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Take 2
Contemporary Romance
Alexandra Daniels is forty-something and hard-working in and out of her home . Her life has been plodding along at a snails pace and she’s longing for excitement. She wins a trip to her favorite talk show in New York, the Veronica Becker Show, and it just so happens the actor of her dreams is a guest, Derek Dunbar! Is Alex’s life about to change?
Derek Dunbar is Scottish, an actor and a hunk! Every woman in America drools after him. He has his pick of women but stinks at relationships. At forty, is he longing for a more meaningful relationship? Does he even know how to have one? Is he willing to make the effort or will it just be too complicated?
Alexandra Daniels is forty-something and hard-working in and out of her home . Her life has been plodding along at a snails pace and she’s longing for excitement. She wins a trip to her favorite talk show in New York, the Veronica Becker Show, and it just so happens the actor of her dreams is a guest, Derek Dunbar! Is Alex’s life about to change?
Derek Dunbar is Scottish, an actor and a hunk! Every woman in America drools after him. He has his pick of women but stinks at relationships. At forty, is he longing for a more meaningful relationship? Does he even know how to have one? Is he willing to make the effort or will it just be too complicated?
- GenresRomance
167 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 27, 2012
1 person is currently reading
58 people want to read
About the author
Linda Bolton
4 books48 followersLinda Sachse is an author or Women's Fiction and Romance. She loves to write a book that you can relax by the fire with or out by the pool, transforming you to a place or two you'd like to visit. She resides in Texas where her stories begin with her husband, granddaughter and a pet or two.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
April 20, 2013
Alex is a housewife that's been married a long time. Her daughter is grown and in college, her marriage getting stale. She has made some changes in her appearance and wins a trip to a talk show where she meets Derek her favorite movie star fantasy man in the flesh. He asks her on a date and she finds her attraction strong. Is it mutual or is she just another one of his conquests?
This story held really good premise Who doesn't dream of actually becoming involved with their favorite star and sweeping o him off his feet. I know I do. I loved Alex and Derek and how they both are dealing with the changes in their lives as they mature. However the descriptions of all the scenery the sets and minute details were a bit much and slowed the story down for me. I also found it flipping back and forth a lot from Alex and Derek and sometimes even a minor characters view confusing me at times. There were lots of twists and turns such as the kidnapping and the Magician that really seemed to get interesting then all of a sudden fall flat or just disappear I would have liked to see more involvement at the end with Tristan the magician and his anger. But all in all this is a good romance, with some mystery and intrigue and some sensuous loving sex scenes ( I would have liked to seen a bit more of the sex scenes with Alex and Derek)
Recommendations: If you like Strong female leads, older more mature characters, romance and intrigue and a lot of scenic details this one is for you!
This story held really good premise Who doesn't dream of actually becoming involved with their favorite star and sweeping o him off his feet. I know I do. I loved Alex and Derek and how they both are dealing with the changes in their lives as they mature. However the descriptions of all the scenery the sets and minute details were a bit much and slowed the story down for me. I also found it flipping back and forth a lot from Alex and Derek and sometimes even a minor characters view confusing me at times. There were lots of twists and turns such as the kidnapping and the Magician that really seemed to get interesting then all of a sudden fall flat or just disappear I would have liked to see more involvement at the end with Tristan the magician and his anger. But all in all this is a good romance, with some mystery and intrigue and some sensuous loving sex scenes ( I would have liked to seen a bit more of the sex scenes with Alex and Derek)
Recommendations: If you like Strong female leads, older more mature characters, romance and intrigue and a lot of scenic details this one is for you!
January 13, 2013
The synopsis of this story was the reason I downloaded this freebie from Amazon. An older woman that a gorgeous and sexy and famous movie star falls in love with!!!!! Who wouldn't love to live out such a fantasy?????
I don’t have the authority to comment as a writer as I have never had anything published. However, I am a more than avid reader and after many years of devouring all kinds of books, I know with certainty that I am able to comment on what makes the difference between a good and not so good book. So my comments are totally from a reader’s POV and are based on what I liked and did not like about Take 2 by Linda Bolton, a first time author for me.
These are my thoughts – JUST IN CASE - THERE MAY BE SOME SPOILERS
PLOT
The premise of the story was interesting, having two people from totally different worlds and the obstacles faced by both before getting their HEA.
However, I felt that there was far “too much” information i.e.….so many scenes of movie sets, too many locations……it kept moving so fast that at times I had to remind myself where I was…LA or Kuwait!!!
Too many sub-plots. The kidnapping, the Haiti scene and the part with the magician in Las Vegas just made no sense to me perhaps because it kind of dragged on and on to the point that in the end became a bit too unrealistic and unbelievable.
CHARACTERS
I liked Alex and not only for the fact that she was a 40 something woman but for her naturalness, openness and how she viewed and experienced a new world that she had never imagine being in. She knows that her marriage is missing that “spark” and feels unsure, and after spending over 20 years placing the needs of her husband and grown-up daughter first, suddenly, due to unexpected circumstances, discovers a whole new world out there.
Gorgeous, sexy and famous movie star is tired of the whole fickle world that he’s part of, never finding a woman he wants to spend his life with. He’s one hell of a lovable character. Are there any movie stars out there so nice and normal like him?????? Liked seeing that despite his fame and fortune, he still has to deal with his insecurities like us mortals. He’s nothing like what I see on E!!!!!! Far too nice to live in LA LA land.
What I missed about these two – no real sexual tension, not enough written with the two together….they seemed more apart than with each other. I would have liked more on them than all the flying around in and out of movie sets, interviews, etc. Yes I am aware that this is an actor’s life, but still!!!!! When do they actually get to know each other I wondered? I wanted more EMOTION!!!
WRITING STYLE
Smooth which makes reading easy and enjoyable. There was more in “telling” than “showing” though, which is one of the reasons I am not giving it a higher rating.
Despite being labeled contemporary romance, I would have loved a bit of “spice” in the sex scenes. They were written in such a short space that before I blinked, their hot and sweaty bodies were falling asleep!!!!!!!!! I didn’t expect “smut” but more of sexy, sensual, sizzling moments between Alex & Derek.
In conclusion, I really liked this book and I am definitely going to read more of this author’s work in the future.
I recommend anyone who loves a story about the exciting movie world and where the heroine is not the usual young virgin and the hero who wants more than just being the first man to dominate and “deflower” an innocent and down and out maiden in distress, that you will definitely enjoy Take 2.
PS…Yes, Linda…..I had Gerard Butler in my head !!!!!!!
I don’t have the authority to comment as a writer as I have never had anything published. However, I am a more than avid reader and after many years of devouring all kinds of books, I know with certainty that I am able to comment on what makes the difference between a good and not so good book. So my comments are totally from a reader’s POV and are based on what I liked and did not like about Take 2 by Linda Bolton, a first time author for me.
These are my thoughts – JUST IN CASE - THERE MAY BE SOME SPOILERS
PLOT
The premise of the story was interesting, having two people from totally different worlds and the obstacles faced by both before getting their HEA.
However, I felt that there was far “too much” information i.e.….so many scenes of movie sets, too many locations……it kept moving so fast that at times I had to remind myself where I was…LA or Kuwait!!!
Too many sub-plots. The kidnapping, the Haiti scene and the part with the magician in Las Vegas just made no sense to me perhaps because it kind of dragged on and on to the point that in the end became a bit too unrealistic and unbelievable.
CHARACTERS
I liked Alex and not only for the fact that she was a 40 something woman but for her naturalness, openness and how she viewed and experienced a new world that she had never imagine being in. She knows that her marriage is missing that “spark” and feels unsure, and after spending over 20 years placing the needs of her husband and grown-up daughter first, suddenly, due to unexpected circumstances, discovers a whole new world out there.
Gorgeous, sexy and famous movie star is tired of the whole fickle world that he’s part of, never finding a woman he wants to spend his life with. He’s one hell of a lovable character. Are there any movie stars out there so nice and normal like him?????? Liked seeing that despite his fame and fortune, he still has to deal with his insecurities like us mortals. He’s nothing like what I see on E!!!!!! Far too nice to live in LA LA land.
What I missed about these two – no real sexual tension, not enough written with the two together….they seemed more apart than with each other. I would have liked more on them than all the flying around in and out of movie sets, interviews, etc. Yes I am aware that this is an actor’s life, but still!!!!! When do they actually get to know each other I wondered? I wanted more EMOTION!!!
WRITING STYLE
Smooth which makes reading easy and enjoyable. There was more in “telling” than “showing” though, which is one of the reasons I am not giving it a higher rating.
Despite being labeled contemporary romance, I would have loved a bit of “spice” in the sex scenes. They were written in such a short space that before I blinked, their hot and sweaty bodies were falling asleep!!!!!!!!! I didn’t expect “smut” but more of sexy, sensual, sizzling moments between Alex & Derek.
In conclusion, I really liked this book and I am definitely going to read more of this author’s work in the future.
I recommend anyone who loves a story about the exciting movie world and where the heroine is not the usual young virgin and the hero who wants more than just being the first man to dominate and “deflower” an innocent and down and out maiden in distress, that you will definitely enjoy Take 2.
PS…Yes, Linda…..I had Gerard Butler in my head !!!!!!!
February 18, 2013
Reviewed for The Boyfriend Bookmark
Click here for review
When I began reading this book, I wasn't sure if it was really "my kind" of book. But the more I read the more I was taken in by it.
Alex, a beautiful mother and wife, takes a dream trip to New York to meet her favorite TV host, but quickly learns that one of the guests, Derek, was much more to her liking. They share one amazing evening in New York, then Alex returns to her life back in Plano, Texas. Derek and Alex keep in touch with quick little texts. Then the unthinkable happens, Alex loses her husband in a tragic accident and she is left alone.
She finds solace, peace and even happiness with Derek. But Derek's life is complicated.
Derek Dunbar is an actor and a very sought after. The press, the fans and other actresses all want a piece of him as he struggles to figure out what he wants.
After some crazy adventures, some not so pleasant, he realizes what exactly it is that he wants.
The build up in this book was crazy, but so worth it. Alex and Derek are from two different worlds it seems, but can they find their way to eachother?
I enjoyed this book and the characters and wondered quite honestly if put in the same situation as Alex, if I could leave my life behind and go after what I wanted. So much uncertainty in the situation.
Then there's Tristan, I think this man leaves the story so open to a follow up book. His appearance in the book was brief but long enough to cause some serious drama.
Though I did love the character of Alex, I was entralled with Derek. Maybe it was his famed status, his smokin' hot looks or maybe it was just his heart. He had such a big heart and so much to give. Was he willing to take the chance and make the relationship with Alex work?
Linda Bolton does a great job building the characters and their personalities, I felt like I was watching from afar. In the end I adored the characters and the story. Well written and worth the read!
Click here for review
When I began reading this book, I wasn't sure if it was really "my kind" of book. But the more I read the more I was taken in by it.
Alex, a beautiful mother and wife, takes a dream trip to New York to meet her favorite TV host, but quickly learns that one of the guests, Derek, was much more to her liking. They share one amazing evening in New York, then Alex returns to her life back in Plano, Texas. Derek and Alex keep in touch with quick little texts. Then the unthinkable happens, Alex loses her husband in a tragic accident and she is left alone.
She finds solace, peace and even happiness with Derek. But Derek's life is complicated.
Derek Dunbar is an actor and a very sought after. The press, the fans and other actresses all want a piece of him as he struggles to figure out what he wants.
After some crazy adventures, some not so pleasant, he realizes what exactly it is that he wants.
The build up in this book was crazy, but so worth it. Alex and Derek are from two different worlds it seems, but can they find their way to eachother?
I enjoyed this book and the characters and wondered quite honestly if put in the same situation as Alex, if I could leave my life behind and go after what I wanted. So much uncertainty in the situation.
Then there's Tristan, I think this man leaves the story so open to a follow up book. His appearance in the book was brief but long enough to cause some serious drama.
Though I did love the character of Alex, I was entralled with Derek. Maybe it was his famed status, his smokin' hot looks or maybe it was just his heart. He had such a big heart and so much to give. Was he willing to take the chance and make the relationship with Alex work?
Linda Bolton does a great job building the characters and their personalities, I felt like I was watching from afar. In the end I adored the characters and the story. Well written and worth the read!
December 14, 2013
In this fun romance novel, the heroine is given the opportunity to see what it's like to date her Hollywood crush. I enjoyed reading the introduction to the book where the author confessed that Derek's character was based on the real-life actor Gerard Butler. I've also been a fan of the Scottish hunk for the past few years, so it was easy to picture him acting out the scenes in the book.
Overall, I enjoyed reading "Take 2." However, there is some room for improvement. For example, the book would have benefited from more showing and less telling. Instead of simply telling us that the couple is in love, the author could have shown us-- through flirty banter, private jokes, shared interests, etc. It felt a little bit like we fast forwarded from strangers meeting the first time to lovers. I would've enjoyed reading more about how their relationship developed and the things that brought them together.
** Spoiler Alert **
My second criticism of the book was that there were several places where I had to "suspend my belief." There were times when the characters did things that didn't really make sense to me. I couldn't see their motivation. For instance, there's a scene where Alex and Derek went to see a Las Vegas show. Afterwards the host invited them backstage. He made a bet with Derek involving a deck of cards. If Derek lost, his girlfriend would have to go on a date with the other guy. The guy was a showman and a magician (not to mention the fact that it was his deck of cards), yet Derek agreed to the bet. Why would he do that?
Plus, Alex went along with it. In reality, most 21st century women would look between the two men, roll her eyes, and say something along the lines of "you're both idiots" before turning on her heal and walking away. Why would she go along with their chauvinistic bet?
Critiques aside, I enjoyed reading "Take 2" and I look forward to reading Linda Bolton's next book!
Overall, I enjoyed reading "Take 2." However, there is some room for improvement. For example, the book would have benefited from more showing and less telling. Instead of simply telling us that the couple is in love, the author could have shown us-- through flirty banter, private jokes, shared interests, etc. It felt a little bit like we fast forwarded from strangers meeting the first time to lovers. I would've enjoyed reading more about how their relationship developed and the things that brought them together.
** Spoiler Alert **
My second criticism of the book was that there were several places where I had to "suspend my belief." There were times when the characters did things that didn't really make sense to me. I couldn't see their motivation. For instance, there's a scene where Alex and Derek went to see a Las Vegas show. Afterwards the host invited them backstage. He made a bet with Derek involving a deck of cards. If Derek lost, his girlfriend would have to go on a date with the other guy. The guy was a showman and a magician (not to mention the fact that it was his deck of cards), yet Derek agreed to the bet. Why would he do that?
Plus, Alex went along with it. In reality, most 21st century women would look between the two men, roll her eyes, and say something along the lines of "you're both idiots" before turning on her heal and walking away. Why would she go along with their chauvinistic bet?
Critiques aside, I enjoyed reading "Take 2" and I look forward to reading Linda Bolton's next book!
February 27, 2013
I think this just might be the first one star rating I've ever given.
Part of the reason I read this one was because of the high rating on goodreads, but I was disappointed in this one.
I thought this story was a big display of unhealthy relationships, and was disgusted by Alex's lack of loyalty to anyone. I kept expecting some kind of twist that would change something, but it never came.
The writing felt very choppy to me and was hard to follow. I think there was a lot of detail given about things that I felt was unnecessary, but yet there were things that I felt I'd like more detail about (supporting characters and such) that was missing. I sometimes had a hard time following when it switched from Derek to Alex's point of view and vice versa.
Part of the reason I read this one was because of the high rating on goodreads, but I was disappointed in this one.
I thought this story was a big display of unhealthy relationships, and was disgusted by Alex's lack of loyalty to anyone. I kept expecting some kind of twist that would change something, but it never came.
The writing felt very choppy to me and was hard to follow. I think there was a lot of detail given about things that I felt was unnecessary, but yet there were things that I felt I'd like more detail about (supporting characters and such) that was missing. I sometimes had a hard time following when it switched from Derek to Alex's point of view and vice versa.
November 29, 2014
Wasted reading
I am giving this one star or no star. Story line could have been better. No angst, emotional attachment to the characters, and no characters development. The story is this...married woman cheat on husband without emotional repercussions. Husband dies so the woman goes back to him. Back and forth they hook up then separate. Then the story end with another man interested on her. Then he has self monologue that he wants to marry her. Then the book ends. Don't waste your time. This is so cheesy and a wasted reading....just flipped through the pages.
I am giving this one star or no star. Story line could have been better. No angst, emotional attachment to the characters, and no characters development. The story is this...married woman cheat on husband without emotional repercussions. Husband dies so the woman goes back to him. Back and forth they hook up then separate. Then the story end with another man interested on her. Then he has self monologue that he wants to marry her. Then the book ends. Don't waste your time. This is so cheesy and a wasted reading....just flipped through the pages.
March 11, 2014
A quick, fun read!
If you're a lover or romance novels, you'll enjoy this one. You can indulge in your wildest dreams and follow a regular gal's crush. Take 2 is a page turner with some steamy but tasty sex scenes thrown in. The travel descriptions make you want to book a trip there too! Maybe YOUR crush is hanging out there and waiting for you?
If you're a lover or romance novels, you'll enjoy this one. You can indulge in your wildest dreams and follow a regular gal's crush. Take 2 is a page turner with some steamy but tasty sex scenes thrown in. The travel descriptions make you want to book a trip there too! Maybe YOUR crush is hanging out there and waiting for you?
January 17, 2015
Every Woman's Dream
Take 2 was definitely an enjoyable story. What woman wouldn't want a huge Hollywood star falling for her? I know I'd love it... I definitely look forward to reading more from Linda Bolton.
Take 2 was definitely an enjoyable story. What woman wouldn't want a huge Hollywood star falling for her? I know I'd love it... I definitely look forward to reading more from Linda Bolton.
January 25, 2014
I have tried several times to read this - just can't get past the horrific writing and self absorbed heroine . Shelved
April 29, 2013
The characters were well rounded. It was easy to connect to them and cheer them on.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews