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The Vault #1
A Day Makes
Mob enforcer Ceaton Mercer has killed a lot of people in a lot of different ways—he stashed the last two bodies in a toolshed belonging to a sweetheart marine researcher in an idyllic island community—but he’s really not such a bad guy. Over time he’s found a home of sorts, and he even learns he’s found a place in the hearts of the people he works with… at least enough so that they won’t put a bullet in his head because he’s outlived his usefulness to the boss.
But he never thought he’d find one day could change his life, and he’s about to discover how wrong he is.
Because in a single day, he meets the man who looks to be the one, the love of his life. It’s an improbable idea—a man who deals in death finding love—but it’s like it’s meant to be. That single day gets weirder and troubles pile up, forcing Ceaton to take a hard look at his dreary life and accept that one day can change everything, especially himself. His future might be brighter than he expects—if he can stay alive long enough to find out.
But he never thought he’d find one day could change his life, and he’s about to discover how wrong he is.
Because in a single day, he meets the man who looks to be the one, the love of his life. It’s an improbable idea—a man who deals in death finding love—but it’s like it’s meant to be. That single day gets weirder and troubles pile up, forcing Ceaton to take a hard look at his dreary life and accept that one day can change everything, especially himself. His future might be brighter than he expects—if he can stay alive long enough to find out.
200 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 19, 2017
182 people are currently reading
906 people want to read
About the author
Mary Calmes
130 books5,025 followersMary Calmes believes in romance, happily ever afters, and the faith it takes for her characters to get there. She bleeds coffee, thinks chocolate should be its own food group, and currently lives in Kentucky with a six-pound furry ninja that protects her from baby birds, spiders and the neighbor’s dogs. To stay up to date on her ponderings and pandemonium (as well as the adventures of the ninja) follow her on Twitter @MaryCalmes, connect with her on Facebook, and subscribe to her Mary’s Mob newsletter.
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April 21, 2017
Episode XIII: Return of the Crack
Long, long ago in a galaxy far, far away... Okay, a couple of weeks ago in houses on opposite coasts of the US, but who's counting? Anyways, Red and I are back for another episode of Crack Time With Calmes (damn, we're chatty!) and let me tell you... the crack was strong in this one. We got our fix and are jonesing for more. Check it out!
Oh the crack is strong in this one! Mary brought her A game, she’s here to conquer and she ain’t taking no prisoners. I loved this. No, that’s not right. I freaking adored this little story that popped up out of nowhere. So much crack! You’ve got your peacoats and your eyebrow waggles, your guns and violence, your over-the-top storyline and the longest flashback to ever flash, er… back. Mary went Old School on us I’m thinking Mary had me in mind when she wrote this. That could be a thing, right?
JL: This is so completely OTT and I love it! Leave it to Mary to make the bad guys so adorable.
Red: Kissing was a lost art with me; I had no interest, it took so much time. Fucking was about fast and dirty and hot and done.
Oh he needs someone to prove him so wrong SO MANY TIMES!~
JL: That's about where I stopped. I'll pick it back up as soon as I get home. About an hour
Red: I am stopping soon and hate that I even have to but I get to close early today so I am outta here!
BUT OMG! THIS IS SO FUCKING GOOD! I JUST WANT TO HUG THE CARP OUTTA MARY CALMES FOR THIS!!!!!
JL: Shit! *races to catch up*
Red: Take your time. I won't be able to read again until like 9 or 10pm my time tonight. BUT IT WILL KILL ME! LOL
JL: Starting chapter 5! Do I get to meet the love interstate now? [gotta love that autocorrect!]
Sara: Ummm... Maybe??? Be ready for serious crack... That's all I'm saying. It's more amazing, the second half is 10x better if that's believable. OMG. It's amazing.
JL: I spy with my little eye... a peacoat!
Red: I love that she puts them in there no matter what. Ack! I just love her to pieces. This book is crazy good
JL: There's tons of eyebrow waggles too. I'm such a sucker for the eyebrow waggle.
Red: I KNOW! When Ceaton meets his match be prepared to just grin and melt. It's amazing. Have I said that yet? My review is going to be me cheering and spelling Amazing. Gimme an A!!!!! LOL
While I love all the crazy that Mary put in this story, my favorite part was when we finally got to meet the love interest. Oh, he was just the most delectable surprise! The whole point of this book is what a difference a day can make in your life and, yes, you can fall in love at first sight. There is such a thing as insta-love. I’m living proof of that. My husband of 21 years and I moved in together the day we met.
Ceaton is blindsided by this at first unassuming person. Never in his life did he expect to fall head over heels for someone after knowing them for less than ten minutes. There’s no way anyone could keep his interest for longer than a one-off. He’s just not the type of guy who would ever settle down or put anyone else before himself.
Until now. Until this. Until him.
And this guy? The one who steamrolled his way into Ceaton’s life and his heart? Well, let’s just say I’ve sewn a new pocket up on the tippy-top just for him.
“I know the best place to feed you and get you liquored up so we can come home and I can take advantage of you.”
He’s gonna have his man no matter what it takes. He’s not going to let a little thing like murder get in the way of his future.
“If I can keep you, I’m set, so I’m going to do my damndest to make that happen because I’m a good person and I deserve you.”
JL: For whatever reason, the man had me good and bespelled.
EEEEEEEEEEEE!
Red: [SPOILER] is pocket worthy AF!!!!!!!!
JL: “you and I need to make with the dating already.”
I. Love. [WHATSISNAME]. So. Fucking. Much.
Red: Pock-et. Worth-yyyyyyy!!!
He's adorable. Just wait. It gets better.
Red: I finished btw. I couldn't help it. It was so good and I want more.
JL: I'm gonna do my best to finish tonight. I'm just now leaving work. End of month is crazy!
JL: OMG, I just want to eat [NOT GOING TO SPOILER WHO IS THE LOVE INTEREST] up! I think I've highlighted everything he's said in chapter 5!
Red: Pocket worthy he is. I adore him. He's the best kept secret ever!!!!
JL: He is soooo pocket worthy! I love that he was kept a secret too. I'll be sure to redact his name from our chat when I post it so it will be a delightful surprise to them as well
Red: Yeah. Everyone should meet him when Ceaton does.
JL: [SPOILER SOOPER SEKRET LOVE INTEREST] telling Ceaton that he's so amazing he should have his own theme music. I agree!
JL: I wanted his brand of crazy in my life.
Yessssss!
And fellow Calmes crack whores, get ready to have your mind blown at the end. Mary put the BIGGEST plot twist ever in the history of forever in this book. I was freaking stunned! You’re not gonna believe what she has in store for you. I was so amazed by the twist that I wanted to run in circles and shout from the rooftops, professing my love and adoration of The Goddess of Crack.
JL: Wait. Hold on just a doggone minute here…[HUGE SURPRISE AND SPOILING SPOILERY SPOILER!]
JL: Mind blown. Just fucking exploded. Holy shit!
Red: Okay... I was waiting for you to get to that part because I was all... Um... [SPOILER SPOILING AND BOILING!!!] And WTF? And how cool.
JL: [SPOILING THE SPOILING SO YOU HAVE TO READ TO KNOW THE SPOILS YOU’RE NOT BEING SPOILED]
I'll say it again... HOLY SHIT!
Red: Right? How long has she had that move planned??? She is so fucking cool.
JL: She's brilliant is what she is! I'll have to do some research but I know for a fact [SPOILERS NOT BEING LEFT OUT TO GET SPOILED AND STINKY!]
JL: And in [NOT GONNA TELL YA]. And mentioned in the [YOU’LL SPOIL YOUR DINNER!]
JL: See???? Brilliant!
I don’t know if it can get any better than this story. I hope it can, because addiction, but these are some pretty big shoes to fill. This is my new favorite Calmes book. It reminded me why I love her stories so much, why I keep coming back to her whenever I’m down and in need of a pick-me-up or I’m just bored and need to get lost in a story. This is a multi re-read for sure. Go read the book, people!
Red: Time to read some books again. OMG. She is so good.
JL: Yes! Reread!
OK, going to bed now.
And lo, the Month of Mary was born. And everyone in the land rejoiced, shouting “May the Schwartz be with you!”
See Red's review and the rest of our chatty chat on the blog!
*********************************
New Calmes crack!!! And it's not even my birthday!!
April 21, 2017
Holy Jeebus that was THE BEST MARY CALMES EVAHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!
Oh my freaking god that was SO GOOD!
Also a peacoat, cheek caressing, golden skin, an orphan MC, an eyebrow waggle, insta-family, condomless sex (Mary taunts us with pretend pie) . . . gah I am so happy *cries a little*
Oh my freaking god that was SO GOOD!
Also a peacoat, cheek caressing, golden skin, an orphan MC, an eyebrow waggle, insta-family, condomless sex (Mary taunts us with pretend pie) . . . gah I am so happy *cries a little*
September 6, 2017
Ridiculous, but I sort of loved it!
I'm the first to admit that I'm not typically a Mary Calmes fan. I have to be in the mood for a very particular kind of story, and I guess I was in the mood for that kind of story today because this one just worked for me.
It's Mary Calmes to the max, baby!!
Sure, the plot is... interesting. An "unapologetic mobster with the heart of gold"-kinda plot. I had NO idea where it was going or when we were FINALLY going to meet the love interest. The romance, when we get there after eons, was rushed to the point of incredulity. However, it all came together for me, somehow, in the end.
One big factor is that I love Greg Tremblay, and I thought he did an awesome job narrating this one. He really brought the characters to life, and I thought he elevated a 3.5 star story to a solid 4 stars. I loved all of his accents (no idea if they are realistic, though), and I loved his vocal differentiation between the characters.
Okay, just accept that this book is cracktastic and don't try to analyze it. You'll thank me later.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
June 12, 2021
A mob enforcer with a heart of gold? Before you snort, there is something inherently romantic that can come from a story with this premise. Few could pull this off. Mary is one of them.
The set up for A Day Makes is that in one, single, day, Ceaton Mercer's life is changed forever. He meets the love of his life. But that's not all.
The entire book doesn't take place in said day. There is a lot of development of Ceaton's character. We first span years of his life. How he came from unwanted child to Marine to mob enforcer. The man is loyal to a fault, and he has developed a brotherhood with three other enforcers among him. Pravi, Luka, and Marko were so fun to take the ride with. I enjoyed seeing these four men banter and the depth of their friendship. They would kill for each other. They would die for each other.
Grigor, the mob boss, has a new assignment for Ceaton on this particular day in question. Ceaton has to protect the son of one his associates. Once Ceaton lays eyes on Brinley, everything changes. Let me say that it would be easy to roll my eyes at this. Falling in love in one day? I would scoff like the rest of you. But I have to give major props to Mary for this one. Neither uses the word right away. They just know and acknowledge the instant connection. And it really does flow organically throughout the day. We see them talk, learn about each other, and banter A LOT. So much so that, even though my brain wants to say, "no way, no how," it felt smooth to me. They talked and went around town so much, I didn't get as much sexy times as I would've wanted! But that just added to the "insta" believability, in all honesty.
The rest of their day is filled with action, as only Calmes can do, and Brin and Ceaton are left with some choices. I can't give anything else away without spoiling, but I will tease you and say that the SURPRISE near the end had my bouncing in my seat like a toddler!!! OMG, I just can't. Smiles, smiles, smiles all around!!
One of my favorites from her in a while. Calmes fans will love the hell out of this!
What do we think of when there's guns, peacoats, and eyebrow waggles? Calmes crack of course.
The set up for A Day Makes is that in one, single, day, Ceaton Mercer's life is changed forever. He meets the love of his life. But that's not all.
The entire book doesn't take place in said day. There is a lot of development of Ceaton's character. We first span years of his life. How he came from unwanted child to Marine to mob enforcer. The man is loyal to a fault, and he has developed a brotherhood with three other enforcers among him. Pravi, Luka, and Marko were so fun to take the ride with. I enjoyed seeing these four men banter and the depth of their friendship. They would kill for each other. They would die for each other.
Grigor, the mob boss, has a new assignment for Ceaton on this particular day in question. Ceaton has to protect the son of one his associates. Once Ceaton lays eyes on Brinley, everything changes. Let me say that it would be easy to roll my eyes at this. Falling in love in one day? I would scoff like the rest of you. But I have to give major props to Mary for this one. Neither uses the word right away. They just know and acknowledge the instant connection. And it really does flow organically throughout the day. We see them talk, learn about each other, and banter A LOT. So much so that, even though my brain wants to say, "no way, no how," it felt smooth to me. They talked and went around town so much, I didn't get as much sexy times as I would've wanted! But that just added to the "insta" believability, in all honesty.
The rest of their day is filled with action, as only Calmes can do, and Brin and Ceaton are left with some choices. I can't give anything else away without spoiling, but I will tease you and say that the SURPRISE near the end had my bouncing in my seat like a toddler!!! OMG, I just can't. Smiles, smiles, smiles all around!!
One of my favorites from her in a while. Calmes fans will love the hell out of this!
What do we think of when there's guns, peacoats, and eyebrow waggles? Calmes crack of course.
March 12, 2024
Mary, Mary Mary, how I love thee, let me count the ways.....
So we have another winner !!! I loved this book...it's just as awesome as I expected it to be. It had all the required ingredients...
A hot guy everyone wanted to be friends with
Some ridiculous over the top scenes
Insta-love/lust
.............all that and so much more....
This books starts of with the story of Ceaton Mercer, ex marine, and how he became a mob enforcer. I loved Ceaton from the very start.
What I loved most about this book,was the comradery. Pravi, Marko and Luka...these boys were all great in their own way, but together, they were just awesome !!
Then the day comes that changes everything......when Ceaton sets his sight on Brin....or maybe it was more the other way around :)
"There was a pushpin in my mind map of where I thought I was, but you moved it, you changed it, and now my orbit is different because of you."
This book is a slow burn...though the insta-love/lust is still there. It is not heavy on the steam, but since, the second half of this book takes place in one day....that makes sense.
I was also extremely happy with the little surprise we got near the ending !! I love it when authors do that and I have high hopes that this book will turn into a series.
The only thing that upsets me a little, was that it was so short. I need more...I always need more Mary, so of course I am off to re-read some old favorits (all of them).
This review has been posted on Dirty Books Obsession
July 24, 2017
Updated for audiobook 06/20/2017 -
Quite simply: Greg Tremblay made this even better, and I didn't even think that was possible.
Fantastic character voices, especially accents (of which there were MANY), all done brilliantly.
100% Recommended.
**~~**~~**~~**~~**~~**~~**~~**~~**~~**~~
Now, it's true that I'm a Calmesaniac. I make no bones that Mary Calmes writes the kind of crack I'm addicted to.
But this story? Holy. Shit. What a fantastic freaking ride you guys! Seriously, that was like the best roller coaster, and when you get off you immediately want to ride it again.
Mary Calmes always manages to take a first person single POV and make it so dynamic and enthralling that I cannot help but love it.
Our POV this time is solely from Ceaton Mercer, a mob enforcer with a conscience. Think that's an oxymoron? Nope. Mary Calmes pulls it off in a way it not only makes sense, but as the reader I was absolutely on board with Ceaton's decisions. I love how Ceaton's doing his best to be as ethical as possible in situations that don't normally find themselves to be on anyone's moral compass. Ceaton is making the best out of some truly hard situations.
The first half of the story sets up Ceaton and his friends, Pravi, Luka, and Marko, while the second half focuses on a single day in the life in where Ceaton meets his future, in more ways than one, learns some truth about his past and the lives he's saved and changed forever. And folks? Get ready for some ties to the past.
Now, this is sort of a slow burn. Though there's some romance (and sexy times) it doesn't come until later in the story, but it's definitely worth the wait. I absolutely loved Ceaton and Brin! I loved the banter, the action, the suspense, the Easter eggs...I loved it all!
All I can say without spoiling this was that I thought this was fantastic and sets up a possible series brilliantly. I really hope to get a better look at the Vault and get to spend more time with the guys in the future.
I love that Calmes can write a fantastic, mesmerizing series like the Marshals series that focuses on law enforcers, but can switch it up and write a story (and hopefully series - no seriously, please let this become a series!!) from the "bad" guy's perspective that is just as riveting and absorbing.
If you love bad guys with a heart of gold, some action, a bit of romance, and definitely some great storytelling I highly recommend you pick this up.
I cannot wait for the audio! I need this on audio!
Advanced Review Galley copy of A Day Makes provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
Quite simply: Greg Tremblay made this even better, and I didn't even think that was possible.
Fantastic character voices, especially accents (of which there were MANY), all done brilliantly.
100% Recommended.
**~~**~~**~~**~~**~~**~~**~~**~~**~~**~~
Now, it's true that I'm a Calmesaniac. I make no bones that Mary Calmes writes the kind of crack I'm addicted to.
But this story? Holy. Shit. What a fantastic freaking ride you guys! Seriously, that was like the best roller coaster, and when you get off you immediately want to ride it again.
Mary Calmes always manages to take a first person single POV and make it so dynamic and enthralling that I cannot help but love it.
Our POV this time is solely from Ceaton Mercer, a mob enforcer with a conscience. Think that's an oxymoron? Nope. Mary Calmes pulls it off in a way it not only makes sense, but as the reader I was absolutely on board with Ceaton's decisions. I love how Ceaton's doing his best to be as ethical as possible in situations that don't normally find themselves to be on anyone's moral compass. Ceaton is making the best out of some truly hard situations.
The first half of the story sets up Ceaton and his friends, Pravi, Luka, and Marko, while the second half focuses on a single day in the life in where Ceaton meets his future, in more ways than one, learns some truth about his past and the lives he's saved and changed forever. And folks? Get ready for some ties to the past.
Now, this is sort of a slow burn. Though there's some romance (and sexy times) it doesn't come until later in the story, but it's definitely worth the wait. I absolutely loved Ceaton and Brin! I loved the banter, the action, the suspense, the Easter eggs...I loved it all!
All I can say without spoiling this was that I thought this was fantastic and sets up a possible series brilliantly. I really hope to get a better look at the Vault and get to spend more time with the guys in the future.
I love that Calmes can write a fantastic, mesmerizing series like the Marshals series that focuses on law enforcers, but can switch it up and write a story (and hopefully series - no seriously, please let this become a series!!) from the "bad" guy's perspective that is just as riveting and absorbing.
If you love bad guys with a heart of gold, some action, a bit of romance, and definitely some great storytelling I highly recommend you pick this up.
I cannot wait for the audio! I need this on audio!
Advanced Review Galley copy of A Day Makes provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
April 2, 2018
I honestly don't know what to make of this book. The mc's don't even meet until 50% or so and then it's very insta everything. Nothing went the way I expected which wasn't necessarily a bad thing but I feel like it was incomplete. It needed more. I really, really wanted more of their relationship. I'm not even sure I want to read the next one. Oh well, can't love them all I guess.
April 21, 2017
I think it's safe to say, with the exception of the Marshal's series - which I LOVE, Mary Calmes just isn't for me.
The last 1/2 of this book was so ridiculously OTT. Not to say the first half wasn't OTT as well, but it just didn't have the cheese factor the second half had.
I actually liked the first half quite a bit. The mafia plot-line, all of the characters. I mean, I did think Grigor was the love interest.....and maybe I would have liked it more had he been.
But once Brinley and Ceaton meet....LORD HAVE MERCY, let the eye rolling begin.
Honestly, I don't know whether to laugh or gag.
Yeah, yeah I know...it's Mary Calmes. Sue me, apparently I forgot.
The last 1/2 of this book was so ridiculously OTT. Not to say the first half wasn't OTT as well, but it just didn't have the cheese factor the second half had.
I actually liked the first half quite a bit. The mafia plot-line, all of the characters. I mean, I did think Grigor was the love interest.....and maybe I would have liked it more had he been.
But once Brinley and Ceaton meet....LORD HAVE MERCY, let the eye rolling begin.
"Just looking across the room and seeing you waiting to get my drink for me, I was filled with the overwhelming feeling of rightness"
"I want to look at you for the rest of my life."
"I just...I feel like when you walked through my front door, there was a shift in the axis of my life, like the rings of Saturn, like a tilt."
"There was a pushpin in my mind map of where I thought I was, but you moved it, you changed it, and now my orbit is different because of you"
Honestly, I don't know whether to laugh or gag.
Yeah, yeah I know...it's Mary Calmes. Sue me, apparently I forgot.
November 18, 2022
I don't know what I can add to what I already wrote below. All that, I still feel all that after this re-read. But especially "I could have just continued to read about Ceaton’s past and present for a million pages."
Now on to the next one, but first, a side trip to Crazy Town...Can't read Darius's story without getting a serious dose of the crazy that is Trevan and Landry.
Re=Read 2022 - Looks like I'm just going to go down the rabbit hole and I'm not even sorry.
-------
Oh. My. God. What is this brilliance and why am I always so shocked by it?
Again, she did it again.
Seriously though, how is it I am always dumfounded and always in awe?
May that feeling never change…
Every single time I read a Mary Calmes book I get swept up, I can’t put it down, I fall instantly in love and I just want to read it all over again when it ends, and believe me, it always ends way too fast. And yet, I am shocked at the level of emotion I feel, Every. Single. Time.
This book.
Absolute Mary perfection.
I don’t even know what to say. I don’t even want to mention any names because reading this book and knowing nothing made it better and it really already was the best.
It had everything that I crave and love from Mary’s books. My God, how she can write a character, really, a bad, bad man and have me falling head over heels in love and seeing nothing but sunshine. What the fuck? I love it! Of course, bad is relative…
This book! Gah! I had no idea what was going to happen! I had no idea when we were even going to get to the love! But honestly, I could have just continued to read about Ceaton’s past and present for a million pages. Yes, of course I wanted him to find his soul mate but man, Mary just has a way of putting you in someone’s head and never wanting to leave it.
But oh, the fall. How pretty was that? I’m so clever! But seriously, only Mary can make a love at first sight be so, very real. This meeting totally took my breath away and had me smiling like a lunatic. Gah!!
Oh, oh, oh!! And how about the sneaky guest stars?? It’s getting to the point I need a freaking family tree or at least a flow chart and I love every single second of that need!
Alright, this isn’t much of a review and really, I should get back to work and I really think I need to read this again immediately.
This is a must read for Mary fans.
This also needs to have another book. Please?
Now on to the next one, but first, a side trip to Crazy Town...Can't read Darius's story without getting a serious dose of the crazy that is Trevan and Landry.
Re=Read 2022 - Looks like I'm just going to go down the rabbit hole and I'm not even sorry.
-------
Oh. My. God. What is this brilliance and why am I always so shocked by it?
Again, she did it again.
Seriously though, how is it I am always dumfounded and always in awe?
May that feeling never change…
Every single time I read a Mary Calmes book I get swept up, I can’t put it down, I fall instantly in love and I just want to read it all over again when it ends, and believe me, it always ends way too fast. And yet, I am shocked at the level of emotion I feel, Every. Single. Time.
This book.
Absolute Mary perfection.
I don’t even know what to say. I don’t even want to mention any names because reading this book and knowing nothing made it better and it really already was the best.
It had everything that I crave and love from Mary’s books. My God, how she can write a character, really, a bad, bad man and have me falling head over heels in love and seeing nothing but sunshine. What the fuck? I love it! Of course, bad is relative…
This book! Gah! I had no idea what was going to happen! I had no idea when we were even going to get to the love! But honestly, I could have just continued to read about Ceaton’s past and present for a million pages. Yes, of course I wanted him to find his soul mate but man, Mary just has a way of putting you in someone’s head and never wanting to leave it.
But oh, the fall. How pretty was that? I’m so clever! But seriously, only Mary can make a love at first sight be so, very real. This meeting totally took my breath away and had me smiling like a lunatic. Gah!!
Oh, oh, oh!! And how about the sneaky guest stars?? It’s getting to the point I need a freaking family tree or at least a flow chart and I love every single second of that need!
Alright, this isn’t much of a review and really, I should get back to work and I really think I need to read this again immediately.
This is a must read for Mary fans.
This also needs to have another book. Please?
March 25, 2017
This book is INSANE.
And I loved it!
Because, ya know…Mary Calmes. Pretty much explains it all. Peacoats, eye waggles, 100000 characters…all the over-the-top goodness that sweeps me away in the pages.
It was unclear even up till about the 40% mark who the love interest was going to be…even the blurb doesn’t reveal. But once it happens, it’s unapologetic instalove to the max! And I LOL’d all while my heart busted at the seams. Realistic? Nah. Satisfying? Absofuckinglutely.
As long as I know that this is going to be a series, than I’m ok with all the unfinished edges to this story. I need more of all the characters. Because as it stands, I’m intrigued, I love them, but not one of them is clearly a good guy or a bad guy. And oh the opportunity for redemption laid out before us…
Read it in one sitting…and told myself that eye rolls and guffaws were not allowed…which helped me to enjoy it immensely.
July 7, 2017
Updated for audio edition:
I love Greg Tremblay as a narrator. He has the uncanny ability to know just which voice to give the characters so that they sound exactly like I pictured them. And I looooove his accents. He is just so good at it.
But while I've never been able to catch Greg making a mistake, he did make one here. For a couple of sentences he made Luka have an accent, while he did not have one. That was kind of funny, although a bit confusing I have to say.
Still, Greg Tremblay is a king among narrators and I would listen to him reading the phonebook.
------------------------
4.25 stars
A great story about a mob enforcer falling in love! In a day. But who cares, it's Mary.
I love how everyone is always so passionate in Mary's books. I love how everyone talks like they're about to draw their last breath. Well, in this book a lot of people do die, so that might have something to do with it.
The love interest is introduced somewhere around 50%, but I can honestly say I wasn't bored one second in the first half (or the second half). I just loved guessing who it was going to be. Who would be the one to turn Ceaton's head and to make in stop in his tracks..
This is insta-love times 100000, but in Mary's books it just works. I loved how Ceaton reacted when he met his true love. How he was hesitant, but wasn't allowed to since just steamrolled over him and declared Ceaton the love of his life.
And I loved how Mary has a flair for the dramatic rescues. Just when I couldn't imagine a good way out of the situation, it is delivered on a silver platter.
I wanted to give this 5 stars, but I did feel as if the story wasn't quite finished. Yes, it ends in a spectacular HEA, but I kind of wanted a bit more time with these men. I wanted them to slow down and to simply enjoy each other a bit more.
Still, this was a great Mary and I can see myself rereading this many times.
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An copy of the audiobook of A Day Makes was generously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
I love Greg Tremblay as a narrator. He has the uncanny ability to know just which voice to give the characters so that they sound exactly like I pictured them. And I looooove his accents. He is just so good at it.
But while I've never been able to catch Greg making a mistake, he did make one here. For a couple of sentences he made Luka have an accent, while he did not have one. That was kind of funny, although a bit confusing I have to say.
Still, Greg Tremblay is a king among narrators and I would listen to him reading the phonebook.
------------------------
4.25 stars
A great story about a mob enforcer falling in love! In a day. But who cares, it's Mary.
I love how everyone is always so passionate in Mary's books. I love how everyone talks like they're about to draw their last breath. Well, in this book a lot of people do die, so that might have something to do with it.
The love interest is introduced somewhere around 50%, but I can honestly say I wasn't bored one second in the first half (or the second half). I just loved guessing who it was going to be. Who would be the one to turn Ceaton's head and to make in stop in his tracks..
This is insta-love times 100000, but in Mary's books it just works. I loved how Ceaton reacted when he met his true love. How he was hesitant, but wasn't allowed to since just steamrolled over him and declared Ceaton the love of his life.
And I loved how Mary has a flair for the dramatic rescues. Just when I couldn't imagine a good way out of the situation, it is delivered on a silver platter.
I wanted to give this 5 stars, but I did feel as if the story wasn't quite finished. Yes, it ends in a spectacular HEA, but I kind of wanted a bit more time with these men. I wanted them to slow down and to simply enjoy each other a bit more.
Still, this was a great Mary and I can see myself rereading this many times.
---------
An copy of the audiobook of A Day Makes was generously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
April 13, 2018
Well I loved reading this.. This is a story about a mob enforcer whom you cant help but fall in love with, even though he kills people..... leave it to Mary Calmes to make you enjoy such a story......
OOhhh and its insta-love at its best, falling in love in a day.. yaap i know that's one eye rolling moment but really do i care? Nope!
I loved it
its crack...
OOhhh and its insta-love at its best, falling in love in a day.. yaap i know that's one eye rolling moment but really do i care? Nope!
I loved it
its crack...
July 12, 2017
Audible review.
Greg Tremblay is good for my health.
I started listening to audio books during my workouts as a way to keep focused and it turns out, I can only focus enough to listen to them while I'm working out. Win win for me!
With this book, I found myself extending my workouts so I could keep listening and on numerous occasions I've had to forcibly stop listening so I wouldn't go overboard.
His voice, y'all.
His voice.
He got the tone right every time. Every single time. And his accents! Guh! Tremblay could read me the ingredients on a cereal box and I would be enthralled.
And to have him read me Mary's words??? *sigh* I don't think it could be any more perfect.
I wish I could give this more than 5 stars.
Want to read
September 6, 2017Mob enforcer mc by MC!!!
April 16, 2017
This gets all of the stars. Please, please, please let this be the start of a series. PLEASE.
4/15/2017 Yep. I've already read it again. I cannot wait for this to have audio.
4/15/2017 Yep. I've already read it again. I cannot wait for this to have audio.
Read
September 30, 2017DNF @70%
Don't shoot! I know that Mary Calmes has a very loyal fanbase. I really appreciate that; I have a few favorite authors whose work is not intended for everyone, but I love it. I can even see why. Calmes writes good humour, interesting characters, and hot sex. And there are always peacoats, so...
English is not my mother tongue, so the quick-changing narrative techniques, the lack of dialogue, the somewhat "scattered" writing, things that someone might find great, always leave me like....
Here the MCs meet AFTER 35%! I stopped paying attention after a while. Until then, it was all mafia and Ceaton. And then BAM, insta-love special. I had my heart shaped glasses on, but it wasn't enough because I wasn't really invested.
I have to accept the fact that Mary Calmes is just not for me. Shame, because I happen to find peacoats really sexy.
Don't shoot! I know that Mary Calmes has a very loyal fanbase. I really appreciate that; I have a few favorite authors whose work is not intended for everyone, but I love it. I can even see why. Calmes writes good humour, interesting characters, and hot sex. And there are always peacoats, so...
English is not my mother tongue, so the quick-changing narrative techniques, the lack of dialogue, the somewhat "scattered" writing, things that someone might find great, always leave me like....
Here the MCs meet AFTER 35%! I stopped paying attention after a while. Until then, it was all mafia and Ceaton. And then BAM, insta-love special. I had my heart shaped glasses on, but it wasn't enough because I wasn't really invested.
I have to accept the fact that Mary Calmes is just not for me. Shame, because I happen to find peacoats really sexy.
October 25, 2017
Hahahaha... I kind of liked this one, a lot, for some reason, even though it was insta-something and violence (not explicit as such, but I'm finding that I'm having trouble with other very violent mafia-type-books) this one however worked.
Ceaton was goddamn cool and Brin was freaking adorable.
I know half of the book wasn't even about them, but Ceaton's story had me sucked in... So for an insta-something with an MC who was on the 'wrong' side of the law, I was very entertained.
Ceaton was goddamn cool and Brin was freaking adorable.
I know half of the book wasn't even about them, but Ceaton's story had me sucked in... So for an insta-something with an MC who was on the 'wrong' side of the law, I was very entertained.
Read
May 10, 2017DNF around 70%.
This sucks. Amazing writing. Exciting. Sexy MC: Ceaton. Just... it was so working for me.
Until Brin.
(Maybe I'll come back to this one day. But today is not that day.)
This sucks. Amazing writing. Exciting. Sexy MC: Ceaton. Just... it was so working for me.
Until Brin.
(Maybe I'll come back to this one day. But today is not that day.)
April 20, 2017
Review originally posted at Sinfully.
Ceaton Mercer is a mob enforcer, but that doesn’t make him a bad guy. We get to know Ceaton as a loyal man who has found a family in the men he works with. The first part of the story follows Ceaton from the end of his service as a Marine and for several years after as he finds himself working and killing for the Serbian mob in Vegas. He is trusted by his boss, Grigor, and the men that work with him, Luka, Pravi and Marko, are like his brothers. He doesn’t kill without remorse or without an understanding of the situation, and some of his life choices do weigh heavily on him. But things can change on a dime in Ceaton’s world; jobs can go bad, people can get twitchy and “accidents” can happen. The first part of the story is all leading up to the one day that will change Ceaton’s life yet again. That’s when the mystery, tension and unbelievable circumstances kick into high gear in that crazy way Mary Calmes always seems to be able to pull off. To say any more would be to spoil the fun so you’re going to have to read it for yourself.
This story is typical Mary Calmes. There’s action, humor, a cast of likable characters and a whirlwind romance that could end in a hail of bullets. Frequent readers of her books also know to pay close attention to names, places and events, since you never know when a nod to another of her works will show up. Ceaton’s love interest is an incredibly charming, sweet and surprising character who we get to know surprisingly well in a short period. Through his eyes Ceaton may just be able to see himself and his life differently; see that his choices had more far reaching effects than he imagined. Their banter is wonderful and despite the fact that everything goes down in less than 24 hours, I knew they were meant to be. In fact, I’d read another entire book of just them interacting with each other.
This one is sure to be a winner with Mary Calmes fans and luckily the ending leaves hope that this is just the first story in yet another series.
Ceaton Mercer is a mob enforcer, but that doesn’t make him a bad guy. We get to know Ceaton as a loyal man who has found a family in the men he works with. The first part of the story follows Ceaton from the end of his service as a Marine and for several years after as he finds himself working and killing for the Serbian mob in Vegas. He is trusted by his boss, Grigor, and the men that work with him, Luka, Pravi and Marko, are like his brothers. He doesn’t kill without remorse or without an understanding of the situation, and some of his life choices do weigh heavily on him. But things can change on a dime in Ceaton’s world; jobs can go bad, people can get twitchy and “accidents” can happen. The first part of the story is all leading up to the one day that will change Ceaton’s life yet again. That’s when the mystery, tension and unbelievable circumstances kick into high gear in that crazy way Mary Calmes always seems to be able to pull off. To say any more would be to spoil the fun so you’re going to have to read it for yourself.
This story is typical Mary Calmes. There’s action, humor, a cast of likable characters and a whirlwind romance that could end in a hail of bullets. Frequent readers of her books also know to pay close attention to names, places and events, since you never know when a nod to another of her works will show up. Ceaton’s love interest is an incredibly charming, sweet and surprising character who we get to know surprisingly well in a short period. Through his eyes Ceaton may just be able to see himself and his life differently; see that his choices had more far reaching effects than he imagined. Their banter is wonderful and despite the fact that everything goes down in less than 24 hours, I knew they were meant to be. In fact, I’d read another entire book of just them interacting with each other.
This one is sure to be a winner with Mary Calmes fans and luckily the ending leaves hope that this is just the first story in yet another series.
April 22, 2017
Ok...does Ceaton equal Keaton or Seaton? That really bugged me all the way through.
If you're a fan of Mary Calmes, and I haven't seen many m/m readers that aren't, a lot of suspended disbelief and blind devotion will carry you through....but I think the ending deserved more of her higher standard of writing and character development than we got.
I actually really liked the first 2/3rds of this book. The last 1/3 of the book was incredibly rushed and seemed to get a lot of the motivations bogged down and confused and too easily tied up. There was a lot of shit shoved into that last day...
Not a real big fan of the name Brinley either but at least I know how to pronounce that one. But, name aside, the insta-love, (actual gratitude/hero worship) was just completely unbelievable for me. And the out of nowhere solution that I just don't get...what exactly are Ceaton and his team doing now? It seemed like only Ceaton had a job (and a very occasional one at that)...what are the other guys for? And how out of the blue was that guy?
And... romance and sex....there is none until the last few pages of the book . Like I said, the story telling in the first part of the book had me riveted. Then we meet Brinley, who isn't a bad character and was meant to be endearing, but to me was overpowering and shoved into the book in an in your face way that was...off putting to me. Clearly, based on the glut of 5 star ratings, he wasn't too much for many others but I really, really don't think I'll be alone in this feeling.
If you're a fan of Mary Calmes, and I haven't seen many m/m readers that aren't, a lot of suspended disbelief and blind devotion will carry you through....but I think the ending deserved more of her higher standard of writing and character development than we got.
I actually really liked the first 2/3rds of this book. The last 1/3 of the book was incredibly rushed and seemed to get a lot of the motivations bogged down and confused and too easily tied up. There was a lot of shit shoved into that last day...
Not a real big fan of the name Brinley either but at least I know how to pronounce that one. But, name aside, the insta-love, (actual gratitude/hero worship) was just completely unbelievable for me. And the out of nowhere solution that I just don't get...what exactly are Ceaton and his team doing now? It seemed like only Ceaton had a job (and a very occasional one at that)...what are the other guys for? And how out of the blue was that guy?
