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Misunderstanding Mason
Sometimes the most vivid pictures go unseen...
When Kirstin Jones agreed to work with her live-in boyfriend, Mason, on a free-lance job for a wealthy client, she never thought it might destroy their relationship. But the client’s keen observations show her that she’s been little more than Mason’s shadow. Fed up with his insensitivities, she moves out. Weeks later, desperate to stand on her own, she accepts work with the same client once again. Only this time, the project requires Mason’s help. To obtain his aid, she must meet his terms. And what he wants is more than she can afford
Mason Montgomery is baffled by Kirstin’s claims that he never had time for her. While verbalizing his emotions has never been his strong point, he’s spent five years showing his love. He needs Kirstin more than he wants to admit. When she leaves him, he’ll stop at nothing to get her back, even if it means working with the client who twisted truths and tore his life apart.
When Kirstin Jones agreed to work with her live-in boyfriend, Mason, on a free-lance job for a wealthy client, she never thought it might destroy their relationship. But the client’s keen observations show her that she’s been little more than Mason’s shadow. Fed up with his insensitivities, she moves out. Weeks later, desperate to stand on her own, she accepts work with the same client once again. Only this time, the project requires Mason’s help. To obtain his aid, she must meet his terms. And what he wants is more than she can afford
Mason Montgomery is baffled by Kirstin’s claims that he never had time for her. While verbalizing his emotions has never been his strong point, he’s spent five years showing his love. He needs Kirstin more than he wants to admit. When she leaves him, he’ll stop at nothing to get her back, even if it means working with the client who twisted truths and tore his life apart.
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First published August 30, 2011
508 people want to read
About the author
Claire Ashgrove
39 books123 followersClaire Ashgrove has been writing since her early teens and maintained the hobby for twenty years before deciding to leap into the professional world. Her first contemporary novel, Seduction's Stakes, sold to The Wild Rose Press in 2008, where she continues to write steamy, sexy stories for the Champagne and Black Rose lines. Adding to these critically acclaimed contemporaries, Claire’s paranormal romance series, The Curse of the Templars, will debut with Tor in January 2012. For those who prefer the more erotic side of romance, she also writes for Berkley Heat under the pen name Tori St. Claire.
Claire lives on a small farm in Missouri with her two toddler sons, fifteen horses, four cats, and five dogs. In her “free” time, she enjoys cooking, winning at rummy, studying ancient civilizations, and spending quiet moments with her family, including the critters. She credits her success to her family's constant support and endless patience.
To learn more about Claire, visit her on the web at www.ClaireAshgrove.com, or www.ToriStClaire.com
Claire lives on a small farm in Missouri with her two toddler sons, fifteen horses, four cats, and five dogs. In her “free” time, she enjoys cooking, winning at rummy, studying ancient civilizations, and spending quiet moments with her family, including the critters. She credits her success to her family's constant support and endless patience.
To learn more about Claire, visit her on the web at www.ClaireAshgrove.com, or www.ToriStClaire.com
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
July 2, 2015
Claire Ashgrove is a new author to me, but you can better believe I am going to get better acquainted with more of her work real soon! She took a fairly simple conflict and turned it into a wonderful and emotional story.
Kristin and Mason have been living together for two of the five years they have been dating. All is right in their world until they agree to work together for a wealthy client on a large project, never expecting that this decision would turn their world upside down. The client's "keen observations" forces Kristin to reevaluate her relationship with Mason which results in her moving out. As she questions the deficiencies in their relationship, it becomes difficult to determine if their issues are as serious as they seem in her mind or are they simply compounded by the vicious manipulations of a bored old woman?
I have read a lot of romance and a lot of erotica, but few characters have been as animated and realistic as Kristin and Mason were to me. MISUNDERSTANDING MASON contained some of the sweetest and hottest scenes I have ever read. I can't really put my finger on exactly what it was about the scenes that made them different from other books, but they really spoke to me. It could have been the way Kristin and Mason's casual comfort in their relationship with each other is described. Maybe it's the way she paints the picture of them engaging in something sexy and simple like "pressing a kiss on her bare shoulder" to something very different that's carnal and needy that makes them really come alive to the reader.
Lets face it, erotic novels with characters who get down and dirty are hot...I love to implant myself into all the naughty stories, but most of the time what goes on in the land of erotica is just not real life. It's fantasy and that's what makes it so delicious. I enjoyed, for a change, reading a romance that I not only wanted to be involved in, but I could actually see the love they shared as something I could have in my real life. If you are in the market for an erotic romance that makes you feel warm and fuzzy, hot and horny and sometimes a little teary, then this book is one you definitely must read!
**Reviewed on I ♥ Bookie Nookie Reviews and The Romance Reviews.
✳✳ Copy provided by the author/publisher for an honest review.
______________________________________________________________________
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Erotic Enchants
Bookie Nookie's Erotic eBook Exchange
Kristin and Mason have been living together for two of the five years they have been dating. All is right in their world until they agree to work together for a wealthy client on a large project, never expecting that this decision would turn their world upside down. The client's "keen observations" forces Kristin to reevaluate her relationship with Mason which results in her moving out. As she questions the deficiencies in their relationship, it becomes difficult to determine if their issues are as serious as they seem in her mind or are they simply compounded by the vicious manipulations of a bored old woman?
I have read a lot of romance and a lot of erotica, but few characters have been as animated and realistic as Kristin and Mason were to me. MISUNDERSTANDING MASON contained some of the sweetest and hottest scenes I have ever read. I can't really put my finger on exactly what it was about the scenes that made them different from other books, but they really spoke to me. It could have been the way Kristin and Mason's casual comfort in their relationship with each other is described. Maybe it's the way she paints the picture of them engaging in something sexy and simple like "pressing a kiss on her bare shoulder" to something very different that's carnal and needy that makes them really come alive to the reader.
Lets face it, erotic novels with characters who get down and dirty are hot...I love to implant myself into all the naughty stories, but most of the time what goes on in the land of erotica is just not real life. It's fantasy and that's what makes it so delicious. I enjoyed, for a change, reading a romance that I not only wanted to be involved in, but I could actually see the love they shared as something I could have in my real life. If you are in the market for an erotic romance that makes you feel warm and fuzzy, hot and horny and sometimes a little teary, then this book is one you definitely must read!
**Reviewed on I ♥ Bookie Nookie Reviews and The Romance Reviews.
✳✳ Copy provided by the author/publisher for an honest review.
______________________________________________________________________
If you like this type of book, you might enjoy one of these groups. Check us out!
Menage Readers
Erotic Enchants
Bookie Nookie's Erotic eBook Exchange
October 12, 2011
I'm not sure what I was expecting, but this story was completely different from it. I mean, when someone named I ♥ Bookie Nookie reviews a book, I think there's a certain expectation there will be bookie nookie. :-) Not that there wasn't, but it definitely was not the focus of this story, and that turned out to be a great thing.
This story was about a bitch named Lisa who tried to come between two people, Kirstin and Mason, who were completely in love before Lisa set her sights on Mason. Lisa actually isn't a huge part of the story, but she's the entire problem. We start the story where Kirstin and Mason are already broken up, but still pining for each other. The love never died, but Lisa injected enough doubt in Kirstin's mind to almost ruin a beautiful thing.
My heart was breaking for them both from the very start; my chest literally hurt when they would think about each other and remember the good times and wonder what went wrong. Mason, especially, was completely in the dark. He had no idea what happened, and since Kirstin wasn't really talking to him -- or at least she wasn't spelling out for him what was wrong -- he was clueless.
I loved the product launch party, except for when slimy Steve had Kirstin's attention. But the dance floor? Sexy! And then back at home? Wow. I was happy with how this turned out. Kirstin had to come to her own realizations about what was going on, and I think it all happened so naturally. I would definitely read another story by Ms. Ashgrove.
This story was about a bitch named Lisa who tried to come between two people, Kirstin and Mason, who were completely in love before Lisa set her sights on Mason. Lisa actually isn't a huge part of the story, but she's the entire problem. We start the story where Kirstin and Mason are already broken up, but still pining for each other. The love never died, but Lisa injected enough doubt in Kirstin's mind to almost ruin a beautiful thing.
My heart was breaking for them both from the very start; my chest literally hurt when they would think about each other and remember the good times and wonder what went wrong. Mason, especially, was completely in the dark. He had no idea what happened, and since Kirstin wasn't really talking to him -- or at least she wasn't spelling out for him what was wrong -- he was clueless.
I loved the product launch party, except for when slimy Steve had Kirstin's attention. But the dance floor? Sexy! And then back at home? Wow. I was happy with how this turned out. Kirstin had to come to her own realizations about what was going on, and I think it all happened so naturally. I would definitely read another story by Ms. Ashgrove.
December 24, 2011
A LASR 'BEST BOOK'!
originally posted at http://www.longandshortreviews.blogsp...
What do you do when he doesn’t need you any more? What do you do when you become an orbiting planet to his sun? What do you do when you think you might be Misunderstanding Mason
I've had the honor of reading Claire Ashgrove before so this bountiful, beautiful, hot sizzling romance is not surprising to me. It’s also not surprising that she never disappoints and that she tells such a complete story in so few pages.
Her plot is my all time favorite: second chance romance -- and just wait until you read the dance scene. I love to see how the couple re-connects and rekindles what ever put out the fire. Her narrative is easy to read, easy to follow and full of anecdotal funnies and downright get you in the heart emotions that will have you wiping tears from your eyes. Her characters are unforgettable, enigmatic, heartfelt and so real you might meet them on the street.
Her hero Mason is not your textbook nerd, he’s more a geek with attitude. Her heroine Kirsten is the girl next door whose insecurities are her biggest downfall. She has the second chance plot down to perfection in her depiction of this couple’s struggle back into each other’s arms. The love scenes while not many are ones you’ll be reading, and then re-reading over and over because they are so fraught with emotion, sensuality and heat. I couldn't get enough of them.
There are only a couple of things that I found fault with: first, that it ended and second, that I can’t give it a higher rating. It’s one of the best romances I’ve read in a while. It will appeal to the true romance lover, the sophisticated romance lover, the romance lover who craves the emotional turmoil that comes with a love story.
Thank you Ms. Ashgrove for taking me on an adventure that I will repeat many times, I can’t wait to read what you come up with next.
originally posted at http://www.longandshortreviews.blogsp...
What do you do when he doesn’t need you any more? What do you do when you become an orbiting planet to his sun? What do you do when you think you might be Misunderstanding Mason
I've had the honor of reading Claire Ashgrove before so this bountiful, beautiful, hot sizzling romance is not surprising to me. It’s also not surprising that she never disappoints and that she tells such a complete story in so few pages.
Her plot is my all time favorite: second chance romance -- and just wait until you read the dance scene. I love to see how the couple re-connects and rekindles what ever put out the fire. Her narrative is easy to read, easy to follow and full of anecdotal funnies and downright get you in the heart emotions that will have you wiping tears from your eyes. Her characters are unforgettable, enigmatic, heartfelt and so real you might meet them on the street.
Her hero Mason is not your textbook nerd, he’s more a geek with attitude. Her heroine Kirsten is the girl next door whose insecurities are her biggest downfall. She has the second chance plot down to perfection in her depiction of this couple’s struggle back into each other’s arms. The love scenes while not many are ones you’ll be reading, and then re-reading over and over because they are so fraught with emotion, sensuality and heat. I couldn't get enough of them.
There are only a couple of things that I found fault with: first, that it ended and second, that I can’t give it a higher rating. It’s one of the best romances I’ve read in a while. It will appeal to the true romance lover, the sophisticated romance lover, the romance lover who craves the emotional turmoil that comes with a love story.
Thank you Ms. Ashgrove for taking me on an adventure that I will repeat many times, I can’t wait to read what you come up with next.
January 22, 2012
OMG, I loved this. I loved both Kristin and Mason. My heart ached for them throughout the book. I have never read anything by Claire Ashgrove before, but she's definitely on my radar now. the way she drew me into this story, made me care about the characters, and had me rooting for that HEA made Misunderstanding Mason not only enjoyable but utterly entrancing.
March 9, 2012
Very beautiful!!! I loved the insight it gave to both hero and heroine's toughts! It could happen to evrybody to think that way since nobody is perfect. Great job, Ms Ashgrove!
February 13, 2012
Wow! I'm not sure what I expected, other than someone I trusted saying it was really good, but this book exceeded my hopes. It was a simple emotional story with a wonderful hero and the heroine he loved like we all want to be loved. Mason was really wonderful! I could feel his confusion, despair and desperation throughout this story. Kirstin was sweet, but naive. And her naivety was the root of the conflict between the two of them. She allows another to plant seeds of doubt and discontent and further allows those seeds to fester. She does finally come to her senses and realizes what she would be walking away from if she continued down the path she was on. And while in the end I did like Kirstin, I still don't think she deserved Mason! I was throughly satisfied with their HEA though.
This was my first book by Ms. Ashgrove and I will definitely be looking for more of her work!!
This was my first book by Ms. Ashgrove and I will definitely be looking for more of her work!!
November 18, 2011
I liked this a lot and drank it up easily within a couple of hours.
The author seamlessly took us inside the H and h's heads and I really felt the pain that these two were in. It's quite an emotional story, on a subject that I understand a little bit about having gone through something similar myself with my husband.
This story deals with what happens when real life gets in the way of love. As beautiful as falling in love is, we can't stay in that state forever. And thank god because as wonderful as it is, it's not something that is sustainable because other parts of your life also need your attention.
One day you wake up and the little things that your partner says and does that used to make you shake your head and smile, now grate on you and they feel like a personal affront. This has obviously taken place over time and hasn't actually occurred over night, but these things sneak up on you when you least expect. The relationship that used to be easy, suddenly needs some effort. If you are unused to making the effort then it's sometimes a very difficult transition to make.
I ached for these two to properly talk. They each had such different perceptions of certain things that I wanted to sit them both down and MAKE them talk. But it's hard when you are hurt and angry. Also having someone outside of the relationship making 'friendly observations' that aren't so friendly after all doesn't help.
That's what was so great about this book. It gave a very realistic view of a couple both hurting. Poor Mason couldn't understand what was happening and Kirstin needed for him to figure it out and not have to lay it all out in front of him. I very much understood both their sides.
Thankfully our lovers reconnect, have some steamy love scenes and a sweet HEA that rounds things off believably.
The author seamlessly took us inside the H and h's heads and I really felt the pain that these two were in. It's quite an emotional story, on a subject that I understand a little bit about having gone through something similar myself with my husband.
This story deals with what happens when real life gets in the way of love. As beautiful as falling in love is, we can't stay in that state forever. And thank god because as wonderful as it is, it's not something that is sustainable because other parts of your life also need your attention.
One day you wake up and the little things that your partner says and does that used to make you shake your head and smile, now grate on you and they feel like a personal affront. This has obviously taken place over time and hasn't actually occurred over night, but these things sneak up on you when you least expect. The relationship that used to be easy, suddenly needs some effort. If you are unused to making the effort then it's sometimes a very difficult transition to make.
I ached for these two to properly talk. They each had such different perceptions of certain things that I wanted to sit them both down and MAKE them talk. But it's hard when you are hurt and angry. Also having someone outside of the relationship making 'friendly observations' that aren't so friendly after all doesn't help.
That's what was so great about this book. It gave a very realistic view of a couple both hurting. Poor Mason couldn't understand what was happening and Kirstin needed for him to figure it out and not have to lay it all out in front of him. I very much understood both their sides.
Thankfully our lovers reconnect, have some steamy love scenes and a sweet HEA that rounds things off believably.
December 23, 2011
A really good book! Good writing that makes you feel how much the characters love each other!
March 7, 2012
Sweet romantic story about two people, who underestimated the importance of dialogue in the relationships, but loved each other enough to come to their senses not too late. Nice read.
December 30, 2011
I really enjoyed this book. The chemistry between mason and Kirsten was so hot it was steaming.
November 20, 2013
Reviewed by Shannon, Book provided by The Wild Rose Press Inc., and Review originally posted at Romancing the Book.
Misunderstanding Mason is not at all what I had expected. From the title you can gather, there was a misunderstanding and the story was going to revolve around that. The story was more about the emotional anguish both Mason and Kirsten went through trying to figure out why and when their relationship fell apart and whether they can repair it.
Mason and Kirsten had been together five years. They understood each others quirks and faults, building a happy life together. But that life has fallen apart, leaving Mason in the house they shared desperately trying to figure out exactly what he did to force Kirsten to leave.
The crux of their relationship came down to verbalizing their feelings. While they both might be able to say those three little words to each other, it was what wasn’t said that ultimately brought their relationship down. Both Kirsten and Mason carried the blame for what happened between them, but neither of them were fully able to see the other person’s side until they stood at the edge of losing everything permanently. It was a very emotional road, but one that made them both face their own roles in what happened and learn from their mistakes.
Misunderstanding Mason is not at all what I had expected. From the title you can gather, there was a misunderstanding and the story was going to revolve around that. The story was more about the emotional anguish both Mason and Kirsten went through trying to figure out why and when their relationship fell apart and whether they can repair it.
Mason and Kirsten had been together five years. They understood each others quirks and faults, building a happy life together. But that life has fallen apart, leaving Mason in the house they shared desperately trying to figure out exactly what he did to force Kirsten to leave.
The crux of their relationship came down to verbalizing their feelings. While they both might be able to say those three little words to each other, it was what wasn’t said that ultimately brought their relationship down. Both Kirsten and Mason carried the blame for what happened between them, but neither of them were fully able to see the other person’s side until they stood at the edge of losing everything permanently. It was a very emotional road, but one that made them both face their own roles in what happened and learn from their mistakes.
October 23, 2012
GIRLS AND THEIR INSECURITIES.. At the beginning I wasn't so sure about her insecurities, but then I realised.. we are girls -this is what we do, we twist the truth if we are unsure about something until we start doubting the people we love most. I have to say that I started to laugh half way through at these two characters obvious misunderstandings with one another, and how they honestly had no clue what the other was thinking.
Seriously goes by the saying that Girls are from Venus and Boys are from Mars
I loved how it showed such a realistic relationship, with the girl nitpicking and over thinking the small things and the guy oblivious with how she is feeling and her pulling back. Boys let this be a warning to you, SHOW the girl how much you mean to them, don't just assume she knows.
I give the book a solid 3/5. It was a good read, (love the cover.. those two ahhh always make the hottest covers - Obsidian.. need I say more) this is a book for those who love romance !
Seriously goes by the saying that Girls are from Venus and Boys are from Mars
I loved how it showed such a realistic relationship, with the girl nitpicking and over thinking the small things and the guy oblivious with how she is feeling and her pulling back. Boys let this be a warning to you, SHOW the girl how much you mean to them, don't just assume she knows.
I give the book a solid 3/5. It was a good read, (love the cover.. those two ahhh always make the hottest covers - Obsidian.. need I say more) this is a book for those who love romance !
September 23, 2012
I've read many love stories, but was a uniquely refreshing first for me. Misunderstanding Mason seems to start in the middle of a story. This is not a lost love rekindling, but rather a romance going wrong. Just when the end is in sight Mason and Kirsten find they are about to make the biggest mistake of their lives. Even more importantly outside influences are building the wall between our main characters, and until they recognize the wolves in sheep's clothing their happily ever after will remain just out of reach. Misunderstanding Mason was a perfect name of the story due to it's mountainous misunderstandings woven throughout the storyline. Also an incredibly short story it will be easy to finish in one sitting.
January 16, 2013
Good book. I struggled with believing their ages. They lacked maturity throughout the whole situation, especially Kristin. She acted the way most women in their early 20s act; not the way a 32 year old woman should. And the inability to communicate frustrated me. The whole conflict felt like it could have been resolved if they would have just talked to each other. And the ending left me wanting to know more! What happened when Lisa found out they were engaged? And if she just wanted Mason, then what was the reason behind her hiring her a second time? Why not hire mason? I just felt like that story line was not resolved at all. Overall though, I really did enjoy the book and the realistic relationship that the couple had
July 1, 2012
This is a good read about two people who have great chemistry and obviously love each other, but just don't quite understand what the other truly wants from them. I think it is a good example of how relationships sometimes work when couples worry so much about what the other one wants they forget to be honest with the other person and with themselves. The characters were interesting and believable. And the work the couple was doing together had just enough detail to teach me about it, but not to bore me. And I liked what Mason does Kirstin at the end. It would be in character with that type of character!
May 13, 2012
What a great relationship book. This book is right on when comparing perceived actions between men in women in a relationship. In everyday interactions and reactions, misguided perceptions often play a role in how some couples can fail. This book looks inside a failing relationship between two people when lack of communication is the fault. I enjoyed reading this story and gained some aspect into the male mind as well.
December 10, 2011
Where can I find me a Mason? Great story about misunderstanding and miscommunication on both sides. Quick read but these characters were well-defined and the story flowed witout any awkward bits. Now part 2 should be about getting even with Lisa.... ;)
June 21, 2012
This story is different than most romances that I read. I loved it. It has a time span of a couple of weeks and totally believable misunderstandings.... The characters have such great chemistry that i was rooting for them through the whole read! Awesome story!
September 5, 2012
It was okay. The writing was good. The storyline was okay. But it just didn't do it for me. Maybe because it was all basically based over a span of 2 weeks?! Overall I think this author is good at what she does!
March 1, 2012
Review to come
March 13, 2012
Short & sweet:) I'm so in love with Mason!!!
April 14, 2012
Guess why I read this book? The cover? You got that right....lol! This was just ok. I mean it was a short read so I didn't expect much happening in it. Though it was an ok read.
May 26, 2012
3.5 stars
It was an OK and quick read. I loved the hero but didn't much care for the whinny and immature heroine.
It was an OK and quick read. I loved the hero but didn't much care for the whinny and immature heroine.
May 30, 2012
Read for RomCon readers judge. Really enjoyed the book enough to look for more by this author. She writes a VERY sensual sex scene without being vulgar.
Really liked the book a lot.
Really liked the book a lot.
August 23, 2012
Look for review on Romancing the Book.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews