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Fighting For Love #4
Fighting History
Two years ago, Maggie Branson walked in on her boyfriend having sex with another woman. Maggie dumped him on the spot and never looked back; she had no intention of ever laying eyes on his cheating ass again. But now she has no choice and needs to accept a commission from him. She decides to do the damn work, collect her sky-high fee, and get away from him, as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, he seems to have other ideas…
Two years ago, Joe Carlisle was an arrogant, womanizing dickhead - and now he knows it. When Maggie finally agrees to do the sculptures for his new restaurant, he sees this as a second chance with the woman that he shouldn’t have let get away, as an opportunity to show her that he’s changed. Unfortunately, she has no interest whatsoever in offering him anything… least of all a shot at redemption.
When tragedy comes in to Maggie’s life, it’s Joe who’s there to hold her hand and pull her through the darkness. But is that enough for her to forgive all the history between them? Should she try again with Joe; could she try again with Joe? Or are some things just not possible to forgive, or forget?
Two years ago, Joe Carlisle was an arrogant, womanizing dickhead - and now he knows it. When Maggie finally agrees to do the sculptures for his new restaurant, he sees this as a second chance with the woman that he shouldn’t have let get away, as an opportunity to show her that he’s changed. Unfortunately, she has no interest whatsoever in offering him anything… least of all a shot at redemption.
When tragedy comes in to Maggie’s life, it’s Joe who’s there to hold her hand and pull her through the darkness. But is that enough for her to forgive all the history between them? Should she try again with Joe; could she try again with Joe? Or are some things just not possible to forgive, or forget?
171 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 12, 2014
144 people are currently reading
240 people want to read
About the author
Marysol James
36 books252 followersMarysol James was raised in a small town in Canada and is still a small-town girl at heart. She's a cancer survivor, cinnamon bun lover, and hardcore caffeine addict.
Marysol crosses genres in her writing, happily and enthusiastically. To date, she's published 30 steamy, sexy, slinky Contemporary Erotic Romances spread over five different series, including the Amazon and iBooks best selling 'Unseen Enemy', 'Dangerous Curves', and 'Road Devils MC' series. Her books incorporate action and adventure, suspense, military elements, and some surprising plot twists and turns.
Besides her romances, Marysol also writes crisp, clever, Contemporary Literature. It can be dark and provocative at times, and magical realism features heavily in her books. She loves moving between the worlds of magical realism and glorious romance, and she's grateful every day to be able to do both.
If you'd like to stay on top of her news, please visit her official author's website at www.marysoljames.com
Marysol crosses genres in her writing, happily and enthusiastically. To date, she's published 30 steamy, sexy, slinky Contemporary Erotic Romances spread over five different series, including the Amazon and iBooks best selling 'Unseen Enemy', 'Dangerous Curves', and 'Road Devils MC' series. Her books incorporate action and adventure, suspense, military elements, and some surprising plot twists and turns.
Besides her romances, Marysol also writes crisp, clever, Contemporary Literature. It can be dark and provocative at times, and magical realism features heavily in her books. She loves moving between the worlds of magical realism and glorious romance, and she's grateful every day to be able to do both.
If you'd like to stay on top of her news, please visit her official author's website at www.marysoljames.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
December 17, 2014
As with any reader each review is their own personal interpretation on how they view any work they have read & as such should not be taken as gospel.I personally research every book I read before getting them because aside from financial cost there is also a time factor involved which any reader can attest to.That being said I took this book at face value because the blurb excited me.
I was disappointed to say the least.I was aware it was a series & this was book four but the author vaguely vouched I could read it as a standalone if I choose('First, although 'Fighting History' is the fourth book in a series and it would be helpful to know the characters' 'back stories', you can read this book as a stand-alone piece of writing.)which I should warn you is not the case.
Maybe other readers more familiar with this author would not have been surprised but I was because the blurb only spotlighted a single couple in this story & I was given drama involving 4 separate couples in a 155 page book which is kind of an over achievement.And the book was almost divided evenly between them.
Maybe that's why I disliked the principle male in this book because I was given so little 'airtime' to get into his character because I had to wade through 3 other couples side stories.I was not convinced he would not cheat again.Maybe it's deliberate on the author's part because he could be tempted to cheat again in book 7 opening up another whole new story line.
His excuse for cheating was not because he was drunk,a sex addict,had an abused childhood,was hurt by a previous lover,no it was because he could & because she was a doormat.His words!
The rest are my words.You can take them at face value or gospel
I was disappointed to say the least.I was aware it was a series & this was book four but the author vaguely vouched I could read it as a standalone if I choose('First, although 'Fighting History' is the fourth book in a series and it would be helpful to know the characters' 'back stories', you can read this book as a stand-alone piece of writing.)which I should warn you is not the case.
Maybe other readers more familiar with this author would not have been surprised but I was because the blurb only spotlighted a single couple in this story & I was given drama involving 4 separate couples in a 155 page book which is kind of an over achievement.And the book was almost divided evenly between them.
Maybe that's why I disliked the principle male in this book because I was given so little 'airtime' to get into his character because I had to wade through 3 other couples side stories.I was not convinced he would not cheat again.Maybe it's deliberate on the author's part because he could be tempted to cheat again in book 7 opening up another whole new story line.
His excuse for cheating was not because he was drunk,a sex addict,had an abused childhood,was hurt by a previous lover,no it was because he could & because she was a doormat.His words!
The rest are my words.You can take them at face value or gospel
July 13, 2017
Read this sometime ago, thought it was crap due to the totally douchebag H. Read again to see if perhaps i missed something but nope - still as bad as i thought. No hero here. So Zhero cheated multiple times on the h, stood her up, late always, basically treated her like crap and he asked her why she allowed this - her response? because she loved him!!! what? really? what did he do to make her love him! he lied, cheated, treated her like f**cking crap! So second time around - she finally asked why he treated her like crap, cheated on her, she caught him directly in the act people -with waitress on top of him! They laughed at her together! This wonderful specimen of manhood and all that is good - not! responded that "he did it because he could"! what??? but... she loved then, love him again and HEA--cause he will never ever do it again, he is changed... months after she left and endless one night stands later, he became changed not after he laughed at her for her stupid love (along with skank of the momen) but much much later only because his grandfather died and he needed her to comfort him -- get a damn pillow! Save me from tsl doormat "heroines", give me one who would kick him in the balls so it hurts then go find a hunkier hero or at least lots and lots of grovel, lots and lots of angst over losing her, kissing her ass and wherever else needs kissing people! Hated this book with a passion in case it wasnt clear or rather hated the zhero - other characters were good, no complaints with writing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 9, 2020
This could've been way better had the MC's not been so focused on the sexual part of their past relationship (the H kept remembering how great she was in bed and that he missed her)...which seemed weird as the H cheated on her and she caught him during post-orgasm in his bed with a waitress that worked for him!!!! Like we are supposed to see how much he missed having sex with her but yet he had no problem sleeping with other women during and immediately after their relationship! WTF!!! Just no. His explanation made sense for him but made him look liked such an asshole. He cheated bc he could (his words), as she'd been putting up with his bad behavior throughout their relationship and he wanted to see how far he could push it. Still, I wish she'd called him out more on his cheating and strung him along more. I did like that he supported her after her mom's death. I also liked how cold she was initially when they met up again. Also, he was the one that sought her out first, a year after she walks out on him. But way more apologies and addressing the cheating and her being bitter about it would have made this way way better. Also, I didn't care for sex scenes of the other MCs in this book series. Wasted time that should've been spent on this book's MCs. I do believe their HEA, however, as H saw first-hand that h can survive without him (she never made contact with him for 2 years despite his year-long ploy to get in touch with her). Readable but disappointing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 30, 2015
Hmmm, I’m a bit torn with this one – see I don’t like cheating, at all. For me, once a character as cheated I find it almost impossible to forgive. And Joe did a doozy to Maggie – what a total self-absorbed prat he was. I warmed to him as the story evolved, Maggie really made him work for it. So in this case I believed he was truly sorry and regretted what he did and committed himself to her 100%. I love how he was there for her when she needed him most. A sweet story of growth and redemption.
4 stars
4 stars
Read
June 20, 2024I’m not going to rate this because I tried to read it as a standalone and clearly, you’re not supposed to because there are chapters dedicated to the previous leading couples that I cared nothing about. I managed to get through it by skimming over the secondary filler parts, but it didn’t deliver the angsty feels I was hoping for.
The book opens years after the big betrayal, so we skip over any of the heartbreak and angsty parts. Maggie is forced to take a commission from Joe because she needs the money. He’s grownup a lot the past two years (I did think it was a smidge weird that this growing up occurred so quickly and in his 30’s) and what starts as an attempt to make amends quickly grows into feelings.
Bottom Line- The only emotion I felt was I felt the author was convincing in showing us how Joe changed, and I do think the couple will be happy. It just wasn’t an emotional read, and I didn’t really feel any chemistry. I didn’t get the feeling like he was pining away for her; he truly wanted her to do his sculptures because she was talented not because he was trying to get her back into his life. So yeah, he matured and looked fondly back at the relationship, but I don’t think he ever would’ve pursued her, so it didn’t feel super swoony.
The book opens years after the big betrayal, so we skip over any of the heartbreak and angsty parts. Maggie is forced to take a commission from Joe because she needs the money. He’s grownup a lot the past two years (I did think it was a smidge weird that this growing up occurred so quickly and in his 30’s) and what starts as an attempt to make amends quickly grows into feelings.
Bottom Line- The only emotion I felt was I felt the author was convincing in showing us how Joe changed, and I do think the couple will be happy. It just wasn’t an emotional read, and I didn’t really feel any chemistry. I didn’t get the feeling like he was pining away for her; he truly wanted her to do his sculptures because she was talented not because he was trying to get her back into his life. So yeah, he matured and looked fondly back at the relationship, but I don’t think he ever would’ve pursued her, so it didn’t feel super swoony.
January 6, 2016
At least she didn't get beaten up....
So this was the last freebie I got in the Fighting For Love series. Four women and four men. I liked the women in this series even though I thought they put up with a lot more than they deserved. I did not like the men as much, the only one who wasn't a douchebag was Adam.
No character was beaten up in this issue which was nice for a change...even though I thought Joe could do with a kick to his head.
In this story we have a very emotionally vulnerable Maggie who's Mother is going through some issues with her health. She needs to come up with a lot of quick cash to pay for surgery. Enter Joe, the ex-boyfriend who cheated on her with numerous waitresses in his restaurant. He wants to employ her artistic talents for a new restaurant. Maggie is desperate, so she takes the job.
Joe's a changed man. He realised a year after they broke up that the sleeping with multiple women out in the open, instead of behind Maggie's back, had lost its appeal. Yuck!! Sorry Joe no redeeming for you. I couldn't get past it, even with his apologies and support in her time of need.
Lots of the other couples having sex and a little catching up with what is going on in their lives. Some really bad stuff heading for Mia and Nick which will be in the next book.
So this was the last freebie I got in the Fighting For Love series. Four women and four men. I liked the women in this series even though I thought they put up with a lot more than they deserved. I did not like the men as much, the only one who wasn't a douchebag was Adam.
No character was beaten up in this issue which was nice for a change...even though I thought Joe could do with a kick to his head.
In this story we have a very emotionally vulnerable Maggie who's Mother is going through some issues with her health. She needs to come up with a lot of quick cash to pay for surgery. Enter Joe, the ex-boyfriend who cheated on her with numerous waitresses in his restaurant. He wants to employ her artistic talents for a new restaurant. Maggie is desperate, so she takes the job.
Joe's a changed man. He realised a year after they broke up that the sleeping with multiple women out in the open, instead of behind Maggie's back, had lost its appeal. Yuck!! Sorry Joe no redeeming for you. I couldn't get past it, even with his apologies and support in her time of need.
Lots of the other couples having sex and a little catching up with what is going on in their lives. Some really bad stuff heading for Mia and Nick which will be in the next book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 4, 2018
2 "nothing to write home about" stars
Skimmed mostly. Joe & Maggie's story could have been a novella. Story length includes storylines for 3 -4 other couples. Probably in the minority but found this one a little bland. Any angst is due to Maggie's mother dying.
Skimmed mostly. Joe & Maggie's story could have been a novella. Story length includes storylines for 3 -4 other couples. Probably in the minority but found this one a little bland. Any angst is due to Maggie's mother dying.
not-in-this-life-or-the-next
December 21, 2015Not if this were the last book on earth!!!!
January 2, 2015
Too much...and not enough of the good stuff.**spoilers**
So all it takes is him being cut off from daddy's money and in 2 short years he was the man of her dreams? He was a totally horrible boyfriend that they both admit to, he apologizes and she reverts back to the insecure girl who felt awed to be with him? That's just silly. In less than 2 years he went through a complete change? I know that circumstances can do that, but really? Now he is what she needs? This read like she had been waiting the entire time even though the author wanted us to feel like she was angry, strong and confident, for it all to end up being false. Maybe if it was developed more, it would have made sense. But I ended it with feeling like I read about zero growth of an insecure girl. Yes, what she did for her mother was endearing and realistic, even emotional. But when it came to it, instead of leaning on her friends who had always been there she depended on him, less than 24 hours after he confessed that he really didn't care enough to notice their breakup until something life changing happened to him and he needed a friend. I'm sorry, but you aren't his love, the one he will go to the ends of the earth for, you are the person he can count on because no one else puts up with his s***, and that's just depressing. It's also distracting to read about so many characters in such a short story...
So all it takes is him being cut off from daddy's money and in 2 short years he was the man of her dreams? He was a totally horrible boyfriend that they both admit to, he apologizes and she reverts back to the insecure girl who felt awed to be with him? That's just silly. In less than 2 years he went through a complete change? I know that circumstances can do that, but really? Now he is what she needs? This read like she had been waiting the entire time even though the author wanted us to feel like she was angry, strong and confident, for it all to end up being false. Maybe if it was developed more, it would have made sense. But I ended it with feeling like I read about zero growth of an insecure girl. Yes, what she did for her mother was endearing and realistic, even emotional. But when it came to it, instead of leaning on her friends who had always been there she depended on him, less than 24 hours after he confessed that he really didn't care enough to notice their breakup until something life changing happened to him and he needed a friend. I'm sorry, but you aren't his love, the one he will go to the ends of the earth for, you are the person he can count on because no one else puts up with his s***, and that's just depressing. It's also distracting to read about so many characters in such a short story...
February 25, 2021
Maggie and Joe
Okay I thought this was going to be about a couple getting back together after he cheated.
What we got was a book about several couples and then the book just drops of no HEA, you have to read next book in line. Oh and it stops at 90%. Not cool.
Okay I thought this was going to be about a couple getting back together after he cheated.
What we got was a book about several couples and then the book just drops of no HEA, you have to read next book in line. Oh and it stops at 90%. Not cool.
March 8, 2020
Meh. Too much follow up from other storylines, not enough focus on main couple. More of a second Chance than a cheating story.
February 2, 2016
Overall it was a good book, I enjoyed the different characters and plot lines but I didn't really care much for Joe as he cheated on Maggie in the past and she was spineless as he basically said and the only reason he changed was because he no longer had his dad's money.
Maggie was strong when she met him again as she had to because she was working for him but near the end despite the tragedy which had happened she screamed of desperation and I would have liked to have seen her move on instead of pining for him for the last couple of years while he slept his way through girls and he didn't think about her and now because no girl will want him as he has no money he regrets it all but I wonder for how long lol as she seems to be spineless yet again lol and I don't really think it's HEA more like a HFN situation.
Maggie was strong when she met him again as she had to because she was working for him but near the end despite the tragedy which had happened she screamed of desperation and I would have liked to have seen her move on instead of pining for him for the last couple of years while he slept his way through girls and he didn't think about her and now because no girl will want him as he has no money he regrets it all but I wonder for how long lol as she seems to be spineless yet again lol and I don't really think it's HEA more like a HFN situation.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
no-dnf-zzz-avoid
August 30, 2015H cheats on h with multiple women and doesn't regret it for a long time...what was the author thinking??!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 4, 2015
I hate that I have to say this but I hated this book and it was so hard to finish. After reading all the books so far in the series, I find that only two of the characters were likeable…Katie and Adam and Katie was not always likeable. This book was supposed to be about Maggie and her cheating ex boyfriend Joe but I didn’t find focus on them at all and I didn’t understand how she went from hating him up to 52% of the book to doing a whole 360 and deciding he was a ‘great ‘ guy. I also didn’t like how he implied that it was Maggie’s fault he did what he did in the first place. His excuse for cheating….because he could? Yeah really? So it’s her fault? I didn’t see the insta-love with these two. His being there for her after he found out what was up with her mom does not make him a knight in shining armour.
I also didn’t like them bringing Nick and Mia’s story to another level. Nick comes off as a serious douche bag and I liked him in the first book. Now I hate him, I don’t care what ridiculous reason he has for distancing himself from Mia.
I really hope the next series is not as bad as this one. I was won over from the Unseen Enemy series and I thought it was excellent. This series? Not so much.
I also didn’t like them bringing Nick and Mia’s story to another level. Nick comes off as a serious douche bag and I liked him in the first book. Now I hate him, I don’t care what ridiculous reason he has for distancing himself from Mia.
I really hope the next series is not as bad as this one. I was won over from the Unseen Enemy series and I thought it was excellent. This series? Not so much.
January 16, 2016
Too much in too little
2 1/2 stars. *****spoilers ahead****I actually started reading this series a few days ago just so I could get to this book. I really enjoy this author, and since I know she writes quick, entertaining series with characters that usually tie the books together, I wanted to get the full effect. I am usually not a fan of "cheating" books, but I really wanted to see how the author handled this one, since really like her characters. One of my issues was that I felt the storyline was WAY all over the place. I have read other series from this author--I get it--she updates previous couples and what is going on with them in later books, but to me, this book was just way too short to be bouncing around from one couple to the next, and I could not get into the actual main couple's struggle to reunite. She hates him. He is trying to start some kind of relationship with her--even friendship. She is going through a horrible ordeal with her mom (I thought this was written well--actually made me cry). He is there for her, and BAM, they're back together. I didn't mind the progression--I want my couples to get their HEA, but I was missing their connection. In their brief story, he tells her he actually didn't even mind that she left him for months--until his grandfather died. And apparently, she put up with him being a terrible boyfriend for a long time--not because she loved him (which she did), but because she used to be "fat" and he was her "fantasy boyfriend". Then, to top it off, the H find out his grandfather told her that he thinks the H will come back to her after she walked out on him, and his parents always wanted them together. Then, voilà, their a couple. It's just not believable for me to see them as a lasting couple.
Thinking back on it, I think my main issue was my emotions for this book were so all over the place. The h was angry with the h--I could feel it. I also thought the author did a good job making me believe the H grew up since the break up and was not the same kind of man. Throw in the emotional trauma of the h's mother. Then I got this peaceful feeling like everything was ok. It was just too disjointed for me. I really believe this author does a fantastic job tackling hard issues with great characters in her books, and most of the time, I wish her books were longer--but that's the way she writes. I do think this was the first one of hers I really felt the length on the book hindered what she was trying to convey to me.
2 1/2 stars. *****spoilers ahead****I actually started reading this series a few days ago just so I could get to this book. I really enjoy this author, and since I know she writes quick, entertaining series with characters that usually tie the books together, I wanted to get the full effect. I am usually not a fan of "cheating" books, but I really wanted to see how the author handled this one, since really like her characters. One of my issues was that I felt the storyline was WAY all over the place. I have read other series from this author--I get it--she updates previous couples and what is going on with them in later books, but to me, this book was just way too short to be bouncing around from one couple to the next, and I could not get into the actual main couple's struggle to reunite. She hates him. He is trying to start some kind of relationship with her--even friendship. She is going through a horrible ordeal with her mom (I thought this was written well--actually made me cry). He is there for her, and BAM, they're back together. I didn't mind the progression--I want my couples to get their HEA, but I was missing their connection. In their brief story, he tells her he actually didn't even mind that she left him for months--until his grandfather died. And apparently, she put up with him being a terrible boyfriend for a long time--not because she loved him (which she did), but because she used to be "fat" and he was her "fantasy boyfriend". Then, to top it off, the H find out his grandfather told her that he thinks the H will come back to her after she walked out on him, and his parents always wanted them together. Then, voilà, their a couple. It's just not believable for me to see them as a lasting couple.
Thinking back on it, I think my main issue was my emotions for this book were so all over the place. The h was angry with the h--I could feel it. I also thought the author did a good job making me believe the H grew up since the break up and was not the same kind of man. Throw in the emotional trauma of the h's mother. Then I got this peaceful feeling like everything was ok. It was just too disjointed for me. I really believe this author does a fantastic job tackling hard issues with great characters in her books, and most of the time, I wish her books were longer--but that's the way she writes. I do think this was the first one of hers I really felt the length on the book hindered what she was trying to convey to me.
August 27, 2022
3.5 stars
This book was very well written and MJ has a knack for bringing forward fragile emotions with her prose. Not just for the romance parts, but also for all the sad events happening in the h's life and her group of friends. The book read more as a 'slice of life' novel with a dash of romance rather than the other way round. Which is good and bad at the same time.
Good because the quality of the writing felt very realistic and responsible adult like. The medical part and even the art part read like decent research on paper. The way the romance was written, though one might have expected tons of dramatic angst, instead read as a very pragmatic RL situation: a couple that had a false start a few years ago because both of them were too immature with their insecurities (despite being over 30) and they did not invest themselves as they should have. They preferred to bury their heads in the sand and sabotage themselves. Of course, the H, Joe, was most to blame for the ultimate break as he was a major entitled prick two years ago, cheating 'because he could' (his words) almost like testing how far he could push the h, Maggie, before she would dump him. And Maggie, though knowing that he was not acting as the proper caring boyfriend, never gave him any pushback because she was still stunned that he would choose her, the body conscious girl, and did not want to rock the boat. Until the straw broke the camel's back with the in flagrante delicto (and apparently this was not the first time he cheated on Maggie, but the first time he got busted), and Joe had to have the unfortunate moronic on spot reaction of spewing bs to her and nervous laughing, that she misinterpreted as open mockery, instead of actually reaching out to her. His reaction was really dumb, as he freely admits himself, because he was one big rich idiot back then who did not realise what he was losing. To his credit, Joe fully knows he f*cked up royally and that he probably will never get her back. The angst dividing Maggie and Joe was very tangible, again in a realistic way.
But the narration structure style chosen was also bad because there was too much time devoted to the private lives of the h's friends! 24%, that's the amount of book time devoted to them! 24%! That's a lot. There were even explicitly written intimate scenes for the other couples 😓 (before the H/h's scene, which only happened in the last chapter 😑)! Didn't they get their own books? And isn't Book 5 all about tying loose ends for all the couples in their series? To the author's credit, I did not need to read the other 3 books to get into this one. The relationships and past events were clear enough to not get me confused since I jumped straight into Book 4. But still, why so much book time?! The romance between Maggie and Joe almost felt like an afterthought, with them really reconciling only in the last chapters! I am not saying that it was not interesting to read about the world building surrounding the h. It did make the book feel even more realistic. But detracting from the main romance, esp. when a sort of Big Epilogue book is planned as Book 5, feels like I have been cheated on what I have been promised.
About the reconciliation and second chance: I was happy that Maggie saw how much Joe had really changed and now led a sober adult life and hence ultimately came to trust him again with an open heart. And indeed, Joe showed contriteness, patience, gentlemaness and much soberness in wanting to help and support Maggie first before engaging into a romantic relationship again. His regrets, his shame/torment at the hurt in her eyes on that night and his inner monologue on what happened on that fatal night (and even the other cheatings) made sense even if these were not his shining moments. And I really believe that this time, he will never hurt and let go of Maggie. However, as much as I can appreciate the adulting angle, romantic me still needed the words, a verbal and drawn out apology for what he did, said and did not say. The guy never reached out to Maggie when she found him in bed with that OW. No apology. No trying. Two years later, I know he finally explained to her his mindframe after she dumped him, but again he did not actually apologise to her, stating specifically his sins (a 'I'm sorry for everything I did and all the hurt I caused' does not cut it for me). And while from his inner monologue, I as a reader knows about his moronic gut reaction when she stumbled on them, he did not actually, on page, tell Maggie how his brain short circuited at the time so he threw bs at her and what was his laugh reaction about. I know that Maggie is the bigger person here because she is grateful for his genuine and solid support, and she totally trusts him as a result. She has gone over her hurt and forgiven him. But I do believe that for a healthy relationship to have a chance, all those loose ends should have been addressed before they really cleared the slate and restarted afresh. That take is totally on me of course. I get it that YMMV.
Last point, I am not sure how I feel about forgiving everything in the wake of a fresh grieving experience. I know that Joe is sincere and I am sure Maggie is clear headed. But doesn't a small tinge of doubt remain that, had the grieving not happen, they would not have been communicating and moving forward as readily as they did? Grieving Maggie herself said that nothing made sense, had definition around her, unless it was Joe. That's sweet and uplifting for sure, but I do have a niggling doubt that Joe may be a coping mechanism for her - holding to a caring person when a person you cared for is no longer there. Am I too much cynical, lol? Probably 😋. But for what's worth, the book made me believe in their second chance romance. Maybe I will read Book 5 and find my closure there. Even if for now, I am not very eager to read more of 'the gang's' lives 😅.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 22, 2015
Lovved it :)
But oh cant wait for the next one as a so much sadness for one of the other couples from a previous book-
But oh cant wait for the next one as a so much sadness for one of the other couples from a previous book-
August 15, 2022
Joe and Maggie were an item two years ago but the guy was a douchebag and cheated on her repeatedly with all the waitresses of his restaurant "because he could". That was until she found him in their bed with one of them. When she found them, Joe spoke badly to her and laughed at her. She packed up her things and left. He didn't even realise she left until four months later after his grandfather died. What a douchebag.
Now two years later, he needs her to make sculptures for his new restaurant. Maggie does not want to accept but her mother needs a kidney transplant and she needs this commission to pay the medical bills.
Maggie is decided to keep things professional but Joe regrets his behaviour from two years ago because he was "young and a spoiled brat". He realises that he misses her love but he deeply hurt her.
He says he has changed but how can Maggie trust him? As you can imagine, in the end they get back together because she believes that he is not the same anymore.
So the guy was cheating because he could, sex is sex and sex with Maggie was less exciting than sex with a waitress. Okay he regrets it but has he really changed?
He explained his grandfather died and his father cut him off. He had to ask for funds for his new restaurant but that was not so easy and he realised that his reputation as a spoiled brat screwing all his waitresses was not good. What a douchebag!
He asks why she was a doormat at the time and she says because she was heavy in highschool and could not believe a guy so perfect wanted to be with her.
Okay so now the difference is that two years ago he cared for Maggie and now he loves her. Now he is here to support her when things get bad with her mother's transplant but is it enough? Apparently, it is for Maggie.
This book really lacks some depth from my point of view. It was really quick to read and what was really confusing was the romance of three other couples that I don't particularly care.about because I have not read the other books of the serie.
Too bad, I was really expecting more based on the synopsis...
Now two years later, he needs her to make sculptures for his new restaurant. Maggie does not want to accept but her mother needs a kidney transplant and she needs this commission to pay the medical bills.
Maggie is decided to keep things professional but Joe regrets his behaviour from two years ago because he was "young and a spoiled brat". He realises that he misses her love but he deeply hurt her.
He says he has changed but how can Maggie trust him? As you can imagine, in the end they get back together because she believes that he is not the same anymore.
So the guy was cheating because he could, sex is sex and sex with Maggie was less exciting than sex with a waitress. Okay he regrets it but has he really changed?
He explained his grandfather died and his father cut him off. He had to ask for funds for his new restaurant but that was not so easy and he realised that his reputation as a spoiled brat screwing all his waitresses was not good. What a douchebag!
He asks why she was a doormat at the time and she says because she was heavy in highschool and could not believe a guy so perfect wanted to be with her.
Okay so now the difference is that two years ago he cared for Maggie and now he loves her. Now he is here to support her when things get bad with her mother's transplant but is it enough? Apparently, it is for Maggie.
This book really lacks some depth from my point of view. It was really quick to read and what was really confusing was the romance of three other couples that I don't particularly care.about because I have not read the other books of the serie.
Too bad, I was really expecting more based on the synopsis...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 6, 2018
I actually loved it.
The hero was a total douchebag as it comes during their previous relationship. Did I like him? I still did. Because he had changed. Gone is the womaniser, who took her for granted, instead the reader gets to know him as this puppy that longs for his lost love and a second chance at happiness, knowing what he lost. So, he may have been an ass in their first relationship, but throughout the book, it becomes clear that she has the upper hand this time.
That is actually always the most important part for me when reading these second-chance themed novels. The redemption (and the grovelling/regret), and for those, who share the same views as me, there is plenty of that in here. It was short, so you cannot expect much development, but I still had a great time reading it.
So, it had everything I wanted from this kind of novel.Heroine with a backbone and a redeemed hero with lots of regrets throughout the novel, albeit short, and not short of apologies.
By the way, I don't need "better" or fancy reasons for cheating, it is wrong either way, whether it is because of childhood issues or drug addiction or just plain taking for granted, none is better than the other. Cheating is cheating and it is wrong.
The hero was a total douchebag as it comes during their previous relationship. Did I like him? I still did. Because he had changed. Gone is the womaniser, who took her for granted, instead the reader gets to know him as this puppy that longs for his lost love and a second chance at happiness, knowing what he lost. So, he may have been an ass in their first relationship, but throughout the book, it becomes clear that she has the upper hand this time.
That is actually always the most important part for me when reading these second-chance themed novels. The redemption (and the grovelling/regret), and for those, who share the same views as me, there is plenty of that in here. It was short, so you cannot expect much development, but I still had a great time reading it.
So, it had everything I wanted from this kind of novel.Heroine with a backbone and a redeemed hero with lots of regrets throughout the novel, albeit short, and not short of apologies.
By the way, I don't need "better" or fancy reasons for cheating, it is wrong either way, whether it is because of childhood issues or drug addiction or just plain taking for granted, none is better than the other. Cheating is cheating and it is wrong.
November 2, 2023
The H was a horndog restaurateur who liked to sleep with the waitresses at his restaurant. He actually developed a reputation for sleeping with his employees but h didn't know that. His grandfather invested in his restaurant. He is a spoiled trust fund brat. When H and h were dating, his idea of having a girlfriend is that he should be able to sleep around on the side. He wasn't good boyfriend material.
H is caught in bed with a waitress and h just moves her stuff out of his apartment and never speaks to him again. Then 3 months later, his grandfather dies. That's when he realized he doesn't have a girlfriend to lean on, or a shoulder to cry on. All he has are nameless hookups. They can't be "there for him" when he needs someone. This is the catalyst into real manhood. Except, it's still just about him. HE needs a shoulder to cry on. If he had kept h around, she could fulfill his emotional needs. It's all about him.
Four years later, H wants to rekindle things with h, but why should she rekindle with him? What's in it for her? Sex?
Also, the previous couple reappear with more of their own relationship problems. I got more interested in Nick and Mia than the main couple.
H is caught in bed with a waitress and h just moves her stuff out of his apartment and never speaks to him again. Then 3 months later, his grandfather dies. That's when he realized he doesn't have a girlfriend to lean on, or a shoulder to cry on. All he has are nameless hookups. They can't be "there for him" when he needs someone. This is the catalyst into real manhood. Except, it's still just about him. HE needs a shoulder to cry on. If he had kept h around, she could fulfill his emotional needs. It's all about him.
Four years later, H wants to rekindle things with h, but why should she rekindle with him? What's in it for her? Sex?
Also, the previous couple reappear with more of their own relationship problems. I got more interested in Nick and Mia than the main couple.
November 28, 2023
This is one that tells you everything that’s happening rather than showing you! (It’s not my favourite to read)
The H is seeing other women (multiply one night stands) the first time they are together! When the h catches him (in the middle of the cheating act) he fobs her off and laughs! (Not 100% that this would be forgivable) but he doesn’t try very hard! He apparently betters himself over the next few years! But all the emotion and learning to trust him again is skipped and instead we get a lot of “two weeks later”
One of my biggest problems is when the h is asked if they are exclusive?? She responds with a definite yes! But she thought they were originally exclusive, so I was surprised by how easy it was for her to trust this fella again!!
Not really a re-read!
The H is seeing other women (multiply one night stands) the first time they are together! When the h catches him (in the middle of the cheating act) he fobs her off and laughs! (Not 100% that this would be forgivable) but he doesn’t try very hard! He apparently betters himself over the next few years! But all the emotion and learning to trust him again is skipped and instead we get a lot of “two weeks later”
One of my biggest problems is when the h is asked if they are exclusive?? She responds with a definite yes! But she thought they were originally exclusive, so I was surprised by how easy it was for her to trust this fella again!!
Not really a re-read!
July 26, 2020
Second Chance
I liked this story, the dynamics of all the friends and couples. They are always there for each other through everything life has to throw at them.
This is Maggie's and Jo's story and what a complicated relationship they had. After everything that No had done and put her through. I would have not been so generous with forgiveness or anything else. I with the story was more on them and less on their friends. But I really enjoyed it!
The hospital scene gutted me went through that with my mom, could relate. Very well written scene and made me love Maggie's strength all the more...
I liked this story, the dynamics of all the friends and couples. They are always there for each other through everything life has to throw at them.
This is Maggie's and Jo's story and what a complicated relationship they had. After everything that No had done and put her through. I would have not been so generous with forgiveness or anything else. I with the story was more on them and less on their friends. But I really enjoyed it!
The hospital scene gutted me went through that with my mom, could relate. Very well written scene and made me love Maggie's strength all the more...
November 28, 2023
There were several different stories with several different characters going on in a book under 200 pgs. This was supposed to be about Maggie and her cheating ex. I guess he's reformed, cuz he says so. Poor Maggie, all her friends are getting laid (which we read about) but she has to wait til the end. Which is as it should be because she doesn't need to be jumping right in, but the author uses a death of someone close to Maggie to make it ok for her to lean on the reformed cheater. Instead of all the other storylines & secondary characters having sex, I would rather have seen the work Joe did to earn Maggie back. This just felt lazy.
May 14, 2022
Not much angst in the present story. The book was about the H trying to get another chance with the heroine. She goes through some personal tragedy.
The H was believable. The past drama with his cheating wasn’t much developed but what was told was pretty bad. The story was rather short.
There was too many side stories with other couples that I wasn’t specially invested in as I hadn’t read previous books.
The H was believable. The past drama with his cheating wasn’t much developed but what was told was pretty bad. The story was rather short.
There was too many side stories with other couples that I wasn’t specially invested in as I hadn’t read previous books.
December 10, 2023
So much heart
So this (book four) is the first book I’ve read in this series. It’s possible to do as a standalone but I plan to read the others to see what I’ve missed now. I loved reading about a supportive group of women and their lives. This is more of a love in the midst of everyday than a suspend reality story. Wonderful read, off to check out the rest.
So this (book four) is the first book I’ve read in this series. It’s possible to do as a standalone but I plan to read the others to see what I’ve missed now. I loved reading about a supportive group of women and their lives. This is more of a love in the midst of everyday than a suspend reality story. Wonderful read, off to check out the rest.
March 4, 2020
H is a bum at first, but redeems himself well by the end. The most moving part was the h dealing with her mother's death. I have not read anything else in the series but it seemed easy enough to get the feel for the other 3 couples.
March 15, 2020
Curves
Joe and Maggie started in a relationship I could identify with. I’ve let “boyfriends” run over me thinking I was just happy to be in a relationship. Through many trials they come out on the other side.
Joe and Maggie started in a relationship I could identify with. I’ve let “boyfriends” run over me thinking I was just happy to be in a relationship. Through many trials they come out on the other side.
October 1, 2020
Sweet.
Loved the way Marysole gave us a book about Joe and Maggie but with that we got Re-enacts and Mitch, Adam and Katie, Mia and Nick. It was a book about love life and all we have to deal with. Great love stories. Can’t wait for the next book.
Loved the way Marysole gave us a book about Joe and Maggie but with that we got Re-enacts and Mitch, Adam and Katie, Mia and Nick. It was a book about love life and all we have to deal with. Great love stories. Can’t wait for the next book.
February 20, 2023
I liked the writing, I liked Maggie, I even liked Joe. But I just didn't trust in their HEA. Yeah he grovelled, but we didn't get to actually see why he changed so much on the page, and that left me feeling like maybe it was just a phase. The real asshole Joe will come out again later.
March 19, 2020
Was okay. She is way too forgiving, could almost say blase.
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