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The Misadventures of the Laundry Hag #0.5
Who Needs a Hero?
A Heroine in Distress....In the span of one afternoon, Maggie Sampson lost everything—her job, her fiancé and her inheritance. The thing she’ll miss most though is her mind. What else could explain her vision of the handsome and enigmatic stranger who retrieved her engagement ring when she hurled the rock into the Atlantic Ocean? Normal people just don’t do things like that. Sometimes fantasy is better than reality.
A Hero Who Needs Saving....To the rest of the world, Neil Phillips is a decorated war hero, a Navy SEAL who has what it takes to get the job done. In private he is a walking raw wound with two boys, a broken marriage and a nasty case of PTSD. Despite his personal struggles he helped Maggie when she needed it most. Now, Maggie is on a mission and she’s not going anywhere until she returns the favor—with interest.
Who Needs A HeroA warrior with a wounded heart, a woman with nothing to lose—there are no victims here, only courageous souls, both in need of rescue.
A Hero Who Needs Saving....To the rest of the world, Neil Phillips is a decorated war hero, a Navy SEAL who has what it takes to get the job done. In private he is a walking raw wound with two boys, a broken marriage and a nasty case of PTSD. Despite his personal struggles he helped Maggie when she needed it most. Now, Maggie is on a mission and she’s not going anywhere until she returns the favor—with interest.
Who Needs A HeroA warrior with a wounded heart, a woman with nothing to lose—there are no victims here, only courageous souls, both in need of rescue.
315 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 5, 2011
35 people are currently reading
568 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer L. Hart
73 books479 followersSign up for my author newsletter and never miss a new release at authorjenniferlhart.com
USA Today bestselling author Jennifer L. Hart writes about characters that cuss, get naked, and often make poor but hilarious life choices. A native New Yorker, Jenn now lives in the mountains of North Carolina with her imaginary friends. Her works to date include the Cougars and Cauldrons series, the Silver Sisters series and the upcoming Legcay Witches of Shadow Cove.
USA Today bestselling author Jennifer L. Hart writes about characters that cuss, get naked, and often make poor but hilarious life choices. A native New Yorker, Jenn now lives in the mountains of North Carolina with her imaginary friends. Her works to date include the Cougars and Cauldrons series, the Silver Sisters series and the upcoming Legcay Witches of Shadow Cove.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
July 30, 2011
I loved this book! I fell in love with Maggie and Neil from reading the first chapter. Maggie's got "spunk" and I felt connected to her. I felt her pain, loss and her joys too! All in all a great read!
October 23, 2011
Poor Maggie - she's a mess - lost it all or so she thinks!
Enter the Navy - well, a Navy SEAL anyway - who else makes such a great hero?
But this SEAL has messes of his own! Who'll help him?
Who else? Maggie the Mess!
Such a delightful contemporary romance! Enjoyed every minute spent reading this book. Although written in first person (not my favorite), it never decreased the level of reading pleasure for me.
Characters you'll love! Romance that sizzles! Just great fun to read!!
Enter the Navy - well, a Navy SEAL anyway - who else makes such a great hero?
But this SEAL has messes of his own! Who'll help him?
Who else? Maggie the Mess!
Such a delightful contemporary romance! Enjoyed every minute spent reading this book. Although written in first person (not my favorite), it never decreased the level of reading pleasure for me.
Characters you'll love! Romance that sizzles! Just great fun to read!!
December 11, 2011
Fun, contemporary romance with a dreamy Hero (Neil) and a hilarious, smart mouthed heroine (Maggie). I really liked Maggie and she had me busting out laughing more than once. This was a sweet easy read.
May 15, 2018
I have really enjoyed the Laundry Hag series until this one. They were funny light hearted mysteries. Much to my surprise this book was full of bad language and so much sex I had to abandon it. It was like it was written by a different person. I was so disappointed. It ruined my image of the main characters. If I had read this one first instead of last I never would have read the other 4 books.
July 17, 2011
WHO NEEDS A HERO? by Jennifer L. Hart
07/11 – Self Published by Jennifer L Hart – eBook Format
Is the hardest life lesson learning that you are good enough to be loved?
Maggie Sampson doesn’t need a hero she needs a break but some define intervention would be appreciated. She has been in charge of everything including her brother since their parent’s death and the breaking point is was finding her fiance in bed with another woman. Maggie thought his feelings were true but found out otherwise when she caught him cheating on her personally and financially. Breaking free from that relationship was as liberating as it is terrifying because now she has no where to live and no income – what else can go wrong?
