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Whatever It Takes
Gavin Fitzgerald is the perfect husband. His wife, Emma, was always able to brag to her friends about how caring, loving, helpful, and successful he was. Having been married five years, they have just put the finishing touches on their dream home and are ready to start a family. Everything seems ideal until one day Gavin confesses to Emma that he was unfaithful, turning their entire relationship from perfect to a total disaster.
Suddenly Emma's carefully controlled world is chaotic and her future uncertain as she struggles to determine if she is able to forgive Gavin or have the strength to move on.
Suddenly Emma's carefully controlled world is chaotic and her future uncertain as she struggles to determine if she is able to forgive Gavin or have the strength to move on.
231 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 5, 2013
199 people are currently reading
1115 people want to read
About the author
L. Maretta
3 books106 followersL Maretta, a full time educator, has a passion for many things but most of them have taken a back seat to writing. After writing for her own enjoyment since she was a teen, she finally decided to try sharing her work with the world, and her debut novel, Whatever It Takes, was published in June 2013. Her second novel, Falling From Disgrace, followed in August. She has a great love of books, and enjoys reading everything from horror to erotica.
She lives in Florida, where she thinks the heat is ridiculous, but survives it by lounging by the pool with her laptop and Kindle all summer.
L. Maretta’s books are not only engaging romance novels, but they are also stories that people can relate to. These are not fantasy stories with billionaire playboys and sex goddesses. The content is real, centering on the true trials and tribulations of every day life, making the reader feel much more connected to the characters.
She lives in Florida, where she thinks the heat is ridiculous, but survives it by lounging by the pool with her laptop and Kindle all summer.
L. Maretta’s books are not only engaging romance novels, but they are also stories that people can relate to. These are not fantasy stories with billionaire playboys and sex goddesses. The content is real, centering on the true trials and tribulations of every day life, making the reader feel much more connected to the characters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 172 reviews
June 28, 2022
Speechless.
The zero cheated on his wife, a wife he loved and with whom he had wonderful sex life and a wonderful marriage, because he wanted revenge on his ex girlfriend who dumped him something of 10 years before.
So he kissed her, he planned to take her in her room and then dump her as she did years before. Pity he ended f***ing her hard.
He wasn’t even drunk. He wasn’t angry or pissed with his wife for something. All was good
This is the first unforgivable thing.
Then, one month later, since he’s a coward and a selfish bastard, he tells his wife he cheated on her. Because his guilt was killing him. I wish it did! So, instead of suffering in silence as he should have and taking that remorse to his grave, he prefers throwing that boulder on his innocent wife, the sob!
This was second unforgivable thing.
Then he pushes because he wants her back and he is frustrated because for one month they haven’t had sex- she’s still pissed- and it’s all about him. I hated that man.
The heroine is a mess, she suffers from OCD and panic attacks and he’s the one who takes care of her so I don’t see her decision to forgive him and take him back as true love but as a weak and damaged woman needing another human being to support her.
She should have tried harder to live by herself instead of giving up at the first issue.
And the end. Please, spare me the end. With ow who stalks the hero and then goes to his house and the heroine talking to her and telling her she forgives her.
What????
seriously???
Third unforgivable thing.
I did not like those characters at all, the hero was one of the worst cowards ever, and yes, he will cheat again because he cheated when he was happy in his marriage, so when there will be problems he will have more reasons to do it.
Nope, he didn’t really love his wife. He was not thinking of her when he cheated nor when he told her what he did.
The only character I loved was uncle Dom, described as an older George Clooney, he almost smash his nephew’s face when he tells him he cheated on his wife. Much sexier and alpha than his nephew.
I don’t feel like this book portrays a true love, the heroine was co dependent and the zero was selfish narcissist, I’m just unable to believe in their hea.
The zero cheated on his wife, a wife he loved and with whom he had wonderful sex life and a wonderful marriage, because he wanted revenge on his ex girlfriend who dumped him something of 10 years before.
So he kissed her, he planned to take her in her room and then dump her as she did years before. Pity he ended f***ing her hard.
He wasn’t even drunk. He wasn’t angry or pissed with his wife for something. All was good
This is the first unforgivable thing.
Then, one month later, since he’s a coward and a selfish bastard, he tells his wife he cheated on her. Because his guilt was killing him. I wish it did! So, instead of suffering in silence as he should have and taking that remorse to his grave, he prefers throwing that boulder on his innocent wife, the sob!
This was second unforgivable thing.
Then he pushes because he wants her back and he is frustrated because for one month they haven’t had sex- she’s still pissed- and it’s all about him. I hated that man.
The heroine is a mess, she suffers from OCD and panic attacks and he’s the one who takes care of her so I don’t see her decision to forgive him and take him back as true love but as a weak and damaged woman needing another human being to support her.
She should have tried harder to live by herself instead of giving up at the first issue.
And the end. Please, spare me the end. With ow who stalks the hero and then goes to his house and the heroine talking to her and telling her she forgives her.
What????
seriously???
Third unforgivable thing.
I did not like those characters at all, the hero was one of the worst cowards ever, and yes, he will cheat again because he cheated when he was happy in his marriage, so when there will be problems he will have more reasons to do it.
Nope, he didn’t really love his wife. He was not thinking of her when he cheated nor when he told her what he did.
The only character I loved was uncle Dom, described as an older George Clooney, he almost smash his nephew’s face when he tells him he cheated on his wife. Much sexier and alpha than his nephew.
I don’t feel like this book portrays a true love, the heroine was co dependent and the zero was selfish narcissist, I’m just unable to believe in their hea.
October 23, 2019
The excuse he gave for having sex with the other woman was not convincing to me. He did it because he could. After all the other woman was his ex-girlfriend who left him and broke his heart.
“
“I slept with somebody.”
“Em, it was just one time and I swear to Christ, it didn’t mean anything but I couldn’t keep it in any more. I love you and I couldn’t keep lying to you. The guilt, it’s been killing me.”
Words like betrayal, hate, unfaithful, and divorce swam through my head until it pounded and sun was completely gone.
My wife was a knock-out and I cheated on her. What the hell was wrong with me?
“Who was it?” My husband took another deep breath. I steadied myself. “It was Lisa.”
“So that was it?” I asked, eyeing him with contempt. “She cried to you about sorry she was about breaking your heart all those years ago and you jumped back into bed with her?”
“She kissed me. She kissed me and I didn’t push her away. Then she asked me to go back up to her room with her. I swear to God Emma, I was going to follow her to her room and then tell her goodbye and that I loved you and I had no interest in her whatsoever. But then I don’t know what happened. We got to her door and she attacked me. She pulled me into the room and I just couldn’t stop myself.
I felt ashamed. A part of me felt like people would think there was something wrong with me that led Gavin to cheat.
OW==>She pretended not to hear me and started with the tears. “I love you, Gavin, I’ve never stopped loving you. I don’t know what I was thinking when I broke up with you, I was scared, I guess. Please, I will do anything. Just come up to my room with me.”
“At work I had something to occupy my brain for half the day. Now I’ll have all day to think about you fucking that woman.”
“
Shut up, Gavin!” I turned to him, the anger back with a vengeance. “I can barely look at you right now and you want me to have sex with you? Every time I close my eyes all I can see is you with her and I can’t... I can’t... I just can’t!”
“You guys were my hope, ya know? That people can be happy despite all the fucked up nonsense we live in.” “I know, Yvonne. Believe me, I know.”
Maybe Gavin wasn’t attracted to me anymore and that’s why he cheated.
Lisa started calling my cell phone.
He raised his hand up again, but this time to point a finger in Gavin's face. “Yer father would be ashamed of yeh,” he growled
“Gavin loves me!” she shouted. “My husband doesn’t give a damn about you,”
Because I forgive him. And you know what? I forgive you too, Lisa.
May 13, 2023
Was he drunk? No
Was he drugged? No
Was he forced? No
Did he “finish”? No
Does that make it any less hurtful? No
Does he have a good reason for cheating? No
Did he treat the ow like crap? Yes
Did she deserve it? Yes
Why did he cheat? Because he could
No, really, why did he cheat? Because he has unresolved feelings for his first love
Did he grovel? Nowhere near enough
Was he patient enough? No
Will he cheat again? Probably
Red flag NTS:
🚩7 years ago, on their first official date, 4 months into a relationship that he had to coax her into (she has severe anxiety and ocd issues to the point that she couldn’t drive in a car, felt anxious in a crowded room by herself and other debilitating scenarios):
He promises to be there for her the entire night etc and what does he do?
