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Cass & Nick #1
Married in the Nick of Nine
Cassandra Whitmore is facing yet another Valentine’s Day alone. Her love life is as dry as the Sharpie pen she uses to mark an even more dreadful day on her calendar—her upcoming 30th birthday. Driven by the maddening ticking of her biological clock, Cassandra is determined to meet, fall in love with, and marry “The One” within nine months. When Cassandra accompanies her cousin to a night club, her Type-A quest to meet a man is quickly rewarded by a stranger’s velvety, baritone voice asking if he might occupy the seat next to her. He’s Nicolas Harte, whose good looks leave Cassandra speechless, but not for long. After mustering enough courage to strike up a conversation, she learns Nicolas is everything she wants in a man—smart, successful, and available. There’s only one catch: He’s “GU” (geographically undesirable). Nonetheless, Cassandra falls in love with Nicolas and makes the uncharacteristic decision to move from Los Angeles to New York to be with him. But Cassandra gets a rude awakening when she discovers there’s something rotten in the Big Apple.
305 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 9, 2012
701 people are currently reading
374 people want to read
About the author
Alretha Thomas
18 books223 followersShortly after graduating from USC with a degree in journalism, Alretha soon realized her interest in her major was not heartfelt. Instead of writing news stories, she wanted to write plays and books. Several years later, her church gave her an outlet to fulfill her writing desires through their Liturgical Fine Arts Department wherein Alretha penned twelve theatre pieces—the community response was overwhelming. This led to plays outside of the church, including Alretha’s One Woman, Two Lives, starring Kellita Smith (The Bernie Mac Show), directed by four-time NAACP Image Award Best Director recipient, Denise Dowse. The production garnered rave reviews from critics and audiences.
In between plays, Alretha self-published her first novel, Daughter Denied, in 2008 and has received glowing reviews from readers and book clubs across the country. Representing her book and plays, Alretha has been the guest on many radio shows and television shows including San Francisco Public Affairs show Bay Sunday with Barbara Rodgers on CBS affiliate, KPIX. She was also interviewed by KTLA News Entertainment Reporter, Sam Rubin. In 2011, Alretha self-published her second novel, Dancing Her Dreams Away, and it was also well received. Her third novel, Married in the Nick of Nine, spawned a four-book series that was acquired by Soul Mate Publishing in January 2014. The series has since reverted back to her. In August 2014, Alretha was awarded the Jessie Redmon Fauset Literary Award for her indie novel, Four Ladies Only. In 2016, Alretha created the Detective Rachel Storme Mystery Series: Justice for Jessica, Losing Lauren and A Penny for Her Heart. In 2018 and 2019 Alretha debuted two additional mystery books—
The Women on Retford Drive and The Truth About Gretchen, respectively. Her most recent novel is The Girl in the Blue Blazer.
Alretha is also an actress and can be seen in numerous commercials and television shows. She currently plays Anastasia Devereaux on Tyler Perry’s Assisted Living that airs on BET.
In between plays, Alretha self-published her first novel, Daughter Denied, in 2008 and has received glowing reviews from readers and book clubs across the country. Representing her book and plays, Alretha has been the guest on many radio shows and television shows including San Francisco Public Affairs show Bay Sunday with Barbara Rodgers on CBS affiliate, KPIX. She was also interviewed by KTLA News Entertainment Reporter, Sam Rubin. In 2011, Alretha self-published her second novel, Dancing Her Dreams Away, and it was also well received. Her third novel, Married in the Nick of Nine, spawned a four-book series that was acquired by Soul Mate Publishing in January 2014. The series has since reverted back to her. In August 2014, Alretha was awarded the Jessie Redmon Fauset Literary Award for her indie novel, Four Ladies Only. In 2016, Alretha created the Detective Rachel Storme Mystery Series: Justice for Jessica, Losing Lauren and A Penny for Her Heart. In 2018 and 2019 Alretha debuted two additional mystery books—
The Women on Retford Drive and The Truth About Gretchen, respectively. Her most recent novel is The Girl in the Blue Blazer.
Alretha is also an actress and can be seen in numerous commercials and television shows. She currently plays Anastasia Devereaux on Tyler Perry’s Assisted Living that airs on BET.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
July 18, 2019
The heroine needs to run as fast as she can...
Because the hero is a liar! And a cheat. He might have been separated from his wife for five years but he was still.married. I just didn't like him at all. First off what really irritated me is it kept mentioning how he smacked his lips while he was eating!.. That is my biggest pet peeve ever! Just gross. He lied to her continually and I just can't see this as a romance. I have no idea why she loved him. His estranged wife is trying to kill her and he asked her to marry him while he was still married. Then when she wanted to set a date, he called her selfish and how she could never be happy. Like I said run far away. He was not a hero in my opinion. And he smacked his lips, did I mention that??? Just say no! This book was just not right.
