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Never Too Late #1
Dating a Cougar
After several decades of looking for true love and never finding it, aging model and lingerie designer, Alexa Ranger, has finally given up the search. A couple years ago, she got tired of the game completely and just stopped dating. Now friends and family keep her mostly content, so it’s shocking at 50 yrs old to find herself suddenly wanting a sex life again. It’s even more shocking to be attracted to a much younger man this time. She definitely thinks Casey Carter is sexy, but not handling her own age well, Alexa just can’t get passed their twelve year age difference to even consider a fling. Not that it matters anyway, anything resembling a normal dating relationship is totally out of the question because Casey is related to and living with her daughter’s boyfriend. The very last thing Alexa needs is yet another talk-show worthy drama in her already complicated life, no matter how amazing Casey’s kisses make her feel.
For a couple of years, 38 yr old, medically retired Marine, Casey Carter, believed his military injury had made him impotent. Having lost his wife to cancer, he hadn’t exactly been worried about the problem. Most days walking with cane was enough challenge for him. But now that he was ready to move on with his life, he had become more worried when none of the females his cousin brought around held any interest for him. So the last woman in the world he expected to start his engine revving again was the mother of his cousin's girlfriend. Even at fifty, Alexa is drop-dead gorgeous, and his libido certainly keeps reminding him she is the first woman he has wanted in a long, long time. Ironically, the more Casey gets to know and like Alexa, he finds out desiring the older woman is the easiest part. Jaded and cynical about love, Alexa is a difficult woman to convince of anything, but her kisses are all the proof he needs that they belong together. The former Marine decides his next mission is figuring out how to fit himself into her life.
For a couple of years, 38 yr old, medically retired Marine, Casey Carter, believed his military injury had made him impotent. Having lost his wife to cancer, he hadn’t exactly been worried about the problem. Most days walking with cane was enough challenge for him. But now that he was ready to move on with his life, he had become more worried when none of the females his cousin brought around held any interest for him. So the last woman in the world he expected to start his engine revving again was the mother of his cousin's girlfriend. Even at fifty, Alexa is drop-dead gorgeous, and his libido certainly keeps reminding him she is the first woman he has wanted in a long, long time. Ironically, the more Casey gets to know and like Alexa, he finds out desiring the older woman is the easiest part. Jaded and cynical about love, Alexa is a difficult woman to convince of anything, but her kisses are all the proof he needs that they belong together. The former Marine decides his next mission is figuring out how to fit himself into her life.
463 pages, ebook
First published March 10, 2011
719 people are currently reading
3022 people want to read
About the author
Donna McDonald
151 books602 followersUSA Today Bestselling Author
I am an active dreamer and find writing to be the best way to use my creativity. Needing to satisfy both sides of my brain, I have become a cross-genre author of contemporary, romantic comedy, fantasy, science fiction, and paranormal romances.
I feel blessed that my books appear on bestseller lists for humor, romantic comedy, space opera, and more. I crave laughter from all my readers and focus my attention on making that happen as often as possible.
I love to hear from anyone who has read my books. Each reader is a hero or heroine to me. I am inspired by you.
I am an active dreamer and find writing to be the best way to use my creativity. Needing to satisfy both sides of my brain, I have become a cross-genre author of contemporary, romantic comedy, fantasy, science fiction, and paranormal romances.
I feel blessed that my books appear on bestseller lists for humor, romantic comedy, space opera, and more. I crave laughter from all my readers and focus my attention on making that happen as often as possible.
I love to hear from anyone who has read my books. Each reader is a hero or heroine to me. I am inspired by you.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 444 reviews
May 31, 2013
On the surface I enjoyed this book minus a few details. However, as I got to thinking more about it the more irritated I got with it. First of all.... let me just start with saying no matter how many times the author stated that Alexa was a strong woman she never proved it.... she was a doormat. Second of all.... What self respecting 50 yr old woman chases around her ADULT daughter.... come on now just doesn't happen. Also... If Casey made the thought or comment one more time that he wanted to be inside her or couldn't' wait to be inside her...blah blah blah I was going to throw up. These are middle aged adults here, not high school kids. Everyone was very 2 dimensional. Actually the only character that seemed to grow and change was Seth. Alexa never changed or had any realization except the fact that she loved Casey. And Casey never could honestly apologize for anything without qualifying it with some lame-o excuse. Like I said... I enjoyed it in a very shallow sense of the word but I've read so many amazing deep true romances that this one came across as pretty damn lame.
September 2, 2011
I'm not even sure where to start. Great idea for a story. I always love reading about older women with younger men. BUT.......... there were times in this story when Casey acted more like a 20-year old than a 38-year old. He was chauvinist and petty. Alexa wasn't too bad........ she was semi-likable. But the story just didn't work for me. It was boring, to be honest. No real major conflict. What conflict was there was totally ridiculous. Casey declares his love to Alexa........ waits for Alexa to return his feelings....... blah, blah, blah....... and when she DOES he turns his back on her at a time when he needed her most. Don't bother having a conversation about it or anything, just "I don't want to see her." And then after days of crying about Casey, she simply accepts his puny apology and all is well in the world? I don't think so.
It is doubtful that I will read the others in this series. As much as I would like to finally see Jenna and Seth get together, their relationship was just as silly as Casey and Alexa's.
Final rant: You nod your head YES. You shake your head NO. How many times in this book does the author say "She shook her head yes"????? Sorry, but little things like that annoy me. No editor? No one caught that? She only said it over and over and over throughout the book.
I'm glad this was a free Kindle read. Otherwise I would be pretty angry at myself for wasting good money on it.
It is doubtful that I will read the others in this series. As much as I would like to finally see Jenna and Seth get together, their relationship was just as silly as Casey and Alexa's.
Final rant: You nod your head YES. You shake your head NO. How many times in this book does the author say "She shook her head yes"????? Sorry, but little things like that annoy me. No editor? No one caught that? She only said it over and over and over throughout the book.
I'm glad this was a free Kindle read. Otherwise I would be pretty angry at myself for wasting good money on it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 7, 2017
" When the hot burning fires are banked, that’s when the real magic can happen"
Alexa50, business of lingerie,she was model in young age.
Cassey38, Retired marine.
Met in party..
Alexa's daughter Jenna 's boyfriend - Seth ,whose cousin is Cassey.
Despite of age difference of a decade,
They felt an intense attraction which turned to date and finally in love.
Some of instances showing some limitation of couple.
Still, They were together and have sustained their love.
Alexa50, business of lingerie,she was model in young age.
Cassey38, Retired marine.
Met in party..
Alexa's daughter Jenna 's boyfriend - Seth ,whose cousin is Cassey.
Despite of age difference of a decade,
They felt an intense attraction which turned to date and finally in love.
Some of instances showing some limitation of couple.
Still, They were together and have sustained their love.
January 21, 2014
I enjoyed very much reading this book, romantic,sweet,sexy, smart and ver very cute story, I have loved every characters .
July 8, 2022
I really enjoyed this May/December romance novel with a twist. In this romance, the woman is much older than the man. I loved when the woman's friends were telling her the difference between a cougar and a lesser degree of older woman/younger man; I forget what they told her but it was a funny bit in the audiobook. I also loved the relationship between the two MCs, they made it work because they operated as equals.
February 7, 2014
Dating a Cougar is pure Chick Lit. Believe it or not, I read my share of Chick Lit (see my other reviews). However, I prefer good Chick Lit, which Dating a Cougar is not.
As I got several chapters into the book, I decided to keep reading because I actually liked Alexa and her friends. Casey, OTOH, is a sexist pig. Then I began to notice that there is an ample helping of cliché in this book. The dialogue is quite implausible. Casey spends way too much energy actually uttering the words “I want to be inside you”. He also repeatedly wonders aloud, at the most inappropriate times, what Alexa is wearing under her dress. Is this supposed to turn the reader on? Is this supposed to turn on Alexa, a fabulously wealthy clothes designer who could have any man she wants? The plot is pure boy meets girl, boy loves girl, girl hates boy, boy kisses up to girl, they have sex, they have more sex………….you get the picture.
So what’s the harm in falling for this sort of predictable fluff? Nothing, I say. If it’s your cup of tea. I prefer my Chick Lit to have snappy dialogue, humor, deep character development, and decent editing (sometimes I couldn’t even tell who was speaking).
So for the 2 men still reading this review, do give Chick Lit a try. Just don't start with Dating a Cougar.
As I got several chapters into the book, I decided to keep reading because I actually liked Alexa and her friends. Casey, OTOH, is a sexist pig. Then I began to notice that there is an ample helping of cliché in this book. The dialogue is quite implausible. Casey spends way too much energy actually uttering the words “I want to be inside you”. He also repeatedly wonders aloud, at the most inappropriate times, what Alexa is wearing under her dress. Is this supposed to turn the reader on? Is this supposed to turn on Alexa, a fabulously wealthy clothes designer who could have any man she wants? The plot is pure boy meets girl, boy loves girl, girl hates boy, boy kisses up to girl, they have sex, they have more sex………….you get the picture.
So what’s the harm in falling for this sort of predictable fluff? Nothing, I say. If it’s your cup of tea. I prefer my Chick Lit to have snappy dialogue, humor, deep character development, and decent editing (sometimes I couldn’t even tell who was speaking).
So for the 2 men still reading this review, do give Chick Lit a try. Just don't start with Dating a Cougar.
September 27, 2011
I actually wrote a review for my column. And if you want to read it, you can find it at http://www.examiner.com/indie-romance....
Suffice it to say, this is a really good book and a great story. McDonald is a wonderful story teller. Yes, there were some edit problems along the way, but the mechanical issues were incredibly minor. It's a good character study masquerading as a romance novel and the romance was pretty sexy stuff. Even when the characters have a tendency to get in their own way. They're very real people in the sense that I feel like I know people just like them. The story was never so quick that I felt it needed to slow down, and vice versa.
This is a good read and one that'll keep you flipping pages until you finish--definitely can't put it down. I can't wait to read the other three in this series and start the next. I'm a fan, for sure.
Suffice it to say, this is a really good book and a great story. McDonald is a wonderful story teller. Yes, there were some edit problems along the way, but the mechanical issues were incredibly minor. It's a good character study masquerading as a romance novel and the romance was pretty sexy stuff. Even when the characters have a tendency to get in their own way. They're very real people in the sense that I feel like I know people just like them. The story was never so quick that I felt it needed to slow down, and vice versa.
This is a good read and one that'll keep you flipping pages until you finish--definitely can't put it down. I can't wait to read the other three in this series and start the next. I'm a fan, for sure.
April 28, 2014
I tried to read it, but I'm giving up. Coolreader says I'm 69% into it. I don't like either character. There is good potential, but they don't make sense. Every time I think something is going in a good direction, the book develops more inconsistencies.
First, don't read it if you're looking for hot erotica or sexual tension. They talk. a lot. and talk some more. And the sexual tension is killed by words like all the hissing Alexa does and juvenile or dry writing.
you pick up this book to read about a relationship with age difference. that's there, but only on paper. none of the issues you'd expect to see are there because the characters are unreal. they are mad, but ignore it? but they're still mad... but never resolve the problem. where's the character growth? they wait so they can fall in love... but they're not falling in love. apparently they're already in love, but you don't see that through their thoughts, feelings, or actions. no developments or progression at all.
The characters don't make sense. The writing is boring. The characters aren't likeable, and the heat is boring. so don't waste your money.
First, don't read it if you're looking for hot erotica or sexual tension. They talk. a lot. and talk some more. And the sexual tension is killed by words like all the hissing Alexa does and juvenile or dry writing.
you pick up this book to read about a relationship with age difference. that's there, but only on paper. none of the issues you'd expect to see are there because the characters are unreal. they are mad, but ignore it? but they're still mad... but never resolve the problem. where's the character growth? they wait so they can fall in love... but they're not falling in love. apparently they're already in love, but you don't see that through their thoughts, feelings, or actions. no developments or progression at all.
The characters don't make sense. The writing is boring. The characters aren't likeable, and the heat is boring. so don't waste your money.
December 28, 2018
I can’t say that I liked this couple. Other than a physical attraction, there wasn’t much of a connection between these two. This couple had their issues, but their age difference wasn’t one of them. Don’t expect the usual issues that occur in May-December relationships, such as the following:
-differing tastes in music/movies/books
-differing pastimes
-can’t relate to each other’s friends/business associates
-families strongly disapprove of the relationship
-body image issues with the older person
I liked Casey at first because he seemed like a stand-up guy. He’s a wounded Marine (slight limp due to an injured hip) who wants to get to know Alexa before getting intimate with her. Sounds like a decent guy. I know. Then, his jealous nature reared its ugly head and he started acting like a jerk. When he used his cane to restrain Alexa against her office wall, ignoring her commands to release her, I was done with him. You can’t make someone listen to your apology and think all will be well. Not in the real world anyway. A good guy doesn’t tell a woman she can’t break up with him and that the two of them are going to be together. Controlling much, Casey?
-differing tastes in music/movies/books
-differing pastimes
-can’t relate to each other’s friends/business associates
-families strongly disapprove of the relationship
-body image issues with the older person
I liked Casey at first because he seemed like a stand-up guy. He’s a wounded Marine (slight limp due to an injured hip) who wants to get to know Alexa before getting intimate with her. Sounds like a decent guy. I know. Then, his jealous nature reared its ugly head and he started acting like a jerk. When he used his cane to restrain Alexa against her office wall, ignoring her commands to release her, I was done with him. You can’t make someone listen to your apology and think all will be well. Not in the real world anyway. A good guy doesn’t tell a woman she can’t break up with him and that the two of them are going to be together. Controlling much, Casey?
June 26, 2011
Gosh this was a bad book. It was free but man I didn't like that I wasted my time on it. Seeing the cover and the title I thought I was picking up a quick sexy romance book to read ... this is definitely not that. This book is as boring as boy meets girl and decides to pursue her. There was no action, suspense, tension, ... nothing. The sex in the book was overwritten huffing and puffing. The writing wasn't good, the editing was bad and the formatting sucked. Since the "cougar" in the book is 50, maybe I could see an older crowd appreciating this book more than me.
October 1, 2012
Yawn yawn I haven't skim read so much for ages! Boring story, crap sex scenes.
Oh and I forgot to mention the bit where he wants to lay there All night you know doing nothing....pure trosh
September 3, 2011
I have to say I really enjoyed this book. I picked it up because it was a freebie and now definitely want to continue on with the series. I always love a good May/December romance, and this one certainly does not disappoint. Alexa Ranger was such a hot character, she even had a hot name. 50 never "read" so good! Casey was just the perfect match for her. He never backed down from a fight, and wasn't intimidated by her success. These two had some funny bickering back and forth that really had me laughing, and some good, but not great love scenes, but they were good enough. I am hoping down the line there will be a book with Jenna ( Alexa's daughter) and Seth (Casey's cousin/nephew...can't remember which one) getting back together because those two were certainly made for each other. Thos is my first read from this author, and i can't wait to read more about this group of friends.
October 29, 2012
This was a book that I really wanted to like but as much as I tried I just could not. I am one of those people who once they have started to read a book has got to finish it and I really struggled getting to the end.
The storyline and characters were so tedious! Alexa and Casey it was all argue, be petty, make up, argue, be petty, make up. It was seriously horrendous! Alexa's daughter Jenna who was supposed to be in her 20's acted more like a 14 year old teenager throwing paddy's left right and centre.
You didn't care for the characters at all and the author could have done so much more with the character development let alone the plot! The story was all about the "relationship" which was mediocre and no story progression.
Very disappointed.
The worst book I have read in years.
The storyline and characters were so tedious! Alexa and Casey it was all argue, be petty, make up, argue, be petty, make up. It was seriously horrendous! Alexa's daughter Jenna who was supposed to be in her 20's acted more like a 14 year old teenager throwing paddy's left right and centre.
You didn't care for the characters at all and the author could have done so much more with the character development let alone the plot! The story was all about the "relationship" which was mediocre and no story progression.
Very disappointed.
The worst book I have read in years.
March 10, 2013
ehh so I finally decided to stop reading this book. I do have to say that the story was very enjoyable and I liked how it started out. but then the authors writing just stopped putting me in. I think I finally realized at about 40% of the book that it's boring and I should start reading something better. don't get me wrong, I loved the bitchy successful Alexa and ex-military Casey but I couldn't stand that there was really no good conflict in the book and it was just kind of on an off situation. good thing this was a kindle freebie because I would hat myself wasting money on this.
April 28, 2011
Ugggg not good. Annoying hero, who I think was supposed to be all Alpha, but came off more like a sexist jerk. There is a fine line before the hero crosses in to A$$hat category and this fellow got there fast, page 10 or so. I wanted to like this book being an older woman younger man story, but it just, well it just wasn’t good. Sorry…
September 11, 2016
This was okay but only okay. No more, no less.
I needed something light and it was definitely that.
I did not like the main male character at all. That made it hard to cheer on Alexa (the Cougar) knowing he was a giant d-bag. At about 50 percent I nearly quit reading but because it was a short book I kept going.
I won't be continuing this series.
I needed something light and it was definitely that.
I did not like the main male character at all. That made it hard to cheer on Alexa (the Cougar) knowing he was a giant d-bag. At about 50 percent I nearly quit reading but because it was a short book I kept going.
I won't be continuing this series.
October 17, 2020
I guess if I was Alexa and a hot, young ex-military man was coming on to me I would be nervous to date too especially when it seems a bit too close to home. I think you can't help where you find that person and to have a hot as hell military is even better. Casey is determined to get Alexa even though she doesn't what to do and even more when her daughter can be a problem.
July 15, 2023
DNF 42%
Usually I love reading older woman/younger man romances but when the FMC's assistant said "You and I are narcissists, Alexa. We’re always asking to be loved. You’re used to men desiring you like a Rolex watch or a Lamborghini. Maybe you don’t recognize real desire or real love, but I do, thanks to you. It’s wonderful—and, well awful too—when you fight. Still it’s worth it," I rolled my eyes so hard that the headache I had earlier this morning has gotten worse. So I am ending it here LOL.
FMC is a 50 year old aging lingerie model and lingerie brand owner with a 27 yr daughter who's sort of dating the younger cousin of the 38 year old MMC, who raised the younger cousin. He's an ex-Marine and has a leg injury. They got chemistry but it all seemed so juvenile. Like it shouldn't have been but to me, it was. Am I wrong? Don't answer that lol.
Adios 🌊
Usually I love reading older woman/younger man romances but when the FMC's assistant said "You and I are narcissists, Alexa. We’re always asking to be loved. You’re used to men desiring you like a Rolex watch or a Lamborghini. Maybe you don’t recognize real desire or real love, but I do, thanks to you. It’s wonderful—and, well awful too—when you fight. Still it’s worth it," I rolled my eyes so hard that the headache I had earlier this morning has gotten worse. So I am ending it here LOL.
FMC is a 50 year old aging lingerie model and lingerie brand owner with a 27 yr daughter who's sort of dating the younger cousin of the 38 year old MMC, who raised the younger cousin. He's an ex-Marine and has a leg injury. They got chemistry but it all seemed so juvenile. Like it shouldn't have been but to me, it was. Am I wrong? Don't answer that lol.
Adios 🌊
May 23, 2013
3.5+ stars
This book is tough to rate, because it has so many unique characteristics for the contemporary romance with "steam" genre. It's hot. It's meaty, in that it has well-developed characters who don't play by anyone's rules but their own. The 2 main leads have their own issues and are strong, forceful people. They fight - a lot. They love - deeply. They struggle with age differences and life and finances and all the things that we "normal" folk do.
Alexa is a 50 year old former fashion model who owns her own lingerie line. Because her 1st husband is such a financial whiz, she's also co-owner or part-owner of many other businesses, including local Falls Church restaurants and gyms. She's been on her own for many years, raising her daughter with some help from her ex. But she hasn't had a real love relationship since her ex - almost 30 years ago now. She's surrounded by wonderful, loving, supportive friends (Lauren "The Saint" and Dr. Regina the sex therapist) and her daughter, Jenna. But Alexa's past relationships often made the press, because of her celebrity status. Her daughter thinks she flirts too much. Alexa's only gone for the attraction-physical in so long, she doesn't know how to be part of a real relationship now, and she's sure that at 50, she's past her prime anyway.
Casey is a 38 year old retired Marine. He retired, because during his last duty at an embassy, a bomb resulted in him having a hip replacement. He's still got limited mobility, but he's all Marine, so he sucks it up and uses a cane when necessary. Casey also lost his wife, Susan, to cancer around the same time, so the man's had some things to deal with.
Casey and Alexa meet because Jenna (her daughter) is dating Seth, Casey's cousin. Seth is only 8 or so years younger than Casey, but when Seth's parents died when he was 12, Casey was 20 and already married to Susan. Casey and Susan took in Seth and raised him. So Seth and Jenna obviously want their "parents" to meet. No one expects the instant chemistry and sparks!
While there's some of the expected age-difference debates, it doesn't drag down the book. Alexa is concerned and aware of the age difference, but she doesn't wear it like a martyr. The book's focus is really on these 2 people with an instant and constant attraction trying to figure out if there's MORE than just a physical connection between them. And if they scratch the itch, will it all just go away? And is that a bad thing or a good thing?
What holds the rating back for me is that 3/4 of the way through the book, it makes a turn... into almost a whole new book. An instance of Casey being the hero that he is turns tragic. And we have to deal with the uncertainty of life-and-death. Then, we struggle through a realistic issue, but one that feels non-organic and manufactured for this couple and this story. Yes, it brought tears to my eyes several times, but somehow the momentum of this wonderful story just... slowed. I'm not sure if it ever completely recovered.
I appreciate the author's attempt to bring real-life in. For the most part, it worked and gave this book a freshness and excitement to it - for me. But the very last part of the book just didn't fit neatly. I think, perhaps, that it was the TIMING of the event and how close it was to the end of the book that got me. There didn't seem to be enough DEVELOPMENT of the issue at hand and, therefore, time for the RESOLUTION before making everything happy-happy and nice-nice. And THAT is what felt off to me.
But I do intend to try the next book in the series, so this author definitely has captured my attention!
This book is tough to rate, because it has so many unique characteristics for the contemporary romance with "steam" genre. It's hot. It's meaty, in that it has well-developed characters who don't play by anyone's rules but their own. The 2 main leads have their own issues and are strong, forceful people. They fight - a lot. They love - deeply. They struggle with age differences and life and finances and all the things that we "normal" folk do.
Alexa is a 50 year old former fashion model who owns her own lingerie line. Because her 1st husband is such a financial whiz, she's also co-owner or part-owner of many other businesses, including local Falls Church restaurants and gyms. She's been on her own for many years, raising her daughter with some help from her ex. But she hasn't had a real love relationship since her ex - almost 30 years ago now. She's surrounded by wonderful, loving, supportive friends (Lauren "The Saint" and Dr. Regina the sex therapist) and her daughter, Jenna. But Alexa's past relationships often made the press, because of her celebrity status. Her daughter thinks she flirts too much. Alexa's only gone for the attraction-physical in so long, she doesn't know how to be part of a real relationship now, and she's sure that at 50, she's past her prime anyway.
Casey is a 38 year old retired Marine. He retired, because during his last duty at an embassy, a bomb resulted in him having a hip replacement. He's still got limited mobility, but he's all Marine, so he sucks it up and uses a cane when necessary. Casey also lost his wife, Susan, to cancer around the same time, so the man's had some things to deal with.
Casey and Alexa meet because Jenna (her daughter) is dating Seth, Casey's cousin. Seth is only 8 or so years younger than Casey, but when Seth's parents died when he was 12, Casey was 20 and already married to Susan. Casey and Susan took in Seth and raised him. So Seth and Jenna obviously want their "parents" to meet. No one expects the instant chemistry and sparks!
While there's some of the expected age-difference debates, it doesn't drag down the book. Alexa is concerned and aware of the age difference, but she doesn't wear it like a martyr. The book's focus is really on these 2 people with an instant and constant attraction trying to figure out if there's MORE than just a physical connection between them. And if they scratch the itch, will it all just go away? And is that a bad thing or a good thing?
What holds the rating back for me is that 3/4 of the way through the book, it makes a turn... into almost a whole new book. An instance of Casey being the hero that he is turns tragic. And we have to deal with the uncertainty of life-and-death. Then, we struggle through a realistic issue, but one that feels non-organic and manufactured for this couple and this story. Yes, it brought tears to my eyes several times, but somehow the momentum of this wonderful story just... slowed. I'm not sure if it ever completely recovered.
I appreciate the author's attempt to bring real-life in. For the most part, it worked and gave this book a freshness and excitement to it - for me. But the very last part of the book just didn't fit neatly. I think, perhaps, that it was the TIMING of the event and how close it was to the end of the book that got me. There didn't seem to be enough DEVELOPMENT of the issue at hand and, therefore, time for the RESOLUTION before making everything happy-happy and nice-nice. And THAT is what felt off to me.
But I do intend to try the next book in the series, so this author definitely has captured my attention!
February 9, 2014
I got this free on Amazon about a year ago but it's only now I came around to reading it.
I gave this a 5-star rating cause I found it light and interesting. I loved the characters, the crazy friends and family connections, how determined Casey was to win Alexa over and convince her he's serious about her.
It's amazing how the author wrote of age being just a number cause Casey and Alexa are very well matched. They complement each other and find the other's faults endearing. Alexa is an alpha female but Casey wasn't intimidated by this. He's really into her for the long haul.
The supporting characters were also fun to read about and I hope Jenna and Seth would reconcile since it's obvious it's really not over between them. I also liked Alexa's friends, another good example of opposites attract.
I'm looking forward to reading the next, which is Regina's story. Who would be the sex therapist's match?
I gave this a 5-star rating cause I found it light and interesting. I loved the characters, the crazy friends and family connections, how determined Casey was to win Alexa over and convince her he's serious about her.
It's amazing how the author wrote of age being just a number cause Casey and Alexa are very well matched. They complement each other and find the other's faults endearing. Alexa is an alpha female but Casey wasn't intimidated by this. He's really into her for the long haul.
The supporting characters were also fun to read about and I hope Jenna and Seth would reconcile since it's obvious it's really not over between them. I also liked Alexa's friends, another good example of opposites attract.
I'm looking forward to reading the next, which is Regina's story. Who would be the sex therapist's match?
June 14, 2012
Decent plot idea, poor execution. Appears to be self-published and badly in need of an editor.
50 year old ex-model Alexa Ranger and 38 year old ex-Marine Casey Carter are in a relationship. Since these facts are mentioned over and over and over again in the book, you'd think that the age difference is the problem they need to overcome in their story on their way to true love. It's not, and it doesn't even make a difference in the book. The real obstacles seem to be 1) that Alexa's daughter was involved with Casey's cousin when Alexa and Casey met, 2) Casey is sometimes a jealous jerk, and 3) Alexa has relationship/commitment issues. The age difference at this point is completely superfluous to the plot, which may be why it's shoehorned in at every opportunity.
While it was a decent diversion, it's not enough to make me want to read the rest of the series.
50 year old ex-model Alexa Ranger and 38 year old ex-Marine Casey Carter are in a relationship. Since these facts are mentioned over and over and over again in the book, you'd think that the age difference is the problem they need to overcome in their story on their way to true love. It's not, and it doesn't even make a difference in the book. The real obstacles seem to be 1) that Alexa's daughter was involved with Casey's cousin when Alexa and Casey met, 2) Casey is sometimes a jealous jerk, and 3) Alexa has relationship/commitment issues. The age difference at this point is completely superfluous to the plot, which may be why it's shoehorned in at every opportunity.
While it was a decent diversion, it's not enough to make me want to read the rest of the series.
May 13, 2013
I was looking for a light comedy read and was surprised too find a great read. This was a lot more than a romance book, it was well developed with very real characters. I was hooked from page one and could not put it down. Filled with healthy laughter, pity, tears, sex and happiness. Casey Carter retired from the Marines due to a hip injury falls for Alexa Ranger model/business woman twelve years his senior. This story goes deeper than sex or dating with real feelings and true problems of love, loss and happiness. I really enjoyed this book and I think you will too, pick it up and give it a try!
August 13, 2014
Not my kind of book. I guess if you like romance/erotica books this might be ok but even then the writing just lacked. At least 50 Shades had a storyline to follow that was interesting. This book was just blah. I didn't care for the writing style. The conversations between characters were cheesy and overdone; not believable and didn't flow well. And the story was just there... This was a free book deal and I'm glad because I would have been angry if I spent money on it. Then again, given the title, I would have been foolish to have paid for it to begin with. You get what you pay for with this one. Not a good easy read. And it's a series!
March 12, 2016
Vikki's Musing
This is very unusual for me. It is extremely rare for me to give below 3 stars, but I really struggled with this one. I almost stopped listening several times. I didn't care the heroine at all, and I wasn't that fond of the hero either. Both do some fairly stupid things. I don't want to give ant details. Let's just say both of them do not act their age., show jealousy when they shouldn't. I thought the author might redeem this one toward the end, but then it fell flat.
I also did not care for the narrator very much either, but I don not think she influenced my opinion of the book. Happy reading!
This is very unusual for me. It is extremely rare for me to give below 3 stars, but I really struggled with this one. I almost stopped listening several times. I didn't care the heroine at all, and I wasn't that fond of the hero either. Both do some fairly stupid things. I don't want to give ant details. Let's just say both of them do not act their age., show jealousy when they shouldn't. I thought the author might redeem this one toward the end, but then it fell flat.
I also did not care for the narrator very much either, but I don not think she influenced my opinion of the book. Happy reading!
June 9, 2014
I probably would have liked this book more about 20 years ago. Today, I found the characters shallow and immature, and the plot line similar. I actually stopped reading about a third of the way through because it was ridiculous. The conversations the characters had with one another seemed unrealistic and silly. Not a book I'd recommend for anyone over 25.
August 21, 2011
What a fantastic romance! No the H/h aren't typical young and stupid, they actually have some age and experience behind them. Yes, people do have sex after fifty. Gasp! I loved her approach to the conflicts and think this author will do very well building a readership.
On to book 2.
On to book 2.
June 4, 2025
I picked up Dating a Cougar by Donna McDonald because I thought, “Finally! A practical guide to identifying the age of a cougar. You know, the animal. The big cat. Puma concolor.” I live near the woods. I hike. I worry. I need to know if the cougar I saw last week is a spry adolescent or a grizzled old-timer with a limp and a vendetta.
But no. NO. This book is not about wildlife. It is not about tracking, aging, or even basic feline biology. It is, in fact, about humans. Specifically, a woman of a certain age dating a younger man. And let me tell you, I was 47 pages in before I realized there would be no mountain lions. Not even a bobcat cameo. Just a lot of flirting, feelings, and—brace yourself—romance.
I kept reading, thinking maybe the cougar was a metaphor and the actual animal would show up later. Maybe as a pet. Maybe as a spirit guide. Maybe the love interest would get mauled and we’d all learn a valuable lesson about respecting nature. But no. Just more dates, more charm, and not a single paw print in sight.
I feel betrayed. I wanted claws and growls. I got candlelit dinners and emotional growth.
If you’re looking for a steamy romance with mature characters and heartfelt moments, this book is probably great. But if you, like me, are trying to survive in cougar country and thought this was a field manual, turn back now. Or better yet, write the book I thought this was.
But no. NO. This book is not about wildlife. It is not about tracking, aging, or even basic feline biology. It is, in fact, about humans. Specifically, a woman of a certain age dating a younger man. And let me tell you, I was 47 pages in before I realized there would be no mountain lions. Not even a bobcat cameo. Just a lot of flirting, feelings, and—brace yourself—romance.
I kept reading, thinking maybe the cougar was a metaphor and the actual animal would show up later. Maybe as a pet. Maybe as a spirit guide. Maybe the love interest would get mauled and we’d all learn a valuable lesson about respecting nature. But no. Just more dates, more charm, and not a single paw print in sight.
I feel betrayed. I wanted claws and growls. I got candlelit dinners and emotional growth.
If you’re looking for a steamy romance with mature characters and heartfelt moments, this book is probably great. But if you, like me, are trying to survive in cougar country and thought this was a field manual, turn back now. Or better yet, write the book I thought this was.
May 9, 2020
Oof! That was one heck of an emotional roller-coaster ride. Whether they were fighting or… making up, the sparks were always flying between Casey and Alexa. It hurt my heart to see how much the age difference bothered Alexa, especially when Casey was trying to so hard to show her it didn’t matter. But I can understand it too. The lead up to the ending had me darned near bawling my eyes out as Casey was forced to confront emotional issues none of us saw coming. All in all, I’ve started falling in love with this crazy “family” and I can’t wait to read more.
September 13, 2018
I am new to Donna's writing ...I found it on Audible and this is such a great listen. I am trying to locate the narrators name ...pooh. can't find it ...she has a nice raspy voice ...so pleasant to listen too. well written. funny at times and being that i am just starting my 40th year of life I enjoy listening to book that are similar in age or life style. I look forward to read more from Donna very very soon. Love the cover too. Must read. ENJOYABLE!! check it out. ( ;
September 18, 2019
I liked the development of the relationship between Alexa and Casey but the older woman/ younger man didn't seem to play a major role. A good trickle of humour throughout the story which I always favour. I am a bit disappointed at what I am taking away from this story. I need to somehow become hot and wealthy and then perhaps I can find a loving relationship with a man (as long as he has a disability and baggage). Ha.
Cheers
Cheers
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