In a crowded room, he excuses himself (literally without a glance) to walk over to his ex gf (his first love who broke his heart) He left her alone for more than 15 mins😱She had to take a 45 minute cab drive home🤢ALONE
Was he drugged? No
Was he forced? No
Did he “finish”? No
Does that make it any less hurtful? No
Does he have a good reason for cheating? No
Did he treat the ow like crap? Yes
Did she deserve it? Yes
Why did he cheat? Because he could
No, really, why did he cheat? Because he has unresolved feelings for his first love
Did he grovel? Nowhere near enough
Was he patient enough? No
Will he cheat again? Probably
Red flag NTS:
🚩7 years ago, on their first official date, 4 months into a relationship that he had to coax her into (she has severe anxiety and ocd issues to the point that she couldn’t drive in a car, felt anxious in a crowded room by herself and other debilitating scenarios):
He promises to be there for her the entire night etc and what does he do?
In a crowded room, he excuses himself (literally without a glance) to walk over to his ex gf (his first love who broke his heart) He left her alone for more than 15 mins😱She had to take a 45 minute cab drive home🤢ALONE
May 8, 2019
Scumbag husband who purposely cheats with his ex fiancee to get his own back on her. He apparently never got over her dumping him, even though it was years ago and he was now apparently married to the love of his life? Angry child much? He also is not very patient when the wife shockingly takes a while to get over the betrayal. Why she forgave him I will never understand. Also, I don’t buy the whole he didn’t have feelings for Lisa crap. When he was first with the heroine, who has bad anxiety, he abandoned her at a function for over 15 minutes to talk with his ex, then he cheats with her years later? Come on. I, unlike other reviewers, didn’t really have a problem with how he treated the OW. Sure he is an ass, but she treated people like shit, she knew he was married, he didn’t owe her anything, and she was happy to obliterate his wife and her own husband.
Also, the author seems to think we should be happy the hero didn’t orgasm, like it makes a difference. But then what can you expect from a man who ranks his former girlfriend dumping him as more of a painful experience than his mother dying of cancer?
Also, the author seems to think we should be happy the hero didn’t orgasm, like it makes a difference. But then what can you expect from a man who ranks his former girlfriend dumping him as more of a painful experience than his mother dying of cancer?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 2, 2018
Really liked this one, and before I go any further there is CHEATING in this book. It's in the blurb so if you're a cheater hater then this one is not for you. Me? I inhale this trope when it's done well, and this one was.
Gavin effed up, monumentally. Was he an idiot? Absolutely. But he owned his eff up, knew he did so very wrong and worked for and earned his forgiveness. THIS is how you grovel! Emma didn't just roll over, oh no! I love love love how the author handled this very sensitive subject. I felt their pain (yes both of them), the agony, the fear, the self doubts.
Emma wasn't perfect by any stretch of the imagination, but never once did Gavin bring that into play to try and shift the blame, he fought so hard for her to see that it was all on him. Loved that.
4.5 stars
Gavin effed up, monumentally. Was he an idiot? Absolutely. But he owned his eff up, knew he did so very wrong and worked for and earned his forgiveness. THIS is how you grovel! Emma didn't just roll over, oh no! I love love love how the author handled this very sensitive subject. I felt their pain (yes both of them), the agony, the fear, the self doubts.
Emma wasn't perfect by any stretch of the imagination, but never once did Gavin bring that into play to try and shift the blame, he fought so hard for her to see that it was all on him. Loved that.
4.5 stars
May 10, 2023
I decided to reread a few of these cheating bastards in honor of Valentine’s Day. I’ll leave my rating, but would probably be a solid 3⭐’s. The cheating made zero sense… at all. IMO, it would’ve worked better had the OW roofied him because I’m not buying his revenge plan. 🙄
3.5
I reread this because I recently read Tiebreaker that made me think of this because this H also cheats for the stupidest reason. I think the first go-round, I was too hung up on the why because I liked it more this time around. If you can push aside that, the actual “doing the work” part of reconciling is done pretty well.
This isn’t the most riveting read, so if you’re in the mood for cheating drama with lots of arguments, OW run-ins, OTT emotional breakdowns… this isn’t it… but… if you’re in the mood for a calmer, more realistic read where the MC’s work to repair their marriage… give it a shot.
I felt the struggle was real, and could understand the “one step forward, two steps back” process. I could feel their love and believed in their HEA. There’s even a nice epilogue to seal it several years in the future.
Bottom Line- I liked it better this time around and decided to round up. Partly because it’s on KU (I love free books) and partly to negate some of the hate this content (cheating books) receives. It’s also a solid read, especially for an author that only has a handful of books.
****original review****
I’m participating in a kindle unlimited challenge for the month, so it feels like I’m reading a ton about shifters, aliens and broken marriages:)
Emma and Gavin are perfect. He’s the best hubs ever, until he decides to get revenge on his ex for breaking his heart and his poor little man ego. How does he stick it to her? Well by literally sticking it to her, then rejecting her mid-screw... that’ll show her!! Except whoops, that might hurt his wife Emma’s feelings... drat... but hey... he didn’t come so she’ll surely understand 🙄🙄🙄
*which shockingly that info seems to be the turning point in Emma’s healing*
So Gavin is an idiot, but what I’m struggling with is why. Usually in these books the couple is having some sort of issue, death, stress, going through the motions. They both have work to do. In this book by all accounts, they are happily married...no complaints from either... then why did he cheat?? He wasn’t drunk, they weren’t fighting , no one slipped him a roofie... why ?
I will say with the completely stupid reason for cheating aside. The fight for their marriage is emotional and realistic. Gavin is very remorseful, there’s plenty of groveling.
“And I don’t give a damn if you want to run, if you want out. I’m not going to let you! I’m going to stay! I’m going to fight for us, even if I’m fighting for myself!”
I felt the couple dealt with their issues maturely. Although Emma refuses therapy, she still works through her own forgiveness steps, and Gavin sees a therapist for his part.
Side note. I saw that Gavin got some flak for his treatment of Lisa (the ex) although I feel like he should have moved on from his need to “get back at her” I didn’t feel bad for Lisa at all. She was actively pursuing/stalking a married man, and had no care for Emma’s feelings... she can suck it:)
3.5
I reread this because I recently read Tiebreaker that made me think of this because this H also cheats for the stupidest reason. I think the first go-round, I was too hung up on the why because I liked it more this time around. If you can push aside that, the actual “doing the work” part of reconciling is done pretty well.
This isn’t the most riveting read, so if you’re in the mood for cheating drama with lots of arguments, OW run-ins, OTT emotional breakdowns… this isn’t it… but… if you’re in the mood for a calmer, more realistic read where the MC’s work to repair their marriage… give it a shot.
I felt the struggle was real, and could understand the “one step forward, two steps back” process. I could feel their love and believed in their HEA. There’s even a nice epilogue to seal it several years in the future.
Bottom Line- I liked it better this time around and decided to round up. Partly because it’s on KU (I love free books) and partly to negate some of the hate this content (cheating books) receives. It’s also a solid read, especially for an author that only has a handful of books.
****original review****
I’m participating in a kindle unlimited challenge for the month, so it feels like I’m reading a ton about shifters, aliens and broken marriages:)
Emma and Gavin are perfect. He’s the best hubs ever, until he decides to get revenge on his ex for breaking his heart and his poor little man ego. How does he stick it to her? Well by literally sticking it to her, then rejecting her mid-screw... that’ll show her!! Except whoops, that might hurt his wife Emma’s feelings... drat... but hey... he didn’t come so she’ll surely understand 🙄🙄🙄
*which shockingly that info seems to be the turning point in Emma’s healing*
So Gavin is an idiot, but what I’m struggling with is why. Usually in these books the couple is having some sort of issue, death, stress, going through the motions. They both have work to do. In this book by all accounts, they are happily married...no complaints from either... then why did he cheat?? He wasn’t drunk, they weren’t fighting , no one slipped him a roofie... why ?