But then something very right happens when she meets a man on a beach who is a product of good DNA and some serious body building he isn’t afraid to show off. While the setting was romantic the reality is she needed a job not a savior so it is time to get a reality check and get a life. Maggie walks into a job with a situation where everyone needs her but is she being used, again? She takes a job working as a nanny where the kids are a delightful mess of boy drama, the mother an irresponsible tramp and by some coincidence the father is the merman of her dreams, Neil Phillips. He is not a regular in the house kind of dad, as he is a Navy Seal who has 5 minutes notice before wheels up and all communication stops with the outside world. This tore his present marriage apart and he is not looking to step into another but when Neil sees Maggie all clear thoughts go south and trying to control his passion for her is easier said than done.
Maggie falls into place with the kids, the housework, the time alone and even finds herself connecting with Neil when he is home. They share a love of a normal as possible home home life and a common bond of love over the boys. But Neil wonders if this is an illusion of something he wants and Maggie’s concern is that this might be a rebound relationship. But when the wind hits the sails Maggie and Neil realize they are a good team that can deal with boys, nosy neighbors, time apart but no one is sure they can deal with Neil’s mother that may need reinforcements for that.
This book is one I have been waiting for since I started the Laundry Hag Series which showcases Maggie and Neil’s life. They were brought together in a mysterious fashion and I always wondered about how total opposites came together and now my prayers have been answered. I love the dual POV as most contemporary romance tend to lean toward the female perspective, it is nice to know what the man may be conflicted about. Ms. Hart writes all genres with ease and I enjoy her books but my heart will always be with Neil and Maggie because I am a total sucker for the Happily Ever After.
07/11 – Self Published by Jennifer L Hart – eBook Format
Is the hardest life lesson learning that you are good enough to be loved?
Maggie Sampson doesn’t need a hero she needs a break but some define intervention would be appreciated. She has been in charge of everything including her brother since their parent’s death and the breaking point is was finding her fiance in bed with another woman. Maggie thought his feelings were true but found out otherwise when she caught him cheating on her personally and financially. Breaking free from that relationship was as liberating as it is terrifying because now she has no where to live and no income – what else can go wrong?
But then something very right happens when she meets a man on a beach who is a product of good DNA and some serious body building he isn’t afraid to show off. While the setting was romantic the reality is she needed a job not a savior so it is time to get a reality check and get a life. Maggie walks into a job with a situation where everyone needs her but is she being used, again? She takes a job working as a nanny where the kids are a delightful mess of boy drama, the mother an irresponsible tramp and by some coincidence the father is the merman of her dreams, Neil Phillips. He is not a regular in the house kind of dad, as he is a Navy Seal who has 5 minutes notice before wheels up and all communication stops with the outside world. This tore his present marriage apart and he is not looking to step into another but when Neil sees Maggie all clear thoughts go south and trying to control his passion for her is easier said than done.
Maggie falls into place with the kids, the housework, the time alone and even finds herself connecting with Neil when he is home. They share a love of a normal as possible home home life and a common bond of love over the boys. But Neil wonders if this is an illusion of something he wants and Maggie’s concern is that this might be a rebound relationship. But when the wind hits the sails Maggie and Neil realize they are a good team that can deal with boys, nosy neighbors, time apart but no one is sure they can deal with Neil’s mother that may need reinforcements for that.
This book is one I have been waiting for since I started the Laundry Hag Series which showcases Maggie and Neil’s life. They were brought together in a mysterious fashion and I always wondered about how total opposites came together and now my prayers have been answered. I love the dual POV as most contemporary romance tend to lean toward the female perspective, it is nice to know what the man may be conflicted about. Ms. Hart writes all genres with ease and I enjoy her books but my heart will always be with Neil and Maggie because I am a total sucker for the Happily Ever After.
March 22, 2013
4.5 stars. This book was very funny, uplifting. Neil and Maggie what a great couple. Maggie was a hoot, love out she through sarcasm and jokes while she gets nervous or do not want to say what is in one her mind. Leo, he was such a good friend for Maggie. Marty, need to grow up; How many woman in our ages that do the same thing that Maggie does, take care of other people instead of yourself. I know I am one of them, started very young and now that I am older I am still doing it. Habits are are to cut off, but there is a moment when you feel proud of what minimal thing you can do to make yourself proud and say really helped. But it is sometimes to think about yourself when you are seeing that the people around you need your help more than you need to do for yourself. I know it sound crazy but that is how I see it. To the author this book was a very uplifting book when things you see at worst there is something great at the end. Kudos to Ms. Hart.
October 18, 2011
4.5 stars.
This was so incredibly funny and sweet. And original!
I'd like to re-read before doing a full review because I glommed this book with about 5 others while I was sick and writing half a review now just wouldn't do it justice. :)
This was so incredibly funny and sweet. And original!
I'd like to re-read before doing a full review because I glommed this book with about 5 others while I was sick and writing half a review now just wouldn't do it justice. :)
December 27, 2011
I wasn't all that taken with Who Needs a Hero by Jennifer Hart. All and all I felt she did a wonderful job of creating solid and extremely likable characters (thus the 3 stars). But the delivery of the character's descriptions, the addition of random useless scenes, and the h/H journey towards love and each other I thought fell a bit short (thus no more than 3 stars).
Maggie is a woman whose been knocked down repeatedly by life. Her parents are dead, she's been deceived, robbed and cheated on by her former fiance', and she's been responsible for her immature and freeloading brother for far too long. With a stroke of uncharacteristic good luck she lands a job being a nanny for two young boys. The boys turn out to have one of the world's most neglectful mothers, and a soon-to-be ex husband, and one of the world's hottest and most complicated Navy SEALs as a father.
Neil is suffering from his own demons. He loves his boys but has been slammed down time and again by his former wife every time he tries to see them. His pending divorce on top of his PTSD which he developed when a SEAL mission went horribly wrong, creates an extremely difficult man to get close to. Especially for a woman like Maggie who still has extremely fresh wounds from her "jack ass" former fiance'.
Maggie is a spunky, quick witted fun loving heroine. I liked her immensely right from the beginning. She was the anchor of the book for me and her comments made me giggle out loud a few times. Neil is a lost soul. A true loving and tortured hero. He's a great alpha male who doesn't need to be an ahole to be in charge.
I felt the book fell short in a few areas. One was poor editing. First on this list was... How the hell old was she??? Did I miss something? In one spot Maggie tells her birth date as being in the year 1974, and in another she describes herself as being "twenty something with no friends". 1974 does not make one "twenty something" in the 2010s. If it does, in some off the wall book club, sign me up! Cause being born in 1975 myself I would love to be "twenty something" again. The only explanations to me on this are either poor editing or... the book took place 10 years in the past??? If that's the case I musta missed that part as well. Either way it confused and annoyed me. The character's age is a detrimental detail for me. I can't relate to a character if I don't know how old they are very early in the book. There were also several descriptions of the weather in which it was cold day in October, then all of a sudden it's a bright, warm spring day. Which is it, spring or fall?
The other area where the book didn't quite reach my inner "This is my most favorite book ever!!!" nerve, was the actual layout of the story/plot. To me the story was kind of like a quilt that is patched together. And there are a few parts that almost match, but not quite, but they are stitched in anyway.
*spoiler* There was an issue with Neil in the middle of a PTSD episode/dream he tells Maggie he loves her and than they have sex. She thinks he is lucid and completely into it but then he calls her his ex-wife's name at the end. The next day he remembers nothing of the night before. Later Maggie's friend Leo finds out about Maggie having sex with Neil during a PTSD episode. Leo gets really angry at her and says some nasty things. His anger was explained later as being tied to an incident in his past that had absolutely nothing to do with anything. Now, if done correctly an event like this could have told us a bit more about a secondary character. But the way it was presented by this author I thought made the scene useless, to the point of distracting having this involved in the story. Your mind is traveling along one path and then the author suddenly takes a quick turn you weren't expecting or wanting. This kind of thing makes the story choppy and it doesn't flow well. This was just one example of several scenes that didn't fit into the story the way that they were written. My only thought on this was, maybe it was an attempt to set up for another series type book to follow? I don't know... either way these scenes didn't work for me and I'll go back to say perhaps some additional editing could have cured this.
I think after Who Needs a Hero I would probably read Jennifer Hart again with hopes that a future book would be a bit more polished.
Maggie is a woman whose been knocked down repeatedly by life. Her parents are dead, she's been deceived, robbed and cheated on by her former fiance', and she's been responsible for her immature and freeloading brother for far too long. With a stroke of uncharacteristic good luck she lands a job being a nanny for two young boys. The boys turn out to have one of the world's most neglectful mothers, and a soon-to-be ex husband, and one of the world's hottest and most complicated Navy SEALs as a father.
Neil is suffering from his own demons. He loves his boys but has been slammed down time and again by his former wife every time he tries to see them. His pending divorce on top of his PTSD which he developed when a SEAL mission went horribly wrong, creates an extremely difficult man to get close to. Especially for a woman like Maggie who still has extremely fresh wounds from her "jack ass" former fiance'.
