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Don't Deny Me #3
Don't Deny Me, Part Three
Have the flames finally gone out—or will they burn brighter than ever before?
Part Three of Don't Deny Me, the new e-serial from bestselling author Megan Hart.
Mick is determined to be the kind of man who is worthy of Alice…and vows to hold on to her and never let go. But can people, and relationships, really change? If Alice does decide to let him back into her heart—and into her bed—will Mick be ready to show her the man that he’s become…and take a chance on love? And can Alice ever trust him again?
Part Three of Don't Deny Me, the new e-serial from bestselling author Megan Hart.
Mick is determined to be the kind of man who is worthy of Alice…and vows to hold on to her and never let go. But can people, and relationships, really change? If Alice does decide to let him back into her heart—and into her bed—will Mick be ready to show her the man that he’s become…and take a chance on love? And can Alice ever trust him again?
96 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 27, 2015
2 people are currently reading
241 people want to read
About the author
Megan Hart
265 books4,056 followersMegan Hart has written in almost every genre of romantic fiction, including historical, contemporary, romantic suspense, romantic comedy, futuristic, fantasy and perhaps most notably, erotic. She also writes non-erotic fantasy and science fiction, as well as continuing to occasionally dabble in horror.
--from the author's website
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
For Megan Hart, the nutritionist, click here
--from the author's website
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
For Megan Hart, the nutritionist, click here
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December 22, 2014
3.5 stars!
Not quite, Alice. I did like their love story and I think their chemistry was sizzling but this final installment fell flat for me. It's not really bad. I was just expecting something different. More angst perhaps? Regardless, this one didn't wow me.
The last installment, and while part 2 showed us Mick and Alice 10 years ago, this installment is set in the present.
Mick made his grand gesture (or so he thought) and asked for a second chance. He really wants Alice and he acknowledges that he broke her in the past. He feels that this time, things are going to be different. He's older and he's learned his lessons.
Alice still wants Mick but she's wary, and for good reason. She's not entirely convinced that Mick has changed. But she gave Mick a chance because she cannot deny she still has feelings for him. So despite the niggling doubt in her head, she got involved again but this time, she'll try not to fall for him that hard again.
Like I said, I enjoyed this one, and liked it enough but the wow factor wasn't there. I did love their confrontation scene. I never thought I would feel for Mick but I did.
Also, I liked that their problem was quite simple. As readers, you'd be able to recognize and pinpoint their problem very easily but the characters are quite clueless. This is why I felt frustrated with both Mick and Alice at times, because I already know what's "wrong" with them but they don't seem to have a clue. It probably would have worked more for me had this been written in 1st person POV with only Alice as the narrator. That way, I wouldn't be privy to Mick's thoughts and know exactly where he stands with Alice. Knowing his feelings and seeing his actions coupled with Alice's reactions added to my frustration.
Despite my personal issues, I would still recommend this series. I would suggest that you wait for all the installment to be release.
An ARC was provided by St. Martin's Griffin in exchange for an honest review.
"It's either going to be the greatest love story ever told, or the greatest tragedy."
Not quite, Alice. I did like their love story and I think their chemistry was sizzling but this final installment fell flat for me. It's not really bad. I was just expecting something different. More angst perhaps? Regardless, this one didn't wow me.
The last installment, and while part 2 showed us Mick and Alice 10 years ago, this installment is set in the present.
Mick made his grand gesture (or so he thought) and asked for a second chance. He really wants Alice and he acknowledges that he broke her in the past. He feels that this time, things are going to be different. He's older and he's learned his lessons.
Alice still wants Mick but she's wary, and for good reason. She's not entirely convinced that Mick has changed. But she gave Mick a chance because she cannot deny she still has feelings for him. So despite the niggling doubt in her head, she got involved again but this time, she'll try not to fall for him that hard again.
Like I said, I enjoyed this one, and liked it enough but the wow factor wasn't there. I did love their confrontation scene. I never thought I would feel for Mick but I did.
Also, I liked that their problem was quite simple. As readers, you'd be able to recognize and pinpoint their problem very easily but the characters are quite clueless. This is why I felt frustrated with both Mick and Alice at times, because I already know what's "wrong" with them but they don't seem to have a clue. It probably would have worked more for me had this been written in 1st person POV with only Alice as the narrator. That way, I wouldn't be privy to Mick's thoughts and know exactly where he stands with Alice. Knowing his feelings and seeing his actions coupled with Alice's reactions added to my frustration.
Despite my personal issues, I would still recommend this series. I would suggest that you wait for all the installment to be release.
An ARC was provided by St. Martin's Griffin in exchange for an honest review.
January 5, 2015
~Arc provided via St Martin Press in exchange for honest review~
2.5 stars
This review is posted on Way Too Hot books.
I think I enjoyed this part the least, because it was the most frustrating of them all and I felt that neither the story nor the characters progressed in the way I wanted them, or better say not enough for my liking. That's the curse of shorter stories, I guess- you always feel that something is missing, and that's why I don't like rating them.
The setting of the story is back to the present. It continues after the cliffhanger of the 1st part of the novel. Unfortunately, this last part didn't manage to change my opinion about the characters. I wanted more maturity from them, more character growth, but I didn't get it. Just like in the past, they still have big communication problems, especially Mick, and therefore I felt that "their situation" concluded too smoothly.
After reading some extraordinary books from this author, books like Broken , Tear You Apart etc., for me, this novel as a whole was more of a 3 stars read. Those books are among my favorite books ever and they had a bigger impact on me which is both a positive and negative thing, because I'll probably compare every next book by this author with them.
I would recommend this novel, especially the first part which was the best, to readers who want a fast-paced, emotional, steamy romance with a little drama, but if you want something really good from this author, choose one of the books listed above.
2.5 stars
This review is posted on Way Too Hot books.
I think I enjoyed this part the least, because it was the most frustrating of them all and I felt that neither the story nor the characters progressed in the way I wanted them, or better say not enough for my liking. That's the curse of shorter stories, I guess- you always feel that something is missing, and that's why I don't like rating them.
The setting of the story is back to the present. It continues after the cliffhanger of the 1st part of the novel. Unfortunately, this last part didn't manage to change my opinion about the characters. I wanted more maturity from them, more character growth, but I didn't get it. Just like in the past, they still have big communication problems, especially Mick, and therefore I felt that "their situation" concluded too smoothly.
After reading some extraordinary books from this author, books like Broken , Tear You Apart etc., for me, this novel as a whole was more of a 3 stars read. Those books are among my favorite books ever and they had a bigger impact on me which is both a positive and negative thing, because I'll probably compare every next book by this author with them.
I would recommend this novel, especially the first part which was the best, to readers who want a fast-paced, emotional, steamy romance with a little drama, but if you want something really good from this author, choose one of the books listed above.
January 10, 2015
We come to the end of the story for Mick and Alice. While part one gave us their reintroduction and part two gave us their back story, this final installment is all in present day, and it concludes their romance.
To be honest, I felt like Mick and Alice were less dynamic in this installment. Before, it was their normalcy and lack of dramatics that made me really love their story, but I guess I wanted more out of the finale. I think it ended without actually solving their problems. The issues that they had today were pretty much exactly the same as they were ten years ago, and I don't feel like either of them understood the other any more. On the other hand, it's a fantastic example of how a marriage can be left to die simply because a couple doesn't know how to communicate. Still, I wish that this part of the book would have been a little less common and just a hair more memorable.
Copy provided for review
To be honest, I felt like Mick and Alice were less dynamic in this installment. Before, it was their normalcy and lack of dramatics that made me really love their story, but I guess I wanted more out of the finale. I think it ended without actually solving their problems. The issues that they had today were pretty much exactly the same as they were ten years ago, and I don't feel like either of them understood the other any more. On the other hand, it's a fantastic example of how a marriage can be left to die simply because a couple doesn't know how to communicate. Still, I wish that this part of the book would have been a little less common and just a hair more memorable.
Copy provided for review
January 16, 2015
3.5 stars for all three installments...
Something that you will feel in large quantities during this book is frustration! Yes, that appears to be the theme... and that is pretty consistent all the way to the end where it just... "ended"... very abruptly. I really did want a more fulfilling ending than what I got... I was left feeling that things weren't really resolved.
Mick and Alice were a couple 10 years ago and apparently in love but where they connected perfectly in the bedroom, verbal communication was not their greatest accomplishment and ultimately caused them to break up. But, they were young and it happens right??
Don't Deny Me, Part Onewas about their reunion 10 years later and yes the physical attraction and sparks are still there. So, they decide to give their relationship another go.
Don't Deny Me, Part Two is where we step back to the past and find out how they met and what happened to cause them to split.
Part 3 and the final installment brings us back to the present where we are hoping that age and time has matured this couple to a point where they can hopefully achieve a successful relationship together.
Throughout all three installments we follow the very awkward relationship between Jay, Paul and Dayna... It seems someone can't decide which side of the fence he likes to play on and so Paul spends the entire book flipping back and forth between his sexual relationship with Jay and Dayna. This storyline went nowhere... it just happens and it's kind of a side note. Also left very unresolved at the end.
Alice was obsessed with Mick saying what she wanted to hear instead of accepting him for who his is and it appears that actions mean nothing to her if it's not paired with the correct verbal response. I thought she was incredibly high maintenance and her expectations were way too high. Mick was a great guy, he was doing everything he could think of to take care of her and show her he wanted her. Just because he was having difficulty saying those three little words she wanted to hear that was no reason for her to assume that he didn't care. I could not wrap my head around this chick. Mick wasn't perfect, but no one is... and, his positive attributes definitely outweighed the negative.
The sex in this book is good... 5 stars for the great steam! But, great sex does not equate a great relationship. And, I guess that is the point of the book or maybe that's just the message I was getting.
Anyway, this was an entertaining read, strangely engaging despite my frustration... but, it just felt like it was a bit unfinished in the end.
ARC was provided by St. Martin's Press
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Something that you will feel in large quantities during this book is frustration! Yes, that appears to be the theme... and that is pretty consistent all the way to the end where it just... "ended"... very abruptly. I really did want a more fulfilling ending than what I got... I was left feeling that things weren't really resolved.
Mick and Alice were a couple 10 years ago and apparently in love but where they connected perfectly in the bedroom, verbal communication was not their greatest accomplishment and ultimately caused them to break up. But, they were young and it happens right??
Don't Deny Me, Part Onewas about their reunion 10 years later and yes the physical attraction and sparks are still there. So, they decide to give their relationship another go.
Don't Deny Me, Part Two is where we step back to the past and find out how they met and what happened to cause them to split.
Part 3 and the final installment brings us back to the present where we are hoping that age and time has matured this couple to a point where they can hopefully achieve a successful relationship together.
Throughout all three installments we follow the very awkward relationship between Jay, Paul and Dayna... It seems someone can't decide which side of the fence he likes to play on and so Paul spends the entire book flipping back and forth between his sexual relationship with Jay and Dayna. This storyline went nowhere... it just happens and it's kind of a side note. Also left very unresolved at the end.
Alice was obsessed with Mick saying what she wanted to hear instead of accepting him for who his is and it appears that actions mean nothing to her if it's not paired with the correct verbal response. I thought she was incredibly high maintenance and her expectations were way too high. Mick was a great guy, he was doing everything he could think of to take care of her and show her he wanted her. Just because he was having difficulty saying those three little words she wanted to hear that was no reason for her to assume that he didn't care. I could not wrap my head around this chick. Mick wasn't perfect, but no one is... and, his positive attributes definitely outweighed the negative.
The sex in this book is good... 5 stars for the great steam! But, great sex does not equate a great relationship. And, I guess that is the point of the book or maybe that's just the message I was getting.
Anyway, this was an entertaining read, strangely engaging despite my frustration... but, it just felt like it was a bit unfinished in the end.
ARC was provided by St. Martin's Press
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August 2, 2015
This ARC kindly provided by NetGalley on behalf of the publishers
part three continues off from part one
I've get a general feeling of "meh" about the whole series, and have concluded that they are both stubborn fools, & she is a hypocrite! how dare she get shitty he doesn't tell her about something when she does exactly the same thing!! the same can be said for the "love" thing; if you don't say it, don't expect to hear it! idiots!! complete & utter idiots!!
part three continues off from part one
I've get a general feeling of "meh" about the whole series, and have concluded that they are both stubborn fools, & she is a hypocrite! how dare she get shitty he doesn't tell her about something when she does exactly the same thing!! the same can be said for the "love" thing; if you don't say it, don't expect to hear it! idiots!! complete & utter idiots!!
August 14, 2018
Alice and Mick... Boy, did these two leave me with messy thoughts!
The previous part left me feeling a little baffled by what they let break them up. In this part, in present time, they were giving another go at a relationship, and once again being a confusing, frustrating, infuriating couple. They were back to being great in bed, and at odds out of it. Mick was trying to prove he'd changed. He returned calls, he answered texts, since that had been one of Alice's big complaints, and he did whatever he could to take care of her. Alice, on the other hand, hadn't changed. She focused on what she didn't hear from Mick instead of seeing what he was doing for her. Mick was showing, not telling. Alice, apparently, preferred words over actions. Truth be told, I thought she was blowing things out of proportion. Plus, there was the whole making decisions based on assumptions. Ugh! While I sympathized with her in the first two parts, in this part I was with Mick.
Ah, what an unnecessary mess. Now and ten years ago. The story left them in a good place, but I have to wonder how long that will last.
Overall, Alice and Mick's love story was, as I said, frustrating, infuriating, confusing, messy, sad, but I liked it... on some level. Ha!
Seriously, though, despite everything, I liked it.
March 1, 2015
In the final installment we watch Mitch try to prove to Alice that he loves her and wants this to work while he continues to fall back into the same patterns of the past. Unable to properly communicate to Alice his lack of ability to express his feelings and Alice’s lack of demanding it or explaining to him what she needed exactly. These two seemed destine to fall right back into the same routine of horrible communication (on both their parts).
As I think back on this book after taking far too long to put my review together after finishing it, I am struggling to really remember it all. But this series just didn’t stick. Overall this series was an okay read and was different than most other contemporary romances out there... but it wasn’t just my kind of read. I think the setup of the story was interesting but I couldn’t ever really connect to Mick or Alice in any way and that ultimately is what I need as a reader.
As I think back on this book after taking far too long to put my review together after finishing it, I am struggling to really remember it all. But this series just didn’t stick. Overall this series was an okay read and was different than most other contemporary romances out there... but it wasn’t just my kind of read. I think the setup of the story was interesting but I couldn’t ever really connect to Mick or Alice in any way and that ultimately is what I need as a reader.
February 15, 2015
In the final act of Don't Deny me, it is questionable if Alice and Mick will get back together or even if they should. Many may feel that Alice has been wronged over and over again by Mick. My conclusions are different because Alice is illogical to me. She's emotional and doesn't see all the things Mick does for her. She doesn't realize words are cheap and it's the actions which means the most. He does all these things for her because his love language is all about taking care of the person he loves to show how devoted he is to her.
Alice just wants fancy words to proclaim his undying love for her. What is interesting is she doesn't do much to stop her game playing, tallies in her book in when he wrongs her and learning how to love and show Mick she returns his love. I believe it's clear whose side I fall on and how I'd like to smack Alice upside the head several times for her immaturity.
“It’s not … I’m not …” Alice shut up. There was no point in lying to her sister, even if she’d been lying to herself.
“I like Bill.”
“That’s okay.”
Alice shook her head. “No. I mean, yes, it’s okay to like him. He’s nice. He makes me laugh.” “But he’s no Mick.” “He also didn’t roll over my heart in an eighteen wheeler, then put it in reverse so he could back up and roll over it again,” Alice said darkly. (kindle loc. 193-198)
Dramatic much? *Warning! Angry emotional woman speak commencing…* Then she continues with how she feels when she is with Mick.
Alice paused. “I was doing okay, you know? Without him. I thought about him sometimes, sure, but then he swept back in my life and I’m on some kind of magic-cock carpet ride!” (kindle loc. 909-910)
So, she can be bribed with a hard screw and then loses all logic? One would need to be logical BEFORE losing logic…
What Alice really wants is a romantic declaration such as the below from Mick which he can never say aloud. Instead, he writes it in an unsent letter. In this case, Mick, "it's the thought that counts" doesn't cut it. Just say the damn words she wants to hear!
Let me paint my name upon your skin with my lips and teeth and hands and tongue, you won’t regret the song we sing when we both come undone. —Mick to Alice, unsent (kindle loc. 1006-1007)
Ms. Hart brings a good ending where it's not certain if Alice and Mick will last, and that's okay. The connections these two make through both mistakes and successful discussions is hopeful. This is what Ms. Hart does. She creates this hope and leaves it to the reader's imagination for a conclusion they want to see. This story is a painfully accurate portrait of how many couple's love life exists. Recommended for romance lovers who enjoy a bit of uncertain in their romance.
*provided by NetGalley
Alice just wants fancy words to proclaim his undying love for her. What is interesting is she doesn't do much to stop her game playing, tallies in her book in when he wrongs her and learning how to love and show Mick she returns his love. I believe it's clear whose side I fall on and how I'd like to smack Alice upside the head several times for her immaturity.
“It’s not … I’m not …” Alice shut up. There was no point in lying to her sister, even if she’d been lying to herself.
“I like Bill.”
“That’s okay.”
Alice shook her head. “No. I mean, yes, it’s okay to like him. He’s nice. He makes me laugh.” “But he’s no Mick.” “He also didn’t roll over my heart in an eighteen wheeler, then put it in reverse so he could back up and roll over it again,” Alice said darkly. (kindle loc. 193-198)
Dramatic much? *Warning! Angry emotional woman speak commencing…* Then she continues with how she feels when she is with Mick.
Alice paused. “I was doing okay, you know? Without him. I thought about him sometimes, sure, but then he swept back in my life and I’m on some kind of magic-cock carpet ride!” (kindle loc. 909-910)
So, she can be bribed with a hard screw and then loses all logic? One would need to be logical BEFORE losing logic…
What Alice really wants is a romantic declaration such as the below from Mick which he can never say aloud. Instead, he writes it in an unsent letter. In this case, Mick, "it's the thought that counts" doesn't cut it. Just say the damn words she wants to hear!
Let me paint my name upon your skin with my lips and teeth and hands and tongue, you won’t regret the song we sing when we both come undone. —Mick to Alice, unsent (kindle loc. 1006-1007)
Ms. Hart brings a good ending where it's not certain if Alice and Mick will last, and that's okay. The connections these two make through both mistakes and successful discussions is hopeful. This is what Ms. Hart does. She creates this hope and leaves it to the reader's imagination for a conclusion they want to see. This story is a painfully accurate portrait of how many couple's love life exists. Recommended for romance lovers who enjoy a bit of uncertain in their romance.
*provided by NetGalley
December 22, 2014
received an arc for review
Oh, thank goodness this is over. I want romance when I read a romance book. If I wanted this, I would just call one of my girl friends and ask how her how love life was going. And the whole side stuff with Jay/Paul/Dayna didn't help this book at all. Sorry, Ms. Hart, but I won't be reading you again.
Oh, thank goodness this is over. I want romance when I read a romance book. If I wanted this, I would just call one of my girl friends and ask how her how love life was going. And the whole side stuff with Jay/Paul/Dayna didn't help this book at all. Sorry, Ms. Hart, but I won't be reading you again.
January 27, 2015
This is part three if the Don't Deny Me serial Novel. It is a short, fast read that is well-written and interesting. This part relates the present-day second-chance romance between Mick and Alice. Ten years prior these two had a passion that fizzled due to distance and lack of communication.
They are trying again after a reunion via mutual friends shows them they still have a deep attraction, but, Alice wonders, is that it? Is their relationship purely physical? Is she over-invested, again?
Mick may be thirty-something, but emotionally he's a bit...stunted. He wants to demonstrate his love and commitment to Alice, so he changes the oil in her car. And fixes leaky kitchen faucets. And, makes all sorts of spontaneous dates while making no actual plans. I think Mick would have been better off if he'd listened to his mother's advice--about SPEAKING to Alice, and, say, TELLING HER that he loves her. Instead, he tells her how fun it is to be with her, leading her to believe he's only out for...fun.
Again, this ordinary couple falls into the pit of misunderstanding. The book reads like a million relationships, and that's why it is good. There are significant feels, as this is a very reality-based--and extremely-relatable story. If I had Mick in front of me, I may flicked him in the ear, as I do with my own kids, and told him to "Wake up!" before he lost the perfect woman a second time.
Note to all men: while a gal may appreciate a man taking her car for service, it will never equate with the words: I LOVE YOU..
Still, a strong end to the three-part series. I received a copy of this book via NetGalley.
They are trying again after a reunion via mutual friends shows them they still have a deep attraction, but, Alice wonders, is that it? Is their relationship purely physical? Is she over-invested, again?
Mick may be thirty-something, but emotionally he's a bit...stunted. He wants to demonstrate his love and commitment to Alice, so he changes the oil in her car. And fixes leaky kitchen faucets. And, makes all sorts of spontaneous dates while making no actual plans. I think Mick would have been better off if he'd listened to his mother's advice--about SPEAKING to Alice, and, say, TELLING HER that he loves her. Instead, he tells her how fun it is to be with her, leading her to believe he's only out for...fun.
Again, this ordinary couple falls into the pit of misunderstanding. The book reads like a million relationships, and that's why it is good. There are significant feels, as this is a very reality-based--and extremely-relatable story. If I had Mick in front of me, I may flicked him in the ear, as I do with my own kids, and told him to "Wake up!" before he lost the perfect woman a second time.
Note to all men: while a gal may appreciate a man taking her car for service, it will never equate with the words: I LOVE YOU..
Still, a strong end to the three-part series. I received a copy of this book via NetGalley.
April 4, 2016
In this third and final part of the Don't Deny Me serial, we've seen at the end of part one that Mick wants a second chance with Alice and in part 2 how their earlier relationship developed and ended. Now it's up to Mick to convince Alice to give him that second chance. I quite enjoyed this final part and I confess I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see whether they would get a happy ending, as the story went on and their relationship seemed to be repeating the mistakes made in the past. This was the most erotic of the three parts, with several steamy and emotional love scenes between this couple that falls into bed easily but appear to lack the necessary communication skills that will take their relationship to the next level. The end came rather abruptly and I felt that there was still a lot of work for this couple to reach their happy ever after, but that they are on the right path. 4 stars, and an overall rating of 4.5 stars for the three parts combined.
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review.
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review.
January 5, 2015
I feel let down by the resolution in this one. It seemed like the second time around for Alice and Mick was the same as the first. There were all the little issues that led to bigger ones. The one thing that I did like was that Mick seemed to be on the receiving end this time around and saw how Alice was upset. I do believe that Alice wasn't doing things on purpose, but trying to keep things how she thought Mick wanted things.
Mick annoyed me when his mom called him out on things and flat out explained things to him. I really thought/hoped it would have changed things for him. Sadly it didn't, Mick still went about things in the same way.
I didn't care for how things were left, mostly because I didn't feel like anything was fixed. There will still be the same issues, but know Alice has to decided whether she can live with them or not.
Mick annoyed me when his mom called him out on things and flat out explained things to him. I really thought/hoped it would have changed things for him. Sadly it didn't, Mick still went about things in the same way.
I didn't care for how things were left, mostly because I didn't feel like anything was fixed. There will still be the same issues, but know Alice has to decided whether she can live with them or not.
December 29, 2014
Alrighty then!! It has finally come to a close and I must say even though the story has substance and a good storyline I am happy it's over. It was a whirlwind of emotions and attitude as well as so much drama that wasn't even nesessary. I still do not care for Alice and I feel like she is a total bitch most of the time. Mick has grown on me but still has problems expressing himself. I honestly feel that if they were real and in a real relationship they would combust in a matter of months. There is no way that relationship is going to last, there are too many misunderstandings between them for it to work. Anyway. ...I have fished the trilogy and am excited to begin something new. Overall I'm rating this in at three hearts.
♡ ♡ ♡
♡ ♡ ♡
January 29, 2015
Well , we are back to the present time with Mick and Alice and they are giving their relationship another try, but making the same mistakes, ten years later and they stll do not communicate with each other well, verbally; but they can still set the sheets on fire! I found myself rooting for them hoping that if one broke and opened up the other would take the leap and do the same and that would lead us to an HEA; but the more i read the less hopeful I got.
In the end nothing was really resolved between these two, Mick was still afraid to use words to express his real feelings and Alice was too afraid to open up for fear of being hurt.
3.5 - 4 stars for this one!
Book graciously provided by St Martins Griffen via Netgalley for an honest review!
In the end nothing was really resolved between these two, Mick was still afraid to use words to express his real feelings and Alice was too afraid to open up for fear of being hurt.
3.5 - 4 stars for this one!
Book graciously provided by St Martins Griffen via Netgalley for an honest review!
August 22, 2015
“A lesson learned easily isn’t learned well, that’s what my dad always said, and I guess I took him to heart. Somewhere along the way, though, I figured out what my dad really meant by that. It wasn’t that you should keep touching that hot stove to prove that it’s still going to burn you. What he meant was that it’s easy to keep on touching that stove because it’s always going to remind you that it burns; what’s much harder is reminding yourself that you don’t need proof if you’ve already learned your lesson.”
My feelsss are still all over the place but I'm happy with this ending. *shakes all the sense into Mick and makes the loudest frustrated EXASPERATED noise*
My feelsss are still all over the place but I'm happy with this ending. *shakes all the sense into Mick and makes the loudest frustrated EXASPERATED noise*
August 31, 2015
Well, thank God. I'm happy for them finally, and for me, since I can now stop wanting to smack Mick upside his head. It's a good thing he's so hot & sweet because he's a little slow, yeah? I mean, his mom flat out told him that he better speak up and tell Alice he loved her or he'd end up losing her, and he still figured changing her oil would be better.
Sorry, I'm a bit frustrated, LOL. But really happy they finally got their HEA. *collapses in exhaustion*
Sorry, I'm a bit frustrated, LOL. But really happy they finally got their HEA. *collapses in exhaustion*
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 31, 2015
3.5 :)
Want to read
December 22, 2014*NETGALLEY*
December 22, 2017
Mick and Alice are a couple who love each other completely. But it seemed that the more love there was, the more difficult it was for them to be together. So they decided to live separate lives.
But at a weekend party of mutual friends, they met each other, and the flame of passion was there, latent.
There would still be a lot to adjust if they wanted to make their relationship work.
Mick is determined to be the right man in Alice's life.
Would she be willing to make the changes for love to prevail?
I am not very adept at stories that work very well when presented to the public completed, but are divided by the author into two or more parts. It's not necessary.
3 stars
But at a weekend party of mutual friends, they met each other, and the flame of passion was there, latent.
There would still be a lot to adjust if they wanted to make their relationship work.
Mick is determined to be the right man in Alice's life.
Would she be willing to make the changes for love to prevail?
I am not very adept at stories that work very well when presented to the public completed, but are divided by the author into two or more parts. It's not necessary.
3 stars
January 29, 2015
In the final part of this story, we are at Alice and Mick in the present: Mick has arrived and made a grand gesture, telling Alice he wants her and needs her. Alice is still convinced that he will hurt her again, and not give her what she wants. Not that she ever asked directly, mind: here’s a lesson for everyone (and not to lay it solely on Mick): people are not mind readers, nor do they possess the ability to “see” intentions, feelings, meaning. If you want something- phrase it specifically and directly. You don’t ask for “a dinner” from a waiter, you can’t expect your partner to ‘validate’ you with a similar question. On the flip side: everyone likes to hear “I Love You”. Just because you think it’s apparent in everything you ‘do for’ them, it does not negate the NEED to say the words.
And that simple lesson, learned by both Mick and Alice would solve their issues for the most part. Unfortunately, neither one seems to get those lessons. While Alice has her sister to commiserate with, who, interestingly never points out that Alice is behaving like a child, Mick is being the “man’ and closed off until his sister and his mother confront his bad behavior. The passive aggressive reliance on ‘spontaneity’ which simply translates to waiting for something better, his inability to speak to his emotions rather than do maintenance on her car, fix a leaky faucet, fix a door all the ways he thinks shows he cares.
Sadly, they didn’t learn, and I don’t think that two people, so unaware of what everyone else sees despite the almost microscopic examination of the relationship from Alice’s pov was highly frustrating. And, sometimes despite all the emotions, people aren’t meant to be together: they are either too different, or too unable to change and adjust for a relationship: and adjusting to allow another person into your life completely is required, and scary, but very necessary.
I thought Megan Hart did a wonderful job of laying out a relationship that could work, where readers see all the issues clearly but characters aren’t so fortunate or insightful. We see what is and isn’t learned, how they have changed (or not) and where they are headed now. Hart’s ability to draw in readers and take them on a very emotional journey that ran the gamut from hopeful to frustrated, allowing us a bird’s eye view into a relationship in tumult.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
And that simple lesson, learned by both Mick and Alice would solve their issues for the most part. Unfortunately, neither one seems to get those lessons. While Alice has her sister to commiserate with, who, interestingly never points out that Alice is behaving like a child, Mick is being the “man’ and closed off until his sister and his mother confront his bad behavior. The passive aggressive reliance on ‘spontaneity’ which simply translates to waiting for something better, his inability to speak to his emotions rather than do maintenance on her car, fix a leaky faucet, fix a door all the ways he thinks shows he cares.
Sadly, they didn’t learn, and I don’t think that two people, so unaware of what everyone else sees despite the almost microscopic examination of the relationship from Alice’s pov was highly frustrating. And, sometimes despite all the emotions, people aren’t meant to be together: they are either too different, or too unable to change and adjust for a relationship: and adjusting to allow another person into your life completely is required, and scary, but very necessary.
I thought Megan Hart did a wonderful job of laying out a relationship that could work, where readers see all the issues clearly but characters aren’t so fortunate or insightful. We see what is and isn’t learned, how they have changed (or not) and where they are headed now. Hart’s ability to draw in readers and take them on a very emotional journey that ran the gamut from hopeful to frustrated, allowing us a bird’s eye view into a relationship in tumult.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
February 23, 2015
Part three is the conclusion of the Don’t Deny Me serial novel and I have to give Ms. Hart props in producing a book that actually flourishes under the format. In part one we got to see Alice and Mick meet again after avoiding one another for a decade after an apparently ugly breakup. In part two we journeyed back a decade to see the actual relationship and the events that led up to its demise. In Don’t Deny Me: Part Three we return to the present to find out whether or not their second chance at romance will pan out for Alice and Mick. I have to say that I flew through this installment and I loved it.
Because the story is presented from both Alice and Mick’s points of view, I felt so frustrated for both of them. Having failed once, both are determined to make it work this time around and put more effort into communicating with one another. The problem is that they don’t communicate effectively with one another because even though they’re both speaking English, they are not speaking the same language. Mick is a doer and expresses his feelings for Alice by doing things for her, especially by taking care of the “man” things – taking her car in for a tune-up before a trip, replacing the leaky faucet, fixing the closet door, etc. He doesn’t do it in a “women are clueless about this kind of stuff” condescending manner, but more of a “this is something I can do to take care of my woman so she doesn’t have to deal with it” manner. As much as I liked the way he did things for Alice and as much as I understood his motivation behind it, Alice didn’t. She didn’t see Mick’s taking care of stuff for her as him taking care of her. She needed a verbal expression of how he felt about her and that just wasn’t the kind of guy Mick was, as evidenced by how badly she took what he said when he finally did tell her how he felt. Their miscommunications flip-flopped between amusing and painful and as I neared the end of the book I seriously began to question whether they were going to make it or break up – but that’s something you’ll have to find out for yourself. As for me, I have some books of Ms. Hart’s I bought on sale a while back that I’m going to have to move up on my reading list because I enjoyed her writing and look forward to reading more.
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Angela at Crystal's Many Reviewers!
Because the story is presented from both Alice and Mick’s points of view, I felt so frustrated for both of them. Having failed once, both are determined to make it work this time around and put more effort into communicating with one another. The problem is that they don’t communicate effectively with one another because even though they’re both speaking English, they are not speaking the same language. Mick is a doer and expresses his feelings for Alice by doing things for her, especially by taking care of the “man” things – taking her car in for a tune-up before a trip, replacing the leaky faucet, fixing the closet door, etc. He doesn’t do it in a “women are clueless about this kind of stuff” condescending manner, but more of a “this is something I can do to take care of my woman so she doesn’t have to deal with it” manner. As much as I liked the way he did things for Alice and as much as I understood his motivation behind it, Alice didn’t. She didn’t see Mick’s taking care of stuff for her as him taking care of her. She needed a verbal expression of how he felt about her and that just wasn’t the kind of guy Mick was, as evidenced by how badly she took what he said when he finally did tell her how he felt. Their miscommunications flip-flopped between amusing and painful and as I neared the end of the book I seriously began to question whether they were going to make it or break up – but that’s something you’ll have to find out for yourself. As for me, I have some books of Ms. Hart’s I bought on sale a while back that I’m going to have to move up on my reading list because I enjoyed her writing and look forward to reading more.
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Angela at Crystal's Many Reviewers!
December 27, 2014
3.5 stars
ARC received from St Martin's Press via Netgalley for an honest review
So after the second book jumping back 10 years, I was not sure where this 3rd installment was going to go.
This third and final installment of this serial series continues where book 1 ended.
Though it has been a decade, I felt like we were again going around in circles with this pair. They seemed to be going down that same path that brought their relationship to an end all those years back.
I felt that even though they are no longer the young couple they were back then, once they met back up they reverted back to the same old. I felt that neither of them had really grown or (though this could just be me) and that nothing had changed.
Did I want Alice and Mick to get their sh*t together and have a non-destructive relationship? Hell yeah I did! I wanted to slap the crap out of Mick and tell him to pull his head out of his ass, to grow up and for once in his life communicate! Gah he frustrated me!
The spark is still between this pair, but can that be enough?
For that you are going to have to read for yourself.
I have read plenty of Ms Hart's work previously and have thoroughly enjoyed them. I have read other serial series of hers that I have loved.
But in this case, Don't Deny Me just fell a little bit short. I liked it, but didn't love it.
ARC received from St Martin's Press via Netgalley for an honest review
So after the second book jumping back 10 years, I was not sure where this 3rd installment was going to go.
This third and final installment of this serial series continues where book 1 ended.
Though it has been a decade, I felt like we were again going around in circles with this pair. They seemed to be going down that same path that brought their relationship to an end all those years back.
I felt that even though they are no longer the young couple they were back then, once they met back up they reverted back to the same old. I felt that neither of them had really grown or (though this could just be me) and that nothing had changed.
Did I want Alice and Mick to get their sh*t together and have a non-destructive relationship? Hell yeah I did! I wanted to slap the crap out of Mick and tell him to pull his head out of his ass, to grow up and for once in his life communicate! Gah he frustrated me!
The spark is still between this pair, but can that be enough?
For that you are going to have to read for yourself.
I have read plenty of Ms Hart's work previously and have thoroughly enjoyed them. I have read other serial series of hers that I have loved.
But in this case, Don't Deny Me just fell a little bit short. I liked it, but didn't love it.
January 27, 2015
In this final part of the serial, Mick and Alice finally (and painfully) come to more fully understand each other. I found myself frustrated with each of them at times (Mick seemed unable to articulate feelings for anything other than "fun") and irritated at others (Alice spent most of this story telling herself how much more she needed from Mick, instead of telling Mick!). When I thought about it, though, it struck me how like this situation many other miscommunications in relationships in life can be. People are vulnerable, and telling another how much more you need them (or they mean to you) than they appear to need you is something very hard and humiliating to say. Once again, Megan Hart looks into the hearts of vulnerable people who are trying to figure out if they have the ability to pave their way to a happy ending. DON'T DENY ME reminded me that relationships are hard work, and the author makes her characters work hard for theirs to approach even the possibility of an HEA.
If traditional erotic romance is your thing, be aware that this story is not that; it's an emotional, intense, introspective look at who two people are, and who they are willing or not willing to become, when they are in a relationship with each other. There are no skeletons in closets, or impulsive infidelities, or erroneous assumptions leading to unnecessary breakups here; there are just two people struggling to understand how the other ticks, and to make it work.
The ending felt somewhat unfinished for me, partly because Mick and Alice reached what we hope is a new level in their relationship (as opposed to a dramatic wedding proposal, etc.), and partly because there is still more to tell. I hope that sequel stories, if Ms. Hart plans to write them, may include Jay's; how many of us have, at one point in life, hung on for too long to someone who's just wrong for us? I'd like to hear Jay's story the way Megan Hart would write it: intense, passionate, introspective, and emotional.
* I received a complimentary copy of this title from St. Martin's Griffin in exchange for my honest review.*
If traditional erotic romance is your thing, be aware that this story is not that; it's an emotional, intense, introspective look at who two people are, and who they are willing or not willing to become, when they are in a relationship with each other. There are no skeletons in closets, or impulsive infidelities, or erroneous assumptions leading to unnecessary breakups here; there are just two people struggling to understand how the other ticks, and to make it work.
The ending felt somewhat unfinished for me, partly because Mick and Alice reached what we hope is a new level in their relationship (as opposed to a dramatic wedding proposal, etc.), and partly because there is still more to tell. I hope that sequel stories, if Ms. Hart plans to write them, may include Jay's; how many of us have, at one point in life, hung on for too long to someone who's just wrong for us? I'd like to hear Jay's story the way Megan Hart would write it: intense, passionate, introspective, and emotional.
* I received a complimentary copy of this title from St. Martin's Griffin in exchange for my honest review.*
December 31, 2014
Review of all 3 parts. May contain mild spoilers.
Alice can't avoid her friends anymore. They are celebrating their 20th year anniversary and she can't say no to their invitation to spend a few days with them, even if this means seeing her ex- Mick after ten years.
Mick knows he messed up his relationship with Alice. He was not there for her when she needed him.
This party might be their second chance to make it work.
Does Alice want Mick back, but has he changed ? Can she count on him?
This is a 3 part serial. Each of them is short, you can read all 3 in a few hours.
I usually love Megan Hart's books but the first part of the serial failed to captivate me. I couldn't get into the story. The messages at the beginning of each chapter confused me at times.
Part 2 was much better and the story flowed easily. It's told in the past. It dealt with Alice and Mick's first meeting and how their relationship started. It also shows us how it went downhill for them and Mick was the one to blame.
Part 3 we are back in the present. Mick is trying to demonstrate to Alice that he can be reliable. He wants her in his life. I think this couple gets zero on communication skills. . They are supposed to be more mature people after a decade apart but it's not the case. Saying that, I was happy with the HEA despite me wishing the ending was longer.
Cliffhanger: Yes, for the first 2 parts.
Overall a 3/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It
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Alice can't avoid her friends anymore. They are celebrating their 20th year anniversary and she can't say no to their invitation to spend a few days with them, even if this means seeing her ex- Mick after ten years.
Mick knows he messed up his relationship with Alice. He was not there for her when she needed him.
This party might be their second chance to make it work.
Does Alice want Mick back, but has he changed ? Can she count on him?
This is a 3 part serial. Each of them is short, you can read all 3 in a few hours.
I usually love Megan Hart's books but the first part of the serial failed to captivate me. I couldn't get into the story. The messages at the beginning of each chapter confused me at times.
Part 2 was much better and the story flowed easily. It's told in the past. It dealt with Alice and Mick's first meeting and how their relationship started. It also shows us how it went downhill for them and Mick was the one to blame.
Part 3 we are back in the present. Mick is trying to demonstrate to Alice that he can be reliable. He wants her in his life. I think this couple gets zero on communication skills. . They are supposed to be more mature people after a decade apart but it's not the case. Saying that, I was happy with the HEA despite me wishing the ending was longer.
Cliffhanger: Yes, for the first 2 parts.
Overall a 3/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It
January 27, 2015
This is the final book in the Don’t Deny Me trilogy by Megan Hart. It is clear that Mick and Alice still love one another. Their passion for one another is not the problem. Even though they are deeply in love and moving forward, it is clear that they are falling into old behaviors and patterns.
What it all boils down to is a problem that all couples experience at some time or another. The problem is communication. It is hard know what is going on in each other’s minds without verbally expressing it in a clear, concisive way. Neither person should assume anything.
Can Mick and Alice get past their problems and finally learn to really talk to one another. Can they learn to express their true feelings.
It is a journey that both will have to stumble on. In the long run it will be well worth the effort. Mick and Alice will find their happiness once again.
Megan Hart taps into some internal flaws that most of us possess. She allows her characters to fall down and she allows them to fail. She also teaches them it’s okay to be human. It’s okay to have flaws. It is about learning how to utilize those flaws into a more positive view.
Megan is a superb writer. The emotional depth of her stories that is mixed with the sensual heat has readers coming back for more.
Don’t miss the Don’t Deny Me Trilogy.
December 29, 2014
Don't Deny Me is a three part novella that deals with two people who have a second chance at their failed romance. It deals with the harsh reality that sometimes even a second chance isn't enough to get it right especially when nothing seems to have changed. Both Alice and Mick are characters whose ordinariness drives the story. What if what makes you lovable is also the same thing that drives two people who desperately love each other apart. Megan Hart once again has penned a tale that is romance built on realistic grounds. What frustrates the reader (who is in an enviable position of being all knowing and all present) is the same thing that drives the story to its satisfying conclusion. Mick and Alice are two people trying to make a relationship work when they both have two opposing personalities and like the rest of us has to work hard for it and to make the ultimate sacrifice of going after it with everything you've got. The pacing of the story, spread into three parts was quite good, giving the reader enough time to actually believe how this wonderful love story could have fallen apart, how it took a lot out of Mick and Alice to try make it work again, despite knowing that nothing might have changed in ten years. Excellently written, engaging and satisfying.
February 13, 2015
So I got really scared towards the end of this book, cause we were at 87% and they were still not TALKING to each other about things that mattered!!!!!!!!!!
But I think that Alice was ultimately the one who had to make the first move, it had always been her, and she needed to be the one who had to talk first. I knew Mick would never do it, and I thought Alice would be an idiot to let this happen this way.
I have to say this, the one thing that I have constantly praised MH for is writing about real people, and more than anything else, this was a story about what can really go wrong in a relationship when people assume things, when people don't see that the other person is doing their best. It ultimately is what will happen if one of the two people isn't willing to put themselves out there. I also think another big problem was that Mick didn't know that him being afraid to say things to Alice was a hindrance, he thought he was doing all these things for her, but the truth was she didn't need any of those things, she needed him to talk to her and tell her that he loved her, and that he wanted to be with her. I think this entire series was really a lesson in the need for us to know ourselves, and to be upfront about the things we want and the things we need.
Well done MH!
But I think that Alice was ultimately the one who had to make the first move, it had always been her, and she needed to be the one who had to talk first. I knew Mick would never do it, and I thought Alice would be an idiot to let this happen this way.
I have to say this, the one thing that I have constantly praised MH for is writing about real people, and more than anything else, this was a story about what can really go wrong in a relationship when people assume things, when people don't see that the other person is doing their best. It ultimately is what will happen if one of the two people isn't willing to put themselves out there. I also think another big problem was that Mick didn't know that him being afraid to say things to Alice was a hindrance, he thought he was doing all these things for her, but the truth was she didn't need any of those things, she needed him to talk to her and tell her that he loved her, and that he wanted to be with her. I think this entire series was really a lesson in the need for us to know ourselves, and to be upfront about the things we want and the things we need.
Well done MH!
March 9, 2015
I think this worked well as three separate parts, except I felt disoriented in the first part, I think mostly because the characters seemed older than they actually were. Not that age should be an issue, IMO, and many readers probably have different ideas of what is young and what is old, so this could be just me being weird about age. Likely, actually.
Anyways, I guess things like that that irked me in the beginning were worked out throughout the other two sections in a mostly satisfactory way, but the "me being weird" lingered. I adored the second part, but felt there were some gaps from the other two parts that weren't filled in satisfactorily. In the two parts that are set in the present, notes between the two are frequently referred to as having been going back and forth between them from the early days of their relationship, but in those early days and the months and months after they're never mentioned, which seemed odd to me.
But these are small problems. Hart does such a great job of dealing with complicated relationships and writing super-hot sex scenes, and this has a healthy dose of both. The miscommunication between the two characters was frustrating and heartbreaking, but it felt completely true to life.
L.
Anyways, I guess things like that that irked me in the beginning were worked out throughout the other two sections in a mostly satisfactory way, but the "me being weird" lingered. I adored the second part, but felt there were some gaps from the other two parts that weren't filled in satisfactorily. In the two parts that are set in the present, notes between the two are frequently referred to as having been going back and forth between them from the early days of their relationship, but in those early days and the months and months after they're never mentioned, which seemed odd to me.
But these are small problems. Hart does such a great job of dealing with complicated relationships and writing super-hot sex scenes, and this has a healthy dose of both. The miscommunication between the two characters was frustrating and heartbreaking, but it felt completely true to life.
L.
February 3, 2015
The third and final part of the story picks up after part one; after being apart for 10 years Mick and Alice have reunited and now Mick is asking for a second change.
In this part we finally figure out their ages; they're in their early 30's (because that was really killing us), so 10 years ago they were in their early 20's, just out of college.
Mick tries to pick things up from where they left off 10 years ago and eventually starts doing the same things that eventually led to the end of their relationship; however, he also tries really hard in his own weird way to show her he really cares. Alice this time around is more guarded around him, which also makes moving forward for them a little difficult. The best part of this book is when Mick's mom tries to tell him that he needs to actually say "I love you" that women aren't mind readers. Her story was really nice and it was so funny how Mick was like completely blanking out as she spoke. Overall, the entire story was really entertaining and you really do hope that the second time around things work out.
Rating 4 out of 5
Read@Book
In this part we finally figure out their ages; they're in their early 30's (because that was really killing us), so 10 years ago they were in their early 20's, just out of college.
Mick tries to pick things up from where they left off 10 years ago and eventually starts doing the same things that eventually led to the end of their relationship; however, he also tries really hard in his own weird way to show her he really cares. Alice this time around is more guarded around him, which also makes moving forward for them a little difficult. The best part of this book is when Mick's mom tries to tell him that he needs to actually say "I love you" that women aren't mind readers. Her story was really nice and it was so funny how Mick was like completely blanking out as she spoke. Overall, the entire story was really entertaining and you really do hope that the second time around things work out.
Rating 4 out of 5
Read@Book
January 19, 2015
PART THREE - Present
This serial begs the question - Can someone really change?
That's exactly what Alice needs to know. After all this time, are her and Mick doomed to repeat their past history or are they meant to be together? They've had plenty of time, ten years to be exact, to think about the mistakes they both made. Not to mention, undeniable passion. But it might not be enough. She's agreed to give him a second chance, but Mick is going to have to prove that he's changed.
"It's either going to be the greatest love story ever told, or the greatest tragedy."
As usual, Megan Hart brought a story that pulled me in right from the beginning and left me anxious to know if they could ultimately make things work. I love how the order of the story was switched up. It only made the story that much more interesting. I highly recommend this serial.
4/5 Fangs
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It
*Complimentary copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
This serial begs the question - Can someone really change?
That's exactly what Alice needs to know. After all this time, are her and Mick doomed to repeat their past history or are they meant to be together? They've had plenty of time, ten years to be exact, to think about the mistakes they both made. Not to mention, undeniable passion. But it might not be enough. She's agreed to give him a second chance, but Mick is going to have to prove that he's changed.
"It's either going to be the greatest love story ever told, or the greatest tragedy."
As usual, Megan Hart brought a story that pulled me in right from the beginning and left me anxious to know if they could ultimately make things work. I love how the order of the story was switched up. It only made the story that much more interesting. I highly recommend this serial.
4/5 Fangs
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It
*Complimentary copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
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