I will say with the completely stupid reason for cheating aside. The fight for their marriage is emotional and realistic. Gavin is very remorseful, there’s plenty of groveling.
“And I don’t give a damn if you want to run, if you want out. I’m not going to let you! I’m going to stay! I’m going to fight for us, even if I’m fighting for myself!”
I felt the couple dealt with their issues maturely. Although Emma refuses therapy, she still works through her own forgiveness steps, and Gavin sees a therapist for his part.
Side note. I saw that Gavin got some flak for his treatment of Lisa (the ex) although I feel like he should have moved on from his need to “get back at her” I didn’t feel bad for Lisa at all. She was actively pursuing/stalking a married man, and had no care for Emma’s feelings... she can suck it:)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 7, 2022
Lots of talking, not showing. For example, heroine reads the six bullet points about how to save your marriage after a spouse cheats, and then inserts those points as headers in different scenes.
So while this was interesting essay about a husband who has a one night stand with his ex fiancé * and how the hero forgave him, I was never invested in this couple. Heroine embraced her anxiety and OCD as a personality trait. Hero was bland and apologetic when he wasn't crying.
Both of them had temper tantrums that involved breaking and throwing things to liven up the psychobabble. *sigh* That's not a substitute for drama or storytelling, author.
If you like cheating stories and marriage in trouble stories, you might like this one. It has all the boxes checked: The hero had a fragile ego, the heroine could pat herself on her back for not being the reason the hero cheated, and the OW was crazy obsessed with the hero.
*Spoiler *Hero cheated with the OW because he wanted revenge on her for cheating on him during their engagement. He wanted to dump her like she dumped him.
So while this was interesting essay about a husband who has a one night stand with his ex fiancé * and how the hero forgave him, I was never invested in this couple. Heroine embraced her anxiety and OCD as a personality trait. Hero was bland and apologetic when he wasn't crying.
Both of them had temper tantrums that involved breaking and throwing things to liven up the psychobabble. *sigh* That's not a substitute for drama or storytelling, author.
If you like cheating stories and marriage in trouble stories, you might like this one. It has all the boxes checked: The hero had a fragile ego, the heroine could pat herself on her back for not being the reason the hero cheated, and the OW was crazy obsessed with the hero.
*Spoiler *Hero cheated with the OW because he wanted revenge on her for cheating on him during their engagement. He wanted to dump her like she dumped him.
May 14, 2023
He cheated with his ex fiancee, it was a planti get revenge on her for cheating and dumping him. He wanted to make her feel rejected. He just forget he would be acting worse than his ex and betraying in an even bigger ways his wife.
He somehow forgot how he went to kissing his ex to fucking her from behing. Wasn't it a plan? So how he could forget?
He come home like nothing happened and proceeded to fuck his wife for a month without confessing. Std are never discussed, this doormat doesn't even go get tested.
She is all barks, no bite. She is mad for a month but never really take any action. She knew she would cave, it was a matter of time.
Time, ohh this hero is not very patient, he is the one who fucked someone else and take a month to have the balls to confess but his wife has to act on the way he wants. He wants her to be mad and scream at first otherwise he would feel even more gultyi. However she can't be mad for long because he is gets easily tired of the situation at home. He pressured her to have sex as a way to release all the tension and when that didn't happen he had a fit and storms out.
He feels like he can be mad she is not treating him like the usual, he says he is mad at the situation and not her but cmon the situation? I think he wanted to say his cock that he willingly put inside another woman. This is not a "situation" this was a conscious choice and now instead of dealing with the consequences like someone truly regretful it seems like he regret the disrupt he caused not the actual beatryl
She apologizes for things she shouldn't, like leaving after he fucked up 7 years ago on a date. He left her alone at a gallery full of people knowing this events make her ansious to go confront his ex. She apologize for leaving him there talking to the other woman. Later when he cheated it was like if she leaves she is running away so this is used as a excuse for her to stay and suffer, otherwise she is ennablig her flee instinct derived from her anxiety. Bullshit
His thinking it was like he was purposely dense. He cheated. Her grsndmother died and she is not clinging to him seeking comfort and he doesn't like it. He was like "I know she is mad, but why cant she let me hold her?" This is disgusting. This man clearly never understand how his actions were awful. He never grasped the damage he caused and by writing such a weak heroine, the author never showed him truly owing up his cheating. She dowplayed what he did until the end.
He cheated on her and somehow he acts confused when he doubt her love for her!
One things is a fact, he doesn't lover her nearly enough. Otherwise he wouldnt risk it for a quick fuck revenge with someone else. Other fact, what he feels for the other woman surpass his love for her, doesn't matter what he feels for the other woman, it is cleatly a stronger emotion than his love for his wife.
It has been only two months since he confessed and she is already certain she will forgive but hasnt been able to have sex yet, she acts like there is something she needs to fix and praise his patient but this is wearing down on him. He says he has the worst case of blue balls of the history.
What???? Author come the fuck on, the man cheated and two months is a long time with no sex? For fucks sake, recovery for those who choose to bother trying with a cheater takes way longer, sometimes years.
He is lying about the other woman still contacting him but doesn't regret it because it was not convenient for him to tell her right this minute.
One day he cant even hug her properly because he wants to fuck do bad. This is disgusting really, this man fucked someone barely three months ago. Then he spent one month fucking her normaly and the last two without sex but for more than a month they are be rebuilding what he alone broke. This is a human being not a wild animal.
Telling about fucking the ow:
“I stopped before I...finished.” Well this was news to me, although I hadn’t asked him previously for that gory detail. “You stopped?” I asked. “Like, right in the middle?” “Yes.” I don’t know why, but this bit of information made me feel better. Not only because it made the chances of her being pregnant almost nil, but also because it made me feel that even while it was happening, Gavin’s thoughts were on me. I felt myself softening a little but the fact remained that this woman was not going away. If we were going to make this work that woman needed to be out of our lives for good. I didn’t see how that was going to happen."
How nice of him to stop mid fuck, he clearly loves his wife and look how beautiful, mid thrust he remembered he was cheating
Also, the same day she discovered he lied and the ow is still trying to contact him they have a family event. He actually has the nerve to be angry because she is not faking too well and his family may noticed.
The moment he showed more regret was when his uncle pointed out that his father would be ashamed. While it was nice seeing him suffer, the fact he was felt worse for hurting his father principles than his wife did not sit well with me.
And she is the one making him feel better him when he is sad over doing it. This showed how weak she was for him, he puts him abover herlsef. She is the kind of woman who acts a little like the husband's mommy. Babying himm Fuck him
“Gavin, last night I decided that no matter what happens, no matter how hard it was, I was going to forgive you,” I explained. “And I wasn’t lying when I said I’d never find someone else to love the way I love you. It’s either we stay together or I live the rest of my life lonely and alone. I’m going to choose the first option because it’s the only way I’ll be happy."
She basicallt gave ammunition to a cheater. Who says that to a man who cheated less than three months ago. Honey, this is not even enough time to confirm if you std free (if you have cared about that, I mean)
Oh and now she is already thinking about having kids.
Broken couple
Convenience is the key word here, he grovel only when its convenient to him
The fact the heroine thinks it helps that ge did not climax during the sex with the other woman proves how she downplayed his cheating to a act of a revenge against the other woman instead of a betrayl to his wife.
Grovel? Nah
Patient hero willing to wait and truly recover? Nah
Strong heroine who has a mind on her own? Nah
Hero who in another few years will cheat again? Yeah
Cheating scene
She had leaned in then and kissed me. It wasn’t long and it wasn’t passionate but her lips touched mine and for some reason I didn’t push her away. Instead, like a prick, I concocted a plan. A plan that would backfire and fuck everything up in epic ways. I can’t even recall what happened from that point on but the next thing I knew I was fucking Lisa from behind while she bent over the wooden desk in her room. She had been moaning and grunting while I had remained quiet, fucking her furiously and without feeling. It had taken her saying, “Oh, yes, I love you, Gavin,” for me to finally realize exactly what I had been doing and push away from her in disgust, the horror of what I had just done finally sinking in.
He somehow forgot how he went to kissing his ex to fucking her from behing. Wasn't it a plan? So how he could forget?
He come home like nothing happened and proceeded to fuck his wife for a month without confessing. Std are never discussed, this doormat doesn't even go get tested.
She is all barks, no bite. She is mad for a month but never really take any action. She knew she would cave, it was a matter of time.
Time, ohh this hero is not very patient, he is the one who fucked someone else and take a month to have the balls to confess but his wife has to act on the way he wants. He wants her to be mad and scream at first otherwise he would feel even more gultyi. However she can't be mad for long because he is gets easily tired of the situation at home. He pressured her to have sex as a way to release all the tension and when that didn't happen he had a fit and storms out.
He feels like he can be mad she is not treating him like the usual, he says he is mad at the situation and not her but cmon the situation? I think he wanted to say his cock that he willingly put inside another woman. This is not a "situation" this was a conscious choice and now instead of dealing with the consequences like someone truly regretful it seems like he regret the disrupt he caused not the actual beatryl
She apologizes for things she shouldn't, like leaving after he fucked up 7 years ago on a date. He left her alone at a gallery full of people knowing this events make her ansious to go confront his ex. She apologize for leaving him there talking to the other woman. Later when he cheated it was like if she leaves she is running away so this is used as a excuse for her to stay and suffer, otherwise she is ennablig her flee instinct derived from her anxiety. Bullshit
His thinking it was like he was purposely dense. He cheated. Her grsndmother died and she is not clinging to him seeking comfort and he doesn't like it. He was like "I know she is mad, but why cant she let me hold her?" This is disgusting. This man clearly never understand how his actions were awful. He never grasped the damage he caused and by writing such a weak heroine, the author never showed him truly owing up his cheating. She dowplayed what he did until the end.
He cheated on her and somehow he acts confused when he doubt her love for her!
One things is a fact, he doesn't lover her nearly enough. Otherwise he wouldnt risk it for a quick fuck revenge with someone else. Other fact, what he feels for the other woman surpass his love for her, doesn't matter what he feels for the other woman, it is cleatly a stronger emotion than his love for his wife.
It has been only two months since he confessed and she is already certain she will forgive but hasnt been able to have sex yet, she acts like there is something she needs to fix and praise his patient but this is wearing down on him. He says he has the worst case of blue balls of the history.
What???? Author come the fuck on, the man cheated and two months is a long time with no sex? For fucks sake, recovery for those who choose to bother trying with a cheater takes way longer, sometimes years.
He is lying about the other woman still contacting him but doesn't regret it because it was not convenient for him to tell her right this minute.
One day he cant even hug her properly because he wants to fuck do bad. This is disgusting really, this man fucked someone barely three months ago. Then he spent one month fucking her normaly and the last two without sex but for more than a month they are be rebuilding what he alone broke. This is a human being not a wild animal.
Telling about fucking the ow:
“I stopped before I...finished.” Well this was news to me, although I hadn’t asked him previously for that gory detail. “You stopped?” I asked. “Like, right in the middle?” “Yes.” I don’t know why, but this bit of information made me feel better. Not only because it made the chances of her being pregnant almost nil, but also because it made me feel that even while it was happening, Gavin’s thoughts were on me. I felt myself softening a little but the fact remained that this woman was not going away. If we were going to make this work that woman needed to be out of our lives for good. I didn’t see how that was going to happen."
How nice of him to stop mid fuck, he clearly loves his wife and look how beautiful, mid thrust he remembered he was cheating
Also, the same day she discovered he lied and the ow is still trying to contact him they have a family event. He actually has the nerve to be angry because she is not faking too well and his family may noticed.
The moment he showed more regret was when his uncle pointed out that his father would be ashamed. While it was nice seeing him suffer, the fact he was felt worse for hurting his father principles than his wife did not sit well with me.
And she is the one making him feel better him when he is sad over doing it. This showed how weak she was for him, he puts him abover herlsef. She is the kind of woman who acts a little like the husband's mommy. Babying himm Fuck him
“Gavin, last night I decided that no matter what happens, no matter how hard it was, I was going to forgive you,” I explained. “And I wasn’t lying when I said I’d never find someone else to love the way I love you. It’s either we stay together or I live the rest of my life lonely and alone. I’m going to choose the first option because it’s the only way I’ll be happy."
She basicallt gave ammunition to a cheater. Who says that to a man who cheated less than three months ago. Honey, this is not even enough time to confirm if you std free (if you have cared about that, I mean)
Oh and now she is already thinking about having kids.
Broken couple
Convenience is the key word here, he grovel only when its convenient to him
The fact the heroine thinks it helps that ge did not climax during the sex with the other woman proves how she downplayed his cheating to a act of a revenge against the other woman instead of a betrayl to his wife.
Grovel? Nah
Patient hero willing to wait and truly recover? Nah
Strong heroine who has a mind on her own? Nah
Hero who in another few years will cheat again? Yeah
Cheating scene
She had leaned in then and kissed me. It wasn’t long and it wasn’t passionate but her lips touched mine and for some reason I didn’t push her away. Instead, like a prick, I concocted a plan. A plan that would backfire and fuck everything up in epic ways. I can’t even recall what happened from that point on but the next thing I knew I was fucking Lisa from behind while she bent over the wooden desk in her room. She had been moaning and grunting while I had remained quiet, fucking her furiously and without feeling. It had taken her saying, “Oh, yes, I love you, Gavin,” for me to finally realize exactly what I had been doing and push away from her in disgust, the horror of what I had just done finally sinking in.
December 4, 2020
FOUR POINT FIVE STARS
Marriage in Trouble
Second Chances
Featured Song: Thank You For Loving Me--Bon Jovi https://youtu.be/n86c41TI0HA
This book is not for everyone. This is geared toward readers who enjoy angsty themes in their romance books and those willing to keep an open mind about second chances in life and in relationships. If you see everything in life as black and white, this book is most likely not for you.
One question I ask myself when deciding how to rate a book is, "Would I read this book again?" And yes, I would read this one again. I'm addicted to angst in romance books and this had just the right amount. It wasn't intense the whole way through, I've read angstier books. But after it's revealed how badly the hero fucked up, I spent the rest of the book hoping and praying the author would convince me there could be a HEA for this couple. Not an easy task when considering there's cheating here--a hard limit for many romance aficionados. It became a page-turner for me. I swear, the moment the sordid details were revealed about how and who the hero had cheated with, I literally felt my blood pressure drop, felt lightheaded. I almost closed the damn book. I told myself NOPE, there's nooooo way this hero could be redeemed in my eyes. As much as I enjoy books with cheating themes (because of the angst), I need a lot of convincing that a character deserves a second chance. I was doubtful that it could be accomplished here. The fact that I continued reading only proves what an angst-whore I am.
I'm really in awe of how this author pulled it off. I was convinced this couple deserved a HEA...together. I was shown that the hero was not a bad guy, despite his sin. He did a terrible thing, one night, and he tortured himself with regret and sorrow over it. There was no grand excuse for his fuckup. And really, no amount of rationalizing could ever justify or downplay his actions. I think that's what made it even more challenging for me to deal with. But people don't always have a good excuse for fucking up. Sometimes, us humans consciously make bad choices and instantly regret them. Temporary insanity in some cases, perhaps? Anyway, I think the hero's remorse was clear and his groveling wholly necessary. I also considered the kind of man he was before and after that tragic moment in his life. I mean, should we all be defined by that one time we fucked up in our lives? God, I hope not. The heroine's reaction and agony over the betrayal was well written. Man, I felt her pain. I do wish she would have made him grovel more. But the way she handled that scene at the end...Wow, left me speechless is all I will say.
I appreciate when a book makes me question my own character, my own principles: What would I have done? I think I know how I would have felt, and that's murderous Lol Am I capable of forgiving and forgetting a betrayal that big? Could I ever really get past it? Gah! So many questions! And too many factors to consider. But honestly, unless you are in that situation, you don't really know. But from reading some of the reviews, it appears people have a lot to say about lives they've never lived. Hmm, that explains a lot about 2020...or the past four years, really.
HEA: Yes, with an epilogue that left my heart wonderfully content.
Marriage in Trouble
Second Chances
Featured Song: Thank You For Loving Me--Bon Jovi https://youtu.be/n86c41TI0HA
This book is not for everyone. This is geared toward readers who enjoy angsty themes in their romance books and those willing to keep an open mind about second chances in life and in relationships. If you see everything in life as black and white, this book is most likely not for you.
One question I ask myself when deciding how to rate a book is, "Would I read this book again?" And yes, I would read this one again. I'm addicted to angst in romance books and this had just the right amount. It wasn't intense the whole way through, I've read angstier books. But after it's revealed how badly the hero fucked up, I spent the rest of the book hoping and praying the author would convince me there could be a HEA for this couple. Not an easy task when considering there's cheating here--a hard limit for many romance aficionados. It became a page-turner for me. I swear, the moment the sordid details were revealed about how and who the hero had cheated with, I literally felt my blood pressure drop, felt lightheaded. I almost closed the damn book. I told myself NOPE, there's nooooo way this hero could be redeemed in my eyes. As much as I enjoy books with cheating themes (because of the angst), I need a lot of convincing that a character deserves a second chance. I was doubtful that it could be accomplished here. The fact that I continued reading only proves what an angst-whore I am.
I'm really in awe of how this author pulled it off. I was convinced this couple deserved a HEA...together. I was shown that the hero was not a bad guy, despite his sin. He did a terrible thing, one night, and he tortured himself with regret and sorrow over it. There was no grand excuse for his fuckup. And really, no amount of rationalizing could ever justify or downplay his actions. I think that's what made it even more challenging for me to deal with. But people don't always have a good excuse for fucking up. Sometimes, us humans consciously make bad choices and instantly regret them. Temporary insanity in some cases, perhaps? Anyway, I think the hero's remorse was clear and his groveling wholly necessary. I also considered the kind of man he was before and after that tragic moment in his life. I mean, should we all be defined by that one time we fucked up in our lives? God, I hope not. The heroine's reaction and agony over the betrayal was well written. Man, I felt her pain. I do wish she would have made him grovel more. But the way she handled that scene at the end...Wow, left me speechless is all I will say.
I appreciate when a book makes me question my own character, my own principles: What would I have done? I think I know how I would have felt, and that's murderous Lol Am I capable of forgiving and forgetting a betrayal that big? Could I ever really get past it? Gah! So many questions! And too many factors to consider. But honestly, unless you are in that situation, you don't really know. But from reading some of the reviews, it appears people have a lot to say about lives they've never lived. Hmm, that explains a lot about 2020...or the past four years, really.
HEA: Yes, with an epilogue that left my heart wonderfully content.
July 3, 2016
3⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
August 19, 2020
.
Cheater cheater cheater
Yup, no getting around that, especially as it's what the book revolves around.
I did think the author made a good effort at hashing out how people would react and interact after something so hurtful happening to their marriage.
The mechanics of the book are a bit annoying for me, as I hate flashbacks, and there are quite a few. Some are key to the story, and some I thought were just to illustrate how perfect their marriage was before the cheating.
It's a a pretty simple story.
Gavin and Emma have been married for 6 years and have a plan for their marriage. Emma is a little OCD but it works with the story. Gavin seemed more of a shallow character. I couldn't understand why he cheated. And that little fact kinda ruined the whole premise for me.
I did like that both characters had sought professional help over the years. Her for her OCD stuff and him after the cheating.
Safety isn't good, obviously.
There's a cute little epilogue.
Cheater cheater cheater
Yup, no getting around that, especially as it's what the book revolves around.
I did think the author made a good effort at hashing out how people would react and interact after something so hurtful happening to their marriage.
The mechanics of the book are a bit annoying for me, as I hate flashbacks, and there are quite a few. Some are key to the story, and some I thought were just to illustrate how perfect their marriage was before the cheating.
It's a a pretty simple story.
Gavin and Emma have been married for 6 years and have a plan for their marriage. Emma is a little OCD but it works with the story. Gavin seemed more of a shallow character. I couldn't understand why he cheated. And that little fact kinda ruined the whole premise for me.
I did like that both characters had sought professional help over the years. Her for her OCD stuff and him after the cheating.
Safety isn't good, obviously.
There's a cute little epilogue.
October 25, 2014
The concept of the story was interesting: how can marriage survive cheating? But the story left more to be desired.
The author tried very hard to show that the hero, even though he cheated one time, was a great guy. As the other reviewer pointed out, I also could not get passed the cruelty that the hero showed to OW. That was telling me more about his character than any "loving and attentive" things he did to redeem himself in his wife's eyes.
The writing was very uneven .
The author tried very hard to show that the hero, even though he cheated one time, was a great guy. As the other reviewer pointed out, I also could not get passed the cruelty that the hero showed to OW. That was telling me more about his character than any "loving and attentive" things he did to redeem himself in his wife's eyes.
The writing was very uneven .
Read
November 8, 2019I just can't believe I just read this trash. Some authors should stop wasting their time on this shit.
December 19, 2021
3 Emma and Gavin Stars
***SPOILERS****
This book certainly gives you something to think about.
A happily married couple who appear to have it all find their marriage imploding when he has sex with another woman on a work trip.
My heart broke for Emma when Gavin tells her what he did. The pain is palpable and it made me feel for her , which I think reflects that this is a well written book and it definitely delivers an emotional punch. Also, we find out right at the start that he has been unfaithful , so Gavin automatically starts off on the back foot as a character that has to really earn the reader's favourable opinion. It's a steep hill he's climbing.
I think I wanted Emma to be more angry with him and verbalise it more. He clearly does regret what he did , he's desperate to save their marriage and he seems very lost at times but he keeps messing things up. He thinks he is doing the right thing by not telling Emma that the OW is calling him , and I could see his thought pattern , but I was internally screaming at him to talk to his wife.
I honestly feel quite conflicted about what rating to give it , not because there is cheating - I was fully aware of what I was going into- but more, I was still cross with Gavin at the end. He may have earned his wife's forgiveness but I was still a tad irked with him.
I had almost forgiven him. I was teetering on the edge and then he annoyed me all over again. They were at a wedding and had been working through things and Gavin got irritated with Emma because she was quiet and withdrawn whereas normally she would be all sweetness and light with his family.
If I was going to be honest, I would have to say Emma was getting on my nerves a bit
I wasn’t about to spoil anyone else’s weekend by acting moody and I didn’t want Emma doing that either.
Trying my damndest to enjoy myself despite my wife’s mood,
Well, maybe if you hadn't shagged someone else Gavin , she would have been her normal self. The cheek of it.
Also, there is the reason that he cheated. He wanted revenge on his ex who had cheated on him and humiliated him years ago. My issue with this is that there must still have been an attraction there and for me that was hard to get past. Even angry screwing has to have an element of strong physical attraction.
"I wanted to really hurt her like she had hurt me. I thought I’d lead her on and let her think she had a chance with me again and then at the last minute, reject her. I know it was juvenile but a part of me never got over what she did and I wanted my revenge......We got to her door and she attacked me. She pulled me into the room and I just couldn’t stop myself. I was so angry at her and I felt like if I.... fucked her, I would hurt her just as badly as she had hurt me."
He admits later that he never actually came when he had sex with the OW but that's irrelevant in my opinion. He was still balls deep inside someone other than his wife. He's disgusted with himself but by then it's too late.
The one time I really felt like he felt an ounce of the hurt he had inflicted on Emma, was when his uncle calls him out on his behaviour. That is a really powerful scene and it says a lot about Emma's character that she is the one to comfort him. That was his real wake up call in my opinion.
Ultimately , there is healing and there is an HEA, but I would have liked Emma to have really gone to town with her anger at him and the OW. I think I found him a bit boring and at the back of my mind , I felt Emma could have done better. I cared about Emma , I wasn't as invested in him. It definitely kept me turning the pages though. I read this in one evening and couldn't put it down.
I do think it is possible to forgive cheating (as a reader!) and a few years ago I read 8 Weeks which addresses cheating in a marriage and I really liked the Hero in that story. He was maybe more endearing than Gavin and also that involved a random woman which I think is perhaps not as difficult to get past.
HEA? Yes
Cheating? Yes
***SPOILERS****
This book certainly gives you something to think about.
A happily married couple who appear to have it all find their marriage imploding when he has sex with another woman on a work trip.
My heart broke for Emma when Gavin tells her what he did. The pain is palpable and it made me feel for her , which I think reflects that this is a well written book and it definitely delivers an emotional punch. Also, we find out right at the start that he has been unfaithful , so Gavin automatically starts off on the back foot as a character that has to really earn the reader's favourable opinion. It's a steep hill he's climbing.
I think I wanted Emma to be more angry with him and verbalise it more. He clearly does regret what he did , he's desperate to save their marriage and he seems very lost at times but he keeps messing things up. He thinks he is doing the right thing by not telling Emma that the OW is calling him , and I could see his thought pattern , but I was internally screaming at him to talk to his wife.
I honestly feel quite conflicted about what rating to give it , not because there is cheating - I was fully aware of what I was going into- but more, I was still cross with Gavin at the end. He may have earned his wife's forgiveness but I was still a tad irked with him.
I had almost forgiven him. I was teetering on the edge and then he annoyed me all over again. They were at a wedding and had been working through things and Gavin got irritated with Emma because she was quiet and withdrawn whereas normally she would be all sweetness and light with his family.
If I was going to be honest, I would have to say Emma was getting on my nerves a bit
I wasn’t about to spoil anyone else’s weekend by acting moody and I didn’t want Emma doing that either.
Trying my damndest to enjoy myself despite my wife’s mood,
Well, maybe if you hadn't shagged someone else Gavin , she would have been her normal self. The cheek of it.
Also, there is the reason that he cheated. He wanted revenge on his ex who had cheated on him and humiliated him years ago. My issue with this is that there must still have been an attraction there and for me that was hard to get past. Even angry screwing has to have an element of strong physical attraction.
"I wanted to really hurt her like she had hurt me. I thought I’d lead her on and let her think she had a chance with me again and then at the last minute, reject her. I know it was juvenile but a part of me never got over what she did and I wanted my revenge......We got to her door and she attacked me. She pulled me into the room and I just couldn’t stop myself. I was so angry at her and I felt like if I.... fucked her, I would hurt her just as badly as she had hurt me."
He admits later that he never actually came when he had sex with the OW but that's irrelevant in my opinion. He was still balls deep inside someone other than his wife. He's disgusted with himself but by then it's too late.
The one time I really felt like he felt an ounce of the hurt he had inflicted on Emma, was when his uncle calls him out on his behaviour. That is a really powerful scene and it says a lot about Emma's character that she is the one to comfort him. That was his real wake up call in my opinion.
Ultimately , there is healing and there is an HEA, but I would have liked Emma to have really gone to town with her anger at him and the OW. I think I found him a bit boring and at the back of my mind , I felt Emma could have done better. I cared about Emma , I wasn't as invested in him. It definitely kept me turning the pages though. I read this in one evening and couldn't put it down.
I do think it is possible to forgive cheating (as a reader!) and a few years ago I read 8 Weeks which addresses cheating in a marriage and I really liked the Hero in that story. He was maybe more endearing than Gavin and also that involved a random woman which I think is perhaps not as difficult to get past.
HEA? Yes
Cheating? Yes
November 24, 2013
EMOTIONAL READ
Gavin Fitzgerald and his wife Emma have been married for five blissful years. Then while Gavin was away on a three day business trip he cheats. Filled with remorse and guilt he confesses to Emma hoping she can forgive him. He tells her it meant nothing. Emma's reaction and subsequent attitude towards him is nothing more than he expected, but as the time passes by and Emma's forgiveness isn't forthcoming Gavin starts to lose patience. Mostly because there's more to Gavin's story than he first let on.
A revealing and realistic account into a couple whose perfect marriage is marred by the husbands cheating. With alternating POV we gain insight into Gavin's lopsided reasoning as to why he did what he did. It was amazing to see how he didn't think that his wife wouldn't be totally devastated. So what he ended up doing was hurting the person he loved most in the world. Emma's struggle to come to terms with what Gavin has done was emotional to read. Of course there's a whole lot more to Gavin's story but I don't want to give anything away. Not my usual sort of read, but it was certainly unputdownable.
Gavin Fitzgerald and his wife Emma have been married for five blissful years. Then while Gavin was away on a three day business trip he cheats. Filled with remorse and guilt he confesses to Emma hoping she can forgive him. He tells her it meant nothing. Emma's reaction and subsequent attitude towards him is nothing more than he expected, but as the time passes by and Emma's forgiveness isn't forthcoming Gavin starts to lose patience. Mostly because there's more to Gavin's story than he first let on.
A revealing and realistic account into a couple whose perfect marriage is marred by the husbands cheating. With alternating POV we gain insight into Gavin's lopsided reasoning as to why he did what he did. It was amazing to see how he didn't think that his wife wouldn't be totally devastated. So what he ended up doing was hurting the person he loved most in the world. Emma's struggle to come to terms with what Gavin has done was emotional to read. Of course there's a whole lot more to Gavin's story but I don't want to give anything away. Not my usual sort of read, but it was certainly unputdownable.
October 20, 2014
4.25 I was looking for a book that would erase the taste I had at the end of another book. So yes, this book is about how a couple recovers from the shattering moment when someone cheats in a marriage. Our hero did the unthinkable, something I don't like reading in my romance novels. But we get the entire book dealing with how he and Emma work through his betrayal. Gavin had his reason and it's not what is typical in this kind of books like loss of the spark or too busy with children or careers. No his reason is very different, and though I think it's still not an excuse I like how we get both Gavin and Emma's POV and we really see how sorry he was and how Gavin hated what he had done. Trust and the repair of the marriage won't come quickly. Emma is hurt and she has her own issues of control that get tested. Gavin, meanwhile, is terrified that Emma will leave him and his patience is also tested. The feelings are realistic and I'm glad we get to explore the reasons of Gavin's infidelity and is not simply swept under the rug.
Now, to return to my regular reading. :)
Now, to return to my regular reading. :)
Read
January 23, 2016This book got me really upset. The husband deliberately cheated with ex as a revenge plot!!
June 25, 2025
Please forgive me, but this was weak AF. His excuse for stepping out was laughable at best. He was a man child, and she was codependent. I think they're perfect for each other 🤷
January 24, 2015
This review was originally posted to Jen in Bookland
I was looking forward to reading Whatever It Takes. It is not your normal romance since it starts off the day after Gavin admits he cheated on his wife Emma. I was curious to see if the author would be able to write it so that the couple would be able to work it out and get stronger or if this was the beginning of the end of the relationship.
Gavin cheated on his wife. It was just one night and it will never happen again according to him. He is happy in his marriage, he loves his wife, but it was just one mistake.
Emma was very happy with her marriage. Everything was perfect. Gavin was the perfect guy, perfect marriage, perfect life. Until he cheated on her. She has panic attacks and anxiety disorders, and Gavin is the only one who can help her. He is the one who can calm her down. That whole part, where Emma needs Gavin to survive...they had a strange co-dependent relationship that did not seem good. I wish Emma would have learned through the book to be independent. I wish she could have been a little stronger and learned to deal with her anxiety by herself. I did like her chapters, her inner voice. It seemed realistic, I just wish she would have been a stronger person.
So the story is told from the present with some flashback chapters that I think are supposed to highlight how amazing Gavin and Emma's relationship is. How perfect Gavin is. Really those flashback chapters made me dislike Gavin more that I did initially. Also, it was like just a bunch of sexy time. It was not good. Like one of the early flashbacks Gavin is lame, then he is all sorry I love you, let's have sexy time. It was just...it did not make me see how wonderful he was. It did not make me see how great their relationship is and why Emma would fight to save it. It just didn't work and I didn't want to read all the sex when I didn't even like the characters.
So what about the present chapters? As I said above I like Emma's thoughts and feelings. They seemed real for her so they were good. Gavin's reason for cheating? Super lame! Really when he tells Emma what happened I thought really? Why would you want to stay with this guy? Then when he digs deeper to see why he did it the reason that was revealed was absolutely ridiculous. I was just like come on. It was just so not good. Really the whole ending, how easy it was to fix everything, how quick it wrapped up, what they decided to do right afterwards, all of it was just not good. Not believable. It was just....I did not like it. I really wanted it to end differently. It was was an alright read if you skip the flashback chapters, but the ending just ruined it for me. Too easy, too unbelievable.
I was looking forward to reading Whatever It Takes. It is not your normal romance since it starts off the day after Gavin admits he cheated on his wife Emma. I was curious to see if the author would be able to write it so that the couple would be able to work it out and get stronger or if this was the beginning of the end of the relationship.
Gavin cheated on his wife. It was just one night and it will never happen again according to him. He is happy in his marriage, he loves his wife, but it was just one mistake.
Emma was very happy with her marriage. Everything was perfect. Gavin was the perfect guy, perfect marriage, perfect life. Until he cheated on her. She has panic attacks and anxiety disorders, and Gavin is the only one who can help her. He is the one who can calm her down. That whole part, where Emma needs Gavin to survive...they had a strange co-dependent relationship that did not seem good. I wish Emma would have learned through the book to be independent. I wish she could have been a little stronger and learned to deal with her anxiety by herself. I did like her chapters, her inner voice. It seemed realistic, I just wish she would have been a stronger person.
So the story is told from the present with some flashback chapters that I think are supposed to highlight how amazing Gavin and Emma's relationship is. How perfect Gavin is. Really those flashback chapters made me dislike Gavin more that I did initially. Also, it was like just a bunch of sexy time. It was not good. Like one of the early flashbacks Gavin is lame, then he is all sorry I love you, let's have sexy time. It was just...it did not make me see how wonderful he was. It did not make me see how great their relationship is and why Emma would fight to save it. It just didn't work and I didn't want to read all the sex when I didn't even like the characters.
So what about the present chapters? As I said above I like Emma's thoughts and feelings. They seemed real for her so they were good. Gavin's reason for cheating? Super lame! Really when he tells Emma what happened I thought really? Why would you want to stay with this guy? Then when he digs deeper to see why he did it the reason that was revealed was absolutely ridiculous. I was just like come on. It was just so not good. Really the whole ending, how easy it was to fix everything, how quick it wrapped up, what they decided to do right afterwards, all of it was just not good. Not believable. It was just....I did not like it. I really wanted it to end differently. It was was an alright read if you skip the flashback chapters, but the ending just ruined it for me. Too easy, too unbelievable.
avoid
May 9, 2023My God, reading these idiotic reviews from doormat females is more annoying than the book itself.
Learn some self respect. There are lots of self help audiobooks on the topic.
This H did not love the h at all.
He only loved himself.
If he had loved her, then she and her feelings and her welfare wouldve been his #1 priority.
Not his revenge.
Not him not being over his ex, and not being able to control his dick around the ow.
Some reviewers are excusing the cheating because "he didnt finish"
His DICK was balls deep INSIDE another woman that wasnt his wife, thats ok with you?
Some reviewers are excusing him because he confessed.
He confessed, because HE was feeling bad, he wanted to make HIMSELF feel better,
it wasnt for his wife!
Again, go listen to some self help audiobooks about self love, instead of trash like this.
Some reviewer are calling this story a "true love" ... rofl
Learn some self respect. There are lots of self help audiobooks on the topic.
This H did not love the h at all.
He only loved himself.
If he had loved her, then she and her feelings and her welfare wouldve been his #1 priority.
Not his revenge.
Not him not being over his ex, and not being able to control his dick around the ow.
Some reviewers are excusing the cheating because "he didnt finish"
His DICK was balls deep INSIDE another woman that wasnt his wife, thats ok with you?
Some reviewers are excusing him because he confessed.
He confessed, because HE was feeling bad, he wanted to make HIMSELF feel better,
it wasnt for his wife!
Again, go listen to some self help audiobooks about self love, instead of trash like this.
Some reviewer are calling this story a "true love" ... rofl
August 2, 2020
Marriage in trouble trope
It was kind of sub par writing the storyline was to serve a purpose which was redemption, forgiveness in a troubled marriage but a lot of it was skimmable.
It was a fairly brutal betrayal and I never really believed the why of the act. The hero just seemed shady his POV helped see his side and there is grovel it just didn’t give me a good feeling reading it.
It was kind of sub par writing the storyline was to serve a purpose which was redemption, forgiveness in a troubled marriage but a lot of it was skimmable.
It was a fairly brutal betrayal and I never really believed the why of the act. The hero just seemed shady his POV helped see his side and there is grovel it just didn’t give me a good feeling reading it.
no-way-jose
December 31, 2017Another cheater book. The excerpts in this review: priceless.
The other woman attacked you and you couldn't resist, or fight? Speechless
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The other woman attacked you and you couldn't resist, or fight? Speechless
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
January 6, 2018
3.5ish. I’m in an angsty-book mood so of course I hit up a cheating romance. I liked the level of grovel in this one, though Gavin’s reasons for cheating were pretty thin. I was also not feeling that he was getting frustrated with Emma so early in the healing process. Idk why I love these kinds of books though, because I swear I’d have zero capability of forgiveness in my heart no matter how much time passed by.
I will say that unlike some other books like this, I do believe it was only a one time event and not a Happy For Now type situation.
I will say that unlike some other books like this, I do believe it was only a one time event and not a Happy For Now type situation.
June 27, 2013
Voilà une auteure très peu connue qui aborde un sujet difficile, rarement vu dans la romance. En effet, elle s’intéresse à l’adultère à travers l’histoire de Gavin et Emma. C’est le couple idéal, celui que tout le monde veut être. Ils ont bâti une vie solide et passée tous les caps qu’ils s’étaient fixé depuis le travail, la belle maison et ont en projet de faire des enfants. Cela a profondément satisfait Emma, jeune femme anxieuse et qui a souffert de troubles obsessionnels compulsifs. Mais, un beau jour, tout s’écroule lorsque Gavin confesse avoir trompé sa femme.
Le roman est entièrement consacré aux conséquences de ce tremblement de terre dans la vie d’Emma et de Gavin. Son infidélité le ronge et pour Emma, c’est une profonde remise en cause. Le roman est raconté de leurs deux points e vue ce qui est encore plus passionnant car Gavin est rongé de culpabilité et terrorisé d’avoir gâché son mariage. Emma est en colère, touchée au plus profond d’elle-même par cette trahison. Leurs interrogations, leurs doutes, leurs réactions sont celles que nous ^pourrions tous avoir dans une telle situation. Gavin pourra-t-il se pardonner d’avoir fait du mal à son épouse ? Emma peut-elle pardonner tout court ? Est-il possible de repartir sur des bases saines après un tel tremblement de terre dans un mariage ? En quoi la personnalité des époux joue un rôle sur leurs capacités à réparer ce qui s ’est produit ?
L.Maretta propose une solution, des réponses qui sont les siennes, étayées par ce que nous savons des personnages. Pour cela, elle revient par des flashbacks sur des moments clés de leur relation qui révèlent ce qu’ils sont et va conditionner leurs réactions. Cela sonne juste et fort.
Le récit est très émouvant car le parcours pour éclaircir le ciel de ce mariage est difficile est pénible entre colères, peine intense. Ce couple est profondément attachant, y compris Gavin qui n’est pas du tout une caricature de mari volage mais un homme qui a commis une erreur. Tout doucement, L. Maretta impose cette idée, tout en soulignant qu’un mariage pourtant solide est remarquablement fragile et peut voler en éclats après un moment d’égarement ou de stupidité ; Une belle leçon de ce point de vue.
Il est courageux, une fois de plus d’aborder ce thème que les lectrices de romance n’aiment pas. Il garantit des moments douloureux mais passionnants par leur intensité et les questions judicieuses qu’il propose. C’est en tous les cas, une totale réussite du point de vue de ce roman émouvant et fort.
Le roman est entièrement consacré aux conséquences de ce tremblement de terre dans la vie d’Emma et de Gavin. Son infidélité le ronge et pour Emma, c’est une profonde remise en cause. Le roman est raconté de leurs deux points e vue ce qui est encore plus passionnant car Gavin est rongé de culpabilité et terrorisé d’avoir gâché son mariage. Emma est en colère, touchée au plus profond d’elle-même par cette trahison. Leurs interrogations, leurs doutes, leurs réactions sont celles que nous ^pourrions tous avoir dans une telle situation. Gavin pourra-t-il se pardonner d’avoir fait du mal à son épouse ? Emma peut-elle pardonner tout court ? Est-il possible de repartir sur des bases saines après un tel tremblement de terre dans un mariage ? En quoi la personnalité des époux joue un rôle sur leurs capacités à réparer ce qui s ’est produit ?
L.Maretta propose une solution, des réponses qui sont les siennes, étayées par ce que nous savons des personnages. Pour cela, elle revient par des flashbacks sur des moments clés de leur relation qui révèlent ce qu’ils sont et va conditionner leurs réactions. Cela sonne juste et fort.
Le récit est très émouvant car le parcours pour éclaircir le ciel de ce mariage est difficile est pénible entre colères, peine intense. Ce couple est profondément attachant, y compris Gavin qui n’est pas du tout une caricature de mari volage mais un homme qui a commis une erreur. Tout doucement, L. Maretta impose cette idée, tout en soulignant qu’un mariage pourtant solide est remarquablement fragile et peut voler en éclats après un moment d’égarement ou de stupidité ; Une belle leçon de ce point de vue.
Il est courageux, une fois de plus d’aborder ce thème que les lectrices de romance n’aiment pas. Il garantit des moments douloureux mais passionnants par leur intensité et les questions judicieuses qu’il propose. C’est en tous les cas, une totale réussite du point de vue de ce roman émouvant et fort.
October 7, 2021
4 stars
*spoiler alert*warning*
Whew! It was intense, painful, gut-wrenching. I normally avoid this trope and I read it only when I'm in the mood for some angst, and prepared myself for it.
*spoiler alert*warning*
Cheating aside, I liked the H.. No, I loved him. I have no doubt of his love for h. He loves his family, successful with his career, no bad habits.. But his acceptance and willingness to adjust his life to h's health issues is what I liked the most about him.
He made mistakes, owned them and worked hard to redeem himself. He attends therapy/counseling alone because h have bad experiences with a therapist before and no longer trust them.
He grovelled hard and is determined to fix his marriage no matter what. He now owns my best grovel ever . Bar none.
The dual POV helped me connect to the MC's emotions especially the guilt, the anger and hurt.
Ugh! I cried a lot. 😞🤧
The past-present chapters also worked, IMO. While the MCs are struggling in present, the past reminds me again of their beginning, how they built the foundation of their relationship, their BF/GF problems, their sweet memories, and of course- the deep love they have for each other.
The cheating - if it was an affair with OW, I wouldn't read this.
Here, the almost perfect H had a momentary loss of common sense. The OW seduced him and it was just one time, quick and didn't even finish because he somehow snapped back to reality. Stupid and idiotic, I know. It's all wrong no matter who seduced who. Just wrong, plain and simple. The H realized it too and is immediately overwhelmed with guilt and remorse.
Anyway, I'm glad that the h made him suffer and did not forgive him easily. But I still wish uncle Dom broke his nose!
As for the OW.. Well, she's not exactly a nice character. I don't have any sympathy for her.
*spoiler alert*warning*
Whew! It was intense, painful, gut-wrenching. I normally avoid this trope and I read it only when I'm in the mood for some angst, and prepared myself for it.
*spoiler alert*warning*
Cheating aside, I liked the H.. No, I loved him. I have no doubt of his love for h. He loves his family, successful with his career, no bad habits.. But his acceptance and willingness to adjust his life to h's health issues is what I liked the most about him.
He made mistakes, owned them and worked hard to redeem himself. He attends therapy/counseling alone because h have bad experiences with a therapist before and no longer trust them.
He grovelled hard and is determined to fix his marriage no matter what. He now owns my best grovel ever . Bar none.
The dual POV helped me connect to the MC's emotions especially the guilt, the anger and hurt.
Ugh! I cried a lot. 😞🤧
The past-present chapters also worked, IMO. While the MCs are struggling in present, the past reminds me again of their beginning, how they built the foundation of their relationship, their BF/GF problems, their sweet memories, and of course- the deep love they have for each other.
The cheating - if it was an affair with OW, I wouldn't read this.
Here, the almost perfect H had a momentary loss of common sense. The OW seduced him and it was just one time, quick and didn't even finish because he somehow snapped back to reality. Stupid and idiotic, I know. It's all wrong no matter who seduced who. Just wrong, plain and simple. The H realized it too and is immediately overwhelmed with guilt and remorse.
Anyway, I'm glad that the h made him suffer and did not forgive him easily. But I still wish uncle Dom broke his nose!
As for the OW.. Well, she's not exactly a nice character. I don't have any sympathy for her.
July 13, 2013
Bok Review of Whatever it Takes
What happens to a marriage – to the individuals involved – when one of them cheats? Emma and Gavin have to find a way to rebuild their relationship; or chuck it all. They had a good thing going and when Emma is confronted with the ugly truth, she can hardly bear it. There was more to it than a slip of faithlessness – a breach of contract – and the two of them have to find out more about themselves and what is important in life. An interesting read. You’ll enjoy it.
What happens to a marriage – to the individuals involved – when one of them cheats? Emma and Gavin have to find a way to rebuild their relationship; or chuck it all. They had a good thing going and when Emma is confronted with the ugly truth, she can hardly bear it. There was more to it than a slip of faithlessness – a breach of contract – and the two of them have to find out more about themselves and what is important in life. An interesting read. You’ll enjoy it.
May 25, 2020
I think the reasons he cheated are a bit odd.
The issue of how a partner feels when they discover cheating is well written.
The issue of how a partner feels when they discover cheating is well written.
April 25, 2024
he decided to cheat on his wife because his ex fiancé hurt him and so he wanted to fuck her to spite her??
Whoever allowed this author to publish this should be fired.
Whoever allowed this author to publish this should be fired.
March 28, 2020
Immature hero alert! This guy was terrible, he had a temper tantrum throwing and breaking stuff when his mom died, his reason for cheating was to get revenge on his ex by doing a pump and dump, and he had a crybaby sobbing meltdown when his uncle told him he was ashamed of him.
I gave it two stars because the pain the wife felt was shown really well, but the hero was so pathetic I couldn't even hate him. Such an immature loser.
I gave it two stars because the pain the wife felt was shown really well, but the hero was so pathetic I couldn't even hate him. Such an immature loser.
November 28, 2021
The one thing you need to know about this book, there is cheating, so if you have an aversion for the topic, stay away from this book or read at your own risk.
Gavin and Emma live a comfortable happy life but one confession ruined everything. A guilty Gavin confessed to Emma that he cheated one time during a business trip. Emma was devastated. He cheated with a past lover, more specifically his ex-fiance.
Gavin’s actions of course has consequences, he clearly is guilty about what he did, they fight, they try to work it out but I love how the book told Emma’s way of coping with the problem, It was realistic for me.
The book was told in a then and now scenario and in dual POV, we get to see how Gavin and Emma started and formed a stable relationship from seven years ago and we get to know their thoughts after the confession.
I will always be team Emma, I feel her pain, the betrayal she felt and her questions of why he did it. As for Gavin, he had a lapse in judgement because of a past, a moment of weakness and just plain dumb stupidity. I cannot make any excuse with what he did, cheating is cheating however the book explained why he did it and he seek professional help.
In Emma’s case, she had to stay away for a little while and be with someone she is comfortable with and although she dislike seeing a psychiatrist, she tried to work it out on her own.
I don’t really know what I’ll do if I am in Emma’s or in Gavin’s position but what she did was to Forgive and let go and he fight for their love.
3.5 stars
Gavin and Emma live a comfortable happy life but one confession ruined everything. A guilty Gavin confessed to Emma that he cheated one time during a business trip. Emma was devastated. He cheated with a past lover, more specifically his ex-fiance.
Gavin’s actions of course has consequences, he clearly is guilty about what he did, they fight, they try to work it out but I love how the book told Emma’s way of coping with the problem, It was realistic for me.
The book was told in a then and now scenario and in dual POV, we get to see how Gavin and Emma started and formed a stable relationship from seven years ago and we get to know their thoughts after the confession.
I will always be team Emma, I feel her pain, the betrayal she felt and her questions of why he did it. As for Gavin, he had a lapse in judgement because of a past, a moment of weakness and just plain dumb stupidity. I cannot make any excuse with what he did, cheating is cheating however the book explained why he did it and he seek professional help.
In Emma’s case, she had to stay away for a little while and be with someone she is comfortable with and although she dislike seeing a psychiatrist, she tried to work it out on her own.
I don’t really know what I’ll do if I am in Emma’s or in Gavin’s position but what she did was to Forgive and let go and he fight for their love.
3.5 stars
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