Because the hero is a liar! And a cheat. He might have been separated from his wife for five years but he was still.married. I just didn't like him at all. First off what really irritated me is it kept mentioning how he smacked his lips while he was eating!.. That is my biggest pet peeve ever! Just gross. He lied to her continually and I just can't see this as a romance. I have no idea why she loved him. His estranged wife is trying to kill her and he asked her to marry him while he was still married. Then when she wanted to set a date, he called her selfish and how she could never be happy. Like I said run far away. He was not a hero in my opinion. And he smacked his lips, did I mention that??? Just say no! This book was just not right.
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January 25, 2019
Cassandra wants to get married because her biological clock is running out?? She is determined to meet, fall in love and get married within nine months. Meh. WHY? Its a recipe for disaster. And is totally unrealistic. YES, it's perfectly possible to meet someone and fall in love and be married within nine months (I did) but to have that as your only goal in life is pretty sad. And what about when the guy realises that he was simply the best she could get at the time? Nah.
Anyway. Onto the actual story. (I am trying desperately to ignore the acknowledgements - shudder)
This can't work out whether it is an inspirational story about God and how religion solves all problems , or a sex-cures-all slightly smutty romance.
We have :
The waves tease and beckon us. I look up at the bright, blue sky and marvel at God's magnificent creations, the one that surrounds me, and the one who holds my hand.
I whisper a prayer asking God to never let this day end. I imagine our own dog, and the two children I should have had by now, trailing behind us, barking and laughing.
Who knows, maybe Lawrence and I will end up back here for some hot steamy sex. (She has not even met Lawrence and already she's thinking about sex)
There were some moments that made me feel profoundly uncomfortable. Cassandra is not a very nice person when it comes down to it. In fact, she is perfectly horrible. She is judgemental, ageist, sizeist, snobbish, demanding and rude.
I turn away from the computer and look into the gaunt face of our office assistant. I can't believe she barged into my office without knocking. Are you THAT bigheaded Cassandra? And what's with the snide 'gaunt' comment?
During the pregnancy they both gained a ton of weight. David got so big that he lost interest in going out, having sex, and bathing - not necessarily in that order. That's pretty ... snide. You might be a size whatever, but why say something like that? Do you KNOW his medical history?
I brace myself when she plants her size-ten feet on my beautiful grass and her vein-riddled hands on her wide hips. She stares at me with eyes bulging from a face plastered with a permanent scowl.....
... I fight the urge to run inside the house and leave Mrs Howard to her howlings and spittings. her flared, hairy nostrils further accentuate her anger and indignation. Christian love for all God's people eh?
Liz, with her dark brown hair and mousey features isnt an ugly girl, just homely and undernourished. Rumor has it she's bulimic, maybe even anorexic. How .... kind. And does Cassandra care that Liz has a serious medical problem? Does she make any effort to make Liz feel better about herself? You can guess the answer.
And then Nick comes round to Cassandra's house with a bouquet of 3 dozen red roses on Valentine's Day and she has the sheer gall and effrontery to say "I really don't appreciate you coming round here without calling. Its not cool." NOT COOL??? This is a woman who half expects steamy sex with a man on her first date!!! What the hell is wrong with a man coming to your house unannounced?
I gave up. Cassandra is just horrible. Selfish, thoughtless, thinks only of herself. All I can say (at the 20% mark) is:
RUN, Nick, RUN!!!
Anyway. Onto the actual story. (I am trying desperately to ignore the acknowledgements - shudder)
This can't work out whether it is an inspirational story about God and how religion solves all problems , or a sex-cures-all slightly smutty romance.
We have :
The waves tease and beckon us. I look up at the bright, blue sky and marvel at God's magnificent creations, the one that surrounds me, and the one who holds my hand.
I whisper a prayer asking God to never let this day end. I imagine our own dog, and the two children I should have had by now, trailing behind us, barking and laughing.
Who knows, maybe Lawrence and I will end up back here for some hot steamy sex. (She has not even met Lawrence and already she's thinking about sex)
There were some moments that made me feel profoundly uncomfortable. Cassandra is not a very nice person when it comes down to it. In fact, she is perfectly horrible. She is judgemental, ageist, sizeist, snobbish, demanding and rude.
I turn away from the computer and look into the gaunt face of our office assistant. I can't believe she barged into my office without knocking. Are you THAT bigheaded Cassandra? And what's with the snide 'gaunt' comment?
During the pregnancy they both gained a ton of weight. David got so big that he lost interest in going out, having sex, and bathing - not necessarily in that order. That's pretty ... snide. You might be a size whatever, but why say something like that? Do you KNOW his medical history?
I brace myself when she plants her size-ten feet on my beautiful grass and her vein-riddled hands on her wide hips. She stares at me with eyes bulging from a face plastered with a permanent scowl.....
... I fight the urge to run inside the house and leave Mrs Howard to her howlings and spittings. her flared, hairy nostrils further accentuate her anger and indignation. Christian love for all God's people eh?
Liz, with her dark brown hair and mousey features isnt an ugly girl, just homely and undernourished. Rumor has it she's bulimic, maybe even anorexic. How .... kind. And does Cassandra care that Liz has a serious medical problem? Does she make any effort to make Liz feel better about herself? You can guess the answer.
