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Taming Mad Max
Max Dutton, a starting NFL linebacker for the Los Angeles Condors, is certain he’s going to die young since his father and grandfather both passed away at an early age. Believing his life will be cut short, Max tries to live every moment to its fullest. For this reason, Max shies away from forming close relationships. What would be the point of falling in love and starting a family only to leave them as his father left him and his sisters? When Max discovers he has a thirteen-year old daughter though, it throws all his years of planning and preparation for an early death into a tailspin.
Nutrition expert, Kari Murphy, used to think Max Dutton, aka Mad Max, was to die for, but she’s older and wiser now. The last time Kari reacted with her heart instead of her brain, she conceived the thing she loves most in life…her daughter, Molly. As much as she dislikes Max Dutton for taking her declaration of love and throwing it in her face fourteen years earlier, she knows that if it wasn’t for him her life would be meaningless. And that really ticks her off, especially when she’s hired by the NFL franchise to follow Max around for a couple of weeks and give him healthy-eating advice, foolproof facts about carbohydrates and tasteful tips on cooking and shopping smart.
Kari doesn’t want to be anywhere near the man, but what choice does she have? Her career is on the line.
Taming Mad Max finaled in RWA’s 2008 Golden Heart competition under the title, Better Late Than Never.
Nutrition expert, Kari Murphy, used to think Max Dutton, aka Mad Max, was to die for, but she’s older and wiser now. The last time Kari reacted with her heart instead of her brain, she conceived the thing she loves most in life…her daughter, Molly. As much as she dislikes Max Dutton for taking her declaration of love and throwing it in her face fourteen years earlier, she knows that if it wasn’t for him her life would be meaningless. And that really ticks her off, especially when she’s hired by the NFL franchise to follow Max around for a couple of weeks and give him healthy-eating advice, foolproof facts about carbohydrates and tasteful tips on cooking and shopping smart.
Kari doesn’t want to be anywhere near the man, but what choice does she have? Her career is on the line.
Taming Mad Max finaled in RWA’s 2008 Golden Heart competition under the title, Better Late Than Never.
292 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 24, 2011
91 people are currently reading
1432 people want to read
About the author
Theresa Ragan
20 books410 followersT.R. Ragan (Theresa Ragan) is a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling mystery and thriller author. She has sold more than four million books.
Readers interested in signing up for a monthly newsletter or getting their name in a TR RAGAN book should check out her website at www.trragan.com
Facebook • Twitter • Instagram: @trraganauthor
LIZZY GARDNER SERIES
Abducted
Dead Weight
A Dark Mind
Obsessed
Almost Dead
Evil Never Dies
FAITH MCMANN TRILOGY
Furious
Outrage
Wrath
JESSIE COLE SERIES
Her Last Day
Deadly Recall
Deranged
Buried Deep
SAWYER BROOKS TRILOGY
Don't Make a Sound
Out of Her Mind
No Going Back
STANDALONE
Count to Three
Such a Beautiful Family
Best House on the Block
Readers interested in signing up for a monthly newsletter or getting their name in a TR RAGAN book should check out her website at www.trragan.com
Facebook • Twitter • Instagram: @trraganauthor
LIZZY GARDNER SERIES
Abducted
Dead Weight
A Dark Mind
Obsessed
Almost Dead
Evil Never Dies
FAITH MCMANN TRILOGY
Furious
Outrage
Wrath
JESSIE COLE SERIES
Her Last Day
Deadly Recall
Deranged
Buried Deep
SAWYER BROOKS TRILOGY
Don't Make a Sound
Out of Her Mind
No Going Back
STANDALONE
Count to Three
Such a Beautiful Family
Best House on the Block
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 136 reviews
May 3, 2012
I am almost kind of ashamed I subjected my brain to the torture of reading this book.
This book has no depth what so ever. It's like the book equivalent to some low rate rom-com where the two main characters have absolutely nothing in common, but for some reason, fall in lurrvv. Then they continue to do stupid things to mess up the relationship and swear to never speak to each other again, only to realize they are madly in love and get married and have a billion kids. The End. This was nothing more than 2 1/2 hours of mind numbing-ness.
If you like depth and peace of mind to your stories I suggest finding something else, with like a plot and less stereotypical characters.
This book has no depth what so ever. It's like the book equivalent to some low rate rom-com where the two main characters have absolutely nothing in common, but for some reason, fall in lurrvv. Then they continue to do stupid things to mess up the relationship and swear to never speak to each other again, only to realize they are madly in love and get married and have a billion kids. The End. This was nothing more than 2 1/2 hours of mind numbing-ness.
If you like depth and peace of mind to your stories I suggest finding something else, with like a plot and less stereotypical characters.
April 22, 2012
Wonderful! Another great book by Theresa Ragan. This author really knows how to weave an intricate tale with a wonderful group of characters that all add to the storyline. The focus here is on Max and Kari, but the additional characters add so many layers to this well written, nicely developed book. Ms. Ragan has the uncanny ability to give us more than a one-dimensional plot. She adds bonus romances to the main one of a lost love and the possibility of renewal between Max and Kari. There is an existing relationship, Breanne and Joey’s, but it’s in trouble of being torn apart because of a life changing circumstances. The final one, Lindsay and Cole’s, is just starting to blossom. Somehow they all intertwine, because at the heart of each relationship, is the subject of children. A child that is the result of a one-night stand, an unexpected pregnancy, and woman’s hope to have one before it’s too late. I’ve read multiple romance storylines, but never one that worked as well as this one. There is no confusion or the feeling of being overwhelmed, it works and works well, because at some level they are all involved with one another.
Each of the relationships wraps up nicely, but the sweetest one and the ending that brought me to tears, was the one that took a backseat to the other two. When all was said and done, it had the most emotional impact for me. When a man really loves his woman, he’ll do anything and everything, to let her know that he’s willing to have it all, be with her, even if it life takes them down a different path. The entire book is filled with so many heartwarming moments, revelations, great dialogue, some humor, and because the writing is so good, it felt very real. It’s light on steam, but big on romance and relationships; lovers, friends and family.
This is another author that gifts her readers with an epilogue, which in so many cases allows us to close the book knowing that the characters that we’ve grown to love are living the lives they are so deserving of. Why is this so important to me? I don’t know, but it gives me the closure I need, and this author brought it home in a big way.
I got this as a freebie, but at $2.99 it’s a steal and worth every penny!!
Each of the relationships wraps up nicely, but the sweetest one and the ending that brought me to tears, was the one that took a backseat to the other two. When all was said and done, it had the most emotional impact for me. When a man really loves his woman, he’ll do anything and everything, to let her know that he’s willing to have it all, be with her, even if it life takes them down a different path. The entire book is filled with so many heartwarming moments, revelations, great dialogue, some humor, and because the writing is so good, it felt very real. It’s light on steam, but big on romance and relationships; lovers, friends and family.
This is another author that gifts her readers with an epilogue, which in so many cases allows us to close the book knowing that the characters that we’ve grown to love are living the lives they are so deserving of. Why is this so important to me? I don’t know, but it gives me the closure I need, and this author brought it home in a big way.
I got this as a freebie, but at $2.99 it’s a steal and worth every penny!!
April 24, 2012
Really enjoyable contemporary romance with a sports-theme that doesn’t get much better than this one! Theresa Ragan isn't far from hitting my “favorites” list.
A delightfully entertaining story with the typical gorgeous, rich, unable-to-commit pro football star. When Max Dutton meets Kari Murphy, the nutritionist assigned by the team owners to help him avert a family “curse,” sexual sparks immediately ignite. However, when Kari sees Max and comes face-to-face with a blast-from-the-past, those sparks don’t carry the same meaning for her. It appears that Max doesn't have a clue to her identity.
From family, friends, and teammates, the secondary cast is superb and adds lots of flavor (some sweet and some downright bitter) to this already tasty treat. Max’s large and opinionated family enhance the story with several outrageous predicaments that bring on plenty of laughs and witty exchanges.
A fabulous bonus package includes a steamy and touching secondary romance between Max’s teammate, Cole, and Kari’s best friend, Lindsay. Their encounters are every bit as good as those of our main characters. Max’s sister is also engaged, pregnant and faced with a fiance’ who doesn’t think he’s ready to be a daddy. Oops! There’s also Max’s mom, a widow in her sixties, who’s having a secret romance of her own. No sequel required -- our author wraps everything up in a tidy little epilogue that was delightful.
Highly recommend for anyone who enjoys a fun-filled contemporary romance.
A delightfully entertaining story with the typical gorgeous, rich, unable-to-commit pro football star. When Max Dutton meets Kari Murphy, the nutritionist assigned by the team owners to help him avert a family “curse,” sexual sparks immediately ignite. However, when Kari sees Max and comes face-to-face with a blast-from-the-past, those sparks don’t carry the same meaning for her. It appears that Max doesn't have a clue to her identity.
From family, friends, and teammates, the secondary cast is superb and adds lots of flavor (some sweet and some downright bitter) to this already tasty treat. Max’s large and opinionated family enhance the story with several outrageous predicaments that bring on plenty of laughs and witty exchanges.
A fabulous bonus package includes a steamy and touching secondary romance between Max’s teammate, Cole, and Kari’s best friend, Lindsay. Their encounters are every bit as good as those of our main characters. Max’s sister is also engaged, pregnant and faced with a fiance’ who doesn’t think he’s ready to be a daddy. Oops! There’s also Max’s mom, a widow in her sixties, who’s having a secret romance of her own. No sequel required -- our author wraps everything up in a tidy little epilogue that was delightful.
Highly recommend for anyone who enjoys a fun-filled contemporary romance.
June 9, 2012
A cute contemporary sports romance, it even had an interesting secondary romance. The author has a nice writing voice for this genre and I would read more, but this one lacked a bit on the story. I'm not a fan of secret baby romances, especially when the secret tends to linger far too long. It wrapped up with a good ending, so I'd recommend it if you like light contemp romances and don't mind the 'secret baby' plot device.
May 22, 2012
Let me start off with saying that the author has a clear and easy language. She doesn't fall into any of the weird grammar-pits so many self-published authors do. Taming Mad Max would have been much more joyful to read had the author not fallen into the cheesy plot-pits.
One of the pits this author did fall into, is so-called brand-naming. That will out-date your book very quickly. You don't namedrop contemporary artists, songs, brands or any of the like. In a few years some readers might go "who?" and then you're done for.
Another thing that had me rolling my eyes, was when one of the characters was going to ask for the negative of a photo of her in some rag. I have several issues with this. First of all, the paparazzi today don't use film. It's all digital. So there is no negative to be had. Second, if were were talking about photographing on film still, no photographer in their right mind would agree to a) cutting up a roll of negatives or b) send the original negative to some no-name woman who happened to be in the background in a picture in a rag. Third, if you know nothing about photography or how the media or paparazzi works, don't use it in your book. Makes you look like you're trying much too hard.
Really, know what you write and write what you know. I can't seem to say it enough. If you don't know something, and you really don't want to do enough research to learn, don't write it in. It's that simple.
Secret baby, instant love (albeit 14 years later), two sports bad-boys doing the 180 and falling for 'normal' women - and so on, and so forth. It's like the author took every cheesy plot she could think of and crammed it into this book. It seriously became all too much, and flags the book as "could not happen in a million years".
There really are no surprises in this book. If you've read your fair share of romance books (even erotica books), it all becomes a little too predictable.
The sexy cover on this book is misleading though. There isn't much to be sexy about in this book. This book is very clean and only hints at anyone having any sex. You don't get to be the fly on the wall for any sexy romps between the sheets.
For a book about athletes, we don't get much field-time with the boys. Half the reason women read sexy books about athletes is because we like to read about them being all sexy and sweaty doing whatever sport it is they do. We only get a brief scene on a field during practice, but there isn't much practice going on there when the author takes us there.
Overall the book feels very rushed. It's as if the author needed to cram as much stuff onto the pages as possible. There was no dwelling on the characters or what they were doing or feeling. This book hits the ground running, and doesn't stop until the epilogue is over. There really is so much drama in this book, another author might be able to write three books instead of just the one.
Seeing how lately you can't write a review without being attacked; here's a lil' something to chew on from the Goodreads guidelines before you decide to use me as an outlet for your frustraions: "Please don't flag items for having foul language, as Goodreads does not believe in censoring content and will not delete anything for foul language alone. Negative book reviews do not count as inappropriate."
One of the pits this author did fall into, is so-called brand-naming. That will out-date your book very quickly. You don't namedrop contemporary artists, songs, brands or any of the like. In a few years some readers might go "who?" and then you're done for.
Another thing that had me rolling my eyes, was when one of the characters was going to ask for the negative of a photo of her in some rag. I have several issues with this. First of all, the paparazzi today don't use film. It's all digital. So there is no negative to be had. Second, if were were talking about photographing on film still, no photographer in their right mind would agree to a) cutting up a roll of negatives or b) send the original negative to some no-name woman who happened to be in the background in a picture in a rag. Third, if you know nothing about photography or how the media or paparazzi works, don't use it in your book. Makes you look like you're trying much too hard.
Really, know what you write and write what you know. I can't seem to say it enough. If you don't know something, and you really don't want to do enough research to learn, don't write it in. It's that simple.
Secret baby, instant love (albeit 14 years later), two sports bad-boys doing the 180 and falling for 'normal' women - and so on, and so forth. It's like the author took every cheesy plot she could think of and crammed it into this book. It seriously became all too much, and flags the book as "could not happen in a million years".
There really are no surprises in this book. If you've read your fair share of romance books (even erotica books), it all becomes a little too predictable.
The sexy cover on this book is misleading though. There isn't much to be sexy about in this book. This book is very clean and only hints at anyone having any sex. You don't get to be the fly on the wall for any sexy romps between the sheets.
For a book about athletes, we don't get much field-time with the boys. Half the reason women read sexy books about athletes is because we like to read about them being all sexy and sweaty doing whatever sport it is they do. We only get a brief scene on a field during practice, but there isn't much practice going on there when the author takes us there.
Overall the book feels very rushed. It's as if the author needed to cram as much stuff onto the pages as possible. There was no dwelling on the characters or what they were doing or feeling. This book hits the ground running, and doesn't stop until the epilogue is over. There really is so much drama in this book, another author might be able to write three books instead of just the one.
Seeing how lately you can't write a review without being attacked; here's a lil' something to chew on from the Goodreads guidelines before you decide to use me as an outlet for your frustraions: "Please don't flag items for having foul language, as Goodreads does not believe in censoring content and will not delete anything for foul language alone. Negative book reviews do not count as inappropriate."
April 27, 2012
This was just what I needed! Easy reading with some humor and just a touch of angst. And I got it when it was free on Amazon :)
Max and Kari's story was great. But what had me giving this 5 stars was how well rounded the secondary characters were. I found myself worrying about Lindsay and Cole and Breanne and Joey just as much as I did about Max and Kari.
Max and Kari's story was great. But what had me giving this 5 stars was how well rounded the secondary characters were. I found myself worrying about Lindsay and Cole and Breanne and Joey just as much as I did about Max and Kari.
February 22, 2015
Probably one of the best contemporary romances I have read in a very long time! I read this after reading Ms. Ragan's new release "Having My Baby" which mentions Max, so I searched and purchased this book and it was sooooooo worth it. Hope there is more to come with the LA Condor's team in the future!
October 2, 2016
reread 10/2016
March 16, 2012
When Max Dutton, linebacker for the Condors is told he has to have a nutritionist watch over him for the next two weeks to get reinstated, he is beyond irritated. That is until, he meets nutritionist Kari Murphy who refuses to work with him.
Kari cannot believe she is standing before Mad Max Dutton, the man who broke her heart, left her pregnant, and never tried to contact her. As if it was bad enough, he has no clue who she is.
With a little persistence by Max, he plans to uncover the truth behind their past but will he be willing to trust Kari was making the right decisions where their child was concerned.
I really enjoyed this one, Max is a bit clueless. At first he looks at Kari as a challenge, but the more she seems to resist his charms the more he looks at her as a friend and hopefully a lover.
Kari cannot believe she is standing before Mad Max Dutton, the man who broke her heart, left her pregnant, and never tried to contact her. As if it was bad enough, he has no clue who she is.
With a little persistence by Max, he plans to uncover the truth behind their past but will he be willing to trust Kari was making the right decisions where their child was concerned.
I really enjoyed this one, Max is a bit clueless. At first he looks at Kari as a challenge, but the more she seems to resist his charms the more he looks at her as a friend and hopefully a lover.
October 28, 2015
This is not my first go round with this author but I know her better as T.K. Ragan, a mystery suspense writer who has the power to break my heart into a million pieces. Ahem, anyway... This book was cute. Predictable and fluffy. It was a good palate cleanser after my last book which was dark and heavy. I don't think Romance is her strong point but I can't base that off one book. I would be interested to see how one of the characters is doing in the future and I wonder if she wrote anymore of the character's stories.
May 21, 2012
Quick and easy. I thought it was a good story, but I didn't feel a strong loving connection between the characters until the end. Some of the interactions and situations felt a little over played or forced. It did have a wonderful epilogue that included lots of babies, and there was an abundance of hot athletes throughout the story...always a bonus.
May 2, 2012
Such a sweet read!! I really enjoyed this book. In fact, I actually fell in love with a lot of the supporting characters. The book may have been about Max, but I fell in love with Cole :)
Excited to read more from this author!!
Excited to read more from this author!!
June 16, 2017
Dos historias en una. Con el toque justo de diversión y romance.
El libro es bastante bueno. Al principio es un poco flojo, siento que muchas cosas pasaron muy rápido y que otras mas bien fueron lento, pero una vez pasado la mitad del libro las cosas agarran buen ritmo. Leyendo el libro en su idioma original, uno puede apreciar (u odiar, si ese fuese el caso) mejor la redacción y narración, y de verdad me ha gustado como escribe la autora. Es ligero, divertido, se lee un santiamén, etc.
Me gustaron los personajes. Me gustó mucho Molly, fue una niña muy genial y por todo lo que pasó y su reacción fue tan real que simpatice agradablemente con ella. El libro básicamente cuenta dos historias simultaneas, la de Kari y Max, y la de Lindsey (mejor amiga de Kari) y Cole (mejor amigo de Max).
Kari y Max fueron divertidos y unos adolescentes básicamente, pero como una vez leí por ahí, en cuestiones del amor, siempre somos unos adolescentes. Me agradó Kari, es un personaje fuerte que es constante de principio a fin. Max es un tonto enamorado que me agradó, lo único que no me gustó mucho fue todo el rollo de Dream Girl pero de resto estuvo bien.
Sin embargo, me encantó mucho mas Cole, fue tan espectacularmente tierno y sexy. Aunque Lindsey me sacó de quicio algunas veces con suodio-a-los-hombres.
Pero ciertamente hay algo que no me terminó de convencer del libro. Sin embargo, este libro es genial. Es ideal para pasar el rato y es divertido, tiene romance y aunque no tiene taaanto fútbol, también se menciona una que otra cosita.
He’d retired from the NFL after Kylie was born and hell if he could remember the last time he’d watched a game without interruptions.
El libro es bastante bueno. Al principio es un poco flojo, siento que muchas cosas pasaron muy rápido y que otras mas bien fueron lento, pero una vez pasado la mitad del libro las cosas agarran buen ritmo. Leyendo el libro en su idioma original, uno puede apreciar (u odiar, si ese fuese el caso) mejor la redacción y narración, y de verdad me ha gustado como escribe la autora. Es ligero, divertido, se lee un santiamén, etc.
Me gustaron los personajes. Me gustó mucho Molly, fue una niña muy genial y por todo lo que pasó y su reacción fue tan real que simpatice agradablemente con ella. El libro básicamente cuenta dos historias simultaneas, la de Kari y Max, y la de Lindsey (mejor amiga de Kari) y Cole (mejor amigo de Max).
“It was irresponsible,” Molly went on. “But even though you’re both irresponsible dorks, you lucked out because you got me. What if you had ended up with the twins? Or that kid I saw on that new reality nanny show the other night. The little boy wouldn’t stop screaming at the top of his lungs.” She sighed. “I refuse to do the whole parent trap thing and waste my time trying to get you two together.”
Kari y Max fueron divertidos y unos adolescentes básicamente, pero como una vez leí por ahí, en cuestiones del amor, siempre somos unos adolescentes. Me agradó Kari, es un personaje fuerte que es constante de principio a fin. Max es un tonto enamorado que me agradó, lo único que no me gustó mucho fue todo el rollo de Dream Girl pero de resto estuvo bien.
“I’ve never felt this way about anyone but you. I’m in love with you, Kari Murphy, and nobody can tell me I’m not. I always thought of love as this crazy tangible thing, but that’s not how it works. No neon sign pops up and says, ‘Hey, buddy, this is it!’ Love isn’t something you can touch or grab onto. It just is.”
Sin embargo, me encantó mucho mas Cole, fue tan espectacularmente tierno y sexy. Aunque Lindsey me sacó de quicio algunas veces con su
He looked around. “After I dropped you off, I realized I wasn’t ready to give you up. I don’t think I knew until this morning how important having a baby was to you. Who am I to barge into your life and tell you what to do? I just want to give us a fair chance before we ever consider calling it quits.”
Pero ciertamente hay algo que no me terminó de convencer del libro. Sin embargo, este libro es genial. Es ideal para pasar el rato y es divertido, tiene romance y aunque no tiene taaanto fútbol, también se menciona una que otra cosita.
March 19, 2017
note à moi-même: arrêter de lire des livres nuls.
January 21, 2015
Completely typical paint-by-numbers type contemporary/ sporty romance.
Young woman has a baby and after a few pretty crappy attempts to contact the father gives up for 13 years. Father suddenly comes back in to the picture and learns about teenage daughter in the most dramatic way possible just before the mother can come clean. Lots of blame is thrown about, trust issues rear their head, and communication problems run rampant. At the end both sides realise they've been massive idiots and everything magically works out okay in the end.
As an added bonus we also get to read about the best friend who really wants a baby but is sort of a crazy, bitter man-hater that attempts to keep pushing the ultimate Perfect Man away because... Well, I have no idea why. In the end the power of Hot Sex changes her mind, because that totally happens all the time.
We also get the extra, extra bonus of the main guy's sister having relationship issues with her guy after she gets pregnant and he totally freaks. After a month where the guy is forced through the crappiest family advice/ threat session ever, couple counselling, and practically begging on his knees, the sister finally deems to talk with him and then things get better. Because communication and not being childish idiots really works!
So yeah, characters are okay for the most part and the writing is pretty decent, but it was so utterly predictable that by half way through I felt like I didn't even really need to finish the book to know how everything would turn out.
Young woman has a baby and after a few pretty crappy attempts to contact the father gives up for 13 years. Father suddenly comes back in to the picture and learns about teenage daughter in the most dramatic way possible just before the mother can come clean. Lots of blame is thrown about, trust issues rear their head, and communication problems run rampant. At the end both sides realise they've been massive idiots and everything magically works out okay in the end.
As an added bonus we also get to read about the best friend who really wants a baby but is sort of a crazy, bitter man-hater that attempts to keep pushing the ultimate Perfect Man away because... Well, I have no idea why. In the end the power of Hot Sex changes her mind, because that totally happens all the time.
We also get the extra, extra bonus of the main guy's sister having relationship issues with her guy after she gets pregnant and he totally freaks. After a month where the guy is forced through the crappiest family advice/ threat session ever, couple counselling, and practically begging on his knees, the sister finally deems to talk with him and then things get better. Because communication and not being childish idiots really works!
So yeah, characters are okay for the most part and the writing is pretty decent, but it was so utterly predictable that by half way through I felt like I didn't even really need to finish the book to know how everything would turn out.
November 11, 2011
I came across this book while I was investigating The Romance Review site looking for a way to advertise my book. I wasn't drawn to the title or the cover, but as I looked as ranks, trying to decide if I should purchase an ad, the blurb seemed interesting to me. I have always loved a great "secret baby" story, so I got the free sample and was so curious about what was going to happen, I had to buy the rest. I have to say that I loved this book. The characters were lovable and realistic. I normally only read paranormal romance, so this was definitely a step outside of the box for me, but I loved it. I read the entire thing in one sitting and it wasn't a short read, I assure you. I'll be looking for more reads from this author.
August 26, 2015
“As you already know, I was born in June. I’m kind of a tomboy and I’m not the most popular girl in school. But I can curl my tongue and I’m a leftie. My favorite ice cream is mint chip. Most of my friends have started their menstrual cycle, but not me.”
“I think I’m a late bloomer like my mom and you might be glad to know I made the basketball team."
"I like a boy named Grant, who you've met. I took ballet once, but I wasn’t very good at it. I like to play video games and e-mail my friends. I like pizza, but who doesn't? Well, that’s about it. If you ever want to call me and talk, you have my number.”
Want to read
January 18, 2012Kindle Freebie
January 24, 2012
Thoroughly enjoyable! Most of the time I love it when I get side stories too, and this was definitely one of those cases! Like 3 love stories in 1!
June 11, 2015
So cute, romantic and hot <3
March 21, 2018
Loved the story because...
The story in this book follows similar lines as other secret/unknown child. I have read quite of few of these type of stories but this was definitely less irritating than others. The h Kari did try numerous times to contact the H Max. This is usually one of the reasons I find myself frustrated to begin with but it wasn't like that here.
I also liked how the author described Molly, instead of acting childish or like a grownup; I thought she acted like a normal teenager would have if they found out who their father was and all the drama surrounding it.
This book didn't just include Kari and Max's story but multiple others as well which was different. They were well woven together and didn't jump all over the place. It was easy not to get them confused.
I didn't like...
Some parts of the story dragged a bit and I became annoyed because it seemed like I was reading the same parts over and over again. It would have been nice if Kari and Max's story didn't repeat itself in parts. I don't know whether this was to give more time for other storylines to develop but I can forgive this for how much I loved the book overall.
I wouldn't consider myself one to hold grudges but I thought Max's mother was forgiven too easily.
The story in this book follows similar lines as other secret/unknown child. I have read quite of few of these type of stories but this was definitely less irritating than others. The h Kari did try numerous times to contact the H Max. This is usually one of the reasons I find myself frustrated to begin with but it wasn't like that here.
I also liked how the author described Molly, instead of acting childish or like a grownup; I thought she acted like a normal teenager would have if they found out who their father was and all the drama surrounding it.
This book didn't just include Kari and Max's story but multiple others as well which was different. They were well woven together and didn't jump all over the place. It was easy not to get them confused.
I didn't like...
Some parts of the story dragged a bit and I became annoyed because it seemed like I was reading the same parts over and over again. It would have been nice if Kari and Max's story didn't repeat itself in parts. I don't know whether this was to give more time for other storylines to develop but I can forgive this for how much I loved the book overall.
I wouldn't consider myself one to hold grudges but I thought Max's mother was forgiven too easily.
March 23, 2017
Thirty-three-year-old Max Dutton is the starting cornerback for the Los Angeles Condors, and NFL franchise football team. In the off-season, the coaching staff recommends that he consult a nutritionist to help him get into better shape. The arrangements were made and he went to the front office to meet this nutritionist but it didn’t go as he had imagined. The moment the woman walks in she makes it painfully obvious that she wanted to have nothing to do with Max. The team doctor assures Max that he would get the woman onboard.
Kari Murphy is a thirty-one-year-old mother of one. She works as a nutritionist and occasionally at the daycare center, Lindsay Daycare, owned by her best friend and roommate, Lindsay Baker. The moment Kari walked into the NFL offices; she was instantly struck with déjà vu and transported back fourteen years when she was still an eighteen-year-old senior in high school. Two years her senior, Max Dutton was the secret love and a chance meeting led to a one-night stand, resulting in the birth of Molly.
This is a story of two romances that may or may not blossom into love and one devout and undying friendship. Although the double romances keep the reader busy with domestic and social interactions, it is like many other stories under different titles but basically the same. I was particularly drawn to this book as I thought football would be highlighted. This, in retrospect, was a mistake. If a writer writes about something, they should have a working knowledge of it. This story clearly shows that Theresa Ragar has no clue when it comes to football, professional athletes, or the NFL.
Kari Murphy is a thirty-one-year-old mother of one. She works as a nutritionist and occasionally at the daycare center, Lindsay Daycare, owned by her best friend and roommate, Lindsay Baker. The moment Kari walked into the NFL offices; she was instantly struck with déjà vu and transported back fourteen years when she was still an eighteen-year-old senior in high school. Two years her senior, Max Dutton was the secret love and a chance meeting led to a one-night stand, resulting in the birth of Molly.
This is a story of two romances that may or may not blossom into love and one devout and undying friendship. Although the double romances keep the reader busy with domestic and social interactions, it is like many other stories under different titles but basically the same. I was particularly drawn to this book as I thought football would be highlighted. This, in retrospect, was a mistake. If a writer writes about something, they should have a working knowledge of it. This story clearly shows that Theresa Ragar has no clue when it comes to football, professional athletes, or the NFL.
January 26, 2019
*3.5 STARS*
I thought this was a pretty good book. Nothing too surprising and it was enjoyable. I just thought that the ending was a bit rushed. I loved the epilogue though. That was awesome to see how everyone ended up. Definitely made me mushy inside.
My only issue was one of my own. The narrator, Abbie Craden, has done a PNR series that I've listened to called the "Furry United Coalition" and I kept hearing those characters voices in the voices that she did. It was weird. LOL, I kept seeing shapeshifters in my head instead of the characters in the book.
I thought this was a pretty good book. Nothing too surprising and it was enjoyable. I just thought that the ending was a bit rushed. I loved the epilogue though. That was awesome to see how everyone ended up. Definitely made me mushy inside.
My only issue was one of my own. The narrator, Abbie Craden, has done a PNR series that I've listened to called the "Furry United Coalition" and I kept hearing those characters voices in the voices that she did. It was weird. LOL, I kept seeing shapeshifters in my head instead of the characters in the book.
December 28, 2022
It could be a good book but I won't know because I'm stopping at just page 1.. I wish authors would state what pov a book is in because I dislike these 3rd person type of stories I want to feel the characters, like walk in their shoes type of feels not be told them.
August 11, 2017
awesome story but i think there could have been more of Max's mother's confrontation....she got off the hook easily...and a second chance at love..i felt that part of the story was incomplete...
November 17, 2017
Finally!! Haven't read a book for so long and so glad I picked this.
I loved every bit of it and Lindsay&Cole's story maybe a lot more :)
I loved every bit of it and Lindsay&Cole's story maybe a lot more :)
April 29, 2018
Enjoyable.
Light hearted.
Sweet.
And.... communication, communication, communication!!!
Light hearted.
Sweet.
And.... communication, communication, communication!!!
December 5, 2018
Fun must read!!!
Taming Mad Max was super fun to read, with believable characters with more than one romance on the line. I thoroughly enjoyed it!!! :)
Taming Mad Max was super fun to read, with believable characters with more than one romance on the line. I thoroughly enjoyed it!!! :)
July 27, 2020
Sorry but I can't. I tried to finish reading this until 1 am but it's just full of... Stuff that makes my head ache. When the book gives me something good to lift my spirits up, something happens that takes my good mood down two fold. Reading this is more frustrating than any other book I've read. :((
October 1, 2011
I laughed. I cried. Two or three times in fact. Yup, this was a great contemporary romance novel. Oddly, I actually like the Cole/Lindsay side-story better than the Max/Kari main story, and that's what really pulled me through in a few points.
But the tears came 1) and 2) . Yup. I was a blubbering fool during those two parts.
The overall story is a little cliche. It's a lot of he said/she said and someone was holding back the truth. Yes, I've read that exact plot line in many, many, many contemporary romances. And then there was the she wants him, no she doesn't and he wants her, no she doesn't. This was in the main characters.
But Cole and Lindsay ... THAT's where the story was unique. Right up until Her character was more 3D because she wore her emotions on her sleeve -- right there for everyone to see. She was never untruthful. She never withheld. She was goal oriented and had plans. It took a LOT for her to get to that point and to make the decision she did. I know that's vague, but she and Cole were the ones I connected with. Really, really like them.
As for Max and Kari, I had a really hard time with her . I didn't buy it. And I think that's why I had to drop this story to a 4 instead of a 5. I didn't believe in Max and Kari's motives or the changes they went through as much as I did Cole and Lindsay.
There is a bigger cast in this all of which help flesh out Max's character, but we're left with far less on Kari's side. Of course, there's Molly, who is the epitome of a teenager and a well written one. I will say, Molly's little diatribe, at the end in the hospital, didn't seem to fit her character. She went from 13 to 18+ without us really seeing that she was like that.
I'm very curious about Nicole since the story ended on somewhat of a cliffhanger for her. :) Probably will have to look and see if there is a story with her somewhere in Theresa Ragan's library. :) She was the most conflicted of all the characters (over even Breanna -- though I LOVE Joey's fix on their relationship issues!).
While I officially added this to my GR list in August, I didn't start reading until September 29th and finished it October 1st.
If you love contemporary romance, this is a good, simple read.
But the tears came 1) and 2) . Yup. I was a blubbering fool during those two parts.
The overall story is a little cliche. It's a lot of he said/she said and someone was holding back the truth. Yes, I've read that exact plot line in many, many, many contemporary romances. And then there was the she wants him, no she doesn't and he wants her, no she doesn't. This was in the main characters.
But Cole and Lindsay ... THAT's where the story was unique. Right up until Her character was more 3D because she wore her emotions on her sleeve -- right there for everyone to see. She was never untruthful. She never withheld. She was goal oriented and had plans. It took a LOT for her to get to that point and to make the decision she did. I know that's vague, but she and Cole were the ones I connected with. Really, really like them.
As for Max and Kari, I had a really hard time with her . I didn't buy it. And I think that's why I had to drop this story to a 4 instead of a 5. I didn't believe in Max and Kari's motives or the changes they went through as much as I did Cole and Lindsay.
There is a bigger cast in this all of which help flesh out Max's character, but we're left with far less on Kari's side. Of course, there's Molly, who is the epitome of a teenager and a well written one. I will say, Molly's little diatribe, at the end in the hospital, didn't seem to fit her character. She went from 13 to 18+ without us really seeing that she was like that.
I'm very curious about Nicole since the story ended on somewhat of a cliffhanger for her. :) Probably will have to look and see if there is a story with her somewhere in Theresa Ragan's library. :) She was the most conflicted of all the characters (over even Breanna -- though I LOVE Joey's fix on their relationship issues!).
While I officially added this to my GR list in August, I didn't start reading until September 29th and finished it October 1st.
If you love contemporary romance, this is a good, simple read.
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