What do you think?
Rate this book
Knight In Black Leather
A chance meeting on the dark winter streets of Pittsburgh brings widow Marilyn Ballard face to face with streetwise young biker Eli Court when he scares off a trio of wannabe gangsters. Later, she returns the favor, rescuing him from a beating, and their encounter becomes a chance to grow and heal from the pain scarring both their lives.
Marilyn's family disapproves of the relationship because of Eli's disreputable past, as well as their age difference. That past life--years spent in the deepest cesspools of the city--reaches out to pull Eli back into its depths, and he fears dragging Marilyn down with him. But she refuses to let him face his past enemies alone, even when his vow to protect a young boy exposes the still-open wounds of her heart, and puts them all in danger. Can they build a new life together, or will those long-denied secrets pull them under?
Marilyn's family disapproves of the relationship because of Eli's disreputable past, as well as their age difference. That past life--years spent in the deepest cesspools of the city--reaches out to pull Eli back into its depths, and he fears dragging Marilyn down with him. But she refuses to let him face his past enemies alone, even when his vow to protect a young boy exposes the still-open wounds of her heart, and puts them all in danger. Can they build a new life together, or will those long-denied secrets pull them under?
432 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 2, 2011
5 people are currently reading
493 people want to read
About the author
Gail Dayton
25 books216 followersI've been a fan of fantasy, science fiction, fairy tales and other "books of wonder" since I was young enough, I still thought kissing was icky. Then I grew up and decided I liked a strong dose of romance in the mix.
I live on the Texas coast with my fella of 30-plus years, our youngest son (who should be graduating college this semester) and the granddog Dolly, a princess wussy pitbull mix who lets the cockapoo down the street beat her up.
I live on the Texas coast with my fella of 30-plus years, our youngest son (who should be graduating college this semester) and the granddog Dolly, a princess wussy pitbull mix who lets the cockapoo down the street beat her up.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
June 16, 2012
FULL REVIEW NOW POSTED
4.5 stars.
The heart finds its own way.
Punk-biker type meets suburban-housewife type.
What a truly pleasant surprise! Knight In Black Leather is an engagingly written story that features complex characters and touches some difficult topics. Admittedly, I'd have loved to read more about I felt the author could have explored these topics a bit more thoroughly. As a matter of fact, it's not a general criticism just a side note. What was there was very good indeed. That said, the plot was very interesting and kept me turning the pages. There's even a nice little touch of suspense and it helped to enhance the storyline perfectly. Everything flowed smoothly and there was not one single dull moment to be found throughout the whole book.
The story is set in Pittsburgh. Marilyn is a thirty-nine year old widow and a mother of a college student. Eli, a twenty-five year old former street kid and with pierced ears and nipple, wearing a black leather jacket and driving a Harley, is at the right place at the right time to rescue Marilyn one night from a couple of bad guys. After driving away from the point of event, she remembers that she forgot her beloved scarf and turns back to fetch it. Now it is Eli who is in very serious trouble. Some guys are beating the h*ll out of him and she "rescues" him in time. Marilyn takes him to the ER and later on to her apartment to care for him. Eli hates to be so weak and useless in front of Marilyn. On the streets, survival meant staying strong and in control, because bad guys were waiting to attack at the first sign of weakness. The story takes it from there.
I totally disliked Marilyn's mother. Holy smokes, what a mean bitch!
"But I can't stand by any longer and watch you throw your life away. He's trash, Marilyn. Garbage." (…)
"I said garbage and I mean garbage."(…)
"He's scum and I want him out. You get him out of your apartment and out of your life right now.(…)"
She practically blackmailed her own daughter. Well, some actions will bite you in your own ass, my dear. The author did a fine job at portraying Marilyn's family as well as Eli and his difficult past. Even though Marilyn's mother didn't appeal to me, I really liked the family dynamics. It added some substantial depth to the story. Be prepared for one or two surprises.
No one can deny this huge age gap between Eli and Marilyn. That said, Eli may not have been lived very long, but he's lived hard. He is quite older on the inside than he is on the outside. And it shows. Eli is mature.
I liked Marilyn. She is real. She is not some out-of-this-world-hot model babe. Eli makes her feel good and happy. Ultimately, Marilyn decides that she cannot live the rest of her life in a box. Life is a bumpy road, after all, and sometimes you have to take some risks to get what you want out of life: love and happiness. Even though this is such an unlikely scenario, it’s so interesting to see how you can find love in the least likely place.
Another matter altogether. I went into this story thinking there would be no steam at all. Please do not ask me why I thought that. Well, the author proved me wrong. There are three sex/love scenes and they are quite appealing--I liked them. Keep in mind this is not an erotica book, meaning it's nothing super steamy though. Nevertheless Eli and Marilyn generated quite some heat and there's a fair number of kissing scenes too. Nice. Overall I liked their relationship development. Having said that, the romance certainly didn't feel rushed or contrived. The author took it step by step, and it was sweet to see these two together.
A simple touch of her lips to his, soft, damp from her tears. Her eyes drifted shut and she kissed him again, pleading silently with the parting of her lips, the brief touch of her tongue, for him to participate. His free hand came to rest on her hip. She took it as a signal to kiss him a third time.
What didn't quite work for me
Eli and Marilyn tried to keep one another at arm's length more or less throughout the whole story. Well, I can relate to their actions in the beginning of the plot, however, if you arrive towards the end of a story, then you just expect the main protagonists to finally come to terms with everything. What you want--especially if it is the love of your life-- you take and you hold onto her/him with everything you are. Just…do it, please! Don't be afraid though because there is a HEA.
The crying. I'm all for emotions and tears but somehow the heroine wept quite easily. I will admit that she's had numerous and justified reasons to cry but I think a bit less would have been favorable.
The first love scene. Seriously? *shakes head*
[image error]
"I thought the hero was supposed to ride a white horse," she said.
His smile faded. "I'm no hero. You'll have to make do with a wheelchair and a Harley."
4.5 stars.
The heart finds its own way.
Punk-biker type meets suburban-housewife type.
What a truly pleasant surprise! Knight In Black Leather is an engagingly written story that features complex characters and touches some difficult topics. Admittedly, I'd have loved to read more about I felt the author could have explored these topics a bit more thoroughly. As a matter of fact, it's not a general criticism just a side note. What was there was very good indeed. That said, the plot was very interesting and kept me turning the pages. There's even a nice little touch of suspense and it helped to enhance the storyline perfectly. Everything flowed smoothly and there was not one single dull moment to be found throughout the whole book.
The story is set in Pittsburgh. Marilyn is a thirty-nine year old widow and a mother of a college student. Eli, a twenty-five year old former street kid and with pierced ears and nipple, wearing a black leather jacket and driving a Harley, is at the right place at the right time to rescue Marilyn one night from a couple of bad guys. After driving away from the point of event, she remembers that she forgot her beloved scarf and turns back to fetch it. Now it is Eli who is in very serious trouble. Some guys are beating the h*ll out of him and she "rescues" him in time. Marilyn takes him to the ER and later on to her apartment to care for him. Eli hates to be so weak and useless in front of Marilyn. On the streets, survival meant staying strong and in control, because bad guys were waiting to attack at the first sign of weakness. The story takes it from there.
I totally disliked Marilyn's mother. Holy smokes, what a mean bitch!
