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Portland Devils #3
Shame the Devil
The thing about Thor is, he’s great at swinging that hammer. But he doesn’t settle down.
Harlan Kristiansen may not be good at many things, but he can sure catch a pass. He’s an All-Pro at charming a room, too, and then there’s that Norse God thing. He can even figure out how to tackle a woman and save her from a charging bison.
On skis.
What happens when you drop that game-winning pass, though, and your house is too big, too weird, and too empty? When your dad’s a mean drunk, your mom took off a long time ago and stayed gone, and all your money can’t keep your little sister safe? You fall back on what you know, that’s what. Hey, somebody has to swim in the shallow end of the pool.
Jennifer Cardello is good at lots of things. She knows how to get the most out of the cheapest cuts of meat, how long after the expiration date you can still use any food, and how to be indispensable to her employer. And as for faking an orgasm? She could win an Oscar. But surely a woman who’s been trying to fade into the background for more than half her life so she doesn’t have to hear the whispers, a woman who’s lost her mom, is losing her job, and is sending her baby girl off to college—and trying to figure out how to pay for it—is entitled to one unforgettable night.
In thirty-four years.
With a great guy she never has to see again.
Until old secrets get dug up, and new ones are born.
After that? It’s anybody’s guess.
Harlan Kristiansen may not be good at many things, but he can sure catch a pass. He’s an All-Pro at charming a room, too, and then there’s that Norse God thing. He can even figure out how to tackle a woman and save her from a charging bison.
On skis.
What happens when you drop that game-winning pass, though, and your house is too big, too weird, and too empty? When your dad’s a mean drunk, your mom took off a long time ago and stayed gone, and all your money can’t keep your little sister safe? You fall back on what you know, that’s what. Hey, somebody has to swim in the shallow end of the pool.
Jennifer Cardello is good at lots of things. She knows how to get the most out of the cheapest cuts of meat, how long after the expiration date you can still use any food, and how to be indispensable to her employer. And as for faking an orgasm? She could win an Oscar. But surely a woman who’s been trying to fade into the background for more than half her life so she doesn’t have to hear the whispers, a woman who’s lost her mom, is losing her job, and is sending her baby girl off to college—and trying to figure out how to pay for it—is entitled to one unforgettable night.
In thirty-four years.
With a great guy she never has to see again.
Until old secrets get dug up, and new ones are born.
After that? It’s anybody’s guess.
547 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 14, 2020
About the author
Rosalind James
51 books1,186 followersRosalind James writes contemporary romance and romantic suspense published both by Montlake Romance and independently. Her stories are set in New Zealand, Idaho, California, New York . . . really, anyplace that seems cool. (Research trips, especially those involving lots of rugby, are a bonus.) Her books are available in ebook, paperback, and audio formats. Rosalind is a former marketing executive who spent several years in Australia and New Zealand, where she fell in love with the people, the landscape, and the culture of both countries. She attributes her rapid success to the fact that "Lots of people would like to escape to New Zealand! I know I did!"
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
November 18, 2020
Today’s chaotic life leaves us with lots of challenges. When there are difficult choices to make, it might behoove everyone to take the advice of Rosalind James’ latest characters and choose to “tell the truth, and shame the devil.” Essentially, if you just tell the truth, the devil hasn’t anything to use against you.
In her usual deft manner, Ms. James has introduced characters of depth - they are never one dimensional or boring. Note that I did say characters, plural! Ms. James’ books are never about just one or two people - they are chock full of interesting people, many of whom will show up starring in their own books at a later date. Those of us who are James fans are always asking, “When will (insert name) get their own book?” Shame the Devil is indeed one of those books that fulfills this desire. Jennifer and Harlan have briefly appeared in earlier books of this series, but we never really knew anything about their stories. As usual, one cannot make assumptions about these people, though. They have trials, tribulations, and challenges that we could never have imagined. The top of his game NFL wide receiver? Wealthy? Adored for his athletic skills? You would never know what drove him to his athletic success. The competent 34 year old personal assistant to a wealthy entrepreneur? You certainly would never have known about her soon-to-be 19 year old daughter and the struggles she has endured, just to keep everything afloat.
Combine this with the laugh out loud descriptions that pop up regularly and you get the complete package. If you want a book to dive into, laugh about, cry about, and think about, this is the book for you. And yes, there are those steamy parts………
In her usual deft manner, Ms. James has introduced characters of depth - they are never one dimensional or boring. Note that I did say characters, plural! Ms. James’ books are never about just one or two people - they are chock full of interesting people, many of whom will show up starring in their own books at a later date. Those of us who are James fans are always asking, “When will (insert name) get their own book?” Shame the Devil is indeed one of those books that fulfills this desire. Jennifer and Harlan have briefly appeared in earlier books of this series, but we never really knew anything about their stories. As usual, one cannot make assumptions about these people, though. They have trials, tribulations, and challenges that we could never have imagined. The top of his game NFL wide receiver? Wealthy? Adored for his athletic skills? You would never know what drove him to his athletic success. The competent 34 year old personal assistant to a wealthy entrepreneur? You certainly would never have known about her soon-to-be 19 year old daughter and the struggles she has endured, just to keep everything afloat.
Combine this with the laugh out loud descriptions that pop up regularly and you get the complete package. If you want a book to dive into, laugh about, cry about, and think about, this is the book for you. And yes, there are those steamy parts………
Shelved as 'cant-finish-try-later-maybe'
November 30, 2021what a sweet Hxh
awwww
holding thumbs that there'll be no unnecessary plot convenience turning point - pls pls pls
awwww
holding thumbs that there'll be no unnecessary plot convenience turning point - pls pls pls
August 23, 2024
Jennifer is the personal assistant/manager for Blake in book 1. She has finished all the projects for him so needs a new job. Blake sends her to Wyoming to check out a resort but really he wants to reward her and get her to take a break. She breaks up her selfish boyfriend, a 4 yr relationship before leaving as it is going nowhere. She realizes she is just convenient/no strings for that guy who likes casual sex and home cooking with little or no effort on his part.
So she takes her 18 yr old daughter with her on the ski weekend trip. She and her daughter are more like sisters and they get along great. The daughter is super smart and great characters. After getting scared to death by wolves and almost run over by a snowmobile avoiding a huge bison bull she meets Harlan who saves her from getting run over. He is a famous NFL player, her daughter meets Harlan's friend Owen also NFL player. They have no idea who the guys are and spend some time with them. A weekend turns into an adventurous roller coaster that lasts for months.
So emotional, great narration. Harlan is good time NFL player who doesn't do relationships. She has spent her whole life taking care of her daughter. Just when she thinks it's time to start making a life for herself (as her daughter is graduating soon going off to college) she meets Harlan and despite her best efforts falls for him. He has a terrible past family life with his parents and is not ever planning on getting married. Due to circumstances life throws them both a curve.
Good series but lots of emotion. I like the Sinful Montana books better as they had more humor.
So she takes her 18 yr old daughter with her on the ski weekend trip. She and her daughter are more like sisters and they get along great. The daughter is super smart and great characters. After getting scared to death by wolves and almost run over by a snowmobile avoiding a huge bison bull she meets Harlan who saves her from getting run over. He is a famous NFL player, her daughter meets Harlan's friend Owen also NFL player. They have no idea who the guys are and spend some time with them. A weekend turns into an adventurous roller coaster that lasts for months.
So emotional, great narration. Harlan is good time NFL player who doesn't do relationships. She has spent her whole life taking care of her daughter. Just when she thinks it's time to start making a life for herself (as her daughter is graduating soon going off to college) she meets Harlan and despite her best efforts falls for him. He has a terrible past family life with his parents and is not ever planning on getting married. Due to circumstances life throws them both a curve.
Good series but lots of emotion. I like the Sinful Montana books better as they had more humor.
February 10, 2021
I finished this book over a week ago, and still can't decided how I feel about it. There were certain aspects I liked and others that had me cringing. Harlan wasn't the guy I thought he would be after his small role in book 2. At the end of the day, there was so much was going on and none of the plot lines were fulfilled. I loved the first two books in the series and hope the next installment finds it more in tune with those.
November 27, 2020
3.5 stars. I liked the main characters and the basic storyline. The part about Harlan's parents was a bit too full on and angsty for me, though. Also, I wouldn't have minded a bit more football in the story.
January 30, 2022
This was a story so full of emotion. Rosalind James, as usual, did not disappoint.
Harlan and Jennifer were so in tune to each other. The attraction was immediate, but it could not have been called instalust. Jennifer, who didn't know what her future held, who was trying to juggle and keep all the balls in the air, still reached out, unselfishly, to provide Harlan comfort.
I loved the way Harlan took care of Jennifer and Dyma. I liked the way he always thought about making sure she was comfortable or being where she needed to be. I liked Dyma's character. I liked Owen, and I am hoping that he and Dyma get a book of there own.
There are a couple of interesting and unexpected twists in this book. There is a ton of raw emotion. Some sadness, helplessness, anger, anxiety and fear. I also found friendship, love, happiness, loyalty, respect, support, and a strong showing of inner strength.
Harlan and Jennifer's relationship had steamy, sexy moments, and they were also surrounded by a level of romance and sensuality that is not often found in some books.
This is not to say that Harlan or Jennifer was perfect. I feel like that is part of what made this such a good book. They were both very down to earth people with very real issues. Harlan did not let his notoriety or success go to his head. It was easy to forget he and Owen played for the NFL.
I often judge a book by the way I feel when reading it and the way I feel when it ends. This book had me experiencing many emotions. It provided me with an HEA. It left me with a smile. It left me satisified, and it just made me feel good.
I voluntarily read and reviewed the Advanced Reader Copy of this book, but I also purchased it.
Harlan and Jennifer were so in tune to each other. The attraction was immediate, but it could not have been called instalust. Jennifer, who didn't know what her future held, who was trying to juggle and keep all the balls in the air, still reached out, unselfishly, to provide Harlan comfort.
I loved the way Harlan took care of Jennifer and Dyma. I liked the way he always thought about making sure she was comfortable or being where she needed to be. I liked Dyma's character. I liked Owen, and I am hoping that he and Dyma get a book of there own.
There are a couple of interesting and unexpected twists in this book. There is a ton of raw emotion. Some sadness, helplessness, anger, anxiety and fear. I also found friendship, love, happiness, loyalty, respect, support, and a strong showing of inner strength.
Harlan and Jennifer's relationship had steamy, sexy moments, and they were also surrounded by a level of romance and sensuality that is not often found in some books.
This is not to say that Harlan or Jennifer was perfect. I feel like that is part of what made this such a good book. They were both very down to earth people with very real issues. Harlan did not let his notoriety or success go to his head. It was easy to forget he and Owen played for the NFL.
I often judge a book by the way I feel when reading it and the way I feel when it ends. This book had me experiencing many emotions. It provided me with an HEA. It left me with a smile. It left me satisified, and it just made me feel good.
I voluntarily read and reviewed the Advanced Reader Copy of this book, but I also purchased it.
November 16, 2020
5 Star Review of Shame The Devil (Portland Devils #3) by Rosalind James
Having read and enjoyed the previous books in the Portland Devils series I couldn’t wait to read Shame The Devil. I love single parent stories and Ms. James has delivered a well written, emotional story that ticked the boxes for me.
This is Harlan (Thor) Kristianse and Jennifer Cardello’s story and what an entertaining story it was. From the first to the last chapter I was riveted to the story that Rosalind James wove.
Having met Jennifer before, I was excited to see what was in store for her and Harlan. On a assignment , Jennifer meets NFL player Harlan and the attraction that sizzles between them is immediate.
There is so much more to Harlan than just a professional football player. In fact his life has not been easy and I really felt for both him and Jennifer at times. The road to happiness will not be smooth, in fact at times it was extremely rocky and there were times that I didn’t think that a happily ever after would be in the cards for this couple
The growth that both characters went through was heart warming and I was cheering for them to get their happily ever after.
Having read and enjoyed the previous books in the Portland Devils series I couldn’t wait to read Shame The Devil. I love single parent stories and Ms. James has delivered a well written, emotional story that ticked the boxes for me.
This is Harlan (Thor) Kristianse and Jennifer Cardello’s story and what an entertaining story it was. From the first to the last chapter I was riveted to the story that Rosalind James wove.
Having met Jennifer before, I was excited to see what was in store for her and Harlan. On a assignment , Jennifer meets NFL player Harlan and the attraction that sizzles between them is immediate.
There is so much more to Harlan than just a professional football player. In fact his life has not been easy and I really felt for both him and Jennifer at times. The road to happiness will not be smooth, in fact at times it was extremely rocky and there were times that I didn’t think that a happily ever after would be in the cards for this couple
The growth that both characters went through was heart warming and I was cheering for them to get their happily ever after.
November 13, 2020
I just finished this fantastic book. I laughed, I cried, it is a fun fun read! This is the third book in this series. It's not necessary to read the other two first but don't deny yourself the enjoyment of those two books.I loved them also! After meeting Jennifer in the first book, Silver-Tongued. Devil, it was very pleasing to me to get to read her story. Harlan was in the second book, No Kind of Hero, but not as important of a character as Jennifer in the first book. No worries, he's a great character. They are both complex people with good and bad in their lives, and like all of us, it affects what we do and how we think. Both Harlan and Jennifer learn they don't need to let those things control the rest of their lives. I like these people, I would want to be friends with them in real life. There's some pretty steamy love scenes, but they are love scenes not just sex. It was also fun to catch up with Blake and Dakota from the first book. A big thank you to Rosalind for writing another great book!
March 30, 2022
Another great story by Ms. James! She’s one of my faves and this story trope is one of my faves. This couple was adorable and Harlan was super dreamy. 😄Total BBF material.
December 1, 2020
Let me start off by saying, I did truly enjoy this book. But…I am going to make a couple criticisms.
The story starts off reintroducing single, YOUNG mom (34) Jennifer and her daughter (18-year old) Dyma. We met them before in the series. The vibe you get about Jennifer is she is very capable, struggling a little making ends meet, and very insecure about herself.
We then meet Portland Devils football teammates, Harlan and Owen. Both charming, down-to-earth, decent NICE guys.
The book tackles a lot of topics/issues. Maybe too many for one story. Not in any particular order:
Teenage pregnancy, dating teenagers when you are not one/age gaps, accidental pregnancy when you’re an adult, long-distance relationships, striking out on your own and leaving behind aging loved ones, murder, alcoholism, estrangement amongst family members, having fame and fortune, BDSM, piercings.
Back to “I really did enjoy the book”…I did until the characters Harlan and Jennifer started to change from how I perceived them in the beginning. Jennifer did something that seemed way out of character after her one-night stand with Harlan—getting a piercing in her no-no place. While I’m not against personal freedom to do this kind of thing, it seemed a bit out there. Placed in the book for shock value? And way too much descriptiveness in the love scenes constantly about "it." So Jennifer seemed to have flipped from meek, insecure “mom” to some kind of rebellious teenager. Maybe that was the intent since she missed out on her teen years because she had to play mom instead.
And Harlan went from “I get women, I’m in tune with their feelings, I’m sensitive, I have three sisters” to acting like some super controlling, extreme “I’m going to take care of you” in every way without asking you and pretending to be some dom-like character. Have to address this—the BDSM community would be highly offended at how the author handled the necklace with the lock (and rightly so). The topic was not addressed with the respect and significance of giving someone a “collar.” And that is what was being implied when he gave it to her. And Jennifer did not understand the meaning of it. Not cool at all. For those who do not know, giving someone, a submissive, a necklace with a lock on it (aka collar) is a huge, huge deal. As important as a marriage in the BDSM community. Again why this was thrown into the story is just strange to me and unnecessary.
Maybe I’m too prickly about some things, but I wish Rosalind had not evolved the characters from one personality to another and devoted the story around just a couple of the big topics. I felt like she was cramming too much into one book.
The story starts off reintroducing single, YOUNG mom (34) Jennifer and her daughter (18-year old) Dyma. We met them before in the series. The vibe you get about Jennifer is she is very capable, struggling a little making ends meet, and very insecure about herself.
We then meet Portland Devils football teammates, Harlan and Owen. Both charming, down-to-earth, decent NICE guys.
The book tackles a lot of topics/issues. Maybe too many for one story. Not in any particular order:
Teenage pregnancy, dating teenagers when you are not one/age gaps, accidental pregnancy when you’re an adult, long-distance relationships, striking out on your own and leaving behind aging loved ones, murder, alcoholism, estrangement amongst family members, having fame and fortune, BDSM, piercings.
Back to “I really did enjoy the book”…I did until the characters Harlan and Jennifer started to change from how I perceived them in the beginning. Jennifer did something that seemed way out of character after her one-night stand with Harlan—getting a piercing in her no-no place. While I’m not against personal freedom to do this kind of thing, it seemed a bit out there. Placed in the book for shock value? And way too much descriptiveness in the love scenes constantly about "it." So Jennifer seemed to have flipped from meek, insecure “mom” to some kind of rebellious teenager. Maybe that was the intent since she missed out on her teen years because she had to play mom instead.
And Harlan went from “I get women, I’m in tune with their feelings, I’m sensitive, I have three sisters” to acting like some super controlling, extreme “I’m going to take care of you” in every way without asking you and pretending to be some dom-like character. Have to address this—the BDSM community would be highly offended at how the author handled the necklace with the lock (and rightly so). The topic was not addressed with the respect and significance of giving someone a “collar.” And that is what was being implied when he gave it to her. And Jennifer did not understand the meaning of it. Not cool at all. For those who do not know, giving someone, a submissive, a necklace with a lock on it (aka collar) is a huge, huge deal. As important as a marriage in the BDSM community. Again why this was thrown into the story is just strange to me and unnecessary.
Maybe I’m too prickly about some things, but I wish Rosalind had not evolved the characters from one personality to another and devoted the story around just a couple of the big topics. I felt like she was cramming too much into one book.
November 17, 2020
Love, Strength and Courage
A long awaited addition to the Portland Devils series, this chance meeting between a single mom whose chick is about to leave the nest and a footloose and fancy free wide receiver is a story of love, strength and courage. Harlan lives on the surface, protecting himself from feeling too much or getting involved. Jennifer's life is the opposite, with deep ties to her home, her family, her job and especially her daughter, who was born when she was a teenager.
As we get to know them, we see that they both have so much strength to overcome past hurts and hard circumstances, and the courage to take on new challenges with each other and their families. Like all of Rosalind's books, the family and friends that surround the couple give them love, support and a lot of opinions...but in the end, it's always love that helps them find their best selves.
This is an extremely emotional book filled with hope and love, and well worth the wait.
A long awaited addition to the Portland Devils series, this chance meeting between a single mom whose chick is about to leave the nest and a footloose and fancy free wide receiver is a story of love, strength and courage. Harlan lives on the surface, protecting himself from feeling too much or getting involved. Jennifer's life is the opposite, with deep ties to her home, her family, her job and especially her daughter, who was born when she was a teenager.
As we get to know them, we see that they both have so much strength to overcome past hurts and hard circumstances, and the courage to take on new challenges with each other and their families. Like all of Rosalind's books, the family and friends that surround the couple give them love, support and a lot of opinions...but in the end, it's always love that helps them find their best selves.
This is an extremely emotional book filled with hope and love, and well worth the wait.
November 21, 2020
I think the fact that I find it so difficult to review books I like says a lot about me as a human being. It's so much easier to explain what doesn't work about a book, than it is to explain what make a book a great read. I found Shame the Devil a great read, and I've always considered Rosalind James a great writer.
One of the best things about this book is the solidly written characters. I really liked Jennifer, the heroine, and found her both strong even as she struggled with her future. Harlan, our hero, is a pretty boy professional football player. He's likable and charming, but has trouble making real lasting connections with women. He's not remotely sleazy, just not someone who's had any luck with meaningful relationships.
The secondary characters are well written as well, and I'm really hoping for a book focusing on Dyma and Owen.
All in all, this is just a great escape during some really stressful times and I recommend it highly.
One of the best things about this book is the solidly written characters. I really liked Jennifer, the heroine, and found her both strong even as she struggled with her future. Harlan, our hero, is a pretty boy professional football player. He's likable and charming, but has trouble making real lasting connections with women. He's not remotely sleazy, just not someone who's had any luck with meaningful relationships.
The secondary characters are well written as well, and I'm really hoping for a book focusing on Dyma and Owen.
All in all, this is just a great escape during some really stressful times and I recommend it highly.
November 12, 2021
This book was long and over 500 pages. In a good way.
But there is a lot that happens and the romance is slow build at first.
I took off 1 star because of the hero's family issues. And another star because her 18 year old daughter starts dating the hero's friend, also a professional football player. She's still in high school and he takes her to prom. And her mom is ok with that.
But there is a lot that happens and the romance is slow build at first.
I took off 1 star because of the hero's family issues. And another star because her 18 year old daughter starts dating the hero's friend, also a professional football player. She's still in high school and he takes her to prom. And her mom is ok with that.
November 14, 2020
This is a superb book which has emotion pouring off the pages. All the characters are so well crafted they feel like real people. While reading I laughed, I sighed, I raged, I cried. This is a book that will stay in your thoughts long after finishing it.
February 17, 2021
Shame the Devil is a very good story, and it was a pleasure to read. It is a standalone, but as with many of Rosalind James' books, some of the characters will be familiar to you if you read the previous books in the series.
As with all her books, Rosalind writes wonderfully complex characters. In Shame the Devil, Harland and Jennifer are both strong people, who each faced personal struggles. Harlan is a wealthy, famous, pro football player. He may have fame and fortune, but he has not had an easy life, with an alcoholic father, and a mother who abandoned the family. Harlan escaped by excelling at football, but he and his three sisters still struggle, especially in forming relationships. . Jennifer comes from a loving home, but became pregnant when she was only 15. She raised her daughter with her parents' help. Jennifer's daughter is finishing high school and making college plans, at the same time that Jennifer is losing her dream job as the personal assistant to a former football quarterback.
Jennifer and her nineteen year old daughter travel to a Yellowstone resort for a winter weekend, and meet Harlan and his best friend, Drew, who also happen to be at the same resort. Harlan and Jennifer are immediately attracted to each other, and spend much of the weekend together. A surprise pregnancy brings Harlan and Jennifer back into each other's lives. Their situation is complicated by the demands of Harlan's career as well as Jennifer's life. Suddenly, a major crisis in Harlan's family causes Jennifer and Harlan together to find a resolution.
This is wonderful read with so much humor, and moments of great sadness. The story, and well-developed characters easily hold the reader's attention. I hope to read future books with telling the Drew's story, as well as that of Jennifer's daughter.
I also had the opportunity to listen to the audiobook version of Shame the Devil. Emma Wilder did an amazing performance. While listening, I often forgot that there was only one narrator, because Emma doesn't just read the book, she performs the characters in the book, as if she was in the story - allowing me to also feel immersed in the story.
I highly recommend Shame the Devil by Rosalind James, both the book, and the audiobook narrated by Emma Wilder.
As with all her books, Rosalind writes wonderfully complex characters. In Shame the Devil, Harland and Jennifer are both strong people, who each faced personal struggles. Harlan is a wealthy, famous, pro football player. He may have fame and fortune, but he has not had an easy life, with an alcoholic father, and a mother who abandoned the family. Harlan escaped by excelling at football, but he and his three sisters still struggle, especially in forming relationships. . Jennifer comes from a loving home, but became pregnant when she was only 15. She raised her daughter with her parents' help. Jennifer's daughter is finishing high school and making college plans, at the same time that Jennifer is losing her dream job as the personal assistant to a former football quarterback.
Jennifer and her nineteen year old daughter travel to a Yellowstone resort for a winter weekend, and meet Harlan and his best friend, Drew, who also happen to be at the same resort. Harlan and Jennifer are immediately attracted to each other, and spend much of the weekend together. A surprise pregnancy brings Harlan and Jennifer back into each other's lives. Their situation is complicated by the demands of Harlan's career as well as Jennifer's life. Suddenly, a major crisis in Harlan's family causes Jennifer and Harlan together to find a resolution.
This is wonderful read with so much humor, and moments of great sadness. The story, and well-developed characters easily hold the reader's attention. I hope to read future books with telling the Drew's story, as well as that of Jennifer's daughter.
I also had the opportunity to listen to the audiobook version of Shame the Devil. Emma Wilder did an amazing performance. While listening, I often forgot that there was only one narrator, because Emma doesn't just read the book, she performs the characters in the book, as if she was in the story - allowing me to also feel immersed in the story.
I highly recommend Shame the Devil by Rosalind James, both the book, and the audiobook narrated by Emma Wilder.
November 15, 2020
Jennifer Cardello got pregnant at 15. Now, eighteen years later, she is the property manager for former NFL quarterback Blake Orbison's Wild Horse resort, now that the resort is finished Blake doesn't need her anymore. Blake is a good guy, he's offered Jennifer jobs elsewhere or to set her up with some of his former teammates who need a personal organiser, to help her think through her options he offers her a holiday in Yellowstone Snow Lodge with her boyfriend, but Jennifer chooses to take her daughter Dyma instead.
Harlan Kristiansen is an NFL wide receiver. He's spending time with Owen, one of his younger teammates, rather than with his family or friends in the run-up to the Superbowl after flubbing a catch which means his team is sitting out this year's game.
Harlan and Owen, Jennifer and Dyma are all staying at the lodge when their paths cross, practically literally, whilst skiing. There's an instant attraction between Jennifer and Harlan and between Dyma and Owen, but motherhood and caution and all that good stuff could get in the way.
This was such a satisfying romance: plenty of angst and drama, lots of steamy scenes (phew were they steamy! As Alan Bennett would say, I had to go and make some scones), mother and daughter tension, real-life versus NFL fantasy, chasing your dreams, learning to listen to your heart all the good stuff. I honestly can say I would happily read a novel featuring any of the side characters from this book: Owen; Dyma; any of Harlan's sisters.
I can't articulate how this series differs from her New Zealand Ever After series other than to say it feels grittier. Both series feature some fundamental life-changing events and yet for some reason this series feels bleaker, as though their lives are somehow darker. Maybe it's because the townsfolk are less kind?
Anyway all I know is that I got a banner notification on my iPhone at just gone midnight on Friday that the book had been delivered to my Kindle and I just had to start reading immediately.
Loved it.
Harlan Kristiansen is an NFL wide receiver. He's spending time with Owen, one of his younger teammates, rather than with his family or friends in the run-up to the Superbowl after flubbing a catch which means his team is sitting out this year's game.
Harlan and Owen, Jennifer and Dyma are all staying at the lodge when their paths cross, practically literally, whilst skiing. There's an instant attraction between Jennifer and Harlan and between Dyma and Owen, but motherhood and caution and all that good stuff could get in the way.
This was such a satisfying romance: plenty of angst and drama, lots of steamy scenes (phew were they steamy! As Alan Bennett would say, I had to go and make some scones), mother and daughter tension, real-life versus NFL fantasy, chasing your dreams, learning to listen to your heart all the good stuff. I honestly can say I would happily read a novel featuring any of the side characters from this book: Owen; Dyma; any of Harlan's sisters.
I can't articulate how this series differs from her New Zealand Ever After series other than to say it feels grittier. Both series feature some fundamental life-changing events and yet for some reason this series feels bleaker, as though their lives are somehow darker. Maybe it's because the townsfolk are less kind?
Anyway all I know is that I got a banner notification on my iPhone at just gone midnight on Friday that the book had been delivered to my Kindle and I just had to start reading immediately.
Loved it.
May 12, 2022
so wonderful!
So, it’s easy to think I’d met the best of these guys with “Silver Tongued Devil” in the now-retired former quarterback, Blake. Then meeting Evan, best friend of Dakota, who feel for Blake & thinking wow, another awesome male lead.
But then, here, we meet Harlan, running back for the Portland Devils, super hunk, Thor-like, and not a stay-around guy. OMG! Could this guy be any more hot?!
And he accidentally meets Jennifer, Blake’s almost former assist in Wild Horse, who we net briefly in that first book. And just wow! In love with these characters, right from the start!
Harlan is just a great guy, regardless of his disinterest in a relationship. And Jennifer is a single mom of a wildly intelligent & entertaining 18 year old about to graduate high school & go off on her own life adventure. Jennifer doesn’t really believe in herself & is struggling with her next step, without her daughter & without a job.
Meeting Harlan is not want she planned or wants, but their chemistry is off the charts. She is the consummate assistant, booking travel, arranging appearances, handling all the details of a wealthy CEO for Blake.
There is some truly amazing quotes (many from The Tao, which Jennifer’s daughter quotes). There is also a lot of hot stuff between Harlan & Jennifer.
But what is most touching is how we see Harlan develop as a maybe boyfriend and as a big brother for his three sisters. And we watch his struggles & his strength when dealing with an over the top family crisis that had been set in motion many years ago.
This is all so well-written, with string main characters, wonderful secondary characters & of course, another bit of Blake & Dakota!
Bring the tissues!
So, it’s easy to think I’d met the best of these guys with “Silver Tongued Devil” in the now-retired former quarterback, Blake. Then meeting Evan, best friend of Dakota, who feel for Blake & thinking wow, another awesome male lead.
But then, here, we meet Harlan, running back for the Portland Devils, super hunk, Thor-like, and not a stay-around guy. OMG! Could this guy be any more hot?!
And he accidentally meets Jennifer, Blake’s almost former assist in Wild Horse, who we net briefly in that first book. And just wow! In love with these characters, right from the start!
Harlan is just a great guy, regardless of his disinterest in a relationship. And Jennifer is a single mom of a wildly intelligent & entertaining 18 year old about to graduate high school & go off on her own life adventure. Jennifer doesn’t really believe in herself & is struggling with her next step, without her daughter & without a job.
Meeting Harlan is not want she planned or wants, but their chemistry is off the charts. She is the consummate assistant, booking travel, arranging appearances, handling all the details of a wealthy CEO for Blake.
There is some truly amazing quotes (many from The Tao, which Jennifer’s daughter quotes). There is also a lot of hot stuff between Harlan & Jennifer.
But what is most touching is how we see Harlan develop as a maybe boyfriend and as a big brother for his three sisters. And we watch his struggles & his strength when dealing with an over the top family crisis that had been set in motion many years ago.
This is all so well-written, with string main characters, wonderful secondary characters & of course, another bit of Blake & Dakota!
Bring the tissues!
August 15, 2021
4.75 stars from me.
I really liked this book, it made me laugh and it made me cry. There is just one thing I did not like.
*SPOILER*
The birth scene was horrible for me to read. In my preparation class, the midwife told and explained to us that and especially why lying on a bed is the least favorable position to give birth in.
I really don’t like to read this and would like to read a birth scene, where the woman moves freely around the room or gives birth in a birthing tub.
I really liked this book, it made me laugh and it made me cry. There is just one thing I did not like.
*SPOILER*
The birth scene was horrible for me to read. In my preparation class, the midwife told and explained to us that and especially why lying on a bed is the least favorable position to give birth in.
I really don’t like to read this and would like to read a birth scene, where the woman moves freely around the room or gives birth in a birthing tub.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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November 26, 2020
November 2020 -- 5 Stars
A very pleasant surprise. It started a bit slow, and I was patient ... I'm not normally patient. I loved everything. Glad I picked this up.
If people are debating a Kindle Unlimited subscription, debate no more. Most of the 100 books I've read this year have been KU. Just because, not because it was my requirement.
Happy Reading!
A very pleasant surprise. It started a bit slow, and I was patient ... I'm not normally patient. I loved everything. Glad I picked this up.
If people are debating a Kindle Unlimited subscription, debate no more. Most of the 100 books I've read this year have been KU. Just because, not because it was my requirement.
Happy Reading!
December 7, 2020
Another winner for the very talented Rosalind James!
Shame the Devil is the 3rd installment of the Portland Devils series, and I am so excited to review this book! A beautifully written story, with scenic backdrops from Portland, OR to a small town in Idaho, a beautiful spa resort in New Mexico, to the plains of North Dakota. This beautiful love story will capture your imagination and the characters will capture your heart.
Harlan, a Portland Devils wide receiver, who looks like a Viking or a Norse god. His blond hair waves to his shoulders, and he is built like an Olympic champion body builder who is lightning fast. Harlan also owns a movie theater in a small town called White Horse and is known for being a playboy who is anything but serious. Harlan has a seriously sad childhood upbringing and no desire to dig into that part of his life. He's about to have his life shaken up a bit - in more ways than one.
Jennifer is a single mom with her fledgling daughter about to leave the nest for college. She's about to experience freedom for the first time as a single adult - as she had her daughter when she was very young, in her teens, and has known hardship, loss and challenges her whole life while making something of herself, providing for her daughter, and building a future. What she has never known is success in relationships - the romantic kind, anyway.
Jennifer and Harlan meet in unusual circumstances, and it seems like fate has put one another in their paths. They are immediately attracted to each other and decide to have a short fling that is only supposed to be a night of amazing adventure and then go their separate ways. Fate had other plans and these two wind up becoming very much wrapped up in each other's worlds. Neither one had any long term plans for a relationship, but somehow that is what might be forged out of a very deep case of like for one another. Jennifer challenges Harlan in ways he never dreamt of -and Harlan surprises Jennifer with his very serious and romantic side. Both have a lot of things to overcome, and a lot of things to learn, but we get to watch their kindling fire relationship unfold into a full-fledged inferno -and you hope to just not get burned sitting there on the edge hoping they make a go of it.
There is another couple's romantic beginning here as well, as Jennifer's young daughter and the younger friend and team-mate of Harlan - Owen- share an attraction and he knows she is still too young yet. Owen is starstruck by her dynamo energy and sparkly personality and is holding himself in check because she's barely 18 and not finished with high school yet. This one will wait a while to mature (hopefully Rosalind will give them their own book later down the road..we will have to be patient for these two to become more than friends).
I loved these characters, their maturity, their sense of humor and their energy between each other as they grew closer and realized they were falling in love, and could not just walk away from a fun one-time weekend. The two learn so many things through each other and learn to trust and open up with each other. They each get the rare gift of healing from their past hurts and developing something brand new and beautiful. I love how Rosalind showed how they grew close to each other over time, and developed the relationship, as nothing long-lasting ever really happens overnight.
Enjoyed this book very much and Looking forward to hearing more about Dyma and Owen.
Shame the Devil is the 3rd installment of the Portland Devils series, and I am so excited to review this book! A beautifully written story, with scenic backdrops from Portland, OR to a small town in Idaho, a beautiful spa resort in New Mexico, to the plains of North Dakota. This beautiful love story will capture your imagination and the characters will capture your heart.
Harlan, a Portland Devils wide receiver, who looks like a Viking or a Norse god. His blond hair waves to his shoulders, and he is built like an Olympic champion body builder who is lightning fast. Harlan also owns a movie theater in a small town called White Horse and is known for being a playboy who is anything but serious. Harlan has a seriously sad childhood upbringing and no desire to dig into that part of his life. He's about to have his life shaken up a bit - in more ways than one.
Jennifer is a single mom with her fledgling daughter about to leave the nest for college. She's about to experience freedom for the first time as a single adult - as she had her daughter when she was very young, in her teens, and has known hardship, loss and challenges her whole life while making something of herself, providing for her daughter, and building a future. What she has never known is success in relationships - the romantic kind, anyway.
Jennifer and Harlan meet in unusual circumstances, and it seems like fate has put one another in their paths. They are immediately attracted to each other and decide to have a short fling that is only supposed to be a night of amazing adventure and then go their separate ways. Fate had other plans and these two wind up becoming very much wrapped up in each other's worlds. Neither one had any long term plans for a relationship, but somehow that is what might be forged out of a very deep case of like for one another. Jennifer challenges Harlan in ways he never dreamt of -and Harlan surprises Jennifer with his very serious and romantic side. Both have a lot of things to overcome, and a lot of things to learn, but we get to watch their kindling fire relationship unfold into a full-fledged inferno -and you hope to just not get burned sitting there on the edge hoping they make a go of it.
There is another couple's romantic beginning here as well, as Jennifer's young daughter and the younger friend and team-mate of Harlan - Owen- share an attraction and he knows she is still too young yet. Owen is starstruck by her dynamo energy and sparkly personality and is holding himself in check because she's barely 18 and not finished with high school yet. This one will wait a while to mature (hopefully Rosalind will give them their own book later down the road..we will have to be patient for these two to become more than friends).
I loved these characters, their maturity, their sense of humor and their energy between each other as they grew closer and realized they were falling in love, and could not just walk away from a fun one-time weekend. The two learn so many things through each other and learn to trust and open up with each other. They each get the rare gift of healing from their past hurts and developing something brand new and beautiful. I love how Rosalind showed how they grew close to each other over time, and developed the relationship, as nothing long-lasting ever really happens overnight.
Enjoyed this book very much and Looking forward to hearing more about Dyma and Owen.
November 13, 2020
This is a seriously good story! There is a lot of humour, a lot of tense situations, and many twists and turns in the relationship between Jennifer Cardello and Harlan ‘Thor’ Kristiansen. Both of them have events in their teenage years that have seriously affected how they deal with life; Jennifer cannot relax, she always has to be on top of the situation so there are never any unwelcome surprises. She has a boyfriend, Mark, but he is purely a habit, in four years he has never suggested marriage, hardly ever takes her out “because she looks fat in clothes”, he just turns up, sits on her sofa watching the television and expects to be fed.
She works as personal assistant to Blake Orbison, a very rich man who used to be a star of the National Football League, but her job is about to finish because the luxury resort he has built in Wild Horse is finished, he won’t be in town very often to need her, but he has promised to find another job for her. She needs a good job because her daughter Dyma is soon going to university, she has to help her with expenses plus help out her grandfather with his, and keep herself. Before she finishes working for him Blake asks her to go to Yellowstone to stay in a luxury lodge for the weekend, because he has been asked to go and take a few photographs. He doesn’t want to go so told them he would send his assistant. He tries to tempt her into going by saying she can take her boyfriend. Instead she at last ditches Mark, and takes Dyma with her. Once they arrive at the resort Dyma wants to go skiing, and Jennifer agrees despite being scared. While they are out they have an eerie confrontation with a couple of wolves, and shortly afterwards Jennifer is in danger of being mown down by a young boy on a snowmobile who in turn is being chased by an angry bison. As a skiing novice she cannot get out of the way quick enough, she is rescued in the nick of time by Harlan.
Harlan is also a very wealthy NFL team star, and is out skiing with a fellow team member Owen. The four of them go for a drink together. Harlan and Jennifer get on very well together, and so do Owen and Dyma - a concern for Jennifer because Owen is far too old for her nearly nineteen year old daughter! It is a very exciting, tense weekend for them all, Harlan has to rush off to North Dakota and invites them all to go with him, then to a luxury spa resort in New Mexico, before heading back to Wild Horse. The weekend has cemented their friendship, but for many reasons Jennifer is determined not to get involved.
Both Harlan and Jennifer are very complex characters, and it is a joy watching them both develop, and grow, into the people they are meant to be, so well written that it is all perfectly natural. Towards the end of the book, when everything comes to a huge climax, especially for Harlan’s family, the writing of the emotion is so good that you are there, suffering with them all, crying for them all.
The ending is really sweet, and joyous, you know absolutely that it will be happy ever after!
She works as personal assistant to Blake Orbison, a very rich man who used to be a star of the National Football League, but her job is about to finish because the luxury resort he has built in Wild Horse is finished, he won’t be in town very often to need her, but he has promised to find another job for her. She needs a good job because her daughter Dyma is soon going to university, she has to help her with expenses plus help out her grandfather with his, and keep herself. Before she finishes working for him Blake asks her to go to Yellowstone to stay in a luxury lodge for the weekend, because he has been asked to go and take a few photographs. He doesn’t want to go so told them he would send his assistant. He tries to tempt her into going by saying she can take her boyfriend. Instead she at last ditches Mark, and takes Dyma with her. Once they arrive at the resort Dyma wants to go skiing, and Jennifer agrees despite being scared. While they are out they have an eerie confrontation with a couple of wolves, and shortly afterwards Jennifer is in danger of being mown down by a young boy on a snowmobile who in turn is being chased by an angry bison. As a skiing novice she cannot get out of the way quick enough, she is rescued in the nick of time by Harlan.
Harlan is also a very wealthy NFL team star, and is out skiing with a fellow team member Owen. The four of them go for a drink together. Harlan and Jennifer get on very well together, and so do Owen and Dyma - a concern for Jennifer because Owen is far too old for her nearly nineteen year old daughter! It is a very exciting, tense weekend for them all, Harlan has to rush off to North Dakota and invites them all to go with him, then to a luxury spa resort in New Mexico, before heading back to Wild Horse. The weekend has cemented their friendship, but for many reasons Jennifer is determined not to get involved.
Both Harlan and Jennifer are very complex characters, and it is a joy watching them both develop, and grow, into the people they are meant to be, so well written that it is all perfectly natural. Towards the end of the book, when everything comes to a huge climax, especially for Harlan’s family, the writing of the emotion is so good that you are there, suffering with them all, crying for them all.
The ending is really sweet, and joyous, you know absolutely that it will be happy ever after!
November 13, 2020
This was another great read from Rosalind James. You don’t need to have read the first two books in the series in order to enjoy this one, but why not read them since they were enjoyable also.
The two main characters have very sad backgrounds. Jennifer became a teenage mother very young and had to endure all the criticisms and mean-girl behavior that is possible in a small town. Harlan seems like a golden boy - an MVP running back who is handsome, rich, and hunky, plus a nice guy. But he had a painful childhood and there are more details that are going to come out in the course of the novel.
Chance allows for Jennifer to encounter Harlan and for them to start being attracted to each other. And, just because he is who he is, they end up traveling together to Harlan’s hometown in North Dakota on a chartered plane after a short time getting to know each other. This seems very surprising for a careful mother to get on a plane with her teenage daughter with two NFL players that they just met, but suspend disbelief and enjoy the growing relationship between the two. I liked seeing Jennifer growing out of the walls she had put around herself as the novel goes on. And Harlan also is growing and changing in ways he never thought possible.
I found this novel enthralling - it was amusing, sensitive, emotional, romantic, and sensual. If you haven’t read a Rosalind James novel, this makes a good start. If you have enjoyed her other novels, this is one more that you will enjoy.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book that I received from the author; however, the opinions are my own and I did not receive any compensation for my review.
The two main characters have very sad backgrounds. Jennifer became a teenage mother very young and had to endure all the criticisms and mean-girl behavior that is possible in a small town. Harlan seems like a golden boy - an MVP running back who is handsome, rich, and hunky, plus a nice guy. But he had a painful childhood and there are more details that are going to come out in the course of the novel.
Chance allows for Jennifer to encounter Harlan and for them to start being attracted to each other. And, just because he is who he is, they end up traveling together to Harlan’s hometown in North Dakota on a chartered plane after a short time getting to know each other. This seems very surprising for a careful mother to get on a plane with her teenage daughter with two NFL players that they just met, but suspend disbelief and enjoy the growing relationship between the two. I liked seeing Jennifer growing out of the walls she had put around herself as the novel goes on. And Harlan also is growing and changing in ways he never thought possible.
I found this novel enthralling - it was amusing, sensitive, emotional, romantic, and sensual. If you haven’t read a Rosalind James novel, this makes a good start. If you have enjoyed her other novels, this is one more that you will enjoy.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book that I received from the author; however, the opinions are my own and I did not receive any compensation for my review.
November 16, 2020
I really enjoyed this book, as I have all of Ms. James' books. As always, she's created a well-woven story here, this time about the match between the woman who never got to be young and the man who has never been anything but (or at least, he doesn't think so!). Their romance develops organically, fed by both the situations they end up in together and the characteristics they bring out in each other; seeing how they grew into themselves (especially Jennifer) was probably my favorite part of this story.
Without getting too deep into spoiler territory, there's some really interesting and exciting plot elements that revolve around Harlan and Jennifer and their respective families, which I really enjoyed. There's honest, sometimes annoyed, but real-feeling love there that's hard to get from a book in a way that doesn't feel cheesy. There's one specific plot element that, for readers who spend a lot of time in the romance genre, will feel familiar-- if I'm honest, I saw it coming and was concerned it would feel too tropey, as it would in the hands of a less talented author. However, because James actually takes the time to create three dimensional characters, it felt like more of a natural progression than I expected, rather than a contrivance forcing the main couple together.
The supporting characters are rich as well, and I look forward to reading about any of them that James feels the need to create a world for next. Altogether, it was an entertaining story with heart and heat that I would recommend to any fan of the genre (not that I would have expected any less!). I may not be a sports fan, but could I get a Portland Devils jersey? ;)
Without getting too deep into spoiler territory, there's some really interesting and exciting plot elements that revolve around Harlan and Jennifer and their respective families, which I really enjoyed. There's honest, sometimes annoyed, but real-feeling love there that's hard to get from a book in a way that doesn't feel cheesy. There's one specific plot element that, for readers who spend a lot of time in the romance genre, will feel familiar-- if I'm honest, I saw it coming and was concerned it would feel too tropey, as it would in the hands of a less talented author. However, because James actually takes the time to create three dimensional characters, it felt like more of a natural progression than I expected, rather than a contrivance forcing the main couple together.
The supporting characters are rich as well, and I look forward to reading about any of them that James feels the need to create a world for next. Altogether, it was an entertaining story with heart and heat that I would recommend to any fan of the genre (not that I would have expected any less!). I may not be a sports fan, but could I get a Portland Devils jersey? ;)
September 27, 2024
This is part of a series I have not read and although you can tell there were other stories before, you still can read this as a stand alone book. Okay, the FMC is Jennifer. She was an unwed mother at 15 with all the snide comments and judgmental stares that entails. She has a few self esteem problems and body conscious issues. Her daughter is about to go off to college and Jennifer is about to lose her job. She's not being fired its just ending. It's a lot. The hero is Harlan who is a NFL wide receiver and ladies man. There is a whole meet cute at a ski resort which mom and daughter were gifted. Harlan and Jennifer hit off right away as well as her daughter and Harlan's good friend Owen. The author had Jennifer REALLY come out of her shell in a somewhat mystifying? Out of Character? Jarring? way. Yea the piercing just didn't fit right to me in the story. A quibble. The sex is copious and became more raunchy as the story went on. And the story just kept going on. There was a kitchen sink in there I'm sure. There were several divergent storylines and characters that just kept piling on the things that needed to be worked through. Owen and Jennifer's daughter and their issue. The alcoholic and abusive father. The sibling in peril. Blake (her boss) and his wife nosing in. A murder. I thought it would have helped to be slightly more simplified. Don't get me wrong. I read every word and enjoyed it thoroughly. There were just a couple of personality zig zags that threw me out of the story. I'll probably check out one of the other books in the series as well which is what an author truly wants.
November 15, 2020
Shame the Devil is the perfect addition to the Portland Devils Series and if you are looking for an entertaining emotional read that will touch you on so levels look no further than this great read.
This is book 3 in the series but I do believe it can certainly be read as a stand-alone because each book features different characters and even though we met Jennifer in book one it’s only now that she gets her own story. This is single mum Jennifer Cardello and Harlan (Thor) Kristiansen’s tale and boy do they that a tale to tell.....
Single mum, Jennifer works for Blake Orbison but the contract she has is coming to an end, Blake promises to find her more work and before she finishes with him he sends her off to Yellowstone in his place to take some photographs and that’s were she meets NFL player Harlan who is at the resort to enjoy some skiing with a teammate.
Harlan and Jennifer hit it off straight away, the attraction is instant and the chemistry sizzling but this couple is not looking for a relationship, neither of them are looking for love but fate works in mysterious ways and it seems fate is determined to push this couple together.....
This emotional read ticked all my boxes, I loved watching these characters develop and grow as they got to know each other, I laughed and I smiled, I shed some tears and I swooned a lot throughout this well written romance. The main characters and the secondary characters are easy to relate to and I’m looking forward to more in the Portland Devils series.
This is book 3 in the series but I do believe it can certainly be read as a stand-alone because each book features different characters and even though we met Jennifer in book one it’s only now that she gets her own story. This is single mum Jennifer Cardello and Harlan (Thor) Kristiansen’s tale and boy do they that a tale to tell.....
Single mum, Jennifer works for Blake Orbison but the contract she has is coming to an end, Blake promises to find her more work and before she finishes with him he sends her off to Yellowstone in his place to take some photographs and that’s were she meets NFL player Harlan who is at the resort to enjoy some skiing with a teammate.
Harlan and Jennifer hit it off straight away, the attraction is instant and the chemistry sizzling but this couple is not looking for a relationship, neither of them are looking for love but fate works in mysterious ways and it seems fate is determined to push this couple together.....
This emotional read ticked all my boxes, I loved watching these characters develop and grow as they got to know each other, I laughed and I smiled, I shed some tears and I swooned a lot throughout this well written romance. The main characters and the secondary characters are easy to relate to and I’m looking forward to more in the Portland Devils series.
November 16, 2020
I just finished Shame the Devil by Rosalind James and instantly started my re-read. I tried to use my highlights to find some of my favorite scenes ... but I’d highlighted so much of the book that it was not that helpful! Shame the Devil is book number three in the series, but it can be read as a standalone ... although once you read STD, you’ll want to download the other books in the series.
Why a 5 star, instant re-read for me? First reason is that this is a full length book with a capital B. Ms. James is known for writing novels that are character driven with subplots that are incredibly and tightly woven.
Jennifer and Harlan meet in the most unusual of all circumstances and are immediately attracted to each other. From that moment forward, they start a relationship that gathers emotional steam, chemistry, and passion, set in the upper midwest to north west. The two of them couldn’t be more different ... but are they? Their story will take you on a super emotional journey chock full of family, friends, redemption, addressing past hurts, and taking a deep look inside.
Along the way, characters Dyma, Owen, and Annabelle, along with Blake and Dakota from a previous book, liven things up ... and I’m hoping for Dyma’s story soon!
I generously received an ARC from the author, and immediately purchased my own copie because the book is just that good!
I’f you’re looking for your next 5 star read, lol no further and download immediately.
Why a 5 star, instant re-read for me? First reason is that this is a full length book with a capital B. Ms. James is known for writing novels that are character driven with subplots that are incredibly and tightly woven.
Jennifer and Harlan meet in the most unusual of all circumstances and are immediately attracted to each other. From that moment forward, they start a relationship that gathers emotional steam, chemistry, and passion, set in the upper midwest to north west. The two of them couldn’t be more different ... but are they? Their story will take you on a super emotional journey chock full of family, friends, redemption, addressing past hurts, and taking a deep look inside.
Along the way, characters Dyma, Owen, and Annabelle, along with Blake and Dakota from a previous book, liven things up ... and I’m hoping for Dyma’s story soon!
I generously received an ARC from the author, and immediately purchased my own copie because the book is just that good!
I’f you’re looking for your next 5 star read, lol no further and download immediately.
November 22, 2020
Another winner for Rosalind James. Her new book, Shame The Devil, is book 3 in the Portland Devils series. Although it can certainly be read as a stand a lone, without any loss of understanding as to what's going on, I personally prefer to read series in order so as not to miss out on anything.
I quickly found myself pulled into the story soon after making the acquaintance of the two main characters Harlan Kristiansen, a pro football player, and Jennifer Cardello, a personal assistant and single mom. The first meet-up between these two was memorable indeed, involving Yellowstone, wolves, bison, and a group of horribly obnoxious tourists.
These are two very complex characters who have both faced challenges in their pasts that still affect them in the present. They are soon attracted to each other and things heat up between them fairly quickly. They are also surrounded by a wonderful array of supporting characters: Jennifer's daughter Dyma, and her grandfather, her soon to be ex-boss and his wife (who were the main focus of book 1 of this series), Harlan's friend and teammate Owen, his sister's and in particular the youngest Annabelle.
There are lot's of ups and downs in their story, laughter and tears, sweet times and sad, and the ultimate happy ending we all crave. Rosalind James has a knack for telling tales that capture your emotions and sweep you up into the story with her, and Shame the Devil is no exception.
I quickly found myself pulled into the story soon after making the acquaintance of the two main characters Harlan Kristiansen, a pro football player, and Jennifer Cardello, a personal assistant and single mom. The first meet-up between these two was memorable indeed, involving Yellowstone, wolves, bison, and a group of horribly obnoxious tourists.
These are two very complex characters who have both faced challenges in their pasts that still affect them in the present. They are soon attracted to each other and things heat up between them fairly quickly. They are also surrounded by a wonderful array of supporting characters: Jennifer's daughter Dyma, and her grandfather, her soon to be ex-boss and his wife (who were the main focus of book 1 of this series), Harlan's friend and teammate Owen, his sister's and in particular the youngest Annabelle.
There are lot's of ups and downs in their story, laughter and tears, sweet times and sad, and the ultimate happy ending we all crave. Rosalind James has a knack for telling tales that capture your emotions and sweep you up into the story with her, and Shame the Devil is no exception.
November 29, 2020
Thor aka Harlan Kristiansen meets his match when he meets Jennifer Cardello at a rustic inn at Yellowstone. And due to a lot of misconceptions and perceptions, the antics start. Harlan doesn't really introduce himself properly leading to some interesting assumptions on Jennifer's side. And sine initially Harlan thinks Jennifer's daughter is actually her sister, things get interesting fairly fast.
I am not going to go into the plot other than to say it is well written, convoluted at times but not in a tiresome way, well developed characters, fantastic scenery that plays a plot in moving the storyline along. In other words, a normal book by Rosalind James. This book is longer than most people are used to these days since most novels I have been reading are really novellas, aka it is longer than 200 pages. Yes, there is a difference and it matters. Novels have well developed characters and storylines and move along sometimes at a little slower pace than a novella but they draw you in and engage your mind. Ms. James is a master at this skill.
I highly recommend her books due to the fact that she has developed and continually works on her skilcraft in her novels. She takes the time to do her research and plot things out. Think about the classics and various novels you were required to read in school, those authors were/are highly skilled and Ms. James belongs in this group. She takes her time with her writing and one key thing is she has it read at various stages along the way and her novels are proof read. One thing that will turn me off an author's writing is a lack of proofreading and poor character development. And Ms. James' skills are why I will read anything she publishes.
Take the time to set aside time to enjoy this novel.
I did receive a copy of this novel in advance from the author in exchange for a fair and unbiased reviewed.
I am not going to go into the plot other than to say it is well written, convoluted at times but not in a tiresome way, well developed characters, fantastic scenery that plays a plot in moving the storyline along. In other words, a normal book by Rosalind James. This book is longer than most people are used to these days since most novels I have been reading are really novellas, aka it is longer than 200 pages. Yes, there is a difference and it matters. Novels have well developed characters and storylines and move along sometimes at a little slower pace than a novella but they draw you in and engage your mind. Ms. James is a master at this skill.
I highly recommend her books due to the fact that she has developed and continually works on her skilcraft in her novels. She takes the time to do her research and plot things out. Think about the classics and various novels you were required to read in school, those authors were/are highly skilled and Ms. James belongs in this group. She takes her time with her writing and one key thing is she has it read at various stages along the way and her novels are proof read. One thing that will turn me off an author's writing is a lack of proofreading and poor character development. And Ms. James' skills are why I will read anything she publishes.
Take the time to set aside time to enjoy this novel.
I did receive a copy of this novel in advance from the author in exchange for a fair and unbiased reviewed.
November 14, 2020
4.5 stars
If you are looking for a light, easy read then I am going to suggest that Shame the Devil might be a book you want to wait on reading. If you are looking for a book that shows two people working hard to grow while they face challenges, then settle in to this read written in Ms Jame’s signature style.
Our characters are single mom, Jennifer, and football player, Harlan. We see her daughter, Dyma, and his teammate, Owen, and sister, Annabelle, in key secondary roles.
Fate seems to play a key role in bringing Jennifer and Harlan together the first time as they meet while vacationing in Yellowstone. It was fun to see her behave in a way that was obviously outside of her normal while also being true to herself. The events that follow have some hard moments for both Jennifer and Harlan. Ms James let’s us see them both struggle and lean on each other at various times as they tackle the hard things.
There are some fun moments here too. As well as messages that resonate on what is really important. Fans of Ms James work will see cameos from previous Portland Devil/Wildhorse books.
While Shame the Devil wasn’t an easy book, it was a touching book. I walked away happy for Jennifer and Harlan, but curious about what life will have in store for Dyma (and Owen) and Annabelle.
If you are looking for a light, easy read then I am going to suggest that Shame the Devil might be a book you want to wait on reading. If you are looking for a book that shows two people working hard to grow while they face challenges, then settle in to this read written in Ms Jame’s signature style.
Our characters are single mom, Jennifer, and football player, Harlan. We see her daughter, Dyma, and his teammate, Owen, and sister, Annabelle, in key secondary roles.
Fate seems to play a key role in bringing Jennifer and Harlan together the first time as they meet while vacationing in Yellowstone. It was fun to see her behave in a way that was obviously outside of her normal while also being true to herself. The events that follow have some hard moments for both Jennifer and Harlan. Ms James let’s us see them both struggle and lean on each other at various times as they tackle the hard things.
There are some fun moments here too. As well as messages that resonate on what is really important. Fans of Ms James work will see cameos from previous Portland Devil/Wildhorse books.
While Shame the Devil wasn’t an easy book, it was a touching book. I walked away happy for Jennifer and Harlan, but curious about what life will have in store for Dyma (and Owen) and Annabelle.
November 25, 2020
I highly recommend this book “Shame The Devil” by Rosalind James.
We met Jennifer Cardello as former NFL quarterback, Blake Orbison’s, personal assistant in the first book in this series, Silver-Tongued Devil. “She was the go-between, the smoother-over, the suck-it-up-and-get-it-done-girl. She was a no-drama llama.” All while being a stable single mother who also helps out her grandfather. Blake sends Jennifer and her daughter, Dyma, to Yellowstone National Park to check out a resort the weekend of the super bowl, mainly because he doesn’t want to be around people, since his former team lost in the last seconds of the AFC championship because of a dropped Hail Mary pass to Harlen Kristiansen.
Since the loss, Harlen decides to visit his good friend and lineman Owen Johnson in Wyoming. Owen talks Harlen in to taking a weekend trip to get away and ski...at Yellowstone.
Harlen literally saves Jennifer’s life from a snowmobile speeding away from a bison and the attraction is immediate. The story unfolds from here as they spend a drama filled weekend that ends up with a broken condom and yes-Jennifer pregnant.
This story is filled with well written, well rounded- extremely mean, Harlan’s father Axel to extremely funny, Jennifer’s daughter Dyma, characters set in artfully described homes, hotels and scenery. No one does that better than Rosalind James!
We met Jennifer Cardello as former NFL quarterback, Blake Orbison’s, personal assistant in the first book in this series, Silver-Tongued Devil. “She was the go-between, the smoother-over, the suck-it-up-and-get-it-done-girl. She was a no-drama llama.” All while being a stable single mother who also helps out her grandfather. Blake sends Jennifer and her daughter, Dyma, to Yellowstone National Park to check out a resort the weekend of the super bowl, mainly because he doesn’t want to be around people, since his former team lost in the last seconds of the AFC championship because of a dropped Hail Mary pass to Harlen Kristiansen.
Since the loss, Harlen decides to visit his good friend and lineman Owen Johnson in Wyoming. Owen talks Harlen in to taking a weekend trip to get away and ski...at Yellowstone.
Harlen literally saves Jennifer’s life from a snowmobile speeding away from a bison and the attraction is immediate. The story unfolds from here as they spend a drama filled weekend that ends up with a broken condom and yes-Jennifer pregnant.
This story is filled with well written, well rounded- extremely mean, Harlan’s father Axel to extremely funny, Jennifer’s daughter Dyma, characters set in artfully described homes, hotels and scenery. No one does that better than Rosalind James!
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