And... romance and sex....there is none until the last few pages of the book . Like I said, the story telling in the first part of the book had me riveted. Then we meet Brinley, who isn't a bad character and was meant to be endearing, but to me was overpowering and shoved into the book in an in your face way that was...off putting to me. Clearly, based on the glut of 5 star ratings, he wasn't too much for many others but I really, really don't think I'll be alone in this feeling.
Read
April 27, 20175 Hearts
Buddy read and review with my girl Jenni Lea.
Holy Crack! This was amazing. This was so damn good. It was packed with adventure, intrigue, murdering mobsters, crazy and hilarious banter, surprises aplenty and the oh so swoony “MINE” style of romance that makes me giddy AF for a Mary Calmes story.
There isn’t much I can say about this book without giving it away so maybe I’ll just give a few highlights of sorts.
Ceaton Mercer is fresh outta the Marines when he is offered a job to work for a Syrian Mob boss, Grigor Jankovic and why not take an opportunity when it presents itself? From there, we learn about Ceaton’s present and his past. He is a loyal man who trusts very few people outside of his current circle that includes men who become family and they have the best banter ever. Only true brothers can rib one another the way Ceaton and his boys do and it was so funny while being endearing as well.
There is some serious gun action in this book with as I mentioned, murder and all that comes with it. When chatting with JL about these scenes, we both likened them to Tarantino style movies where yes, you get the gruesome and bloody scenes but they are done with such a shrewd level of cinematic storytelling that you almost forget something like that would normally toss your cookies? You know? Like, the scene is so fecking brilliant, you roll with it and dance along with Mr. Blonde to Stealers Wheel while becoming cutting and handsy with Marvin’s ear… right? *grins*
Now, who but Mary Calmes would NOT reveal who the love interest of her MC would be in the blurb but leave you guessing? It was a tactical move I’m sure and it worked for this reader. I had a few guesses as to who it could be but when they show up? I was floored and ready for the romance to begin! Of course I wasn’t disappointed, I live for the style of romance the author writes. It never fails to excite me, to make me swoon and yeah, to grunt along with the possessive declarations that never come too soon. NEVER when it’s Mary Calmes.
This book is what I am hoping a start to a new series. There is so much opportunity here to explore and so many things that need to be tied up and receive closure. I am ready for it, Ms. Calmes. Bring it on.
See our chat and hilarious marked spoilers between JL and I, as well as her review, on the blog...
Buddy read and review with my girl Jenni Lea.
Holy Crack! This was amazing. This was so damn good. It was packed with adventure, intrigue, murdering mobsters, crazy and hilarious banter, surprises aplenty and the oh so swoony “MINE” style of romance that makes me giddy AF for a Mary Calmes story.
There isn’t much I can say about this book without giving it away so maybe I’ll just give a few highlights of sorts.
Ceaton Mercer is fresh outta the Marines when he is offered a job to work for a Syrian Mob boss, Grigor Jankovic and why not take an opportunity when it presents itself? From there, we learn about Ceaton’s present and his past. He is a loyal man who trusts very few people outside of his current circle that includes men who become family and they have the best banter ever. Only true brothers can rib one another the way Ceaton and his boys do and it was so funny while being endearing as well.
There is some serious gun action in this book with as I mentioned, murder and all that comes with it. When chatting with JL about these scenes, we both likened them to Tarantino style movies where yes, you get the gruesome and bloody scenes but they are done with such a shrewd level of cinematic storytelling that you almost forget something like that would normally toss your cookies? You know? Like, the scene is so fecking brilliant, you roll with it and dance along with Mr. Blonde to Stealers Wheel while becoming cutting and handsy with Marvin’s ear… right? *grins*
Now, who but Mary Calmes would NOT reveal who the love interest of her MC would be in the blurb but leave you guessing? It was a tactical move I’m sure and it worked for this reader. I had a few guesses as to who it could be but when they show up? I was floored and ready for the romance to begin! Of course I wasn’t disappointed, I live for the style of romance the author writes. It never fails to excite me, to make me swoon and yeah, to grunt along with the possessive declarations that never come too soon. NEVER when it’s Mary Calmes.
This book is what I am hoping a start to a new series. There is so much opportunity here to explore and so many things that need to be tied up and receive closure. I am ready for it, Ms. Calmes. Bring it on.
See our chat and hilarious marked spoilers between JL and I, as well as her review, on the blog...
June 30, 2017
We all need love...even gangsters...
I should probably start with what was wrong and what didn't work...but....Hello? 5 stars...so safe to assume nothing was wrong and everything worked in my world.
From the first page...no scratch that...from the cover because have you looked at it? Seriously if that's Ceaton Mercer and I suspect it is. I'm with Brinley on this one. I'd jump him as soon as he was in the same room with me too...I mean really...damn that's nice...vary, vary nice...ok, back to the story.
'A Day Makes' is the story of Ceaton Mercer from the day that changed his life...the day he first met Grigor Jankovic to the day that his life took another drastic change...the day he met Brinley Todd and so much more.
I smiled with pure delight from start to finish with this story. I am totally and unrepentantly addicted to this author's books. Whatever is right or wrong about them I care not. I'm all about stories that I just fall into and enjoy and as always Mary Calmes has delivered in spades.
I admit it all that I care about is that I am entertained, I thoroughly enjoyed this story from start to finish, I love the characters and the banter that flows between them and the way this author can make me melt into a puddle of goo with just a couple of lines...
I think I've always been a fan of over the top stories even when I was a child...I mean really...Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs? Cinderella? Sleeping Beauty? Tell me those stories aren't over the top and beyond. When was the last time anyone saw a pumpkin turn into a coach? or mice become footmen? glass slippers? See what I mean OTT it's a staple of the classics.
********************
An ARC of 'A Day Makes' was graciously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I should probably start with what was wrong and what didn't work...but....Hello? 5 stars...so safe to assume nothing was wrong and everything worked in my world.
From the first page...no scratch that...from the cover because have you looked at it? Seriously if that's Ceaton Mercer and I suspect it is. I'm with Brinley on this one. I'd jump him as soon as he was in the same room with me too...I mean really...damn that's nice...vary, vary nice...ok, back to the story.
'A Day Makes' is the story of Ceaton Mercer from the day that changed his life...the day he first met Grigor Jankovic to the day that his life took another drastic change...the day he met Brinley Todd and so much more.
I smiled with pure delight from start to finish with this story. I am totally and unrepentantly addicted to this author's books. Whatever is right or wrong about them I care not. I'm all about stories that I just fall into and enjoy and as always Mary Calmes has delivered in spades.
I admit it all that I care about is that I am entertained, I thoroughly enjoyed this story from start to finish, I love the characters and the banter that flows between them and the way this author can make me melt into a puddle of goo with just a couple of lines...
"you saved me, right?"On a bit of a separate sidebar there was a reference to a character from another series that I love by another author that I also love and it's not the first time this has happened so I just thought I'd put it out there that if Ms. Calmes and Ms. Ford are even remotely considering a collaboration for a book or maybe even a series...well, can I just say I whole heartedly endorse this consideration.
"I did, but--"
"I think I'm supposed to save you right back."
I think I've always been a fan of over the top stories even when I was a child...I mean really...Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs? Cinderella? Sleeping Beauty? Tell me those stories aren't over the top and beyond. When was the last time anyone saw a pumpkin turn into a coach? or mice become footmen? glass slippers? See what I mean OTT it's a staple of the classics.
********************
An ARC of 'A Day Makes' was graciously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
January 28, 2020
Reading A Day Makes requires a huge suspension of disbelief, but once you take a deep breath, push yourself away from safety and begin that long walk across the unknown, you become totally hooked on this story.
The entire story is told from Ceaton Mercer's POV so we the reader know just as much as Ceaton does about if that bullet is coming or not. We know Ceaton is loyal to a fault, honest with himself and knows the importance of family, whether it's family by blood or bond. He's trying to make the best with what he's been dealt and trying to do it with a clear conscience.
We get to know Ceaton's compatriots Pravi, Marko and Luka as well as their boss Grigor in the first half of the book, which encompasses roughly a three-year period plus some flashbacks here and there. The last part of the story takes place in one day - that single, solitary day that makes all the difference in Ceaton's life. He finds the love of his life, or rather his love finds, bewitches, devours and lays claim to him:
(pleaseletthenextbookbeaboutPravipleaseletthenextbookbeaboutPravi)!
I received an ARC from Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.
Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
The entire story is told from Ceaton Mercer's POV so we the reader know just as much as Ceaton does about if that bullet is coming or not. We know Ceaton is loyal to a fault, honest with himself and knows the importance of family, whether it's family by blood or bond. He's trying to make the best with what he's been dealt and trying to do it with a clear conscience.
We get to know Ceaton's compatriots Pravi, Marko and Luka as well as their boss Grigor in the first half of the book, which encompasses roughly a three-year period plus some flashbacks here and there. The last part of the story takes place in one day - that single, solitary day that makes all the difference in Ceaton's life. He finds the love of his life, or rather his love finds, bewitches, devours and lays claim to him:
Everything always happened on my terms. I was too big, too lethal for it to be any other way.There's an incredible amount of shock and awe that happens before Ceaton gets his HEA (and we finally get a sex scene full of shock and goddamn awe at the end of the book that's well worth the wait) and I hope that this is the first in a series, because I would love to read more about these characters ...
Until now.
Until this.
Until him.
(pleaseletthenextbookbeaboutPravipleaseletthenextbookbeaboutPravi)!
I received an ARC from Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.
Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
January 26, 2019
No surprises here...
It was an audio book written by Mary Calmes and narrated by Greg Tremblay...so no surprises at all I wanted it and it was awesome.
I read this book when it was released back in April of this year and I loved it...5 stars worth, that hasn't changed and has become my habit I'm not going to waste time re-writing what I've already written, so here's the link to my original review...Original Review: A Day Makes
The only change here is the addition of Greg Tremblay's voice as the narrator and as seems to have become the norm, Mr. Tremblay nailed it.
I'm pretty sure that Greg Tremblay could read the phone book and make it sound amazingly interesting. His voices are smooth, effortless and natural. They're unique and express emotion drawing the listener into the story...getting and holding their interest.
I have no doubt that he works hard at his craft and the end result from Mr. Tremblay's efforts is an incredibly enjoyable audio book that I as a listener can listen to and enjoy not just once but numerous times.
********************
An audio book of 'A Day Makes' was graciously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Oct. 17/17 - and once again Mary Calmes and Greg Tremblay were there to make my day a little bit brighter. I've probably re-listened more audio books in the past year than I've re-read books in my entire life and this one was a nice refresher for the release of 'Late In the Day'. They say timing is everything...oh, wait sorry, that's a different Mary Calmes series...sorry, my bad ;)
It was an audio book written by Mary Calmes and narrated by Greg Tremblay...so no surprises at all I wanted it and it was awesome.
I read this book when it was released back in April of this year and I loved it...5 stars worth, that hasn't changed and has become my habit I'm not going to waste time re-writing what I've already written, so here's the link to my original review...Original Review: A Day Makes
The only change here is the addition of Greg Tremblay's voice as the narrator and as seems to have become the norm, Mr. Tremblay nailed it.
I'm pretty sure that Greg Tremblay could read the phone book and make it sound amazingly interesting. His voices are smooth, effortless and natural. They're unique and express emotion drawing the listener into the story...getting and holding their interest.
I have no doubt that he works hard at his craft and the end result from Mr. Tremblay's efforts is an incredibly enjoyable audio book that I as a listener can listen to and enjoy not just once but numerous times.
********************
An audio book of 'A Day Makes' was graciously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Oct. 17/17 - and once again Mary Calmes and Greg Tremblay were there to make my day a little bit brighter. I've probably re-listened more audio books in the past year than I've re-read books in my entire life and this one was a nice refresher for the release of 'Late In the Day'. They say timing is everything...oh, wait sorry, that's a different Mary Calmes series...sorry, my bad ;)
May 25, 2017
3.5 stars – A Day Makes is my first time reading a story by Mary Calmes, and I’m torn between my thorough enjoyment of the background story and my almost complete irritation over the romantic portion. Granted, the latter comes largely from it taking place in such a brief time period, so the fact that the writing is good and the point-of-view (POV) character is quite fascinating means I can give this one a recommendation in spite of my issues.
The format of the story is a little unusual for a romance. While the first half of the book is almost completely background development of the POV character, a mob enforcer named Ceaton Mercer, the second half fulfills the premise suggested by the title of the book. It’s a day filled with out-of-the-ordinary events for Ceaton, and by the end of the day, much about his life is upended. This is one of those rare stories that I think it’s important for me not to give out any plot details, at least nothing surrounding the background plot, because it’s one of the better page-turner stories I’ve run across lately, so it’s best you experience entirely for yourself.
As a character, Ceaton is the textbook definition of a mensch. Perhaps this sounds odd considering he’s a member of a mob, but everything we learn about him supports the fact that he’s thoughtful and calculating in order to do the right thing not only for those who depend on him to get the job done but also in protecting the innocent from being harmed. While his being gay has never presented a problem for him, his life circumstances have always been the sorts of things that prevent him from being able to be attached to anyone for more than a hook-up. As the reader learns about the events in Ceaton’s past that have forged him into the man he is when the one fateful day arrives, it results not just in an interesting story but also a great character for the reader to sympathize with, despite the fact that he kills people in service to the mob boss.
But this book is billed as a romance, so I found it a little unnerving that when I was approaching the half-way mark in the book, I still had no clue who Ceaton was going to be paired with. As the title suggests, this is part of what happens when the plot finally gets to the day in question. One of the unusual things of that day is that Ceaton is tasked with protecting an unassuming marine biologist named Brinley Todd. Again, I’m not going to reveal anything else as to how he relates to the background story, but it’s a case of insta-lust and insta-love, though events prevent them from really doing anything about it, and not just because Ceaton needs to keep his wits about himself in order to protect Brin.
While the background story of the second half of the book continued to keep me turning pages, it culminates in the two of them being madly in love (unfortunately for my enjoyment, they met maybe ten hours earlier) and finally gets to the one sex scene in the entire book. I’m not a fan of insta-love even when the romance takes place over the course of several weeks or months, but here, it’s all compressed into a single day filled with lots of non-romance action. My dissatisfaction with the romantic pairing also comes from the fact that I failed to get a very good understanding of Brin as a character, nor what it is about Brin that makes Ceaton realize Brin’s the man for him. Instead of being a grand romance, it felt much like the sort of thing that fills a necessary compononet of Hollywood action flicks. There’s no wooing, no build, and no longing. So when they finally get to the sex scene, I didn’t buy the level of connection they shared as being enough to appreciate the style of sex scene that the author intended for it to be.