"But I can't stand by any longer and watch you throw your life away. He's trash, Marilyn. Garbage." (…)
"I said garbage and I mean garbage."(…)
"He's scum and I want him out. You get him out of your apartment and out of your life right now.(…)"
She practically blackmailed her own daughter. Well, some actions will bite you in your own ass, my dear. The author did a fine job at portraying Marilyn's family as well as Eli and his difficult past. Even though Marilyn's mother didn't appeal to me, I really liked the family dynamics. It added some substantial depth to the story. Be prepared for one or two surprises.
No one can deny this huge age gap between Eli and Marilyn. That said, Eli may not have been lived very long, but he's lived hard. He is quite older on the inside than he is on the outside. And it shows. Eli is mature.
I liked Marilyn. She is real. She is not some out-of-this-world-hot model babe. Eli makes her feel good and happy. Ultimately, Marilyn decides that she cannot live the rest of her life in a box. Life is a bumpy road, after all, and sometimes you have to take some risks to get what you want out of life: love and happiness. Even though this is such an unlikely scenario, it’s so interesting to see how you can find love in the least likely place.
Another matter altogether. I went into this story thinking there would be no steam at all. Please do not ask me why I thought that. Well, the author proved me wrong. There are three sex/love scenes and they are quite appealing--I liked them. Keep in mind this is not an erotica book, meaning it's nothing super steamy though. Nevertheless Eli and Marilyn generated quite some heat and there's a fair number of kissing scenes too. Nice. Overall I liked their relationship development. Having said that, the romance certainly didn't feel rushed or contrived. The author took it step by step, and it was sweet to see these two together.
A simple touch of her lips to his, soft, damp from her tears. Her eyes drifted shut and she kissed him again, pleading silently with the parting of her lips, the brief touch of her tongue, for him to participate. His free hand came to rest on her hip. She took it as a signal to kiss him a third time.
What didn't quite work for me
Eli and Marilyn tried to keep one another at arm's length more or less throughout the whole story. Well, I can relate to their actions in the beginning of the plot, however, if you arrive towards the end of a story, then you just expect the main protagonists to finally come to terms with everything. What you want--especially if it is the love of your life-- you take and you hold onto her/him with everything you are. Just…do it, please! Don't be afraid though because there is a HEA.
The crying. I'm all for emotions and tears but somehow the heroine wept quite easily. I will admit that she's had numerous and justified reasons to cry but I think a bit less would have been favorable.
The first love scene. Seriously? *shakes head*
[image error]
"I thought the hero was supposed to ride a white horse," she said.
His smile faded. "I'm no hero. You'll have to make do with a wheelchair and a Harley."
January 22, 2013
First thing: this is not a biker book. I know they are very popular, but this is not one. The hero Eli may have a Harley, but there is no gangs in this story. You should still read it though.
This is a story about how love can heal a person from past pain and hurts.
Marilyn is a 39 year old widow, who is tired of only a half life. Her daughter has left home to go to college, and Marilyn was ready to start trying to make a life for herself. She was a typical suburban housewife, but I really enjoyed the little bits of humour she showed.
I don't believe I'm your Mama either. I'd definitely remember spanking that backside.
I would love a chance to do more to Eli then just spank his backside.
Eli was a 25 year old, Harley riding ex street kid. His very hard and very sad life has left him being a very mature young man.
Only a man who was truly strong, who had no doubts whatsoever about his own strength, was capable of great kindness.
Eli could most definitely show great kindness. He was a compassionate, loving and sweet man.
Eli and Marilyn met under dangerous circumstances. With Eli hurt with multiple broken bones, Marilyn takes him home to care for him while he heals.
As they adjust to sharing a living space, the feelings they star to develop for each other slowly grow. They didn't just instantly fall in love, and reading about them become closer and closer was a joy.
The plot was much more than just a romance. There was a very serious back story and background story. I found myself so involved in this book, from the very first page, I didn't want to stop reading to sleep. Although I eventually had to, I woke up early so I could continue. At no time while I was reading this was I bored, or thought about skimming.
The secondary characters, especially Marilyn's family, were well fleshed out and added depth to the story. I didn't like them all, but they played pivotal roles in the storyline.
My only complaint, and it is a very small one, was how Marilyn and Eli both continued to push each other away throughout the book until the very end, and the lack of communication between them at times. Plus I wanted another thousand or so pages.
I recommend this book to everyone who likes romance. It was a highlight of the year read for me.
This is a story about how love can heal a person from past pain and hurts.
Marilyn is a 39 year old widow, who is tired of only a half life. Her daughter has left home to go to college, and Marilyn was ready to start trying to make a life for herself. She was a typical suburban housewife, but I really enjoyed the little bits of humour she showed.
I don't believe I'm your Mama either. I'd definitely remember spanking that backside.
I would love a chance to do more to Eli then just spank his backside.
Eli was a 25 year old, Harley riding ex street kid. His very hard and very sad life has left him being a very mature young man.
Only a man who was truly strong, who had no doubts whatsoever about his own strength, was capable of great kindness.
Eli could most definitely show great kindness. He was a compassionate, loving and sweet man.
Eli and Marilyn met under dangerous circumstances. With Eli hurt with multiple broken bones, Marilyn takes him home to care for him while he heals.
As they adjust to sharing a living space, the feelings they star to develop for each other slowly grow. They didn't just instantly fall in love, and reading about them become closer and closer was a joy.
The plot was much more than just a romance. There was a very serious back story and background story. I found myself so involved in this book, from the very first page, I didn't want to stop reading to sleep. Although I eventually had to, I woke up early so I could continue. At no time while I was reading this was I bored, or thought about skimming.
The secondary characters, especially Marilyn's family, were well fleshed out and added depth to the story. I didn't like them all, but they played pivotal roles in the storyline.
My only complaint, and it is a very small one, was how Marilyn and Eli both continued to push each other away throughout the book until the very end, and the lack of communication between them at times. Plus I wanted another thousand or so pages.
I recommend this book to everyone who likes romance. It was a highlight of the year read for me.
January 30, 2013
The story in this wasn't bad, in fact it had some interesting aspects - older woman/younger man and a tortured hero. I liked that it was set in Pittsburgh and you can tell the author has actually been here before. The reason for the 3 star rating is that the story was slow in spots and focused on so many external factors rather than the romance. I also found her Mom and daughter kind of annoying. So overall just an okay read for me.
April 8, 2018
Some of my favourite books are older women/younger men books – maybe because it’s my advancing age though I think it’s more than that – I’ve loved them for years. One Summer by Karen Robards, Fallen from Grace by Laura Leone, Family Blessings by LaVryle Spencer, Rainbow Season by Lisa Gregory (and WHY hasn’t this come out as an ebook yet?) are some of my favourite comfort reads. So when I came across Knight in Black Leather, I knew it would be joining all the other books on my Ipad.
Before I go further though – ignore the cover – either version – as they are horrid, horrid, and horrid. I’m not the first to say this and I’m sure many a review after me with say the same
Eli Court and Marilyn Ballard first run into each other when she’s leaving the place she volunteers at in the rough side of town and she’s confronted by a couple of thugs and Eli helps her out. Later that same night, she helps him out when she sees he’s being attacked. Turns out he was hurt pretty bad, a couple of broken bones, and she brings him back to her place to help recuperate. Marilyn is a 39 year old widow who is trying to work out issues. Her husband has been dead for a few years now and her only child, her daughter, is off to college. She moves out of her house and into a tiny apartment as she just can’t face a big empty house. Her family, her mother in particular, loves her, but smothers her at the same time and they don’t even try to understand what she is going through.
The arrival of Eli in her life is a catalyst. He’s much younger, 25, but he’s lived a wild life. Though he is somewhat stable now, he has some real ugly ghosts in his closet. They are attracted to each other, but Marilyn can’t understand why someone so much younger would be interested in boring old her and Eli can’t understand why someone who has it so much together would be interested in him and all his baggage, including a young son he fathered at age 16.
This book very much has the feel of Fallen from Grace to it. I didn’t enjoy it quite as much – but almost – and I have no hesitation in recommending it to readers who enjoy this particular trope. Both Eli and Marilyn are caring people, Eli in particular. He supports Marilyn 100% in whatever she decides. It’s a rare thing for her. She has one brother who supports the relationship that is developing between Eli and Marilyn but that’s it. The rest of her family is dead set against them and insists she dump Eli. But he’s the one who is bringing her back to life.
There are a few flaws I found with this book, how quick she is to take him in and how she rejects her family seemingly with no qualms whatsoever, including her daughter. I thought this should bring a little more angst to Marilyn for making the decisions she does and Eli for supporting them. But it didn’t take away the fact that I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.
Another winner in what is shaping up as a stellar reading year so far!!
Before I go further though – ignore the cover – either version – as they are horrid, horrid, and horrid. I’m not the first to say this and I’m sure many a review after me with say the same
Eli Court and Marilyn Ballard first run into each other when she’s leaving the place she volunteers at in the rough side of town and she’s confronted by a couple of thugs and Eli helps her out. Later that same night, she helps him out when she sees he’s being attacked. Turns out he was hurt pretty bad, a couple of broken bones, and she brings him back to her place to help recuperate. Marilyn is a 39 year old widow who is trying to work out issues. Her husband has been dead for a few years now and her only child, her daughter, is off to college. She moves out of her house and into a tiny apartment as she just can’t face a big empty house. Her family, her mother in particular, loves her, but smothers her at the same time and they don’t even try to understand what she is going through.
The arrival of Eli in her life is a catalyst. He’s much younger, 25, but he’s lived a wild life. Though he is somewhat stable now, he has some real ugly ghosts in his closet. They are attracted to each other, but Marilyn can’t understand why someone so much younger would be interested in boring old her and Eli can’t understand why someone who has it so much together would be interested in him and all his baggage, including a young son he fathered at age 16.
This book very much has the feel of Fallen from Grace to it. I didn’t enjoy it quite as much – but almost – and I have no hesitation in recommending it to readers who enjoy this particular trope. Both Eli and Marilyn are caring people, Eli in particular. He supports Marilyn 100% in whatever she decides. It’s a rare thing for her. She has one brother who supports the relationship that is developing between Eli and Marilyn but that’s it. The rest of her family is dead set against them and insists she dump Eli. But he’s the one who is bringing her back to life.
There are a few flaws I found with this book, how quick she is to take him in and how she rejects her family seemingly with no qualms whatsoever, including her daughter. I thought this should bring a little more angst to Marilyn for making the decisions she does and Eli for supporting them. But it didn’t take away the fact that I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.
Another winner in what is shaping up as a stellar reading year so far!!
August 8, 2018
reread 5/2014
**************
This was a surprisingly good older woman (39), younger man (25) romance. Slower build up, not supremely angsty, but also with a decent sub-plot. The only mild gripe I have is that there were a few times when a bit more detail would have been appreciated. Sex scenes aren't overly graphic, nor fade to black.
Recommended for those who may have liked Finding Home, or Fallen from Grace. The sexual background of the heroes are similar (on the streets, etc).
**************
This was a surprisingly good older woman (39), younger man (25) romance. Slower build up, not supremely angsty, but also with a decent sub-plot. The only mild gripe I have is that there were a few times when a bit more detail would have been appreciated. Sex scenes aren't overly graphic, nor fade to black.
Recommended for those who may have liked Finding Home, or Fallen from Grace. The sexual background of the heroes are similar (on the streets, etc).
June 19, 2012
I am literally at a loss for words. This book was INCREDIBLE! The love story combines scorching passion and sweet sensuality to perfection, the characters are complex and real, the love scenes should require a fire extinguisher, and the most heart-melting facet of the novel is how slow and sweet and "true" the development of the love between Marilyn and Eli feels as you read. I am in awe of this author's ability to create such a beautiful and sincere love between two characters who begin this journey worlds apart. I am simply . . in awe.
July 1, 2012
Ok let me start off with how much injustice the cover of this book does to the content!! I really dislike the cover but I LOVED the story!! So don't let it put you off if you're anything like me...This is one of those you wish you'd read sooner!!!
The characters were brilliantly written, so passionate and complex but most of all they felt REAL! The journey this book takes the reader on is very intense, emotional and full of twists and suspense with some pretty gut wrenching drama tossed in too. It made me cry!
Marilyn is a 39 year old widow who has a daughter at college and a pretty messed up family (don't get me started on the mother!!). I loved Marilyn, she was one of the most 'normal' heroines I've ever come across. Nothing about her annoyed me. She was real! The things she had to go through broke my heart!!
Eli is a 25 year old former street kid. He is Marilyn's polar opposite what with his pierced ears and nipple, black leathers and his Harley. However, Eli has seen more drama and heart ache than someone twice his age which means he has had to grow up way before his time. His story made me cry....
I loved how Eli and Marilyn met. They became each other's heroes by rescuing each other one fateful night. But they rescued each other in general too. Yes there is quite a big age gap, but I never felt it and I have to say that except for the reminders I would have forgotten because this story was about so much more than that. The romance between Marilyn and Eli was intense and passionate but so touching too!
I love a book that makes me laugh, cry and gasp in surprise...this is one of them!!!
The characters were brilliantly written, so passionate and complex but most of all they felt REAL! The journey this book takes the reader on is very intense, emotional and full of twists and suspense with some pretty gut wrenching drama tossed in too. It made me cry!
Marilyn is a 39 year old widow who has a daughter at college and a pretty messed up family (don't get me started on the mother!!). I loved Marilyn, she was one of the most 'normal' heroines I've ever come across. Nothing about her annoyed me. She was real! The things she had to go through broke my heart!!
Eli is a 25 year old former street kid. He is Marilyn's polar opposite what with his pierced ears and nipple, black leathers and his Harley. However, Eli has seen more drama and heart ache than someone twice his age which means he has had to grow up way before his time. His story made me cry....
I loved how Eli and Marilyn met. They became each other's heroes by rescuing each other one fateful night. But they rescued each other in general too. Yes there is quite a big age gap, but I never felt it and I have to say that except for the reminders I would have forgotten because this story was about so much more than that. The romance between Marilyn and Eli was intense and passionate but so touching too!
I love a book that makes me laugh, cry and gasp in surprise...this is one of them!!!
![Profile Image for Michelle [Helen Geek].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1448463806i%2F5557851._CR0%2C13%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
October 13, 2012
3.5 Stars
This was an enjoyable read. I started it on an airplane and it kept me engaged. It flowed well, but lacked a bit of imagination. The characters were fairly well developed, but a bit boring.
It started with Meredith leaving a community center where she is a volunteer mentor to children. She sees Eli who is standing outside waiting and is a bit apprehensive. We never really know why Eli was outside this building when he was. Meredith is accosted by some young gangbangers and Eli runs to the rescue; running them off. She leaves, but oops… she forgot something and heads back to get it where she finds Eli getting his head bashed in by three guys with ball bats and tire irons. She rescues him, calls the police and goes with them to the hospital. He needs someone to care for him and she takes him home.
Meredith has lost her husband and her daughter has recently gone off to college. She is 39 and trying to figure out how the rest of life will be and to recover from her losses. Eli is a child of the streets. He is 25 and has had a few good things happen. He is trying to save a friend who also just happens to be his child’s mother. These two meet and seem to have affection for each other immediately. There is a bit of intrigue as the reason for Eli intervention with his sons mother comes to light. We also have the relationship issues with Meredith fighting with her family over Eli, his background and the 14 year difference in their ages.
The story is sound. It flows well, but lacks imaginations. The characters are likable, but nothing really pulls you. Overall, the story is mediocre enjoyable.
You may find this Happy Reading!
This was an enjoyable read. I started it on an airplane and it kept me engaged. It flowed well, but lacked a bit of imagination. The characters were fairly well developed, but a bit boring.
It started with Meredith leaving a community center where she is a volunteer mentor to children. She sees Eli who is standing outside waiting and is a bit apprehensive. We never really know why Eli was outside this building when he was. Meredith is accosted by some young gangbangers and Eli runs to the rescue; running them off. She leaves, but oops… she forgot something and heads back to get it where she finds Eli getting his head bashed in by three guys with ball bats and tire irons. She rescues him, calls the police and goes with them to the hospital. He needs someone to care for him and she takes him home.
Meredith has lost her husband and her daughter has recently gone off to college. She is 39 and trying to figure out how the rest of life will be and to recover from her losses. Eli is a child of the streets. He is 25 and has had a few good things happen. He is trying to save a friend who also just happens to be his child’s mother. These two meet and seem to have affection for each other immediately. There is a bit of intrigue as the reason for Eli intervention with his sons mother comes to light. We also have the relationship issues with Meredith fighting with her family over Eli, his background and the 14 year difference in their ages.
The story is sound. It flows well, but lacks imaginations. The characters are likable, but nothing really pulls you. Overall, the story is mediocre enjoyable.
You may find this Happy Reading!
November 10, 2011
When reading a romance novel, one jumps into the thing with a single, solid certainty: the book will always have a happy ending. This book doesn't disappoint with that, of course, but the journey toward that ending is so freaking awesome that I stopped thinking about it halfway through the first chapter. Another staple of the romance genre is the role of hero and heroine. My biggest pet peeve with romances is when these characters are stupid and fight all through the book about dumb things. A great many writers do this to create tension but it's really just lazy writing, in my opinion. This novel does not fall prey to that problem. Eli, the hero, is one of the most likable characters I've read. He always keeps his promises. The heroine, Marilyn, is also incredibly decent. Neither of them fight over stupid things. Instead of fake tension created by fake problems, every single one of the plot points in this book arises out of who these two people are, how they got to be where they are in their lives, and how those experiences (both painful and joyful) cause them to react to each other in the midst of the larger plot. The sheer brilliance of the writing of these two characters makes me utterly grateful that Gail Dayton is alive and can type and apparently plans to continue for the forceable future at those tasks.
Eli and Marilyn felt real to me as I read their story. Neither was perfect yet neither was so completely a caricature of brokenness that I grew exasperated. I adored the way they met and how they grew to know each other. I would've been perfectly content reading about their love story, except the book managed to introduce supporting characters that were just as real as Eli and Marilyn. Marilyn's family, and the characters close to Eli were just as well put together. And then, as I settled into the book, thinking "oh, I know where this is going," the plot intensified. Things happened that I just did NOT expect. And the characters STILL didn't panic and do dumb things that made no sense. I don't want to give anything away, so I've left the particulars rather vague in this review. Suffice to say, I laughed out loud during the first chapter. I sighed in happiness by the seventh and bit my lip in dismay by the twenty-third (I also might have cried a little, but I refuse to get into that).
The novel, "Knight in Black Leather," is now at the top of my list of books I adore and will read again over and over. Thank you Ms. Dayton for writing this book. Thank you. I loved it.
Eli and Marilyn felt real to me as I read their story. Neither was perfect yet neither was so completely a caricature of brokenness that I grew exasperated. I adored the way they met and how they grew to know each other. I would've been perfectly content reading about their love story, except the book managed to introduce supporting characters that were just as real as Eli and Marilyn. Marilyn's family, and the characters close to Eli were just as well put together. And then, as I settled into the book, thinking "oh, I know where this is going," the plot intensified. Things happened that I just did NOT expect. And the characters STILL didn't panic and do dumb things that made no sense. I don't want to give anything away, so I've left the particulars rather vague in this review. Suffice to say, I laughed out loud during the first chapter. I sighed in happiness by the seventh and bit my lip in dismay by the twenty-third (I also might have cried a little, but I refuse to get into that).
The novel, "Knight in Black Leather," is now at the top of my list of books I adore and will read again over and over. Thank you Ms. Dayton for writing this book. Thank you. I loved it.
November 23, 2011
Oh, wonders of Goodreads, I add Gail Dayton to my feeds (she's the author of one of my favorite books, New Blood, which I will shamelessly recommend to anyone) and see that she has a digital release out. It's an unusual love story set in Pittsburgh. Of course I had to get it. I ended up reading it within two days (thank you Kindle Cloud Reader...). Dayton has the ability to create characters that you can sympathize with and root for (even if they are struggling to believe in themselves). A solid, quickly moving story. There's some dark moments, but it will give you the warm'n'fuzzies. Plus, any book that works in a Squirrel Hill reference gets five stars.
Found another Gail Daytonbook to shameless recommend. Looking forward to reading more of her fantasy novels, but enjoyed this contemporary romance.
Similar to this title from other authors: Finding Home and Fallen from Grace.
Found another Gail Daytonbook to shameless recommend. Looking forward to reading more of her fantasy novels, but enjoyed this contemporary romance.
Similar to this title from other authors: Finding Home and Fallen from Grace.
January 27, 2013
Fairy tales are good for our imagination. They stimulate it and help our creativity grow as well as taking us beyond our every day lives.
There is also a moral behind every fairy tale and they teach us how we can be better, generous and that we all have strength – we only need to call upon that strength to believe.
Eli Court did not believe in fairy tales until he met 39 year old Widow Marilyn Ballard. A chance meeting on a dark night brings Marilyn face to face with the street wise biker when he comes to her rescue. Eli Court is 25, he wears leather, has piercing and he rides a Harley. He is no Prince Charming.
Marilyn Ballard has a past, an 18 years old daughter and long denied secrets.
What I like about Gail Dayton is that she has created a beautiful story which deals with complex issues. The characters are well developed real, sincere and honest and they have to deal with so much sorrow and heartbreak throughout the story. Gail Dayton makes you feel their emotion and what they went through.
This is a well crafted story between an older woman and a younger man.
So if you want to find out if Eli and Marlilyn get their happy ever after then read this story. It will fill you heart.
There is also a moral behind every fairy tale and they teach us how we can be better, generous and that we all have strength – we only need to call upon that strength to believe.
Eli Court did not believe in fairy tales until he met 39 year old Widow Marilyn Ballard. A chance meeting on a dark night brings Marilyn face to face with the street wise biker when he comes to her rescue. Eli Court is 25, he wears leather, has piercing and he rides a Harley. He is no Prince Charming.
Marilyn Ballard has a past, an 18 years old daughter and long denied secrets.
What I like about Gail Dayton is that she has created a beautiful story which deals with complex issues. The characters are well developed real, sincere and honest and they have to deal with so much sorrow and heartbreak throughout the story. Gail Dayton makes you feel their emotion and what they went through.
This is a well crafted story between an older woman and a younger man.
So if you want to find out if Eli and Marlilyn get their happy ever after then read this story. It will fill you heart.
September 21, 2013
Originally published at Reading Reality
This is a story about two people who rescue each other. And keep on doing it over and over until they can’t resist falling in love, in spite of all the reasons why they supposedly shouldn’t.
Marilyn Ballard is a 39-year-old widow. Most of her family thinks she’s crazy for closing up the suburban house she lived in with her dead husband and moving to a tiny apartment in the city. She’s also started literacy tutoring at an inner-city youth center. The problem is that she forgets to go home at night because there’s nothing there.
Enter Eli Court. He’s 25 and trying to protect the mother of his son from too many bad things on the streets that he’s left behind. He’s not even with her any more, but he helps her out to keep the kid safe. Safer. But when he spots a bunch of would-be muggers glomping onto Marilyn one night, he can’t seem to stop himself from stepping in to save her. Eli doesn't recognize that saving people is what he does.
She circles back that night because she forgot something, discovers a different bunch of gangbangers beating on Eli with baseball bats and tire irons, and she saves his ass with a judicious amount of horn honking and headlight flashing. In spite of his best attempts to throw her off, she won’t let up until she not only takes him to the nearest hospital, but until she gets him home, too.
She brings him home with her, even after he tries embarrassing her by claiming to be her lover. He wants it to be true. She can’t believe he could mean it. He’s young enough to date her college-age daughter, and she knows it. But he saved her that night, and now it’s her turn to help him with his broken arm and leg.
And she needs to help someone. She needs to matter to someone. She needs to argue with someone. She needs to react to someone and with someone.
And Eli needs someone to give a damn about him. He needs someone to be there for him. And he likes riling her up and watching her blush and stammer. Their age difference doesn’t matter to him.
But all of it matters to her family. Even though all that’s happening is that she is helping him, everyone reacts as though something obscene is going on--as if something could be going on. Both Marilyn and Eli are over the age of consent, and both are single. Marilyn has been a widow for 4 years. It should be her business, but it’s not.
Everyone interferes and does it badly and nastily and destructively. No one can hurt you like family, and Marilyn’s does nothing but prove that. Eli supports her, and she supports him.
As Eli physically heals, both he and Marilyn reveal secrets to each other that help to explain why this relationship can and should work. Even as more and more outside forces try to tear them apart--one way or another.
Escape Rating B+: This was an amazingly solid romance that did a terrific job of selling the reason why these two people made sense together.
Any time there’s a significant age difference between the hero and heroine, whichever direction it goes, the author has to handle (or should) how the couple deals with the experience gap. This is particularly true when the woman is older. In real life, this has to happen either way, but in a romance, it frequently gets glossed over if the man is older, but highlighted if the woman is older. Eli’s life has been hard in ways that have made him not just mature for his age, but have given him a ton of tough crap to deal with. (Laura Leone’s Fallen from Grace tackles this same problem in a similar fashion, Donna McDonald’s Dating A Cougar gives her hero a military career-ending injury to “toughen him up”. Both stories are awesome, but Fallen goes dark and Cougar goes for the laughs.)
One part of the story that was difficult to read was the way that Marilyn’s family reacted to Eli’s presence in her life before their relationship took a romantic turn. Except for her brother Joey, the entire family was belittling, demeaning, nasty, rude...I could go on and on and not get close to how rotten they were. Their collective reaction was beyond over-the-top, and it didn’t feel like it was explained by anything in the story.
Both Marilyn and Eli each had a big secret. Eli’s secret was pretty obvious but the way it came out added emotional depth to the story. Marilyn’s secret just about knocked me over. It’s one that makes you re-think everything.
This is a story about two people who rescue each other. And keep on doing it over and over until they can’t resist falling in love, in spite of all the reasons why they supposedly shouldn’t.
Marilyn Ballard is a 39-year-old widow. Most of her family thinks she’s crazy for closing up the suburban house she lived in with her dead husband and moving to a tiny apartment in the city. She’s also started literacy tutoring at an inner-city youth center. The problem is that she forgets to go home at night because there’s nothing there.
Enter Eli Court. He’s 25 and trying to protect the mother of his son from too many bad things on the streets that he’s left behind. He’s not even with her any more, but he helps her out to keep the kid safe. Safer. But when he spots a bunch of would-be muggers glomping onto Marilyn one night, he can’t seem to stop himself from stepping in to save her. Eli doesn't recognize that saving people is what he does.
She circles back that night because she forgot something, discovers a different bunch of gangbangers beating on Eli with baseball bats and tire irons, and she saves his ass with a judicious amount of horn honking and headlight flashing. In spite of his best attempts to throw her off, she won’t let up until she not only takes him to the nearest hospital, but until she gets him home, too.
She brings him home with her, even after he tries embarrassing her by claiming to be her lover. He wants it to be true. She can’t believe he could mean it. He’s young enough to date her college-age daughter, and she knows it. But he saved her that night, and now it’s her turn to help him with his broken arm and leg.
And she needs to help someone. She needs to matter to someone. She needs to argue with someone. She needs to react to someone and with someone.
And Eli needs someone to give a damn about him. He needs someone to be there for him. And he likes riling her up and watching her blush and stammer. Their age difference doesn’t matter to him.
But all of it matters to her family. Even though all that’s happening is that she is helping him, everyone reacts as though something obscene is going on--as if something could be going on. Both Marilyn and Eli are over the age of consent, and both are single. Marilyn has been a widow for 4 years. It should be her business, but it’s not.
Everyone interferes and does it badly and nastily and destructively. No one can hurt you like family, and Marilyn’s does nothing but prove that. Eli supports her, and she supports him.
As Eli physically heals, both he and Marilyn reveal secrets to each other that help to explain why this relationship can and should work. Even as more and more outside forces try to tear them apart--one way or another.
Escape Rating B+: This was an amazingly solid romance that did a terrific job of selling the reason why these two people made sense together.
Any time there’s a significant age difference between the hero and heroine, whichever direction it goes, the author has to handle (or should) how the couple deals with the experience gap. This is particularly true when the woman is older. In real life, this has to happen either way, but in a romance, it frequently gets glossed over if the man is older, but highlighted if the woman is older. Eli’s life has been hard in ways that have made him not just mature for his age, but have given him a ton of tough crap to deal with. (Laura Leone’s Fallen from Grace tackles this same problem in a similar fashion, Donna McDonald’s Dating A Cougar gives her hero a military career-ending injury to “toughen him up”. Both stories are awesome, but Fallen goes dark and Cougar goes for the laughs.)
One part of the story that was difficult to read was the way that Marilyn’s family reacted to Eli’s presence in her life before their relationship took a romantic turn. Except for her brother Joey, the entire family was belittling, demeaning, nasty, rude...I could go on and on and not get close to how rotten they were. Their collective reaction was beyond over-the-top, and it didn’t feel like it was explained by anything in the story.
Both Marilyn and Eli each had a big secret. Eli’s secret was pretty obvious but the way it came out added emotional depth to the story. Marilyn’s secret just about knocked me over. It’s one that makes you re-think everything.
August 18, 2016
WOW
I really wish I knew how to write a praising review of this book, the characters the emotion just everything! I really did love it.
At first I really didn't think that much of it, I saw the cover (the one of him on a bike, so ugly) anyway I took a chance on it, was longer than my usual books so of course I thought I'd end up giving it up. I read the free sample pages on amazon, I usually give a books 1-3 chapters till I pull the plug but within the first chapter not even 3 pages I was hooked. I loved the immediate meeting of these two! It was hilarious!!! actually this book was very funny at times. Lots of grinning, laughing and awwww moments. I swear my face would hurt to the amount of grinning I did.
Marylin - Some heroines I love in the beginning of books then I tire of them and hate them towards the end but Marylin... I loved everything about her! from beginning to end. I never got enjoyed with her, she didn't make stupid choices or was too naive. She makes me want to be a better person. I loved her motherly affection when she needed to take care of something to her overwhelming need to see the good in someone.
Eli - LOVE LOVE LOVE HIM! He's the type of boyfriend that you want!, even though he's described as 'young' 25 he was a total sweetheart, very protective and loving, I swooned over everything he said and did.
I loved how she took care of him and took him to her tiny apartment with the pull-out couch where they both had to sleep on. Come on! we all love it when a guy or girl has to sleep in that persons bed just because there's nowhere alse to go. =)
What did annoy me was the constant 'she doesn't love me' 'he doesn't love me' or when she kept wondering when he was going to up and leave, or him thinking when she didn't want him around anymore. I just wanted to bang there heads together because it was obvious how deeply they where into each other.
By the way.. that new cover, yes its a bit better. Not sure he looks 25 and wheres his nipple piercing?
LOVE LOVE LOVE this quote near the end while there making love
Just reading that bit makes me smile
So once again.. going into this I thought it would either be a fluff read or DNF but instead its turned out to be one that I'm going to remember forever and anytime I need to make myself smile or laugh I'm going to come back to this and read the highlighted text that I've saved on my ereader. GREAT BOOK!
I really wish I knew how to write a praising review of this book, the characters the emotion just everything! I really did love it.
At first I really didn't think that much of it, I saw the cover (the one of him on a bike, so ugly) anyway I took a chance on it, was longer than my usual books so of course I thought I'd end up giving it up. I read the free sample pages on amazon, I usually give a books 1-3 chapters till I pull the plug but within the first chapter not even 3 pages I was hooked. I loved the immediate meeting of these two! It was hilarious!!! actually this book was very funny at times. Lots of grinning, laughing and awwww moments. I swear my face would hurt to the amount of grinning I did.
Marylin - Some heroines I love in the beginning of books then I tire of them and hate them towards the end but Marylin... I loved everything about her! from beginning to end. I never got enjoyed with her, she didn't make stupid choices or was too naive. She makes me want to be a better person. I loved her motherly affection when she needed to take care of something to her overwhelming need to see the good in someone.
Eli - LOVE LOVE LOVE HIM! He's the type of boyfriend that you want!, even though he's described as 'young' 25 he was a total sweetheart, very protective and loving, I swooned over everything he said and did.
"I want to hug you," she said finally, "but I'm afraid I'll hurt something."
"Do it anyway." He tugged at her hands clasped around his, wanting that hug, wanting her arms around him more than he'd wanted anything before in his life
"If you break me, you gotta fix me." He wiggled his eyebrows, turning it into a joke. "Kiss it and make it all better."
"I am not kissing your backside."
Eli laughed. "Come on, Marilyn, say it. Say ass."
"I'm about ready to turn you over my knee and spank yours."
"I'm not really into kinky sex," he said, his voice all smoky-sounding, "but if that's what floats your boat, babe, I'm willing to give it a try."
I loved how she took care of him and took him to her tiny apartment with the pull-out couch where they both had to sleep on. Come on! we all love it when a guy or girl has to sleep in that persons bed just because there's nowhere alse to go. =)
Marilyn turned onto her side, toward Eli, and her hand brushed his. She started to pull back, but his hand turned. His fingers tangled with hers, and held on.
"'Night, Marilyn," he mumbled, mostly asleep.
"Good night, Eli. Sweet dreams.
He was rock hard with wanting her and knew he'd never have what he wanted. He slid a hand down to hide his condition in case she could see in the dark.
What did annoy me was the constant 'she doesn't love me' 'he doesn't love me' or when she kept wondering when he was going to up and leave, or him thinking when she didn't want him around anymore. I just wanted to bang there heads together because it was obvious how deeply they where into each other.
"Long as you don't kick me out, babe, I'm all yours. Anything you want."
She smacked the back of his head. He was beginning to think of those light blows as love pats.
By the way.. that new cover, yes its a bit better. Not sure he looks 25 and wheres his nipple piercing?
LOVE LOVE LOVE this quote near the end while there making love
Just reading that bit makes me smile
So once again.. going into this I thought it would either be a fluff read or DNF but instead its turned out to be one that I'm going to remember forever and anytime I need to make myself smile or laugh I'm going to come back to this and read the highlighted text that I've saved on my ereader. GREAT BOOK!
April 7, 2012
Did you like Laura Resnick's Fallen from Grace, which became a surpise hit in 2004 despite having one of the ugliest covers I have ever seen. Go take a look, I'll wait. Is that a male pole dancer or a stalker?
Anyway, without being derivative, Knight in Black Leather gives me some of the same vibe. According to the author's web site this book could not find a home because no one knew what to do with it. Short sighted fools. There are probably legions of us out there waiting for books like this-- books with a different spin.
She is a 39 year old mother of a college student, four years a widow and trying to rebuild her life in Pittsburgh (really Pittsburgh?!). He is a 25 year old former street kid with a motorcycle, a pierced nipple, a black leather jacket and a propensity for trouble. He rescues her one night from a couple of thugs. She drives away, remembers she left her scarf (sentimental value) and turns back in time to rescue him from a beat down. She takes him to a hospital ER and then to her apartment where there is (conveniently) only a pull out couch for a bed.
Luckily, Gail Dayton makes this unlikely scenario interesting by his past and her family intruding on their present. And the author doesn't rush the romance although there is mental lusting on both sides.
Anyway, without being derivative, Knight in Black Leather gives me some of the same vibe. According to the author's web site this book could not find a home because no one knew what to do with it. Short sighted fools. There are probably legions of us out there waiting for books like this-- books with a different spin.
She is a 39 year old mother of a college student, four years a widow and trying to rebuild her life in Pittsburgh (really Pittsburgh?!). He is a 25 year old former street kid with a motorcycle, a pierced nipple, a black leather jacket and a propensity for trouble. He rescues her one night from a couple of thugs. She drives away, remembers she left her scarf (sentimental value) and turns back in time to rescue him from a beat down. She takes him to a hospital ER and then to her apartment where there is (conveniently) only a pull out couch for a bed.
Luckily, Gail Dayton makes this unlikely scenario interesting by his past and her family intruding on their present. And the author doesn't rush the romance although there is mental lusting on both sides.
May 29, 2013
I found this book through a discussion thread on "Finding Home", a book I totally loved. I didn't love this book as much, but I did enjoy reading it. The story is about a 39 year old widowed woman and a 25 year old street thug who initially save each other from some street violence, but he's hurt enough that he has a broken arm and leg and, of course, can't live on the street until he heals. And, of course, the kind hearted widow lady takes him into her home to help him heal.
Things develop slowly (a little too slowly for me in places) but a relationship develops. Her family is appalled by her living with this younger, common street thug but, to her credit, she sees the good in him and cares for him even while always feeling the insecurity that this younger man will eventually move on.
There is some action and suspense as part of the story and some plot points that come out of the blue (not in a completely good way). It breaks up the story for me, while I would have rather concentrated on just the relationship. But overall I read and finished the book in good order which for me means a lot. I enjoyed it (and the ending).
Things develop slowly (a little too slowly for me in places) but a relationship develops. Her family is appalled by her living with this younger, common street thug but, to her credit, she sees the good in him and cares for him even while always feeling the insecurity that this younger man will eventually move on.
There is some action and suspense as part of the story and some plot points that come out of the blue (not in a completely good way). It breaks up the story for me, while I would have rather concentrated on just the relationship. But overall I read and finished the book in good order which for me means a lot. I enjoyed it (and the ending).
February 9, 2015
Remember what I just said about bad covers? This one just takes the cake completely. Do you know how many times I scrolled past this book because of this truly terrible cover? Forget all of your preconceived notions about this book. It has nothing to do with bikers, and the title is just the worst as well. If I had to rename this book, I'd definitely call it "Saving Eli." So, just pretend that's the name of it, mmkay?
If I had to compare this book to something, I'd definitely say it runs along a similar vein to "Finding Home" by Lauren Baker, only a little more mature and fleshed out. Basically we have a 40-year-old heroine who knows what she wants in life (please let this be me some day), which is a pretty nice change from the wishy-washy new adults I've been devouring for the past year. The hero of the story is a much younger guy with a rough background history and a can-do attitude. Yes, we've got an age gap situation going on, and for those who know me, that is my weakness.
If I had to compare this book to something, I'd definitely say it runs along a similar vein to "Finding Home" by Lauren Baker, only a little more mature and fleshed out. Basically we have a 40-year-old heroine who knows what she wants in life (please let this be me some day), which is a pretty nice change from the wishy-washy new adults I've been devouring for the past year. The hero of the story is a much younger guy with a rough background history and a can-do attitude. Yes, we've got an age gap situation going on, and for those who know me, that is my weakness.
August 12, 2012
First I need to say I hate the cover art and I think the title is cheesy BUT if you've learned not to judge a book by its cover you will find a wonderful story. I read Finding Home a few days ago and although I loved it I still can't shake the uncomfortable feeling it gave me...I'm happy to say I don't feel slightly pervy after finishing this one. Instead of being stuck in the middle of underage hooking we get to see what kind of scars emotionally are left after that life and how to learn to love again.
May 1, 2017
I greatly enjoyed this book, so much so that I read it in one day, AND I'm writing a review (which I never do).
Good things . . . Eli is a great character. Sweet, goodhearted, strong but vulnerable. I love the way he feels about Marilyn and how he believes in keeping his promises. I love how you get to know the characters a little at a time without the whole info dump that accompanies so many novels. I was concerned in the beginning about Marilyn's character. She seemed older than 39, and I was afraid a sort of mother/son relationship would start the romance (Yuck, by the way). Thankfully, it was made clear early on that they did not feel like that at all. I thought the story developed well with secrets coming piecemeal as if they were getting to know each other. The delay in the sexual relationship was a welcome change as well. The climax was exciting and helped to wrap up the story with some danger.
Not so good things . . . There are many tragic events that precede the book, maybe too many..Sort of like the whole kitchen sink of life's tragedies was thrown into the story. I disliked the whole back and forth about "staying together" and "what is love?" I would have thought a woman as old and with the life experience Marilyn had could just say, "I love you," without the continuing concern that Eli didn't want her love and would leave her. I can understand Eli's reluctance since nobody had ever loved him before, and it was hard to recognize his feelings, but Marilyn seemed to regress into a teenage with this inner monologue. I also thought her mom and daughter were just over the top. Like overacting. It was unbelievable that a 39 year old widow with an adult daughter would even put up with such a harridan as her mother. Her daughter, wow! She was a piece of work. Both were almost evil in their dislike of Eli and the horrible things they said about him. It would have been hard to forgive and forget.
Overall, a good story with good writing. A tearjerker in parts and very sweet. A little long in the execution but very much worth the read.
Good things . . . Eli is a great character. Sweet, goodhearted, strong but vulnerable. I love the way he feels about Marilyn and how he believes in keeping his promises. I love how you get to know the characters a little at a time without the whole info dump that accompanies so many novels. I was concerned in the beginning about Marilyn's character. She seemed older than 39, and I was afraid a sort of mother/son relationship would start the romance (Yuck, by the way). Thankfully, it was made clear early on that they did not feel like that at all. I thought the story developed well with secrets coming piecemeal as if they were getting to know each other. The delay in the sexual relationship was a welcome change as well. The climax was exciting and helped to wrap up the story with some danger.
Not so good things . . . There are many tragic events that precede the book, maybe too many..Sort of like the whole kitchen sink of life's tragedies was thrown into the story. I disliked the whole back and forth about "staying together" and "what is love?" I would have thought a woman as old and with the life experience Marilyn had could just say, "I love you," without the continuing concern that Eli didn't want her love and would leave her. I can understand Eli's reluctance since nobody had ever loved him before, and it was hard to recognize his feelings, but Marilyn seemed to regress into a teenage with this inner monologue. I also thought her mom and daughter were just over the top. Like overacting. It was unbelievable that a 39 year old widow with an adult daughter would even put up with such a harridan as her mother. Her daughter, wow! She was a piece of work. Both were almost evil in their dislike of Eli and the horrible things they said about him. It would have been hard to forgive and forget.
Overall, a good story with good writing. A tearjerker in parts and very sweet. A little long in the execution but very much worth the read.
October 28, 2020
For a romance, the plot was quite complex, with unexpected twists incorporated into it. Romances are usually not so plot driven, but this one was. And the romance itself was well written.
I'm not convinced, though, that a guy who's 14 years younger than his female lover will stick around for a lifetime. Evolutionary forces are implacable, and men prefer youth. That's just a fact.
However, YES, younger men CAN fall for much older women. I don't know why this is so, but it happens. Even a 20-22 year gap is not a big deal, at least when it comes to short-term romance. I wouldn't have believed it possible, but I speak from experience, since I've seen it firsthand. Some young guys have so much sexual experience under their belts at an early age that they tire of girls their own age, and they look to older women who are more mature in their emotions and outlook on life for a better-fitting match. However, I don't think it lasts between them. It doesn't turn into marriage. The young guy moves on, usually. (Almost always!!)
