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Bride Quartet #4
Happy Ever After 1st (first) edition Text Only
Childhood friends Mackensie, Parker, Laurel and Emmaline have formed a very successful wedding-planning business together. While helping thousands of happy couples to organise the biggest day of their lives, three of the four women have all found love themselves - but workaholic Parker remains resolutely single.Her business is her life and she devotes all her energies to it. But as she is forced to re-evaluate her friendships, Parker finds that someone is about to divert her focus...
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First published November 2, 2010
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About the author
Nora Roberts
1,217 books60k followersNora Roberts is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than 200 novels, including Hideaway, Under Currents, Come Sundown, The Awakening, Legacy, and coming in November 2021 -- The Becoming -- the second book in The Dragon Heart Legacy. She is also the author of the futuristic suspense In Death series written under the pen name J.D. Robb. There are more than 500 million copies of her books in print.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,616 reviews
April 27, 2016
BOO. And also hiss. What a load of crap this book was. The series started out mediocre and just went downhill from there. Allow me to summarize this book for you:
Parker is great at many things. No, Parker is great at all things. She works out seven days a week. She never hits the snooze button. She has three best friends. They have been best friends for thirty years and run a business together. Their conversations with each other consist of talking about men and agreeing about every single thing that comes out of each other's mouths (often repeating back each other's thoughts to affirm them - ACTIVE LISTENING!) and also describing pastries and clothes to each other, out loud, ad nauseum. This is apparently the sign of a lifelong friendship: standing in the same room as a woman and a sweater and describing the sweater to her as though she cannot see it for herself. Then there will be a wedding. At this wedding, everything looks perfect. Everyone behaves perfectly. Mac captures all of the meaningful moments perfectly. No one has ever been more impressed by a cake than they are by this one. (Until the next wedding in 35 pages.) BUT! One guest at each wedding will behave badly. And not just badly, but cartoon super-villain badly, with no justification or explanation for their bad behavior. This guest will always be a woman, and every character will take turns calling her a variation on bitch (super bitch, stone-cold bitch, &c.). Parker will speak to this horrible woman for less than 90 seconds and she will repent or disappear. PARKER IS AMAZING AT EVERYTHING.
Malcolm is very attractive, in the way you envisioned a man being attractive when you were 14 years old. He rides a motorcycle and wears leather and jeans. He is attracted to Parker. She is attracted to him. All of her friends agree that he is attractive and she is right to be attracted to him and lucky to have him attracted to her. For no discernible reason at all she fights her attraction to him. For 10 pages or so. But he is a good kisser. She talks to Malcolm. To her brother. To her best friend's fiance. To Malcolm's mother. They all agree that this is a wonderful relationship. Malcolm doesn't tell her all his feelings on demand, but apologizes by buying her shoes. Everyone twitters. At this point the ghost writer realizes he forgot to make this book have any conflict or even a point. We find out that Malcolm was abused by his uncle when he was growing up. There's no real effect on the story or the characters. Malcolm proposes. The reader doesn't care.
The reasons I think this book was ghost-written: The characters all speak in the exact same voice. Sometimes to make it clear that it is a man speaking, very clunky cursing will be thrown in (e.g., "You're drinking pussy tea?" asked during a sentimental moment). The male dialogue is complete crap, and this from the writer of the Chesapeake Bay saga? I think not. The four main women have been best friends for 30 years, and I swear to dog if it weren't for describing clothes and pastries to each other the book wouldn't pass the Bechdel test. NR is normally better at writing women's friendships. The only reason I can come up with for this book not being ghost-written is, why would she bother? She doesn't need the money and it's only tarnishing her writerly rep, so why agree to it? But I assume that even if you don't *need* money, more of it is always nice to have.
TL;dr: This series was boring, and this finale was completely awful. In order to maintain my warm feelings toward Nora Roberts, I'm assuming someone else wrote these books.
Parker is great at many things. No, Parker is great at all things. She works out seven days a week. She never hits the snooze button. She has three best friends. They have been best friends for thirty years and run a business together. Their conversations with each other consist of talking about men and agreeing about every single thing that comes out of each other's mouths (often repeating back each other's thoughts to affirm them - ACTIVE LISTENING!) and also describing pastries and clothes to each other, out loud, ad nauseum. This is apparently the sign of a lifelong friendship: standing in the same room as a woman and a sweater and describing the sweater to her as though she cannot see it for herself. Then there will be a wedding. At this wedding, everything looks perfect. Everyone behaves perfectly. Mac captures all of the meaningful moments perfectly. No one has ever been more impressed by a cake than they are by this one. (Until the next wedding in 35 pages.) BUT! One guest at each wedding will behave badly. And not just badly, but cartoon super-villain badly, with no justification or explanation for their bad behavior. This guest will always be a woman, and every character will take turns calling her a variation on bitch (super bitch, stone-cold bitch, &c.). Parker will speak to this horrible woman for less than 90 seconds and she will repent or disappear. PARKER IS AMAZING AT EVERYTHING.
Malcolm is very attractive, in the way you envisioned a man being attractive when you were 14 years old. He rides a motorcycle and wears leather and jeans. He is attracted to Parker. She is attracted to him. All of her friends agree that he is attractive and she is right to be attracted to him and lucky to have him attracted to her. For no discernible reason at all she fights her attraction to him. For 10 pages or so. But he is a good kisser. She talks to Malcolm. To her brother. To her best friend's fiance. To Malcolm's mother. They all agree that this is a wonderful relationship. Malcolm doesn't tell her all his feelings on demand, but apologizes by buying her shoes. Everyone twitters. At this point the ghost writer realizes he forgot to make this book have any conflict or even a point. We find out that Malcolm was abused by his uncle when he was growing up. There's no real effect on the story or the characters. Malcolm proposes. The reader doesn't care.
The reasons I think this book was ghost-written: The characters all speak in the exact same voice. Sometimes to make it clear that it is a man speaking, very clunky cursing will be thrown in (e.g., "You're drinking pussy tea?" asked during a sentimental moment). The male dialogue is complete crap, and this from the writer of the Chesapeake Bay saga? I think not. The four main women have been best friends for 30 years, and I swear to dog if it weren't for describing clothes and pastries to each other the book wouldn't pass the Bechdel test. NR is normally better at writing women's friendships. The only reason I can come up with for this book not being ghost-written is, why would she bother? She doesn't need the money and it's only tarnishing her writerly rep, so why agree to it? But I assume that even if you don't *need* money, more of it is always nice to have.
TL;dr: This series was boring, and this finale was completely awful. In order to maintain my warm feelings toward Nora Roberts, I'm assuming someone else wrote these books.
April 28, 2018
Ha! I knew it!
It only took me three crappy books to get to one that was actually decent. And, NO, I'm not imagining it as better than it was because my expectations were so low by this point. I'm sure anyone would like it if they read it.. with low expectations. But, it won't be good unless you've read the first three, so I would say that you just have to take my word for it. This book was definitely okay.
We have the last girl in the squad finally getting her man in this book. She gets the bad boy. Rawr!
"It's hard to resist a bad boy who's a good man. They'll knock the legs right out from under you..."
You know. I'm just so happy to be done with this series. It's like a giant weight has been lifted off my shoulders. There was a monkey on my back and now it's gone. Phew!
Hey! Fuck you, monkey! You were getting heavy!
It only took me three crappy books to get to one that was actually decent. And, NO, I'm not imagining it as better than it was because my expectations were so low by this point. I'm sure anyone would like it if they read it.. with low expectations. But, it won't be good unless you've read the first three, so I would say that you just have to take my word for it. This book was definitely okay.
We have the last girl in the squad finally getting her man in this book. She gets the bad boy. Rawr!
"It's hard to resist a bad boy who's a good man. They'll knock the legs right out from under you..."
You know. I'm just so happy to be done with this series. It's like a giant weight has been lifted off my shoulders. There was a monkey on my back and now it's gone. Phew!
Hey! Fuck you, monkey! You were getting heavy!
July 26, 2022
4.5 stars rounded up to 5
I can never resist a Nora Roberts trilogy or in this case... a quartet. The back story of this series is that four childhood friends have created a wedding event business- VOWS. You have Parker, the brains behind the business, Mackensie, the photographer, Emma, the florist, and Laurel, the pastry and cake creator. Each novel in the series features the "love story" of each of the four women.
Parker and mechanic Malcolm were by far my favorite couple in this quartet. Their romance was sizzling! As well, we get to see the long-awaited wedding of Mackensie and Carter, so that was absolutely fantastic. I read this one immediately after finishing book 3.
Goodreads review published 25/07/22
I can never resist a Nora Roberts trilogy or in this case... a quartet. The back story of this series is that four childhood friends have created a wedding event business- VOWS. You have Parker, the brains behind the business, Mackensie, the photographer, Emma, the florist, and Laurel, the pastry and cake creator. Each novel in the series features the "love story" of each of the four women.
Parker and mechanic Malcolm were by far my favorite couple in this quartet. Their romance was sizzling! As well, we get to see the long-awaited wedding of Mackensie and Carter, so that was absolutely fantastic. I read this one immediately after finishing book 3.
Goodreads review published 25/07/22
August 18, 2022
- my favourite series from Nora
- romance overload
- wedding business by 4 friends
- Parker and Mal ❤️
- romance overload
- wedding business by 4 friends
- Parker and Mal ❤️
October 17, 2019
3.25 stars
September 23, 2013
Happy Ever After (Nora Roberts' Bride Quartet Series #4) And another great Bride Quartet book to close the series. Despite it didn't quite meet my high expectations (the sparkage between Mal and Parker in the previous books somehow mellowed down), I still loved it from beginning to end.
I think this was the book with the most perfect blend of romance and friendship of the series. While there was a bigger emphasis on friendship in Vision in White and Bed of Roses and with Savor the Moment more romance-oriented, this one struck just the right "bargain" between the two. Parker wasn't as mushy as Mac and Emma, and not as tough as Laurel, so the balance was rather perfect.
What bothered me the most was Mal. Where did the rather sensible guy from the end of Savor the Moment go? Sure, I loved his take-charge attitude, his scorching passion for Parker, his bad-boy-biker persona, but I expected more "opennes" from the aforementioned rather-sensible-guy. Instead, in typical male fashion, he kept it all inside, refusing to discuss anything remotely close to home, and in doing so pushed all the wrong buttons with Parker and then sulked when she told him to take a hike. Men!
Also, the big "climax" had much to be desired. Sure, it was completely in character with both Mal and Parker, but I truly expected more oomph.
Oh, well. I told you my expectations were pretty high with this book. Sill, I'm not disappointed. I hoped to say that this was my favorite book of the series, that Mal was my favorite hero of the series, but Del definitely stole the show.
Still, this was an amazing book with great mixture of romance and friendship, I loved the familial feel of the entire series, but this was truly topped it off with everyone nicely paired up.
And the ending...the girls have really come full circle. Beautiful, funny, sexy, romantic, friendly...A wonderful ending to a wonderful series.
I think this was the book with the most perfect blend of romance and friendship of the series. While there was a bigger emphasis on friendship in Vision in White and Bed of Roses and with Savor the Moment more romance-oriented, this one struck just the right "bargain" between the two. Parker wasn't as mushy as Mac and Emma, and not as tough as Laurel, so the balance was rather perfect.
What bothered me the most was Mal. Where did the rather sensible guy from the end of Savor the Moment go? Sure, I loved his take-charge attitude, his scorching passion for Parker, his bad-boy-biker persona, but I expected more "opennes" from the aforementioned rather-sensible-guy. Instead, in typical male fashion, he kept it all inside, refusing to discuss anything remotely close to home, and in doing so pushed all the wrong buttons with Parker and then sulked when she told him to take a hike. Men!
Also, the big "climax" had much to be desired. Sure, it was completely in character with both Mal and Parker, but I truly expected more oomph.
Oh, well. I told you my expectations were pretty high with this book. Sill, I'm not disappointed. I hoped to say that this was my favorite book of the series, that Mal was my favorite hero of the series, but Del definitely stole the show.
Still, this was an amazing book with great mixture of romance and friendship, I loved the familial feel of the entire series, but this was truly topped it off with everyone nicely paired up.
And the ending...the girls have really come full circle. Beautiful, funny, sexy, romantic, friendly...A wonderful ending to a wonderful series.
July 22, 2016
Este custou a ler. Mas ler uma série de seguida tem destas coisas, há muita repetição.
---
(...)
Nunca tinha gostado muito da Parker e já se sabia que o par dela ia ser o Malcom, aliás a historia deles começa logo no terceiro livro.
Ainda pensei parar na série e depois pegar neste livro quando sentisse mais vontade mas sabia que se não o lesse agora já não o ia ler tão cedo e eu queria mesmo acabar com a série. Foi com algum esforço que li este livro mas na verdade nunca gostei muito da Parker e embora adore personagens totalmente diferentes, não consegui gostar deste casal por culpa de como a Parker sempre se mostrou nos outros livros: muito fria e sempre com tudo no controlo. O Mal revelou-se uma boa surpresa e realmente não podia ser mais diferente do que a Parker, par além de mecânico é duplo de actores em filmes de acção!
O que mais gostei foi de o Malcom não hesitar em deixar a Parker pouco à vontade tanto com os seus elogios como com os beijos que roubava-lhe,
É aqui neste livro que também temos a preparação de um dos casamentos das amigas e foi um momento que foi bonito de se acompanhar especialmente por ser a empresa a tratar do casamento. Como sempre no mundo fictício da Nora, acaba tudo bem e todas personagens com o seu "Felizes para Sempre"!
http://algodaodoceparaocerebro.blogsp...
---
(...)
Nunca tinha gostado muito da Parker e já se sabia que o par dela ia ser o Malcom, aliás a historia deles começa logo no terceiro livro.
Ainda pensei parar na série e depois pegar neste livro quando sentisse mais vontade mas sabia que se não o lesse agora já não o ia ler tão cedo e eu queria mesmo acabar com a série. Foi com algum esforço que li este livro mas na verdade nunca gostei muito da Parker e embora adore personagens totalmente diferentes, não consegui gostar deste casal por culpa de como a Parker sempre se mostrou nos outros livros: muito fria e sempre com tudo no controlo. O Mal revelou-se uma boa surpresa e realmente não podia ser mais diferente do que a Parker, par além de mecânico é duplo de actores em filmes de acção!
O que mais gostei foi de o Malcom não hesitar em deixar a Parker pouco à vontade tanto com os seus elogios como com os beijos que roubava-lhe,
É aqui neste livro que também temos a preparação de um dos casamentos das amigas e foi um momento que foi bonito de se acompanhar especialmente por ser a empresa a tratar do casamento. Como sempre no mundo fictício da Nora, acaba tudo bem e todas personagens com o seu "Felizes para Sempre"!
http://algodaodoceparaocerebro.blogsp...
January 18, 2021
this book is tricking me into thinking i wanna like get married and have a big wedding. thank god my social anxiety is there to remind me all the reasons why walking down an aisle with everyone staring at u is not a good idea.
November 10, 2016
this book was so good
December 13, 2010
The level of fantasy in this story reminds me of one of Baum’s
“Oz” books, where filled lunchboxes grow on bushes. Parker’s home is always perfectly neat and there’s invariably a well-stocked little refrigerator wherever you go, even in her closet -- with no sign of a house staff other than the always available cook. This isn’t wedding porn, it’s organization porn.
Annoyingly, I was noticing this stuff more than connecting with the story. I can’t exactly call it boring, yet I had to keep rereading passages because my eyes had glazed over. The romantic relationship didn’t interest me. The perfection of Parker’s life didn’t interest me.
It picked up when some actual conflict arose between the couple, and I actually got a little teary at the end. But overall, I was underwhelmed.
Annoyingly, I was noticing this stuff more than connecting with the story. I can’t exactly call it boring, yet I had to keep rereading passages because my eyes had glazed over. The romantic relationship didn’t interest me. The perfection of Parker’s life didn’t interest me.
It picked up when some actual conflict arose between the couple, and I actually got a little teary at the end. But overall, I was underwhelmed.
January 14, 2023
3.5 stars- The romance in this one felt the least successful of the series; it was just oddly paced and very hot/cold for seemingly no reason. But I still loved the characters and world, and I cannot deny that I cried in the epilogue. Such a cozy series
December 13, 2020
I’ve been wondering what it would be like in Parker’s head and while I did like this story, I’m also wondering if 4 stars is too high of a rating.
I like Parker. She’s level headed and confident and loves fiercely. Malcolm is gruff and stubborn. Together they each have a tragic past and more chemistry than I knew what to do with. There is a good amount of push and pull and JFC, I just wanted them to open their stubborn mouths and have a conversation.
Plot wise, this one is definitely the angstiest of the bunch, but in the scheme of things, still not that bad. Of course seeing Mac’s wedding was great and I really could have done with a future take novella because the epilogue wasn’t enough for me.
Overall, this has been a great series and one I’m sure I’ll be coming back to.
I like Parker. She’s level headed and confident and loves fiercely. Malcolm is gruff and stubborn. Together they each have a tragic past and more chemistry than I knew what to do with. There is a good amount of push and pull and JFC, I just wanted them to open their stubborn mouths and have a conversation.
Plot wise, this one is definitely the angstiest of the bunch, but in the scheme of things, still not that bad. Of course seeing Mac’s wedding was great and I really could have done with a future take novella because the epilogue wasn’t enough for me.
Overall, this has been a great series and one I’m sure I’ll be coming back to.
November 18, 2010
Happy Ever After/ The Bride Quartet is a toast to lifelong friends, to making memories, to celebrating moments, and to first and final loves.
Happy Ever After is likely my favorite novel of the series. Like the other novels in the series, the friendships, the camaraderie, the trials and triumphs of falling in love are all very inviting and appealing. You are there among friends as you journey alongside each women towards their happy ever afters. Reading Happy Ever After was bittersweet; I was eager to learn Parker's story and yet I wanted to savor and prolong the story, knowing it would end soon.
The story was a fast read for a positive reason. I didn't expect an out-there-utterly-amazing plot but a feel good romance. A novel that would be the equivalent of comfort food for a night in. Perhaps a predictable plot, but nonetheless a great story. I'm going to miss the women of Vows and hope it won't be the last I read of them.
The story centers around the infallible Parker Brown and the likes-to-get-under-your-skin-because-he-can Malcolm Kavanaugh. Mal likes to fix things, whereas Parker gets things done, which when you think about it is almost the same thing. What Mal and Parker have yet to realize is that beyond mutual attraction and non-serious flirtation is the love they have for each other. Their love is growing day by day. Their nature to solve problems ironically creates conflicts in their relationship. Parker senses a troubled past is what keeps Mal distant and the more she tries to help, the more withdrawn he becomes. In Parker, Mal sees beyond the perfectionist and order to the vulnerability and need for stability and security in Parker's life. He can give her all this, as he is exactly what she needs, and vice versa, if he can trust and open up.
Their journey is not a lonely one; the women of Vows, Parker's closest and bestest friends, and their men are right there supporting them. They provide solutions and insights but also share the progress of their relationships. The beginning and ending left a feel good feeling, like the end of a good night with friends. The series is a testament to friendships, and not far behind, to finding love.
Happy Ever After is likely my favorite novel of the series. Like the other novels in the series, the friendships, the camaraderie, the trials and triumphs of falling in love are all very inviting and appealing. You are there among friends as you journey alongside each women towards their happy ever afters. Reading Happy Ever After was bittersweet; I was eager to learn Parker's story and yet I wanted to savor and prolong the story, knowing it would end soon.
The story was a fast read for a positive reason. I didn't expect an out-there-utterly-amazing plot but a feel good romance. A novel that would be the equivalent of comfort food for a night in. Perhaps a predictable plot, but nonetheless a great story. I'm going to miss the women of Vows and hope it won't be the last I read of them.
The story centers around the infallible Parker Brown and the likes-to-get-under-your-skin-because-he-can Malcolm Kavanaugh. Mal likes to fix things, whereas Parker gets things done, which when you think about it is almost the same thing. What Mal and Parker have yet to realize is that beyond mutual attraction and non-serious flirtation is the love they have for each other. Their love is growing day by day. Their nature to solve problems ironically creates conflicts in their relationship. Parker senses a troubled past is what keeps Mal distant and the more she tries to help, the more withdrawn he becomes. In Parker, Mal sees beyond the perfectionist and order to the vulnerability and need for stability and security in Parker's life. He can give her all this, as he is exactly what she needs, and vice versa, if he can trust and open up.
Their journey is not a lonely one; the women of Vows, Parker's closest and bestest friends, and their men are right there supporting them. They provide solutions and insights but also share the progress of their relationships. The beginning and ending left a feel good feeling, like the end of a good night with friends. The series is a testament to friendships, and not far behind, to finding love.
January 15, 2011
The last book is the best in the series, IMO. I laughed out loud several times and I don't recall doing that with any of the other books. Unlike the previous book, Savor the Moment, this one wasn't bogged down with exercise and friend time. We got to see quite a bit of Malcolm and Parker together. They are a cute couple and because they were so different they fit together perfectly.
This was definitely an improvement over the other books and absolutely a great way to end the series.
Who couldn't love a man who buys a woman a pair of shoes as an apology? The man of my dreams.
=)
This was definitely an improvement over the other books and absolutely a great way to end the series.
Who couldn't love a man who buys a woman a pair of shoes as an apology? The man of my dreams.
=)
August 9, 2016
#1 New York Times bestselling author Nora Roberts cordially invites you to meet childhood friends Parker, Emma, Laurel, and Mac—the founders of Vows, one of Connecticut's premier wedding planning companies.
Parker Brown turned the quartet's childhood game of Wedding Day into their dream jobs. And now she's the face of Vows—the one who meets every bride's demands; she knows how to make dreams come true...
Mechanic Malcom Kavanaugh loves figuring out how things work, and Parker Brown—with her mile-long legs—is no exception. No man has rattled Parker in a long time, but the motorcycle-riding, raven-haired Mal seems to have a knack for it. His passionate kisses always catch her of guard, much like her growing feelings for him. Parker's business risks have always paid off, but now she'll have to take the chance of a lifetime with her heart.
This was a good ending to a good book series. A little far fetched but enjoyable and quick. Nora Roberts knows how write a fun romantic chick-lit. The women have a life that I would love with my best friends, all living under one roof in a beautiful home while finding true love with gorgeous men who have kind souls, devilishly good-looking, and wealthy. And I will ask again, but how do these women get these men to propose in a matter of a few short months? Not that I'm bitter or anything... just would like to know for future reference.
Parker Brown turned the quartet's childhood game of Wedding Day into their dream jobs. And now she's the face of Vows—the one who meets every bride's demands; she knows how to make dreams come true...
Mechanic Malcom Kavanaugh loves figuring out how things work, and Parker Brown—with her mile-long legs—is no exception. No man has rattled Parker in a long time, but the motorcycle-riding, raven-haired Mal seems to have a knack for it. His passionate kisses always catch her of guard, much like her growing feelings for him. Parker's business risks have always paid off, but now she'll have to take the chance of a lifetime with her heart.
This was a good ending to a good book series. A little far fetched but enjoyable and quick. Nora Roberts knows how write a fun romantic chick-lit. The women have a life that I would love with my best friends, all living under one roof in a beautiful home while finding true love with gorgeous men who have kind souls, devilishly good-looking, and wealthy. And I will ask again, but how do these women get these men to propose in a matter of a few short months? Not that I'm bitter or anything... just would like to know for future reference.
July 7, 2019
This is the last part of the serie and I lovend every book of it. You can read every book as a standalone but I suggest reading it in the correct order.
August 29, 2019
bu aralar 3 puana demir attım.
neyse bu kadar yeter, fabrika ayarlarıma döneyim en iyisi :D
neyse bu kadar yeter, fabrika ayarlarıma döneyim en iyisi :D
July 3, 2019
2.5 stars
I'm glad just to be done with this series, and done with Nora Roberts. Sorry but I've come to realize her writing style just isn't for me. Her stories and characters touch the surface but nothing else. There is nothing unique or intriguing about her work, just a bunch of unoriginal characters thrown into repetitive recycled stories. This is supposed to be one of her strongest series if I'm not mistaken and the only hit for me was Mac's book.
I thought Parker would really irritate me like she did in the last 2 books but surprisingly not as much in here. She still gave me a work-out in the eyeball department but I guess I got used to her OCD uptight neurotic ways by now. lol I just didn't think much of her story or believe her and Mal falling in love. There was nothing exciting or new for me. The romance & steam factor was very tame, too tame. Everything was so incredibly stale and dull. And Mal is supposed to be the 'bad boy' out of all the 4 guys. Go figure. A whole bunch of telling but very little showing, which seems to be Nora's general style and something I have no interest in. It's a BIG pet peeve of mine when authors do this. I like descriptive love scenes not flowery analogies that lead to fade-to-blacks. No thank you.
Mal I struggled to even connect with. Other than his back story there was nothing interesting about this 'bad boy' mechanic. My biggest problem was his voice and demeanor sounds EXACTLY the same as Del and Jack. There is no distinction between these 3 guys except for their looks. They have the same mannerisms, attitude and dialogue which makes no sense. Carter is the only one out of the four guys who has a different personality and distinct voice. Nora doesn't even try to give her characters individual separate identities outside the freaking Vows business which seems to be the primary focus of the series. And sorry but the idea of 4 grown men moving into this ginormous mansion with the 4 ladies like some compound or sorority/fraternity (for rich adults) is strange and suspending belief. I would go crazy. And Del getting all excited about turning the large basement into a 'man cave' for all the guys was just cringe-worthy. <_< Everything is just too perfect and exactly right at the Brown's mansion which just translates for a stale boring unrealistic story unfortunately. I'm sorry to say this but this book is what gives CR books a bad rep with all the stereotypes and frou-frou dialogue. Ack.
I'm glad just to be done with this series, and done with Nora Roberts. Sorry but I've come to realize her writing style just isn't for me. Her stories and characters touch the surface but nothing else. There is nothing unique or intriguing about her work, just a bunch of unoriginal characters thrown into repetitive recycled stories. This is supposed to be one of her strongest series if I'm not mistaken and the only hit for me was Mac's book.
I thought Parker would really irritate me like she did in the last 2 books but surprisingly not as much in here. She still gave me a work-out in the eyeball department but I guess I got used to her OCD uptight neurotic ways by now. lol I just didn't think much of her story or believe her and Mal falling in love. There was nothing exciting or new for me. The romance & steam factor was very tame, too tame. Everything was so incredibly stale and dull. And Mal is supposed to be the 'bad boy' out of all the 4 guys. Go figure. A whole bunch of telling but very little showing, which seems to be Nora's general style and something I have no interest in. It's a BIG pet peeve of mine when authors do this. I like descriptive love scenes not flowery analogies that lead to fade-to-blacks. No thank you.
Mal I struggled to even connect with. Other than his back story there was nothing interesting about this 'bad boy' mechanic. My biggest problem was his voice and demeanor sounds EXACTLY the same as Del and Jack. There is no distinction between these 3 guys except for their looks. They have the same mannerisms, attitude and dialogue which makes no sense. Carter is the only one out of the four guys who has a different personality and distinct voice. Nora doesn't even try to give her characters individual separate identities outside the freaking Vows business which seems to be the primary focus of the series. And sorry but the idea of 4 grown men moving into this ginormous mansion with the 4 ladies like some compound or sorority/fraternity (for rich adults) is strange and suspending belief. I would go crazy. And Del getting all excited about turning the large basement into a 'man cave' for all the guys was just cringe-worthy. <_< Everything is just too perfect and exactly right at the Brown's mansion which just translates for a stale boring unrealistic story unfortunately. I'm sorry to say this but this book is what gives CR books a bad rep with all the stereotypes and frou-frou dialogue. Ack.
December 18, 2019
Un precioso final para esta serie llena de romanticismo y de bodas...
Le tocaba el turno a Parker, la organizadora nata y quien puso en marcha el negocio de Votos en su propia casa tras el fallecimiento de sus padres. Como siempre, la autora nos regala un montón de detalles sobre cómo organizar una boda por todo lo alto, aunque en esta ocasión hemos podido incursionar también en el pequeño pueblo en el que se desarrollan las historias.
La trama está bien desarrollada y lleva su propio ritmo lento y apasionado, porque los protagonistas, juntos, son explosivos. El epílogo es de agradecer, ver cómo las cuatro chicas consiguen sus sueños, además del amor, pero se me ha hecho corto, como corto se me ha hecho el final de la historia, ya que tras la declaración de amor de Malcom, este apenas vuelve a aparecer y la historia termina rápido.
Los protagonistas me han gustado mucho. Parker, ya la conocíamos por las novelas anteriores, es sinónimo de eficiencia y organización. Tiene una fachada de frialdad que le viene dada por la seguridad personal que tiene, aunque debajo de la superficie hay mucho más: una joven apasionada que anhela el amor que tuvieron sus padres. Es decidida, fuerte y consciente de lo que quiere, pero me ha encantado ver también su lado humano, cuando llora, cuando se emociona, cuando se entrega por sus amigas.
Malcom es un hombre que ha sufrido mucho, sin embargo, eso no lo ha hundido; al contrario, se siente bien consigo mismo, aunque tiende a cerrarse al pasado para no volver a sentir lo que sintió una vez. Su enamoramiento de Parker es progresivo, aunque tiene una tendencia total a besar sin pedir permiso, algo que descoloca por completo a Parker. Es un hombre reflexivo y, en el fondo, un pícaro y un caballero. Se ve en todo momento que no quiere hacerle daño a Parker, y aunque no se ve mucho cómo sus sentimientos por ella van transformándose, su declaración final es una preciosidad. Deja caer las barreras y se muestra tal cual es, al tiempo que manifiesta sus sentimientos de una forma realista, quizás poco romántica, pero sí muy dulce.
En general, la serie me ha gustado, y el estilo de la autora también. Habría eliminado en algunas el exceso de información (de flores, de pasteles, etc...) pero son historias bonitas que hablan de amor verdadero y de amistad profunda.
Le tocaba el turno a Parker, la organizadora nata y quien puso en marcha el negocio de Votos en su propia casa tras el fallecimiento de sus padres. Como siempre, la autora nos regala un montón de detalles sobre cómo organizar una boda por todo lo alto, aunque en esta ocasión hemos podido incursionar también en el pequeño pueblo en el que se desarrollan las historias.
La trama está bien desarrollada y lleva su propio ritmo lento y apasionado, porque los protagonistas, juntos, son explosivos. El epílogo es de agradecer, ver cómo las cuatro chicas consiguen sus sueños, además del amor, pero se me ha hecho corto, como corto se me ha hecho el final de la historia, ya que tras la declaración de amor de Malcom, este apenas vuelve a aparecer y la historia termina rápido.
Los protagonistas me han gustado mucho. Parker, ya la conocíamos por las novelas anteriores, es sinónimo de eficiencia y organización. Tiene una fachada de frialdad que le viene dada por la seguridad personal que tiene, aunque debajo de la superficie hay mucho más: una joven apasionada que anhela el amor que tuvieron sus padres. Es decidida, fuerte y consciente de lo que quiere, pero me ha encantado ver también su lado humano, cuando llora, cuando se emociona, cuando se entrega por sus amigas.
Malcom es un hombre que ha sufrido mucho, sin embargo, eso no lo ha hundido; al contrario, se siente bien consigo mismo, aunque tiende a cerrarse al pasado para no volver a sentir lo que sintió una vez. Su enamoramiento de Parker es progresivo, aunque tiene una tendencia total a besar sin pedir permiso, algo que descoloca por completo a Parker. Es un hombre reflexivo y, en el fondo, un pícaro y un caballero. Se ve en todo momento que no quiere hacerle daño a Parker, y aunque no se ve mucho cómo sus sentimientos por ella van transformándose, su declaración final es una preciosidad. Deja caer las barreras y se muestra tal cual es, al tiempo que manifiesta sus sentimientos de una forma realista, quizás poco romántica, pero sí muy dulce.
En general, la serie me ha gustado, y el estilo de la autora también. Habría eliminado en algunas el exceso de información (de flores, de pasteles, etc...) pero son historias bonitas que hablan de amor verdadero y de amistad profunda.
March 22, 2022
Debo decir que, terminando esta serie, me siento casi con todas las competencias para instalar una empresa organizadora de bodas y eventos… pero como lectura es cansadora. Fue entretenido en el primer libro… la novedad, pero ya en el cuarto es para odiar todo lo que tenga que ver con flores, arreglos, pasteles, tortas de novias, vestidos, etc, etc, etc.
Pero pasando a la historia de esta entrega debo reconocer que es de las mejorcitas, pero tampoco notable. La salva exclusivamente las personalidades de los personajes principales. Lectura solo para distraerse.
Pero pasando a la historia de esta entrega debo reconocer que es de las mejorcitas, pero tampoco notable. La salva exclusivamente las personalidades de los personajes principales. Lectura solo para distraerse.
October 20, 2017
Me encantó como Nora Roberts logró concluir la historia de las cuatro amigas. La historia de amor es perfecta, y me encantaría un Malcom.
5/5 ahre
5/5 ahre
November 7, 2010
Having read the first three books in the quartet, I thought I knew what I was in for. Roberts managed to surprise me again. As I own more than 100 books by her (everything except her J.D. Robb work), it often amazes me that she can come up with something new and fresh.
One need not read The Bride Quartet in order, though it doesn't hurt. This makes a good stand-alone as well as the crown jewel of an already excellent series.
I've still got tears in my eyes and a little sniffle from the final scene, which touched my heart but didn't feel like a manipulative tearjerker. Thank goodness there are still authors out there with this much skill.
Parker finds herself unwittingly attracted to a fella who is nothing like the ideal man she'd dreamed of. The fact that she can control so much in her life (the hyper-organized closet and the crackberry are symbolic) means that these emotions blindside her in many ways. Roberts doesn't have any of her characters come out and say so, but I sense that Parker's loss of her parents when she was barely adult makes her feel like she is safe only when every last nitpicking detail is under her control. Parker is wise in that she turned this obsession into a business. So few people really 'get' her. Mal doesn't at first let her in enough for her to understand where he is coming from, which causes her plenty of pain. It takes some straight talk from Emma, Laurel, Mac, and Mrs. G. before she can find her way through.
Malcolm isn't really a tough-guy hero name, but this auto mechanic has crawled his way up from nothing and taken some of the hardest knocks life can throw at a person. His emotional lockdown is a defense against what he has endured. He comes to understand her better than she understands herself in many ways. Parker teaches him about his heart, and his mom, Del, Jack, and Carter provide the examples he learns to follow. I think his character learning to trust and to open up is the major theme of this book.
This book is simply wonderful. Thank you, Nora.
One need not read The Bride Quartet in order, though it doesn't hurt. This makes a good stand-alone as well as the crown jewel of an already excellent series.
I've still got tears in my eyes and a little sniffle from the final scene, which touched my heart but didn't feel like a manipulative tearjerker. Thank goodness there are still authors out there with this much skill.
Parker finds herself unwittingly attracted to a fella who is nothing like the ideal man she'd dreamed of. The fact that she can control so much in her life (the hyper-organized closet and the crackberry are symbolic) means that these emotions blindside her in many ways. Roberts doesn't have any of her characters come out and say so, but I sense that Parker's loss of her parents when she was barely adult makes her feel like she is safe only when every last nitpicking detail is under her control. Parker is wise in that she turned this obsession into a business. So few people really 'get' her. Mal doesn't at first let her in enough for her to understand where he is coming from, which causes her plenty of pain. It takes some straight talk from Emma, Laurel, Mac, and Mrs. G. before she can find her way through.
Malcolm isn't really a tough-guy hero name, but this auto mechanic has crawled his way up from nothing and taken some of the hardest knocks life can throw at a person. His emotional lockdown is a defense against what he has endured. He comes to understand her better than she understands herself in many ways. Parker teaches him about his heart, and his mom, Del, Jack, and Carter provide the examples he learns to follow. I think his character learning to trust and to open up is the major theme of this book.
This book is simply wonderful. Thank you, Nora.
April 23, 2011
The conclusion to Ms. Robert’s Bride Quartet was eagerly anticipated by many, including me, even though over all the series itself is just MEH. That is just ‘meh’, it is not an acronym for something---as all know that annoying acronyms fill these books! MOB FOG MOH…bah! Although the best man was not labeled BM…to my inner ‘middle school boy’s’ disappointment.
So... back to the review. If there are real people in the world like Parker, I’ve yet to meet one. She was so organized and anal to the point of OCD, that I became bored with her. We already knew she was going to cave and fall for Malcolm---that set up was obvious from early on in the series.
Not much happens here besides a lot of scenes discussing their work…boring. I would have enjoyed the series more if less focus was on the actual wedding planning business and more on the four couples. In this book, we get to see Mac and Carter’s wedding at the every end and that’s it. Mal’s mom was a pleasant surprise, and I really liked her. However there is back story involving Mal being abused by his aunt and uncle that is supposed to have been an huge point in his life, and it was barely explored.
Overall, I am not quite disappointed, but certainly underwhelmed. I’d recommend this series for diehard Noraholics only.
So... back to the review. If there are real people in the world like Parker, I’ve yet to meet one. She was so organized and anal to the point of OCD, that I became bored with her. We already knew she was going to cave and fall for Malcolm---that set up was obvious from early on in the series.
Not much happens here besides a lot of scenes discussing their work…boring. I would have enjoyed the series more if less focus was on the actual wedding planning business and more on the four couples. In this book, we get to see Mac and Carter’s wedding at the every end and that’s it. Mal’s mom was a pleasant surprise, and I really liked her. However there is back story involving Mal being abused by his aunt and uncle that is supposed to have been an huge point in his life, and it was barely explored.
Overall, I am not quite disappointed, but certainly underwhelmed. I’d recommend this series for diehard Noraholics only.
June 13, 2015
De Nora he leído dos sagas: Hotel Boonsboro y 4 Bodas. Aunque las dos son maravillosas, me quedo con 4 Bodas.
Adoro a las cuatro protagonistas, mujeres fuertes, independientes, que se apoyan en cualquier situación. ¿Y que decir de los protagonistas?, son maravillosos, si tuviera que elegir, no sé con cual me quedaría.
Saga ALTAMENTE recomendada. Quiero leer más cosas de Nora, pero tiene tantas sagas que no se con cuál seguir. ¡Acepto sugerencias! :)
Adoro a las cuatro protagonistas, mujeres fuertes, independientes, que se apoyan en cualquier situación. ¿Y que decir de los protagonistas?, son maravillosos, si tuviera que elegir, no sé con cual me quedaría.
Saga ALTAMENTE recomendada. Quiero leer más cosas de Nora, pero tiene tantas sagas que no se con cuál seguir. ¡Acepto sugerencias! :)
November 14, 2018
RESEÑA COMPLETA: http://elsentirdeunlibro.blogspot.com...
Espectacular.
Espectacular.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 18, 2012
Honestly, I'm not sure why I was surprised at how disappointing this book was. I read the previous two-skipped the first and from the looks of things, didn't really miss anything- and was sorely disappointed as well. I expected more! This was the apparently flawless author, the one they call NORA, the one that always tops those bestselling lists, and here I was looking at this book with my mind boggled.
The final book follows the precise formula of the previous books in the quartet as well as the other 23840987586398 chick lit books that use the same formula:
-Girl meets boy
-Girl likes boy
-Girl and boy are attracted to each other and date!
-OH NO, something bad happens and now girl and boy can't be together :((
- LOL nevermind, they fixed it and boy apologizes in an elaborate manner, everyone sighs in relief :D
I normally wouldn't even mind this, many novels have managed to use it and still be great reads. However, Nora chooses to take the formula and do her version of "tweaking" which involves Parker taking approximately 75% of the book to describe her perfect, daily routine, as well as her perfect weddings, and her perfect life and friends. If I didn't already suffer from crippling, low self-esteem, this sure would push me over the edge. Amidst all these descriptions of how she books and organizes these weddings (which, frankly, I don't think anyone but Parker cares about) lies frequent reminders that you're supposed to find her love interest hot and edgy! Look, he's wearing leather, what a rebel! He has a 16 year old in love with him??? Man, what kind of dumbo would pass this guy up?!
Most of the book is utterly forgettable, they hook up, something happens, someone's not happy. Blah, blah, blah, they stop hooking up. HAHA, just joking, he apologizes and proposes even though they've known each other for maybe all of 3 months and have just come out of an, apparently, relationship-ending disagreement. Counseling? Communication?? What dictionary are you reading? Those words do not exist in this universe where everything is solved by wise housekeepers, and perfect, heirloom diamond rings.
Everything returns to normal, and no one is creeped out by the fact that four different sets of couples have chosen to live in the same house, and the men have given up any sort of personal identity to fit into their future wives' BFF equation. Codependency at its finest!
The final book follows the precise formula of the previous books in the quartet as well as the other 23840987586398 chick lit books that use the same formula:
-Girl meets boy
-Girl likes boy
-Girl and boy are attracted to each other and date!
-OH NO, something bad happens and now girl and boy can't be together :((
- LOL nevermind, they fixed it and boy apologizes in an elaborate manner, everyone sighs in relief :D
I normally wouldn't even mind this, many novels have managed to use it and still be great reads. However, Nora chooses to take the formula and do her version of "tweaking" which involves Parker taking approximately 75% of the book to describe her perfect, daily routine, as well as her perfect weddings, and her perfect life and friends. If I didn't already suffer from crippling, low self-esteem, this sure would push me over the edge. Amidst all these descriptions of how she books and organizes these weddings (which, frankly, I don't think anyone but Parker cares about) lies frequent reminders that you're supposed to find her love interest hot and edgy! Look, he's wearing leather, what a rebel! He has a 16 year old in love with him??? Man, what kind of dumbo would pass this guy up?!
Most of the book is utterly forgettable, they hook up, something happens, someone's not happy. Blah, blah, blah, they stop hooking up. HAHA, just joking, he apologizes and proposes even though they've known each other for maybe all of 3 months and have just come out of an, apparently, relationship-ending disagreement. Counseling? Communication?? What dictionary are you reading? Those words do not exist in this universe where everything is solved by wise housekeepers, and perfect, heirloom diamond rings.
Everything returns to normal, and no one is creeped out by the fact that four different sets of couples have chosen to live in the same house, and the men have given up any sort of personal identity to fit into their future wives' BFF equation. Codependency at its finest!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 10, 2020
3,5/5 αστεράκια.
Δυστυχώς, το βιβλίο δεν εκπλήρωσε τις προσδοκίες μου στον βαθμό που εκπληρώνει η Πάρκερ τις προσδοκίες των νυφών της...
Με το «Τώρα και για πάντα» ολοκληρώνεται η γαμήλια τετραλογία της Nora Roberts, με γενικό τίτλο Όρκοι αγάπης.
Αν η εταιρεία διοργάνωσης γάμων και εκδηλώσεων ‘Όρκοι’ είναι ένα στέρεο οικοδόμημα που αποτελείται από τέσσερις ταλαντούχες και επιτυχημένες γυναίκες, αναμφίβολα η Πάρκερ Μπράουν είναι η κύρια κολόνα του. Ιδιοκτήτρια του κτήματος όπου στεγάζονται οι ‘Όρκοι’, γόνος μίας από τις παλιότερες και πιο αξιοσέβαστες οικογένειες της περιοχής, όμορφη, έξυπνη, δραστήρια, δημιουργική, αποφασιστική, εργασιομανής, η Πάρκερ είναι μια ενδιαφέρουσα προσωπικότητα και οπωσδήποτε ο άνθρωπος που θα ήθελες να αναλάβει τις λεπτομέρειες και για τη δική σου γαμήλια τελετή. Ταυτόχρονα, όμως, είναι ελάχιστοι όσοι γνωρίζουν την αληθινή γυναίκα πίσω από το προσωπείο της επιτυχημένης επαγγελματία: ο αδελφός της, οι κολλητές της φίλες και ελάχιστα ακόμα άτομα από το στενό της περιβάλλον. Για τους υπόλοιπους -και ειδικά για το αντίθετο φύλο- μοιάζει απόμακρη και ψυχρή.
Ο Μάλκολμ Καβανάου είναι ένας άντρας που απέχει πολύ από την εικόνα που έχει σχηματίσει η Πάρκερ στο μυαλό της για τον ιδανικό σύντροφο. Έχοντας περάσει μια ιδιαίτερα δύσκολη παιδική ηλικία, ο Μάλκολμ δούλευε για χρόνια ως κασκαντέρ, και μετά από ένα ατύχημα παράτησε την καριέρα του και δημιούργησε τη δική του επιτυχημένη επιχείρηση. Είναι επίσης κολλητός φίλος του αδελφού της Πάρκερ και από την πρώτη στιγμή που την αντίκρισε ένιωσε για εκείνη μια ιδιαίτερη έλξη. Αυτή η τόσο αψεγάδιαστη και διαφορετική γυναίκα τον ιντριγκάρει απίστευτα. Και επειδή είναι ένας άντρας που αγαπάει τις προκλήσεις, αποφασίζει να την πλησιάσει.
Αρχικά, η «εισβολή» του Μάλκολμ στην καθημερινότητά της ενοχλεί την Πάρκερ, που τον βρίσκει κάπως… αγροίκο. Όμως σιγά σιγά συνειδητοποιεί πως ο άντρας αυτός την ελκύει με έναν περίεργο τρόπο. Κι ενώ αποφασίζει να ρισκάρει μαζί του, καταλαβαίνει πως εκείνος δεν μπορεί να ανοιχτεί εξίσου. Για την Πάρκερ, μια ουσιαστική σχέση δεν βασίζεται μόνο στη σαρκική έλξη, αλλά και στην αμοιβαία κατανόηση, την εμπιστοσύνη, τη συζήτηση. Και μπορεί ο Μάλκολμ να είναι αυτός που την έκανε να δει ορισμένα πράγματα με άλλο μάτι και να ξεπεράσει τα όριά της, αλλά, αν δεν μπορεί να μοιραστεί τον εαυτό του μαζί της, θα είναι πολύ δύσκολο να μοιραστεί και το όραμά της για μια αγάπη που θα διαρκεί τώρα και για πάντα…
Το τέταρτο και τελευταίο βιβλίο της σειράς επικεντρώνεται εν μέρει στην ιστορία αγάπης της Πάρκερ και του Μάλκολμ, ταυτόχρονα όμως διεκδικούν τον δικό τους χώρο σε αυτό και τα γεγονότα που πρωταγωνίστησαν στα προηγούμενα βιβλία: οι σχέσεις των τριών κολλητών της εξελίσσονται, γάμοι δρομολογούνται, νέα σχέδια οργανώνονται. Γιατί η Πάρκερ είναι η ψυχή των ‘Όρκων’ και οι ‘Όρκοι’ αποτελούν αναπόσπαστο κομμάτι της ζωής της Πάρκερ· επομένως, δεν θα μπορούσε να υπάρξει το ένα ανεξάρτητα από το άλλο. Ο αναγνώστης, λοιπόν, ας μην ψάξει να βρει σκηνές ρομαντισμού που καταλαμβάνουν πολλές σελίδες, μακροσκελείς εξομολογήσεις, ρομαντικές αποδράσεις και καυτά ραντεβού. Η σχέση του συγκεκριμένου ζευγαριού περιστρέφεται γύρω από το βαρύ πρόγραμμα της Πάρκερ και αναπτύσσεται, αναπνέει και ωριμάζει κυρίως μέσα στο αρχοντικό των Μπράουν, εν μέσω προβών, ετοιμασιών και γαμήλιων δεξιώσεων.
Το κακό με το παραπάνω είναι ότι το στόρυ δεν επικεντρώνεται τόσο στο ίδιο το ζευγάρι. Φαίνεται πως ούτε οι ίδιοι δεν έχουν τον χρόνο ή δεν ευνοούνται από τις περιστάσεις για να ζήσουν αρκετά πράγματα μαζί. Φυσικά, έχουμε δει τη σχέση τους να ξεκινάει από το μηδέν -και κάτω από συνθήκες κάθε άλλο παρά ιδανικές- στα προηγούμενα βιβλία, όμως όσοι περίμεναν μια πρωτόγνωρη κορύφωση εδώ μάλλον θα απογοητευτούν. Η αφήγηση αναλώνεται περισσότερο στο πώς λειτουργούν οι ‘Όρκοι’ και όχι τόσο στο πώς η επικεφαλής τους ζει μια σχέση διαφορετική από όλες τις άλλες. Τώρα, αν αυτό ευχαριστεί τον αναγνώστη ή όχι, είναι καθαρά προσωπικό κριτήριο του καθενός.
Όσο για το ζευγάρι Πάρκερ-Μάλκολμ, είναι το πιο λαμπρό παράδειγμα που επιβεβαιώνει ότι τα ετερώνυμα όντως έλκονται. Μπορεί οι δυο τους να προέρχονται από διαφορετικούς κόσμους και να διαφέρουν πολύ ως προσωπικότητες, όμως τελικά συνειδητοποιούν πως μπορούν να δουν ο καθένας κάτω από το εξωτερικό περίβλημα του άλλου τον πραγματικό του εαυτό. Μπορούν να δουν την ψυχή τους μέσα από τα τείχη που έχουν χτίσει γύρω τους για να προστατέψουν την καρδιά τους. Αυτά που τους ενώνουν αποδεικνύονται περισσότερα και πολύ πιο σημαντικά και δυνατά από αυτά που τους χωρίζουν. Και είναι ενδιαφέρον να δει κανείς το πώς εξελίσσεται αυτή η σχέση, το πώς άναψε η αρχική σπίθα ανάμεσά τους κι έγινε φωτιά που ζέστανε την αγάπη που φώλιαζε μέσα τους.
Η τελειότητα που χαρακτηρίζει όλο το βιβλίο -από τις τέσσερις αψεγάδιαστες φίλες, το επίπεδο δουλειάς τους και το υπέροχο κάθε φορά αποτέλεσμα μέχρι την παραμυθένια εικόνα του κάθε γάμου, τους πανέμορφους γαμπρούς και νύφες και τα προβλήματα που λύνονται στο άψε-σβήσε, χωρίς περαιτέρω φασαρίες- οπωσδήποτε φαντάζει υπερβολική και ψεύτικη. Όμως, αυτό είναι το γενικότερο πλαίσιο μέσα στο οποίο έχει στήσει η Roberts όλη τη συγκεκριμένη ιστορία, κι έτσι την έχεις συνηθίσει πλέον και απλά την αγνοείς.
Το βιβλίο αυτό ίσως να μην είναι αντάξιο όλων των προσδοκιών και μπορεί να λείπει η ένταση που θα περίμενε κανείς φτάνοντας πια στο τέλος. Όμως αποτελεί ένα πολύ όμορφο κλείσιμο για μια μεγάλη ιστορία μιας ομάδας ανθρώπων, η οποία χωρίστηκε σε μικρότερες που αφηγήθηκαν το πώς ο καθένας από αυτούς συνάντησε την προσωπική του ευτυχία. Κι απέδειξε πως οι αληθινοί δεσμοί, όπως η πραγματική αγάπη, η πίστη στο όνειρο, η ενότητα και η ανιδιοτελής φιλία, είναι τόσο δυνατοί, που κανείς και τίποτα δεν μπορεί να νικήσει. Για τώρα και για πάντα…
H κριτική μου για το βιβλίο και στο site "Book City" και τον παρακάτω σύνδεσμο: Τώρα και για πάντα
Δυστυχώς, το βιβλίο δεν εκπλήρωσε τις προσδοκίες μου στον βαθμό που εκπληρώνει η Πάρκερ τις προσδοκίες των νυφών της...
Με το «Τώρα και για πάντα» ολοκληρώνεται η γαμήλια τετραλογία της Nora Roberts, με γενικό τίτλο Όρκοι αγάπης.
Αν η εταιρεία διοργάνωσης γάμων και εκδηλώσεων ‘Όρκοι’ είναι ένα στέρεο οικοδόμημα που αποτελείται από τέσσερις ταλαντούχες και επιτυχημένες γυναίκες, αναμφίβολα η Πάρκερ Μπράουν είναι η κύρια κολόνα του. Ιδιοκτήτρια του κτήματος όπου στεγάζονται οι ‘Όρκοι’, γόνος μίας από τις παλιότερες και πιο αξιοσέβαστες οικογένειες της περιοχής, όμορφη, έξυπνη, δραστήρια, δημιουργική, αποφασιστική, εργασιομανής, η Πάρκερ είναι μια ενδιαφέρουσα προσωπικότητα και οπωσδήποτε ο άνθρωπος που θα ήθελες να αναλάβει τις λεπτομέρειες και για τη δική σου γαμήλια τελετή. Ταυτόχρονα, όμως, είναι ελάχιστοι όσοι γνωρίζουν την αληθινή γυναίκα πίσω από το προσωπείο της επιτυχημένης επαγγελματία: ο αδελφός της, οι κολλητές της φίλες και ελάχιστα ακόμα άτομα από το στενό της περιβάλλον. Για τους υπόλοιπους -και ειδικά για το αντίθετο φύλο- μοιάζει απόμακρη και ψυχρή.
Ο Μάλκολμ Καβανάου είναι ένας άντρας που απέχει πολύ από την εικόνα που έχει σχηματίσει η Πάρκερ στο μυαλό της για τον ιδανικό σύντροφο. Έχοντας περάσει μια ιδιαίτερα δύσκολη παιδική ηλικία, ο Μάλκολμ δούλευε για χρόνια ως κασκαντέρ, και μετά από ένα ατύχημα παράτησε την καριέρα του και δημιούργησε τη δική του επιτυχημένη επιχείρηση. Είναι επίσης κολλητός φίλος του αδελφού της Πάρκερ και από την πρώτη στιγμή που την αντίκρισε ένιωσε για εκείνη μια ιδιαίτερη έλξη. Αυτή η τόσο αψεγάδιαστη και διαφορετική γυναίκα τον ιντριγκάρει απίστευτα. Και επειδή είναι ένας άντρας που αγαπάει τις προκλήσεις, αποφασίζει να την πλησιάσει.
Αρχικά, η «εισβολή» του Μάλκολμ στην καθημερινότητά της ενοχλεί την Πάρκερ, που τον βρίσκει κάπως… αγροίκο. Όμως σιγά σιγά συνειδητοποιεί πως ο άντρας αυτός την ελκύει με έναν περίεργο τρόπο. Κι ενώ αποφασίζει να ρισκάρει μαζί του, καταλαβαίνει πως εκείνος δεν μπορεί να ανοιχτεί εξίσου. Για την Πάρκερ, μια ουσιαστική σχέση δεν βασίζεται μόνο στη σαρκική έλξη, αλλά και στην αμοιβαία κατανόηση, την εμπιστοσύνη, τη συζήτηση. Και μπορεί ο Μάλκολμ να είναι αυτός που την έκανε να δει ορισμένα πράγματα με άλλο μάτι και να ξεπεράσει τα όριά της, αλλά, αν δεν μπορεί να μοιραστεί τον εαυτό του μαζί της, θα είναι πολύ δύσκολο να μοιραστεί και το όραμά της για μια αγάπη που θα διαρκεί τώρα και για πάντα…
Το τέταρτο και τελευταίο βιβλίο της σειράς επικεντρώνεται εν μέρει στην ιστορία αγάπης της Πάρκερ και του Μάλκολμ, ταυτόχρονα όμως διεκδικούν τον δικό τους χώρο σε αυτό και τα γεγονότα που πρωταγωνίστησαν στα προηγούμενα βιβλία: οι σχέσεις των τριών κολλητών της εξελίσσονται, γάμοι δρομολογούνται, νέα σχέδια οργανώνονται. Γιατί η Πάρκερ είναι η ψυχή των ‘Όρκων’ και οι ‘Όρκοι’ αποτελούν αναπόσπαστο κομμάτι της ζωής της Πάρκερ· επομένως, δεν θα μπορούσε να υπάρξει το ένα ανεξάρτητα από το άλλο. Ο αναγνώστης, λοιπόν, ας μην ψάξει να βρει σκηνές ρομαντισμού που καταλαμβάνουν πολλές σελίδες, μακροσκελείς εξομολογήσεις, ρομαντικές αποδράσεις και καυτά ραντεβού. Η σχέση του συγκεκριμένου ζευγαριού περιστρέφεται γύρω από το βαρύ πρόγραμμα της Πάρκερ και αναπτύσσεται, αναπνέει και ωριμάζει κυρίως μέσα στο αρχοντικό των Μπράουν, εν μέσω προβών, ετοιμασιών και γαμήλιων δεξιώσεων.
Το κακό με το παραπάνω είναι ότι το στόρυ δεν επικεντρώνεται τόσο στο ίδιο το ζευγάρι. Φαίνεται πως ούτε οι ίδιοι δεν έχουν τον χρόνο ή δεν ευνοούνται από τις περιστάσεις για να ζήσουν αρκετά πράγματα μαζί. Φυσικά, έχουμε δει τη σχέση τους να ξεκινάει από το μηδέν -και κάτω από συνθήκες κάθε άλλο παρά ιδανικές- στα προηγούμενα βιβλία, όμως όσοι περίμεναν μια πρωτόγνωρη κορύφωση εδώ μάλλον θα απογοητευτούν. Η αφήγηση αναλώνεται περισσότερο στο πώς λειτουργούν οι ‘Όρκοι’ και όχι τόσο στο πώς η επικεφαλής τους ζει μια σχέση διαφορετική από όλες τις άλλες. Τώρα, αν αυτό ευχαριστεί τον αναγνώστη ή όχι, είναι καθαρά προσωπικό κριτήριο του καθενός.
Όσο για το ζευγάρι Πάρκερ-Μάλκολμ, είναι το πιο λαμπρό παράδειγμα που επιβεβαιώνει ότι τα ετερώνυμα όντως έλκονται. Μπορεί οι δυο τους να προέρχονται από διαφορετικούς κόσμους και να διαφέρουν πολύ ως προσωπικότητες, όμως τελικά συνειδητοποιούν πως μπορούν να δουν ο καθένας κάτω από το εξωτερικό περίβλημα του άλλου τον πραγματικό του εαυτό. Μπορούν να δουν την ψυχή τους μέσα από τα τείχη που έχουν χτίσει γύρω τους για να προστατέψουν την καρδιά τους. Αυτά που τους ενώνουν αποδεικνύονται περισσότερα και πολύ πιο σημαντικά και δυνατά από αυτά που τους χωρίζουν. Και είναι ενδιαφέρον να δει κανείς το πώς εξελίσσεται αυτή η σχέση, το πώς άναψε η αρχική σπίθα ανάμεσά τους κι έγινε φωτιά που ζέστανε την αγάπη που φώλιαζε μέσα τους.
Η τελειότητα που χαρακτηρίζει όλο το βιβλίο -από τις τέσσερις αψεγάδιαστες φίλες, το επίπεδο δουλειάς τους και το υπέροχο κάθε φορά αποτέλεσμα μέχρι την παραμυθένια εικόνα του κάθε γάμου, τους πανέμορφους γαμπρούς και νύφες και τα προβλήματα που λύνονται στο άψε-σβήσε, χωρίς περαιτέρω φασαρίες- οπωσδήποτε φαντάζει υπερβολική και ψεύτικη. Όμως, αυτό είναι το γενικότερο πλαίσιο μέσα στο οποίο έχει στήσει η Roberts όλη τη συγκεκριμένη ιστορία, κι έτσι την έχεις συνηθίσει πλέον και απλά την αγνοείς.
Το βιβλίο αυτό ίσως να μην είναι αντάξιο όλων των προσδοκιών και μπορεί να λείπει η ένταση που θα περίμενε κανείς φτάνοντας πια στο τέλος. Όμως αποτελεί ένα πολύ όμορφο κλείσιμο για μια μεγάλη ιστορία μιας ομάδας ανθρώπων, η οποία χωρίστηκε σε μικρότερες που αφηγήθηκαν το πώς ο καθένας από αυτούς συνάντησε την προσωπική του ευτυχία. Κι απέδειξε πως οι αληθινοί δεσμοί, όπως η πραγματική αγάπη, η πίστη στο όνειρο, η ενότητα και η ανιδιοτελής φιλία, είναι τόσο δυνατοί, που κανείς και τίποτα δεν μπορεί να νικήσει. Για τώρα και για πάντα…
H κριτική μου για το βιβλίο και στο site "Book City" και τον παρακάτω σύνδεσμο: Τώρα και για πάντα
August 21, 2019
"Hell. Let's just say you're the first woman I've bought shoes for." Again, he drew back, met her eyes. "And the last."
- Nora Roberts, Happy Ever After
This book is as sweet as the previous three of the series. But, (as I keep repeating), it is not as interesting as the first one.
I have liked how Parker, the most practical one of the four friends, finds the love that her other friends have found. This is a literal accidentally in love story as Parker and Malcolm meet when Parker gets stuck in a snow-bound car.
I have liked the way Parker handles her emotions and her relationship with Malcolm after knowing about the bet.
The wedding of Mac and Parker, in this book, is a treat and a good farewell of the series.
I have liked this book.
- Nora Roberts, Happy Ever After
This book is as sweet as the previous three of the series. But, (as I keep repeating), it is not as interesting as the first one.
I have liked how Parker, the most practical one of the four friends, finds the love that her other friends have found. This is a literal accidentally in love story as Parker and Malcolm meet when Parker gets stuck in a snow-bound car.
I have liked the way Parker handles her emotions and her relationship with Malcolm after knowing about the bet.
The wedding of Mac and Parker, in this book, is a treat and a good farewell of the series.
I have liked this book.
January 12, 2018
This was the book I was waiting the entire series for! And for the most part, I'm really happy with how everything progressed between Parker and Malcolm (and yeah I'm aware I misspelled his name in my status update, tho I'm not sure why there isn't an edit update option on GR, it's 2018 ffs, we should have one by now), but I'm not happy with the final part, where Malcolm realizes the depth of his feelings for Parker and he proclaims his undying love and devotion using Carter's, Del's and Jack's words. Seems to me that Parker would've been happy with something simple, as long as it's genuine. But yeah, otherwise totally worth the wait.
January 3, 2016
I really like this book and here's hoping for starting the year with the romance book might insight some real life romance! LOL one can always dream! LOL The characters are really sweet and I love weddings and this one wasn't so sappy really liked it
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