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Stewart Realty #5
Conditional Offer
Craig Robinson and Suzanne Baxter had no reason to meet, no real excuse to be friends. But when heart calls to heart...blood to blood...should two people who seem destined to be together heed the spin of Fate's wheel?
Craig spent years floating through life on cruise control, using directionless jobs, his rock band, swimming, and a string of older women in his bed to smother feelings of loneliness and loss. He finally thought he had found his true love in one Sara Thornton -- A sexy, beautiful, fellow real estate agent and mentor. But his self-doubt and innate sense of failure is only reinforced when he realizes her heart belongs to another man.
When Sara introduces him to Suzanne, a woman fighting her own demons from an abusive marriage and subsequent feelings of inadequacy and deep unhappiness, that simple, chance moment snaps Craig's hazy existence into crystal-clear focus. A bond of instant physical attraction, nurtured by time and shared experience, and plenty of erotic energy, is born.
As Suzanne's past continues to haunt her, making her push Craig away just as he thinks he’s getting closer, each of them must come to terms with their true selves and face their ultimate realities.
Craig spent years floating through life on cruise control, using directionless jobs, his rock band, swimming, and a string of older women in his bed to smother feelings of loneliness and loss. He finally thought he had found his true love in one Sara Thornton -- A sexy, beautiful, fellow real estate agent and mentor. But his self-doubt and innate sense of failure is only reinforced when he realizes her heart belongs to another man.
When Sara introduces him to Suzanne, a woman fighting her own demons from an abusive marriage and subsequent feelings of inadequacy and deep unhappiness, that simple, chance moment snaps Craig's hazy existence into crystal-clear focus. A bond of instant physical attraction, nurtured by time and shared experience, and plenty of erotic energy, is born.
As Suzanne's past continues to haunt her, making her push Craig away just as he thinks he’s getting closer, each of them must come to terms with their true selves and face their ultimate realities.
208 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 23, 2012
5 people are currently reading
533 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 32 reviews
December 13, 2012
You can find our review at
Shh Mom's Reading
www.shhmomsreading.com
and join the conversation at
www.facebook.com/ShhMomsReading
@shhmomsreading
First please do not try to read this book if you have not read the first four books in the series; Second if you have read the prior books you are going to enjoy Conditional Offer; oh Third if you have not read the Realtors Series by Liz Crowe, read Floor Time, Sweat Equity, Closing Costs and Essence of Time then read Conditional Offer.
Conditional Offer tells the story of Craig Robinson and Suzanne Baxter, two not so secondary characters in the Realtors Series. This book lays out Craig’s backstory and then relives many of the critical scenes from the series through Craig’s perspective. Most of Suzanne’s backstory was told in Essence of Time, Suzanne is painted as the woman who broke Blake's heart. At first Craig's role in the realtors series is painted a hot distraction for Sara one of many road blocks to her happiness with her soulmate Jack. Conditional Offers gives you Craig; and leaves you wanting him to find his happy.
Craig and Suzanne both have prior loves that they had to let go; stories of their past that leave you thinking these two really deserve happiness and a true love of their own. Their journey is not a direct one nor is it painless, they are both haunted by prior events so love and trust do not come easy for either.
In Conditional Offer Ms. Crowe develops Craig's backstory and shows you Suzanne's emotional scars left from a traumatic event outlined in Essence of Time (again you must read Essence of Time to see this traumatic event laid out)
Suzanne thinks that she did not worthy of anyone's love or devotion; she is not even sure she knows how to return love.
As these two wounded souls start to interact Craig truly starts to understand love, true love; love beyond lust and roses; the kind of love you have to work for; love that take the breaking down of barriers and fully accepting who the other person is flaws and all. Suzanne’s past is full of things that have her pulling from Craig's love; she is damaged from a horrific event and is content to keep love out of her life.
Craig slowly opens up Suzanne's eyes to the world of possibilities; Suzanne battles with herself; can she be happy; does she deserve love; will she allow a man to love her without pushing him away.
Reading Conditional Offer provides you will Craig’s perspective of some of the most pivotal scenes in the Stewart Realty series.
It is often said that life is all about perception; well Ms Crowe hits that some with this book. It was enjoyable and often heart breaking to relive the events through Craig's eyes.
Seeing the event through Craig's eyes, gives the reader a wonderful step deeper into this literary world Liz has created.
Conditional Offer leaves you truly knowing that Sara was not right for Craig and more importantly you see how truly right Suzanne is for Craig. Watching Craig help Suzanne heal is a journey worth the read.
The characters in this series have overlapping and intertwined relationships that again will not make sense to someone picking this book up as a stand alone but those reading in order will develop a larger understanding of events that is captivating.
The passion between Craig and Suzanne is undeniable but will they be able to take the final jump and embrace each other... well for that you will have to read the book.
I am a reader who truly enjoys understanding why characters behave a certain way and why things unfolding; Liz truly delivers on both. I also love seeing how things end up... and on that Liz delivers as well.
Liz great job; now more than ever I am looking forward to reading Escalation Clause book 6 of the Realtors Series, releasing in November 2012.
Shh Mom's Reading
www.shhmomsreading.com
and join the conversation at
www.facebook.com/ShhMomsReading
@shhmomsreading
First please do not try to read this book if you have not read the first four books in the series; Second if you have read the prior books you are going to enjoy Conditional Offer; oh Third if you have not read the Realtors Series by Liz Crowe, read Floor Time, Sweat Equity, Closing Costs and Essence of Time then read Conditional Offer.
Conditional Offer tells the story of Craig Robinson and Suzanne Baxter, two not so secondary characters in the Realtors Series. This book lays out Craig’s backstory and then relives many of the critical scenes from the series through Craig’s perspective. Most of Suzanne’s backstory was told in Essence of Time, Suzanne is painted as the woman who broke Blake's heart. At first Craig's role in the realtors series is painted a hot distraction for Sara one of many road blocks to her happiness with her soulmate Jack. Conditional Offers gives you Craig; and leaves you wanting him to find his happy.
Craig and Suzanne both have prior loves that they had to let go; stories of their past that leave you thinking these two really deserve happiness and a true love of their own. Their journey is not a direct one nor is it painless, they are both haunted by prior events so love and trust do not come easy for either.
In Conditional Offer Ms. Crowe develops Craig's backstory and shows you Suzanne's emotional scars left from a traumatic event outlined in Essence of Time (again you must read Essence of Time to see this traumatic event laid out)
Suzanne thinks that she did not worthy of anyone's love or devotion; she is not even sure she knows how to return love.
As these two wounded souls start to interact Craig truly starts to understand love, true love; love beyond lust and roses; the kind of love you have to work for; love that take the breaking down of barriers and fully accepting who the other person is flaws and all. Suzanne’s past is full of things that have her pulling from Craig's love; she is damaged from a horrific event and is content to keep love out of her life.
Craig slowly opens up Suzanne's eyes to the world of possibilities; Suzanne battles with herself; can she be happy; does she deserve love; will she allow a man to love her without pushing him away.
Reading Conditional Offer provides you will Craig’s perspective of some of the most pivotal scenes in the Stewart Realty series.
It is often said that life is all about perception; well Ms Crowe hits that some with this book. It was enjoyable and often heart breaking to relive the events through Craig's eyes.
Seeing the event through Craig's eyes, gives the reader a wonderful step deeper into this literary world Liz has created.
Conditional Offer leaves you truly knowing that Sara was not right for Craig and more importantly you see how truly right Suzanne is for Craig. Watching Craig help Suzanne heal is a journey worth the read.
The characters in this series have overlapping and intertwined relationships that again will not make sense to someone picking this book up as a stand alone but those reading in order will develop a larger understanding of events that is captivating.
The passion between Craig and Suzanne is undeniable but will they be able to take the final jump and embrace each other... well for that you will have to read the book.
I am a reader who truly enjoys understanding why characters behave a certain way and why things unfolding; Liz truly delivers on both. I also love seeing how things end up... and on that Liz delivers as well.
Liz great job; now more than ever I am looking forward to reading Escalation Clause book 6 of the Realtors Series, releasing in November 2012.
August 25, 2012
See this review & more at Hesperia Loves Books
Craig & Suzanne have both been hurt, used & damaged. They have both loved someone whom they had to give up. Never has a couple been more deserving of love and happiness than these two. The journey is not an easy one. Their past haunts them and makes it hard to open up & trust, much less love.
In the first four books of this series, I met and enjoyed Craig & Suzanne as secondary side characters. I liked them but I didn’t really know them. Craig, for me, was just a road-block in Jack & Sara’s path to one another and, Suzanne was just the person who broke Blake’s heart. That began to change in Closing Costs & Essence of Time. They became more than just secondary and I was left wanting so much more for them. Ms. Crowe delivered that MORE and completely wowed me with Conditional Offer!
I finally get to meet the real Craig and what I learn about him, I absolutely love. I now understand what drives him - his need to be loved. That need is so strong that it becomes a detriment. It causes him to make decisions that keep him in unhealthy relationships just for the sake of intimacy. He mistakes this for love time & again. Not until he meets Suzanne, does he truly understand love.
Suzanne’s past is full of jealousy, mistrust, violence & murder. She is completely changed forever in one horrific moment and now can’t see herself as anything but broken. She thinks that she doesn’t deserve anyone’s love or devotion because she feels that she can’t return it. Craig opens up her world again makes her believe that maybe, just maybe, she has a chance again.
While reading Conditional Offer I was taken through some of the most pivotal scenes in the Stewart Realty series - only from Craig’s perspective. You learn just how selfless, giving & compassionate he is and how completely wrong Sara was for him. More importantly though, how truly right he was for Suzanne. Watching the way he deals with and handles all her fears was breathtaking. Craig loves Suzanne with everything that he is. He knows he has made mistakes in the past, but he’s learned from them and wants to prove that with her.
The one thing that I truly hope to convey to you with this review is just how exceptional this series is! This is a must read series that just gets better with every book. A must read for any contemporary erotic romance lover!
My message to Jack (yes, I talk to Fictional characters! Don’t you?!) - Please don’t be jealous. I know I’ve talked about how great Craig is & how much I’ve come to love him in this review. Please know that it will NEVER equal the love I feel for you - that is all encompassing & infinite. There is no comparison between you and my heart will always & forever be yours ♥
Craig & Suzanne have both been hurt, used & damaged. They have both loved someone whom they had to give up. Never has a couple been more deserving of love and happiness than these two. The journey is not an easy one. Their past haunts them and makes it hard to open up & trust, much less love.
In the first four books of this series, I met and enjoyed Craig & Suzanne as secondary side characters. I liked them but I didn’t really know them. Craig, for me, was just a road-block in Jack & Sara’s path to one another and, Suzanne was just the person who broke Blake’s heart. That began to change in Closing Costs & Essence of Time. They became more than just secondary and I was left wanting so much more for them. Ms. Crowe delivered that MORE and completely wowed me with Conditional Offer!
I finally get to meet the real Craig and what I learn about him, I absolutely love. I now understand what drives him - his need to be loved. That need is so strong that it becomes a detriment. It causes him to make decisions that keep him in unhealthy relationships just for the sake of intimacy. He mistakes this for love time & again. Not until he meets Suzanne, does he truly understand love.
Suzanne’s past is full of jealousy, mistrust, violence & murder. She is completely changed forever in one horrific moment and now can’t see herself as anything but broken. She thinks that she doesn’t deserve anyone’s love or devotion because she feels that she can’t return it. Craig opens up her world again makes her believe that maybe, just maybe, she has a chance again.
While reading Conditional Offer I was taken through some of the most pivotal scenes in the Stewart Realty series - only from Craig’s perspective. You learn just how selfless, giving & compassionate he is and how completely wrong Sara was for him. More importantly though, how truly right he was for Suzanne. Watching the way he deals with and handles all her fears was breathtaking. Craig loves Suzanne with everything that he is. He knows he has made mistakes in the past, but he’s learned from them and wants to prove that with her.
The one thing that I truly hope to convey to you with this review is just how exceptional this series is! This is a must read series that just gets better with every book. A must read for any contemporary erotic romance lover!
My message to Jack (yes, I talk to Fictional characters! Don’t you?!) - Please don’t be jealous. I know I’ve talked about how great Craig is & how much I’ve come to love him in this review. Please know that it will NEVER equal the love I feel for you - that is all encompassing & infinite. There is no comparison between you and my heart will always & forever be yours ♥
August 26, 2012
Team Craig fans will love Conditional Offer as we find out the history behind Craig’s life from his early days through the future of Craig’s life. Conditional Offer fills in the blanks, providing groupies with all the steamy stories of Craig’s relationships.
Craig Robinson struggles with liaisons with women. He jumps in with his whole heart before he looks and gets mixed up in some unwise relationships. Craig is a sweet guy but he doesn’t get the love he deserves from the women in his life.
Suzanne Baxter also had a rough love life. She was in a horrible relationship with her husband and struggled to put her life back together. Suzanne believes that love is out of her reach. She feels that she is damaged goods and can’t accept the love that is offered to her.
Craig and Suzanne have a tumultous relationship that will leave you breathless one minute and frustrated the next. Each of them is damaged from their past and must learn to accept their own shortcomings in order to find their own happily ever after.
Conditional Offer is the fifth book in the Stewart Realty series. It is not a stand alone book, but should be read in order because Conditional Offer shares many of the characters from the previous books and provides background information on events that happened in the earlier books. If you read this book first, you will miss out on important details about Suzanne and Craig.
The Stewart Realty series is sure to delight and tempt you. Contional Offer is another wonderful part of this series that touches your heart and makes you wish for more by Liz Crowe. Make sure you read the series today.
Craig Robinson struggles with liaisons with women. He jumps in with his whole heart before he looks and gets mixed up in some unwise relationships. Craig is a sweet guy but he doesn’t get the love he deserves from the women in his life.
Suzanne Baxter also had a rough love life. She was in a horrible relationship with her husband and struggled to put her life back together. Suzanne believes that love is out of her reach. She feels that she is damaged goods and can’t accept the love that is offered to her.
Craig and Suzanne have a tumultous relationship that will leave you breathless one minute and frustrated the next. Each of them is damaged from their past and must learn to accept their own shortcomings in order to find their own happily ever after.
Conditional Offer is the fifth book in the Stewart Realty series. It is not a stand alone book, but should be read in order because Conditional Offer shares many of the characters from the previous books and provides background information on events that happened in the earlier books. If you read this book first, you will miss out on important details about Suzanne and Craig.
The Stewart Realty series is sure to delight and tempt you. Contional Offer is another wonderful part of this series that touches your heart and makes you wish for more by Liz Crowe. Make sure you read the series today.
July 13, 2019
Liz Crowe really keeps you turning the page in this 5th book of the Stewart Realty 5 series. I was most definitely hooked on this story. Liz Crowe has a unique way of telling the story to make it easy to read and keeps you hooked. Liz's writing style is delicious and captivating. She really knows how to write a story to keep the reader entertained and wanting more.
Conditional Offer offers you Craig Robinson's perspective and how he relates to each of the characters in this series. He is going through changes in his life. He loves older attractive women and he goes out of his way to please in the bedroom and out. He is also a bit of a slut which makes this book very entertaining.
In Craig's story, he elaborates on how he met Rob, Blake, Sara, and Jack, which the writer Liz Crow continues to keep you captivated in the storyline and draws you deeper in.
He realizes that Sara was only using him as a pond to get to Jack and even though he thinks he wants her and goes out of his way to show her, he finally gives up on the idea and tries to move on.
He shifts his attention to Suzanne, but she is in emotional turmoil in her own right and even though Craig is enduring to her needs she just keeps pushing him away.
Craig has a loving family and they try to keep him on his toes and in a loving functional way. You get the sense that this family really loves Craig and wants to point him in the right direction as he is reaching out to them for advice.
He decides to change his focus on his career a couple of times in this novel and then ultimately decides to go back to school to pursue a career as Emergency Room Doctor.
I honestly loved this novel it drew me in deeper and gave me a better perspective of all the characters of the Stewart reality and with the anticipation of wanting more. I know that Liz Crow is working on two more sequels to the Stewart Realty series and I can't wait to devour them as I did this book and the novels prior to this one in her series. This is one of the best series I have read and reviewed on and I propose to all readers to devour this series as I did, you won't regret it and it is free right now for a limited time on Kindle Unlimited.
Conditional Offer offers you Craig Robinson's perspective and how he relates to each of the characters in this series. He is going through changes in his life. He loves older attractive women and he goes out of his way to please in the bedroom and out. He is also a bit of a slut which makes this book very entertaining.
In Craig's story, he elaborates on how he met Rob, Blake, Sara, and Jack, which the writer Liz Crow continues to keep you captivated in the storyline and draws you deeper in.
He realizes that Sara was only using him as a pond to get to Jack and even though he thinks he wants her and goes out of his way to show her, he finally gives up on the idea and tries to move on.
He shifts his attention to Suzanne, but she is in emotional turmoil in her own right and even though Craig is enduring to her needs she just keeps pushing him away.
Craig has a loving family and they try to keep him on his toes and in a loving functional way. You get the sense that this family really loves Craig and wants to point him in the right direction as he is reaching out to them for advice.
He decides to change his focus on his career a couple of times in this novel and then ultimately decides to go back to school to pursue a career as Emergency Room Doctor.
I honestly loved this novel it drew me in deeper and gave me a better perspective of all the characters of the Stewart reality and with the anticipation of wanting more. I know that Liz Crow is working on two more sequels to the Stewart Realty series and I can't wait to devour them as I did this book and the novels prior to this one in her series. This is one of the best series I have read and reviewed on and I propose to all readers to devour this series as I did, you won't regret it and it is free right now for a limited time on Kindle Unlimited.
February 13, 2021
Great series!!
The “Stewart Realty” series is unbelievable! There isn’t a bum book in the bunch. They are all STELLAR!! “Conditional Offer” is another winner with the story of Craig & Suzanne. How their relationship begins and then ends, and ends, etc. No spoilers here - just be forewarned: like all of Liz’s characters there is no guarantees for a HEA. Craig and Suzanne must work for theirs.
The “Stewart Realty” series is unbelievable! There isn’t a bum book in the bunch. They are all STELLAR!! “Conditional Offer” is another winner with the story of Craig & Suzanne. How their relationship begins and then ends, and ends, etc. No spoilers here - just be forewarned: like all of Liz’s characters there is no guarantees for a HEA. Craig and Suzanne must work for theirs.
November 8, 2012
Originally posted at Breath of Life Reviews
Normally I'd be a little bored by the 5th book in a series and would need to take a break and read another author, but not with Liz Crowe. I find myself extremely attached to all the characters in the series, even ones who normally wouldn't catch my attention. She just has a way of drawing a reader into this fictional, but based on reality world that makes a reader like myself not want to leave.
Because I am a serious reader (thinker and over-analyze things to death) and treat characters as if they were real, Liz's books have been both a blessing and a curse. I love these books because they are so well written and developed but at the same time they draw me in so deeply that I forget about my surroundings and force me to look at my own life and see just how much of these characters' lives and personalities mirror my own.
Conditional Offer by Liz Crowe, while a separate book in series, is not meant to be read as a standalone, none of them are unless you like being confused and missing out on the whole picture. There are scenes from the previous books that are revisited from another character's point of view and if a reader hasn't read the previous books, then Conditional Offer will leave them confused, lost, frustrated and without the full enjoyment that I've obtained from reading the series in order.
In Conditional Offer it's Craig Robinson and Suzanne Baxter's turn in the spotlight, with some "back up" from the usual suspects. From the moment Craig entered the picture, I knew he wasn't a "bad guy" in the traditional sense of the phrase and while Jack Gordon may have gotten the girl and have rowdier fans, Craig is no slouch in the fan department (don't ask me which "Team" I'm on, I can't decide). When I first met Craig he struck me as a young, carefree beach bum wannabe with hidden layers to him. I was right about the layers.
It was really great to revisit scenes from previous books and see them from a different perspective. It was almost like a brand new scene each time and I felt a little spoiled by author Liz Crowe. I love that she gave fans of her books a chance to see previous scenes from a different angle, allowing us a chance to "re-meet" Craig and get to know him better through the events of the past. It was a great way to lead up to the present and his relationship with Suzanne because it provided more background information than all the previous books combined.
Suzanne, to me, truly represents battered women in the AFTERMATH of it all. Struggling with self doubt, feelings of loneliness, fear and the emotional backlash of having lived and survived abuse. It plays hell on relationships, and not just the romantic ones either. Suzanne may have at times sounded as a heartless, unfeeling bitch due to her past involvement in Blake Thorton's life and again it would be easy to cast a Liz Crowe character as a villain just based on the above information. It is human nature after all to cast hasty judgments without having all the necessary information. However, if you've been reading Liz's books from the beginning then you should know that first impressions are DEFINITELY not accurate with any of her characters. That saying about it just being "the tip of the iceberg" definitely applies when reading a Liz Crowe book.
Having said that, Craig and Suzanne face a lot of obstacles, both separately and together while both the past and the present conspire to keep them apart. It was nerve-wracking to watch because Liz Crowe can be quite unpredictable with her characters, much like real life is.
Conditional Offer , though the 5th book of a series, does not fail to define Liz Crowe's "Romance for Real Life" sub-genre, so concerns about a "slump" or the series losing "steam" and becoming repetitive are not a concern here. There's plenty of wounds, new and old that need to be worked on, and as in real life, even those relationships that have come "full circle" *cough* Jack and Sara *cough* still need work and are NEVER 100% fail proof. If they were, divorce wouldn't exist.
If you're a reader looking for angst, drama and more than a little dose of reality in your next erotic read, please check out the first in the Stewart Realty series, Floor Time.
Normally I'd be a little bored by the 5th book in a series and would need to take a break and read another author, but not with Liz Crowe. I find myself extremely attached to all the characters in the series, even ones who normally wouldn't catch my attention. She just has a way of drawing a reader into this fictional, but based on reality world that makes a reader like myself not want to leave.
Because I am a serious reader (thinker and over-analyze things to death) and treat characters as if they were real, Liz's books have been both a blessing and a curse. I love these books because they are so well written and developed but at the same time they draw me in so deeply that I forget about my surroundings and force me to look at my own life and see just how much of these characters' lives and personalities mirror my own.
Conditional Offer by Liz Crowe, while a separate book in series, is not meant to be read as a standalone, none of them are unless you like being confused and missing out on the whole picture. There are scenes from the previous books that are revisited from another character's point of view and if a reader hasn't read the previous books, then Conditional Offer will leave them confused, lost, frustrated and without the full enjoyment that I've obtained from reading the series in order.
In Conditional Offer it's Craig Robinson and Suzanne Baxter's turn in the spotlight, with some "back up" from the usual suspects. From the moment Craig entered the picture, I knew he wasn't a "bad guy" in the traditional sense of the phrase and while Jack Gordon may have gotten the girl and have rowdier fans, Craig is no slouch in the fan department (don't ask me which "Team" I'm on, I can't decide). When I first met Craig he struck me as a young, carefree beach bum wannabe with hidden layers to him. I was right about the layers.
It was really great to revisit scenes from previous books and see them from a different perspective. It was almost like a brand new scene each time and I felt a little spoiled by author Liz Crowe. I love that she gave fans of her books a chance to see previous scenes from a different angle, allowing us a chance to "re-meet" Craig and get to know him better through the events of the past. It was a great way to lead up to the present and his relationship with Suzanne because it provided more background information than all the previous books combined.
Suzanne, to me, truly represents battered women in the AFTERMATH of it all. Struggling with self doubt, feelings of loneliness, fear and the emotional backlash of having lived and survived abuse. It plays hell on relationships, and not just the romantic ones either. Suzanne may have at times sounded as a heartless, unfeeling bitch due to her past involvement in Blake Thorton's life and again it would be easy to cast a Liz Crowe character as a villain just based on the above information. It is human nature after all to cast hasty judgments without having all the necessary information. However, if you've been reading Liz's books from the beginning then you should know that first impressions are DEFINITELY not accurate with any of her characters. That saying about it just being "the tip of the iceberg" definitely applies when reading a Liz Crowe book.
Having said that, Craig and Suzanne face a lot of obstacles, both separately and together while both the past and the present conspire to keep them apart. It was nerve-wracking to watch because Liz Crowe can be quite unpredictable with her characters, much like real life is.
Conditional Offer , though the 5th book of a series, does not fail to define Liz Crowe's "Romance for Real Life" sub-genre, so concerns about a "slump" or the series losing "steam" and becoming repetitive are not a concern here. There's plenty of wounds, new and old that need to be worked on, and as in real life, even those relationships that have come "full circle" *cough* Jack and Sara *cough* still need work and are NEVER 100% fail proof. If they were, divorce wouldn't exist.
If you're a reader looking for angst, drama and more than a little dose of reality in your next erotic read, please check out the first in the Stewart Realty series, Floor Time.
September 22, 2015
Dwindling savings, no degree and meaningless sex just aren’t cutting it for Craig Robinson anymore. When a friend suggests real estate, Craig’s life immediately changes as he gets tangled up in the drama of the relationship between coworkers Sara Thornton and Jack Gordon. Craig fancies himself in love with Sara until he lays eyes on tiny brewery owner Suzanne Baxter. Suzanne has an extremely dark past preventing her from allowing Craig to become too close despite her own strong feelings for the man. Between potentially being the father of Sara’s child and the frustration of Suzanne’s inability to connect with him, Craig eventually heads to medical school. Taking control of his out of control life is just what Craig needs to gain some perspective on the constant drama in his life. As the years roll by, the on again, off again couple constantly fight their mutual desires and deep love even as they can’t seem to stay away from one another.
Conditional Offer, the fifth book in the Stewart Realty series, starts out with some amazingly hot sex, incredible writing and a character depth that is rare in an erotic romance novel. Conditional Offer is definitely not a stand-alone book and should only be read after the first four books in the series. In addition to Craig and Suzanne, the primary focus of this book, you really need to be aware of the deeply addictive story line permeating throughout the series. As an insatiable fan of this entire series, I’ll admit my disappointment in this book, primarily because there was no “new” story told. It was essentially the same story featured in the all the other books except from Craig and Suzanne’s point of view. That said, the writing was as breathtaking as usual and the sex, though quite vanilla, was still steamy, sweet and realistic, mainly due to my personal attachment to the characters. While this is definitely not my favorite book in the Stewart Realty series, I still believe that Conditional Offer gives fans of Ms. Crowe a needed glimpse into the lives of two characters that are prevalent in the other books in the series. I’m looking forward to the next awesome offering in this frustrating yet brilliant series.
Original review for JERR at http://www.justeroticromancereviews.c...
Conditional Offer, the fifth book in the Stewart Realty series, starts out with some amazingly hot sex, incredible writing and a character depth that is rare in an erotic romance novel. Conditional Offer is definitely not a stand-alone book and should only be read after the first four books in the series. In addition to Craig and Suzanne, the primary focus of this book, you really need to be aware of the deeply addictive story line permeating throughout the series. As an insatiable fan of this entire series, I’ll admit my disappointment in this book, primarily because there was no “new” story told. It was essentially the same story featured in the all the other books except from Craig and Suzanne’s point of view. That said, the writing was as breathtaking as usual and the sex, though quite vanilla, was still steamy, sweet and realistic, mainly due to my personal attachment to the characters. While this is definitely not my favorite book in the Stewart Realty series, I still believe that Conditional Offer gives fans of Ms. Crowe a needed glimpse into the lives of two characters that are prevalent in the other books in the series. I’m looking forward to the next awesome offering in this frustrating yet brilliant series.
Original review for JERR at http://www.justeroticromancereviews.c...
December 13, 2012
Conditional Offer is the 5th book in the Stewart Reality series, These books are best read in order, the first three telling the story of Jack and Sara and the rest covering the lives of characters that were secondary to that story. These books will tie together in some places and would not be nearly as enjoyable as stand alone books.
In Conditional Offer we get to learn more about Craig Robinson, Craig I fell in love with from book one. He has a nurturing and caring personality that comes through over and over again. We do find in learning more about Craig's history that he isn't the boy scout that he first seems that he has had a series of "relationships" with older women and while he loves each one when he is with them none of them fills the need in his heart.
We also get to know more about Suzanne Baxter we have learned quite a bit about her from the other books but this one lets us into her heart and into her mind during times that we thought we understood when told from the point of view of the others involved in earlier books. Suzanne in the past books has come across as rather cold and selfish but what we find is she is trying to be unselfish and do what she thinks is best for others. She also still suffers from crushing self doubts brought on by the years she was abused by her former husband.
As we learn more about the pasts and the self esteem issues both of Craig and Suzanne suffer it is no wonder that they keep missing the moment when they are trying to make a go of the relationship they have. A lot of this book covers area we have covered before but it still manages to come across from a new perspective. This book also covers the span of many years from the time that Craig became a Realtor to him being and ER doctor.
The only issue I had with this book is we covered so much time going back over and tying into the previous books that it was almost anticlimactic when Suzanne and Craig finally get to the happily ever after.
In Conditional Offer we get to learn more about Craig Robinson, Craig I fell in love with from book one. He has a nurturing and caring personality that comes through over and over again. We do find in learning more about Craig's history that he isn't the boy scout that he first seems that he has had a series of "relationships" with older women and while he loves each one when he is with them none of them fills the need in his heart.
We also get to know more about Suzanne Baxter we have learned quite a bit about her from the other books but this one lets us into her heart and into her mind during times that we thought we understood when told from the point of view of the others involved in earlier books. Suzanne in the past books has come across as rather cold and selfish but what we find is she is trying to be unselfish and do what she thinks is best for others. She also still suffers from crushing self doubts brought on by the years she was abused by her former husband.
As we learn more about the pasts and the self esteem issues both of Craig and Suzanne suffer it is no wonder that they keep missing the moment when they are trying to make a go of the relationship they have. A lot of this book covers area we have covered before but it still manages to come across from a new perspective. This book also covers the span of many years from the time that Craig became a Realtor to him being and ER doctor.
The only issue I had with this book is we covered so much time going back over and tying into the previous books that it was almost anticlimactic when Suzanne and Craig finally get to the happily ever after.
October 8, 2012
Conditional Offer is the fifth book in the Stewart Realty series by Liz Crowe. I was looking forward to this one in particular because I've always been a fan of Craig and wanted to know more of his story. And I was definitely not disappointed.
This series is one that you really need to read all of them in order - if you try to read them as standalones, you won't have a clue what's going on. I have read them all, however, so I already knew a little of the backstory between Craig Robinson and Suzanne Baxter. But reading the full story is a must, and I really enjoyed it.
Conditional Offer tells Craig's tale, from his doomed relationship with Sara Thornton, to finding Suzanne and feeling there was something special about her from the very start. As with many other characters in the series, Craig and Suzanne end up falling into a very off and on relationship because they're fighting their own demons and can't seem to find a way to be together. Will they get over it and get their happy ending? You'll have to read the book and find out.
Although I'm not a huge fan of books that jump around in timelines, i.e. six months later, etc, I did really enjoy Conditional Offer. I like the way that each book in this series shares strands with other ones, so each new book fills in another piece of the puzzle. I also find Liz Crowe's writing to be very engaging, so I whizzed through this book in a couple of days. It's hot, emotional, well-written and a page-turner. Another fab addition to the series.
This series is one that you really need to read all of them in order - if you try to read them as standalones, you won't have a clue what's going on. I have read them all, however, so I already knew a little of the backstory between Craig Robinson and Suzanne Baxter. But reading the full story is a must, and I really enjoyed it.
Conditional Offer tells Craig's tale, from his doomed relationship with Sara Thornton, to finding Suzanne and feeling there was something special about her from the very start. As with many other characters in the series, Craig and Suzanne end up falling into a very off and on relationship because they're fighting their own demons and can't seem to find a way to be together. Will they get over it and get their happy ending? You'll have to read the book and find out.
Although I'm not a huge fan of books that jump around in timelines, i.e. six months later, etc, I did really enjoy Conditional Offer. I like the way that each book in this series shares strands with other ones, so each new book fills in another piece of the puzzle. I also find Liz Crowe's writing to be very engaging, so I whizzed through this book in a couple of days. It's hot, emotional, well-written and a page-turner. Another fab addition to the series.
August 26, 2012
This is the 5th book in the series and Liz has not disappointed me. Please remember you can't read this book as a stand alone as there is so much happening from the past and you may be lost.
Ok where to begin???? Craig and Susanne are one of those couples that you find yourself smiling and rooting for. I am having a hard time find how to explain this to you without spoiling anything. I am very glad that we were able to see Craig's POV on many events that happened in the past storylines and it is good to get Susannes POV because in the back ground of all the other stories you don't realize what they are doing or how they are feeling over many of the events that happen.
This storyline brings up memories that are very emotional from the 4th book and made me replay what I did and how I felt about reading book 4 at a very specific point/event in book 5 so it brought back some serious emotions!
I truly am happy with the ending of the book and feel Liz did give Craig and Susanne HEA they deserved after many years of working through things.
Ok where to begin???? Craig and Susanne are one of those couples that you find yourself smiling and rooting for. I am having a hard time find how to explain this to you without spoiling anything. I am very glad that we were able to see Craig's POV on many events that happened in the past storylines and it is good to get Susannes POV because in the back ground of all the other stories you don't realize what they are doing or how they are feeling over many of the events that happen.
This storyline brings up memories that are very emotional from the 4th book and made me replay what I did and how I felt about reading book 4 at a very specific point/event in book 5 so it brought back some serious emotions!
I truly am happy with the ending of the book and feel Liz did give Craig and Susanne HEA they deserved after many years of working through things.
April 25, 2014
Lord, I had NO idea what I was getting into when I started this eight novel length series.
With Liz Crowe’s series, you are taken on a journey. This journey is not unicorns and flowers and rainbows with pots of gold at the end. No, it’s like the most wicked, thrilling, death-defying roller coaster ride of your life! The author of the series states, “I write books I like to read.” Well, I like to read her’s too only they should come with a warning! Something like, “You will get sucked in and you lose spans of time from your life.” Why? Because like a Lay’s potato chip, it’s impossible to just read one. I gobble up these novels and then spend a good long time afterward hung over from them.
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With Liz Crowe’s series, you are taken on a journey. This journey is not unicorns and flowers and rainbows with pots of gold at the end. No, it’s like the most wicked, thrilling, death-defying roller coaster ride of your life! The author of the series states, “I write books I like to read.” Well, I like to read her’s too only they should come with a warning! Something like, “You will get sucked in and you lose spans of time from your life.” Why? Because like a Lay’s potato chip, it’s impossible to just read one. I gobble up these novels and then spend a good long time afterward hung over from them.
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August 27, 2012
This the the 5th book in Liz crowe's realtor series. It tells the story of craig and his struggle to find love, with Suzanne. I am a big Craig fan and admit I didn't like him and suzanne together in the beginning books. But after reading her story in EoT and understanding her more I have changed my mind. I
really enjoyed this books. You get to see Craig's back story before meeting Sara. As well as his relationship with his "sisters" which i loved. You get to see the events that happened in other books from his point of view. And you are rooting for him and suzanne the whole time. And she did frustrate me at times and I felt Craig's frustration as well. But it was a good read and well worth it in the end:). Can't wait to read the next one in the series.
May 11, 2014
The missing piece to my puzzle! :) Liz Crowe does what she does best...sends you on a roller coaster ride and puts the puzzle pieces together. To say that I LOVE her books would be an understatement...I have fallen in love with them and gotten addicted!! This book in the Stewart Realty series is another look in to the people I have fallen in love (and hate, then back to love) with. Craig, who has got to be one of THE most lovable characters in this series and Suzanne, the woman I sometimes want to strangle kept me on my toes and reading non-stop, which tends to usually happen when I read Liz's books! This is one of my absolute favorites, but as with all of them, each is my favorite! Thanks again, Liz!!
July 29, 2014
I am so loving this series. I can't put the books down, so I have been reading 1 a day.
This story is about Craig and Suzanne. Now we met Craig in Floor Time, Sweat Equity and Closing Costs when he was mixed up with Sara and we met Suzanne in Essence of Time even though she was mentioned in all the previous books. Well this story is from their perspective and I must say, even though you have read some of the situations previously, they differ so much when told from this perspective.
Craig and Suzanne come off as totally different people compared to how we perceived them previously.
Their relationship is a roller-coaster of highs and lows due to issues stemming from past relationships but with love and trust anything can be conquered.
Great read.
This story is about Craig and Suzanne. Now we met Craig in Floor Time, Sweat Equity and Closing Costs when he was mixed up with Sara and we met Suzanne in Essence of Time even though she was mentioned in all the previous books. Well this story is from their perspective and I must say, even though you have read some of the situations previously, they differ so much when told from this perspective.
Craig and Suzanne come off as totally different people compared to how we perceived them previously.
Their relationship is a roller-coaster of highs and lows due to issues stemming from past relationships but with love and trust anything can be conquered.
Great read.
December 6, 2016
Good ending to the series thus far.
I was worried that reading this one would be less interesting or not needed. And then I worried that I'd cry ugly again but alas neither is true. I enjoyed getting to know Craig better in this installment. Of course I met him before in each of the books thus far but he almost seemed like a really unimportant character. I was wrong.
I liked learning about his roots and where he came from and why he decided to move away from his own family to start a new life some place else.
I liked that he kept seeking new opportunities until finally he found what he wanted to be career wise and it felt like once he made that decision with a little stubbornness on his part, his life fell into place.
I was worried that reading this one would be less interesting or not needed. And then I worried that I'd cry ugly again but alas neither is true. I enjoyed getting to know Craig better in this installment. Of course I met him before in each of the books thus far but he almost seemed like a really unimportant character. I was wrong.
I liked learning about his roots and where he came from and why he decided to move away from his own family to start a new life some place else.
I liked that he kept seeking new opportunities until finally he found what he wanted to be career wise and it felt like once he made that decision with a little stubbornness on his part, his life fell into place.
August 23, 2012
What a great novella to include in the Stewart Realty series! I love Suzanne and Craig and was rooting for them for the entire length of the book! I was very emotional throughout this book. I just wanted them to work out - there was so much love between them and Suzanne just couldnt see it because of her past. Without revealing anything, I just love how Liz has given life to all of these characters and has given each person their own story and their own voice. It makes you want to know more about them and what will happen with them next and far off in the future. I cant wait until Escalation Clause! I love these characters even more! Thanks Liz for another great read!
June 18, 2014
Craig is a handsome, guitar-playing, lap-swimming med student, who's used to getting whatever he wants, including women, but he's never really been in love. Suzanne is a driven, petite redhead who has been through horrible tragedy and doesn't believe she is deserving of love. Sparks fly between them, and everyone in their close-knit group of friends can see they belong together, but Craig has a lot of growing up to do and Suzanne has to deal with her scars, both physical and emotional. You will root for them to the very end!
I devoured this book in three sittings. Make sure you read the other books in this series first. 4 1/2 stars.
I devoured this book in three sittings. Make sure you read the other books in this series first. 4 1/2 stars.
February 17, 2014
I found this a great read even though I was 100% anti-Suzanne and Craig. Preferring the Jack/Sara triangle, I finally got over it and gave this one a read. It actually filled in some really interesting gaps in the first four books. I still can't stand Suzanne but I now like Craig. LOL He's worth his weight in gold ... as long as he stays the hell away from Sara! Off to the next, Escalation Claus!
July 29, 2015
Continuing with The Stewart Realty Series, two new characters are the focus of Conditional Offer. Craig Robinson is in love with a woman he can never have. Suzanne Baxter is fighting with her demons. These two are brought together in what may turn out to be the best relationship either one could ever ask for. Of course, the road is bumpy getting there. Will they both overcome their past lives to create a new one? Only time will tell.
August 29, 2012
This whole series was so so good, you actually feel like you know the characters on a personal level since they are so thoroughly explained in detail!!! If you're planning on reading this you have to know the history so read book 1 thru 4 first. "this is not a good read, its a great read". Can't wait for book 6 to come out! Thanks Liz!!
August 25, 2012
I really loved this one alot. Alot alot. So glad l was awarded w/ the ARC! I'm torn btw which one is my fave, this one or the last one, Essesense of Time. It was heartwarming, tearkerking & humorous. Real life like no other. I can't WAIT for the next one!
November 23, 2012
Again, this book tells the story of another couple you learn about from previous books, and again, I was emotionally drawn in and invested in their story. I also loved how you get continual glimpses about the characters from the previous books that I've become attached to. Another great read!
February 7, 2013
Visit RomFan Reviews: Review: Conditional Offer, Stewart Realty Book 5 Author: Liz Crowe for full review.
Oh the ups and downs, the turmoil and happiness, and oh what a stud muffin Craig is.
Oh the ups and downs, the turmoil and happiness, and oh what a stud muffin Craig is.
June 27, 2014
Another great book in the Stewart Realty series! I will never get enough of these characters. Looking forward to Escalation Clause!!!
September 2, 2012
Liz Crowe has a unique way of bringing real romance that you can touch and feel to her books! The Stewart Realty Series is an awesome read
August 31, 2012
AWESOME SERIES!!
October 26, 2012
Loved this book! Almost makes me Team Craig, but I love Jack!! I'm so happy that Craig is finally happy! If you've Edward the Realtor Series, this is a must-read!
May 15, 2015
I enjoyed reading about Suzanne's and Craig's backgrounds and seeing them progress in their relationship. As with the other books, it was great to see the rest of the Stewart Realty family too.
July 13, 2016
5 stars.
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