Perhaps if A Day Makes had not been blurbed like a romance novel, I would have come away with a better overall impression of it, but as it stands, the pairing between Ceaton and Brin simply isn’t the sort of thing I’m looking for when I read a romance, and this is why my rating is what it is. That being said, however, I still think this book is worth the read solely for the background story, as that is without question the more satisfying component of the novel.
The author and/or publisher generously provided me a complimentary copy of A Day Makes in exchange for this fair and honest review.
Follow Me: Reviews by Tammy & Kim | Facebook | Twitter
The format of the story is a little unusual for a romance. While the first half of the book is almost completely background development of the POV character, a mob enforcer named Ceaton Mercer, the second half fulfills the premise suggested by the title of the book. It’s a day filled with out-of-the-ordinary events for Ceaton, and by the end of the day, much about his life is upended. This is one of those rare stories that I think it’s important for me not to give out any plot details, at least nothing surrounding the background plot, because it’s one of the better page-turner stories I’ve run across lately, so it’s best you experience entirely for yourself.
As a character, Ceaton is the textbook definition of a mensch. Perhaps this sounds odd considering he’s a member of a mob, but everything we learn about him supports the fact that he’s thoughtful and calculating in order to do the right thing not only for those who depend on him to get the job done but also in protecting the innocent from being harmed. While his being gay has never presented a problem for him, his life circumstances have always been the sorts of things that prevent him from being able to be attached to anyone for more than a hook-up. As the reader learns about the events in Ceaton’s past that have forged him into the man he is when the one fateful day arrives, it results not just in an interesting story but also a great character for the reader to sympathize with, despite the fact that he kills people in service to the mob boss.
But this book is billed as a romance, so I found it a little unnerving that when I was approaching the half-way mark in the book, I still had no clue who Ceaton was going to be paired with. As the title suggests, this is part of what happens when the plot finally gets to the day in question. One of the unusual things of that day is that Ceaton is tasked with protecting an unassuming marine biologist named Brinley Todd. Again, I’m not going to reveal anything else as to how he relates to the background story, but it’s a case of insta-lust and insta-love, though events prevent them from really doing anything about it, and not just because Ceaton needs to keep his wits about himself in order to protect Brin.
While the background story of the second half of the book continued to keep me turning pages, it culminates in the two of them being madly in love (unfortunately for my enjoyment, they met maybe ten hours earlier) and finally gets to the one sex scene in the entire book. I’m not a fan of insta-love even when the romance takes place over the course of several weeks or months, but here, it’s all compressed into a single day filled with lots of non-romance action. My dissatisfaction with the romantic pairing also comes from the fact that I failed to get a very good understanding of Brin as a character, nor what it is about Brin that makes Ceaton realize Brin’s the man for him. Instead of being a grand romance, it felt much like the sort of thing that fills a necessary compononet of Hollywood action flicks. There’s no wooing, no build, and no longing. So when they finally get to the sex scene, I didn’t buy the level of connection they shared as being enough to appreciate the style of sex scene that the author intended for it to be.
Perhaps if A Day Makes had not been blurbed like a romance novel, I would have come away with a better overall impression of it, but as it stands, the pairing between Ceaton and Brin simply isn’t the sort of thing I’m looking for when I read a romance, and this is why my rating is what it is. That being said, however, I still think this book is worth the read solely for the background story, as that is without question the more satisfying component of the novel.
The author and/or publisher generously provided me a complimentary copy of A Day Makes in exchange for this fair and honest review.
Follow Me: Reviews by Tammy & Kim | Facebook | Twitter
November 4, 2017
I loved it of course. I loved how she made me love Ceaton and his friends. You have to read it to find out who his love interest is. A lot of things happen that I don't want to spoil. Just to let you know when they got together I loved him and they were perfect for each other. I really hope this is a series...
March 21, 2018
3.5 stars, rounded up
Mary Calmes delivers yet another OTT winner!
As always, Greg Tremblay deserves all the stars. The man's a genius narrator!
I fell for Ceaton pretty quickly. He's got everything I'd expect from an MC of Mary's making: strong and broody, with a not-so-perfect past. Also, he's adept at making people disappear - permanently.
Ceaton's a great catch, really!
Ceaton's love interest is Brin, a marine researcher who finds Ceaton absolutely fascinating. At first, Ceaton isn't entirely sure what to do with Brin. But it doesn't take long before he realizes that Brin's it for him. In fact, it takes maybe an hour tops.
So yes, this is definitely an insta-love story where you'll have to suspend disbelief and just go with the flow. Regardless, the two are very cute and sweet together.
However, the romance doesn't really come in to play until later on. Most of the book follows Ceaton through his life as a mobster, and the resulting complications. I was thoroughly entertained.
Overall, I quite enjoyed this book. It's lighter on the sex and romance than I'd expect from Mary, but just as entertaining!
Mary Calmes delivers yet another OTT winner!
As always, Greg Tremblay deserves all the stars. The man's a genius narrator!
I fell for Ceaton pretty quickly. He's got everything I'd expect from an MC of Mary's making: strong and broody, with a not-so-perfect past. Also, he's adept at making people disappear - permanently.
Ceaton's a great catch, really!
Ceaton's love interest is Brin, a marine researcher who finds Ceaton absolutely fascinating. At first, Ceaton isn't entirely sure what to do with Brin. But it doesn't take long before he realizes that Brin's it for him. In fact, it takes maybe an hour tops.
So yes, this is definitely an insta-love story where you'll have to suspend disbelief and just go with the flow. Regardless, the two are very cute and sweet together.
However, the romance doesn't really come in to play until later on. Most of the book follows Ceaton through his life as a mobster, and the resulting complications. I was thoroughly entertained.
Overall, I quite enjoyed this book. It's lighter on the sex and romance than I'd expect from Mary, but just as entertaining!
February 18, 2018
This is what I've been waiting for. The moment I was so drunk with Calmes crack. 'You never know' is the last book I've read from Mrs. Calmes. And it leaves a bad taste in my mouth. But I know I shouldn't judge everything. So I just go with this. And I'm glad I did.
April 29, 2017
Like Keaton but with a 'C?'
Gotta love romance novel hero names.
ETA:
I've been reliably informed it is pronounced like "Sea-ton." Not that that changes my opinion of romance novel hero names, but good to know!
So... what to say about this?
Overall I enjoyed it, though I'm not as accepting of the insta-love aspect like so many other readers. I tend to reserve judgement about insta-love if the book is paranormal (who am I to roll my eyes at the 'destined mates' trope) but I don't buy it in contemporary romances, no matter what real life experiences have proven otherwise.
Readers have said this was a pretty typical Mary Calmes book with lots of her 'usual.' I might have to disagree. The first book I read by MC was , quickly followed by All Kinds of Tied Down every Sam & Jory book I could get my paws on, and every single one of them felt very similar. She had a formula to those, and I liked it. There might be some of this in A Day Makes but I never once thought to myself, yup, this is definitely a Mary Calmes book...after all, I think I only saw the phrase “golden skin” once in this book. (A search in Change of Heart came up with the word “golden” 14 times.)
I also thought Brin was slightly annoying in his enthusiasm and determination to 'keep' Ceaton. Just weird.
I don't think I actually have an opinion on Ceaton one way or another, which as the main character I probably should?
September 21, 2024
3.5 rounded up to 4.
I did enjoy this, but not as much as her other novels. I needed more of the couple together. I felt it needed another 100 pages or so. However, I still love Mary Calmes. It's her characters that draw me in and leave me wanting more.
I did enjoy this, but not as much as her other novels. I needed more of the couple together. I felt it needed another 100 pages or so. However, I still love Mary Calmes. It's her characters that draw me in and leave me wanting more.
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