Maggie is a spunky, quick witted fun loving heroine. I liked her immensely right from the beginning. She was the anchor of the book for me and her comments made me giggle out loud a few times. Neil is a lost soul. A true loving and tortured hero. He's a great alpha male who doesn't need to be an ahole to be in charge.
I felt the book fell short in a few areas. One was poor editing. First on this list was... How the hell old was she??? Did I miss something? In one spot Maggie tells her birth date as being in the year 1974, and in another she describes herself as being "twenty something with no friends". 1974 does not make one "twenty something" in the 2010s. If it does, in some off the wall book club, sign me up! Cause being born in 1975 myself I would love to be "twenty something" again. The only explanations to me on this are either poor editing or... the book took place 10 years in the past??? If that's the case I musta missed that part as well. Either way it confused and annoyed me. The character's age is a detrimental detail for me. I can't relate to a character if I don't know how old they are very early in the book. There were also several descriptions of the weather in which it was cold day in October, then all of a sudden it's a bright, warm spring day. Which is it, spring or fall?
The other area where the book didn't quite reach my inner "This is my most favorite book ever!!!" nerve, was the actual layout of the story/plot. To me the story was kind of like a quilt that is patched together. And there are a few parts that almost match, but not quite, but they are stitched in anyway.
*spoiler* There was an issue with Neil in the middle of a PTSD episode/dream he tells Maggie he loves her and than they have sex. She thinks he is lucid and completely into it but then he calls her his ex-wife's name at the end. The next day he remembers nothing of the night before. Later Maggie's friend Leo finds out about Maggie having sex with Neil during a PTSD episode. Leo gets really angry at her and says some nasty things. His anger was explained later as being tied to an incident in his past that had absolutely nothing to do with anything. Now, if done correctly an event like this could have told us a bit more about a secondary character. But the way it was presented by this author I thought made the scene useless, to the point of distracting having this involved in the story. Your mind is traveling along one path and then the author suddenly takes a quick turn you weren't expecting or wanting. This kind of thing makes the story choppy and it doesn't flow well. This was just one example of several scenes that didn't fit into the story the way that they were written. My only thought on this was, maybe it was an attempt to set up for another series type book to follow? I don't know... either way these scenes didn't work for me and I'll go back to say perhaps some additional editing could have cured this.
I think after Who Needs a Hero I would probably read Jennifer Hart again with hopes that a future book would be a bit more polished.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 7, 2012
Maggie is NOT my type of romantic heroine. Yes, she can be pretty funny but her narrow focus has been limited to taking care of all the men in her life (younger brother Marty, her embezzling former fiancé, little Josh & Kenny and lastly, their father, Neil) ahead of her own well being.
Now, I admire people who unselfishly take care of others. But not if the result is the caretaker's own emotional and personal growth is stunted. Except for her dead mother whom she converses with in her mind, Maggie has no female friends or positive role models, and the rest of the women in this book are either flighty or overbearing. She has lived a very small life and doesn't know or want any better. Heroine in distress, indeed.
In contrast, Neil grew up well off, but decided to become a Navy Seal to rebel from his family. He's suffering from PTSD and is gone most of the time on dangerous missions around the world, while Maggie stays home with his kids, waiting for him. There's unresolved emotional baggage on both sides, and the inequality in their personal lives made her financially dependent on him from beginning to end.
If she did not have Neil in her life, she would be homeless, penniless and jobless. Their quick-to-bloom romance did not work for me, and their broken halves do not make a whole. Maggie and Neil needed rescuing from themselves, but not necessarily with each other.
Now, I admire people who unselfishly take care of others. But not if the result is the caretaker's own emotional and personal growth is stunted. Except for her dead mother whom she converses with in her mind, Maggie has no female friends or positive role models, and the rest of the women in this book are either flighty or overbearing. She has lived a very small life and doesn't know or want any better. Heroine in distress, indeed.
In contrast, Neil grew up well off, but decided to become a Navy Seal to rebel from his family. He's suffering from PTSD and is gone most of the time on dangerous missions around the world, while Maggie stays home with his kids, waiting for him. There's unresolved emotional baggage on both sides, and the inequality in their personal lives made her financially dependent on him from beginning to end.
If she did not have Neil in her life, she would be homeless, penniless and jobless. Their quick-to-bloom romance did not work for me, and their broken halves do not make a whole. Maggie and Neil needed rescuing from themselves, but not necessarily with each other.
October 24, 2011
I actually started this book a couple of days ago again due to all the recent buzz here on Goodreads. It's not like I don't have a couple hundred books on the TBR but once I got this book - I just had to read it even though it's written in first person (which is my least favorite). Also I think this is the first time I have read a book where we see the story from both the hero and heroine in first person.
Very emotional, kids you can't help but love and an ex-wife and smary ex-fiance you can't help but hate. Neil and Maggie were a great couple together.
I really enjoyed Who Needs a Hero and am glad I bumped it up to the top of the TBR.
Very emotional, kids you can't help but love and an ex-wife and smary ex-fiance you can't help but hate. Neil and Maggie were a great couple together.
I really enjoyed Who Needs a Hero and am glad I bumped it up to the top of the TBR.
September 10, 2011
This book capitivated me from the beginning! I won this book from Goodreads first reads and am so happy I did! The story was wonderful and made me live her life. I even found myself laughing at times. The main character is a real smart alic that I can relate too as well as admire! I was a little thrown by the amount of detail in the sex scenes, but it also fell into the story so it seemed "right" I will read more from this reader and have already had several people at work I have said can read it! Thank you Jennifer for allowing me to be a Firstreader to your great art!
October 30, 2014
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I thought the characters were well developed and the plotline was interesting.
The only things I deplored werethe typos that weren't caught...and there were far too many of them: "Donna Karen" for Donna Karan, "and" for an, "wear' for where, "he" for the, "not" for know, "my" for me, "with an with" for (Something I couldn’t figure out."
I hope the author who has great talent can find someone better than whoever did this book to proofread her next works for her.
The only things I deplored werethe typos that weren't caught...and there were far too many of them: "Donna Karen" for Donna Karan, "and" for an, "wear' for where, "he" for the, "not" for know, "my" for me, "with an with" for (Something I couldn’t figure out."
I hope the author who has great talent can find someone better than whoever did this book to proofread her next works for her.
October 8, 2011
I received Who Needs A Hero? from good reads giveaway. I found it to be a very enjoyable read and look foreward to more books by Jennifer Hart
January 28, 2013
i love the military love story.
March 26, 2020
"When are you going to do something for yourself?"
Maggie Sampson isn't having the greatest day. Her fiance was a two-timing idiot who stole her inheritance, her younger brother is clueless, and she's so angry she's not thinking straight. standing on a beach she heaves her engagement ring into the ocean, only to have a gorgeous "merman" fish it back out.
Figuring that was that, she hocked the ring, rescued her dead car off the highway and went to find a job....with the "merman's" family? Ironic is the understatement as she takes care of his two kids while his soon to be ex acts as if she's not married and has no kids. Maggie works really hard to make the neglected house a home for two loveable boys. ... but helping others kind of leaves her high and dry...or does it? Will it end "happily ever after?" Does Maggie deserve it? How about Neil?
This is the first of Jennifer L Hart's books. and the "backstory" to her beloved Laundry Hag series. Now I have a better handle on the blended family that becomes the new Phillips' family, and I love them even more.Bravo Ms.Hart, bravo. Highly Recommended 5/5
Maggie Sampson isn't having the greatest day. Her fiance was a two-timing idiot who stole her inheritance, her younger brother is clueless, and she's so angry she's not thinking straight. standing on a beach she heaves her engagement ring into the ocean, only to have a gorgeous "merman" fish it back out.
Figuring that was that, she hocked the ring, rescued her dead car off the highway and went to find a job....with the "merman's" family? Ironic is the understatement as she takes care of his two kids while his soon to be ex acts as if she's not married and has no kids. Maggie works really hard to make the neglected house a home for two loveable boys. ... but helping others kind of leaves her high and dry...or does it? Will it end "happily ever after?" Does Maggie deserve it? How about Neil?
This is the first of Jennifer L Hart's books. and the "backstory" to her beloved Laundry Hag series. Now I have a better handle on the blended family that becomes the new Phillips' family, and I love them even more.Bravo Ms.Hart, bravo. Highly Recommended 5/5
May 6, 2025
Audiobook: I enjoyed this story a lot. I read the series a while ago, and this prequel sent me down memory lane as the story unfolded. It was like meeting up with old friends. I liked the characters a lot and felt for them as they dealt with their issues. I was amused by some of the incidents and some of the dialogue. I was saddened by the way Amber treated her children. There were some steamy descriptions included. I enjoyed Suzanne Cerreta's narration a lot and her performance kept my attention. I was given a copy of the audiobook. I volunteered, without financial gain, to post this review which reflected my honest opinions regarding this audiobook
August 12, 2021
Maggie and Neil have a momentary brief conversation. Two strangers with a connection.Thwy both are dealing with betrayal, heartache and the demise of relationships. Their reunion was fate. They opened their hearts despite their emotional baggage. This works so they get their HEA.
The narrator, Suzanne Cerreta was perfect to bring this book to life. Her inflections and emotions were fitting to the scene.
The narrator, Suzanne Cerreta was perfect to bring this book to life. Her inflections and emotions were fitting to the scene.
June 29, 2020
I have loved all her other laundry hag books so excited to read how they met fell in love. It started out good went down hill from there!! Only part I really loved was how she spoke to Laura Wish she did that in her other books!
August 8, 2024
This book is so good. There’s so much heart and I am pretty sure Maggie needs to be welcomed into sainthood. I loved the whole ring thing. Highly recommend. And it’s a standalone. So if you don’t have the others you can still listen and enjoy. I enjoyed the narration as well.
August 26, 2017
Awww the start of Maggie and Neil was adorable!
November 4, 2019
Listened to audiobook.
April 19, 2020
Love it!
So glad to know the whole story. A smidge confused about Amber. How and when does she die? Later books claim her dead, her she’s in prison.
So glad to know the whole story. A smidge confused about Amber. How and when does she die? Later books claim her dead, her she’s in prison.
January 9, 2022
A prequel in The Misadventures of the Laundry Hag series. Light and fun romance.
March 31, 2024
Perfect!
This was an excellent read! I'm so glad I read this "prequel" to the series. I really enjoyed the characters as well as the story! I look forward to the series.
This was an excellent read! I'm so glad I read this "prequel" to the series. I really enjoyed the characters as well as the story! I look forward to the series.
September 8, 2016
*screams in horror* I must warn you, this review will be heavy on spoilers because in order for me to describe why I disliked this book I must bring several things up...
First off, it could have been a decent storyline. A woman (childish and naive one at that) who has lost everything and a war hero with a broken marriage? This could have had some decent drama. Instead, we got a farfetched storyline. (I'm all for suspending belief when it comes to reading but this...I just cannot.) Yes, SEALs are amazing but Niel recovering her engagement ring from somewhere in the Atlantic? Please. Honestly, I'm not sure where to begin. I assume that at the beginning of the book we are supposed to feel for Maggie and see her as a victim. Now, if it were me, I'd be pressing charges that same day. It just seemed stupid that although she was SO angry at first she just kinda decided to let him get away with it.
I could buy the problems between Niel and Amber (the wife). Living with someone who suffers from PTSD is not easy so I can understand that part of the storyline. I might have given this book another star if she had addressed Niel dealing with the PTSD. How anybody cleared him for active duty, I just do not know. She had a chance to really show how soldiers can overcome PTSD with an amazing support system but she failed at that. It actually angered me to think that she might have just thrown the PTSD in so . (As someone who loves a man who fights with his PTSD daily it's disappointing to see this being ignored so casually in the book). Niel seems like a smart guy so I cannot for the life of me understand why he did not walk even after it's revealed that A SEAL who has seen what people are capable of would not be that trusting.
I'll skip some of the irrelevant information. Now, the huge conflict.
I've exhausted myself. I finished this book two days ago and I find myself having to skim pages to recall certain important events. That's how memorable I found this book to be. Overall, I think the author wanted to write some steamy sex scenes and she constructed a weak storyline around them. I spoke with my SO about this book because I really needed to vent and we both came to the conclusion that it reminded us of those awful porno's where you have to sit through 10 minutes of awkward dialogue that is supposed to advance the "storyline" ( this isn't just sex, there's a story behind this, I swear! ) in an attempt to make the sex seem ~romantic.
WOULD NOT RECOMMEND THIS TO ANY OF MY FRIENDS. This will teach me to research a book instead of just downloading because Amazon offers it for free. I shall now sit here and question why so many people gave it such amazing reviews.
First off, it could have been a decent storyline. A woman (childish and naive one at that) who has lost everything and a war hero with a broken marriage? This could have had some decent drama. Instead, we got a farfetched storyline. (I'm all for suspending belief when it comes to reading but this...I just cannot.) Yes, SEALs are amazing but Niel recovering her engagement ring from somewhere in the Atlantic? Please. Honestly, I'm not sure where to begin. I assume that at the beginning of the book we are supposed to feel for Maggie and see her as a victim. Now, if it were me, I'd be pressing charges that same day. It just seemed stupid that although she was SO angry at first she just kinda decided to let him get away with it.
I could buy the problems between Niel and Amber (the wife). Living with someone who suffers from PTSD is not easy so I can understand that part of the storyline. I might have given this book another star if she had addressed Niel dealing with the PTSD. How anybody cleared him for active duty, I just do not know. She had a chance to really show how soldiers can overcome PTSD with an amazing support system but she failed at that. It actually angered me to think that she might have just thrown the PTSD in so . (As someone who loves a man who fights with his PTSD daily it's disappointing to see this being ignored so casually in the book). Niel seems like a smart guy so I cannot for the life of me understand why he did not walk even after it's revealed that A SEAL who has seen what people are capable of would not be that trusting.
I'll skip some of the irrelevant information. Now, the huge conflict.
I've exhausted myself. I finished this book two days ago and I find myself having to skim pages to recall certain important events. That's how memorable I found this book to be. Overall, I think the author wanted to write some steamy sex scenes and she constructed a weak storyline around them. I spoke with my SO about this book because I really needed to vent and we both came to the conclusion that it reminded us of those awful porno's where you have to sit through 10 minutes of awkward dialogue that is supposed to advance the "storyline" ( this isn't just sex, there's a story behind this, I swear! ) in an attempt to make the sex seem ~romantic.
WOULD NOT RECOMMEND THIS TO ANY OF MY FRIENDS. This will teach me to research a book instead of just downloading because Amazon offers it for free. I shall now sit here and question why so many people gave it such amazing reviews.
June 29, 2016
Tldr; red hot & real (with respect).
I normally don't get on with contemporary romance, but I really loved this one (and have read it twice). If I'd read a synopsis I probably wouldn't have bought it, as it appears that the book is anti woman with careers and those who want a life beyond motherhood (I want both those things). But actually it's just a sweet story about two damaged people finding love in the midst of life chaos.
Both main characters develop with complexity, such that you don't think either is perfect, but nonetheless I found them both very easy to sympathise with (despite being completely different to me). Kudos to the author for this. They feel like real people. The kids feel like real kids (poonami nappy explosions, barfing in the car ...). But this 'reality' doesn't stop it being sexy, romantic, funny and exciting.
Also, from a romance novel perspective, the romance was red hot but real. I get so tired of unrealistic sex scenes in romance novels (with heroines who seem to have totally tidy bikini lines all the time and never needing to brush their teeth). I also get tired of the 'rah - mine!' caveman style dominance that seems to proliferate through romance novels. This book respected it's heroine, gave her a voice & power, in a way that was sizzling hot.
What I need now, having read Book 1 in the series (this being 0.5), is Book 0.75 to bridge the gap.
I normally don't get on with contemporary romance, but I really loved this one (and have read it twice). If I'd read a synopsis I probably wouldn't have bought it, as it appears that the book is anti woman with careers and those who want a life beyond motherhood (I want both those things). But actually it's just a sweet story about two damaged people finding love in the midst of life chaos.
Both main characters develop with complexity, such that you don't think either is perfect, but nonetheless I found them both very easy to sympathise with (despite being completely different to me). Kudos to the author for this. They feel like real people. The kids feel like real kids (poonami nappy explosions, barfing in the car ...). But this 'reality' doesn't stop it being sexy, romantic, funny and exciting.
Also, from a romance novel perspective, the romance was red hot but real. I get so tired of unrealistic sex scenes in romance novels (with heroines who seem to have totally tidy bikini lines all the time and never needing to brush their teeth). I also get tired of the 'rah - mine!' caveman style dominance that seems to proliferate through romance novels. This book respected it's heroine, gave her a voice & power, in a way that was sizzling hot.
What I need now, having read Book 1 in the series (this being 0.5), is Book 0.75 to bridge the gap.
February 19, 2014
Military guy falls in love with a jilted woman randomly when they met on a beach when both are at their absolute low points.
Maggie Sampson has just been ripped off by her cheating fiance and looking for a new life with literally two bags to her name when she meets Neil Phillips. Neil is in the middle of a nasty divorce/custody battle with Amber over his old life and two sons. Maggie randomly ends up the nanny to his two sons (both under the age of 2!) so she is first hand witness to the nasty demise of the Phillips marriage. There is a pregnancy scare, disappointments, PTSD craziness and a kidnapping before we find out HEA in this insane and hilariously written tale of the phoenix rising out of the ashes of two crappy lives to come together to make a great new life.
This could use with last edit for typos, but it isn't so bad that it took me out of the story which had quite a few funny moments as well as heart breaking ones. I think the family members and entourage really made this story work because everyone has that needy younger sibling and at least one Iron Fist stubborn very demanding older family member. This author describes family life so matter of factly while finding the silver lining in even projectile vomit.
300 pages and kindle freebie
2 and half stars
Maggie Sampson has just been ripped off by her cheating fiance and looking for a new life with literally two bags to her name when she meets Neil Phillips. Neil is in the middle of a nasty divorce/custody battle with Amber over his old life and two sons. Maggie randomly ends up the nanny to his two sons (both under the age of 2!) so she is first hand witness to the nasty demise of the Phillips marriage. There is a pregnancy scare, disappointments, PTSD craziness and a kidnapping before we find out HEA in this insane and hilariously written tale of the phoenix rising out of the ashes of two crappy lives to come together to make a great new life.