Plus, the kind of always-filled-with-steamy-sex monogamy you see in romances is just ridiculous. I believe in the possibility of that as much as as I do in unicorns. No wonder it's listed as "fiction". Cause it's truly FICTION. Monogamy that never fades in appeal is a pleasant fictional Unicorn. 🦄 (I wish someone had told me that when I was a stupid young woman, and I really bought into this moron idea wholesale.)
This novel is pure romance&emotion-porn for older women. If you're a bored older woman living in the safe sterility of suburbia, this novel will give you something to fantasise about.
It's well written. I liked Eli. The plot was complex and kept me engaged. Hence the 5 stars. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I'm not convinced, though, that a guy who's 14 years younger than his female lover will stick around for a lifetime. Evolutionary forces are implacable, and men prefer youth. That's just a fact.
However, YES, younger men CAN fall for much older women. I don't know why this is so, but it happens. Even a 20-22 year gap is not a big deal, at least when it comes to short-term romance. I wouldn't have believed it possible, but I speak from experience, since I've seen it firsthand. Some young guys have so much sexual experience under their belts at an early age that they tire of girls their own age, and they look to older women who are more mature in their emotions and outlook on life for a better-fitting match. However, I don't think it lasts between them. It doesn't turn into marriage. The young guy moves on, usually. (Almost always!!)
Plus, the kind of always-filled-with-steamy-sex monogamy you see in romances is just ridiculous. I believe in the possibility of that as much as as I do in unicorns. No wonder it's listed as "fiction". Cause it's truly FICTION. Monogamy that never fades in appeal is a pleasant fictional Unicorn. 🦄 (I wish someone had told me that when I was a stupid young woman, and I really bought into this moron idea wholesale.)
This novel is pure romance&emotion-porn for older women. If you're a bored older woman living in the safe sterility of suburbia, this novel will give you something to fantasise about.
It's well written. I liked Eli. The plot was complex and kept me engaged. Hence the 5 stars. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 23, 2020
3.5 stars
The story was unique - the hero was not a rich playboy. He was on the streets for a while and had a lot of trauma. I liked how Marilyn took care of him. You don’t find many plots like this. I do think some of the secondary characters like Marilyn’s mom and daughter were unnecessary and I would have preferred the book to be more focused on the romance between her and Eli.
The story was unique - the hero was not a rich playboy. He was on the streets for a while and had a lot of trauma. I liked how Marilyn took care of him. You don’t find many plots like this. I do think some of the secondary characters like Marilyn’s mom and daughter were unnecessary and I would have preferred the book to be more focused on the romance between her and Eli.
May 7, 2023
4.5 stars
November 4, 2024
This book has heart and soul. This book made me cry. Don’t let the cover fool you. Eli and Marilyn forever. Forever. ❤️🔥
July 29, 2013
contains spoilers
synopsis:
marilyn is starting to come to life after losing her husband and her son. her family thinks that she's gone crazy. one night, in a dodgy part of town, she is approached by some young thugs who mean to do her harm. she is rescued by eli and sent on her way out of harm's way. realizing that she forgot something, marilyn returns and comes upon 3 men beating up on eli. after taking him to the hospital and realizing that he doesn't have anywhere to go and can't handle a broken arm and broken leg on his own, marilyn takes eli home to her apartment.
what i liked: the honour between the two characters. neither of them took advntage of one another, and got really upset when it was intimated that they might be. there was always respect and trust between them. that the relationship built slowly and they got to know each other while just having their quiet talks after they turned out the lights and shared the same bed was really nice. it added an intimacy and security to their relationship. both of them seemed like real people, in that their reactions to certain situations were what people would do IRL. i liked the fact that, although eli is 14 years younger, the experiences that he's been through make him a lot older, and he knows and acts like it. both marilyn and eli act their age, which is very pleasant.
what i didn't like: her family's reaction to her supposed mental breakdown. i'm with eli here: when she was drowning on the inside, there was nothing to worry about because she was acting normal, but as soon as she started trying to live again and figuring out what would give her satisfaction in her new life reality, she was crazy. and it was mostly because it didn't reflect well on them, nothing about her. uggh.
synopsis:
marilyn is starting to come to life after losing her husband and her son. her family thinks that she's gone crazy. one night, in a dodgy part of town, she is approached by some young thugs who mean to do her harm. she is rescued by eli and sent on her way out of harm's way. realizing that she forgot something, marilyn returns and comes upon 3 men beating up on eli. after taking him to the hospital and realizing that he doesn't have anywhere to go and can't handle a broken arm and broken leg on his own, marilyn takes eli home to her apartment.
what i liked: the honour between the two characters. neither of them took advntage of one another, and got really upset when it was intimated that they might be. there was always respect and trust between them. that the relationship built slowly and they got to know each other while just having their quiet talks after they turned out the lights and shared the same bed was really nice. it added an intimacy and security to their relationship. both of them seemed like real people, in that their reactions to certain situations were what people would do IRL. i liked the fact that, although eli is 14 years younger, the experiences that he's been through make him a lot older, and he knows and acts like it. both marilyn and eli act their age, which is very pleasant.
what i didn't like: her family's reaction to her supposed mental breakdown. i'm with eli here: when she was drowning on the inside, there was nothing to worry about because she was acting normal, but as soon as she started trying to live again and figuring out what would give her satisfaction in her new life reality, she was crazy. and it was mostly because it didn't reflect well on them, nothing about her. uggh.
April 13, 2016
3.5
The heroine in this story is a 39 years old widow and the hero is a 25 years old street wise man. A 14 year difference!!! It was an enjoyable enough story with a nice mixture of angst, lol humor, and emotional scenes. I loved the way the heroine, Marilyn, didn't let anyone interfere with the relationship she was developing with a much younger man.
The issues I did have with the story was how the author portrayed the heroine. Something about her behavior made her seem older then 39 years old. I also could figure out if this story was set in the 80's, 90's, or later. The hero has a cell phone but everyone else uses a house phone. The hero referred to DNA as if it was a new concept.
Both the hero and heroine were dealing with insecurities. I felt the author over did it and dragged that on longer then necessary.
The heroine in this story is a 39 years old widow and the hero is a 25 years old street wise man. A 14 year difference!!! It was an enjoyable enough story with a nice mixture of angst, lol humor, and emotional scenes. I loved the way the heroine, Marilyn, didn't let anyone interfere with the relationship she was developing with a much younger man.
The issues I did have with the story was how the author portrayed the heroine. Something about her behavior made her seem older then 39 years old. I also could figure out if this story was set in the 80's, 90's, or later. The hero has a cell phone but everyone else uses a house phone. The hero referred to DNA as if it was a new concept.
Both the hero and heroine were dealing with insecurities. I felt the author over did it and dragged that on longer then necessary.
December 8, 2014
I really enjoyed this. Read it in one sitting and finished at 3 in the morning.
November 28, 2012
Yea!!!! I got my HEA!!!! I would have loved a surprise pregnancy at the end but still, this is a good book and I'm happy that it ended well!!!
November 29, 2012
JUMPING JEHOSAPHAT!!!! Slap me hard and call me mesmerized. By page 4 I was so engrossed that I decided food was over-rated and I'd rather read than eat.
February 7, 2013
4-4.5 stars.
September 30, 2015
The title and cover are so awful, but this was a solid, well-written 4-star book. Also, I wanted to strangle the mother in this story I was getting so worked up over how much I hated her.
January 26, 2015
3.5 stars. Improved as it went along. The ending was very strong.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews