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Stewart Realty #3
Closing Costs
Love conquers all? Not likely, according to Sara Thornton. She’s spent eight years coming to terms with the new parameters of her life while resigning herself to the idea that “happily ever afters” are best left to fairytales. Sales manager for her successful real estate office and juggling an added element of responsibility she never thought she’d face, Sara continues to struggle with the men in her life. Love, for her, has only meant hurt, broken trust and anger; all of which she’s completely banished from her life, so she claims.
Jack Gordon has come a long way since his earlier days of obsession with Sara. As general manager of Stewart Realty, his own level of responsibility for others’ well-being has ramped up. He’s even honed his caretaking skills, now that he has someone who loves him unconditionally.
Continuing to try and rebuild their relationship, they grow close as friends. But, the ultimate question remains unanswered; the one he keeps asking, no matter how many times she says no. Sara isn’t prepared for the keen focus of his need–to have her back, once and for all. And her stubborn resistance nearly rips both lives apart
The epic conclusion to The Realtors series, Closing Costs brings Jack and Sara truly full circle. Proving that the heat of lust and obsession; the need for control and to be mastered in many areas of life can lead to love —surprising you when you least expect it – if you will only allow it.
Jack Gordon has come a long way since his earlier days of obsession with Sara. As general manager of Stewart Realty, his own level of responsibility for others’ well-being has ramped up. He’s even honed his caretaking skills, now that he has someone who loves him unconditionally.
Continuing to try and rebuild their relationship, they grow close as friends. But, the ultimate question remains unanswered; the one he keeps asking, no matter how many times she says no. Sara isn’t prepared for the keen focus of his need–to have her back, once and for all. And her stubborn resistance nearly rips both lives apart
The epic conclusion to The Realtors series, Closing Costs brings Jack and Sara truly full circle. Proving that the heat of lust and obsession; the need for control and to be mastered in many areas of life can lead to love —surprising you when you least expect it – if you will only allow it.
202 pages, Paperback
First published March 31, 2012
13 people are currently reading
606 people want to read
About the author
Liz Crowe
100 books1,231 followersLiz Crowe is a Kentucky native and graduate of the University of Louisville living in South Carolina. She's spent her time as a three-continent expat trailing spouse, mom of three, real estate agent, brewery owner and bar manager, and is currently a digital marketing and fundraising consultant, in addition to being an award-winning author.
The Liz Crowe backlist has something for any reader seeking complex storylines with humor and complete casts of characters that will delight and linger in the imagination long after the book is finished.
Her favorite things to do when she’s not scrolling social media for cute animal videos is walk her dogs, cuddle her cats, and watch her favorite sports teams while scrolling social media for cute animal videos.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
November 29, 2012
Painful!
The book takes place over what, a decade? It's a decade of mind games, pathetic misunderstandings and immaturity.
I liked books 1 & 2, but this one? Holy hell. It's just too much. How much pain and suffering can two people bring to each other? Over how long a period of time? All the while there is a child that has to deal with two parents that are screwed in the head.
Speaking of which, it seemed so much of the time that to Sara, the child was a pain to be dealt with...until she almost loses her. It made me really dislike her as a person. I struggled to find any redeeming qualities in her. She was selfish, manipulative and all around screwed in the head. She messed with not one, but two men's lives (as well as her brother's) and had no compunction about it. She was seriously pathetic.
The book takes place over what, a decade? It's a decade of mind games, pathetic misunderstandings and immaturity.
I liked books 1 & 2, but this one? Holy hell. It's just too much. How much pain and suffering can two people bring to each other? Over how long a period of time? All the while there is a child that has to deal with two parents that are screwed in the head.
Speaking of which, it seemed so much of the time that to Sara, the child was a pain to be dealt with...until she almost loses her. It made me really dislike her as a person. I struggled to find any redeeming qualities in her. She was selfish, manipulative and all around screwed in the head. She messed with not one, but two men's lives (as well as her brother's) and had no compunction about it. She was seriously pathetic.
April 11, 2012
This series was just ok for me. It did suck me in wanting to see what happened next with Jack and Sara, but it too almost 3 ENTIRE books to get together. IMO Sara was WAY too stubborn, in the first book I understood her reluctance to trust Jack, but in book 3 Jack had grown up alot.
August 4, 2016
Read more of my reviews and ramblings at Ana's Attic Book Blog
2.5 stars.
***A few days later, I re-read this review. I sound angry and snarky, not usually my style. But that bodes well for a book. Obviously I was emotionally involved enough to be angry. So if you like the type of book where there is lots of back and forth and love/hate; way more apart than together, this may be the book for you. I know many who love that. This series was highly recommended, and this review is my opinion.
Closing Costs (Stewart Realty 3) is the third and kind-of final book in the Jack/Sara trilogy of the Stewart Realty series. The last one left off with Sara finding out she is pregnant, and we know she had unprotected sex with two different guys (What? Who does that? She is a grown, horny woman that should be on some birth control.) Then, we see a sneak peek at the next book where she is in a pool of blood convulsing in Craig’s arms. So, of course, I had to buy Closing Costs right away!
Sara had an awful pregnancy and almost died (Why? Because she didn’t listen to the Doctor and stay on bed rest). She has a baby girl, Katie, but refuses to get a paternity test. Is she Jack’s or Craig’s? Sara decides Katie is HERS, and will raise her alone. Yet she doesn’t!!!! It seems to me that her brother Blake, & Craig do more of the parenting than she does when Katie is little, then it’s Jack when she is older.
Sara continues to love and want Jack, wishing he would step up and be with her, but she continues to push him away. They develop a co-parenting friendship, with both wanting more from the other, but neither reaching out and grabbing it. They hook up passionately a few times because the pull between them is so strong, then they fight and split up again! And in this book, it jumps forward in 2 year increments for 8 more years!!!!! Holy crap, every time I saw “2 years later” I wanted to scream at these fucking idiots! Either get together or find somebody else already!
Jack has grown and matured a lot. He is also an amazing dad once he finally connects with Katie. I can’t say the same for Sara. She has taken a promotion at work, running the whole office (Jack runs the whole agency!) and doing a great job, but to me, it’s at the expense of her child. The whole book was about Sara saying one thing, but thinking another:
“You can go now” In her head, she begged him to stay.
God, she is such a selfish bitch! She strings them all along, even her brother, and denies her child a proper father (though she has a lot of uncles!). But mostly she denies herself happiness and is miserable. Jack has grown and matured and it came to a point where I thought they didn’t deserve an HEA, and Jack deserved better. When was this? When it looked like they were starting over (again) and she is supposed to meet Jack for a romantic reconciliation date:
She had been twenty minutes late on purpose. Let him wait.
There were so many other things she did that made me crazy! Sara also never seemed to be crazy in love with her daughter the way most parents are. Jack and Blake seemed to love the adorable little girl more. I understand the author was trying to show exhaustion and frustration, but Sara did that to herself. I would have liked to see a few rare moments of heart wrenching mother-daughter love, and never really felt that.
Ugh, so freakin’ frustrating. When I was about 88% through I had to put the book down for a while. I just stopped caring about the end. But I am pleased to say I picked it up and that there was a happy ending. I didn’t say an HEA, just a happy ending.
There were about a dozen small errors, usually missing letters or words, and one came right in the middle of one of the few hot scenes, totally distracting me.
I have to give the book 2.5 stars because it kept me involved, and 2.5 for heat.
I really liked the first book, Floor Time, but in my opinion having the couple go back and forth for 3 books over more than 8 years was too much, and the series went downhill to me.
Book four, Essence of Time is about Blake and Rob finding a surrogate. It begins with Rob and Jack sharing a woman as roommates in college. This one sounds really HOT and seems to provide a lot of back story, and is rated the best of all, but from what I understand, there is not a happy ending, and I can’t take any more of the drama with no happiness.
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2.5 stars.
***A few days later, I re-read this review. I sound angry and snarky, not usually my style. But that bodes well for a book. Obviously I was emotionally involved enough to be angry. So if you like the type of book where there is lots of back and forth and love/hate; way more apart than together, this may be the book for you. I know many who love that. This series was highly recommended, and this review is my opinion.
Closing Costs (Stewart Realty 3) is the third and kind-of final book in the Jack/Sara trilogy of the Stewart Realty series. The last one left off with Sara finding out she is pregnant, and we know she had unprotected sex with two different guys (What? Who does that? She is a grown, horny woman that should be on some birth control.) Then, we see a sneak peek at the next book where she is in a pool of blood convulsing in Craig’s arms. So, of course, I had to buy Closing Costs right away!
Sara had an awful pregnancy and almost died (Why? Because she didn’t listen to the Doctor and stay on bed rest). She has a baby girl, Katie, but refuses to get a paternity test. Is she Jack’s or Craig’s? Sara decides Katie is HERS, and will raise her alone. Yet she doesn’t!!!! It seems to me that her brother Blake, & Craig do more of the parenting than she does when Katie is little, then it’s Jack when she is older.
Sara continues to love and want Jack, wishing he would step up and be with her, but she continues to push him away. They develop a co-parenting friendship, with both wanting more from the other, but neither reaching out and grabbing it. They hook up passionately a few times because the pull between them is so strong, then they fight and split up again! And in this book, it jumps forward in 2 year increments for 8 more years!!!!! Holy crap, every time I saw “2 years later” I wanted to scream at these fucking idiots! Either get together or find somebody else already!
Jack has grown and matured a lot. He is also an amazing dad once he finally connects with Katie. I can’t say the same for Sara. She has taken a promotion at work, running the whole office (Jack runs the whole agency!) and doing a great job, but to me, it’s at the expense of her child. The whole book was about Sara saying one thing, but thinking another:
“You can go now” In her head, she begged him to stay.
God, she is such a selfish bitch! She strings them all along, even her brother, and denies her child a proper father (though she has a lot of uncles!). But mostly she denies herself happiness and is miserable. Jack has grown and matured and it came to a point where I thought they didn’t deserve an HEA, and Jack deserved better. When was this? When it looked like they were starting over (again) and she is supposed to meet Jack for a romantic reconciliation date:
She had been twenty minutes late on purpose. Let him wait.
There were so many other things she did that made me crazy! Sara also never seemed to be crazy in love with her daughter the way most parents are. Jack and Blake seemed to love the adorable little girl more. I understand the author was trying to show exhaustion and frustration, but Sara did that to herself. I would have liked to see a few rare moments of heart wrenching mother-daughter love, and never really felt that.
Ugh, so freakin’ frustrating. When I was about 88% through I had to put the book down for a while. I just stopped caring about the end. But I am pleased to say I picked it up and that there was a happy ending. I didn’t say an HEA, just a happy ending.
There were about a dozen small errors, usually missing letters or words, and one came right in the middle of one of the few hot scenes, totally distracting me.
I have to give the book 2.5 stars because it kept me involved, and 2.5 for heat.
I really liked the first book, Floor Time, but in my opinion having the couple go back and forth for 3 books over more than 8 years was too much, and the series went downhill to me.
Book four, Essence of Time is about Blake and Rob finding a surrogate. It begins with Rob and Jack sharing a woman as roommates in college. This one sounds really HOT and seems to provide a lot of back story, and is rated the best of all, but from what I understand, there is not a happy ending, and I can’t take any more of the drama with no happiness.
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November 28, 2012
2.5 Stars
In the final installment in the Stewart Realty Company series, readers will finally a conclusion to Jack Gordan and Sara Thornton's love story. It's not an easy ending and it takes eight years to get there...but we finally do get an ending to their story.
Can I say I could not stand Sara? That's not too harsh is it? She grated on my nerves. She was whiny and bitchy and strung poor Jack around for one year too many. She wanted him, she didn't want him, she strung him along, then pushed him away...it was all too much. And let's not even talk about raising her daughter and her reliance over everyone around her to help with her daughter when she swore, on the day she was born, she was doing this on her own. Good job, Sara. Way to show everyone you could do it!
And then there is Jack. I get that he loved Sara. It was obvious for the first moment they were on the page together how he felt, but what I couldn't understand is why he kept letting her treat him the way she did. The man is a Dom. What Dom would suddenly turn so wishy washy and let this woman rule his world the way she did. Even when he claimed he was moving on, she was still there on the periphery making his life miserable.
The only reason I finished the book was to find out if Jack found his HEA. I was hoping it would be with his lovely submissive, Shannon, but I knew it wouldn't be. The only thing that I did love at the end was the fact that Kate knew exactly who Jack was (and that she suspected it all along...smart girl).
Others have loved this series, and this book in particular, but I couldn't get past Sara and her treatment of Jack.
In the final installment in the Stewart Realty Company series, readers will finally a conclusion to Jack Gordan and Sara Thornton's love story. It's not an easy ending and it takes eight years to get there...but we finally do get an ending to their story.
Can I say I could not stand Sara? That's not too harsh is it? She grated on my nerves. She was whiny and bitchy and strung poor Jack around for one year too many. She wanted him, she didn't want him, she strung him along, then pushed him away...it was all too much. And let's not even talk about raising her daughter and her reliance over everyone around her to help with her daughter when she swore, on the day she was born, she was doing this on her own. Good job, Sara. Way to show everyone you could do it!
And then there is Jack. I get that he loved Sara. It was obvious for the first moment they were on the page together how he felt, but what I couldn't understand is why he kept letting her treat him the way she did. The man is a Dom. What Dom would suddenly turn so wishy washy and let this woman rule his world the way she did. Even when he claimed he was moving on, she was still there on the periphery making his life miserable.
The only reason I finished the book was to find out if Jack found his HEA. I was hoping it would be with his lovely submissive, Shannon, but I knew it wouldn't be. The only thing that I did love at the end was the fact that Kate knew exactly who Jack was (and that she suspected it all along...smart girl).
Others have loved this series, and this book in particular, but I couldn't get past Sara and her treatment of Jack.
June 27, 2012
Sara and Jack go back and forth alot in their relationship in this book. Sara has a baby, Katie, and reveals to Jack and Craig that she doesn't know which one of them is the father and she is not willing to find out. Katie is "her" child. Her brother helps her out alot, along with Jack and Craig. Craig goes to medical school. This book covers several years of their lives. Jack decides he wants to be more a part of Katie's life as she emerges from being a baby. He sets up a room in his home for her to use when visiting and considers himself her "real" father. Sara and Jack make arrangements for this all to happen. At one point Katie is rushed to the hospital with a ruptured appendix and they are faced with the need to "know" who Katie's actual father is.
I really am enjoying this series. It is frustrating at time with the back and forth, off and on again, relationship of Sara and Jack. But, actually when I think about it, this is probably more true to life than most books I read. Much more realistic about relationships.
I really am enjoying this series. It is frustrating at time with the back and forth, off and on again, relationship of Sara and Jack. But, actually when I think about it, this is probably more true to life than most books I read. Much more realistic about relationships.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 29, 2012
I couldn't even finish...it was more of Sara whiney indecision. I started it...and read a few chapters and seeing her tag the guys along, and play with everyones emotions (Craig, Jack, Suzanne, Blake, etc...)...but refusing to be honest with her own feelings because she "might get hurt". Her "come here" - "stay away" game got old in the first two books...and was down right annoying by this one. And seeing her have temper tantrums one right after another with her parents, the guys, her brother...a 30 year old "professional" she was NOT. That was in the first few chapters.
August 13, 2012
Sara, Sara,Sara! With her stubborn mannerism & selfishness did not deserve neither her daughter or Jack. Totally unhealthy triangle here, not to mention NASTY since she didn't know who her baby daddy was. This series totally decline each consecutive book for me :-/. 2 stars for keeping me interested enough to learn the ending of the Craig/Sara/Jack ordeal.
Oh, there's a bit of m/m play in this series (the last book to this series is mostly that)...fair warning..I got burned again dammit!
Oh, there's a bit of m/m play in this series (the last book to this series is mostly that)...fair warning..I got burned again dammit!
November 11, 2014
Closing Costs is the third installment of the Stewart Realty series, and the conclusion of Jack and Sara’s story. It picks up nearly a year after Sweat Equity leaves off, but then back tracks to bring us up to date on the events leading up to present day before moving forward. If you’re expecting more Jack and Sara drama, then I can assure you, you won’t be disappointed. Events the characters never expected (but probably should have) bring them to the shocking, sometimes hopeful, but more often frustrating and emotional conclusion of what should be Jack and Sara’s fairytale love story. Let me warn the reader, though, Closing Costs is anything but a fairytale romance.
Jack and Sara continue their on-again-off-again commitment to either drive each other crazy, or kill themselves in the process. Author Liz Crowe does a stunning job at providing the reader with the internal dialogue of both characters to build anticipation and hope that they are finally going to figure things out. But true to their frustrating form, what goes on in their heads is NEVER how it plays out once they’re together. If they could just stop talking, they might be able to get along. Then, just about the time the author has us believing that the characters are finally moving toward being on the same page, a misunderstanding erupts that sends them spiraling right back to where they started. If they could just listen to each other! Yes, I know, I’m contradicting myself. It would be funny if it wasn’t so utterly tragic. Jack and Sara can jump from one conclusion to another in what surpasses the speed of light. I had to stop a couple of times just to prevent myself from destroying a perfectly good (and expensive) e-reader.
Closing Costs runs the span of about ten years in the characters’ lives. Ten emotionally charged, “I love you,” “I hate you,” “I’m done,” “I can’t live without you,” years. Are you confused yet? Yup! But you can’t help but admire their never-give-up spirit. Most couples would have thrown in the towel a long time ago. Not Jack and Sara. Their commitment to each other, even when swimming in a vat of irritation they continually hurl each other into, is admirable. More than that, really. It’s the stuff real-life devotion and dedication should be made of.
Closing Costs pushed my emotional resolve beyond the pale. I laughed and some of their ridiculousness. I cried at the shear tragedy of their stubbornness. And then I cried again, at some of the most tender moments of clarity I’ve ever read in a character. Do they get their HEA? Well, the author warned me that she never promises one. Just about the time I thought the characters had finally accepted their fate, the story takes and unexpected and frightful turn. It was truly not until the final sentences – just before the Epilogue – that Jack and Sara’s story mercifully concludes.
Five I-survived-Jack-and-Sara stars!
Jack and Sara continue their on-again-off-again commitment to either drive each other crazy, or kill themselves in the process. Author Liz Crowe does a stunning job at providing the reader with the internal dialogue of both characters to build anticipation and hope that they are finally going to figure things out. But true to their frustrating form, what goes on in their heads is NEVER how it plays out once they’re together. If they could just stop talking, they might be able to get along. Then, just about the time the author has us believing that the characters are finally moving toward being on the same page, a misunderstanding erupts that sends them spiraling right back to where they started. If they could just listen to each other! Yes, I know, I’m contradicting myself. It would be funny if it wasn’t so utterly tragic. Jack and Sara can jump from one conclusion to another in what surpasses the speed of light. I had to stop a couple of times just to prevent myself from destroying a perfectly good (and expensive) e-reader.
Closing Costs runs the span of about ten years in the characters’ lives. Ten emotionally charged, “I love you,” “I hate you,” “I’m done,” “I can’t live without you,” years. Are you confused yet? Yup! But you can’t help but admire their never-give-up spirit. Most couples would have thrown in the towel a long time ago. Not Jack and Sara. Their commitment to each other, even when swimming in a vat of irritation they continually hurl each other into, is admirable. More than that, really. It’s the stuff real-life devotion and dedication should be made of.
Closing Costs pushed my emotional resolve beyond the pale. I laughed and some of their ridiculousness. I cried at the shear tragedy of their stubbornness. And then I cried again, at some of the most tender moments of clarity I’ve ever read in a character. Do they get their HEA? Well, the author warned me that she never promises one. Just about the time I thought the characters had finally accepted their fate, the story takes and unexpected and frightful turn. It was truly not until the final sentences – just before the Epilogue – that Jack and Sara’s story mercifully concludes.
Five I-survived-Jack-and-Sara stars!
May 13, 2012
Closing Costs is the third book in Liz Crowe's Realtor's series. I thoroughly enjoyed the first two books, finishing each almost overnight from the need to see what happens next. The intrigue, excitement, the sexual tension and the frustration were enough to have you hurriedly turning the pages, dying for the rest of the story. However, I have to say that Closing Costs was my absolute favourite of the three!
I like the way that the author has divided the three books. The first book in the series, Floor Time, is all about our protagonists, Jack and Sara, meeting, demonstrating an intense sexual connection, then trying to resist it and each other but ultimately falling in love. The second book evolves into a story filled with even more conflict, controversy and dissention than the first, as Jack and Sara fight to find and establish a deeper connection between themselves but seem unable to. Closing Costs becomes the perfect ending to all this.
Despite the fact that there is still a great amount of aggravation and a profusion of unsolved issues going on in this book, as well as plenty of sexual excitement, you start to slowly feel that things are gradually moving in the direction that they should be. Jack and Sara continue to struggle to overcome their problems but this is made more interesting with the integration of Katie, Sara's daughter, into the mix. The little girl brings out traits in our main characters' personalities that are both humorous and endearing. She also plays a major role in eventually helping them find a common ground and is a defintive factor in the outcome of their relationship.
I love the way Jack's character has evolved in this book. The way he has matured makes him irresistible. Although he is still stubborn in many apsects, I feel that Sara's obstinacy is unrivalled. Of course, it is this hardheadedness from the pair of them that leads to some amazingly hot scenes! Overall, the chemistry between the two is the stuff we dream of!
The story was once again well-written, just like the first two books, and kept your interest till the end. It was engrossing and riveting to the point that it made it difficult to put the book down. The thing I like the most about this book, and ultimately the series, is the realistic element that is incorporated into the story by the author. It has a healthy dose of real life in it, without actually being pessimistic. In fact, it is filled with hope and dreams waiting to be realised.
Closing Costs made me laugh, it made me cry, pant, sigh and it even made me growl a couple of times! I loved it!! For anyone who has still not read this series, I suggest you pick it up at the soonest possible moment. Thank you yet again, Liz Crowe, for a wonderful read!
I like the way that the author has divided the three books. The first book in the series, Floor Time, is all about our protagonists, Jack and Sara, meeting, demonstrating an intense sexual connection, then trying to resist it and each other but ultimately falling in love. The second book evolves into a story filled with even more conflict, controversy and dissention than the first, as Jack and Sara fight to find and establish a deeper connection between themselves but seem unable to. Closing Costs becomes the perfect ending to all this.
Despite the fact that there is still a great amount of aggravation and a profusion of unsolved issues going on in this book, as well as plenty of sexual excitement, you start to slowly feel that things are gradually moving in the direction that they should be. Jack and Sara continue to struggle to overcome their problems but this is made more interesting with the integration of Katie, Sara's daughter, into the mix. The little girl brings out traits in our main characters' personalities that are both humorous and endearing. She also plays a major role in eventually helping them find a common ground and is a defintive factor in the outcome of their relationship.
I love the way Jack's character has evolved in this book. The way he has matured makes him irresistible. Although he is still stubborn in many apsects, I feel that Sara's obstinacy is unrivalled. Of course, it is this hardheadedness from the pair of them that leads to some amazingly hot scenes! Overall, the chemistry between the two is the stuff we dream of!
The story was once again well-written, just like the first two books, and kept your interest till the end. It was engrossing and riveting to the point that it made it difficult to put the book down. The thing I like the most about this book, and ultimately the series, is the realistic element that is incorporated into the story by the author. It has a healthy dose of real life in it, without actually being pessimistic. In fact, it is filled with hope and dreams waiting to be realised.
Closing Costs made me laugh, it made me cry, pant, sigh and it even made me growl a couple of times! I loved it!! For anyone who has still not read this series, I suggest you pick it up at the soonest possible moment. Thank you yet again, Liz Crowe, for a wonderful read!
November 11, 2012
In Closing Costs the years have flown by and both Jack and Sara have moved on with their careers but can seem to move on from or to each other. Sara's family continues to cause friction even when they are just trying to help. The friction caused by Sara's family rubs everyone not just Sara effecting everyone's relationships. Over the course of the years covered in these books Jack has done a lot of growing up and so has Sara but both of them remain stubborn through and through. With the hope of their happily ever after on the line can Sara and Jack compromise enough to come together into the relationship they both want and need?
Liz Crowe writes "romance for real life" in her books people are messed up and nothing just magically fixes that, you get to see the struggle and the hard work that her characters go through to fix themselves and to fix their relationships. Ms Crowe also has very realistic depictions of the steamy hot moments between the lovers in her books and all of that combined makes for fantastic reading that reaches in and grabs your heart (and your hormones) and takes them captive on a wild roller coaster ride of lust, love, deception, redemption and I need a cold shower moments.
These are books that you finish in one sitting because you can't put it down. It is a series that as soon as you finish one you want the other sitting right there so you know what happens next.
I am giving the Stewart Reality Series books 1-3 my highest rating, these are staying on my keeper shelf.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
Liz Crowe writes "romance for real life" in her books people are messed up and nothing just magically fixes that, you get to see the struggle and the hard work that her characters go through to fix themselves and to fix their relationships. Ms Crowe also has very realistic depictions of the steamy hot moments between the lovers in her books and all of that combined makes for fantastic reading that reaches in and grabs your heart (and your hormones) and takes them captive on a wild roller coaster ride of lust, love, deception, redemption and I need a cold shower moments.
These are books that you finish in one sitting because you can't put it down. It is a series that as soon as you finish one you want the other sitting right there so you know what happens next.
I am giving the Stewart Reality Series books 1-3 my highest rating, these are staying on my keeper shelf.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
April 11, 2015
Favorite Quotes:
“He left, but the word ‘mine’ beat a new pulse in his heart.”
“She laughed, and when she lifted her face to his, kissing her seemed like the most perfect thing to do, ever.”
“So she sat alone, most nights, staring out the window, pondering her squandered opportunities.”
My Review:
At last! After so many near misses, misunderstandings, missed opportunities, misconceptions, miscommunications, missteps, mistakes, and misfires; the dramatic and emotional build up to the smash ending of this series had me actually trembling with tension. I enjoyed Closing Costs far more than book two, Sweat Equity, and as much or more than book one, Floor Time. Once the smoke finally cleared, I had the urge to quickly close down my kindle before they found themselves in yet another fight – then smiled at myself once I realized how silly that was. Liz Crowe has major writing chops, the story sucked me in and held me, frustrated me, and kept me hostage in a state of anxious anticipation, yet I was unable to stop as surely resolution was coming soon for this couple who couldn’t get out of their own way. This smart and well written series of complicated and interesting characters, neatly contained with 528 pages, has nearly killed me… while whetting my appetite for more. Although, for my own heart health, I do feel the need to take a breath and read something light and breezy next, in hopes of purging the over-abundance of angst from my system.
“He left, but the word ‘mine’ beat a new pulse in his heart.”
“She laughed, and when she lifted her face to his, kissing her seemed like the most perfect thing to do, ever.”
“So she sat alone, most nights, staring out the window, pondering her squandered opportunities.”
My Review:
At last! After so many near misses, misunderstandings, missed opportunities, misconceptions, miscommunications, missteps, mistakes, and misfires; the dramatic and emotional build up to the smash ending of this series had me actually trembling with tension. I enjoyed Closing Costs far more than book two, Sweat Equity, and as much or more than book one, Floor Time. Once the smoke finally cleared, I had the urge to quickly close down my kindle before they found themselves in yet another fight – then smiled at myself once I realized how silly that was. Liz Crowe has major writing chops, the story sucked me in and held me, frustrated me, and kept me hostage in a state of anxious anticipation, yet I was unable to stop as surely resolution was coming soon for this couple who couldn’t get out of their own way. This smart and well written series of complicated and interesting characters, neatly contained with 528 pages, has nearly killed me… while whetting my appetite for more. Although, for my own heart health, I do feel the need to take a breath and read something light and breezy next, in hopes of purging the over-abundance of angst from my system.
June 16, 2012
Liz Crowe does another outstanding job keeping us on the emotional roller coaster. I was frustrated all the way to the end and of course it was a great frustration! As the story opens I was wondering what I had missed, but Liz brings you up to speed very quickly on what is happening with Sara and the birth of her daughter. As things progress and regress with Jack and Sara you can't help but cheer them on that they will make the right decisions and when they continue down the same path they always follow full of stubborn decisions, hurtful decisions and just plan what the heck decisions, but you can't stop reading because you HAVE to know what is going to finally happen....matter of fact I was up till 2 in the morning just to finish because I was so wrapped up in the 8 years since we first met them drama!
As always Liz Crowe does an amazing job with the hook, line and sinker story line that you will find yourself unable to quit reading. Don't take my word for it, check it out for yourself and I do PROMISE you wont be disappointed!
Salute to Liz!!!!!
As always Liz Crowe does an amazing job with the hook, line and sinker story line that you will find yourself unable to quit reading. Don't take my word for it, check it out for yourself and I do PROMISE you wont be disappointed!
Salute to Liz!!!!!
July 13, 2012
I know, I know... I griped about this book through my entire progression postings & I haven't changed my mind about being frustrated; however, the book was still great. I give books 5 stars that I can't put down... I couldn't put this one down either, but I gave it 4 stars because I think Jack & Sara's relationship should or could have been resolved in the last book. This going back & forth for 3 entire books was a little much & repetitive. However, it still had you coming back for more just to see what happens between the two of them. The funny thing is, we already know what happens between them... They have sex, fight, ignore each other, find someone else, then dump the new person they are with, have sex again, fight again, etc, etc...... But for some strange reason, you keep reading. Anyhow, overall it was a good trilogy... But I probably will not put this series on my "books to re-read" list. I'm not even sure if can continue with the series.
November 27, 2012
Final installment of the Stewart Realty series...ups and downs. Emotional roller coaster. I know alot of people were irritated by Sara in this book, and yes, I was at times, but mostly I understood her. Having had a similar relationship (like, intense love, child, then confusion) I could "get"her side of this.
Left me tired, and emotionally drained. Cried towards the end. Signs of a good read. Liz Crowe, can't wait for more
Left me tired, and emotionally drained. Cried towards the end. Signs of a good read. Liz Crowe, can't wait for more
September 29, 2012
Whew. What an effin whirlwind. This was an all-consuming series, with more books after this one. However, I think this ones ties up the Jack & Sara ordeal. Sara frustrated me SOOOO so so much, and Jack loved her so much, even through his dickhead tendencies. I'd take him!
May 20, 2019
I loved it then I hated it. It was not neat and wrapped in a pretty little bow kinda of story. It was years of frustration. But if we honest, love isn’t that way. It is wonderful, messy, hurtful, complicated and takes years of learning, listening and compromising to get to a place of acceptance. I loved all the characters. It was a great story. I’m glad I finished it.
November 1, 2012
Review to come on Friday once I stop babbling about this book :)
Merged review:
Originally posted in Breath of Life Reviews
Though Closing Costs is considered a part of the Stewart Realty series, I am starting to see it more as another chapter in the Jack and Sara saga. Both characters have almost come full circle but there are still a few things in store for both of them. To me, they're a symbol of real people in the real world. No one is ever 100% happy in their life, let alone their relationships. Sometimes those who pretend to be the happiest are the most miserable in life. The point Closing Costs brings across is that we all have a choice in life. We can choose to make the best of what life throws our way or we can choose to let it drown us without a fight. We can choose to refuse to change, or we can choose to try and change for the better.
Just like its predecessors, Closing Costs is so well put together and so achingly real that I easily lost myself within its pages and the emotional war that continues to rage between characters. One of the things I love about Liz Crowe's stories is that she has the ability to make a reader become so completely involved with the characters she's created. It's not that I identified with them, I can literally SEE bits of myself reflected back at me through Jack, Sara, Craig, Blake, Rob and Suzanne. Some of those reflections are good, and some are less than stellar but that's what makes these characters so real to me, so undeniably human.
Each character has changed significantly since Floor Time, life has become complicated for all the characters, particularly Sara. She's become more stubborn and that has made her already difficult life worse. Wanting to do things on her own is admirable, but Sara only wants her independence when it's convenient to her, it doesn't matter what price those around her pay.Sara is the type of person who just loves to learn things the hard way, rather than take advice from people who know more and avoid negative situations in the first place, she confuses stubbornness for independence and ends up with egg on her face.
Towards the end of Closing Costs I started to question Sara's character. She's far from perfect yes, but her inability to do what's best for the people she claims to care about, yet continues to knowingly use started to change my original opinion of her. She started to look like a master manipulator who only cared about her wants, her needs and the hell with anyone else. She was selfish, immature and needy to the point where she at times acted more like a jealous child towards Katie instead of her mother. It seems that Jack matured and moved forward, while Sara became immature and moved backwards. She continually sabotaged any happy moments in her life, either with Jack or Katie.
Jack, while still a jerk when he gets angry or feels he has to defend himself, has matured a lot since Floor Time. He is starting to think his actions through and how they might affect those around him. It's not to say he's become a perfect man, hell no, he's still a pain in the ass sometimes but at least he's being honest with himself and others about what he wants. He somehow developed this extreme amount of patience which is not easy around a person like Sara and her family, that wasn't present before.
The ever present real life drama and emotional roller coaster is what drives a book like Closing Costs. It gives readers a reality check in some ways by showing the difficult times in between those "happy moments" we're so fond of in other books, making the conclusion that much sweeter in my opinion. There's nothing more satisfying than watching two characters like Jack and Sara fight, fall in love, struggle with life's hard times, almost lose everything and then begin to work things out. It makes that "Happy For Now" moment something to cherish and hope for in one's own life.
Merged review:
Originally posted in Breath of Life Reviews
Though Closing Costs is considered a part of the Stewart Realty series, I am starting to see it more as another chapter in the Jack and Sara saga. Both characters have almost come full circle but there are still a few things in store for both of them. To me, they're a symbol of real people in the real world. No one is ever 100% happy in their life, let alone their relationships. Sometimes those who pretend to be the happiest are the most miserable in life. The point Closing Costs brings across is that we all have a choice in life. We can choose to make the best of what life throws our way or we can choose to let it drown us without a fight. We can choose to refuse to change, or we can choose to try and change for the better.
Just like its predecessors, Closing Costs is so well put together and so achingly real that I easily lost myself within its pages and the emotional war that continues to rage between characters. One of the things I love about Liz Crowe's stories is that she has the ability to make a reader become so completely involved with the characters she's created. It's not that I identified with them, I can literally SEE bits of myself reflected back at me through Jack, Sara, Craig, Blake, Rob and Suzanne. Some of those reflections are good, and some are less than stellar but that's what makes these characters so real to me, so undeniably human.
Each character has changed significantly since Floor Time, life has become complicated for all the characters, particularly Sara. She's become more stubborn and that has made her already difficult life worse. Wanting to do things on her own is admirable, but Sara only wants her independence when it's convenient to her, it doesn't matter what price those around her pay.Sara is the type of person who just loves to learn things the hard way, rather than take advice from people who know more and avoid negative situations in the first place, she confuses stubbornness for independence and ends up with egg on her face.
Towards the end of Closing Costs I started to question Sara's character. She's far from perfect yes, but her inability to do what's best for the people she claims to care about, yet continues to knowingly use started to change my original opinion of her. She started to look like a master manipulator who only cared about her wants, her needs and the hell with anyone else. She was selfish, immature and needy to the point where she at times acted more like a jealous child towards Katie instead of her mother. It seems that Jack matured and moved forward, while Sara became immature and moved backwards. She continually sabotaged any happy moments in her life, either with Jack or Katie.
Jack, while still a jerk when he gets angry or feels he has to defend himself, has matured a lot since Floor Time. He is starting to think his actions through and how they might affect those around him. It's not to say he's become a perfect man, hell no, he's still a pain in the ass sometimes but at least he's being honest with himself and others about what he wants. He somehow developed this extreme amount of patience which is not easy around a person like Sara and her family, that wasn't present before.
The ever present real life drama and emotional roller coaster is what drives a book like Closing Costs. It gives readers a reality check in some ways by showing the difficult times in between those "happy moments" we're so fond of in other books, making the conclusion that much sweeter in my opinion. There's nothing more satisfying than watching two characters like Jack and Sara fight, fall in love, struggle with life's hard times, almost lose everything and then begin to work things out. It makes that "Happy For Now" moment something to cherish and hope for in one's own life.
April 24, 2012
See more reviews posted at Hesperia Loves Books
Perfection. That is the word that best describes Closing Costs, the third installment of Liz Crowe’s Realtors Series. Believe me when I say, when it comes to books and/or series, perfection is not a term that I use very often. There is always some thought, direction, developement or aspect that hangs me up, but there is NOT one thing about this book that I didn’t like or think fit the overall series ARC perfectly. Now I know that everyone’s idea about perfection is different & some may disagree - but for me, if the Louboutin’s fit, you bet your ass I’m wearing them!
After the exhilarating roller-coaster ride that was Sweat Equity, I’ll be the first to admit, I began to have my doubts that Jack & Sara would get their HEA. Ready for another truth? I was ok with that! I have fallen so in love with these characters that I only want their happiness, and while it would pain me greatly, if that was only achieved through being apart, then so be it. However, I knew that if they could find a way to be together after all they’ve put each other through - then it would be perfection.
In Closing Costs, Jack continues to be the supreme male top dog who can be an total prick when he wants, but we also got to see the softer & more mature side to him. That combined with his complete love & affection for Katie, has helped firmly cement him among my top book hero’s EVER! Sara continued to run and have trust issues, but who could blame her. Especially after the tumultuous ride she’s been on with Jack. One of my favorite aspects of the book was the role reversal between Jack & Sara. They each became what they disliked in the other. Jack wanted Sara to grow up and realize what they had & was SO quick to judge her and her actions. How ironic that he hated it when she did that to him. Sara on the other hand couldn’t decide what she wanted from Jack, even to go so far as wanting nothing but a sexual relationship with him. I cheered when he flat out refused!
I won’t go into anymore detail about the plot or summarize anymore - this book is best read without any hints going in. If you’ve read Floor Time & Sweat Equity - it’s not a question of whether you’ll read Closing Costs, it’s when. If you are undecided about whether to read this series - don’t question it, just do it and bask in the yumminess that is the Realtors. In my opinion, the mark of a truly great series involves the telling of a fabulous story that grabs and takes me on a journey of twists, turns, up, downs & most importantly growth of the characters and storyline. I WANT that connection - to fall in love with the characters, follow their story as it unfolds and still be able to feel the strong emotions they evoke long after I’m done reading. The Realtors epitomizes & reaffirms why I love series reading & continues to prove why Liz Crowe should be a must add to everyone’s TBR that is a fan of the Contemporary/Erotic Romance genre and why it.
Perfection. That is the word that best describes Closing Costs, the third installment of Liz Crowe’s Realtors Series. Believe me when I say, when it comes to books and/or series, perfection is not a term that I use very often. There is always some thought, direction, developement or aspect that hangs me up, but there is NOT one thing about this book that I didn’t like or think fit the overall series ARC perfectly. Now I know that everyone’s idea about perfection is different & some may disagree - but for me, if the Louboutin’s fit, you bet your ass I’m wearing them!
After the exhilarating roller-coaster ride that was Sweat Equity, I’ll be the first to admit, I began to have my doubts that Jack & Sara would get their HEA. Ready for another truth? I was ok with that! I have fallen so in love with these characters that I only want their happiness, and while it would pain me greatly, if that was only achieved through being apart, then so be it. However, I knew that if they could find a way to be together after all they’ve put each other through - then it would be perfection.
In Closing Costs, Jack continues to be the supreme male top dog who can be an total prick when he wants, but we also got to see the softer & more mature side to him. That combined with his complete love & affection for Katie, has helped firmly cement him among my top book hero’s EVER! Sara continued to run and have trust issues, but who could blame her. Especially after the tumultuous ride she’s been on with Jack. One of my favorite aspects of the book was the role reversal between Jack & Sara. They each became what they disliked in the other. Jack wanted Sara to grow up and realize what they had & was SO quick to judge her and her actions. How ironic that he hated it when she did that to him. Sara on the other hand couldn’t decide what she wanted from Jack, even to go so far as wanting nothing but a sexual relationship with him. I cheered when he flat out refused!
I won’t go into anymore detail about the plot or summarize anymore - this book is best read without any hints going in. If you’ve read Floor Time & Sweat Equity - it’s not a question of whether you’ll read Closing Costs, it’s when. If you are undecided about whether to read this series - don’t question it, just do it and bask in the yumminess that is the Realtors. In my opinion, the mark of a truly great series involves the telling of a fabulous story that grabs and takes me on a journey of twists, turns, up, downs & most importantly growth of the characters and storyline. I WANT that connection - to fall in love with the characters, follow their story as it unfolds and still be able to feel the strong emotions they evoke long after I’m done reading. The Realtors epitomizes & reaffirms why I love series reading & continues to prove why Liz Crowe should be a must add to everyone’s TBR that is a fan of the Contemporary/Erotic Romance genre and why it.
February 23, 2015
The final book of Sarah, Jake and Craig which was an interesting read filled with emotions, hate, love, drama, hurt, along with a whole lot more. I did come to like the characters better I still do not care for Sarah, Jake I am still on the fence but I do love Craig and was glad to see he finally got his life together. I never understand why Sarah wouldn't let them find out who the father was. I felt she wanted to keep them both on the hook. She didn't really want to give either up and could keep both in her life with them not knowing.
Sarah always said one thing but always meant another. She was up and down all over the place. I started to like her in book one but gave up about half away through it and have not like her since. I felt she moved from one man to another to punish Jack for things he wasn't guilty for. She misunderstood so much and wouldn't let people explain that things were not as they seemed. She didn't care for it when the tables were turned.
Jack he was a jerk most of the time, couldn't make up his mind and moved from women to women. I felt him and Sarah both were ho's and really deserved each other. However with the ending I did come to like him better and was glad to see everyone got their act together. This up and down and all over the place he and Sarah had set me on the edge, both needed a good slap to get their life together.
Craig he is such a sweetie, I am so glad things worked out for him. Out of the three he deserved to be happy the most. It was nice to see he finally found the women of his dreams.
The narrator as always did a wonderful outstanding job, she really made this series for me.
The author gives you a normal family life of normal people just getting by and trying to live. There sure is no fantasy here but more of how people really are. I can see this playing out with tons of people and I am sure I know a few Sarah and Jacks in my lifetime. I really enjoyed this series just did not care to much for the characters. People can be so hurtful when they don't get what they want. Turning to people who can take the edge off but can never find happiness with. I did wonder if Sarah and Jake decided to take up or walk away from the lifestyle Jake wanted or if he decide vanilla was the life he really needed.
If you are looking for a fantasy love story this is not the book for you, but if you are looking for normal people who really mess up and make everyone around them unhappy before they can find the happiness they want this is the book for you. Go ahead an pick up one of Liz's read I promise it is a book you will not forget for a long time.
Sarah always said one thing but always meant another. She was up and down all over the place. I started to like her in book one but gave up about half away through it and have not like her since. I felt she moved from one man to another to punish Jack for things he wasn't guilty for. She misunderstood so much and wouldn't let people explain that things were not as they seemed. She didn't care for it when the tables were turned.
Jack he was a jerk most of the time, couldn't make up his mind and moved from women to women. I felt him and Sarah both were ho's and really deserved each other. However with the ending I did come to like him better and was glad to see everyone got their act together. This up and down and all over the place he and Sarah had set me on the edge, both needed a good slap to get their life together.
Craig he is such a sweetie, I am so glad things worked out for him. Out of the three he deserved to be happy the most. It was nice to see he finally found the women of his dreams.
The narrator as always did a wonderful outstanding job, she really made this series for me.
The author gives you a normal family life of normal people just getting by and trying to live. There sure is no fantasy here but more of how people really are. I can see this playing out with tons of people and I am sure I know a few Sarah and Jacks in my lifetime. I really enjoyed this series just did not care to much for the characters. People can be so hurtful when they don't get what they want. Turning to people who can take the edge off but can never find happiness with. I did wonder if Sarah and Jake decided to take up or walk away from the lifestyle Jake wanted or if he decide vanilla was the life he really needed.
If you are looking for a fantasy love story this is not the book for you, but if you are looking for normal people who really mess up and make everyone around them unhappy before they can find the happiness they want this is the book for you. Go ahead an pick up one of Liz's read I promise it is a book you will not forget for a long time.
February 17, 2014
Reviewed by Rosie
Book provided by the publisher for review
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book
Liz Crowe’s Stewart Realty series quickly worked it’s way to the top of my three all time favorite series. I love the feeling I get of layered emotions and becoming friends with complex characters. I love being able to close my eyes after the end and still be right there with the characters of Stewart Reality. When I sat down with Closing Costs, I was thinking it would be a bittersweet moment. And, truly, it was. It’s the ending of Sara and Jack’s story. But, looking further, I see it’s not the end of my favorite series….not by a long shot! I’m so glad of that, for my heart can’t take a goodbye like this yet.
Sara Thornton. Wow. She has truly been through so much in her life, especially the last few years. The inner turmoil she struggles with during her pregnancy, of letting Jack go and just being his friend, really tears her up inside when all she wants is to be held and loved by him. But, she’s determined to take on the world by herself and deal with the complications, especially when she’s not sure her ‘baby daddy’ is. Is it Craig? Is it Jack? Does it really matter?
Jack Gordon is still my all time Alpha male character here. He’s gorgeously hunky with his feelings for Sara, standing by her in her time of need even though she said all she wanted was to be friends. Desperately wanting that baby to be his, but hiding it deep in his heart. The emotions that roll off of him kept hitting me square in the heart, and I loved that feeling! It was so intense!
The best part of this story, was watching that sweet little Katherine make her appearance in the story. That sweet angel was enough to bring anyone to their knees! I loved watching the way Sara and Jack grasped their new outlook on life, together. It was truly a tear-jerking moment!
I definitely recommend this book with high flying colors, two thumbs up, hats off ,and all the other praises that come with best-ever books. From laughs, to anger and most definitely tears, this book will move you in a way that takes your breath and knocks you on your knees. I loved it! And, while I’m sad that this is the end of Sara and Jack’s trilogy, I’m happy to say that I look forward to more Stewart Reality books, learning more about Sara’s brother Blake, her friend Craig’s story and saying hi to my “friends” once again. Well done, Liz, and I am happy to have you in my top favorite authors! Bring on the next!
Book provided by the publisher for review
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book
Liz Crowe’s Stewart Realty series quickly worked it’s way to the top of my three all time favorite series. I love the feeling I get of layered emotions and becoming friends with complex characters. I love being able to close my eyes after the end and still be right there with the characters of Stewart Reality. When I sat down with Closing Costs, I was thinking it would be a bittersweet moment. And, truly, it was. It’s the ending of Sara and Jack’s story. But, looking further, I see it’s not the end of my favorite series….not by a long shot! I’m so glad of that, for my heart can’t take a goodbye like this yet.
Sara Thornton. Wow. She has truly been through so much in her life, especially the last few years. The inner turmoil she struggles with during her pregnancy, of letting Jack go and just being his friend, really tears her up inside when all she wants is to be held and loved by him. But, she’s determined to take on the world by herself and deal with the complications, especially when she’s not sure her ‘baby daddy’ is. Is it Craig? Is it Jack? Does it really matter?
Jack Gordon is still my all time Alpha male character here. He’s gorgeously hunky with his feelings for Sara, standing by her in her time of need even though she said all she wanted was to be friends. Desperately wanting that baby to be his, but hiding it deep in his heart. The emotions that roll off of him kept hitting me square in the heart, and I loved that feeling! It was so intense!
The best part of this story, was watching that sweet little Katherine make her appearance in the story. That sweet angel was enough to bring anyone to their knees! I loved watching the way Sara and Jack grasped their new outlook on life, together. It was truly a tear-jerking moment!
I definitely recommend this book with high flying colors, two thumbs up, hats off ,and all the other praises that come with best-ever books. From laughs, to anger and most definitely tears, this book will move you in a way that takes your breath and knocks you on your knees. I loved it! And, while I’m sad that this is the end of Sara and Jack’s trilogy, I’m happy to say that I look forward to more Stewart Reality books, learning more about Sara’s brother Blake, her friend Craig’s story and saying hi to my “friends” once again. Well done, Liz, and I am happy to have you in my top favorite authors! Bring on the next!
September 22, 2015
Who's your daddy?! With a pregnant Sara refusing to accept anything but friendship from potential baby-daddies’ Jack and Craig, the nine months of tumultuous pregnancy have taken an emotional toll on all of them. Jack, former player extraordinaire, has finally owned up to his true feelings for Sara and just wants to be there for her and her daughter Katie every step of the way. Craig, formerly the strong, steady and sweet beau, is totally conflicted about his feelings toward both Sara and the new woman in his life. Over the years, Jack becomes a steady influence in Katie's life, much to Sara's frustration since she simply doesn't want to admit that she needs help raising Katie. Through crises after crisis, Jack and Sara skate dangerously close to the edge of mental and emotional breakdowns. Just how long will it take for the two most stubborn and volatile realtors in Ann Arbor to move past their emotional suicide attempts and admit that they’re meant to be together?
In Closing Costs, the third installment in The Stewart Realty series, I was again transported to a place of anger I was somehow unprepared for. The book takes place over several years, and while I was ready to despise Jack again, it was Sara that ended up being the object of my ire. Stubborn to a fault and determined not to allow anyone to help her raise Katie, she essentially shut herself down and became a cold and heartless hermit. The spiteful words hurled between Jack and Sara throughout Closing Costs, along with the obvious agony they were both in as a result of being apart, was so tough to digest! And while the sex in Closing Costs was a lot less prevalent than in the first two books in The Stewart Realty series, the drama ran just as high. When Sara and Jack did come together, the sex was incredibly passionate and highly charged…you could taste the agony, frustration and deep unbridled love between the two. Closing Costs is a fitting closure to Sara and Jack's stormy story, ripe with anger, tears, love and loss. Amazing job, Ms. Crowe, for an incredibly realistic and dramatic story line that grabs you by the heart and mind and refuses to let go!
Original review for JERR at http://www.justeroticromancereviews.c...
In Closing Costs, the third installment in The Stewart Realty series, I was again transported to a place of anger I was somehow unprepared for. The book takes place over several years, and while I was ready to despise Jack again, it was Sara that ended up being the object of my ire. Stubborn to a fault and determined not to allow anyone to help her raise Katie, she essentially shut herself down and became a cold and heartless hermit. The spiteful words hurled between Jack and Sara throughout Closing Costs, along with the obvious agony they were both in as a result of being apart, was so tough to digest! And while the sex in Closing Costs was a lot less prevalent than in the first two books in The Stewart Realty series, the drama ran just as high. When Sara and Jack did come together, the sex was incredibly passionate and highly charged…you could taste the agony, frustration and deep unbridled love between the two. Closing Costs is a fitting closure to Sara and Jack's stormy story, ripe with anger, tears, love and loss. Amazing job, Ms. Crowe, for an incredibly realistic and dramatic story line that grabs you by the heart and mind and refuses to let go!
Original review for JERR at http://www.justeroticromancereviews.c...
June 15, 2012
PDF Via Kindle (free for honest review)
This book continues Sara and Jacks journey in their lives. This book goes a bit off the track of nothing but passionate sex and the yo-yoing of Sara and Jacks relationship. Sara just had a baby and this book follows Sara, Jack, Craig, and all the other great characters from the other books as they watch Katie grow. Sara makes a bold call when she says that she doesn’t know if Craig or Jack is really the father of Katie, but doesn’t want to find out either. She insists to do the mommy duty on her own. She has great family and friends that are helping her raise her daughter, but she still misses and loves Jack. The confusion only continues as they interact more when Jack decides he needs to be a part of Katie’s life no matter what. Craig helps Sara too, until he goes off to medical school. When he is done with school he gets a job at the local hospital so he can be near them all again. Sara battles her emotions for Craig and Jack a lot in this book and how to be a good Mom. She finally makes a huge, life changing decision, when Katie has to be rushed to the hospital with a ruptured appendix. Can she face Craig and Jack after they find out who the true father of Katie is? Is she willing to try to make it work with one or the other?
I did enjoy this book, but I still would have to say that the best one, in my opinion, was the first book. The back and forth of the relationships and feelings/emotions in this book is almost dizzying, but it works in the context of the book. I don’t know how it works, but it does. The addition of Katie to the mix adds a “real life” aspect to the book. One that the reader can relate to, to some extent. Sara struggles with her decisions and what is right by her daughter throughout the book and isn’t this that what all parents think? A lot happens in this book, but if I were to reveal too much it would ruin the book. So I will keep it short and sweet this time. However, I will say that you should read this book, the plot, situations, emotions, and characters are great. It was a great read by a great and talented author!
4/5 Stars!
This book continues Sara and Jacks journey in their lives. This book goes a bit off the track of nothing but passionate sex and the yo-yoing of Sara and Jacks relationship. Sara just had a baby and this book follows Sara, Jack, Craig, and all the other great characters from the other books as they watch Katie grow. Sara makes a bold call when she says that she doesn’t know if Craig or Jack is really the father of Katie, but doesn’t want to find out either. She insists to do the mommy duty on her own. She has great family and friends that are helping her raise her daughter, but she still misses and loves Jack. The confusion only continues as they interact more when Jack decides he needs to be a part of Katie’s life no matter what. Craig helps Sara too, until he goes off to medical school. When he is done with school he gets a job at the local hospital so he can be near them all again. Sara battles her emotions for Craig and Jack a lot in this book and how to be a good Mom. She finally makes a huge, life changing decision, when Katie has to be rushed to the hospital with a ruptured appendix. Can she face Craig and Jack after they find out who the true father of Katie is? Is she willing to try to make it work with one or the other?
I did enjoy this book, but I still would have to say that the best one, in my opinion, was the first book. The back and forth of the relationships and feelings/emotions in this book is almost dizzying, but it works in the context of the book. I don’t know how it works, but it does. The addition of Katie to the mix adds a “real life” aspect to the book. One that the reader can relate to, to some extent. Sara struggles with her decisions and what is right by her daughter throughout the book and isn’t this that what all parents think? A lot happens in this book, but if I were to reveal too much it would ruin the book. So I will keep it short and sweet this time. However, I will say that you should read this book, the plot, situations, emotions, and characters are great. It was a great read by a great and talented author!
4/5 Stars!
April 4, 2012
In this epic conclusion to Liz Crowe's The Realtors series, things for Sara Thornton and Jack Gordon are both completely different and exactly the same. Their circumstances are wildly different, something they've both spent a great deal of time coming to terms with. Their feelings, however, remain the same, however much they try to deny it.
Despite their difficulty in getting used to the new things in their lives, they've actually been beneficial in terms of forcing the pair of them together and making them attempt to rebuild their relationship. They grow close as friends, which works for them... until one of them does something to screw it up and then they seem to move right back to square one.
Their on-again off-again status has them caught in a vicious circle, but with other people and responsibilities to consider, can they afford to keep messing around?
Although Closing Costs had a very satisfying conclusion, I felt it was a long time in coming. Book three had a lot of jumping ahead in time, which I found a little disconcerting at times - I'd just be engaging with a particular part of the storyline, then the next chapter would be talking about two years later. I can see why it had to be done that way, but I did find it a little jarring, which did dampen my enjoyment of the book somewhat. Having said that, though, the first two books made me invested enough in the characters to want to see it through to the end, and see what the future held for them. Overall, I thought it was really nicely tied up, for the secondary characters as well as Sara and Jack. I wasn't particularly surprised by the ending, but there were enough twists and turns in the entirety of the three books to more than make up for it. These books were about the journey, more than the destination for me.
So if you're looking for a well-written series about people with real problems and dilemmas, as well as tons of hot sex, then you should definitely check out The Realtors.
Despite their difficulty in getting used to the new things in their lives, they've actually been beneficial in terms of forcing the pair of them together and making them attempt to rebuild their relationship. They grow close as friends, which works for them... until one of them does something to screw it up and then they seem to move right back to square one.
Their on-again off-again status has them caught in a vicious circle, but with other people and responsibilities to consider, can they afford to keep messing around?
Although Closing Costs had a very satisfying conclusion, I felt it was a long time in coming. Book three had a lot of jumping ahead in time, which I found a little disconcerting at times - I'd just be engaging with a particular part of the storyline, then the next chapter would be talking about two years later. I can see why it had to be done that way, but I did find it a little jarring, which did dampen my enjoyment of the book somewhat. Having said that, though, the first two books made me invested enough in the characters to want to see it through to the end, and see what the future held for them. Overall, I thought it was really nicely tied up, for the secondary characters as well as Sara and Jack. I wasn't particularly surprised by the ending, but there were enough twists and turns in the entirety of the three books to more than make up for it. These books were about the journey, more than the destination for me.
So if you're looking for a well-written series about people with real problems and dilemmas, as well as tons of hot sex, then you should definitely check out The Realtors.
December 9, 2012
3.75 STARS Oh where to begin? Can you say drammmma? yep! because there is lots of it in this book and Jack and Sara are the most stubborn characters I have ever come across. I will say that I liked Jack a whole lot better than Sara in this book.
In Closing Costs we learn that Sara is pregnant and unsure of who the real father is, whether it is Jack, the one she truly deeply loves even though she is the most difficult and stubborn woman he has ever crossed, and will not admit to herself nor anyone else how she truly feels, or is it the very loving Craig, who also loves Sara? And you don't find out until a whole lot later who Kate's father is.
Sara shuts both men down and decides she is going to do it all on her own! Jack decides that even though he may or may not be the father, he still wants to marry Sara and take care of her and the baby! Bless his heart he tried and tried but she shut him down at every turn.
“I am not just some guy.” He gripped her arm as she tried to walk past him, “and you fucking well know it.”
This is another roller coaster of ups and downs, likes and dislikes and unfortunately more dislikes for me. Now the sex scenes were hot, there is no doubt about them and this book is an important part of the series so don't let my review discourage you as I do recommend it. I mainly had issues with Sara and her behavior. She wasn't fair to Kate and that bothered me and the time she wasted ugggghhhhh. She drove me nuts and I was not happy with a lot of the things she did. If it weren't for Kate, the mystery of who the father is and my desire to see what became of Jack and Sara's relationship in the end, I would have screamed and hollered and jumped up and down and thrown a temper tantrum. well no, not really but you get my drift. With that being said don't give up and read on :0)
I was provided a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
January 6, 2014
review will definitely come
When i started this series i loved Sara. She was feisty and not at all a doormat, i really loved the way the first book ended. it seemed like a very good ending to me. it was what i expected and i was still in my comfort zone with everything that happened.
The second one was a good read, too. After abandoning the series for a while i picked up the second book while in holiday and i couldn't let it go until i finished it. i wanted to know what happened next.
i hoped for a happy ending, i waited to see if Jack would cut the crap and be a man. I, also, knew that he would screw up and things would end up bad. It was meant to happen. But what i didn't expect was the whole back and forth: " i love you but i can't be with you".
At one point Sara was absolutely mad. After every word Jack said she would just explode. I was ashamed to be a woman at that point.
The third book made me wanna punch something.
I kept looking at the subtitles for the chapters and all i saw was: two years later, two years later, 1 year later. What was all that?
It should have said from the start: 8 years later.
i mean, i like to read interesting books, it gives me something to think about, it inspires me and when they are not that interesting at least i expect the sex to be hot. But thinking about two people in their forties who are suppose to be still sexy, having an undefined relationship, made wanna just throw the tablet into some wall.
Anyhow, I was glad to see the book ended somehow.
The writing was good, i can appreciate a good writing style when i see it. What didn't do for me was the whole plot thing and the character, mainly Sara.
i kept wondering when did i start hating her.
anyhow, this is just me.
As i do with every book i give 2 stars, i will re-read it after a while. i hate rating any book this low.
When i started this series i loved Sara. She was feisty and not at all a doormat, i really loved the way the first book ended. it seemed like a very good ending to me. it was what i expected and i was still in my comfort zone with everything that happened.
The second one was a good read, too. After abandoning the series for a while i picked up the second book while in holiday and i couldn't let it go until i finished it. i wanted to know what happened next.
i hoped for a happy ending, i waited to see if Jack would cut the crap and be a man. I, also, knew that he would screw up and things would end up bad. It was meant to happen. But what i didn't expect was the whole back and forth: " i love you but i can't be with you".
At one point Sara was absolutely mad. After every word Jack said she would just explode. I was ashamed to be a woman at that point.
The third book made me wanna punch something.
I kept looking at the subtitles for the chapters and all i saw was: two years later, two years later, 1 year later. What was all that?
It should have said from the start: 8 years later.
i mean, i like to read interesting books, it gives me something to think about, it inspires me and when they are not that interesting at least i expect the sex to be hot. But thinking about two people in their forties who are suppose to be still sexy, having an undefined relationship, made wanna just throw the tablet into some wall.
Anyhow, I was glad to see the book ended somehow.
The writing was good, i can appreciate a good writing style when i see it. What didn't do for me was the whole plot thing and the character, mainly Sara.
i kept wondering when did i start hating her.
anyhow, this is just me.
As i do with every book i give 2 stars, i will re-read it after a while. i hate rating any book this low.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 30, 2012
Closing Costs is a roller-coaster ride of a story as Jack and Sara navigate their love and pride. Sara and Jack were once engaged and have been in love for years but something always gets in the way of their relationship. Usually it is miscommunication or their own issues, but this time its Katie that gets in the middle of their relationship.
Katie is Sara’s daughter. Sara doesn’t want to find out who the father is. It could be either Jack or Craig but she is determined to raise Katie on her own. However, life has a way of messing up the best laid plans. Jack and Craig, as well as Sara’s family are bound and determined to be a part of Katie’s life.
Jack has finally grown up and realizes that he wants only Sara but this time, Sara isn’t ready to commit. She’s afraid to love. Her heart keeps getting broken each time she thinks she is ready to make things work with Jack.
Closing Costs tugs at your heartstrings as you wish for Sara and Jack to work things out, especially for Katie’s sake, but each misunderstanding leads the two characters to pull apart, just when things seemed to be working out. I was so frustrated at times and really wanted to smack them upside the head or just lock them in a room. Each time my heart was ready for a “happily ever after” something got in the way. I loved how Liz Crowe draws out the drama and makes the characters work for it.
Closing Costs wraps up some of the stories from the previous Realtor’s books and should be read as a set. It makes more sense to the reader to see the history between Jack and Sara. If you love stories that arouse your passion, makes you fight for the characters, and wish for that happy ending, you are going to want to read Closing Costs! It’s a powerful story!
Katie is Sara’s daughter. Sara doesn’t want to find out who the father is. It could be either Jack or Craig but she is determined to raise Katie on her own. However, life has a way of messing up the best laid plans. Jack and Craig, as well as Sara’s family are bound and determined to be a part of Katie’s life.
Jack has finally grown up and realizes that he wants only Sara but this time, Sara isn’t ready to commit. She’s afraid to love. Her heart keeps getting broken each time she thinks she is ready to make things work with Jack.
Closing Costs tugs at your heartstrings as you wish for Sara and Jack to work things out, especially for Katie’s sake, but each misunderstanding leads the two characters to pull apart, just when things seemed to be working out. I was so frustrated at times and really wanted to smack them upside the head or just lock them in a room. Each time my heart was ready for a “happily ever after” something got in the way. I loved how Liz Crowe draws out the drama and makes the characters work for it.
Closing Costs wraps up some of the stories from the previous Realtor’s books and should be read as a set. It makes more sense to the reader to see the history between Jack and Sara. If you love stories that arouse your passion, makes you fight for the characters, and wish for that happy ending, you are going to want to read Closing Costs! It’s a powerful story!
August 5, 2012
CLOSING COSTS was all I expected and more. Liz Crowe writes characters who are frustratingly human. I found myself wishing I could smack Jack and Sarah upside the head numerous times. Seriously? Can two people make their lives any more difficult? Knowing these two, I'm sure they can. And haven't we all known people just like them? The reader is lucky enough to get an understanding of Jack and see emotions and motivations that Sara seldom has access to. If he would just let Sara see what we see, everything would work out. Of course, the same goes for Sara.
This book takes place over many years and it is interesting to see all the characters mature in some ways and not in others. The addition of a child into their lives and promotions at work cause complications and changes to their already complex situation. Jack's relationship with Sara's daughter, Katie, is incredibly touching. Everyone else is back and we get to follow Craig, Rob, Blake and the other's progression too.
Crowe's writing is so realistic and enjoyable, I found myself alternating between extreme frustration, tears and happiness. I literally could not put the book down and read it all in one sitting. This is a book I will read more than once.
Another book, THE ESSENCE OF TIME, has been added to the series and I can't wait for its release.
Heat Rating: Steamy/Sizzling
Rating: 5
Reviewed By: Jeanne Stone-Hunter for My Book Addiction and More
This book was received for the purpose of an honest review.
This book takes place over many years and it is interesting to see all the characters mature in some ways and not in others. The addition of a child into their lives and promotions at work cause complications and changes to their already complex situation. Jack's relationship with Sara's daughter, Katie, is incredibly touching. Everyone else is back and we get to follow Craig, Rob, Blake and the other's progression too.
Crowe's writing is so realistic and enjoyable, I found myself alternating between extreme frustration, tears and happiness. I literally could not put the book down and read it all in one sitting. This is a book I will read more than once.
Another book, THE ESSENCE OF TIME, has been added to the series and I can't wait for its release.
Heat Rating: Steamy/Sizzling
Rating: 5
Reviewed By: Jeanne Stone-Hunter for My Book Addiction and More
This book was received for the purpose of an honest review.
March 1, 2014
DO NOT READ IF YOU HAVEN’T READ THE FIRST TWO!
Holy Drama book lovers! This story had me wanting to check into the funny farm. I will admit that I don’t like when characters in a book fall madly in love and everything is peachy from that day forward. All relationships have problems and they all take work. I do like that this story reflects that however the amount of time spent on back and forth is insane (to me). If it took that long to get it together I would have been out of there years ago! I also don’t like that Sara wouldn’t find out who the dad is. That’s so not fair to the child. Every child needs a daddy and if you can find that person you owe it to the child to do so. That being said yes I realize it’s fiction but it bothered me and made me not like Sara very much. I want to nominate her as worst book girlfriend.
“. . .seeing her flirt with that oily bohunk of a soccer coach had solidified it. . .”
The story of Jack and Sara is intense. This book covers a large time span and feels like a loopdy loop roller coaster with all the back and forth and bouncing between this one and that one. But all in all it is a good story, I found myself having strong feelings (good ones for Jack, not so good for Sara) and isn’t that the mark of a well written book? I have enjoyed the series thus far and from what I have read about Essence of Time it looks to be HOT (Jack and Rob in college ooooo) I give Closing Costs 4 stars with 3 hands down the pants.
Holy Drama book lovers! This story had me wanting to check into the funny farm. I will admit that I don’t like when characters in a book fall madly in love and everything is peachy from that day forward. All relationships have problems and they all take work. I do like that this story reflects that however the amount of time spent on back and forth is insane (to me). If it took that long to get it together I would have been out of there years ago! I also don’t like that Sara wouldn’t find out who the dad is. That’s so not fair to the child. Every child needs a daddy and if you can find that person you owe it to the child to do so. That being said yes I realize it’s fiction but it bothered me and made me not like Sara very much. I want to nominate her as worst book girlfriend.
“. . .seeing her flirt with that oily bohunk of a soccer coach had solidified it. . .”
The story of Jack and Sara is intense. This book covers a large time span and feels like a loopdy loop roller coaster with all the back and forth and bouncing between this one and that one. But all in all it is a good story, I found myself having strong feelings (good ones for Jack, not so good for Sara) and isn’t that the mark of a well written book? I have enjoyed the series thus far and from what I have read about Essence of Time it looks to be HOT (Jack and Rob in college ooooo) I give Closing Costs 4 stars with 3 hands down the pants.
May 1, 2014
Closing cost is the 3rd book in the Steward Realty series and the epic conclusion to Jack and Sara's story.
The three books (Floor Time, Sweat Equity, Closing Cost) cover a time span of approx. 10 yrs. and centers mainly on these two people and their always turbulent sex life and the many twists and turn that they encounter over the yrs. Now there are many other great characters who the author did an outstanding job of bringing to live that add great richness to this story.
The chemistry between Jack and Sara is like none to be reckoned with. At times I was so disgusted with Sara's general attitude and distrust of Jack that I wanted to stop reading completely, but of course I did not. HOW could I? I was so enthralled with this story to every stop reading it. Then we have poor Jack Oh my God Jack who can't see to figure out which way is up or down. Who keeps screwing everything up and makes matter so much worse. But his undying love for Sara spans all time and he never gives up hope.
This story of Jack and Sara does end in their own HEA that I did enjoy.
Now if you want to follow this great tale, that I will admit was somewhat slow at times, I do not think you will be disappointed at all. I think you will laugh at points, cry at points and be totally blown away at others.
Great job Liz Crowe. Thank you for writing this outstanding story.
The three books (Floor Time, Sweat Equity, Closing Cost) cover a time span of approx. 10 yrs. and centers mainly on these two people and their always turbulent sex life and the many twists and turn that they encounter over the yrs. Now there are many other great characters who the author did an outstanding job of bringing to live that add great richness to this story.
The chemistry between Jack and Sara is like none to be reckoned with. At times I was so disgusted with Sara's general attitude and distrust of Jack that I wanted to stop reading completely, but of course I did not. HOW could I? I was so enthralled with this story to every stop reading it. Then we have poor Jack Oh my God Jack who can't see to figure out which way is up or down. Who keeps screwing everything up and makes matter so much worse. But his undying love for Sara spans all time and he never gives up hope.
This story of Jack and Sara does end in their own HEA that I did enjoy.
Now if you want to follow this great tale, that I will admit was somewhat slow at times, I do not think you will be disappointed at all. I think you will laugh at points, cry at points and be totally blown away at others.
Great job Liz Crowe. Thank you for writing this outstanding story.
April 26, 2013
This final book of the Sara & Jack saga, drove me crazy. I really wanted to love the series, but I could not get past their troubled relationship which made me sort of hate "closing costs". Not sure if it really is in tune with today's relationships from all aspects especially as their story and their HEA takes them over 8 years to get.
Both Sara and Jack have their issues, her being immature, selfish and insecure. But then again as much as I hated Sara at times, I could also sympathise with her. In my opinion, it has to be quite scary to love a man like Jack. All the women throughout this story is enough to make any woman insecure and afraid of a man like him and his "love and needs".
As far as Jack...well, I really like his personality but not his ways. One would think that for a guy who seems to have finally found the "one", would do everything in his power to keep her. He is almost 10 years older than Sara, but hasn't matured enough to commit as he struggles with his needs, felings and what he really wants. All the women that we read about, regardless of their significance to him and his life, has got to take a toll on any woman who loves him and this case Sara.
It takes them too long to accept and finally love each other and I hope HEA!
Both Sara and Jack have their issues, her being immature, selfish and insecure. But then again as much as I hated Sara at times, I could also sympathise with her. In my opinion, it has to be quite scary to love a man like Jack. All the women throughout this story is enough to make any woman insecure and afraid of a man like him and his "love and needs".
As far as Jack...well, I really like his personality but not his ways. One would think that for a guy who seems to have finally found the "one", would do everything in his power to keep her. He is almost 10 years older than Sara, but hasn't matured enough to commit as he struggles with his needs, felings and what he really wants. All the women that we read about, regardless of their significance to him and his life, has got to take a toll on any woman who loves him and this case Sara.
It takes them too long to accept and finally love each other and I hope HEA!
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