And then Nick comes round to Cassandra's house with a bouquet of 3 dozen red roses on Valentine's Day and she has the sheer gall and effrontery to say "I really don't appreciate you coming round here without calling. Its not cool." NOT COOL??? This is a woman who half expects steamy sex with a man on her first date!!! What the hell is wrong with a man coming to your house unannounced?
I gave up. Cassandra is just horrible. Selfish, thoughtless, thinks only of herself. All I can say (at the 20% mark) is:
RUN, Nick, RUN!!!
May 15, 2012
They say the third time’s the charm, and this couldn’t be more true of Alretha Thomas’s captivating third novel, Married in the Nick of Nine. Alretha has hit the ball out of the park with her amusing-yet-convincing portrait of Cass and Nick, two not-quite-star-crossed lovers who struggle to defy obstacles of time, distance, and skeletons in the closet.
The snappy title says it all: Here you will find a skillfully woven series of sexy, hilarious and tension-packed scenes, played out by likeable, believable, and three-dimensional characters living in the fast-paced age of Blackberries and ticking biological clocks.
Alretha has always had a flair for keeping things lively and entertaining. But her latest offering boasts an engaging plot that’s both coherent and credible; her narrative crescendo will propel readers from first page to last. Married in the Nick of Nine is commercial fiction at its finest.
The snappy title says it all: Here you will find a skillfully woven series of sexy, hilarious and tension-packed scenes, played out by likeable, believable, and three-dimensional characters living in the fast-paced age of Blackberries and ticking biological clocks.
Alretha has always had a flair for keeping things lively and entertaining. But her latest offering boasts an engaging plot that’s both coherent and credible; her narrative crescendo will propel readers from first page to last. Married in the Nick of Nine is commercial fiction at its finest.
March 31, 2013
Cassandra is a young woman that is on a mission to find love and be married by the time she turns 30. Through a series of dating disasters, she ends up finding "the one" in an unusual place. While dating, they go through a series of unfortunate events where their love and everything they know and believe is tested. I really liked this book because there was a great balance of funny moments and serious issues. The story line flowed really well. This is the first time I have read anything by this author and she has a new fan. Great job!
Kenya Ervin
Soul Sistahs Book Club
Kenya Ervin
Soul Sistahs Book Club
October 1, 2014
Cassandra Whitmore is a successful woman with everything she could want, except for a husband. She has a great job, which she enjoys, and a loving family. She’s a member of a dating service and the book begins with her meeting one of her matches for dinner. He’s an attorney, successful in his own right, but to call him a mama’s boy is a huge understatement. When the date ends, not quickly enough, she ends up meeting her cousin at the club, even though that’s not really her scene. But, she is certainly glad she did. When she meets Nick, she is immediately smitten with him, and he with her. However, when she finds out that he’s from New York, her hopes dwindle. Nick is determined though to see her again, even though he’s only going to be in town a couple more days.
Things heat up pretty fast between the two, and after he leaves town, they embark on a long distance relationship. He tries to find a job in Los Angeles, but when things don’t pan out, they decide that she’ll move to New York. But, once she gets there, she can’t figure out why his family is less than welcoming. And what of the hang up phone calls and a mysterious car that always seems to be around wherever she goes? Let’s just say that things aren’t quite as they seem.
Married in the Nick of Nine is a nicely written story about two people who fall in love, only to realize that love doesn’t quite conquer all. All relationships require honesty on both sides, and when Cass finds out what Nick has been hiding (and boy, is it a doozy!!), things really get rolling. Cass is a wonderful character whose strength is truly tested and her faith plays a big part as she tries to navigate what’s happened. And when you find out what Nick has been hiding, you will want to kick his butt, but not for long. He has a big heart and truly does want to share it with Cass, but there’s a lot of work to do. Married in the Nick of Nine is ultimately a story of faith in one’s self and redemption that will have you in tears toward the end. And, it will leave you with a smile in your heart.
Things heat up pretty fast between the two, and after he leaves town, they embark on a long distance relationship. He tries to find a job in Los Angeles, but when things don’t pan out, they decide that she’ll move to New York. But, once she gets there, she can’t figure out why his family is less than welcoming. And what of the hang up phone calls and a mysterious car that always seems to be around wherever she goes? Let’s just say that things aren’t quite as they seem.
Married in the Nick of Nine is a nicely written story about two people who fall in love, only to realize that love doesn’t quite conquer all. All relationships require honesty on both sides, and when Cass finds out what Nick has been hiding (and boy, is it a doozy!!), things really get rolling. Cass is a wonderful character whose strength is truly tested and her faith plays a big part as she tries to navigate what’s happened. And when you find out what Nick has been hiding, you will want to kick his butt, but not for long. He has a big heart and truly does want to share it with Cass, but there’s a lot of work to do. Married in the Nick of Nine is ultimately a story of faith in one’s self and redemption that will have you in tears toward the end. And, it will leave you with a smile in your heart.
July 11, 2012
Alretha Thomas build the suspense up in this love story and gave
accurate details down to the nosy neighbors looking out the window and
Cass's concerned father afraid for his only child.
I gave this book a five for the story development and the plots and
twists. Excellent novel which keeps you wondering as each page turns.
