Lifetime Investment

by Dana Ransom

Hotel owners Wyatt and Methany Marston have had a taste of the good life, but after years of running the business as partners, their romance has gone off track, and they must fight to get the feeling back. Original.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary

287 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 1993

About the author

A pseudonym used by Nancy Gideon.

AKA Lauren Giddings, Nancy Giddings and Rosalyn West.

Reviews

[Angie · Rating 1 out of 5]

I went back and forth on what to review this story. I'm giving it the Goodreads 2 stars, which literally means "it was ok." That in no way means it was bad or I outright disliked it. I encourage other readers to give this book a chance on their own personal tastes. My opinion was heavily influenced by something I did not realize going into the story (see below). I think I also had in mind a different direction of the book from the synopsis. The book is told in alternating points of view and is a standalone.

Right before I started to write this review I had a huge light bulb moment! Researching a little about the author and her other books (she also writes under Nancy Gideon), I came to discover this book is being reissued from 1993. I think it was originally published as a category romance, and that also helped understand the overall tone of the book. I thought about it and think the author probably went back and edited a lot to make it modern - clothes, hair, cell phones, transportation, etc. It was really well done in that sense, BUT the one thing that was not edited is also one of the biggest distractions in the story - the stock portfolio.

From the beginning of the book I was completely confused. Why did Wyatt ask Bethany to physically bring their stock portfolio with her to visit him out in the middle of nowhere?? Everything is online and stocks aren't necessarily tangible, so what on earth were they talking about?? Now I understand, but unfortunately it really influenced my reaction to the rest of the book. Additionally, the story took a bit to get into. It takes a long time for Bethany to get from Chicago to nowhere and then on to further away nowhere. Most of this time is without dialogue, but includes a little historical catch up. Between this and the physical stock portfolio, my interest was waning.

What I really liked about the book? The ending. I was super surprised about how all of the misunderstandings were being caused and the motivations for the misunderstandings. Jeepers - that was a twist. Although I knew I didn't like the father in the least and it was super creepy his attachment to his daughter-in-law, in no way did I think he would be so cruel and out to destroy his son. That angle of the story made it well worth the time to read this book.

I believe a book published in 1993 is going to have a different writing style from 2014. A great deal of the books published (and self-published) now are much edgier. They're breaking down walls and potential taboos that wouldn't even be considered 5 years ago. My reading tastes have evolved over the past 20+ years. I do think I would have enjoyed this story a lot more if I had gone into it knowing that it was a reissue. I re-read lots of Jude Deveraux, Nora Roberts, etc., but I know going in that it might have dated elements and can easily overlook those without being distracted/confused.

I received a complimentary copy of the book through NetGalley from the publisher for an honest review.

[Heather andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beth she is a caring wife and I loved that about her, "tentatively, Beth slipped her arm about his middle and nudged in close. He sighed deeply and quieted as if aware of her presence." Sometimes a girl just has to go with her instincts and there is no harm in that, "she thought the gleam along his sleek back and hard buttocks too tempting to ignore. Her hand skimmed down that slick terrain under the guise of offering assistance." Beth she is a take charge kind of woman and she is the one that wears the pants in this relationship, "sleeping bags were fine for one night, but I'm looking forward to a good mattress. And I'd just as soon not have to drag you up the stairs after a big meal." I loved this book about second chance romance sometimes you have to fight for what you want and that's what Beth did she fought for her man.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I don't know how to feel about this book. I wanted to like it but there was times I wanted to just stop reading. The characters were frustrating and their lack of communication infuriating. They seemed like they truly didn't know what they wanted. Then there were times it was cute and entertaining. I felt connected to them and wanted to keep reading even through their struggles to fix their marriage. I was a little surprised about the ending and was happy I finished it.

[Kristine Ruiz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bethany thought she was finally moving on with her husband and being an equal helping fun his family business, but all it not as it seems when she realizes he's trying to buy her out. But as things progress things are reveled and love is trying to out win.

[CD Keith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. I fought for Bethany and Wyatt then entire time. This is a great romantic read.

Thank you BelleBooks and NetGalley for ARC.