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Chicago Stars #5
This Heart of Mine
This Heart of Mine..
Molly Somerville knows she has a reputation for trouble. She did give away her fifteen-million-dollar inheritance, but, hey, nobody's perfect. Still, if anyone has an almost perfect life, it's Molly. While her Daphne the Bunny children's books could be selling better, she loves her cramped loft, her French poodle, and her career creating the fictional animals who live in Nightingale Woods. She even loves her sister, Phoebe.
True, it was a little tough growing up in her shadow. Phoebe is beautiful, blissfully married, and the owner of the most successful professional football team in America. But who other than your sister knows you're about to do something drastic every time you change your hair? Yes, Molly's happy about almost everything ... except her long-term crush on the daredevil quarterback for the Chicago Stars, that awful, gorgeous Kevin Tucker, a man who can't even remember her name!
One night Molly's penchant for running into trouble runs right into Kevin himself, turning her world upside down. Heartbreak follows, and just when she's certain things can't get worse, Kevin forces his way back into her life. If only the overpaid, Ferrari-driving, poodle-hating jock was as shallow as she wants him to be, she could get on with her almost perfect life. But Kevin's hidden depths and iron will propel Molly out of her comfortable existence into an unforgettable summer at a place called Wind Lake. Surrounded by paintbox cottages and a charming old bed-and-breakfast, she and Kevin battle their attraction while trying to cope with an aging sexpot actress, a cranky world-famous artist, and a pair of teenage newlyweds.
Their careers and lives are in crisis ... yet they can't seem to stay away from each other. Before the summer is over, will they be able to learn one of life's most important lessons? Sometimes falling in love hurts, sometimes it makes you mad as hell, and sometimes if you're very lucky it can heal in the most special and unexpected way.
Molly Somerville knows she has a reputation for trouble. She did give away her fifteen-million-dollar inheritance, but, hey, nobody's perfect. Still, if anyone has an almost perfect life, it's Molly. While her Daphne the Bunny children's books could be selling better, she loves her cramped loft, her French poodle, and her career creating the fictional animals who live in Nightingale Woods. She even loves her sister, Phoebe.
True, it was a little tough growing up in her shadow. Phoebe is beautiful, blissfully married, and the owner of the most successful professional football team in America. But who other than your sister knows you're about to do something drastic every time you change your hair? Yes, Molly's happy about almost everything ... except her long-term crush on the daredevil quarterback for the Chicago Stars, that awful, gorgeous Kevin Tucker, a man who can't even remember her name!
One night Molly's penchant for running into trouble runs right into Kevin himself, turning her world upside down. Heartbreak follows, and just when she's certain things can't get worse, Kevin forces his way back into her life. If only the overpaid, Ferrari-driving, poodle-hating jock was as shallow as she wants him to be, she could get on with her almost perfect life. But Kevin's hidden depths and iron will propel Molly out of her comfortable existence into an unforgettable summer at a place called Wind Lake. Surrounded by paintbox cottages and a charming old bed-and-breakfast, she and Kevin battle their attraction while trying to cope with an aging sexpot actress, a cranky world-famous artist, and a pair of teenage newlyweds.
Their careers and lives are in crisis ... yet they can't seem to stay away from each other. Before the summer is over, will they be able to learn one of life's most important lessons? Sometimes falling in love hurts, sometimes it makes you mad as hell, and sometimes if you're very lucky it can heal in the most special and unexpected way.
432 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published February 6, 2001
About the author
Susan Elizabeth Phillips
43 books15.4k followersSUSAN ELIZABETH PHILLIPS
Susan Elizabeth Phillips has been called the “Queen of Romantic Comedy and is the creator of the sports romance, beginning with her 1989 bestseller, FANCY PANTS. An internationally acclaimed author, her books have been published in over 30 languages. She’s the only four-time recipient of the Romance Writers of America’s prestigious Favorite Book of the Year Award, and a recipient of their Lifetime Achievement Award.
Susan's newest book, SIMPLY THE BEST, is coming in hardcover, ebook and audiobook in February 2024. SIMPLY THE BEST is book #10 in the highly acclaimed CHICAGO STARS football series. Susan is also known for the Wynette, Texas book series and many stand-alone women's fiction/romance novels.
In addition to being a New York Times, Publisher’s Weekly, and USA Today bestseller, she is a hiker, lazy gardener, horrible singer, passable cook, passionate reader, wife, mother of two grown sons, and grandmother.
You can visit Susan on Facebook, Instagram or on her website.
https://www.facebook.com/SusanElizabe...
https://www.instagram.com/SEPauthor/
http://susanelizabethphillips.com/
Susan Elizabeth Phillips has been called the “Queen of Romantic Comedy and is the creator of the sports romance, beginning with her 1989 bestseller, FANCY PANTS. An internationally acclaimed author, her books have been published in over 30 languages. She’s the only four-time recipient of the Romance Writers of America’s prestigious Favorite Book of the Year Award, and a recipient of their Lifetime Achievement Award.
Susan's newest book, SIMPLY THE BEST, is coming in hardcover, ebook and audiobook in February 2024. SIMPLY THE BEST is book #10 in the highly acclaimed CHICAGO STARS football series. Susan is also known for the Wynette, Texas book series and many stand-alone women's fiction/romance novels.
In addition to being a New York Times, Publisher’s Weekly, and USA Today bestseller, she is a hiker, lazy gardener, horrible singer, passable cook, passionate reader, wife, mother of two grown sons, and grandmother.
You can visit Susan on Facebook, Instagram or on her website.
https://www.facebook.com/SusanElizabe...
https://www.instagram.com/SEPauthor/
http://susanelizabethphillips.com/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,477 reviews
July 13, 2014
Okay, so this is going to be a rant, not a review.
At first, I thought I would enjoy this book. I should have known better, because this is Susan Elizabeth Phillips, whose work ALWAYS annoys me because of the sexist tendencies all of her women seem to exhibit. This one was no different.
When I was first introduced to Molly, I found her likable, funny, kind of weird, but not in a bad way--and then she goes and does something unthinkable and after that point, I just couldn't like her at all. So, Kevin's boss had told him to take some time off and stay in this cabin for awhile. Kevin and Molly had met a few times before, but didn't really know each other. So Molly shows up at this cabin, uninvited, then refuses to leave once she finds Kevin there, because she's too petty. THEN, when Kevin is asleep in his bed, she snoops through his stuff, finds a condom in his shaving kit, goes into his room, climbs into his bed and starts touching him while he is asleep. Kevin, still mostly asleep, and thinking the whole thing a dream in which he's making love with his ex-girlfriend, starts to respond to her touches. She then proceeds to rape him--and it is rape, because he would not have consented to have sex with her if he actually were aware of what was happening (he establishes this). So after she rapes him, he wakes up, freaks out, and announces that the condom had broken because it was about a million years old.
After this point, Molly had ruined herself in my mind. I cannot respect a woman who does something so devious and pathetic.
But it gets worse.
Molly gets pregnant with Kevin's baby. When Kevin later calls to check up on her, she blatantly lies to him and says she is not pregnant. Yeah. First she rapes him, then she plans on stealing his baby. Okay. And in case that weren't enough, her sister and brother-in-law, Phoebe and Dan Calebow from some other book in the series I haven't read because of its ridiculous cover, show up, figure out that it was Kevin who got her pregnant. So then Dan goes and finds Kevin and punches him and accuses him of being the scum of the earth and a seducer of innocents and a low-life jerk trying to run away from his duty blah blah blah. Kevin, being a nice guy, lets this happen, not revealing Molly's psychotics. Molly, being too ashamed and selfish, lets her brother-in-law and sister treat Kevin like crap and insult him while she holds on to her secret about raping him.
Kevin agrees to marry her, like I said, because he's a good guy. Molly has a miscarriage, blames Kevin, insults him, and proceeds to become depressed. Kevin, being a freaking good guy, feels sorry for her so he takes her on a trip to this campground that he owns to see if he can get her to perk up again. Molly is awful to him the whole time. Once there, she refuses to help with anything. Eventually she comes around, after Kevin practically begs her, and then she's really proud of herself for the monumental task of cooking breakfast. She deserves a freakin' medal.
What follows is a series of Molly's antics. She tricks Kevin at every turn, pretending to drown, purposely tipping over a canoe to get his attention, forcing a cat up into a tree and then making him go after the cat. She's a very mature woman, obviously.
Then the freaking Calebows show up to tell Kevin he's a jerk and to demand to know what his intentions are. Then Dan accuses Kevin of using Molly for a quick roll in the hay, because, apparently, football players (ahem, Dan, you freakin' hypocrite) cannot actually love a woman because they are too shallow and don't care about women or love. Of course, Molly believes this load of garbage, so she gets all pissed and claims she's using Kevin because he's available and she deserves to be "naughty" after so many years of being "good." Nice.
Then Molly goes back to her schemes. When Kevin tries to sell HIS campground, Molly goes to the buyer and tells him a bunch of lies about the place and that Kevin is mentally insane and needs help. The buyer believes her and leaves. Controlling much, Molly? How about living your own life?
After breaking up for a period, Kevin realizes he can't live without a psychotic, controlling b*atch running his life, so he goes to Molly's sister to ask for HER blessing to marry Molly--as if he needs it. Phoebe refuses, accuses Kevin of using Molly to guarantee his continued career with his football team, owned by Phoebe. She then says if he so much as goes near Molly, he will be off the team. Are. You. Freaking. Kidding. Me??? So Kevin decides Molly is more important and goes to marry her anyway.
Molly tells him he's an idiot and that men should give up everything in their lives for the women they love, but women should give up nothing. So, what do we learn? That men should give up their careers and everything else they like to please a woman, but a woman can do whatever she pleases. We learn that Kevin is willing to give up everything, including his career as a professional football player, which is basically his whole life, in order to be with Molly, the woman who raped him and controlled his life and gave up nothing for him.
This is not a book. It's a sexist peice of poo.
Yes. Women can be sexist, too. SEP is proof of this.
At first, I thought I would enjoy this book. I should have known better, because this is Susan Elizabeth Phillips, whose work ALWAYS annoys me because of the sexist tendencies all of her women seem to exhibit. This one was no different.
