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Intertwined Souls #5
No Good Deed
Eva and Zoe Lambros return to Australia from their journey to Greece and Germany with a renewed purpose and a yearning for children. Their desires for an uneventful family life are short lived.
Their plans unravel when Eva is involved in a life-threatening accident that reveals misguided good intentions of the past have shocking repercussions in the present.
Zoe is overjoyed to learn that their wish for children will finally be realized when she finds out she's pregnant but she has to contend with the possibility of losing the woman she loves.
With Eva's paranormal abilities now more pronounced, can Eva control her gifts or will they result in more damage to an already fragile mind?
Eva and Zoe's lives could never been described as uneventful but faced with yet another life changing course, can they continue to take it in their strides and accept what fate has given them?
Truly, No Good Deed goes unpunished.
Their plans unravel when Eva is involved in a life-threatening accident that reveals misguided good intentions of the past have shocking repercussions in the present.
Zoe is overjoyed to learn that their wish for children will finally be realized when she finds out she's pregnant but she has to contend with the possibility of losing the woman she loves.
With Eva's paranormal abilities now more pronounced, can Eva control her gifts or will they result in more damage to an already fragile mind?
Eva and Zoe's lives could never been described as uneventful but faced with yet another life changing course, can they continue to take it in their strides and accept what fate has given them?
Truly, No Good Deed goes unpunished.
503 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 10, 2015
95 people are currently reading
326 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
November 14, 2017
Some of the religious stuff I could have done without, but as a whole it's still a great book. By the end of this book 10 years have past (ish) since their meeting each other in '42. And in this one, once again the family gets bigger. Gotta love em. Sigh. Only one book left. Sniff.
December 1, 2019
This book continues the story of Eva and Zoe, who now live in Sydney, Australia in the early 1950s and are each in sham marriages so that they can have children without the stigma of being unwed mothers. The book is long and has two main plot lines: Eva and Zoe's efforts to have children, which results in Zoe's pregnancy and Eva's sympathetic pregnancy; and more unraveling of the story behind Eva's supernatural powers. Both are interesting and for the most part well written stories.
At 461 pages, the book is perhaps longer than it needed to be. At times, Zoe drove me a bit nuts with her aggressive questions and accusations. And there is one issue that comes up between the couple that could have been easily resolved by a conversation.
But all in all, it was good to visit again with these characters and I intend at some point to finish the series with book 6.
At 461 pages, the book is perhaps longer than it needed to be. At times, Zoe drove me a bit nuts with her aggressive questions and accusations. And there is one issue that comes up between the couple that could have been easily resolved by a conversation.
But all in all, it was good to visit again with these characters and I intend at some point to finish the series with book 6.
March 7, 2020
😊
It's quite a religious book really. Based in Australia in the 50s. We keep hearing about what happened before, Eva in an institution to be cured for example. Cured of what? Eva is a lesbian. Eva also has paranormal abilities that got blocked as a child that are now starting to break through. She has visions. Intent on having a family with her wife Zoe their dream finally comes true in the form of Zoe bearing triplets. And to the inevitable happy ending?
This is the fifth book in the series but the first I've read. The writing style took a wee bit getting used to but I enjoyed The book and it closed well. The characters seemed a bit naive but I guess in the 50s and having to deal with post-war and the ideals that homosexuality was an illness explains that a bit. Good story with paranormal events.
It's quite a religious book really. Based in Australia in the 50s. We keep hearing about what happened before, Eva in an institution to be cured for example. Cured of what? Eva is a lesbian. Eva also has paranormal abilities that got blocked as a child that are now starting to break through. She has visions. Intent on having a family with her wife Zoe their dream finally comes true in the form of Zoe bearing triplets. And to the inevitable happy ending?
This is the fifth book in the series but the first I've read. The writing style took a wee bit getting used to but I enjoyed The book and it closed well. The characters seemed a bit naive but I guess in the 50s and having to deal with post-war and the ideals that homosexuality was an illness explains that a bit. Good story with paranormal events.
November 5, 2018
Still going strong
I think this particular book in the series had me on the edge of my seat, more than any of the previous books. There was sooo much going on and new revelations back to back. I can't wait to see where Mary goes with the next book!
I think this particular book in the series had me on the edge of my seat, more than any of the previous books. There was sooo much going on and new revelations back to back. I can't wait to see where Mary goes with the next book!
February 16, 2020
I haven't read the previous books in this series, but this one had enough information that I wasn't confused. Could have done without all the religious stuff, but overall enjoyed the story. I'd read the sequel.
May 26, 2020
Less religion
This book gained back a star, the scaled back on the religion but it’s still there. I personally don’t think it adds anything to the story line and the books would be better without it. Still a good read.
This book gained back a star, the scaled back on the religion but it’s still there. I personally don’t think it adds anything to the story line and the books would be better without it. Still a good read.
October 14, 2017
No Good Deed
The lives of Zoe and Eva continues in book 5 of the series in the time frame of the 50's. The family expands and the love deepens. A great book.
The lives of Zoe and Eva continues in book 5 of the series in the time frame of the 50's. The family expands and the love deepens. A great book.
May 23, 2018
Intertwined Souls
I love this series. It kept me wanting more. Couldn’t put the book down. I don’t generally like love stories, this one is an exception.
I love this series. It kept me wanting more. Couldn’t put the book down. I don’t generally like love stories, this one is an exception.
Want to read
May 8, 2019Free on Amazon 8th May 2019
July 19, 2019
Good read.
Like the historical setting and WW2 references that seem to be based
in reality. The European settings are
well written.
Like the historical setting and WW2 references that seem to be based
in reality. The European settings are
well written.
Read
January 7, 2026Great book. Follows progress of Eva and Zoe.
July 11, 2015
Divine Quest – A review of the novel ‘No Good Deed’
“Love is a wild fire that cannot be contained by any mere element known to man.” - Cristina Marrero
Author Mary D. Brook’s novel ‘No Good Deed’ is a historical fictional tale about two women. The year’s 1951, Eva & Zoe are two star-crossed lovers who have suffered through the war and are now heading back to Australia to settle down and start a family. But life’s never that simple and a couple of life-altering events threaten to derail their future. And Eva’s paranormal powers and its revelation brings forth secrets & characters from her past that puts an even bigger strain on her love life. But the power of love and family is such that it can overcome even the harshest of challenges life throws its way.
There’s great chutzpah in the writing, especially in the novel’s dialogues. It’s a good wordy novel and a lot of the action takes place and is conveyed through finely written dialogue pieces. The characters are always mouthing clever and smart lines in accordance with their personalities established early on in the book. The novel will sometimes remind you of a movie script with the way each scene has been conceptualized, written and edited to form this seamless narrative that’s sure to keep your interest level at a constant. Since it’s set in the 1950’s a lot of detailing has gone into making the story believable and authentic. This is especially so because being gay and being a gay couple amidst a sea of judgmental heterosexuals would have been harder to pass off in that era compared to today’s times.
The lead characters in the book come across as both real and life-like and you imagine them existing outside the confines of the book’s narrative as well. The author also deserves praise for her effervescent way of dealing with religion and religious beliefs in the story. She busts many stereotypes along the way and presents various integers in a manner both theists and atheists alike will find acceptable.
There’s a bit of back and forth and tidbits in the narrative pertaining to events already taken place in the character’s past; for a new reader though all this information might leave them a bit aloof. But if you are willing to overlook a few minor missteps like these, this book can be read as a standalone new novel too. That being said, the ingenuity in the plot line and a couple of memorable characters are more than enough reasons to check out the other books in the series as well.
End of the day classifying it as just a good lesbian love story would be doing it a big injustice; it’s a great love story, period.
“Love is a wild fire that cannot be contained by any mere element known to man.” - Cristina Marrero
Author Mary D. Brook’s novel ‘No Good Deed’ is a historical fictional tale about two women. The year’s 1951, Eva & Zoe are two star-crossed lovers who have suffered through the war and are now heading back to Australia to settle down and start a family. But life’s never that simple and a couple of life-altering events threaten to derail their future. And Eva’s paranormal powers and its revelation brings forth secrets & characters from her past that puts an even bigger strain on her love life. But the power of love and family is such that it can overcome even the harshest of challenges life throws its way.
There’s great chutzpah in the writing, especially in the novel’s dialogues. It’s a good wordy novel and a lot of the action takes place and is conveyed through finely written dialogue pieces. The characters are always mouthing clever and smart lines in accordance with their personalities established early on in the book. The novel will sometimes remind you of a movie script with the way each scene has been conceptualized, written and edited to form this seamless narrative that’s sure to keep your interest level at a constant. Since it’s set in the 1950’s a lot of detailing has gone into making the story believable and authentic. This is especially so because being gay and being a gay couple amidst a sea of judgmental heterosexuals would have been harder to pass off in that era compared to today’s times.
The lead characters in the book come across as both real and life-like and you imagine them existing outside the confines of the book’s narrative as well. The author also deserves praise for her effervescent way of dealing with religion and religious beliefs in the story. She busts many stereotypes along the way and presents various integers in a manner both theists and atheists alike will find acceptable.
There’s a bit of back and forth and tidbits in the narrative pertaining to events already taken place in the character’s past; for a new reader though all this information might leave them a bit aloof. But if you are willing to overlook a few minor missteps like these, this book can be read as a standalone new novel too. That being said, the ingenuity in the plot line and a couple of memorable characters are more than enough reasons to check out the other books in the series as well.
End of the day classifying it as just a good lesbian love story would be doing it a big injustice; it’s a great love story, period.
February 3, 2015
This is the 5th book written in the Intertwined Soul Series by Mary D. Brooks. This book backdrops 1950s Australia and follows the lives of two women who are absolutely devoted to one another. Through the course of the series we follow Eva and Zoe as their love grows and deepens.
No Good Deed picks up where Awakenings left off. Eva and Zoe are back in Australia coming to terms with everything they learned while in Greece and Germany. You will learn more about the gifts Eva was told she has always possessed, but never knew. Just when it seems like life may start finally slowing down for our 2 favorite girls, the past has a way of coming up and biting them square in rear. But it's not only the past that can come up and bite you, the present has a way of creeping up as well. The connection between Eva and Zoe has always been a deep one, but you will find out just how truly deep this connection goes.
NGD will introduce some old and some new characters. You will see Zoe stand up and face her worst imaginable fear. You will also see Eva and Zoe as they get one of the greatest gifts this world has to offer. You will go through a whirlwind of emotions when reading this book. You will find yourself reaching for the tissues one minute because you are crying to reaching for them the next minute because you are laughing uncontrollably.
The books in the Intertwined Souls Series are deeply connected, but they are able to stand on their own. If you come across this book, I implore you to start from the beginning. Read about Eva and Zoe's past before you delve into their future. Mary D is an amazing author with a beautiful and talented mind. She has the uncanny ability to put you in the moment as if you are right there with the characters. The first four books in the series are all great on their own. But this is, so far, my favorite book of all.
No Good Deed picks up where Awakenings left off. Eva and Zoe are back in Australia coming to terms with everything they learned while in Greece and Germany. You will learn more about the gifts Eva was told she has always possessed, but never knew. Just when it seems like life may start finally slowing down for our 2 favorite girls, the past has a way of coming up and biting them square in rear. But it's not only the past that can come up and bite you, the present has a way of creeping up as well. The connection between Eva and Zoe has always been a deep one, but you will find out just how truly deep this connection goes.
NGD will introduce some old and some new characters. You will see Zoe stand up and face her worst imaginable fear. You will also see Eva and Zoe as they get one of the greatest gifts this world has to offer. You will go through a whirlwind of emotions when reading this book. You will find yourself reaching for the tissues one minute because you are crying to reaching for them the next minute because you are laughing uncontrollably.
The books in the Intertwined Souls Series are deeply connected, but they are able to stand on their own. If you come across this book, I implore you to start from the beginning. Read about Eva and Zoe's past before you delve into their future. Mary D is an amazing author with a beautiful and talented mind. She has the uncanny ability to put you in the moment as if you are right there with the characters. The first four books in the series are all great on their own. But this is, so far, my favorite book of all.
February 3, 2015
I’ve been following this series for a while now, and really enjoyed the ‘travel’ backdrop to Eva and Zoe’s romance. I was intrigued by the prospect of them settling down in this book, and how that might affect their relationship. On top of this big change, some serious, life-changing events happen for both women. Eva’s family has secrets, and that complicates their lives even further.
The story alternates being told from the perspective of both women, so by the end you really feel like you know each of them. Aside from that, it is also an interesting look inside a rare but genuine relationship in the early 1950s, so different from how it is today. Zoe and Eva are tying to have children in the story, and have to go about it in a much different way than gay and lesbian couples are accustomed to today. It brings up feelings of comfort and jealousy in their relationship. I found this to be very raw and an intriguing insight into the complexities of same-sex relationships when the couple wants to have children. The accident also comes into play in an interesting way that could affect their lover forever. Seemingly every possible complication threatened their relationship right when it needed to be the strongest. That’s why making it to the last chapter was so worthwhile for the reader.
What’s nice about this series is that each book is really fleshed out and stands alone, instead of being a chunk of the same story arch, like most KDP books. know this genre of story is usually for a very specific audience, but I have to say that I’ve enjoyed it even though I’m not one of them. It’s a story about love, family, and hard decisions, and I think anyone can get something out of it.
February 23, 2016
Whew. That was intense.
The novel started with a sort of recap of where Awakenings left off. I liked how it was done, it was subtle and fit with the rest of the book, although all that said it still took me a little bit to get back into the flow of Eva and Zoe's (and their rapidly expanding friends and family). But it wasn't too long before I got thoroughly sucked into the story.
It was quite the ride. It started pretty calmly, but it wasn't long before Eva was hurt, and that started one big part of the story. At the same time Zoe has quite a story of her own to go through too.
There was lots more Stella and Tessa which was cool. Earl had a little bit of a story line too which was a cute one. And we got to know Tommy and Theo more too.
I really liked the novel. If not for things like sleeping, eating, and working I probably would have read it in one sitting. It was an all around awesome book from the drama to the humor to the compassion.
The novel started with a sort of recap of where Awakenings left off. I liked how it was done, it was subtle and fit with the rest of the book, although all that said it still took me a little bit to get back into the flow of Eva and Zoe's (and their rapidly expanding friends and family). But it wasn't too long before I got thoroughly sucked into the story.
It was quite the ride. It started pretty calmly, but it wasn't long before Eva was hurt, and that started one big part of the story. At the same time Zoe has quite a story of her own to go through too.
There was lots more Stella and Tessa which was cool. Earl had a little bit of a story line too which was a cute one. And we got to know Tommy and Theo more too.
I really liked the novel. If not for things like sleeping, eating, and working I probably would have read it in one sitting. It was an all around awesome book from the drama to the humor to the compassion.
February 27, 2017
First of all I should say that I love this series, especially the first three books. However, this book has gone in a direction I am not quite as happy with. The paranormal aspect of the stories has increased during the series, which is fine, but during this book it has turned into a bit of a religious fantasy.
I have really enjoyed reading about Zoe and Eva’s struggles and triumphs and even though I’m not so keen on the biblical side of the series, I will read the next book as soon as it is available.
I have really enjoyed reading about Zoe and Eva’s struggles and triumphs and even though I’m not so keen on the biblical side of the series, I will read the next book as soon as it is available.
July 27, 2015
Can't wait to see where the next book is headed
This series may have started off as a historical romance, but has subtlety changed gears which I think is great. This volume did an especially nice job of dealing with quite a few characters-both old and new. Looking forward to Book 6!
This series may have started off as a historical romance, but has subtlety changed gears which I think is great. This volume did an especially nice job of dealing with quite a few characters-both old and new. Looking forward to Book 6!
July 2, 2015
I like this series and the writing. As I also like fantasy/sci-fi, I like the direction this series is heading. This series just draws you in and you become addicted! It is also interesting to read about how people were treated. I highly recommend this series!
January 3, 2016
This was an OK book. I liked seeing postwar Australia and some LGBT romances therein, and the whole religious/supernatural thing was interesting, but the writing felt very abrupt and awkward, so I couldn't ever quite get into it.
February 16, 2016
Another winner
Book 5 was a wonderful continuation of the first 4 books. I am hooked on Eva and Zoe. I can't wait for book 6!
Book 5 was a wonderful continuation of the first 4 books. I am hooked on Eva and Zoe. I can't wait for book 6!
January 30, 2017
Excellent
All the themes I like, well done! Lesbian love, magic, kindness and a prophecy. Well drawn characters and believable plot arc for an urban paranormal story.
All the themes I like, well done! Lesbian love, magic, kindness and a prophecy. Well drawn characters and believable plot arc for an urban paranormal story.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews