for?

I thought that this was an interesting premise for a story. It is unusual in that Everett has such bad luck with brides. I really felt for him in that he just wasn't sure he wanted to put his heart on the line again.  Also, it was intriguing that Julia had so much baggage coming in. She had to deal with the bad memories concerning her mother's death in childbirth and her own attack.

So many times I really just wanted them to find a few minutes to talk instead of building on all of the miscommunications and  personal issues.

I also liked that she was so willing to learn how to do things that she had no experience with beforehand. Even when it caused her to get hurt.

It was a good read and one that I would recommend to friends. :)

Friends to Lovers by Christi Barth

When I started this book it put me in mind of Nora Roberts' Bride Quartet series. Probably since I am currently rereading it, but there were a lot of similarities. Friends running a business surrounding weddings, the long time friends who fall in love... I have not read the rest of the series, and so there were a few aspects that I think would have made better sense if I had the full background. It can be read by itself, but I think it best that I go back and read the rest for the full effect.

Friends to lovers happens to be one of my favorite romantic tropes. Mainly because I like the idea of finding love where you least expect it, and with someone who knows you more completely than anyone else. I have to say though that the Cinderella moment, where Daphne kisses Gib in the dark was super fun, especially when he was going on and on about her and she was right there the whole time!
The emotional depth was enjoyable. I really felt for her as she dealt with what she assumed was rejection, and the ensuing crisis of friendship. I liked that Daphne was determined to make positive changes at the beginning of her year and that she actually made some headway, unlike me... :)

Gib and his conflict of leaving the country on such short notice added plenty of angst and denial on Daphne's part, but all is well that ends well.

A Touch of Lilly by Nina Pierce

This was an interesting twist. I thought that the seraphelium aspect was unique and well thought out. I liked that Lilly had her own agenda and that she was savvy enough to use her skills to keep herself alive.
I have to say that in the midst of everything the conversations were a bit hard to follow as Thaegan and Dallas are arguing, and then how they switch sides of the argument.  I think that it took a bit too long to actually state the reason that Dallas wasn't affected by her gift. It was pretty clear fairly early on.

It did of course seem like it was a bit thin in some areas of the story, the actual get the bad guy plot was a bit too convenient for my tastes.

All in all it was entertaining and given the glossary at the end of the book I can see that there will be more installments to this series.

I received an ARC via Netgalley in return for an honest review.

The Lighthouse Brides Collection- Various Authors

The Lighthouse Brides Collection: 6 Romances Develop at Historic Light Stations by Andrea Boeshaar

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


I liked the stories in this compilation. Normally when I pick up a book with multiple stories I expect them to be at least partially related. That is not the case here, which is mentioned in the complete title...

Anyway, I love lighthouses and that is part of the reason I wanted to read this one. The men and women who tended lighthouses were made from some strong stuff. I think that the second story was my favorite. It was interesting to see how Lynette dealt with her grief, and the mystery of the "ghost" was unexpected.

Each couple had a strong enough connection as to be believable which can be difficult given the short story format. I found something to love about each story and was happy to have read this collection.

I received an ARC via Netgalley in return for an honest review.



View all my reviews

Moan for Him by Terry Towers

Let me start by saying that I was a little nervous as I read the introduction to this book. I am definitely not one for books that push past my "ick factor" line. That said, kudos to the author for writing for those who don't share my feelings. 

Once I realized that the relationship between Grant and Nikki was not truly incestuous I relaxed.  The story is a bit thin in areas. But the parts that were completely "out there" were few and bearable.
I thought that Nikki seemed to have been sexualized fairly early to have been lusting after Grant for such a long time.

I am so happy that I was able to review the complete (so far) collection of the story. I am not a fan of the serialized story movement.I probably will not seek out the next installment, mainly because I can live with where the story ended and I am just not invested enough in the story to go further.
I received an ARC via Netgalley in return for an honest review.

A Simple Change by Judith Miller

A Simple Change by Judith McCoy Miller

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This was a good read. Jancey had a lot of decisions to make and while they seemed to be fairly straight forward. I appreciated the fact that she thought things through. It was obvious from the beginning that she was not, nor would be falling in love with Nathan. In fact it seemed as though he had some serious control issues.

I liked Ritt. He loved Jancey, but he wisely sought to protect his heart when he wasn't sure things were going to work out.

Like any story there are always instances where things would have worked out so much more smoothly if the characters simply talked to each other. But, then again we don't do that in real life either so....

This wasn't the first in the series I have read and I will probably read any future installments to this series.

I received an ARC via Netgalley in return for an honest review.




View all my reviews

Against the Ropes by Sarah Castille

I really enjoyed this read as it was quite a bit different. It was the first book I have read involving MMA fighting. I thought that added a lot. The chemistry between Torment/Max and Makayla was striking. I thought her confusion over liking the restraints he wanted to put on her was very well done. Not everyone can simply slide into such a submissive role without a qualm.  The one thing that really stuck out and caused me problems was her complete aversion to violence and blood and her choice of occupation. I can see her having a problem with violence in a general sense but if she is going to be an EMT she is going to see blood. That just didn’t jive and annoyed me each time I read references to it.

 The whole debt collector aspect also bugged it really didn’t fit in the story and was never fully realized. I totally thought that the second debt collector was the one who hit Dr Drake because he thought that he could get the money that way, but to find out that it was Big Doris, that was a letdown especially since the jealousy wasn’t super apparent. The other thing that really bothered me is how all of Mac’s roommates and Mac herself just blindly accept the change in living arrangements without question… I mean come on, moving from a complete dump to one of the nicest places in the city?? Wouldn’t that seem a bit off?

All in all, I liked it and will read Ms. Castille again in the future.

I received an ARC via Netgalley in return for an honest review.

Other good reads

Most of the reviews posted here are just the books that I read as ARC’s. One day I will review all the books that I read, but below is a list of some of the books I have read in the past 2 weeks.

Mortal Instruments: City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

Mortal Instruments: City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare

Mortal Instruments: City of Glass by Cassandra Clare

Mortal Instruments: City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare

Married by Mistake by Abby Gaines

Falling for Her Fiance by Cindi Madsen

The Theory of Attraction by Delphine Dryden

Fiance by Friday by Catherine Bybee

The Temporary Wife by Jeannie Moon

The Perfect Score by Julie Kenner

The Guardian by Margaret Mallory

The Sinner by Margaret Mallory

The Warrior by Margaret Mallory

The Chieftain by Margaret Mallory

The Border Vixen by Bertrice Small

Forbidden Obsessions by Jodie Griffin

I liked this one, from the first time I read the description I was interested in finding out what was going to happen. I thought the whole idea of a B&B that provided a safe place to explore was great!

I enjoyed the believability of the way that Gabe and Olivia's relationship unfolded. She was there with no clear view of what she wanted and where she was going to go after her injury. She was pushing too hard and really did need someone to step in for her and help her to take care of herself without causing more harm. The fact that Gabe could really relate to her on that level, given his own injuries allowed them to have a common ground from which to build.

I also liked that he gave her space when she needed it, so that she could make up her own mind about what she wanted. It is always the hardest thing to do, when all you want is to take over and make things happen.

I also enjoyed the fact that Gabe was conflicted as well about whether or not he would reopen. He had his own demons to face and was strong enough to let her in.

Now that I have read this one, I am really going to have to read the rest!

Her Wish, His Command by Malia Mallory

I think the most interesting aspect of the story was how she wanted to pursue the D/s aspect with him, and that it wasn't something he brought to the table to start with. Most stories have the guy portrayed as a competent, confident and commanding Dom from the get go, which is nice but I am sure not realistic. I mean in my admittedly limited experience I don't know many guys who would take that kind of leap in the sexual realm.

The rest of the story was fine and the mystery surrounding the break ins at the lab was intriguing. However seeing as how the book has been broken up, I am not sure that I am invested enough in the story to go on and find out what happens.

I received an ARC via Netgalley in return for an honest review.

Love Letters 4: Travel to Temptation

Similar to the previous installment in the series that I read, the stories were quick reads. This set focuses on finding love while traveling, or traveling to find love.  I would have to say that the first two are by far my favorites.  Although to be fair, as I am not a fan of reading M/M, it wasn't that the story was bad, I just don't enjoy those.

Of course, as is expected, the stories are short on development of characters and the time frame from meet cute to head over heels in love is SUPER short!. However since that is understood from the outset it doesn't hinder the stories overmuch, you just have to use your own imagination to fill in the rest.

So many times I read short stories like this and wonder if the author had a higher word count, where the story would go and if I would like it as well. Most of the time I think that I would and this collection is the same.

Quick and dirty, just the way to spend an hour or two!

The Brides of Chance Collection by Cathy Marie Hake

The Brides of Chance Collection: The Chance Brothers Journey into Romance in Six Historical Novels by Cathy Marie Hake

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I really enjoyed this collection. I like the family sagas because once I find characters that I like, I always wonder what happens to them and their families.  The stories are  all very sweet, and I did like that some of the women had realistic issues with both childbearing and infertility.  There were emotional connections between each of the couples and the interactions between brothers and sisters was fun to read. One of my favorite parts, that reoccurred in several stories, was how the rest of the men in the area were rather put out that the Chance brothers were getting all of the women! I would definitely read this author again in the future.



View all my reviews

Her Wicked Sin by Sarah Ballance

As far as this book goes, I think that the thing that I liked best was the historical detail about the Salem witch trials. They were a true demonstration of the lengths people will go to persecute those who are different. As we look at it, it is hard to believe that such death and hysteria was brought about by simple superstition and an inability to think clearly about what was going on.
Back to the book, I thought that  Lydia was an interesting character, but the story was a bit predictable. That said, I did like it. It was an entertaining read, with a background that is very atypical. I think that the very rarely used setting of Puritan New England was the thing that set the book apart.  The ending, was a bit strange though, I know that both Lydia and Henry aren't truly of the Puritan beliefs, but I find it very hard to believe that they could just decide that she wasn't really married to Robert and that the handfast and declarations that they were married would be enough for them. In that era, that just doesn't fit.

My rating 2 out of 5

Montana Bride by Joan Johnston

I really enjoyed this book. The story was a nice change from the traditional mail order bride scenario. I think it is a testament to the creativity of an author to take a trope that has been so well used and well loved by many, and create something new, and different.

I was a bit taken aback by the sudden death in the very beginning of the book, but it of course made sense and was the only real way to get the 'real' bride out of the way for our heroine.  Lies are the easiest things to tell and the hardest to explain. There was a lot of lying in the book, along with half truths and lies of omission. I am really glad that in fiction land, people can work things out after so much dishonesty because in the real world, I just don't know that people could be that understanding. I thought that the book really illustrated the effort that it takes to create a family. You don't always love or even like the family that you have, but you can always create a family if you are willing to work at it.

My rating 4 out of 5

All He Wants by C.C. Gibbs

Very Intense! There was so much happening in a very short amount of time. I enjoyed reading this because it was a bit more rounded in the sense that you understood more about what was driving each character, unlike some of the similar books that have been written.  I liked that Kate had a backbone and wasn't just diving into bed with him just because he was a good looking rich guy.   She may have wanted to, and did of course eventually give in, but the waiting certainly did enhance the story. There was definitely a connection between Nick and Kate that was electric.



Of course there is still the attitude of "I am so rich I can have whatever and whoever I want no matter what", that gets a bit old when you are reading it, but honestly it fits the character and the story well enough that I can deal with it.

I wasn't a fan of how he just up and left at the end, but kudos for Kate for not taking his money to get home!

I look forward to seeing where this goes and will be reading the rest of the series.

My Rating 4 out of 5

Destiny Brides by Diana Lesire Brandmeyer

Destiny Brides: Two Historical Romances Under One Cover by Diana Lesire Brandmeyer

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I always like getting a bargain, and this is definitely a good one. I find that is difficult to find a good clean love story lately.  Both stories are fun and lighthearted all the while dealing with some pretty weighty topics. You have characters who have endured the loss of multiple loved ones, some who are running from their past and all of them are searching for the future and hoping it will be brighter.

Of the two my favorite was the second story. The danger of the gang, the secret mole, the hidden identity and the loving sacrifices that are made really let you feel right along with the characters.

The first story  I liked because neither of the women were weak. Angel couldn't see, and yet she kept trying to prove herself to her sister. Heaven just wouldn't give up on the idea of home.

This was a nice easy read that just left you with a good feeling.



View all my reviews

Can't Let Go by Jessica Lemmon

First of all, let me say that I did like the story.  I wasn't aware that there was a first part of the story when I started reading so there were some gaps, but I was still able to follow what was going on.  Both Aiden and Sadie have a ton of hang ups, but they seem willing for the most part to take on the baggage and make a go of the relationship.  Aiden's refusal to tell his family that he is now divorced made sense, but I didn't like it. It doesn't fit in with the grownup version of the world that exists in my head. I have to believe that someone in his family would have cared enough to know that something was going on with him and asked him about it. I was not a fan of the ending where he disappears off to Oregon to take care of his mom and doesn't really make enough of (in my opinion) an effort to explain.

I have to say that this is an example of a trend in publishing that I really don't like. When I read a book, whether I buy it, borrow it, or whatever I have the expectation that unless it is part of a series of some kind that it will be complete and long enough to justify the expense. Even then, a series in my mind is about different characters that are connected together, not buying one book a few chapters at a time. When I start a book  only to find that after a few chapters the story ends and I have to buy another book to find out what happens next ... it frustrates me. It makes me feel as though the only motivation for doing so is to milk the consumer for every penny. We all know that profits on ebooks is not the same as print publishing, but still.

My rating: 1 out of 5