This could use with last edit for typos, but it isn't so bad that it took me out of the story which had quite a few funny moments as well as heart breaking ones. I think the family members and entourage really made this story work because everyone has that needy younger sibling and at least one Iron Fist stubborn very demanding older family member. This author describes family life so matter of factly while finding the silver lining in even projectile vomit.
300 pages and kindle freebie
2 and half stars
October 29, 2014
I was graciously gifted (thank you) this audiobook from the publisher and Audiobookjukebox.
Who Needs a Hero? by Jennifer L. Hart was a good story, I enjoyed the commentary the heroine had with herself and other people. Maggie's down on her luck and can't catch a break.
Neil is a Navy Seal so yeah he is an alpha male, but he has a sweet side and loves his two little boys. He is having issues in his life as well. I felt like we really didn't get to know him really until the end of the book.
Since this was an audiobook, I was listening to this and it kept my attention. The only problem I had and my reason for the 3 stars was the transition between the characters on the audio. Sometimes, I couldn't tell who was talking. Maggie's and Neil's voice should not be so similar in the passion of love. It was really just these two characters that sounded too similar for me.
I still enjoyed the book very much and it made me smile!
I give Who Needs A Hero? By Jennifer L. Hart 3 Platypires
Bama Love!! Roll Tide!! and Keep Reading Y'all!!
Who Needs a Hero? by Jennifer L. Hart was a good story, I enjoyed the commentary the heroine had with herself and other people. Maggie's down on her luck and can't catch a break.
Neil is a Navy Seal so yeah he is an alpha male, but he has a sweet side and loves his two little boys. He is having issues in his life as well. I felt like we really didn't get to know him really until the end of the book.
Since this was an audiobook, I was listening to this and it kept my attention. The only problem I had and my reason for the 3 stars was the transition between the characters on the audio. Sometimes, I couldn't tell who was talking. Maggie's and Neil's voice should not be so similar in the passion of love. It was really just these two characters that sounded too similar for me.
I still enjoyed the book very much and it made me smile!
I give Who Needs A Hero? By Jennifer L. Hart 3 Platypires
Bama Love!! Roll Tide!! and Keep Reading Y'all!!
May 2, 2021
Follow the meeting and developing romance between Maggie and Neil of Laundry Hag fame. Not only is this the prequel to a series that I love, it is a beautiful romance in its own right. . I was already a Laundry Hag fan when I discover Who Needs a Hero. I am not usually a fan of prequels but I couldn't resist any book written by Jennifer L. Hart and I am so glad I read this one. I LOVED Who Needs a Hero!
The feel is less hilarious than the other books but it is still Maggie-funny. It is more romantic mystery and brings a back story that has increased by love of Maggie and Neil and that make my love of the LH books even greater. All of Maggie's hang-ups about herself are in full flag as this amazing guy's attraction to her is evident. She still sees herself as that chubby kid who was teased back in the day but she has a strength that comes out when she needs it most.
I have reread it several times and love it more each time. I can not believe that I didn't write a review back when I read it the first time. I just here to see if it needed to be corrected as my reviews usually do.
The feel is less hilarious than the other books but it is still Maggie-funny. It is more romantic mystery and brings a back story that has increased by love of Maggie and Neil and that make my love of the LH books even greater. All of Maggie's hang-ups about herself are in full flag as this amazing guy's attraction to her is evident. She still sees herself as that chubby kid who was teased back in the day but she has a strength that comes out when she needs it most.
I have reread it several times and love it more each time. I can not believe that I didn't write a review back when I read it the first time. I just here to see if it needed to be corrected as my reviews usually do.
August 29, 2011
So, after reading "Skeletons in the Closet", I stumbled upon this one on B&N while trying to find the second Laundry Hag book. I didn't realize that there was a book before Skeletons in the Closet. So, I bought this one, and decided to read it before #2.
I was not as impressed with this one. I was ready to give this one a 4 or maybe even a 5, and then I reached that last fifth of the book. All of a sudden, it became a "bodice ripper". I did not realize that this was going to be quite so raunchy. It seemed very unnecessary, and caused me to drop the rating.
I was not as impressed with this one. I was ready to give this one a 4 or maybe even a 5, and then I reached that last fifth of the book. All of a sudden, it became a "bodice ripper". I did not realize that this was going to be quite so raunchy. It seemed very unnecessary, and caused me to drop the rating.
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