This book was a life lesson that life happens and you role with the
circumstances that are in front of you as you get through the storms
I felt early on that Nickolas Harte deemed “the one” is not always
what he appears to be. Cassandra gave up a lot in her life and
deserved nothing but the truth from Nickolas from the very beginning.
Drama happens in love and romance.
Cass was naive and looking for love in all the wrong places. I loved
Cassandra's driving spirit and intuitiveness to stick with her man to
the bitter ends and be his strength when he really needed her. She
never gave up in spite of obstacles and life as it appeared to her
character, integrity and dignity. Book-clubs will have a great time
with the themes this book presents. This was a great message. I would
give this book to a young lady in my life to prepare her for life on
life's terms.
Marilyn Diamond
AAMBC Reviewer
July 9, 2012
Married in the Nick of Nine was my first time reading Alretha Thomas’ work but it will not be my last.The author has a descriptive writing style that makes the scenes and characters come alive. The storyline will make the reader laugh and think about the deadlines we set for ourselves and how unrealistic they can be at times. Sometimes you just have to let go and let God. While reading this novel I laughed, Igasped, I got angry, and I cried. Every emotion that a good book should make you feel!
Sistah Tashmir
SistahFriend Book Club
Sistah Tashmir
SistahFriend Book Club
November 5, 2013
This is a really great book. I was mesmerized by the characters and the moving plot. An intense story that had me sitting on the edge of my seat, flipping page after page, laughing one moment and wondering what will happen the next. This book is such a beautiful romance that'll leave you wanting more.
May 6, 2019
Ich tue mich mit der Rezession dieses Buches schwer. Insgesamt war es sehr lang gewesen, an einigen Stellen zu lang. Mittendrin war ich am überlegen gewesen, dass Buch tatsächlich sein zu lassen. Aber da ich doch wissen wollte, was das Geheimnis ist, habe ich es durchgehalten. Zwischendurch gab es auch ein paar ganz spannende Kapitel, die meine Aufmerksamkeit aufrechterhalten konnten.
Cass ist fast 30 Jahre alt und ist auf der Suche nach Mr. Right. Am besten soll er sofort auftauchen, damit sie heiraten und Kinder kriegen können. Ein Abend, als sie mit ihrer Cousine feiern geht, lernt sie Nick kennen. Er scheint der Eine zu sein, den Cass so verzweifelt gesucht hat. Problematisch ist, dass er in New York wohnt und Cass in LA. Die beiden entschließen sich trotzdem es zu versuchen, denn Nick ist in LA eigentlich auf Jobsuche. Als das nach einem Jahr nicht klappt, entschließt sich Cass nach New York zu ziehen. Dort angekommen, erfährt sie ein großes Geheimnis, der alles verändern kann. Werden die beiden es trotzdem schaffen, zusammen zu bleiben?
Zuerst muss ich anmerken, dass der Schreibstil mir nicht so gut gefällt. Immer dieses „Girl“, „cuz“ und „babe“ gingen mir auf die Nerven. Die Geschichte war insgesamt ok. Es gibt viel Drama, schon fast ein bisschen zu viel. Das Kennlernen und Verlieben von Cass und Nick ist quasi in der gleichen Minuten passiert. So was finde ich immer unglaubwürdig, deshalb fand ich es schön, dass Cass Mutter sie da ein bisschen zurück auf die Erde gebracht hat.
Nick hat anscheinend eine Persönlichkeitsstörung. Am Anfang ist er der perfekte Gentleman, er ist der Eine für Cass und dann, vor allem als Cass nach New York zieht, ist er gar nicht mehr so fürsorglich, ja schon fast desinteressiert. Das ändert sich zwischen durch aber immer mal wieder.
Und dann ist da noch Cass. Eigentlich eine recht starke und unabhängige Frau, aber sie will unbedingt den Einen treffen und am besten sofort heiraten und Kinder kriegen. Ich weiß nicht, ob Frauen sich ab einen gewissen Alter komisch verhalten, aber das sind doch recht unrealistische Vorstellungen. Auch ihre Moralvorstellungen sind etwas fragwürdig. Cass is,t wie ihre Familie auch, recht religiös und Cass Eltern haben immer von keinen Sex vor der Ehe gepredigt. Da hat sie sich nicht dran gehalten, schon als junge Erwachsene nicht und mit Nick auch nicht. Aber als sie nach New York zu Nick zieht, da will sie sich plötzlich dran halten. Und es ist eine Sünde unverheiratet zusammen zu leben usw. Ich weiß nicht, irgendwie passt das nicht zusammen.
Als letztes noch die Cousine Cyn, die als Nebencharakter ein große Rolle hat, da sie auch Cass beste Freundin ist. Sie fand ich recht nervig. Sie ist Mutter und verheiratet mit einen Mann, der sich während ihrer Schwangerschaft richtig gehen lässt. Ihr Mann wird wohl sehr dick und lässt sich ziemlich gehen bzw. kümmert sich nicht mehr um sein Äußeres, er soll aber ein toller Vater sein. Ich kann verstehen, dass sie mit ihren Leben unzufrieden ist, da sie quasi keine Liebesbeziehung mehr hat, aber das entschuldigt trotzdem ihr gesamtes Verhalten nicht.
Wer gerne Liebesgeschichten mit viel Drama lesen möchte, ist hier richtig. Es ist auf jeden Fall ein Auf und Ab.
Ich werde auf jeden Fall keine weitere Bücher der Reihe lesen (dieses Buch kann man ohne Probleme als Standalone lesen). Dieses Buch habe ich kostenlos auf Amazon erworben, also kann ich mich nicht beschweren, dass ich Geld verschwendet habe.
Cass ist fast 30 Jahre alt und ist auf der Suche nach Mr. Right. Am besten soll er sofort auftauchen, damit sie heiraten und Kinder kriegen können. Ein Abend, als sie mit ihrer Cousine feiern geht, lernt sie Nick kennen. Er scheint der Eine zu sein, den Cass so verzweifelt gesucht hat. Problematisch ist, dass er in New York wohnt und Cass in LA. Die beiden entschließen sich trotzdem es zu versuchen, denn Nick ist in LA eigentlich auf Jobsuche. Als das nach einem Jahr nicht klappt, entschließt sich Cass nach New York zu ziehen. Dort angekommen, erfährt sie ein großes Geheimnis, der alles verändern kann. Werden die beiden es trotzdem schaffen, zusammen zu bleiben?
Zuerst muss ich anmerken, dass der Schreibstil mir nicht so gut gefällt. Immer dieses „Girl“, „cuz“ und „babe“ gingen mir auf die Nerven. Die Geschichte war insgesamt ok. Es gibt viel Drama, schon fast ein bisschen zu viel. Das Kennlernen und Verlieben von Cass und Nick ist quasi in der gleichen Minuten passiert. So was finde ich immer unglaubwürdig, deshalb fand ich es schön, dass Cass Mutter sie da ein bisschen zurück auf die Erde gebracht hat.
Nick hat anscheinend eine Persönlichkeitsstörung. Am Anfang ist er der perfekte Gentleman, er ist der Eine für Cass und dann, vor allem als Cass nach New York zieht, ist er gar nicht mehr so fürsorglich, ja schon fast desinteressiert. Das ändert sich zwischen durch aber immer mal wieder.
Und dann ist da noch Cass. Eigentlich eine recht starke und unabhängige Frau, aber sie will unbedingt den Einen treffen und am besten sofort heiraten und Kinder kriegen. Ich weiß nicht, ob Frauen sich ab einen gewissen Alter komisch verhalten, aber das sind doch recht unrealistische Vorstellungen. Auch ihre Moralvorstellungen sind etwas fragwürdig. Cass is,t wie ihre Familie auch, recht religiös und Cass Eltern haben immer von keinen Sex vor der Ehe gepredigt. Da hat sie sich nicht dran gehalten, schon als junge Erwachsene nicht und mit Nick auch nicht. Aber als sie nach New York zu Nick zieht, da will sie sich plötzlich dran halten. Und es ist eine Sünde unverheiratet zusammen zu leben usw. Ich weiß nicht, irgendwie passt das nicht zusammen.
Als letztes noch die Cousine Cyn, die als Nebencharakter ein große Rolle hat, da sie auch Cass beste Freundin ist. Sie fand ich recht nervig. Sie ist Mutter und verheiratet mit einen Mann, der sich während ihrer Schwangerschaft richtig gehen lässt. Ihr Mann wird wohl sehr dick und lässt sich ziemlich gehen bzw. kümmert sich nicht mehr um sein Äußeres, er soll aber ein toller Vater sein. Ich kann verstehen, dass sie mit ihren Leben unzufrieden ist, da sie quasi keine Liebesbeziehung mehr hat, aber das entschuldigt trotzdem ihr gesamtes Verhalten nicht.
Wer gerne Liebesgeschichten mit viel Drama lesen möchte, ist hier richtig. Es ist auf jeden Fall ein Auf und Ab.
Ich werde auf jeden Fall keine weitere Bücher der Reihe lesen (dieses Buch kann man ohne Probleme als Standalone lesen). Dieses Buch habe ich kostenlos auf Amazon erworben, also kann ich mich nicht beschweren, dass ich Geld verschwendet habe.
January 11, 2019
Forced headlines blow.
I couldn’t give this book a five out of sheer frustration. It may deserve one because I know women like Cass. Focused, driven and loyal until something seemingly small trips her trigger. Maybe this behavior was too close to reality? This story wasn’t predictable which is unusual and a big plus for me. After reading a ton of romance you start to expect feisty women who set goals and always achieve them and uber masculine men who somehow manage to be thoughtful and considerate too. Nick and Cassandra don’t really fit those molds and the story is definitely better for that.
I didn’t realize that I already own the sequel until I got to the end. To be honest I doubt I will read it. I distinctly remember trying to get through the beginning and thinking “I can’t ride this train with this psycho woman.” I always reserve the right to change my mind. Maybe I’ll understand book two better now that I have read book one.
I couldn’t give this book a five out of sheer frustration. It may deserve one because I know women like Cass. Focused, driven and loyal until something seemingly small trips her trigger. Maybe this behavior was too close to reality? This story wasn’t predictable which is unusual and a big plus for me. After reading a ton of romance you start to expect feisty women who set goals and always achieve them and uber masculine men who somehow manage to be thoughtful and considerate too. Nick and Cassandra don’t really fit those molds and the story is definitely better for that.
I didn’t realize that I already own the sequel until I got to the end. To be honest I doubt I will read it. I distinctly remember trying to get through the beginning and thinking “I can’t ride this train with this psycho woman.” I always reserve the right to change my mind. Maybe I’ll understand book two better now that I have read book one.
August 19, 2017
A Love Story with Some Shockers
I am not a big reader of romance/happily ever after but enjoyed reading this page-turning and well-written plot filled with some twists and turns, lust, sex, scandal, secrets and lies, deception, envy, anger, and uncertainties. It’s a great read from start to finish with the many-sided characters where their flaws, quirks, fears, and wit, something we as humans can identify with, keep the story moving, building up to an ending that will leave you shaking your head, reminding us that if it looks or sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Quite frankly, I wanted to shake some sense into Cassandra for putting up with all that drama but can’t wait to see what the future holds for her and Nick, and little Renee who I wouldn’t trust as far as I can throw a piano.
I am not a big reader of romance/happily ever after but enjoyed reading this page-turning and well-written plot filled with some twists and turns, lust, sex, scandal, secrets and lies, deception, envy, anger, and uncertainties. It’s a great read from start to finish with the many-sided characters where their flaws, quirks, fears, and wit, something we as humans can identify with, keep the story moving, building up to an ending that will leave you shaking your head, reminding us that if it looks or sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Quite frankly, I wanted to shake some sense into Cassandra for putting up with all that drama but can’t wait to see what the future holds for her and Nick, and little Renee who I wouldn’t trust as far as I can throw a piano.
February 10, 2019
Not worth your time
This story is like pieces of several puzzles where none of the pieces fit. The charActers are weak, the book is too long and the author seems to have thrown in every plot twist and/or turn she has ever read or heard about and none of them fit. The storyline makes no sense and the same situations are played out over and over and over again. It was a free read but I wish I had my time back.
This story is like pieces of several puzzles where none of the pieces fit. The charActers are weak, the book is too long and the author seems to have thrown in every plot twist and/or turn she has ever read or heard about and none of them fit. The storyline makes no sense and the same situations are played out over and over and over again. It was a free read but I wish I had my time back.
May 6, 2018
I would recommend this book.
Me. Aretha tells a ferry good story. She has you go from frustration to sad to cautious to love to weary and all the many emotions. This tells the beginning of the story of Cass & Nick with all the mess of living life while trying to follow Gods plan. Yes, I recommend this book and look forward to reading the other books in this series.
Me. Aretha tells a ferry good story. She has you go from frustration to sad to cautious to love to weary and all the many emotions. This tells the beginning of the story of Cass & Nick with all the mess of living life while trying to follow Gods plan. Yes, I recommend this book and look forward to reading the other books in this series.
June 16, 2018
Roller coaster ride!!
What I liked about this book was the issues of mental illness, young women concerned about biological clocks and how the author brought it all to life. I would recommend this book to all women desperate to get married and making decisions about life without knowing a person. This book is about trust, unconditional love and forgiveness.
What I liked about this book was the issues of mental illness, young women concerned about biological clocks and how the author brought it all to life. I would recommend this book to all women desperate to get married and making decisions about life without knowing a person. This book is about trust, unconditional love and forgiveness.
May 24, 2018
Fantastic Read
I. really enjoyed this story of love and deception. The characters were so real that you could relate to all the situations and hurt feelings. The next series should be just as awesome.
I. really enjoyed this story of love and deception. The characters were so real that you could relate to all the situations and hurt feelings. The next series should be just as awesome.
July 12, 2018
Great
Cass and Nick. She had her mind set to be married by the age of thirty. I liked the characters in the book except for one.
There were so many twists and turns.
There is a sticky situation, extended family.
Who loves who?
She had faith
HEA.
Cass and Nick. She had her mind set to be married by the age of thirty. I liked the characters in the book except for one.
There were so many twists and turns.
There is a sticky situation, extended family.
Who loves who?
She had faith
HEA.
January 13, 2019
Very Good
Cassandra is going to turn 30 and she not married or with prospects. Her cousin talks her into going out and she meets Nick. He's from NY, she lives in LA. They will have a lot of ups and downs and a whole lot of crazy.
Cassandra is going to turn 30 and she not married or with prospects. Her cousin talks her into going out and she meets Nick. He's from NY, she lives in LA. They will have a lot of ups and downs and a whole lot of crazy.
March 17, 2019
I have to say this was a train wreck of a story. Not that the story was bad, but what Cass went through was simply horrible. I can’t even remember marine the emotional ups and downs she went through. It was exhausting, even for me the reader. She had more faith in Nick than I ever would have.
August 18, 2019
Train wreck?
Interesting but it was all over the place. It was like the train wreck. You couldn’t watch but couldn’t look away for long. I did finish the book but had to force myself.
Interesting but it was all over the place. It was like the train wreck. You couldn’t watch but couldn’t look away for long. I did finish the book but had to force myself.
September 21, 2019
I didn’t like this book that much. There was so many time gaps and I hate books that have those. I eventually started skimming through some pages. The story was interesting, but it did have a lot of boring parts.
October 20, 2020
I like the love story of Nick and Cass although there should be doubt in your mind before moving to a different state just with the gut feeling that the guy also loves you. Cass should have plenty of time investigating the background of NIck.
June 13, 2024
Definitely Five Stars
The start of this novel pulled me in but then I stated side eyeing some of the things the author kept putting in.
But then this book caught fire and I couldn't put it down. The twists kept coming. Had me wondering if Cassandra and Nick were going to make it.
The start of this novel pulled me in but then I stated side eyeing some of the things the author kept putting in.
But then this book caught fire and I couldn't put it down. The twists kept coming. Had me wondering if Cassandra and Nick were going to make it.
August 20, 2014
Title: Married in the Nick of Nine
Series: N/A
Author: Alretha Thomas
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Blurb: Cassandra Whitmore is facing yet another Valentine’s Day alone. Her love life is as dry as the Sharpie pen she uses to mark an even more dreadful day on her calendar—her upcoming 30th birthday. Driven by the maddening ticking of her biological clock, Cassandra is determined to meet, fall in love with, and marry “The One” within nine months. When Cassandra accompanies her cousin to a night club, her Type-A quest to meet a man is quickly rewarded by a stranger’s velvety, baritone voice asking if he might occupy the seat next to her. He’s Nicolas Harte, whose good looks leave Cassandra speechless, but not for long. After mustering enough courage to strike up a conversation, she learns Nicolas is everything she wants in a man—smart, successful, and available. There’s only one catch: He’s “GU” (geographically undesirable). Nonetheless, Cassandra falls in love with Nicolas and makes the uncharacteristic decision to move from Los Angeles to New York to be with him. But Cassandra gets a rude awakening when she discovers there’s something rotten in the Big Apple.
Thoughts: I completely loved the concept of this book. I have seen so many incredibly intelligent women that get this “my biological clock is ticking” panic/crazy when 30 is approaching. I love the idea of a long distance relationship too.
Cass and Nick meet at a bar and are instantly attracted to each other. Cass is there with her cousin and Nick is there with a friend while in LA for a job interview. When Cass’s cousin gets into an altercation, Nick helps her. Even though they just met, Nick follows the girls home to make sure they get home safe. At church the next day, Nick shows up at Cass’s church and they end up spending the day together. Nick is determined not to let Cass go and they decide to give the relationship a chance. Nick doesn’t get the job he originally interviewed for and ends up coming back soon after for a couple other job interviews. When those jobs don’t pan out, Cass makes a trip to New York. After sex, Nick sends Cass to get a drink for them and there is a gift waiting for her in the refrigerator (a very smelly refrigerator mind you). Nick takes Cass to meet his parents and the experience is bizarre. His mother is jittery and his father is disgusted. Something is off, but nobody talks about it. When Nick hasn’t found a job to bring him to LA in 16 months, Cass moved to New York to be with him. It doesn’t take long before people start calling the house and hanging up and a strange car appears to be following Cass. When Nick proposes, everything seems perfect, but everything changes when Cass mentions setting a date. Nick becomes frustrated and takes off leaving Cass in the middle of a park.
Shortly after Cass figures out the cause of the strange events – mysterious calls, car following her, Nick’s parent��s odd behavior and Nick’s odd behavior about setting a date. Nick is married and his wife is mentally ill. She also has 2 kids that Nick treats as his even though they aren’t biologically his. Cass freaks out and makes Nick leave. She spends the next 3 week living in his house without him trying to figure out what to do. She agrees to hear Nick out and he describes a life and relationship that she never would have expected. Cass gives Nick another chance and, with her support, moves forward with the divorce. Everything blows up when his wife disappears with the kids. Nick and Cass have to come together to search for them, but will their relationship be able to sustain what they find ?
The good news is that the story almost constantly has something going on. It keeps you on the edge of your seat wondering what in the world is going to happen next. I honestly don’t know that I would have hung around the way Cass did. There were several moments where I was pissed at Nick and like what the heck, but then Cass would turn around and act like a spoiled child. There are several what the heck moments, but also several heart melting moments.
It was obvious that Nick was hiding something when he shut down every time the conversation of marriage came up with Cass. I am disgusted that he didn’t tell her he was married until she moved across the country (quit her job, left her family). He even denied it when she asked the first time. I am pretty sure the only reason he asked her to marry him when he did was to have sex. Speaking of sex….I do not like the idea of a woman using sex as a weapon. After Cass had sex with Nick and moved in with him, she decided that she didn’t want to have sex with him again they were married. This scene occurred after a fight and she ended up giving in (before they were married) at a later date.
The most interesting character for me was Cass’s cousin, Cyn. She was wild. She said what was on her mind even when it was outrageous. I really don’t understand her relationship with David (her husband), but I want to know more about her story.
Grade: C+
Review by: Holly
Check out more of our great reviews at http://www.thebookreadinggals.com
Series: N/A
Author: Alretha Thomas
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Blurb: Cassandra Whitmore is facing yet another Valentine’s Day alone. Her love life is as dry as the Sharpie pen she uses to mark an even more dreadful day on her calendar—her upcoming 30th birthday. Driven by the maddening ticking of her biological clock, Cassandra is determined to meet, fall in love with, and marry “The One” within nine months. When Cassandra accompanies her cousin to a night club, her Type-A quest to meet a man is quickly rewarded by a stranger’s velvety, baritone voice asking if he might occupy the seat next to her. He’s Nicolas Harte, whose good looks leave Cassandra speechless, but not for long. After mustering enough courage to strike up a conversation, she learns Nicolas is everything she wants in a man—smart, successful, and available. There’s only one catch: He’s “GU” (geographically undesirable). Nonetheless, Cassandra falls in love with Nicolas and makes the uncharacteristic decision to move from Los Angeles to New York to be with him. But Cassandra gets a rude awakening when she discovers there’s something rotten in the Big Apple.
Thoughts: I completely loved the concept of this book. I have seen so many incredibly intelligent women that get this “my biological clock is ticking” panic/crazy when 30 is approaching. I love the idea of a long distance relationship too.
Cass and Nick meet at a bar and are instantly attracted to each other. Cass is there with her cousin and Nick is there with a friend while in LA for a job interview. When Cass’s cousin gets into an altercation, Nick helps her. Even though they just met, Nick follows the girls home to make sure they get home safe. At church the next day, Nick shows up at Cass’s church and they end up spending the day together. Nick is determined not to let Cass go and they decide to give the relationship a chance. Nick doesn’t get the job he originally interviewed for and ends up coming back soon after for a couple other job interviews. When those jobs don’t pan out, Cass makes a trip to New York. After sex, Nick sends Cass to get a drink for them and there is a gift waiting for her in the refrigerator (a very smelly refrigerator mind you). Nick takes Cass to meet his parents and the experience is bizarre. His mother is jittery and his father is disgusted. Something is off, but nobody talks about it. When Nick hasn’t found a job to bring him to LA in 16 months, Cass moved to New York to be with him. It doesn’t take long before people start calling the house and hanging up and a strange car appears to be following Cass. When Nick proposes, everything seems perfect, but everything changes when Cass mentions setting a date. Nick becomes frustrated and takes off leaving Cass in the middle of a park.
Shortly after Cass figures out the cause of the strange events – mysterious calls, car following her, Nick’s parent��s odd behavior and Nick’s odd behavior about setting a date. Nick is married and his wife is mentally ill. She also has 2 kids that Nick treats as his even though they aren’t biologically his. Cass freaks out and makes Nick leave. She spends the next 3 week living in his house without him trying to figure out what to do. She agrees to hear Nick out and he describes a life and relationship that she never would have expected. Cass gives Nick another chance and, with her support, moves forward with the divorce. Everything blows up when his wife disappears with the kids. Nick and Cass have to come together to search for them, but will their relationship be able to sustain what they find ?
The good news is that the story almost constantly has something going on. It keeps you on the edge of your seat wondering what in the world is going to happen next. I honestly don’t know that I would have hung around the way Cass did. There were several moments where I was pissed at Nick and like what the heck, but then Cass would turn around and act like a spoiled child. There are several what the heck moments, but also several heart melting moments.
It was obvious that Nick was hiding something when he shut down every time the conversation of marriage came up with Cass. I am disgusted that he didn’t tell her he was married until she moved across the country (quit her job, left her family). He even denied it when she asked the first time. I am pretty sure the only reason he asked her to marry him when he did was to have sex. Speaking of sex….I do not like the idea of a woman using sex as a weapon. After Cass had sex with Nick and moved in with him, she decided that she didn’t want to have sex with him again they were married. This scene occurred after a fight and she ended up giving in (before they were married) at a later date.
The most interesting character for me was Cass’s cousin, Cyn. She was wild. She said what was on her mind even when it was outrageous. I really don’t understand her relationship with David (her husband), but I want to know more about her story.
Grade: C+
Review by: Holly
Check out more of our great reviews at http://www.thebookreadinggals.com
June 22, 2018
Good
It took me a while to finish this book. It didnt get interesting until the middle. However, I did love the book.
It took me a while to finish this book. It didnt get interesting until the middle. However, I did love the book.
September 16, 2018
Crazy
Kindle unlimited recommended this but it was crazy. There's so much wrong I don't know where to begin. I don't recommend
Kindle unlimited recommended this but it was crazy. There's so much wrong I don't know where to begin. I don't recommend
January 10, 2019
I loved the concept and the page-turning journey.
January 10, 2019
I struggled to like Cass, and got tired of Nick groveling. There was some interesting suspense though.
January 14, 2019
Very different kind of romance novel. Not predictable. Couldn't put it down.
Had to see if Cass would end up with Nick. Very suspenseful.
Had to see if Cass would end up with Nick. Very suspenseful.
January 14, 2019
Page turner!
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