When I was first introduced to Molly, I found her likable, funny, kind of weird, but not in a bad way--and then she goes and does something unthinkable and after that point, I just couldn't like her at all. So, Kevin's boss had told him to take some time off and stay in this cabin for awhile. Kevin and Molly had met a few times before, but didn't really know each other. So Molly shows up at this cabin, uninvited, then refuses to leave once she finds Kevin there, because she's too petty. THEN, when Kevin is asleep in his bed, she snoops through his stuff, finds a condom in his shaving kit, goes into his room, climbs into his bed and starts touching him while he is asleep. Kevin, still mostly asleep, and thinking the whole thing a dream in which he's making love with his ex-girlfriend, starts to respond to her touches. She then proceeds to rape him--and it is rape, because he would not have consented to have sex with her if he actually were aware of what was happening (he establishes this). So after she rapes him, he wakes up, freaks out, and announces that the condom had broken because it was about a million years old.
After this point, Molly had ruined herself in my mind. I cannot respect a woman who does something so devious and pathetic.
But it gets worse.
Molly gets pregnant with Kevin's baby. When Kevin later calls to check up on her, she blatantly lies to him and says she is not pregnant. Yeah. First she rapes him, then she plans on stealing his baby. Okay. And in case that weren't enough, her sister and brother-in-law, Phoebe and Dan Calebow from some other book in the series I haven't read because of its ridiculous cover, show up, figure out that it was Kevin who got her pregnant. So then Dan goes and finds Kevin and punches him and accuses him of being the scum of the earth and a seducer of innocents and a low-life jerk trying to run away from his duty blah blah blah. Kevin, being a nice guy, lets this happen, not revealing Molly's psychotics. Molly, being too ashamed and selfish, lets her brother-in-law and sister treat Kevin like crap and insult him while she holds on to her secret about raping him.
Kevin agrees to marry her, like I said, because he's a good guy. Molly has a miscarriage, blames Kevin, insults him, and proceeds to become depressed. Kevin, being a freaking good guy, feels sorry for her so he takes her on a trip to this campground that he owns to see if he can get her to perk up again. Molly is awful to him the whole time. Once there, she refuses to help with anything. Eventually she comes around, after Kevin practically begs her, and then she's really proud of herself for the monumental task of cooking breakfast. She deserves a freakin' medal.
What follows is a series of Molly's antics. She tricks Kevin at every turn, pretending to drown, purposely tipping over a canoe to get his attention, forcing a cat up into a tree and then making him go after the cat. She's a very mature woman, obviously.
Then the freaking Calebows show up to tell Kevin he's a jerk and to demand to know what his intentions are. Then Dan accuses Kevin of using Molly for a quick roll in the hay, because, apparently, football players (ahem, Dan, you freakin' hypocrite) cannot actually love a woman because they are too shallow and don't care about women or love. Of course, Molly believes this load of garbage, so she gets all pissed and claims she's using Kevin because he's available and she deserves to be "naughty" after so many years of being "good." Nice.
Then Molly goes back to her schemes. When Kevin tries to sell HIS campground, Molly goes to the buyer and tells him a bunch of lies about the place and that Kevin is mentally insane and needs help. The buyer believes her and leaves. Controlling much, Molly? How about living your own life?
After breaking up for a period, Kevin realizes he can't live without a psychotic, controlling b*atch running his life, so he goes to Molly's sister to ask for HER blessing to marry Molly--as if he needs it. Phoebe refuses, accuses Kevin of using Molly to guarantee his continued career with his football team, owned by Phoebe. She then says if he so much as goes near Molly, he will be off the team. Are. You. Freaking. Kidding. Me??? So Kevin decides Molly is more important and goes to marry her anyway.
Molly tells him he's an idiot and that men should give up everything in their lives for the women they love, but women should give up nothing. So, what do we learn? That men should give up their careers and everything else they like to please a woman, but a woman can do whatever she pleases. We learn that Kevin is willing to give up everything, including his career as a professional football player, which is basically his whole life, in order to be with Molly, the woman who raped him and controlled his life and gave up nothing for him.
This is not a book. It's a sexist peice of poo.
Yes. Women can be sexist, too. SEP is proof of this.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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March 6, 2017
This Heart of Mine is book #5 in the Chicago Stars series by Susan Elizabeth Phillips. This book was a gift from my dear friend, Kelly, and I am so thankful she gave it to me. I have read one other book by this author and I fell in love with it. Is it possible, now, to love SEP even more? This book had me laughing out loud and within a few minutes, breaking my heart. The characters were loveable, the story wonderful and silly and engaging. It was unputdownable. I have decided that SEP’s writing is magical. I was entranced from the first page.
Molly Somerville is the younger sister of Phoebe Calebow. She’s now twenty seven years old and is the author of the adorable children’s book series Daphne the Bunny featuring Daphne and her best friend, Benny the Badger. Molly loves her sister and Phoebe’s husband, Dan and their four children with all her heart. She has always tried to be the best she can be for them since she owes them so much. But Molly has also been known for some little slips of crazy now and then. She’s been feeling restless lately so she decides a few days away will be good for her. She needs the time to concentrate on her next book. So she packs up her adorable little poodle, Roo, and takes off for the family vacation home in the woods. Little did she realize that she would have a visitor while she was there. The object of a crush she couldn’t seem to shake, the Quarterback of the Chicago Stars football team her sister owns, the oh so delectable Kevin Tucker.
Kevin Tucker has pushed his bosses as far as he dares. He’s been participating in some daredevil stunts lately, things that could injure him, ruin his future with the team. As a last resort he is sent to spend a few days at the Calebow’s vacation home for some time to rest and think. Little did he realize that the house already had a visitor.
Kevin and Molly’s few days together at the cabin start them on a journey neither of them could have ever expected. It started at the cabin, continued in Chicago, and then led them to a place that was a piece of Kevin’s history, the Windlake Campground. While Kevin’s purpose for the visit to Windlake was merely to get rid of it, Molly was immediately drawn to the adorable cottages and the bed and breakfast. She felt a peace and a purpose she hadn’t been able to find in a long time.
“There was something magical about the campground. Possibilities seemed to shimmer in the air. It felt almost enchanted.”
In their time at Windlake, Kevin and Molly got to know each other. And what they learned surprised them both. Feelings began to grow and change. But Kevin is still determined that he needs to get rid of the campground. That football is the only future he can concentrate on right now. That nothing is more important than his football career.
You can’t help but to fall in love with Molly and Kevin. Molly was crazy and impulsive and sweet and heartbreaking. She made me laugh out loud with her crazy antics and she kept Kevin on his toes. Kevin was sexy and bossy and stubborn and swoony. I would go from loving him to wanting to smack him.
You will also meet another very important character in this book, Lilly who plays an important part in Kevin and Molly’s lives. I don’t want to tell you what her connection is. Only that there is also a whole little side story going on with her and a famous artist, Liam Jenner.
After reading the two books of SEP’s books that I have read, I have put her right up at the top of my favorite authors’ list. Her writing is just magical. Her books are truly heartwarming. I was hooked right from the start and when I wasn’t reading, I was thinking about reading. Thinking about Molly and Kevin, hoping that they would figure everything out and that I needed to get back to the book to make sure that they do.
The very first book of this series, It Had to be You, is Phoebe’s story. So even though there have been other books in between, it seems like this book is kind of a sequel to that one. I loved this book so much and can’t wait to read more by this author.
“There was something missing inside me I was trying to fill up, but I went about doing it the wrong way. But there sure isn’t anything missing inside me now, because you’re there.”
Molly Somerville is the younger sister of Phoebe Calebow. She’s now twenty seven years old and is the author of the adorable children’s book series Daphne the Bunny featuring Daphne and her best friend, Benny the Badger. Molly loves her sister and Phoebe’s husband, Dan and their four children with all her heart. She has always tried to be the best she can be for them since she owes them so much. But Molly has also been known for some little slips of crazy now and then. She’s been feeling restless lately so she decides a few days away will be good for her. She needs the time to concentrate on her next book. So she packs up her adorable little poodle, Roo, and takes off for the family vacation home in the woods. Little did she realize that she would have a visitor while she was there. The object of a crush she couldn’t seem to shake, the Quarterback of the Chicago Stars football team her sister owns, the oh so delectable Kevin Tucker.
Kevin Tucker has pushed his bosses as far as he dares. He’s been participating in some daredevil stunts lately, things that could injure him, ruin his future with the team. As a last resort he is sent to spend a few days at the Calebow’s vacation home for some time to rest and think. Little did he realize that the house already had a visitor.
Kevin and Molly’s few days together at the cabin start them on a journey neither of them could have ever expected. It started at the cabin, continued in Chicago, and then led them to a place that was a piece of Kevin’s history, the Windlake Campground. While Kevin’s purpose for the visit to Windlake was merely to get rid of it, Molly was immediately drawn to the adorable cottages and the bed and breakfast. She felt a peace and a purpose she hadn’t been able to find in a long time.
“There was something magical about the campground. Possibilities seemed to shimmer in the air. It felt almost enchanted.”
In their time at Windlake, Kevin and Molly got to know each other. And what they learned surprised them both. Feelings began to grow and change. But Kevin is still determined that he needs to get rid of the campground. That football is the only future he can concentrate on right now. That nothing is more important than his football career.
You can’t help but to fall in love with Molly and Kevin. Molly was crazy and impulsive and sweet and heartbreaking. She made me laugh out loud with her crazy antics and she kept Kevin on his toes. Kevin was sexy and bossy and stubborn and swoony. I would go from loving him to wanting to smack him.
You will also meet another very important character in this book, Lilly who plays an important part in Kevin and Molly’s lives. I don’t want to tell you what her connection is. Only that there is also a whole little side story going on with her and a famous artist, Liam Jenner.
After reading the two books of SEP’s books that I have read, I have put her right up at the top of my favorite authors’ list. Her writing is just magical. Her books are truly heartwarming. I was hooked right from the start and when I wasn’t reading, I was thinking about reading. Thinking about Molly and Kevin, hoping that they would figure everything out and that I needed to get back to the book to make sure that they do.
The very first book of this series, It Had to be You, is Phoebe’s story. So even though there have been other books in between, it seems like this book is kind of a sequel to that one. I loved this book so much and can’t wait to read more by this author.
“There was something missing inside me I was trying to fill up, but I went about doing it the wrong way. But there sure isn’t anything missing inside me now, because you’re there.”
November 12, 2017
Blown away!
Another winner by SEP. That woman doesn’t know how to write a bad book. I could tear out every third page from this book and it would still be one of the best books I’ve ever read.
I swear her books emit some kind of invisible drug that makes you addicted to them.
QUICK REVIEW:
Enjoyment:: 5/5
Writing style: 5/5
Storyline: 5/5
Hero: 5/5
Heroine: 5/5
Secondary characters: 5/5
Hotness/chemistry: 3/5
Romance: 5/5
Angst: 3/5
Darkness level: 2/5
Humor: 4/5
Depth of the book: 5/5
POV: multiple, 3rd person
Triggers:
Another winner by SEP. That woman doesn’t know how to write a bad book. I could tear out every third page from this book and it would still be one of the best books I’ve ever read.
I swear her books emit some kind of invisible drug that makes you addicted to them.
QUICK REVIEW:
Enjoyment:: 5/5
Writing style: 5/5
Storyline: 5/5
Hero: 5/5
Heroine: 5/5
Secondary characters: 5/5
Hotness/chemistry: 3/5
Romance: 5/5
Angst: 3/5
Darkness level: 2/5
Humor: 4/5
Depth of the book: 5/5
POV: multiple, 3rd person
Triggers:
February 3, 2023
I've enjoyed SEP's writing so far *in spite of the occasionally questionable things done by some of her characters* but I couldn't move past the fact that Molly raped Kevin. Because that's what it was. No excuses. Molly wasn't some clueless goody two shoes looking for an adventure. She wasn't a misguided kid trying to rebel. She was a grown woman and a fucking RAPIST.
So, yes. A victim being forced to marry his rapist was not my idea of romance. Just because the victim was a man does not make it any less abhorrent. And Molly's family threatening Kevin's career was when I lost it. THIS WAS NOT OKAY.
So, yes. A victim being forced to marry his rapist was not my idea of romance. Just because the victim was a man does not make it any less abhorrent. And Molly's family threatening Kevin's career was when I lost it. THIS WAS NOT OKAY.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 24, 2020
This is the third time I have pulled this one off my reading list. I adore Susan Elizabeth Phillips. Truly. And I absolutely loved the audio book. The narrator did a wonderful job bringing these characters to life.
Of course Molly and Kevin were front and center but following those two were Dan and Phoebe, their tribe of kids (sweet Hannah was my favorite) and Lily and Liam. It was so much fun being back with the Chicago Stars clan and the characters of Nightingale Woods. Especially Daphne the bunny and Benny the badger. :)
Even knowing what was going to happen to Molly and Kevin my heart did those silly fluttering things, I shed a few tears and I laughed out loud. At the end my heart was full once again. ❤
*************************
(re-read June, 2016)
Sometimes things are just a bit better the second time around. And re-reading THoM was just that. If I could add another 5 stars to my rating I would. SEP truly is an amazing author. I was quickly reminded of the moments I fell in love with the first time and I was lucky enough to experience a few new wonderful moments that I apparently missed last June.
If you love SEP and haven't read this one then you must read it soon.
If you love SEP and have read this one already you must re-read it.
If you love SEP and have read and re-read this one then you should be looking forward to her new book The First Star I See Tonight which is due out on August 23rd!
***************************
I’m sure all of you have figured out my recent author love affair is with Susan Elizabeth Phillips and her Chicago Stars Series. I have adored all of the stories thus far and This Heart of Mine was FABULOUS and has shot to the top of my favorites!
This story centers on Molly Sommerville and Kevin Tucker. No one would put these two together. Though their lives spin in different directions they have a connection through Molly’s sister Phoebe and her hubby Dan Calebow.
Molly ~ I loved everything about her. She was a bit quirky, kind of sassy and had such a big heart. Her lonely teenage life had left her with quite an imagination which she uses for writing her books. Molly may be a very smart woman but she is famous for making some pretty rash decisions…..some pretty expensive.
When Molly heads off to her sister’s summer home to work through her latest restlessness she thought it would be the perfect getaway. Ah but nothing is ever that simple. She comes face to face (so to speak) with the one man that has filtered through her thoughts (many of them sexy) for a while now. For Molly this isn’t good. She is wary of her impulsive behavior.
Kevin ~ he was your typical handsome, sweet talking and sexy as all hell football player. A guy that had everything at his finger tips. He was living life in the fast lane until Molly decided to make him one of her rash decisions and it is one that will send them both over the edge.
Kevin and Molly find themselves dealing with an adventure that neither planned nor expected. Kevin has to make a decision to keep or give away family property that sits on a beautiful lake, a place that comes to offer Molly a sense of belonging.
When Molly begins to settle in and becomes a part of something that makes her feel good, Kevin only sees it as something he has to let go of. There are moments shared and friends made. But all this might not be enough.
There was a lot to love in this one. I think I say this in every SEP review I write. I loved the side story of Daphne the rabbit and Benny the badger. It was so flipping sweet.
The humor with all the family around was great; Dan and Phoebe and their kids. Hannah was such a sweetie. And then Lilly and Liam. I can't forget them. They added a little spin on the story that touched my heart. Everything and everyone just made this story just a little bit more special.
And as I get deeper in the series part of me wants to suggest that if you decide to read these books (which I hope you do) read them in order. Each book is cleverly connected to the other.
July 11, 2019
Another re-read ... and listened to the AUDIO too. I love this author. Enjoyed every single minute of it ... again.
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PREVIOUS REVIEW ...
I had forgotten how good this book was. It was a re-read. Karen's updates made me do it!!
It was sad, happy, funny, sexy. I loved Molly. I remember her from the very first book and it was nice to see her get her own story.
This book sort of three stories going. We had Kevin and Molly. Daphne and Benny (how sweet were they?) and then we had Lilly and Liam. And we caught up with Dan and Phoebe.
Another five star read from this talented author.
Check out Karen's fabulous review ...
Karen's Review
-------------------------------------------------------
PREVIOUS REVIEW ...
I had forgotten how good this book was. It was a re-read. Karen's updates made me do it!!
It was sad, happy, funny, sexy. I loved Molly. I remember her from the very first book and it was nice to see her get her own story.
“It was a kiss made in lonely dreams. A kiss that took its time. A kiss that felt so right she couldn't remember all the reasons it was wrong.”
This book sort of three stories going. We had Kevin and Molly. Daphne and Benny (how sweet were they?) and then we had Lilly and Liam. And we caught up with Dan and Phoebe.
“Kevin stopped where he was and stood there simply gazing at her. Molly sat cross-legged in the meadow with the sun shining on her bare shoulders and a pair of yellow butterflies fluttering like hair bows around her head. She was all the dreams he'd lost at dawn-dreams of everything he hadn't understood he needed until now. She was his playmate, his confidante, the lover who made his blood rush. She was the mother of his children and the companion of his old age. She was the joy of his heart.”
Another five star read from this talented author.
Check out Karen's fabulous review ...
Karen's Review
March 30, 2015
5 STARS
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SENSATIONAL True to my last review… I once again have a new favorite. Honestly, this series… the books are all so incredibly good that I am giddy with joy every time I finish one. Instead of boring you with my incessant gushing, I’ll get right to the meat…
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Molly Sommerville is twenty-seven. And after growing up as a bit of a trouble maker, she is finally finding her place in the world. She struggled through a lonely childhood as Bert Sommerville’s youngest daughter, being constantly shrugged off to boarding schools and summer camps. And now, twelve years after his death, she has finally decided to put it all behind her.
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But Molly has a bit of a reputation for getting restless urges, and those urges usually lead to incidents. Which usually mean trouble. Her latest incident involved donating her entire multi-million dollar inheritance to charity. Which she still insists she doesn’t miss (at least most of the time.) So, she’s now living modestly, but enjoying her new-found independence as un up-and-coming new writer of children’s books.
Still sharing a close relationship with her gorgeous and successful older sister, Phoebe and her sister’s husband, Dan Calabow, who together now run the famous Chicago Stars football team; Molly is constantly crossing the path of her latest obsession… who also just so happens to be the muse for her Daphne the Bunny children’s books.
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But unfortunately Kevin Tucker, the gorgeous, daredevil, Ferrari driving, heart-throb of a quarterback doesn’t even know she’s alive. See, Molly was the brainy one. The bookworm. The skinny, dark-haired, small-breasted one that was always compared to her bombshell of an older sister. Even Molly, herself had trouble believing she was the daughter of a Vegas showgirl. So how on earth would an all-star quarterback like Kevin Tucker ever notice her.
“Are you demented, you stupid badger ? Is that your problem ? Or are you just an idiot ?"
"As to that, I... Did you just call me a badger?"
"A bastard. I called you a bastard.”
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“I wish you wouldn’t call him that. Kevin’s not shallow, he’s just —“Interest-impaired.”
It was just a crush. She knew he was out of her league. So far out, that when the opportunity came up for her to grab her piece of the dream, she jumped off that cliff, head first, without a second thought. But her recklessness is going to cost her big this time. And Kevin is not a man to be messed with.
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“It was a kiss made in lonely dreams. A kiss that took its time. A kiss that felt so right she couldn't remember all the reasons it was wrong.”
![]()
One of the things I love best about SEP’s books is the dialogue. She frequently has these enemies-to-lovers storylines where the characters are in a constant verbal showdown that keeps you laughing out loud and glued to the pages wondering how they’re ever going to come together.
“Be quiet, or I swear to God I'll take you right here”
I also love the side story romances that she throws in.
![]()
“Did I remember to say that I love you?”
“You did.” She smiled the depth of her feelings into those dark intense eyes.
“I’ll hang a set a wind chimes under the eaves.”
“Which will keep me awake, so I’l have to make love to you all night.”
“I do love wind chimes.” “And I do love you.”
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And this book had that added treat of Daphne, the infamous rabbit and her best friend, Benny the badger, who were the fictional characters in Molly’s on going children’s books . I loved the way the author weaved the children’s story into Molly’s real life. Very cleverly done.
“If you think I'm going to cry all over your chest because you don't feel the same way, you're wrong. I don't beg for anybody's love.”
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“I’m your reward?”
“Only when you’re naked. When you have your clothes on, you’re a cross to bear.”
![]()
Wonderful and touching story, with a fabulous ending. I’ll be re-reading this one for sure.
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“If an American flag had been waving behind her, she'd have looked like a very sexy Marine Corps recruiting poster. The few, the proud, the cotton tailed.”
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SENSATIONAL True to my last review… I once again have a new favorite. Honestly, this series… the books are all so incredibly good that I am giddy with joy every time I finish one. Instead of boring you with my incessant gushing, I’ll get right to the meat…
Molly Sommerville is twenty-seven. And after growing up as a bit of a trouble maker, she is finally finding her place in the world. She struggled through a lonely childhood as Bert Sommerville’s youngest daughter, being constantly shrugged off to boarding schools and summer camps. And now, twelve years after his death, she has finally decided to put it all behind her.
But Molly has a bit of a reputation for getting restless urges, and those urges usually lead to incidents. Which usually mean trouble. Her latest incident involved donating her entire multi-million dollar inheritance to charity. Which she still insists she doesn’t miss (at least most of the time.) So, she’s now living modestly, but enjoying her new-found independence as un up-and-coming new writer of children’s books.
Still sharing a close relationship with her gorgeous and successful older sister, Phoebe and her sister’s husband, Dan Calabow, who together now run the famous Chicago Stars football team; Molly is constantly crossing the path of her latest obsession… who also just so happens to be the muse for her Daphne the Bunny children’s books.
But unfortunately Kevin Tucker, the gorgeous, daredevil, Ferrari driving, heart-throb of a quarterback doesn’t even know she’s alive. See, Molly was the brainy one. The bookworm. The skinny, dark-haired, small-breasted one that was always compared to her bombshell of an older sister. Even Molly, herself had trouble believing she was the daughter of a Vegas showgirl. So how on earth would an all-star quarterback like Kevin Tucker ever notice her.
“Are you demented, you stupid badger ? Is that your problem ? Or are you just an idiot ?"
"As to that, I... Did you just call me a badger?"
"A bastard. I called you a bastard.”
“I wish you wouldn’t call him that. Kevin’s not shallow, he’s just —“Interest-impaired.”
It was just a crush. She knew he was out of her league. So far out, that when the opportunity came up for her to grab her piece of the dream, she jumped off that cliff, head first, without a second thought. But her recklessness is going to cost her big this time. And Kevin is not a man to be messed with.
“It was a kiss made in lonely dreams. A kiss that took its time. A kiss that felt so right she couldn't remember all the reasons it was wrong.”
One of the things I love best about SEP’s books is the dialogue. She frequently has these enemies-to-lovers storylines where the characters are in a constant verbal showdown that keeps you laughing out loud and glued to the pages wondering how they’re ever going to come together.
“Be quiet, or I swear to God I'll take you right here”
I also love the side story romances that she throws in.
“Did I remember to say that I love you?”
“You did.” She smiled the depth of her feelings into those dark intense eyes.
“I’ll hang a set a wind chimes under the eaves.”
“Which will keep me awake, so I’l have to make love to you all night.”
“I do love wind chimes.” “And I do love you.”
And this book had that added treat of Daphne, the infamous rabbit and her best friend, Benny the badger, who were the fictional characters in Molly’s on going children’s books . I loved the way the author weaved the children’s story into Molly’s real life. Very cleverly done.
“If you think I'm going to cry all over your chest because you don't feel the same way, you're wrong. I don't beg for anybody's love.”
“I’m your reward?”
“Only when you’re naked. When you have your clothes on, you’re a cross to bear.”
Wonderful and touching story, with a fabulous ending. I’ll be re-reading this one for sure.
“If an American flag had been waving behind her, she'd have looked like a very sexy Marine Corps recruiting poster. The few, the proud, the cotton tailed.”
June 27, 2015
I'm definitely in the minority here, but I didn't love this.
I intensely disliked Molly. I thought she was immature to the point of idiocy and I thought her actions regarding Kevin, his campground, and his career were extremely selfish and disrespectful.
I intensely disliked Molly. I thought she was immature to the point of idiocy and I thought her actions regarding Kevin, his campground, and his career were extremely selfish and disrespectful.
May 30, 2012
I tried to like this book, but I really just didn't.
I was waffling between giving this book a 1 or a 2 because it's not like I absolutely hated it like some of the other 1-star books I've read. However, I didn't like it, so I don't think it really merits that 2-star "it was okay" sort of generosity.
No matter how charming, self-sacrificing, and noble the hero Kevin was, I just couldn't like or enjoy reading about the immature, periodically TSTL, and impulsively reckless heroine Molly. She was self-destructive, and I couldn't understand her or sympathize with her at all.
The first 15-20% of the book had me bellowing "WTF!!!????" Don't even get me started on what she did to Kevin. W. T. F. Seriously. WTF. And then she gets whiny and ho-hum because Kevin is pissed at her. UH, DUH. Of course Kevin's pissed at you. After that and the consequences that followed, Kevin didn't just get the short end of the stick with Molly's whininess and her family's censure; he got a big ol' bloody splinter for all of his efforts to do the right thing and be a good guy.
Once the crazy WTFery was established, I kept reading in the hopes that Molly would redeem herself in some way or at least show some maturity or growth by the end of the book. I read on in vain. Every antic that she cooked up had me raising my brows and cringing in a "WTF" way. Over and over again. I really thought she was ready for the loony bin for, oh, 80% of the book (20% of the book is, after all, the secondary plot).
So yeah...welcome to Crazytown, folks. I suggest you turn around, put the pedal to the metal, and get the hell out of here while you still can.
I was waffling between giving this book a 1 or a 2 because it's not like I absolutely hated it like some of the other 1-star books I've read. However, I didn't like it, so I don't think it really merits that 2-star "it was okay" sort of generosity.
No matter how charming, self-sacrificing, and noble the hero Kevin was, I just couldn't like or enjoy reading about the immature, periodically TSTL, and impulsively reckless heroine Molly. She was self-destructive, and I couldn't understand her or sympathize with her at all.
The first 15-20% of the book had me bellowing "WTF!!!????" Don't even get me started on what she did to Kevin. W. T. F. Seriously. WTF. And then she gets whiny and ho-hum because Kevin is pissed at her. UH, DUH. Of course Kevin's pissed at you. After that and the consequences that followed, Kevin didn't just get the short end of the stick with Molly's whininess and her family's censure; he got a big ol' bloody splinter for all of his efforts to do the right thing and be a good guy.
Once the crazy WTFery was established, I kept reading in the hopes that Molly would redeem herself in some way or at least show some maturity or growth by the end of the book. I read on in vain. Every antic that she cooked up had me raising my brows and cringing in a "WTF" way. Over and over again. I really thought she was ready for the loony bin for, oh, 80% of the book (20% of the book is, after all, the secondary plot).
So yeah...welcome to Crazytown, folks. I suggest you turn around, put the pedal to the metal, and get the hell out of here while you still can.
October 21, 2013
5 Stars! One of my favorites in the series. Kevin Tucker...I never expected him to turn into such a gem of a man!
The deception on the part of Molly in the beginning in the book had me wondering how I was ever going to past it. I wasn't too keen on her, but I started to understand, forgave her and found myself rooting for her. Kevin Tucker is not just a football hero, he's a woman's hero. What he does and who he becomes...well they don't get much better than him. What made this book a winner was the involvement of Molly's step sister Phoebe, her husband Dan (2 characters I loved from It Had to Be You), and their children, especially Hannah. This book had such a homey, family feel to it, and I was captivated by Molly and Kevin's story, almost like a teenage summer romance that becomes everlasting love. So many sweet, funny memorable moments and the correlation between Molly's book characters and the romance playing out between her and Kevin...very cute. The epilogue was unique and fitting! A great read!
September 9, 2015
Written February 1, 2015
4 Stars - As always wonderfully enjoyable about gorgeous fotball men and smart hilarious women in SEP's great Chicago Stars world
The 11:26 hrs audiobook edition narrated by Anna Fields.
This Heart of Mine is the fifth in the Chicago Stars series. Seven standalone (sweet and chuckling funny) love stories. This will be my fourth. Yay!!
Once again, a marvelous amusing Susan Elizabeth Phillips romance. Maybe not the sexiest or most exciting, but well made, nice and wonderfully entertaining fun. ~ Yet another winner from an author who so far always has made me both happy and in good spirits every time.
***********************************************************
Molly Somerville is the author and creator of the Daphne the Bunny children's book series. She is the younger sister of the Chicago Stars football teams owner, Phoebe Somerville (now mother of three with her hubby Dan Calebow - see book #1).
Molly has an old reputation for trouble that started even before she gave away her fifteen-million-dollar inheritance. (Molly got all the money and her older sister the fotball team from their father). But as an 27 years old independent woman (without a fortune) is she pretty pleased with her life, her writing, her sweet dog and spend quality time with her three lovely nephews.
But we all have embarrassing vices and secret desires
In the midst of her nicely arranged single-woman-life has Molly an secret. She has an long-term crush on the gorgeous team-star quarterback Kevin Tucker. A blond charming womanizer who even can't remember Molly's name. A man who prefer girls who don't talk to much. Short affairs and no more.
One night. — One huge mistake
Before they even know each other are Molly and Kevin both stucked in Somerville's winter cabin. Thereafter are both their lives turned upside down. If they hadn't prejudices about each other before have these now grown sky high. - These two will do anything to avoid each other.
***********************************************************
Half a year later
Kevin has recently heritaged the old summer camp Wind Lake from his aunt. After some struggles, sad stuff and next to an depression are Molly and Kevin both spending summer together. Not in a nice beach house, no beside a lake in the woods surrounded by neatly paintbox cottages and a charming old bed-and-breakfast. And older nice summer guests who needs breakfast and afternoon tea.
Up in the woods, in a summer camp, starts a lovely love tale.
***********************************************************
This Heart of Mine is for sure not smexy insta-love, quite the opposite, this is an amusing enemy-to-friends tale. It starts in high speed with a lot of funny banters, misleading answers, minor misunderstandings and two angry, snappish, arrogant main character. I almost felt sorry for this poor hero to start with. Molly wasn't an easy combatant to be friendly with.
There are so many good elements here:
Wonderfully designed second book characters —from the cute little dog, the sweet fairy bunny-tale, Molly's wonderful nephews, Kevin's mother etc.
Two main characters which are shining. You can't but adore them both.
Love for life that did develop slowly and a fine second story-plot of a somewhat older couple's very sizzling hot romance.
Scenes like the hilarious 'sex slave dream' that make me laugh out loud and alsp light sexy (believable) steam.
Conclusion: An complete contemp romance in the older school genre.
Add to that Anna Fields whoo feels so experienced and her way of illustrating different voices is simply superb. Applause!
***********************************************************
I LIKE - funny, funny enjoying
4 Stars - As always wonderfully enjoyable about gorgeous fotball men and smart hilarious women in SEP's great Chicago Stars world
The 11:26 hrs audiobook edition narrated by Anna Fields.
This Heart of Mine is the fifth in the Chicago Stars series. Seven standalone (sweet and chuckling funny) love stories. This will be my fourth. Yay!!
Once again, a marvelous amusing Susan Elizabeth Phillips romance. Maybe not the sexiest or most exciting, but well made, nice and wonderfully entertaining fun. ~ Yet another winner from an author who so far always has made me both happy and in good spirits every time.
***********************************************************
Molly Somerville is the author and creator of the Daphne the Bunny children's book series. She is the younger sister of the Chicago Stars football teams owner, Phoebe Somerville (now mother of three with her hubby Dan Calebow - see book #1).
Molly has an old reputation for trouble that started even before she gave away her fifteen-million-dollar inheritance. (Molly got all the money and her older sister the fotball team from their father). But as an 27 years old independent woman (without a fortune) is she pretty pleased with her life, her writing, her sweet dog and spend quality time with her three lovely nephews.
“I thought you didn’t like animals.”
“I love animals. Where did you get that idea?” Marmie put her paws on his leg, and he picked her up.
“From my dog?”
“That’s a dog? Jeez, I’m sorry. I thought it was an industrial-waste accident.” His long, lean fingers slid through the cat’s fur.’
But we all have embarrassing vices and secret desires
In the midst of her nicely arranged single-woman-life has Molly an secret. She has an long-term crush on the gorgeous team-star quarterback Kevin Tucker. A blond charming womanizer who even can't remember Molly's name. A man who prefer girls who don't talk to much. Short affairs and no more.
One night. — One huge mistake
Before they even know each other are Molly and Kevin both stucked in Somerville's winter cabin. Thereafter are both their lives turned upside down. If they hadn't prejudices about each other before have these now grown sky high. - These two will do anything to avoid each other.
***********************************************************
Half a year later
Kevin has recently heritaged the old summer camp Wind Lake from his aunt. After some struggles, sad stuff and next to an depression are Molly and Kevin both spending summer together. Not in a nice beach house, no beside a lake in the woods surrounded by neatly paintbox cottages and a charming old bed-and-breakfast. And older nice summer guests who needs breakfast and afternoon tea.
“Uhm, Kevin..."
"Be quiet, or I swear to God I'll take you right here."
Yes, this was definitely Forced Sex.’
Up in the woods, in a summer camp, starts a lovely love tale.
***********************************************************
This Heart of Mine is for sure not smexy insta-love, quite the opposite, this is an amusing enemy-to-friends tale. It starts in high speed with a lot of funny banters, misleading answers, minor misunderstandings and two angry, snappish, arrogant main character. I almost felt sorry for this poor hero to start with. Molly wasn't an easy combatant to be friendly with.
‘It was a kiss made in lonely dreams. A kiss that took its time. A kiss that felt so right she couldn't remember all the reasons it was wrong.’
There are so many good elements here:
Wonderfully designed second book characters —from the cute little dog, the sweet fairy bunny-tale, Molly's wonderful nephews, Kevin's mother etc.
Two main characters which are shining. You can't but adore them both.
Love for life that did develop slowly and a fine second story-plot of a somewhat older couple's very sizzling hot romance.
Scenes like the hilarious 'sex slave dream' that make me laugh out loud and alsp light sexy (believable) steam.
Conclusion: An complete contemp romance in the older school genre.
Add to that Anna Fields whoo feels so experienced and her way of illustrating different voices is simply superb. Applause!
***********************************************************
I LIKE - funny, funny enjoying
March 3, 2021
Nuestra reseña en A la cama con... un libro
//RELECTURA//
Me he reído, he vuelto a adorar tanto a Kevin como la primera vez, he vuelto a adorar las apariciones de Phoebe y Dan (❤) como la primera vez... pero no me ha gustado tanto como la primera vez. Puede que sea porque esa vez lo leí entusiasmada, con muchas ganas de conocer la historia de Kevin, porque estaba en una época mejor donde no estaba agobiada por temas pandémicos... Vete tú a saber. El caso es que releo mi reseña y muchas cosas que me gustaron mucho entonces no me han convencido tanto ahora. Y la actitud de Molly me ha gustado mucho menos.
Le bajaría una estrellita pero, como vinculo esto a la reseña del blog y no actualizo puntuaciones (aunque a muchos libros les cambiaría la valoración ya mismo), se queda con la misma nota. Porque Kevin es tan fantástico que se lo merece.
-------
//1ª LECTURA//
Qué puedo decir? SEP es la más grande
//RELECTURA//
Me he reído, he vuelto a adorar tanto a Kevin como la primera vez, he vuelto a adorar las apariciones de Phoebe y Dan (❤) como la primera vez... pero no me ha gustado tanto como la primera vez. Puede que sea porque esa vez lo leí entusiasmada, con muchas ganas de conocer la historia de Kevin, porque estaba en una época mejor donde no estaba agobiada por temas pandémicos... Vete tú a saber. El caso es que releo mi reseña y muchas cosas que me gustaron mucho entonces no me han convencido tanto ahora. Y la actitud de Molly me ha gustado mucho menos.
Le bajaría una estrellita pero, como vinculo esto a la reseña del blog y no actualizo puntuaciones (aunque a muchos libros les cambiaría la valoración ya mismo), se queda con la misma nota. Porque Kevin es tan fantástico que se lo merece.
-------
//1ª LECTURA//
Qué puedo decir? SEP es la más grande
January 23, 2020
I have lost track of how often I have read this book ... I absolutely adore it. I cannot wait for SEP's new book, coming out in June ... no pressure, Susan Elizabeth!!!
I love the secondary characters as much as the main characters ... Lilly and Liam were fabulous. And, of course, we got to meet Dan and Phoebe again.
I love the secondary characters as much as the main characters ... Lilly and Liam were fabulous. And, of course, we got to meet Dan and Phoebe again.
December 21, 2018
Another fabulous read by Susan Elizabeth Phillips. Top notch writing, strong, sassy and smart heroine, an element of hate to love, laugh out loud witty dialogue and a great plot. What more could you ask for?
SEP has become my go-to author. Whenever I finish one of her books, I always have a smile on my face.
SEP has become my go-to author. Whenever I finish one of her books, I always have a smile on my face.
February 20, 2024
This book sooooo sooooo goooood!
Oh my god! It was a re-read, but such a good one. Better than first time. huh...
******************
4th time re-reading, this time it was 4... Or i'm still in bad reading mood...
Oh my god! It was a re-read, but such a good one. Better than first time. huh...
******************
4th time re-reading, this time it was 4... Or i'm still in bad reading mood...
January 10, 2020
4.5 Stars
Loved this one. This series is GOLD! Molly and her wishy washy demeanor is the only thing that kept me from being able to give this one a full 5 stars. I know she had issues and I totally sympathized with them but the way she treated Kevin was downright mean sometimes. (It didn't bother me all that much, though. The book is still kick ass!)
I swear, I almost love SEP's secondary love stories as much as the main plot line. Lily and Liam's story was exquisite!!! <3
This is a go-to series that I can pick up and know it will be amazing.
“Go away,” she snapped.
“I’m your reward?”
“Only when you’re naked. When you have your clothes on, you’re a cross to bear.”
Loved this one. This series is GOLD! Molly and her wishy washy demeanor is the only thing that kept me from being able to give this one a full 5 stars. I know she had issues and I totally sympathized with them but the way she treated Kevin was downright mean sometimes. (It didn't bother me all that much, though. The book is still kick ass!)
I swear, I almost love SEP's secondary love stories as much as the main plot line. Lily and Liam's story was exquisite!!! <3
This is a go-to series that I can pick up and know it will be amazing.
August 11, 2014
Warning! This review will contain spoilers for the book, because it's impossible for me to convey all my vitriol without going into plot specifics.
Molly Sommerville (who we first met as a frankly horrid teenager in It Had to Be You) is now all grown up and making a living as a children's book author, writing illustrated books about Daphne the Bunny, a rabbit who appears to wear designer clothes and going on adventures based on events in Molly's own life. While Molly inherited a multi-million dollar fortune from her horrible father, the former owner of the Chicago Stars, she gave it all away to a charitable foundation some years back (this is the only likable thing she does in the WHOLE book). Every few years, Molly appears to feel bored and acts out in crazy ways. She tends to change her hair drastically before each such crazy act.
Molly has had an unrequited crush on Kevin Tucker, the star quarterback of the Chicago Stars, for years. He lives a life of dating foreign fashion models and doing extreme sports and barely knows she exists. There's a badger in Molly's twee little books based on him. Then one weekend, Kevin and Molly find themselves in the same house in the country, and Molly seems to think that it would be a good idea to get undressed and get into bed with man she's been in love with, while he's asleep. He, thinking he is dreaming, has sex with her, and wakes up, appalled that his boss' younger sister is naked in bed with him, and took advantage of him. Molly has the audacity to be disappointed that the sleep sex she initiated wasn't great. Kevin points out that she basically RAPED him, and they go their separate ways.
Of course Molly gets pregnant, and when Phoebe, her overprotective sister, and Dan, her brother-in-law discover it, they don't rest until they've figured out who the baby daddy is. Now, Kevin is worried he'll be seen as a victim (and also doesn't want to piss off his boss), so says nothing about the RAPE. Molly, because she's a terrible human being, refuses to come clean about her horrible nocturnal sexual assault, and the two are forced to marry. Molly miscarries shortly thereafter, because I guess karma's a bitch. I want to stress here, to any reader of my reviews who may be offended, that I would never wish a miscarriage on any woman in real life, but Molly is a fictional character, and a reprehensible one at that. I wanted nothing but bad things for her. Losing the baby she gained from RAPE only seems like cosmic justice.
When Kevin discovers that his shotgun wedding bride is languishing away, all depressed because she lost their baby, he takes her along to the holiday cabins his parents owned, because he thinks it'll do her good to get away and he needs to sell the place. Having spent every single summer there as a child, surrounded by middle aged people, Kevin has no fond memories of the holiday camp, and can't wait to unload it on someone else. Molly, however, decides that the place looks like the real life version of her children's book universe, and does everything in her power to make Kevin see how "exciting" it is there, mainly by getting herself into dangerous situations, so he has to rescue her.
Even having been warned by Mrs. Julien's review that this was a terrible book, I forced myself to keep reading it, hoping against all hope that maybe Molly would show some sort of redemptive qualities. But no, she's awful all the way through. I felt really bad, because Kevin is such a good guy, and I loved him as a supporting character in Nobody's Baby But Mine. He deserved so much better than an emotionally manipulative, spoiled shrew of a wife. When she climbed into bed with him, I was uncomfortable. By the time she has the nerve to express disappointment that the sex she had with a SLEEPING man who she took advantage of wasn't as great as she'd hoped, I wanted to throw my e-reader across the room in disgust. I didn't really like Molly in her first appearance in the series, but here I outright hated her.
Not only did I hate Molly, but because Phoebe and Dan from It Had to Be You are supporting characters in this, and behave absolutely atrociously to Kevin all the way through, I now retroactively dislike their book a lot more too. The end of book, when Phoebe basically forces Kevin to choose between his career or staying married to the woman who sexually assaulted him and that the Calebows forced him to marry, in order to orchestrate some sort of elaborate grand gesture had me swearing loudly. Which reminds me, another reason this book pissed me off. Instead of swearing, Molly says "Slytherin" every time she's upset. Of her many deplorable qualities, it was probably one of the least bad, but it was still incredibly annoying.
The only reason this book is getting a full one star is because I liked the secondary romance between Kevin's birth mother and a famous artist. I wish poor Kevin had sold the holiday cottages (having always hated camping I was firmly on his side about his super boring childhood summers), drowned Molly and run off with someone worthy of him. At least now Lisa Kleypas no longer needs to worry about being responsible for the worst romance I've read this year. I cannot imagine anything I'll read this year that I'll hate more than this book. I honestly don't know if Susan Elizabeth Phillips was trying to do some form of clever reversal on the "heroine falling in love with her rapist" that so frequently occurred in Old School romances. If that was her intention, she failed. Badly. Do yourself a favour and avoid this book like the plague.
Molly Sommerville (who we first met as a frankly horrid teenager in It Had to Be You) is now all grown up and making a living as a children's book author, writing illustrated books about Daphne the Bunny, a rabbit who appears to wear designer clothes and going on adventures based on events in Molly's own life. While Molly inherited a multi-million dollar fortune from her horrible father, the former owner of the Chicago Stars, she gave it all away to a charitable foundation some years back (this is the only likable thing she does in the WHOLE book). Every few years, Molly appears to feel bored and acts out in crazy ways. She tends to change her hair drastically before each such crazy act.
Molly has had an unrequited crush on Kevin Tucker, the star quarterback of the Chicago Stars, for years. He lives a life of dating foreign fashion models and doing extreme sports and barely knows she exists. There's a badger in Molly's twee little books based on him. Then one weekend, Kevin and Molly find themselves in the same house in the country, and Molly seems to think that it would be a good idea to get undressed and get into bed with man she's been in love with, while he's asleep. He, thinking he is dreaming, has sex with her, and wakes up, appalled that his boss' younger sister is naked in bed with him, and took advantage of him. Molly has the audacity to be disappointed that the sleep sex she initiated wasn't great. Kevin points out that she basically RAPED him, and they go their separate ways.
Of course Molly gets pregnant, and when Phoebe, her overprotective sister, and Dan, her brother-in-law discover it, they don't rest until they've figured out who the baby daddy is. Now, Kevin is worried he'll be seen as a victim (and also doesn't want to piss off his boss), so says nothing about the RAPE. Molly, because she's a terrible human being, refuses to come clean about her horrible nocturnal sexual assault, and the two are forced to marry. Molly miscarries shortly thereafter, because I guess karma's a bitch. I want to stress here, to any reader of my reviews who may be offended, that I would never wish a miscarriage on any woman in real life, but Molly is a fictional character, and a reprehensible one at that. I wanted nothing but bad things for her. Losing the baby she gained from RAPE only seems like cosmic justice.
When Kevin discovers that his shotgun wedding bride is languishing away, all depressed because she lost their baby, he takes her along to the holiday cabins his parents owned, because he thinks it'll do her good to get away and he needs to sell the place. Having spent every single summer there as a child, surrounded by middle aged people, Kevin has no fond memories of the holiday camp, and can't wait to unload it on someone else. Molly, however, decides that the place looks like the real life version of her children's book universe, and does everything in her power to make Kevin see how "exciting" it is there, mainly by getting herself into dangerous situations, so he has to rescue her.
Even having been warned by Mrs. Julien's review that this was a terrible book, I forced myself to keep reading it, hoping against all hope that maybe Molly would show some sort of redemptive qualities. But no, she's awful all the way through. I felt really bad, because Kevin is such a good guy, and I loved him as a supporting character in Nobody's Baby But Mine. He deserved so much better than an emotionally manipulative, spoiled shrew of a wife. When she climbed into bed with him, I was uncomfortable. By the time she has the nerve to express disappointment that the sex she had with a SLEEPING man who she took advantage of wasn't as great as she'd hoped, I wanted to throw my e-reader across the room in disgust. I didn't really like Molly in her first appearance in the series, but here I outright hated her.
Not only did I hate Molly, but because Phoebe and Dan from It Had to Be You are supporting characters in this, and behave absolutely atrociously to Kevin all the way through, I now retroactively dislike their book a lot more too. The end of book, when Phoebe basically forces Kevin to choose between his career or staying married to the woman who sexually assaulted him and that the Calebows forced him to marry, in order to orchestrate some sort of elaborate grand gesture had me swearing loudly. Which reminds me, another reason this book pissed me off. Instead of swearing, Molly says "Slytherin" every time she's upset. Of her many deplorable qualities, it was probably one of the least bad, but it was still incredibly annoying.
The only reason this book is getting a full one star is because I liked the secondary romance between Kevin's birth mother and a famous artist. I wish poor Kevin had sold the holiday cottages (having always hated camping I was firmly on his side about his super boring childhood summers), drowned Molly and run off with someone worthy of him. At least now Lisa Kleypas no longer needs to worry about being responsible for the worst romance I've read this year. I cannot imagine anything I'll read this year that I'll hate more than this book. I honestly don't know if Susan Elizabeth Phillips was trying to do some form of clever reversal on the "heroine falling in love with her rapist" that so frequently occurred in Old School romances. If that was her intention, she failed. Badly. Do yourself a favour and avoid this book like the plague.
December 28, 2010
5++ star contemporary romance
First of all, I just have got to say, what a great read! This book has everything that makes a great romance. Susan Elizabeth’s charm never fails to evoke all the right emotions from the reader.
I haven’t really been reading the Chicago Stars series in order, a fact which I am thinking of remedying by starting from Book 1 of the series, the story of Molly’s sister which I am really interested in reading after seeing quick sneaks into her life with Dan Calebo.
Molly and Kevin’s story is a fascinating one, not just the story of how they find one another and quickly fall in love, but rather a journey these two take in finding the love they could both have with one another if given half the chance. At first glance, Molly and Kevin couldn’t be further apart from one another if they tried. A children’s books author, her characters you find are closely linked with Kevin’s escapades over the years, Molly has had a huge crush on Kevin as long as she can remember. Not that football jock Kevin even knows she exists. With the continuous string of the doll faced women with no brains of their own that parade through his life, Kevin seems to be at the top of his game playing for the football team managed by Molly’s sister Phoebe.
Though Molly doesn’t seem to realize it, she has got this streak of restlessness inside of her which lands her in trouble from time to time. This is what ends her up in Kevin’s bed, seducing him in his sleep and an outraged Kevin who gets rightfully pissed off about being taken advantage of. Kevin makes Molly promise to him that if there ever were consequences of their coming together she would let him know, which of course Molly doesn’t when she finds herself pregnant.
Molly’s well meaning family, Phoebe and Dan are both shocked when they find out Molly is pregnant and jump to all the wrong conclusions about who took advantage of whom when they find out that Kevin is the father. Kevin slams back into Molly’s life and makes her marry him, though Kevin can barely be civil to the woman who has turned everything in his life upside down.
In the end, mere hours after getting married, Molly suffers a miscarriage which quickly spins her world out of control. Once again, its Kevin who shakes her out of depression, takes her off on a trip to Wind Lake, and finds herself running the quaint bed and breakfast that Kevin inherits from his aunt which Kevin wants nothing to do with. Here Kevin faces his demons from his childhood face on, with Molly finally finding peace within herself in this beautiful place.
Tentatively, Kevin and Molly find in one another friendship, and finally red hot desire for one another, that makes Kevin sweat profusely at the idea of getting all his emotions involved in finally inevitably falling for Molly.
This is truly great story with a lovable cast of side characters and of course who wouldn’t love Molly’s fictional characters Daphne and Bunny with their witty and adorable insights into the beginnings of each chapter of the book. Highly recommended for those who love a good romance with a witty cast of characters that could make you smile, make your heart ache just a little and finally end you up with a bunch of happy tears at the truly deserving happy ending!
Funny, poignant and heartwarming, this is must read for romance lovers.
June 26, 2013
I can now add Kevin to the list of Shea, Lucas & Tate and Molly to Falon, Elli & Audrey.
These two are phenomenal! i love absolutely love the way this story is written! its got its moments but its hilarious! its also so visually stimulating that when SEP describes the camground and the cottages and the attic, one can actually see all of those come alive in the mind's eye. Atleast i could. and that makes reading the novel so very very enriching as an experience. Its like she is taking you into a dream world and you dont want to come out of it!
Kevin and Molly are one of the sweetest couples i have read. their banter and their romance is beautiful, funny, aggravating, frustrating, emotionally intense - all of it. I feel terrible when Molly looses her baby and i literally melt when Kevin realizes that Sarah could have been so much like Hannah.
What's most beautiful about Kevin and Molly's story is how they grow, evolve and how they both understand each other's character flaws and fight for what either should get coz that is what they deserve...there is a sense of selfness to their love which is very refreshing. Not to discount the variety of instances that bring to life those little moments when you realise that the reasons for their arguments are very very endearing - Molly fighting for Kevin's heritage with Kevin coz he doesnt realise how much it means to him yet, Kevin arguing with Molly for her to accept herself coz she doesnt recognize that its okay to be imperfect and be looney tunes about things :) i absolutely love love their banter.
Its also good to meet the Calebow clan - firm, supportive, over protective, all family - and will do anything and go to any length to protect their own. absolutely adored Hannah! she's gorgeous and is a real smart cookie :)
It was also a privilege to meet Lian Jenner - a man who understands how to make a woman feel gorgeous and flawed all at the same time and loving her passionately too! Lilly deserved every bit of happiness that she finds with Liam and im very happy for them.
All in all i absolutely would recommend this book to everyone who like a fantastic read coz this is what this book is :) enjoyed it thoroughly and hope you do too :)
These two are phenomenal! i love absolutely love the way this story is written! its got its moments but its hilarious! its also so visually stimulating that when SEP describes the camground and the cottages and the attic, one can actually see all of those come alive in the mind's eye. Atleast i could. and that makes reading the novel so very very enriching as an experience. Its like she is taking you into a dream world and you dont want to come out of it!
Kevin and Molly are one of the sweetest couples i have read. their banter and their romance is beautiful, funny, aggravating, frustrating, emotionally intense - all of it. I feel terrible when Molly looses her baby and i literally melt when Kevin realizes that Sarah could have been so much like Hannah.
What's most beautiful about Kevin and Molly's story is how they grow, evolve and how they both understand each other's character flaws and fight for what either should get coz that is what they deserve...there is a sense of selfness to their love which is very refreshing. Not to discount the variety of instances that bring to life those little moments when you realise that the reasons for their arguments are very very endearing - Molly fighting for Kevin's heritage with Kevin coz he doesnt realise how much it means to him yet, Kevin arguing with Molly for her to accept herself coz she doesnt recognize that its okay to be imperfect and be looney tunes about things :) i absolutely love love their banter.
Its also good to meet the Calebow clan - firm, supportive, over protective, all family - and will do anything and go to any length to protect their own. absolutely adored Hannah! she's gorgeous and is a real smart cookie :)
It was also a privilege to meet Lian Jenner - a man who understands how to make a woman feel gorgeous and flawed all at the same time and loving her passionately too! Lilly deserved every bit of happiness that she finds with Liam and im very happy for them.
All in all i absolutely would recommend this book to everyone who like a fantastic read coz this is what this book is :) enjoyed it thoroughly and hope you do too :)
October 27, 2016
This book has a problematic relationship with the series—mainly in playing around with Kevin's timeline to make him old enough for Molly. You only really need to have read the first, It Had to Be You, because Molly, Phoebe and Dan all feature strongly here. In contrast, remembering Kevin from Nobody's Baby But Mine is almost a detriment because the Kevin here is some ten years past that point and thus has little in common with that callow youth.
Which presents one of the biggest problems in engaging with the story because Molly starts off with a humdinger of a screw-up. There are some parallels with NBBM to start, only ickier because Molly crosses the line into sexual assault with nine-month consequences. And Kevin starts a bit like Cal in insisting they marry because, uh, his dad was a preacher? Yeah, that didn't really make much sense to me but anyway . . . Only, once they're married, Molly miscarries which whipsaws the entire dynamic into outer space and we're in freefall from there. Which serves to highlight how much better Kevin is than Cal (from NBBM) underneath his commitment-phobia.
Confused? To sum up: Molly loses sight of the fact Kevin is a person and accidentally gets knocked up. He leans on her remorse to get them married. She miscarries. All better. Yeah, that last part not so much. Molly goes into a deep depression and Kevin has the opportunity to help and takes it. Yeah, he's kind of awesome. From there, story happens. The sooner you can get past Molly's transgression the better off you'll be (and not because the story takes it lightly, but because it'll let you see and believe her remorse as more than mere self-pity). If you were strongly attached to her in It Had to be You then that part may be particularly hard and may be enough to throw you out of the book entirely because it's hard to see someone you like screw up so big. I liked her well enough before, but didn't have a hard time relating to someone who screwed-up big-time in a moment of weakness and regretted it and did her best trying to make amends and move on.
From the time Kevin finds her in the depths of despair, things move along wonderfully. I loved all the details and characters and the lovely setting of their semi-isolated summer camp turned upscale B&B. I loved Molly's children's books and how well SEP depicted being a working children's author (even if I didn't buy the stereotypical nutjobs trying to boycott them). And I fell hard for both Molly and Kevin in all their screwed-up glory. I liked particularly how well Kevin understood her on a fundamental level, and helped her grow even as he broke her heart (see commitment-phobia above). And the secondary romance was touching even as it mirrored some of the same problems Kevin and Molly experienced.
So yeah, this was a solid four that managed to raise to five so gradually I barely noticed. I loved how it made me laugh and cry in turns and end up very satisfied that they'd be happy together on the solid foundation they'd manage to build, despite an inauspicious start (and I don't mean the screw-up or consequences so much as the various flaws they each needed to overcome).
A note about Steamy: I lost count of the explicit sex scenes, though not because there were so many. It felt standard SEP, which probably means a couple plus foreplay with the main couple as well as the two with the secondaries. I very much enjoyed the old-people lovin', actually; not because of the sex so much as the body-image attitude communicated explicitly by Liam in regards to it.
Which presents one of the biggest problems in engaging with the story because Molly starts off with a humdinger of a screw-up. There are some parallels with NBBM to start, only ickier because Molly crosses the line into sexual assault with nine-month consequences. And Kevin starts a bit like Cal in insisting they marry because, uh, his dad was a preacher? Yeah, that didn't really make much sense to me but anyway . . . Only, once they're married, Molly miscarries which whipsaws the entire dynamic into outer space and we're in freefall from there. Which serves to highlight how much better Kevin is than Cal (from NBBM) underneath his commitment-phobia.
Confused? To sum up: Molly loses sight of the fact Kevin is a person and accidentally gets knocked up. He leans on her remorse to get them married. She miscarries. All better. Yeah, that last part not so much. Molly goes into a deep depression and Kevin has the opportunity to help and takes it. Yeah, he's kind of awesome. From there, story happens. The sooner you can get past Molly's transgression the better off you'll be (and not because the story takes it lightly, but because it'll let you see and believe her remorse as more than mere self-pity). If you were strongly attached to her in It Had to be You then that part may be particularly hard and may be enough to throw you out of the book entirely because it's hard to see someone you like screw up so big. I liked her well enough before, but didn't have a hard time relating to someone who screwed-up big-time in a moment of weakness and regretted it and did her best trying to make amends and move on.
From the time Kevin finds her in the depths of despair, things move along wonderfully. I loved all the details and characters and the lovely setting of their semi-isolated summer camp turned upscale B&B. I loved Molly's children's books and how well SEP depicted being a working children's author (even if I didn't buy the stereotypical nutjobs trying to boycott them). And I fell hard for both Molly and Kevin in all their screwed-up glory. I liked particularly how well Kevin understood her on a fundamental level, and helped her grow even as he broke her heart (see commitment-phobia above). And the secondary romance was touching even as it mirrored some of the same problems Kevin and Molly experienced.
So yeah, this was a solid four that managed to raise to five so gradually I barely noticed. I loved how it made me laugh and cry in turns and end up very satisfied that they'd be happy together on the solid foundation they'd manage to build, despite an inauspicious start (and I don't mean the screw-up or consequences so much as the various flaws they each needed to overcome).
A note about Steamy: I lost count of the explicit sex scenes, though not because there were so many. It felt standard SEP, which probably means a couple plus foreplay with the main couple as well as the two with the secondaries. I very much enjoyed the old-people lovin', actually; not because of the sex so much as the body-image attitude communicated explicitly by Liam in regards to it.
October 14, 2020
5 Love Affair With SEP Stars
* * * * * A Quick Review
This Continues my first deep love affair with the author, Susan Elizabeth Phillips. When I found her and this series...I became obsessed. I scoured all the libraries, dollar book stores, etc. to find anything written by SEP. She spoke to me. If you look below, all the glowing reviews will let you know, she speaks to all of them, too.
I read the Chicago Stars series years ago, and I do vow, I will re-read this series again. I just Need More Hours in the day and Less New Books calling my name.
It Had to Be You (Chicago Stars, #1)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Heaven, Texas (Chicago Stars, #2)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Nobody's Baby But Mine (Chicago Stars, #3)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Dream a Little Dream (Chicago Stars, #4)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
This Heart of Mine (Chicago Stars, #5)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Match Me If You Can (Chicago Stars, #6)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Natural Born Charmer (Chicago Stars, #7)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
First Star I See Tonight (Chicago Stars, #8)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
When Stars Collide: A Chicago Stars Novel
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
* * * * * A Quick Review
This Continues my first deep love affair with the author, Susan Elizabeth Phillips. When I found her and this series...I became obsessed. I scoured all the libraries, dollar book stores, etc. to find anything written by SEP. She spoke to me. If you look below, all the glowing reviews will let you know, she speaks to all of them, too.
I read the Chicago Stars series years ago, and I do vow, I will re-read this series again. I just Need More Hours in the day and Less New Books calling my name.
It Had to Be You (Chicago Stars, #1)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Heaven, Texas (Chicago Stars, #2)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Nobody's Baby But Mine (Chicago Stars, #3)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Dream a Little Dream (Chicago Stars, #4)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
This Heart of Mine (Chicago Stars, #5)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Match Me If You Can (Chicago Stars, #6)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Natural Born Charmer (Chicago Stars, #7)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
First Star I See Tonight (Chicago Stars, #8)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
When Stars Collide: A Chicago Stars Novelhttps://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
September 16, 2021
Sensiz Olmaz kitabındaki Cal'a baş belası olan Kevin'in kitabı. Kevin'i orada çok sevmiştim.😍Beni yanıltmadı, kendi kitabında da harikaydı.
🐇
Kevin Tucker, Chicago Stars'ın yıldız oyun kurucusuydu. Çapkın, çekilmez, tatlı, küstah ve inanılmaz yakışıklı bir erkek olan Kevin, son zamanlarda hep aynı şekilde ilerleyen hayatından iyice sıkılmış, hata üstüne hata yapmaya başlamıştı. Ceza olarak bir tatil evine gönderilen Kevin, burada, hayatını değiştirirecek kişiyle tanışacağını bilmiyordu: Kulüp başkanının kardeşi Molyy!
Molly, Tavşan Daphne çocuk kitaplarının yazarıydı. Sessiz ve duygusal bir yapısı olsa da onun da hayatında çılgınlık yaptığı nadir anlar da yok değildi. 🙈Uzun zamandır onun adını dahi bilmeyen Kevin'e aşıktı hatta kitaplarının ilham kaynağı da Kevin’di.( Porsuk Benny😍)
Molly ve Kevin, araya giren beklenmeyen ve sürpriz olaylar sayesinde kendilerini çok sevimli bir kamp alanında buldular.
Molly, uzun süredir aşık olduğu Kevin’den karşılık bulabilecek miydi?
▪️
Yine çok severek okuduğum Susan Elizabeth Phillips kitabı oldu. Bu kitapta ilk kez farklı olarak erkek karakterin tarafını tuttum. Bana göre Kevin, yaptığı davranışlarda ve söylediği sözlerde haklıydı. Nasıl tersi bir durum da Kevin’a kızacaksam, bu sefer bu konuda Molly’e kızdım. Onun dışında Moly'i ve kanişini de sevdim. O üzücü olaydan sonra Molly'i kampa götürüp, kendine getirmesiyle kalbimi tamamen çaldı tatlı porsuk.😍İkilinin kampın işleriyle ilgilenmesi, çalışması en eğlendiğim yerler oldu.😁
İkinci daha olgun olan çiftimiz eski film yıldızı Lilly ve ünlü ressam Liam'ın arasındaki ilişkiyi de eğlenerek okudum. Yazarın kitaplarında bunu seviyorum. Tek çifte odaklanmayıp ikinci çiftler de yaparak kitabı daha eğlenceli yapıyor. Lilly'nin Kevin'le gizemli bir bağlantısı var.🙈
Kitabın bölüm başlarındaki Tavşan Daphne ve Porsuk Benny masalından kısa sahneler çok şirindi.😍
▪️
Kitapla ilgili olumsuz tek düşüncem başından beri görmek ve gelmesin istediğim biri vardı. Maalesef ortaya çıkmadı.🥺Çıkıp Kevin'le dalga geçip, intikam almasını isterdim.😈Okuyanlar kim olduğunu anlayacaktır.😁
Onun dışında eğlenerek okudum ve sevdim.😍İçinizi sıcacık eden romantik komedi tadında. Tavsiye ederim.🌸
#alıntı
"Bir yerlerde gidip kendine hayranlık duyabileceğin bir ayna filan yok mu?"
"Fiziğime bu kadar tutkun başka bir kadın tanımadım."
"Bütün kadınlar fiziğine tutkun. Sadece kişiliğini önemsiyormuş gibi yapıyorlar."
🌸
"
Molly kalbinin duracağını sandı." Ah, Tanrım! Bende aramıza girenin İngilizce'yi çok iyi kullanmam olduğunu sanıyordum."
"Gerçekten ukalasın."
"Üzgünüm ama erkeğimin daha derin bir kişiliğinin olmasını isterim."
"Benim sığ olduğumu söylemeye mi çalışıyorsun?"
"Kaldırımdaki su birikintisi kadar. Ama zengin ve yakışıklı olduğun için, sorun değil."
"Ben sığ falan değilim."
"Boşluğu doldur: Kevin Tucker'ın hayatındaki en önemli şey..."
"Futbol benim kariyerim. Beni sığ biri yapmaz."
🌸
"Sana balık atan olursa," diye seslendi Kevin, arkasından, "nedeni penguen gibi yürümendir."
"Biri senden anırmanı isterse, nedeni tıpkı bir..."
"Güzel sözlerini sonraya sakla, Daphne. Çöpçüler yeni çöp konteynırıyla geldiler."
"İçine girdikten sonra kapağını kapa." Molly paytak adımlarını hızlandırdı ve neyse ki utanç verici başka bir durumla karşılaşmadan kulübeye ulaştı.
🐇
Kevin Tucker, Chicago Stars'ın yıldız oyun kurucusuydu. Çapkın, çekilmez, tatlı, küstah ve inanılmaz yakışıklı bir erkek olan Kevin, son zamanlarda hep aynı şekilde ilerleyen hayatından iyice sıkılmış, hata üstüne hata yapmaya başlamıştı. Ceza olarak bir tatil evine gönderilen Kevin, burada, hayatını değiştirirecek kişiyle tanışacağını bilmiyordu: Kulüp başkanının kardeşi Molyy!
Molly, Tavşan Daphne çocuk kitaplarının yazarıydı. Sessiz ve duygusal bir yapısı olsa da onun da hayatında çılgınlık yaptığı nadir anlar da yok değildi. 🙈Uzun zamandır onun adını dahi bilmeyen Kevin'e aşıktı hatta kitaplarının ilham kaynağı da Kevin’di.( Porsuk Benny😍)
Molly ve Kevin, araya giren beklenmeyen ve sürpriz olaylar sayesinde kendilerini çok sevimli bir kamp alanında buldular.
Molly, uzun süredir aşık olduğu Kevin’den karşılık bulabilecek miydi?
▪️
Yine çok severek okuduğum Susan Elizabeth Phillips kitabı oldu. Bu kitapta ilk kez farklı olarak erkek karakterin tarafını tuttum. Bana göre Kevin, yaptığı davranışlarda ve söylediği sözlerde haklıydı. Nasıl tersi bir durum da Kevin’a kızacaksam, bu sefer bu konuda Molly’e kızdım. Onun dışında Moly'i ve kanişini de sevdim. O üzücü olaydan sonra Molly'i kampa götürüp, kendine getirmesiyle kalbimi tamamen çaldı tatlı porsuk.😍İkilinin kampın işleriyle ilgilenmesi, çalışması en eğlendiğim yerler oldu.😁
İkinci daha olgun olan çiftimiz eski film yıldızı Lilly ve ünlü ressam Liam'ın arasındaki ilişkiyi de eğlenerek okudum. Yazarın kitaplarında bunu seviyorum. Tek çifte odaklanmayıp ikinci çiftler de yaparak kitabı daha eğlenceli yapıyor. Lilly'nin Kevin'le gizemli bir bağlantısı var.🙈
Kitabın bölüm başlarındaki Tavşan Daphne ve Porsuk Benny masalından kısa sahneler çok şirindi.😍
▪️
Kitapla ilgili olumsuz tek düşüncem başından beri görmek ve gelmesin istediğim biri vardı. Maalesef ortaya çıkmadı.🥺Çıkıp Kevin'le dalga geçip, intikam almasını isterdim.😈Okuyanlar kim olduğunu anlayacaktır.😁
Onun dışında eğlenerek okudum ve sevdim.😍İçinizi sıcacık eden romantik komedi tadında. Tavsiye ederim.🌸
#alıntı
"Bir yerlerde gidip kendine hayranlık duyabileceğin bir ayna filan yok mu?"
"Fiziğime bu kadar tutkun başka bir kadın tanımadım."
"Bütün kadınlar fiziğine tutkun. Sadece kişiliğini önemsiyormuş gibi yapıyorlar."
🌸
"
Molly kalbinin duracağını sandı." Ah, Tanrım! Bende aramıza girenin İngilizce'yi çok iyi kullanmam olduğunu sanıyordum."
"Gerçekten ukalasın."
"Üzgünüm ama erkeğimin daha derin bir kişiliğinin olmasını isterim."
"Benim sığ olduğumu söylemeye mi çalışıyorsun?"
"Kaldırımdaki su birikintisi kadar. Ama zengin ve yakışıklı olduğun için, sorun değil."
"Ben sığ falan değilim."
"Boşluğu doldur: Kevin Tucker'ın hayatındaki en önemli şey..."
"Futbol benim kariyerim. Beni sığ biri yapmaz."
🌸
"Sana balık atan olursa," diye seslendi Kevin, arkasından, "nedeni penguen gibi yürümendir."
"Biri senden anırmanı isterse, nedeni tıpkı bir..."
"Güzel sözlerini sonraya sakla, Daphne. Çöpçüler yeni çöp konteynırıyla geldiler."
"İçine girdikten sonra kapağını kapa." Molly paytak adımlarını hızlandırdı ve neyse ki utanç verici başka bir durumla karşılaşmadan kulübeye ulaştı.
June 7, 2016
Another great story in this delightful series. Moving quickly on to number six.
April 23, 2015
I've read the majority of the Chicago Stars series, not in order, and actually started out with Match Me If You Can on accident when I found it lying around a thrift store when I was in high school. So far, I've read Annabelle and Heath's story more times than I'd like to admit, because they're just adorable and I fell in love with them.
If you've read any SEP, you know what's coming. Same basic story line, some different personalities thrown in each time. I really enjoy most of SEP's titles because, despite being predictable, her books are witty and give you that warm, fuzzy feelin.
Not this one. I have to completely second someone else's review that said the majority of the beginning of the book had me actually saying "WTF" out loud. I seriously wanted to throw it across the room at one point.
I was convinced Molly was mentally deranged, and that she needed to seek a therapist as soon as possible.
If you've read any SEP, you know what's coming. Same basic story line, some different personalities thrown in each time. I really enjoy most of SEP's titles because, despite being predictable, her books are witty and give you that warm, fuzzy feelin.
Not this one. I have to completely second someone else's review that said the majority of the beginning of the book had me actually saying "WTF" out loud. I seriously wanted to throw it across the room at one point.
I was convinced Molly was mentally deranged, and that she needed to seek a therapist as soon as possible.
September 7, 2009
I thought I stopped judging books by their cover, but for the longest time, I couldn't pick this book up because of its not-nearly-as-exciting cover. Anyway, that was very childish of me since this happened to be one of the best SEP book I've read. I loved both Molly, for her children's books, and Kevin, cuz he's 'duh man', jk. Anyway, the secondary love story was pretty hot too (all that paint), but since they were older and both passionate artists, i had very little connection to them.
The children were great and all the interactions with them were quite cute. Who doesn't love a man who's good with children? The best part of the book is Molly's narration. I cracked when she fantasized about Kevin's 'conquering' and the book character parallels were adorable.
The children were great and all the interactions with them were quite cute. Who doesn't love a man who's good with children? The best part of the book is Molly's narration. I cracked when she fantasized about Kevin's 'conquering' and the book character parallels were adorable.
November 15, 2018
So this was a reread for me and I think I liked it slightly less the second time around. As others have mentioned the heroine's actions especially at the beginning are pretty darn questionable. I'm going to drop it from a 5 to 4 star rating. It still remains a strong book on the basis of the dialog. And I've got to say I really loved the quotes from the children's books. Having led story time for too many years I could picture it and I think I would have enjoyed reading them out loud.
July 15, 2016
I almost gave up on this one in the beginning - it was a bit of a messy start but I'm so glad I kept going because I ended up loving this one. There were parts that made me angry, frustrated and sad but there was a lot that had me laughing out loud. This might be my favorite in this series.
May 12, 2016
ME HA ENCANTADO
Read
February 19, 2018After getting to pages 47 to 49 and a certain incident (see spoiler below if you're curious), then checking out some GR reviews for this book, I've realized I can't continue with it. Nothing is going to redeem it for me.
I think I may have to scratch any SEP books written before 2005 or so, since this makes the second one I've tried from that earlier period which is just too problematic for me.
I think I may have to scratch any SEP books written before 2005 or so, since this makes the second one I've tried from that earlier period which is just too problematic for me.
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